Sherry Knowlton's Blog, page 2

Dead of Autumn - #1 Downloaded Book!

Excerpt taken from my newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/8c6b69978d41/podca...Thanks for everyone who downloaded your free copy of Dead of Autumn Easter weekend. It was the #1 most downloaded book in Sunbury's Easter eBook Giveaway. If you liked Dead of Autumn, try the other four books in the Alexa Williams suspense series. They are also available in Kindle version on Amazon or in print wherever books are sold/ordered.

Reflections on Today, A Time of Crisis

Excerpt taken from my newsletter: https://shoutout.wix.com/so/60N4jB_lVA few days ago, I re-read T.S. Eliot's poem, The Wasteland, which opens with the line: "April is the cruellest month." Eliot wrote his classic of modernist poetry in the aftermath of World War I, when Europe and America were reeling from death and destruction. I fear that Eliot's words may again be all too apt for the April we're facing today -- although the battle is against an enemy that's unseen until after it attacks. I take hope from the fact that, when Eliot wrote The Wasteland, the world had survived. Battered and weary, but carrying on. And, the world will again survive Covid-19, despite devastating loss of life and an economic toll that will be felt far into the future.During the rainy days ahead, both in April and beyond, please stay safe. Please stay home as much as you can to protect yourself, your families and others. Adhere to the social distancing recommendations when you must go out. Wash your hands, a lot. And, remember all those people out there who are risking their lives for us all - doctors, nurses, other medical personnel, grocery store employees, postmen and women, couriers and warehouse employees, truck drivers, utility workers, and too many more to list.When we get through this, here's hoping we can face next April with a different literary passage in mind --Chaucer's sunny prologue to The Canterbury Tales:"When April the sweet showers fallAnd pierce the drought of March to the root, and allThe veins are bathed in liquor of such powerAs brings about the engendering of the flower …."*Stay Safe*

On Safari in Southern Africa

My husband and I spent most of August in Southern Africa. We love the outdoors, seeing animals in the wild, and the adventure of safaris so, for us, Africa is the perfect destination. We’ve made several trips to East Africa and Southern Africa, but keep returning to the isolated wilds of Botswana.This trip, we visited five different camps in three different regions: the watery Okavango Delta, the river-based Linyanti with its thousands of elephants, and the scenic Kalahari Plains. We also stayed at Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Located on the Zambezi River, our camp nestled under huge ebony trees. One of its delights was that animals used the camp as a path to the river. That meant every time we stepped out our door, we had to be alert for the elephants, elands, and even a leopard (!) that wandered through both night and day. And, finally, we spent a few days in two cities: Johannesburg, South Africa and Gabarone, Botswana.Some of the highlights of our trip:The animals, of course. Lions, leopards, a single cheetah, elephants, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, monkeys, crocodiles, several species of antelopes, and lots of smaller animals too numerous to mention. Plus, many beautiful birds from tiny bee-eaters to huge ostriches. Taking a peaceful mokoro ride on a quiet channel in late afternoon. Mokoros are shallow canoe-like boats. A poler stands in the back and uses a pole to move the boat forward while we just sat back and took in the world at water level. Pure Zen.Spending a night on the roof of our cabin in the Kalahari Desert, sleeping under the stars. This was by no means “roughing it." We slept on a mattress topped by a huge pile of blankets along with a hot water bottle to guard against the chill of the desert night. But, first, we spent hours gazing at the most amazing night sky I’ve ever seen. On a moonless night, hundreds of miles from any source of light, the stars – especially the Milky Way – were simply awe-inspiring.Spending some of the time with various experts doing research for the next Alexa Williams novel. Yes, part of this next book will be based in Africa!!Pictured on left: Water buffalo sipping from a precious water supply.Pictured in middle: Watch out! There were elephants at our camp in Linyanti.Pictured on right: Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, which extends from Zimbabwe into Zambia. One of the more sobering parts of the trip was seeing the effects of the drought that’s gripping this region of Africa. Many parts of the Okavango Delta, which are usually flooded with water, were dry and sandy. Rivers have dried up completely. And, even the mighty Zambezi, which Zimbabwe dammed at one point to provide hydroelectric power to most of the country, is so low that people only get eight hours of electricity each day. The effects of the changed climate are placing major stress on both people and animals in the region. I hope the rains that traditionally begin in late October arrive this year on schedule.

