Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The Murder of Crows

"We're definitely not good, but we ain't all bad, either"

The Murder of Crows

Crooked Halos Book 3

by KC Bear

Genre: Erotic Romance


Mercy
Eight years ago, he promised he'd be back for me. He promised he'd take care of me. But he lied. And I was left to pick up my own shattered pieces.
Then, all of a sudden, he was back. I hated that he looked so good, that his endless and insistent need to fix me made it harder to hate him. No, somewhere in there, while we made a family all our own and he showed off his Daddy colors, my innocent childhood crush on him turned into love.

Jensen
I told her I'd be back for her. It took me eight years, and when I did find her again, she was pissed at me. She had every right to be, sure, but nothing she said or did would keep me away or run me off again. I had lots of hurts to apologize for and issues to help heal.
So, I vowed to heal her. With laughter, forgiveness, trust, a new family --- and orgasms. What I hadn't planned on doing was falling in love with her.


The Murder of Crows is a novel of about 70K words. It is the continuation, and conclusion, of Mercy and Jensen's story from Merry Christmas, Soldier (but can be read as a standalone). There are triggers, listed in the front of the book, or you may contact the author. It's not intended for anyone younger than 18 years of age. It ends with a Happily Ever After.

AmazonBookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BX12L4PS

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-murder-of-crows-crooked-halos-book-3-by-kc-bear

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150369204-the-murder-of-crows

 

Happy Valentine’s, Biker

Crooked Halos Book 2



He's a maverick, rough and ready.
She's sweet, scared and desperate with an underlying fire.
When they meet, is it one night?
Or is she his light?


Psycho
I had one job, and I did it. Kick ass and take names, just like always. I was beyond exhausted, ready to fall into bed and call it a night. Then, I saw her.

Every bit of darkness within me wanted her, and not even the abuse she'd been through that night with her scumbag boyfriend would stop me from getting her.

I'd found my prey, my Sunshine, and nothing would stop me from claiming what was mine.
Not even her.

Happy Valentine's, Biker is a prequel novella under 15K words and is book 1.5 in the Crooked Halos series. It's not intended for readers under 18 years of age or with certain triggers (see author for details).

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BPYMSXGV

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/happy-valentine-s-biker-crooked-halos-by-kc-bear

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203495715-happy-valentine-s-biker


Merry Christmas, Soldier

Crooked Halos Book 1




Merry Christmas, Soldier is an 11K novella written in first person past tense. It is a taboo romance with an 18 year age gap between them; all characters are of legal, consenting age.
Jensen is in the military, and Mercy was born premature; if any of that might possibly be a trigger, proceed with caution.
It is a prequel, which means there's more to the story --- and yes, it ends on a cliffhanger...
There is cussing, slight kink, and sexual situations. Again, proceed with caution.
This is not intended for anyone under the age of 18.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLJ7XSLJ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/merry-christmas-soldier-crooked-halos-by-kc-bear

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63335500-merry-christmas-soldier

About the Author


Little bit sweet, whole lotta naughty, always HEA

KC Bear has been writing as a hobby her entire life and one day decided to give the voices in her head life of their own.

While she does only have a few little book babies out, she's got more ideas than she can count! With ideas for stories ranging from romance that blurs the line into erotica, women who love other women, supernatural romance, and everything in between, she's sure you'll find something to enjoy as soon as she gets it put out into the world!

As a proud submissive, BDSM plays heavily into her novels with darker themes of sadomasochism, unconventional relationships with menages, and cursing that could make a sailor blush; but you can be sure they're all a little bit sweet, whole lotta naughty, and always have a HEA.

When she isn't writing or creating entire worlds in her head, she spends her days in Kentucky on their 10 acres with her very own Dominant and Pandora, the spoiled cat.

Website * Facebook * FB Group* Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://kc-bear-gufvsd.mailerpage.io/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064110462203

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/885763685597027

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcbearauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kc-bear

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/KC-Bear/author/B08RP8PJWS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21365743.K_C_Bear

Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/the-murder-of-crows-book-tour-and-giveaway


Tuesday, January 30, 2024

A Son of the Shadows

A Son of the Shadows

The Earthborn Saga Vol 1

by Steven Bissett

Genre: Science Fiction Fantasy


Night is falling. Embrace the darkness.

On the ice-clad prison world of Delta-13, where minds teeter on the edge of madness, mankind's future dangles by a thread.

