Tag Archives: thriller

New Pre-Order: ‘Far Out’ (Thriller) by Khaled Talib

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**Check out the cover for the upcoming release Far Out!**

Far Out

by Khaled Talib

Genre: Thriller

Screenwriter Blake Deco’ s life is upended when his Hollywood movie-star wife, Goldie Saint Helen, comes out of a coma after a car accident with a makeshift identity. Her lawyers see her condition as an opportunity to swindle her.

“The action is addictive.” – Josie Brown, author of the Housewife Assassin’s Handbook series.

“The twists and turns are shocking and fun and endlessly surprising.” – Haris Orkin, award-winning author of The James Flynn Escapade series.

“In FAR OUT, Khaled Talib weaves together a unique premise, a likable heroine with a 60’s vibe, and a twisty, satisfying narrative to give the reader a fun ride.”

— Dennis Palumbo, author of the Daniel Rinaldi mysteries.

**Preorder Now – Releases Jan 2, 2024!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Khaled Talib is a former journalist with local and international exposure. His articles have been published and syndicated to newspapers worldwide, and his short stories have appeared in literary journals and magazines. Khaled is a member of the International Thriller Writers. He resides in Singapore.

He has authored four thrillers since 2014. His next novel, Far Out, will be released in 2024 by Running Wild Press in California.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Book Review: ‘Run Girl Run’ By Willow Rose (Thriller/Mystery) 3.5 Stars

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Willow RoseThank you to Silver Dagger Book Tours for my free copy, in exchange for my honest review. I must say, I did enjoy this mystery/ thriller overall, but I did guess the plot twist a bit early (I’m sorry!)… no spoilers though, and the cliff- hanger  ending left me a little unsatisfied! But here’s what I did enjoy.

Book blurb

Willow Rose’s beloved detective, Harry Hunter is back in this thrilling second installment of the bestselling series.

When a mother and her child are pulled out of the harbor in their car, the case seems pretty straightforward for Miami PD and Detective Harry Hunter.

Everything points to a murder-suicide.

They were homeless, living in their car, and the mother decided to end it all for them both by driving into the water.

But the case is not what it looks like, Detective Harry Hunter soon realizes.

Harry’s daughter is carrying devastating knowledge about their deaths, and soon she becomes the killer’s next target.

As Harry races to protect her, he is betrayed by someone he thought he knew, leaving him terrified of trusting anyone in a town filled with liars.

RUN GIRL RUN is the second book in the Harry Hunter Mystery Series.

 

Kim’s Review 3.5 Enjoyable Stars

Okay so the blurb had me from the get go and so did the genre, this is a fast-paced story, I enjoyed the fact that it moved, and there was not too much hanging around.  I enjoyed the author’s writing style and slickness with it too. I also enjoyed that each chapter seemed to end on that classic, ‘OMG what’s going to happen next’  thriller vibe!  I loved it and I read quickly.

We follow the story of  what appears to be a suicide, but is actually a murder. This murder twists into a tale linked to  Detective Hunter himself, his wife and daughter. No spoilers…. I found this interesting reading, and also very surprising as the author touches on organ donation, and how  the life of a donor can impact the recipient of the organ.  I liked how overall the plot meshed together, to that ‘ahhh okay’ point. The plot is good,  and enjoyable to read I was glued, but I guessed a twist  before it happened e.g who really should be the focus, regarding the ‘suicide’ that’s really a murder.  That said, it’s still enjoyable as more happens.

I enjoyed the characters, but I found them a little bit 2D instead of 3D – I have no idea what anyone looks like, and I didn’t really get very close to how they felt about everything that was happening. I would have loved if the characters were as well rounded, as the pace and speed of the plot- but that’s me personally. I love to really visualise and understand the people in the pages.

The ending does leave you hanging, so if you enjoy this you will for sure pick up the next in the series. Personally, I like an ending especially in this genre… I’m sorry to say, the cliffhanger is a cool one, but  left me a little unhappy with it! (Sad face).

