Murder, Just Because (+ Giveaway)

I am beyond thrilled to welcome author Yolanda Renee to Thoughts in Progress today so we can talk about her latest release, MURDER, JUST BECAUSE.

This mesmerizing thriller is the fifth installment in the author’s Detective Quaid Mysteries series. If you’d like to learn more about the book (and the author) you can follow along on her virtual Blog Tour at MCBook Tours.

The author is offering an awesome tour-wide international giveaway. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE
by Yolanda Renée

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: Yolanda Renee
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries
◊ Paperback: 291 pages
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ ISBN-10: 0985820632
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985820633
◊ Contains explicit sex & graphic violence

"While this book does contain explicit sexual language and graphic violence, it could easily be taken from the daily headlines. The content is plausible and realistic as we look at the world around us. The events in the book are not overly done but give a pragmatic look at the terrifying actions killers can and sometimes do take."

It was a matter of beginner’s luck, but rookie detective Steven Quaid’s career and reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. But that was ten years ago.

And now…Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his bloody rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. The detective’s reputation is on the line, and he’s going to need a lot more than luck, because this time, Jenkins is driven by more than the thrill of a random kill.

This time, it’s more personal. He’s out for revenge…and his ultimate target is Quaid. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins starts picking off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life...his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective's luck finally run out?

Now I’d like to share my thoughts on this captivating story.

While we are faced with a real global pandemic the likes of which might have been envisioned by Stephen King or the late Michael Crichton, we can still enjoy a gripping murder mystery.

Events throughout MURDER, JUST BECAUSE easily relate to daily real-world headlines where a killer preys on unsuspecting victims. The author does an excellent job of putting the reader in the middle of the action. Her vivid descriptions can cause the readers to feel the emotions of the events for both the victims and the killer, as well as the detective.

The story moves at a good pace holding your attention from beginning to the chilling end. The author blends bits of humor and touches of romance throughout the story giving readers a chance to catch their breath before the next surprise. The rich details of the setting bring the story to life and paints a beautiful picture of the area as the tale unfolds.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE reminded me there are monsters in the real world and how easy it is for them to target people (especially women) even when we think we’re being careful. This story is violent, graphic, and terrifying but not overly done. While it may not be a read for everyone, it will be an eye-opener for those who do. All the elements included are necessary and make for a realistic, heart-pounding story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat holding your breath as you anticipate the next move.

This story is one of those you don’t want to read at night when you are alone, but you can’t put it down because you are drawn into it. You can’t stop yourself as you say, ‘just one more page’ or ‘just one more chapter’ hoping to see who wins – killer or detective.

Author Yolanda Renee

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her in her own words.

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries, and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

For more on Yolanda and her writing, you can connect with her here:

Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest     *     Email

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for one winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Have you ever found a book that you liked so much you didn’t want to stop reading but at the same time it made you so scared you couldn’t read it when you were alone or at night?

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The Snowman {+ Giveaway}

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renée’s THE SNOWMAN Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

This is a prequel to the author’s Detective Steven Quaid Mysteries. This story tells of Steven's first case as a rookie detective. It takes place 10 years before the events in MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, the first book in the series.

If you're a murder mystery fan who enjoys twists and turns, this is definitely a series for you. I've shared my thoughts on the first book in the series, MURDER, MADNESS AND LOVE already, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the other books soon. Let's just say, you don't won't to miss these books in print and/or audio.

The author is offering a tour-wide giveaway featuring both print and eBook copies from her series. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

◊ THE SNOWMAN
◊ by Yolanda Renée
◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: TRACE Enterprises
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mystery
◊ Novella
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ Contains explicit sex & violence

It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium.

          Stowy Jenkins, aka, Stone, and as Alaskans refer to him, the Snowman, is a true artist. His muse, Gigi, is the ultimate inspiration for his painting. Her rejection inspires him to use a very unusual medium…blood.

          While art may be his passion, the taste for blood is his obsession, and multiple murders, the result.

          Rookie, Detective Steven Quaid, is no fan of the Snowman’s murderous exhibitions. A twisted and deadly relationship bond the two men and neither knows who will come out of it alive.

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I've traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

You can connect with me here:

Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest     *     Email

The other books in the Detective Quaid Series include:

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE (Book 1)

          A killer plays cat and mouse with a young widow against the snowy backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Branded a black widow after the suspicious death of her millionaire husband, Sarah Palmer flees Seattle for Anchorage. However, the peace and quiet she hoped to enjoy in her hometown is soon shattered. A killer is murdering Sarah look-alikes on the 14th of each month, taunting Sarah with a valentine of evidence. After her experiences in Seattle, Sarah is slow to go to the police. When she finally does, she finds Detective Steven Quaid—Anchorage P D’s hotshot investigator—has not only heard the rumors, he believes them. Worse, her aloofness and composure only confirm his suspicions. Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?

MEMORIES OF MURDER (Book 2)

World damnation is a psychotic man’s goal, but two obstacles stand in his way, greed and a dedicated detective.

Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with the victim of his last case tarnishes that status. While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.

MURDER & OBSESSION (Book 3)

Flames burn between a hardboiled cop and a gifted artist, but soon extinguish as another man’s obsession ignites into an inferno of desire, driving him to destroy the object of his madness.

Detective Steven Quaid is ready for new challenges as Anchorage's top detective, but not until he marries the woman of his dreams on New Year's Eve. Determined to give Sarah the wilderness honeymoon she desires, he turns his grandfather's cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat. After the final details are complete, Steven treks into the mountains to hunt. On his return to the cottage, instead of Sarah, he is greeted by several police officers and a bloody crime scene. Accusations fly, and Stephen flees into the wilderness, his heart racing and thoughts etching into his soul. The wilderness is unforgiving, but Steven faces it head on: Caught between a massive grizzly and a black bear in a deadly tug of war, he is barely saved from death's door by the fortuitous appearance of his uncle. Despite surviving multiple injuries, Steven continues his investigation as he recovers, but answers don't come quick or easy. Having enlisted the aid of his number one suspect, Steven faces a struggle that has become more than personal. This one just may cost him his heart.

You can find out more about the books and the author by following the tour HERE. You can also include your chances of winning in the giveaway.

This tour-wide giveaway features both print and eBook copies of the four books in the Detective Quaid Series. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, June 6.

The prizes include:

* Grand prize - Winner receives a print copy of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series (U.S. and Canada only).

* First place - Winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate.

* Second place - Winner will receive eBook copies of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series.

* There will be 3 runner-up winners and each will win an eBook copy of THE SNOWMAN or one of the other books in the series (winner's choice).

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour. You never know what you might find out. Do you enjoy books that draw you in to the point where you want to know the ending, but you don't want to know the ending because then it will be over?

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Murder, Madness & Love by Yolanda Renée

◊ MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE by Yolanda Renée

◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries, Book #1

◊ Narrator: Piper Goodeve

◊ Audio CD

◊ Listening Length: 12.5 hours

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Tantor Audio

◊ Release Date: October 31, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1515963292

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1515963295

SYNOPSIS:

A killer plays cat and mouse with a young widow against the snowy backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Branded a black widow after the suspicious death of her millionaire husband, Sarah Palmer flees Seattle for Anchorage. But the peace and quiet she hoped to enjoy in her hometown is soon shattered: The killer is murdering Sarah look-alikes on the fourteenth of each month, taunting Sarah with a valentine of evidence.

After her experiences in Seattle, Sarah is slow to go to the police. When she finally does, she finds Detective Steven Quaid, who is called on to protect the beautiful widow from a stalker intent on her destruction.

Steven is not entirely sure she is not behind the scheme herself, and before long Sarah has him wound up tighter than barbed wire. Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator? With a killer on the loose and a climbing body count, Steven can't afford to hedge his bets-or his life.

MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE is like a jigsaw puzzle with a thousand tiny pieces and only half the box cover to show how the picture is supposed to look. Just when you put one piece in, the picture takes on a whole new look different from what you first thought it would be.

Narrator Piper Goodeve does an excellent job giving unique voices to each of the characters. Her cadence and accents add depth to the story. Her dramatic range and pacing are perfect as she interrupts the varying emotions of the characters. She gives a clear and understandable reading.

This story moves at a quick pace but keeps your attention from beginning to end. The multiple twists and turns, along with a few surprises, keeps the suspense high as the story unfolds.

Author Yolanda Renée has skillfully developed complex characters that make it had to determine their innocence, especially the characters you quickly become fond of. The complexity of the characters isn’t such that they are hard to follow, but rather feature shadows of possible secrets and/or suspected hidden agendas giving them great depth.

The Alaskan setting comes alive through the author’s vivid descriptions and rich details. The crisp chill of the setting adds another layer to the story.

This thriller will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A good blend of mystery, suspense, action, touch of romance, and intrigue makes MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE an exhilarating start to what promises to be a fascinating series.

Murder, Madness & Love by Yolanda Renée, Detective Quaid Mysteries (Book #1), Narrated by Piper Goodeve, Tantor Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1515963295, Unabridged, 10 CDs, Run Time: 12.5 Hours

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. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out Yolanda’s book either in audio, print or digital format. Do you enjoy a mystery that causes you to change your mind about the killer’s identify several times as new clues are given along the way?