Blood on the Cards - David Huffstettler

Well, Mr. Huffstetler sure knows how to twist up a story into a messy little mystery! Welcome to the Jack Harden series. If you like mysteries then you'll certainly like this bunch. First there was Blood on the Pen where we were met Jack Harden, now we have Blood on the Cards. Take a peek.

Back Cover:

A brotherhood of powerful men, a self-proclaimed prophet, and an ancient goddess hover over a series of murders that start with a game of Texas Hold-em. But are they to blame? Or has the embittered Comanche outcast returned to avenge his niece's death? Or has Jack Harden snapped as some would like the public to believe?

As Elsie and Jack try to salvage what's left of their relationship, an ever-widening canvas of death unfurls around them.

Can they stop it? Or will their blood be on the cards?

Excerpt:

Dusk settled outside the window, and Reverend Lu stood at the head of the table. He turned toward the front door and said, “Ah, Tim is here. Let’s get started.”

Jackson smiled, nodded to the other ten men around the table, and took his seat. “Sorry to be late. We had a problem at one of the car lots.”

The men joined hands, bowed their heads, and Lu prayed. “Oh, Spirit of Truth, speak to us. Open our minds and our hearts that we may hear you, that we may yield to you. Amen.” Their hands slid off the table onto their laps and every eye was on Benjamin Lu. “Gentlemen, I asked you to come tonight for a special reason. You were twelve and now you are eleven. We had a traitor in our midst.” He took a Bible from a full bookcase and opened it. “Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, chapter five. ‘To deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved.’ There are many books that speak to us of the truth, and this is one.” He closed the Bible and eased it back onto the shelf. “We have lost one of our number, but we have saved his soul. There is no greater sign of love than the shedding of blood. My brothers, only the strong and the pure can understand these teachings.”

He looked at each of them, until he stopped at Jackson. “Tim, do you see the wisdom in what has been done?”

Jackson swallowed hard, looked around, and said, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Look at me, Tim. We are the chosen, the elect. There has always been a remnant of true believers in an evil age, and you are part of that remnant. Do you understand that? Do you understand who you are--who we are?”

“Yes, I’m with you. I wouldn’t have gone out there, if I hadn’t been. But, what happens if the police come around?”

Lu pointed to Paul Thibadeuax and said, “Tell him, Paul. Tell us all.”

Thibadeuax’s voice was calm and smooth. “We are not subject to their laws. We have been called to a greater purpose.”

Buy link:

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Cards-Harden-Mystery-ebook/dp/B009KNQDD6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362806827&sr=1-1&keywords=blood+on+the+cards

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-on-the-cards-david-w-huffstetler/1113110830?ean=2940015541786

Educated in Dallas, North Carolina, David Huffstetler holds degrees in Engineering and Business Administration. He has worked in the area of human relations and spent fourteen years weaving through the maze of politics, including participating in a Federal Law suit as Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, with a sitting governor over issues of separation of powers. David has served on Boards of Directors for numerous professional organizations including Crime Stoppers, SC Workers’ Compensation Educational Association, SC Safety Council, the SC Fire Academy, and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Workers’ Compensation. He has advised governors and legislators on matters of public policy and legislation. His wealth of experience is broad and brings deep insight to his writing.

For more about David go to:  http://www.davidhuffstetler.com/