The Condemned Mage The Adventures of Jack Wartnose Book 4 By A.S. Norris BookTour! @SilverDaggerBookTours #JackWartnose @asnauthorpage @asnauthor

 

What started as a simple quest for a lost, arcane artifact has left

 Jack Wartnose confronting the family sins and trauma of his past.

 But which will he find first redemption or the apocalypse?

The Condemned Mage

The Adventures of Jack Wartnose Book 4

By A.S. Norris

Genre

Noblebright Fantasy Adventure 

"...another captivating read that left me eager for the next installment in Jack Wartnose's saga, and I’d certainly recommend it and the series so far to fantasy fans everywhere." - Readers' Favorite, 5 Stars

The enemy of my enemy is my ally. But can Jack Wartnose really trust his former paramour-turned-unlikely-ally to not attempt to kill him again?

On the run from a certified death sentence, Jack Wartnose and his family attempt to quietly flee southward, hoping to avoid the Murder of Crows’ assassins. Unfortunately, their hopes are soon dashed when Polyxena, the now-disgraced Crow, and her twin boys inadvertently cross their path. He cannot trust to take her along as a hostage, but nor can he trust to turn his back on her, as he did before, and not end up knifed for his troubles. Or worse.

Elsewhere in the kingdom, the first skirmishes in a greater war between magedom and the elusive dark lord have taken place. Foul creatures and equally foul deeds shatter the peace and leave a bloody wake that only threatens to grow worse the longer Jack Wartnose remains free to roam. And, unbeknownst to Jack Wartnose, a new threat looms to the east, waiting to ambush him and his family.

As those hunting for his head increases, Jack Wartnose will need to choose which is more important: his unbreakable word to complete his quest and find the Tome of Time, or his unbreakable bonds in protecting his ever-growing family.

THE CONDEMNED MAGE: THE ADVENTURES OF JACK WARTNOSE is book four of an award-winning epic, noblebright fantasy novel series that promises thrilling sword-and-sorcery adventure with plenty of humor and romance.

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The Hunted Mage

The Adventures of Jack Wartnose Book 3 

"...a superbly engaging tale of suspense, family dynamics, and vengeance, all with the classic witty touches and vibrant characters that I have come to expect from this excellent series." - Readers' Favorite

They say a group of Crows is a “Murder.” For Jack Wartnose, if he’s not careful, murder is exactly what will befall him and his family.

Finally free of the clutches of the Mage Inquisition and undead cutthroats once again, Jack Wartnose’s troubles soon catch back up as a group of mage assassins, the Murder of Crows, has been dispatched to eliminate him and his troupe. One cunning beauty among them has “intimate” knowledge of Jack Wartnose, and looks forward to repaying him for setting her on the path to ruin years ago.

Meanwhile, he and his family get stuck in the backwater town of Downriver Ferry. More family secrets come to light, while the Murder stalk him from the shadows. Old faces reemerge with intentions unknown. New faces threaten to reignite a three millennia old blood feud. And his estranged daughter is still plotting her deadly vengeance behind Wartnose’s back.

The quiet, backwater town of Downriver Ferry is about to erupt! Can Jack Wartnose keep his wits about him as he confronts threats on multiple fronts? Will his family and fellow adventurers be strong enough to protect him? Or will he receive help in time from an unlikeliest of sources?

Continue the adventures of Jack Wartnose and his crew in THE HUNTED MAGE, Book 3 of the award-winning epic, noblebright fantasy The Adventures of Jack Wartnose series that promises thrilling sword-and-sorcery adventure with plenty of humor, romance, and heart.

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The Forbearing Mage

The Adventures of Jack Wartnose Book 2 

"The Forbearing Mage is a fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure that is equal parts clever, entertaining and rich." - Maincrest Media

They say blood is thicker than water. Unfortunately, if Jack Wartnose is not careful, it will be his blood proving that axiom!

Still on the trail of the Tome of Time, novice Mage Jack Wartnose is confronted by another spectre of his past – Margaret Stormgale, his estranged and vengeful daughter. When she’s not hounding him with her razor-tongue wit, she’s hunting him with her mother’s razor-sharp spear!