Living under the shadow of an imperial conspiracy, Rex Hunt discovers a psychic gift that will upset the balance of power in the entire galaxy.

As Rex grapples with his newfound power, prison psychiatrist, Dr. Lily Tselitel, delves into the chilling surge of madness among the inmates, pulling her closer to a secret as old as the galaxy itself.

Their paths converge as they uncover an imperial plot to build a weapon that threatens to suffocate the flickering spirit of rebellion in the galaxy's fringe colonies.

Unbeknownst to the rebels, as they fight against the empire's sinister plan, an ancient shadow looms over the galaxy, threatening to consume humanity's vast colonies, and even Earth itself!

Discover the first book in an epic space opera where hope survives in secret taverns, and the line between life and death is blurred in the snowy expanse of Delta-13.


You're just one click away from learning mankind's fate.

Interview

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for over 15 years!

What makes a good story?

Relatable characters solving a problem. There are a lot of other factors that can be involved, but I find that essentially if you can “get” where the characters are coming from, and they are grappling with an issue that has compelling meaning for them, the story is instantly interesting.

 It’s outside of writing, but it’s one of my favorite examples of this principle in practice is the show This Old House. 

On its face, it’s a home improvement program where an old house is gutted and renovated into a dream house. There is no drama, practically no action, follows a known formula with no plot twists, and takes a long time to complete. So there are none of the usual tricks or methods of catching attention.

But the show is absolutely iconic, and practically everyone has flipped over to it briefly and kept watching until the segment was over.

I believe it’s because the show has a very relatable cast, and they are grappling with a problem, (renovation), that means a lot to them. And since they take it completely seriously, we feel like we should take it seriously, and the show has instant meaning for us.

And I’ve found over and over again that the books that have the strongest appeal for me, consist of relatable characters working to overcome a problem that matters to them.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It depends on a few factors, but an Earthborn Saga book is around 2-3 months to write. First I feel out the main plot elements and get a sense of the tone that I want to hit with the book, and that usually takes me around 2 weeks. During this time, I also work on the book’s lore, formulate situations for the characters to explore, and come up with elements to give texture to the narrative.

Once the groundwork is done and I have a feeling for where I’m going, I start in on the book itself. The books are around 180,000 to 200,000 words, and I work with a goal of writing a minimum of 4,000 words per day. So when you count in days off that comes out to about 2 months of writing.

Then after that, I take a week or so for editing and proofreading and get the book ready for publishing.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

My favorites are to visit with friends, sing karaoke, and go dancing.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

Absolutely, I have a short story called “Hero of the People” that goes into some of the backstory for Antonin Gromyko, and details an adventure from the early days of the Underground.

The story is a free download from my website stevenbissett.com

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

I’ve drawn some characteristics off of real people, and that’s added some texture, but the characters themselves spring entirely from my imagination.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the

story?

I feel really like the narrative unfolds naturally and according to it’s own logic, so it’s almost like watching life happen before me.

If you’re familiar with tabletop RPGs, a really great analogy is to think of it like a game of Dungeons and Dragons. Where I am the Dungeon Master, and it’s my job to create the narrative and the overall script for the adventure to follow.

However the individual character interactions are handled by the player characters. Working from their backgrounds and personalities, they are all unscripted and react off of each other like billiards balls.

What I really like about it is it gives a very natural feel to the story and dialogue, and it makes each situation unpredictable.

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?

It’s kind of a mix, but a lot of the characters come up in the process of storytelling.

Sometimes what will even happen is I create a short-term character for a limited engagement, but I like the character a lot or he compliments the other characters, so I write him into more of a major role.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CHV6484N

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-son-of-the-shadows-the-earthborn-saga-vol-i-by-steven-bissett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198982572-a-son-of-the-shadows


The Beast Emerges

The Earthborn Saga Vol II

 


Ancient secrets. New battles.

An unyielding, insidious peril, the Devourers unleash chaos in the galaxy.

First in their malevolent sights: the ice planet Delta-13, next the enigmatic jungles of Preleteth. Rex Hunt, driven by destiny and cryptic legends, forges alliances in the galaxy's darkest corners.

From pirate-infested asteroids to secret Imperial bases, danger lurks at every corner. When ancient prophecies from the sentient world of Preleteth point to a shadowy salvation, Rex's fate becomes irrevocably intertwined with a journey that spans galaxies.

Every alliance forged, every secret unveiled, and every battle waged will shape the future in this grand space opera of courage, sacrifice, and cosmic revelation.

Dive deep with Rex and his crew as they embark on a perilous journey. If you think you've outsmarted the might of the Empire or the ruthlessness of the Devourers… prepare for your reckoning.


Jump into book two of The Earthborn Saga today!

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CKL5YGNZ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-beast-emerges-the-earthborn-saga-vol-ii-by-steven-bissett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199664213-the-beast-emerges


The Crucible of Titans

The Earthborn Saga Vol III

 


Dreadnoughts. Devourers. Deception. In a star field of lies, can anyone be trusted?

Trapped aboard the Empire’s ultimate weapon, Sentinel, Rex becomes the crucial factor in the cosmic war against the Devourers.

But there's a mysterious web of deceit beyond the battlefield. Driven by an intense hatred of mankind, an ancient being emerges as the parasite's true puppet master.


Between the Empire, the Devourers, emboldened pirates, and a plethora of colonial revolutionaries, are there simply too many enemies to overcome?

The mysterious Krancis, architect of the Empire's desperate gambit to survive, sends Sentinel on a collision course with the single greatest foe ever to threaten mankind. The battle to come is beyond colossal: it's a celestial clash of titans that could cost Rex everything he has left.

Dive into this enthralling mosaic of military tactics, clandestine politics, and cosmic spirituality. Feel the universe quake under the weight of monumental choices. Here, heroes are born, villains rise, and entire galaxies crumble.

Ready for the next level of space opera?

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CLZTYYSJ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-crucible-of-titans-the-earthborn-saga-vol-iii-by-steven-bissett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200881990-the-crucible-of-titans

 

The Tides of Retribution

The Earthborn Saga Vol IV

 


Will the Empire crumble under the weight of betrayal and invasion?

As the galaxy is besieged by the merciless Devourers and treacherous Fringers, one ship and one man stand as humanity's final hope.

Can the enigmatic Rex, a master of shadowy psychic powers, and the massive warship, Sentinel, keep the relentless enemy at bay?

Rumors of alien infiltration and psychic omens shake the Empire to its core. Can Rex and Sentinel hold the line long enough for Krancis’ new experimental weapon to be deployed against their enemy?

As the hive-minded Devourers grow bolder and more ruthless by the day, the Empire finds itself fighting battles on multiple fronts. Eliminating high-level operatives providing intelligence to the parasite becomes as crucial as protecting the Empire's teeming population centers.

Venture into this colossal clash, where an alien hive mind, the Imperium’s internal enemies, and the ticking clock that marks humanity’s doom converge. Witness as Krancis' innovations offer a glimmer of hope, Rex pushes his psychic gifts to the limit, and the Devourers edge closer to ultimate victory over humanity.


Ready to discover what surprises await humanity?

Immerse yourself into the intrigue of book four of the Earthborn Saga today!

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CMQ6R7PS

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-tides-of-retribution-the-earthborn-saga-vol-iv-by-steven-bissett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201630933-the-tides-of-retribution

 

The Crusade of Vengeance

The Earthborn Saga Vol V

 


The tides are turning, but is it enough to save humanity?

When the Empire’s last gamble pays off, the Devourer's end finally seems inevitable.

Armed with Adler fighters and Sentinel's devastating cannon, the Devourer's reign of terror might be on the brink of ending.

But the colossal enemy has one last trick up its sleeve and is spreading a devilish evil across the Empire in a desperate bid at victory. Armed with city-sized masses of stinking Devourer flesh, these psychic nightmares that consume life are being warped in from deep space to wreak havoc on the Empire's core worlds.

And even as Rex powers Sentinel's cannon to obliterate the Devourer's latest monstrosities, a darker evil waits in the wings, a force that dwarfs all other threats.

Advanced weaponry meets arcane entities and the very fabric of the universe hangs by a thread.

Prepare to confront the real enemy in book five of the Earthborn Saga today!

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CNGHBHZR

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-crusade-of-vengeance-the-earthborn-saga-vol-v-by-steven-bissett

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202226205-the-crusade-of-vengeance

About the Author


Steven Bissett has been writing stories for over fourteen years. An eclectic author, he excels at seamlessly blending genres together to produce unique stories. With compelling characters, dynamic plots, and a crisp, candid style that holds nothing back, Bissett continues to delight readers of every age.

