TopShelf March 2023

REPORTER TO BESTSELLER

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN

photo by Lynn Wayne

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM BOOKS AND BUZZ MAGAZINE

Hank Phillippi Ryan is the on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDHTV. She’s won thirty-seven Emmys and dozens more honors for her groundbreaking journalism. The nationally bestselling author of fourteen thrillers, Hank is also an award winner in her second profession, with five Agathas, five Anthonys, two Macavitys, the Daphne, and for The Other Woman , the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her newest release is The House Guest , which follows Her Perfect Life , a chilling, psychological standalone about fame, family, and revenge. It received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, calling it “superlative.” It’s now nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel. Hank lives in Boston.

Q: HANK, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU STARTED WRITING.

I’ve been a television reporter for 43 years! I’ve wired myself with hidden cameras and confronted corrupt politicians, and gone undercover and in disguise. And won thirty-seven Emmys for investigative reporting. But one day, gosh, sixteen years ago? I had what I knew would be a good idea for a novel. I came home and said to my husband, “I’ve got a great idea for a book! I’m going to write a thriller.” And my husband almost laughed (he’s very supportive, truly), and said, “Honey, do you know how to write a book?” And I replied—I remember it so well—”How hard can it be?” I soon learned how hard it could be, but that turned out to be my first novel, Prime Time, which won the coveted Agatha Award for best first novel. And that was the beginning of my career.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU ENJOY WHEN NOT WRITING?

When I am not writing, I am usually thinking about writing, worrying about writing, or thinking I should be writing. But I do love reading (I know, busman’s holiday). And cooking, and walking in our garden, seeing what flowers are arriving and departing. I love good movies and good TV, and sitting by the ocean with my husband, watching the pelicans skim across the water. I also enjoy sleeping, which becomes one of my major goals.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR WRITING ROUTINE?

I try not to have a routine because I worry if I had one, what would happen if I didn’t do that? Would I not be able to write? I’m very focused, though, and promise myself I will write 540 words a day, whether it takes half an hour or five hours. Sometimes, I even set a timer for thirty-four minutes and promise myself I will not do anything else—not do the laundry, not get a cup of coffee, not get the mail, not plan dinner—until those thirty-four minutes are up. I think my routine is to be completely focused on writing and to try not to be distracted. But my “routine” is to force myself to be utterly present and focused.

I love to write on airplanes, I think because it is so enclosed with a set time to begin and a set time to end. I have finished several novels on JetBlue, I have to say!

Q: IS THERE ANYTHING MAJOR THAT CHANGED IN THIS NOVEL FROM WHEN YOU PLOTTED IT OUT?

was a

Q: WHAT CAREER DID YOU THINK YOU’D HAVE AS AN ADULT?

I always thought I’d be a lawyer or maybe a geneticist. I know those sound different, but they both seemed like problem solving to me. It’s funny to think back and ask myself, What did I want to be when I grow up? And I will confess to you that I honestly had no idea. Everything in my life—

The House Guest . Every page

photo by Lynn Wayne

from working in political campaigns, to being a radio reporter, to being a legislative aid on Capitol Hill, to working for Rolling Stone magazine, to being a television reporter, and then an author—has been a serendipitous surprise.

Q: WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL TITLE OF THIS BOOK?

Oh, great question! It was originally called Her New Best Friend . But my editor worried that because the previous book was called Her Perfect Life , it might feel like a sequel. I’m really glad we changed it. I absolutely adore The House Guest (because which character is really The House Guest ?)

Q: WHAT INSPIRED THE PLOT?

It’s so much fun to try to deconstruct how the character and plot of The House Guest evolved. It’s like a Rubik’s Cube, where you take a million little squares of different things and twist and turn and click-click-click and then, somehow, it’s a finished puzzle. You just don’t know what the puzzle pieces will be right away.

So for The House Guest , a few things became the puzzle pieces. First, since the beginning of the pandemic, my criminal defense attorney husband and I have worked from home—me in my study and him in the breakfast room-turned-law office. For many hours a day, we don’t see each other. But we can kind of, sometimes, hear each other.

I hear things like “plea bargain” and “mandatory minimum sentence” and “absolutely not guilty” and “How was he supposed to know there was money in the dropped ceiling?” Once, even, “I know it seems unlikely that he would commit a crime wearing a GPS bracelet, but there you have it.”)

But I began to realize that he was lawyering for eight hours a day, and I actually had no idea what he was doing. I mean, we’ve been married for twenty-seven years or something, and I know what a lawyer does. And we talk about his cases in general, and about the law, and it’s very rewarding to have in-house counsel.

But I started thinking, what, specifically, was going on in the breakfast room? I realized I had no idea. And then I started thinking about how many couples are shocked when one of them is accused of some crime and the other one says those very words: “Oh, I had no idea!” And the rest of us all raise our eyebrows and sneer and say, Come on, that person lives with you! There’s no way you don’t know what they’re doing. And I was among the scornful disbelievers. Not anymore. I started to realize how my husband could be doing who knows what in the other room, and if the feds swooped down on him, I would be utterly shocked. Now, you know my darling husband, he’s a paragon and adorable and brilliant and perfect, but I’m just saying. I think of all the people—Bernie Madoff’s wife, Ted Bundy’s wife, Anna Delvey’s pals—who insist they had no idea, and we think, well, then you’re not paying attention.

But it’s possible, I began to realize, that it was true. What if they really didn’t know? Or successfully pretended they didn’t? So that was one idea.

Then. I had an acquaintance long ago who thought she was happily married, and she’d go to work every day and send her husband off to whatever he did—accounting or insurance or something financial. And for him, the “next big sale” and the “next big deal” was always around the corner, and she was incredibly supportive. And then one day the police came.

She found that he had been trading in child pornography at home on the computer all day, and had never, never, never even been to that supposed job! She was a really smart woman. Truly. And she absolutely had no idea.

So then I put those things together. And I was interested in what it would be like to be the woman whose husband is accused of a terrible thing, and add to that that he’s dumped her. So she’s baffled and angry, and terrified of being alone for the first time in her life. What does she do? Does she believe his denials? Or law enforcement’s accusations? And what does she do then?

So it’s a story about Alyssa Macallen getting her power back. You can see glimmers of Gaslight, Thelma & Louise, and even Strangers on a Train, but it’s not any of those. But it certainly was a joy to write. I have no idea how my books will end, so in the end, I will admit there were days that I sat at my computer and read my screen—and applauded. Thinking, Wow, who would’ve thought that would happen?

Greed. Betrayal. Gaslighting. Female empowerment. Revenge. The House Guest is a high-stakes psychological cat and mouse game. But which character is the cat, and which character is the mouse?

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CHAPTER OR SCENE?

It’s so funny, but in The House Guest absolutely love Chapter 6. Isn’t that random and strange? But a lot happens in that chapter. And then I also adore the second to last chapter of the book. Honestly, I will admit, I was by myself in my study as I wrote it—and when I finished, I stood up and applauded. We take our joys when we can, right?

Q: DO YOU HAVE A MANUSCRIPT IN YOUR DRAWER?

No, I really don’t. Isn’t that odd? But my first book was Prime Time , and that’s all there ever has been.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?

Oh, golly. There’s something about trust. It’s all about trusting

the process. The process of storytelling. Being a successful author is much harder than anyone could ever have imagined. It takes a long time, and it takes even longer to be good. It can be depressing and intimidating. An incredible amount depends on luck and timing, and those are things you can’t control. But what you can control is writing the very best book you can, every single minute of every day. Do not compare yourself to others. Just keep forging forward. So much in your life is being decided by forces that you can’t change, so one step at a time, just keep going. Be kind, be generous, be happy for others. Be patient with yourself. Your turn will come.

About Hank Phillippi Ryan

Hank Phillippi Ryan is the on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV. She’s won thirty-seven Emmys and dozens more honors for her groundbreaking journalism. The nationally bestselling author of fourteen thrillers, Hank is also an award winner in her second profession, with five Agathas, five Anthonys, two Macavitys, the Daphne, and for The Other Woman , the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her newest release is The House Guest, which follows Her Perfect Life, a chilling, psychological standalone about fame, family, and revenge. It received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, calling it “superlative.” It’s now nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel. Hank lives in Boston.

photo by Lynn Wayne

In early March, indie author Melinda Owens (who also writes under the pen name Anne Conley) was horrifically injured during a tennis game. While attempting to return a lob by her opponent, she landed wrong and suffered a tibial plateau fracture. She requires surgery and will be unable to place any weight on the limb for at least three months, most likely more.

As Ms. Owens/Conley is also a personal trainer in her hometown, her finances will take a major hit. Many of you know indie authors pay for their book production expenses out of pocket, sometimes not even breaking even. They write for the love of words and so readers like those of this magazine and others can escape into worlds they have built.

As Anne Conley, she has five romance series. PLAYING WITH FIRE explores the trials and tribulations of a small team of fire fighters in the fictional mountain town of Pamona Gulch. In PIERCE SECURITIES, she gives us Ryan, Evan, Miriam, Zack, Quinten, Jordan, Hollerman, and Simon. Her favorite series, BOOK B!TCHES, is all about a group of women in Mystic, Texas, who get into all sorts of shenanigans. In STORIES OF SERENDIPITY, she explores real people living real lives in small-town Texas in a contemporary romance setting. In THE FOUR WINDS, she chronicles God’s four closest archangels— Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael—falling in love and becoming human.

The hugely popular PIERCE SECURITIES series consists of nine fulllength romantic suspense novels and focuses on a Texas-based security firm, the men and women who protect clients, and the romantic entanglements they embark on. These books have everything readers of romance love: hot men,

BREAKING NEWS AUTHOR SERIOUSLY INJURED

by Deena Rae

wonderful women, and thrills in and out of the bedroom. Pick up CRAZE, the first in the series. It is absolutely free in e-book format and a great introduction to the characters Ms. Conley has envisioned. Be sure to read the series, paying special attention to book 6 in the series—BOND—the installment that features a female protagonist who saves the male love interest and shares the same name as this reporter.