But if grappling with the sins of his past wasn’t perilous enough, the disdainful eye of the Inquisition draws down upon him and his quest. And who should be at the tip of the Inquisition’s spear but yet another of Wartnose’s former “acquaintances.”

With all eyes bearing down upon him, can Jack Wartnose continue his quest for not only the Tome of Time, but for atonement? Or will he fall victim to one of the many foes set against him: his estranged daughter, a jilted Inquisition lover, his suspicious superiors at the Mage Council, a sinister figure now shadowing his quest for the tome… or his none-to-pleased wife?

Continue the adventures of Jack Wartnose and his crew in THE FORBEARING MAGE, Book 2 of THE ADVENTURES OF JACK WARTNOSE a low fantasy novel series that promises thrilling sword-and-sorcery adventure with clean humor and romance.

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The Wayward Mage

The Adventures of Jack Wartnose Book 1 

...[T]his, fellow readers is how you make gold in a literary hero's journey, and The Wayward Mage by A.S. Norris is gold." - Readers' Favorite Review

For many, marriage is the end of adventuring. For Jack Wartnose, it was just another occupational hazard he didn’t plan for…much like his son!

As a novice Mage, Jack Wartnose’s life was already difficult enough: low pay, long hours, and an arcane duty to always keep his word. But when a chance encounter with his long-lost childhood sweetheart – and the consequences of his youthful wayward actions – leaves him duty-bound to fulfill a promise long since forgotten, he’s left with no choice but to take his fledgling family with him on his dangerous quest for the Tome of Time: a legendary artifact rumored to have started the last world-ending cataclysm.

As if his luck wasn’t bad enough, there are also revenant assassins from his past hunting him down. If his family hopes to stay together this time, they’ll need more than just quick wits and spells to survive bloodthirsty monsters, vengeful revenants, mutinous party members, the needs of his wife versus his empty coin purse, and a son unfortunately following in his wayward footsteps.

What started as a simple quest for a lost, arcane artifact has left Jack Wartnose with this simple question: which will he find first, redemption or the apocalypse?

THE WAYWARD MAGE: THE ADVENTURES OF JACK WARTNOSE is book one of an award-winning epic, noblebright fantasy novel series that promises thrilling sword-and-sorcery adventure with plenty of humor and romance

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Award-winning author A.S. Norris is a bit of an adventurer himself, having sailed three oceans and traveled four continents, with some highlights including scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, drinking cobra venom, and kissing the Blarney Stone. Now his life consists of adventures as a family man with his lovely wife and spirited baby daughter. 

THE ADVENTURES OF JACK WARTNOSE is his first novel series with more coming in the near future! 

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Like It’s Christmas by Diana A. Hicks Release Blitz! @IndiePenPR #authordianaahicks

#LikeItsChristmas #ChristmasRomance

Parker Cruz is determined to save Christmas and keep her promise to her dad and the only thing standing in her way is the town’s Scrooge, the newly appointed Mayor, Rhett Parker. After a series of unlucky events causing residents to start talking about canceling Christmas, Parker does the unthinkable and agrees to fake date her new boss. Readers who enjoy grumpy bosses and fake dating romances will want to sink their teeth into Like It’s Christmas by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy Christmas romance.

 

At Winterstorm Village, a record-breaking blizzard means a wedding before the season is over. This year promises to bring the mother of all snowstorms, and the residents couldn’t be more excited to see who’s next to tie the knot…

 

Rhett Parker hates Christmas. When the Mayor of Winterstorm has an unfortunate accident and ends up in a coma, Rhett is left hanging with the proverbial Santa Gift Bag. To make matters worse, the only one who can help him save their money-making tourist season is his office nemesis, Ms. Christmas cheer in a bottle, Parker Cruz.

 

Parker Cruz, the Mayor's daughter, is determined to save Christmas now that her dad isn’t there to make it all happen. The only person standing in her way is the town’s Scrooge, the newly appointed Mayor, Rhett Parker.

 

She's willing to do whatever it takes to make good on her promise to her dad. So, when a series of unlucky events strike, and the residents start talking about canceling Christmas, Parker does the unthinkable. She agrees to a fake date with her new boss. 

Love is always in the air during the holidays at Winterstorm Village. So what if this year it’s all pretend? Or is it?