DEAD OF WINTER Blog Tour

Dear Readers,It's only been a week, but so much has happened since the release of my fourth novel in the AlexaWilliams suspense series, Dead of Winter. The book has garnered a great amount of interest. A big thanks to Whistlestop Bookshop for hosting the successful Dead of Winter Book Tour launch event. They sold out! I also wanted to pay respect to fellow thriller writers that have helped me spread the word about the book.Thank you to...Michael NiemannSusan GourleyJungle Red Writers with Hallie EphronDru's Book MusingElena HartwellYou can read their posts at the links provided above. And please support their work as they are all wonderful writers.If you're in Pittsburgh this week, come see me at the Mystery Lover's Bookshop in Oakmont, PA. Look for more upcoming events including summer book signing events along the Eastern Coast here!Sincerely, Sherry

HEARTS OF THE MISSING

Try this new read by fellow International Thriller Writer Carol Potenza with her debut, highly-acclaimed novel, Hearts of the Missing. SynopsisWhen a young woman linked to a list of missing Fire-Sky tribal members commits suicide, Pueblo Police Sergeant Nicky Matthews is assigned to the case. As the investigation unfolds, she uncovers a threat that strikes at the very heart of what it means to be a Fire-Sky Native: victims chosen and murdered because of their genetic makeup. But these deaths are not just about a life taken. In a vengeful twist, the killer ensures the spirits of those targeted will wander forever, lost to their family, their People, and their ancestors. When those closest to Nicky are put in jeopardy, she must be willing to sacrifice everything—her career, her life, even her soul—to save the people she is sworn to protect."New Mexico is a spectacular setting for mysteries, and Carol Potenza puts its majestic landscape to unexpected and thrilling use." – David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of First BloodAbout the AuthorCAROL POTENZA is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at New Mexico State University. She and her husband, Jose, live in Las Cruces, New Mexico. HEARTS OF THE MISSING, her debut novel, is the winner of the 2017 Tony Hillerman Prize.More InformationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolpotenzaauthor/Twitter: @calypzaGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37638309-hearts-of-the-missing

THE BLUE

Here's a new read published by fellow International Thriller Writer Nancy Bilyeau that could be a great read to cozy up to this holiday season. Give it a try.SynopsisIn eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities. Fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain manufacture, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.She also learns much about love.With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?About the AuthorNancy Bilyeau has worked on the staffs of InStyle, DuJour, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Good Housekeeping. She is currently the deputy editor of the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at City University of New York and a regular contributor to Town & Country, Purist, and The Vintage News.A native of the Midwest, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. THE CROWN, her first novel and an Oprah pick, was published in 2012; the sequel, THE CHALICE, followed in 2013. The third in the trilogy, THE TAPESTRY, was published by Touchstone in 2015. Her fourth novel, THE BLUE, will be publishing on 3rd December.Nancy lives in New York City with her husband and two children.More InformationWebsite: http://nancybilyeau.com/Twitter: @tudorscribeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyBilyeauAuthor/

The Reversible Mask

I like to feature books from other authors in my blog. This new book published by fellow International Thriller Writer Loretta Goldberg could be a great read to dive into this winter. Give it a try.SynopsisSummer 1566. A glittering royal progress approaches Oxford. A golden age of prosperity, scientific advances, exploration and artistic magnificence. Elizabeth I’s Protestant government has much to celebrate. But one young Catholic courtier isn’t cheering. Conflicting passions—patriotism and religion—wage war in his heart. On this day, religion wins. Sir Edward Latham throws away his title, kin, and country to serve Catholic monarchs abroad.But his wandering doesn’t quiet his soul, and when Europe’s religious wars threaten his beloved England and his family, patriotism prevails. Latham switches sides and becomes a double agent for Queen Elizabeth. Life turns complicated and dangerous as he balances protecting country and queen, while entreating both sides for peace. Intrigue, lust, and war combine in this thrilling debut historical novel from Loretta Goldberg.About the AuthorAn Australian-American, I earned a BA in English Literature, Musicology and History at the University of Melbourne, Australia. After teaching English Literature at the Department of English for a year, I risked all, coming to the USA on a Fulbright scholarship to study piano with Claudio Arrau. My discography consists of nine commercial recordings, now in over seven hundred libraries. I was lucky to premier an unknown work by Franz Liszt on an EMI HMV (Australian Division) album, and my edition of the score for G. Schirmer is in its third edition. Concurrently, I built a financial services practice, which I sold recently to focus on writing. My published non-fiction pieces consist of articles on financial planning, arts reviews and political satire. I earned an MA (music performance) from Hunter College, New York; and a Chartered Life Underwriter degree from the American College, Pennsylvania. Member of the Historical Novel Society, New York Chapter, I started and run their published writer public reading series at the landmark Jefferson Market Library.Audio Linkshttp://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/1_Aug_1566.mp3http://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/3_July_1572.mp3http://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/5_July_1572.mp3http://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/9_Oct_1576.mp3http://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/11_Dec_1577.mp3http://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/11_June_1578.mp3http://lorettagoldberg.com/downloads/22_April_1585.mp3More InformationWebsite: https://lorettagoldberg.com/Blog: https://lorettagoldberg.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loretta.goldberg.906

