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Sunday, November 29, 2020

The Story Behind the Story: Author Liese Sherwood-Fabre: In Search of London’s Sherlock Holmes + giveaway

In Search of London’s Sherlock Holmes
Before we retired just before the pandemic, my husband worked as an international consultant, which required him to travel regularly to Oxford. By then, I was working on The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife and knew where I wanted to go when I joined him in London. I even arranged for a hotel not far from Baker Street to make it early to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. 

In 1990, John Aidiniantz purchased a Georgian townhouse at 239 Baker Street and opened the museum. For the next twelve years, he fought with the Abbey National Building Society at 221 Baker Street over who should receive the mail addressed to Sherlock Holmes (Abbey National had been answering the letters since the 1930s). Finally, Abbey National moved, and the Royal Mail agreed to deliver correspondence there. The staff still keeps it on the mantle, a penknife stuck through to hold it in place.

In most museums, there are “do not touch” signs everywhere. Because the items aren’t precious relics of an actual person, guests are able to handle and take photos with objects that would be off-limits in most museums. That includes posing in the chairs by the fireplace with a deerstalker borrowed for the occasion. It’s a full recreation of the flat, complete with water closet on an upper floor.

An additional 221B model exists in London at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. It holds a display of Holmes memorabilia collected for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and includes one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s desk and chair. You’re also able to enjoy a pint of Sherlock Holmes Ale or Waston’s Golden Ale.

There are other bits around town: markers where Sherlock and Watson first met, a statue of the great detective, and the Baker Street metro station is decorated with a Sherlock Holmes silhouette. Enough to keep a Sherlockian busy for more than a day.

To read more about Sherlock Holmes’ London address and other aspects of his life, check out Dr. Sherwood-Fabre’s series on “The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes.” Volume Three has just been released, and the first two are now available in eBook as a box set.

The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes: Essays on Victorian England
Box Set Volumes 1 & 2
by Liese Sherwood-Fabre 
November 16, 2020
179 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction 
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories are full of everyday Victorian activities and events that send the twenty-first-century reader to consult their reference books. Few, for example, are intimately acquainted with the responsibilities of a country squire, the importance of gentlemen's clubs, or the intricacies of the Victorian monetary system.

These forty-eight short essays, gathered together from the first two volumes of "The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes" series, explore various aspects of life mentioned in the original stories. Readers gain modern-day insight into the nineteenth-century world. Untangle the complexities of inheritance, the Victorian wedding, and the treatment of brain fever. Discover the pleasures of the circus, the Turkish bath, and beekeeping. Such examinations bring deeper meaning and color to the adventures of the world's most famous consulting detective.

**Only .99 cents!!** 

The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes: Essays on Victorian England
Volume Three

by Liese Sherwood-Fabre 
November 16, 2020
What do "slop shops," "scissorizing," "agony aunts," and "foolscap" have in common?

These and other Victorian references appear throughout the original Sherlock Holmes tales. What was part of everyday existence to the Victorian has the modern day reader running to references books to discover its significance. These twenty-four short essays explore various aspects of life mentioned in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes tales, providing modern-day insight into the nineteenth century world. Topics include:
• Violins
• Electric vs. Gas Lighting
• Scrapbooking
• Agony Columns
• The Agra Fort
• Cardboard
• Sound Recordings
• Telephones
• Jellyfish
• Rugby
• Brandy
• The Opera
• The Crown Jewels
• Yellow Fever
• Snakes
• Italian Political Organizations
• Banks
• Diabetes
• Pocket Watches
• Writing Paper
• Coroners
• Pawnshops
• Clothing
• Calling Cards
This collection also includes a bonus essay—"Evil Women: The Villainesses of the Canon," originally published in the Baker Street Journal.
“Be prepared to be enlightened and entertained!”
- Carole Nelson Douglas, Bestselling Author
**Only $1.99!!** 

About the Author
Website-FB-TwitterLiese Sherwood-Fabre has won awards for her thrillers, romance, and literary short stories, and NYT bestselling author Steve Berry describes her writing as "gimmick-free, old-fashioned storytelling."