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Copyright 2024, Diana A. Hicks

“Jesus, a date?” Rhett reached over and yanked the pen out of my hand.

“Hey.” I turned to glare at him.

“You need to slow down.” He tossed the pen over his shoulder. “What are you going to do when people want us to kiss?”

“Why would they even ask? That would be creepy. Relax, it’ll never come to that. At most, we’ll have to hold hands.” I stopped to inhale and give him a chance to catch up.

He rubbed the creases on his forehead as he paced to the fireplace and back. Every time, he glanced up at me, his intense gaze would settle on mine. He was really considering all the angles. How about that? We actually made a good team. I was the idea instigator. He was the executor. 

“Proximity.” He finally said.

“What does that mean?” 

“Can you handle it?” He cocked his head.

“What?”

He prowled toward me as his eyes darkened. Was he mad now? No, that wasn’t it. Rhett was doing the smoldering thing on me. Shit, I swallowed to ease my dry throat. Okay, I could do this. I was a professional. He stopped a mere two inches from me. We’d never been this close before. Oddly enough, I wasn’t repulsed by it. It was nice.

“I’m not nauseous.” I lifted my head to look at him. “You?” 

He jaw clenched, then released, his gaze never leaving mine.. “It’s doable.” He nodded then reached behind me. 

I glanced over my shoulder and followed his line of sight. “What are you doing?” I asked when he pressed the intercom button. 

“Lila, can I see you in my office, please.” He released the button and turned to me. “Getting the ball rolling.”

“Lila is Mrs. Birdwhistle’s God daughter. She’ll be Lila’s first call. And then…”

“And then, the whole town will know.” He brought his hand up to my waist. “Last call to back out, Cruz. It’s now or never.”

“Never.” I placed my hand on his chest just as he leaned in to press his forehead to mine. 

My heart drummed so hard, I swore I heard its echo against the walls. Once Lila barged in on us, we would have to follow through on our lie, all the way to New Year’s eve. How hard could it be?

“Omigod.” Lila dropped her iPad. “I’m sorry.” She bent down to retrieve it then fell to her knees while trying to reach for her Mac pen. “I’m sorry. I didn’t meant to…um, the door was opened.” 

“It’s fine. I was just leaving.” I tentatively stepped away from Rhett. I hadn’t considered how much touching we needed to do to convey our message. As it was, it already felt like I’d been in Rhett’s arms for a very long time. 

For his part, Rhett slowly released my waist and let his fingers skim the length of my arm until they landed in my palm. Our bodies moved with such synchronicity, I didn’t have time to react to the goosebumps fluttering my skin or jerk away from him. I just stood there, spellbound.

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About Diana A. Hicks

 

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Praise for Diana A. Hicks:

"Hicks' first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense...A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance." - Kirkus Reviews

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If You Lie: A Thriller by Caleb Stephens Book Blitz! #XpressoTours @XpressoTours⁣ #calebstephen #IfYouLie

If You Lie: A Thriller by 

Caleb Stephens

Publication date

 November 1st 2024

Genres

 Adult, Thriller

A buried past. A new-age cult. A floating prison with no way off.

Seven years ago, Olivia woke up in the trunk of a stranger’s car—and barely escaped with her life. She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since.

Now, Olivia is a true-crime podcaster on a mission to help other women avoid her fate. But years spent covering violence and crime have left her burned out. So when Olivia’s estranged sister Quinn invites her to reconnect on an exclusive cruise, she jumps at the chance for a break…only this trip won’t be the relaxing vacation she’s hoping for.

The ship is elegant, the meals are divine, and the people are friendly—maybe too friendly. But Quinn isn’t the sister Olivia remembers. And strange things are starting to happen that echo Olivia’s past in unsettling ways.

When someone on the ship goes missing, Olivia realizes she’s playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Only this time, she might not survive.

If You Lie is an all-new thriller by @calebstephensauthor and it's out NOW! Get started on it today ➞ https://amzn.to/4e8uvwG⁣

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EXCERPT

Sounds came.

The steady ping of rain drumming against steel.

The muted whoosh of wind. The high whine of rubber kissing asphalt.

I was moving.

Why am I moving?

