What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs Book Tour, Giveaway and Review!

 What She Never Said

by Catharine Riggs

on Tour August 19 - September 20, 2019

Synopsis:

How much would you pay to keep a secret? Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at Serenity Acres, where the privileged elite go to die. For a hefty fee, wealthy retirees can live the good life in this posh Santa Barbara community—even after they outlive their money. But the savvy new boss has a new rule: if you can’t pay, you can’t stay.

Guests whisper about an “Angel” who assists with suicides. Ruth has another word for it: murder.

Ruth enlists her neighbor, an ex-detective named Zach, to discover the Angel’s secret identity. However, the two have a painful history, and Ruth has dark secrets all her own. To solve the mystery, Ruth must descend her golden tower—but can she bear the consequences of revealing her own sinister truths?

Why Readers LOVE What She Never Said:

“Riggs keeps the tension high to the dramatic climax.”
—Publishers Weekly

"What She Never Said is a fast-paced, compulsive read—and I speak as a slow-paced, easily distracted reader."
—Ashley Dyer, award-winning author of the Lake & Carver series.

“A compelling read that will keep you awake well into the night.”
—T.R. Ragan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Beneath the weight of metastasizing secrets, idyllic veneers buckle to reveal shocking truths that will haunt readers long after the final page.
—P. J. Vernon, acclaimed author of the debut thriller, When You Find Me

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Suspense
Published by: Thomas & Mercer
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Number of Pages: 377
ISBN: 1542042135 (ISBN13: 9781542042130)
Series: Santa Barbara Suspense #2
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

