Elena Hartwell's Blog, page 12

February 1, 2025

Into the Fall: A Debut Thriller

Into the Fall, the debut thriller by Tamara L. Miller

Author Interview + Book & Author Info + Author Pet Corner!Don’t miss any ITW Debut Author interviews! Click the link here.Into The Fall

Into the Fall

From debut author Tamara L. Miller comes a suspenseful psychological thriller tracking the mysteries of a seemingly mundane life as they come to light in the vast, unforgiving Canadian wilderness.

For better or for worse, Sarah Anderson has it all: a thriving career, a nice home in Ottawa, two young kids…and a marriage coming apart at the seams.

Then her husband, Matthew, vanishes without a trace during a family vacation up north. Sarah and her children are nearly lost among the slumbering lakes, treacherous cliffs, and brooding forests of the Canadian Shield. A glacier-scraped realm of ancient beauty and terror, it’s a world away from the safety of the suburbs. And a big storm is brewing.

A kind rural lawman comes to their aid and takes an interest in the case. The trail goes cold, however, launching Sarah into a yearlong odyssey to find her husband. On the way, she must reconnect with her estranged sister and duck the suspicions of a slick city police officer. But that’s nothing compared to unearthing the dark secrets buried deep in the granite of her marriage―and in herself.

To purchase Into the Fall click either of the following links: Amazon.com & IndigoInto the Fall Author Interview — Tamara L. Miller

Into the Fall is set in the Canadian Shield. Tell us about that environment and why you chose it for a setting?

Canada is a bit of a strange place. Though we have a population of over forty million people, ninety percent of us live within 150 kilometers of the US border. That means we have large tracks of untouched and uninhabited land, particularly as you head further north and into the Canadian Shield with its dense forests, countless lakes and granite shores. It can feel like the last wild place on earth—breathtaking but a little intimidating when you recognize how harsh and unforgiving the wilderness can be and how far away you may find yourself from any town.

I’ve always loved the wilder places but am very aware that they can have a sharp edge. The wilderness is the epitome of treacherous beauty—seductive and able to kill you at the same time. I thought it would be a great character.

The idea for Into the Fall popped into my head while I was on a family canoe trip smack dab in the middle of the Shield. My husband and kids were still asleep in the tent, and I was sitting on a granite slab just watching the lake. It wasn’t hard to imagine the scenario Sarah finds herself in in the opening chapter of Into the Fall. Alone, with two kids, trying to survive a wilderness that might not want her there.

Into the Fall centers on Sarah Anderson. What would you like readers to know about her?

I’d like readers to see the layers in Sarah. On the surface, she’s a working mom just trying to hold it all together: her marriage, her kids, her career. As the novel unfolds, we see other sides of her that speak to her past and the fundamental roots of her character. We all have different parts of ourselves; some, we show to the world freely, others, we keep to ourselves until life, or a situation, forces us to reveal faces we might otherwise prefer to keep hidden.

Sarah is quietly fierce. She’s calm and contained for the most part, but a wicked edge comes out when she senses a threat, especially to her family. And, for good or bad, family is everything to her even though she resents them sometimes.

Tell us about your road to publication for Into the Fall :

I’ve been incredibly lucky in my publication journey.

I spent about five years refining my craft skills and working on the manuscript, trying to get it as strong as I possibly could before I even considered sending out queries.

My agent, Lori Galvin at Aevitas Creative, was one of my first few queries. Though she really connected with the characters, I was also lucky to have reached out to her at a time when she was looking for exactly the type of novel I’d written. I just happened to see that Lori was open for submission through an email from Query Tracker. Had I deleted the email or waited a few weeks, it might not have worked out as beautifully as it did.

It was the same experience with Liz Pearsons at Thomas and Mercer. My book happened to land on her desk at the right time. She and the whole crew at Thomas and Mercer have been amazing. Honestly, I keep pinching myself that I’ve had such a positive experience with my debut.

Prior to becoming a fiction writer, you wrote history and government policy. That’s a big jump! What was it like to shift from your earlier projects to writing a novel?

It was indeed a huge shift. I’d written my entire adult life—history degree to PhD program to policy analyst. Despite that, the one thing I knew when I started writing fiction was that I needed to learn about writing fiction. I might have been able to string a sentence together or develop a convincing argument, but I needed to learn the nuts and bolts of engaging readers, shaping characters and laying out a compelling plot. I can promise you, none of that fits into a government briefing note.

Before I even considered starting a manuscript, I spent a lot of time learning about writing. I read craft books, connected with local writing communities and resources, took workshops, worked with mentors, found writing groups. Eventually, I had a manuscript that I thought was worth reading, but it was a process.

And I’m still learning. I still read craft books, attend workshops or craft sessions through ITW, Sisters in Crime and others. That’s the thing about writing, it evolves, so you never stop learning or growing. There are so many influences out there and brilliant writers who share their experiences and insights.

What can we find you doing when you aren’t writing atmospheric thrillers?

Travel is probably my biggest passion. My family and I are always planning the next trip. In 2024, we managed to see Italy, Iceland and Costa Rica. We’re still working on this year’s itinerary, but I’ve got a few ideas.

At home, I love reading, of course, and my tastes are all over the map. Fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, biography, craft books. Pretty much anything. I love switching it up and learning new things.

Other than that, I love anything that gets me outdoors. Living in Ottawa, there is easy access to hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, canoing, even skating along the canal (when it’s frozen). Anything that gets me in the fresh air and watching the world unfold.

What are you working on now?

I am working my way through Book 2. It’s a completely new story with different characters, but still rooted in the secrets we keep, even from the ones we hold the closest.

Final words of wisdom for aspiring writers:

Whew, that’s a tough one.

I suppose the two things I’ve taken away from all of this is never stop learning and be open to possibilities.

The best thing about being a writer is that we get to read and learn all the time. It’s part of the job description. We learn facts and details to ground our stories and help them evolve, and we learn from connecting with other writers willing to share their thoughts on craft. It’s amazing when you stop to think about it.

The only other ‘wisdom’ if you can call it that, is to always be open to the possibilities. There is a lot of negativity and pessimism in this business. When I started this, I thought I’d be lucky if a small Canadian press picked me up. Instead, Lori signed me and now I’m with Thomas and Mercer, a publisher with broad international reach. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. So, and I know this is stealing a line from Ted Lasso, BELIEVE. Keep working on your craft and keep believing in the possibilities.

Author Pet Corner

Poke and Cali!

When my kids were younger, we thought it’d be good for them to have a pet in the family. We decided on a cat and trucked off to the Human Society center at a local pet store to see if there were any available for adoption.

When we showed up there were only two cats available, a brother and sister, who were the only remaining two of a litter of seven. I couldn’t bring myself to separate them.

The next thing I knew, we were packing up two white kittens and bringing them home. The kids named them Poke and Calipo (Cali for short) after their favourite foods at the time (Hawaiian poke and Calippo popsicles), and I haven’t worn black in the house since.

Into the Fall Author, Tamara L. Miller

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tamara L. Miller earned her PhD in Canadian history before embarking on a career working for the federal government. Miller began as a doe-eyed policy analyst and eventually moved into an executive role with the Government of Canada. She later left public service, older and perhaps a little wiser, to become a writer. Tamara is past president of Ottawa Independent Writers and has written several articles published online by the likes of CBC and Ottawa Life Magazine. Into the Fall is her first novel.

Over the years, the author has called many Canadian cities home but now lives in Ottawa with her family and two long-suffering cats. She’s always been fascinated by the raw beauty of the wilder places in the world and escapes to them whenever possible.

Catch up with Tamara on Facebook, Website, and Instagram.Elena Hartwell/Elena Taylor

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Published on February 01, 2025 01:01

January 30, 2025

Five Book Giveaway from Five Authors!

Five Book Giveaway!

Five Book GiveawayBook & Author Info + Enter to WinFind more new-to-you books! Click the link here.Five Book Giveaway InfoBaron Birtcher — Knife River

Five Book Giveaway Baron Birtcher spent a number of years as a professional musician, and founded an independent record label and management company. His first two novels, Roadhouse Blues and Ruby Tuesday, are Los Angeles Times and Independent Mystery Booksellers Association bestsellers.