The Spirit in Question

From time to time, I feature books from other authors. This new book published by fellow International Thriller Writer Cynthia Kuhn could be right up your alley. Give it a try.SynopsisEnglish professor Lila Maclean knew drama would be involved when she agreed to consult on Stonedale University’s production of Puzzled: The Musical. But she didn’t expect to find herself cast into such chaos: the incomprehensible play is a disaster, the crumbling theater appears to be haunted, and, before long, murder takes center stage.The show must go on—yet as they speed toward opening night, it becomes clear that other members of the company may be targeted as well. Lila searches for answers while contending with a tenacious historical society, an eccentric playwright, an unsettling psychic, an enigmatic apparition, and a paranormal search squad. With all of this in play, will she be able to identify who killed her colleague…or will it soon be curtains for Lila too?About the AuthorCynthia Kuhn writes the Lila Maclean Academic Mystery series: The Semester of Our Discontent, an Agatha Award recipient for Best First Novel; The Art of Vanishing, a Lefty Award nominee for Best Humorous Mystery; and The Spirit in Question. Her work has also appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. She is professor of English at Metropolitan State University of Denver and president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.More InformationWebsite: cynthiakuhn.netTwitter: @cynthiakuhn Facebook: www.facebook.com/cynthiakuhnwriter

The Art of Vanishing

From time to time, I feature books from other authors. This new book published by fellow International Thriller Writer Cynthia Kuhn could be right up your alley. Give it a try.SynopsisEnglish professor Lila Maclean knew drama would be involved when she agreed to consult on Stonedale University’s production of Puzzled: The Musical. But she didn’t expect to find herself cast into such chaos: the incomprehensible play is a disaster, the crumbling theater appears to be haunted, and, before long, murder takes center stage.The show must go on—yet as they speed toward opening night, it becomes clear that other members of the company may be targeted as well. Lila searches for answers while contending with a tenacious historical society, an eccentric playwright, an unsettling psychic, an enigmatic apparition, and a paranormal search squad. With all of this in play, will she be able to identify who killed her colleague…or will it soon be curtains for Lila too?About the AuthorCynthia Kuhn writes the Lila Maclean Academic Mystery series: The Semester of Our Discontent, an Agatha Award recipient for Best First Novel; The Art of Vanishing, a Lefty Award nominee for Best Humorous Mystery; and The Spirit in Question. Her work has also appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. She is professor of English at Metropolitan State University of Denver and president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.More InformationWebsite: cynthiakuhn.netTwitter: @cynthiakuhn Facebook: www.facebook.com/cynthiakuhnwriter

Zero Sum Game

From time to time, I feature fellow International Thriller Writers' new book debuts. Introducing S.L. Huang and her new release Zero Sum Game. Give it a read and let her know what you think! SynopsisA blockbuster, near-future science fiction thriller, S.L. Huang's Zero Sum Game introduces a math-genius mercenary who finds herself being manipulated by someone possessing unimaginable power…Cas Russell is good at math. Scary good. The vector calculus blazing through her head lets her smash through armed men twice her size and dodge every bullet in a gunfight, and she'll take any job for the right price.As far as Cas knows, she’s the only person around with a superpower...until she discovers someone with a power even more dangerous than her own. Someone who can reach directly into people’s minds and twist their brains into Moebius strips. Someone intent on becoming the world’s puppet master.Cas should run, like she usually does, but for once she's involved. There’s only one problem...She doesn’t know which of her thoughts are her own anymoreAbout the AuthorS. L. Huang has a math degree from MIT and is a weapons expert and has worked as a professional stuntwoman on Battlestar Galactica and a number of other productions. Her short fiction has appeared in Strange Horizons, Nature, Daily Science Fiction, and The Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy 2016.More InformationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015174346870 Twitter: https://twitter.com/sl_huang Website: https://www.slhuang.com/