K.D. Dowdall's Blog, page 13

A Book Review of Haunted House Ghost by James J. Cudney IV

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James J. Cudney IV’s captivating mystery, The Haunted House Ghost is the 5th book in the Braxton Campus Mystery series.  The novel itself is a marvel of intricacy, very much like a corn maze, with dead-end paths just when you think you know who the murderer is and it leaves you guessing, and you forge ahead as the Protagonist, Professor Kellan continues to forge ahead to unravel the 50 year old mystery. Beyond the mystery are unique personalities that you get to know like family.

A fascinating aspect is that the writer deftly combines 50 years of mystery about the one murder discovered after 50 years, that brings new mysteries to be solved and solved they will be. Kellan, the brilliant one or so his grandmother Nana D. refers to him, is a very dedicated amateur sleuth that puts all the pieces of the puzzle together in very ingenious ways.

Imagine that it is approaching Halloween night in Braxton, Pennsylvania and you have just purchased a historical home with a storied history of a beautiful young woman named Prudence, who was married to Judge Hiram Grey. Prudence is said to have disappeared 50 years ago during the fiery Vietnam War Protest at Braxton Campus that damaged the oldest part of the Campus Library.

You are told that Prudence haunts her family’s ancestral home that was built before the Civil War in America, but you just shrug your shoulders because you don’t believe in ghosts, until suddenly you do.

Imagine in that same small town of Braxton, Pennsylvania,  a young male Army veteran just home from the war, named Ian, disappears on the same day during the fiery episode of the Vietnam War Protest in front of the College. Therein lies the heart of the mystery, but that mystery just opens up Pandora’s box to reveal hidden crimes of money, betrayal, love, and revenge that appears to have rattled the bones of everyone in town.

Imagine it is now the present day and the Board of Directors at the Braxton Campus decides to tear down the oldest part of the Library as they wish to upgrade the College Campus into a University. During the demolition of the more than 100 year old structure of the oldest part of the Library, it was a shock to find the bones of a human being with brutal injuries suggesting a murder had taken place 50 years ago in the Library.

The town’s older generation wonders, could it be Prudence or some other poor soul? Many people remember Ian, whose wife to this day is full of grief at the loss of her husband. Did he abandoned her when he was discharged from the Army or did he really make it back home and is it his bones at the bottom of the now hollow hole?

Professor Kellan, the grandson of a longtime resident of the small town of Braxton, Pennsylvania, Nana D., finds himself in the center of this mystery as he actually bought the Civil War era haunted manor.

Professor Kellan being an amateur sleuth, knew he had to find out the truth. He manages to convince April, the town’s new sheriff, to help with his informal investigation when they become aware of the strong chemistry between them. They both aim to discover who the bones belong to and who is the murderer. Kellan devises a plan to research and dig up the ugly truth, so that he and his daughter Emma may live there without being haunted in their newly renovated home that may still belong to the disappeared Prudence. Kellan decides to get the help of a psychic medium who warns him of the danger he is in.

During all of this upheaval the Halloween Festival must go on with horse drawn carriages, haunted hayrides, and the race through the spooky corn maze. Everyone was enjoying the Festival when out of the dark, something spooks the horse drawn carriage causing deadly damage to two people, Professor Kellan knows that this was no accident.

This brilliantly conceived mystery, Haunted House Ghost, is a superb story that is thrilling, captivating, fascinating, and a very satisfying read that surprises you when you least expect to be surprised. This novel is the kind of thrilling mystery that you will want to read again and again. 5 stars

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

James J. Cudney IV

 

Websites & Blog

 

Website: https://jamesjcudney.com/

Blog: https://thisismytruthnow.com

 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/JJCIVBooks

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jamescudney4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesJCudneyIVAuthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonCampusMysteries/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/jamescudney4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamescudney4/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jamescudney4

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescudney4

 

About James J. Cudney – Author, Book Reviewer & Blogger

 

James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in New York City, but I’ve traveled all across the US (and various parts of the world). After college, I spent 15 years working in technology and business operations in the sports, entertainment and media industries. Although I enjoyed my job, I left in 2016 to focus on my passion: telling stories and connecting people through words. My debut novel is ‘Watching Glass Shatter, a contemporary fiction family drama with elements of mystery, suspense, humor and romance. My second novel is Father Figure, a contemporary drama about two young women’s journeys on a college campus filled with secrets and tragedy. My third, fourth, and fifth novels are a new mystery series focusing on Braxton Campus. To see samples or receive news from my current and upcoming books, please subscribe with your email address at my website: https://jamesjcudney.com and you can buy the books via Amazon.