Birtcher has been nominated for a number of literary awards, including the Nero Award for his novel Hard Latitudes, the Claymore Award for his novel Rain Dogs, and the Left Coast Crime “Lefty” Award for his novel Angels Fall.

He was the 2016 Silver Falchion Award winner for his novel Hard Latitudes and the 2018 Winner of the Killer Nashville Reader’s Choice Award for his novel South California Purples. Birtcher currently divides his time between Portland, Oregon, and Kona, Hawaii.

Five Book Giveaway A sheriff fighting to keep the peace in 1970s Oregon faces a shocking secret from his town’s past, in this crime thriller from the author of Reckoning.

There are rules in the West no matter what era you were born in, and it’s up to lawman Ty Dawson to make sure they’re followed in the valley he calls home. The people living on this unforgiving land keep to themselves and are wary of the modern world’s encroachment into their quiet lives.

So it’s not without some suspicion that Dawson confronts a newcomer to the region: a record producer who has built a music studio in an isolated compound. His latest project is a collaboration with a famous young rock star named Ian Swann, recording and filming his sessions for a movie. An amphitheater for a live show is being built on the land, giving Dawson flashbacks to the violent Altamont concert. Not on his watch.

But even beefed up security can’t stop a disaster that’s been over a decade in the making. All it takes is one horrific case bleeding its way into the present to prove that the good ol’ days spawned a brand of evil no one wants to revisit . . .

Praise for the Ty Dawson Mysteries

“The novel combines the mystery and honesty of Craig Johnson’s Longmire with the first-person narration of a fiercely independent Oregon character.” —Sheila Deeth, author of John’s Joy

“A masterful work of a time gone by. . . . Ty Dawson is a cowboy, lawman, father and philosopher like none other.” —Neal Griffin, Los Angeles Times–bestselling author of The Burden of Proof

To purchase Knife River, click any of the following links: Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google & Kobo

Claire Booth — Home Fires

Five Book Giveaway

Claire Booth spent more than a decade as a daily newspaper reporter, much of it covering crimes so convoluted and strange they seemed more like fiction than reality. Eventually, she had enough of the real world and decided to write novels instead. Her Sheriff Hank Worth mystery series takes place in Branson, Missouri, where small-town Ozark politics and big-city country music tourism clash in, yes, strange and convoluted ways. Her latest is the critically acclaimed Home Fires.

Five Book Giveaway

“An outstanding police procedural that plunges readers into a community’s nightmare. Readers of Steven F. Havill and Bill Crider will appreciate the novel’s focus on small town life and a local police force.” —Library Journal starred review

Branson Sheriff Hank Worth is one of the first on the scene of a mass casualty incident – a local fireworks warehouse has exploded, killing everyone inside. As over a dozen victims are pulled from the smoldering ruins, the painstaking identification process begins.

Chief Deputy Sheila Turley returns early from medical leave to assist in the office, while Hank delves deeper into the increasingly complicated situation at the morgue. He discovers that the previous forensic pathologist was hasty at best and negligent at worst. What starts as an offhand request to look into the errors turns into a discovery that shakes Hank’s world off its axis . . .

With Hank secretly investigating his discovery at the morgue, his short-handed team is stretched to the brink as it investigates the cause of the explosion. Then a shocking revelation leaves Sheila and her fellow deputies scrambling for answers to an unexpected crime. Just what happened in the warehouse in the moments before the blast? Can they unravel the mysteries in time to save Branson from yet more heartbreak? And can Hank, adrift and alone, figure out what happened before it destroys everything he holds dear?

Reviews

“An excellent procedural with the added attraction of a difficult, personally painful mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Booth was a crime reporter before turning to fiction, and it shows. Her writing style is straightforward and unadorned, which gives her books a feeling of authenticity. A fine novel.” —Booklist

To purchase Home Fires, click any of the following links: Your independent bookstore, Amazon, Amazon UK, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble & Books-a-Million

Bruce Robert Coffin — Crimson Thaw

Five Book Giveaway

Bruce Robert Coffin is the award-winning author of the Detective Byron mystery series and former detective sergeant with more than twenty-seven years in law enforcement. At the time of his retirement, from the Portland, Maine police department, he supervised all homicide and violent crime investigations for Maine’s largest city. Following the terror attacks of September 11th, Bruce spent four years working counter-terrorism with the FBI, earning the Director’s Award, the highest honor a non-agent can receive.

Bruce is currently collaborating on The Turner and Mosley Files series with bestselling author LynDee Walker, and working on the forthcoming Detective Justice mystery series (November of 2025).

Winner of Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion Awards for Best Procedural, and Best Investigator, and the Maine Literary Award for Best Crime Fiction Novel, Bruce was also a finalist for the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel. An Anthony Award nominated short fiction writer, his stories have been published in more than a dozen anthologies including Best American Mystery Stories 2016.

A detective’s fall from grace. A rookie’s baptism by fire. A town’s secrets laid bare.

“A superior, Connelly-esque procedural that ratchets up the tension page by page.” —Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of Blind to Midnight

In the unforgiving wilderness of Maine, a disgraced detective must confront his past to solve a chilling murder.

Detective Brock Justice’s career is on thin ice. Once the golden boy of Maine State Police, Brock now finds himself exiled to the remote northeastern wilderness, punishment for crossing the thin blue line. Assigned to the Major Crimes Unit—North, he suffers the added indignity of partnering with newly-minted Detective Chloe Wright, a rookie with her own hidden struggles.

The pair’s uneasy alliance is put to the test almost immediately when a routine snowmobile retrieval in the coastal town of Blue Hill unexpectedly escalates into a full-blown murder investigation. Even as the case exposes the darkest corners of the town, their fragile partnership threatens to undermine the investigation at every turn.

Brock and Chloe’s hunt draws them into the lives of several intriguing locals: the town doctor, a biker gang involved in drug trafficking, a politically connected sheriff, and Brock’s own father. With each revelation, the line between ally and enemy blurs, compelling Brock and Chloe to question their trust in everyone around them, including each other.

Even as winter’s icy grip loosens from Blue Hill, the noose of suspicion tightens. Brock must navigate not only a shaky partnership and a town harboring deadly secrets, but also the shadows of his own past. Can he and Chloe piece together the puzzle before Maine’s wilderness swallows them whole?

Retired Detective Sergeant Bruce Robert Coffin delivers a masterful blend of police procedural and small-town intrigue in this page-turning thriller. Perfect for fans of Craig Johnson’s Longmire series and C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett novels.

To pre-purchase Crimson Thaw, click the following link: Amazon

James L’Etoile — River of Lies

James L’Etoile uses his twenty-nine years behind bars as an influence in his award-winning novels, short stories, and screenplays. He is a former associate warden in a maximum-security prison, a hostage negotiator, and director of California’s state parole system. His novels have been shortlisted or awarded the Lefty, Anthony, Silver Falchion, and the Public Safety Writers Award. Face of Greed and Served Cold are his most recent novel. Look for River of Lies and Sins of the Father, coming in 2025.

Major social themes weave through his work, including the world of human trafficking, black market organ transplants, homelessness, domestic terrorism, immigration policy, political corruption, and the pharmaceutical industry.

James is represented by the Kimberley Cameron & Associates Literary Agency.

Detective Emily Hunter must be the voice for the voiceless

The homeless camps spread throughout the city of Sacramento are a topic of heated debate among residents. They’re considered undesirable—a nuisance—an eyesore. But when the camps fall victim to a string of devastating arson attacks, Detective Emily Hunter and her partner, Javier Medina, dive into the investigation and become acquainted with the real people whose lives have been destroyed.

The attacks only begin to draw attention when two of the victims are identified as the city’s former anti-homeless mayor and a camp social worker—but rather than strengthening the push for justice, the movement to completely abolish the camps intensifies.

