Sunday, September 8, 2024

Buried on a Sundae - A Review & Giveaway

 Review


BURIED ON A SUNDAE by Lena Gregory
The Fourth Coffee & Cream Café Mystery

Danika Delaney is attempting her third date with the dishy Detective Jake Barlow. After all, third time's the charm, right? Unfortunately, after a misstep on her part, he bails after a call from another woman. To lift her spirits she, Gwen, and Eli head for a night out at a popular new hot spot. But instead of  a fun night of drinks and dancing with friends she sees Jake cozying up to the owner's wife. Is he two, or even three timing her? Things get even worse when Danika finds a body in the sand. Could Jake not only be a cheat, but a dirty cop? He certainly couldn't be a murderer. Could he? Dani and her pals put their sleuthing hats on once more to get to the bottom of things. And Dani will hope against hope that it isn't three strikes you're out.  

Secrets, infidelity, dirty cops, and a crime boss come together to turn Dani's life upside down in the fourth Coffee & Cream Café Mystery. What I like best about this series is the humor. Days after finishing the book I still found myself smiling at the antics of Dani and her Scooby gang. But BURIED ON A SUNDAE is not just a funny story, there's a compelling mystery too. With lots of moving parts it was fascinating uncovering the clues to ultimately find the killer. 

What really makes the book special, however, are the characters. From the creepy Reggie to the intriguing club owner/crime boss, all of the players have incredible depth, even those whose roles are not that big. The heart of the series is Dani and her friends and family. From Uncle Jimmie who's always there to help, the smart, but incredibly klutzy Eli, the stalwart best friend Gwen, and Danika, a fiercely loyal and loving friend whose Coffee & Cream Café brings everyone together.

While BURIED ON A SUNDAE is one mishap after another for Dani, it remains a heartwarming story of trust. Laugh out loud funny yet heartfelt, BURIED ON A SUNDAE is an absolute delight!

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 Buried on a Sundae (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory

About Buried on a Sundae 

Buried on a Sundae (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery 4th in Series
Setting - Long Island, NY
Publisher: ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing (August 27, 2024)
Digital: Number of Pages 225
From author Lena Gregory comes a delicious new mystery...

Things have been looking up for Danika Delany's business—her uncle's old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island. But for her love life? Not so much. After a disastrous date with Detective Jake Barlow, Danika lets her best friends, Gwen and Eli, talk her into a night out at the hottest new nightclub in town. Only, while there, Dani finds her sort-of boyfriend secreted in the shadows on the beach behind the club with crime boss Patrick Johansen’s wife, Angelique! An upset Dani leaves without giving Jake a chance to explain, but when he doesn’t get in touch the next day, she takes a long walk along the beach to reevaluate her love life. That's where she suddenly stumbles across Angelique’s body buried in the dunes near where she last saw her with Jake. Sure that Jake is innocent—of murder at least—Danika and her friends set out to prove Jake had nothing to do with her murder and stop a killer...before they strike again!

About Lena Gregory

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links

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Friday, September 6, 2024

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop - A Review

Review

CHAOS AT THE LAZY BONES BOOKSHOP by Emmeline Duncan
The First Halloween Bookshop Mystery

Capitalizing on the fact that an iconic Halloween movie was once filmed there Elyan Hollow has transformed itself into a year round Halloween themed town with shops such as Elyan's Mortuary and Deli Bottle Shop, Ghostly Gouda, and Baily Briggs' own Lazy Bones Books. Taking the reins of the family bookshop Bailey is spearheading the town's first literary festival, part of the town's popular Halloween festival. After a ghost hunting team wreaks havoc in her shop and her main speaker misses his first event Bailey needs to cool off. But instead of calm in the midst of the pumpkin maze she finds a dead body. As Bailey becomes a suspect she has to wonder, will her first literary festival be her last?

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, with cooler temperatures and all things spooky. Add a literary festival to a Halloween themed town and you can count me in! Bailey and her best friend Colby made a great first impression and there were also characters you loved to hate in Taylor and Hudson, people just looking to cause trouble. I liked how issues from the past resurfaced, including the mystery of Bailey's dad. The first Halloween Bookshop Mystery sets readers up for lots of interesting adventures to come.

A complex mystery, a unique Halloween setting, and a background of books make a fun start to a new series.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Buried on a Sundae by Lena Gregory. This book is the fourth in the Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series and was released last month.

