There comes a point in every novel where the writing ends, and the real test begins.

After months of writing, rewriting, editing, refining, and polishing, LIPS has officially entered its final stage before publication. The manuscript is now being put through its final rounds of review, and before it reaches bookshelves around the world, there's one final group of people who will help shape its release.

Our readers.

This isn't just another psychological thriller.

LIPS is a dark, intelligent, fast-paced crime thriller that asks one unsettling question:

What happens when justice fails... and someone decides to correct it?

Set against the skyline of Toronto, the novel follows a meticulously planned investigation after two bodies are discovered in a luxury penthouse. Their lips have been painted a deep crimson after death, leaving behind a signature unlike anything detectives have ever encountered. As the investigation unfolds, Detective Vane begins hunting a killer whose greatest weapon isn't violence, it's patience.

The deeper he digs, the more he realizes he's chasing someone who understands the justice system as well as he does.

And that's where everything begins to unravel.

The Final Step Before Publication

We're now assembling our final Advance Reader Copy (ARC) team.

This is one of the most important stages in publishing.

Selected readers receive an early copy of the novel before release and provide honest feedback on pacing, character development, continuity, emotional impact, and overall reader experience. Their insights help us catch anything that may have slipped through, even after countless revisions.

More importantly, these early readers become part of the book's journey.

Many of our previous novels have been strengthened because dedicated readers were willing to invest their time and offer thoughtful feedback. Their contributions have helped make every Carter Vale novel stronger before launch.

We're Looking for a Select Group of Readers

We're not looking for hundreds of people.

We're looking for a small group of passionate thriller readers who love psychological suspense, crime fiction, and stories that keep them awake long after they've turned the final page.

If you're someone who enjoys authors like Thomas Harris, Karin Slaughter, Gillian Flynn, or Michael Connelly, but you're looking for something darker, smarter, and psychologically unsettling, we'd love to hear from you.

As an ARC reader, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Read LIPS before its public release.
• Provide honest feedback directly to the author.
• Help identify anything that can make the novel even stronger.
• Become part of the launch team for what we believe is our most ambitious thriller yet.

Honest reviews matter.

Every thoughtful review helps independent authors reach new readers and gives future readers confidence when choosing their next book.

Thank You

To everyone who has followed this journey from the first chapter to the final manuscript...

Thank you.

Your encouragement, messages, reviews, and support continue to make these stories possible.

The finish line is finally in sight.

The Crimson Killer is almost ready to meet the world.

Stay tuned.

The countdown has begun.

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