RUTH MOSBY

ONE

Monday, May 6

My goal each day is ten thousand steps. A Fitbit monitors my progress. One. Two. Three. Four. This morning I’ll reach six thousand steps. Only four thousand left after that. It’s nice the days have grown longer. I’ll walk the harbor loop after work. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. I speed up the slope of Orpet Park through the grove of moth-eaten oaks.
At the summit of the steepest hill, I catch a peek of ocean gray. The islands are invisible today, shrouded in waves of lowering fog. June gloom. That’s what the locals call it, although we’ve barely stepped into May. Locals? I am a local. Or should be after thirty-some years. But oh no. Not in Santa Barbara. You can’t be a local unless you’re born here. Ridiculous but true. Sometimes I wonder why I stay. But at my age, where would I go?
Cresting the final hill, I catch my first glimpse of the mission bells. They’re a sad reminder of my walks with Carlyn and the chats we had every day. She thought the Queen of the Missions was a sign of God’s blessing on our tony beachside town. I wonder what she thinks of God now. I wonder what she thinks of me.
I continue past the mission lawn, verging on parched and dry. The agaves look weathered and dusty; they’re wilted at the tips. A handful of elderly tourists snap photos of the iconic scene. Their foreign chatter disrupts the calm, so I cross the street to the rose garden and follow the rutted trail. A lone dog shoots into view, and I slow my rapid gait. The golden Lab jumps, twists, and barks, nabbing a Frisbee in his mouth.
“Morning,” his master calls to me, a smile gracing his youthful face.
“Morning.” I lock my gaze on my running shoes. How did he miss the DOGS ON LEASH signs staggered every twenty feet? Or maybe he didn’t but somehow believes he’s above the city’s rules. I make a mental note to call animal control and continue on my way.
I pick up my pace for the final ten blocks, feeling better than I have in weeks. Turning down my narrow driveway, I cringe at the sight of my neighbor standing on his porch.
“Morning, Ruth,” he calls.
“Morning, Zach.”
Zach limps down his steps and through his drought-stricken garden, a frown rumpling his grizzled face. He’s dressed in board shorts and a tattered T-shirt, mended flip-flops shielding his feet. “You hear those kids partying last night?” he asks.
“No,” I lie. “Was it loud?”
“Hell yeah. I can’t believe they allow short-term rentals in our neighborhood. We’ve got to put a stop to that.”
“Well, kids will be kids.” I fail to mention I called the police at ten sharp. That’s when the noise ordinance kicks in.
“I’m going to complain at today’s city council meeting. Want to come along?” The breeze shifts, and I catch a whiff of spoiled milk. Zach has taken to strategic bathing, which results in an occasional stench.
“I would, but I have to work.”
“Bummer. There’s a better chance if we complain together.”
I nod, thinking he’d have a better chance if he made an effort to clean himself up. When we moved into the neighborhood decades ago, Zach had been a handsome man with an easy smile and a mop of thick black hair. A homicide detective whose pretty wife, Tina, taught art at the nearby elementary school. The perfect neighbors on a perfect street of tiny Craftsman homes. Then their son died in a tragic accident, and Tina passed soon after that. A broken man, Zach took early retirement and nearly drank himself to death. He’s in recovery now and has replaced the booze with an obsession for neighborhood affairs. “What about my petition?” he asks. “You plan on signing that?”
I bite my lower lip. “I’m not sure.”
“Construction begins next week.”
“I wish I could, but . . .”
Mumbling under his breath, he eyes me with a frown. He’s also taken to talking to himself. Is dementia creeping up? “But what?” he asks.
“I don’t think it’s wise for someone in my position to take a political stance.”
“Your position?” He rolls his eyes. “You work at an old folks’ home.”
“I work in a life-care community.”
“Same thing.”
“No, it’s not.”
His frown deepens into a crevasse. “So, you’re okay with those homes coming down?” He nods at the four vacant bungalows located directly across the street. They’re slated for demolition, to be replaced by a ten-thousand-square-foot mansion with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Our future neighbors are a flashy young couple with toddler twins and an army of well-groomed staff. Seems our former middle-class neighborhood is attracting the fashionable Hollywood types.
“I’m not okay with it,” I say, “but what can we do? The planning commission has made their decision. We’re not going to change their minds.”
“But if we don’t take action, it won’t be long before people like us can’t live in this town.”
“At least we’ll make a mint when we sell.”
“You’re not thinking of moving, are you?”
“Of course not.” Although I might if the price is right.
Zach sniffs and takes a swipe at his nose. “I just wish we could stop these assholes. They even complained about my new picket fence.”
I hold my voice steady. “They did?” Last month, Zach replaced his aging fence with a synthetic version that lists from side to side.
“Hell yes. City says my fence is four inches too tall, and I’ve got one month to replace the thing.
Where the hell am I going to get that kind of money? My pension only goes so far.” He searches my face with his electric-blue eyes. They’re the only part of him that haven’t aged.
“That’s terrible,” I say, dropping my gaze and backpedaling down the driveway. “Got to get to work. Have a nice day.” I hurry through the gate, swimming through waves of guilt. What if Zach finds out I turned him in? He’ll be angrier than a cornered wasp. But by the time I step out of the shower, I’ve pushed away all my self-doubt. Is it my fault his fence is too tall? For God’s sake, rules are rules.
***
Excerpt from What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs. Copyright © 2019 by Catharine Riggs. Reproduced with permission from Catharine Riggs. All rights reserved.

My Review

What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs is a story of Ruth Mosby is the VP of operations at Serenity Acres, a retirement home for the elderly. This is mainly a home for the affluent but they are told that if they run out of money that they can stay until the end. A new company takes over and does not want to carry out that promise. 

When the book starts out, to me, Ruth is an unlikable character, kind of snarky but funny at the same time. Not to say that this is a funny story, but there is a bit of humor. Ruth has a next-door neighbor, Zach, an ex-detective, who lost his son and wife, and Ruth's son  Adam was involved when he was a little boy, but they have still remained friends. 

There is a person at the retirement home that is the "Angel" who is assisting commit suicide. These people belong to the Goodnight Club. Ruth finds this disturbing and enlists Zach's assistance by giving him a job so he can assist in her investigation to find out who the "Angel" is. 

Ruth has a daughter Alice, that she does not see very often and a son, Adam, who has a history of getting into trouble with the law. To try to keep him out of trouble she gets him a job at the retirement home also. But an employee who is also a drug dealer gets murdered and Adam is involved. Ruth does not believe that her son is a murderer so she is more determined to find out who is the killer. 

