Jessica Ramirez

When a meth bust goes bad, Detective Jessica Ramirez and her partner, Officer Alexandra Clark, find themselves in pursuit of a serial killer who dispatches her own form of street justice from the rim of the Grand Canyon. They soon discover that the danger their adversary poses reaches well beyond Arizona and into the very heart of the New York City Financial District. Filled with 21st century crimes and non-stop action, Terry Shepherd's first detective thriller features a diverse ensemble cast of strong smart women and the men who try to keep up with them. Jess and her partner, Officer Alexandra Clark, grab you from minute one, and don't let you go until the last plot twist is finally revealed. Chasing Vega is a heart pounding roller-coaster ride that will make you want to return to Jess and Allie's world again and again.

When a young man with Down syndrome witnesses a bank robbery, Jessica Ramirez discovers that the detectives investigating the case are underestimating the most observant eyes in the room. As she gleans information from Cody Harris, the two perps begin to figure out that Jessica is working with the one witness who could send them to jail. This short story, set in the week prior to Christmas, reunites Jessica Ramirez and Alexandra Clark, the two characters who first appeared in Terry Shepherd's debut thriller, "Chasing Vega". Lou Harrison is back, too along with an ensemble cast of new characters in a tale that flies along at Terry's usual breakneck pace, complete with satisfying twists and turns and an ending suitable for the season. But Cody Harris is the star of "Chasing Cody". As Terry notes in his afterword, "The Down syndrome community teaches me about achievement, tenacity and love every day. They are truly as diverse as the beautiful rainbow of ability they represent, full participants in the river of life and heroes worthy of admiration and respect. I hope that's your ultimate take away from Chasing Cody."