Stepford USA [NOOK Book]

An absolute must read- brilliant thriller

This first instalment by Author - Lada Ray introduces us to brilliant investigative journalist - Jade Snow. Jade Snow we learn, is a twenty eight year old all action investigative journalist used to dodging straying bullets in Afghanistan, before a near death experience throws her into the arms of her soon to be husband Paul. What Jade doesn’t realise is that her days of investigative journalism and an all action career are about to come to an abrupt halt when motherhood dawns or is it?

This thriller is set in the sleepy surroundings of Stepford, Massachusetts, a small town community in America that hides a deep dark secret. Jade finds herself in this sleepy town against her wishes following her husband’s insistence on finding her a nice, quiet and calm environment for her to remain fit and well during her pregnancy. Jade Snow we learn is no ordinary young mum to be. It is not long before her inquisitive mind and investigative instincts, lead her onto the trail of a devastating dark hidden secret within the community. A crime so horrendous and brutal, it lives on in the lives and happenings of this sleepy hallow even until the present day.

This story of a horrific crime, a victim, an accused person and powerful local interests, desperate to keep the truth hidden from the larger world, only makes Jade Snow throw off her restrictive temporary physical shackles and risk all, to unravel the truth. The pursuit of truth among the complex personalities of this town, and an eagerness for someone to keep it hidden at all costs makes the challenge appear impossible.

Stepford USA takes us on a journey with this charming, sharp minded young journalist in a race to reveal the truth before someone else is killed, will Jade succeed? Can she protect herself and the life of her unborn child? Who can she trust? Anyone? Will she manage to discover the facts before it costs someone their life or even her own?

On the face of it, Stepford is a thriving small town community the likes of which are splattered across the American continent however, the deceit and manipulation facing Jade threatens not just people, it threatens the very way of life of this beautiful town. Undeterred, Jade Snow takes us on a gripping, dark psychological adventure, where unrealised talents may be the difference between life and death for Jade and others.

Does the answer to the secret rest within the group of six ladies “Knitting Club”? All women of varying ages and loyalties. We are introduced to Lady Adelaide Paphos, an elegant motherly like lady, who develops a fondness and close bond with Jade during her time in Stepford. Her son Jason who harbours a long held secret. Then a chance lunch time meeting with the power players of the local community that introduces us to the young police chief – Chief Nordini, Judge Bowman, Lawyer Marc Catcham, Banker Peter Burns and the quiet Jack Maloof. These men all with varying i

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Wonderful Storytelling! Filled with psychic visions, virtual reality, and sassy wit - it's a Winner!

I enjoyed reading this uplifting book by Ms Ray, filled with intrigue and irresistible characters which make you question the very reality that we are living through during these uncertain times. Like the proverbial Alice falling the down the rabbit hole, this story leads you on a journey where the world we live in, with our conditioned beliefs and conclusions, are not what it seems. What if EVERYTHING you thought that's real was but manufactured illusion, and reality can only be pierced consciously by breaking out of ourselves to uncover the hidden truth within?

This seminal work allows you to question everything you hold sacred, all the sacred cows, established institutions of society that espouses living the "American Dream", one must succeed at all cost. Jade, an investigative journalist sensed that all is not right in this idyllic sleepy/ creepy little town of Stepford. By all appearances, Stepford seemed like the perfect place to nurture a pregnancy when one is not covering the latest reports from war torn countries. Well, Eden is about to reveal it's darkest secret, with the help of Jade's best friend Rachel- a psychoanalyst, an adorably smart and sassy cat named Lily and a group of small town ladies known only as "the knitting club". From paranormal psychic visions to virtual reality laboratories, Jade experiences life beyond her wildest expectations. Laced with cool humor and insight, Jade and her friends solve the most daunting mystery ever imagined. In total denial at first, the towns people must slowly come to the realization that not all is well in paradise and need to face their own prejudices and shortcomings in order to heal and come together as one community. A superb social commentary, Stepford USA is a microcosm for Anytown Internationale.

I love the positive, optimistic ending. Can't wait for the next Jade Snow adventure!

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