Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thoughtful Thursday: My Time Away...
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
BETWEEN is looking for Blog Tour Hosts!
Looking for blog tour hosts for my paranormal novel BETWEEN
Sapphyria's Book Reviews is hosting my blog tour February 2015.
If you're interested, please follow THIS LINK
*Rafflecopter Contest: One eCopy of BETWEEN in the format of choice
Contest closes at the end of February and winner announced March 1st
*Rafflecopter Contest: One eCopy of BETWEEN in the format of choice
Contest closes at the end of February and winner announced March 1st
As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its difficulties. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.
*Second place - Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012
*Paranormal Reads gives BETWEEN 4 out of 5 Bats
Barnes and Noble
Musa Publishing
Reviews
Escape Into a Book "I loved how original the idea was for this book, I haven't read a book like this one. I loved that this book was fast paced and kept my interest till the very end."
MommaSez "Creepy, scary, haunting–just up my alley...gothic romance that makes the hair stand up on my neck!"
Musings from an Addicted Reader "It was haunting, unpredictable, and intriguing. All the characters were unique and draw you in from the first chapter. Excellent read."
Shut Up & Read "I love a good ghost story, and this one did not disappoint...I've heard the saying painting a picture with words, and that is exactly what the author does here. Each sentence is vivid and alive."
Happy Tails and Tales "I would recommend it to my fellow ghost lovers, Gothic lovers, and historical paranormal lovers alike. There are some interesting paranormal characters...I wasn’t expecting them...a really well done plot twist. "
Demons Do it Better "Between kept me guessing. I had no clue where the story was going to end but I made a couple of guesses along the way and I was wrong."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Guest Author: New Release from A. Giacomi
Author: A. Giacomi
Excerpt:
I begin to scream questions into the darkness.
“Why are you here? What do you want?” I wait in silence, but no answers come.
I’m starting to feel a bit faint from the fear coursing though me. I hear that strange moaning again. It’s frightening and not like anything I have ever heard before. I stand paralyzed in the darkness with no idea what my next move is. While my thoughts race in every direction, I feel something graze my arm, and before I can pull it away, teeth pierce my arm’s soft flesh. They gnaw away at my arm as if it is a piece of barbecued meat. I feel a ripping sensation, and my arm begins to feel warm and wet. Something sprays my face, and I know the taste; it’s my blood that’s spilling.
“Zombie Girl is a fun and fast-paced read for teens and adults alike. Reading Eve's zombie girl life unfold with her two besties along for the bloody ride felt like watching a Joss Whedon show complete with the supernatural, a dose of gore, and a love triangle that is easily digestible and entertaining in one sitting.”
- Elise Walters, Author of the Tentyrian Legacy series
"Cool, quirky and gnarly as hell, Giacomi shows exactly how awesome it is to be a zombie. If I were bit by Eve Brenner, I'd be stoked to come back from the dead."
-Jeremiah Israel, Author of March The Damned
"Equal parts sexy and gory, hilarious and heartwrenching, EVE BRENNER: ZOMBIE GIRL is an astonishing debut."
-Stephen Kozeniewski, Author of Braineater Jones
Bio:
She is an educator, writer, and artist from Toronto, Canada. She is a zombie enthusiast, a wife, and mother to one small human child.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Cover Reveal: The Crosstown Kid by Richard Weir
The Crosstown Kid
by
Richard Weir
About The Crosstown Kid:
In the low-income part of a Florida town, kids get flushed into the gangland sewer every day. So when beat cop Rob spots a kid training on a track—trying, in other words, to actually be something—he’s intrigued.
Against the advice of his partner, he investigates the Kid and his family. What he uncovers unnerves him: the Kid’s father was a cop himself, gunned down by friendly fire. Before he knows it, Rob has uncovered a tale of police corruption and clandestine gang activity that may cost even more officers their lives.
Will helping the Kid mean exposing his own family to the corrupt cops?
Sometimes, extending your hand in help will only drag you down.
