About Kentucky Blood (Book I of the Kentucky Blood Series)
A GRIPPING, DARK SOUTHERN SAGA.
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. Has the family made a mistake they can’t undo?
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, a rival squad led by Tommy Glick, who holds a personal vendetta against Bill. 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?
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Awards & Recognition
The BookFest Awards 2025
1st Place – Fiction: Thriller – Psychological
2nd Place – Fiction: Gothic
2nd Place – Fiction: Literary – Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
PenCraft Awards 2025 – 1st Place, Best Fiction – Intrigue
Firebird Book Awards 2025
1st Place – Most Unforgettable Opening Line
1st Place – Best Chapter Titles
3rd Place – Best Southern Fiction
Hawthorne Prize 2025 (American Writing Awards) – Finalist
IPPY Awards 2025 – Silver Medal, Best Mystery / Thriller
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Author Bio:
Ashley is the author of the award-winning Kentucky Blood series, a gritty, uncompromising Southern Gothic saga that explores complex characters and raw emotion. Raised in the rural enclaves of western Kentucky, he survived for 11 years in Tokyo’s cutthroat corporate world and now splits his time between countries. He can’t help but cheer for the bad guys in stories and hopes his books inspire you to do the same.