Book Summary

Killing Hope

A gripping crime thriller packed with aviation secrets, murder, and Southern suspense.

When a deadly storm hits rural Tennessee, a private plane is pulled from the depths of Tick Springs Lake. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic aviation accident, but it quickly turns into a chilling homicide investigation.

TBI Special Agent Dani York, a decorated Marine turned homicide investigator, is assigned the case. The local sheriff is overwhelmed. The FAA wants answers. Politicians want it buried, and the media smells blood.

As Dani digs deeper, she uncovers more than a crash—she uncovers a conspiracy. The evidence leads to a secretive megachurch, a powerful Southern family, and a grieving husband with too much to lose. With time running out and pressure mounting from all sides, Dani’s only ally is an FAA inspector who pushes boundaries like she does. Together, they must follow the trail through forensic twists, government interference, and high-stakes deception.

Killing Hope delivers a high-stakes blend of mystery, murder, and suspense with a strong female lead, ripped-from-the-headlines realism, and a chilling web of secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, Karin Slaughter, and Tom Clancy, this debut thriller will keep you up late, turning pages.

If you enjoy:
✔️ Murder mysteries with forensic twists
✔️ Aviation thrillers and plane crash investigations
✔️ Female detective stories
✔️ Southern crime fiction
✔️ Government conspiracies and cover-ups

Then you’ll love Killing Hope.

Read an excerpt

Reader Reviews

Brilliant!

Keen attention to detail makes this story very plausible. The book gives pause long after reading, with the plot’s hint of futuristic, advanced aviation technology. Character development was spot on. You instantly know everyone through meticulous narrative. Kudos to the author. We’re left craving more of Dani York, the main character. Hopefully, this is only the beginning of a great series.

B. Myers

Good All They Way Around

This book had everything needed for a great story, and I gobbled it up in two days. Great characters, no TSTL moments, a plot with a twist, good guys win the day, the good and bad side of religion and wealth, and a spirit of never giving up. Good job.

B. Nance

“Killing Hope” twists were cleverly layered and the suspense unpredictable.

Could not put it down! Love the author’s choice of words to paint the scene. Clever suspense and twists up until the very end.

B. Westby

Local Sites

This is an excellent book. It is an easy read, but keeps you guessing about everything until the end. It was fun to read about places you know from living in the area where the story is set. I hope there is another one in the works. Thanks to the author for providing a great read—I read it in 2 days—hey, I had to sleep!!

F. Barcroft

Superb read! Couldn’t put it down!

Couldn’t put it down! It’s really good, we’ll written and interesting. Character development is superb, plot is fascinating, and he certainly knows his way around planes. Ending was surprising, exciting, and satisfying. I wholeheartedly reconnected with it and can’t wait for the next one!

Anonymous

Great fun read!

A fun and entertaining read. The author takes you on a roller coaster ride with twists and turn to keep you turning the page.

Anonymous

A tautly written Southern mystery.

This solid whodunit revels in its Southern flair and boasts a wonderfully nimble storyline. Arnold delivers out a tautly written Southern mystery.

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Kirkus Reviews

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