Angels Sing to Rest {+ Giveaway}

 

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I’m happy to be participating in the Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for ANGELS SING TO REST by Chrinda Jones.

This is the second installment in the Olivia Gates and Will Green Crime Series by Jones. As part of the tour, Partners in Crime is hosting a tour wide giveaway with six winners. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Here’s a brief synopsis of ANGELS SING TO REST: 

          "Angels Sing to Rest" begins where "Darkness Knows Me" left off: after the investigation into the death of the Deep Ellum Killer, Levi Devereux.

          Detective Sergeant Olivia Gates returns from a two-month suspension, to find her team has gained a new member, her ex-husband is being released from prison, and a 10-year-old street kid has been murdered on her patch of South Dallas.

          Her ex she can deal with, even when he drags their young son into the mix or so she thinks. The murdered boy with the crushed chest, isn't so easily handled and weighs heavily on her as more street kids are killed with an unimaginable sadistic flare and no discernible motive.

          If the continuing body count wasn't stressful enough, Olivia's falling out with longtime friend and colleague, Doctor Will Green, threatens any hope Olivia had for more than a friendship with the good doctor.

          Drugs, gaming, prostitution and sadistic murders lead Gates and her team on a trek through the seamy underbelly of living rough on the streets of downtown Dallas. 

Genre: Crime
Published by: Wing and a Prayer Publishing
Publication Date: Sept 4, 2015
Number of Pages: 206
ISBN: 978-0-9898442-1-5
Series: Olivia Gates and Will Green Crime Series, Book 2
Purchase Links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

My Thoughts ……… 

Author Chrinda Jones has crafted another gritty crime novel in ANGELS SING TO REST.

Bringing back her protagonists Detective Sergeant Olivia Gates and Dr. Will Green, Jones pulls readers in quickly with a youth’s death and its aftermath. Jones blends the search for a heinous killer with the personal problems of Gates and Green for a well-balanced story. The twists and turns keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats with suspense.

The characters are likable and well-developed. Their emotions and faults will have readers wanting to know more about them. The author’s eye for detail brings the setting to live through her vivid descriptions.

While this is the second installment in the series, it can be read on its own. However to have a better understanding of the problems Gates is dealing with, readers may want to read the first installment before ANGELS SING TO REST.

This is a fascinating thriller that will capture your attention from beginning to end. It will leave you looking forward to more exploits from this series.

Angels Sing to Rest by Chrinda Jones, Olivia Gates and Will Green Crime Series (Book #2), Wing and a Prayer Publishing, @2015, ISBN: 978-0989844215, 206 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

ANGELS SING TO REST is nominated for Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Chrinda Jones is a crime writing and reading fiend, which she believes is genetic and began with her great-grandmother, who hoarded crime novels. 

DARKNESS KNOWS ME is her crime novel debut and ANGELS SING TO REST is next in her series. When she’s not putting her time in with the writing gods, you can find her playing music or enjoying a good meal with friends and family.

Chrinda currently resides in Murphy, Texas, with her husband, children, grandchildren and her Jugg, Abby.

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

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: 

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Chrinda Jones. There will be 6 winners for this tour.

The first 2 winners will each receive one $15 Amazon.com US gift card. The 3rd and 4th Place winners will each receive 1 autographed copy of DARKNESS KNOWS ME by Chrinda Jones, this prize will be for US winners only. The 5th and 6th Place winners will each receive 1 eBook copy of DARKNESS KNOWS ME by Chrinda Jones.

The giveaway began on November 1st and runs through December 2nd.
Prizes:

• 2 e-copies of first book of series Darkness Knows Me
• 2 paper copies of Darkness Knows Me (signed)
• 2 $15 amazon gift cards

To enter this 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.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Chrinda’s tour. Are you a crime fiction fan? If so, what do you like most about it?

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The Corpse Who Walked in the Door

Note: John K. was also a winner in this contest. Thanks to everyone who entered.

I’m delighted to be participating in author Jackie King’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her release, THE CORPSE WHO WALKED IN THE DOOR, the second installment in her Grace Cassidy Mystery series.

As part of the tour, I’m sharing my thoughts on this charming mystery. To celebrate the tour, I have a copy of the book to giveaway to a lucky visitor to Thoughts in Progress. Please see the end of the post for more details on the giveaway. Now for my thoughts ………

THE CORPSE WHO WALKED IN THE DOOR by Jackie King

A bed and breakfast is the perfect setting for a cozy murder mystery with a middle-aged inn keeper as the protagonist.