The investigation becomes politically charged when Emily discovers who stands to gain from burning the homeless out of their shelters. She struggles to balance the high-stakes investigation with caring for her Alzheimer’s-stricken mother, whose condition is rapidly deteriorating. The investigation uncovers an unlikely suspect and a reluctant witness standing between Emily and the shocking truth. Can Emily overcome resistance and her personal obstacles to halt the attacks?

Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and Karin Slaughter

To purchase River of Lies, click any of the following links: Amazon, B&N, Books A Million & Bookshop.org

and me! Elena Taylor — A Cold, Cold World

Elena Taylor spent several years working in theater as a playwright, director, designer, and educator before turning her storytelling skills to fiction. Her first series, the Eddie Shoes Mysteries, written under the name Elena Hartwell, introduced a quirky mother/daughter crime fighting duo. With the Sheriff Bet Rivers Mysteries, Elena returns to her dramatic roots and brings readers much more serious and atmospheric novels. Located in her beloved Washington State, Elena uses her connection to the environment to produce tense and suspenseful investigations for a lone sheriff in an isolated community.

Her favorite place to be is at Paradise, the property she and her hubby own south of Spokane, Washington. They live with their horses, dogs, cats, and a giant mule. Elena holds a B.A. from the University of San Diego, a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, Tacoma, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

“A terrific ensemble cast in a total immersion setting! When the brutal environment is as diabolical as the bad guys, intrepid Sheriff Bet Rivers must battle impossible odds in this page-turning mystery. Fans of CJ Box and Julia Spencer-Fleming will adore this novel – it’s whipsmart, completely cinematic, and full of heart. Not to be missed!”

― Hank Phillippi Ryan

USA Today best selling author of One Wrong Word

The world felt pure. Nature made the location pristine again, hiding the scene from prying eyes. As if no one had died there at all.

When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. However, once she arrives at the scene of the accident it’s clear to Bet that the teen is not injured; he’s dead. And has been for some time . . .

Investigating a possible homicide is hard enough, but with the worst snowstorm the valley has seen in years threatening the safety of her town, not to mention the integrity of her crime scenes – as they seem to be mounting up as well – Bet has to move fast to uncover the complicated truth and prove that she’s worthy of keeping her father’s badge.

To purchase A Cold, Cold World, click any of the following links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Books-A-MillionEnter to win:

It’s so simple! Just email me at elenahartwell@gmail.com and tell me you want to be entered. All I need is your name and email.

US winners only. Entry gives us your permission to add you to our newsletters.

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Published on January 30, 2025 01:01

January 21, 2025

Artificial Agent: Techno-thriller

Artificial Agent by J.W. Jarvis

Author Spotlight + Book & Author InfoDon’t miss any new books! Click the link here.Artificial Agent

Artificial Agent

Captured, tortured, and left for dead. Pieced back together with experimental tech, can this courageous soldier prevent a cataclysmic war?

Loyalty runs through Michael Cooling’s veins. Abandoned by his father as a kid and devoted to his mother, the highly decorated Navy SEAL gladly leads a mission to extract two Ukrainian generals held by Russia. But after falling into the hands of a brutal Russian officer and nearly killed, the heroic patriot ends up comatose in a hospital bed… and unknowingly paralyzed.

Determined to escape a wheelchair-bound existence, the wounded warrior undergoes surgery to integrate an untested hi-tech endoskeleton into his ravaged human flesh. And as he trains tirelessly to adapt to his new synthetic body, he develops an unprecedented strength and speed he hopes will help him crush those who would see the USA fall.

Yet as old hatreds come home to roost, will his newfound powers be enough to stop the world being brought to its knees?

Artificial Agent is a gripping technothriller. If you like resilient heroes, vicious villains, and exploring what’s truly important, then you’ll love J.W. Jarvis’s nail-biting tale.

Buy Artificial Agent to level up today!

Praise for Artificial AgentEpic. A well written thriller about a man’s loyalty to his country and his uniform. Captured by a powerful Russian general, tortured and left for dead, Michael is rescued and rebuilt with bionics. This turns him into a formidable weapon in the fight against evil. A terrific read. Highly recommended if you like military based thrillers. – Goodreads reviewOriginal, deftly crafted, and an inherently riveting science fiction technothriller of a read from start to finish, “Artificial Agent” by J. W. Jarvis will have a particular interest for fans of stories about resilient heroes, vicious villains, and one unexpected plot twist after another. – Midwest Book ReviewTo purchase your copy of Artificial Agent click the following link: Amazon.Author of Artificial Agent — J.W. Jarvis

Artificial Agent

J.W. Jarvis lives in sunny California but is originally from the suburbs of the Windy City.

When he’s not thinking of ways to create inspiring characters for adventure-seeking minds, you can find him reading, golfing, traveling, or just sipping a hot vanilla latte.

Learn more about J.W. by clicking any of the following links: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Elena Taylor/Elena Hartwell

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Published on January 21, 2025 09:39

January 18, 2025

Murder In Season: A Lady of Letters Mystery

Murder In Season, A Lady of Letters Mystery by Mary Winters

Author Interview + Book and Author Info + Author Pet Corner!Don’t miss my review of Murder in Season — click the link here.Murder In Season

Murder in Season

Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

“A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?”

Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill’s edge . . . until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton’s unforgiving Season.

However Madge’s Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton’s gossip mill – and the police – are looking to pin the murder on her.

Adding to the ton’s troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society’s houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

Book Info

Historical Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – London, 1860
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House; Main edition (December 3, 2024)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448314046
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448314041
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D6YWTKRG

To purchase Murder in Season, click on any of the following links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.Murder in Season — Author Interview with Mary WintersMurder in Season is the third book in the Lady of Letters Mysteries. In the first book, we discover that Countess Amelia Amesbury writes an Agony Aunt column for the local paper. Tell us what that is, and how she came to write that column under a pen name:

Thank you, Elena, for hosting my interview. I always enjoy visiting your blog! (Always great to have you here!)

An agony column is similar to an advice column (think: Dear Abby). In the Victorian era, however, columns were different than today’s. First, topics were much more diverse. Correspondents wrote in about everything. They might have a question about a war or king. They might want to know how to get a blood stain out of a handkerchief. They might feel the need to correct a friend or family member anonymously. Needless to say, I really enjoy reading these columns. My research doesn’t feel like work at all.

Regarding how Amelia came to pen the column, she has a childhood friend who is an editor at a London penny paper. When his agony author quit, he asked Amelia to pen the column. She answered with a resounding yes!

Amelia Amesbury is a countess but not through aristocratic ancestry. Tell us how she came to be in that position:

Amelia became a countess when she married Edgar Amesbury, who was an earl. He died two months after their marriage. She lives with Lady Tabitha, Edgar’s aunt, and Lady Winifred, Edgar’s niece, who are both peeresses by birthright.

Murder in Season is set in 1860. What do you love about the Victorian era and why did you choose to set the Lady of Letters Mysteries then?

I love so many things about the era. It’s a rich epoch of history.

On the West End of London lived the Mayfair elite. Here, I enjoy learning about manners and social mores.

On the East End of London lived the poor and working class. Here, I enjoy learning about industry that brought so much change to the city.

For the first time, social mobility became possible, and correspondents to the penny papers became concerned with fitting it. Thus arrived agony aunts to help them navigate the changes.

Murder in Season brings a little more romance into the picture for Amelia and Simon. Adding romance into a series has its own pace, too much too soon, and readers lose the excitement. Too little too late, and readers lose interest. How do you find the right balance?

It is a balance, and I know readers enjoy hearing about the development between Amelia and Simon Bainbridge.

I think (hope!) they will be pleased with the amount of romance in this installment. I never want the romance to overshadow the mystery, but as a series continues, readers (and I) need to feel satisfied with the characters and their romantic decisions. My goal is to meet those needs while telling a compelling mystery.

You’ve written both contemporary and historical series. What do you love best about both?

I enjoy writing contemporary because it involves less research. Sometimes the pace is a little quicker, and that also makes it fun to write.

I enjoy writing historical because I don’t have to worry about modern conveniences such as cellphones. It’s nice to step outside today’s hectic world and imagine a different one.