In books published under the name Melinda Owens, the novels are also romantic suspense but feature storylines that are a bit edgier and dark. She has the series DARK KNIGHTS IN THE CITY as well as a PIERCE SECURITIES crossover and several standalone novels. Her most recent release is THE MONSTERS WE HIDE, and GROUNDS FOR REDEMPTION arrives mid-April.

ABOUT MELINDA OWENS / ANNE CONLEY

Melinda Owens was born in 2020 when the world turned dark. Her previous muses leaving her, she recreated herself as a darker, edgier author, saving her sanity in a world with happily-ever-afters in spite of her own frustrating circumstances.

She lives in East Texas with an abundance of cats and her family of giant people. She has previously published almost fifty books under the pseudonym Anne Conley.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW

MANA HARVEST: A COZY FANTASY ADVENTURE

WOLFE LOCKE & JAMES FALCON

by Pelican Freak

This is a brilliantly depicted, charming, relaxing read that I loved getting lost in. The dialogue and feel are real, despite being an obvious LitRPG, complete with regular stats updates and missions, etc. It’s very well done and somehow plausible. It’s mostly set in a small town that I’d love to live in, packed with lots to love!

I’ll do my best to list them:

Fresh-start vibes.

Sword-to-ploughshare.

Delightful slice of life.

Trials, challenges.

Friendly (and mischievous) townfolk

Overall:

Excellent. will absolutely be reading on in this series, if I can swing more audio-copies. Being submerged in this world while working made my job so much easier.

Audio:

The audio is AMAZING! Both narrators are absolutely perfect, using different voices and accents for different characters. One even sings a bit, and it’s not bad. 5-stars.

Excellent characters.

Witty dialogue.

Adventure.

Action.

Lots of magic.

Marcus is now one of my favorite narrators—I think this is the best narration I’ve ever heard.

About The Reviewer - Pelican Freak

Pelican Freak is the online alter ego of an author PA who works with authors in all genres, some of who are international best sellers. Pelican Freak reads all genres and is brutally honest in what is reviewed.

AND I THOUGHT LADIES

Jade Dee and Wilnona Marie — Pop Poets, Speakers, Radio Hosts, and

Have you ever wondered where could writing lead you as an author? What door may possibly open to me? The and I Thought Ladies pondered that same question in 2016. They got an answer they weren’t expecting.

The Ladies consisting of Jade Dee and Wilnona Marie(as the founding members) have starred in their own reality tv show, built a fashion line, have their own wine, a board game based off their screenplay, and been the subject of three documentaries all from being poets. They are now venturing back into film making.

The and I Thought Ladies career started with Wilnona at ten years of age. She was published for the first time in pages of a children’s magazine thereby receiving her first check from writing. Writing became her love and she forsook her first passion of midline to pursue it fulltime. Yes, she was only twelve at the time so it wasn’t a great sacrifice. At this time, she created her first book series that still continues till this day. The series has been renamed

Podcasters

to the Widow’s debt series.

Jade joined her in writing a little more than a decade later. Jade asked Wilnona to write one last book of poetry before she quit the profession in 2016. Wilnona agreed to write one more book only if Jade would join her in writing. To Wilnona’s surprise she did write a poem. Together they have seventeen books to date.

Both poets have awards for their writings. Jade has the IALA Poet of the Year Award for 2019 and Wilnona has and advocacy award for her poetry. Wilnona’ focused her first works of poetry on overcoming financial and emotional abuse.

FROM THE MIND OF A READER DON'T FORGET LIBRARIES

Libraries are essential resources for both authors and readers, providing access to a wide range of books, research materials, and educational resources. They play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge, promoting literacy and lifelong learning, and fostering a sense of community and cultural heritage. In this essay, we will explore the importance of libraries for authors and readers, highlighting the benefits they offer and the challenges they face.

For authors, libraries are an invaluable source of information and inspiration. They provide access to a vast collection of books, journals, and research materials, enabling writers to conduct research, gather ideas, and expand their knowledge. Many authors rely on libraries to find primary sources for their research, such as historical documents, manuscripts, and archives. Libraries also offer specialized collections on a range of subjects, from science and technology to

by Deena Rae & Chat/GPT

the humanities and social sciences, which can be especially useful for authors who are writing on specific topics.

Moreover, libraries can provide critical support for emerging authors, helping them to hone their craft and develop their careers. Many libraries offer writing workshops, author talks, and other educational programs, which can help aspiring writers to improve their skills and learn from established authors. Libraries also play a critical role in promoting the work of local authors, providing a platform for them to showcase their work and connect with readers.

For readers, libraries are a vital resource for accessing books, literature, and educational materials. Libraries provide free access to books, magazines, newspapers, and other resources, making it possible for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, explore, and grow. Libraries also offer a safe and welcoming environment for reading and study, with comfortable seating, quiet

spaces, and helpful staff who are available to assist with research and reference inquiries.

In addition, libraries play a critical role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning, which are essential for personal growth and development. They offer educational programs and resources for children, young adults, and adults, including literacy programs, book clubs, and workshops on topics such as digital literacy and career development. Libraries also offer access to online resources, such as databases and e-books, which can be especially useful for people who do not have access to other educational resources.

However, libraries face numerous challenges in fulfilling their mission, including budget cuts, staffing shortages, and changing technology. Many libraries struggle to keep up with the demand for new books and resources, especially in areas where there is high demand and limited funding. They also face challenges in adapting to new technologies, such as e-books and online resources, which require significant investments in infrastructure and training.

Despite these challenges, libraries continue to play a vital role in promoting education, literacy, and lifelong learning, and in providing access to a wide range of books and resources for authors and readers alike. They are essential community resources that serve as a hub for learning, creativity, and cultural exchange, and they are an integral part of our collective heritage and identity. For authors and readers alike, libraries are a precious resource that must be protected and supported to ensure that they continue to serve future generations.

Even in the digital age of Amazon Kindles, Apple iPads and other ebook readers, libraries still play a vital role in giving readers access to books in electronic formats. Libraries have made the move to not only carry paperback and hardback books, but to also offer ebooks to their members.

For the past year, I have exclusively read books through the library system via Libby, but there many more options, Hoopla and Cloudlibrary are just two. I personally get books from the City of Houston Library system as well as my county library. If your city/town or county library is small and not well stocked, there are many libraries which have reciprical arrangements so that members can borrow from "sister" libraries as well.

Be sure to check out some of the books that I have read by checking out my recent reviews or my read books on Goodreads .

ABOUT DEENA RAE

Deena Rae was born and raised in Texas – home of bluebonnets, boots, beef and big hair – into a family that was in the printing and publishing industries.

With a total of 20 years in publishing, in 2010 she decided to branch out as eBookBuilders helping established & new authors, designing books, ebooks and websites.

Q: WHAT LED YOU TO WRITING SUSPENSE THRILLERS?

Pure accident. The first of my China books, “ The Firemaker ” was about GM foods gone wrong. I decided the best way to tell the story was through the investigation of a murder. So I created a cop and a pathologist, and the book became a crime thriller. And once you embark on a certain genre, your publisher and your readers expect you to continue with it. So I became a crime writer.

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK RELEASE, A WINTER GRAVE.

The trigger for this book was the failure of the climate conference, COP 26 in Scotland in 2021. Just three months after a UN report, compiled by hundreds of climate scientists worldwide, predicted climate catastrophe if we didn’t take drastic action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions this decade, the fossil fuel lobbyists won. And the politicians failed in their duty to the world. Angry and frustrated, I decided to write about it. A Winter Grave was the result. However, it’s not about climate change. It’s a classic political thriller set in Scotland. But it takes place thirty years in the future, against the backdrop of a world altered by a changing climate. Readers might be surprised by the direction that takes.

Q: WHAT THEMES WILL READERS FIND IN YOUR NEW BOOK, A

WINTER GRAVE?

Political corruption, murder mystery, climate change, and themes of family and redemption.

Q: WHO ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERS AND THEIR PERSONALITIES?

The main characters are a Glasgow cop sent to investigate a murder in the West Highlands of Scotland, and his daughter, the climatologist who discovered the body. Their relationship has been dysfunctional since the death of his wife/her mother, but a catastrophic medical prognosis makes him determined to set things straight with his daughter before his time is up.

Q: IS IT DIFFICULT OR EASY WRITING A TRILOGY?

It is no more difficult or easy than writing any other book - be it part of a series, or a standalone. However, the one thing about writing short or long series is that your main characters are ready made, and each book is a further exploration of them. This can be both a blessing and a curse - a blessing because you don’t have to create new characters, a curse because the more you write the more you have to explore unexpected depths.

Q: WHAT OTHER PROJECTS ARE YOU

WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

I’m not. I’m taking time out to enjoy some other things in life. If an idea comes to me begging to be written, I will write it. If not, I won’t.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING WRITERS IN YOUR GENRE?

My advice to writers, in whatever genre, is just to write, and keep writing - preferably about things of which they have some knowledge.

ABOUT PETER MAY

Peter May is the multi award-winning author of:

◊ the Lewis Trilogy set in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland;

◊ the China Thrillers, featuring Beijing detective Li Yan and American forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell;

◊ the Enzo Files, featuring Scottish forensic scientist Enzo MacLeod, which is set in France. The sixth and final Enzo book is Cast Iron (January 2017, Riverrun).

He has also written several standalone books:

◊ I'll Keep You Safe (January 2018, Riverrun)

◊ Entry Island (January 2014, Quercus UK)

◊ Runaway (January 2015, Quercus UK)

◊ Coffin Road (January 2016, Riverrun)

May had a successful career as a television writer, creator, and producer.

One of Scotland's most prolific television dramatists, he garnered more than 1000 credits in 15 years as scriptwriter and script editor on prime-time British television drama. He is the creator of three major television drama series and presided over two of the highest-rated serials in his homeland before quitting television to concentrate on his first love, writing novels.

Born and raised in Scotland he lives in France. His breakthrough as a best-selling author came with The Lewis Trilogy. After being turned down by all the major UK publishers, the first of the The Lewis Trilogy - The Blackhouse - was published in France as L'Ile des Chasseurs d'Oiseaux where it was hailed as "a masterpiece" by the French national newspaper L'Humanité. His novels have a large following in France. The trilogy has won several French literature awards, including one of the world's largest adjudicated readers awards, the Prix Cezam.

