P.D. Workman's Blog, page 26

Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Furriest Friend

I don’t go all-out for romantic love in my Valentine’s Day postings. That’s just not my wheelhouse. You can find a few of my previous Valentine’s Day posts here:

Have a Non-Romantic Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day – Friends Forever For the Love of Families Teen Dating Violence Awareness Friendship Before Flowers Mysteries with just a hint of romance

As you can see from the title of this post, I thought that Valentine’s Day with your pets would make a great Valentine’s Day blog.

Of course you love your critters all year around, but Valentine’s Day is the purr-fect time to show your pet some extra love. Whether you have a dog, cat, or another type of furry (or feathery… or scaly) friend – Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show them how much they mean to you.

Pets make the BEST Valentines

Why do pets make the best Valentines?

Pets are loyal and loving companions who are always there for us.They are great listeners and never judge. (Well, okay, sometimes cats are pretty judgmental, but it’s not just you…)It has been proven that pets lower stress levels, even in those battling PTSDPets bring us joy, comfort, and companionship – all things that make them great Valentines!Celebrating Valentine’s Day with your pet:

They bring joy to us all year, so how can we make the day extra-special for our pets?

Take your dog for an extra long walk or a run in the park. For other animals, think out-of-the-box ways to exercise or have fun. Chasing a tinfoil ball or bag tie? A run around the room in an exercise ball?

Buy a special toy or treat for the big day. Even the box, ribbon, or wrapping paper can provide hours of fun. Maybe eliminate the toy altogether and just go for the box!

Give them extra cuddles and belly rubs throughout the day.

How about that special meal? Fido and Felix may not be up for candles (maybe try those little electric tea lights) but they probably wouldn’t turn down homemade chicken broth, salmon treats, or some other favorite meal they don’t get very often. Valentine’s Day is a special occasion! Share a treat!

Doggie playdate? Cats may not be interested in visitors on Valentine’s Day, but if your pooch enjoys socializing with another dog, why not set up a special playdate?

And when all of that is done, and they have curled up to go to sleep, that gives you time to…

Read Books Featuring Furry Friends

At the end of a long day, when all of the furries have finished licking their chops and are curled up for sleep, treat yourself to a books featuring the antics of your favourite fictional pet.

A lot of cozy mysteries feature pets. Some of them even have a hand—er, paw—in solving the mystery.

For a few days, you can pick up What the Cat Knew for free!

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-8fd7e47{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}What the Cat Knew

Reg Rawlins, professional con, has really gotten herself into a bind this time.

The fortune teller gig started as a scam, but she suddenly finds herself tangled up in the case of Warren Blake, a man who she thought was dead. It turns out he may still be alive, but in mortal peril.

Reg has always taken the quick exit, the easy way out, but running out on this racket might mean someone else’s death.

Staying in it might mean hers.

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 … This is a story that you don’t want to put down.

This book has all my favourite things: heart, great writing, nearly-flawless editing, something unusual in the air, and a cat.

Like paranormal mysteries? Psychics, witches, fairies, and more! Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman waves her wand to transport readers to the myth- and magic-filled small town of Black Sands for a paranormal cozy mystery to be solved by Reg Rawlins and her friends.

A self-professed con artist practicing as a contact to the dead, a drop-dead gorgeous warlock, and a psychic cat—what could go wrong?

Fall under Reg’s spell today.@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-c28f36e{flex:1 1 calc(33.333% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}

FREE EBOOK PAPERBACK LARGE PRINT RETAILERS

READ SAMPLE BOOKBUB BINGEBOOKS GOODREADS

Make it a bundle:
BOOKS 1-3 BOOKS 1-12

Valentine’s Day Bundle

I have also pulled together a special Valentine’s Day bundle featuring 8 books featuring pets, ranging from cozy mystery to suspense/thriller! This bundle is only on for a limited time, so pick it up now!

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There are lots of other mystery books and series featuring pets/animals that you might enjoy!

The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson BraunHound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes) by Arthur Conan DoyleThe Joe Grey series by Shirley Rousseau MurphyThe Gunn Zoo mysteries by Betty WebbShady Hollow by Juneau BlackThe Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt

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Published on February 02, 2023 14:05

Cracking the Case in a Captivating Stephanie Plum Mystery

Stalking is a serious issue that can have long-lasting mental health impacts. Last week’s blog post discussed how to cope with the trauma of being stalked, as well as providing tips on how to raise awareness of the issue in your local area by organizing a book club event.

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

Reading one of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels is like going home. Comforting and familiar and full of humor. In Game On, Stephanie as after a computer hacker turned murderer. The mysterious Diesel has also returned for this installment, also after the same fugitive. Lula is going through a bout of bad luck in this book, and it seems like she can’t do anything right. Mix a mooner and a duck-roaster into the mix, and hilarity ensues.