Website * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://stevenbissett.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553167780329

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steven-Bissett/author/B09PL47H9G

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19702986.Steven_Bissett

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/the-earthborn-saga-book-tour-and-giveaway

Monday, January 29, 2024

Outpassage

War and Mystery Beyond the Stars

 Outpassage

by Janet & Chris Morris

Genre: Science Fiction

 


WAR AND MYSTERY BEYOND THE STARS


Sgt. "Det" Cox has just spent three years under psych observation on Earth; now that he's out-system, he isn't about to tell anyone he's seeing aliens again. Paige Barnett has lost everything, even her name, because she knows too much about the rebellion spreading through the Earth-Space mining colonies.

Together Cox and Barnett stumble upon the mystery at the revolution's heart and learn why the rebels are willing to die for it.

Is their discovery humanity's worst threat or greatest gift? The authorities are willing to destroy whole planets to keep the revolution's secret from reaching Earth... What's to stop them from destroying two people

"The Morrises' blend of fast-paced narrative and meticulous research into near-space technology makes a novel you can't put down."
-- C.J. Cherryh

"Action sequences that would make any writer proud. OUTPASSAGE is a wonderful book."
--David Drake

"OUTPASSAGE might just be the perfect science fiction novel."
-- Jack Williamson

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDC1E84

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outpassage-j-morris/1000477289?

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/outpassage-by-janet-morris-and-chris-morris-2017-07-16

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21955078-outpassage


Love Science Fiction?

For readers that are out of this world and can’t wait to find out what the future holds -

All SciFi books at Perseid Press are discounted for the month of January!

Get them now before they’re light years away…..

https://bit.ly/3RLP2hs


About the Authors


Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels. Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.

Christopher Crosby Morris (born 1946) is an American author of fiction and non-fiction, as well as a lyricist, musical composer, and singer-songwriter. He is married to author Janet Morris. He is a defense policy and strategy analyst and a principal in M2 Technologies, Inc. He writes primarily as Chris Morris, but occasionally uses pseudonyms.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Bookbub

 Amazon * Amazon *  Goodreads * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://theperseidpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerseidPublishing

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Perseid_Press

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perseid_press

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/janet-morris

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chris-morris

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Janet-Morris/author/B001HPJJB8

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Morris/author/B008L41JNO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/121072.Janet_E_Morris

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/317667.Chris_Morris

Giveaway

choice of print or ebook copy of Outpassage , $10 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner each!

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/outpassage-book-tour-and-giveaway

 

Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning

This romantic adventure unfolds over 250 years, where the transcendent force of music and the belief in a higher purpose shape a narrative of mystery, magic, and miraculous encounters.

The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning

The Moon Singer Book 4

by B. Roman

Genre: Historical Romantic Fantasy Adventure

 


From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham.


They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they - and their lovers - would die.

A romantic adventure spanning 250 years, B. Roman's 'The Immortal Rose Wyndham' is a story where the power of music, and the belief in a purpose greater than oneself, provide the mystery and magic that creates miracles.

**The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning can be read as a standalone and/or prequel to the rest of the books in the series.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BS3HRSL8

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-immortal-rose-wyndham/id6445363475

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-immortal-rose-wyndham-b-roman/1142930553?ean=2940167147874

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7O2mEAAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-immortal-rose-wyndham

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bQNajD

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-immortal-rose-wyndham-the-beginning-the-moon-singer-book-4-by-barbara-roman

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77781784-the-immortal-rose-wyndham

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/teded3cYINE

**Don’t miss the rest of the collection!**

Every fantastic adventure, every romance, every heartwarming family story, every magical moment.

All four books in B. Roman’s The Moon Singer, a series of fantasy novels, now available in one volume. This collection also includes the prequel novella, Before the Boy, as a bonus.

https://mybook.to/MoonSingerCollection 

About the Author

B. Roman - in her own words:



Since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. It's difficult to serve "two masters," as they say, but I was compelled to do so. When I was not singing, I was writing; when I was not writing, I was singing. I've learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other. Much of my writing has a musical theme somewhere in the plot, or is the plot. Whether it's in my non-fiction writing about the power of music itself, in children’s picture books and in writing music and lyrics for songs.

