Prose Supplements - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$3.99 with 73 percent savings
Print List Price: $15.00

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $4.99

Save: $3.00 (60%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

J. THOMAS WITCHER
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

PAST SINS : A KALANU MOUNTAIN MYSTERY Kindle Edition

by J. THOMAS WITCHER (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 38 ratings
See all formats and editions
Retired detective Tobias “Swede” Atkins is in for a rollercoaster ride. Battling post-coma challenges, a perplexing ex-wife, and accusations of arson, his world spirals into a tangled web of suspicions and doubts. As he navigates a town on the edge of chaos, a woman’s desire to turn a restaurant into a battleground unravels a historic murder and concealed secrets fanned by the mountain’s fiery whispers. Swede discovers the past haunts the present and truth is as elusive as mountain winds.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 2
    A KALANU MOUNTAIN MYSTERY
  2. Print length
    333 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 6, 2023
  5. File size
    758 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

See full series
See included books
Shop this series
There are 2 books in this series.
Bundle price: Kindle price
$6.98
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

This option includes 2 books.

Something went wrong.
Please try again.
Bundle price: Kindle price
$6.98
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  22. Lockdown (Ryan Lock Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  23. Gone (Connor Callahan Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLKXLGGM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (November 6, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 758 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 333 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0CMWQDG1P
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 38 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
J. THOMAS WITCHER

J. THOMAS WITCHER

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

J. Thomas "Tommy" Witcher has been writing since the age of 10 when he discovered the magic of words both in prose and poetry. Gathering knowledge and ideas from his varied life as an Air Force brat, U.S. Marine (Purple Heart recipient in Vietnam) and police officer, he has further broadened his horizons in the past few years as an actor in several productions with the Henry Players in McDonough, Georgia.

Educated and reared in England and Georgia, with Marine service in Vietnam, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, he has a truly cosmopolitan view of life.

Tommy is happily married and lives in Cleveland, Georgia.

contact Tommy at jthomaswitcher@gmail.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
38 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book well-written with many twists and turns that keep them guessing until the end. They describe it as a good choice for mystery fans, offering a nice blend of mystery and character exploration.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Writing styleTwists and turns
5 customers mention "Writing style"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it well-written and a great read.

"...Overall, this book is a good choice for readers who enjoy mysteries with a touch of character drama...." Read more

"...I like the author’s writing style, which is a bit plodding and old-fashioned; it is not a fast-paced story...." Read more

"I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT WAS VERY WELL WRITTEN. I WISH THE AUTHOR WOULD CONTINUE THE SERIES" Read more

"Great read!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Twists and turns"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's twists and turns. They find the plot engaging, keeping them guessing until the end. The book offers a nice blend of mystery and character exploration, making it a good choice for mystery fans. Overall, readers enjoyed the well-written story.

"...The plot unfolds with many twists and turns, which add to the book's suspense...." Read more

"This book was a page turner from beginning to end. There are so many turns and twists that I was guessing right up to the last page...." Read more

"I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT WAS VERY WELL WRITTEN. I WISH THE AUTHOR WOULD CONTINUE THE SERIES" Read more

"A good solid choice for mystery fans!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Christopher S
    5.0 out of 5 stars A nice blend of suspense and small-town secrets.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It dives into the world of retired detective Tobias "Swede" Atkins. When he wakes up from a coma, facing physical challenges, he finds himself back in his small mountain town, Kalanu Mountain. Shortly after, his tranquility is shattered by a series of arson attacks and a local diner erupting in violence.
    The story unfolds as Swede, with his damaged memory and blunt personality, investigates these events. The investigation takes him down a path that unearths a long-forgotten secret – a past murder with lingering effects. The setting of Kalanu Mountain plays a role in the story, with its rugged beauty as a backdrop.
    The book offers a nice blend of mystery and character exploration. The central mystery keeps you constantly guessing what will come next, while Swede's journey of recovery adds another layer to the narrative. However, the pacing of the book is a bit slow at times, and the introduction of numerous characters can be confusing for some readers. The plot unfolds with many twists and turns, which add to the book's suspense. Swede's struggles and determination make him a very relatable and interesting character. The Kalanu Mountains are also brought to life with descriptive language.
    Overall, this book is a good choice for readers who enjoy mysteries with a touch of character drama. However, be prepared for a large cast and a plot that unfolds gradually.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Wendy Payne
    4.0 out of 5 stars A tense mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
    “Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery,” by J. Thomas Witcher, was an interesting read. I really enjoyed the opening, where a dead woman walks from the woods. So I was slightly disappointed when we had a massive time skip to the present.

    Still, I enjoyed the central mystery. I particularly liked Micki trueblood, anyone who flies a plane is awesome in my book. Tobias was also a strong character, there’s a great scene where he has to cross a river. I don’t want to give away too much, but it was just very exciting and atmospheric.

    I did occasionally get a little confused by aspects of the plot. It felt like there were a lot of characters, each with a lot of things going on. As I mentioned above, I think there are some aspects where this really worked and some where it slowed things down quite considerably.

    Still, a strong book over all.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Vampire Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good solid choice for mystery fans!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    “Past Sins: A Kalanu Mountain Mystery,” by J. Thomas Witcher, begins with a prologue in which a dead woman emerges from the woods. The story picks up years later, when an 18-year-old girl takes goes camping in the woods with a guy she barely knows. The pair end up fleeing and escaping a forest fire, one of many deliberate fires set in the area. We meet pilot Micki Trueblood, the helicopter pilot who saves the girl.
    Tobias Atkins is the MC, although it takes a while for the book to make this clear. He is a former detective; a brutal assault left him in a coma for a year. Tobias has four ex-wives and several enemies in town who have decided he is the best person to name as the possible arsonist. Tobias was good friends with Micki’s late father and feels guilty for the un-paternal feelings he has for her.
    With reluctance, Tobias takes steps to clear his name, and uncovers a corrupt scheme in the process. I like the author’s writing style, which is a bit plodding and old-fashioned; it is not a fast-paced story. The editing is not perfect; I deduct ½ star for a handful of errors that threw me out of the story: wrong name or word used, repeated description, etc.
    With a mystery that keeps the reader guessing, and a likeable MC, this is a good solid choice for mystery fans!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Michelle Baldwin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a page turner from beginning to end. There are so many turns and twists that I was guessing right up to the last page. Excellent book!!!!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Book Reader
    3.0 out of 5 stars A Promising Work . . .
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    “PAST SINS” by J. Thomas Witcher is a mystery set in an intrigue-filled small town and shows unquestionable hints of brilliance.

    But the opening seemed flawed, at least for this reader, tossing out a host of characters, events and viewpoints that seemed disorganized and unplanned, somewhat random and confusing. Who mattered, who did not, what events merited attention and understanding? It was all hard to sort out. And only when the main character takes the stage, well into the book, did the tale begin to gain cohesion.

    Tobias “Swede” Atkins, a grizzled retired detective, is vividly portrayed and a good, strong and interesting character who can well carry a story.

    There is a lot of authorial telling and data-dumping, as well as empty-calorie conversations that ramble on and sound superficially interesting, but which do not not propel the plot forward or add any clarity.

    All in all, there seems to be a compelling story here, but it is buried. No question, Witcher has all the chops of a highly talented writer, and some of his inventive prose absolutely crackles. But this work has the feeling of an early draft in need of a good developmental edit and some copyediting, too. As is, the reader has to work a bit too hard, overall, to enjoy this.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Seeds
    5.0 out of 5 stars It was a good ride
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It was my first time reading from this author, but I’m glad I did. When I first started it the first chapter was confusing but I continued to read the story which was like a maze but kept you on toes to know what was about to happen.
    It was well plotted and I went on a fun packed journey while reading this mystery book.
    My take out of this
    - And Tim never looked back
    (It was kind of funny, especially with Elizabeth’s comedic tone)
    - she made a mental note that if she lived through the fire, which she probably would, she was going to make all her future boyfriend’s take an intelligence test.
    - “You think I could do better?” Tobias asked. “Hirsch hesitated. "He's adequate." “But you’re saying he’s not in your league.”
    I loved Tobias
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Qc bk reviewer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great small town mystery thriller.
    Reviewed in Canada on May 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great small town mystery thriller. This is the second book in the Kalanu Mountain Mystery series. The author takes much time and effort to set the stage and introduce all the townsfolk, so it works well as a standalone. Tobias Atkins nicknamed ‘Swede’, (the author likes to assign nicknames) is still recovering from a yearlong coma, and memory issues when he gets drawn into a string of the arson attacks in the small town of Kalanu Mountain, a place he grew up in. I liked the main character and how he already knew the quirky characters in town and their personal history and idiosyncrasies. He knows how and where to get information and who’s lying. As Swede delves deeper into the murder/arson case, he uncovers another decades old murder and well-kept town secret, some people would rather stay hidden. Enjoyable, well written and executed story, if a little slow at times. Recommended.
    Report
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Retired detective still got it. I loved this thriller
    Reviewed in Spain on May 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.

