Kirstyn Petras

The Next Witness

  • nyc23-winner-300x250

Melody has no idea that her name is being used to start a movement, not until the executions of those demanding her freedom start airing on television. Derek Lin would feel sympathy, if he didn’t blame Melody for the deaths of those who have disappeared without a trace, caught up in the investigation to find her. Melody must choose to join the fight or stand aside. Will Derek become a leader or break under the pressure.

Alexander Covington is hunting a traitor: Melody Karsh, a missing girl accused of treason, a Party member who has forsaken her country. But, letters are appearing in mailboxes, being slipped beneath doors, and in the pockets of passersby. “Free Melody” is being spray painted on walls. Her image – cold, shivering, pathetic – has captured the public’s attention and sympathy.

Melody has no idea that her name is being used to start a movement, not until the executions of those demanding her freedom start airing on television.
Derek Lin would feel sympathy, if he didn’t blame Melody for the deaths of those who have disappeared without a trace, caught up in the investigation to find her.

Melody must choose to join the fight or stand aside. Derek will become a leader or break under the pressure. Alexander will decide how many bodies must fall to save his own life.

Published on 3 May 2022 by Cinnabar Moth Publishing LLC

Cover by Ira Geneve

ISBN: 978-1-953971-32-6 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-953971-34-0 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-953971-33-3 (EPUB)

Selected Reviews

The Next Witness is a non-stop thrill ride set in a futuristic dystopian society where discord runs rampant.

A G

A futuristic story with action and twists. The author is talented at grabbing the reader’s attention. I want to see this become a movie. Very exciting.

I A

Author Kirstyn Petras' debut novel The Next Witness is set in a (hopefully) fictional version of dystopian future America that is both compelling and uncomfortably accurate.

R V Z

A refreshing combination of intelligence and creativity, The Next Witness balances prose, plot, and theme to tell a gripping story of rebellion and conformity while exploring the complexities of the world.

N B

This book was a fast moving thriller with as much intellect as action, and as much emotional impact as a 10-ton bomb. This book is a must-read.

N T

What makes this book great is author Petras’s keen ear for dialogue, and her ability to draw you in and make you feel the claustrophobia of autocratic rule.

C W B

This fast-paced thriller, with its dynamic character development and timely subject matter, will stay with you long after you turn the last page

A C

I could go on about the book’s historical context that hits a little too close to home, but to avoid the risk of spoiling anything, you will need to read it for yourself.

R L