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J.A. Schneider
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Shoeless Child: A terrifying psychological thriller (Detective Kerri Blasco Book 4) Kindle Edition

by J.A. Schneider (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,431 ratings
A little boy has seen a horrific murder but is too traumatized to speak. Detective Kerri Blasco struggles to connect with him...

Charlie Sparkes peeks out to see his mother and another young woman brutally shot. Hysterical, the brave child bolts into the cold November night for help. He screams and cries, only to fall into more trauma.

Homicide Detective Kerri Blasco is called to the murder scene. One woman lies dead next to the blood soaked rug where Rachel Sparkes was seriously wounded. With little memory of the attack, she has been taken to the hospital - but where is her child? He too, Kerri discovers, now lies in a hospital bed, mute and traumatized in a fetal position, refusing even food and water.

Charlie must have seen what happened. Kerri's heart aches for this piteous little boy and she struggles to help him; struggles, too to find the monster who did this horrible crime. "It's your kind of case," Sergeant Alex Brand, Kerri's boss and partner tells her, stepping up police urgency when another innocent is shot, and then another...

Kerri Blasco finds herself more emotionally obsessed with this case than with any other, despite clear and onrushing danger to herself...

Advance praise for Shoeless Child:

"I absolutely adored this amazing book. Thrilling, absolutely gripping, it was a rollercoaster of a read that I just could not put down. One of the best novels I have read this year. It has everything - tension, a fast and original plot, characters so real you feel they are in the room with you and a story you cannot stop thinking about. Warning: you will not be able to do anything else while reading this book, it will take you over, which is exactly what a great book should do. Five stars!" Renita D'Silva

"I loved Shoeless Child! The action is non-stop fast and the plot is original - but it's Charlie's character and story that make the book so much more. Kerri's interactions with Charlie are filled with compassion, emotion and empathy - her determination to solve the case, whatever the danger to herself, is a characteristic she's shown in the past; she outdid herself this time. A gritty, intense psychological thriller, Shoeless Child is one I highly recommend." Brenda Telford

"A brutal murder and a broken child combust into a story so ingenious and utterly unexpected, it will have you re-reading parts to see if you missed any subtle clues. Shoeless Child is a psychological thriller that will have you rushing to the end, only to be blown away once you get there. This is a definite Read and Read Again!" Jennifer Tooker

"Grips you by the throat and starts throttling your imagination on page one. Then, just pages later, your eyes will well up with tears. Terror and pathos are the very signature of the Kerri Blasco books. SHOELESS CHILD is meant to be read in one sitting because there's just no good place to set it aside!" Madelon Wilson

"Fantastic! I love, love, love the Kerri Blasco books! This thriller had me frantically turning pages. It's fast and never drags the way some thrillers do. I love the relationship between Kerri and her fellow detectives, especially with Alex Brand, her police partner/secret lover. Their romance in the Kerri Blasco books is warm and doesn't overwhelm the stories. Plus the humor is funny and genuine, never snide and doesn't feel forced like in other books. As for whodunnit and why - it definitely took me by surprise!" Alice Liddell









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  1. Book 4 of 4
    Detective Kerri Blasco
  2. Print length
    279 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 24, 2018
  5. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  6. File size
    1.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

    • Books by J.A. Schneider
    • MEDICAL THRILLER *EMBRYO* series
    • EMBRYO
    • CROSSHAIRS
    • RANEY & LEVINE
    • CATCH ME
    • SILVER GIRL
    • RAZOR SHARP
    • DETECTIVE KERRI BLASCO POLICE/PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS
    • Fear Dreams: A sensitive woman fears insanity. Intuitive Detective Kerri Blasco tries to unravel the truth of what really haunts her...
    • Her Last Breath: A woman wakes to horror in a strange apartment next to a murdered man, and can't remember the night before.
    • Watching You: A serial killer texts his victims first - but how does he get their phone numbers? Kerri Blasco vows revenge. He comes after her.
    • Shoeless Child: A little boy has seen a horrific murder but is too traumatized to speak. Kerri Blasco struggles to connect with him...
    • STANDALONE THRILLERS
    • Into The Dark: A perfect marriage deteriorates as a woman starts to fear that her husband is a killer...
    • Girl Watching You: A young woman, obsessed by a man she considers a predator, climbs a fire escape and thinks she sees a murder.
    • What You've Done: A small town divorce lawyer ("I know people's secrets") blames herself when a client's teen daughter is brutally murdered. She investigates and finds herself the killer's next target.
    • Cry To Me:Liddy Bell shot her husband - or did she? In the middle of a party she's giving with her guests just feet away? Liddy's sister Kim, a true crime writer, struggles to prove her sister innocent - and avoid falling for a man who might be dangerous.
    • The Wife List: Has a group of men conspired to murder each other's wives - figuring their perfect alibis will save them? That is what Beth Kemp starts to suspect, but is she losing her mind? Her husband says he fears so...
    • The Girl Thief: Ensnared into the lives of a troubled, wealthy couple - or is she?
    • HISTORICAL THRILLER, U.S. CIVIL WAR
    • Kate Warne's Sister is Missing: April 1861, New York City. Civil War has just broken out. Kate Warne, first female detective and a Pinkerton, returns to find that her beloved actress sister, Saskia, has gone missing. Where to turn? Who to suspect? Danger surrounds Kate. Secessionists' fury has followed her since she thwarted their recent attempt to assassinate Lincoln in Baltimore. New York City is also a powder keg, with most elites and even the city's mayor violently pro-South. Or could Kate's possibly pro-South relatives have anything to do with Saskie's disappearance?