He’s also a psychopath who feeds on suffering and chaos when his hacking projects get boring.
Janet Evanovich, Game On

Summary

When Stephanie Plum is woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of footsteps in her apartment, she wishes she didn’t keep her gun in the cookie jar in her kitchen. And when she finds out the intruder is fellow apprehension agent Diesel, six feet of hard muscle and bad attitude whom she hasn’t seen in more than two years, she still thinks the gun might come in handy.

Turns out Diesel and Stephanie are on the trail of the same fugitive: Oswald Wednesday, an international computer hacker as brilliant as he is ruthless. Stephanie may not be the most technologically savvy sleuth, but she more than makes up for that with her dogged determination, her understanding of human nature, and her willingness to do just about anything to bring a fugitive to justice. Unsure if Diesel is her partner or her competition, she’ll need to watch her back every step of the way as she works to draw Wednesday out from behind his computer and into the real world in this “action-packed caper filled with crazy twists and some nail-biting suspense” (Booklist, starred review).

Stalker Awareness Month: Take Back Your Life

It is January once more. January is, among other things, Stalker Awareness Month. I have written on the subject once before. (In fact, I just read that blog post and it is really good!)

So what else is there to say?

Well, maybe I could write about a couple more things.

Getting Through Trauma

One of the things that I addressed in Pursued by the Past is how Vanna is affected by her stalker. How angry, afraid, isolated, and depressed she becomes as the stalking escalates. Being stalked and harassed can be incredibly draining mentally and can affect all facets of your life. Not only are you always looking over your shoulder and being hypervigilant, but you can’t concentrate on work, keep up other relationships, and stay organized and on top of things in your life.

So what can the target of a stalker (I will not use “victim” here) to do take back their life and mental health?

Talk to a Therapist

Therapy is not just for broken relationships or severe mental illness. A therapist can give invaluable insight, guidance, and support. They can also provide counseling for any underlying mental health issues that may have been triggered as a result of being harassed or stalked. Reach out to family, friends, and community resources for recommendations of a therapist that could help.

Reach Out to Family & Friends

Speaking of family and friends, they are there to support you as well. (Okay, not all family and friends can be supportive in this kind of situation, but hopefully some of them are.) Let people know what you are going through. Let them know what they can do to support you emotionally. Some people need hugs and chocolate, and some need space or someone they can call at two in the morning. How will they know if you don’t tell them? Figure out who you can talk to or vent with that will give you the response you need. Because sometimes you need solutions, but sometimes you just need an ear, right? Talking to family and friends can help you work through your emotions in a safe space and build up your inner strength in order to move forward.

Join Support Groups

It’s entirely possible that there is no one in your immediate sphere of family and friends who has been through this experience before. As sympathetic as they may try to be, if they haven’t been there before, they might not be able to give you what you need. There are many support groups specifically dedicated to providing emotional support for victims of harassment or stalking. Joining these groups will allow you to connect with others who are going through similar experiences as well as give you access to additional resources such as advice, guidance, and tips on how to cope with the trauma of being harassed or stalked.

Seek Help from Hotlines & Organizations

Face-to-face support groups can be overwhelming. If you need help but aren’t ready to reach out to a group, there are many hotlines and organizations dedicated specifically for providing emotional support for victims of stalking that offer anonymous phone counseling services as well as online chat services. A quick internet search or talk to a community resource should be able to put you in touch with one of these organizations.

Spreading Awareness in Your Community

Whether you have experienced stalking or had a friend who has (and chances are, you have,) you may be looking for things that you can do to support those in your community who have been targets or to increase awareness of what you as a community can do. Here’s one idea—how about hosting a book club on stalker awareness? (You’re shocked that I brought books into this conversation, right?) You could have a virtual or in-person book club. Here are some thoughts on making your book club event successful.

Establish clear guidelines

Before the book club begins, set expectations and ground rules for participation. Make sure everyone understands that this is an open and safe space to discuss stalker awareness and how reading can help us be more informed about it.

Choose a book

Select a book about stalker awareness that will be the focus of discussion in the book club. Consider choosing books written from different perspectives and characters from different backgrounds.

Create an agenda

Set up an agenda with discussion points, questions, and activities to keep the conversation flowing throughout the event. Give participants time to read before attending the book club so they can come prepared with thoughts and ideas for discussion.

Get the facts

A lot of our opinions are fed by what we see on TV or what is written in fictional accounts, and we don’t actually know the statistics and the impact on victims. A woman who is stalked in one episode of your favourite cop show is rescued within the one-hour episode and by next week her life is back to normal. In fact, according to this fact sheet, 11% of stalking lasts for over 5 years. That’s a huge discrpancy from our perception. Check the statistics in your part of the world and be sure that you’re talking about actual numbers.

SPARC has some great infographics you might want to use.

