Introducing “Forever Ted”: A Gripping New Thriller by Charles Mahoney
Where There’s A Thrill, There’s A Way
Dax Detrick has the look, the demeanor, and even the delusions of the infamous Ted Bundy. As Bundy’s real-life execution looms, Dax is guided by Ted’s voice, whispering sinister advice. But what if the voice isn’t really Ted? Despite everyone questioning his sanity, Dax clings to the belief that his dull town would be more exciting with someone like Ted. To him, any attention is good attention after all.
When detective Torrey Thompson appears in town hunting a copycat killer, all clues lead to teenage Dax. Despite the FBI being hot on his trail, the voice in Dax’s head continues to grow more malicious, transforming from a partner in crime to a vicious beast pushing him to the edge. As his love interest, Merril, sees through his façade, finding his fixation disturbing rather than intriguing, Dax faces a critical choice: stick to his deadly plan or turn the page to a better path.
Will Dax embrace his inner darkness, or will he break free from the shadows of infamy before getting into real trouble?
What a great narrative voice, and so many chilling lines as well as some that made me chuckle. Elegant, economic prose and such a clever concept.
— Jessica, beta reader and EFA member
Forever Ted centers around Dax, a teenager who finds himself fascinated by the notorious Ted Bundy, not out of admiration for his crimes, but for the macabre allure and massive media attention Bundy commanded. Dax’s fixation grows to the point where he starts emulating Bundy’s appearance, even going so far as to acquire a VW Bug similar to the one Bundy drove. His role-playing, however, raises unsettling questions: Is Dax’s need for attention innocent, or has it driven him to a dangerous edge?
When two coeds go missing from the local college, the small town is thrown into a state of fear and suspicion. Detective Torrey Thompson, a resilient and determined investigator from Tacoma with field training experience, is pulled back into a nightmare she thought she had escaped. Eight years after surviving an attack by a Bundy copycat, Torrey must confront her past and untangle a web of deceit, manipulation, and murder.
**A Unique Twist:**
The twist was spectacular! — Jennifer, beta reader with 15 years experience.
What sets Forever Ted apart is its exploration of the psychological impact of media sensationalism on impressionable minds. The story dives deep into Dax’s psyche, presenting a character study of a young man teetering on the edge of sanity, caught between reality and a self-constructed world of infamy.
The narrative builds to an explosive climax as Torrey confronts a killer whose identity is masked until the very end. Is it Dax, who has gone too far in his quest for notoriety, or is someone else pulling the strings from the shadows? Could it be the notorious copycat who goes by the moniker ‘Cowell’?
**Relevance to Current Events:**
The release of Forever Ted comes at a time when true crime is at the forefront of public interest, particularly with the upcoming Bryan Kohberger trial in Idaho. This real-life event, much like the fictional events in Cedar Arch, delves into the complexities of criminal behavior and the media’s role in shaping public perception. Fans of true crime and psychological thrillers will find Forever Ted particularly compelling.
**Why You Should Read “Forever Ted”:**
If you are a fan of gripping thrillers with deep psychological insights, Forever Ted is a must-read. Mahoney’s skillful storytelling and intricate plot twists ensure that readers will be hooked from the first page to the last.
The novel’s appeal extends to those who appreciate character-driven narratives and the exploration of dark, complex themes. With elements reminiscent of “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Forever Ted” is sure to satisfy those looking for a suspenseful and thought-provoking read.
What other beta readers have to say about Forever Ted:
The fast pace of this writing is perfect for the genre. I could not put it down and had to find out what happens next. I particularly enjoy the writing style — reminiscent of Stephen King, economical and visual. I was hooked from the first paragraph!
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this thrilling new novel. Forever Ted is now available for order on Amazon. Get ready to dive into a world where obsession and reality collide with deadly consequences.
**About the Author:**
Charles L. Mahoney made his literary debut in 2014 with Story of The Ghost, captivating readers with its stark desert setting and explosive conclusion. His latest work, Forever Ted, blends psychological depth with thrilling suspense, exploring a troubled teenager’s obsession with serial killer Ted Bundy. Inspired by Bundy’s execution on Mahoney’s sixteenth birthday, the novel delves into the dangerous allure of infamy. When not writing, Mahoney enjoys true crime documentaries and exploring the motivations of infamous figures. Follow him on Medium or listen to his popular podcast, Shill Kill.
What reader’s have said about his previous work:
Every part of this book was absolutely full of personality. Every sentence of narration, every piece of dialogue. It’s just all amazing. There is such rich detail and description that never lets up, never lets the reader be anywhere else other than immersed in the story. The style is lyrical in the way that contemporary literature tends to be, which some readers like and some readers don’t. I absolutely appreciate it when it’s done well, as it is here. And the dialogue! Each character had their own voice, even as they all entwined in these philosophical, existential moments again and again. There is just so much meat here that I want to read it again to find everything I missed before. So much symbolism and subtext in everything, from what the characters do and say, or don’t say, a lot like Hemingway who is one of my favorite classic writers. Kudos for that, Mahoney, I rarely love anyone as much as Hemingway.
— Alex
There is nothing I like more as a reader discovering an author for the first time. You start something else when you’ve finished their book and you suddenly find yourself pining for that author’s way of making a story come to life. It wasn’t even the football that touched me, in fact, I felt as though football was a third or fourth thought to this story (not to downplay it because it’s clear Mahoney has a passion for the pigskin) but the depth of angst to the story is truly mind numbing. Whether it is the intention or not I found the story very sad. The entire thing being set against the backdrop of that desert haunts you with each chapter because the setting imitate the characters or vice versa. A casual read Story of The Ghost is not. It isn’t fluff and it isn’t an easy read as I hoped I’ve explained. But that only makes it all the more worthwhile. I fully intend on reading more or Mahoney’s work and I would encourage the most adept readers to do the same. I believe we will be hearing more of him and I hope this work gets the acclaim it deserves.
— R.W.
Everything about Story of The Ghost is great-the writing, the characters, the story. Mahoney does it all beautifully and perfectly, and you are truly pulled into the story from the beginning.
— Renee
Forever Ted is now available! Don’t miss out! Order now!