Danika Delaney is attempting her third date with the dishy Detective Jake Barlow. After all, third time's the charm, right? Unfortunately, after a misstep on her part, he bails after a call from another woman. To lift her spirits she, Gwen, and Eli head for a night out at a popular new hot spot. But instead of  a fun night of drinks and dancing with friends she sees Jake cozying up to the owner's wife. Is he two, or even three timing her? Things get even worse when Danika finds a body in the sand. Could Jake not only be a cheat, but a dirty cop? He certainly couldn't be a murderer. Could he? Dani and her pals have their sleuthing hats on once more to get to the bottom of things. And Dani will hope against hope that it isn't three strikes you're out.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The Poseidon Project - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome E. William Podojil to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Bill writes the Herb Society Mystery series. The Poseidon Project is the first book in the series and was released last month.


Kathy: Molly Halloran has her bucolic retirement upended. Do you hope to have a peaceful retirement, one filled with adventure, or one somewhere in between?

Bill: I hope my retirement is filled with good health first and foremost, and lots of travel to places I’ve never visited. At this point, I hope to be able to continue my writing, as well as work on other projects. I plan to stay as busy as I can be and focus on crafting stories that captivate. I rarely watch television and get my escape through novels and hope I can give stories to other readers.


Kathy: In The Poseidon Project Molly and her friends have to race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet kidnappers’ demands. Hopefully you've never had to deal with kidnappers, but have you traveled around the world? Where are your favorite places to visit?

Bill: According to a major US airline that I’ve flown for most of my career, I have traveled about ninety times around the world in terms of my two million flight miles I’ve accumulated. I have been to every continent except Antarctica and over sixty-five countries. I lived in Europe for over a decade so that afforded me the opportunities to see so much. Favorite places so far have been French Polynesia, Peru, Italy, Greece, Vietnam, New Zealand and South Africa.


Kathy: What first drew you to thrillers?

Bill: Since I began reading, I’ve been pulled in by stories that involve suspense and mysteries. I always like to guess who or what the antagonist will be, plus any twists in the plot.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

Bill: I am working on a fictional biography/memoir about a very old character who looks back over his life, but somehow I turned that into a mystery without even trying. My stories have interpersonal relationships, romance, comedy, tragedy and things like that, but ultimately I end up back into mystery and suspense mode at least for part of it.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

Bill: The Herb Society Mysteries is a series that features four retired friends who share a secret past and use their skills to solve a challenge. Joining the four women are two men who meet in book one and become romantically involved and help the four women solve their challenges. I have just submitted book 2 that involves aspects from book 1, but is a stand-alone story. My goal is to have a link between each of the books (characters, plots, bad-guys, etc.) but still work together. Through these stories, the characters evolve, change and experience many ups and downs just like in life.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

Bill: My favorite character is Lukas Halloran, who is a secondary protagonist and son of one of the Herb Society women. I like Lukas because he’s handsome, rich extremely smart at technology and has a lifestyle many people envy, but deep down he still sees himself as the nerdy, awkward neurotic kid he was growing up. He analyzes everything, sometimes to his detriment, and uses logic over emotions most of the time. But when he uses emotions and falls in love with Taylor, he’s all-in, even though he doesn’t understand logically what that means.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

Bill: My mom and her group of friends inspired the storyline. They are all former teachers who have had amazing careers, travels and interests. They still get together regularly, are active and still travel. One time I talked with the group and was amazed at all the things these women had accomplished individually and collectively and it inspired me to show how inside every retired or elderly person, is a collection of wild stories, adventures and memories. 


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

Bill: Well, like most authors, I sent out query letters and got a couple of responses back. When I signed the contract with the Wild Rose Press, they helped me edit and improve the story with their great team of artists, editors and professionals. They have been wonderful partners in bringing the story and series to life.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

Bill: James Michener, Madeline Miller, Douglas Stuart and John Boyne would be at my dinner table. Each of these writers have written stories where I became completely immersed in the location, the time period and the culture in which the stories take place.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

Bill: I am currently reading Hombrecito by Santiago Jose Sanchez


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

Bill: Travel is obviously something I love and especially learning about the place I’m visiting. Not just things to see, but customs, ghost stories, legends, historical events, food and things that make a place real. I also love to hike, work in my gardens and write.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

Bill: Coke Zero, Sparkling Water, Espresso beans, eggs and good bread


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

Bill: I have three books minimum planned for the Herb Society Mysteries series, but if the books are well-received, I’ve got plenty of adventures I can write about for the series. My fictional biography is something I work on occasionally. Finally, I want to write a story about my three sons, all of whom were adopted internationally. We know next to nothing about their biological families since they were given up for adoption at birth. Two of my boys are from Guatemala and one is from Vietnam - three brothers born thousands of miles apart and how they grow up to be men with families of their own. In real life, they are young adults now and their own lives are starting to take off, so I’m not sure how I would tell the story. Any ideas anyone?


