The Door at the Top of the Stairs

 

Undercover narcotics officer, Jesse Shaunessy, is kidnapped and tortured, then thrown away by her department as damaged goods. The mind is a powerful ally, and 26-year-old Jesse has no memory of the abduction or the subsequent torture. Inevitably, as Jesse drifts from one itinerant job to another, the protective walls carefully constructed by her subconscious are beginning to crumble. Fate lands her on a farm owned by Dr. Ryland Caldwell, a retired psychologist and her partner, Morgan Davis, the master of the Myrena Fox Hunt club. Ryland suspects there is more to Jesse’s foul temper than meets the eye. When Morgan and Ryland accidentally discover vicious scars on Jesse’s back, Ryland knows that without their help, Jesse’s descent into insanity will rapidly overwhelm them all.

Also available as a screenplay that earned quarter finalist standing in both the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Contest and Broad Mind Entertainment Cynosure Screenwriting Awards.

REVIEWS

Scary and hard to put down

“Definitely  a good book…interesting story…characters very complex.. Again I think Alison Holt hit it out of the park with this book.” – Sltdawg on Amazon

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A real tear jerker

“I had to read this book twice! It was that good. An amazing emotional roller coaster of a story. Intelligent, gritty and emotive” – Caz “Kiwi caz on Amazon

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Must Read

“I loved the reality of story line and the characters. On the surface you would want to slap two of the main characters and walk away but once you get to know them you would want them as your friends. This is a book I would read and have read more than once.” – Dena Elliot on Amazon

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The Study of Strength and Friendship

“I loved the way the author walked you into this story. Friends, co-workers, and partners. The dialogue between the characters was so real,and believable I laughted out loud. This book was a great study of human character, and survival. I definitely miss all these ladies.” – Annie Ross

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A Powerful Book by a Very Talented Writer

“In a genre that too often relies on sex scenes to make up for a weak storyline, it is refreshing to find an author who not only possesses the ability to craft a well written plot, but also is meticulous with regards to her attention to detail. Ms. Holt’s experience with the Tuscon police department is evident and she masterfully pairs the knowledge garnered during her years with the force with her considerable story telling abilities. The result is a powerful book which is evocative and stays with you long after you reach the last page. This book is a rare gem!” – MB on Amazon

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Wowee! A Must Read!

This book was amazing, powerful and I couldn’t put it down. When I read the description of the book I wasn’t expecting what was beyond the cover. I felt as if I were Jesse, reliving these terrifying events that stole part of her life. I.. felt.. it. Such an emotional roller coaster and such amazing characters. There were times I laughed, times I cried, times I wanted to shout to Ryland and tell her to stop it! I haven’t had a book capture me like this in a long time. To where I don’t just want to read it… I have to read it. Where it’s just as important to me to finish as it is to Jesse. These characters.. were truly outstanding and developed so well. In fact Morgan, I believe, was written after my grandmothers sister Joe. Morgan was that real to me. She’s someone I know. All I can say is when you decided (not if) be prepared to sink yourself into this powerful, emotional, wonderful story of tragedy, hope, inspiration, courage and friendship. – 1000 + Books to Read “Melissa”

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Expect the Unexpected from Alison Holt

“Having specialized in Psychiatry as a doctor, I was unbelievably drawn to the plot of this book. Too many times the themes of this genre of books leaves me bored with the predictability of he plot and often the ending. Holt kept me gripped to the very last word. Her sense of humor throughout the book made me giggle outwardly at times, some of those not appropriate for the surroundings I was in. My recommendation gives this book 10 stars out of 5. Do yourself a favor and indulge in this book, but don’t blame me if you miss sleep finishing the book in one sitting. Thanks Alison for a great book. one could say a block buster if it were a film. I hate to sound greedy but I purchased the next 2 books by her on Amazon. When I am done reading them I will enlighten you on my feelings of each of those books…..have fun reading……… – Ten Percent on Amazon