Book Details:
Title: The Crosstown Kid
Author Name: Richard Weir
Genre(s): Thriller, Police, Crime
ISBN: 978-1-68009-057-4
Release Date: 02/06/2015
Pre-Order and Read an Excerpt on Musa Publishing, LLC's website:
About the Author:
You can find out all about Richard at his website:
Cover Reveal Coordinated By:
Friday, January 23, 2015
Guest #Author: New #ScienceFiction Release from Jennifer Brozek
Peek into the mind and dreams of award winning editor and author Jennifer Brozek. Travel from the weird west to the hidden worlds of Kendrick all the way to the far reaches of space. This collection contains twenty previously published short stories and includes the brand new Kember Empire story “Found on the Body of a Solider.” Enjoy your journey and don’t forget your survival gear. Apocalypse Girl is waiting.
Apocalypse Girl Dreaming has been ten years in the making. Most short story collections are multi-year endeavors, and are “found” books. When authors start out, they don’t do so thinking “I will write and sell short stories until I have enough to make a book.” Thus, a short story collection becomes an accidental book and a nice surprise.
I’ve been asked many times how I chose my stories for Apocalypse Girl Dreaming. I suspect it is different for every author faced with such a pleasant problem. Once I realized that I had enough short stories for a collection—more than enough, in fact—I realized that I needed to choose the right stories to showcase my skill, fictional worlds, and how my writing has changed over time.
That sounds mature and professional, doesn’t it? What I actually did was pick my favorite stories first, realized I had too much, and needed to apply a filter. That was when I actually followed my first thoughts to make the mass of favorites into a cohesive collection that flowed well from story to story.
This is what I recommend for anyone putting together a short story collection for the first time: start with the stories you love. Then worry about the rest. It shows in the writing when you love your work. I think the reader can see that, too. No matter how early in their career the author is.
I hope readers of Apocalypse Girl Dreaming can see how much I love the stories within. I live worlds inside my head and I’m so glad to able to share them with all of you.
***
Thursday, January 22, 2015
#Sciencefiction #Adventure #Giveaway with Guest Author: Timothy C. Ward
Scavenger: Evolution (Sand Divers, Book One)
by Timothy C. Ward (Goodreads Author)
A compilation of Scavenger 1-3 (Red Sands, Blue Dawn and Twin Suns)
Release Date: March 1, 2015
In the future, sand divers search the depths for the lost city of Danvar and the truth behind their bleak existence. Divemaster Rush hasn’t dove since he lost his infant. A job offer turns from an escape to a trap and the lure of a hardened heart to survive like anyone else would. One dive leads to another. Farther and farther from the surface, death and evolution change his world. He’ll have to change too or watch his wife rise without him.
Inspired by Hugh Howey’s world of Sand. Written and sold with his permission. Scavenger: Evolution takes the landscape of Dune and throws in the pacing and thrills of Alien.
***
It took me a while to realize that this is the heart of story telling. This journey into the emotions of someone as they choose to change, either for better or worse, and then the chaos and conflict that will happen once they act. I thought I had to travel a lot to develop the fodder for a good story. I thought I was supposed to have fully formed characters already in my head, waiting to be written. If I had only realized sooner that you just have to find someone afraid to change, and then present an option that could be worse than they imagined and see how they react.
Some people ask whether you have to have talent or hard work. I'm in the camp of hard work, and if you manage to stick with it long enough, you'll develop the talent. Granted, some people are born for this, and I believe I'm one of them, but to those who are afraid they don't have the talent: if you desire to publish a book, know that it isn't genetics that is in your way; it's how much you're willing to prove that you want it. Prove it when no one's looking. Prove it when you get a bad review or a rejection. Prove it when you finish a draft and realize that it isn't done until you go back again and again. Writers succeed in these challenges. That's not talent. That's hard work.
 |
| Release date: late January 2015 |
I'm not a genius. I'm not a novel writing award winner from high school, or even the guy in college who worked on outlines and impressed with published stories while I was drinking mochas and playing pool, dreaming of being a writer. What has changed between now and seven years ago is that I have tried hard for seven years to improve with every day of writing. Sometimes that is creating a better story in the planning stage, or sometimes it is just trying to get two hundred words in before bed.
Bio: Timothy C. Ward grew up on DragonLance, Stephen King, and Dune. Read how he blends these influences in his serialized thriller, Scavenger: Evolution, where sand divers uncover death and evolution within America's buried fortresses. Parts one and two, Red Sands and Blue Dawn, are now available on Kindle. Sign up to his newsletter for exclusive news and giveaways.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Guest Author: #Horror #Flashfiction with L. E. White
Hello everyone,
Clarissa has been kind enough to allow me a chance to share
a guest post with all of you on her blog. I am L. E. White. I tend to write
dark fantasy and horror although I have also written a little science fiction
and erotica. I post a new story every Wednesday on my blog and I hope that you will join me over there.
