After returning to duty, Detective Bodhi is trying to find his footing again. But the moment his new partner joins him in the field, it becomes clear that peace is the last thing he can expect. At his side stands Asher Garrett — experienced, sharp, and dangerously perceptive. A man who sparks tension from the very first moment. Not always the friendly kind.

When the first body turns up in Dallas — and another soon after — it’s obvious this is no coincidence. The killer leaves behind almost no traces, moves with cold precision, and seems to be selecting victims from a predetermined list. Ethan and Asher are pulled into an investigation that takes them deeper than either of them anticipated.

With every new clue, the tension rises — along with the pressure and the questions. Who is behind the string of murders? Why these victims? And can the two detectives stop the killer before he strikes again?

In a case where nothing is accidental and every step could be their last, Ethan and Asher will have to find out whether they can truly watch each other’s backs — not only on the job, but when everything starts to fall apart.

This is a psychological thriller and a noir detective story with a touch of horror. 🕵️🕵️ 


The story loosely follows the short story The Killing Past, but I wouldn't consider it a direct sequel.(The events of Judgement of the Buried take place after the Halloween events depicted in Killing Past. I occasionally reference this past—mainly to provide context for readers who haven't read it. However, reading Killing Past is not necessary. That said, if you'd like to better understand certain references and see how Ethan and Asher first met, feel free to check it out.)


The story contains strong language.(The two main characters—our well-known detectives Bodhi and Garrett—are adult men working in an environment where profanity is sometimes part of everyday communication. However, the one who truly can't say a sentence without swearing is their boss.) 😏😳 


This story includes violent and potentially disturbing scenes.(It features descriptions of crime scenes, murders, post-mortem mutilation, and detailed autopsy scenes. Some parts may be graphic.) 🔪🩸 


Trigger Warning:(Violence, murder, mutilation, autopsy, psychological trauma, PTSD, war-related themes, revenge, sexual assault, and death.)


Part of the story touches on a military setting and the war in Afghanistan.(These events are entirely fictional and are not based on any real individuals, operations, or historical events.)


This is a work of fiction.(This story is a product of my imagination. Some locations mentioned—such as streets, establishments, or buildings in Dallas—exist in real life, but the plot, characters, and events are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.)


Recommended for readers who are comfortable with darker themes and written depictions of violence.


Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION