Out of the Red and into the Black

A Debt Is Paid

By: Shane Ahalt

Narrated by: Nick Steen

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Unspeakable acts go on under our noses every single day. If you could do something about them, would you? How far would you go? Shane Ahalt's debut thriller will have you questioning your morality and your stance on vigilantism.

When Chris Caldwell, the chief of police of a small town, investigates the kidnapping of Tyler Creasy and the brutal and torturous murder of his parents, the investigation reveals dark secrets of the family. As the clues unravel and similar instances are discovered to have occurred over a period of more than 60 years, the question arises: Is this an isolated incident, or is there something more sinister in the works?

Chief Caldwell’s investigation turns up more than he bargained for as history seems to repeat itself. Will he solve these vicious and violent murders, or will they become cold cases? Will he discover what happened to Tyler? Find out in Shane Ahalt Sr.’s debut thriller, Out of the Red and into the Black.

What you will find...

This is a book about people seeking revenge on child sexual abusers and blends real-life events with fictional happenings. Going back to the 1800s a child is rescued from the real-life "Bloody Benders" where he was being sexually abused by those in his family. That child, Adam, is then raised by Native Americans and goes on to save another child as an adult and asks, in return, that the rescued child does the same. That tradition is passed down from generation to generation until you get to our present day where the book starts off with a child's rescue and the brutally tortuous murder of his parents. The book follows what happens to that child, Tyler, going forward while telling the story of his "family of rescuers" and follows the investigation through the eyes of Chief Caldwell. All with a number of twists and turns until the very last sentence.

©2019 Shane Ahalt (P)2021 Shane Ahalt

twisted

Loved it. Left me wanting a sequel. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next.

"Dexter" Meets "The Professional" - Upgraded!

This book immediately pulled me into the story from the very first paragraph but DIDN'T let me go at the end! I want MORE! There's suspense, crime, vigilante justice, heart, emotion, and an unexpected, unconventional family! It's superbly written with exciting yet relatable characters. The descriptive text is so satisfying that I felt like a fly on the wall in every scene--as if I stowed away into the pages to secretly witness everything up close and personal. In the midst of all the action and literary logistics, Ahalt tackles a seriously heavy subject with delicate compassion while still guiding solid characters through this cinematic ride. Two thumbs WAY up!

Fabulous story and great listen !

The topic scared me a little at first but the author quickly grabs your attention and turns the focus to the well written back story and fantastic character development. The twists were just enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.

The narrator did a fantastic job. I am left wanting the sequel right now!

Absolutely Captivating!

This was my first audio book. I listened to the entire book in just two sittings. The plot was amazing, the action was intense and imo the characters were very well developed.

Should man deal the Wrath of God upon another?

In this gritty, gripping novel debut, Shane Ahalt addresses the disturbing world of exploitation and the vengeance that follows. Riveting read by the narrator Nick Steen.

Masterful

This book is well written and well narrated. The topic may be a very touchy one for some but once you accept that you won’t be able to put it down. I found myself rooting for “the family” and praying that the pods all fell! Definitely, would be in turmoil for another bit at the same time hoping for “the family” to impact the world over.

Justice is served!

If you have a quinch for justice this is the perfect book for you. It is well written and I enjoyed every moment. I hope there is a sequel to keep this story going.

Exciting read!

Out of the Red and into the Black was an emotional and riveting freshman novel. The brutal and graphic moments in the novel juxtaposed with the raw and sensitive topic provided compensation for the vigilante justice. It created a satisfying balance. Ahalt's story is a mash up of "Dexter" meets "Criminal Minds." The only warning I can offer is to be ready, he left me wanting more. I hope he's working on the sequel because I can't wait to read about Adam's children, and learn about what Brian and his "niece" and "nephew" have gotten themselves into!

Excellent work!

Where have all the missing people gone? It’s a question we often have. This book presents some eery possibilities and hits revenge at the sweet spot. Highly recommended!

Dark crime mystery with surprises at every turn

The subject matter is dark but the protagonists throughout the story draw you in. When I started the book, I didn't really think it was going to be for me, I have moved away from reading about the dark sides of society and concentrating on more positive things. However, before I knew it I was completely absorbed in the story and looking forward to getting in the car to hear some more. The author manages to have a straight forward story of evil lurking unseen that has to be stopped but the more you listen the more the story fills in with layers of back stories of vigilante justice, kids going from victims to the real superheroes, generational abuse and everyday personal responsibility questions we all deal with, among others. Every time you think you know where the story is going and you think it is getting predictable, things take a turn. This debut author devised one of the best cliff hangers I have read in ages. Give us the sequel already!