The Tales of Elliot Caprice - A Super Series

 Ace Boon Coon

By Danny Gardner

The next of the Tales of Elliot Caprice series is the new book Ace Boon Coon. This is a detective novel that addresses issues of race and class by building these issues seamlessly into the dramatic plot. What results is a totally unique detective in Elliot Caprice, an intriguing read, and fascinating characters. This is a super sequel in a historical crime fiction series about a disgraced police officer caught in a world caught between black and white, where murder exposes a clash of greed and competing interests.

Set in 1950's rural Illinois, Elliot Caprice returns to help his uncle save the family farm as he struggles to keep it through a terrible drought. Elliot is pulled into more than he bargained for when a murder draws him back to Chicago. Twists keep Elliot investigating as he resolves to find answers, and to save those he cares for the most. Once Elliot Caprice is challenged, he doesn't back down. As one of the characters sums it up, “It's his backbone . . . Sometimes it gets to him.”

This author is a Chicago native and is extremely knowledgeable in history, philosophy, literature and much more. His extensive research is woven into the tapestry of this story. The city of Chicago in this historical perspective is a fascinating depiction, and appears almost as another character in the story. When Elliot Caprice's Uncle Buster says “I hate this city. She takes too much.” Elliot says “She ain't so bad, after she kills you once or twice.” It's a vivid depiction of this contentious city that these characters fight to survive in. Another aspect of the story that pulls the reader into the story is the colloquial language that is a unique linguistic flare of the era brought to life. It's a compelling cast of characters, with varied motives and ethnic backgrounds.

Author Danny Gardner has enjoyed careers as a Stand-Up Comedian, Actor, Director, Screenwriter and Author. He's a Pushcart Prize nominee and his flash fiction has been featured in Out of the Gutter and on Noir On The Air. He's a frequent reader at Noir at the Bar events nationwide. He blogs regularly at 7 Criminal Minds. He's a proud member of the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers. Danny Gardner lives in Los Angeles by way of Chicago. His first book A Negro and an Ofay began his Tales of Elliot Caprice series, now followed by Ace Boon Coon. To learn more about Danny Gardner, check out bronzevillebooks.com on social media or his author page on Amazon or Goodreads, and to hear more from the author, listen on YouTube to  A Novel Talk with Danny Gardner.

Tainted Times 2 - Lies, Love, Limits of Justice

 

Tainted Times 2
By Valerie J. Brooks

Your heart will be racing as you turn the pages of this psychological noir thriller and follow the adventures of former criminal defense attorney Angeline Porter. After her self-defense killing of two leaders of an extortionist mob, the new leaders want her money and then they want her dead. Tainted Times 2 indeed. She's laying low in Kauai, but she's uneasy in her hide out. She doesn't want to hide, she wants to fight for justice. She yearns for a fulfilling life again, after the painful betrayal by her dead sister Sophie.

The sexy and cerebral Gerard, an undercover FBI agent and Sophie's former lover lures Angeline into being the bait in his continuing investigation. She debates the wisdom of working with him, but she's ready to immerse herself into the effort trapping the mob that's after her and ending their domination. Gerard surprises her with the secret she never suspected, that she has another sister who is very much alive and was raised by another family. Angeline's hopes are quickly dashed as she discovers that her newly discovered sister could be connected to the extortionists determined to kill Angeline herself.

Angeline detaches from suspicious activities in Kauai that entangle her and heads for the mainland and the even greater hazards ahead. There are many intriguing twists and turns to Angeline's fight for justice, and she is confronted with danger on all sides. Part of the answers to the mystery can only be found by delving into secrets of the past in her very own family. Secrets can be painful, and the consequences can sometimes be deadly. Angeline is going to have to rely on her wits and on skills she didn't even know she has.

The action is riveting, and this novel keeps the tension taut throughout with the complex characters and their unpredictable motives. The plot sparks with dynamite when Gerard and Angeline come back together on this mission. They share an undeniable attraction that's contaminated with impossible complications. The author tells the story through Angeline as the action happens and the reader is propelled into her dynamic reactions and thought process in real time.