Grace Cassidy is a former social wife who now spends her days working for minimum wage. Recovering from a divorce, Grace has her hands full caring for her 19-year-old son, Brand. Grace’s boss, Wilbur Wimberly, is a tyrant to work for. He really gets nasty when his long presumed dead twin brother, Billy Wimberly, returns home.

With the return of the dead brother, A Wimberly family reunion going on and the return of her ex-husband, Grace is busier than ever. There’s also her son being accused of pushing his pregnant girlfriend down a flight of steps to contend with. When a dead body turns up in a bathtub, Grace is determined to get to the truth before anything else can go wrong.

Quirky characters, a fun setting and twists and turns keep this story flowing quickly and smoothly. The mix of humor and suspense holds readers captivate as the story unfolds. The characters are likable, realistic and well-developed.

THE CORPSE WHO WALKED IN THE DOOR is the second installment in the Grace Cassidy Mystery series, but can be read on its own. Author Jackie King weaves a delightful tale of murder and mayhem as she blends in personal woes.

The Corpse Who Walked in the Door by Jackie King, Grace Cassidy Mystery Book #2, Deadly Niche Press, @2014, ISBN: 978-1620161128, Paperback, 206 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE CORPSE WHO WALKED IN THE DOOR can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jackie King loves books, writing tall tales, and murdering the people she dislikes on paper. Her latest mystery THE CORPSE WHO WALKED IN THE DOOR is available in eBook format. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Oklahoma Writers Federation, and Tulsa NightWriters.

For more on Jackie and her writing, please visit her website, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.


You can also find additional information by visiting the following blogs participating in Jackie’s tour.
 

9/02 Interview @ Words by Webb

9/03 Review & Giveaway @ Words by Webb

9/04 Guest Post @ Writers and Authors

9/05 Review & Giveaway @ Marys Cup of Tea

9/08 Review @ WV Stitcher

9/09 Review & Giveaway @ Deal Sharing Aunt

9/10 Review & Showcase @ Undercover Book Reviews

9/10 Review @ Brooke Blogs

9/11 Review @ Buried Under Books

9/12 Interview @ Omnimystery News

9/16 Review @ 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!

9/17 Review @ Hezzi-Ds Books and Cooks

9/18 Review @ just reviews

9/20 Showcase @ A Blue Million Books

9/22 Guest Post @ Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

9/23 Showcase @ The Reading Frenzy

9/24 Showcase @ X-Mas Dolly

9/26 Showcase @ Books Books and More Books

9/29 Review @ My Devotional Thoughts

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one copy of THE CORPSE WHO WALKED IN THE DOOR. If the winner is a U.S. resident, they have the choice of a print or eBook copy. If the winner lives outside the U.S., the giveaway is for an eBook copy.

To enter just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you ever thought about managing a bed and breakfast? Would you want to own a B&B?

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The Return of Gabriella Giovanni {+ Giveaway}

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Kristi Belcamino’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her recent release, BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, the second installment in her Gabriella Giovanni Mystery series.

I’m delighted that Kristi has joined us to talk about how her career as an award-winning journalist relates to her writing fiction. In addition, I’ll share my thoughts on this intriguing book and Kristi is hosting a tour-wide giveaway.

First, a synopsis of BLESSED ARE THE MEEK:

        A rash of high-profile murders all point to reporter Gabriella Giovanni's boyfriend, Detective Sean Donovan, when investigators uncover a single link in the deaths: Annalisa Cruz. A decade ago, Cruz seduced Donovan away from a life as a monk, and though their relationship soured long ago … her passion for him has not.
        As the investigation continues, it becomes increasingly clear that any man who gets involved with Cruz soon ends up dead, including a dot-com millionaire, the mayor of San Francisco, and a police officer. Donovan, the only man to have dated Cruz and survived, is arrested for the murders and dubbed a jealous ex, leaving Gabriella scrambling to find the real killer without ending up as the next body headed for the morgue.
        Gabriella's search ultimately unearths a dark secret that Donovan had intended to take to the grave. Faced with the knowledge of this terrible truth, Gabriella must tie the past and present together to clear Donovan's name.

Genre: Suspense
Published by: Witness
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Number of Pages:
ISBN: 0062338927
Purchase Links: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads


Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Kristi as she answers this question: Has your career as an award-winning journalist helped or hindered you're writing fiction and how so?