The Blackhouse was published in English by the awardwinning Quercus (a relatively young publishing house which did not exist when the book was first presented to British publishers). It went on to become an international best seller, and was shortlisted for both Barry Award and Macavity Award when it was published in the USA.

The Blackhouse won the US Barry Award for Best Mystery Novel at Bouchercon in Albany NY, in 2013.

SPOTLIGHT ON LUNA PRESS PUBLISHING

Luna Press Publishing™ is an award-winning independent UK press, founded in 2015 by author Francesca T. Barbini. We deal with Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Dark Fantasy, in both fiction and academia. We are also a proud member of Publishing Scotland.

We work with agents, published authors and new writers. We take pride in our family - the Luna family - and we work hard to promote and support it.

We are very keen to create writing opportunities and to promote inclusiveness in the publishing industry. We work with worthy partners to give back to the community. Some of our books are affiliated to charities, so when you buy a book in our store you are also giving to charity. The donations are taken from Luna's own share of the profit. Discover more on the Luna Charity page.

We run several projects, some of which are open to submissions all year round.

You can see the status of these projects on our submissions page.

We are very excited to be a home for creativity and look forward to journeying with you.

ABOUT FRANCESCA T. BARBINI

Francesca T Barbini was born and raised in Rome, Italy. After years of volunteer work around the world, she completed a MA Honours in Religious Studies at New College, Edinburgh, focusing on the Ancient Near East and the Dead Sea Scrolls, followed by a PGDE at Edinburgh University.

In 2011, she began self-publishing her YA SF series Tijaran Tales, subsequently receiving a publication contract by Canadian Oloris Publishing.

In January 2015 she officially started Luna Press Publishing, home of speculative fiction in fiction and academia.

In 2018 she won the British Fantasy Award for Non-Fiction, as Editor of "Gender Identity and Sexuality in Fantasy and Science Fiction".

In 2021 she won the British Fantasy Award for Best Independent Press.

In 2022 she won the British Science Fiction Award for Best Non-Fiction, as Editor of "Worlds Apart. Worldbuilding in Fantasy and Science Fiction".

Francesca is the Managing Editor of The Sci-fi & Fantasy Network - SFFN - Publication Support for the Tolkien Society, and BSFA Awards Booklet Designer.

ALLISON COSGROVE

REMINDER: This is an interactive magazine. Click on book cover or link to follow.

Q: YOU STARTED OUT WRITING CRIME NOVELS WITH THE STAN BROOKSHIRE SERIES THEN SHIFTED TO MORE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE, WHAT MADE YOU SHIFTED YOUR FOCUS?

I wanted to try something different. Ask anyone I love my dead bodies, which is still a good portion of what I write but I had an idea for something a little bit different and ran with it.

Q: WILL YOU EVER CONTINUE THE BROOKSHIRE NOVEL SERIES AND WHY OR WHY NOT?

Yes! There are more books in the Stan Brookshire series, but I have been working on a reboot of the series, new covers, interiors and fresh edits as a lot of them were done in my earlier years and I have grown a lot since then. Be on the look out for that! I am hoping for late 2023 early 2024 to be ready for a relaunch.

Q: OUT OF ALL THE WRITING YOU HAVE DONE, WHICH CHARACTER DO YOU FEEL THE BIGGEST CONNECTION TO AND FROM WHAT STORY/ BOOK IS THAT CHARACTER FROM?

Definitely would have to say Stan Brookshire. Hes been through a lot of things in his life, but he hasn’t lost his heart through it all. No matter what drags him down he just keeps getting back up and fighting for the things he believes in.

Q: HOW DO YOU PUT YOURSELF INTO THE MIND

OF SERIAL KILLERS AND THE CRIMINAL ELEMENTS YOUR WRITE ABOUT AND HOW IS IT RESEARCHED?

I have always been a lover of true crime, I read a LOT of books on actual serial killers, and watch a ton of documentaries. I also tend to read/watch as many different versions of the same crime to get new perspectives. I read investigative journals and procedure manuals/reference books as well. .

Q: WHAT GENRE BOOKS DO YOU NOT WRITE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY?

I have always wanted to try and write fantasy, epic and sprawling, full of magic and mystery but I can never seem to find the time to craft a world worthy of that.

ABOUT ALLISON COSGROVE

Allison Cosgrove was born and raised in a suburb of Toronto, Ontario. A married mother of three daughters, she runs her own business by day and creates her own worlds by night. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters hiking in the woods or sitting by the fire reading a good book. She has had the love of reading and writing detective mysteries from the age of twelve but it has only been since the birth of her youngest that she has gotten serious about crafting some of her own works for others to enjoy. She credits her family and friends with being the driving force that has given her the strength to breathe life into her books.

Links:

eMail: awelsh34@hotmail.com

Instagram: @alleycat342012

Twitter: @alleycat34

Facebook: facebook.com/AllisonMCosgrove

TikTok tiktok.com/@allisonmcosgrove

Website: allisoncosgrove.com

stanbrookshire.com

Tamilka Thompson —

Unshod, Cackling and Naked

“This powerful collection of 13 intimate horror shorts from Thompson (Salamander Justice) derives its scares by pushing mundane Black experiences into unsettling territory. Several pieces dive into simultaneously validating and terrifying expressions of Black female rage…Readers of any background will find that these stark terrors hit close to home.”

-Publishers Weekly

A beauty pageant veteran appeases her mother by competing for one final crown, only to find herself trapped in a hand-sewn gown that cuts into her flesh. A journalist falls deeply in love with a mysterious woman but discovers his beloved can vanish and reappear hours later in the same spot, as if no time has passed at all. A cash-strapped college student agrees to work in a shop window as a mannequin but quickly learns she’s not free to break her pose. And what happens when the family pet decides it no longer wants to have “owners?”

In the grim and often horrific thirteen tales collected here, beauty is violent, and love and hate are the same feeling, laid bare by

unbridled obsession. Entering worlds both strange and quotidian, and spanning horror landscapes both speculative and real, Unshod, Cackling, and Naked asks who among us is worthy of love and who deserves to die?

Tamika is a writer, producer, and journalist. She is author of Unshod, Cackling, and Naked (Unnerving Books), which Publishers Weekly calls “powerful,” “unsettling,” and “terrifying,” as well as author of Salamander Justice (Madness Heart Press). She is co-creator of the artist collective POC United and fiction editor for the group’s award-winning anthology, Graffiti . Her work has appeared in several speculative fiction anthologies as well as in Interzone , Prairie Schooner, The New York Times , and Los Angeles Review of Books , among others. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two children. You can find her online at tamikathompson. com and on Twitter/Slasher @ tamikathompson.

by

MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER

“Somewhere here was the start of the Monster Massacre of Double Moon a hundred years ago, when the Edge appeared.”

Melinda nodded, history lessons that Abel and Beatrice had repeated swirling in her mind. When trade opened across the plains and western oceans, newcomers from the Grand Isles arrived, some fighting to take over land from the firstcomers. But once the Edge appeared and its hordes of monsters took out a good chunk of residents, newcomers and firstcomers banded together to fight back. Since then, something changed about the Edge. The majority of creatures stopped straying into human territory, though there were plenty of exceptions, as evidenced by Melinda and Lance’s surplus of work.

Here’s Melinda: 28 years old, a monsters gunslinger who never missed a shot in her professional life, about to complete her last mission. With her, there is Lance: a sweet talker, great with weapons and ready to retire too. When we meet them for the very first time, they are fighting hard against a herd of critters that is attacking a village.

The pair have been summoned by the local sheriff – ‘named Gatsum or Garry or something like that, Melinda couldn’t remember which’ – who is scared senseless, but also useless when it comes to fighting creatures that come from the Edge.

Melinda is about to take the final shot, when she stops: either the Sheriff gives them the money he promised, or she will walk. Gatsum or Garry or something like that agrees, however reluctantly. The mission is completed, money changes hands, Melinda and Lance collect some samples to take home to Aunt Beatrice, and they both call it a day on their life as monsters gunslingers.

Or so they believe.

While clearing up, Melinda notices something from the corner of her eye. It comes from a nearby mine, and her instinct tells her that, whatever it is, it deserves a closer look. Inside, in the pitchblack cave, she finds mother scorpion and dozens of her translucent baby eggs. But she also finds a stone, something as big as an acorn, silver as the moon, that hits her with a

Ella Piazzi, Not For Vanity

wave of vertigo as soon as she touches it, makes her fingers go numb and seems to whisper unintelligible words. Melinda collects two samples before blowing the mine off.

With one last look behind them, the two gunslingers start their journey home. It’s nice to be back to their village, reunite with Aunt Beatrice and Abel, an inventor who leaves next door and helps them in their line of work, relax, have an often dreamt of homecooked dinner and a real bed instead of beef jerky and camping for the night.

No one can imagine that this fragile euphoria will be broken so soon. Talking about their last mission, Melinda tells her Aunt about the mysterious stone she found in the cave.

“Eyestone” Beatrice gasps when Melinda shows her.

As soon as she pronounces these words, Abel becomes agitated and before he can add anything, a spider comes in through the window like a cannonball, quickly followed by many more and a red cloud of mist. Melinda is weirdly fascinated by it. There is something in there, a shape that slowly takes form, and, as unbelievable as it might seem, it’s the image of a man, but before Melinda can tell who he is, the light goes off, and when Aunt Beatrice gets the fire going, Melinda finds a spider right on her chest. Abel quickly swipes it away from her, but he gets bitten in the process, and passes out. It’s immediately clear that Abel is not just wounded, because he looks like he’s dead, even if he’s still breathing.

“What aren’t you saying?” Melinda asks Aunt Beatrice. The explanation is clear and simple: many years before, Abel was held against his will working on the railroads, and he would have done anything to get out of it. He actually did: he contacted a person that put a spell on him, a powerful one that let him see into people’s minds. In this way, Abel could persuade his guards to let him go. The spell didn’t stop working once he was freed and Abel used this power to bring peace in his country. But it also left him with a soul brighter than normal, and that is the problem: there are creatures, known as soul suckers, that feed on this type of souls. While Abel found a way to keep his aura hidden, the eyestone that Melinda brought back from her last mission neutralized this protection and left Abel vulnerable. The only hope they have to save him is to go after these soul sucker spiders and get Abel’s soul back.

