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Once The truth is revealed can you ever forget it?
"What if all the stories we were ever told about God and Greek mythology were true and the same, just happening in different realms on the same planet, all from one place, for one reason, and what if it was known and the proof was forgotten,
and now it is being found again? What would you do?
Could you let the discovery be stopped?"
THE UNDERBELLY CASE FILES VOLUME ONE UNCOVERS THE HIDDEN FORCES BEHIND THE HEADLINE REPORT
In Layers of Truth: The UnderBelly Case Files Volume One, a determined reporter attempts to rebuild his life after leaving Los Angeles under circumstances that can never be revealed. As he begins work at a new newspaper, he soon discovers that the past he hoped to escape continues to shape his future. While pursuing a complex investigation, he finds himself writing two versions of every story: one intended for public consumption and another that preserves the truth.
As powerful forces work to suppress what he uncovers, an unexpected partnership changes his life and strengthens his resolve to expose what others desperately want to keep hidden.
Campbell drew inspiration from the enduring fascination with investigative journalism and the idea that truth often exists beneath carefully constructed appearances. By combining realistic newsroom dynamics with elements of mythology and high-stakes suspense, he created a story that explores the sacrifices required to pursue truth in the face of overwhelming opposition. The novel reflects his interest in examining how courage, loyalty, and perseverance shape those who refuse to remain silent.
Beyond its compelling mystery, Layers of Truth explores themes of trust, redemption, resilience, and the personal cost of uncovering hidden realities. The novel examines how relationships are tested when powerful interests seek to manipulate events behind the scenes, while emphasizing that integrity often demands difficult choices. Through layered storytelling and emotional depth, the book invites readers to consider how truth can remain hidden beneath the surface until someone is willing to confront it.
The novel will appeal to readers who enjoy investigative thrillers, mystery fiction, conspiracy narratives, and stories that blend suspense with mythology and psychological intrigue. Fans of character-driven fiction will appreciate the balance of action, emotional complexity, and thought-provoking themes as the story unfolds through unexpected twists and evolving relationships.
Steve Campbell is an author whose passion for storytelling combines mystery, suspense, and imaginative world-building with compelling human drama. Through Layers of Truth: The UnderBelly Case Files, Volume One, he introduces readers to a series that explores the hidden forces shaping everyday life while celebrating the courage of those willing to pursue the truth, regardless of the personal cost.
UnderBelly Volume reader reviews WorldWide
***** Mysteries and riddles Reviewed in the US on July 18, 2026 Format: Audiobook
Readers who love mysteries will love this book! Not only is it a numerous mystery novel, it also has the riddles/challenges for the reader to figure them out right along with the main character. Definitely for fans who want something a little different while they read. Review done thanks to an advanced reader copy.
***** If You like blurry things with a touch of mystery Reviewed in the US on July 16, 2026 Format:
An entertaining mix of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. As the story unfolds, it gets more curious, and the characters are easy to follow. I love the blend of humor, action, and unexpected twists that makes it an enjoyable read. If you like mysteries with a touch of fantasy and hidden truths, this is a great book to pick up.
*****Brilliant! Reviewed in the UK on 6 July 2026
This is a very clever and well-thought-out book, whilst also being a great read and a lot of fun!!
In terms of genre, it’s impossible to put it into a single one, it is in a league of its own!
I’d highly recommend the book, an amazing read from front to back
***** Love this format Reviewed in the US on July 11, 2026. Format: Kindle
Love this format! I wish I had gotten a chance to listen to the audiobook version bc it’s such a fun story! The characters were fun and well put together and the stories flowed. It was quick and easy to read, so easily five out of five stars for me. Give this a shot on your next road trip! Don’t skip this one! It’s really good!
***** A Gripping Case Full of Secrets Reviewed in the US on July 3, 2026 Format: Kindle
Layers of Truth: The UnderBelly Case Files, Volume 1 by Steve B Campbell is a gripping start to what feels like a dark, layered investigative series. The story pulls readers into a world of secrets, danger, and hidden motives, keeping the tension steady from beginning to end. Campbell builds suspense well while giving the case enough emotional weight to feel meaningful. Fans of mystery, crime, and gritty case-file storytelling will find this an engaging read.
***** "A Blend of Romance and Metaphysical Ideas" Reviewed in the US Jun 29, 2026 Format: Kindle
Great blend of mystery, fantasy, romance, AND mythology. I enjoyed the romantic subplot. The relationship between the two became central to the larger conflict. Think mythology woven into a modern setting, with conspiracy and hidden world stories. 10/10 recommend if you don't mind stories that lean into metaphysical ideas. I will be waiting for volume 2.
****_ "A UNIQUE BLEND OF MYSTERY AND MYTH" Reviewed in the US July 2, 2026 Format: Kindle
Layers of Truth is a surprising mix of investigative journalism and mythology. The "Layers" - mythology, religion, and forgotten history - intersect as the world chooses not to see. There is a hidden war beneath everyday life that gives a constant sense of danger. The compelling question of whether mythology and religion are two sides of the "same truth" is always at the center.
The dual-story structure - public article versus real case files - feels natural and helps ground the "hidden realm". The pacing slips in places and could have used more clarity early on. But the tension and atmosphere keep things moving. Not perfect, but a very solid start to what promises to be an exciting series. I can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of the book; my review is completely honest and unbiased.
***** Engaging Mystery Reviewed in the UK on 30 June 2026
Layers of Truth: The UnderBelly Case Files, Volume 1 is an engaging mystery that keeps readers invested as each new revelation uncovers another layer of the story. Steve Campbell does a great job of balancing suspense, intrigue, and character development, making it difficult to put the book down.
The pacing keeps the investigation moving without feeling rushed, and the twists are thoughtfully placed, encouraging readers to keep turning the pages. The characters feel believable, and the unfolding mystery provides just enough clues to keep you guessing while maintaining the suspense.
If you enjoy crime fiction, detective stories, or mysteries with plenty of unexpected turns, this is a solid first installment that leaves you looking forward to the next case. A great read for fans of investigative thrillers and well-crafted suspense.
***** Layers of Truth Reviewed in the US June 25, 2026 Format: Audiobook
Great blend of mystery, fantasy, romance, AND mythology. I enjoyed the romantic subplot. The relationship between the two became central to the larger conflict. Think mythology woven into a modern setting, with conspiracy and hidden world stories. 10/10 recommend if you don't mind stories that lean into metaphysical ideas. I will be waiting for volume 2.
****_ A wonder start! Reviewed in the US on June 22, 2026 Format: Kindle
Steve Campbell has an intriguing blend of mystery, fantasy, and suspense that keeps readers questioning what is real and what lies beneath the surface. Following a reporter drawn into strange and unexplained events, the story combines investigative journalism, mythology, hidden truths, and an emotional romance that adds heart to the larger mystery. The world-building is ambitious, the concepts are imaginative, and the story leaves plenty of questions that will have readers eager to continue the series. A compelling start to a unique and thought-provoking adventure.
***** Entertaining well Written Reviewed in the US on June 27, 2026 Format: Paperback
Entertaining book love how the author brought the characters together. Beautiful love story mystery with suspense mythology loyalty and perseverance. The book was well written looking forward to reading the next book in this series. My thanks to the author for producing such an interesting entertaining experience . Excited to see what’s next and n the 2nd book.
***** Best book I’ve read in a long time. Reviewed in the US on June 22, 2026 Format: Paperback
My initial read on the start of this book was SCP/ANOMALY vibes, and I was instantly hooked. I love books that are super unique and entertaining right away.
I love how it throws you right into the action, but in a very clever way where you don’t feel lost, but it immediately draws you in and I felt like “OK I’m listening tell me more”.
I absolutely love Karl! He uses sarcasm as a weapon and I laughed out loud a lot.
It was kind of weird at times but I loved how the encounters were written—descriptive and interesting but not overly gory and definitely not boring.
I absolutely LOVE the different characters. They all have interesting personalities that bring them to life but by far my favorite is Lily’s. She’s fun and energetic and very unique. I just love her vibes. And don’t get me started on Ted. This author knows how to bring characters to life that’s for sure.
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series and checking out more books by this author in the future.
***** I was consumed! Reviewed in the US on June 15, 2026 Format: Paperback
This story is a sci-fi fantasy that follows a reporter named Karl. Though the story is in a different format than I was expecting, I found myself thoroughly consumed by the story. Karl has the right attitude of trying to figure out what is happening to Chicago, but local law enforcement wants nothing to do with it. This story has it all. From witches to zombies, missing college students, and homicide. I am excited to read Volume 2. 5 stars!!
***** A Mystery Romance Reviewed in CA on June 8, 2026 Format: Paperback
Layers of Truth: The UnderBelly Case Files - Volume One by Steve Campbell is an engaging mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The plot follows a reporter, who feels a bit anxious but relatable, as he moves to Chicago, hoping to escape a past filled with secrets he can never disclose. But like it often does, his past catches up with him, and that tension drives the story forward in a fantastic way.
What really stood out to me was the storytelling. As the main character digs into a complicated case, he juggles two sides of the narrative, one for everyone else and another that reveals the unsettling truths beneath the surface. This clever twist adds layers and suspense, making each new detail impactful.
The relationship at the center of the story is just as fascinating. Seeing how the reporter and the woman who turns his world upside down deal with powerful forces trying to conceal the truth lends the narrative a real emotional heft. The touch of mythology and unseen influences adds another level, making the mystery more than just another investigative thriller, it hints at bigger forces at play.
Steve Campbell really nails the balance of mystery, emotion, suspense, and intrigue. By the end, I found myself eagerly anticipating what’s next in the UnderBelly series. If you're into investigative mysteries that feature strong characters, concealed truths, and a hint of the extraordinary, I definitely recommend giving this book a read.
***** A Thrilling Read Reviewed in the US on June 8, 2026 Format: Paperback
The format of the book is a bit different, but that was part of what made this book exciting. The main character is a reporter and his opinion column is included-it allows the reader to a real-time experience.
In modern day Chicago there is a witch stuck in “our plain of existence” and she is not happy about it.
A potion given to a college kid under the guise of a science formula backfires starts a cavalcade of wild and scary creatures that threatens Chicagoans.
The police write off these crimes as “nothing to see here”, but the reporter knows differently. What new revelations does the reporter find? How does this witch fit into all of the otherworldly events that end in terrifying deaths of innocents? Is this a good vs scenario? And just who is the good guy? Who stands up to fight evil?
Whoa! It’s a thrilling read.
***** Mysterious Reviewed in the US on June 9, 2026 Format: Hardcover
This story follows the main character, a reporter named Karl, who investigates the supernatural. He's trying to outrun his past but also find who he wants to become. There are hilarious bits and mysterious bits. I liked the combination of themes. The book is like a collection of case files from an investigation so if you're ok with a read that isn't completely linear, then this book is great.
***** A Twisty Start to a Dark Mystery Series Reviewed in the US on May 25, 2026 Format:
When i read this book, I thought Layers of Truth was a really interesting mix of mystery, tension, and drama. The story kept me hooked because there was always something new unfolding, and the main character Karl, well he felt understandable with his struggles to outrun his past while figuring out who he wanted to become. I also liked the warm side of the story, especially the relationships and the way trust was tested. If you enjoy books with secrets, twists, and a darker vibe, this is a solid start to the series.
****- Enjoyable Reviewed in the UK on 27 May 2026
Steve Campbell’s Layers of Truth: The UnderBelly Case Files - Volume One is a gripping plunge into a gritty, atmospheric mystery. Setting a dark, sprawling urban landscape against elements of deep intrigue, Campbell introduces a world where nothing is as it seems. The narrative tightly weaves suspense with complex investigative procedural elements, keeping you constantly guessing. If you love hard-boiled crime fiction layered with surreal tension and sharp world-building, this initial volume sets up a highly promising, addictive new series.
***** Great sci-fi read and world. Reviewed in the US on May 6, 2026 Format: Paperback
Sci-fi lovers will have a blast with this read and get attached to the characters while on the adventure! It has it all!
***** Entertaining well Written Reviewed in the US on June 27, 2026 Format: Paperback
Entertaining book love how the author brought the characters together. Beautiful love story mystery with suspense mythology loyalty and perseverance. The book was well written looking forward to reading the next book in this series. My thanks to the author for producing such an interesting entertaining experience . Excited to see what’s next and n the 2nd book.
Layers of Truth | VOLUME ONE
Discover the hidden world of the underbelly Case Files and explore the stories that blur the line between reality and fiction. When an unexpected romance becomes the pivot point for the secrets that have been hidden away from all five Realms, the Earth Realm is in danger of being removed, as the sixth realm was. In this gripping start to the new UnderBelly series!
The UnderBelly Case Files chronicle a world where rumors are reality, and the impossible is not theoretical. Across many escalating cases, one investigative
reporter is drawn deeper into a hidden war unfolding beneath ordinary life, one fought through invisible doorways, costly bargains, and forgotten realms.
Strange deaths, impossible events, and moments that refuse to obey ordinary logic are surfacing, dismissed by most as coincidence or madness. What appear to be isolated incidents slowly reveal a pattern, suggesting that reality itself is managed by unseen systems that enforce rules that reward ignorance and punish curiosity. The deeper \the investigation goes, the more apparent it becomes that the danger is not random, but that bad forces beyond the veil do want to stop the progress.
Two people must learn to rely on each other as exposure to the truth begins to erode the world around them. When their bond grows into rare love, they realize the world could be counting on them to remain pure and honest. The lucky two who truly understand can only find peace by holding on to each other, as it is their bond that keeps them secure amid the surrounding chaos.
The knowledge gained reveals that the rules governing this world are older than memory itself, and only partially understood. They must travel from the dark of the realms to the light of the heavens, revealing the Underbelly most
ignore, and all should fear.
Now available on Audible
Power of Thought | VOLUME TWO
When Karl and Julie’s decision to bind their lives together does not bring peace, Old wounds reopen, buried truths surface, and the past refuses to remain contained. As the world begins offering exits, quiet endings that promise relief, safety, or rest, they must choose between silence, separation, or surrender.