The author, Valerie J. Brooks' first book in the Angeline Porter trilogy, Revenge in 3 Parts was a finalist for the Nancy Pearl Book Award. She received an Elizabeth George Foundation grant and the Monticello Award for Creative Writing. As a literary activist, she served as Associate Fiction Editor at Northwest Review for four years, was a Board of Directors member of Oregon Writers Colony and co-founded Willamette Writers Speakers Series. She's a proud member of Sisters in Crime, and you can find out more at her website valeriejbrooks.com. Valerie enjoys life in Oregon with a nearby large family and lives in the McKenzie River Valley with her husband Daniel Connors and their spirited Havanese pooch Stevie Nicks.

Edge of Redfish Lake - Suspenseful Thrills

 

Edge of Redfish Lake

By Conrad Jungmann Jr

Ripples from one of the lakes hidden away in the Pacific Northwest spread a legend about the redfish that returned to the lake to spawn every year on their brutal trip upstream. Stories have been told of numbers so massive a person could walk across the lake on the backs of the fish. A crimson, red blood glow described generations ago inspired many people through time.

Now it's 1988 and Seattle is on the brink of the Alaska fishing season start. There's much activity in this staging city for people heading up to work for the short summer. University graduate Julian Hopkins is on top of the world with a promised news reporter job starting after he returns with his hard earned paychecks from his last fishing summer. In another part of Seattle more sinister preparations for an Alaskan journey are underway, murder.

Alaskan fishing is not for those weak in determination. The author's description of this seasonal marathon is gripping in its physical strain, workers' interactions, and stunning wilderness beauty. This year there are also some ominous and terrifying events that leave many involved shaken to the core.

When Julian Hopkins returns from Alaska a possible serial killer is reported on the loose and Julian has an assignment on this big story. It turns out that this will be the story of his life, and in fact it may mean his life or death. Julian finds himself up against the honed, merciless wits of a twisted murderer.

This novel fascinates the reader on every page with the conniving depths and complex toying with evidence and clues to turn law enforcement in circles. Every page teases with the suspense of where the twisted trail will lead next and who is the next victim to wander into a waiting, deadly trap. Along with the mystery, this story wrestles with some important and enticing questions about the science of law enforcement, and the court system.

The author Conrad Jungmann Jr. writes this vivid and gripping story from a skilled perspective. He earned his Master’s in Journalism at the University of Missouri before embarking on a twenty-year career in journalism and digital marketing. He's never forgotten the Alaska adventures of his youth and this book is a thrilling way to share stories of that life. EDGE OF REDFISH LAKE is Conrad’s debut novel and feature screenplay. Conrad lives in Lynnwood, WA. with his wife and three children. He's an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.

Debriefing The Dead

 

Debriefing The Dead

By Kerry Blaisdell

Hyacinth Finch is having a tough day. She's found a mysterious rock that has mystic powers. She had no idea that Demons, and also the brutal Sicilian Mob are in deadly pursuit to steal it from her. After the bad guys murder Hyacinth and her sister, they carry away the rock in triumph and with horrific intentions. Now dead Hyacinth starts intense negotiations with Archangel Michael, who is Debriefing The Dead. She wants to get her life back, in order to protect her innocent 7 year old nephew from a life growing up in the Mob. But in order to agree, Michael wants an ominous task completed in return.

After Hyacinth is reunited with her nephew Geordi. She's determined to keep him safe, and at the same time she has to begin a dangerous search ordered by Michael. She must recapture the rock by a meaningful and unmovable deadline, or risk dire consequences for failure. Demons, and the Mob have hidden it, are guarding it, and are on to her. She has to keep her mission secret from everyone. She gets some surprising help. Her gratitude is tempered by her uncertainty about what honestly motivates the aid from her mysterious neighbor Jason, and Eric who is a dead man who is stuck wandering the world unable to find his way to the after life.

Yes, dead people populate the world. No, you can't see them, but other dead people can see them and talk with them. Now that she's formerly dead, Hyacinth enlists Eric's help. It does make things complicated with Jason and Geordi who think she may be turning crazy, talking to no one they can see. They travel to Turkey and begin a stealthy search to rescue a specific, powerful rock despite powerful demons, the Mob, the mystery of where the rock is hidden and what it will do. Still, there is some time for the very human celebration of life, humor, adventure, family, and even romantic attraction.

Award winning author Kerry Blaisdell has written a powerful urban fantasy. Debriefing The Dead is the first of her series. The story is full of action, yet the author finds time to create fascinating and colorful characters without slowing down the page turning pace. The descriptions are so visual and exciting. Find out more about the author at her website kerryblaisdell.com and tune into YouTube's A Novel Talk with Kerry Blaisdell to hear directly from the author.