And so, the journey begins. They will meet many more

people, from Aine, the clairvoyant, to Angelo and Topaz the bounty hunters after Eloise, Harston the demon, and Eekuts, weird creatures similar to prairie dogs, or Snow Krakens, which are comparable to a twenty-foot octopus. They will face epic battles with Edge Raiders, a group of self-appointed guardians ensuring monsters from the Edge don’t stray too far. We will even descend into the edge itself with Melinda, a sort of Underworld where we look for our loved ones’ souls.

This book has everything one can ask for: a strong female leading character, monsters, irony, a supernatural setting, a fast pace, and a great narrative. KC is constantly in control of the narrative, she trickles new information at the right moment, just to give her readers enough to put some pieces together but not enough to stop wondering how it will all end.

I absolutely loved the prose: it’s clean, it’s linear, it’s concise but not clipped, even if it may have done with a few more descriptions, both of the environment and of the unnatural creatures. Apart from that, this book is an absolute jewel, a whirlwind of events keeping readers glued to the page and have them begging for more.

Which is, given how the book ends, highly likely.

And to be honest, here at Not For Vanity, we can’t wait to read the rest!

About The Reviewer - Ella Piazzi @ Not For Vanity

Ella is a Creative Writing graduate from Birkbeck University, London. She relocated to London in 2011 to pursue a career as a writer and editor, and she building her own path with passion, resilience and intuition. She is the co-founder of "Not For Vanity", a website that promotes mainly self-published authors and small, indie publishing companies, too often snubbed or overshadowed by big companies.

She love all books, as long as they are well written, but she favour LGBTQ+, YA, dystopian, horror, fantasy and thriller, and books with intricate plots that keep her on her toes, make her ask questions or reflect upon a specific topic and satisfyingly unravel in the end.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW

UNICORN SHIFTER ACADEMY: BOOK ONE J.R. THORN

by Pelican Freak

I started reading this, digitally and it’s got to be the prettiest book I’ve ever seen!

Next, I finished it with the audiobook and it was so fun that I literally just hit ‘play’ and listened all over again.

The female lead, Bonnie, is fiercely strong and I absolutely love her. She’s also used to depict the damage an overbearing / demanding / one-trackminded parent with unrealistic expectations for their children can have and

I’m loving every minute of this aspect as well. This author’s books can seriously help heal trauma.

The world-building is epic, bringing stunning visuals, pulse-pounding action scenes, delicious sexual tension and spicy scenes, characters you’ll likely both root for, and enjoy rooting against. I cannot wait to read more into this world and I recommend this book to everyone. Absolutely epic.

This one’s a very quick read, but it sets the tone and world well and has left me with very high expectations for what’s to come. I cannot wait to see the rest of it.

Reasons I Enjoyed:

Action-packed

Great world building

Haunting

Original

Page-turner

Steamy

Whimsical

Witty

Wonderful Characters

Audio:

5 stars on this front as well, Moyen is amazing—both her voice and delivery are seamless.

About The Reviewer - Pelican Freak

Pelican Freak is the online alter ego of an author PA who works with authors in all genres, some of who are international best sellers. Pelican Freak reads all genres and is brutally honest in what is reviewed.

CHARITY PARKERSON

REMINDER: This is an interactive magazine. Click on book cover or link to follow.

YOU HAVE WRITTEN MORE THAN 200 BOOKS IN EROTICA, PARANORMAL AND LBGTQ+ BOOKS, HOW DID YOU MAKE THE MOVE THROUGH THE GENRES

I started out nearly twenty years ago, traditionally published and writing M/F contemporary and paranormal. Back then, I never expected anyone would read my stories, so I wrote what I wanted with zero thought to making sales. When I went indie three books in, I still wasn’t making money, so I just stuck with writing whatever made me happy. I stayed hybrid, occasionally signing with small publishers and still doing as I pleased with little result. Then, 10 years ago, I was picked up by a large publisher. I decided to throw everything I had at making that series huge. I followed authors I knew who were already where I wanted to be and mimicked what they were doing online to grow their readership. Luckily, that series took off and I’ve made a full-time living from writing whatever I want since. That publisher didn’t work out for me in the end, but I had built my readership. Thankfully, since I’ve always crossed genres, a majority of my readership follows me whatever I decide to write.

Q: OUT OF ALL THE WRITING YOU HAVE DONE, WHICH CHARACTER DO YOU FEEL THE BIGGEST CONNECTION TO AND FROM WHAT STORY/BOOK IS THAT CHARACTER FROM?

This is a tough one since I’ve written so many books. However, as I

read the question, one name sprang to mind. Remy from Brawler. Remy likes to make people laugh even though his life is always in shambles. I cried a lot writing his book. In places, it felt like I wrote my own story. He’ll always be special to me.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO WRITING LBGT CHARACTERS AS A HETEROSEXUAL WOMAN?

Gatekeepers. There will always be people who believe I shouldn’t write LGBT books because I am heterosexual passing and happily married. In fact, I’m Bi. It’s honestly a bit infuriating to me that so many fem and hetero passing women have been forced to out themselves due to the gatekeeping in our genre. Thankfully, there are more supporters than naysayers.

Q: YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC AUTHORS ON THE SCENE RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS A TYPICAL WRITING DAY FOR YOU?

I recognize that I’m blessed to write full time, so I take it seriously. Monday-Friday, I’m at my computer working in some capacity whether it be writing or marketing. But my goal is 10-15K words every week. By the time I essentially clock out on Friday, I have to know I’ve written that much, or I feel like I’ve failed. I’m much harder on myself than any boss could be. Even if those words end up on the cutting room floor, I have to know I’ve written them.

Q: WHAT GENRE BOOKS DO YOU NOT WRITE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY?

I get asked this question a lot and I don’t think there is one. Since I’m not one to shy away from writing whatever I want, there’s nothing I think I’m missing. With that said, I’m jealous of people who have the patience to write historical romance and people who can write in first person. Those two things take more talent than most people realize.

ABOUT CHARITY PARKERSON

Charity Parkerson is an award-winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters. One of her greatest loves is writing morally gray characters. You’ll find them scattered throughout her hundreds of titles.

◊ *EIGHT-TIME READERS’ FAVORITE AWARD WINNER

◊ *2015 PASSIONATE PLUME AWARD FINALIST

◊ *2013 REVIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER

◊ *2012 ARRA FINALIST FOR FAVORITE PARANORMAL ROMANCE

◊ *FIVE-TIME WINNER OF THE MISTRESS OF THE DARKPATH

Links:

*Sign up for her newsletter: https://sendfox.com/charityparkerson

*Join her readers’ group on Facebook: http://bit.ly/CharitysTribe

*Website: https://www.charityparkerson.com

*A list of her social media accounts and giveaways all in one place: http://hy.page/charityparkerson

THE BOOKFEST - SPRING 2023

The BookFest Spring 2023: Where Readers and Writers Unite

The BookFest Spring 2023 is an exciting event for anyone who loves books and writing. The event brings together a diverse range of speakers and attendees, offering insights and ideas on everything from writing craft to book marketing and technology. Whether you’re a fan of reading, a published author or are just starting out, The BookFest is an event that is not to be missed. Mark your calendars for April 1st and 2nd for the next BookFest Adventure.

The BookFest happens twice a year, in the spring and fall. It is free to attend for anyone who loves books, writing, and reading. The event is

held virtually, and attendees can easily tune in by visiting The BookFest website or watching on The Books That Make You YouTube channel.

The BookFest Consists of Conversations, Panel Discussions, Special Segments, Live Author Chats and The Coveted BookFest Awards

There are many BookFest Conversations that you won’t want to miss. Among these are A Conversation with a Member of the Manson Family with bestselling author Deborah Herman and Dianne Lake, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from someone who was a part of one of the most notorious cults in American history. A Conversation with Tosca Lee is with the multiple award-winning, New York Times bestselling

DEBORAH LEVIN HERMAN

author.

Diane Kastner, Founder and Executive

Editor of Running Wild Press

and

RIZE

Press, offers a discussion on how storytelling can change the world with New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry. Another highlight includes Deborah Herman with non-fiction literary agent Jeff Herman for the Decoding the Book Proposal conversation. They will provide valuable insights into the means and methods writers can use to get a literary agent and get their book traditionally published.

The BookFest Spring 2023 also features exciting panel discussions offering a deep dive into the worlds of science fiction and fantasy, as well as the impact of artificial intelligence on the writing world. It’s a Mad, Mad Author’s World will explore how authors in science fiction and fantasy build the worlds in their books and will feature a discussion on the techniques and strategies that these authors use to create immersive and engaging stories. Another highly anticipated panel discussion will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on the writing world and examine how AI is transforming the way that authors write and publish their works.

Plus, there will be a panel on how authors develop books that get adapted for the screen. An intriguing topic for fans and writers alike, it will offer valuable insights into the complex process of adapting a book for film or television.

The fan-favorite Live Author Chats will take place on Saturday night of The BookFest Spring 2023. This unique event is part afterparty, part networking, and part free-form conversation,

featuring authors and literary professionals engaging in fast-paced chats with host Doug McIntyre. This fun, interactive event will give attendees the chance to connect with authors and other literary figures in an informal and exciting setting and will provide valuable insights into the world of writing and publishing.

There are several special segments not to miss as well. Segments will delve into how authors can get book reviews and how readers can become a book reviewer, what makes a great book title, turning one’s book into an online course, and how authors can leverage book awards and accolades. For authors and publishers curious about the library market, there is a presentation by author and librarian Robin Currie that demystifies how books are selected by librarians.

Flo Selfman is the recipient of the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award and will accept her award at The BookFest Spring 2023. This accolade is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the literary world and has worked tirelessly to promote and support books, authors, and readers. In addition to recognizing Ms. Selfman’s accomplishments, The BookFest will also announce the winners of The BookFest Awards Spring 2023. The winners will be featured in the Salute to the Winners Video Presentation, which celebrates their outstanding contributions to the literary world. These awards recognize and honor the best in the literary world, and attendees of The BookFest Spring 2023 will have the

opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of these talented individuals.

