The Furnace

As a Homicide Investigator working the solar system's most remote outposts, Lieutenant Kyle Tanner has been involved in more criminal investigations and captures than any other in Security Division. He hunts his prey stealthily, tracking them through the trail of victims cast behind, and makes difficult captures when no one else can. He has seen the twisted remains, things that used to be human but are now barely meat. And he's executed those who have done such horrible deeds.His most recent case takes him to SOLEX One, a power-generating station that orbits precariously near the Sun. Among the fifteen inhabitants is a killer, a disturbed crewman who for some reason has mutilated his victim. But when Tanner arrives and begins the investigation, he's shocked to learn that this is no ordinary murder. There appears to be no motive for the crime, and no reason for the mutilation after death. But what Tanner doesn't realize is that something terrifying is amplifying among the station's personnel ... and if he doesn't solve the mystery, the result could be the extinction of the human race.THE FURNACE is a locked-room murder mystery, part techno-thriller, part horror, part detective story. Ardath Mayhar, author of over sixty novels, says, "This is a book of great tension, powerful characterization, and gripping action ... Completely original and compelling. A must-read." THIS IS A TRADE PAPERBACK NOVEL, SIZE 6" X 9" It Could Be Anyone ... An Excerpt from The Furnace "What are your procedures for a situation like this?" the Captain asked in a whisper. "Truthfully? I've never been in one." "Never?" He was incredulous. "Usually I chase a killer when they have a place to run. I've never backed one into a corner like this and not known who it is. Most often they make a mistake and I make a capture. In this situation, who knows what he'll do? His behavior is escalating, there's no doubt of that." "Why do you think he's killing?" I frowned. "I don't think it's random. There's more going on here than three murders." A beat, and then, "What do you mean?" "I can't tell you until I know everything. But there is definitely a reason for the killer's method." He grew furious. "This is my station, Tanner. I demand to know -" "I can't tell you. It's as simple as that." "Why? Because the Council sent you? Because you're the best at this job?" "Because frankly, Captain, you could be the killer." He looked down and saw my hand on my pistol. His jaw dropped. "You're serious." "Absolutely."Visit www.timothysjohnston.com for more information about Mr. Johnston and to register for news about upcoming novels. Also read an interesting Q&A with the author about THE FURNACE including the books and movies that inspired him to write it.