    About the Author

    Joyce Schneider is a former writer at Newsweek. She is the author of the 6-book Embryo medical thriller series; the 4-book police psychological thriller series featuring NYPD Detective Kerri Blasco (Fear Dreams, Her Last Breath, Watching You, and Shoeless Child), and the standalone thrillers, Into the Dark, Girl Watching You, What You've Done, & the Civil War Thriller, Kate Warne's Sister is Missing.

    When not writing she's usually thinking about writing and dreaming up new stories, and can rarely be seen without her trusty laptop. She lives with her family in Connecticut and loves gardening. You can find out more about her books on her website jaschneiderauthor.net or by following her on Twitter (@JoyceSchneider1) or Facebook (facebook.com/JASchneiderAuthor?fref=ts).

    Product details

    • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0775WWRFD
    • Publisher ‏ : ‎ RGS Media (January 24, 2018)
    • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 24, 2018
    • Language ‏ : ‎ English
    • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
    • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
    • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
    • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Print length ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
    • Customer Reviews:
      4.5 out of 5 stars 1,431 ratings

    About the author

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    J.A. Schneider

    J.A. Schneider

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    Joyce Schneider is a former writer at Newsweek and the author of multiple murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. She has studied at the Sorbonne and been an exchange student in the Soviet Union. Now her idea of more than enough excitement is writing thrillers and gardening (chasing off deer and using a crowbar to get out stubborn rocks). She lives with her family and two funny dachshunds in Connecticut. To write Joyce or find more of her thrillers, check out jaschneiderauthor dot net. Thanks for reading!

    Customer reviews

    4.5 out of 5 stars
    1,431 global ratings

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    Customers say

    Customers find the book compulsively readable, with a captivating mystery full of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are compelling and feel real, while the writing is excellently crafted, with one customer noting there are no grammar or typo errors. Customers describe the story as emotionally charged, with one review highlighting its realistic portrayal of post-traumatic stress, and they appreciate the quick pace that allows them to finish it in less than a day.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    Select to learn more

    139 customers mention "Readability"139 positive0 negative

    Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as compulsive and good from beginning to end, with one customer noting it's a must-read for the genre.

    "...A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book...." Read more

    "...Overall, this is a quick-paced energetic tale combined with imaginative yet realistic plot details that one can’t help but walk away from the last..." Read more

    "This book was great and kept me guessing and engaged! Great thriller and characters! Great read for a mystery/thriller enthusiast!" Read more

    "...this is the best crime thriller I have read this year and well worth the five stars I award it (I’d give more if I could)...." Read more

    137 customers mention "Suspenseful"133 positive4 negative

    Customers enjoy the suspenseful plot of the book, which features many twists and turns leading to a very unexpected ending.

    "...A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

    "...Kerri Blasco is an intelligent policewoman, and the author has thankfully not felt compelled to inject the snappy wisecracks that fill the pages of..." Read more

    "This book was great and kept me guessing and engaged! Great thriller and characters! Great read for a mystery/thriller enthusiast!" Read more

    "...Without a doubt, this is the best crime thriller I have read this year and well worth the five stars I award it (I’d give more if I could)...." Read more

    67 customers mention "Character development"65 positive2 negative

    Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the protagonists and situations feel real, with one customer highlighting how the main character and her significant other work well together.

    "...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more

    "...The story and plot are the stars here, and take precedence over deep character development...." Read more

    "...Great thriller and characters! Great read for a mystery/thriller enthusiast!" Read more

    "...The superb description of his character, how it evolves over the course of events, even a few crucial first person point-of-view episodes, bring..." Read more

    46 customers mention "Writing quality"44 positive2 negative

    Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it excellently and unusually crafted, with one customer noting the absence of grammar and typo errors.