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

Bill: Storytelling is one of the most effective and human ways to impart information, history and culture. Ultimately, it is entertainment, escape, learning and how the stories, messages and words resonate with the reader. I absolutely love this part of my job.

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 The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries) by E William Podojil

About The Poseidon Project

The Poseidon Project (The Herb Society Mysteries)
Mystery- Suspense - Adventure 1st in Series
Setting - Tucson, AZ and Dubai, UAE
Publisher: ‎ Wild Rose Press (August 26, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 270 pages

Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past. Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom. Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands. But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.

About E William Podojil

E. William is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while based in Europe and the USA. Podojil works as an executive business advisor, strategist, and coach while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. His second novel, The Poseidon Project, will be published in 2024 by The Wild Rose Press and is the first in a series of adventure thrillers. Podojil writes personal, humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons in his blog at www.ewpodojil.com.

Author Links Website/Blog Facebook Instagram X Threads

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Sunday, September 1, 2024

In the Event of Murder - A Review & Giveaway

 Review


IN THE EVENT OF MURDER by Cynthia Kuhn
The Second Starlit Bookshop Mystery 

Everyone in Silvercrest, Colorado is excited for the Silvercrest Library Gala. Emma Stars is preparing for the classic mystery panel to be held at her family's bookstore as part of the event and is excited to attend the gala itself. This year the fundraiser is featuring stars from the popular television series Chasers, including hometown native Whitney Willton. Whitney's niece, Lyra, who also left Silvercrest for Hollywood, is joining her as event planner for the gala and associated events. But excitement turns to tragedy when Lyra is found murdered. However, the show must go on and Emma takes over as the event planner. As she and her nemesis and event chair butt heads, more problems plague the event. Is someone sabotaging the gala? Or targeting the Chasers cast? Emma will do her best to make the event a success as she quietly tries to solve the murder.

I really enjoyed the second Starlit Bookshop Mystery. Emma is a likable protagonist. She's smart, but has a few foibles. I also really like her aunt and sister, even though they have much smaller roles in this story. Meanwhile, Tabitha is the character we love to hate. She's the stereotypical mean girl who continues to believe she's the Queen Bee even as an adult. I admit to some satisfaction seeing her put in her place a few times.

IN THE EVENT OF MURDER is unique in that Lyra's murder is almost secondary to the gala preparation itself. She was murdered and Emma took over her role and the story concentrated on planning and executing the event instead of solving Lyra's murder. 

Despite all the pettiness and character assassinations, there was an element of romance as well. Ryan's transformation of the event space was magical and despite Emma's protestations, there may be romance ahead for her and there's definitely romance for a few other characters!

With Hollywood drama and Colorado common sense, IN THE EVENT OF MURDER is a high spirited mystery of jealousy and ruthless ambition.

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 In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery) by Cynthia Kuhn

About In the Event of Murder

In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Colorado
Publisher: ‎ Crooked Lane Books (August 20, 2024)
Hardcover: ‎ 304 pages

It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.

Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.

With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event.

About Cynthia Kuhn

Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries, which focus on a bookseller solving crimes in an artistic mountain community, and the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries, featuring a professor-turned-amateur-sleuth. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Diabolical, Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.

Author Links: 

Website: https://cynthiakuhn.net 

Blog: http://chicksonthecase.com  

Twitter/X: http://www.twitter.com/cynthiakuhn  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - PenguinRandomHouse  

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Friday, August 30, 2024

In the Pale Light - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review

IN THE PALE LIGHT
By Westley Smith

On Christmas Day 2015 Clay Graham, his wife, and teen-aged daughter were found brutally murdered. Although never proven, the consensus was that Terry Graham, Clay's brother, killed his family in a blind drunken rage. The whole town knew that Terry was a drunkard unable to control his temper and he was already vilified for the death of a well loved woman years before. Now, nine years after his family's murder, Terry remains alone on his farm, tormented by townsfolk who harass him and damage his property and tormented by his own thoughts, wondering if it was just possible that he did kill his family. New evidence has recently been discovered and the State Police have assigned two new detectives to investigate the cold case. As the police renew their investigation Terry starts his, but with his health declining, he doesn't have much time left.