It is natural, therefore, that my adventure series (The Moon Singer) has its roots in musical theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism. Music provokes universal emotions and memories, and giving my characters a musical talent and/or identity enriches them and the reader experience.

*B. Roman’s books include the 5-book Moon Singer Series, two suspense thrillers (Whatever Became of Sin?; A Man’s Face), and (as Barbara Roman) three children’s books: Hubert in Heaven, Alicia & The Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13, and The Prince Who Was A Piccolo.

 

Facebook * X * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads * AllAuthor

 

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BRomanMoonSinger

X: https://twitter.com/BMoonSinger1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/barbara-roman

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/B-Roman/author/B00AT14J70

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7358514.B_Roman

AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/author/broman1/

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/the-immortal-rose-wyndham-the-beginning-book-tour-and-giveaway

Excerpt #1 (714 words)

Legend has it that the Hawthorn tree, also known as the May Tree, is tied closely with female sexuality and therefore is useful in marriage or love magic. Hawthorn blossoms are believed to be highly erotic and are used to attract men by women looking for a new love. If the maiden places the petal under her pillow at night she will dream of her future husband.

For Grace Moreau, this dream is forbidden.

For her daughter, Rose, this dream is shattered.

***

Prologue

A delicate petal from the mystical Hawthorn tree flutters down with the gentleness of a butterfly and brushes her face, then falls to the ground, damp with her tears.

“What’s wrong, Mama?”

“Nothing is wrong, Dearest,” Grace assures her daughter. “These are tears of joy. Soon, everything will be right. But there will be some changes that may startle you or confuse you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’ll soon be a young woman and that is why I must tell you now, before the changes occur.”

Always tall and willowy, Grace will soon lose height and gain width. Her skin will line and crease, and spots from years in the sunlight will form patterns on her delicate hands. The female body betrays you, she grieves silently. It deteriorates into unwelcome mosaics of decay, becomes something to be hidden. 

Because a spell is about to be broken, she must soon resort to Smoke and Mirrors: careful makeup, corsets, long sleeves, and face veils to conceal the drastic changes. And yet, the voice will remain as young as springtime, alluring as a siren’s song, her last vestige of perpetual youth.

“I watched my friends and loved ones grow old and wrinkled, some with poise, but most of the others with anguish at the gods,” she begins. “I held on to my youth fervently, selfishly, out of vanity, and also out of fear. I believed if I let myself age as they did I would then die an old crone, angry and alone.”

“You’ll never be an old crone, Mama, and you’ll never be alone while I’m here.”

“My lovely daughter, you are my everything, but I have kept a secret from you that I can keep no longer.”

Rose tilts her head inquisitively. “What kind of secret? If you tell me, will I have to keep it, too?”

Grace brushes a stray auburn curl from her daughter’s forehead, lamenting the huge burden she is about to bequeath to her. “A long, long time ago, I was given a gift and told it has magic in it, an essence to keep me young and beautiful for as long as I wore it. I had to make choices along the way - how I lived my life, how I treated others, what I valued. I didn’t always make wise or benevolent choices, though I tried as often as my pride and inner strength would allow. And now my time for holding on to this gift is coming to an end. It no longer works for me.”

“Surely it does, Mama. You’re still young and beautiful, as always.”

“Be prepared, Dearest. I won’t be for long.” 

Grace Wyndham nee Moreau, born 1750, and now 107 years old in this year 1857, opens the clasp of the chain from which the pendant hangs. She removes it from her smooth neck which will soon develop deep lines and folds of sagging skin. 

“I give this pendant - the sacred Rose Crystal - to you. It belongs to you. It is why I named you Rose. Since you were born, I could see you have special talents and insights that I never had. I know you will be a true guardian of the pendant and will make careful and generous choices. Listen to what the crystal tells you and your life will be rich and full and long.”

Grace secures the clasp at the nape of her daughter’s flawless neck. The crystal glints its miraculous promise, the optical effect of a star appears on its surface, made visible in the moonlight.

An expression of childlike wonder animates Rose’s face. “It’s exquisite. I have no other words. What happens now?”

“My life will end soon. But you, dearest Rose, will be immortal.”

 


Recruiting Murder

Can two Sleuths put these two puzzles together before college starts in September?