Air clawed up my throat and slid back down again—slowly, painfully—my lungs pulling harder than my esophagus would allow, my chest rising and falling in uneven shifts. I couldn’t breathe.

I should be able to—

My eyelids snapped open to darkness. Pure black. I tried to scream and couldn’t. My voice was gone, lost in my burning throat. Another sound came instead—this one closer, directly overhead.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

I raised my hands and brushed a loose rod, then pushed past it and felt cool metal press against my palm. I followed it lower, the metal curving behind my head until it terminated in a rubber seal.

A car, I thought. I’m in a trunk.

Oh, God …

Oh, fuck.

It’s why my knees were jammed in a fetal position, why a rough pad of carpet burned against my cheek and scratched my neck. A shot of cold panic swam down my spine. Time stuttered, and I wheezed for oxygen. It felt like I was breathing through a straw. I was going to pass out if I didn’t get it together and fast.

Focus, Olivia. Stay calm.

And then: He thinks I’m dead.

It’s why my hands weren’t bound, why my mouth wasn’t gagged. It’s why my ankles weren’t slung in an interstate of knots. The man who’d done this to me thought I was dead. I could still feel his fingers squeezing, digging into my neck, could still hear his voice burning hot in my ear.

Fucking die, already!

Those words pouring over me in a shower of sour breath.

Clack. C-Clack. Clack.

Think, Olivia! You have to think!

I slowed my breathing and forced my mind to calm. There had to be a way to open the trunk or signal another car. A wire to rip free from the brake lights or a latch to pop. Didn’t all the newer cars have those specifically for situations like this? For women who, like me, simply disappeared?

And I would disappear if I didn’t find a way to get out.

My heart sloshed in my chest, and I rolled to my right, toward the sidewall of the trunk, and extended an arm. My fingers brushed over objects I recognized. Jumper cables, and a can of gas. Coiled rope and boxes. A hard plastic case. Duct tape. Nothing else.

Jesus, no latch.

I tried the other side, muttering a prayer as my hands crawled through a graveyard of clinking bottles, my fingers scraping over the dry brush of cardboard and through the crinkle of plastic sacks. Dust tickled the back of my nose, and I nearly unleashed a sneeze before I bit it off. Don’t! He’ll hear you. Then I tried again, moving slower this time, feeling for what had to be there.

And it was—nestled a few inches above the floor of the trunk.

A trunk release. A lever to pull.

Reality wobbled. My heart fluttered and crashed.

Work, I thought. Please, God, work.

I pulled.

There came a click, and the world exploded into a fireball of light. A gray sky moved above me, swollen with thunderheads, trees sweeping past on either side. Headlights coasted behind the car in a sea of rushing metal. Cold rain lashed against my neck. I forced myself upright, and the brakes slammed and sent me hurtling backward as the car screeched to a stop.

Move! Move! Move!

I scrambled from the trunk.

One foot connected with the ground. The other slipped. I crashed to the road, and the sound of rain filled my ears along with the heavy thunk of a door opening. Two boots hit asphalt.

His boots.

Air scabbed over my lips. The world swam.

Go! I pushed myself upright—and I ran. Across the white line on the shoulder of the road and into traffic with brakes shrieking all around me. Horns tearing past. Rain pelting my face. Wind hissing in my ears. Behind me came a full-throat roar.

“Stop, you fucking bitch!”

My lungs burned for air, everything smearing to a blur.

“I said, stop!” Louder this time. Closer.

But I didn’t stop, couldn’t stop. I kept running—pushing through the fire in my chest, ignoring the pain in my throat—until I stumbled off the road and tumbled down a grass-slicked descent.

Rolling now. Everything spinning. Gasping for air.

I splashed into a pool of muddy water and came up coughing, wiping my eyes to a sight that filled me with terror. The man stood above me on the hill, looking down with one hand balled into a fist and the other holding a knife.

You’re dead, I thought. He’s going to kill you.

A cloud of blue and red light rose behind him followed by a voice. “Remain where you are! Drop the knife!”

But the man didn’t. He just stared down at me with his breath turning to mist.

And took a step. Took another.

Then the gunshots rang out.

Caleb Stephens is an award-winning author writing from Denver, Colorado. His novels include the thrillers If You Lie, The Girls in the Cabin, and Feeders, as well as the darkly humorous urban fantasy novel, Soul Couriers, which is forthcoming in 2025. 

