A Fifth of the Story

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

A Fifth of the Story

A fascinating thriller of espionage that takes you into the secretive world of the CIA and FBI.

For as long as he can remember, Brock O’Reilly has dreamed of climbing to the top of the ladder as a CIA agent alongside fellow agents—his two best friends. But a horrific accident on foreign soil costing innocent civilians their lives has put every type of challenge in his path. After years of working hard and returning from his biggest mission, his credibility and friendships are tested in ways he never envisioned. When he and his team endure a deadly attack stateside, things aren’t what they appear. Brock uncovers something far more sinister than he imagined—the infiltration of a white supremacy organization. This forces him to deal with a dark secret that has haunted him since childhood as he faces the unthinkable. What follows is a riveting and desperate quest to find who is behind the attacks threatening Brock’s loyalty, career, and the lives of those closest to him. This well-crafted suspense will have you constantly questioning humanity’s battle with racism, the attacker’s identity, and the motivations behind the premeditated murders.

A fiction thriller based on true events, A Fifth of the Story is the triumphant, fast-paced tale of one CIA’s incredible courage and resilience during the darkest hour of his career, country, and most treasured relationships.

Introducing A Fifth Of The Story, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson Hayes' debut suspense thriller novel.
Coming February 27th from Endgame Press! Now available for preorder!

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“Suspense at its finest! I kept turning pages, looking over my shoulder, and forgetting to breathe.”

DiAnn Mills
a bestselling author whose titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. She is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers.

“This is one of the best first novels I’ve ever read. Not often can we read an authentic thriller that begins in Mali, Africa, and it remains just as believable in Washington, DC. Her well-drawn characters feel like real people. The last 75 pages kept me so engrossed I couldn’t put it down to eat my evening meal.”

Cecil Murphey
an American writer, whose books are in categories such as nonfiction, biography, caregiving, memoir, fiction, and inspirational. He has best sellers to his credit, most notably 90 Minutes in Heaven, a collaboration with Don Piper, and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, a collaboration with Dr. Ben Carson. Murphey has also written books with other celebrities, such as football player Shaun Alexander, Franklin Graham and Bishop Eddie Long. Murphey is also a public speaker on such topics as Christianity, faith, male sexual abuse, caregiving, and writing.

“Dr. Katherine Hayes, author of A Fifth of the Story, not only draws you into a fifth of the story but the entire story itself. This is an action movie in book form, with pace, drama, and characters we’re accustomed to viewing on Netflix. Katherine skillfully weaves a story arc that the reader can’t help but turn each page, relishing each nuance that builds suspense. On a visceral level you’ll appreciate the protagonists’ character and values, rooting him on to complete his mission despite a daunting array of obstacles. Viewed from the top, as this fictional tale unfolds, one reaches the conclusion that story’s premise may not be too far from reality. I highly recommend this book for those who don’t mind missing out on sleep.”

Pete Cruz
Author of No Tears for Dad

“Sometimes we read stories. Other times, we live them. Katherine’s captivating knowledge, writing, and plot grab us and refuse to let go. Dive into the adventurous and exhilarating world of a CIA operative, Brock O’Reilly, who wrestles with social issues, friendship, costly love, and a worthy mission. But cancel your appointments because you’ll not want to exit Brock’s world until you must.”

Rodney Combs, Ph.D.

A Fifth of the Story is a heart-pumping, hang-on-for-dear-life novel. The intricately woven tale will engage your mind and senses so that you might feel like you've narrowly escaped death.”

Sarah Wind
Author of From Recliner to Revival

“They left a war overseas and came home to a war like no other. Federal agents face a crisis of conscience between ethics and emotion, love and loyalty to the brotherhood versus performing their duty. A probing story of bonds and betrayal, cultural conflict and corruption, a glimpse into the inner workings of federal agencies and the toll on those sworn to protect. Racist plots, crime rings, gun battles, bombs, politics, faith, and intrigue converge to create unrelenting heart-stopping action from the opening scene to the last line.”

Rachael M. Colby
Award-winning journalist

Meet Dr. Katherine

Katherine is an editor and contributor to Killer Nashville Magazine. She also contributes to The Write Conversation, the PEN blog, the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference Blog, Inkspirations, and The Freelancer Newsletter. Her work has been published in Guideposts, and her art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to EFA (Editorial Freelancers Association), FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWOC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators).

She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality and cohosts Open Mic, a live monthly podcast through Word Weavers International. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequels of her first general-market thriller novel.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth, facilitating public relations.

She also works as a speaker, workshop leader, editor, and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes