A Perfect Evil
Authors: Alex Kava
Tags: #Mystery, #Thriller, #Horror, #Suspense, #Romance, #Adult
“Kava’s writing is reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell in her prime.”
—
Mystery Ink
“Alex Kava knows the psychology of evil.”
—John Philpin, forensic psychologist and author
“Meet Kava’s FBI special agent Maggie O’Dell. But beware—it could be the start of a new addiction.”
—
Peterborough Evening Telegraph,
U.K.
“Alex Kava has crafted a suspenseful novel and created a winning character in Agent O’Dell.”
—
Washington Post Book World
“This debut thriller pumps out the suspense.”
—
Library Journal
“Engaging debut…a well-crafted page-turner.”
—
Publishers Weekly
“A suspense thriller with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the last page.”
—
Mystery Scene
“Alex Kava’s thriller is a roller-coaster read. Although your heart is in your throat the entire time, you enjoy every scary minute.”
—
Woman’s Own
“Kava keeps the dialogue clipped, the action fast and the twists coming.”
—
Orlando Sentinel
“Kava’s writing is reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell in her prime.”
—
Mystery Ink
“Alex Kava knows the psychology of evil.”
—John Philpin, forensic psychologist and author
“Meet Kava’s FBI special agent Maggie O’Dell. But beware—it could be the start of a new addiction.”
—
Peterborough Evening Telegraph,
U.K.
“Alex Kava has crafted a suspenseful novel and created a winning character in Agent O’Dell.”
—
Washington Post Book World
“This debut thriller pumps out the suspense.”
—
Library Journal
“Engaging debut…a well-crafted page-turner.”
—
Publishers Weekly
“A suspense thriller with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the last page.”
—
Mystery Scene
“Alex Kava’s thriller is a roller-coaster read. Although your heart is in your throat the entire time, you enjoy every scary minute.”
—
Woman’s Own
“Kava keeps the dialogue clipped, the action fast and the twists coming.”
—
Orlando Sentinel
Also by ALEX KAVA
ONE FALSE MOVE
The Maggie O’Dell series
AT THE STROKE OF MADNESS
THE SOUL CATCHER
SPLIT SECOND
A PERFECT EVIL
A NECESSARY EVIL
Also by ALEX KAVA
ONE FALSE MOVE
The Maggie O’Dell series
AT THE STROKE OF MADNESS
THE SOUL CATCHER
SPLIT SECOND
A PERFECT EVIL
A NECESSARY EVIL
A PERFECT
EVIL
A PERFECT
EVIL
Alex Kava is an international bestselling suspense writer. Her work has been widely praised by critics and fans alike, and her first three novels in the Maggie O’Dell series, A Perfect Evil, Split Second and The Soul Catcher, have spent several weeks on the
New York Times
and
USA TODAY
bestseller lists.
Growing up in the country outside Silver Creek, Nebraska, Alex Kava fantasized about becoming a writer. Her parents, although they understood the value of education, had a tremendous work ethic. Reading was seen as frivolous unless required as schoolwork. As a teenager, Kava wrote short stories on the backs of calendars, sharing them only with her younger brother and hiding them in a shoe box under her bed.
Kava earned an art scholarship to attend college. To pay living expenses, she worked in a nearby hospital’s central supply department collecting and sterilizing all of the basins, instruments and equipment from surgery, pathology and the morgue. In 1982 she graduated magna cum laude from College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska, with a B.A. in art and English.
After graduating, Kava held a variety of jobs, mostly in advertising and marketing. Starting her own graphic design firm, Square One, she designed food packages and logos for national corporations, wrote brochures and newsletters, created a line of greeting cards and directed TV and radio commercials. In 1992 she returned to her alma mater as its director of public relations.
Kava quit her public relations position in the summer of 1996, wanting to dedicate more time to writing fiction and getting published. To pay the bills, she resurrected Square One, refinanced her home, maxed out her credit cards and even took on a newspaper delivery route.
Alex Kava is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska. Her Web site is located at
www.alexkava.com
Alex Kava is an international bestselling suspense writer. Her work has been widely praised by critics and fans alike, and her first three novels in the Maggie O’Dell series, A Perfect Evil, Split Second and The Soul Catcher, have spent several weeks on the
New York Times
and
USA TODAY
bestseller lists.
Growing up in the country outside Silver Creek, Nebraska, Alex Kava fantasized about becoming a writer. Her parents, although they understood the value of education, had a tremendous work ethic. Reading was seen as frivolous unless required as schoolwork. As a teenager, Kava wrote short stories on the backs of calendars, sharing them only with her younger brother and hiding them in a shoe box under her bed.
Kava earned an art scholarship to attend college. To pay living expenses, she worked in a nearby hospital’s central supply department collecting and sterilizing all of the basins, instruments and equipment from surgery, pathology and the morgue. In 1982 she graduated magna cum laude from College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska, with a B.A. in art and English.
After graduating, Kava held a variety of jobs, mostly in advertising and marketing. Starting her own graphic design firm, Square One, she designed food packages and logos for national corporations, wrote brochures and newsletters, created a line of greeting cards and directed TV and radio commercials. In 1992 she returned to her alma mater as its director of public relations.
Kava quit her public relations position in the summer of 1996, wanting to dedicate more time to writing fiction and getting published. To pay the bills, she resurrected Square One, refinanced her home, maxed out her credit cards and even took on a newspaper delivery route.
Alex Kava is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska. Her Web site is located at
www.alexkava.com
In loving memory of
Robert (Bob) Shoemaker
(1922–1998)
whose perfect good continues to inspire.
In loving memory of
Robert (Bob) Shoemaker
(1922–1998)
whose perfect good continues to inspire.
This is a work of fiction; however, I’d like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to any parent who has ever lost a child to a senseless act of violence.
This is a work of fiction; however, I’d like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to any parent who has ever lost a child to a senseless act of violence.
I owe my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those whose support and expertise made this fantastic journey possible.
I owe my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those whose support and expertise made this fantastic journey possible.
Philip Spitzer, my agent, who enthusiastically offered to represent this book, then made it his personal mission to see it published. Philip, you are my hero.
Patricia Sierra, fellow author, for generously sharing her wisdom, her wit and her friendship.
Amy Moore-Benson, my editor, for her tenacity, her keen insights and her ability to make the editing process painless and rewarding.
Dianne Moggy and all the professionals at MIRA Books for their efforts and resolve to make this book a success.
Ellen Jacobs for always saying the right thing at just the right time.
Sharon Car, my writing cohort, for all those lunches commiserating with and encouraging me.
LaDonna Tworek, who helped me keep my perspective and encouraged me early on to hang in there.
Jeanie Shoemaker Mezger and John Mezger, who listened over all those free, delicious dinners they fed me.
Bob Kava for patiently answering all my questions about firearms.
Mac Payne, who gave me something to prove.
My parents, Edward and Patricia Kava, especially my mom for lighting all those candles of hope.
Writing, for the most part, is a solitary act, but it certainly wouldn’t be possible for me without the loving support of my family and friends. Thanks also must go to Patti El-Kachouti, Marlene Haney, Nicole Keller, Kenny and Connie Kava, Natalie Cummings, Sandy Rockwood and Margaret Shoemaker.
Finally, thanks to Bob Shoemaker. This wouldn’t have been the type of book Bob would even have read, but that would not have stopped him from being proud of me and telling everyone he met about it.