The Pieces of the Puzzle

A missing woman. A deadly conspiracy. A man with nothing left to lose.
Scott Evers tried to leave his past behind. He had a home, a wife, and a future-until the night everything changed. After a brutal attack, Scott is forced back into a world he thought he escaped. A world where names disappear, where power is currency, and where the right piece of technology could destroy entire nations.
The name Jessica Wellmen keeps appearing in the wreckage-a woman who vanished without a trace, her secrets buried in encrypted files and whispered warnings. Following her trail, Scott finds himself hunted by killers, betrayed by those closest to him, and trapped in a game where every move could be his last.
But Scott isn't just searching for Jessica. He's searching for the truth.
And if the people in power think they can stop him, they've forgotten one thing: They should have killed him when they had the chance.
The game is rigged. The clock is ticking. And the only rule is: trust no one.

W. R. Stanek writes immersive fantasy, high-stakes thrillers, and pulse-pounding science fiction, crafting stories filled with ancient powers, fractured kingdoms, hidden histories, and heroes forced to stand against impossible odds. His work is known for vivid worldbuilding, deep mystery, and emotional stakes that linger long after the final page. His fantasy and thriller series have ranked among Audible and Amazon bestsellers, with his debut YA fantasy earning lasting recognition among listeners. For more than two decades, Stanek has built sweeping worlds where prophecy, danger, sacrifice, and hard-won hope collide. Readers can learn more at imaginedlands.com.