Dabbling in Crime, Halloween and Blogiversary

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Oh, my what a day this is for many throughout the country are celebrating a holiday. Here at Thoughts in Progress, we’re celebrating several things – the scary Halloween holiday, my thoughts on a book releasing tomorrow, and another year blogging.

The tradition of Halloween sometimes gets a bad rap when people do terrible things in celebration. But overall I think of Halloween as a fun time for young and old alike. It’s a time for children to dress up and get way more candy than they need to eat. It also a time adults can dress up and pretend without everyone thinking they’re silly.

It seems in the past few years more and more adults are dressing up and having Halloween parties, which I think is a cool thing. I mean, just think of all the scary murder mystery stories that can come from those events. And while stores are already decked out in Christmas decorations, more and more homes are decorating for Halloween and the fall season.

I know many don’t like Halloween at all and think it’s an evil time. I’m not going to talk religion with you and argue the pros and cons of it. I just like to think of today as a fun day for everyone to dress up, eat lots of candy, and not anything serious. So, I’m wishing everyone a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Next let me tell you a bit about a book that is being released tomorrow by author Shelly Reuben. It’s a fun book and I hope you’ll be sure to drop back by on Nov. 10 when Shelly will be visiting us.

◊ DABBLING IN CRIME: Death of the Violinist and Other Stories by Shelly Reuben

◊ Paperback: 230 pages

◊ Publisher: BookBaby (November 1, 2016)

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 0988418142

◊ ISBN-13: 978-0988418141

SYNOPSIS:

          During the period when Shelly Reuben was investigating arson as a private detective, she came across individuals and events that tantalized her mind and touched her heart. Add to that a vivid imagination and an indelible belief that, even if virtue does not always triumph, it will eventually manage to hobble, stumble or stride across the finish line—and you have these eleven stories.

Originally published in The Forensic Examiner and The Evening Sun. Within the pages of Dabbling in Crime, meet: • Dante No-Last-Name-No-Middle-Initial, a throwaway kid hiding under a music school staircase, with a damaged heart and the talent of a virtuoso violinist. • Wealthy, beloved Jimmy Lillyjohn, burned to death on the top floor of his mansion after a lighted cigarette falls from his fingers onto his lonely mattress. • Mountainous, mean-spirited Hilda Pomfrey, who bullies everyone in her sphere, including her tree-loving, milquetoast husband Herb. • Honorable Police Chief Joseph Steinbeck, who reluctantly participates in a library event, and is almost murdered when he is checked out as a “Human Book.” • Prosecutor Edward Nygh, who hides evidence of arson to convict the wrong man • Nygh's reluctant assistant who travels through time to revisit her past.

“There are people who are skeptical about human nature and people who have a deep trust in human nature. And a great number of people somewhere in between. How does real life deal with these different kinds of people? This question is just one of the many interesting problems which are reflected in Dabbling in Crime, Shelly Reuben’s new collection of short fiction.” Albert Ashforth. Author of The Rendition and On Edge.

This is a book that is hard to describe in just a few lines. It’s more of one of those books that you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate. It’s not a difficult book, but one that speaks to you on several levels.

Author Shelly Reuben leads you up the ladder of suspense only to quickly pull it out from under you with her skillful twists and turns. When I finished the first story, I felt like I'd been up that ladder and then crashed. Just when you know you’ve got something figured out, Reuben kicks the legs out from under you and you’re looking at things in a totally new direction.

Her characters are well-developed, colorful, and likeable. The characters have the traits of people you know or wished you knew in person. Each story is unique and delightful in its own way. Filled with humor and mystery, the stories are captivating. Once you start reading, it will be hard to put it down.

I truly believe she can write in any genre/style she wants. Her stories are a siren's call you can't resist.

Dabbling in Crime: Death of the Violinist and Other Stories by Shelly Reuben, BookBaby, @2016, ISBN: 978-0988418141, Paperback, 230 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Now we come to another year of blogging. WOW! If someone had told me back in 2009 that blogging would become such a big part of my life, I would have said they were crazy. I didn’t know anything about blogging, the internet, and very little about computers. I wish had I known or could have even imagined where blogging would take me when I wrote that first post on Oct. 31, 2009.

Had I known I would have probably put more thought into the blog theme and gotten one that I could do more with. At this point, I shudder to think what it would be like to change themes. Overall I guess I’m happy with the name and the theme. I do need to do some work with it and make it a bit easier to load and less clutter.

The thing I’m most thankful for (other than authors Elizabeth Spann Craig and Alice Alfonsi aka Cleo Coyle encouraging me to start the blog) is YOU – the one that is reading this right now. The support I have gotten from readers and authors who visit this blog is amazing. Y’all are awesome! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mere words cannot express how I feel.

Through your support I started my own virtual book tour business in June of this year – MC Book Tours. It’s fun and exciting working with authors to promote their books and with bloggers spreading the word. Thank you again for being my blogging friends.

I hope everyone has a great start to their week, a safe and happy Halloween, and a wonderful day. I’m going to close with the same puzzle I used in that first post so long again. Are you celebrating Halloween? Are you dressing up for the holiday? Want to share your favorite Halloween memory with us?

A Shoe Addict’s Christmas by Beth Harbison

I realize Fall has just begun, we haven’t even celebrated Halloween, and Christmas is still a ways off. However, I couldn’t resist sharing this delightful holiday story with you now. You’ll see why.

◊ A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS by Beth Harbison

◊ Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy

◊ Audio CD, 3 CDs

◊ Listening Length: 2 hours and 37 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Holidays, Literature, Fiction

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Release Date: October 18, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1LWYM5KN

◊ ISBN-10: 1427278644

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1427278647

SYNOPSIS:

From the author of the beloved bestseller, Shoe Addicts Anonymous comes a heartwarming twist on a classic tale filled with holiday cheer.

Noelle is not a fan of the holidays and to make matters worse, she is at a crossroads in her life when it seems that love and adventure are no longer possible. When she stays late at her job in a department store on a snowy Christmas Eve she accidentally gets locked in after closing. She isn’t too concerned about the prospect of spending the night in the store…until a woman appears out of nowhere and tells Noelle that she’s her guardian angel. Soon Noelle finds herself camped out in the shoe department facing several “ghosts” of Christmases past, present, and future...

Will visiting the holidays of yesterday and tomorrow help Noelle see the true spirit of Christmas? And will the love she has longed for all her life be the best surprise gift of all?

There have been countless spins on the holiday classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but none quite like author Beth Harbison’s A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS.

The narration by Orlagh Cassidy is excellent. Her mannerisms and accents enhance this charming story. Her inflections of the vocals add depth to this tale.

The characters are well-developed, realistic, and likable. Charlie is a delight with wisdom and humor, while readers will be able to relate to the antics of the protagonist, Noelle.

The story setting is a bit different and adds another layer to the story. The author includes the fantasy of being allowed all access to a lavish department store with the heart of the story.

The story moves at a quick pace and holds your attention. The concept of what might have been will strike a chord with most readers/listeners. While this tale doesn’t include the appearance of three ghosts, it does have the protagonist revisiting past events.

A SHOE ADDICT’S CHRISTMAS is an inspiring holiday reminder that sometimes we all have to step out of our comfort zone to find happiness. This is a must read/listen to tale this Christmas season even if you’re not a shoeaholic. Short, sweet, and sentimental this story is sure to become a holiday classic in its own right.

A Shoe Addict’s Christmas by Beth Harbison, Narrated by Orlagh Cassidy, Macmillan Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1427278647, Unabridged, 3 CDs, Run Time: 2 Hours and 37 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you already lining up your Christmas reading material? Have you ever gotten locked in a department store after closing? Would you want to be locked in a major department store after closing?

Samantha {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted to be participating in the Providence Book Promotions Blog Tour for author Andrea Kane’s latest release, SAMANTHA.

As part of the tour, you can read an excerpt from the book and have a chance to win a copy of it. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Lady Samantha Barrett wondered if her imaginary hero would ever become real. Of course, he must be devastatingly handsome and just a bit dangerous. Now, her coach is filled with a collection of Gothic novels and her head with romantic notions as she eagerly leaves her brother’s country estate for her first London season. Still unsophisticated and too innocent by far, Samantha is ill-prepared for the hypocrisy of the ton or for the formidable stranger who crosses her path—a stranger she is sure must be the man of her dreams…

          Remington Worth, the Earl of Gresham, is reputed to be anything but a hero. He is, however, intrigued by the fresh, young Lady Samantha. At sea, Remington had been a brilliant captain. To help save his country, he has accepted the Crown’s commission to become the most deadly and loyal covert agent, posing as a notorious womanizer and blackmailer. His latest mission is to investigate the mysterious disappearances of England’s prized merchant vessels. With an iron will, he will allow no one to get in his way or touch his heart—until Samantha.

◊Book Details Genre: Historical Romance
◊Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC
◊Publication Date: October 18, 2016
◊Number of Pages: ~418
◊Series: Book 2 in the Barrett Family Series (You won't want to miss Book 1, My Heart’s Desire, either!)
 

Don't Miss Your Chance to Read SAMANTHA! You can purchase your own copy at Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, AND add it to your reading list on Goodreads!

Now here’s an excerpt from SAMANTHA for your reading pleasure.

In walked the man of her dreams.
Samantha stared, transfixed, as the vision stepped directly from the pages of her latest gothic romance into the noisy, smoke-filled tavern.
He had arrived... her long-awaited hero.
It mattered not that he was a total stranger to her... nor that he patronized so seedy an establishment as this... nor that he pointedly displayed an ominous-looking knife handle from the top of one muddied Hessian boot. All that mattered was his towering height, his thick black hair, his uncompromising jaw, his piercing gray eyes. And that dimple... it was just where she'd always known it would be; in his left cheek. It flashed briefly as he nodded a greeting to someone, then vanished into the taut lines of his face.
Yes, it was irrefutably he... the hero of all her fantasies.
Breathless and eager, Samantha watched as he carelessly swung off his great coat, shaking rivulets of rain from it with swift, purposeful strokes. Simultaneously, he surveyed the room, his cool gaze taking in the shoddy furnishings and seedy occupants in one enveloping glance.
He moved forward, commanding and sure, coming closer to where Sammy sat... close enough so she could see the drops of water glistening in his raven-black hair, causing the ends to curl a bit at the nape. He seemed to be looking for someone.
Instead, he found her.
Dark brows raised, not with instantaneous, adoring surrender, but with decided, disapproving surprise.
Without hesitating, Sammy flashed him a smile, drinking in his splendid, chiseled features and exciting, leashed power. He was just as she had imagined him... no, better.
Her heart tightened in her chest as he approached her.
"What despicable cad deserted you here, little one?"
"Pardon me?" Sammy blinked in confusion.
With apparent disgust, her hero scanned the room. "You needn't feel ashamed. Just tell me what unscrupulous blackguard accompanied you to such a place, then abandoned you."
"Oh, nothing like that, sir." Sammy assured him brightly. "Actually, it was I who spotted this establishment from my carriage window and chose to stop here. Given the circumstances, it seemed the best place..."
"The best place... to what?" He looked censuring now, his gray eyes chilling, stormier than the skies that heralded tonight's downpour. "Is this your idea of an evening adventure? If so, you've either lost your way or your mind! Tell me, have you looked about you? I seriously doubt that you have, else you would have bolted. And, thankfully, it seems that these low-lifes have yet to spot you as prey. Had they done so, I assure you that your elegant gown would have long since been tossed up over your foolish, beautiful head!"
Sammy sucked in her breath. This wasn't at all the way she'd envisioned their first meeting. Following her hero's icy, pointed gaze, she surveyed the dimly lit tavern, trying to see what was upsetting him so. True, the tables were a bit shabby, even broken in spots, and the pungent smell of gin... mixed with some other, unrecognizable foul odor... permeated the room. And, she had to admit, the occupants of the tavern did need to shave... as well as to bathe. Still, they'd shown no signs of harming or even approaching her; so why was her hero hinting at violence?
"I don't know what you mean, sir," she confessed, bewildered. "Despite their rather coarse attire and unpolished manners, the gentlemen here have made no improper advances toward me. They are merely enjoying their spirits and each other's company."
The stranger gaped in utter disbelief.
"Gentlemen?" he managed. Leaning forward, he lowered his voice to a muffled hiss. "Sheltered innocent, what you see are pickpockets, highwaymen and drunks... and an occasional murderer or two." He straightened, emphatic and fierce. "This is Boydry's... as unsavory a pub as they come... not the bloody Clarendon Hotel!"
"Really?" Samantha was finding it very difficult to share the intensity of his tirade. She was too busy drowning in the hypnotic spell of his towering presence. And, after all, he was only trying to protect her... the foremost duty of a true hero.
"If such is the case, then why are you here?" she asked, half-tempted to stroke the hard, uncompromising line of his jaw. "You don't appear unsavory to me."
His dimple flickered in response. "Don't I? That is only because you don't know me."
"No... but I'd like to."
He blinked. "You'd like to..."
"Oh yes. Don't you see?" Sammy leaned forward, making an animated sweep with her hands. "It's as if Mrs. Radcliffe had penned it; a young woman alone... darkness... danger." A pause. "Of course I would have preferred a castle turret to a tavern..." she gave a philosophical shrug, "... nevertheless, you've arrived... and you're exactly as I pictured you."
"You have lost your mind," he muttered.

 

Author Andrea Kane

Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-seven novels, including thirteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles.

With her signature style, Andrea creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.

Andrea’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, The Last Duke, and Wishes in the Wind.

With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.

Andrea lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.

For more on Andrea and her writing visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

This is a tour-wide Rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Providence Book Promotions for Andrea Kane and Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC. There will be five (5) U.S. winners of one (1) eBook copy of SAMANTHA by Andrea Kane. The giveaway began on September 28th and runs through November 3rd, 2016.

To enter just click on the form below and follow the instructions. The form may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.

Take a minute to stop by some of the other blogs in the tour! They have exciting features, reviews, and special giveaways! You can find out more at the Providence Book Promotions.

Thanks for stopping by today during Andrea’s visit. Do you enjoy reading about Earls and Ladies and their adventures? Isn’t the cover just lovely?

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Don’t Buy My Book! Blog Tour!

I’m excited to be a part of author Roland Yeomans’ Don’t Buy My Book! Blog Tour!

Roland has a unique way with words. Here, I’ll let him explain.

Oh, No!  You’ve stumbled upon my DON’T BUY MY BOOK! Blog Tour!

That’s right.  Don’t buy my book!  Hey, you never heard of Reverse Psychology?

How many things have you bought from those pesky tele-solicitors?  Zero, right?  Me, too.

So let some folks you might know tell you about my book:

          “I have never been particularly fond of fantasy, or science fiction, or vampires. But this blend of all three kept me riveted and often laughing. Not many creative artists can do humor well, but Roland’s talent with this is awesome.

          Thank you, Roland Yeomans, for introducing me to a rollicking other-dimension world imagined as only you know how. A tale containing so many human truths I don’t have the space here to enumerate them.

But they are underlined in my copy of the book. So many quotable aphorisms that contain a general truth, from the mouths of a cast of colorful characters.”

 – Ann Best

          “Roland Yeomans is funny, charismatic and fun to read...I really like that. I still have yet to read a steampunk novel because most times they don't fit in with the paranormal genre that I read most these days. But...a steampunk with vampires and dragons? Did I read that right? Great idea.”

– Mary Kirkland

          “Roland’s book sounds fascinating! I cannot wait to read it :) ”

- Lori Carlson

          “This book felt like a dream as I was reading.

          Sometimes the dream was beautiful, other times, terrifying. There is a wild, dark, humorous, and mysterious menagerie of characters, both historical and fictional.

          Edison, Margaret Fuller, Lincoln, Emerson, Jefferson, Franklin, Ada Byron Lovelace, Twain, Tesla, Sherman (Tecumseh), Nemo, to name a few, plus of host of other-worldly good and evil-doers.

And let’s not forget the hero and heroine, the Texas Ranger Samuel McCord and his other-dimension wife Meilori.

          It felt vaguely like a Talbot Mundy novel, who described exotic places so well, while Samuel McCord was reminiscent of Mundy's hero, Jim Grim. McCord, like Grim, deliberately walks into all kinds of danger with self-assuredness, humor, and determination.

          For the dream-like quality of the story, I was reminded of H. P. Lovecraft. And that should be enough to pique the interest of anyone who reads or has read Mundy and Lovecraft. Yeomans is an equal, a peer in realm of macabre adventure.”

 – Bish Denham

Wow. Thanks, Bish, Ann, Lori, and Mary.  Am I that good?  The ghost of Mark Twain just swatted me with his white bowler hat as I was about to type.  A subtle (for him!) hint for me to keep my mouth on the matter.

About me?

Author Roland Yeomans

Roland Yeomans was born in Detroit, Michigan.  But his last memories of that city are hub-caps and kneecaps since, at the age of seven, he followed the free food when his parents moved to Lafayette, Louisiana.  The hitch-hiking after their speeding car from state to state was a real adventure.  Once in Louisiana, Roland learned strange new ways of pronouncing David and Richard when they were last names.  And it was not a pleasant sight when he pronounced Comeaux for the first time.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education and a Master’s degree in Psychology.  He has been a teacher, counselor, book store owner, and even a pirate since he once worked at a tax preparation firm.

So far he has written thirty-four books.  You can find Roland at his web page: www.rolandyeomans.blogspot.com  or at his private table in Meilori’s.  The web page is safer to visit.  But if you insist on visiting Meilori’s, bring a friend who runs slower than you.

About my book?

“It is 1867 in a France and over the Atlantic a layer of existence from this one.

General Sherman was denied his march through Georgia by forces beyond his ken. Abraham Lincoln was never assassinated though he wishes he had been killed instead of his beloved Mary – both courtesy of the cursed Texas Ranger, Captain Samuel McCord.

A global war of vampire kingdoms is going on beneath the noses of the living world -- and it is interfering with the honeymoon of the alien empress, Meilori Shinseen. She ruled the Aztecs when a political execution took place on Golgotha. The Sphinx was born in her off-hours as she attempted repairs on her star-craft.

The warring vampire rulers have mistaken her boredom with ruling the nations of Man as weakness. They have made a grave error, emphasis on the word "grave."

What is a not-quite-mortal groom to do? Survive as best he can.

Vampires, Vengeful Spirits of the Earth, Aliens Among Us, and a Man with the Blood of Death in his Veins trying to keep it from being spilled before his honeymoon is over.

Come join the maiden voyage of the first Air/Steamship, the Xanadu, where murder, intrigue, and betrayal reign supreme ... and that is just in the newlywed’s bedroom.

And it only gets more interesting when the Xanadu makes landfall upon the mysterious, deadly shores of a France you never suspected existed.”

Come join in the fun for just 99 cents!  What a bargain, right?  Do an honest review and receive a FREE audio book by Neil Gaiman. The book is available as an eBook at Amazon and in print at Amazon.

Did you know my novel has a soundtrack??  Listen to the theme for the Xanadu, the first Air/Steamship, and its star-crossed lovers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izsjRpcgfmk

Want to sample more of my craziness?  Check out my blog, WRITING IN THE CROSSHAIRS: http://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/

Curious about the prior voyage of the Xanadu?  Check out http://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/

You still here?  I thought you’d be snapping up my magnificent … OUCH! {the ghost of Mark Twain just swatted me again} … ah, my latest novel, THE NOT-SO-INNOCENTS AT LARGE!

The ghost of Mark Twain suggests that if you don’t buy his book, he might take the vampire, Benjamin Franklin, over to your place for a midnight snack!

Oh, sure, Mark!  Like that is all right, huh?

Roland, thanks for visiting with us today. You have a fascinating new take on blog tours.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Roland’s visit. What do you think about Roland’s twist on a blog tour, interesting right?

Whitechapel Paranormal Society Unveiling

October is the perfect time to unveil the debut covers from the upcoming Whitechapel Paranormal Society series.  Keep reading for a chance to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card.

New Victorian Gothic Horror Series Set in London's East End.

The Whitechapel Paranormal Society is coming in 2017.  Until then, we have these gorgeous covers from Phatpuppy Art Studios and Sacred Oaks Press.

Eeper Weeper (Whitechapel Paranormal Society #0.5) by E.J. Stevens

The great and prestigious man of science, Doctor Jameson Foster Hadley had somehow made a mistake. I wasn’t good and I wasn’t normal. His experiment had failed.

The tedium and terrors of Josephine "Jo" Hadley's existence within the stone walls of London's Bethnal Asylum are interrupted by a strange visitor, Cora Drummond, a woman who demands to interview one of the asylum's most insane residents. The patient's rantings include tales of ghosts and demons, but it is the bizarre, near-riotous muttering of prophetic nursery rhymes that follow Jo throughout the asylum wards that is most illuminating to Miss Drummond.

Eeeper Weeper, chimney sweeper. Had a wife, but couldn't keep her...

Days later, Jo and her adoptive father receive an invitation to attend an exclusive tea at the prestigious Whitehall Club. But the request for Jo's attendance is more than it might seem. She has caught the attention of a secret branch of government working directly for the queen.

Will Jo Hadley's unusual talent for inciting prophetic nursery rhymes prove useful to the crown? She is given one chance to demonstrate her worth to the Special Paranormal Research Branch, but this is one mission that even the most highly trained operatives might not survive.

Eeper Weeper is a prequel short story in the Whitechapel Paranormal Society series by award-winning author E.J. Stevens. One for Sorrow (Whitechapel Paranormal Society #1) takes place six years after the prequel short story Eeper Weeper (Whitechapel Paranormal Society #0.5). The Whitechapel Paranormal Society series is a Victorian horror (dreadpunk) series set in London's East End.

Free Read:

Click to Read an Eeper Weeper ARC Book Excerpt

Release Date: June 2017
Add to Goodreads TBR.
Official Website: WhitechapelParanormalSociety.com

One for Sorrow (Whitechapel Paranormal Society #1) by E.J. Stevens

Afternoon tea had served us up a demon.

It is six years since Josephine "Jo" Hadley joined the ranks of the Special Paranormal Research Branch and three years since the S.P.R.B.'s mission was terminated. After their superiors declare that the supernatural threat is quelled, Jo and her colleagues returned to civilian life with varying degrees of success. But when Jo, Edith, and Flan cross paths with a slogoth demon there is no escaping the terrible truth. The supernatural threat was never defeated.

One for sorrow. Two for mirth. Three for a funeral. Four for a birth. Five for Heaven. Six for Hell. Seven for the Devil, his own self.

Demons and necromancers went into hiding within the labyrinthine warrens of Whitechapel, but after three years of secretly feasting on the souls of London's East End, they are back stronger than ever before. Will the Whitechapel Paranormal Society rise up from the ashes of the S.P.R.B., or will all of London become the Devil's playground?

One for Sorrow is the first full-length novel in the Whitechapel Paranormal Society series by award-winning author E.J. Stevens. One for Sorrow (Whitechapel Paranormal Society #1) takes place six years after the prequel short story Eeper Weeper (Whitechapel Paranormal Society #0.5). The Whitechapel Paranormal Society series is a Victorian horror (dreadpunk) series set in London's East End.

Release Date: September 2017
Add to Goodreads TBR.
Official Website: WhitechapelParanormalSociety.com

Whitechapel Paranormal Society Cover Reveal Giveaway

We are giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is international.  Giveaway ends October 28, 2016.

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What do you think of the covers?

A Quilt Shop Arrest?

It’s a pleasure to welcome author Chrys Fey to Thoughts in Progress today to talk about her recent release, 30 SECONDS BEFORE, and an intriguing tidbit.

First, Chrys is going to explain about the arrest. Aren’t you a tad curious? Welcome, Chrys.

Years ago, my mom worked in a quilt shop. I heard many stories about women coming to look for fabric, and they took this task seriously. They would get angry if a bolt of fabric they wanted was sold out. Each year, the shop ordered fabric a year in advance. This fabric had to be ordered then because, like the fashion industry, they worked ahead, and once the fabric stopped being manufactured, it was gone for good. Quilters wouldn’t be able to get it again. The shop where my mom worked was the best and closest one for miles. People drove from out of town and out of state. A few times, women came from other countries!

When I write, I like to sneak in special little tidbits from my own life. So, things my mom told me about her job made their way into my stories. In 30 Seconds Before, when Blake recalls moments from his job as a police officer, one of them is a funny incident in a quilt shop.

Check it out:

TEASER:

Blake never minded patrolling. It allowed him to view the city he loved, the city he vowed to protect. He didn’t even mind getting called to sort out silly disputes or to put a scare into shoplifting teens. Once he had to arrest a man walking around naked with a red foam nose, a clown wig on his head, and a bottle of vodka in his hand.

Another time, he had to pull apart two old biddies fighting over a bolt of fabric in a quilt shop. Apparently, the fabric they wanted was no longer being manufactured, and the bolt they each held onto was the last one in the shop. At least the crazy calls made him laugh later. The other calls, the worst calls, gave him nightmares.

Title: 30 Seconds Before

Prequel to 30 Seconds

Genre: Mainstream Thriller

Page Count: 60 (novella)

BLURB:

Blake Herro is a cop in the Cleveland Police Force. Ever since he was a child he wanted to do right by the city he loved by cleaning up the streets and protecting its citizens. Red, a notorious mobster, has other plans.

On a bitter December night, ten police officers are drawn into a trap and killed by Red’s followers. Blake wants to bring down the Mob to avenge his fallen brothers and to prevent other cops from being murdered. Except the only way he can do that is by infiltrating the Mob.

Every minute he’s with these mobsters he’s in danger. Around every corner lies the threat of coming face to face with a gun. Will he make it out of the Mob alive or will he be their next victim?

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon US / Amazon UK /  Amazon CA

Nook / Kobo / The Wild Rose Press

Goodreads

30 SECONDS, the story that follows 30 SECONDS BEFORE, is on sale for 99 Cents. Get it at this discount so you can read the entire story from start to finish!

SALE LINKS:

Amazon / The Wild Rose Press / NOOK / KOBO

Chrys, thanks for joining us today. I enjoy learning that bits of elements in a story actually came from a real-life event even if they have been changed a bit.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Chrys, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Chrys Fey

Chrys Fey is the author of the Disaster Crimes Series (Hurricane Crimes and Seismic Crimes), as well as these releases from The Wild Rose Press: 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. She is an administrator for the Insecure Writer's Support Group and heads their monthly newsletter.

Chrys lives in Florida and is always on the lookout for hurricanes. She has four adopted cats who keep her entertained with their antics, and three nephews who keep her entertained with their antics. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and through her blog, Write with Fey. She loves to get to know her readers!

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Chrys’ visit. Do you enjoy knowing real incidents are included in stories you read? Do you like the fact that some elements are based on real-life experience?