Rachael Stapleton's Blog, page 4

Guest Blogger Author of Facials Can Be Fatal Nancy Cohen Talks Abandoned Theme Parks

Theme Parks - Fun or Fearsome? by Nancy J. Cohen
Theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios attract guests of all ages. Tiny tots might be frightened by costumed characters, but they’ll soon outgrow it and stand in line for a photo op with the very same character.
Abandoned theme parks, on the other hand, can be quite scary. Imagine strolling through a carnival without any people present and with banners flapping in the breeze by derelict rides. You’d hear wood creaking and perhaps smell the lingering scent of stale popcorn.
When researching Facials Can Be Fatal, I read about a defunct tourist attraction in Dania, Florida named Pirates World. This would be perfect for a scene in my story. Elements of my book harken to the days of shipwrecks along the Florida coast and tales of pirate treasure. What spookier place could there be than a former theme park?
My fictional attraction is called Pirate’s Playground. Marla, my hairstylist sleuth, joins her husband—Detective Dalton Vail—to track down a suspect there. Here’s an excerpt:
Inside the gate, they paused to survey the territory. A full moon came out from behind a cloud, providing enough illumination to discern shadowy forms looming in the dark. A huge replica of a pirate ship rose on their left, its ropes clanging in the wind. Cannons were aimed at the walkway. Marla guessed they had been loaded with water to shoot passersby.
“There’s another ship somewhere on a fake waterway,” she said. “Pirates fired at the vessel while it sailed on the so-called river. The crew shot back to protect their passengers. I imagine it was like a variation of the jungle cruise at Disney World.”
Marla’s scalp prickled. Where could their quarry have gone? An observation tower drew her attention. It had cages suspended in the air. From what she’d read, people considered this a thrill ride back in the day.
Up ahead to their left rose a twisting rollercoaster. A cool breeze lifted the hairs on her arms and brought with it the aroma of dry dirt. She shut off her flashlight to conserve power, letting Dalton lead with his turned on when the moon slipped behind a cloud.
They passed the remains of a log flume and a water slide, skirted a funhouse called Pirate’s Den, and ended up beside an arcade. Marla studied the ring toss game. She’d never been good at that sort of thing.
“It’s too quiet here,” Dalton said in a hushed tone. “I don’t like it.”
“Of course it’s quiet. What did you expect?” Marla paused in front of a shooting gallery. She figured that was one game where Dalton would excel.
Hey, was that man-sized target moving?
The real Pirates World was built in 1967 and lasted until its doors closed in the 1970s. The land was rezoned for residential use, and today condominiums inhabit the site. But not so in my story, where the derelict rides still stand. It’s always better in a story when you can base a scene on a real place.
What is your favorite theme park?
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Facials Can Be Fatal by Nancy J. Cohen

During the frenzy of the December holidays, the last thing salon owner Marla Vail needs is a dead body slathered in a green facial mask at her new day spa. The victim, Valerie Weston, was a major donor for Friends of Old Florida, a historic building preservation society. Marla’s stylists are scheduled to work backstage at their upcoming gala fashion show, but Val’s demise might put a crimp in their plans. Hoping to salvage her reputation, Marla determines to track down the suspects. As she learns more about Val, she realizes the benefactress might have stumbled onto secrets others would kill to keep. She’d better prepare for a body count that has nothing to do with hot stone massages and everything to do with murder.
View the Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/6OTw5232Eeg
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 Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have made the IMBA bestseller list, been selected by Suspense Magazine as best cozy mystery, and won third place in the Arizona Literary Awards. Nancy has also written the instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery. A featured speaker at libraries, conferences, and community events, she is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys fine dining, cruising, visiting Disney World, and shopping. 
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Tour ParticipantsMarch 1 – Laura’s interests – REVIEW, EXCERPTMarch 2 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  March 2 – Books, Dreams, Life – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPTMarch 3 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST, EXCERPTMarch 4 – Readeropolis – REVIEWMarch 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POSTMarch 6 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEWMarch 7 – A Holland Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POSTMarch 8 – The Mysterious Ink Spot – GUEST POSTMarch 9 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEWMarch 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

About the Blogger
Author Rachael Stapletonlives in a Second Empire Victorian home with her husband and two children in Ontario, Canada and enjoys writing in the comforts of aged wood and arched dormers. To learn more about Rachael Stapleton, visit her online at: RachaelStapleton.com
Follow & Connect with her on Social Media:FacebookTwitter
And if you’ve enjoyed my books, please leave a review:Goodreads
Amazon

RACHAEL STAPLETON'S COZY MYSTERY WIP: Bohemian Murder Manor

The Vianu family has hired an event planning company to run a murderous mystery game this weekend at the BOHEMIAN MANOR RESORT, but instead of fun and games, somebody just popped the weasel.

MYSTERY MONDAY READS: Temple of Indra's LIES $3.99

When Sophia Marcil visits a castle in Northern Ireland, she gets a much too accurate glimpse of the history. Get it for $3.99 at https://goo.gl/P2s5v5 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

If you like twists, be sure to check out my Time Traveling Bibliophile Series...

Available on Amazon: https://goo.gl/QW7f0L 

Temple of Indra's Jewel: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N4DDOBUTemple of Indra's Curse: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MYZ2VAOTemple of Indra's Lies  : http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N2VP5VI Temple of Indra's Witch: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MZIXKDW 
#timetravel #cozymystery #mustread #cozytimetravelmysteries

Marie Lavender's Historical Romance/Family Saga Novel, Upon Your Love, Book Three of the Heiresses in Love Series has Release

This Victorian era romance is the final book of the Heiresses in Love Series. 
#MarieLavender #HistoricalRomance #Uponyourlove #AuthorInterview #Iloveromanceblog

Upon Your Love:

The Hill family saga concludes as loyalties are questioned, faiths will be tested and undying love may come at a terrible cost…

Fara Hill, mother and faithful wife, is torn between her family at home and her urge to be at sea. Soon, she learns some disturbing truths. Was the past a fairy tale instead of reality?

Chloe Hill, loving wife and young mother, questions her faith when her husband sets an ultimatum she cannot meet. Will she be able to keep her marriage from falling apart?

Adrienne Bellamont Hill, born of a valiant captain and a fiery redhead, is untamed to her core and will bow to no man. Then Christian du Plessis enters her life with an offer she can’t refuse. Discovering the man behind the polished gentleman, she is drawn to him in many ways. Holding out for love is a family tradition, but can she resist the temptation of passion?

Christian finds this young woman to be a fascinating challenge, and is torn between keeping his distance from her and succumbing to her charms. A fierce battle of wills ensues as he sees she is much more than he ever imagined.

But danger lurks, threatening to destroy everything…

Can these two strong-willed individuals unite in the cause before time runs out?
Goodreads link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29083654-upon-your-love
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About the Blogger:
Author Rachael Stapletonlives in a Second Empire Victorian home with her husband and two children in Ontario, Canada and enjoys writing in the comforts of aged wood and arched dormers. To learn more about Rachael Stapleton, visit her online at: RachaelStapleton.com
Follow & Connect with her on Social Media:FacebookTwitter
And if you’ve enjoyed this book, please leave a review:Goodreads and Amazon

GET SUNDAY MORNING COZY

With the Temple of Indra's Curse  #KindleUnlimited #Sundayreads #Mystery #Mustread @SolsticepublishMuskoka, Canada, Blood Moon, May 2003,Stepping out of my darkened bedroom and wandering passed the grandfather clock in the hall, I waited for my eyes to adjust before creeping down the lake house stairs. Through the oversized window in the living room, I could see a large red moon hovering in the sky. The evergreen trees and murky marsh reflected eerily under its reddish glow, offering up the illusion that the marsh ran red with blood.
A gust of wind rattled the glass, prompting me to tighten the belt on my grey velvet robe. The thought of being trapped in the deep, dark abyss that lurked below that sheen surface of red was a recurring nightmare of mine …an odd phobia for someone who’d practically grown up on the lake.
The steps behind me creaked and I swung around to see a shadow at the top of the stairs.
“Sophia, is the boogeyman after you?”
My throat relaxed. My great-grandmother, Veronika Jackson, whom I affectionately referred to as Gigi, was in her long emerald nightgown, her copper curls pulled back under a bandana. She joined me by the window and gave my shoulder a comforting pat. How that woman managed to look pulled together even in the dead of night was a mystery to me.
“Nightmare,” I said, forcing my legs to move and follow her into the open concept kitchen. She switched on the kettle and I sat on one of four stools at the island facing her as she tinkered about.

What are the reviewers saying about The Temple of Indra's Jewel

Time Traveling Bibliophile Book Tour Highlights:
This book has a little bit of everything in it – mystery, suspense, romance, time travel and mysticism. It is bound to appeal to nearly everyone!
~Storeybook Reviews This book was so good I bought all three and can’t wait to see what is next for Sophia as like any great book it left you wanting to know more.
~Community Bookstop Wow! That was such a unique book.
~Polished Nails and Puppy Dog Taless This was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
~The Book’s the Thing The author has a great way of story telling that will grab the reader from the start of the book and hold their attention until the end.
~Sleuth Cafe Check out Temple of Indra's Jewel on Amazon 

Let’s Get MYSTERIOUS!

In honor of Mystery Thriller Week, I thought we’d discuss the genre I love reading and writing: MYSTERY. Cozy, Suspense, Thriller, doesn’t matter, these intricate stories all have a similar set of components, including but not limited to a problem solver, a red herring or three and of course a solution. For me, the key to a good mystery lies in the plot. Does it have twists and turns? Does it shock you into suspending your belief? And does the author dole out just the right amount of twists at the right time?

Reading a good mystery is like peeking through a keyhole. It’s all about perspective—you are limited to what you see. Not to mention, you only see what someone (the author) wants you to. The suspect is holding a knife over a dead body. Now you’re close to solving the murder right? But just one shift in that room and/or view, and you can see the clue in a different light. There’s a gun to the person’s head and they were forced to pick up the knife. Oh the twists to be had!

If you like twists, be sure to check out my Time Traveling Bibliophile Series available on Amazon: https://goo.gl/QW7f0L 

Temple of Indra's Jewel: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N4DDOBUTemple of Indra's Curse: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MYZ2VAOTemple of Indra's Lies  : http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N2VP5VI Temple of Indra's Witch: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MZIXKDW 


Click here if you want to check out all of the amazing mystery/thriller writers and blog posts associated with the annual Mystery Thriller Week event.

#MTW #MysteryThrillerWeek @MTW_2017

Let’s Get Mysterious

It's the last day of Mystery Thriller Week and so I thought we’d talk about my favourite genre: MYSTERY. #MTW #MysteryThrillerWeek @MTW_2017

I love both reading and writing it. Cozy, Suspense, Thriller, doesn’t matter, these intricate stories all have a similar set of components, including but not limited to a problem solver, a red herring or three and of course a solution. For me, the key to a good mystery lies in the plot. Does it have twists and turns? Does it shock you into suspense? And does the author dole out just the right about of twists at the right time?

Reading a good mystery is like looking through a keyhole. It’s all about perspective—you are limited to what you see. Not to mention, you only see what someone (the author) wants you to. Someone’s holding a knife over a dead body. You may think you’re close to solving the murder but just one shift in your view, and you can see the clue in a different light. There’s a gun to the person’s head and they only picked up the knife. Oh the twists to be had!

If you like twists, be sure to check out my Time Traveling Bibliophile Series available on Amazon: https://goo.gl/QW7f0L 
Temple of Indra's Jewel: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N4DDOBUTemple of Indra's Curse: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MYZ2VAOTemple of Indra's Lies  : http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01N2VP5VI Temple of Indra's Witch: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B01MZIXKDW 

Click here if you want to check out all of the amazing mystery/thriller writers and blog posts associated with the annual Mystery Thriller Week event.

The Time Traveling Bibliophile Series: What's it all about?

The Temple of Indra books center on a librarian, Sophia Marcil, who can travel through time compliments of her grandmother’s cursed sapphire ring, as well as an old spell book uncovered in the library where she works. On her first trip into the 19th century, Sophia believes she’s being forced into an eccentric millionaire’s dinner theater but a hidden diary, a secret passage and a whispered conversation reveal to her that the role of a princess is not all fun and games. Book Two takes our beloved bibliophile to a stately home in 1920, where she discovers a hidden chapter in her own family story. In an effort to re-write the past, things get foggy in a London bookshop; long-lost relative’s re-surface, and as a family gathering rapidly goes awry, Sophia ricochets back to the present. The page turns for Sophia in book three. Her nemesis is six feet under and she’s off to return the cursed sapphire to the temple, so she can settle into the next chapter of her life—a new bookshop and wedded bliss.  One problem, the mysterious temple has sent Sophia back into the past, more specifically, into the body of the soon to be murdered bride of Dunlace Castle—a place she was hired to research. Throughout the series, Sophia is determined to dig up the truth but it isn’t until Book Four that her life comes full circle. Sophia Marcil has now closed the book on magic, married at last and opened her beloved shop. She’s taking life one page at a time until an old acquaintance darkens her doorstep and reminds her of a grim prediction made sixteen years ago—one that involves her daughter, her grimoire, and that threatens time travel once more. Will Sophia finally discover the truth of her curse? 
Start Reading for $1.99 Amazon or Free #KindleUnlimited #Mystery #TimeTravel #Amreading #Mustreads





Rachael Stapletonlives in a Second Empire Victorian home with her husband and two children in Ontario, Canada and enjoys writing in the comforts of aged wood and arched dormers. 
To learn more about Rachael Stapleton, visit her online at: RachaelStapleton.com



Follow & Connect with her on Social Media:FacebookTwitter
And if you’ve enjoyed this book, please leave a review:Goodreads
Amazon