His fiction collection If Only a Heart and Other Tales of Terror includes the short story “The Wallpaper Man,” which was adapted to film by Falconer Film & Media in 2022. He's hard at work writing his next thriller.

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Stone of Lust Stones of Iona Book 3 by Margaret Izard Book Tour! @SilverDaggerBookTours #StoneOfLust #StonesOfIona @mizardauthor

She finds true love in the past, but is his love worth risking her future?

Stone of Lust

Stones of Iona Book 3

by Margaret Izard

Genre

 Time Travel, Paranormal Romance

She finds true love in the past, but is his love worth risking her future?

 She dreams of a Viking warrior with Fae-blue eyes and a God-like body that makes her heart pound like no other. Trying to save her kidnapped sister-in-law, Ainslie follows her back to the Vikings of Scotland, where she faces the very man who has haunted her dreams.

 When Jarl, Rannick MacRaghnaill meets the alluring Warrior Woman who helped steal his warship, she dresses in clothing so strange that every curve teases his senses. But is she, as she claims, a woman from the future or an irresistible lying thief?

 She’d risk her life to save her sister-in-law. He’d risk his honor to win her heart. Can both hardened warriors save the realms from the evilest of Fae’s minds combined with the most dangerous of humans?

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**Don’t miss the other books in the series!**

Find them on Amazon!

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums.

She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. 

She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

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She placed her sword at his throat. “Yield?” The warriors gasped, then cheered for her. 

Rannick’s eyebrows rose as Ainslie helped the youth to his feet and patted him on the back. Rannick rubbed his neck and looked over his warriors. He called upon another warrior. “Gunnar, come fight the She Warrior.” 

A large older warrior moved from the crowd, a grin on his face. As Gunnar passed, Rannick patted his back and whispered something, but Ainslie couldn’t hear what was said. The warrior nodded as he moved toward her. No matter. She’d fight anyone.

Both took their ready stance, and Rannick signaled for them to begin. 

They circled, weighing their opponent waiting on who would take the offensive first.

It was Gunnar, with a slice of his blade on her shoulder. Ainslie blocked him well, but he stepped forward and slammed his shoulder into her knocking her down. Ainslie somersaulted backward to stand, her blade out and ready to defend the next block. 

Gunnar glanced at Rannick, who nodded toward Ainslie.

They circled again, waiting to see who would advance. 

Ainslie led the next attack with an overhead slash. Gunnar blocked it, pushing her back. He was more substantial, but she was small, agile, and smart. 

They circled, and Ainslie went for his middle. 

Gunnar blocked and spun, coming around overhead. 

She stopped it with her blade and allowed him to slide down hers knowing she could quickly push it aside with his forward momentum. When his sword came to the hand guard, she moved with all her might. He stumbled on a sidestep at the unexpected shift. As he flew past her, Ainslie whacked his rear with the side of her blade. The warriors laughed, and Gunnar came for her in an off-balance rage. She sidestepped and hit his rear end again. 

Gunnar leveled his eyes on her and advanced with his blade. Side-to-side attacks came at her fast, backing her into the mainmast, trapping her, obviously trying to end the fight. Knowing sailing and the rigging, Ainslie reached up and grabbed the tack line holding the sail in place and swung herself onto the keelson box beneath the main mast. She landed surefooted and, in her follow-through, swung her sword connecting with Gunnar’s disarming him. His sword flew out of his hand and clattered against the hull. He stood staring at his empty hand, then tilted his head back and laughed loudly. 

He bowed to Ainslie. “Ye are Freyja, the war goddess. Her spirit lives in ye. I have never seen a woman fight. A Valkyrie, and I’m honored to fight with ye.”  

Gunnar strode to Rannick whose eyebrows remained raised. “She has earned her coin. She has won the contest.” 

The surrounding warriors cheered as Ainslie stood over them, proud of her accomplishment. She’d battled and won against a trained, skilled Viking warrior. Her da would be so proud. Some warriors grumbled as they settled on the bets made, bringing her out of her musings. Ainslie jumped down and approached Rannick. She grinned at him and held out her hand. “Time to settle up.”