What are you working on now?

I am finishing my edits on Murder in Matrimony, the 4th book in the Lady of Letters series. It is due to my editor in February. I am also starting a new historical mystery.

Final words of wisdom for aspiring writers:

Keep writing—through success, failure, rejection, uncertainty. It’s the hardest but best thing you can do.

Congratulations on your latest mystery! I can’t wait for book four.Author Pet Corner!

Bosco, Brownie, and O’Malley!

Bosco, thirteen.

Brownie, twelve.

O’Malley the two-year-old.

I’m very impressed Mary got all three pets in one photo!Author of Murder in Season — Mary Winters

Mary Winters is the Edgar Award-nominated author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series.

Book one, Murder in Postscript, was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Mary is also the author of two cozy mystery series and writes short fiction.

Three of her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine.

When she’s not writing, she’s teaching, reading, or spending time with her family. She lives with her husband, daughters, and spoiled pets in the Midwest. Find out more about Mary at MaryWintersAuthor.com.

To learn more about Mary, click any of the following links: Website, Blog, Facebook, Instagram.

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Visit all the Stops on the Tour!

Murder in Season

January 15 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

January 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

January 16 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

January 16 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

January 17 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

January 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 19 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

January 20 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 20 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 21 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

January 23 – The Editing Pen – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

January 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

January 26 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

January 27 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 28 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT

Elena Hartwell | Elena Taylor

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Published on January 18, 2025 01:01

January 14, 2025

Deadly When Disturbed: New Domestic Suspense

Deadly When Disturbed by D.M. Barr

An Excerpt + Book & Author Info + A Giveaway!

Don’t miss any blog tour posts! Click the link here.

Deadly When Disturbed
Deadly When Disturbed by DM Barr

Deadly When Disturbed follows the journey of leading Realtor and philanthropist Dara Banks. When Dara searches for an assistant, finding someone as resourceful as Meryl “Merry” Rafter seems too good to be true. So good in fact, she neglects to run a reference check. Bad move. Before she knows it, Merry, a former “actress” trying to be “helpful,” has insinuated herself into Dara’s business, family, and charity, and may be the only person saving her from prison. Dara becomes suspicious and begins snooping into Merry’s past.

Feeling cornered, Merry reciprocates by launching an investigation of her own and realizes—too late—that she may have picked the wrong mark to con. These women’s unsettling discoveries, and their desperate efforts to safeguard their skeleton-filled closets and fragile self-images, lead to an explosive confrontation certain to destroy the lives of everyone in their midst.

Praise for Deadly When Disturbed:

“Two women. Friends? Hardly. They’re both after the same thing. And as the stakes get higher, the mind games get uglier, until—well, I’m not going to give away the killer ending. D. M. Barr’s latest domestic thriller is a total rush. It’s like being back with Betty and Veronica all over again—only this ain’t high school, and these women (like the title says) are DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED.”
~ Marshall Karp, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the NYPD RED series

“Who’s the hunter and who’s the hunted in this taut domestic thriller? Don’t even try to guess. Just relax, enjoy, and hang on as DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED takes you on a wild ride.”
~ Brad Parks, international bestselling author of THE BOUNDARIES WE CROSS.

“Tense, well-written, and surprising—Liane Moriarty meets Gillian Flynn by way of John Lutz in D.M. Barr’s latest domestic thriller, DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED. Gaslighting and suburban intrigue abound in this carefully crafted tale, guaranteed to keep you in suspense all the way to the final chapter. Put this one at the top of your to-be-read pile!”
~ Richard Helms, Thriller, Macavity, and Shamus Awards winning author of 22 RUE MONTPARNASSE.

“DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED is a superb dark thriller that offers a brilliantly written bizarro take on the classic All About Eve. Shifts in reality and twists of the plot keep the reader on edge until the stunning and unexpected climax. Fasten your seatbelt and hang on. It’s a great ride.”
~ S. Lee Manning, award-winning author of TROJAN HORSE, NERVE ATTACK, BLOODY SOIL, and DEADLY CHOICE.

“DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED by D.M. Barr is a clever psychological thriller reminiscent of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, updated for today’s culture and with a superior narrative.… With a steady and increasingly intense pace, [it] is a hypnotic read of insanity and wretchedness that will stay with you long after the last page.”
~ Gaius Konstantine for Readers’ Favorite

Deadly When Disturbed Trailer:

Book Details:
Genre: Domestic Suspense, Domestic Thriller
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 2025
Number of Pages: 3

To purchase a copy of Deadly When Disturbed, click either of the following links: Amazon | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Prologue

She stood at her dining room table and calmly fingered through the cardboard box, double-checking that the paperwork was in chronological order. Even now, no one could accuse Samantha Ellingsworth of being anything but organized and precise. For nearly forty years, it had been both a gift and a curse.

First the letters from Harry, professing his incendiary ardor during their abbreviated law school courtship. The GIA certificate for the diamond, his glittering promise of passion extending through eternity. The deed to their Upper West side condo. A copy of her resignation from Davis & Milliken, where she’d been on the fast track to partner. The birth certificates for her daughter, dated a year later, and the surprise twins, ten years after that.

Next, the children’s coveted acceptance letters from Harrison—Manhattan’s most elite private pre-school and elementary—followed by every one of the glowing report cards she’d worked with them so diligently to earn. Campaign flyers she’d created for Harry’s run for state senate. Her passport opened to the page containing the stamp from that fateful trip to Aruba. The letters she’d written, refuting everything he’d accused her of as lies—all unopened and marked “Return to Sender.” The prescription for Prozac, unfilled, as if any pharmaceutical could rescue her from this pit of depression. Finally, the divorce papers she’d received a few weeks ago, still unsigned.

A lifetime of aspirations, misunderstandings, and betrayals, all encapsulated in a pile of paper less than an inch thick. She affixed the cover to the box and took a long, wistful look at the “perfect” apartment they’d been so ecstatic about buying, beating out several competing bids thanks to the lingering cachet of the Ellingsworth name and its clout in political circles. Confident that the condo was spotless, with everything in its place, Samantha slowly donned her hooded sheepskin coat, grabbed the box, and headed out.

The elevator operator nodded as she entered, but Gloria from the floor above murmured a curt hello and diverted her gaze as they descended from the seventh floor. Samantha had grown used to the frostiness over the past few weeks. Did the other tenants fear it was catching, that they too might be abandoned by their spouse and children, their lives reduced to rubble, if they inched too close? Whatever.

She trudged southbound through the early morning wintery mix; package still cradled to her chest like a newborn. Frigid raindrops grazed her eyelashes before cascading downward and stinging her cheeks as she passed the signs in Zabars’ windows, reminding patrons to purchase their Thanksgiving turkeys. The holiday was only days away. The irony did not escape her.

Shivering as much from the weather as from what lay ahead, she descended the subway staircase at 72nd Street, pushing against the throngs headed toward the sidewalk. She had someplace to go too and nothing—not crowds nor apprehension—was going to delay her.

Today was the day, a chance to have her say. Finally, she’d make him understand.

Samantha ran her MetroCard through the turnstile and headed toward the stairway leading to the uptown train. She positioned herself as close as possible to the opening of the tunnel and stood by the edge of the platform, resummoning her fleeting courage as the crowds swelled behind her. Commuters too involved with their phones to notice the determined woman beside them whose breathing had quickened and whose face had grown hot. She hugged the box even tighter to her fidgeting body and waited. And waited.

A collective sigh arose from the crowd as the loudspeaker announced that the next train was going out of service and wouldn’t be stopping. She saw the light in the distance and heard the clunk-de-clunk and whirl—a deafening gale descending onto the tracks, drowning out the murmur of the passengers. Her ride to the most important meeting of her life. And it was the number 2 train. How appropriate. Just like her, relegated from number one.

Timing was everything, the oncoming gleam only yards away. She tightened her grasp on what was left of her world, recalling the face of the bitch who’d laughed as she’d stolen it all away. Then she took one last breath and jumped onto the tracks.