In the second grade, she knew she was destined to write when she got an A+ for her story about Dick, Jane, and Sally's ruined picnic. After obtaining her PhD from Indiana University, she joined the federal government and had the opportunity to work and live internationally for more than fifteen years. She draws upon these experiences to endow her characters with deep conflicts and emotions.

Giveaway 
$15 Gift Card (reader's choice--Amazon or Apple) 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Saturday, November 28, 2020

Except: A Demon's Witch Series Book 1 by Tena Stetler + giveaway

A Demon's Witch (A Demon's Witch Series Book 1) 
by Tena Stetler
September 25, 2015
316 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C. is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC's power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running. Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly.

Bruce's world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce's long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation. The undeniable attraction between demon and witch promises to tear apart both their professional and personal worlds.

**On Sale for Only .99 cents!!** 

Series Trailer: 

A Demon’s Witch Excerpt:
Suddenly, he felt the magic aura shift and switched his attention to the front door. She breezed in, hair like spun gold flowing to her waist, with a seductive yet regal body and a sway to her hips that should be illegal even in DC. She wore a snug rose and cream colored sweater, cut low enough he could see the swells of her rounded breasts, tailored black slacks that fit her cute ass like a glove and four-inch spike heels. She paused in the center of the salon, wet from the sudden spring storm, and lowered the briefcase she’d used as an umbrella. Her sparkling violet eyes glanced up to the mezzanine where Bruce stood watching. Blatantly her gaze wandered over his well-muscled body, undressing him piece by piece, until he felt naked. He shook his head slightly and smoothed his shirt and slacks with his hand, just to make sure he was still wearing them.

A Warlock's Secrets (A Demon's Witch Series Book 2) 

A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance (A Demon's Witch Series Book 3) 

An Angel's Unintentional Entanglement (A Demon's Witch Series Book 4) 

A Magic Redemption (A Demon's Witch Series Book 5) 

About the Author
Website-Facebook-Twitter
With the majestic Rocky Mountains just outside the window, I sit at my computer with vampires,demons, witches, faeries, and a variety of paranormal creatures gathered around telling me their stories! That makes me an author of paranormal romance novels and cozy mysteries with magic spark. The everyday world is mundane, but sprinkle a little magic and you have fantastic!

Colorado is home. I share my life with a wonderful husband of many moons, our brilliant Chow Chow, a terribly spoiled companion parrot, and a forty-year-old box turtle. We enjoy hiking, biking, and camping, also love water sports including kayaking and whitewater rafting, especially on the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge.

Another passion of mine is reading a good novel. You can find me any winter evening curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate, and a big bowl of popcorn. While growing up, if I didn’t like the ending of a book, I’d rewrite it, which led to writing my own books.

Reluctantly, I discovered that in real life it’s tough to rewrite an ending.
 
Giveaway 
$20 Amazon giftcard, $15 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each! 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! 

 

Friday, November 27, 2020

Into the Black (Janey McCallister Mystery Book 1) by Beth Barany

Review coming soon

Into the Black (Janey McCallister Mystery Book 1) 
by Beth Barany
May 21, 2020
Genre: SciFi Mystery Romance
In 2130, at Bijoux de L’Etoile, a high-end casino orbiting Earth, you can get anything you desire.

Newly-hired as an investigator, Janey McCallister wants to solve her first big case—the theft of a priceless gem.

When her case of theft escalates to murder and points to the seedy underbelly of world affairs, Janey has to rely on her new team and trust the mysterious insurance investigator, Orlando Valdez—before a killer escapes into the black.

***

Into The Black is perfect for fans of J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas books and Killjoys and CSI. It contains a slow-burn romance, enhanced humans, cool high-tech gadgets, a futuristic vision of the Earth, and a tough heroine with secrets.


Lured By Light (Janey McCallister Mystery Book 2) 
**Only .99cents!!** 

About the Author
Award-winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction mysteries.

Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.

For fun, Beth walks, gardens, and watched movies and travels with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with a piano, their cats, and over 1,000 books.

When not writing or playing, Beth runs an online school, BARANY SCHOOL OF FICTION. helping novelists to write, market, and publish their books to the delight of their readers, including a group coaching program for genre novelists.

Giveaway 
$25 Amazon gift card and Print copies of both books! 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! 
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Thursday, November 26, 2020

Protecting Tova by Havana Wilder + giveaway

Protecting Tova
by Havana Wilder
December 4th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Escaping the tormenting demons of her past was all Tova wanted, but someone has other plans.

An Internally tormented girl
An Unexpected protector
One deadly hunt

Tova, sexually and physically abused as a child, lives in a territory protected by a thick forest and stone wall. She has no desire to leave, and not because of the savages and mutated beasts that roam beyond the walls…

On a quest to deliverance, her plan has always been to learn self-defense and to learn how to protect those who can’t protect themselves while overcoming the demons of her past.

Meanwhile, an unsuspecting heartthrob catches her attention. Not knowing the secrets that lay deep within, he anxiously wants to pursue her, but someone else has other plans for her.

In the midst of all the mayhem, does their relationship end before it can begin?

Protecting Tova is an exciting journey as Tova fights to forget her past in a dystopian world inundated by threats, mysteries, and treachery.

***This is an adrenaline rush novel with a mixture of fantasy and paranormal/supernatural. Perfect for fans of sarcastic heroines, protective males, and instant attraction.***


About the Author
:
Havana has always had a vivid imagination and is an avid dreamer. As a child, she used to have a goal of making her mom laugh as much as she could by coming up with some very outlandish stories. As she grew up she discovered her love of fantasy romances and dreamt about becoming an author herself. So, she decided to put her dreams into reality by becoming an author herself.
Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook for updates at Havana Wilder.

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
eBook copy of Protecting Tova

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview: UF Author Valerie Evans + giveaway

What can we expect from you in the future?
I'm actually currently working on a 5-part series involving a side character from Of Spells and Fur with the first book scheduled to be released summer 2021. Without spoiling the events of the book, this character comes from a single-species town and left his family over a decade earlier following some traumatic experiences. His decision to return home forces him to face not only the family he abandoned, but the woman whose heart he broke.

The other four books will focus on his siblings dealing with their own species-based issues and meeting significant others. 

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I've always loved writing and have several short stories my mother has kept over the years. Of Spells and Fur is actually my fourth published work, though the world of Anberlin where Of Spells and Fur is set began taking shape in 2012 with the book that would become Kindred Spirit. Following a conversation with my sister in January of 2020, I took the plunge to self-publish the original Anberlin trilogy over the first half of the year while working on Of Spells and Fur. It still feels surreal sometimes, but I'm excited to continue on this journey and introduce more people to my worlds.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Of Spells and Fur?
Molly Hastings was born into a family of supernatural hunters, but she walked away after a tragedy and became the equivalent of a supernatural police officer called a sentry in Anberlin. She's known for being somewhat stand-offish, work obsessed, and anti-werewolves, though it's a limited group who know anything about her past beyond the hunter part. 

Parker Hayes was also born into a family of supernatural hunters, though he made some questionable choices and got himself disowned. He wants to join the Sentries, but his habits of drinking, getting into fights, and causing trouble around town don't exactly make him an ideal candidate.

What is your writing process?
I have a somewhat chaotic writing process since I start with an idea that includes characters, antagonists, and the basic outline of a plot. I always write the first chapter freehand to see where the flow is and get a feel for the main character, but I generally outline events that come to me and can span anywhere from a single chapter to several. Then it's just a matter of rinse and repeat! Sometimes random scenes pop in my head so I'll write them out then have to figure out where they belong later on.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
I normally feel in control, but Molly did a little hijacking with Of Spells and Fur. I had a plan then she went, "but what if . . ." and I ended up loving the direction things went. It ended up giving me extra work and having to scrap some scenes that I'd originally written, but I do feel like the story is stronger and more character-focused with the change.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I try to read whenever possible, but I admit that I don't always get to read as much as I'd like. My favorite genre is the urban/contemporary/modern fantasy genre because I love seeing magic and the paranormal world brought into the regular world.

Do you believe in writer's block?
I am a full believer in writer's block, but I also think it's important to not let it be an excuse. When writer's block strikes, I throw myself into creating playlists or graphics to reawaken that excitement for the story and hear the characters' voices again. It's almost always successful, and usually, when it isn't, I realize there's a structural or plot problem that needs to be addressed before I can keep going with the story.

Advice they would give to new authors?
Write the story you want to read. It might not always be the most current or in-demand story, but I think it's more important to be passionate about what you're writing than going with what you think will sell or get the most readers. Someone's waiting for your story so why disappoint them by turning out what everyone else is doing?

Of Spells and Fur
by Valerie Evans
November 19, 2020
214 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

As the only known survivor of a horrific massacre years earlier, Molly Hastings has rebuilt her life as a dedicated member of the Anberlin sentries. It's her job to protect and police the supernatural citizens who call the town home, but the discovery of several bodies has put everyone on edge with no suspect in sight.

Further complicating matters are a call from the home she left behind and the sudden arrival of a werewolf motorcycle club with ties to her past. An unexpected ally is found with Parker Hayes, a hunter facing down his own demons and searching for a future not based in bloodshed, who inspires feelings she hasn't felt in years.

Amidst the clash between her past and present, Molly finds herself questioning everything she knows about not only those she's meant to protct but the Sentries themselves. Could everything she's been taught be a lie, and if it is, can she protect those she cares about?


Excerpt
Another body had been found. 

Molly Hastings balanced on her heels as she knelt beside the pale corpse of a woman who looked in her late twenties, fingers checking for a pulse in her neck that she had no expectation of finding. It was impossible to live through having most of the stomach ripped out along with one side of the face clawed to the bone, though procedure dictated she make an effort to find one before officially announcing the woman dead; however, she’d barely withdrawn her fingers when she heard her partner’s voice behind her, giving directions for their location. 

“It looks like the other ones we found out this way. Yeah, you’re gonna wanna send one of just about everythin’ we got,” Jeremy was saying as she pushed herself up. 

A couple steps were taken back from the body to inspect the ground around it, noting the minor signs of a struggle, but again, she felt no real surprise. A creature the size of what they expected wouldn’t have allowed for much resistance. “We’ll wait.” 

Stepping away from the body, she inspected the surrounding trees and grass for a sign of where the creature had gone yet only wound up with more questions. It hadn’t been a clean kill which meant blood had ended up anywhere and everywhere so it was one giant guessing game. An occasional bloody footprint, tipped in claws, would mark the ground yet their pattern was too inconsistent to draw a full idea of what kind of path the thing had followed, though she was certain it had enjoyed the kill immensely. 

The crunch of Jeremy’s boots turned her attention back to him while he tucked the phone into his pocket. “They’re about thirty off since they were already lookin’. You got a guess about what happened?” 

A droll look was sent his way before Molly informed him, “It’s not difficult to see what happened, Hayes. Only one thing is going to shred like that without eating its kill, and you know what it is as well as I do because we’ve both seen them before.”

About the Author

Instagram-Bookbub
Valerie Evans is a modern fantasy addict living in Georgia who finally took the plunge to self-publish her first novel after nearly seven years. She is the author of The Anberlin Chronicles series and the forthcoming Wolves of Worsham series. In her free time, she likes to read all genres with a focus on fantasy, entertain her very clingy dog, and collect Funkos pops plus journals.

Giveaway 
$20 Amazon 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Happy Thankskilling, Thankskilling 3, and Thankskilling the Musical

It's that time of year again! 
There isn't just one Thankskilling movie. There is a Thankskilling 3! You might be wondering about Thankskilling 2. From what I found it does exist on paper, BUT there is a Thankskilling Musical!
You're welcome...
🦃Happy Thanksgiving🦃



Check out a couple song snippets...


Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Double Book Review: Shadow Fae (Dark Fae: Extinction Book 1) by Quinn Blackbird + giveaway

Shadow Fae (Dark Fae: Extinction Book 1) 
by Quinn Blackbird
October 27, 2020
129 pages
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance 
A lone, brutal fae warrior.
A lost, wounded human ...
and desires so forbidden they must be fought.

Fans of LAURA THALASSA, C.N. CRAWFORD and JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT will love this dark, apocalypse-driven series.

The world was plunged into eternal darkness, riddled by plagues and famines. Then when most of humanity had fallen, they came to finish us off.
The dark fae, brutal warriors of myth, came to kill the last of the humans in this new, dark world.

I'm Coralie - I'm not brave, I'm desperate, so I won't go down without a fight ... if I can stomach it, that is.

This is a novella rapid-release series for KU. For purchase-to-read, please check out the box set which is the full collection of the whole series, available on pre-order now.
**Only .99 cents!!** 

KD's review
Getting 4 Sheep
As a spin-off goes, this one was really fun and super exciting to read. I had no knowledge of the ongoing series, but now I want to check it out. Hands down, a fantastic 126 page read that left me hot and bothered yet wanting more! 

My one and only issue here was something so silly it's almost weird I even say anything. If you've watched my fav fang bangers of True Blood, you may recall when our leading lady Sookie Stackhouse meets her vampire man. He tells her so seductively that his vampire sexy ass name is.....Bill. Which is like, uh what now? That's how I felt about the leading guy in this one. His name is Cliff. Which for me was "meh". 

Aside from his vanilla name, I really enjoyed this one. 

Bianca Greenwood
Four Sheep
The rapid release novella series Dark Fae: Extinction is a spinoff of Quinn Blackbird’s Dark Fae series. This universe situates humankind in a post-apocalyptic landscape where they are hunted by the terrifyingly merciless dark fae. Small bands of survivors scramble to stay one step ahead of their predators while also combatting plague and starvation.

The first installment features Coralie, an antihero and unlikely survivor. She’s part of a ragtag band of human survivors squatting in abandoned flats in France. Scavenging for food and supplies, survival is number one and never assured. Coralie has a poor-little-rich-girl vibe, having experienced all the luxuries life has to offer except the elusive state of happiness. She flies under the radar, being just useful enough to justify her place in the group, but unassuming enough to avoid a leadership role. On the surface, she lacks the skills to be a true survivor, however, her instincts, luck, and nothing left to lose attitude keeps her alive.

Dark Fae: Extinction is an enemies-to-lovers romance. The first installment is light on the romance, heavy on the enemies. I typically steer clear of post-apocalyptic tales, especially this year, however, I liked this story. It’s dark and gory, but I think Coralie has great potential as a gritty, unapologetic main character. This rapid release novella format is intriguing and I’m looking forward to reading subsequent installments in this series, all of which are available on KU.

Dark Skies (Dark Fae: Extinction Book 2) 
Dark Days (Dark Fae Extinction Book 3) 
**Get the box set at a discounted $3.49 bundle deal!!** 

About the Author

Quinn Blackbird loves an anti-hero.
All of her villains stay submerged in 'dark', so expect little redemption. She thinks them up over hot coffees and warm cups of tea on the porch.
When not writing, Quinn is either tackling a new face mask or snuggling with a book on the couch with her two pups.
After living in Scotland most of her life, Quinn then moved around the world writing for a few years, visiting distant family. Though she loved Australia the most--only in summer!--she has decided to put down some roots in Paris once everything has settled down.

Giveaway 
Your name in a book!, $10 Amazon Gift Card - 1 winner each 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! 

Book Review: Wolf Untamed (SWAT Book 11) by Paige Tyler

Wolf Untamed (SWAT Book 11)
by Paige Tyler
November 24, 2020
Print length: 304 pages
Updating suggestion…

The guys in the Special Wolf Alpha Team (SWAT) are hotter than ever.