Overall I do recommend this series as a first time reader of this author’s work, if you like fast paced, mystery /thriller /crime plots and don’t mind cliffhangers, as opposed to a conclusion on ‘who-dun-it.’ 3.5 stars from me! But hell, I would read more from this author.

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this review, with a hella-lot-a lovely five star reviews!! Jump in thriller lovers.

Hot New Crime/Thriller Series 0.99 Cent! + $20.00 Giveaway By Christer Tholin! #amreading

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Guilty?
Stockholm Sleuth Series Book 4
by Christer Tholin
Genre: Mystery Crime Thriller
Stockholm: From one day to the next, 16-year old Hanna just vanishes without a trace. Her worried parents hire detectives Lars and Elin to find their daughter. The two of them do just that and very quickly. However, Hanna’s problems are far from over – she is trapped in the clutches of a “loverboy”. Just a couple of months later, the two private detectives are asked to help once again, because now Hanna is facing a much more serious issue. This difficult assignment pushes everyone involved to their limits …
GUILTY? is the fourth, standalone book from Christer Tholin’s Stockholm Sleuth Series.
 
If you like fast-paced action and surprising twists and turns, then you will love Christer Tholin’s sleuth series. 
 
Buy GUILTY? to see how this suspenseful case is solved! 
Murder?
Stockholm Sleuth Series Book 3
Christina’s idyllic existence with her husband Patrik comes to an abrupt end when Patrik suddenly vanishes from their suburban home in Stockholm. Christina is precipitated into a hellishly desperate and anguished search for Patrik – which after six weeks turns up nary a trace of him.
At her wits end, she contacts local sleuths Lars and Elin, who, after a brief investigation, reach the conclusion that Patrik simply decided to abandon his cushy existence to embark on a new life –without Christina.
Lars and Elin ultimately trace Patrik’s movements to the wooded wilds of northern Sweden, but too late – he’s found dead. The police rule his death an accident, but Christina thinks otherwise – and so she asks Lars and Elin to do a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding Patrik’s demise. Was his death really accidental, or was foul play involved? And was the mysterious Natalia somehow implicated?
Unfortunately, none of the countless leads that Lars and Elin follow up gets them any closer to solving the mystery of Patrik’s death. But then they get a startling break that results in Christina having to make a tricky and extremely consequential decision that plunges our three protagonists into a life or death struggle.
MURDER? is the third, standalone book from Christer Tholin’s Stockholm Sleuth Series.
If you like fast-paced action and surprising twists and turns, then you will love Christer Tholin’s sleuth series. 
**On Sale for .99 cents May 20-27**
Secrets?
Stockholm Sleuth Series Book 2
“Dammit! She’d made a huge mistake. She’d never make it out of here – they were going to kill her.”
In the crime novella SECRETS?, fledgling private investigator Elin Bohlander takes on what looks like an easy assignment — at first: to determine if her client’s boyfriend is having an affair with another woman. To do this, Elin follows him to a secluded cabin in the woods, where she soon discovers that what’s actually transpiring is stranger than anyone thought. Having ventured too far, she’s stumbled upon a hornet’s nest and put her life at risk. But it’s too late. Can Elin win the unequal fight against a gang of brutal child molesters?
SECRETS? is the second, standalone book from Christer Tholin’s Stockholm Sleuth Series. In the previous novel VANISHED?, Elin and her colleague Lars solve their first case together.
If you like fast-paced action and surprising twists and turns, then you will love Christer Tholin’s sleuth series.
**On Sale for .99 cents May 20-27**
Vanished?
Stockholm Sleuth Series Book 1
She: a very hot 30 something Swedish woman. He: a native of Berlin, on vacation in rural Sweden, seeking solace for his broken heart. They meet. He finds her irresistible. But before their relationship can get off the ground, she vanishes mysteriously, having apparently been abducted. So Martin sets out to rescue Liv from her captors, with the aid of two Swedish detectives in a race against time – and across Sweden. In so doing, Martin and his intrepid detective duo put their very lives on the line.
VANISHED? is the first book in the Stockholm Sleuth Series and where we meet the two private investigators, Elin and Lars. If you like fast action and surprising twists, then you’ll love Christer Tholin’s Swedish crime novels.
 