RANDY.BRAUN

RAYE MITCHELL

STEVEN JOSEPH

THE BOOKFEST FEATURES AN ARRAY OF ACCLAIMED AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS

Attendees of The BookFest Spring 2023 can expect to hear from an impressive lineup of speakers, including: Tashena Anderson, Glenda Benevides, Randi Braun, Robin Currie, Melinda Curtis, Danièle Cybulskie, Rich Davis, Sheila H. Forman, Beth Freely, Virginia Fox, Ace Antonio Hall, Deborah Herman, Jeffrey Herman, Rebecca Inch-Partridge, Hannah Jacobson, Steven Joseph, Lisa Diane Kastner, Dianne Lake, Tosca Lee, CJ Ives Lopez, Jonathan Maberry, Kelly Anne Manuel, Chelsea McKenna, Doug McIntyre, Dr. Raye Mitchell, Donalee Moulton, Russell Nohelty, Lucia Matuonto, Mark J. Rose, Lori H. Schwartz, EA Smiroldo, Parchelle Tashi, Dennis E. Taylor, Edo van Belkom, Sara Winokur and more. These speakers bring diverse perspectives on writing, publishing, marketing, and technology, and will share their expertise with attendees.

The complete list of speakers and programming can be found on The BookFest website. Plus, people who signup to be a BookFester will receive the schedule delivered to their inbox prior to the event. See the Programming Page of The BookFest website for updates.

THE BIG BUNDLE OF BOOKS GIVEAWAY

In addition to the speakers and sessions, The BookFest Spring 2023 also includes a Big Bundle of Books Giveaway. This is a chance for attendees to win books and prizes from a variety of authors and publishers. The Big Bundle of Books giveaway winners are announced Saturday night of The BookFest, following the Live Author Chats. To

enter, visit https://www.thebookfest. com/grand-prize-giveaway/.

SIGN UP FOR THE BOOKFEST AND MEET YOUR NEW BOOKISH BUDDIES

To sign up for The BookFest Spring 2023 and access all the great sessions, visit https://www.thebookfest.com/signup/. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with other book lovers and writers, and learn from some of the best in the literary world.

The BookFest Spring 2023 is also supported by a number of great organizations, including The Author’s Leverage, The Authors Porch, IWOSC, Relatable Voice Magazine, TV Guestpert, Wannabe Press, and many others. These organizations help to make the event a success and to ensure that attendees have access to the best and most innovative ideas and insights in the world of books and publishing.

The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events and produces vital conversations on the world’s stage for those who love to read and those who love to write. It has received multiple awards and recognitions, including a nomination in the 2021 Webby Awards, a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020, and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises. The BookFest is a registered trademark of Desireé Duffy, who is the founder of all three. For more information, visit The BookFest. com.

VIRGINIA FOX

Q: YOUR NEWEST RELEASE IS “THE UNTOLD LOVE STORY”, WHAT INSPIRED THE BOOK?

The Untold Love Story was inspired by the Marvel movie, Black Panther:Wakanda Forever, and The Woman King. My interest in African royalty was peaked because of the massive appeal both of these movies had on diverse cultures all over the world. Couple that with my personal desire to try a new genre and Princess Zara was born. I have five granddaughters and this was also a tribute to them and the massive possibilities the future holds for them.

Q: WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU PUBLISHED AND HOW HAS YOUR FICTION WRITING JOURNEY EVOLVED?

Actually, this is my first published novella. I have over twenty published nonfiction books, most of them concentrates on author self-help. That list also includes a memoir. I’ve always romanticized about writing a novel. It’s been my favorite genre since I was in junior high school. I’ve spent numerous hours reading them and often fantasized about being behind the pen that masterfully crafted the pages of a great novel. The Untold Love Story is a dream come true for me. It is my hope that its readers will not only enjoy the adventures of Princess Zara, but also fall in love with the culture and its diverse characters.

Q: IF SOMEONE HAD JUST WRITTEN “THE END” ON THEIR FIRST DRAFT OF A BOOK, WHICH BOOK OF YOURS WOULD YOU SUGGEST THEY READ

FIRST?

I would suggest they read, You Can Be a Super Author Too! , or Are You a Super Author? . These two books share stories of authors who have mastered authorpreneurship (the business side of writing) and are full of tips and tricks that help new authors with launching their writing career.

Q: HOW DID YOU PIVOT FROM BEING A FICTION AUTHOR TO BECOMING A PUBLISHING COACH?

Actually, I was publishing coach before I became a fiction author. My initial experience as a new author prompted me to become a publishing coach. I sincerely wanted to help new authors birth their book babies with limited complications. It was difficult for me to find someone to believe in my potential as an author because I don’t fit the traditional profile. So that made me an advocate for nontraditional authors. It has always been my philosophy that any one who had the passion to be an author, especially after counting the costs to do so, was the equivalent of a superhero (a super author in the making).

Q: WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING OR COACHING AUTHORS AND ASPIRING AUTHORS, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU ENJOY DOING?

I love to read. I also love to get lost in romantic comedies. The Hallmark and Pure Flix Channels are my brain candy. Also, the sight of a sandy beach, the serene blue sky and the bright bluegreen waters touching the shore fascinates me. I could stay on a beach bench forever.

Q: WHAT MESSAGE OR THEME DO YOU HOPE READERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?

There are three basic messages:

1. Love doesn’t always come in the package you want it to come in, but if it’s true love, it’s worth the temporary inconvenience.

2. Strength can be found in the most genteel flower. Recognize, respect, and celebrate it.

3. Virtue is still a valuable commodity for the modern woman.

ABOUT SHARON C. JENKINS

Sharon C. Jenkins is the inspirational leader for The Master Communicator’s Writing Services. She offers writing and coaching services to small enterprises, non-profit organizations, and writers. With her mastery of multiple forms of media, such as writing, publishing, and speaking, she has earned the title of The Master Communicator. Her professional career has varied, with her having held a position as an editor at a big, minority-owned communications and marketing firm to a senior publishing consultant part at an award-winning publishing house. Her writing has achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. She has expertise in the fields of business communications, entrepreneurship, book coaching, publishing, and marketing. Sharon is affectionately known as a “literary midwife,” and has helped hundreds of authors birth their book babies.

Links:

Instagram: @sharoncjenkins

Twitter: @Sharon_Jenkins

Facebook: facebook.com/mcwritingservices

TikTok tiktok.com/@theauthorpreneurcoach

Website: www.mcwritingservices.com

www.superauthorgranny.com

THE SHAPES OF WRATH

A demonic surgeon. A haunted hospital. And the doctor caught between them.

Dr. Hope Sze launches into her general surgery rotation with Dr. Vrac, the scourge of operating room #3, also known as the death O.R.

Dr. Vrac screams at the resident doctors suffering under him, the nurses who don't move fast enough, the anesthesiologist, his auto mechanic, and even a garbage can.

Patients begin to die under Dr. Vrac’s scalpel. This morning, Hope discovers a dead man in the back of the O.R.

Next, a ghost lingers outside of Montreal's St. Joseph's Hospital.

a) WTF and b) can Hope outwit the enraged killer before someone slices her throat?

“Sizzling! I read the whole thing in one day, heart pounding, totally gripped by the action. Super fantastic book. I actually had to shush my kids when they tried to talk to me in the middle of it.” --Dr. Eileen Sacks, General Surgeon

THE SEETHING

A family's relocation looked like a chance to relax and regroup—but as they settle into their new home, teenage Kimmie Barnes’ special senses make her the target of something primordial, evil, and utterly malign.

Darkness…

Golden Oaks, California is a sleepy town on the shores of Oro Lake, and the residents have no idea what horrors lurk below the glittering waters.

Beneath the waves…

One by one, as people begin to disappear, the once quiet town is soon in the grips of a waking nightmare. An unimaginable horror consuming everything before it.

Hungry…

All while echoes of an ancient evil spread out like malignant spider webs, like dead hands reaching, grasping… SEETHING… .

Melissa Yi

Melissa Yi could slice your throat and sew it back up again. Legally. Because she's an emergency doctor. In her spare minutes, Melissa writes thrillers about Dr. Hope Sze, a resident doctor bone-deep in murder which have been finalists for the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Thriller and the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence. In The Shapes of Wrath, which debuts February 1, 2023, Hope confronts a killer surgeon—and a ghost—in the operating room. Under the name Melissa Yuan-Innes, Melissa writes awardwinning speculative fiction and non-fiction. Sometimes, she sleeps. Find her online at www.myi.ninja, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

“Midsummer meets The Mist in The Seething, a slow-burn tale of creeping terror and a pressure cooker of a novel from horror’s rising star Ben Monroe. Not your usual summer vacation by the lake, The Seething is irresistibly ominous.” --Lee Murray, four-time Bram Stoker Award®-winner and author of Grotesque: Monster Stories

BEN MONROE

Ben Monroe has spent most of his life in Northern California, where he lives in the East Bay Area with his wife and two children. He is the author of  In the Belly of the Beast and Other Tales of Cthulhu Wars,  The Seething (coming in 2023 from Brigids Gate Press), the graphic

novel Planet Apocalypse, and short stories in several anthologies. His latest story “the Patchwork Man” appears in  Blood In the Soil, Terror On the Wind from Brigids Gate Press. You can find more information about him and his work at www.benmonroe.com

WHAT TO BRING

A moving story about making tough choices when disaster strikes.

Malia and her family are spending a day outside when they notice something strange. Huge white-and-gray clouds fill the sky, planes zoom overhead, and the air smells funny. A forest fire is sweeping the area, and they need to evacuate their home.

Daddy tells Malia that she needs to choose what to bring. “Pick small things. Things important to you,” he says. But there’s so much that Malia wants to take with her! Her pillows and blankets. Her family of teddy bears. LOTS of books. As the pile in her room grows, and chaos swirls around her, Malia comes to realize that what is most important to her won’t fit in a backpack: her little brother, her cat, and her dog.

This heartfelt and powerful story explores a rare perspective: experiencing a natural disaster through the eyes of a child. Malia’s authentic voice will resonate with readers, and the book’s challenging subject matter is balanced with gentle lessons in communication, problem-solving, and family.