Hickory Falls is a town full of small minded, low class bullies. It's a town filled with people without any hopes or dreams, a poor town filled with the dregs of humanity. After reading each chapter I wanted to take a shower as if by physically cleaning myself I'd be able to get the grime of the place off of me.

The writing was taut with increasing intensity. The characters were compelling, not only Terry and the detectives, but minor characters too. The villains here were twisted and as the novel progressed almost everyone was tainted by the cruelty of both fate and humankind. I really enjoyed how the two investigations paralleled each other culminating in the ultimate showdown. I also appreciated the dénuement as I read with grim satisfaction.

IN THE PALE LIGHT is a visceral novel of vengeance and the search for truth.

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In the Pale Light by Westley Smith Banner

IN THE PALE LIGHT

by Westley Smith

August 12 - September 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

In the Pale Light by Westley Smith

When Clay Graham and his family are found slain in the parking lot of his struggling business, the police suspect Clay's troublemaker brother, Terry. Terry claims he was drunk the night of the murders and passed out at home. With little evidence against Terry to make an arrest, the case soon goes cold.

Shunned from the community, harassed by the locals who believe he's a murderer, and suffering from an undiagnosed illness, Terry lives alone on his farm, punishing himself for his past indiscretions.

Then Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Henry Miller, who has ties to the town and the Graham murders, shows up with newly discovered evidence that kick-starts the case all over again.

Now, before his illness kills him, Terry sets out, battling against small-town secrets and old grudges, racing against time to stay one step ahead of both the State Police and his own impending death, to finally find out what really happened to his family and hopefully prove himself and innocent man --if he is one.

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Thriller
Published by: Watertower Hill Publishing
Publication Date: August 13, 2024
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads | Watertower Hill Publishing

Read an excerpt:

December 25th, 2015

The emergency lights from the Hickory Falls Sheriff’s Department Ford Interceptor flashed across the snow when it pulled into the Graham Video store parking lot. The sheet of white should have been untouched by tires at 6:45 a.m., and the snow-covered green Jetta, sitting in the far left-hand corner of the parking lot should not have been there. Two different sets of tire tracks cut through the pristine snow. One set belonged to the Jetta. The other set made a large circle in the snow before making its way back toward Main Street.

The officer brought the SUV to a stop about five feet from the Jetta; its headlights bathed the car in the frigid darkness. Unable to see past the Jetta’s frosted snow-covered windows, a building sense of unease began to crawl over him, tightening the flesh to his bones.

The officer’s shift had been easy that night. He had not responded to any emergency calls, nor had he had to pull anyone over. A Christmas miracle itself. But all that had changed fifteen minutes ago while he was patrolling Broke Run Road, when Sheriff Will Daniel’s voice came over the radio.

“Call just came in. We got a report of shots fired at the Graham Video store. Caller says they saw a man running across the parking lot, carrying what appeared to be a shotgun. The suspect reportedly got into the passenger side of a blue sedan before it took off with two others inside. Need you to check it out,” Daniel had said.

Why the hell is the sheriff in at this hour? the officer had wondered. Shouldn’t Susan be on the call desk? And what’s going on at the Graham Video store?

Now on scene, with the first cracks of gray sky beginning to materialize through the night horizon, he radioed back into the station.

“I’m at the Graham Video store. I’ve located a V-dub Jetta. It’s an early 2000s model. No sign of anyone else, including the reported blue sedan. Though there are two sets of tire tracks in the snow, indicating another vehicle was present.” He glanced at the video store’s entrance. There were no broken windows and no ajar door to indicate a robbery had occurred. The place appeared buttoned up tight. “No signs of a break-in, Sheriff. Getting out to inspect the vehicle.”

Ten-four,” Sheriff Daniel’s voice came back over the line. “Proceed with caution.

Again, the officer thought it was strange that the sheriff was in at that hour, and on Christmas morning. Where was Susan Green? She usually worked the overnight shift; she should still have been at the station, working the dispatch desk. Still, the officer knew, she could have gone home for any number of reasons—the holiday, the storm, or maybe a family member had fallen –ill—and the sheriff had filled in for her. Pushing the thought from his mind, the officer returned to the pressing matter at hand.

Stay focused. Stay sharp.

Stepping from the SUV, the blowing snow and driving wind bit at the officer’s exposed skin, penetrated his clothes. Zipping his jacket up to his chin, he started toward the car, trudging through the shin-deep snow.

