In this prequel to his popular novel, Murder at Whalehead, author Joe C. Ellis draws from his experiences growing up in the river town of Martins Ferry, Ohio and the legends surrounding the community. Scotch Ridge is a safe haven from the world until the day Nathan Kyler moves into the shack by the creek. Elijah Mulligan, a leader in the community, does not trust him. Reverend Byron Butler tries to befriend him. But Kyler is obsessed with a diabolical vision--human sacrifice. Who is the focus of Kyler's obsession? Christine Butler, the preacher's daughter. In the graveyard of the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church is a monument known as "The Chair." Some say the monument is cursed--if you sit on it at midnight you will die within 24 hours. The day after Christine Butler sits on "The Chair" she disappears. A mile from the church, deep in the Appalachian woods is a place Elijah Mulligan calls "The Healing Place." It is here something incredicble happens. Praise for The Healing Place: "Ellis has created a novel of suspense with a storyteller's grasp of detail." Donna Swanson "Ellis' style quickly captures the reader and keeps them hanging on until the finale." V.R. Falcone "Beautifully written!" Rev. Dr. R.L. Croker

The Old Man and the Marathon is a story about taking on a challenge despite the odds. Sixty-four year old Angelo Santiago has been a distance runner most of his life. However, he has never run a marathon because of a history of sciatica problems. This missing piece in his competitive career has always gnawed at him, reminding him of his inferiority among his running peers. After three months of pain-free running, he decides to train for his first marathon. With encouragement from his young friend, Emmanuel, he begins the arduous workouts that will prepare him for one of the most difficult ordeals of his life. Along the way he meets Rita Marling, a beautiful woman who stirs romantic embers dormant since the death of his wife ten years ago. He also encounters Jack Silvers, a local high school coach and marathoner who becomes his rival in racing and romance. On the day of the race, like everyone who takes on the challenge of a marathon, Angelo must reach deep inside to find the strength and courage to finish the race.

THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST is both a poignant love story and a realistic portrayal of the brutality of war. "Haunting, captivating, compelling, THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST is a powerful mystery that grips the heart." -- Nancy Haddock, Berkley Books novelist. Description: Two young lovers separated by war cling to hope and sanity by exchanging passionate letters. As Howard heads to his first battle on the Pacific island of Peleliu, Helen fulfills her call to duty by working at a local factory. They soon discover they have more to worry about than the elite Japanese forces deeply entrenched on the island. One of Howard's platoon members, Judd Stone, seeks revenge against a black stretcher bearer by the name of Josiah Jackson. Howard fears Stone may go to any length to get what he wants, even murder. Sixty years later Reverend Byron Butler enters the hospital room of an old Marine who wants to confess a dark secret. But Butler can't discover the whole truth until he investigates other leads--Helen and Howard's letters, Josiah Jackson's son, and a mysterious footlocker. Known as the "forgotten battle," Peleliu marked the first time segregated black troops mixed with white Marines on the front lines. The integration wasn't mandated. It was attributed to the ferocity of the battle as black soldiers aided the wounded. The novel is based on the memoirs of James E. Ellis, the author's father.

Murder at Whalehead is the ultimate beach read. On the northern Outer Banks looms an old hunting lodge known as the Whalehead Club. During the roaring twenties Edward and Marie Knight entertained guests at this isolated Mansion by the Sea. Now it has become one of North Carolina's most popular tourist attractions. Less than a quarter mile away deep in the marsh along the Currituck Sound lies the body of a young woman. Someone has killed and craves to kill again. In his new novel, Murder at Whalehead, Joe C. Ellis tells the story of two Ohio families vacationing on the Outer Banks. They look forward to sun, sea, rest, and relaxation. Instead, they cross paths with a homicidal maniac. Can they stop him before another innocent victim dies? "Murder at Whalehead will absorb the reader from its first tantalizing page to its last satisfying conclusion." Michele Rubin, senior agent, Writers House, New York