If you like what you read, there are links to all of my published
work on the site. I have a new erotic horror novella, tentatively titled
“Forever and Always” that is in production with Sirens Call Publications.
As I do on my own blog, I wanted to offer you an original flash
fiction story. Something scary that will hopefully make you look over your
shoulder as you follow my link. I look forward to seeing you, so be careful
along the way.
-L. E. White
Interruptions
 |
| Photo courtesy of Lothorian Magick |
When Lynn touched the box, she felt a burst of
pain. “Ow,” she said as she jerked away and shook her hand.
“What happened?”
Lynn looked at Anna, sitting on the bed across
from her. “It shocked me.”
Anna shrugged. “Maybe you should stop dragging
your feet as you walk.”
Lynn frowned and looked at the box again without
touching it. It was small and dark reddish brown. Lynn guessed it was some kind
of wood, but she wasn’t sure. The sides were dirty, dented and stained. A
simple latch flipped down over a metal pin to hold the lid in place. The lock
didn’t have a clip or bar to keep it from popping open, but it stayed closed
anyway.
“Why haven’t you opened it?”
Anna frowned and leaned forward, putting her nose
to within an inch or two of the top. “Every time I start to open it, something
happens.” She sat back up and looked at her friend. “My dad found it in a
storage unit he was cleaning out. He said it was the only thing left in the
unit.”
Lynn tilted her head to one side. “So it was
under some trash or something?”
“No,” Anna said. “It wasn’t under anything. It
was the only thing in the unit.”
Lynn curled up one lip and leaned over to look
at the box from the other side. “When did you get it?”
“Day before yesterday.”
Lynn wrinkled her forehead as she looked at her
friend. “Then why haven’t you opened it?”
“I told you something happens.”
“Like what.”
Anna took a deep breath. “Dad gave it to me
yesterday when I got home from school. When I went to open it, the cat knocked
its food bowl off the table and I had to clean it up.”
“I hate your cat,” Lynn said.
“But that is just one thing. Something happens
every time.”
“You’re imagining things.”
“Really,” Anna said as she crossed her arms over
her chest. “When you went to touch it just now, you got shocked.”
“That was nothing.” Lynn reached for the latch,
and Anna’s little brother walked opened the door.
“Mom wants to know if she is staying for dinner?”
Anna smirked at Lynn. “Yeah she is. Now get out.”
The door shut and Lynn raised one eyebrow. “That
was random.”
“Try again.”
Three more time, Lynn reached for the latch and
each time, something else interrupted her.
“What the hell?”
“You are just going to have to ignore everything
else and open it anyway.” Anna was smiling a wide smile at Lynn. “Otherwise it
will never get opened.”
“Wait a minute,” Lynn said. “Why don’t you open
it?”
“Because I’m your friend and I am indulging your
curiosity.”
Lynn grabbed a pillow and swatted Anna. They
began to wrestle, and the box was knocked off the bed.
***
Anna was in her bed, covers tucked in and eyes
shut. Lynn was on the floor, on a sleeping bag on top of an air mattress. Her
covers were tossed, and her eyes were open.
Lynn stared at the ceiling, her mind racing, and
she wished the race would end so that she could sleep.
She flipped around, swapping head for foot in
hopes that the change would help. She rolled, lying on her stomach, head turned
to look under the bed.
When she saw the box, she reached out, pausing
as she wondered if she would get shocked again before moving forward.
Lynn pulled the box out from under the bed and
turned it over in her hands. It felt grimy, leaving her fingers sticky after she
handled it. “Ewww,” she said as she turned it so that the latch faced her.
When she put her finger nail under the latch,
Lynn stopped and looked around the room. She waited, and then shook her head.
Lynn held her breath as she flexed her finger.
The small metal plate flipped off of the pin with a tiny click, and Lynn looked
around again.
She looked the other way, towards the window,
and didn’t see the lid lift up. It rose, twisting on it hinges, opening like
the mouth of a hungry baby bird.
When Lynn looked down, her mouth fell open. She
stared into her hands as she listened to a soft, cold, voice whisper, “Free.”