Rannick dropped a gold coin in it, then glanced behind her. “Disarm her. She is still our guest.” Her guard Ivor must be back. The sword pulled in her hand, and she let him take it. He wasn’t who she focused on.

She stared at Rannick, her being so tall that they stood almost eye to eye. “I bested yer best. Admit it. A woman can fight.” 

Rannick’s smile grew. “Oh, my sweet, he wasn’t my best. He was the one who wouldn’t hurt ye.” 

Ainslie gripped the coin and raised an eyebrow. “I’ll take on yer best any day, anytime, and I’d still win.” 

She flipped the coin and caught it. “I’d even wager the gold coin on it.” 

She flipped the coin again, and Rannick stepped toward her, catching the coin. They stood close as their breaths mingled. His sweet woodsy scent wafted over her, sandalwood and citrus. He glanced over her face and hair, then trailed to her chest. 

His eyes returned to her eyes, and she raised an eyebrow as he spoke. “Warrior woman from another time or another land, my best would do ye harm. I have vowed never to harm a woman.” 

Ainslie gazed back into his eyes. “That’s all right. Ye’d never get close enough with yer sword to harm me. But I may harm ye.” 

Rannick stood there a moment, staring into her eyes. She glowered back with the glare of a challenge. She held out her hand for the coin. He took it in his, the rough callouses brushing her skin, sending goose bumps up her arm. He placed her coin in her palm and closed his hands over hers, holding her hand in an embrace. 

Without taking his eyes off her, he said, “Ivor, find a second guard. The She Warrior might need more than one.” 

He winked at her, released her hand, and turned, moving away. 

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Color Me Dead by Teresa Trent Book Tour! October 14 - November 8, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

COLOR ME DEAD

Artist Gabby Wolfe has the ability to see not only the beauty of the living but the despair of the dead. When she returns to her childhood home in Henry Park Colorado, she is forced to bring along her younger brother Mitch. He is on a “break” from college where he was majoring in wine, women, and song. If that isn’t enough they also have Mitch’s rambunctious beagle Luigi along who prefers to spend his days wallowing in junk food. When Gabby draws the death of a young woman before it happens, she knows she must tell someone and risk a new job and her professional credibility. Will she reveal her secret in time to save the woman in the water or will it be too late?

Genre

 Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Published by

 Harbor Lane Books

Publication Date

 September 24, 2024

Number of Pages

 260

Book Links

 Amazon | Goodreads

Read an excerpt

Chapter 1

We pulled into the driveway of a home nestled into the banks of Lake Henry. The overhanging roof, a dark silver color, provided ample shade on the front porch. As if guarding the home against the outside world, stone pillars stood on either side of the door. I parked my car on the circular drive that made its way through the deep, green lawn. Clarence Bradford’s home was well-kept, and the square corners and functional design reflected a sense of order. The light played between the two pillars, creating stripes on the slats of the porch. Built up on the mountainside, the house almost looked like a natural part of the landscape.

Standing on the porch was a man I recognized from his book covers: Clarence Bradford. He was still quite handsome for his age, and his outfit—a forest-green button-down shirt, blue jeans, and hiking boots—told me every day was casual Friday. His silvery hair augmented his healthy tan.

“You made it.” He took in my cotton flowered tunic, my favorite pair of jeans, and the high tops I was wearing and said, “You are young.”

Maybe the high tops were a little much, but they were my favorite shoes. Even in my late twenties, I still hadn’t shed this style of footwear left over from my teens. Maybe it was the artist in me not conforming to uncomfortable heels that made my knees wobble. Clarence stood next to a tray set with a pitcher of tea and glasses. “You made good time. I was just on a break and decided you might be near and need some iced tea.”

Luigi leaped out of the car first and ran like a maniac around the yard.

“Will he run off?” I asked.

Mitch scowled. “I told you. Luigi is the product of discipline and training. He’ll let off a little steam and then be back to his guard-dog status.” From the wild look in Luigi’s eyes as he tried to bounce off a pine tree, I doubted his strict training included that.

Trying to put Luigi out of my thoughts, I gave an awkward little wave to my new employer. “Hi. I’m Gabby and this is my brother, Mitch.”