THINK YOURSELF CONFIDENT

“It’s never going to work. You’re not good enough!” Are you tired of hearing that nagging voice inside your head? And what if you could do something about it? Do you have a dream or a project that’s been on the back burner for too long? Even with all your accomplishments, do you still doubt yourself sometimes?

Statistics show that 85% of people suffer from a lack of self-confidence in at least one area of their lives. Draining negative self-talk creates procrastination, stress, anxiety, and burnout. People know what they want or need to do, and yet they do the reverse—they resist change and can’t adapt to the fast world we live in. That makes them feel powerless, frustrated, and insecure. In a work environment, this can lead to a demotivated and unhappy team, low overall performance and a high employee turnover rate. With the layers of stress people are already buried under, important decisions are clouded by emotions or limiting beliefs, instead of being based on skills and experience. Bottom line: whether on a personal or professional level, most people admit to not working—or living—at their full potential.

LORNA SCHULTZ NICHOLSON

Lorna Schultz Nicholson is an award-winning author and has published children’s picture books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and hockey nonfiction. Her books have also been nominated for many different awards and are often on the CCBC’s Best Books for Kids and Teens list. Lorna loves travelling and presents at libraries and schools all over North America to inspire children and teens to love reading and writing as much as she does. Lorna divides her time between Edmonton, Alberta and Penticton, British Columbia and lives with her husband (Go Oilers Go) and dog she rescued from Mexico.

Kirkus Review:  https://www.kirkusreviews. com/book-reviews/lorna-schultz-nicholson/ what-to-bring/

Interview: https://open-book.ca/News/Lorna-SchultzNicholson-on-Writing-a-Picture-Book-That-Encourages-Kids-toThink-About-What-They-Most-Value

Through Nathalie’s D.N.A. System, you will discover 15 proven Keys to Confidence, real-life, simple skills and strategies to transform your inner thoughts and beliefs into a serving force that will empower you to be your best. Get ready to ignite performance and get the tools you need to THINK Yourself® CONFIDENT.

NATHALIE PLAMONDON-THOMAS

2021 Canadian Presenter of the Year Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas is a Confidence Expert. She is the international No.1 Bestselling Author of seventeen books about success, communication, wellness and empowerment. She has proven that negative selftalk, imposter syndrome, resistance to change, past trauma, and low performance can all be addressed with increased confidence. She is the Founder and CEO of the THINK Yourself® ACADEMY, offering keynotes and trainings, leading-edge online courses, laserfocus business strategies and one-on-one transformation coaching.

WOUNDED HEARTS TAKE A CHANCE

"It all started one fine summer’s day when a first-glance attraction walked into her yard . . ."

This little book takes you along the poetic, romantic path of a woman opening her broken heart to the possibility of loving again.

To do so, she must tear down the protective walls of aloneness she has built around herself, walls of safety thrown up in the wake of infidelity and betrayal.

Letting a man into her heart again, daring to trust and to feel love and passion once more, opening herself to the risk of suffering more pain, is a big leap . . . but it’s one worth taking, and one she’ll never regret.

DEBBIE QUIGLEY

Debbie Quigley, born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, is also the author of the poetry collection Wind Whispers. A retired healthcare worker, she lives in a small hamlet surrounded by nature and wildlife. She loves to garden. Debbie's "whisper-art" poetry is simple and real, telling a story. She has contributed to Spiritual Writers Network publications, and her poetry can also be found on Author’s Den.

SPIRITUAL WRITING FROM INSPIRATION TO PUBLICATION

This book is an inspiring, motivating, and captivating look at the spiritual life and the falling to write. It is based on the premise that there are writers who write because they want to and those who write because they have to. Spiritual writers are drawn to the process by a sense of mission. However, the spiritual writer's mission and the realities of publishing are often at odds. This unique book provides the nuts and bolts and do's and don'ts of how to get published in this often misunderstood arena. This second edition is updated to include the digital world and the expanded opportunities this brings for nontraditional publishing.

DEBORAH LEVINE HERMAN

Deborah Herman is an author, literary agent and publishing entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Micro Publishing Media, a niche

and kitsch indie publishing company. MPM includes, a full service editorial, design and marketing company for entrepreneurial authors. Herman's most recent book is as collaborator with Dianne "Snake" Lake, the youngest member of the notorious Manson Family, who for the first time reveals her story of survival and how she helped put Charles Manson and the other murderers in jail.

Deborah Herman has written on other subjects including parenting and motherhood and the book for writers titled "Spiritual Writing from Inspiration to Publication" now being revised to reflect the digital age.

Deborah Herman is also co-author with Jeff Herman on the industry bible "Write the Perfect Book Proposal: Ten Proposals that worked and Why."

DOCTOR KNOW

A Doctors of Eastport General Hospital Medical Romance Novel

She thought she had all the answers. Brilliant Neurologist Cynthia Haywood is a rising star at Baltimore’s most prestigious hospital just one step away from the coveted department chair. Everything she thought she wanted was within reach.

A family tragedy forces her to rush off to her sister’s home in Eastport Rhode Island, where she is thrust into a perplexing smalltown world and the added responsibility of caring for her eight-year-old niece. But that's not her biggest challenge - it's him, Simon. He's the problem.

The dreamy next-door neighbor with the adorable puppies becomes an immediate distraction. She should be focused on her family. She should be concerned with returning to her medical career back in Baltimore.

He's the calm that soothes the chaos.

GODDESS

Uncover the Ancient Secrets of Anadi in the Riveting

Must-Read Sci-Fi Adventure GODDESS: A Forerunner Story

—In the galaxies of uncharted territories and unexplored worlds, Roke Stenner had seen his fair share of strange beings and extraordinary phenomena. But nothing could have prepared him for Anadi, the seemingly perfect planet for human colonization that was anything but normal. And nothing could have prepared him for her.

Is She Human... A Female Alien...or?

Caught within the powers of a woman who may or may not be human, Roke finds himself struggling to resist her siren's call. With each passing day, he falls deeper under her spell, torn between his growing desire for her and his duty to protect humanity from the danger that lurks on Anadi.

Is He Her Prisoner...Or Her Breeding Stud?

—As Roke grapples with his own emotions and the impossible reality of the woman who has captured him, he must find a way to

She knows she should keep her distance. She knows she didn’t rush to Rhode Island for a love connection. She knows a lot of things - but one kiss from Simon jeopardizes everything she ever thought she knew. Will the attraction be enough for her to jeopardize her big-city dreams? She doesn't know.

MEL WALKER

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city

Website: www.authormelwalker.com/

escape her grasp and warn the rest of the galaxy. But with her psionic abilities and their intense sexual connection, will he be able to break free, or will he be forever lost to her mysterious and seductive charms?

—In this thrilling sci-fi tale, the line between what is human and what is not is blurred, leaving Roke and the reader to wonder: was she human... a female alien... or something else entirely?

DAVID WIND

David Wind is an International award winning hybrid author, and has published 46 novels of Science Fiction & Fantasy, Mystery Suspense Thrillers, and Contemporary Fiction.

A double B.R.A.G Medallion honoree, he is a member of the SFWA, and member of the Author’s Guild, the past President of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America. He lives and writes in Boynton Beach.

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HELL ON HIGH

Prepare for adventure as Juliana, a nineteenyear-old Brazilian, finds herself forced to run from an occult overlord, leaving her sister in peril. Temporarily safe, Juliana works to save money for Vilma’s rescue—and along the way, meets Patrick, a rich-boy mountain climber with friends in high places.

Angus Addison wants to see his corporate flag on the summit of Mount Everest—carried there by the first woman in history—but the Himalayas are no joke. Failure could cost both sisters their lives.

Juliana weighs the risks and rewards— for even if she raises the cash, she still must figure a way to free Vilma from the same man she ran from—a man known to his disciples as The Farmer.

“Clark’s much-anticipated follow-up to his Dead Man series sweeps readers into the tumultuous path of Juliana, a tough-as-nails heroine for the ages. Spanning multiple countries and all terrains, Juliana’s journey takes the reader to the mouth of madness, and the furthest reaches of human endurance. A thrilling story of heart,

ENIGMA TRACER

The clock is ticking ... can Gracie uncover the truth?

Phillip Pliant is the wealthy opportunist plastics dealer, and CEO of Pliant Industries. He’s also a master thief—creating a pervasive threat to the manufacturing infrastructure in the Caribbean islands markets. With the cartel as his stealth client, the naïve city leaders have been seduced, enabling the production of more than 3-dimentional building materials.

And set the stage for massive chaos and destruction.

Pliant has locked up contracts, assets, and control of any future expansion. His contacts and clients salivate over their probable financial reward—the expected profits are monstrous.

Is the R-Group, now led by Gracie and the family heirs, strong enough to win against this predator? Can JJ’s CATS (Cyber Assassin Technology Services) act on the root-cause analysis in time?

• Will the R-Group and CATS sabotage Pliant’s plan before it’s too late?

• Can Jeff and Keith use their covert skills to put the bad guys away for good?

horror and perseverance – not to be missed.”

--Laurel Hightower, author of Every Woman Knows

This: A Horror Collection and Crossroads

MICHAEL CLARK

Michael Clark thinks “eerie” is the best horror emotion and writes stories with this in mind.

He has written four novels:

“The Patience of a Dead Man - Book One”

“Dead Woman Scorned - The Patience of a Dead Man - Book Two”

“Anger is an Acid - The Patience of a Dead ManBook Three”

and “Hell On High” published BY BRIGIDS

GATE PRESS

Autographed bookplates are available for free (worldwide): email michael@ michaelclarkbooks.com

sleek.bio/michaelclarkbooks

• Will Gracie be able to squash Pliant and the cartels?

Can the chain of islands survive the underhanded tactics and threats?

Gracie never considered their lives would hang in the balance between winning and losing. Will the devious plot be uncovered in time? The clock is ticking. Five ... four ... three ...

BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY

Breakfield is a technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. Burkey is a Technology professional who excels at optimizing technology and business investments. Together these Texas authors create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females, as well as young and experienced adults. They bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today in exciting stories. Visit their website for more information and free stuff. www.EnigmaSeries.com

TRYING THE TRICKSTER

A muse in the flesh…at least to the shapeshifter who so desperately needs her help.