***
I am a happily married father of four who lives on a family farm in southern Indiana. I have published multiple stories under the by line of L. E. White, with my work being included in collections from Popcorn Press, Hazardous Press and Sirens Call Publications. I have completed my first novel and am seeking representation for it.
Find L. E. White on Amazon, Smashwords, Facebook, Twitter and on Wordpress.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Guest Author: Keith Yatsuhashi Takes You on a Journey
KOJIKI
by Keith Yatsuhashi
Alone and afraid, Keiko travels to Tokyo, determined to fulfill her father’s dying wish. There, beneath glittering neon signs, her father’s death poem comes to life. Ancient spirits spring from the shadows. Chaos envelops the city, and as Keiko flees its burning streets, her guide, the beautiful Yui Akiko, makes a stunning confession--that she, Yui, is one of a handful of spirits left behind to defend the world against the most powerful among them: a once noble spirit now insane. Keiko must decide if she will honor her father’s heritage and take her rightful place among the gods.
Excerpt
“The Aokigahara Jukai,” Yui said, as if coming to some decision. “That’s where we’ll go. My father put a Gate there. We should be able to lose Fiyorok in its magnetic storms.” She pointed toward the vast forest in the West. “It’s further than the Gate I wanted, but it’s the only place I know that confounds Fiyorok’s Searching.”
“How far?” Keiko croaked.
The fires had reached Shibuya—close enough to feel their heat, close enough to hear the screaming. The famed crossing in front of Shibuya subway station collapsed. Smoke soared up through the breach, a flaming pillar rising within. Red-golden scales glittered at its base. Keiko held her breath as she watched Fiyorok rise from the ground in a sphere of incandescent fire.
“Far enough,” Yui said, her voice tight. She turned their shield to the Southwest and accelerated. Behind them, Fiyorok lifted its head and bayed like some monstrous wolf. Windows shattered and neon tubes exploded.
Keiko was glad she couldn’t see the carnage up close. People died there, probably many. Those who survived would carry their wounds with them for the rest of their lives—both the physical and the psychological. Her heart went out to them and their families, just as it had when the monster first appeared. She wished she could do something—anything—to help. But she was small, insignificant—a lone leaf in a hurricane.
Buy links
Musa Publishing
*Musa Publishing is celebrating the one-month release anniversary of Keith Yatsuhashi's second book, Torii, with a special promotion for Musa Publishing readers! Torii is free, but with the coupon code e80d707f85, you can get Keith's first book, Kojiki, 50% off! Just purchase both books together on Musa's website, and apply the code at checkout. This offer will run until February 12.
Amazon Ebook
Amazon Paperback
Barnes and Noble
Author Bio
Keith Yatsuhashi was born in 1965 in Boston, MA. He graduated from Northeastern University in 1989 and is currently the Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
Keith was a competitive figure skater for ten years, winning the U.S. National Junior Dance Championships in 1984, a bronze medal in the 1983 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, and a silver medal in 1984.
In addition to his love of writing, Keith enjoys many hobbies such as golf, reading, and playing football and hockey with his sons. Keith currently lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Kathleen and three children—Caitlin, Jeffrey, and Justin.
Musa Publishing
*Musa Publishing is celebrating the one-month release anniversary of Keith Yatsuhashi's second book, Torii, with a special promotion for Musa Publishing readers! Torii is free, but with the coupon code e80d707f85, you can get Keith's first book, Kojiki, 50% off! Just purchase both books together on Musa's website, and apply the code at checkout. This offer will run until February 12.
Amazon Ebook
Amazon Paperback
Barnes and Noble
Author Bio
Keith was a competitive figure skater for ten years, winning the U.S. National Junior Dance Championships in 1984, a bronze medal in the 1983 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, and a silver medal in 1984.
In addition to his love of writing, Keith enjoys many hobbies such as golf, reading, and playing football and hockey with his sons. Keith currently lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Kathleen and three children—Caitlin, Jeffrey, and Justin.
Labels:
fantasy,
Japanese,
Keith Yatsuhashi,
Kojiki,
Musa Publishing,
Mythology,
myths,
Spirits,
Torii,
young adult
No comments:
Sunday, January 18, 2015
One-Year Anniversary Blog Tour for STRUCK
Welcome to the blog tour celebrating the 1 Year Anniversary of the release of Paranormal Gothic Horror Novel ~
STRUCK by Clarissa Johal.
