Marietta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2014 -- After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2011, New York was plunged into darkness, and chaos.

In ‘A False Start’, the new novel by Kris Allis, a young woman finds herself in that darkness - mired in a nightmarish situation, which she feels she cannot escape.

After the towers fall, main character Jessica Woods wakes up in a hospital with temporary amnesia and is taken home by her only living relative, Kathy Stockton. When her memory returns, Jessica’s horror only intensifies. Suddenly, she remembers not only what happened when the planes hit, but she also recalls the vicious attack on her life.

Gritty, exhilarating and capturing a time that no one in North America will ever forget, ‘A False Start’ is a beautifully written debut novel with devastating power from an author to watch.

Synopsis:

On September 11, 2001, Kathy Stockton, a wealthy widow, is working quietly at her desk in her family home in Upper Eastside Manhattan when she receives a phone call.

“Mrs. Stockton?”
“Yes, this is Kathy,” she responds.

The caller informs her that a relative, Jessica Woods, has just been taken by ambulance to New York Presbyterian Hospital. As her only next-of-kin, Kathy is asked to come to the hospital, where she learns for the first time of the attack on the World Trade Center. She also learns that Jessica has been severely beaten and has temporary amnesia brought on by trauma.

Jessica goes home with Kathy to recover, but days later, she regains her memory and is terrified. She remembers everything about 9/11. She reveals the name of her attacker and with each horrifying detail, her fear mounts.

“When he finds me there’s no telling what he will do,” Jessica sobs.

“But he doesn't have to know where you are or that you're even alive does he?” Kathy asked.

Kathy convinces Jessica that the best way to save her life is to disappear. The chaotic aftermath of 9/11 allows this to happen.

All goes well until an anonymous phone caller informs Jessica’s attacker that she is alive. Thus begins a pursuit that goes from Powder Springs, Georgia, to Boston, Massachusetts, and then ironically, back to Manhattan where it all began.

As Allis explains, although the novel is about post-9/11 United States, it also has strong underlying messages.

“The story focuses on domestic abuse and alcoholism, issues that I think many, many people have experienced problems with,” says the author. “I think it's important to talk about these things; to come to some sort of realization that there is a solution. I have tried to address these topics in an entertaining way with lessons embedded that can be fettered out if one is open to change.”

Continuing: “Of course, I also had great fun as a writer while I navigated through Jessica’s experiences. She goes through so much – from having her life almost snuffed out by a mystery attacker, to disappearing after the terrorist attacks, and trying to start a new beginning – and finally, to being stalked by her enemy. She’s a wonderful main character, and I’ve been gratified by the overwhelmingly positive response from readers who have related to her and her journey.”

‘A False Start’ is available now: http://amzn.to/1g2dUaR

About Kris Allis
Kris Allis was born in Georgia, is married with three children and a feisty terrier-schnauzer that was adopted from a shelter.

Kris has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a master of education from the University of West Georgia.

Retired early from teaching in 2008, the author began the pursuit of a dream to write a novel. An avid reader, Kris has always enjoyed suspense thrillers and mystery novels. Bowling, reading, dancing, playing Words with Friends, and attending NBA basketball games are some of Kris’s favorite pastimes.