SWAT werewolf Diego Martinez was on a mission to save lives when he walked into the hostage situation—he didn't expect to find a newly turned teenage werewolf and the kid's fiercely protective mother. For Bree Harlow and her son, Brandon, Diego is a godsend, and not just because he saved the day.

Bree has spent the years since her divorce trying to do her best by Brandon. But lately the boy who used to tell her everything has been keeping secrets. In the face of all the bizarre things happening at home, there's something about Diego that Bree can't resist—especially when he's able to explain Brandon's new abilities.

But the hostage incident was just the start in a wave of violence that no one can explain, and when Bree and Brandon are caught in the middle, Diego will do everything in his power to protect the family he wants as his own.

"SWAT is hot hot hot!"—Kerrelyn Sparks, New York Times bestselling author

"Paige Tyler's SWAT series hits all the right marks, blending steamy paranormal fantasy with modern-day realism."—Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author

Eleven books in and Paige Tyler has not lost the magic with the SWAT series! There’s a character for every reader and then some!

SWAT member Diego finally gets his own book! Diego can read hostile situations better than his teammates, and he has a knack for being able to talk down most of the dangerous people he comes across. It is what makes him essential as the team’s negotiator. And it is how he meets Bree and her teenage son.

Diego and Bree made such a good couple. I loved how grounded both characters were and how both were naturally nurturing and caring of each other and of Brandon, who happens to be a werewolf. Diego helped Brandon transition into his new life as a beta, all while he was falling for Bree and helping his SWAT team deal with an increasing number of calls for help kept the book at a brisk, intense, and interesting pace. There’s a buildup to something bigger in the plot, and I’m excited to see where this new threat takes these characters and the series.

Wolf Untamed is the first SWAT book to have the influence of the spin-off STAT series woven throughout it and it made a difference. The influence is subtle, but it’s there, and I like the fact that there could be cross overs and team-ups in either series. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the shocking discoveries made a few books back has opened up the SWAT team’s world to a whole new realm of possibilities and threats. And potential mates. It will be interesting to see if any of the remaining SWAT members get paired up with an unusual mate.

All in all, I would say that Wolf Untamed keeps longtime fans interested while getting new fans excited for what’s to come. Can the book be read as a standalone? Sure. But this series deserves to be read from the beginning and in order for maximum enjoyment.

Reviews of books 1-10

Rating: 4 sheep





Adria @ Adria’s Musings and Reviews
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About the Author:
Website Facebook Twitter 
Goodreads
Paige graduated from The University of West Florida with a degree in education in 2000, but decided to pursue a full-time career as a writer in 2004. Since then, she’s written over fifty books in several genres, including paranormal, contemporary, western, sci-fi and erotica. She loves writing about strong, sexy, alpha males and the feisty, independent women who fall for them. From verbal foreplay to sexual heat, her stories of romance, adventure, suspense, passion and true love will leave you breathlessly panting for more. 

She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their adorable fur baby (also known as their dog). Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them.

When not working on her latest book, Paige enjoys reading, jogging, P90X, Yoga, Pilates, going to the beach, watching NFL football, watching movies and hanging out with her husband (not necessarily in that order!)

Monday, November 23, 2020

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight A Suspense Magazine Anthology + giveaway

THE SHOCKING STORY BEHIND “CELL PHONE INTOLERANT” 
By Kevin O’Brien

“I am not worthy!” 

That was the first thing that went through my head when the wonderful folks at Suspense Magazine asked if I’d like to write a short story for their thriller anthology edited by Jeffery Deaver, NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT.

They mentioned that the other authors writing tales of terror for the anthology would be Linwood Barclay, Joseph Badal, Rhys Bowen, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Shannon Kirk, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

I make a pretty good living as an author. When people ask me what I do, I tell them: “I write scary thrillers, the kind where someone says at some point, ‘The call came from inside the house!’” If I’m with a friend when such an inquiry is made regarding my occupation, I depend on them to pipe up: “He’s a New York Times Bestselling Author.” That’s what friends are for.