Follow the tour (schedule posted below) to read new reviews, interviews with Clarissa, and exclusive excerpts.
"Struck by lightning...claimed by shadows."
STRUCK by Clarissa Johal.
Follow the tour (schedule posted below) to read new reviews, interviews with Clarissa, and exclusive excerpts.
"Struck by lightning...claimed by shadows."
About STRUCK
Book Details:
Title: STRUCK
Genre: Paranormal Gothic Horror
Author(s): Clarissa Johal
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Cover Artist: Kelly Shorten
ISBN: 978-1-61937-690-8
Number of Pages: 255
Price: $4.99
Purchase Links:
About the Author:
Clarissa Johal has worked as a veterinary assistant, zoo-keeper aide and vegetarian chef. Writing has always been her passion. When she’s not listening to the ghosts in her head, she’s dancing or taking photographs of gargoyles. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters and every stray animal that darkens the doorstep. One day, she expects that a wayward troll will wander into her yard, but that hasn’t happened yet.
*Member of the Author's Guild
Coming May 19, 2015 from Permuted Press
VOICES, a paranormal psychological horror
STRUCK
(2014) Musa Publishing
*Indie Book of the Day Award
*Second place - Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2014
BETWEEN
(2012) Musa Publishing
*Second place - Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012
*Paranormal Reads gives BETWEEN 4 out of 5 Bats
PRADEE
(2010) CreateSpace
*Second round finalist - Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award Contest 2012
Short stories:
PIGEONS
Susurrus Literary Journal
Susurrus Literary Journal
THE ROPE
Susurrus Literary Journal
Susurrus Literary Journal
Non-Fiction:
A WAY OF LIFE
The Sacramento Bee newspaper
The Sacramento Bee newspaper
Find Clarissa Online:
Praise for STRUCK:
Lovely Reads
"This book grabs you in right away and hold your attention...I so loved this book and didn't put it down until the very end." Read More ~ Lovely Reads
Bex 'n' Books
"This is a spooky thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won't be able to put it down because you must finish it to see what happens, even if it keeps you up late at night to do so." Read More ~ Bex'n'Books
Bibliophilic Book Blog
"STRUCK will get beneath your skin from the very beginning. Gwen’s a likable character with a difficult past and tenuous future after meeting Julian. I liked the secondary characters, especially Fenten and Poppy. The characters were definitely all well-developed and engaging." Read More ~ Bibliophilic Book Blog
Straight from the Library
"The characters are well drawn and likable....The action is fast paced-- I read the book in one sitting." Read More ~ Straight from the Library
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How did you come up with the idea for STRUCK?
Some stories begin as random scenes, some as characters, and some are born from asking the question, “What if?” I was hit with the idea of STRUCK while running on a forest trail near my house. It was during a thunderstorm and I wondered what it would be like to be hit by lightning. I write about ghosts and things that go bump in the night and in essence, those entities are energy. What if a portal was opened by a lightning strike? And what if that portal allowed the energy from those entities to escape? The idea was intriguing and I went to bed still thinking about it. That night, I dreamt I stood in a field, with lightning striking the ground all around me. But the lightning wasn’t just releasing electrical energy, the lightning was releasing negative entities from the Otherworld. I woke from the nightmare in a panic, thinking those entities had somehow attached themselves to me. And so a story is born.
I went on to research the effects of being struck by lightning, interviewed several lightning survivors, and began writing STRUCK. I’m continually amazed how a, “What if?” idea can expand into a novel.
What first inspired you to become a writer? And what compels you to continue your career as an author?
I wrote my first short story in grade six. I was asked by the teacher to read it aloud to the class, which terrified me. After I was finished, I realized that I actually had everyone’s attention! I was shy and we moved every year, so I was always the new kid. When you’re in that situation, it’s kind of like being invisible. Finding my voice through story-telling made me realize how powerful writing could be. As far as continuing—truthfully? I think I’d go nuts if I didn’t write.
What made you choose the genre of paranormal gothic horror?
I started out writing fantasy fiction. I was working on the second installment to my PRADEE series when there were two characters that kept showing up on the page, over and over. They didn’t belong in fantasy novel, nor did they belong in my story! But their backstory came to me so vividly, that I set aside my series and wrote my first paranormal novel, BETWEEN. I’ve been pulled into the Otherworld permanently now. The ideas come faster than I can write them down.
