House Down Dirt Lane

By: Todd Hugie

Narrated by: Aaron Smith

"Unseen and hidden away in the dark, damp cellar within the house down dirt lane, a unseen presence stirred. It showed no preference for young or old, male or female, race, color, or national origin, mercilessly devouring all. It was a silent killer, often going unnoticed until it was too late."

Samantha, a young, bright analyst at the CIA, finds herself in a dire situation when her lifelong research reveals alarming information linked to atomic bomb testing. A monster created from the fallout poses risks to both the environment and the general population.

True events weave with political conspiracy as covert government forces close in, determined to silence Samantha forever. With her life hanging by a thread, can she outsmart her ruthless pursuers and expose the truth before it's too late?

In this gripping and suspenseful novel, fiction blends with real-life events, creating a fast-paced story. During the 70s and 80s lives were cut short by cancer, possibly linked to nuclear fallout from - more than one thousand US government atomic and nuclear tests conducted between 1951 and 1992 at the Nevada Test Site. The impact of these tests, previously shrouded in secrecy, was unveiled during a 1997 congressional hearing.

The creature in this book is a metaphor for cancer, an insidious disease that we try desperately to defeat but relentlessly returns and shows no mercy.This book is dedicated to the author's dear friends Kevin, Tracy, Jon S., Tammy, John H., and Brad. Each fought bravely against cancer, and all but Brad lost the battle at an early age. To the author's sixteen-year-old grandnephew, Cohen (Coco) Jones, your valiant battle against cancer inspires us all. For almost three long years, you have fought with an unbreakable spirit, a testament to his character and strength. Keep fighting, Coco, and know the love and support of your family is withyou every step of the way. To Jeff, To Jeff, departed too early due to other events, this book is also dedicated.

©2024 Koehlerbooks (P)2024 Todd Hugie

Gripping Thriller

"House Down Dirt Lane" by Todd Hugie transported me back to my childhood, reminiscent of daring adventures and eerie old houses that peppered my neighborhood. The story evokes the thrill of youthful dares to knock on haunted doors, a step I never dared take myself.

Hugie's writing style, akin to Mary Higgins Clark, masterfully builds tension by shifting between characters at the peak of suspense. This keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover each twist and turn.

The book is a captivating read for middle schoolers through adults. It follows kids on bike rides, exploring and getting into mischief. Simultaneously, it weaves in adult elements with intriguing characters like the older couple, the junkyard man, Elmer Fudd, and the thrilling CIA scenario involving Samantha and Peter. The tension is palpable, especially as Samantha is pursued and the swamp monster looms.

Aaron Smith’s audio narration brings depth to these diverse characters, particularly the old couple, Elmer, and the various operatives with deeper voices. This narration adds another layer of enjoyment, enriching the experience of the story.

Overall, "House Down Dirt Lane" is a thrilling blend of youthful adventure and adult intrigue, making it a gripping read for a wide audience.

The best book I've ever heard

Everything fits well, the symmetry of the paragraphs read and the narrator's voice are excellent, they give you an impulse to want to know more... I hope we soon hear about another edition... I definitely recommend it 100%

Awesome book!

This book was so suspenseful. It kept me on the edge of my seat! This book is a must read!

Excitement throughout the entire book!

I read and listened to this book in one weekend. I liked and wondered why the chapters had different story lines and when the story lines came together, it was exciting and as it all fell into place. It ran like a movie in my head. Loved it!

From the Author; Enjoy House Down Dirt Lane

Many thanks to Aaron Smith; WOW, what a narrator!

Dear Reader, Thanks for getting my book. I had many friends pass away during our childhood. They were young. This book contains many true stories of our childhood adventures. It is dedicated to them. The book is written for young adults and adults. I hope you enjoy the fast-moving story.

In the gripping historical thriller "The House Down Dirt Lane," I explore the chilling metaphor of cancer through an unseen predator lurking in a damp cellar—silent yet brutal. This entity, much like cancer, strikes without mercy, affecting people of all ages, genders, races, and cultures, lying in wait for the right opportunity to attack.

The story centers on Samantha, a sharp CIA analyst uncovering dark truths about nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site. As she becomes a target of ruthless Atomic Energy officials, her desperate escape entwines her fate with a group of adolescents ensnared in the danger represented by the lurking creature.

"The House Down Dirt Lane" compels readers to confront and fight against the shadows that seek to overwhelm us.