Some other characters are Kai, who ends up as manager of the home after the new company takes over, Ruth coveted the job and was disappointed that she did not get it. There is Ember, an employee of the home, a free spirit. Also, there is Pastor Sam who admits that she assists in the suicides. But what about the people that can't pay? Who is killing them?

I enjoyed this story and read it in two days. Even though Ruth is a snarky character, I did like her. Zach, I felt sorry for because of the circumstances of his son's drowning and the death of his wife. He became a loner and a hoarder. The story is kind of scary as it tells a scenario that could conceivably happen, where people are eliminated because they can no longer pay for their care because their money has run out. 

This book is the second in the Santa Barbara Suspense series. I like this one so much I will most likely read the first in the series. Great read!

I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.

 Author Bio:

Catharine Riggs lives and writes on California’s central coast. Before her dive into thrillers, Riggs worked as a business banker, adjunct college instructor, and a nonprofit executive. What She Never Said is the second novel in her loosely linked Santa Barbara Suspense series. The first, What She Gave Away, was published by Thomas & Mercer in September of 2018.

Catch Up With Catharine Riggs On:
www.CatharineRiggs.com, Goodreads, & BookBub, Twitter!

Tour Participants:
Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

Enter To Win!

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Catharine Riggs. There will be 4 winners. Two (2) winners will each receive one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card and Two (2) winners will each receive one (1) print copy of What She Never Said by Catharine Riggs. The giveaway begins on August 18, 2019 and runs through September 22, 2019. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.

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Palm Trees in the Pyreness will be FREE on 16th – 20th Sept 2019! @rararesources

Palm Trees in the Pyrenees 

A rookie cop, a dash of mysterious death, and a heap of suspicion – as the heat rises, lethal tensions boil over in the Pyrenees. 

Unappreciated, unnoticed, and passed over for promotion, thirty-year-old Danielle’s fledgling career in law enforcement is going nowhere – until the unexpected death of a hated Englishman turns her small town upside down.

 Set in the idyllic south of France, Palm Trees in the Pyrenees is the first whodunit novel in Elly Grant's thrilling murder mystery series. Against a background of prejudice, jealousy, and greed, Danielle pieces together the sparse clues of a fractured homicide. But will she find enough evidence to solve the case – and get the recognition she deserves? 

To find out, get your copy of ‘Palm Trees in the Pyrenees’ – right now. 

Purchase Links http://mybook.to/palmtrees

Introduction Danielle is a policewoman and is the main character of the book. She is attending the funeral of Stephen Gold, who fell to his death from a top floor balcony of a residential building in town. Although he was a much-hated, English businessman, most of the town have turned out to see him off as all are curious and seeking the opportunity to gossip. 

Extract 
*** “May I pour you some wine, Officer? You’re not on duty are you?” 

The voice startles me and I turn to see a slim, slightly built man proffering a bottle and a glass. He smiles at me and his face reminds me of a snake, with taut skin, thin lips and narrow eyes. His pupils are like cold, steel pinheads. His bald head accentuates this look. It is Kurt. 

This Dutchman unnerves me like no other person can. There is something sly and dangerous about him. He smiles with his mouth but not with his eyes, in the same way that SS officers are depicted in films. I’ve known Kurt for four years having first met him at the Mairie when he arrived from Holland. He is another foreign, benefit parasite and he has a serious alcohol problem. Though he passes me in the street most days, this is the first time he has engaged me in conversation. 

“Thank you Kurt,” I reply. “I’m not on duty at the moment so I will have a glass please.” 

He places the empty wine glass in my hand and fills it almost to the top with red wine. I prefer there to be some space in the glass to make it easier to hold and to allow the wine to breathe for a moment or two. But instead, I find myself having to sip it immediately to take the level down and make it less likely to spill. 

“Did he jump or was he pushed, ha, ha?” he laughs. 

What a strange thing to say I think, particularly as we are at the man’s funeral. 

“I’m assuming you are talking about Steven Gold,” I reply coldly then continue, “I guess that’s something for the detective leading the investigation to find out. Why do you think he may have been pushed?”

 “No particular reason,” he says, still grinning menacingly, “Just making small talk.” 

I say nothing else but stand and sip my wine expecting him to move away, but he does not.

 “Perhaps we should talk,” he says.

 “About anything in particular or do you just like my company?” 

I reply cheekily. He scowls at me before continuing, “I just might have some information of interest to you.” 

“Information about what?” I ask.

 “I believe you were in the apartment block at the time of the man’s death. Do you know something about the incident?”

 “Perhaps indirectly,” he says slowly. “I know some things about Rosa that might be important,” he continues.

 “Rosa?” I question “What has Rosa got to do with this?”

 “I’ll tell you,” he replies, “but not here and not now. Perhaps we can meet in the café at Corsavy tomorrow. Tuesday’s your day off isn’t it? The day that all criminals are safe,” he mocks. He leans forward and whispers in my ear, “Maybe you could buy me breakfast and I’ll tell you what I know,” he offers. 

Having just made the arrangement to see Belinda, I won’t be having a day off this week, but I’ve no wish to correct him. He makes my skin crawl. I consider what he’s said for a moment and I’m intrigued. Why would he want to discuss Rosa? She’s his girlfriend after all and they seem very close. I’m curious to hear what he has to say but I’m nervous about meeting him. Do I really want to be seen alone with this horrible man?

 Finally, I decide that I’m more curious than repelled by him and I say, “I will meet you tomorrow, but you can buy me breakfast as it is you who wishes to speak to me. We can get together at 9 o’clock.” 

“Very well, Madame,” he says, smirking. “You drive a hard bargain, until tomorrow then.” 

With that he clicks his heels, gives a small bow then turns and walks across the room to join Rosa. I wonder what that was all about, I think. 

How strange how very, very strange. ***

Palm Trees in the Pyreness will be FREE on 16th – 20th Sept 2019

 https://www.creativia.org/palm-trees-in-the-pyrenees.html 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ITJ51MA/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ITJ51MA/ 

Author Bio 
Hi, my name is Elly Grant and I like to kill people. I use a variety of methods. Some I drop from a great height, others I drown, but I've nothing against suffocation, poisoning or simply battering a person to death. As long as it grabs my reader's attention, I'm satisfied. 

I've written several novels and short stories. My first novel, 'Palm Trees in the Pyrenees' is set in a small town in France. It is the first book of my ‘Death in the Pyrenees series and they are all published by Creativia. The others in the series are, 'Grass Grows in the Pyrenees’, ’Red Light in the Pyrenees’, ’Dead End in the Pyrenees', 'Deadly Degrees in the Pyrenees' and ‘Hanging Around in the Pyrenees’. Creativia has also published my grittier crime novels set in Glasgow, 'The Unravelling of Thomas Malone' and 'The Coming of the Lord' as well as my thriller, ‘Death at Presley Park’. Also published are my Romance 'Never Ever Leave Me, as well as a collaboration on the quirky black comedy 'But Billy Can't Fly' and short stories called 'Twists and Turns'.

 As I live much of the year in a small French town in the Eastern Pyrenees, I get inspiration from the way of life and the colourful characters I come across. I don't have to search very hard to find things to write about and living in the most prolific wine producing region in France makes the task so much more delightful. 

When I first arrived in this region I was lulled by the gentle pace of life, the friendliness of the people and the simple charm of the place. But dig below the surface and, like people and places the world over, the truth begins to emerge. Petty squabbles, prejudice, jealousy and greed are all there waiting to be discovered. Oh, and what joy in that discovery. So, as I sit in a café, or stroll by the riverside, or walk high into the mountains in the sunshine, I greet everyone I meet with a smile and a 'Bonjour' and, being a friendly place, they return the greeting. I people-watch as I sip my wine or when I go to buy my baguette. I discover quirkiness and quaintness around every corner. I try to imagine whether the subjects of my scrutiny are nice or nasty and, once I've decided, some of those unsuspecting people, a very select few, I kill. 

