Closed Doors, a Trilogy [Kindle Edition]

Rich Weatherly (Author), Erin Potter (Editor)

Book Description

Closed Doors, a Trilogy features a novella and two short stories.

"Toxic Situations, A Novella", is a fast-paced thriller that leads the reader
from Atlanta to Australia on the hunt for stolen capsules containing a deadly
avian flu virus. We follow the adventures of CDC agent Craig Wells Jr. as he
and his partner travel the globe battling warring organized crime figures that
are determined to sell them to the highest bidder or unleash the deadly virus.

In "Family Secrets", the reader is invited to a family gathering where the
stage is set for an unfolding tragedy and the discovery of the horrid truth about
the secrets hidden by seemingly happy families.

In the final story of the trilogy, "Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema", a unique
tale unfolds. What begins as an innocent daily occurrence has the potential to
become a life-ending event that stays with the protagonist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone, November 14, 2012

By 

Popular American Author, Lawrence Enright -Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Closed Doors, a Trilogy (Kindle Edition)

"Closed Doors; A Trilogy" is a novella and two short stories, none related to the other.

The novella, "Toxic Situations" is an event-driven thriller that carries the story well by switching between scenes of the good guys and bad guys until they finally connect up at the end. The premise is both frightening and plausible, and the execution is enjoyable and taut.

"Family Secrets" is a short story about a family, a farm, and a tragedy. I enjoyed this one the most of the three pieces because of the story, but that is a matter of personal preference. I also thought the writing was the best in this piece. I loved the descriptions of the countryside.

"Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema" is an autobiographical piece about an incident that occurred in the author's youth. I found it interesting in that regard and it made me wonder if "Family Secrets" were also partially autobiographical.

I recommend this trilogy for its variety of well-written pieces. This one has a story for everyone.

From the Back Cover

About Closed Doors, A Trilogy
 
Closed Doors opens with a novella, Toxic Situations. A break in
at an Atlanta, Georgia laboratory results in the theft
of avian flu virus capsules by organized crime figures and an
investigation by the CDC.
 
CDC investigators pursue suspects on a trail from Atlanta to
Sydney, Australia. Protagonists for the novella and short stories
are named Craig. Craig Jr. is featured in the novella, Toxic
Situations. A paper by Dr. J.J. Brown who has specialized in
viral oncology, was the primary source of inspiration for Toxic
Situations.
 
Toxic Situations is followed by two short story prequels: Family
Secrets and Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema. These short
stories are set in north Texas. Each story has ties to the Craig Wells family.
 
Quote by Editor, Erin Potter
"Reader's will be treated to a vivid compelling story
with Toxic Situations. Your writing is engaging; it
launches the reader into the story and takes them on a
fast-paced thrill ride. I think anyone searching for absorbing,
lyrical prose will love this collection."
 
Quote from Dr. J.J. Brown, geneticist with specialization
In viral oncology
 
"... Wonderful to see that your new book is coming out
soon. It's a great story on a vital issue. The cover is perfect
for the story, well done!"
 
Here's a final quote from Belinda Witzenhausen
Freelance Writer, Editor, Artist, Consultant
and Creativity Coach
 
"After reading Rich Weatherly's "Closed Doors, A Trilogy,"
I am convinced that he is an extremely talented writer
who has some fascinating stories to tell. His ability to
craft interesting characters and intrigue you with compelling
plots while maintaining such a high standard of
writing throughout, is brilliant and the mark of a true
storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot
wait to read his future work; he definitely has a fan in me."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 191 KB
• Print Length: 98 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1479258008
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008O8M7MO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,805 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Novella and Two Short Stories for Excitement and Fun August 4, 2012

By Merlyn

Format:Kindle Edition

In his book, "Closed Doors, A Trilogy," Rich Weatherly presents readers with a novella and two short stories. The novella, "Toxic Solutions," takes us on a wild ride across two continents.

The story begins in the vaults of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) where a criminal group steals capsules of a deadly flu virus and escapes, heading for Australia. The tension becomes more pronounced when a second group of organized criminals is determined to own the lethal pathogens.

Conflicts between the Americans from the CDC who are trying to retrieve the deadly capsules, and the international terrorist/criminal groups--from two different countries--give the reader constant action to follow.

Weatherly ends the novella on a note that indicates that "Toxic Solutions" is not the last in the series. More excitement lies ahead.

The two short stories are connected to the novella as prequels. The protagonist in the short stories is the father of "Toxic Solutions" principal character.

"Family Secrets" explores hidden stories that could well be a part of the unseen history of any seemingly ordinary family.

"Thrills at The Esplanade Cinema" is a short story of events that would be familiar to those who grew up a number of years ago.

For intrigue, action and just plain excitement, "Closed Doors, A Trilogy," is well worth its bargain price. Get a copy and enjoy!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bird flu crime novella hits the mark with a pointed message July 24, 2012

By J.J.Brown

Format:Kindle Edition

In Richard Weatherly's new novella, Toxic Situations, two criminal groups aim to control a lethal flu virus developed in a US research laboratory. The crime story centers on the dangers of biological pathogens that can be valuable in research, but are deadly once released. Suspense is heightened by the close family bonds and tender portrayals of the people affected. The characters are sympathetic,and drawn with vivid realism. Weatherly is a wonderful storyteller, and his new book Closed Doors, which opens with Toxic Situations, is a thought-provoking read.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars From a Cinematic Suspense Story to an Intimate Glimpse at the Past January 2, 2013

By Uvi Poznansky

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The first part of this trilogy is Toxic Situations, a novella written in a cinematic manner, centered on a international crime and intrigue. It starts in the vaults of the Center for Disease Control, where Craig Wells Jr. aided by his partner, Dan Turner, are on the case: two rival terrorist groups aim to take hold of lethal capsules of a deadly flu virus, which were developed in a US research laboratory. Written in a fast pace action sequence, this suspense story nonetheless provides a gripping description of the dangers of biological pathogens. The author, Rich Weatherly, has compiled a novella, Toxic Situations, a short story, Family Secrets, and an autobiographical note, Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, into the covers of this book. It is a body of work inspired by a prolific professional career, which includes technical writing, poetry, and photography, with a personal outlook on the world we live in. While the novella lends itself to becoming a suspense film, the other two short stories provide the underpinning of the author's world view and where he is coming from. As hinted in his epilogue, Richard Weatherly lived through several close encounters with death. As a result, his outlook on life took on a new meaning, which guided his pen in the writing of this trilogy.

In Family Secrets you see Eva, seated in the family Packard Sedan wishing, "I'll show them," as her mom and dad are staring each in a different direction, concealing ugly secrets, and looking away so as not to see the truth about the other. Her family arrives at Craig's family yard, to take part in an Independence day celebration. Eva's recurring nightmare is symbolic of her predicament: she dreams about wading at the end of a swamp, where one of the roots tightens around her ankle, as if trying to pull her down.... The story draws to its peak when Craig, a teenage boy carrying a .22 rifle, witnesses two young men approaching Eva. At first he wonders, is she flirting with them? Once he realizes that they are about to attack her, he sprints into action to come to her help. The story alternates its focus between Craig and Eva, the same way you cut from one scene to another in a film, thus creating a rich and intriguing sense of a mystery to unravel from two ends.

In Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema, the third story in the trilogy, the author invites us to follow him on his walk across fields and pastures in the once-rural community of Huntsford, down the memory lane to the Esplanade cinema, where he used to work as an usher back in his youth. I love the description of how it took care and patience to place the letters of a movie name on a long pole, which was then lifted to the ledge and dropped in a groove. It is an warm-hearted, endearing memory.

Lastly, a note about the cover image, which to me is truly eye-catching. The key, held perhaps by our own hand, crosses over diagonally towards the source of light, which is streaming towards us through the keyhole. With it we are about to unlock a mystery, but are still here in the dark, in a moment of anticipation.

Five stars. Read more ›

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Closed Doors, A Trilogy July 24, 2012

By S.L. Coelho

Format:Kindle Edition

Readers will be treated to a vivid, compelling story with Toxic Situations. The author's writing is engaging; it launches you right into the story, taking you on a fast-paced thrill ride with a relevant plot. Family Secrets reveals skeletons in the closets of two seemingly humble, mainstream families - unexpected twists and turns keep the reader absorbed to the end. Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema treats you to a simpler time and reminds you, never take life for granted. The sights and sounds jump off the page with the writer's descriptions and narrative. Treat yourself to a wonderful read. Anyone searching for absorbing, lyrical prose will enjoy this carefully crafted collection.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good reading August 13, 2012

By Mary

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is Richard's first attempt at writing..at least the first I have read and I think he hit a home run! I certainly hope there is more to follow. The other reviews are on target and I can add nothing more except to add that it is well worth reading.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Three-Run Home Run February 22, 2013

By William B. Hillman

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Rich Weatherly gives us a delightful treat with 3 very unique and entertaining stories. We go on a roller coaster and and when it's over the only thing you want is more. You seem to dash from a deadly flu in Toxic Situations, and it truly takes you on a journey, but soon you're in Family Secrets and how nicely they are described. Before you know it, you're in Thrills at the Esplanade Cinema and anyone who spent time in a small town will relive some nice moments and memories. All in all, an very enjoyable read and now I want more from Rich.

More About the Author

Rich Weatherly's professional career spanned several decades. Much of that career included technical writing and copy writing. He also worked in media production and corporate photography.

After retiring from the corporate world, Rich focused his attention on creative writing. He continues to work on a series of short stories, and a collection of works that will include poetry, photography and miscellaneous writings.

Rich Weatherly is a descendant of one of General Marion's militia at the Battle of Cowpens during the Revolutionary War. His maternal Great-Grandmother's father scouted western Dallas, County and was numbered among the first 50 families to settle western Dallas, Co., Texas.

Rich is working on an historical fiction novel, Boundless Honor which begins in the fall of 1835. The story features the Texas Revolution and the Trail of Tears.