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Official Website of Suspense Novelist 

Latest release: 'The Crushing' by Kerry Peresta - A teaser image showcasing the cover art of Kerry Peresta's new suspense novel, 'The Crushing,' coming soon. The design features dramatic elements and hints at the thrilling content of the book.

JUST RELEASED!

Book 4, Olivia Callahan Suspense

The victim of a vicious assault that resulted in a devastating brain injury six years ago, Olivia Callahan is now a private investigator with her own firm. When a friend goes missing, she and her colleague find themselves inside the dark heart of an abusive, hostage situation that takes them to the Florida panhandle. A terrifying race through the Florida wetlands dodging bullets is not what Olivia expected when she decided to locate her friend!

Available here, or wherever books are sold.

About
Kerry Peresta - Suspense Novelist and Author. A professional portrait of Kerry Peresta, featuring the author against a backdrop that reflects her passion for suspenseful storytelling and her connection to the Lowcountry.
My Story

Kerry’s publishing credits include a popular newspaper and e-zine humor column, “The Lighter Side,” (2009—2011); and her magazine articles have been published in Local Life Magazine, The Bluffton Breeze, Lady Lowcountry, and Island Events Magazine. She is the author of the Olivia Callahan Suspense series, Level Best Books; and book four in this series recently released.  Book five releases in 2025. Her standalone suspense novel, Back Before Dawn, released in the summer of 2023, also by Level Best Books. She is past chapter president of the Maryland Writers’ Association and a current member and presenter of Hilton Head Island Writers’ Network, South Carolina Writers Association, Pat Conroy Literary Center, International Thriller Writers, and the Sisters in Crime organization.

 

After retiring from a career in advertising where she wore several hats, including copywriter, account manager, and creative director;  she and her husband  landed for good in Hilton Head Island, SC in 2015.  Kerry is the mother of four adult children. She and husband, Jim, enjoy kayaking, beach time, bicycling, road trips, and the scenic vistas of the Lowcountry.

Kerry Peresta with husband Jim - Author Kerry Peresta smiling alongside her husband Jim. The couple enjoys kayaking, beach time, and exploring the scenic vistas of the Lowcountry together.
Kerry Peresta with Her Four Books - Kerry Peresta is the author of the Olivia Callahan Suspense series and writes suspense novels: The Deadening, The Rising, The Torching, and Back Before Dawn.
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ESCAPE INTO A STORY
AS FASCINATING AS YOU ARE

USE this one, The Crushing cover for Shawn, with correct blurb.png

new release

“Fans of Frieda McFadden and Lisa Jewell will stay up past their bedtimes devouring the latest thriller from Kerry Peresta. Haunted by her abusive ex-husband, P.I. Olivia Callahan had better keep her friends close and her enemies closer. Now if she could only tell them apart. When one of her best friends goes missing in a Florida swamp, the clock is ticking as the suspense winds tighter on every page”   —Kelly Oliver, author of the Jessica James Mysteries

My Books
 Books

The Deadening, Book 1

The Rising, Book 2

The Torching, Book 3

Back Before Dawn, Standalone Suspense

Reviews

Back Before Dawn is a fabulous read with relatable, fascinating characters and a plot that zigzags between the struggles of a single mother with an online dating addiction and a diabolical murder that lands on her doorstep. This book will have you turning pages until its very satisfying conclusion! PERESTA’S BEST BOOK YET! –

Susan Crawford, NYT best-selling author, The Pocket Wife and The Other Widow.

Press
Upcoming Author Events - A dynamic background image showcasing a bustling book signing event with Kerry Peresta. Join us for an exciting lineup of upcoming author events featuring readings, signings, and engaging discussions.
Upcoming Author Events
  • Saturday January 6, 2024 | 3pm - 4:30pm | Bluffton Library, Bluffton, SC

    • Local Authors Q&A - A variety of local authors discuss process A.
       

  • Tuesday March 12, 2024 | 2pm - 4pm | HHP Women's Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

    • Large local women's group author presentation.

    • Discussion titled "The Secret Life of Authors."

    • Q&A afterward.
       

  • Sunday March 24, 2024 | 1pm - 4pm | Lafayette Square, Savannah GA

    • Local Authors Day

    • Savannah's most iconic local author event
       

  • Saturday June 29, 2024 | 1pm - 4pm | B&N Little Rock, AR - 11500 Financial Ctr Parkway

    • Author Interview and Signing
       

  • Saturday July 27, 2024 | 1pm - 3:30pm | B&N Hilton Head Island, William Hilton Parkway

    • Author Signing
       

  • September 26-29, 2024 | Sleuthfest Conference sponsored by Florida Sisters in Crime
    Hilton Bayfront Hotel, St. Petersburg, FL

    • Panel Presenter

  • Saturday, November 9 | 3-4pm | Bluffton Library, Bluffton, SC

    • Author Presentation, "Countdown to Top Ten Author Secrets."

    • New release! "The Crushing," book four, available for sale and signed by the author!

  • Wednesday, November 13 | 2-5pm | B&N Hilton Head Island, William Hilton Parkway

    • Launch of book 4, Olivia Callahan Suspense, "The Crushing." Signed books will be available.​

  • Saturday, November 16 | 3-5pm | Beaufort Bookstore, 2127 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC

    • Kerry Peresta interview/reading/book signing. Her new release, "The Crushing," will be available along with the rest of her series.​

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