Superstition

The Secrets of Van Buren University, #1

by James Blakey

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Pub Date 24 Sep 2024 | Archive Date 18 Oct 2024

ARC provided by City Owl Press

Horror | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy

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Description

An umbrella is opened indoors. A black cat crosses your path. Three cigarettes are lit from one match. These are omens of bad luck that no one takes seriously. But at Van Buren University when these, and other superstitions, are broken… students die.

Sophomore Jerry Williams’ hard-hitting reporting has won awards for Van Buren’s school newspaper. But when he connects a series of campus deaths to bad luck, his editor questions Jerry’s judgment, kills the story, and suspends him from the paper. But the superstition-related havoc continues, and Darla, Jerry’s new girlfriend, barely escapes with her life.

When Jerry digs deeper into the mystery and publishes his findings in the school’s alternative newspaper, the university administration threatens him with suspension for causing a panic. But Jerry’s reporting instincts won’t let him stop. With his friends and everyone else on campus at risk, it’s not like Jerry has much of a choice.

As Friday the 13th approaches, Jerry fears a catastrophe. He must uncover who—or what—is behind these bad luck deaths and determine how to stop it.

Advance Praise

“James Blakey’s Superstition is a fast-paced mystery filled with twists and turns that kept me on my toes and guessing until the final reveal. Brimming with action and lead by dynamic characters, Superstition was a perfect balance of sharp-edged crime and lighthearted comedy; of bouncy cheerleaders, charming nerds, and rebellious journalists. Van Buren University has some serious secrets, and you'll finish this book thirsty for more.” — Meagan Jennett, Author of You Know Her

“Blakey delivers a quirky ‘whodunit’ murder mystery with Superstition. A coming-of-age story, readers will be hunting for the truth right along with Jerry, a dedicated student reporter facing the social and academic challenges of navigating collegiate life, until the dramatic conclusion.” — H M DuVal, Author of the Dream Walker series

“Is it appropriate to call a series of tragic deaths a fun read? Perhaps thrilling is a better description? Entertaining? An easy read? Blakey skillfully manages to make Superstition all of these. I felt like I was sitting at the same table with this cast of characters.” — William Zanotti, Author of The Link series

“What the Final Destination films do for cheating death, Blakey’s Superstition does for anyone cursed with bad luck, giving it a fun and deadly twist.” — Bill Blume, Author of West of Apocalypse

“Superstition is a riveting, twisting puzzle that conjures up the question: what would you be willing to sacrifice in order to be successful - or lucky in love? Derringer Award-winning author James Blakey masterfully interweaves dark magic, Superstition, and cool, scrappy tech in this bewitching and highly addictive paranormal thriller.” — Lisa Nanni-Messegee, screenwriter of Holiday for Heroes, and author of the upcoming four book series, The Triumvirate

“James Blakey’s skills as a short story writer shine just as brightly on the larger stage of his debut novel. The tensions and turmoil of university life, expertly detailed, provide a rich landscape for this taut, twisty thriller.” — Art Taylor, Edgar Award-winning author of The Adventure of the Castle Thief and Other Expeditions and Indiscretions

“James Blakey’s Superstition is a fresh, funny novel brimming with magic and mystery. Lucky readers are in for a treat!” — Adam Meyer, Author of The Last Domino

“Great story with likable, believable characters and a fun, action packed plot.” — A.K. Lang, Author of The Gathering of the Three

“Blakey’s solid storytelling has tons of potential. An author to watch!” — J.S. Furlong, Award-winning author of The Unimaginables series