Even though writing fiction terrified me enough to study journalism in college instead of creative writing, I’ve found that my later-life transition from journalist to fiction writer has gone better than I dreamed.

There were a few reasons I shied away from pursuing my dream to be a writer when I was in college. I was worried about the same things most people worry about — how to pay the rent and put food on the table. Journalism seemed a surer bet in the late 1980s. Now? Not so much. Now, as the profession wanes, it may be just as big a gamble, but when I was in college, it was a way to make a living writing all day.
Although I left my career as a newspaper reporter a decade ago, I still have enough love and passion to do it part-time. 

At first I worried that going back to newspaper after becoming a fiction writer would be tough. I worried that the two ways of writing would collide, but surprisingly none of that has happened. If anything, I am probably a better journalist now because of my journey into fiction.

I have found there are more pros than cons in switching from journalism to fiction.

The only con I found at first was that I really had to concentrate to “show” and not “tell.” That is the fundamental difference between the two forms of writing.

Here are the pros.

* No Writers Block/Ability to put butt in chair

After a career as a journalist on a daily newspaper, I quickly got used to having an editor screaming at me and breathing down my neck to turn in a story on deadline. That, along with the fear of losing my job if I didn’t perform, effectively ensured I would never have writer’s block again in my life.

* Ear for Dialogue/Good eavesdroppers

Recently, a book editor at a daily newspaper interviewed me and complimented me on my dialogue, which surprised me. But then, she pointed out something. She said that she has found in her more than 50 years of journalism that former journalists who write fiction have the best dialogue because we’ve developed an ear for how people speak. I agree.

* Conciseness/No Purple Prose/Willingness to Kill our Darlings

Journalists are trained to get to the point in as few words as possible so you will rarely see our novels chock full of filler and fluff. In addition, we know that most of the time, when we kill our darlings and chop the superfluous writing, our stories are better off for it. Editors have trained us to have a thick skin in this arena.
 
So, overall, I think that being a journalist prepared me for my dream career as a fiction writer. It gave me the confidence, chops, and ability to do what it takes to be a published writer.

Kristi, thanks for sharing this insight into the transition from journalist to fiction writer. As a former journalist, I can truthfully say your love of the craft shines through in your writing and your protagonist.

For those who aren’t familiar with Kristi, here’s a brief background.

Kristi Belcamino is a writer, photographer, and artist who also bakes a tasty biscotti. In her former life, as an award-winning crime reporter at newspapers in California, she flew over Big Sur in an FA-18 jet with the Blue Angels, raced a Dodge Viper at Laguna Seca, watched autopsies, and conversed with serial killers. 

During her decade covering crime, Belcamino wrote and reported about many high-profile cases including the Laci Peterson murder and Chandra Levy disappearance. She has appeared on Inside Edition and local television shows. She now writes fiction and works part-time as a reporter covering the police beat for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Her work has appeared in such prominent publications as Salon, the Miami Herald, San Jose Mercury News, and Chicago Tribune.

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

You can also follow Kristi’s tour by visiting the following blogs that are participating in her tour:
 

8/01 Showcase @ A Blue Million Books

8/05 Review @ Words by Webb

8/06 Interview @ The Pen and Muse

8/12 Showcase @ Books Books and More Books

8/13 ~ Guest Post @ My Devotional Thoughts

8/20 Showcase @ Deal Sharing Aunt

8/26 Showcase @ X-Mas Dolly 8/31 Omnimystery News MY THOUGHTS ……. Author Kristi Belcamino once again shows readers the heart and soul of her protagonist Gabriella Giovanni in this action-packed story. The story flows smoothly, but is adrenaline-driven from beginning to end. The twists and turns keeps readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what’s to come next. The author blends bits of humor and romance at the right intervals to give readers a chance to catch their breath. The characters are realistic, likable and well-developed. Their interaction draws the reader in to be a part of the action and intrigue. Belcamino has captured the determination, dedication and drive that makes a great journalist in Gabriella, as well as what makes a great law enforcement officer in Donovan. These are characters readers can relate to as they deal with their jobs, family issues and emotional concerns. BLESSED ARE THE MEEK is a fascinating mystery that will hold you captive from the first page. This exhilarating story is one not to be missed. FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely. GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway for 10 individual promo codes for a free download of BLESSED ARE THE MEEK for the entire tour. Winner must have access to Bluefire Reader and have an Adobe account to receive the free download. 

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

Thanks so much for stopping by during Kristi’s visit. Do you think journalist and law enforcement can work together or should they remain on opposite sides?

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Mary Daheim’s Clam Wake: On Tour {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted to be a participant in author Mary Daheim’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her latest release, CLAM WAKE, installment #29 in her Bed and Breakfast series.

I’m sharing my thoughts on this delightful cozy murder mystery. In addition, thanks to Mary and the lovely folks at Partners in Crime, I have a print copy of CLAM WAKE to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more details.

First let me share a bit of background on the author.

Seattle native Mary Richardson Daheim lives three miles from the house where she was raised. From her dining nook she can see the maple tree in front of her childhood home.
Mary isn’t one for change when it comes to geography. Upon getting her journalism degree from the University of Washington (she can see the campus from the dining nook, too), she went to work for a newspaper in Anacortes WA. Then, after her marriage to David Daheim, his first college teaching post was in Port Angeles where she became a reporter for the local daily.

Both tours of small-town duty gave her the background for the Alpine/Emma Lord series. Mary spent much of her non-fiction career in public relations (some would say PR is fiction, too). But ever since she learned how to read and write, Mary wanted to tell stories that could be put between book covers (e-readers were far into the future and if she hadn’t seen her daughter’s iPad, she might not know they exist). Thus, she began her publishing career with the first of seven historical romances before switching to mysteries in 1991.

If Mary could do the math, she’d know how many books she’s published. Since she can’t, she estimates the total is at least 55. Or something. At the time of her husband and mentor’s death in February 2010, David and Mary had been married for over 43 years. They have three daughters, Barbara, Katherine and Magdalen, and two granddaughters, Maisy and Clara. They all live in Seattle, too. Those apples don’t move far from the tree…literally.

For more on Mary and her writing (see how many books she has written), visit her website and connect with her on Facebook.

Now for my thoughts ……….

CLAM WAKE by Mary Daheim

With her husband off on a trip and the busy season over, Innkeeper Judith McMonigle Flynn has time on her hands. Housesitting her aunt and uncle’s retirement home on Whoopee Island sounds fun, especially since her cousin Renie will be joining her.

Things seems to be going along pleasantly until a dead body turns up. The victim was murdered and Judith and Renie appear to be prime suspects.

Reluctant but determined to clear their names, Judith begins looking for clues instead of clams. The cousins soon discover the retirement community isn't all that it appears.

Author Mary Daheim’s rich descriptions places the reader on Whoopee Island with the sea air and sand. Her characters are zany, but realistic and likable. The bantering between Judith and Renie is realistic between cousins and enhances the story. The story flows at a steady pace with twists, turns and a few red herrings to keep you guessing.

CLAM WAKE is the 29th installment in the series, but can be read on its own. This is a fun read that will have you eagerly awaiting Judith’s next adventure.

Clam Wake by Mary Daheim, Bed and Breakfast Series Book #29, William Morrow, @2014, ISBN: 978-0062317728, Hardcover, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

CLAM WAKE can be found at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

To find out more about Mary and CLAM WAKE, be sure to check out the following blogs who are participating in her tour.
 

8/12 Review @ Melinas Book Blog

8/13 Review @ Wall-to-wall books

8/14 Review & Giveaway @ 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!

8/15 Review & Giveaway @ Melissas Mochas, Mysteries and More

8/18 Review & Giveaway @ Beas Book Nook

8/19 Review & Giveaway @ Book Dilettante

8/20 Review & Giveaway @ Buried Under Books

8/22 Review & Giveaway @ Deal Sharing Aunt

8/23 Review @ fundinmental

8/25 Review @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews

8/26 Review & Giveaway @ My Devotional Thoughts

8/27 Review & Giveaway @ Bless Their Hearts Mom

8/28 Review @ Deco My Heart

8/29 Review & Giveaway @ Reading Authors

9/01 Review & Giveaway @ Marys Cup of Tea

9/04 Review @ Book Club Librarian

9/08 Review & Giveaway @ Brooke Blogs

9/10 Review @ Community Bookstop

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of CLAM WAKE. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end Friday, Aug. 29. 

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress Clam Wake Tour’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

Thanks for stopping by during Mary’s tour. Have you ever housesat for anyone? Do you think you’d enjoy housesitting? 

*This post contains affiliate links. a Rafflecopter giveaway