Promote active listening

Remind participants to practice active listening by expressing their understanding after someone has spoken, asking questions, and providing feedback if appropriate. Encourage everyone to respect one another’s opinions and experiences while discussing stalker awareness in an open and sensitive way.

Make sure everyone is heard

Make sure all voices are heard during the virtual book club by taking turns speaking or having participants type in one-word responses when prompted by the host (e.g., “Who agrees?”). This will ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts in a safe space without interruption or judgement from others.

Follow up after the event

After the virtual book club has ended, take time to reflect on what was discussed and any feelings that may have come up during the conversation. Send out an email or survey afterwards to get feedback from participants on what they thought of the event, what they learned, and whether they have any suggestions or ideas for future events and topics of conversation related to stalker awareness and reading literacy.

Pursued by the Past

If you are looking for a book to discuss, there are a number of them listed in my previous post, including Pursued by the Past:

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-8fd7e47{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Pursued by the Past

Vanna had a good life. She had her challenges—like her mother’s high expectations of her—but all in all, she had a job she enjoyed, a fun hobby and friends. She didn’t need any complications.

But that all changed shortly after trying to break things off with Tino. The phone calls with no one on the other end. Anonymous gifts. Someone moving things around in her bedroom.

A restraining order changed nothing. If anything, it caused things to escalate. If Vanna wants her life back, she will have to take things into her own hands.

Keeps you wondering what comes next. I don’t know how this woman kept it together. Very good book and the characters were great. Looking forward to reading another book by this author.
—Gail, Goodreads Reader

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Published on January 26, 2023 13:51

They Sought Vengeance

by P.D. Workman

Coming Soon!
Series: Zachary Goldman Mysteries #14
Genres: Brozy (Broader Cozy), Mystery, Suspense, Mystery/Suspense

eBook Price: $ 4.99 USD
Paperback Price: $ 15.95 USD

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Coming in October 2023

They Sought VengeanceAbout Praise for Zachary Goldman Author Notes Book Club Resources On my Blog Praise for P.D. WorkmanA mystery thriller from USA Today Bestselling Author, P.D. Workman that will keep you turning the pages!

Deadly Secrets

When hired by four siblings to investigate the circumstances of the death of their father, private investigator Zachary Goldman finds out that not all is as it first appears. As Zachary uncovers more information, he discovers both family secrets and a dark side of John Godfrey’s life. Somehow, he’ll have to find a way to tease the truth out from amongst the web of lies.

Was Godfrey killed out of revenge by someone from his past or one of his own children? Has Zachary unintentionally put himself and his loved ones in the crosshairs of a killer? Will he be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late?

They Sought Vengeance is an enthralling tale full of suspense and intrigue that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Join Zachary Goldman on his journey as he searches for answers and justice for John Godfrey.

Praise for the series:

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.

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

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 piece together the vital clues and solve the mystery.

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.

Looking for a thriller that will keep you up all night and stay with you long after the last page?Investigate this P.I. Mystery now!

— 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!

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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.”

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Published on January 25, 2023 21:24

On the Run, In Pursuit of Truth: ‘Blanche on the Lam’

If you didn’t get a chance to read about my latest new release, take a look at Thrice Spared. The latest installment in the Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator paranormal cozy mystery series is sure to captivate with its thrilling plot and unexpected turns—don’t miss out!

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

I am currently reading Blanche on the Lam, an engaging and entertaining read. In this first-in series, Barbara Neely introduces her main character, a Black woman whose parents gave her two names that mean white. A domestic contractor who is on the run from the law (or at least hiding out) for getting caught kiting bad cheques, because three of her employers went on vacation without paying her first. Forced to leave her children (actually, her dead sister’s children who she now mothers) with their grandmother. Blanche ends up stuck in a summer cottage with a suspicious bunch of reprobates who, apparently, are murderers. Fun and games ensue, and Blanche tries to untangle the threads of this mystery while staying under the radar.

Neely’s writing is lyrical and beautiful, full of fresh and interesting similes. This novel offers readers an exciting and suspenseful story along with thought-provoking themes about race, class, and identity. It’s an excellent choice for fans of mystery and suspense!

A wry smile lifted the corners of Blanche’s mouth. Life did seem to be poking fun at her, sometimes. Even on the run she had to clean up after people.
Barbara Neely, Blanche on the Lam

graphic with the book cover of Blanche on the Lam

Amazon Blurb

Blanche White is a plump, feisty, middle-aged African-American housekeeper working for the genteel rich in North Carolina. But when an employer stiffs her, and her checks bounce, she goes on the lam, hiding out as a maid for a wealthy family at their summer home. That plan goes awry when there’s a murder and Blanche becomes the prime suspect. So she’s forced to use her savvy, her sharp wit, and her old-girl network of domestic workers to discover the truth and save her own skin. Along the way, she lays bare the quirks of southern society with humor, irony, and a biting commentary that makes her one of the most memorable and original characters ever to appear in mystery fiction.