 Recruiting Murder

A Brown & McNeil Murder Mystery Book 3

by Frank Lazarus

Genre: Murder Mystery, Crime Thriller

 


The third installment in the Brown and McNeil Mystery Series

Lenny Goldstein and his company, Future Stars, evaluate high school and collegiate basketball talent and sell their rankings to colleges and NBA teams.

From its humble beginnings in 1975, Future Stars had grown into a behemoth; with fifteen NBA teams and seventy-eight colleges paying subscriptions for his rankings.

Lenny is semi-retired these days, with his son and son-in-law running the business until he gets a call from an old buddy in Newport News, who wants him to come look at a high school kid, Lincoln Anderson, in Emporia, Virginia. He believes this Anderson kid has been overlooked by everyone, including Future Stars.

Concurrently, Lenny gets a call from an old buddy, the iconic coach of Duke University, to see what he knows about the college decision of Tyler Longenecker, Future Star’s #5 ranked high school senior from a premier prep school in the tony Boston suburbs. 

All seems to be going on script until graduation, when both Lincoln and Tyler are involved in a death and a roofie rape. Suddenly, Lenny’s getting calls about both kids.

Lincoln's family is related to James McNeil in Philly, and they call him for help. James and his buddy, Detective Vernon Brown of the Philly PD, jump into the car and head South on I-95.

Can the two Sleuths from The Murder Gambit and The Phenom put these two puzzles together before college starts in September?

Once again, Author Frank Lazarus has produced a gripping, suspenseful story that will keep you off Netflix for a day or two.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Recruiting-Murder-Brown-McNeil-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CQRMK9ZZ/

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/recruiting-murder/id6473295188

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/recruiting-murder-frank-lazarus/1144422343?ean=2940179242956

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/recruiting-murder

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/recruiting-murder-a-brown-and-mcneil-murder-mystery-3-by-frank-lazarus

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199512025-recruiting-murder

 

The Phenom

A Brown & McNeil Murder Mystery Book 2

 


Even before he has played his first game in high school, it would seem nothing can stop Bo Campbell's meteoric rise to stardom in the basketball world. In Philadelphia, people are already comparing him to his Overbrook High School predecessor, Wilt Chamberlain.

But his dreams are suddenly shattered when he is arrested for the murder of his best friend, Sherman Claxton.

Detective Vernon Brown, and James McNeil, his friend and Bo's grandfather, search for the truth, but James goes rogue, and soon finds himself in the dangerous underbelly of the Philadelphia drug sub-culture, where the stakes are high and it's hard to tell who's friend and who's foe.

 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo *Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Phenom-Brown-McNeil-Murder-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CHK7FVNS

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-phenom/id6466183651

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-phenom-frank-lazarus/1144052042

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-phenom

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-phenom-by-frank-lazarus

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199085876-the-phenom-brown-mcneil-murder-mystery

 

The Murder Gambit

A Brown & McNeil Murder Mystery Book 1

 


An unexplained death in a nursing home. A man falls from a balcony. A hit and run in the middle of a city street. An execution in a home. A woman collapses dead after a date.

Five murders. Five methods. Five police jurisdictions.

What's the connection?

Philadelphia-area detectives are under pressure to solve the murders, while dealing with their own issues.

Speeding like the lead car at Talladega towards a shocking conclusion, is The Murder Gambit a Shakespearean tragedy or a sinister reality? 

 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Gambit-Brown-McNeil-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C4BFDQ9L

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-murder-gambit/id6465744747

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-murder-gambit-frank-lazarus/1144055177?ean=2940179216506

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-murder-gambit

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-murder-gambit-a-brown-and-mcneil-murder-mystery-by-frank-lazarus

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/148993099-the-murder-gambit

About the Author

Frank Lazarus was born and raised in West Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School, as you may have guessed from his writings.

After graduating high school, Frank spent two years in the U.S. Army during the VietNam War. After his service, he completed his 

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at St. Joseph’s University, in Philadelphia.

He was in the Financial Services and Life Insurance industry for fifty-three years before he retired at the end of 2021.

Frank has three adult children and five grandchildren.

Website * Facebook * Twitter *  Amazon * Goodreads

 

Author Links

Website: https://franklazscribe.wixsite.com/frank-lazarus--autho

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094023510995

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LazarusFrank

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Frank-Lazarus/author/B0C4D6SBXN

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/35851557.Frank_Lazarus

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

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