The First To Lie - But Who Will Die?

 

The First To Lie
By Hank Phillippi Ryan

Come on undercover for an exciting investigation into a Pharmaceutical company's business behind the counter, along with the actions of the owning matriarchal family, and the motives of the next generation poised to inherit. On the surface all appears as expected with a family of privilege and with a well-known company. That's on the surface. When an investigative reporter dives in behind the pretense, she uncovers deception. But who was The First To Lie, and could that firt lie have led this reporter into a life life and death threatening story? When all is not as it seems, is it possible to find where the truth is buried?

“Without any sneaky fine print and knowing everything you know, if you could start your adult life over as someone else, would you do it?” Sometimes getting what you want can only be done disguised as someone else. But then, who else may know that and be working against you? This reporter is heartbroken by the stories she hears from some women who were betrayed. What actions will deep grief drive a person to? What actions will be considered by a person seeking revenge when they feel they've been wronged and their future has been stolen from them? Once a person will lie, what else will they be willing to do.

Bestselling and award winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan has created a thriller that never lets up until that final of several twists, as you turn the final pages. This skilled author artfully executes an intricate plot filled with intrigue, and with such style that it will keep you questioning and digging deeper for clues and revelations on every page. The characters caught up in all this turmoil are fascinating and their motives and personalities are revealed over time. This author guides you clearly through the cast, including those creating their own disguises.

Bestselling author of twelve thrillers, HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN has won five Agatha Awards in addition to Anthony, Macavity, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Higgins Clark Awards. As on-air investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, she's won 36 Emmys and many more journalism honors, and her work has resulted in new laws, criminals sent to prison, homes saved from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in restitution for victims and consumers. A past president of National Sisters in Crime and founder of MWA University, Ryan lives in Boston with her husband, a nationally renowned civil rights and criminal defense attorney.

Find out more from Hank Phillippi Ryan when she appears on The Investigators Book Group in a live chat at 11:00 am on September 30th. Join The Investigators Book Group on Facebook and ask the author your own questions, or you can view the recorded event afterwards.

Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash

Savor Summer a little longer with this beach read mystery! Just $1.99 

Haunting At Spook Light Inn

Haunting At Spook Light Inn

By Alicia Dean

Camille left Miami for Devil's Promenade. Her visit to this small town in rural Oklahoma is a quest. She searches for a legendary light, one with haunting effects sparkling in the sky without explanation, or predictability. This phenomenon appears only to some, and over the span of time the story has grown. It has become an epic tale. What is it? Camille plans a brief investigation, resulting in a sensational write up disproving any paranormal activity, followed by a quick mailing of her book to her impatiently waiting editor. At least, that's her plan. That is until her curiosity leads her straight into an extrasensory mystery.

Camille had left home in a hurry. She knew little about the Spook Light Inn at the time she made a hasty reservation and prepaid for her stay. She's determined no one will discover her own hidden, personal reason for running away from home with the sudden excuse to write this story now. She intends to bury that pain deep, in a dark and secret place within. No one will know about it, except the ones who caused it. 

When she gets out of the car and looks at the unique and intriguing inn it's a chilling feeling, something quite unsettling that passes through her. She can't identify a specific cause for her hesitation, and she has no idea as she crosses the threshold that this will be a life altering assignment.

As Camille checks in she meets the unusual staff members who keep the Inn running. She also meets an apparition visible and sensed only by her. Camille wants to deny her senses and refuse to believe, and yet the ghostly woman is too persistent to be ignored. Camille senses that she's being driven toward an ominous conclusion.

There are few other guests, and yet when Camille wanders the rambling inn there are parts of it strictly forbidden to walk or visit. The owner of the inn, Declan Rush is surprisingly inhospitable and reclusive, and alluring. There is an attraction there. His personality mystifies Camille and so does the Haunting At Spook Light Inn.

Award winning author, Alicia Dean writes in a variety of genres, among them, paranormal, suspense, and romance. She loves creating spine-chilling stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats, and she sure does that well. Haunting At Spook Light Inn is part of A World of Gothic which is a Gothic Mystery Romance Series. It was Alicia Dean's vision to invite authors from around the world to share a Gothic mystery novella set in their own country. Find out more about the author at her website aliciadean.com, and tune into YouTube's A Novel Talk with Alicia Dean to hear directly from Alicia Dean.