Carter Vale | Updates

Carter Vale — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Man Behind the Stories

I don't talk much about the journey that brought me to where I am today.

To be honest, it's not an easy story to tell.

If you've read Above the Deep 6, you've only seen a glimpse of what my family and I have been through. There are parts of that journey that are difficult to put into words, and even harder to revisit. But somewhere along the way, something unexpected came out of it.

I discovered writing.

I never set out to become an author. That was never the plan.

I originally wanted to document my own story and put into words what happened all those years ago. I needed to get it out of my head and onto paper. Somewhere in that process, I discovered that I had a genuine passion for telling stories.

And then the stories started coming.

The world we live in is filled with them. Some are real. Some are imagined. Some are far darker than others.

I found myself drawn to the psychological side of storytelling. The human mind. The things people are capable of. The choices they make. The secrets they keep. The darkness that can exist behind an ordinary face.

That became the foundation for the books I write today.

For years, I kept those stories tucked away. I wasn't writing them for anyone else. I never imagined people would eventually read them, let alone connect with them.

I certainly never imagined anyone would fall in love with my writing style or become interested in the worlds that exist inside my head.

But that is exactly what has happened.

I have developed an entirely new respect for authors.

Getting an idea out of your head is one thing. Turning that idea into a manuscript, editing it, rewriting it, preparing it for publication, and finally putting it in a reader's hands is an entirely different process.

It isn't a walk in the park.

I've learned a lot along the way, and I think I finally have the hang of it.

But the part I enjoy most isn't seeing my name on a cover.

It's hearing from readers.

When someone tells me they couldn't put one of my books down, or that a particular character stayed with them, or that something I wrote genuinely surprised them, that's the real payoff for me.

That's the part that makes all of this worth it.

I expected criticism. I expected people to dislike certain things. I expected the occasional hater to show up.

So far, I haven't received a single piece of feedback that I would consider bad.

I've received criticism, absolutely. And I welcome it.

Good criticism makes you better.

My editors, beta readers, ARC readers, and the people who have taken the time to give me honest feedback have helped me become a better novelist. Nobody has told me my work is perfect, and I wouldn't want them to. There is always something to learn, something to tighten, something to improve.

To all of you who have picked up one of my books, whether you're a longtime reader or someone who has just discovered my work, I want you to know something.

These stories are genuinely mine.

The ideas, the characters, the darkness, the twists, and the worlds that exist inside these books all come from the same place I've been carrying them for years.

I don't think many authors enter this industry through quite the same door I did.

For me, it started with a true story.

It started with hardship, trauma, and a period of my life that I never expected would ultimately lead me here.

That experience opened a door I didn't know existed.

Behind it was a passion that had apparently been sitting there all along, waiting for the right moment to surface.

I'm actually glad things unfolded the way they did.

Without those experiences, I may never have discovered this part of myself.

Today, I get to sit down and create stories. I get to put them into the world. And most importantly, I get to hear what readers think about them.

That is the real payday for me.

Not the sales.

Not the rankings.

Not seeing a book sitting on a shelf.

It's the message from a reader telling me what they loved.

It's hearing which character they connected with.

It's knowing that something I created inside my own head managed to stay with someone long after.

That's something I never expected when I first put pen to paper.

So, to every reader who has supported me, reviewed my books, shared them, recommended them, criticized them, or simply taken the time to read them:

Thank you.

Thank you for being part of this chapter.

Because that's really what this is.

Another chapter in a book called life.

And I'm nowhere near finished writing mine.

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Carter Vale — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

LIPS: The Countdown Has Begun

The countdown is on.

LIPS, the new psychological thriller from Carter Vale, is getting closer to release, and if you like your thrillers dark, fast-paced, and impossible to put down, this is one you are going to want on your reading list.

Pre-orders are officially open.

From the first page, LIPS pulls you into a story where attraction, obsession, and something much darker begin to collide. Amber and Chris Lowe leave the cold behind and head south, chasing a fresh start in Texas. But some things don't stay buried simply because you cross a state line.

What starts as a new life quickly becomes something else entirely.

And the people who disappear?

They're only the beginning.

Your Next Addiction Is Waiting

LIPS isn't the kind of thriller you casually pick up and read a chapter before bed.

It's the kind you pick up at 10:00 p.m. and suddenly realize it's 2:00 a.m.

Fast. Dark. Unsettling.

The story keeps moving, the tension keeps building, and just when you think you understand where it's going, LIPS pulls you somewhere you didn't expect.

No drawn-out mystery. No endless buildup.

Just a relentless descent into a story you won't be able to stop thinking about.

The Release Is Getting Closer

The release date is counting down, and now is the time to get your copy locked in.

Pre-order LIPS today and be ready when it drops.

Because once you start reading, you're going to want to know what happens next.

And then the next thing.

