P.D. Workman's Blog, page 13

A Mother’s Day Literary Brunch

May has arrived (with snow flurries here…) and my mind has shifted to Mother’s Day. Are you looking for Mother’s Day gift ideas? If your mother is a book lover (or if you are), why not enhance the traditional flowers and chocolate with a gift she can truly savor? Books, of course!

I have previously written several blog posts specifically for Mother’s Day that you might enjoy:

Give yourself books for Mother’s Day Books for Mom! Buy her books for Mother’s Day Reading about Strong Mothers Family Matters: Books that Celebrate Mothers

While many of my books focus on foster kids and street kids, I need to mention a few with strong and/or loving mother figures:

.stk-9161371{align-self:center !important}Cynthia Has a Secret

While Carmina’s mother is not strong, she loves Carmina dearly and shares her love of art with her. She ends up being a strong person in unexpected ways and is determined to stay a part of her daughter’s life.

.stk-899bcd4 .stk-button{background:transparent !important;border-top-left-radius:25px !important;border-top-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:25px !important}.stk-899bcd4 .stk-button:hover:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}:where(.stk-hover-parent:hover,.stk-hover-parent.stk--is-hovered) .stk-899bcd4 .stk-button:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-899bcd4 .stk-button:before{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}.stk-899bcd4 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}MORE.stk-c111b8a{align-self:center !important}

.stk-a4e411f{align-self:center !important}Mito, Medical Kidnap Files

Gabriel’s mother does not play a big role in the book, but she has played a big part in Gabriel’s life, and her influence is felt throughout the story even when she cannot be with him.

.stk-b68e974 .stk-button{background:transparent !important;border-top-left-radius:25px !important;border-top-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:25px !important}.stk-b68e974 .stk-button:hover:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}:where(.stk-hover-parent:hover,.stk-hover-parent.stk--is-hovered) .stk-b68e974 .stk-button:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-b68e974 .stk-button:before{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}.stk-b68e974 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}MORE.stk-9609e1e{align-self:center !important}

.stk-c8f4a94{align-self:center !important}Tamara’s Teardrops Series

Tamara’s foster mother, Mrs. Henson ends up being a positive influence on her and fights for her a number of times throughout the series. Don’t count her out when faced with tough decisions.

.stk-34436ce .stk-button{background:transparent !important;border-top-left-radius:25px !important;border-top-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:25px !important}.stk-34436ce .stk-button:hover:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}:where(.stk-hover-parent:hover,.stk-hover-parent.stk--is-hovered) .stk-34436ce .stk-button:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-34436ce .stk-button:before{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}.stk-34436ce .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}MORE.stk-edcc146{align-self:center !important}

.stk-11bc4da{align-self:center !important}Reg Rawlins Series

Reg’s mother, Norma Jean, is not a loving or fiercely protective woman. In fact, she’s pretty awful. Reg doesn’t have a strong mother figure in her life other than Sarah, her landlord. But Norma Jean is a lot of fun to write, and she does help Reg out of a bind a couple of times later on in the series.

.stk-c09ccff .stk-button{background:transparent !important;border-top-left-radius:25px !important;border-top-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:25px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:25px !important}.stk-c09ccff .stk-button:hover:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}:where(.stk-hover-parent:hover,.stk-hover-parent.stk--is-hovered) .stk-c09ccff .stk-button:after{background:transparent !important;opacity:1 !important}.stk-c09ccff .stk-button:before{border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}.stk-c09ccff .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--stk-global-color-88917,#be1e2d) !important}MORE.stk-ed574cf{align-self:center !important}

.stk-5bd6dd9{align-self:center !important}Parks Pat Series

While I haven’t delved into Margie Patenaude’s history and relationship with her mother, she is a pretty great mom to Christina. They butt heads now and then, like any mom and teenage daughter, but on the whole she is a good mom and they get along.

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When considering Mother’s Day gift ideas, books offer a unique and meaningful option. These stories featuring strong mother figures are sure to resonate with reader moms everywhere.

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Published on May 02, 2024 20:46

He Was Deceived

by P.D. Workman

Coming Soon!
Series: Zachary Goldman Mysteries #18
Genres: Brozy (Broader Cozy), Mystery, Suspense, Mystery/Suspense

eBook Price: $ 5.99 USD
Paperback Price: $ 15.95 USD

Coming Soon in January 2025

He Was DeceivedAbout Praise for Zachary Goldman Author Notes On my Blog Praise for P.D. Workman

When a grieving widower uncovers clues that suggest his wife’s death ten years earlier was no accident, he turns to private investigator Zachary Goldman for help in unraveling the truth.

One Man Seeks the Truth

Martin Dwayne’s world had been shattered when his wife was tragically killed in an accidental shooting. But his life was occupied with raising his children, so suddenly deprived of their mother’s loving attention.

Ten years later, a series of phone calls prompts him to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding her death and he begins to suspect foul play.

With the police dismissing his concerns, Martin seeks out Zachary Goldman, a seasoned PI known for his dogged persistence in cracking tough cases. As Zachary seeks out the truth, he uncovers layers of secrets that test his resolve and determination.

Will Oliver and Zachary be able to uncover the truth behind his wife’s death and bring those responsible to justice? Or will they become victims of the same forces that are determined to keep the truth hidden?

— an amazing and suspenseful story. It carries you away into a psychological tailspin that keeps you going in so many different directions.

— A really good piece of detective fiction with some novel and original features which keep the reader guessing until the last few pages.

— I love the way the investigation plays out…very interesting. That is done very well. It held my interest. I very much wanted to find out the outcome…

— Very well written. [Zachary] is flawed with a capital F … In spite of his problems, he is a very sympathetic character and doggedly pursues the truth.

— [She Wore Mourning] made for a pleasant read while presenting an interesting story.

— What a great story. Fabulous plot with interesting and complex characters. I was totally involved into the wee hours. Many twists and left waiting until the end. Highly recommended

— Wow! I just finished it. In one day! I could not stop reading it! This book grabs hold of you from the start. It’s a very well written detective novel. It pulls you not the story and is very emotional. You feel for the characters. This is the first novel I have read by this author but it will not be my last. I highly recommend this book.

Author Notes may contain spoilers!

Coming soon

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“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me … And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”

“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”

“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”

“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”

“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”

“[P.D. Workman’s] stories are so believable and you can’t help but feel like you know these people. You find yourself crying, laughing and feeling the characters emotions. Now if an author can make you cry and feel every emotion in a story, she is one hell of an author.”

“P. D. Workman, does not shy from probing the deep psychological scars of childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Also characteristic of this author, these extremely sensitive issues are explored with extensive empathy, described with incredible clarity, and portrayed with profound insight.”

“Once again P.D.Workman has created an intense psychological mystery that impacts a wallop of thought induction. The writing is so well developed and draws you into the characters story.”

About P.D. Workman

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author, winner of several awards from Library Services for Youth in Custody and the InD’tale Magazine’s Crowned Heart award. With over 100 published books, Workman is one of Canada’s most prolific authors. Her mystery/suspense/thriller and young adult books, include stand alones and these series: Auntie Clem’s Bakery cozy mysteries, Reg Rawlins Psychic Investigator paranormal mysteries, Zachary Goldman Mysteries (PI), Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers, Parks Pat Mysteries (police procedural), and YA series: Medical Kidnap Files, Tamara’s Teardrops, Between the Cracks, and Breaking the Pattern.

Workman has been praised for her realistic details, deep characterization, and sensitive handling of the serious social issues that appear in all of her stories, from light cozy mysteries through to darker, grittier young adult and mystery/suspense books.

P. D. Workman does not shy from probing the deep psychological scars of childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Also characteristic of this author, these extremely sensitive issues are explored with extensive empathy, described with incredible clarity, and portrayed with profound insight.
—Kim, Goodreads reviewer

Some of Workman’s titles have been translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, and Italian.

Workman began writing at an early age and is a prolific reader as well as writer. She is also passionate about teaching and learning, expresses her creativity through art and cooking, and loves exploring the Calgary parks and green spaces where the Parks Pat Mysteries are set. She was a legal assistant for many years and has done extensive charitable work.

Workman was born and raised in Alberta, Canada, and is married with one adult son.

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Published on April 25, 2024 20:58

Unraveling a Killer’s Mind: Kellerman’s “Over the Edge”

Before I dive into my Teaser Tuesday post, I’m excited to announce that Endowed with Death, the eighth book in the Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers series, is out!

If you’re a fan of forensic crime fiction and medical mysteries, Endowed with Death is an entertaining and thought-provoking story that will keep you turning the pages.

This mesmerizing tale is sure to keep you up late reading “just one more chapter” until you come to the realization that you are not going to put this book down until you have finished the very last sentence.

Endowed with Death is a powerful story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Join Kenzie today on her quest for justice.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules and more teasers at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.

I have read a number of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware books, and I always enjoy them. I am about a third of the way through Over the Edge, book 3 in the series, and I’m not sure what Alex will eventually be able to unwind. At this point in the story, it seems as though his client is guilty of at least one murder, possibly, eight, but between you and me, I am not sure that is the case.

Is Jamey really schizophrenic, a victim of the same malady as struck down his grandmother and father? Or is there something more sinister at play and he is being drugged or gaslighted? I’m not convinced that everyone around him is telling the truth. While Alex has been hired to get Jamey off with a diminished capacity defense, I suspect Alex will unwind the web of deceit to find that Jamey is not a serial killer after all, but was being set up all along. I’d like to see Dr. Delaware help restore Jamey to health, not just get him off on a technicality.

As always, Kellerman’s intricate storytelling keeps pulling me in, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. I can’t wait to see how Alex unravels the mystery and uncovers the real truth behind Jamey’s predicament. Over the Edge is shaping up to be another thrilling addition to the Alex Delaware series, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

I’m in hellstink, Dr. D. Hell’s bells. A glass canyon.
Jonathan Kellerman, Over the Edge

Summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of Serpentine comes a thrilling novel in the Alex Delaware series about a psychologist called in to help when a former patient is accused of committing a string of chilling murders.

When the phone rings in the middle of the night, child psychologist Alex Delaware does not hesitate. Driving through the dream-lit San Fernando Valley, Alex rushes to Jamey Cadmus, the patient he had failed five years before—and who now calls with a bizarre cry for help. But by the time Alex reaches Canyon Oaks Psychiatric Hospital, Jamey is gone, surfacing a day later in the hands of the police, who believe Jamey is the infamous Lavender Slasher, a psychotic serial killer. Wooed by a high-powered attorney to build a defense, Alex will get a chance to do what he couldn’t five years ago. And when he peers into a family’s troubled history and Jamey’s brilliant, tormented mind, the psychologist puts himself at the heart of a high-profile case. Because Alex knows that in a realm of money, loss, and madness, something terrible pushed Jamey over the edge—or else someone is getting away with murder.

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Published on April 23, 2024 05:27

Kenzie Kirsch is Back in a Gripping New Mystery

The highly anticipated release of Endowed with Death, the latest installment in the Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thriller series, is finally here. Medical Examiner’s assistant Kenzie Kirsch is back in Endowed with Death, Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thriller #8. Called back from her weekend off to attend to a death in a politically sensitive death, Kenzie does not find what she expects. Get ready to dive into a gripping story filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.

Looking for a strong female lead in an engaging medical mystery? Kenzie Kirsch is an up-and-coming Medical Examiner’s Assistant who is right up your alley.

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Justice is worth the risk

The death of a child is always heartbreaking, but what Kenzie Kirsch, assistant to the Medical Examiner, finds on her slab shakes her to the core. Kenzie can’t help but feel a surge of anger and sadness as she examines the evidence.

As she delves deeper into the case, Kenzie uncovers a tangled web of lies and deceit. But Kenzie is not one to back down from a challenge. She will not rest until the guilty are brought to justice. With each new piece of evidence, Kenzie’s resolve grows. The truth must be revealed, no matter the cost to her professional career.

This mesmerizing tale is sure to keep you up late reading “just one more chapter” until you come to the realization that you are not going to put this book down until you have finished the very last sentence.

What a great book in a wonderful series. The clues kept me guessing as to whodunnit. The intrigue kept me reading at every available opportunity.

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eBook Paperback Accessibility Pack Retailers Read Sample Bookbub Bingebooks Goodreads

If you’re a fan of forensic crime fiction and medical mysteries, Endowed with Death is a must-read. Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman weaves an entertaining and thought-provoking story that will keep you turning the pages.

Endowed with Death a powerful story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Join Kenzie today on her quest for justice.

Join Kenzie Kirsch on her quest for justice and prepare to be captivated by this mesmerizing tale. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of intrigue and suspense. Grab your copy of Endowed with Death today and get ready for a thrilling ride.

Catching up on the series?

If you haven’t already, be sure to catch up on the rest of the Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers and the intertwined Zachary Goldman PI Mysteries. You won’t want to miss a single page of these captivating stories.

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Published on April 18, 2024 22:28

Uncover the Dark Secrets of Here and Gone

April is Autism Awareness Month (or Autism Acceptance Month, as we are trying to move forward from just being aware of autism to accepting those who are autistic, being inclusive, and challenging stigmas.) Check out my blog post on celebrating neurodiversity and inclusion.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules and more teasers at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.

Here and Gone really grabbed me by the gut more than once. Author Haylen Beck delivers a gripping and intense thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Audra Kinney, a mother whose worst nightmare comes true when her children are taken from her. As Audra fights to find her missing children, she is met with disbelief and opposition at every turn. The novel is filled with nasty players, wealth, dark web, and a dying town. To what lengths will a mother go to protect her children?

Beck’s writing is sharp and compelling, drawing readers into Audra’s desperate search for her children. The small town setting adds to the sense of isolation and danger, as Audra navigates a web of deceit and betrayal. I was really on the edge of my seat much of the time reading this book and just wanted her to get her kids back!

Here and Gone will leave you breathless. Get ready for a heart-stopping ride with this one!

Now, I’m going to find Sean and Louise. You can either help me or get out of my way. Which is it?
Haylen Beck, Here and Gone

Summary

Here and Gone is a gripping, wonderfully tense suspense thriller about a mother’s desperate fight to recover her stolen children from corrupt authorities.

It begins with a woman fleeing through Arizona with her kids in tow, trying to escape an abusive marriage. When she’s pulled over by an unsettling local sheriff, things soon go awry and she is taken into custody. Only when she gets to the station, her kids are gone. And then the cops start saying they never saw any kids with her, that if they’re gone than she must have done something with them…

Meanwhile, halfway across the country a man hears the frenzied news reports about the missing kids, which are eerily similar to events in his own past. As the clock ticks down on the search for the lost children, he too is drawn into the desperate fight for their return.

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Published on April 09, 2024 05:45

Celebrate Neurodiversity and Inclusion

April 2 was World Autism Day, and April is Autism Awareness month (or Autism Acceptance month, as we are trying to move forward from just being aware of autism to accepting those who are autistic and being inclusive and challenging stigmas.)

Current issues

As 2024 unfolds, what are some issues that are particularly relevant to autistics? Some that are top of mind are:

Diagnosis – I have had a number of adult friends and family members diagnosed with autism recently. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can be a big part of getting the supports needed. Self-diagnosis is becoming better accepted in autistic social circles, but practical and financial supports tend to require a doctor’s diagnosis. It is becoming easier for adults to be diagnosed, but there are still a lot of barriers.Mental health – around 80% of autistics deal with comorbid mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are major components. It’s vital not to just write off mental health issues as “part of the package” and to address them to the greatest extent possible. Another aspect of mental health is autistic burnout and overwhelm. The constant assault of a world that is too bright, too fast, and too loud can be exhausting. The constant struggle to battle physical and social barriers doesn’t end.Employment – the above issues and presumed incompetence make it especially difficult for autistic individuals to get satisfying and financially adequate employment. Differences in communication and social interaction complicate issues and employers may not be willing to take the time to learn about, support, and accommodate the needs of autistic adults. These are barriers to living independently.Acceptance, identity, and neurodiversity – there is still a lot of stigma about autism and other neurodivergence. We have a lot of biases and prejudices to push through.Books

Looking for some books by or for autistics for yourself or the newly-diagnosed autistic in your life? (Or anyone who may be interested in some good autistic reads?)

Adulting on the Spectrum: A Practical and Fun Guide to Building Independence and Thriving as an Adult with Autism by Samuel ColeAutism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O’Toole, author of Asperkids Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman – one of my favourites!Better support

How can you and I support the autistics in our lives and social circles?

Presume competence – treat autistics as capable individualsCommunication styles – find out preferred communication styles and respect boundaries – some prefer face-to-face communication, some prefer time to read and think about it, and many other variationsSensory awareness – be mindful of sensory stimuli and sensitivities – ask about ways to accommodate sensory issues. Every person is differentInclusion – promote inclusive spaces and workplaces and amplify autistic voicesAnd more books

How about some fiction including autistic and neurodiverse characters?

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He’s better off dead anyway.

Hired to investigate the death of an autistic boy in a treatment facility, PI Zachary Goldman is concerned about the therapies he sees there. While he is assured that the children there are not actually being hurt, his investigation leads to the discovery of even deeper institutional abuses.

Battling the ghosts of his own past, Zachary fights to uncover the facility’s dark secrets and to get as many children as he can out of harm’s way.

The way that PD Workman showed the autistic perspective in contrast to the mainstream views about us was lovely. I appreciated it more than I can express in words. She did thorough research on multiple sides of the issue and it shows. She gives multiple autistic perspectives, not just one, and the way they were presented brought me to tears multiple times … The story itself was a solid mystery with many exciting twists and turns along the way. Even if I wasn’t personally invested in the topic (being autistic myself and having autistic children), I still would’ve enjoyed it as a mystery. I’m extremely likely to pick up more of her books now that I’ve read this one!

Zachary Goldman, Private Investigator, is flawed with a capital F. Shattered by the tragedies of his own life, he will somehow still manage to pick himself up and dig just a little bit deeper than anyone else to find the vital clues.

Maybe being broken makes it easier for others who have faced tragedy to trust him. Walk with Zachary as he solves cases that will stretch his abilities to the limit.

Even with his own life in shambles, Zachary Goldman is still the one you want on the case.

Investigate this P.I. mystery now!

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books 1-4 big bundle Zachary and Kenzie

The way that PD Workman showed the autistic perspective in contrast to the mainstream views about us was lovely. I appreciated it more than I can express in words. She did thorough research on multiple sides of the issue and it shows. She gives multiple autistic perspectives, not just one, and the way they were presented brought me to tears multiple times … The story itself was a solid mystery with many exciting twists and turns along the way. Even if I wasn’t personally invested in the topic (being autistic myself and having autistic children), I still would’ve enjoyed it as a mystery. I’m extremely likely to pick up more of her books now that I’ve read this one!

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-ypehjt2{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Toxo

Caleb, an autistic teen is mistakenly arrested.
Bad turns to worse when he is then apprehended from his family by DFS.

His mother could never have predicted the chain of events in a million years.

In trying to protect him, DFS has actually put Caleb in harm’s way.

”Yet another winner for PD Workman. I’m amazed that this lady isn’t acknowledged more. She writes about very serious subjects and is an advocate for mental health.”

Once again, Gabriel and Renata have teamed up to right injustice and to get Caleb to safety. But Andrew Searle is on the case, and it’s his job to see that they don’t succeed and that Caleb remains in foster care.

Ripped from the headlines, you won’t want to miss this intriguing plot!

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Just like every other P.D. Workman book I’ve ever read, the gritty, raw realism of Toxo does an absolutely incredible job of taking my breath away.
Britt, Goodreads reviewer

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-730xdkt{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Virtually Harmless

From award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author, P.D. Workman

Micah lived a quiet, comfortable life, her involvement in law enforcement limited to the composite pictures that she produced with her computer and colored pencils.

But everything is turned upside down when she involves herself in the case of an infant found abandoned in the Sweetgrass Hills.

With the help of her knowledge of DNA and law enforcement contacts across the country, Micah is closing in on a killer. But her investigation draws the killer’s attention, and she finds herself in the middle of an operation that could mean the end of her career—or worse, her life.

This cosy thriller with a neurodivergent, aro-ace MC will keep you turning the pages long after you should have logged into your day job. Oops.

Love CSI and other forensic mysteries? Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author brings you this fresh new nail-biter for your next read.

Join Micah as she picks up her pencils and starts on a new case.

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“P. D. Workman has outdone herself with this riveting techno-thriller featuring Micah Miller, a forensic artist specializing in composite renderings based on forensic DNA phenotyping … This book offers plenty of thrills, chills, suspense and white-knuckled tension as the plot unfolds and it kept me turning pages until late into the night. The story is clean and well-written, the plot is fascinating, the pace is relentless and the characters are realistic and relatable. I highly recommend this absorbing and thoroughly enjoyable thriller to anyone who favors CSI, NCIS, Cold Case, Forensic Files or any high-tech inspired crime-solving theme.”

—Kim, Goodreads reviewer

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Published on April 03, 2024 15:01

Celebrate Neuroiversity and Inclusion

April 2 was World Autism Day, and April is Autism Awareness month (or Autism Acceptance month, as we are trying to move forward from just being aware of autism to accepting those who are autistic and being inclusive and challenging stigmas.