Dive Into a Magical Mystery with Thrice Spared

Are you looking for an exciting and unique new read? Jump into the highly anticipated seventeenth installment in the Reg Rawlins Psychic Investigator series, Thrice Spared.

This paranormal cozy mystery follows Reg Rawlins, a self-professed con artist practicing as a contact to the dead, and her array of eccentric friends as they attempt to solve another magical mystery. This time, Reg must find out who is trying to kill Corvin, a drop-dead gorgeous warlock, before she is arrested and thrown in jail for attempted murder.

Thrice Spared is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end and is sure to be an instant hit with fans of paranormal mysteries! So get comfy with your favorite blanket and get ready for an enchanting journey into Black Sands—you won’t be disappointed!

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-8fd7e47{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Thrice Spared

From USA Today Bestselling Author, P.D. Workman!

If Reg was going to kill Corvin, she would have done so before now.

As much as she might dislike the warlock who has been a thorn in her side ever since moving to Black Sands, she has never tried to kill him. Well, except maybe that one time. But if she did want Corvin dead, she certainly wouldn’t do it by sneaking into his house at night and attempting to stab him as he slept. Or to try to poison him after that. Why can’t the police accept that and just move on with their investigation?

As the likelihood of arrest and incarceration increases, Reg realizes that she had better identify the actual murderer (or rather, attempted killer) before it is too late.

Just when I think Ms. Workman can’t possibly think up anything different for this series, she delivers big time. —Sandy

I love the magical characters in this series. They never fail to keep you entertained. Such a fun series.—Kandy

Like paranormal mysteries? Psychics, witches, fairies, and more! Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman waves her wand to transport readers to the myth- and magic-filled small town of Black Sands for another paranormal cozy mystery to be solved by Reg Rawlins and her friends.

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A self-professed con artist practicing as a contact to the dead, a drop-dead gorgeous warlock, and a psychic cat—what could go wrong?

Fall under Reg’s spell today.

eBook Paperback Retailers Read Sample Bookbub Goodreads Bingebooks

This addictive and delightful series delivers everything you might hope for in a great paranormal cozy. I love the variety of wonderful characters, the detailed world-building, the imaginative stories full of whimsy and magic and, of course, the fabulous fact that both the main character and her cat are psychic.
—Kim, Goodreads reviewer

Earlier books in the series

Get started with book #1, What the Cat Knew, or one of these bundles!

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}); }})();/*]]>*/Other new releases@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-15901ce{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}New Ghosts Old Tricks

Harper Harlow-Monroe has everything she’s ever wanted. She has a husband she loves, a best friend who is only irritating fifty percent of the time, and a daughter who refuses to be “normal.” So, basically, she has it all.

Then the unthinkable happens. During an afternoon picnic with her husband and daughter, Harper’s yard is flooded with ghosts … right as five bodies float by on the river. Harper’s daughter Poe is finally in the thick of things because she’s the only one who can communicate with the ghostly newcomers.

Worried, Harper calls in her friends Rowan, Maddie, and Ivy. Together, the foursome is going to figure out what’s haunting Poe … one way or another.

There’s not much to be found regarding the victims. They were adventurers, making a name for themselves finding treasure at the bottoms of oceans and lakes. They were hired by a local billionaire, but nobody can figure out why and the man in question is being cagey.

Harper always knew her daughter would turn out gifted. The reality is different from the fantasy, however. Poe’s magic is already strong, and when she gets a little encouragement from her friends, things begin to spiral.

It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation for this battle, and only the strong will survive.

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@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-4269629{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Grim

It only takes an instant for Grim—monster hunter and emotionally scarred hero—to lose everything.

Grim is having a bad year. A hunter by trade, his world is ripped apart when he is cursed with a sickness that is slowly changing him into one of the very creatures he hunts.

Worse, Grim is forced to abandon the woman he loves for fear that he’ll destroy her. So he must find a cure. Otherwise, they’ll never be together.

Yet there’s hope in a thorny alliance with an eccentric billionaire who lives in a castle.

But the billionaire has his own problems. He’s being hunted by an elusive monster, one that wants him dead. So, he strikes a deal with Grim—capture the creature and Grim will be healed.

Now Grim must navigate a castle filled with creeping shadows and portraits that seem alive, a suspicious butler, and the billionaire’s young daughter. She may hold the key to unlocking the truth behind why the creature is hunting her father—if only she could remember the past.

Can Grim stop the monster, break the curse plaguing him, and be reunited with the woman he loves? Or will he succumb to the darkness growing inside of him?

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@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-3f11e63{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Steep with One Eye Open

Twenty-seven-year-old witch Minnie Wells has an a-maze-ing ability to land herself in trouble.

Minnie’s vampire beau Fitz has just opened his country estate’s hedge maze to the paying public. They’re counting on the proceeds to fund the restoration of Fitz’s crumbling manor house, and to keep him from having to return to living in his cunning vampire sire’s nest.

But on opening day, a local school teacher is found murdered in the middle of the maze. And to add to the intrigue, Minnie’s chased off by the ghostly specter of a Regency woman whose own life was taken in the labyrinth two hundred years ago.

Now, Minnie teams up with a friend who has unexpected abilities, to catch the culprit, appease the spirit, and get the maze back in business.

But when her sleuthing uncovers a strange tie between the two women’s deaths, Minnie questions whether the killer is living, or undead, and if the maze will ever be safe again.

Will Minnie catch the culprit and put the angry spirit to rest or will she hit a dead end and become the murderer’s next victim?

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@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-eabb4fc{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Cat Scratch Murder

Magic in this witch’s family has a name: Trouble

Meet Sidney Grace. Quirky journalist, Hesitant witch, Professional butterfingers.
Her grandmother believes Sidney’s talent for communicating with the dead makes her the most powerful witch in the family, but Sidney just wants to make it through the day without getting fired.

A young writer living in Boston, Sidney is far from the small wacky town of Crystal Beach, Florida, where her spell-happy grandmother retired. She is perfectly happy with her career, her four cats, and the fact that she hasn’t been on a date in… well, years. All is well until her estranged mother informs Sidney that her grandmother has been arrested for murdering a resident at her retirement community.

Sidney road-trips to Florida to discover that her grandmother has no alibi, her grandfather isn’t as dead as she thought he was, and one of her cats can speak. To make matters worse, the handsome Officer Reece is tough on criminals and even tougher on witches. Who cooked up the deadly scone? And why are residents at Shifting Sands suddenly disappearing?

Now, Sidney must embrace her own magical talents to prove her grandmother’s innocence and stop the killer bent on destroying anyone who gets in the way.

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@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-85174c6{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Clawful Scandal

Laura Lee and her friends are helping Mrs. Thornberry host a charity event for the local hospital. The dinner is a flurry with music, dancing, and celebrity guests. Everything seems to be going splendidly, including healthy donations piling in, until Mary sees the one person who Should Not be there.

The man is Timothy Skyler and is well known among the town’s criminals as one of the craftiest of the bunch. But when he shows up dead among the town’s elite, and with a piece of jewelry from Judge Katherine, everything explodes.

Life doesn’t settle back to normal though, when the mystery is dumped into Laura Lee’s lap as a mutual friend contacts her. Can the Secret Book Club untangle this mess before Laura Lee’s friend gets dragged in farther?

Perfect for those who like cozy books heavy on mystery, adorable animals, small towns, humor in relationships and escape.

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@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-476db7e{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}A Grave Roast

Piper Addison has three problems: a broken espresso machine, malfunctioning magic, and a dead body. Guess which one she doesn’t see coming?

One month from forty, Piper Addison thinks she finally has life figured out. Sure, her bank account could be fuller and the cafe she opened with the last of her savings could use some help, but what’s a few kinks for an Orchard Hollow witch?

Too bad Piper can’t witch to save her life, which is exactly what she might need to do when a dead body is discovered in the alley behind her cafe. To make matters worse, all the evidence points to Piper and the local sheriff is not too keen on the town’s paranormal inhabitants.

When a mysterious envelope lands on Piper’s doorstep, she has a decision to make: go behind the sheriff’s back and try to clear her name, or spend her fortieth birthday in a prison cell.

A Grave Roast is a paranormal cozy mystery complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.

Kindle@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-05a86f6{flex:1 1 calc(33.333% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-7e15d6d{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}An Unfolding Crime

In her next case, Kate is getting ghosted. Literally.

When Hallow Hills’ newest laundromat shuts down after a poltergeist infiltration, Kate gets called to the scene. At first, things are under control, but when the spirits get angry and turn on her, Kate’s powers go wonky and things go from bad to worse.

Soon, the entire town is under attack by vengeful spirits and Kate has to figure out how to cleanse the town and keep her new, burgeoning powers from overwhelming her. With Killian, the spirit living in her office building, at her side, Kate once again barrels headfirst into a strange and twisted magical mystery.

But this time, the culprit is someone she knows and a man from her past. When the dust settles and the poltergeists are laid to rest for good, will Kate still have a place in Hallow Hills, or are her days numbered?

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Published on January 19, 2023 22:14

Unearthing Secrets and Old Grudges in The Girls Weekend

Did you know that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month? Check out my blog post to learn more about human trafficking and how stories can help us build awareness and empathy for victims.

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

I have just recently started to read The Girls Weekend by Jody Gehrman, and am still in the setup stages. Five old “friends” get together for an isolated retreat, and we instantly have the setting for a closed-scene mystery. I say friends in quotes because, of course, they all have old secrets and resentments, and you know things are going to blow up before long. Everyone will get up in the morning to find one of their number sadly (or not-so-sadly) deceased.

Gehrman uses plenty of lyrical description, providing a vivid backdrop and introducing us to each character’s backstory as the time of the murder approaches. We already hate the hostess, who I assume will be the victim. Find a comfortable nook and blanket and cuddle up for what happens next!

Nobody has it easy, June. Even best-selling authors need friends.
Jody Gehrman, The Girls Weekend

Summary

For fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley, a riveting locked-room mystery about five college friends eager to reunite after years apart–only to be ripped apart again when their host’s disappearance unearths dark secrets and old grudges.

Their reunion just became a crime scene . . .

June Moody, a thirty-something English professor, just wants to get away from her recent breakup and reunite with girlfriends over summer break. Her old friend and longtime nemesis, Sadie MacTavish, a mega-successful author, invites June and her college friends to a baby shower at her sprawling estate in the San Juan Islands. June is less than thrilled to spend time with Sadie–and her husband, June’s former crush–but agrees to go.

The party gets off to a shaky start when old grudges resurface, but when they wake the next morning, they find something worse: Sadie is missing, the house is in shambles, and bloodstains mar the staircase. None of them has any memory of the night before; they wonder if they were drugged. Everyone’s a suspect. Since June had a secret rendezvous with Sadie’s husband, she has plenty of reason to suspect herself. Apparently, so do the cops.

A Celtic knot of suspense and surprise, this brooding, atmospheric novel will keep you guessing as each twist reveals a new possibility. It will remind you of friendships hidden in the depths of your own past, and make you wonder how well you really know the people you’ve loved the longest.

Exploring Human Trafficking Through Literature

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

I have written here before about human trafficking, which includes not only sex trafficking of women and girls, but also involves men and boys, organ trafficking, child soldiering, modern slavery, and domestic slavery.

Human trafficking is a global issue that has been gaining increased attention in recent years. Stories about trafficking can help us build empathy and understanding for victims and inspire us to take action against this devastating crime. Modern literature plays a crucial role in raising awareness of the issue, but it can also perpetuate biases.

“These novels can generate empathy and outrage, and they provide perspectives, information and analyses that can lead to a commitment to make change”

Bickford

Crime fiction novels often explore the complex dynamics of human trafficking, providing insight into the motivations of traffickers and the trauma suffered by victims. While these novels may offer an effective way to engage readers in the issue, they may also perpetuate stereotypes about traffickers and victims.

Stereotypes

For example, many stories focus on male traffickers exploiting female victims, ignoring that both men and women are victims and perpetrators of human trafficking. Additionally, stories may present a binary view of traffickers as purely predatory exploiters and victims as innocent non-beneficiaries, obscuring the reality that there are many levels in a trafficking ring and many people who are initially innocent victims are coerced into becoming abusers, as seen in She Told a Lie.

In addition to exploring the complexities of human trafficking, literature could do more to highlight issues often overlooked or erased from the discourse around trafficking. For instance, stories may address topics such as gender bias or racialized “others” who face discrimination because they are perceived to be in the country illegally. Moreover, literature rarely brings attention to what happens after a victim is rescued —such as their experience dealing with post-trauma, reintegrating with society, being deported, addiction, and in some cases, prosecution for sex crimes.

Overall, literature can provide a very effective platform for exploring different aspects of human trafficking so we can develop a more nuanced understanding of this global problem. By reading stories about human trafficking, we can gain insights into what drives traffickers to commit these crimes, how victims suffer from their experiences, and how we can best address this issue in our society.

Books about traffickingDaniel Palmer, Forgive me Alexa Steele, The Lost Girls Johan Twiss, 30 Red Dresses Marnie Riches’ The Girl who Walked in the Shadows – child sex traffickingRuth Dugdall’s Nowhere Girl Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis’ The Boy in the Suitcase – organ traffickingEmelie Schepp’s novel Marked for Life – child soldiersMinette Walters’ The Cellar – forced labourStuart Neville, Stolen Souls Stieg Larsson’s, The Girl Who Played with Fire Lorenzo DeStefano, The House Boy – sex traffickingOther books about traffickingMy stories including human trafficking@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-8fd7e47{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Gem, Himself, Alone

Winner of In the Margins Committee Recommended Reads 2020.

Gem has a secret.

Teenage Gem, alone on the street, has survived abuse, institutionalization, and captivity. He has lost everything and everyone he ever loved, but is finally free to build a life.

There is only one person he can count on, and that is himself.

Gem buries his past the best he can, joins up with the Rippers gang for protection, and does what he has to in order to survive.

But Riker, a vice cop, makes it his business to take away the precious freedom Gem has earned and put him behind bars.

If he can just break Gem’s alibis.

But Riker doesn’t know Gem’s secret.

While Riker can sympathize with what Gem has been through, he can’t let a dangerous criminal run free on the streets.