As he neared the Jetta, pelted with snow and ice so hard it stung, he noticed a set of footprints leading away from the passenger-side door toward the second set of tire tracks before vanishing. The tracks were nearly filled in with fresh powder, but it was unmistakable what they were. He assumed this was where the person had gotten into the second car—an old blue sedan. Looking back to the Jetta, he saw something smeared along the top of the passenger-side door. Whatever it was had frozen to a hard, ruby-colored substance.

He eased in for a closer look.

lood!

Frozen blood.

A strange tightness gripped the base of the officer’s neck as if Death had wrapped a cold, boney hand around him and begun to squeeze. His heart rate quickened. He placed his right hand on his sidearm and identified himself.

“This is the Hickory Falls Sheriff’s Department. If there’s anyone inside the vehicle, would you please step out?”

There was no reply. The car was dead still. The only sound across the parking lot was the howling wind and the ice pebbles hitting the closest metal lamp post.

Not wanting to disturb what he believed to be blood on the passenger-side door, the officer lumbered through the deepening snow, around the front of the Jetta, to the driver’s side. Reaching down, he took hold of the handle and pulled.

The driver’s side door was locked.

He took a deep breath of cold air, sending what felt like ice daggers into his lungs as he tried to steel himself for what he might find inside. His teeth began to chatter, and an internal shudder tremored in his core and quickly expanded to the rest of his body.

“I’m asking anyone inside to identify themselves and step out.” He waited, but when no one replied, he said, “If you do not comply, I will be forced to inspect the vehicle. Last warning.”

Silence.

No movement came from within. The car's stillness bothered him—like it was dead. But that was impossible. Cars could not be deceased like humans or animals. So why was he getting the dreaded feeling that death emanated from it?

Placing his gloved hand on the window, he brushed the light dusting of snow away and bent down to look inside.

The officer recoiled at what he saw or who he saw staring back at him. His feet slipped out from under him, and he went down onto his backside, hard. Snow kicked up when he hit the ground, and for a moment he was cocooned in falling white powder, protected from what he had seen.

But when the snow settled, the officer was again gazing at the driver’s-side door of the Jetta. There, he saw a man’s pale face pressed against the glass, the muscles twisted and tightened in agony. His eyes were open and locked directly on the officer with a vacant, lifeless stare, pleading with him, even in death, to save him.

Too late. I’m too late to save you.

The officer shot to his feet; snow fell off his uniform in large patchy clumps. And though the temperature was in the teens, he felt sweat break out across his back and forehead.

Moving gingerly toward the Jetta again, the officer realized he knew the dead man looking back at him.

Clay Graham—the owner of the Graham Video store.

He removed his Maglite from his belt and turned it on. Bending, he shone the beam through the ice-crusted driver’s-side window and began to scan the car's interior.

That’s when he saw them.

He pressed a gloved hand over his lips, suppressing the scream that wanted to leap from his throat at the horrific sight of carnage and death inside the Jetta.

It wasn’t just Clay Graham dead inside the car but also his wife, Claire, and their teenage daughter, Sidney.

***

Excerpt from In the Pale Light by Westley Smith. Copyright 2024 by Westley Smith. Reproduced with permission from Westley Smith. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Westley Smith

Westley Smith had his first short story, Off to War, published when he was just sixteen.

He is, more recently, the author of two horror novels, Along Came the Tricksters and All Hallows Eve, as well as the thriller Some Kind of Truth. His short fiction has been published in various magazines and websites. Wes lives with his wife and two dogs in the beautiful woodlands of southern Pennsylvania--the perfect place to hide a body.

Catch Up With Westley Smith:
WestleySmithBooks.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @wssmith100
Instagram - @wsmithbooks
Facebook - @westleysmith100

 

 

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn. This book is the second in the Starlit Bookshop Mystery series and was released last week.

Everyone in Silvercrest, Colorado is excited for the Silvercrest Library Gala. Emma Stars is preparing for the classic mystery panel to be held at her family's bookstore as part of the event and is excited to attend the gala itself. This year the fundraiser is featuring stars from the popular television series Chasers, including hometown native Whitney Willton. Whitney's niece, Lyra, who also left Silvercrest for Hollywood, is joining her as event planner for the gala and associated events. But excitement turns to tragedy when Lyra is found murdered. However, the show must go on and Emma takes over as the event planner. As she and her nemesis and event chair butt heads, more problems plague the event. Is someone sabotaging the gala? Or targeting the Chasers cast? Emma will do her best to make the event a success as she quietly tries to solve the murder.