Only one problem: Cathy’s creativity is gone. Kaput. Dead in the water. Without it, she’s a shell of the woman that she once was, lost and bitter without the one thing that makes her who she truly is.

Reynard is the trickster king, a shapeshifter of the first order whose purpose is to help bring his kind into the human world. Cathy is a friend of his family, but more than that, he and the rest of his kind need her art and creativity to aid the plan to convince humanity to accept them. Without it, his people will be forced back to the world where they have been exiled for so long.

The greater good is reason enough for Reynard to help Cathy regain her creativity, but as they get to know one another more, he realizes that perhaps he is more personally invested.

Without Cathy, the plan to rejoin the human world will die, but without her creativity, Cathy will wither, and Reynard isn’t willing to let either of those things happen.

Not without a fight.

THE SECRETS WE HOLD

The ex-military bad boy is back in town with one thing on his mind… Revenge.

When my girlfriend disappears, I become the number one suspect in a potential murder investigation.

Despite clearing my name, I’ll only ever be one thing to the people of Silverbell Shore.

A murderer.

Years later when her body is discovered, I return home with a plan to hunt down and expose the killer.

That is until I fall into bed with my high school sweetheart.

But what is she hiding?

As the truth unravels, and secrets unfold, betrayal threatens to destroy us all.

But I trained for this.

Justice will be served.

Daphne Moore, a USA Today bestselling author, has been a story teller from her preliterate days. She writes them down now for those out of earshot.

She lives in Ohio, in a small suburb, raising roses and children. She’s an aunt to a bunch of humans and two cute dogs.

She writes what she loves- speculative fiction in all forms, with a seasoning of romance.

L.A. BORUFF

L.A. Boruff lives in East Tennessee with her husband, three children, and an ever growing number of cats. She loves reading, watching TV, and procrastinating by browsing Facebook. L.A.’s passions include vampires, food, and listening to heavy metal music. She once won a Harry Potter trivia contest based on the books, and lost one based on the movies. She has two bands on her bucket list that she still hasn’t seen: AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Feel free to send tickets.

KATHLEEN KELLY

Kathleen Kelly is a USA Today Best Selling Author and was born in Penrith, NSW, Australia. When she was four her family moved to Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Although born in NSW she considers herself a QUEENSLANDER!!

She married her childhood sweetheart and they live in Toowoomba.

MACI DILLON

Maci Dillon is a daydreamer and true minx at heart who loves to read and write steamy romance filled with love, lust, angst, and humor. Her favorite tropes to write are second chance, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, menage, reverse harem, hate s*x, drunken hookups, playboys, and billionaires. She also enjoys writing raunchy short stories within these tropes.

DAPHNE MOORE

THE POOL OF TEARS

In London’s creepy paranormal underworld, noone cares if you live or die …

Elise Liddell, private investigator and exMinistry of Witches Detective, suspects her life is in danger. Following the tragic events at a recent tea party, she hardly knows which way to turn. With Wizard Dodo’s library of black and grisly grimoires missing, a manipulative and malevolent murderer on the loose and the worrying disappearance of the Dark Squad’s boss, Elise knows she’s been treading on far too many toes …

But one thing is as clear as crystal. If she is to make any progress on her pending murder cases, Elise must venture through the looking glass. The problem is, no-one has a clue about what will be waiting for her there.

Can Elise find the answers she seeks or will everything end in a pool of tears?

JEANNIE WYCHERLEY

Genre-hopping introvert and word witch living somewhere between the forest and the sea in East Devon, UK.

Jeannie finds inspiration everywhere: myths, stories and songs, people watching, a word here, a look there, but mainly in the landscape. Devon has it all - rocky coast, pebble and sandy beaches, winding lanes and picture perfect cottages, cliffs and forest.

A good day for Jeannie means a blustery wind, racing waves and salty rain. She lives with her husband and two dogs, make a lot of soup, plays too many computer games and loves watching movies.

For information about new releases or for exclusive freebies please sign up for the newsletter at:

https://www.jeanniewycherley.co.uk/

REVIEWED BY DANIELLE URBAN

Reborn by Jenna Greene is a phenomenal story. A young girl is normal until she starts showing marks that label her as different. These marks turn her once great life into a nightmare. She is mistreated, abused, and sold like a slave to heal others. The book features the paranormal, mythology, contemporary, fantasy and YA genres. It is incredible how Jenna Greene weaves them all into an epic tale. The journey is full of heartfelt tragedy. I was deeply engaged in Lexil's life. Her life is full of mystery, courage, strength, and hope. Even though the hope seems to be small it still hangs there in the story. I have read a few stories similar to this one and it always ends tragically no matter what. Lexil's overall transformation was a complete 360. I was amazed. I hope Jenna Greene turns this into a series. I cannot wait to find out what happens to the other characters.

REVIEWED BY DEENA RAE

SO MANY TWISTS & TURNS

In this installment of The Bosch Universe Harry is on suspension after pushing his commanding officer through a plate glass window. As part of his suspension he must visit the department shrink to find out if he is fit for duty.

While speaking with the therapist, his mother's murder is brought up this lights a spark under him to investigate that cold case to see if he can finally find out who killed her.

With twists, turns, revelations as well as a trip to Florida, Bosch zeros in on the person who went unpunished while skirting the law himself. Along the way, he's responsible for the death of another cop which causes him some self doubt.

This is a wonderful read, fast paced and shocking in it's final conclusion.

Recommend?

Highly recommend especially if you watched the Prime series - its about 75% different than the show.

REVIEWED BY ROXB

A MYSTICAL ROMANCE

Jan Sikes delivers a romantic end to the White Rune Series with book 3, Saddled Hearts. Colt Lane supports a horse sanctuary on his ranch, forming unusual bonds with the animals. The relationship between Colt and a horse named Ghost highlights some issues troubling his operations. He grows to distrust some of his hired help. A stranger, Jeremiah Tompkins, shows up to inform Colt he won the ranch in a poker game with Colt’s grandfather, Buck, years before. It doesn’t ring true to Colt. On the advice of friends, he meets with Sage Coventry, a renowned medium. When Colt meets Sage, he feels an odd connection even though he doubts her abilities. Cole is a musician, rancher, and friend to many. Sage communicates with the dead, a widow, and a kindspirited woman. What could they possibly have in common?

When things start occurring at the ranch, including poisoned hay, a pasture fire, and Colt getting arrested for murder, he needs a break. His father, a drunk who deserted him as a kid, shows up promising he’s a changed man because of his wife. Colt is skeptical at best, but Sage convinces him to find out more and try to bridge his heartbreak. Colt finds himself uncertain of his feelings and his future, yet leverages Sage’s generous offer to help Colt communicate, if possible, with Buck to learn the answers he’s wanted his whole life.

The mix of supernatural, family values and romance swirled into an action-packed mystery is too good to pass up. It is an excellent stand-alone story—recommended to readers of contemporary romance with hot cowboys and relatable past experiences. Nicely done.

REVIEWED BY ROXB

SOME MAMAS ARE MENTORS

Shirley Harris-Slaughter captures the essence of her dear mama as she fought to contribute to her family, community and country. During a time when many women, Black or White, failed to stand up their beliefs, Mrs. Harris-Burkes lived her principles. As a mother to eight children, she set an admirable example of hard work along with dedication to her family. I recalled from women’s history lessons the contribution of millions of female laborers who worked in factories during World War II, especially Rose the Riveter. The unsung heroines of the era worked at home while their husbands went to war.

The sections of this memoir show various aspects of the life of Ms. Harris-Slaughter’s mama. The Apple section illustrates the strong role model who led the family. It was a remarkable analogy of how much of the author’s life followed in her mama’s footsteps. Readers will appreciate the details from this section regarding the public speaking, writing, and community involvement of both women.

Samples of Joyce Winifred Harris-Burkes writing includes poems, short stories, and inspirational opinions. They seem to coincide with events during her life with heartfelt delivery. They depict humor, sadness, and sentiments of a woman who cared deeply. One line in Are You Missing Summer Fun—The stars are shining teardrops And the moon is downright mad—said a great deal to me. Fans of memoirs, family, and overcoming adversity will enjoy this book and the messages contained in the pages. A truly touching tribute.

REVIEWED BY PELICANFREAK

My first Jeannie Wycherley read and absolutely not my last. Where have these been all my life?! Alf, the ‘wonky witch’ and the star here is a very fun character who does a bit of fast growing up before the reader’s eyes.

This read manages to blend hospitality, friendship, family, loyalty, magic, mystery, a smidge of police procedural, a comingof-age of sorts, and more, all while portraying excellent worldbuilding with loads of potential.

Couldn’t put it down and cannot wait to read on in the series. A world worth getting lost in.

REVIEWED BY SCRIBBLESWORTH

A virus-like plague, a twisted religion born to please the "saints", a world that walks deeper and deeper into the swamp of insanity and cruelty, and the only one that can save it, apparently cannot kill his enemies that threaten existence itself, oh the dilemma.

Haxfuri, the book, is something totally different from what you will find from a big publisher, heck, you will NEVER read something as crude as Haxfuri from a publisher that you can think of. This is different, this is undeterred writing right here. You can feel the pain in the characters' actions and choices, as they are literally between the sword of insanity and unreserved rage through despair, but they HAVE to keep their sanity and composure in order not to touch one or the other. This is something else.

Neil Hemfrey pulls a cracker in this book Haxfuri. He inverts right and wrong, makes the absurd (yet taken as norm by society today) and slams the gas pedal on it, in such a deep, sarcastic (yet grim), and blunt way that one can only read in awe, horror and dismay and say: "what the fuck is wrong with these people" and then get hit in the head with the realization of what we ignore in our day to day lives and deem as normal, allowing it to happen.

Brutal! Masterfully crafted and impossible to ignore. Haxfuri is the book all men with balls need to read; hard to digest and impossible to forget.

REVIEWED BY DEENA RAE

PAGE-TURNING, ACTION-PACKED THRILL

Fast-paced plot with believable characters.