My brother walked over and plopped into a chair, grabbed an icy glass, and kicked off his flip-flops. “Excellent, Mr. Bradford.”

“Please, call me Clarence.”

“Clarence then,” he said, downing the tea in almost one gulp. Nothing like a hangover to make you thirsty.

I took a seat in the third chair. The smell of pine trees was so intense around me that it gave me the giddy feeling of Christmas. “You have a beautiful home, Clarence.”

“Yes, it’s where I get all of my inspiration. But, of course, growing up around here you already knew how beautiful it was. If I had to write the Adventure Kid books in the city, I don’t think they’d be any good. Can’t exactly have my little adventurers taking the subway to get to their next escapade.” He refilled Mitch’s glass.

“Working here,” I paused to look around at the towering trees and listen to the birdsong emanating from them, “sounds like paradise. I work in coffee shops a lot myself.”

“Ugh, what a terrible thing. I don’t know how people concentrate in those places,” he said in disgust.

“Earbuds,” I answered.

“Excuse me?” Obviously, Clarence Bradford had no need to block out sound and pump in music.

I pulled my earbuds out of my pocket. “These things.”

“Oh, yes. I see young people wearing them all the time. It’s like they have to have an extension cord wherever they go. Seems kind of ridiculous-looking to me.”

“You’re so right, Clarence,” Mitch said. “What I hate is hearing people’s phone conversations in the store. Do they even know how stupid they look having a heart-to-heart in the middle of the hemorrhoid creams?”

Clarence’s laugh boomed from his chest as he slapped his knee. “I can see you’re going to make this summer interesting, Mitch.”

“Mitch makes every summer interesting,” I added. “We’re renting a house on the other side of the lake, so it will be easy for me to come to work over here.”

“That’s good. Would you like to see where we’ll be working?”

I followed Clarence Bradford to what I thought would be a book-lined study, complete with the smell of cherry tobacco and a roaring fire. Instead, he took me to a room at the back of the house almost entirely encased in windows. There were blinds built into the double panes of glass. Clarence Bradford’s study wasn’t an office at all. It was an air-conditioned room on the lake.

“This is beautiful,” I said, spinning around. “I don’t know how you get any work done here.”

“Oh, but that’s the secret to writing outdoor adventure books for kids. I write them practically outdoors, with the modern conveniences of air conditioning and Internet. It’s my oasis.”

“What a fantastic idea.” The wall facing the windows was lined floor to ceiling with books. As an artist, I appreciated just how much there was to see from Clarence Bradford’s view of Lake Henry.

“Do the people going by in their boats watch you? I mean, do you feel like you don’t have any privacy here?”

“Tinted windows. I can see them, but they can’t see me. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The view was stunning, and I also made a mental note that whenever I needed a cigarette, I shouldn’t smoke it within view of this office if I wanted to keep it a secret. As I looked across the lake, the wavy line of the shore caught my eye. It looked like something I had seen before. I stepped closer to the glass.

“Are you a bird-watcher?” Clarence asked.

“Uh, no. I just thought I saw something familiar.”

“Is your house visible from here?”

“No. We’re too far away, and our house is on the other side of the road.”

I glanced back at the shoreline. My shoulders began to feel cold, and I held onto my arms. The vision was trying to come in again. I must be close to whatever it was that was causing the woman with the cold hand to invade my senses.

“I must have the air conditioning up too high in here. You’re shivering,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine.

“No, I’m fine. Really.”

“Of course …” he said but then asked once more, “You’re sure you’re alright, now.”

“Yes.” I turned my back to the window. “This is my first children’s book, so I’m sure I have a lot to learn,” I confessed, changing the subject.

***

Excerpt from Color Me Dead by Teresa Trent. Copyright 2024 by Teresa Trent. Reproduced with permission from Teresa Trent. All rights reserved.

Teresa Trent started out teaching English, but life and children intervened and she began writing mysteries starting with her Pecan Bayou Cozy Mystery Series. After that, she wrote the Piney Woods and the Swinging Sixties Mystery Series. 

Color Me Dead is the first book in her new Henry Park Series and while all her other books take place in Texas, this series is set in Colorado, where Teresa grew up. Teresa is also the author of several short stories and is teaching writing at her local library encouraging new writers. Teresa lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and son.

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