As exhaustion sets in, trust is strained between family, and Karl carries the weight of overwhelming knowledge, the cost of which is tragically known only to the one he loves. Together, they are forced to confront endings that feel merciful yet incomplete, and to recognize how often systems survive by convincing people to stop caring. Riddles sharpen into warnings, revealing fragments of a truth embedded in the structure of reality itself, one which was lost long ago to deceit.
As tensions rise and hidden conflicts edge closer to open confrontation, survival is no longer the goal. Choice becomes central. Power, safety, and legacy are weighed against love, agency, and alignment. What emerges is the realization that the system reacts unpredictably when Karl and Julie refuse to be divided, revealing a bond that can never be broken and a pledge that will never be released, in a world built on separation, Karl and Julie choose each other again and again, becoming the One variable the Underbelly cannot account for.
When there is a bonding of two lives into one, that is when the rest of the world takes notice
Get Ready for a ride into the insanity. Most things are real, but some know the truth.
Fight Your Fate | VOLUME THREE
Of the forty case files sitting in the box, a mere thirteen have been revealed. Now is the time to expand into the ones that shaped a thought, started a journey, or pushed toward a choice long before it was made. The remaining files divulge the secrets kept close and the details behind those most important to the fight. Where did Karl get the rules he lives by? Why is he so desperate to avoid killing? Where does Julie truly gain her love of learning? Some questions will be answered here, but the rest will have answers later.
The files left behind contain information crucial to understanding the world surrounding the Underbelly. They contain stories of hope, despair, and utter dissolution. It is time to fill in the cracks and reveal the full story behind the most important war no one has heard of, to shine a spotlight on the events that have been forgotten by the majority, and to gain knowledge previously known only to a few. It is time to reveal the Underbelly, one file at a time.
The traversing of multi-dimensional worlds, merging the eerie with the
Enchanting has begun to embrace the full spectrum of what is
happening in the UnderBelly.
The first of the stories that were so strange or so far out there, they could not be shared until the public knew the truth, or you would not even be able to ponder the fact that there is any chance they were real. But this is not fiction; it's how I lived my life leading up to Julie's 35th birthday.
Kolchak Cases | VOLUME FOUR
So here I am, another normal day in LA. Not too hot. Not too windy. Not raining frogs, bleeding walls, or anything that would make a sane man move to Idaho. For me, normal usually means the fuse is already lit, and I am the only idiot standing close enough to smell the smoke. I used to think strange things happened around me by accident. Bad luck. Wrong place, wrong time. Now I know better. These things find me. The unexplained. The impossible. The cracks in the world where something reaches through and starts pulling.
That is why I keep a bag in my car. Tools. Salt. Tape. Wire. Things a normal man should never need unless his life has gone badly off the rails. If something crawls, flies, whispers, bites, curses, or wears a face it borrowed from something dead, sooner or later it knocks on my door. Sometimes literally. And when it does, I do what I have to do. That has become my life now.
So I started writing it down. The Kolchak Papers, or Files- I have not settled on the name yet. Notes, accounts, warnings, proof that I am not crazy, and that the world is not as safe as people want to believe. These pages are for the things no one will print, no one will admit, and no sane person would believe until it is already chewing through the door. So here you go. I will keep them ready as a fair warning to you all to listen to me, because my plan now is to keep these to myself. So, if you are reading this, the worst has happened, and I guess you can say I got slow and was run over by, well, something or someone.
Let me start by saying this is not the beginning , that was when I turned 36, and now, for three years, I have been chasing what no one else can see or hear. So, Ya, not the beginning but the start of my writings so the world will know what is really behind the door and under the floor. My only wish is they keep these files in order, so you will understand my fear.
This is the first file. October 20. Just me, just LA, and just the quiet before whatever comes next decides I have had enough peace. I am still here. Still writing. Still breathing. For now. But sooner or later, the next thing will come for me. They always do. Now there is a Knocking on my door…
Never Give Up | VOLUME FIVE
This final wrap-up volume is under Production, or should I say it is being written. There is no cover; just Ideas now.
I will share that the puzzles and mysteries here are like no other Volume, where you will need all the books to solve them. However, you will not be required to solve the mysteries to just read the book with an ending, or a new beginning?
Never Give up is just that all the Cases that take you to an edge where you might not ever return if you did not have the same pull for love and life as Karl and Julie does.
This will be out late 2027 Maybe early 2028. Here is where you can see the updates..
Live each day with a little mystery, and make each Mystery a puzzle of your mind. Then each day will make you stronger and not weaker. (SBC)
UnderBelly Case Free Sample
This is a small sample of two people navigating their way to 35, seeking a life that feels somewhat normal. While there are no spoilers, readers can expect some intriguing questions. This small sample will leave you pondering. So, as you delve into this journey, be prepared for questions that arise, But this is only a romance fantasy example then.
The Touch (pdf)
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