The storyline evolved around a multitude of characters, but they were very well developed and written. Main character - Rake Ozenna - is an army captain and takes his trauma doctor fiancé to meet his family on a small Alaskan island.  Once they land, multiple events happen leading to an invasion of the island by Russian troops, supposedly for a humanitarian mission.

There are many secondary characters in government roles, which in the first two chapters is a bit of information overload but all of the characters quickly become known and easier to keep track of. What I really appreciated is that many of the characters had intertwined backstories which explained the ease of access and familiarity.

Man on Ice was loaded with geopolitical intrigue, ramifications and plot lines. As I grew up during the tail-end of the Cold War, I had a basic understanding of USA — Russia history but I believe if someone has no prior knowledge of the relationship between the 2 nations it would still be a thrilling read.

This is a very quick read as the storyline is engrossing and the plot moves very fast.

Recommend?

I recommend this to everyone! All ages will get something from this action-packed thriller..

REVIEWED BY DEENA RAE

MYSTERY THRILLER SUITABLE FOR YOUNG ADULT READERS

Breakfield and Burkey are a hugely popular and prolific writing duo – authors of the Enigma series of books. So far the main series has 12 books and Enigma Tracer is the first in the Enigma Heirs series. I can’t speak for all the books but I honestly thought this one should be classified as Young Adult techno mystery instead of techno thriller.

Within the manuscript there was just enough backstory so that I was not completely lost but I think if I had started with Enigma series book 1 – The Enigma Factor – and had read the whole series I would have enjoyed it more.

The premise of the story is interesting, a financial whiz kid is also a “black-ops-type” operative who teams up with her high-tech crew to bring a villain to justice. There is a worldclass bad-guy that honestly makes my skin crawl, victims that evoke empathy and just enough suggested relationship drama to keep a reader interested. The story has environmental espionage, human trafficking, financial hijinks and character interaction that makes for a quick read. The technology used within the story was interesting, but can I say that the knowing how easy it is for someone to eavesdrop on all of a characters phone conversations just freaked me out LOL. I have too many conversations with my friends, that without context could be construed as threatening or criminal.

Read the complete review on the eBookBuilders site. https://ebookbuilderspro.com/enigma-tracer/

REVIEWED BY ROXB

AN UNEXPECTED ENDING

Marlene M Bell delivers excitement, mystery, and intrigue, in Book 4 of this series. Annalisse receives a request from her friend in New Zealand to visit. Alec, wants to accompany her, but she decides she needs to get away alone. Alec wants her safe, He asks his friend Bill Drake to accompany Annalisse to keep an eye on her. When Annalisse and Bill join forces, the outcome goes way beyond expectations into the realm of holy cow—or sheep.

The vivid descriptions of the New Zealand sheep farm appeal to the reader’s senses, making this story an immersive experience. The details and research get artfully woven into the story’s plot. The countryside provides a perfect backdrop in this well-crafted mystery with lots of twists. As with the other books in the series, Copper Waters stands alone but richer when readers know of Annalisse’s ability to find trouble.

The character details of Annalissa and Bill make them relatable. When they team together to understand what’s behind the two deaths, they uncover a long suspect list and motives. The descriptive nuggets about Alec portray him a three-dimensional player. Will he reconnect with Annalisse? Time will tell.

Ms. Bell writes creative prose that brings the reader into the journey to solve the mysterious murders. Fans of cozy suspense will enjoy following this installment in the series and look forward to the next with bated breath. An easy book to recommend for readers to test their skills at pegging the culprit before the last page. I enjoyed the story and loved the surprising, unforgettable ending. The story is riveting page turner.

REVIEWED BY ROXB

POINTLESS DEATH

Kelly Marshall has authored many gritty mystery novels. She tells it as she sees it in Book 8 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Justice. Conservation Officer Madison Jackson works as a warden verifying licenses for the Fish and Wildlife department. During a routine license check around Burnet Reservoir, a young Hispanic teen runs into the woods to escape being cited. He returns moments later to tell Madison he found a girl’s body. They both return to the scene of the crime.

The horrific state of the naked girl, beaten and abused, burned into Madison’s brain. She knew it was a savage cartel act by the blue wristband and underwear in the tree—human trafficking at its worst conducted by savage, heartless cartel members. Life has no value outside of money.

Ms. Marshall writes vivid descriptions to pull readers into this mystery and make them feel every sensation possible: pain, terror, abuse, and more. The sights and sounds are so intense that readers will hold their breath, waiting for hope. The nightmare continues in unimaginable ways. The characters are well-developed, especially Madison, her dad, and their close relationship.

When the dead girl is named, Madison becomes haunted by the need to find Anna’s parents and tell them the fate of their child. Her search takes Madison on a trip to hell and back. One day she was hunting the parents of a dead girl; the next, she vanished. Madison suffers unbelievable torture at the hands of the cartel, ....

Read the complete review on the RoxB's site.

https://roxburkey.com/justice/

REVIEWED BY PELICANFREAK

A THRILLING PAGE TURNER OF APOCALYPTIC PROPORTIONS

This is a gripping, action-packed, mystery-filled read, laced with deceit and betrayal that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

I love a good suspense-read, who doesn’t? There’s a strong female lead who’s climbed her way to the near-top, and the reader is shown a little background that gets across how well she deserves to be where she is.

There are terrorists with a long-underway plan about to come to fruition and human lives plus American life as we know it all at risk…

Twists and turns are also fairly abundant and while I did predict all of them, they still were extremely fun to experience. I missed this book whenever I put it down and I still miss it, now that it’s been finished for a couple weeks.

I cannot wait to see what else is in store for Bendel, I expect things will not calm down any time soon. There were some strong secondary things as well.

It’s mostly well-edited and there were only a couple little things I’d do differently—things that didn’t distract from / or negatively impact the reading experience.

*and I’ll be watching for / and one-clicking anything else this author puts out.

REVIEWED BY DEENA RAE

EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS, EVEN BETTER THAN BOOK 1 IN SERIES

Ms. Charles achieved the almost impossible feat of releasing a second-in-the series, which outshines the first.

Wonderful writing, excellent story building, terrific characters, snappy dialogue and just enough romance to keep readers enthralled from page one to the last. Ghost stories, recent murder-suicide, and Violets unending quest to build a new, stable life for her kids. This novel has everything a mystery-reader loves.

This book starts off  shortly after book 1 and Violet quickly gets a slew of new buyers looking for homes and one beautiful, haunted murder scene home to sell. With ghosts, stalking and a box of teeth this is a fun, fast-paced read.

We get the characters we started to love in book 1 –Mysterious Doc, Aging Lothario Old Man Harvey, Jerk realtor Ray , and of course Violet and her mischievous twins. We even get a glimpse of Violet Aunt’s steamy past with a Sam Elliot lookalike-fire chief.

Recommend?

If you like your mystery with a dash of heat and a heaping helping of snark and sarcasm, this book is for you.

REVIEWED BY SCRIBBLESWORTH

First impressions are crucial and in this point of view, Russell Govan captures our attention flawlessly and keeps it with the promise of rough action, that doesn’t take long to come with graphic details on a very well laid narrative, that impresses the reader right away. Nothing far-fetched, nothing out of this world, but that’s exactly why we like it so much, it feels real.

So! What IS this awesome book about? Glad you asked. “The Best Laid Plans” is about a special agent that is infiltrated on a possible terrorist group in England in order to feed information and try to stop them with the help of the national security agencies. This same agent has to keep his cover at all times as a gay ex-military and deal with the missions he is handed in order to gain the trust of the leader of the group, Ryan Watson, and figure out what he is really intending to do next, but, as you will find out, this terrorist group is just the tip of the iceberg.

I love how Russell Govan point-blank calls sexism in this book, and it surprises me, on a very positive way, to see a male author do that with such fierce determination and so unapologetically. *CLAPS* And not only that, he also calls upon how unsatisfying sex is for women, because it is hard to find a good sexual partner, a man that knows how to perform sexually, which is something that the MAJORITY of women live through. This is so good!

This is a book that will not wander. It’s violent, raw, bloody, moralistically blunt, unpretentious and powerful! WE NEED

MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS NOW!!!!

You can read this book in a single swoop and you will not detect a single irregularity or incongruence . This is a very solid book, and an excellent read in all accounts. *nods*

REVIEWED BY DEENA RAE

GLOBE-HOPPING THRILL GOING BACK TO THE US-RUSSIA COLD WAR AND THE RAMIFICATIONS OF PLOTS PUT IN PLACE THEN

The storyline that started in Executive Actions continues in Executive Treason…America’s enemies are working overtime to bring Uncle Sam down and its an action packed thrill.

With the money-man behind the plot to install a spy to the Oval Office still working behind the scenes, the multiple plots and characters are still trying to topple America. Twists and turns, plots, subplots and a romantic entanglement to keep the readers interested.

The author’s imagination is terrifying in the direction he takes on the lengths America’s enemies will go through. Could it happen? I don’t know, but the possibility is enough to keep you reading and keep you awake long after the book is finished.

The characters reappear in 2 more books in the series and I am anxiously waiting to read them and maybe find something that will put to rest the worries this series as awakened.

Recommend?

Absolutely to anyone and everyone who is aware of the divide along political lines in the US and the world.

REVIEWS BY

Reviews Team:

Seraphia B.

The Book Trollop

The Reviewbler

Khanani Daniella

Tripti Kandari

Poetic Monologues

Julio Carlos

INTERVIEWS BY DANIELLE URBAN

Danielle Urban lives in North Central Arkansas with her family. She started by blogging about her favorite books, short stories, and writing prompts. Soon her blog became something more than just that. Writers needed more than just reviews. That's how Urban Lit Magazine came to be. It features reviews, interviews, news of new literary agents and more. Her goal was to help readers connect with writers from all over the world.

Deena Rae

Pelican Freak

RoxB

Danielle has worked as an article writer, editor, journalist, and interned as a senior publisher for romance novels. In addition to that, she started the journalism club at ASUMH and it's very first digital and print publications. From there, she continued her studies in Arkansas and graduated with an M.A. in English. Today, Danielle continues to inspire writers and encourage readers to try something new. When she's not subbing at school, she is busy writing.