 

 

Smorgasbord Poetry – Colleen Chesebro’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge #Photoprompt – The Moonlight Concerto by Sally Cronin

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

This week in the Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 145 we are being asked to write in response to the photo prompt selected by last month’s winner of the challenge, Diana Wallace Peach.. I have composed a double Etheree – The Moonlight Concerto

Pixabay.com by Michael Seibt

Double Etheree – The Moonlight Concerto

Shunned

and scorned

by others

the ugly troll

hid deep in the woods.

Despite his appearance

he had the sweetest nature.

His greatest gift was his music

that drew outcasts from the dark shadows

to listen beside the moonlit river.

Among them was a windblown poppy seed

that was enchanted by the sweet sounds.

As if by magic it unfurled

into a crimson flower

that swayed to the soft notes.

For the only time

in his sad life

the creature

felt true

joy.

©Sally Cronin 2019

If you would like to participate in this month’s photo prompt……

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Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Book Marketing – Radio or Podcast Interviews – Grab the opportunity by Sally Cronin

Having a live Interview is definitely important for marketing you and your book.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

I was very lucky to be a radio and television presenter from 2004 – 2012 and in that time I interviewed many authors about their books. The key to an interesting interview for the listeners or viewers is in preparation and research, not just by the presenter but by the author too. The purpose of the interview is to encourage people to buy your book and read it, and that is a key element you should keep in mind when answering questions.

This week a look at how you can prepare for you interview on radio and next week on camera.

Wonderful news, your hard work in promoting your new book on social media and locally has paid off and you get the call or email. An invitation to do an interview on a radio station, television show or author promoting podcast.

Getting an interview on a radio show or…

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Today is World Kindness Day October 10th @2019

[image error]World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day is an international observance on 13 November. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations’ kindness NGOs. It is observed in many countries, including Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates. Wikipedia

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Frequency: Annual

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A New Book Review for Garrett’s Bones

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“Garrett’s Bones” by Karen Demers Dowdall caught my attention immediately and drew me into this story focused on two teenagers and a murder mystery. The narrator, the young lady, is clearly established and completely believable, and her emotions are strong and vivid. It is a classy piece of writing, with subtle touches and strong character portrayal. Karen Demers Dowdall shows a deft touch in bringing the reader into the story and making us care about the people in the tale. It is evocative and compelling. The relationship between Anna, the narrator, and Garrett, of the title, is developed carefully, and I cared deeply about what happens to these two-young people. The author carefully mixes hints of the supernatural with suspense and a love story to create a very well told story. Without speaking to anything that might be considered a spoiler, I will say that this book is an excellent read! I recommend this book highly!  5 stars  by an Amazon Customer

Smorgasbord Poetry – Colleen Chesebro’s Tuesday #Tanka Challenge -Double Etheree – A Celebration by Sally Cronin

Sally Cronin’s poem is stunning, true, and perfect; mother nature herself could not have said it any more beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing and now I will share this brilliant poem.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Time for this week’s response to Colleen’s Tuesday Poetry Challenge 146 and this week we are tasked with finding synonyms for the words ‘Fall and Give‘.. and I have chosen ‘Drop and Gift’..

Image Pixabay.com

Double Etheree – A Celebration

The

autumn

is a time

to celebrate

what has gone before

and what is yet to come.

As gold leaves drop from trees

and roses lose their petals,

the natural world boosts defences

against the harsh winds and frosts of winter.

But, beneath frozen earth new life will stir

as mother nature prepares for spring,

nurturing seeds and unborn young

as she has since time began.