Get VANISHED? today, and join the hunt across Sweden!
The second English edition was edited and partially retranslated by Doreen Zeitvogel and is an improved version in all aspects.
**On Sale for .99 cents May 20-27**
The author grew up in the North of Germany, Schleswig-Holstein. Today, he lives together with his family in Stockholm, Sweden, where he works as a management consultant.
Already for ages he has been a great fan of crime stories and therefore, had the desire to write his own crime story with the characters acting in Sweden. This crime-fiction is now available under the title “Vanished?”.
The crime novel starts at a slower pace – like Martin’s holidays, but the tension goes up more and more. It comes to a number of surprising turns giving new impulses to the story. Apart from that, the lovely country Sweden is described with the view of a foreigner.
$20 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
 

 

Meet The Author: L. J Kane Thriller, Suspense Author + First Chapter Sample FREE #amreading #thriller

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It’s the 25th of the month , I am honoured to feature another British thriller & suspense author. Mrs… yes Mrs L.J Kane. She’s one of those mystery authors that like to keep their gender in question I’m assuming, with initial usage. Reminds me of another certain household name British female author. Let’s get to know L. J’s style….

Hello nice to meet you! Tell us a bit about you where are you from and other than writing what else do you enjoy?

Hello. I’m L.J. Kane, the author of Snatch Girl, the shocking, fast-paced, kidnap thriller released in April 2017.

I live in the UK with my husband, and I love learning about the Earth Sciences. I dream of seeing the Northern Lights, but my fear of flying has stopped this ambition being realised, but it is still on my bucket list. My interests are diverse: geology, country walking, painting, and watching movies. And reading, of course!

How did you start writing? What was your inspiration to create?

About twenty years ago, I wrote the very first draft of Snatch Girl (it was untitled back then, and Darren Broderick was the only recognisable character in it). I read the first few chapters to a friend who loved it, and when I met up with her, about 5 years later, she asked me whether I’d written more, she liked it that much. So, I guess I knew then, that I’d be an author. It just took twenty years to take the plunge and bring Snatch Girl to life.

I love people-watching, overhearing conversations on the bus, dreaming up exciting plots while waiting in traffic, and while walking the dogs. I am having so much fun with my novels, and it’s because I’ve always believed in myself, that I have finally become an author after procrastinating for twenty years!

I live with my husband who’s a great soundboard, full of encouragement, and great ideas. Between us, we have met many unusual characters over the years, people with extraordinary lives from whom I can derive lots of inspiration.

Kim: Twenty years??? Wowzers….  Twenty years ago I was just fourteen. It’s rude to ask a lady her age, but I  guess you’re a mature lady. Welcome ma’am pleasure to have you here.

Who is your favourite author, is there anyone out there that inspires you?

Stephen King. His books just hook me in, even if I don’t feel like reading. I also read his book ‘On Writing’ and it really helped me focus on my own project, but I still can’t bring myself to read the axe scene in ‘Misery’.

Kim: He is such a great writer, I agree. 

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I love reading (and writing) thrillers. The genre is exiting, fast-paced, and you can explore a range of emotions. I love movies and novels that keep you glued to the screen and to the page, with thrills all the way through. What I like most of all, is to finish reading a great book, and then start the book all over again!

Kim: I hear ya!

Are you a “plotter” or a fly by the seat of your pants “pantster” as a writer?

I prefer to outline the novel first, and then plot each chapter, so I know where it’s heading. Snatch Girl started out as a ‘write and see’ type of novel, but I had to reign it in pretty quickly for the re-write, so I guess I’m a ‘plotter’!

Kim: Salute, me too your approach is the same as mine. It’s nice to connect with another plotter, most MTA features have all been pansters.

What are you working on now? What will you release next?

I have three thrillers in the pipeline! I am currently writing the first draft of a thriller mystery set in the UK where the witness to a murder becomes the target, and the other two novels are scary psychological thrillers, exploring the dark side of human nature, which I have plotted, and can’t wait to start.

Kim: Lawd! These have “Kim’s read” all over them, please let me know when they are released I’d love to read them both.

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So… where can we get your books?

Snatch Girl is available as an ebook and paperback worldwide on Amazon: http://amzn.com/0995627312

http://amzn.eu/gztq2JU

I’m also considering opening up Snatch Girl to other online retailers soon.

Kim: great, I’ve got my copy 🙂

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

It’s amazing how much research goes into a novel. Things you think you know well seem to take on another level and suddenly, you’re researching little things, like how to apply butterfly stitches, and what the hell does an animal trap look like anyway? I spent many happy holidays in and around Dartmoor in Devon, so I didn’t need to research the landscape for Snatch Girl, but I did need to brush up on my knowledge of hypodermic needles!

Kim: I’m so glad you feel this way, I think in our genre because of the level of detail in things like police involvement, ways to …err, well ya know kill people or personality disorders /traits we give characters the really sick ones,  research is needed. Can’t afford to brush over certain things in this genre, the story will lose its edge and gritty feeling. 

What was your hardest scene to write?

With Snatch Girl, I found that the scenes just flowed, and amazingly, the scariest parts were the easiest! I think it helped that I had all of the characters firmly drawn in my mind, and knew just how they would react to each scenario. The hardest scene was where Ellie faced Braddon alone.

Kim: Great job!

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Once I’d dusted off the original manuscript, it took me about 6-7 months to finish Snatch Girl. I could write a first draft in about two months, as long as I don’t flick over to edit mode…

Kim: haha … hmmm.

What’s your favourite movie?

My favourite movies of all time are, ‘Vanishing Point’ and ‘Get Carter’ from 1971. Vanishing Point has a surreal edge to it; a gritty film so different from the modern day, with a nod to escapism that I love. In one particular scene, the filmmakers overlaid a violent attack with gentle music, which stressed the poignancy of the scene, and changed the mood of the film.

Kim: Okay… I wasn’t even conceived then, I’m sure my mum was still partying the night away in 1971. Sounds like a good movie though.

What music do you like?

I like music from across most genres, so I don’t have a particular favourite. I enjoy Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Boy George, and also Don Williams, Abba, David Bowie, Adam Ant… and I love classical too!

Kim: Adam Ant haha, my older sister loved him. My mum told me she’d wear the stripes on her face too.

Tell us about how you develop your characters?

I create backgrounds for each of my characters, with jobs, relationships, and a reason for their hang-ups and flaws. I wanted the characters to be as natural as possible, so that they would react, as any of us would, to the situations in which they find themselves.

Kim: I think I’m going to enjoy your work after hearing that. 🙂

Which one of your characters is your favourite and why?

It has to be the star of Snatch Girl, Ellie, the kidnap victim we follow right through to the end. We have been at her side throughout her ordeal, and I really felt her emotions as I dragged her through nightmare situation after situation. I guess I have to feel sorry for her, maybe even a little guilty!

And that’s a wrap, it has been a pleasure to speak with another British author in this great genre. I’ve even got readers an excerpt, the first whole chapter from Snatch Girl... you lucky things you. I’ve read it, I like L. J’s style I look forward to reading the full novel. Download below click the link:

LJ Kane – Snatch Girl – Sample Chapter 1

 

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Girl missing. What if you’re with her all the way to the end…if it ends…? Will Ellie survive? Would you?

Snatched from her sadistic captor’s lair by his own getaway driver, eighteen-year-old student Ellie realises that she’s still kidnapped. As the enigmatic Darren Broderick drives off into the night with the terrified girl beside him, the sadistic Jon Braddon is not far behind.

Thrown together, on opposing sides, Darren and Ellie must stay one step ahead of Braddon’s twisted mind, and Ellie must resist Darren’s Aussie charms to the end. Darren Broderick needs the ransom, Braddon needs a victim. And he will fight to the death to get her back.

