Shelly Grinstead could do anything for the movement called Friends of Suffering. They weren’t Christians and neither were they atheists, but they believed in “killing their own gods”. They see themselves as believers of the “true” religion even though others see them as an evil cult. Shelly was to Magnolia Blanchot, what St. Paul was to Jesus Christ. She was passionate and dedicated in their mission as Necrotheists. When Pelham, her nine-year-old son was brutally raped and set ablaze by nineteen-year-old Gideon Blanchot, not only did she refuse to press charges but also accepted to testify as witness to the accused. The world may have been horrified on the action she took, but to Shelly, they could as well go to hell. Gideon was not any random mortal, he was the son of Magnolia, and thus blameless!
Teddy Grinstead had followed Necrotheism religiously just like other members of his family. He believed wholeheartedly in the teachings of Magnolia until he began to have serious doubts. Unfortunately for him, those that turn their backs on the movement end up dead, often crushed by trains. There is also a phase of total isolation by everyone in the community. Could he survive what was coming?
Having lost almost everything dear to her, only to realize that Magnolia exploited her for some dirty fetish, how would Shelly avenge the ultimate betrayal?
BIO: Luke has a background in teaching philosophy, religion, and ethics. He has written two novels and is currently working on a third. Formerly a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Luke left in 2014 and experienced a profound transformation in values and outlook. He has two children, and currently lives in the west midlands in the UK. Major influences on his work are authors such as Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, Alissa Nutting, Marisha Pessl, Iain Reid, Matthew Stokoe, and William Burroughs. His style is one that typically blends elements of true crime stories with philosophical, moral, and supernatural themes including fantasy horror.