    "...A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

    "...Overall, this is a quick-paced energetic tale combined with imaginative yet realistic plot details that one can’t help but walk away from the last..." Read more

    "...This is a definite “To read and to read again!”" Read more

    "...Informed by classic literature, J.A. Schneider is a skilled writer and she knows how to keep suspense going, all the while putting you inside the..." Read more

    35 customers mention "Emotional content"35 positive0 negative

    Customers find the book emotionally charged with psychological twists and turns, describing it as a heart-warming story. One customer notes how it portrays a very realistic post-traumatic stress situation, while another mentions how it breathes life into the traumatized little boy.

    "...this novel in the present day and features a very realistic post-traumatic stress situation in the five-year-old protagonist, Charlie...." Read more

    "...what I would consider a clean book that was also brimming with emotional stress and suspense...." Read more

    "...has delivered an adrenaline pumping, gripping, shocking an emotional story to full color, five alarm life!..." Read more

    "What a great author!. Her stories never disappoint. Engaging loving human just amazing read her books they are fantastic!..." Read more

    22 customers mention "Pacing"22 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as a quick-paced novel that can be read in less than a day.

    "...The author moves quickly, pushing the action on a steady pace that helps to keep readers involved, and I finished it in two sittings...." Read more

    "Very good book...fast paced and the characters were fleshed out well. Maybe midway through the book I figured out whodunnit from one little..." Read more

    "...However, this is a straight-forward read with enough plot twists to keep the reader wondering...." Read more

    "...and investigative skills are well defined, and the pace of the story is fast...." Read more

    12 customers mention "Author"12 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the author's work, with one customer highlighting the depth of the book and another noting the genius of the writing.

    "...The twist that Schneider includes is so genius and utterly unexpected, it’ll have you re-reading parts of the story to see if you missed any subtle..." Read more

    "...Otherwise, i enjoyed the book and this author very much!" Read more

    "...I applaud Mrs. Schneider for her style of writing and the depths of her books...." Read more

    "...It was great to read what I would consider a clean book that was also brimming with emotional stress and suspense...." Read more

    Top reviews from the United States

    • Tony Parsons
      5.0 out of 5 stars murder mystery
      Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
      Verified Purchase
      Charlie Sparkes (5, son) watched in horror as Ms. Rachel Sparkes (24, Mommy, nee Huff) was bleeding profusely.
      Lauren Huff (24, finance co.) was already dead.
      Greenwich St. Officer McBride, & Officer Ortiz greeted Detective Kerri Blasco (NYPD Homicide), & DS Alex Brand (NYPD Homicide partner) at the crime scene.
      Gina Wheat (20+, super’s daughter, Rachel’s BFF) statement had been taken.
      Detective Ricky Betts (29, NYPD), Detective Tom Connor, & Detective Ray Zienuc were diligently at work.

      Alex “Al” Nunez (CSU crew chief) closed the victim’s eyes.
      Bellevue Hospital. Rachel was transported to ER.
      Nan Regan was interviewed.
      6th. Precinct AM meeting. Detective Buck Dillon, Detective Jo Babiak, & Lieutenant Tom Mackey had been added to the case investigation.
      Dr. John Benton (Psychiatrist, MD) was trying toy/play therapy on Charlie (traumatized kid).
      Scott Mullin was murdered.
      Jed Stefan (theater, grad student) had just been murdered.

      Will the murder mysteries get solved & someone brought to justice?

      I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

      A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

      Thank you for the free RGS Media; ebookstage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
      Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
      Helpful
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    • Dee Arr
      4.0 out of 5 stars Story and Plot Drive this Quick-Paced Novel
      Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2018
      Verified Purchase
      Author J.A. Schneider’s “Shoeless Child” is the fourth entry in her Detective Kerri Blasco series. While it may not be the “heart-stopping” thriller proclaimed in the book’s title blurb, there was enough going on to keep me interested all the way through.

      The story and plot are the stars here, and take precedence over deep character development. The author moves quickly, pushing the action on a steady pace that helps to keep readers involved, and I finished it in two sittings. The quick pacing is a five-star aspect of this novel.

      I had a hunch who the killer was, but had no solid proof to connect my suspect with the final outcome. Ms. Schneider does leave a few clues that could potentially be used to deduce the guilty person, but the twist at the end was totally unexpected yet fit neatly with what we had learned up to that point. I was happy the author did not rely on a contrived plot in order to force her story to make sense.