At the same time, I suffer from imposture syndrome whenever I’m on a panel or lumped together with a group of big name thriller writers. I remember being on a panel with one of the aforementioned authors and some other heavy hitters, and as we were being introduced, I thought: “I’m going to make an ass out of myself in front of these superstar authors.” I imagined audience members asking each other later: “Who was that author who was babbling incoherently and then fainted?”

So, I was pretty flattered—but intimidated—to be on this list of authors. I wasn’t sure what kind of story to write for NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT. Then it dawned on me. Amid all the tales of terror woven by suspense experts in this anthology, I could do something kind amusing—with mild suspense and a little O. Henry twist in the finale.

So I went out for a walk, hoping for inspiration to strike.

But I live in a very trendy neighborhood of Seattle. So instead of being inspired during my constitutional, I was just frustrated at having to step aside for all the cell phone absorbed idiots who didn’t know how to share the sidewalk with others. In one busy block, I passed about sixty people—some walking alone, some in pairs, some walking dogs and some in groups. All of them were looking at their phones. I didn’t pass a single person without a phone. I was the only one. It was very Orwellian. I started to laugh. And it was okay to laugh insanely, because no was looking up from their phone to notice me.

I think this is what’s happening in most big cities—and in Seattle, especially, because of all the techies who live here. Unfortunately, that just increases the odds of running into rude cell phone users.

He’s in the men’s room, talking on the phone while at the urinal next to me. She’s in a movie theater, texting in front of me during a very emotional moment of the film. He’s twittering while walking his dog and letting the leash stretch across the entire sidewalk so I can’t pass. She’s a millennial mom on a crowded sidewalk, blithely pushing her child in a stroller as if it were a battering ram while she gazes down at her phone. He’s shirtless in a locker room, taking a selfie in the mirror by the showers while I’m there toweling off. And that’s not even taking into account all of the people who text and drive.

The locker room incident really happened to me not long before Suspense Magazine contacted me about writing a story for NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT. I remember confronting Mr. Selfie: “Do you mind not doing that? I have no clothes on…”

“I’m not taking your picture!” the guy countered.

“There are signs everywhere saying you’re not supposed to be using cell phones in here.”

The guy looked at me as if I were utterly insane.

I thought about that incident while I was out on my constitutional, dodging so many cell phone users on the sidewalk. It occurred to me: Wouldn’t it be great if you could invent a device that would shock a rude cell phone user—and put their phone out of commission?

That was the inspiration for my short story, Cell Phone Intolerant.

And I have to admit, writing the story was quite therapeutic. I was also somewhat inspired by a classic old Twilight Zone episode starring Burgess Meredith as a myopic bookworm, “Time Enough at Last,” written by Rod Serling (from a short story by Lynn Venable).

In fact, when I read an advance copy of NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT, I felt like I was reveling in a marathon of Twilight Zone classics I’d never seen before. My fellow authors have helped create a wonderful smorgasbord of suspense. I hope my Cell Phone Intolerant is worthy of a place among these brilliant stories.

So, call a friend and tell them about NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT. Just be careful where you use your cell phone.


Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
A Suspense Magazine Anthology

November 17, 2020
338 pages
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Edited by Jeffery Deaver
with stories by Jeffery Deaver, Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D.P. Lyle, Kevin O' Brien, Hank Phillippi Ryan

The sun sets. The moon takes its place, illuminating the most evil corners of the planet. What twisted fear dwells in that blackness? What legends attach to those of sound mind and make them go crazy in the bright light of day? Only Suspense Magazine knows…

Teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Suspense Magazine offers up a nail-biting anthology titled: “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” This thrilling collection consists of thirteen original short stories representing the genres of suspense/thriller, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and more.

Readers’ favorites come together to explore the mystery of midnight. The ‘best of the best’ presenting these memorable tales, include: Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle, Kevin O’Brien, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Take their hands…walk into their worlds…but be prepared to leave the light on when you’re through. After all, this incredible gathering of authors, who will delight fans of all genres, not only utilized their award-winning imaginations to answer that age-old question of why “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight”—they also made sure to pen stories that will leave you…speechless.