And then the next.

LIPS is coming.

Your next thriller addiction is almost here.

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LIPS Is Coming. Be Part of the Thriller Everyone Will Be Talking About.

Carter Vale — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Every once in a while, a psychological thriller comes along that refuses to follow the rules.

It doesn't rely on cheap jump scares. It doesn't hand readers easy answers. It challenges them to think, question, and second-guess every page until the final chapter.

LIPS is that novel.

From psychological thriller author Carter Vale, LIPS is a gripping legal thriller that explores justice, corruption, obsession, and the terrifying intelligence of a killer who always seems to be one step ahead.

A New Kind of Legal Thriller

Most legal thrillers begin in the courtroom.

LIPS begins long before justice ever has a chance.

When two victims are discovered in an upscale Toronto condominium, investigators believe they are looking at an isolated homicide. But one chilling detail changes everything. The victims' lips have been meticulously painted crimson.

As investigators search for answers, brilliant young attorney Jennifer Glowski begins to recognize a pattern no one else sees.

The deeper the investigation goes, the more disturbing the truth becomes.

Someone has been hiding in plain sight.

And the justice system may have unknowingly protected them for years.

Built for Readers Who Love Intelligent Suspense

If you're a fan of:

Psychological thrillers
Legal suspense
Serial killer mysteries
Crime fiction
Smart female protagonists
Dark investigative fiction

...then LIPS belongs on your reading list. (TBR)

Every chapter has been crafted to reward observant readers, blending courtroom strategy, criminal psychology, and relentless suspense into a story that stays with you.

Why Early Readers Matter

Every successful novel begins with readers willing to discover it before the rest of the world.

Early supporters play a critical role in helping new books gain momentum by:

Reading Advance Review Copies (ARCs)
Leaving honest reviews
Sharing the book with fellow thriller fans
Recommending it across social media and book communities
Helping introduce new readers to independent authors

Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful marketing tools in publishing. One recommendation can introduce a story to thousands of future readers.

Help Build the Next Great Psychological Thriller

We're inviting passionate thriller readers to become part of the LIPS launch team.

By joining our community, you'll receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, launch announcements, giveaways, and opportunities to read future releases before they're available to the public.

Whether you're an avid reader, reviewer, book blogger, Bookstagram creator, BookTok enthusiast, or simply someone who loves discovering exceptional thrillers before everyone else, we'd love to have you with us.

Join the Movement

The launch of LIPS is more than the release of a new novel.

It's the beginning of a growing community of readers who appreciate intelligent suspense, unforgettable characters, and stories that refuse to let go.

If you believe great books deserve to be discovered, this is your opportunity to help shape the journey from launch to bestseller.

Join the mailing list today, follow Carter Vale on social media, and be among the first to experience the thriller readers won't stop talking about.

The next great psychological legal thriller is almost here.

Will you be one of the readers who discovers it first?

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LIPS Enters Its Final Stage: We Need Our Readers More Than Ever

Carter Vale — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

#LIPS #CarterVale #PsychologicalThriller #CrimeThriller #ThrillerBooks #BookBlog #BookLaunch #BookCommunity #BookReview #ARCReaders #AdvanceReaderCopy #SuspenseBooks #MysteryBooks #CrimeFiction #SerialKillerThriller #IndieAuthor #AmReading #Bookstagram #ReadersWanted #ComingSoon

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Final Rewrites Are Here: LIPS Is Almost Ready

Carter Vale — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There’s a particular kind of quiet that settles in when a book crosses from “still being written” into “almost finished.”

That’s where LIPS is right now.

We are deep in the final rewrites and edits. The big structural moves have been made. The characters have said the things they needed to say. Now it’s about sharpening every line, tightening every scene, and making sure the story lands exactly the way it should. This is the stage where the book stops being a draft and starts becoming the version readers will actually hold.

And yes, people are already excited.

Early readers who’ve seen pieces of it have been sending messages that range from “I need the rest of this immediately” to “I already know who I’m recommending this to.” A few of you who’ve been following the process from the beginning have been quietly (and not-so-quietly) counting down. That kind of anticipation means more than you know. It’s the best fuel for these last late nights and early 5am mornings of polishing. I just can't sleep!

LIPS has been a long time coming. Getting it across the finish line feels both surreal and deeply satisfying. The final stretch is always a mix of precision and protectiveness, you want every sentence to earn its place.

I’m not going to spoil what’s inside, but I will say this: if you’ve been waiting for something sharp, intimate, and unflinching, you’re going to want to keep an eye on this one.

More details on the release will be coming soon. Until then, thank you for the patience, the messages, and the excitement. It makes these final rewrites feel less like solitary work and more like something shared.

The end is in sight.
And it’s looking good.

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Writing LIPS

Carter Vale — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The answer is LIPS.

This book has been completely different to write than AUTOBODY. With AUTOBODY, I knew where I wanted to go almost from the beginning. LIPS has challenged me in a different way. Every chapter has forced me to stop, think, and ask myself, "Can I make this even darker? Can I make the reader question what they think they know?"

That's exactly what I've been doing.

The story follows Jennifer Glowski, a successful Toronto lawyer who appears to have everything going for her. She's intelligent, ambitious, respected... and hiding something that nobody sees coming.

I don't want to give too much away because this is one of those books that's better when you know as little as possible going in.

What I will say is this...

This isn't another police procedural.

It's not a courtroom drama.

It's a psychological thriller that gets under your skin.

I've been spending a lot of time tightening the pacing because I hate books that drag. If a chapter doesn't move the story forward or make me want to read the next one, it gets rewritten. Sometimes I've thrown out thousands of words because they just weren't good enough.

That's part of the process.

The goal has never been to simply finish another book. The goal is to write a better one than the last.

Right now I'm putting the finishing touches on the manuscript before it heads off to my editors. Once they've finished trying to find everything I've missed, it'll come back to me for one last pass before I start thinking about publication.

I've also been working on the cover, which I'm really excited about. I think it captures the feel of the story without giving anything away.

If everything stays on schedule, I'll be sharing more updates over the next few months, including the cover reveal, release plans, and maybe even a few sneak peeks from the book.

For everyone who's been following along since AUTOBODY, thank you. Every message, every review, and every email keeps me writing.

Now it's time to get back to work.

Jennifer isn't finished with me yet.

– Carter Vale

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LIPS Is Getting Close...

Carter Vale — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There comes a point in every novel where the story is written, the characters have taken on lives of their own, and all that's left is polishing every page until it's exactly where it needs to be.

I'm excited to share that LIPS has officially reached that stage.

Over the past several months I've been refining every chapter, tightening the pacing, sharpening the dialogue, and making sure every twist lands exactly as intended. I'm currently putting the final touches on the manuscript before it heads out to professional editors for its last round of review.

Unlike anything I've written before, LIPS dives deep into the psychology of obsession, manipulation, and deception. It's a dark, fast-paced psychological thriller that has challenged me as a writer in all the best ways. My goal has always been to create a story that keeps readers questioning every character and turning pages long after they should have gone to bed.

The editing phase is one of the most important parts of the publishing process. While it's tempting to rush a book into readers' hands, I believe every novel deserves the time and attention required to make it the strongest version possible. That's exactly where LIPS is today.

I know many of you have been asking when you'll be able to get your hands on it, and I truly appreciate your patience. Your excitement and encouragement have been a huge motivation throughout this project.

As soon as the editorial process is complete, I'll begin sharing more details, including the official cover reveal, release date, and opportunities for advance readers.

Thank you for following this journey with me. I can't wait to introduce you to Jennifer Glowski and the chilling world of LIPS. I have a feeling this is going to be one you won't forget.

Stay tuned... the countdown has begun.

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AUTOBODY: More Than a Thriller

Carter Vale — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

People have asked me where the idea for AUTOBODY came from.

The truth is, it wasn't one big lightbulb moment. It was years of working around shops, construction sites, tradespeople, and seeing how easy it is for something ordinary to become invisible. An autobody shop is the perfect example. Hundreds of cars come and go every year. Paint booths run all day. Nobody asks questions because it's just another day at work.

Then I started asking myself...

What if someone was using that to hide something?

That one question turned into a novel that consumed me for months.

I didn't want to write another detective story where the killer leaves clues because he wants to get caught. I wanted a villain who was smart enough not to make mistakes. Someone who blended into the community. Someone you'd trust with your car.

Ron Vickers became that man.

He's calm, calculated, and patient. He doesn't need attention. He doesn't want fame. He simply believes he's smarter than everyone else.

That made him far more dangerous.

Writing AUTOBODY wasn't easy. There were days I'd rewrite entire chapters because they weren't moving fast enough. If I got bored reading a chapter, I figured readers would too, so it got rewritten. Sometimes more than once.

I wanted every chapter to make you say, "Just one more."

The story also pushed me to research things I never thought I'd spend hours reading about. Police procedures. Forensic evidence. Vehicle refinishing. Missing persons investigations. Paint chemistry. Every little detail had to make sense because readers are smart. If something feels fake, they'll catch it.

One thing I never wanted was violence for the sake of violence.

Anyone can write blood and gore.

Creating tension is harder.

I wanted readers to feel uncomfortable because they knew something was wrong, not because I described another murder scene.

Since the book was released, I've been blown away by the messages I've received. People have told me they finished it in a weekend. Others said they stayed up far later than they planned because they couldn't put it down.

That's exactly what I hoped for.

If a book can steal a night's sleep, I feel like I've done my job.