January 1: Tour Kick-Off Sapphyria's Book Promotions
January 2: Exclusive Excerpt I Feel The Need, The Need To Read
January 4: Review Carolyn Spear, Making Romance Magical
January 5: Review Horror Made
January 7: Excerpt Sapphyria's Book Promotions
January 9: Exclusive Excerpt Alicia Joseph Author. Animal Lover. Aunt.
January 12: Review @peach83352
Tour Presented by:
Tour Schedule:
January 2: Exclusive Excerpt I Feel The Need, The Need To Read
January 4: Review Carolyn Spear, Making Romance Magical
January 5: Review Horror Made
January 7: Excerpt Sapphyria's Book Promotions
January 9: Exclusive Excerpt Alicia Joseph Author. Animal Lover. Aunt.
January 12: Review @peach83352
January 15: Exclusive Excerpt The Road to Nowhere
January 17: Review My Life, Loves and Passion
January 19: Exclusive Excerpt Sloane Taylor, Sweet as honey...Hotter than hell
January 20: Spotlight Babs Book Bistro
January 21: Interview I Feel The Need, The Need To Read
January 23: Exclusive Excerpt Filling Spaces
January 26: Interview karen writes stuff
January 28: Review I am not lost
January 31: Reviews
1) I Feel The Need, The Need To Read
2) Books Are Love
January 17: Review My Life, Loves and Passion
January 19: Exclusive Excerpt Sloane Taylor, Sweet as honey...Hotter than hell
January 20: Spotlight Babs Book Bistro
January 21: Interview I Feel The Need, The Need To Read
January 23: Exclusive Excerpt Filling Spaces
January 26: Interview karen writes stuff
January 28: Review I am not lost
January 31: Reviews
1) I Feel The Need, The Need To Read
2) Books Are Love
Friday, January 16, 2015
Guest Author and #Giveaway: Murder Most Foul with JoAnne Myers
It's Author Week in my blog. All week long, I'll be featuring my fellow authors.
Viewers only need to post a comment for a chance to win a free book. There is no Rafflecopter. I will be awarding two lucky people a paperback or PDF of their choice.
*Contest closes January 23rd at midnight. Winners will be notified here and/or via email.
The choices are: Murder Most Foul, Wicked Intentions, Twisted Love, The Crime of the Century, Flagitious, Loves, Myths, and Monsters, or Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between.
Blurb for “Murder Most Foul” - a detective/mystery
When two dismembered torsos wash up on the banks of the local river in the small industrial town of Pleasant Valley, residents are horrified. Between contradicting statements, police ineptitude, lust, lies, manipulation, incest, the motorcycle gang The Devil’s Disciples, crooked cops, and a botched crime scene, everyone becomes a suspect.
The young beautiful Jackie Reeves, a registered nurse, believes the killer is a man from her past. She contacts the dangerously handsome FBI Agent Walker Harmon. An arrest is made, but Harmon and Jackie believe an innocent man is being railroaded by local cops. How far will these lover’s go to solve this heinous crime before anymore killings. Determined to find the truth, Agent Harmon and Jackie are forced to run a gauntlet of deep trouble and turmoil, which marks them for death.
Excerpt:
Minutes later, Agent Harmon was knocking on the door of his adversary. The Agent found the ex-golden boy, playing pool in a custom-designed game room.
“Care to shoot some pool, Harmon?” Malloy asked, pocketing the three-ball in his solo effort. “I've been expecting you.”
“I would have been here sooner, but something came up.”
“You mean your conversation with Barstow? I just got the phone call,” Malloy said, and banged in another shot. “As much candy as he eats, I‘m surprised he's not dead. For myself, I hope to get shot by a jealous husband.”
Harmon frowned at such conceit. “I'm sure you will be.” Harmon's initial visual sweep of the room showed an elaborate collection of exotic animal heads and civil war weapons. He turned to Malloy, “You prospered being a cop.”
“My wife came from money,” Malloy lied.
Harmon knew it, too. The spacious room contained a fifty-one- inch television screen, two fifty-four-inch ceiling fans, a pinball machine, and a built-in stereo system. He opened with, “Why was your investigation centered on Vernon James and no one else?”
“Thomas and I caught James in insignificant lies early in the investigation. If he'd lie about insignificant things, he'd lie about important things, like murder,” Malloy said.
