Committed (The Michael Doyle Chronicles) [Kindle Edition]

John W. Mefford (Author)

Book Description

Fans of James Patterson, Rick Murcer, and Michael Connelly, prepare for a story so real you won't believe it's fiction.

Sinful deception. A malicious corporate takeover. A grisly murder. Unrelenting greed.

We all have that inner voice, the one who knows all but refuses to let even our closest confidantes inside. The one we must calm when we're most unsettled. The one who seeks to understand our path, our destiny.

Michael Doyle lives in emotional anonymity, resistant to fully devote himself to anyone or any cause. Without warning, a technology conglomerate acquires Michael's company, and he quickly sees through the fog of political posturing: false hope, layoffs, and blatant dishonesty.

Then, death reaches up and grabs him. Shaken to the core, Michael leans on his live-in girlfriend, who has touched his heart like no one else. But her haunting past resurfaces, and she's pulled into a seedy web by an outside force so cruel, so cunning it destroys every soul in its path.

Can Michael rise above his greatest fear to uncover the truth about a murder and save the life of the person he loves most?

Only if he's...COMMITTED.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wow! What a rush! Committed is the kind of novel that compels the reader to go to the next page, then the next chapter. Fast moving, action packed, with twists and turns that make this read a real thrill ride. John W. Mefford is already a master at weaving the greed of corporate America into an entertaining thriller. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't." - Rick Murcer, Best-selling Author

"This debut novel is a cleverly crafted tale of corporate greed, mystery and raw emotion that keeps you on edge until the very end...BRAVO!" - William, Amazon review

"All Readers Out There - We have a New Writer On Top of His Game and his name is John W. Mefford. 'Committed' is one heck of a ride that no-one should miss." - Glen, Amazon review

"...very engaging from the start...events continue to snowball into the rocking climax. I would highly recommend it for fans of thrillers along the lines of John Grisham." - Karen Johnson, Release Notes Blog

"Riveting!...Suspenseful!...Genius! I can't wait for the next book!" - Renee, Amazon review

Product Details

• File Size: 384 KB
• Print Length: 251 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0060LL4IA
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,922 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling ride through corporate greed and murder!! November 30, 2011

By Ken Pudgens

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Thrilling book with corporate espionage and plot twists that had me fooled at every turn. Wonderfully crafted and richly developed characters that make this a "relatable" story that is poignant in this era of corporate greed and the chase for the almighty buck. I read it on a 3 day vacation and could not put it down. A MUST read!!!!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Thriller! November 1, 2011

By Kmoaton

Format:Kindle Edition

Committed is an exciting new novel from John W. Mefford. Using the world of corporate takeovers as a background for murder and deception, Mefford does a wonderful job of opening an inside view of the business world's more seedy side and the steps people will take to achieve power.

The main character is Michael Doyle, an emotionally stunted man who has chosen to keep his feelings to himself. He is emotionally distant from everyone, even his live-in girlfriend, Marisa. They have a loving relationship but Michael's reluctance to commit colors his entire life. Even the impending sale of the company he works for doesn't really crack his shell.

Everything changes when Michael literally stumbles over a body in a dark alley. They soon discover it's Tiffany, a temp that had been working for the company. Even though Michael didn't really care for her, he feels compelled to find out the real reason why Tiffany was killed. What he soon uncovers blows the lid off of corporate deception and greed. It also threatens his life and the life of the woman he loves.

This story is so very engaging from the start. The reader doesn't have a hard time understanding why Michael is so guarded but it is refreshing to see him come out of his shell as events continue to snowball into the rocking climax. This is truly a modern thriller, in today's climate of corporate takeovers and companies taking everything from employees, it's interesting to see the process from the insider's point of view. This story also contains so many interesting characters that complement Michael. Everyone of them stands on their own yet help move the story.

I really did enjoy this and finished it in two days! I would highly recommend it for fans of thrillers along the lines of John Grisham.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fast-paced, page-turning thriller! March 26, 2012

By Kathryn Lamee

Format:Kindle Edition

Mefford's debut novel, 'Committed', had me committed from page one! Michael Doyle is facing changes at his job. Not an unfamiliar theme, the family owned company he works for is selling out to a large corporation. Michael is unsure of his future and how he can even think of marrying his live-in girlfriend, Marisa. His own problems shrink considerably however, when he discovers a body in the dumpster behind the office. Things take a turn for the worse when the body is identified as someone they all know, and worse yet a co-worker is arrested for the crime. Doyle finds himself trying to do the right thing; and ultimately winds up in over his head. Ripe in this day and age, this story of corporate greed and corruption fits nicely among Mefford's contemporaries in this genre. If I didn't know this was a debut novel, I wouldn't have guessed it by the great craft Mefford produced.

'Committed' has a fast paced plot and keeps you guessing. Just when you think you may have it all figured out; Mefford throws another puzzle in the mix. Character development is well-thought out and the author makes it easy to despise the bad guys and root for the Doyle and the good guys. The personal twists and romance in the book felt right on cue. I could literally feel the angst and worry right along with the characters. I felt as though I was beside Michael as he discovered facts about the case and uncovered truths about himself. I highly recommend 'Committed' to fans of the likes of John Grisham and Michael Connelley.

*Reviewed by Kathy LaMee for Tracy Riva Books and Reviews. TracyRiva.com. A free copy of the book was given in exchange for an honest review.

More About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

Considered a visionary leader in his fifteen-year IT career, he quit his job and started writing, pouring out his thoughts with no net.

When he's not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land -- even if they piss him off.

Committed is the first book in the series, The Michael Doyle Chronicles.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three adorable kids, and a feisty fat cat.

Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com

Let's connect! Follow John on Twitter @jwmefford, or find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor