P.D. Workman's Blog, page 2

Psychological Thrillers

Featured Collection Psychological Thrillers

Where truth fractures and fear is quiet

P.D. Workman’s psychological thrillers dive deep into the human mind—exploring trust, trauma, and obsession in clean, character-driven stories.

These are thrillers for readers who crave heart-pounding suspense without the gore. Intelligent, emotional, and hauntingly real.

Browse All Thrillers Start Reading An Abrupt Departure Small Town Secrets

Why Familiar Places Make the Scariest Thrillers

The Psychology Behind the Thriller

Twisted truths, haunted minds, character-driven suspense

Clean Psychological Thrillers

Heart-pounding suspense without the gore

When Love Turns Dangerous

Obsession and control in psychological thrillers

Book Carousel Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers 8-10 An Abrupt Departure Death’s Charm Healed to Death Currying Death1 2 3 … 5 › [image error] #pt-cv-view-319213bxsl .pt-cv-title a, #pt-cv-view-319213bxsl .panel-title { font-family: 'Oswald', Arial, serif !important; font-size: 14px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; color: #be1e2d !important; font-weight: 600 !important; display: block !important; text-align: center !important; clear: both !important; }#pt-cv-view-319213bxsl .pt-cv-title a:hover, #pt-cv-view-319213bxsl .panel-title:hover { color: #000000 !important; }#pt-cv-view-319213bxsl .pt-cv-readmore { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; }#pt-cv-view-319213bxsl .pt-cv-readmore:hover { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; }#pt-cv-view-319213bxsl + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pt-cv-more , #pt-cv-view-319213bxsl + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pagination .active a, .pt-cv-pagination[data-sid='319213bxsl'] .active a { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; }#pt-cv-view-319213bxsl { text-align: center; }
What Readers Are Saying

Couldn’t put the book down.

This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. 

The author’s easy-flowing storytelling, grasped my attention from the first sentence and kept me reading on late at night.

This fabulous read kept me on the edge of my seat! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a thriller a psychological thriller?

A psychological thriller explores the tension inside the human mind—doubt, obsession, fear, and manipulation—rather than relying on graphic violence or gore. The suspense comes from emotions, secrets, and moral choices.

Q: Are P.D. Workman’s psychological thrillers clean?

Yes. These stories deliver deep suspense and emotional realism without profanity, explicit scenes, or excessive violence. The fear comes from what’s felt, not what’s shown. See Clean Psychological Thrillers for more insight.

Q: Which book should I start with?

An Abrupt Departure is an ideal starting point. It captures the essence of Workman’s psychological style—ordinary people confronting extraordinary fear. You can also explore the Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers for a procedural edge or the Zachary Goldman Mysteries for character-driven suspense.

Q: Why are small-town settings so common in these thrillers?

Because they heighten the illusion of safety. In small communities, secrets and relationships feel more personal. Suspense grows from what everyone thinks they know about one another. Read Small Town Secrets for more on this theme.

Q: Are these books part of connected series?

Many are! Some stand alone. Others belong to ongoing series such as the Kenzie Kirsch or Zachary Goldman collections. Each can be read independently but rewards you for exploring the full series.

Q: What kind of readers enjoy P.D. Workman’s thrillers?

Readers who love suspense rooted in psychology, moral tension, and empathy rather than gore. If you like mind-bending, emotionally charged, character-driven stories, these books are written for you.

The post Psychological Thrillers first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Clean Psychological Thrillers: Heart-Pounding Suspense Without the Gore

Not every psychological thriller needs to rely on gore or shock value.

Why “Clean” Doesn’t Mean Less Intense

When readers hear “clean fiction,” they sometimes imagine cozy mystery, YA, or Amish Romance. But a clean psychological thriller strips away excessive gore and profanity to expose something deeper: the human mind under pressure.

In these stories, fear doesn’t come only from a bloody crime scene—it comes from doubt, betrayal, and the realization that danger can hide behind an ordinary smile. Suspense thrives not in what we see, but in what we feel.

The Power of Restraint

The most effective thrillers understand that what’s left unsaid can be more chilling than what’s shown. Restraint allows the emotional tension to build naturally.

A glance, a missing key, a phrase taken the wrong way—these small things become ticking clocks in a reader’s mind.

That’s why readers of clean thrillers or non-graphic suspense find your books so satisfying. They don’t need explicit scenes, gore, or harsh language to feel fear and empathy—they need truth.

P.D. Workman’s Clean Psychological ThrillersAn Abrupt Departure

Read the book →

When junk-removal owner Graham Hall finds an abandoned apartment filled with personal belongings, his curiosity unearths a chilling secret. No gore. No graphic scenes. Just a growing sense of unease as obsession twists into danger.

She Wore Mourning (Zachary Goldman Mysteries)

Read the book →

Private investigator Zachary Goldman lives with PTSD and depression, but his empathy gives him an edge others don’t have. This isn’t a story about violence—it’s about understanding what drives it. The suspense is psychological, not graphic.

Virtually Harmless

Read the book →

Micah, a neurodivergent artist and scientist, gets caught in a high-tech mystery that requires all of her creativity and knowledge. The tension comes from intellect and perception, not gore. A thriller for readers who prefer their chills cerebral.

Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers

Read the books →

As assistant medical examiner, Kenzie Kirsch faces moral and emotional dilemmas that test her compassion as much as her courage. Even in the medical world—where life and death are constant—the story stays clean, human, and thought-provoking.

Why Readers Choose Clean SuspenseEmotional depth over graphic detail. Violence and language never overshadow character growth or theme.Safe but intense. Readers can experience fear, empathy, and moral complexity without discomfort or triggers.Universal accessibility. Readers who prefer clean or non-graphic stories find full immersion without compromise.Focus on the human mind. True terror comes from realizing how easily everything can change.Clean Doesn’t Mean Predictable

Clean thrillers can explore dark subjects—mental illness, obsession, moral failure—without glorifying them. They offer redemption, not corruption; clarity, not exploitation.

As one reviewer said of She Wore Mourning, “The story is deeply emotional, but never gratuitous. I couldn’t look away.”

The balance between empathy and suspense is what defines P.D. Workman’s voice: thrillers with conscience and compassion.

What to Read Next

When Love Turns Dangerous: Obsession and Control in Psychological Thrillers

Twisted Truths and Haunted Minds: The Psychology Behind the Thriller

Small Town Secrets: Why Familiar Places Make the Scariest Thrillers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a psychological thriller “clean”?

A: A clean thriller avoids explicit violence, profanity, or sexual content while maintaining intense suspense and psychological realism. The fear comes from emotional depth, not graphic scenes.

Q: Can a thriller be gripping without violence or profanity?

A: Absolutely. The most memorable suspense arises from character choices, moral dilemmas, and fear of the unknown—not from gore.

Q: Are clean psychological thrillers faith-based?

A: Not necessarily. Some include spiritual themes, while others simply maintain ethical storytelling that’s accessible to all readers.

Q: Why do readers prefer clean suspense?

A: Because it allows them to enjoy tension, insight, and catharsis without discomfort. They can engage emotionally while feeling safe from shock or exploitation.

Q: Do clean thrillers still explore dark themes?

A: Yes. They confront danger, trauma, and moral tension while avoiding explicit content. Darkness can be psychological rather than graphic.

Q: Who are clean psychological thrillers written for?

A: Readers who crave intelligent, emotionally charged suspense but prefer stories without graphic violence or language.

Q: Are clean thrillers suitable for teens or book clubs?

A: Most are! Their focus on character and conscience makes them ideal for cross-generational readers and discussion groups.

Read Next

Twisted Truths and Haunted Minds: The Psychology Behind the Perfect Thriller

Small Town Secrets: Why Thrillers Hit So Close to Home

The post Clean Psychological Thrillers: Heart-Pounding Suspense Without the Gore first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Auntie Clem’s Bakery 22-24

by P.D. Workman


New Release
Series: Auntie Clem's Bakery
Genres: Cozy Mystery

eBook Price: $ 9.99 USD


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I love this series as it never disappoints. There are interesting characters, intriguing mysteries, plenty of surprises, and a satisfying ending as justice prevails in each story. At the heart of the series, however, the brightest gem is a talented baker with a somewhat mysterious past who simply wants to see that everyone in her community is happy, healthy and well-fed.å

Auntie Clem's Bakery 22-24AboutPraise for Auntie Clem’s BakeryBook Club ResourcesOn my BlogPraise for P.D. Workman Indulge in a Sweet Escape with Erin Price! 

Are you ready to dive into a world where baking meets mystery? Meet Erin Price, the gluten-free baking sensation whose life takes unexpected turns when murder mixes into her recipes!

 Introducing the Culinary Cozy Mystery Collection:

Cinn-full Secrets: When Simon hears about his wife’s recent windfall and comes into Auntie Clem’s Bakery looking for Adrienne, his estranged wife, Erin does all she could to protect Adrienne’s secrets.Muffin to Hide: When acclaimed food critic Gerald Montgomery is found dead in his room at the B&B with the crumbs of one of Erin’s Morning Sunshine Muffins still on his lips, she worries that her bakery’s fate is sealed.Custard Cream Conspiracy: With a secret admirer stirring up emotions and murder lurking around every corner, will Erin find justice—or become part of another deadly recipe?

Each book offers a delectable blend of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments that will keep you guessing until the last page.

 Why You’ll Love This Series:

Engaging characters you’ll root forTwisty plots that keep you on your toesMouthwatering gluten-free recipes sprinkled throughout!

Whether you’re an avid mystery lover or just looking for a sweet escape from reality, this collection is your ticket to adventure in charming Bald Eagle Falls.

 Grab Your Copy Today and Satisfy Your Cravings for Mystery! 

Don’t miss out—dive into these delightful tales where every chapter is as rich as frosting on a cake. Get ready to sink your teeth into these sweet mysteries!

Click now to order and let the baking—and sleuthing—begin!

—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!

—It was very good! But made me hungry!

—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!

—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.

—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.

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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.”a

“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.”

 

Goodreads reviews for the series

Reviews from Goodreads.com

The post Auntie Clem’s Bakery 22-24 first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Twisted Truths and Haunted Minds: The Psychology Behind the Thriller

In the best psychological thrillers, the danger isn’t just what someone does—it’s what someone believes. It’s the choice whether to trust, the quiet unraveling of perception and paradigm, the moment a character realizes everything they knew was a lie.

If you’re drawn to psychological thriller books, character-driven suspense, and mind-bending thrillers, you know the pull of stories that don’t just twist perspectives. These stories make us question what’s real, what’s imagined, and how fragile certainty can be.

What Makes a Thriller Psychological?

When we think of thrillers, we often imagine ticking clocks, shadowy figures, or dramatic escapes. But the true power of a psychological thriller lies beneath the surface—in emotion, memory, and motive.

The most gripping suspense grows not from explosions, but from self-doubt. The danger lives in the mind, where fear and trust do battle.

In An Abrupt Departure, Graham Hall expects an ordinary junk-removal job but finds an apartment frozen in time—passports, photos, and medication left behind. What he finds sends chills down his spine: personal items like family photos, passports, and essential medication that no one would leave behind willingly. As he digs deeper into the job, he uncovers a hidden journal filled with entries that suggest a growing threat.

In She Wore Mourning, Zachary Goldman, a private investigator living with PTSD and depression, navigates the death of a child while confronting his own demons of the past. The case forces him to put aside everything he believes about the case and start again without any preconceptions. He has to let go and look again at the who and the why.

These are stories of perception, truth, and vulnerability—thrillers where truth is psychological, not procedural.

Haunted Minds and Complex Heroes

Psychological thrillers often center on characters who live with trauma, grief, or neurodivergence. Their strength lies in emotional endurance and insight.

In Virtually Harmless, Micah—a brilliant, neurodivergent scientist and artist—finds herself drawn into a mystery that echoes her own history. Her unique way of seeing the world is not onlyb her greatest asset but also her biggest challenge.

In Tattooed Teardrops, Tamara faces the world after juvenile detention, trying to rebuild her life while overwhelmed by trauma and mistrust. Her struggle isn’t about conquering weakness—she is already stronger than she thinks. It is about discovering herself and her own beliefs and path forward. Shaking off the shackles of the past and ties that helped her survive in juvie and choosing her own direction.

The best character-driven thrillers understand that psychological complexity is not fragility. It’s resilience. It’s how people live with uncertainty, memory, and pain and keep going.

Portraying mental health and neurodivergence authentically matters. The best psychological thrillers illuminate what it means to live with fear, perception, and truth.

Truth Is Never Simple

In many thrillers, the final reveal ties everything up neatly. But in the psychological thriller, truth is less defined. Perception shifts. The end is not the end.

In An Abrupt Departure, even as Graham uncovers what happened in that abandoned apartment, he knows that Ashley’s and Ethan’s stories are not over and the past will continue to haunt them and Graham and Joiner too.

In She Wore Mourning, solving the case doesn’t heal the community—or Zachary. The trauma persists for all of them. That’s the essence of psychological suspense: it lingers. It makes us re-examine how we see our lives and social justice in the world.

Why We Keep ReadingEmpathy for imperfection. Readers connect with characters who live honestly with pain, rather than those who appear untouched by it.Mind over motion. The thrill comes from uncertainty and moral ambiguity, not from car chases or shootouts.Reality unsteady. When home, memory, or mind turns unreliable, every comfort becomes potential danger.Emotional catharsis. By watching others navigate fear and recovery, we explore our own resilience safely.Read Next

An Abrupt Departure

She Wore Mourning

Tattooed Teardrops

Virtually Harmless

Articles

Small Town Secrets: Why Familiar Places Make the Scariest Thrillers

Clean Psychological Thrillers: Heart-Pounding Suspense Without the Gore

When Love Turns Dangerous: Obsession and Control in Psychological Thrillers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a thriller psychological rather than action-driven?

A: A psychological thriller focuses on motive, emotion, and perception rather than physical danger. The real suspense comes from inside the characters’ minds.

Q: Why do readers love stories about the human mind?

A: Because they reveal what we all fear and hope for—to understand ourselves. These stories give us empathy, catharsis, and insight into what it means to endure uncertainty and survive it.

Q: What separates a psychological thriller from a mystery?

A: Mysteries focus on solving a puzzle—uncovering who did what. Psychological thrillers explore why people do what they do, delving into motive, perception, and moral conflict.

Q: Can a thriller be suspenseful without violence or gore?

A: Absolutely. The most gripping stories rely on emotional tension, ethical ambiguity, and fear born from empathy, not shock value.

Q: How can writers portray mental illness responsibly in fiction?

A: By researching conditions, avoiding stereotypes, and writing characters as full people—defined by choices and experiences, not diagnoses.

Q: What draws readers to complex, emotionally flawed protagonists?

A: Because imperfection feels authentic. Readers see themselves in characters who struggle, adapt, and grow stronger through adversity.

Q: Why do psychological thrillers stay with readers long after finishing?

A: Because they touch something primal—our need to understand trust, fear, and the fragile line between safety and danger.

The post Twisted Truths and Haunted Minds: The Psychology Behind the Thriller first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Your First Bite – A Free Cozy Mystery Starter Pack

Get Your First Taste of Murder and Muffins — Free!

Start your cozy escape to Bald Eagle Falls with a free ebook + audiobook, printable recipe cards, and more.

Get it nowWelcome to Bald Eagle Falls

Welcome to Auntie Clem’s Bakery, where the ovens are always warm, the gossip travels faster than the river, and there’s always one more mystery for Erin Price to ignore.

If you love small-town cozies with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of danger, pull up a chair at Auntie Clem’s Bakery. Your starter pack is waiting — on the house.

What’s Inside Your Free Starter Pack

You’re getting more than just a free book — you’re stepping into a world of mystery, friendship, and the occasional murder over muffins. Inside The First Bite you’ll find:

Gluten-Free Murder (ebook + computer narrated audiobook) — Meet Erin Price, a gluten-free baker whose fresh start in Bald Eagle Falls gets complicated by her first corpse. Printable Recipes — Bake a few homey gluten-free recipes right in your own kitchen. Blank Recipe Cards — Print blank cards for your own family favorites or future cozy creations. Éclair Monster Printable — A fun (and slightly spooky) bonus inspired by Chocolate Éclairvoyant. Holiday Wish List of Cozy Christmas Books — Because one cozy mystery is never enough.What Readers Are Saying

—This lady knows how to write!! I read this during hurricane Irma on my Kindle so I didn’t care the power was out!

—It was very good! But made me hungry!

—Oh my goodness I loved it! The murder mystery was so awesome… I couldn’t put this book down. Props to you again for another amazing read!

—I really enjoyed this book … Would make a great Hallmark movie.

—This very enjoyable story with uncomplicated characters and a sweet and easy storyline was well done.

What Happens NextSign up below to download your starter pack.Enjoy Gluten-Free Murder and your printables.When you’re ready for seconds, grab the Cozy Mystery Gift Bundle — You get books 1–3 plus the full Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery cookbook for only $9.99.Or if you fall head over heels for Bald Eagle Falls, binge the full 24-Book Collection, already half-price at $71.99.Ready to Take Your First Bite?

Enter your email below and I’ll send you download instructions for your starter pack.

You’ll also get cozy updates, early access to new releases, and maybe the occasional recipe or surprise from the bakery. Unsubscribe anytime.

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Whether you read for the puzzles, the pastries, or the people, you’ll feel right at home in Bald Eagle Falls.

Now grab your apron, your reading glasses, and your first mystery — it’s time for Your First Bite.

The post Your First Bite – A Free Cozy Mystery Starter Pack first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Small Town Secrets: Why Familiar Places Make the Scariest Thrillers

A quiet street. A friendly neighbor. A missing person.

Small towns promise safety—but what happens when that promise is broken?

The Comfort and the Trap of Familiarity

Small towns feel safe. There’s a sense of belonging, of rhythms and routines that ground daily life. Children play outside, doors are left unlocked. You might know your neighbors well enough to borrow a ladder or share a coffee. But you might not actually know the family down the next block at all.

That’s what makes these communities such powerful settings for thrillers: the illusion of knowing everyone, of being secure, but not enough to see what’s really going on. The people we pass every day might hold stories we can’t begin to imagine.

Bleeding Hearts Valley: When Normal Vanishes Overnight

In An Abrupt Departure, Graham Hall steps into an abandoned apartment expecting to haul away junk. What he finds instead are the traces of a vanished life—photos, passports, medications left behind. The building’s stillness feels wrong, its silence heavy.

Neighbors give conflicting stories. The landlord deflects questions. Expensive electronics sit untouched. As Graham digs deeper, the mystery grows darker.

Bleeding Hearts Valley isn’t the kind of place you expect to harbor violence, but that’s what makes the disappearance so disturbing. The stillness of the town becomes part of the tension, masking a truth no one wants uncovered.

Roxboro: Where Science Meets Small-Town Politics

In the Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers, the small town of Roxboro hums with quiet competition and professional pride. Kenzie, the assistant medical examiner, works in a community where autopsies can expose not only crimes but long-held grudges, personal failings, and political pressures.

Roxboro and the surrounding towns aren’t idyllic, they are complex. Some people know too much about each other, others are desperate to keep their lives private. Kenzie lives in the community and has to walk a fine line between revealing the truth and surviving the fallout.

Loose the Dogs: The Danger We Invite Home

In Loose the Dogs, the danger doesn’t come from a stranger in a dark alley. It’s something we welcome into our homes and convince ourselves we can control.

When seven dogs with a questionable history are adopted by unsuspecting families, the threat becomes domestic—intimate. The professionals and bureaucrats who rehomed them believe they’ve done the right thing, until the consequences prove otherwise.

The horror here isn’t random—it’s systemic. A decision made far away ripples into living rooms and backyards across the country. The real terror lies in what we choose not to see.

The Real Face of the Small-Town Thriller

In a small town, secrets travel faster than facts. Whispers fills in the gaps, reputation becomes currency, and truth is hidden behind closed doors. There are always people watching—but not always for the right reasons.

It’s not that everyone knows everyone else’s business; it’s that they think they do. And that assumption—of safety, of familiarity—is what makes small-town thrillers so unnerving. There’s always more beneath the surface.

Readers feel that tension instinctively. It’s the unease of knowing that darkness can thrive in ordinary places—and that danger might be closer than we realize.

Read Next

When Love Turns Dangerous: Obsession and Control in Psychological Thrillers

Clean Psychological Thrillers: Heart-Pounding Suspense Without the Gore

Twisted Truths and Haunted Minds: The Psychology Behind the Thriller

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do so many thrillers take place in small towns?

Because the quiet backdrop heightens every disturbance. Secrets feel heavier when they’re surrounded by routine, and danger feels closer when there’s nowhere anonymous to hide.

Q: What makes small-town thrillers so unsettling?

It’s the clash between normalcy and horror. The people you wave to in the grocery store might be hiding something—and that tension lingers long after you close the book.

Q: How does Roxboro add to the tension in the Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers?

Roxboro’s size makes it personal. Professional rivalries, family ties, and local politics overlap, turning each case into a moral and social minefield.

Q: Why is Bleeding Hearts Valley such an effective setting in An Abrupt Departure?

Because its calm appearance makes the truth even harder to face. When something terrible happens in a place that’s supposed to be safe, every crack in the façade feels like a betrayal.

Q: Why do readers relate so strongly to small-town thrillers?

Because they blend the familiar and the frightening. We recognize the streets, the people, the comfort—and we feel the shock when that comfort shatters.

The post Small Town Secrets: Why Familiar Places Make the Scariest Thrillers first appeared on pdworkman.com.

New Psychological Thriller: An Abrupt Departure by P.D. Workman

Just in Time for Halloween: P.D. Workman’s An Abrupt Departure — A Chilling New Psychological Thriller You Won’t Be Able to Put DownWhen the Perfect Suburb Hides a Perfect Crime

The air is getting colder, the nights are longer, and the streets of Bleeding Hearts Valley are hiding their darkest secrets.
This Halloween season, come enjoy a new world of obsession, paranoia, and suburban dread with An Abrupt Departure, a heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.

A Missing Couple. A Sinister Clue. A Man Who Can’t Look Away.

When Graham Hall, a former finance professional turned junk-removal specialist, is hired to clear out an apartment abandoned by newlyweds Ashley and Ethan Quick, he expects nothing more than discarded furniture and forgotten junk.

Instead, he finds a chilling scene:
A cryptic apology note
High-end jewelry and passports left behind
A wedding album that tells a fractured love story

Convinced that the Quicks didn’t leave voluntarily, Graham digs deeper — discovering Ashley’s hidden journal of fear, documenting her belief that someone was stalking and gaslighting her in her own home.

Meet Graham Hall: The Reluctant Investigator

After walking away from a backstabbing corporate career, Graham wanted peace and a fresh start.
But his moral compass — and haunted past — won’t let him look away when others are in danger.
Running his business, Hall It Away, gives him purpose.
Unraveling the mystery of the missing Quicks might just change everything.

Why Readers Love An Abrupt Departure

If you devour psychological thrillers that explore the dark corners of the human mind, this book is your next obsession.
Expect gripping themes and tropes including:

Missing Persons and Vanishing NewlywedsGaslighting and Psychological ManipulationSecrets Beneath a Perfect SuburbTrauma, Obsession, and Self-DeceptionOrdinary People in Extraordinary Danger

Fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, or Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen will find a new favorite in P.D. Workman’s emotionally charged storytelling.

“Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and would love to see a series based on this character. Very highly recommended!”

“Wow, such an intense book. This one kept me up late and back to reading again in the morning. So good.”

“Another great read from the Bleeding Hearts Valley collection! So far I am loving the mysteries from this little town.”

“I hung on every page, trying to figure out what happened!”

Get Your Copy Today

This Halloween, trade candy for chills.
Don’t miss your chance to experience P.D. Workman’s latest psychological thriller, An Abrupt Departure.

Buy Now
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Join P.D. Workman’s Newsletter for exclusive bonuses, early previews, and special offers.

About the Bleeding Hearts Valley Thrillers

Set in a quiet Midwestern suburb where nothing is as it seems, each Bleeding Hearts Valley novel is a standalone story connected through atmosphere, setting, and shared unease.

If you enjoyed An Abrupt Departure, explore the other titles in the Bleeding Hearts Valley collection:

Unhinged by Danielle Fear I Saw You, Sweetheart by Erica Damon

Each book delivers a unique perspective on obsession, deceit, and the lies we tell ourselves to survive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. Is An Abrupt Departure part of a series?

Yes. It’s part of the Bleeding Hearts Valley Thrillers—standalone psychological thrillers linked by setting and tone. You can read them in any order.

2. What kind of psychological thriller is this?

It’s a slow-burn psychological suspense novel centered on gaslighting, missing persons, and suburban secrets. Perfect for readers who enjoy complex characters and mounting dread.

3. Who is the main character in An Abrupt Departure?

Graham Hall, a junk removal specialist who stumbles into a mystery when a newlywed couple vanishes—leaving behind clues that suggest something sinister.

4. What content themes should readers be aware of?

The novel deals sensitively with trauma, manipulation, and mental health struggles. It’s emotionally intense but grounded in empathy and realism.

5. Where can I buy An Abrupt Departure?

You can buy the paperback directly from P.D. Workman’s store, or find it on major online retailers. After release date, the ebook is only available in the Kindle Store and Kindle Unlimited.

The post New Psychological Thriller: An Abrupt Departure by P.D. Workman first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Enchanted Mirror Maze

by P.D. Workman


Preorder
Series: Reg Rawlins Psychic Investigator #25
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal/Fantasy

eBook Price: $ 7.99 USD
Paperback Price: $ 16.95 USD


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Coming in May 2026

Enchanted Mirror Maze

Can a mirror reflect your fears?

Reg thought she finally had it all figured out. A thriving psychic services business, a quirky group of friends, and even her own personal homunculus named Theodore. But a peculiar case involving an enchanted mirror is about to turn her world upside down.

In Enchanted Mirror Maze, the 25th gripping installment of the Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator series by P.D. Workman, Reg Rawlins, psychic investigator, knows better than to trust cursed objects—especially one like Reflekto, a mirror that whispers promises and hides a sinister hunger. When her client falls under its spell, Reg is drawn into a deadly game of illusions and lies. Every reflection reveals more of the mirror’s dark past… and the terrible price it demands.

Caught between a nemesis ensnared by dark promises and a companion who may be slipping beyond her control, Reg must decide who to trust before the mirror claims them all.

In a world where mirrors lie and homunculi think for themselves, what it means to be truly alive might be the most terrifying question of all.

Perfect for fans of paranormal mysteries and urban fantasy, Enchanted Mirror Maze is a chilling exploration of identity, trust, and the price of desire. Can Reg unravel the maze of deception before the mirror claims another soul?

Don’t miss out on this haunting journey—grab your copy of Enchanted Mirror Maze today and get lost in a world where nothing is as it seems!

Step into the Haunted Mirror Maze—if you dare.

Perfect for readers who love:

Urban Fantasy with complex magical systemsParanormal Mysteries with a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and mayhem.Found Family – a cast of characters who stick together through thick and thin.Unique Protagonists: A tough-as-nails psychic investigator who’s more comfortable with ghosts than people.Praise for Reg Rawlins

—Another great work of art by Ms. Workman. I am amazed at the diversity of her writing and how much I really enjoy them all. She can write cozy mystery, YA books that should be read by all, medical thrillers, Zach Goldman series and now a paranormal series. I am so glad to have found this author. I am honored that I get to read them early also.

—This book has all my favourite things: heart, great writing, nearly-flawless editing, something unusual in the air, and a cat. I needed a light read, and this fit the bill perfectly. Recommended.

—This book actually surprised me. I knew that a psychic cat would be entertaining. I just didn’t expect it to be this good. You really do get wrapped up in the people and story. It sounds like a fairly gentle story, but there is a lot of suspense involved. Add a bunch of humor to the mix and you are in for a treat. I love the characters. Wish I had some friends like them. And the cat is so very well done. Acts like a typical cat, but a lot smarter than his human. This is a story that you don’t want to put down.

—Extremely well written as are all of P.D. Workman’s books, the characters well developed. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make a reader get invested into the characters and thereby the book. I look forward to P.D. Workman’s next book.

—P D Workman has done it again; created a cast of characters and a storyline that are captivating and enthralling. Once I started this cozy I didn’t want to put it down (which can be a bad thing when you have a family to take care of…lol). I can’t wait for the other books in this series. I think Reg is going to turn out to be one of my favorite new characters. Pick up your copy as soon as possible.

On my Blog Fictional Dads: The Good, The Bad, & The Complex Happy Valentine’s Day, How About Some Books? Plot Twists and Triumphs: 2024 Review New Year, New Covers: Discover Exciting New Covers Holiday Happiness Starts Here: Claim Your Literary Treasure Trove! Celebrating 11 Years on my Author Journey Roses, Chocolates, and Healthy Relationships: TDVAM Teen Stories That Will Transport You! October is my Bookiversary Back to school – time to hit the books Books for Mental Health Awareness Month Sale on Ruby, Between the Cracks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Excerpt from I Let You Go In the Margins 2019 Awards Books for youth in custody It’s sale season at Kobo! Happy Father’s Day! Excerpt from A Banquet of Consequences In the Margins Literary Awards Excerpt from the Heist Excerpt from Alert by James Patterson Ronnie, Between the Cracks #5 and more new releases Excerpt from The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag Plans for 2018 Goodreads Giveaway for Ronnie [image error] Books in your Stocking – A Christmas Eve Book Flood Thanksgiving Giving! Looking for some books about Kick Ass Women? Don’t miss the Smashwords Summer Sale! Happy Birthday weekend! Kick-Ass Girls in YA Fiction More freebies this weekend Excerpt from The Cursed Child, by JK Rowling Let it snow! Christmas freebies! Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals! Young Adult Instafreebie Sale Excerpt from Papers in the Wind Excerpt from After the Storm Excerpt from School Monitor It’s my bookiversary! Get Ruby free What do you do when you’re not writing? Tattooed Teardrops wins Top Fiction Book for Teens New book release! Intersexion hits the market Reading List: Young Adult Fiction About Sexual Abuse Excerpt from Hounded What’s new? The release of Michelle, Between the Cracks #3 and more! 2015 in Review Excerpt from When we were Dragons and Feature by Goodlife Fitness Launch Day: Questing for a Dream Ruby now available in Español Addiction Fiction: Powerful Novels About Struggle, Recovery, and Hope Nomination and promotions Ruby Featured by Pivot TV Secret Lives of Americans Wattpad List Tattooed Teardrops Nominated for “In the Margins” Best Books for Teens Award Release of June & Justin! Excerpt from Blood Line Distracted by books Ruby Between the Cracks Wins In the Margins Book Award Ruby nominated for In the Margins Best Books for Teens List Teaser from “Thrown to the Wolves” Teaser from “Looking Over Your Shoulder” Can I Just Write All Day?




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Praise for P.D. Workman

“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.”

The post Enchanted Mirror Maze first appeared on pdworkman.com.

2025-11-21 Mock Apple Alibi, a Culinary Cozy Mystery | Book Release

Have you been waiting for the release of the next book in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series? Erin Price, gluten-free baker is back in Mock Apple Alibi, the 25th book in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery culinary cozy mystery series.

Watch for exclusive posts, behind-the-scenes insights, and videos right here on pdworkman.com and across my social media channels.

In the picturesque town of Bald Eagle Falls, rich stories are woven as perfectly as a pie’s golden lattice top and the alibis are just as fake as mock apple pie. Erin and Vic must cut deep to solve a sting of mysterious disappearances.

Welcome back to Bald Eagle Falls, where Erin Price is serving up more than delicious treats at Auntie Clem’s Bakery. This time, the recipe for disaster includes missing persons, clan warfare, and a mock apple pie that’s not as fake as the alibis flying around town!

What’s on the Menu?A Missing Mother: Mary Lou Cox vanishes without a trace, leaving her son Cam frantic and the whole town stirring up gossip like a bad batch of sourdough.A Vanishing Bookseller: Naomi, the owner of the Book Nook, also disappears, leaving Erin with more questions than answers.A Deadly Intruder: As if that weren’t enough, a masked gunman warns Erin and her friend and employee Vic to stay out of clan business. Talk about a half-baked threat!Clan Chaos: With Willie Andrews trying to maintain peace while navigating loyalty issues that would make a soap opera writer jealous, tensions are higher than a soufflé about to collapse.Culinary Conundrums: Can Erin craft a deliciously deceiving gluten-free mock apple pie to add to the menu of Auntie Clem’s Bakery?A Recipe for Cozy Mystery Lovers

If you enjoy small-town settings, amateur sleuths, and a dash of culinary charm, you’ll devour “Mock Apple Alibi.” Perfect for fans of culinary cozy mysteries and strong female protagonists, this book is a delectable blend of sweetness and suspense. Dig into another helping of the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series as Erin serves up justice, one slice at a time!

FAQ

Q: When will Mock Apple Alibi be released?
A: Mock Apple Alibi, the 25th book in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery cozy mystery series by P.D. Workman, will be released on November 21, 2025.

Q: Is Mock Apple Alibi part of a series?
A: Yes, Mock Apple Alibi is Book 25 in the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, a beloved culinary cozy mystery collection featuring gluten-free baker and amateur sleuth Erin Price.

Q: Do I need to read the Auntie Clem’s Bakery books in order?
A: Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone cozy mystery, but reading in order will let you follow Erin’s journey and relationships as they grow throughout the series.

Q: Where can I buy Mock Apple Alibi?
A: Mock Apple Alibi will be available in ebook and paperback from pdworkman.com, as well as major retailers like Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play.

Q: Who should read Mock Apple Alibi?
A: If you enjoy small-town settings, amateur sleuths, culinary charm, and strong female protagonists, you’ll love Mock Apple Alibi and the rest of the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series.

The post 2025-11-21 Mock Apple Alibi, a Culinary Cozy Mystery | Book Release first appeared on pdworkman.com.

Mysteries, Muffins & Magic Pack

Looking for the perfect blend of spooky fun and cozy comfort this Halloween? Treat yourself to the Mysteries, Muffins & Magic Pack — a delicious mix of books, recipes, and seasonal extras that will keep you entertained all October long.

Start with Muffins Masks Murder and add:

– Gluten-Free Murder (ebook + auto-narrated audiobook) — the mystery that started it all! Step into Auntie Clem’s Bakery where secrets are always on the menu.

– Exclusive Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Muffins — a seasonal bakery favorite you can bake at home.

– Recipes from Auntie Clem’s Bakery — a special collection of grain-free, vegan, and low-allergen treats.

– Printable Kid’s Mask Templates — fun, easy Halloween masks kids can colour.

– The Ultimate Halloween Party Planning Mini Book — your guide to hosting a spooky celebration, from snacks to décor. Read it as an ebook or print it out and scribble on the pages. Two PDF editions lets you choose between a beautiful spooky background or an inksaver background-free version. 

– Thrills, Chills & Cozy Nights: A Halloween Reading Guide — handpicked books to suit every October mood, from cozy mysteries to classic horror.

Whether you’re planning a party, baking up seasonal treats, or curling up with a good book, this bonus pack has everything you need for a magical Halloween.

Sign-up and get your Mysteries, Muffins & Magic Pack bonus items today Name

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The post Mysteries, Muffins & Magic Pack first appeared on pdworkman.com.