John Netti released his new book, Jacobi Park, which, from the moment I picked it up, drew me in, held me so tightly to the story that I didn't want to put it down- I actually finished it in a day, the book was so entertaining. Netti gives readers down-to-earth characters that find themselves in a baffling situation- when a Civil War statue seems to have come to life and maybe a killer. Because the statue in Jacobi Park was once no ordinary man, not the Major Harlen Jacobi. In fact, he did do great things (just bad great things), and he was actually, in his life, judged and executed by the town- a killer. However, having come from a rich family the surviving members decided to change history- and have him worshiped as a hero rather than the villain that he was. But when the main character of the story, Mike Havlicek, finds out that Jacobi Park had once been Native American land, usurped by Jacobi's ancestors for a place for this phony honor (the statue), the picture of what could be going on becomes a little clearer- even though Mike, a cop, has a hard time believing in the supernatural. Because now, the Native Americans who have passed on to the next world, who were betrayed by the town and Jacobi's family line, begin to thin the line between the living and the dead- with Jacobi's centennial, the date of his execution, coming around his enshrined spirit wants out, wants to be back in human form no matter what he has to do. Havlicek is challenged when he sees and hears things about the statue at Jacobi Park. He is even a witness to some strange events with the statue himself. And when he starts to ask questions about Jacobi Park and the statue, he finds himself no longer employed. It even goes so far as Mike travels to find out about the spiritual world, educating himself, ready to have his mind opened so that if he needs to believe to stop this bad man from hurting more people, he can. And seeing things that shouldn't be there doesn't help when you have lost a brother and wife in your life as Mike has. But, Havelicek goes through a period of change in Jacobi Park, meeting new people, opening himself up to new experiences and finally being able to think about moving on from his beloved dead wife, Anna. But, will Major Harlen Jacobi let him? Also in the book are Tate Wilkins and his mother, Alice. After the horrific thing Tate sees that has to do with the Jacobi Park statue, he becomes attached to the policeman (Mike) who comes to the scene to take care of (as best he can) and to help resolve why Lester Peeks loses his mind, the time he got close to the statue. Tate, a witness to what happened to Lester, begins to sneak into Mike's home for comfort and the sweet man Mike is, he cares for the boy and provides comfort. Especially since this is the worst time for Tate to be put through an event like this- as his father just left the boy and his mother, Tate thinks because they were not good enough. But, as Mike spends more time with the boy and then, the mother Mike feels such a strong connection he doesn't know how any man could leave the pair- especially unprotected as they are. And Tate is desperate to have a man in the house, this supernatural threat, is too much for a young boy- too much even for a man. John Netti has created characters readers can connect with and a story that is engaging and draws readers in, from the first page until the last. I am interested to see what Netti does next, as I believe him to be among the upper echelon of indie authors- with superb writing skills and a strong sense of connection with readers through his characters. Five Spooky Stars for the read- to put you in the mood, a perfect book for the Halloween Holiday season and the beginning of fall. And look at that book cover, Netti picked the perfect "scary" gonna- get- you- when- I- come- back- to- life- handsome- red- eyed- statue!!