Falling a Novel by Lee Ross
Ryan Thaler lives a simple life.
He plays piano in a Cleveland restaurant and keeps his head down.
Until the night everything blows apart.
The Descent Begins
His brother-in-law is arrested for the mysterious death of a co-worker at a medical practice. The victim is Kamari Jackson—an office manager and churchgoing woman—liked by all, found dead in the hallway.
The Dark World Beyond
The police come looking for evidence; his sister Gabby is powerless as her home is turned upside down. But after a single night in jail, the brother-in-law Garrett jumps bail and vanishes. Leaves his family wrecked and his wife holding the pieces. When Ryan makes a deal to fix things, he’s drawn into the chaos.
Unfolding Drama
Pivotal Moments
Garrett’s reputation as a man of faith quickly unravels as Ryan’s search uncovers secrets hidden deep. Secrets that hide a maze of lies, fraud, and people who don’t want to be found. Ryan’s no detective, but with a community on edge and demanding justice, he digs deeper for the truth. And once he starts digging, he doesn’t stop.
Building Tension
Pressure mounts. His marriage shifts into a dissonant key. His job fades like yesterday’s hit. And a retired pastor keeps pushing him toward a truth Ryan doesn’t want to face.
Yet the deeper he goes, the clearer it gets; Ryan’s the only one willing to face the lies that are woven through his family’s past. And when he finally corners the killer, the cost is high. Which changes everything. Because some lines, once crossed, push you over the edge.
And Ryan Thaler is about to cross them all.
Inner Struggles
The protagonist's internal battle mirrors the external chaos, as they grapple with doubts and insecurities that threaten to derail their mission. This inner turmoil adds depth to their journey, highlighting the universal struggle between right and wrong, courage and fear.
Opposing Forces
The antagonist's relentless pursuit and cunning strategies create a formidable obstacle, pushing the protagonist to their limits. This dynamic interplay of opposing forces fuels the narrative, driving the story toward its inevitable climax.
Resolution Quest
As the characters navigate through the conflict, they embark on a quest for resolution that tests their resilience and unity. The journey is fraught with peril, but it is this very struggle that ultimately leads to growth and transformation, both for the characters and the world they inhabit.