Heavy Are The Stones by J.D. Barker and Christine Daigle (Hampton Creek Press)

Five years ago, Detective Jena Campbell succeeded in imprisoning the notorious Leviticus Killer, but in doing so, she also confined her own deepest secret. This revelation was never intended to see the light of day; it was a truth better left to decay alongside the man who had wreaked havoc on countless lives.

The tranquility of her life is shattered when a mysterious figure, identifying himself as Azrael, emerges on social media. He issues a chilling ultimatum: unless Leviticus is released, he will unleash ten plagues, resulting in ten deaths over the course of ten days. This threat compels Jena to confront her past, a door she had hoped to keep firmly shut.

Burdened by the weight of her knowledge, Jena seeks assistance from the only person capable of helping her track down Azrael before he can strike again—the very man she had condemned. As she delves deeper into this precarious situation, Jena discovers that the true horror lies not only in confronting the killer but also in facing her own inner demons.

While I found enjoyment in J.D. Barker's Behind a Closed Door, my appreciation for Heavy Are The Stones was less pronounced. The narrative itself is predictable, intertwining biblical themes with modern technology, particularly virtual reality, and an American-style approach to detective work. The action sequences often mirror the frenetic pace of American action films, characterized by relentless movement and minimal introspection.

The characters, too, leave much to be desired. Jena is portrayed as a self-assured individual willing to sacrifice personal relationships for her career, yet Mason, her partner, consistently forgives her transgressions without consequence. This dynamic feels repetitive and uninspired. Although Jena harbors a secret that the serial killer exploits for blackmail, this trope has been explored extensively in other works.

Despite these criticisms, many readers will find enjoyment in this novel. The narrative offers an abundance of action, psychological twists, and inventive murders, catering to fans of authors like James Patterson.

While the story is engaging, it ultimately lacks depth, rendering it a readable yet superficial experience.

3/5