The shocking, fast-paced, suspense thriller that will hook you from the very first line.

 

Connect With Author L. J Kane:

Blog:                                    http://www.ljkaneauthor.wordpress.com/blog

 

Website:                              http://www.ljkaneauthor.wordpress.com

 

Goodreads:                        https://goodreads.com/L_J_Kane_Author

 

LibraryThing:                    https://www.librarything.com/author/kanelj

 

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monthly features

 

 

 

Meet The Best Selling Thriller / Mystery Author- Kristina Stanley!! #amreading #thriller #mystery

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Kristina Stanley Author Photo.jpgIt’s the 25th of the month, taking centre stage we have another great author, a best selling one at that all the way from Canada! I’m thrilled to have her here let’s not waste anytime, let’s get into it and learn Kristina’s style….

Hello nice to meet you! Tell us a bit about you where are you from and other than writing what else do you enjoy?

Hi Kim,

Thanks for having me.  I currently live in British Colombia, Canada and am avid skier and sailor, but writing is my passion.

I write the Stone Mountain Mystery series. DESCENT, BLAZE, and AVALANCHE are published by Imajin Books. LOOK THE OTHER WAY, my latest novel, was released August 1st.

Kim: Nice to have you here ma’am.

How did you start writing? What was your inspiration to create?

Late one night in Unteruhldingen, Germany I was reading MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU by Mary Higgins Clark. The opening—a woman trapped in a grave. Darkness and silence surround her, and she doesn’t know where she is. I can still see her fingers clawing at the edges of the coffin.

Tucked in my bed, I knew a driver would arrive at 4 a.m. to carry me to the Zurich airport for a flight to London, England. The sensible thing to do was sleep. But I couldn’t. I turned pages until the car arrived. I was exhausted, bleary eyed and excited. At that moment I knew I wanted to write something that forced a person to read and to forget about life for a while.

When I finally started my first novel, I’d been living in a ski resort for five years. Skiing is one of my passions and seemed the obvious topic.

Kim: wow, it’s so great when you find a writer that does that to you. I had  the same experience, the first romantic suspense I ever read was by Jackie Collins. Them pages turned, and Lord knows I was way too young to be reading about that kind of stuff... here I am over ten years later writing that genre. This is great to hear.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I’m addicted to mysteries. I read one or two a week.

Are you a “plotter” or a fly by the seat of your pants “pantster” as a writer?

I am so a “panster.” I spent years developing spread sheets to help me rewrite my drafts so they were structurally sound. Finally I got so fed up with the cumbersome process that I created a company, Fictionary.co, and developed Fictionary to help me. It’s recently been released, so other writers can benefit. The goal is to help writers turn a first draft into a story readers love.

Fictionary is a game-changing online tool for fiction writers with a first draft. Fictionary guides writers through an automated, big-picture edit with a deep focus on story structure, not on the words. Think characters, plot, and settings.

Kim: yes you told me about this I remember I must go and take a look. Thanks for reminding me.

What are you working on now? What will you release next?

I’m rewriting the first draft of EVOLUTION. I’m using Fictionary to do that.  As soon as I finish, I’ll start work on the sequel. I plan to join Nanowrimo in November to get 50,000 words written.

Kim: Good luck, my Nanowrimo was a no no this time, third time lucky I hope. I’ll be joining you in November.

So… where can we get your books?

All my books are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Kristina-Stanley/e/B0106J097I

What does “success” look like to you? When would you say “damn, I’ve made it baby!”

I try for little successes rather than big ones. If I wrote 1,000 words before breakfast, that’s success. If I ran 5 kilometres after I wrote, that’s success. Did I make my husband laugh? Another success. I believe it’s the little things that make a lifetime of happiness instead of trying for that big one.

Kim: very grounded. I’d love to know how you felt the day you woke up a best selling author, honestly?

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book

You know the saying, write what you know? I believe it should be write what you love. I write about skiing, so imagine how fun it is to research that? For AVALANCHE, I spent hours with the avalanche forecaster at a ski resort.  For LOOK THE OTHER WAY, I lived on a sailboat in the Bahamas. That novel takes place – yup you guessed it – in the Bahamas on a sailboat.

Kim: Bahamas?? … Nice. I like location stories * opens up Amazon to take a look.*

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Sometimes. I’d rather take feedback from beta readers when I still have a chance to make changes. Once the book is published, there’s not much I can to. I’ll admit I read the 5 starts reviews just to make myself feel good. Who doesn’t like a little ego boost once in a while?

Kim: Guilty, in all areas. For me I guess not so much ego but knowing you did a good job.

Do you Google yourself?

I have Google alerts set up for my name.  I found out my novel, DESENT, had been released in Germany. The German version, ABWEARTS, was out on Amazon before my publisher told me it had been released. That was a fun moment.

Kim: Okay, seems like this Google alert is a winner then? Another author this month mentioned they too have an alert. *Pouts in deep thought.*

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

Having other authors as friends is tremendously important. I’ve developed friendships with authors who write in same genre as I do, so they are great people to trade beta-reading services with.

Kim: agreed, or even writing buddies.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

I can write a first draft in about three months if I write six days a week. Then it takes me another few months to rewrite and edit, and that’s before any proofreading is done. This month I’m using Fictionary for my big-picture edit of EVOLUTION. This will speed up my editing and rewriting process.

Which one of your characters is your favourite and why?

My favourite character is always the protagonist I’m currently writing.

Pick one a one time “Bestselling author” or an author with longevity what would you rather?

Longevity!  Writing makes me happy, so I want a lifetime of it!

Kim: Good answer! Same here.

And that’s a wrap people. Great to have so many authors from different parts of the world here. A real diverse month too in terms of genre. I hope you all enjoyed meeting Kristina. Connect with her below.

Author site  www.KristinaStanley.com

Twitter:         ‎@StanleyKMS

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KristinaStanley.Author/

 

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SUBMERGED BENEATH THE DEPTHS IS A SEA OF SECRETS…

A year after her Uncle Bobby mysteriously disappears in the turquoise waters surrounding the Bahamas, Shannon Payne joins her grieving aunt to trace Bobby’s last voyage. Shannon hopes the serenity of the sea might help her recover from a devastating breakup with her fiancé.

Sailing the 38-foot catamaran, A Dog’s Cat, is Captain Jake Hunter, a disillusioned cop who has sworn off women. While Shannon tries to resist her growing attraction to the rugged captain, she uncovers dark truths about her uncle’s death that might send them all to the depths.

If you’re an author and you’d like a feature contact me here.

 

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Wait.. Wait, What Day Is It Again?? It’s Release Day!! + $25.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway #newrelease #amreading #kdsuspense

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It’s release day!!! Well in the UK it is, according to Amazon The Suspenseful Collection Volume One is on sale now! I have the pleasure (and satisfaction he he), of saying this seven hours before my partner in crime. Hold onto your e-readers people… There are some excellent thrilling stories. I had a ball, picking up where Didi left off as author two, and writing the start as author one in our first anthology. No matter what I wrote, I loved every moment and I’m so proud of us both.

Don’t forget, we have a giveaway too $25.00 Amazon gift card up for grabs. At present all our books are on sale for .99p / .99$, if you grab a copy of any book on sale, before the 31st July, be sure to enter to win the gift card by clicking here.

 

 

£2.69 UK for e-book or $3.50 international

 

Blurb

A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!

Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.

It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.

Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.

George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.

Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.

Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.

Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…

Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.

Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:

In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s nothing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong femme fatale.

Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.

A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.

Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence

California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.

Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:

A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”

I’m Just Teasing… #amreading #kdsuspense

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Of all the stories I wrote with this suspenseful chick across the pound Didi, this has to be up there as one of my favourite! Never seen before, bonus story #1 Guilty As Charged, In Self Defence…. Our Catherine is quite a character, and the ending will leave you with your mouth open. 🙂

Teaser:

Monday June 1st, 2016, California Supreme Court.

