When teen runaway Sara disappears, her friends solicit the help of The Ghost, Michael Sykora, in finding her. A software designer by day and hit man by night, Michael has a well-earned reputation for disposing of degenerate rapists, murderers, and other criminals who manage to beat the system while their victims are left to suffer. Finding the lost is not something with which Michael has ever been tasked, but he agrees to do so as a favor for his close friend, Nicki - who shares an intimate history with Sara’s friends.

As the search for Sara proceeds, Michael and Nicki are soon introduced to a dark underworld of religious cults and twisted perversity, not to mention the usual debauched criminal element, resulting in a tortuous journey through the dark depths of society’s dregs - and the warped folkways and mores of those who reside there...

The follow up to No Justice, the initial installment in the Michael Sykora series, Beyond Salvation is every bit as riveting and compelling as its predessor. Once again, author Darcia Helle proves her masterful ability to combine well-crafted suspense with inimitable characters to create an unforgettable story of struggle, pain, and ultimate redemption. No matter the challenges he may face, Michael's tenacity and resolve are sure to inspire readers who can relate to his personal crusade to provide justice for the nameless, voiceless masses victimized both by criminals and the flawed justice system that too often turns a blind eye to their crimes. Also, Helle writes with a keen eye toward the darker side of our collective human nature, offering up a stinging - yet accurate - commentary on the problems that continue to plague us as a society.

Another instant classic by a quickly rising literary star, Beyond Salvation, is an immensely satisfying, rewarding read. Highly recommended.

Exciting and riveting!, October 1, 2009

Beyond Salvation is the sequel to Darcia Helle's novel, No Justice. From the first page, the reader is caught up in the interesting and complicated lives of Michael Sykora and Nicki. All of Helle's characters, from Isaac, Sykora's police officer friend, to an assorted group of criminals, are interesting people with realistic and intriguing interactions. Sykora's difficult relationship with his father is familiar to anyone who has passed through their teenage years into adulthood, as well as to those of us who are parents. Sykora's almost girlfriend is an former prostitute who is now working as a receptionist in a doctor's office. Nicki comes across in the pages of Helle's novel as the kind of person you would want as a friend. Her checkered past is offset by her compassion and some rather appealing faults. Sykora is a software engineer by day, and a shadowy figure by night. He haunts the dreams of the criminal underworld of the city. People call Sykora The Ghost.

When Sara Rivers, a young girl living on the streets of the city, disappears, her friends Derek and Jay go to Nicki for help. Nicki feels compelled to help them after they rescued her from Antonio Lott, a dangerous criminal in Helle's previous novel. Their search for Sara leads them down a twisted path and into the world of religious cults, depravity, and indifference. You are going to enjoy Beyond Salvation immensely. Helle's archetypical characters reflect the problems of society, while the vengeful Ghost cuts through the normal restraints of our culture in way that is both logical and gratifying. Five stars to author Darcia Helle for a job well done. I highly recommend this book.

Page Turner, September 25, 2009

He is The Ghost, a killer for hire who can help you get revenge if the justice system turned away from you. He keeps odd hours and makes a fortune killing criminals of the worst kind. This is a second book by Darcia Helle about Michael Sykora, the Ghost, new Batman of the underworld where criminals are afraid of him and victims worship his name.
 
However, in this book, Michael has some skeletons in his closet he is forced to deal with. Page-turner and a thrill-ride from first page to last.

What I like about this author is that she never ceases to surprise me with the way her storyline develops.

This is my fourth book by this author, I can't wait for the next