Riker delves into Gem’s past in a bid to discover his secrets. Can he sort through the tangled threads to lay bare Gem’s past? And if he does, will he be able to put Gem behind bars once more?

Gem is desperate to keep his secrets and make a new life for himself.

Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author P.D. Workman brings you a gritty tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for Gem right to the last page.

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-c28f36e{flex:1 1 calc(33.333% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}

P.D. Workman has a gift for creating psycho-thrillers. The plots are dark and twisting and the characters are believable and frightening.
—J. Young, Goodreads reader

Another twisting tale by PD that kept me glued to the pages until the last bit. I can never get enough of these great reads by Ms Workman.
Debbie Rodriguez

eBook Paperback Large Print Retailers Read Sample Bookbub Bingebooks GoodreadsAnd MoreHis Hands Were Quiet – sex traffickingShe Told a Lie – sex traffickingThey Came for Him – sex trafficking (continues with characters from She Told a Lie)Sandy, Breaking the Pattern – sex trafficking (and lesser so the other books in the series)Chloe – sex trafficking and pornographyVirtually Harmless – sex traffickingMito – using minors for medical experimentationThey Thought He Was Safe – immigrant labourVegan Baked Alaska – slave tradeUnlawful Harvest – organ traffickingOut with the Sunset – child soldiersCareful of Thy Wishes – child soldiers, slavery in the gem tradeRushin’ Death – slaveryResourcesFiction about Human Trafficking – pdworkman.com “In the Suitcase was a Boy”: Representing Transnational Child Trafficking in Contemporary Crime Fiction | SpringerLink View of Narratives of Human Trafficking: Ways of Seeing and Not Seeing the Real Survivors and Stories | Narrative WorksRelated posts

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Dosed to Death and other new releases [image error] Sandy, Breaking the Pattern

Doctored Death and more new releases!

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She Told a Lie

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Gem, Himself, Alone

Unlawful Harvest

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#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-title a, #pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .panel-title { font-family: 'Arial', Arial, serif !important; font-size: 14px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; color: #be1e2d !important; font-weight: 600 !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-title a:hover, #pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .panel-title:hover { color: #000000 !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-specialp { background-color: #be1e2d !important }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-specialp * { color: #ffffff !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-readmore { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #be1e2d !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-readmore:hover { color: #ffffff !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pt-cv-more , #pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pagination .active a, .pt-cv-pagination[data-sid='7e4f13eayf'] .active a { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf { text-align: center; }

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Published on January 12, 2023 13:39

Exploring Human Trafficking through Literature

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

I have written here before about human trafficking, which includes not only sex trafficking of women and girls, but also involves men and boys, organ trafficking, child soldiering, modern slavery, and domestic slavery.

Human trafficking is a global issue that has been gaining increased attention in recent years. Stories about trafficking can help us build empathy and understanding for victims and inspire us to take action against this devastating crime. Modern literature plays a crucial role in raising awareness of the issue, but it can also perpetuate biases.

“These novels can generate empathy and outrage, and they provide perspectives, information and analyses that can lead to a commitment to make change”

Bickford

Crime fiction novels often explore the complex dynamics of human trafficking, providing insight into the motivations of traffickers and the trauma suffered by victims. While these novels may offer an effective way to engage readers in the issue, they may also perpetuate stereotypes about traffickers and victims.

Stereotypes

For example, many stories focus on male traffickers exploiting female victims, ignoring that both men and women are victims and perpetrators of human trafficking. Additionally, stories may present a binary view of traffickers as purely predatory exploiters and victims as innocent non-beneficiaries, obscuring the reality that there are many levels in a trafficking ring and many people who are initially innocent victims are coerced into becoming abusers, as seen in She Told a Lie.

In addition to exploring the complexities of human trafficking, literature could do more to highlight issues often overlooked or erased from the discourse around trafficking. For instance, stories may address topics such as gender bias or racialized “others” who face discrimination because they are perceived to be in the country illegally. Moreover, literature rarely brings attention to what happens after a victim is rescued —such as their experience dealing with post-trauma, reintegrating with society, being deported, addiction, and in some cases, prosecution for sex crimes.

Overall, literature can provide a very effective platform for exploring different aspects of human trafficking so we can develop a more nuanced understanding of this global problem. By reading stories about human trafficking, we can gain insights into what drives traffickers to commit these crimes, how victims suffer from their experiences, and how we can best address this issue in our society.

Books about traffickingDaniel Palmer, Forgive me Alexa Steele, The Lost Girls Johan Twiss, 30 Red Dresses Marnie Riches’ The Girl who Walked in the Shadows – child sex traffickingRuth Dugdall’s Nowhere Girl Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis’ The Boy in the Suitcase – organ traffickingEmelie Schepp’s novel Marked for Life – child soldiersMinette Walters’ The Cellar – forced labourStuart Neville, Stolen Souls Stieg Larsson’s, The Girl Who Played with Fire Lorenzo DeStefano, The House Boy – sex traffickingOther books about traffickingMy stories including human trafficking@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-8fd7e47{flex:1 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}Gem, Himself, Alone

Winner of In the Margins Committee Recommended Reads 2020.

