, Murder at Whalehead, author Joe C. Ellis draws from his experiences growing up in the river town of Martins Ferry, Ohio and the legends surrounding the community. Scotch Ridge is a safe haven from the world until the day Nathan Kyler moves into the shack by the creek. Elijah Mulligan, a leader in the community, does not trust him. Reverend Byron Butler tries to befriend him. But Kyler is obsessed with a diabolical vision--human sacrifice. Who is the focus of Kyler's obsession? Christine Butler, the preacher's daughter. In the graveyard of the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church is a monument known as "The Chair." Some say the monument is cursed--if you sit on it at midnight you will die within 24 hours. The day after Christine Butler sits on "The Chair" she disappears. A mile from the church, deep in the Appalachian woods is a place Elijah Mulligan calls "The Healing Place." It is here something incredicble happens. Praise for The Healing Place: "Ellis has created a novel of suspense with a storyteller's grasp of detail." Donna Swanson "Ellis' style quickly captures the reader and keeps them hanging on until the finale." V.R. Falcone "Beautifully written!" Rev. Dr. R.L. Croker