      I struggled with some of the police procedural aspects. For instance, the reasons for the initial arrest were weak and probably would not have generated a warrant. Using this ploy to push the heroine into the role of “smart cop on the team” has been done over and over in books and mostly movies and television, and I felt the author could have achieved the same effect without using a tired technique.

      Overall, this is a quick-paced energetic tale combined with imaginative yet realistic plot details that one can’t help but walk away from the last page feeling entertained. Kerri Blasco is an intelligent policewoman, and the author has thankfully not felt compelled to inject the snappy wisecracks that fill the pages of most books in this genre. Even without the patter, Blasco’s smarts and desire to succeed help define her character and present us with a heroine we can cheer for. Four stars.
      11 people found this helpful
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    • T Chappell
      5.0 out of 5 stars Kept me engaged!
      Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
      Verified Purchase
      This book was great and kept me guessing and engaged! Great thriller and characters! Great read for a mystery/thriller enthusiast!
      Helpful
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    • Enrico Grafitti
      5.0 out of 5 stars Best crime thriller I've read this year!
      Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2021
      Verified Purchase
      ‘Shoeless Child’ by J. A. Schneider is a taut, fast-paced crime thriller, the fourth book in the author’s Detective Kerri Blasco series. Whilst not being the seminal novel in the series, there is enough information included to facilitate reading this as a standalone tale. Although, initially, a prospective reader might think this was just another play on the child-witness-to-a-murder type of crime novels made popular by the 1985 Harrison Ford movie ‘Witness’, they would be very wrong. The author has grounded this novel in the present day and features a very realistic post-traumatic stress situation in the five-year-old protagonist, Charlie. Despite his young age, Charlie is the, for me, the lynch pin around which the rest of the tale develops. The superb description of his character, how it evolves over the course of events, even a few crucial first person point-of-view episodes, bring real depth to this story. Readers will quickly find themselves emotionally engaged with Charlie and thus the resolution of the mystery.

      Another aspect to underline is the clever opening, a hook which drops the reader into the events without preamble and serves as a launch pad for the very fast pace maintained throughout. I read over half of the book in one sitting, and only put it aside due to other demands on my time. Pages just flipped by on my Kindle as my mind constantly wanted to know what happens next.

      Without a doubt, this is the best crime thriller I have read this year and well worth the five stars I award it (I’d give more if I could). Very highly recommended; an exceptionally satisfying read!
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    • secyatlaw
      3.0 out of 5 stars Procedural With a Twist
      Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2018
      Verified Purchase
      The heroine was a tad too much self-talk for my taste but the book held my interest and I liked the twist at the end.

      The doctor character creeped me out just a little bit and the way he was written had me thinking he might be a threat, not a possible romance for the victim!
      Helpful
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    Top reviews from other countries

    • Sandra Eveleigh
      5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Psychological Thiller
      Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2020
      Verified Purchase
      Wow. This was a fantastic book, suspenseful, heart warming and great ending. I didn't even see who the killer ended up being, well done. Can't wait to read more of your books. I really loved the characters, Rachel, Charlie, Kerri and Alex. I like the way Kerri connected with Charlie.
      Report
    • louise Little
      5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Delightful Read
      Reviewed in Australia on January 28, 2018
      Verified Purchase
      This is a delightful read and at the same time a great thriller.The 4th in the series with Kerry Blesco as DI. She is such an unusual DI but such a warm character with a large heart. The boy Charlie is adorable and you fall in love with him. This book is an emotional coaster ride with a most unexpected ending. Don't miss it
      Report
    • Mrs A Hunt
      5.0 out of 5 stars A good stand alone
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2018
      Verified Purchase
      I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.
      It was fast paced and that made you keep reading.
      This is the 1st book in the series that I have read, but it is a perfect stand alone and easy to follow.
      The characters were easy to connect with, which made the story better for me anyway, you actually cared about the detectives and what happened to them, how it all affects them.
      And the character of Charlie pulled on my heartstrings, I went through everything with him.
      The plot line is solid with twists and turns to keep the reader reading.
      if you are looking for a good psychological thriller then you should definitely read it.
      I recommend it highly.
      Report
    • Amazon Customer
      4.0 out of 5 stars I liked the characters.
      Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2019
      Verified Purchase
      Nice mystery without a great deal of violence.
      Report
    • MRS N A ORMOND
      5.0 out of 5 stars I will be surprised if the ending doesn't astound you.
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2018
      Verified Purchase
      I didn't realise that this was part of a series but it works perfectly well as a standalone book. The characters come across as believable and likeable in this fast paced thriller. A child traumatised because he had seen his Mum and her friend shot. Police who go above and beyond. The ending is nothing like l thought it was going to be. An easy 5 star read.
      Report

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