Now that AUTOBODY is available everywhere, I'm looking forward to the next chapter. I'm hoping to get out to more book events, meet readers, sign a few copies, and hear what everyone really thought. Those conversations are one of the best parts of being an author.

If you've already picked up AUTOBODY, thank you.

If you haven't yet...

I hope you enjoy the ride.

Just don't expect to look at an autobody shop the same way again.

– Carter Vale

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Carter Vale — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

AUTOBODY Is Now Available Everywhere!

There are moments in every author's journey that make all the long nights, rewrites, and endless cups of coffee worthwhile. Today is one of those moments.

I'm excited to announce that AUTOBODY: His Final Masterpiece is now available through major retailers and bookstores around the world. Whether you prefer to read on Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or order a paperback through your local bookstore, AUTOBODY is finally within reach.

Writing this novel has been one of the most rewarding challenges I've ever taken on. Creating Ron Vickers and weaving together a story of obsession, deception, and murder pushed me further as a writer than I ever expected. Seeing readers discover the book, share their thoughts, and discuss the twists has made every hour invested worthwhile.

What has surprised me the most has been the incredible engagement from readers. Your emails, reviews, messages, and conversations have been both encouraging and inspiring. Knowing that the story is keeping readers awake late into the night because they have to know what happens next is exactly what every thriller author hopes to hear.

This is only the beginning.

Over the coming months, I'm looking forward to attending book signings, literary events, and author meet-and-greets whenever possible. One of the greatest parts of this journey is getting the opportunity to meet the people who have supported my work, and I hope to shake as many hands as I can along the way.

If you haven't picked up your copy yet, now is the perfect time to dive into the dark world of AUTOBODY. And if you've already read it, thank you. Your support, reviews, and recommendations to friends and family mean more than you know.

I can't wait to meet many of you in person at upcoming events. Until then…

Happy reading.

– Carter Vale

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The Wait is Over: Autobody is Officially Ready for Pre Purchase!

Carter Vale — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There is something unmatched about the feeling of a new story finally making its way into the world. If you loved the dark, gripping journeys of Holloway and Above the Deep 6, it’s time to gear up for what comes next.

My third book, Autobody, is officially available for digital pre-purchase today, with opening sales starting July 15th!

A Brand New Gritty Thriller to Sink Your Teeth Into

While Holloway and Above the Deep 6 took readers down deep, unpredictable psychological paths, Autobody turns up the tension in a whole new way.

When small towns get to comfortable, mistakes are often never seen nor felt.

If you are a fan of suspenseful indie fiction, heavy atmospheres, and page-turning pacing, this release is built for your shelf.

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BETA READERS APPLY NOW

Carter Vale — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

AUTOBODY

A New Thriller Novel by Carter B. Vale

In rural Ontario, life moves at its own pace.

People know the roads. They know their neighbours. They know which businesses have been around forever and which faces can be trusted without a second thought.

Or at least they think they do.

AUTOBODY is a dark thriller set in the communities, highways, and back roads of Ontario's Kawartha Lakes. Beneath the routines of everyday life, something has been quietly taking shape for years, hidden behind familiarity, reputation, and the comfort of believing you know the people around you.

Told from both sides of a growing darkness, AUTOBODY explores not only those searching for answers, but also the quiet certainty of a man who has spent years believing he will never be found.

Atmospheric, suspenseful, and deeply unsettling, AUTOBODY examines memory, obsession, and the danger of mistaking familiarity for safety.

Because sometimes the people we trust most are the ones we never truly see.

Coming Soon

AUTOBODY is currently in development.

To join the beta reader list and receive updates on progress, early release opportunities, and exclusive previews, email:

carter.b.vale@gmail.com

Subject: AUTOBODY Beta Reader

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AUTOBODY

Carter Vale — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Project Update

Work continues on Autobody, my upcoming psychological crime thriller and one of the darkest stories I've written to date.

Set in rural Ontario, Autobody follows the disappearance of a local man whose unanswered questions lead his family into a growing investigation centered around a respected autobody shop owner named Ron Vickers. Known throughout the community for his craftsmanship, reliability, and decades of honest work, Ron appears to be the last person anyone would suspect of hiding a secret.

As the investigation expands, buried histories begin to surface, small inconsistencies become impossible to ignore, and a pattern emerges that suggests something far more disturbing has been operating unnoticed for years.

Unlike traditional crime novels that focus solely on solving a murder, Autobody explores obsession, reputation, family loyalty, and the danger of the assumptions we make about the people we think we know. The story blends psychological suspense, investigative mystery, and serial killer fiction into a slow-burning thriller where every discovery leads to a darker question.

The manuscript is currently in active development, with story architecture, character development, and investigative continuity being refined to ensure a layered and immersive reading experience.

More updates will be shared as the project progresses.

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