Gem has a secret.

Teenage Gem, alone on the street, has survived abuse, institutionalization, and captivity. He has lost everything and everyone he ever loved, but is finally free to build a life.

There is only one person he can count on, and that is himself.

Gem buries his past the best he can, joins up with the Rippers gang for protection, and does what he has to in order to survive.

But Riker, a vice cop, makes it his business to take away the precious freedom Gem has earned and put him behind bars.

If he can just break Gem’s alibis.

But Riker doesn’t know Gem’s secret.

While Riker can sympathize with what Gem has been through, he can’t let a dangerous criminal run free on the streets.

Riker delves into Gem’s past in a bid to discover his secrets. Can he sort through the tangled threads to lay bare Gem’s past? And if he does, will he be able to put Gem behind bars once more?

Gem is desperate to keep his secrets and make a new life for himself.

Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author P.D. Workman brings you a gritty tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for Gem right to the last page.

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-c28f36e{flex:1 1 calc(33.333% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}

P.D. Workman has a gift for creating psycho-thrillers. The plots are dark and twisting and the characters are believable and frightening.
—J. Young, Goodreads reader

Another twisting tale by PD that kept me glued to the pages until the last bit. I can never get enough of these great reads by Ms Workman.
Debbie Rodriguez

eBook Paperback Large Print Retailers Read Sample Bookbub Bingebooks GoodreadsAnd MoreHis Hands Were Quiet – sex traffickingShe Told a Lie – sex traffickingThey Came for Him – sex trafficking (continues with characters from She Told a Lie)Sandy, Breaking the Pattern – sex trafficking (and lesser so the other books in the series)Chloe – sex trafficking and pornographyVirtually Harmless – sex traffickingMito – using minors for medical experimentationThey Thought He Was Safe – immigrant labourVegan Baked Alaska – slave tradeUnlawful Harvest – organ traffickingOut with the Sunset – child soldiersCareful of Thy Wishes – child soldiers, slavery in the gem tradeRushin’ Death – slaveryResourcesFiction about Human Trafficking – pdworkman.com “In the Suitcase was a Boy”: Representing Transnational Child Trafficking in Contemporary Crime Fiction | SpringerLink View of Narratives of Human Trafficking: Ways of Seeing and Not Seeing the Real Survivors and Stories | Narrative WorksRelated posts

Exploring Human Trafficking through Literature

Checking out a new series with Gone

Reading for Pain Awareness Month

They Came for Him

Mysteries with just a hint of romance

New Release: Careful of Thy Wishes and more!

New release day! Gentle Angel and more

Dosed to Death and other new releases [image error] Sandy, Breaking the Pattern

Doctored Death and more new releases!

An Italian Treat: Rounding the Mark

Read for International Women’s Day

James Patterson’s Lost will keep you enthralled

She Told a Lie and More New Releases

She Told a Lie

Excerpt from 30 Red Dresses

Virtually Harmless

Excerpt from Long Road to Mercy

Fiction about Human Trafficking

They Thought He Was Safe and other new releases!

Gem, Himself, Alone

Unlawful Harvest

Books for youth in custody

She was Dying Anyway and October freebies

#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-title a, #pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .panel-title { font-family: 'Arial', Arial, serif !important; font-size: 14px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; color: #be1e2d !important; font-weight: 600 !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-title a:hover, #pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .panel-title:hover { color: #000000 !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-specialp { background-color: #be1e2d !important }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-specialp * { color: #ffffff !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-readmore { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #be1e2d !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf .pt-cv-readmore:hover { color: #ffffff !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pt-cv-more , #pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf + .pt-cv-pagination-wrapper .pagination .active a, .pt-cv-pagination[data-sid='7e4f13eayf'] .active a { color: #ffffff !important; background-color: #00aeef !important; }#pt-cv-view-7e4f13eayf { text-align: center; }

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Published on January 12, 2023 13:39

Skunk Man Swamp Free for a Limited Time!

Welcome to the magical world of Black Sands and the Everglades!

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For a limited time only, readers can download Skunk Man Swamp, Reg Rawlins Private Investigator mystery #10 for free! This magical adventure is sure to leave you hooked from the first page until the very last.

Follow Reg Rawlins and her friends as they navigate the Everglades, encountering a variety of magical beings and mythological creatures along the way. With its mishaps, misunderstandings, and suspenseful plot, this book is sure to be a hit with readers of all ages.

So don’t wait! Get your copy of Skunk Man Swamp for free before this limited time offer ends!

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Published on January 10, 2023 21:43