Her wisdom is unmatched,

even when humans

attempt to thwart

her efforts

to gift

life.

©Sally Cronin 2019

If you would like to participate in this week’s challenge here is the link again: https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/09/24/re-post-colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-146-synonymsonly/

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Book Review: The Captain’s Witch

A book review by James J. Cudney, writer, author, and blogger.

This Is My Truth Now

Before getting into today’s review, I want to share a little bit about the author, Karen DeMers Dowdall. I met the author online via our websites; you can view hers here. She comes from quite an interesting background and is very friendly in her posts and comments on other blogs. Let’s learn a little more about her…

Karen DeMers Dowdallwas bornin New England and spent her elementary-grade school years in Granby, Connecticut. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, master’s degree in clinical research nursing and a PhD in Clinical Nutrition.

Karen is also a lover of ballet, jazz, ballroom dance, contemporary dance, and has had her own dance studio. She also has directed and choregraphed stage productions, fashion shows, and designed clothing for stage productins. Karen loves to swim. She was once an ocean lifeguard during the summper seasons in college, loves…

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Book Review: The Captain’s Witch by Karen DeMers Dowdall

A book review by James J. Cudney, writer, author, and blogger.

This Is My Truth Now

Before getting into today’s review, I want to share a little bit about the author, Karen DeMers Dowdall. I met the author online via our websites; you can view hers here. She comes from quite an interesting background and is very friendly in her posts and comments on other blogs. Let’s learn a little more about her…

Karen DeMers Dowdallwas bornin New England and spent her elementary-grade school years in Granby, Connecticut. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, master’s degree in clinical research nursing and a PhD in Clinical Nutrition.

Karen is also a lover of ballet, jazz, ballroom dance, contemporary dance, and has had her own dance studio. She also has directed and choregraphed stage productions, fashion shows, and designed clothing for stage productins. Karen loves to swim. She was once an ocean lifeguard during the summper seasons in college, loves…

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Smorgasbord Laughter Lines – Comedian in Residence D.G. Kaye and a joke from Sally’s Archives

Oh my gosh…all of these jokes are hysterically funny and I just laughed so much. A must read!

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

First Debby Gies shares some of the funnies this week that she feels you should not miss.. ..D.G. Kaye Writer Blog is where you will find an archive full of wonderful posts across several subjects including writing tips, social issues and book reviews.

My thanks to Debby for spotting these.. and please give her a round of applause.

D. G. Kaye – Buy:http://www.amazon.com/D.G.-Kaye/e/B00HE028FO
Blog:http://www.dgkayewriter.com – Goodreads: D.G. Kaye on Goodreads

And now time for a joke from my archives…

Squirrels vs Churches

The Presbyterian church called a meeting to decide what to do about their squirrels. After much prayer and consideration, they concluded the squirrels were predestined to be there, and they shouldn’t interfere with God’s divine will.

At the Baptist church, the squirrels had taken an interest in the baptistery. The deacons met and decided to put a water slide on the…

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Lingering ~Andrea Stephenson

This is beautifully written and it make one feel the atmosphere as though you are there feeling what the narrator sees and feels.

Sue Vincent's Daily Echo

Reblogged from Andrea Sephenson at Harvesting Hecate:

Autumn winds sweep in for a few days, making leaves dance and whipping up dervishes from cut grass. But the winds can’t sweep away the summer sun. It is still warm, dry and lazy. Bees and hoverflies still throng dandelions and sow thistles. Wherever I step, wasps drowse on the grass. Speckled woods have replaced painted ladies. Monster docks sway among the reeds in the burn, the most vivid bronzes and coppers of the season so far. Two swallows dart over the grass. Mallards and moorhens float on the pond. A bird cheeps in the bushes. Branches bleed with raspberries, rowan berries, rosehips. The burn is dry, pools still and clear. I struggle to feel the essence of September amid the lingering heat.

Continue reading at Harvesting Hecate to share the journey with Andrea and read her review of ‘A Girl Named Truth’…

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