LIGHTNING
STRIKES TWICE
FROM THE URBANAX FILES
Lightning Strikes Twice is an action-packed detective mystery full of suspense, wit and twists. When a kidnapping occurs at the Michaels' home for the second time in two years, total chaos ensues.
LIGHTNING
STRIKES TWICE
FROM THE URBANAX FILES
Lightning Strikes Twice is an action-packed detective mystery full of suspense, wit and twists. When a kidnapping occurs at the Michaels' home for the second time in two years, total chaos ensues.
Video Book Trailer
Chapter 1
Monday, Monday
It is a typical Monday morning. At 7:30 a.m. sharp, the weekday routine begins in the Michaels' home. Family members get dressed and arrive in the kitchen by 7:30ish. Everyone grabs their favorite book to read over breakfast, a tradition that starts their day.
Chapter 2
Don't Try This At Home
New Orleans is a city that is below sea level. If you are looking for water, you can dig a one or two-foot deep hole on your property, and likely discover it. When a house has a "basement," normally it is the first floor of the structure.
Chapter 3
What A Day For A Daydream
It is a normal day for Richard Urbanax, the 48-year old father of the three Urbanax teens. There is a beautiful blue sky for his morning two-mile walk, and even though it is a cold day in January, the air is crisp and the humidity low. While he enjoys the exercise,
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RIC FRANCES
Ric Frances was born and resides in The Greater New Orleans area. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Broadcasting at Loyola University in New Orleans and has spent his career in Radio and Television Broadcasting. He opened Frances Partners LLC in 1992. Just for fun, Ric wrote many TV scripts based on TV series. Detective movies, TV shows and Novels have intrigued Ric for years. Having read exceptional writers like his favorite, The Brilliant Agatha Christie, Ric was inspired to pen his own detective mystery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RIC FRANCES
Ric Frances was born and resides in The Greater New Orleans area. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Broadcasting at Loyola University in New Orleans and has spent his career in Radio and Television Broadcasting. He opened Frances Partners LLC in 1992. Just for fun, Ric wrote many TV scripts based on TV series. Detective movies, TV shows and Novels have intrigued Ric for years. Having read exceptional writers like his favorite, The Brilliant Agatha Christie, Ric was inspired to pen his own detective mystery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RIC FRANCES
Ric Frances was born and resides in The Greater New Orleans area. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Broadcasting at Loyola University in New Orleans and has spent his career in Radio and Television Broadcasting. He opened Frances Partners LLC in 1992. Just for fun, Ric wrote many TV scripts based on TV series. Detective movies, TV shows and Novels have intrigued Ric for years. Having read exceptional writers like his favorite, The Brilliant Agatha Christie, Ric was inspired to pen his own detective mystery.
What Makes It Special
Lightning Strikes Twice, From The Urbanax Files by Ric Frances is a unique crime mystery that blends suspense, technology, and family. Instead of a typical detective, the story follows a father and his three brilliant Teenagers as they race against time to solve a double kidnapping. With no profanity or explicit content, it’s a clean, family-friendly thriller packed with heart, high-tech gadgets, and fast-paced twists. A fresh take on crime fiction that’s both smart and emotionally gripping.
This book dares to be different by:
- Featuring a family team as the protagonists rather than lone detectives.
- Presenting a clean, family-friendly crime mystery psychological thriller, suspense, mystery, intrigue.
- Weaving emotional storytelling with intellectual intrigue and suspense.
- Delivering an uplifting message about perseverance, justice, loyalty and family.
WHY READ IT
LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE
How good of a detective are you? As soon as you get into the first chapter, SNAP, there’s a kidnapping in New Orleans. With so many suspects, don’t just guess. Determine who the person(s) responsible is, how they did it and why. Means, motive, opportunity. Are you as clever as the kidnapper(s) and the best detective in the Southeast U.S.?
- You’ll live the book vicariously through the heroes.
- Just when you think you know… BANG… another twist.
- Psychological thriller, suspense, mystery, intrigue.
- Clean. No cursing. No sex. Great for higher education.
Choose your preference
"Every time I thought I knew who the kidnappers were, I'd advance to the next chapter and change my mind. It's a challenging book. I took the challenge, but I picked the wrong people."
Amanda S., MAT
Teacher
“The twins are funny, but very clever. Their inventions are cool and things that would be fun to use. I particularly like how well they work together to create inventions to help solve the kidnapping.”
Eleanor S.
Student
“As I read the book I was determined to figure out who the kidnappers were before the book told me, but so many people were suspicious for different reasons. Good luck. I guessed wrong.”
Jonathan D.
Actor
“It’s a race against the clock as the four main characters, the Urbanax family, work to identify the kidnappers and find the hostages before they are harmed, while the husband and father tries to raise the ransom.”
Mark R.
Business Owner
“My favorite character is Hilly. She’s very smart and while she may not always agree with her father, eventually, she proves to everyone just how smart she is.”
Judy H.
Registered Dietician
“It’s a fast paced book which grabs you by the throat in the first chapter, then uses wit and a bit of humor to pull you through as you meet each character and each suspect. It’s a terrific mystery. I felt like I was part of it.”
Paul J.
Physical Therapist, DPT
Need Help?
FAQs
Have questions? You're not alone. We’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries about the book, the author, and where to get your copy. Whether you're curious about the storyline, age suitability, or purchasing options, this section is here to help.
What is Lightning Strikes Twice about?
It’s a fast-paced detective thriller involving a kidnapping, unexpected twists, and a race against time.
Is this book suitable for teens?
Yes! It’s clean, no cursing or explicit content. Perfect, not only for adults but for high school and college readers.
Is this part of a series?
Actually, it’s in development because readers are asking for more!
Where can I buy the book?
It’s available online, check the links on this website.
Who is the author?
Ric Frances is a passionate storyteller known for blending action, mystery, and psychological intrigue.
Is this a true story?
No, it’s a fictional detective mystery but it feels real and gripping.
Is it appropriate for classroom or school use?
Absolutely. It’s clean and ideal for educational settings or book clubs.
Can I leave a review or feedback?
Yes! We’d love to hear from you. Visit the review section or message us.