In the lady’s room, I look myself over. I feel good. I take in all the minor details. The sharp fringe of my blunt bob, minimal make-up, my best well-tailored black Chanel skirt suit, sky high red bottom Christian Louboutin heels. Perfect. I feel confident I’ve got this in the bag. I was raised a strict catholic by my mom, I bow my head in prayer before I walk out. Today as confident as I feel I’ll need God on my side. The prosecution lined up a good case. Naturally they have played on her as a money grabbing whore. She was a Las Vegas showgirl, doing what she had to do before she met that bastard. That does not give her a motive for murder… I hope.

***

“All rise please. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we’re here to hear the case of Mrs. Dennessa Chevelle. On trial for the murder of Ronald Chevelle.”

I watch an officer move over to Mrs. Chevelle, and hand her a bible to place her hand on. She gives her plea of not guilty and the show begins. The prosecution swim around her like sharks. A jumped up over confident suit, with way too much hair gel takes the center stage. He tries to break her down. I clinch my jaw, as my eyes watch him prance around the court room.

“Mrs. Chevelle, is it true you were a stripper before you met your late husband?”

“No, well yes but not a stripper I was a performer in Las Vegas. That’s how we met.”

“Right, right.  A performer.”

The sarcastic chump uses quotation marks around performer, as he looks over at the jury. My anger rises.

“And how would you describe your financial situation at the time, stable? Or unstable?”

“I… I did not have much that’s true but I got by.”

All eyes rest on Mrs. Chevelle as he pushes her.

“Mrs. Chevelle, if you could please answer the question.”

A low voice leaves Mrs. Chevelle, she lowers her lashes to the ground.

“Unstable.”

“Unstable you say? Is it fair to say a man like Mr. Chevelle was desirable due to his financial status, maybe?”

The fuckin’ douche, he’s wasting no time. I get to my feet and call out to the judge.

“Objection!”

“Ms. O’Neil, please remain seated. As you were Mr. D’Costa.”

I look over at Mrs. Chevelle and hope she doesn’t fall for the trap.

“No, certainly not. How dare you assume such a thing. He was my husband, not a meal ticket!”

That-a-girl Mrs. Chevelle. I take a seat and breathe a sigh of relief. I look over at the jury. Predominantly female, excellent. I’ll let this shark paint whatever picture he wants of Mrs. Chevelle, in my defence case I’ll hit ‘em with the abused woman story and give them some shit the female jury members never got to read in Hello magazine.

***

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as you can see the prosecution has tried to paint a picture of a money grabber, a whore and a stripper.”

I move closer to the jury, and slowly walk past the stand with confidence as I talk.

“The woman you see over there in that stand, is none of these things.”

I stop for a beat in front of a female juror around Mrs. Chevelle’s age.

“You see that lady over there, she was an abused woman, mentally, physically and emotionally.”

The female juror moves her eyes over to Mrs. Chevelle, she takes a closer look at her on the stand. Right on cue, Mrs. Chevelle blows her nose into her tissue and wipes her eyes. Perfect. I watch the women in the jury stand some more. Their faces move from pinched up discomfort to shock. Beautiful. I walk back across the room to center stage, and command their attention. ….. TO BE CONTINUED!!

 

A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!

Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.

It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.

Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.

George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.

Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.

Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.

Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…

Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.

Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:

In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s nothing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong femme fatale.

Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.

A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.

Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence

California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.

Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:

A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”

 

Updated-Telling-Tales-Weekly-Challenege-Kim-&-Didi

Book Review: Aggravated Momentum by Didi Oviatt 5*

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Aggravated Momentum by [Oviatt, Didi]

A very enjoyable read! First let me start by saying, this author has a certain style of writing, it’s not just fast paced and gripping, it’s moving and will place you in the same room as the characters. Each character is portrayed via a first person POV, my personal favourite in the thriller genre. Didi Oviatt did not fail me! I was convinced by every character’s POV. Especially  our prime suspect and killer.

The Plot:

Markie finds her self surrounded by death, her nearest and dearest are dropping like flies, and no one can understand why.  Her sister Kam is also unnerved by the random killings taking place. Early on in the book we learn who the suspect is, I won’t give spoilers as I hate these myself. As I was reading I thought to myself why did the author do this, why has she given away the who-dun-it so soon?  Well, there’s a good reason, the plot thickens the murderer is connected not just to Markie, but her sister Kam and  their mother in a major way. And the suspect’s  motive is a sick one, as a reader you know more than the killer does about the past ,as the author shows you it.  There’s more than what meets the eye. Once we learn who our suspect is we take a walk in their shoes for the remaining chapters, Readers experience their sick mind and spiteful ways. We also walk in Markie, Kam and their mother’s shoes.

Each of these characters have their own issues, Markie is grieving the loss of her best friend who was murdered, Kam is in constant conflict with her role as a younger sister and how important she is to Markie, Brock Kam’s boyfriend… hummm don’t let that soft feminine exterior fool you, Evelyn Kam and Markie’s mother is a drama queen, with a LOT  of secrets and a LOT to answer for.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot, as I don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but what I will say is the plot is good, unpredictable and surprising. The ending is left open for a good chance of a part #2,I really hope that there is! I finished the last page feeling like I need more, more answers and more knowledge on what happens to Kam and Markie next.

The last time I read a thriller and felt like I was there, with the murderer in the same room was when I read Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. This is the second time. Aggravated Momentum really made me feel as though I was part of the crime scenes, and right next to the killer as they planned and plotted the next move. Just brilliant.

I’ve given this book five stars not just for the unpredictable and surprising plot, but for the writing style and flare in how the story is told, it works well, and how the author was able to write different POV’s consistently, and really well. As readers you are pulled into each character’s POV and issues. It takes a lot of talent to get this right, Didi has done it. Five well deserved stars! I will for sure read part #2… I hear on the grapevine there just might be one landing soon!

Novel #3: “In The Name of Love” Preview…. #amwriting #preview

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This week, I shared with you a little flash fiction, it was a snip-it from the current novel I’m writing. The genre is thriller! ( Yeah baby!), I introduced you to Charlotte Price- Smith the main female lead in my story. Here’s a little background on the story itself. I have named the story ” In the Name of Love.”

Charlotte, (thirty- five in the present day) has been convicted for the murder of her ex- lover’s wife five years ago. Both she and her ex-lover were on trial for the murder at the time. They both had a motive for murder. Her ex- lover   Joseph, is actually an old school friend.  She met him years later  when the affair started, he has a shady background also. He is actually one of London’s notorious drug dealers, trying to make his money and leave that life behind. He spends a lot of time between London and Amsterdam. The two go on trial.

Due to some incriminating evidence the jury leaned toward Charlotte as the guilty party. That and the fact that she is sadly, mentally ill she was diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic at the age of eighteen, but hid it well from her lover and everyone else who did not know her well, when she was in the free world.

At thirty, she’s trialled for murder, and sentenced to time in a mental institution as apposed to prison due to her mental ill health. The Judge thought she was at the time criminally insane.  Charlotte has pleaded not guilty from day one, and in fact feels she was framed by her lover.   Five years later, aged thirty -five she has a score to settle and wants to clear her name. While  fighting to have her case reopened and heard in court again,which she does manage to achieve due to advances in DNA matching five years later, she falls in love again… I won’t give away all the details. 

Readers will learn who the real murderer is….And have a some what shocking surprise!

I won’t say too much! But I will say, this is not a predictable story, the  “who-done-it” will surprise you, the character line up is diverse, and you will be transported between London, Amsterdam’s Red Light district and the Caribbean as a reader. You know me I like to keep it suspenseful, modern and engaging so I hope it will be an enjoyable story.

I’ll do another flash fiction snip-it soon so stay tuned! But for now here is the one I did earlier this week. Click here.