FEATURED: Kentucky Blood (Book I of the Kentucky Blood Series) by Ashley Thomas Sheikh

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Kentucky Blood (Book I of the Kentucky Blood Series) by Ashley Thomas Sheikh

A GRIPPING, DARK SOUTHERN GOTHIC SAGA.
Award-winning fiction that pushes boundaries—WINNER of The BookFest Psychological Thriller Award and PenCraft Intrigue Award.

In a 90s-era Kentucky fueled by sex, drugs, and violence, the Cunninghams will stop at nothing to find The Temple, a place of unimaginable wealth and glory. To unlock its secrets, they imprison victims in their garage, each kidnapping leading them closer to their coveted prize.

“We’re gonna find it, Daddy…”

“The Temple…”

But dark secrets threaten to tear the family apart. Rhonda, the eldest daughter, harbors a thirst for violence that may jeopardize everything. Bill, her father, struggles to balance parenthood with the brutal demands of their Quest. Then there’s Bobby, the current prisoner, who may be more dangerous than they realize…

Meanwhile, in the 1970s, a young Bill embarks on a violent rise to power. Driven by prophetic dreams, he forms a ruthless “Posse” determined to rule the Tri County. Standing in his way are the Smoketown Boys, led by Tommy Glick, a rival haunted by visions of his dead brother and a place called “The Temple.” In the battle for dominance, both sides spiral deeper into a conflict they can’t control—a warning of the horrors in Bill’s family’s future.

Two timelines. One family. One destiny.

Will Bill’s dreams lead him to greatness—or a point of no return?

AWARDS & ACCOLADES FOR KENTUCKY BLOOD

WINNER: 1st Prize – Best Psychological Thriller (BookFest 2025) • 1st Prize – Best Intrigue (PenCraft Awards 2025) • 1st Prize – Most Unforgettable Opening • 1st Prize – Best Chapter Titles (Firebird Awards 2025)
2nd Prize – Best Gothic, 2nd Prize – Literary: Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense (BookFest 2025) • 3rd Prize – Best Southern Fiction (Firebird 2025) • Silver Medal – Best Mystery / Thriller (IPPY Awards 2025) 3rd Prize – Best First Chapter Award (Kansas Author’s Competition 2023)

FINALIST: Best First Chapter: Crime (Plaza Prizes 2024) • Best Southern Gothic (Killer Nashville Claymore Award 2023) • Best First Chapter (Page Turner Awards 2023) • Inception Award (Sunspot Literary Journal 2023) • Hawthorne Prize (the only Gritty / Horror / Suspense / Noir finalist) (American Writing Awards 2025)

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About the Author

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