In this prequel to his popular novel, Murder at Whalehead, author Joe C. Ellis draws from his experiences growing up in the river town of Martins Ferry, Ohio and the legends surrounding the community. Scotch Ridge is a safe haven from the world until the day Nathan Kyler moves into the shack by the creek. Elijah Mulligan, a leader in the community, does not trust him. Reverend Byron Butler tries to befriend him. But Kyler is obsessed with a diabolical vision--human sacrifice. Who is the focus of Kyler's obsession? Christine Butler, the preacher's daughter. In the graveyard of the Scotch Ridge Presbyterian Church is a monument known as The Chair. Some say the monument is cursed--if you sit on it at midnight you will die within 24 hours. The day after Christine Butler sits on The Chair she disappears. A mile from the church, deep in the Appalachian woods is a place Elijah Mulligan calls The Healing Place. It is here something incredicble happens. Praise for The Healing Place: Ellis has created a novel of suspense with a storyteller's grasp of detail. Donna Swanson Ellis' style quickly captures the reader and keeps them hanging on until the finale. V.R. Falcone Beautifully written Rev. Dr. R.L. Croker