    This is the second book of the Kalanu Mountain Mystery series by the same author, where the main character, Tobias "Swede," is a retired detective who takes the main role. I read this book first, and I did not find any trouble reading it since it can be read perfectly as a standalone book. That said, I would suggest you will want to start reading the first book after reading this one.

    We are presented with a police thriller featuring a retired detective as the main character. Someone is setting fires and putting the community at risk, and everybody thinks it is Tobias's fault. He will fight for himself and to uncover the truth, despite the multiple enemies he has (the rich people of the community, the judge, and the current sheriff).

    Almost four hundred pages make up this amazing thriller that reads fast and easily. I really liked how the author delves into every single detail, describing it deeply so the reader can immerse completely and not miss a single thing. As for the action scenes, do not expect huge shootouts or chases, but the few action scenes are quick and entertaining.

    For thriller lovers, this story and this series are a great asset and a must-read.
    Report
  • Leonie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cleverly plotted crime which I greatly enjoyed
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is an original, engaging and well written book.

    I confess that I wasn’t immediately drawn in and was a bit confused by the number and inter-relationships of the characters introduced in the first few pages — but once I was into the ‘Present’ narrative I was hooked.

    The plot is intricate but carefully thought out and crafted on the page. The twists and reveals are gradually, cleverly and subtly sown, and the reader is kept guessing until the end. The resolution is satisfying.

    The characters are interesting, convincing and relatable, and the MC in particular is layered and empathetic despite his flaws.

    There is a good sense of place: I don’t know this part of Georgia, US, at all, but felt that the descriptions, though occasionally straying into perhaps superfluous detail, were lively and colourful.

    The dialogue is crisp and dry; there is a Parthian shot at the end of most chapters and plenty of excellent bons mots. The author clearly has a keen ear for language and word play.

    Thoroughly recommend to any readers interested in well written crime fiction with a difference!
    Report
  • J-Anne B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Small Town Mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I gave this novel 5 stars despite my confusion in the beginning few chapters when so many characters were being introduced. Once the main character, “Swede”, a retired and mad (some townsfolk would claim) detective got into the scene, I was drawn into the drama and then appreciated the introductory backstory of the other characters. It was an easy read and I always looked forward to picking it up to carry on with the drama. No matter what the detective did, he ended up in the middle of everything and calmly worked to untangle himself from pointing accusations and old grudges. He had no concern for what anyone from this small Georgian town thought of him and went about his business to get to the bottom of two murders, one recent, the other which happened several decades earlier. If you like small town mysteries, you’ll like this one for sure. There is even a hint of romance in the wind.
    Report
  • Charlie B
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable thriller with a great setting
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    While this is the second book in the Kalanu Mountain Mystery series, it can easily be read as a standalone, like I did. The story follows retired detective Tobias “Swede” Atkins, who faces accusations of arson as someone runs around town starting fires. When a local woman pulls a gun in the diner where he’s eating breakfast, he’s forced to fight to clear his name, and in doing so discovers there’s much more to a decades-old murder than anyone could have realised.

    The author’s detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of this mountainous Georgia region, and it’s easy to imagine the heat, both from the climate and the fires, and the haze from the smoke. I quickly became immersed in the story and invested in the characters and their rich - if occasionally over-described - backstories. There are a number of plot threads, but these all come together to make for a satisfying climax, successfully tied in together.

    Although there are places it would certainly benefit from a copy edit, the biggest issue I had with this story is the characters’ ages. We are never explicitly told the ages of the vast majority, but by my calculation (born three years after the end of World War 2 - 1948), Swede would be 76. No issues there, but it seems he was only retired a few years ago on medical grounds, and a lot of the other characters who appear to be of a similar age to him are still working - one is still a lawyer, despite being at least ten years older than Swede, and is also dating Micki, who I would guess is in her thirties/ forties. Another must be over one hundred! I don’t doubt there are people out there pushing eighty who are as physically capable as Swede seems to be at times, but if I was guessing, I’d say most of these characters were at least twenty years younger than what they must be. Others may not notice this, but I found it rather distracting when trying to picture everyone.

    The tiebacks to the past reminded me a little of Harlan Coben’s novels, and I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, especially one with a gorgeous Southern backdrop.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report