***

Author of Deadly When Disturbed — D.M. Barr

DM Barr

Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who writes psychological and romantic suspense as D.M. Barr and non-fiction under her own name.

Her eight other published books include Expired Listings, Murder Worth the Weight, and Saving Grace: A Psychological Thriller. Along with Deadly When Disturbed, in February LBB will also publish the first of her multi-volume series, Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide.

Dawn recently completed her second stint co-editing a Sisters in Crime NY/Tri-state anthology. New York State of Crime, published by Down & Out Books in the fall of 2024, which includes her third published short story, “Orchestral Removals in the Dark.” She is currently editing an anthology of crime fiction for Down & Out Books inspired by the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Dawn offers developmental and copy editing through SuggestedDevelopment.com, and ghostwrites personal histories and corporate profiles through LegacyQuest.net. A member of ITW, she has served as president of Hudson Valley Scribes, vice president of Sisters in Crime-NY (still a board member), and the newsletter author/board member of the NY chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

To learn more about DM, click any of the following links: www.DMBarr.com, Goodreads – @DMBarr, BookBub – @DMBarr, Instagram – @AuthorDMBarr, Threads – @AuthorDMBarr, YouTube – @BarrSinister-m7u, Bluesky – @AuthorDMBarr, YouTube – @BarrSinister-m7u, Facebook – @AuthorDMBarr & TikTok – @AuthorDMBarr

Visit all the stops on the Tour!

Elena Taylor/Elena Hartwell

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Published on January 14, 2025 01:01

January 10, 2025

River of Lies: A New Thriller

River of Lies by James L’Etoile [image error]

Guest Post + an Excerpt + Book & Author Info + A Giveaway!

Don’t miss any blog tour posts! Click the link here.

River of Lies
River of Lies by James L'Etoile

A Detective Emily Hunter Mystery
Detective Emily Hunter must be the voice for the voiceless

Praise for RIVER OF LIES:

“[River of Lies has] everything that I love in a police procedural in spades: a smart and intuitive lead detective, an equally intuitive partner, and a high-stakes, ripped-from-the-headlines case that will challenge them both.” ~ Karen Dionne, USA Today best-selling author of The Marsh King’s Daughter

“River of Lies is a rich, gripping crime novel. L’Etoile writes with a deep understanding of both human nature and investigative procedure, a combination that keeps the pages flying past.” ~ Lou Berney, Edgar Award-winning author of Double Barrel Bluff

“River of Lies is a tour de force thriller . . . Brooding, heartfelt, and powerful.” ~ T. Jefferson Parker, New York Times best-selling author of Desperation Reef

“River of Lies is a masterful blend of political intrigue and personal drama, weaving elements of true-life crime into a twisty, page-turning and compelling plot—with a climax and denouement that will shock you to the core. Enthusiastically recommended.” ~ Baron Birtcher, award-winning author of Knife River

Book Details:

Genre: Police Procedural; Thriller
Published by: Oceanview Publishing
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781608095896 (ISBN10: 1608095894)
Series: A Detective Emily Hunter Mystery, 2

To purchase River of Lies, click any of the following links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Oceanview Publishing

Author Guest Post with James L’Etoile
A very important character …

Thanks for having me back on The Mystery of Writing. Always a blast to talk about all the creative bits and bobs that go into crafting a story. Character is, for me, one of the most important parts of the process. Without the right characters, the story falls flat.

River of Lies has a great cast of supporting characters who keep the action moving forward. We’re going to chat with Emily Hunter, the central character in this series. She relies upon—

*Crash. Sounds of a coffee cup falling from the counter*

Me: I better go find out what that was about. Emily might be having trouble with her coffee. You don’t want to see her without her caffeine fix.

#NotMyCat!

Emily: Sorry about that. That cat snuck in and knocked my cup off the counter.

Me: What cat? I don’t have a cat.

Emily: Don’t start that with me. You know exactly the cat I’m talking about. The one who has been campin’ out in your home for the past ten years.

Me: Oh, her. Technically, she’s not my cat—

Emily: Don’t give me that technically bull. It was bad enough that you made excuses for why she was still hanging around your place. But then, you had the gall to write her in as a character in Face of Greed, and now again in River of Lies.

Me: Better you than me.

Emily: What was that?

Me: Never mind. Oh, here she is now.

*#NotMyCat hops on an empty chair*

#NotMyCat: Alright, fine, I’m here. You may begin. What’s she doing here?

Emily: Don’t give me that side eye. I’m the main character in River of Lies. This is about me and how I solve the mystery of who’s lighting deadly fires in the city’s homeless camps.

#NotMyCat: Oh, yawn. What everyone wants to know is if my appearance in Face of Greed and River of Lies is autobiographical? A cat’s rags to riches story.

Emily: By everyone, you mean the other strays who break in and steal food?

Me: Okay, now. Let’s put the claws away. So, #NotMyCat, what makes you think you’re the main character here?

#NotMyCat: It’s kinda obvious. I’m on the page when all the things happen. When my supporting character is in distress, I’m there to save the day. Then I’m rewarded with a feast and a nap. It’s every cat’s dream.

Emily: You sneak in, and I give you some kibble that I bought because I thought you were homeless. I felt sorry for you until I learned you lived three houses down. Speaking of, does Mrs. Rose know you got out again?

Me: That is almost autobiographical.

#NotMyCat: See. I’m adorable.

Me: Not exactly what I was going for. You are kinda threatening.

Emily: Oh, grow a backbone writer boy. Tell the fleabag here where to get off. This is a detective story, not a cozy with a cat on the cover.

River of Lies #NotMyCat: Maybe it should be. After all, how long have you and your cop boyfriend been prowling around? Even your mother says you aren’t getting any younger, Emily. Does she know what you’ve been doing? And they say I’m the one with the morals of an alley cat.

Me: Now hold on, you two—

#NotMyCat: Have you told her? At your book events, readers ask for my autograph? Has anyone ever asked for hers?

Me: That’s not the same. It’s—

Emily: You do what? The cat gets to autograph books? My books?

#NotMyCat: People love me, what can I say? It’s burden I happily accept.

Emily: Tell me you don’t like, actually bring her to events? That would be too much.

#NotMyCat: You wanna tell her, or should I?

Emily: Tell me what?

Me: The cat doesn’t go to book events.

Emily: I should hope not. People would think you’ve lost your ever-loving mind.

Me: But she does have a stunt double who appears on her behalf. A stuffed black cat. People do ask to see her.

James, Elena, and #NotMyCat

Emily: Do people think you’re off your rocker? I can’t believe you have her—that—showboating my book. It is the Detective Emily Hunter series still, isn’t it?

Me: I have gotten a few glances and a snide comment or two, like who’s the guy with the stuffed animal? People do like her. But, Emily, you have to admit, #NotMyCat is doing marketing for your book, right? She’s done a decent job of it, too.

#NotMyCat: Yeah, you hear that? I’m Beloved.

Me: I didn’t say that.

#NotMyCat: I heard what I heard.

Me: Like always.

Emily: Okay author boy, I get what you’re trying to do. I can tolerate her getting a mention or two in the book, but I have conditions. Fleabag doesn’t appear on the cover; she doesn’t get top billing in the title. And give Brian and me some “quiet time” together, would ya? Like mom says, I’m not getting any younger.

Me: I’ll see what I can do.

The interview with #NotMyCat continues to be the most popular post on my blog. See for yourself! Click the link here.

Read an excerpt of River of Lies:

CHAPTER ONE

It would be easy to float away in the darkness and let the current pull her under, too. She’d thought about it several times before—in her “dark times,” as her ex-husband used to call them.

Lisa’s life hadn’t turned out the way she’d hoped. Abusive parents, a failed marriage, the booze—so much booze—all swirled together to set her on this path. Losing her apartment finally put her out here. Now this. She thought she’d escaped, but running from her past hadn’t worked. The ghosts of years past had stripped everything away. Lisa had nothing left, not even hope.

The tug of the Sacramento River on her legs was temping, and the spring snow runoff numbed Lisa’s thighs as she waded out.

Lisa closed her eyes and pictured herself lying back and allowing the river to put an end to it.

“Momma?”

Lisa’s eyes shot open.

Glancing over her shoulder, she spotted the faint outline of her daughter standing on the riverbank. The eight-year-old wore a thin blue t-shirt with a unicorn on the front, a threadbare pair of jeans, holding a stuffed bunny with one ear missing. The girl’s face registered confusion.

“Baby, go on back to the tent,” Lisa said.

Lisa felt her daughter would be better off without her. The mother’s sins cast a damning shadow. But she couldn’t abandon Willow. Not like this. Lisa knew what it was like to be an orphan in an unfriendly world. The future of an eight-year-old alone in a homeless camp wasn’t the life Willow deserved.

“Momma, what are you doing?”

Lisa’s eyes welled. She didn’t need to tell her daughter the world was a hurtful place. She’d keep the secrets and not let her know there was nothing worth living for—for now.

“I’m coming, baby.”

Lisa turned and waded back toward the bank. Her daughter spent the last two years in one homeless camp or another. The tightly packed shelters made Lisa’s claustrophobia itch.

Lisa reached for her daughter and grabbed her, lifting the girl into a tight hug. Tears streamed down Lisa’s cheeks. Not because Lisa wanted to end her suffering. She’d considered that option before. The tears came from nearly making Willow an orphan and leaving the innocent girl behind in a homeless camp. Willow couldn’t fight off the predators who lurked in the darkness—like they did tonight.

From the river’s edge, the camp spread a quarter mile in either direction. There was never any official count because people came and went, died, were arrested, or simply disappeared from the camp. Lisa guessed there were over two hundred people living here in the city’s forgotten shadows.

It was time to move. When the camps get too big, bad things happen, and people talk.

Lights flickered from small campfires and lanterns throughout the settlement. Lisa thought they looked like fallen stars. She hugged Willow a little closer and followed the trail back into the camp.

She unzipped the fly on their tent and scooted inside. Their belongings—a change of clothes, a towel to share, and two children’s books lay on one end of the nylon dome tent. A pair of sleeping bags took up most of the space. Lisa knew they were lucky to have them—others didn’t.

“All right, sweetie, let’s get you settled in for the night.”

Willow wiggled into her sleeping bag with her stuffed rabbit. Lisa grabbed a book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, one of her daughter’s favorites. The eight-year-old could recite most of the story by heart.

Lisa opened the book when a loud commotion erupted outside. It wasn’t uncommon in the camp. Fights over property, drugs, or imagined slights fed by drugs, alcohol, and glitchy mental health were a daily occurrence. Lisa learned the best thing to do was stay out of it and never get involved.

It sounded like the usual dust-up until the screams began.

“Stay here, Willow.”

Lisa crawled to the tent flap, zipped it open, and poked her head out.

Fire.

Flames erupted on the far side of the camp. It was always a risk in the cardboard condos and plastic tarp shelters along the riverbank. This was different. At least six structures were ablaze. People were running, backlit by the orange and yellow glow. The evening delta breeze fanned the flames, igniting another dozen tents.

The cheap nylon shelters went up like dried rice paper.

“Baby, get your shoes on.”

“What is it, Momma?”

“We need to—”

Lisa spotted two men in the chaos, both outlined by the flames behind them. They weren’t running. One set the next row of tents ablaze. The second man wielded a baseball bat and swung the aluminum cylinder at anyone who came near. A sickening tink sound echoed among the rows of tents when he bounced the bat off a man’s shoulder.

Lisa grabbed her daughter’s hand, pulling her from the tent. The girl’s eyes grew large when she spotted the fires.

Willow pulled away and ducked back into the tent.

“Willow Marie, don’t you pull away from me. Come here. We need to get away.”

Lisa felt the heat from the fire. It was spreading fast, and the flames jumped up into the trees within the camp.

Bending into the tent, Lisa found Willow gathering her stuffed animal and the books.

“Come now, we need to—”

Tink.

Lisa fell flat on the ground. The rounded end of the baseball bat shoved at her ribs. Dazed from a blow to the head, she didn’t move. Lisa registered a man’s boot stepping over her.

The flames grew closer.

Willow’s fear backed her into the far corner of the tent.

Lisa’s ragged voice called to her daughter. “Willow. Listen. I need—I need you to run. Hide. Go to the safe place—the rock where we hide things. Stay until I come for you.”

“I don’t want to go. I’m scared.”

“I know, baby. You have to be brave. Take Mr. Bunny and go, now.”

Willow clutched her stuffed animal, the book, and stepped through the tent flap.

“Momma, you have an owie.”

“I know, baby. I’ll be okay.”

It was a lie. Lisa knew she was far from okay. She could feel the pressure in her head building with each heartbeat.

“Go to the place we talked about, honey. Go quick.”

Willow’s eyes welled. She didn’t budge, frozen in fear before a scream from someone nearby broke her from the trance. Another row of tents went up in flames.

“Go.”

Willow hugged her bunny and trotted toward the river. Lisa lost sight of her through the smoke billowing through the camp.

She tried to get up and couldn’t move her legs. She crabbed forward using her arms, inching away from the burning camp.

Her tent flashed, and the flames consumed it in seconds. The melting fabric, plastic and nylon fibers fell on her. The molten material burned through her clothing and ate into the flesh on Lisa’s back.

The pain seared into her. Screams around her meant she wasn’t the only one. The two arsonists headed in the same direction Willow had fled.

“Stop them,” she cried. No one could hear over the chaos of the burning camp.

Lisa now wished the water had brought a calm end to everything. She didn’t expect this—the fire, searing flame, and torture. Part of her believed she deserved this fate for the pain she’d caused. Willow didn’t. The girl didn’t understand. Now, Lisa worried about what would happen to her sweet little girl. Mr. Bunny would not be enough.

The last thought before the flames ate at her pant legs. “I’ve failed you.”

James L’Etoile

River of Lies

River of Lies is his most recent novel. Look for Sins of the Father and The Red List, coming soon. He is the host of Authors on the Air, served as a board member of his local Sister-in-Crime chapter, sits on the Mystery Writers of America national board, and serves as the Director of QueryFest at ThrillerFest for International Thriller Writers.

To learn more about James, click any of the following links: www.jamesletoile.com, Prison to the Page Newsletter, Goodreads, BookBub – @crimewriter, Instagram – @authorjamesletoile, Threads – @authorjamesletoile, X – @JamesLEtoile & Facebook – @AuthorJamesLetoile

Visit all the Stops on the Tour!

01/06 Jodys Bookish Haven RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/07 dianas_books_cars_coffee RIVER OF LIES Riview
01/08 Books R Us RIVER OF LIES Interview
01/08 Books, Ramblings, and Tea RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/09 Because I said so RIVER OF LIES Review
01/10 Guatemala Paula Loves to Read RIVER OF LIES Review
01/10 The Mystery of Writing RIVER OF LIES Guest post
01/11 Cassidys Bookshelves RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/13 Country Mamas With Kids RIVER OF LIES Review
01/14 Ink. Readsalot RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/15 Avonna Loves Genres RIVER OF LIES Review
01/16 darciahelle RIVER OF LIES Interview
01/17 Novels Alive RIVER OF LIES Review
01/19 Celticladys Reviews RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/20 Colloquium RIVER OF LIES Guest post
01/21 Colloquium RIVER OF LIES Review
01/22 FullyBookedInKentucky RIVER OF LIES Review
01/24 Silvers Reviews RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/28 411 on Books, Authors, And Publishing News RIVER OF LIES Showcase
01/29 Wall-to-wall Books RIVER OF LIES Review
01/31 Melissa As Blog RIVER OF LIES Review

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Published on January 10, 2025 01:01

January 7, 2025

Lethal Wilderness Trap: Romantic Suspense

Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong

Author Guest Post + Book & Author Info + a Giveaway!Don’t miss any blog tour posts! Click the link here.Lethal Wilderness Trap Trust means everything…
when danger hits too close to home.

Hunting a never-caught killer, Special Agent Nolan Shea learns of a new victim. But the body on Ava Burke’s land puts her and her young daughter, Rose, in someone’s lethal sights. With a trail of shocking clues pointing to her family’s involvement, Ava starts to question everything she holds dear and is soon desperate to uncover the truth with Nolan.

Step after step, they confront their fears. But will finally cornering a murderer out in the wilderness become a trap they can’t escape?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Published by: Harlequin
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781335980427 (ISBN10: 1335980423)

To purchase Lethal Wilderness Trap click any of the following links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | HarlequinAuthor Guest Post

How The Woman at the Coffee Shop Became the Villain in One of My Novels (And Why I’m Not Sorry About It)

by Susan Furlong

I love it when a character practically writes themselves. Before I even start typing, I can see their mannerisms, hear them speak, and feel their presence. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s magical. It recently happened me at my local coffee shop.

I was trying to squeeze out a little writing time away from my desk at home, hoping that a change of scenery would help me overcome a small case of writer’s block. I’d parked myself with my laptop at a table tucked in the corner, pretending to look busy while scrolling social media and casting longing glances at the display of chocolate croissants.

And then she walked in.

I took note right away. She had a presence. And not a good one either. She approached the counter with an air of entitlement, ordered without using her polite words, and sighed impatiently at the pick-up counter until her name was called—Jolene! Then she snatched the cup from the counter before marching off to find a seat, settling at a nearby table with a harrumph and a dramatic adjustment of her scarf.

Jolene. Great name. I opened a document and typed it out, feeling a spark of inspiration. Who is she? I wondered. What’s her story?

Immediately, she was on her phone, her conversation, punctuated with giggles and long sighs, didn’t match her previous attitude at all. It was as if a switch had been thrown. Maybe due to the low masculine voice purring over the other end of the line.

“Right now works,” she said, in a voice I, and everyone else, couldn’t help but overhear. “The coffee shop … uh, huh … I can’t wait.” She took a long sip of coffee and added with a cunning tone, “But what if he finds out?”

I eyed the impressive diamond on her left ring finger and typed another word—Affair—and began filling in the rest of the story. Jolene was going to be the perfect protagonist. No back story needed. No need for a lot of finessing to come up with her character traits. She only needed to be herself, just as she was—manipulative, assertive, charming on the surface, but ruthless underneath.

My fingers flew over the keyboard. In my story, she’d be the woman who everyone both admired and despised, but no one truly knew. The one who’d always kept one step ahead of everyone, especially her poor, unsuspecting husband.

I looked up and saw that she was off the phone now but seemed agitated. Hard to lead a double life, isn’t it Jolene?

Back to typing. Jolene was going to lead a double life in my novel, too. Innocent boutique owner by day, a cunning crime boss at night. The perfect villain. Just as I was getting into the rhythm of things, a man walked through the door with a large black bag in hand and smile that could only be described as sinister.

I paused, fingers hovering over the keyboard. This is him.

I stared over my screen as he made his way toward her, leaning down to kiss her on the lips before pulling up a chair. And then, in a move that shattered my earlier assumptions, he opened the bag and set a brand-new laptop on the table.

“Expensive, wasn’t it?” Jolene asked, her voice softening.

“Yeah, but it’s not every day our boy turns sixteen,” the man replied, his smile looking less sinister and more like an affectionate smile from a spouse to his wife.

And in that moment, the whole story I’d spun about Jolene—her double life, her affair, her devious schemes … all of it came crumbling down.

Okay … so maybe I had completely misjudged the woman, but I’d sketched out the perfect protagonist for my next novel. I slapped my computer shut and pushed away from the table. My work was done here.

I passed by their table on the way out the door and tossed them smile. What a nice couple.

Susan Furlong

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types.

She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.

Learn more about Susan by clicking any of the following links:
www.SusanFurlong.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @SusanFurlongAuthor
Instagram – @susanfurlong
Threads – @susanfurlong
Facebook – @SusanFurlongAuthor
Susan Furlong’s Amazon Author Page

Visit all the Stops on the Tour!

Elena Hartwell / Elena Taylor

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Published on January 07, 2025 01:01

January 2, 2025

You Will Be Peter: A Historical Biographical Novel

You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester

An Excerpt + Book & Author Info + A Giveaway!

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You Will Be Peter

The extraordinary story of a young fisherman who became the Founding Father of Christianity, the most influential and enduring institution in history.

2023 Paris Book Festival Winner · 2023 New England Book Festival Winner

He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.

Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.

Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.

In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.

With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.

Praise for You Will Be Peter:

“There can be no doubt that Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester are gifted and talented writers . . . and You Will Be Peter is a perfect example.”
~ Joan van Ark, actress, Knots Landing

“Thoroughly researched and biblically accurate, You Will Be Peter is an exciting, emotional roller coaster into the life of the man who became the ‘rock’ upon which the Christian faith would be established.”
~ Robert F. Barrow, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army, ret.

“What a thought-provoking way these authors have made Peter come alive by asking the same questions I ask myself every day: What did Jesus ever see in me? and He must have seen something I either lost or can no longer see in myself. Even today, we as Christians must all ask ourselves these same two questions. Great job! I look forward to your writings on all the disciples.”
~ Jerry Carl, US Congressman, Alabama’s first district

“In You Will Be Peter, Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester expertly weave history, faith, and redemption into an emotionally charged biography. With meticulous research and storytelling artistry, this unique perspective reveals the real person behind the legend—a journey of transformation that will resonate with readers for generations to come.”
~ Orsayor L. Simmons, book blogger, Book Referees

“In You Will Be Peter, Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester tell the story of Jesus’s final years as seen through the eyes of his disciple Simon. Regardless of your belief system, you will relate to Simon, an Everyman who contends with questions, doubts, and awe as he joins the band of brothers surrounding and supporting Jesus. Lathan and Manchester humanize Simon, allowing readers to experience what he and his fellow apostles experienced—while bringing history to vivid life. An absorbing read!”
~ Judith Arnold, USA Today bestselling author

“You Will Be Peter is pure inspiration! Lathan and Manchester expertly articulate this biblical history, immersing the reader in the past… You Will Be Peter is a story of belief, faith, love, and, most importantly, the ultimate sacrifice.”
~ Shannon L. Gonzalez, book blogger, Literarily Illumined

Book Details:
Genre: Historical Biographical Novel
Published by: Forefront Books
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Number of Pages: 400
ISBN: 9781637633472 (ISBN10: 1637633475)

All six travelers arrived in the village of Cana late that Wednesday afternoon. As they traversed the final hill, the valley revealed more orchards and crop fields. Galilee really is beautiful, Simon confirmed. Hopefully, its vineyards produce wines that are just as fine. He was still smiling as they grew closer to the houses huddled together on the hillside.

As they approached the village, the sounds of children’s laughter and joyful conversations were intermixed with the loveliest music. Even the braying donkey sounded happy.

Simon was marveling at the masonry workmanship of the larger buildings, carved from limestone and granite, when Jesus announced, “It appears that we’ve arrived in time.” The rabbi’s smile revealed that he wasn’t surprised.

The traditional wedding procession from the bride’s father’s home to the bridegroom’s was underway. While the minstrel troop played at the front of the convoy, a squad of servants handed out dates to children along the road and wine to those of a more seasoned age.

A young girl, her dark, curly hair protruding from behind a white bridal veil, walked alone. Some of her relatives carried sprays of flowers, while others bore lit torches.

Wonderful, Simon thought. He loved his Jewish customs and celebrations.

Dusk was starting to creep in, as the parade’s onlookers clapped and praised the bride’s semi-concealed beauty. Jesus, Simon, and the others applauded before joining the back of the line, proceeding on to the bridegroom’s home, where the young man would carry his betrothed over the threshold of their new marital home.

Upon arrival, Jesus gestured for his disciples to remove their sandals at the outer door, before proceeding onto the courtyard, which was being used as the reception hall.

From the first step in, Simon was impressed by the stone courtyard, which had been decorated for the great celebration. Adorned in ornamental rugs and cushioned couches, low tables were arranged for the guests to dine; each person would be expected to lay on one elbow with their feet positioned away from the table.

While servants scurried to and fro, carrying food and drink, Simon and his brethren washed their hands and feet, complying with the precepts of the ancient law. Upon drying their extremities, each was officially welcomed with a cup of water drawn from one of the large stone jars.

The sweet notes of a talented musical duo permeated the warm air, the harp and flute creating a simple but elegant symphony.

Quenching his thirst, Simon looked around. Flowers, he noted, there are flowers everywhere. He nodded his appreciation. They’ve turned this courtyard into a garden.

Beyond a table overlaid with bowls of fruits and nuts—even a stack of sweet date cakes—Simon spotted the intricately decorated Chuppah. Ivy, flowers, and greens were wrapped around four legs that had been fashioned from cedar timbers, approximately eight feet in height. It was just wide enough to host the bride, bridegroom, and officiating rabbi. The entire wooden frame was covered in a canopy of flowers—yellow, white, pink, and red—which had been strung together to create breathtaking strands of garland.

The sight of it instantly brought Simon’s thoughts back to his wife. No, he scolded himself, quickly pushing the melancholy out of his head. I’m here now, and I need to be here…and she understands.

Catching the first whiff of roasting lamb, Simon turned to see Jesus and an older woman locked in a lengthy embrace. He needed no introduction to understand the scene. She’s his mother.

Mary was beauty in its purest form. She was not tall, but above medium height. Her oval face was slightly bronzed by the sun. Beneath black, slightly arched brows sat a pair of gentle, olive-colored eyes. Her hair was light and her nose slender, much like her hands. But there’s something more, Simon thought, considering it. She has an unmistakable aura, he finally decided, a striking beauty that can only come from within. He studied the embracing pair further, while they swayed in each other’s arms. And she must be the most beautiful woman, having given birth to the Messiah.

Breaking from the hug, Jesus and Mary held hands, exchanging a long, blissful look that revealed more about their sacred bond than any words ever could.

Jesus then turned to face his disciples. “Mother,” he said, “I would like you to meet my students.”

Without thinking, Simon was the first to step forward.

Jesus smiled. “Mother, this is Simon Peter.”

Rock? Simon swallowed hard, as he considered the peculiar title.

“Simon,” Jesus said, “this is my mother, Mary.”

It was the second time in the simple fisherman’s life that he could feel the air leave his lungs, only to remain lost while he fumbled for the right words. Silence.

Mary was gracious, even angelic. “I hope my son is taking good care of you?” she jumped in.

Simon smiled. “He is,” he managed.

As though offering her blessing, she nodded once.

John was the next to step forward, while Simon’s mind spun in circles. What must it be like to be the mother of the Messiah? he wondered, seeking out one of the servants for another cup of water. And what will it take for the rest of us to truly follow him?

***

Excerpt from You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathanand Steven Manchester. Copyright 2025 by Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester. Reproduced with permission from Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester. All rights reserved.

Author: Jerry Lathan
You Will Be Peter

Jerry Lathan brings a wealth of knowledge in telling the remarkable story of Simon Peter. Combining his lifelong interest of history with a decade of research, Jerry has unearthed missing details on the evolution of Simon—the brash fisherman who became Peter. Over forty-plus years, Jerry’s national award-winning construction company has preserved and restored historic churches and other structures and national monuments.

His deep interest in the lives of historic characters is central to his calling to author You Will Be Peter. From Jerry’s time as co-owner of Big Easy Studios in New Orleans where more than twelve major movies were filmed, he understands the incredible power of a good story. In this book, the culmination of his life’s work, Jerry shares the real and relatable story of Simon Peter, the very flawed man whom Jesus chose to build His church.

To learn more about Jerry, click either link: www.YouWillBePeter.com & Amazon Author Profile

Author: Steven Manchester

You Will Be Peter Co-Author Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel The Menu as well as the 1980s nostalgia-series Bread Bags & Bullies and Lawn Darts & Lemonade. Other works include the #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin’ Chair, Pressed Pennies, and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers Ashes, The Changing Season, and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie The Thursday Night Club.

His work has appeared on NBC’s TODAY and CBS’s The Early Show; and in Billboard and People magazines. Three of Steven’s short stories were selected for “101 Best” for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival.

To learn more about Steven, click either of the following links: Amazon Author Profile & Facebook

Visit all the Stops on the Tour!

You Will Be Peter

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Elena Hartwell/Elena Taylor

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Published on January 02, 2025 01:01

January 1, 2025

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe that 2025 is upon us

Exciting things are coming up in the new year.

But before we leave 2024 behind … want to catch up on author interviews, book reviews, and other writing posts? Click the link here.2025!

First up for me in 2025, A Cold, Cold World is coming out in paperback! Look for it in the UK in February and April in the US.

A female sheriff tries to fill her late father’s boots and be the sheriff her small Washington State mountain town needs as a deadly snow storm engulfs the town, in this dark, twisty mystery.

“Riveting” Library Journal Starred Review

The world felt pure. Nature made the location pristine again, hiding the scene from prying eyes. As if no one had died there at all.

In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first murder investigation and secured the sheriff’s seat in Collier, she’s remained determined to keep her town safe. With a massive snowstorm looming, it’s more important than ever that she stays vigilant. When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. However, once she arrives at the scene of the accident it’s clear to Bet that the teen is not injured; he’s dead. And has been for some time . . .

And I will have more writing news soon! Join my newsletter to be the first to hear.

You can add your email on this website, either of my author websites—here and here—or send me an email at elenahartwell@gmail.com and I’m happy to add you.

Happy New Year to Boone the Giant Mule

Happy New Year

I’ll also be sharing my adventures with Boone the Giant Mule! Boone joined Jasper and Radar in November, and we are all thrilled with the newest member of the herd. He’s sweet and funny and super, super tall.

To see all of my horse & mule photos and videos, follow me on Instagram, Facebook-Author Page and Facebook-Personal Page.

Boone, Radar, and Jasper!Want to hang out with me and Allegory Editing? Lots of good things happening there too.

In January, I’ll be teaching Components of a Strong Opening

Saturday January 18 — 9:30am to 11:00am Pacific Time

Stories in any category or genre require a strong opening to engage a reader enough to keep reading. From the first line to the first couple chapters, a manuscript has a lot of heavy lifting to do. Whether you’re writing a short story, novella, or a full-length book, the more engaging the opening, the more likely it is to sell and be successful.

A strong beginning requires certain components, including character introductions—but not too many too fast—to genre set-up and a clear point of view. The opening requires these and other building blocks to hold up the rest of the story. Join Senior Editor Elena Hartwell Taylor for this fun and informative workshop to start your new year, and your latest work in progress, off with a bang.

Click the link here to register. If you have never attended one of our paid workshops, use the code NEWCOMER to join us for free.Our first Ask an Editor of 2025 will be on January 12 at 10am Pacific Time — as always, this event is free!

Happy New Year

Join Allegory Editing for a free event to discuss writing, the business of writing, and editing. We will answer questions and offer insights into the craft of writing and the struggles we all face in these uncertain times. Have a manuscript ready to query? Bring your questions about the business side of writing.

Enjoy the camaraderie of other writers and hear what others face. Their questions may be your questions.

Don’t have a current project? Not to worry, maybe something will spark an idea for your next project.

Have a starter question? Feel free to email elena@allegoryediting.com and she will use your question to open the event.

Click the link here to register.

And don’t forget to check in here regularly to read author interviews, guest posts, and discover new authors and titles.

I have a great lineup already in place for the year, and add more every day.

Wishing you a happy, healthy 2025

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Published on January 01, 2025 01:01

December 24, 2024

Happy Holidays One and All

Happy Holidays from My Computer to Yours

Wherever You Are, However You Celebrate, I Wish You Peace and Good HealthI’m looking forward to bringing you a whole new round of books, authors, and other delights from the publishing industry in 2025.Love to you all. See you in January!—ElenaLooking for new books to read over the holidays? Don’t miss any of my author interviews. Click the link here.

Happy Holidays

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Published on December 24, 2024 01:01

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