Writing as Shirley Kennett

The Latest PJ Gray Thriller

"The hook in Kennett's PJ Gray series, starring a St. Louis psychological profiler, is the use of virtual reality software to recreate crime scenes. The high-tech wizardry is fine, but what really makes this series go is the fiery relationship and strong personalities of the costars, gutsy protagonist PJ (Penelope) and her Andy Sipowicz-like boyfriend, Leo Schultz, a police detective. This pair could be solving cases with legal pads and pencils, and readers would still be drawn to them. This time single mom PJ is keeping an eye on the online gaming addiction of her teenage son and trying to decide what kind of commitment to give the lovably exasperating Schultz. Meanwhile, the police are struggling with a series of brutal murders that may be tied to a serial killer. Schultz hits the streets in search of clues, and PJ fires up her virtual reality program to relive the grisly crimes. A top-notch series that satisfies both readers seeking page-turning suspense and those looking for characters so real you almost expect to see them at the local diner." -- Booklist (Jenny McLarin)

"Kennett's writing is taut and unyielding, and like great baseball pitchers she throws the curves fast and with uncanny accuracy. Reading this book is like watching someone juggle plates while skateboarding down a steep hill. You aren't sure how it will end, just that it will be spectacular. I loved every minute of this book and look forward to her next." -- Jon Jordan, Crimespree Magazine

"This rip-roaring page-turner of a thriller builds to its nail-nibbling climax on a solid foundation of police procedure, cutting-edge virtual reality crime-scene simulation, and realistic and likeable protagonists. So fasten your seatbelts: the murders are multiple and bloody and the past atrocities that spawned them are puzzling and creepy enough to keep your lights burning all night." -- Carole Nelson Douglas, author of Femme Fatale and Spider Dance

"The story line...is brilliantly supplemented with the seemingly dysfunctional relationship between PJ and Leo." -- Midwest Book Review

"While PJ uses science and technology to solve crimes, her partner Detective Leo Schultz uses his gut instincts. Ms. Kennett has penned characters that are multi-dimensional and believable. A worthwhile read." -- Love Romances

"Shirley Kennett is finally getting the credit she deserves for being one of the most accomplished page-turners working in the suspense field today. Her books are smart, packed with tension, and filled with people you cheer for." -- Ed Gorman, author of Blood Moon and Bad Money

Writing as Dakota Banks

Paranormal thriller/urban fantasy fans! I write the Mortal Path series, beginning with Dark Time.

What if a woman sold her soul to a demon and 300 years later wanted it back?

In the 17th century, a woman is ripped from her husband's arms, thrown in jail, and then set afire as a witch. Saved from the flames by an ancient Sumerian demon, she becomes the Black Ghost, his Ageless assassin gifted with otherworldly skills and superbly trained in martial arts.

Centuries pass before Maliha Crayne finds a way out of the life she hates.

If she achieves a balance between lives taken and lives saved, she'll break the demon's hold on her.

If she fails, she will suffer the demon's torment ... forever.

"Sometimes you just need a kick-ass former demon's slave to tackle life's problems. Especially one wielding a whip sword. Dakota Banks' DARK TIME is a novel to be savored for both its edge of suspense and the pure joy of its storytelling. Part immortal, all human, Maliha is a heroine who will leave readers breathless and craving more. Not to be missed!" - JAMES ROLLINS

"Seductive, sophisticated, and imaginative." - STEVE BERRY

"Sweeping across continents and centuries, DARK TIME is storytelling at its most vivid. The characters are fascinating ... Curl up in your favorite chair - entertainment is guaranteed." - GAYLE LYNDS

"DARK TIME is a passionate, fascinating story packed with action and history. Three hundred years ago, Maliha Crayne was burned at the stake. Now she's in a race against time to save the world and her soul, and you will be with her step by step." - DAVID MORRELL

"Fans of the supernatural and dark fantasy will be intrigued by Maliha Crayne's quest to save her soul." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"DARK TIME is everything that the debut of a new urban fantasy series should be. Banks deftly employs Sumerian mythology and world history to propel the story of Maliha, a former assassin seeking redemption. ... As a heroine, Maliha is one of the best. She's intelligent and talented, has a great sense of humor, and knows how to take care of herself. Maliha is easy to sympathize with ... To top it all off, Maliha faces the challenge of opening her heart to a man for the first time since her husband turned his back on her in the 17th century. Jake, a DEA agent who may be more than he seems, is sexy, smart, and tenacious among other things. I found myself falling right along with her. Grade A" - ECLECTIC BOOKLOVER

"DARK TIME reads like a paranormal Mission Impossible assignment ... So if you're looking for a fast paced read that is very dark in nature, that makes no apologies, has a kick-ass heroine and a solid story line, then this book is for you." - ENCHANTED BY BOOKS