Contact: Kristin Cole, 972-267-1111, kristin@alarryross.com.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Psychological thriller author Melanie Wells continues taking readers on a ride of mystery and intrigue in her third and newest book, "My Soul to Keep," releasing Feb. 5, 2008, two weeks earlier than originally scheduled, from Multnomah Books, a division of Random House.

Wells, a Texas author and licensed psychotherapist, whose writing is character-driven as opposed to plot-driven, uses complex characters, deft humor and dead-on dialogue to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Her books feature the page-turning stories of Dylan Foster, the eccentric and slightly compulsive university psychology professor, who seems to have the worst fortune. Whether it is being framed for the murder of a former student ("When Day of Evil Comes"), dealing with a psychotic stalker ("The Soul Hunter") or witnessing the kidnapping of a child ("My Soul to Keep"), Dylan always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Moreover, she can't seem to escape from a pasty elusive stranger named Peter Terry who lives to steal her peace of mind, joy and safety in the world.

"The story of Dylan Foster has evolved organically," said Wells. "The process of creating Dylan Foster and the sinister Peter Terry has proven to be enthrallingly engaging and entertaining."

In "My Soul to Keep," Dylan is once again caught in a bizarre and twisted chain of events. A parent's worst nightmare comes true and a birthday party that should be filled with joy is turned awry when a little boy close to Dylan's heart is snatched from a local park. With little evidence to point the way, local law enforcement is led through a chain of mystifying events that seem to go no where. With the help of an intuitive six-year-old girl who is eerily connected to the missing boy, Dylan follows a path of tantalizing clues to the truth. With the presence of Peter Terry never far behind, Dylan is led to a place she never expected – or wanted – to go.

"The plot of this book surprised even me – especially the ending," said Wells. "I became very emotional writing it because I'd gotten to know the characters – particularly the two children in this story – Nicholas, the kidnapped child, and Christine, the six-year-old with a spiritual and psychological radar that's uncanny. When I wrote the big 'answer' scene, I became completely engrossed in the characters and actually choked myself up a bit. It's truly a story of redemption."

Wells, who grew up in a musical family, draws upon her lifetime of studying and playing music to use rhythm, melody and voice to create harmonious stories. As a psychological therapist for more than 15 years, Wells' thrillers take readers beyond the normal into a world of mind games and deception.

Readers identify with Wells' main antagonist, Peter Terry, who represents the battle everyone fights in this world of opposition. A spiritual and emotional stalker whose aim is to disrupt life and make every day difficult and daunting, Peter Terry is staking out sanity.

"'My Soul to Keep' wouldn't be complete without a presence of Peter Terry," Wells said. "He has been haunting Dylan for some time now, but readers will see a response from her in this newest book that shows her own growth and strength. She is no longer deceived and unaware of his tactics. She has learned and has become stronger for it."

"My Soul to Keep" (ISBN 978-1-59052-428-2, paperback, $12.99) releases Feb. 5, 2008, from Multnomah Books, a division of Random House. All three of Wells' books – "When Day of Evil Comes," "The Soul Hunter" and "My Soul to Keep" – are available at bookstores nationwide and online retailers. For more information, visit www.randomhouse.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For an interview with author Melanie Wells or to receive a review copy of "My Soul to Keep," please contact Kristin Cole at 972.267.1111 or kristin@alarryross.com.