“Just because Vernon James is a liar and pervert, doesn't make him a murderer,” Harmon replied.
“Maybe not, but James was also obsessed with obtaining personal articles of Lorena's,” Malloy said.
“You mean her diary and the letters she sent to Dorothy Connors?” Harmon asked. “Perhaps Vernon wanted those items for fear of public humiliation, or blackmail from the teenagers.”
“That's possible, but everything pointed to Vernon James from where I stood,” said Malloy, chug-a-lugging his beer.
“There are several witnesses.”
“Yeah, and one of those witnesses is your girlfriend. The others are drunks, bums and drug users,” Malloy stated, adamantly.
“Well, then, explain the father and son witnesses who saw a man fitting your description emerging from the cornfield, where the limbs were found, early morning on October 14th,” Harmon said. “And those two men were acquainted with you for years.”
“I was nowhere near that cornfield on the evening of October 14th nor the morning of October 15th,” Malloy said firmly.
“Then where were you at the time of the murders?”
Malloy replied, “Um...er...with...uh...a lady friend.”
“And I'm sure she'll vouch for you,” Harmon said.
Sitting back, Malloy said. “Lorena had a lot of men mad at her.”
“Were you one of them?” Harmon asked.
“Me and Lorena had a couple of good times, that's all it was.”
“One of those good times got you canned, didn't they?”
“Like I said, there were mistakes made,” Malloy confessed.
“That's the understatement of the year,” Harmon scoffed. “First you seduce the dead girl just before her demise, destroy evidence, then refuse to look at other suspects. Are you hiding something?”
“Look, we're through talking. My statement is in writing at the Sheriff's Department. If you want to discuss anything further, do it through my attorney.”
Reviews for “Murder Most Foul”
1. 5★ BTS Magazine-December 2013 Issue 17- Reviewer Marie Haney
Review: The author recreates the scenes with dramatic fashion, adding characters that are so realistic; it feels like you're living the moment right along with them. She is a wonderful storyteller, paying attention to every intricate detail and leaving you hanging onto every word. If you're a fan of crime thrillers, this book will definitely not disappoint!
2. Goodreads author James gives "Murder Most Foul" 5★ on March 2013
Review: What can I say about this book? I absolutely loved it. It is one of those books that when you start it is very hard to put down. Everything is very descriptive and exciting it will always keep your interest peaked for more. Maybe the only way it could be better for me is reading it aloud to others around a campfire. It is a wonderful read. Well done JoAnne Myers, well done.
3. Goodreads author Emily Capeles gives "Murder Most Foul" 4★ on June 2013
Author Bio:
I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paint.
When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found at Books and Paintings by JoAnne
3 fun facts about JoAnne:
1. I will be going to St. Simon’s Island in August and hope to swim with the dolphins.
2. When I was 5 years old, my mother had me believing that if I ate magic hay, I would turn into a horse. I was crushed when I discovered that untrue.
3. In the late ‘90’s I lost so much weight, that one evening while wearing a black dress, to a bar, I sneezed and my underwear fell to my ankles. All I could do was laugh along with the on-lookers.
Other books by JoAnne:
"WICKED INTENTIONS" a paranormal/mystery anthology
"LOVES', MYTHS' AND MONSTERS'," a fantasy anthology
"THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY," a biography true-crime
“POEMS ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN”
"TWISTED LOVE," a true-crime anthology
“FLAGITIOUS,” a crime/mystery anthology
Contact JoAnne:
JoAnne’s Blogs:
Buy Links:
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Guest Author: A Historical Adventure with Elliott Baker
It's Author Week in my blog. All week long, I'll be featuring my fellow authors.
The Sun God's Heir
by Elliott Baker
Blurb:
In 17th century France, a young pacifist kills to protect the woman he loves, unwittingly opening a door for the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian general determined to continue a reign of terror begun three thousand years ago. Taking up the sword will not be enough. Rene must reclaim his own ancient past to stop the red tide of slavery from engulfing the world.Joined by a powerful sheikh, his sword wielding daughter, and a family of Maranos escaping the Spanish Inquisition, they fight their way through pirates, typhoons, and dark assassins to reach Morocco, the home of an occult sect that has waited for Rene through the eons.
Excerpt:
The boatswain, a large man with scars on his arms and face, walked over to stand in front of René. “Chain him to the mast.”