Contents: 
INTRODUCTION By Jeffery Deaver 
12:01 AM By Alan Jacobson 
Cell Phone Intolerant by Kevin O’Brien 
All Aboard by Hank Phillippi Ryan 
Gone Forever by Joseph Badal 
Night Shift by Linwood Barclay 
Midnight in the Garden of Death by Heather Graham 
The Sixth Decoy by Paul Kemprecos 
A Creative Defense By Jeffery Deaver 
After Midnight By Rhys Bowen 
Easy Peasey by John Lescroart 
TONIC by D. P. Lyle 
Tonight is the Night by Shannon Kirk 
ATM By Jon Land 
Review From Publisher's Weekly:
Most of the 13 all-original tales in this superlative anthology are unified by strange or unpleasant incidences occurring after the stroke of midnight. In contrast, Alan Jacobson’s thrilling “12:01 AM,” about a kidnapper patterning himself after a serial killer on death row, defies the perception that nothing good happens after midnight, as does John Land’s “ATM,” a redemption tale of a young man sent on a series of vague quests to improve people’s lives. Of special distinction are Linwood Barclay’s sublime nail-biter, “Night Shift,” about a newspaperman trying to stop a late-night caller from going on a killing spree, and Kevin O’Brien’s “Cell Phone Intolerant,” a darkly amusing vigilante tale of an anti–cell phone zealot whose crusade to punish inconsiderate people has shocking repercussions. Other standouts include Heather Graham’s disquieting spine-chiller, “Midnight in the Garden of Death,” in which high schoolers spend the night in a cemetery, and Deaver’s supernatural gothic, “A Creative Defense,” which underscores the power of music. This volume is guaranteed to keep readers burning the midnight oil well into the wee hours.
Goodreads-Amazon
Additional Praise:
“Something very good happens after midnight…just pick up this brilliant book and be transported—and very afraid!”
—Peter James, UK #1 Bestselling Author of the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace Series

“NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT is a treat—dark, chilling, and delicious. Grab it.”
—Meg Gardiner, Edgar Award-Winning Author of The Dark Corners of the Night

“NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT proves that the witching hour still has the power to haunt in this suspenseful collection of stories by luminaries in the literary world. Inventive, twisted, and downright chilling, here is an anthology to be savored—well past midnight and into the dead of night.”
—James Rollins, #1 New York Times Bestseller of The Last Odyssey

“This anthology showcases some of the best talent in the thriller genre—or in any genre. Whether quirky or creepy, each story displays the talent and uniqueness of its author. And since all are so good, this collection is a delightful read.”
—Sandra Brown, #1 New York Times Bestseller of Thick as Thieves

“If you like intrigue and suspense, you’ll love this salmagundi of tense tales from some of today’s short story masters. This book is guaranteed to keep you awake until midnight and beyond.”
—Steven James, Bestselling Author of The Bowers Files

“Nothing Good Happens After Midnight is loads of fun. The stories from this lineup of all-star authors are a blast to read, with plenty of neck-snapping twists and heart-stopping thrills that will keep you turning pages way past the title’s witching hour.”
—Boyd Morrison, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“Readers rarely get a gift such as this—a superb collection from the giants of mystery and suspense.”
—Robert Dugoni, Bestselling Author of the Tracy Crosswhite Series

“Midnight is the magic switch. Safe becomes dangerous, good becomes evil, quiet turns raucous. When the clock strikes twelve in NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT, a talented crew of writers unleashes a maelstrom of thrills so intense, you will never sleep again. Unputdownable!”
—K.J. Howe, International Bestselling Author of SKYJACK

“NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT is a treasure chest of novelties, curiosities and gems. From Kevin O’Brien’s ‘Cell Phone Intolerant’ to Shannon Kirk’s ‘Tonight is the Night’ and Jon Land’s surprisingly heartfelt ‘ATM,’ you’ll never step outside at night in quite the same way.”
—Joseph Finder, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Nick Heller Series

About the Authors
**scroll through the slideshow to find out more about the authors!!** 


Giveaway 
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