Stripped

Synopsis

Everyone keeps secrets in Vegas. Especially about murder...

Detective Jonathan Stride discovers that there are only two ways to go in Las Vegas: you can hit the jackpot or you can get Stripped... Sure to enthral fans of Freeman's thrilling Thief River Falls, The Nightbird and The Voice Inside.

'This guy can tell a story' Michael Connelly

'A strong narrative, rife with sex and violence' Publishers Weekly

Elonda's seen most things working the streets. But it's a first when her client is shot dead in the act. Detective Jonathan Stride quickly establishes that the victim is M.J. Lane, son of a reclusive millionaire film producer. Any number of people might have wanted to kill M.J.

Another death is troubling the Vegas force - that of a little boy, killed in a hit-and-run incident involving a stolen car. Then the body of a woman is found in a remote farmhouse. Could the murders be linked?

It seems the killer wants to send a message about the brutal slaying decades earlier of a nightclub dancer. That case was wrapped up quickly. Too quickly? Someone certainly thinks so - and he's set on murderous revenge for the sins of the past.

What readers are saying about Stripped:

'I couldn't put this down. Breath-taking, brilliant, talented'

'This story has everything: greed, power, corruption, murder, love, revenge, desire, family feuds dating back forty years. There are a lot of very good thrillers out there, but Stripped is in a class above'

'Full of twists and turns - it's an exciting read, gripping from the very first page'

Summary

Chapter 1: The "Hour of Power" Myth

* Summary: Dispels the myth that we only have an hour of power in the morning and need to maximize it.
* Example: A study found that cognitive performance peaks after a good night's sleep and remains relatively stable throughout the day.

Chapter 2: Dopamine Is Not Your Friend

* Summary: Argues that pursuing pleasure through instant gratification (e.g., social media, junk food) leads to addiction and decreases motivation.
* Example: A study on mice showed that excessive dopamine release in the brain reduced their willingness to work for rewards.

Chapter 3: Your Brain Is Not a To-Do List

* Summary: Explains that the brain is not designed for endless multitasking and that we experience cognitive overload when trying to do too much at once.
* Example: A study found that people who multitask frequently have difficulty remembering information and making decisions.

Chapter 4: Complexity Is the Enemy of Execution

* Summary: Stresses the importance of breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps to reduce cognitive load and increase productivity.
* Example: A software developer who creates a detailed project plan before starting to code.

Chapter 5: The Seven Deadly Sins of Information

* Summary: Identifies seven common ways we misuse information, such as hoarding, ignoring context, and assuming facts are true.
* Example: A person who collects a large amount of information but never takes action because of information overload.

Chapter 6: Your Calendar Is Your Enemy

* Summary: Explains that over-scheduling and filling up time with meetings and appointments can lead to stress and burnout.
* Example: A manager who constantly attends unnecessary meetings and has little time for actual work.

Chapter 7: Stop Wasting Time

* Summary: Provides practical techniques for identifying and eliminating time-wasters, such as distractions, procrastination, and unnecessary tasks.
* Example: A freelancer who uses the Pomodoro Technique to work in focused intervals and take regular breaks.

Chapter 8: The Rise of the Distraction Addict

* Summary: Explores the epidemic of distraction caused by technology and offers strategies for resisting it.
* Example: A person who constantly checks their phone or social media, even when engaged in other activities.

Chapter 9: How to Turn Intentions into Action

* Summary: Explains the importance of setting clear intentions and developing habits and routines that support those intentions.
* Example: A student who creates a daily study schedule and sticks to it to improve their grades.

Chapter 10: Your Mind on Marketing

* Summary: Shows how marketing techniques are designed to exploit our cognitive biases and manipulate our behavior.
* Example: A company that uses fear-based advertising to create a sense of urgency and drive sales.