The Bones At Point No Point - A Thomas Austin Crime Thriller

 

The Bones At Point No Point

By D.D. Black

When justice is delivered and a serial killer is behind bars, society can breath a collective sigh of relief, but not in “the holiday baby butcher case”. Thomas Austin is a retired NYPD detective, having served loyally for twenty years, and this case had sucked life out of him, leaving an indelible mark. Moved to the Pacific Northwest, Austin opened a business for a new start, but now the killings have begun again. Why has the torment followed him across the country from New York? The case continues to haunt him, now with a long and grisly reach, from prison.

A serial killer, a baby butcher caught in New York after a horrific murder there, was returned to Seattle to stand trial for her murders previously committed at that city. Now notorious Lorraine D'Antonia is locked away in the maximum security wing of the Washington Correction Center for Women, case closed. Until a disturbing report surfaces two years later. Someone is butchering holidays again, a sinister intent by a force of mystery.

Thomas Austin is called by the Kitsap County Sheriff's office for his expertise on his work on the case in New York. How will he answer? Will his response come in time, before another chilling discovery is reported of The Bones At Point No Point. Is the world worth saving, one case at a time?

The small county sheriff office have their hands full with a gut-wrenching murder mystery. Their best officers are on the case, but there are a lot of clues to sift through, and some sharp detective work needed. There's a lot to learn from the horrific murders committed by the imprisoned Lorraine D'Antonia's, and there are new twists. The most experienced officers, and all hands are on deck in this investigation. Time is not on their side, as the next holiday is fast approaching.

Intrigue hooks you from the start of this suspenseful thriller. You'll be analyzing the clues along with the team, and be mesmerized by the most compelling scenes. The author skillfully creates the most interesting characters. Thomas Austin resonates as he acts on impulse, and on instinct from his years of experience. His dearest companion, his irresistible, scruffy dog Run brings out a most touching side to Austin. So does an intrepid reporter, Anna. Revelations of Austin's personal history bring an added dimension and tone to his personality. The team members at the Sheriff's office are so artfully created by the author, they soon feel like friends in pursuit of answers along with the reader, and working hard to deliver results, or try to. It's a treat to learn about them when they're on the job, and during off hours. Beware though, danger can strike at any time when a serial killer is on the loose.

D.D. Black is the author of the Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers and other Pacific Northwest crime novels that are on the way. When he's not writing, he can be found strolling the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, cooking dinner for his wife, and throwing a ball for his corgi over and over and over. To learn more, check out ddblackauthor.com.

Suddenly Snow - Warms The Heart

 

Suddenly Snow

By Susanne Bacon

Stranded by a sudden snowstorm, in the small and isolated Victorian town of Wycliff, all the holiday day tripping tourists enjoying the sights are stuck. Fortunately for the last of the stragglers desperate for a warm place to stay, The Gull's Nest Bed and Breakfast has some room left. When the last of the rooms is filled, there are still other visitors with nowhere to go. The owner, Abigail Winterbottom is pressed to find still more room to fit everyone. Abigail had not even planned to be home for the holidays. She had troubles of the heart. She'd hoped to reconcile with Hank, who had left her. She'd hoped to revive their love, one last try, but destiny had changed her travel plans to go see Hank. Now there is Suddenly Snow and she has a Bed and Breakfast overflowing with unprepared guests. None of them had suitcases, but they all carried baggage with them. Like Abigail, they each have problems of their own. Can these strangers find ways to help each other find hope, resolve issues, and make new friends?

As you read about the different groups of people who travel to Wycliff just before Christmas, it's fascinating to meet them on the pages of this uplifting book. What each of them faces is so different, so interesting, and yet very relatable. They turn up on the doorstep, covering their troubles with smiles and silence. There are signs that reveal their stories, and it's through helping others that each of them find they are also helped themselves.

How can a group of strangers, isolated from their everyday lives help a single parent father and his daughter? And also a pregnant woman and her friend. How about Abigail's long time, blind friend? And an amazing saga of triplet sisters leading unique adult lives? Anyone wondering about the story of a non-practicing doctor? It's intriguing to read about these sincerely struggling characters, some desperate, who have such vivid personalities skillfully portrayed by this talented author. Even the town of Wycliff itself is a sweet community presence that comes to life for these holidays and the Suddenly Snow.

Susanne Bacon was born in Stuttgart, Germany, has a double Master’s degree in literature and linguistics, and has been working as an author, journalist, and columnist for over 20 years. She lives with her husband in the South Puget Sound region in Washington State. Suddenly Snow is her sixth Wycliff novel.

The Everlasting Gift - Reading Sunshine

 

The Everlasting Gift

By David-Matthew Barnes

Do whatever it takes to bring some sunshine into this world. A noble thought in a big world. Easier said than done. Oh! How the effort creates the potential for unexpected, and even life changing results, with ripples in so many directions. In the poignant book The Everlasting Gift, Sharleen has an incredible talent as a pianist. She has a real flair for music and for teaching and inspiring others. She doesn't see the beautiful potential of her abilities. She only sees obstacles that spring up in her way. She struggles to keep herself going after facing a series of disappointments and tragedies. How can she summon the courage to step forward into her future?

Sharleen is studying to be a teacher. She doesn't have the money to complete her course work. A temporary job opportunity comes up to organize students for a dramatic arts performance. The payment for this work is needed for Sharleen to complete her college studies, but this work comes with an uncomfortable twist. It requires her to return to the grade school she graduated from. How difficult is it to go back again? She's worried about what she may find there. Can she confront, and find a way to live with the memories she's buried deep inside? She has to try, or risk losing the future she dreams of.

Working on the stage show at her old school, Sharleen meets an interesting group of young students, including Victor with his dancing skills and Ivy with her amazing singing voice. Behind their talents though, this group of young students face some difficult, emotional issues. Sharleen is impressed with these kids, and her spirit begins to revive. Her grandmother continues to be her inspiration as well, and a most important relationship in Sharleen's life. The school administrators and faculty are not all on board with Sharleen and her efforts. Some need to gain better understanding, while others seem determined to undermine all Sharleen's hopes for bringing sunshine into her students' world. Some parents are also unsure. Sharleen is challenged to foster these relationships and offer hope to them all, including one parent in particular. Ivy's father, Jake is a single parent and struggling with his own grief over his wife's death years ago. The connection between Jake and Sharleen creates magical sparks, and together they share The Everlasting Gift.

David-Matthew Barnes is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, three collections of poetry, seven short stories, and more than seventy stage plays that have been performed in three languages in twelve countries. To date, he has written six produced screenplays, including the coming-of-age indie drama Frozen Stars and the award-winning Dutch film Wagon. He writes in multiple genres, primarily young adult, romance, thriller, and horror.