Their gazes met.
“Don’t look at me, boy,” he said, backhanding René in the
face. “Look down at the deck when I talk to you. You’re some over-fed nobleman’s
kid thinkin’ you make the rules. I’m surprised you ain’t cryin’ for your mama.
You got a mama, boy?” he asked and laughed. When René didn’t answer, he hit him
again. “I asked you a question, boy. Don’t try my patience, cause I ain’t got none.”
“My mother died when I was born,” René said, watching the
man’s feet to see how he moved.
He was cataloging everything he could see out of the corners
of his eyes.
“Well, not to worry, you’ll be seeing her soon.” The
boatswain turned to walk away and then turned back and hit René again. “I had
to do that,” he said, and walked away laughing.
Though they had chained him in a way that didn’t allow him
to sit, René had enough slack to turn and see most of the ship. He was aboard
an English slave ship. She was an older carrack in design, still with the large
forecastle. She had seen better days, though. The fact that she was still on
the seas suggested either a cutthroat reputation or an experienced captain.
Under the wear, the ship was surprisingly clean, her ropes and sails newly
repaired and in good order. Second rate though she might be, she was seaworthy.
This was a veteran crew, competent in their tasks. It wouldn’t be easy getting
free, and even if he could, where would he escape to in the middle of the
ocean? Don’t rush fate. One thing at a
time. Do what you can do, he heard the Maestro say. It was clear he would
have to pick a fight, and hope he could survive long enough to begin creating allies.
The next time the big boatswain walked by, René laughed.
“What are you findin’ so funny, boy?” The boatswain stuck
his face within inches of René’s.
René had noticed the boatswain had one leg shorter than the
other, and was certain the big man would be touchy on that point. “You walk
funny, that’s all,” said René, raising his voice. It was of no use to him if he
got beat up and no one knew why.
All work within the sound of René’s voice crashed to a
complete stop. Silence reigned. René had guessed right. Now he could only hope
he would survive his insight.
The boatswain stood in absolute disbelief, his face turning
redder by the moment. “What did you say?” Spittle flew from his mouth.
Even the captain had turned to watch. René counted on the
fact Gaspard’s agent had given the captain a great deal of money, along with
explicit instructions that didn’t include throwing a dead boy overboard. What
he didn’t know was how close to dead the agent considered acceptable.
“I said you walk funny,” René said—louder this time, so
there would be no mistaking it.
“Do you know what a cat is, boy?” the boatswain said,
clearly beyond rational thought. René could see the veins standing out in his
neck and temples, his eyes shot red with blood. “A small animal?” René asked.
There was a laugh from the men standing around the mast. The
boatswain took one look around, and the laugh died.
“You, James, bring me the cat. I don’t think this boy has
ever seen a real one. Your education has been sadly incomplete, boy. You’ll be
thankin’ me for this. I promise you.” The boatswain’s voice was a rough
whisper.
James walked over and handed the Cat-O-Nine-Tails to the
boatswain. As he caught René’s eye, he sadly shook his head. The cat had nine
long thongs of blood-encrusted leather dangling from a handle, knots tied along
the length of each thong.
“This here’s a cat, boy. As you can see, it ain’t no small
animal. Now, there’s a skill and a talent to usin’ a cat, both of which I’m
proud to say I have. You see, you need to take care the thongs don’t get all
stuck together with blood and skin, which they’re wont to do. If that happens,
the cat’ll take yer organs right out, and that’s always a bad thing. So you
need to run your fingers between the thongs every couple of strokes, to keep
‘em separate. I gotta tell you—as much pride as I take in usin’ the cat,
sometimes I’m forgetful. I try to keep count, but before I know it, I plumb
forget to clean the damn thing. I surely hope that don’t happen today.”
“I also have a skill and a talent, and I will kill you with
it,” René said quietly.
For one second, the boatswain paused, confusion written
across his face. “Turn him around, and chain him up. You there, strip off his
shirt.”
***
BUY LINKS
Award winning international playwright Elliott B. Baker grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. With four
musicals and one play published and done throughout the United States, in New
Zealand, Portugal, England, and Canada, Elliott is pleased to offer his first novel,
The Sun God’s Heir. A member of the
Authors Guild and the Dramatists Guild, Elliott lives in New Hampshire with his
wife Sally Ann.
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