In Doing Time in Texas (DTIT), sometimes the fruit does not fall far from the tree. High school classmates graduate with hopeful expectations of a great future. The first reunion for Hardy Meadows High was held four years after graduation. Bringing with it an opportunity that puts unbelievable riches within their grasp. Over the years, it became apparent that someone in the class was slowly and methodically arranging deadly accidents that had claimed several class members. The mounting wealth seemed to be the reason, and the killing would not stop until the Grim Reaper fulfilled his mission. Each classmate lived in fear of the others, knowing they may be the next victim. Their fears became reality as more classmates died in the months between the yearly class reunions.
Hattie’s heart was beating so hard she could hear it, and her breath was coming fast. Sitting back against the wall, she held her breath and let it out slowly, trying to get control of the fear and be as quiet as possible. Below the loft, the crunch of a foot…then nothing. The killer was stalking her. Each moment was an eternity. In the far corner of the loft, she heard a sound and sent a load of buckshot into that corner. The flash was instant, but the light silhouetted the ladder and everything in the loft. Even though the light was instant, it left the images in her mind, even in the pitch dark. On the loft ladder, a hooded head and shoulders appeared above the loft floor. The image was dressed completely in black clothing and wore a black hood. In that instant, she had the presence of mind to swing the barrel of the shotgun and pull the trigger. The pellets cut through the rungs of the ladder, but the figure had dropped below the loft floor the instant the first shot had lit up the barn. Hattie fed ammo into the shotgun from a half box of shells she kept in the loft. She had the forethought to put the remaining shells in her pockets. Still trying to regulate her breathing, she began to hyperventilate and was shaking so much the old shotgun was rattling. Laying the shotgun across her lap, she covered her mouth and nose with her apron. Breathing into it a few times made her feel she was beginning to regain control. Evidently, the knife wounds were not bad. He was below her in the barn. Occasionally, he would let Hattie know he was there by breaking a stick or throwing a small object up in the loft. The night was young, and he had all the time he needed to kill her. It was obvious that was what he intended to do. Hattie heard a rustle and almost fired. He wanted to draw her fire and waste all her ammunition. Hattie must not let that happen. The shotgun had changed his plans, but she knew he intended to finish what he had started. The night crept on with no way for Hattie to move or rest. Picking up the spent shell casings, she decided to see if she could get him to move so she would know where he was. Climbing upon the stacks of hay as quietly as she could and with the shotgun at the ready, she threw both spent shell casings off the loft into the far side of the barn. Instantly, there was a shot and flash by the barn doors. Hattie shot back at the area below the loft where the shot originated. There was a grunt. Thinking she might have gotten some shot into him, she smiled. Most of her pellets had embedded in the doorpost. Hours passed with nothing happening. He was there, but not courageous enough to face the old shotgun.
This is a one-of-a-kind read, with suspense throughout! It is a mystery and also a love story. The characters are really unique and, at the same time, easy to relate to. Just when you think you have it figured out, a new twist happens and you can’t wait to see what’s coming next!! Warning: Once you start reading, you can’t stop! J. Burford
James Ferrell’s writings will never bore the reader; he may be lost for a moment or two but when the compass swings back North, the reader will be so satisfied he chose to stay the course and read the book! It is pleasant to know the books are intertwined but this book stands alone or in company of the other three. Thanks for a great trip filled with intrigue and surprise galore, James! God Bless! Bro. Robert Nichols II, Pastor, New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Cut-N-Shoot, Texas
James Ferrell has done it again! As with the other three books, James continues to use his vivid imagination, along with the gradual buildup of suspense, to keep you reading as the story unfolds. Lynda N.
A thoroughly engaging read, filled with drama, intrigue, and believable characters that pull at your heartstrings. Tara D.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. James and Kathy have outdone themselves. The highs and lows have kept my interest on every page! Judy F.
The members of Hardy Meadows High School class of 1964 just had their first class reunion, and a few fortunate members got in on a stock option that could make them rich. Then things start going terribly wrong as those class members begin to die. The love of money threatens the class members and those around them, but God is always faithful to those who follow Him. James Ferrell never disappoints. Nita M.
The Class of '64 is a classic "Who Dunnit!" murder mystery. Just as the ancient computer game of Adventure lures you into its mysterious cave, where, if not careful, you can find yourself "... in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike!" The Class of '64 will draw you into its own dark maze of intrigue. The story brings bits and pieces of previous events and seemingly forgotten characters back into the light from the previous volumes of Doing Time in Texas when they all get together for a class reunion in their small, quiet East Texas community North of Houston. Soon afterward, accidents begin to take a deadly toll on their already small number so much so that Sheriff Strete Green, Jr begins to wonder if there isn't something more to all the coincidental deaths and calls upon the old sheriff and one of his former officers for assistance. As the story unravels, the deepest, darkest secrets of the town begin to be revealed. Things known and unknown. Who are these people? Do they even know who they are themselves or their neighbors or even their families. Skeletons in the closet. Trolls in the attic. Long forgotten lock boxes in the bank. Moles in critical places make things even more difficult. Criminals, ex-military, reformed criminals. The killer seems to be a phantom bent on terror and completing the mission at any cost. He is hidden, yet in plain sight. See if you can follow the trail of clues along with the sheriff, Texas Rangers, FBI, and other agencies to figure out what the real reasons are for the mayhem. Was it Colonel Mustard in the pantry with a toothbrush? Families and friends fall apart under the revelations. Relationships change. Plans. Everyone has 'em, but God's plan supersedes them all throughout the book and only by holding fast to their religious upbringings and following the way He has provided are they able to withstand the tempest. His plans prove to be the way to right the wrongs, find peace, stand tall in the face of adversity and ultimately bring an end to the evil. Can you follow the trail? Bet you can't and you'll be on the edge of your chair as you read this one. AND much like the old Adventure game, there be clues and squirrels even in here... John S.