Perhaps you will visit my town one day. Perhaps you will sit near me in a café or return my smile as I walk past you in the street. Perhaps you will hold my interest for a while, and maybe, just maybe, you will be my next victim. But don't concern yourself too much, because, at least for the time being, I always manage to confine my murderous ways to paper.

 Read books from the 'Death in the Pyrenees' series, enter my small French town and meet some of the people who live there ----- and die there. Alternatively read about life on some of the hardened streets of Glasgow or for something different try my other books and short stories. 

Social Media Links 
www.facebook.com/elly.grant.92 

Dark Water: A Collective World Novel Lia Davis & L.A. Boruff Book Blitz! @laboruff

Dark Water: A Collective World Novel
Lia Davis & L.A. Boruff
(Academy’s Rise, #2)
Publication date: September 13th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Reverse Harem, Romance

As firstborn, my sister, Meda, will be High Alpha to all the lycans and vampires in the world—The Collective. She’s just found her mates and one of the three is heir to a huge witch Circle, which will one day unite the three major paranormal races.
I dodged a major bullet there. Thank Lucifer. I’m not a leader. I’m not someone to look up to. I like to do my own thing and go my own way.
Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure I’m fighting a mating bond myself. As if I needed three guys hanging on to my every freaking word.
And now, I’m having visions of what’s to come. It isn’t pretty.
My sisters and I must race against time to figure out what the vision means and how to stop the pending evil from destroying everyone we love.
Failure isn’t an option.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Halfway through the lecture, which I normally enjoyed, the door opened.
His scent hit me first since I had my forehead resting in my palm, propped up on the desk. I jerked, knocking my notebook off of my desk with a clatter.
Half the room turned to look at me, the other half looked at the hunk of sex appeal that had walked in the room and knocked me over with his scent.
“Holy shit.” A whisper from my right drew my attention, but I couldn’t manage to look away. I knew the speaker from school.
“Andee, you ain’t kiddin’.” We hadn’t been close, but anyone could bond when someone that bad-boy hot walked into the room.
That asshole heard me, and as he inhaled, his head swiveled from greeting my Paw to looking for me. He’d scented me.
The Tall Glass of Fuck Me stared at me as I fought the urge to jump up and claim him in front of the entire class. And my Paw.
Lucifer’s leg hair, the last fucking thing I needed was a third mate. And a vampire, to top it off. Just like Meda. What kind of fated mate, romance novel, made-for-tv bullshit were my ancestors thinking?
The only open seats in the room were up front, directly in front of Paw, and right be-fucking-side me. “Don’t you sit there,” I warned him under my breath. All heads swiveled to me. Everyone but the witches, anyway. The vamps and lycans all heard my warning with their excellent hearing.
The stranger, my mate, smiled. He knew exactly what was going on. I leaned slightly out into the aisle so I could see him from head to toe. Mainly, I wanted to see if he had a boner to rival the lady-boner I had.
His fucking black fucking jeans were so tight on his Adonis-belt style body that the entire room could see the outline of his dick as it pushed against the material.
Everyone except Paw, who walked around the desk and stood slightly behind the blonde. The hollows of his cheeks deepened as Paw introduced him. “This is Kevin, everyone. Kevin, this is pretty much the whole school. I teach history to everyone at once, like it or not.”
“Pleasure,” he said in a British accent.
Every woman in the room, and a couple of the men, sucked in a breath at the sound of his sultry voice, myself included.
Those bitches could breathe as hard as they wanted, this hot motherfucker was mine. As hard as I wanted him, equally, I didn’t. He sauntered forward, the buckles on the leather of his coat jingling softly as he moved his cocky self to the seat beside me.
“Don’t.” I raised my eyebrows at him.
“Don’t what?” Paw asked.
As an empath, this was my idea of torture. The room was a big ball of anticipation, curious what was happening between me and the new sultry, sexy, slender… son of a bitch I couldn’t take it.
Jumping up, I finally looked away from Kevin and straight into the eyes of Randell. His fury and confusion pelted my emotions. Nope. Nuh-uh. I noped it right out of the room, using every ounce of speed I possessed.

Author Bio:
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger's Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.
While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.
Lia's favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it's her home and she loves it!

Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

--

L.A. Boruff lives in East Tennessee with her husband, three children, and an ever growing number of cats. She loves reading, watching TV, and procrastinating by browsing Facebook. L.A.'s passions include vampires, food, and listening to heavy metal music. She once won a Harry Potter trivia contest based on the books, and lost one based on the movies. She has two bands on her bucket list that she still hasn't seen: AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Feel free to send tickets.

Author links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction Book Spotlight! @authoramymetz

Title: Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction
Author: Amy Metz
Genre: Cozy mystery
Series: Goose Pimple Junction Mysteries, book 5

Print length: 246 pages-paperback

It’s election season, and there’s a new candidate in town. Virgil Pepper is determined to take the job from Goose Pimple Junction’s long-time mayor. Virgil is a charming and charismatic candidate but someone who will say anything (and mean none of it) to get what he wants. Three things top his list: to become mayor, to acquire Jackson Wright’s land, and to make Caledonia Culpepper one of his many conquests.

Wynona Baxter is back, and she’s a new woman. Now Daisy has a new identity, new life, and new business–ironically named Killer Cupcakes. But the town soon finds out that isn’t the only kind of killer in town. Book five of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series combines political hijinks, delicious cupcakes, Goose Juice moonshine, the ups and downs of finding true love, and, of course, murder.

It is said that “It’s a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what.” Lying in politics, lying for personal and professional gain, lying about an identity . . . What are the folks of Goose Pimple Junction willing to lie for . . . and what are they willing to die for?

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yxdute2y

Social media:

Website: https://www.authoramymetz.com/
Blog: http://abluemillionbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyMetz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramymetz
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmyMetz

Prologue

He entered the territory of lies without a passport for return.

 –Graham Greene

Caledonia was resplendent in a hot pink sweater and black slacks as she walked into Slick & Junebug’s Diner after getting her boys, Pickle—a high school senior—off to work and Peanut—a sixth grader—off to a friend’s house. It was her habit to stop in every morning before she went to open up the dress shop she owned. Her day didn’t really get started until she’d had her morning gossip and cup of coffee. This morning, the place was buzzing. With a smile and a wave, she scooted past the regulars—two old men, Clive and Earl—at their usual place at the counter and joined her best friend, Paprika Parker, in a window booth. They liked that spot so they could see what was going on in the town square while they drank their coffee and talked about town happenings. 

Paprika could read Caledonia like a book. “What’s wrong?”

“No good morning? You’re just gonna jump right in?” Caledonia uprighted her coffee cup on its saucer.

“Might as well. I can see something’s up.”

“Is it that obvious?” Caledonia’s brow furrowed.

“Stop frowning. You’ll form wrinkles. And yes, to me it’s that obvious. Now for the last time, out with it.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake. All right.” She let out a heavy sigh. “Virgil made another play for me last night.” 

“After all you’ve done to make it clear there will never be anything between you again? Why doesn’t the man ever give up?”

Caledonia’s hand went up to stop her friend. “It’s a power play. He wants to be the dump-er instead of the dump-ee. Don’t worry. I didn’t give in. What I did give him was what for. You woulda been proud of me, Spice Girl.” Caledonia had long ago given the nickname to her friend, even though she was always tempted to call her Pippi because she resembled an adult Pippi Longstocking. Caledonia hunched her shoulders and leaned in, slightly sheepish but a touch defiant. She cupped her hand to the side of her mouth and whispered, “I hauled off and whacked him over the head with a tennis racket.”

Paprika sat up straight, her eyes bugging out behind her glasses. “You did not.” 

“I most certainly did. Admittedly, it was a reflexive action, but upon reflection I’m glad I did it. Say, it didn’t by any chance rain last night, did it?” Caledonia wound some of her long blonde hair around a finger. 

“Not that I’m aware. What do you mean a reflexive action?”

“I’d told him to take a hike and walked away from him. When he came up behind me and grabbed my left arm, my right arm reacted. I tell you what, he dropped like a bag of flour.”

Paprika broke out in a huge grin. “I wish I’d been there to see that.”

The women were laughing when owner, waitress, and half namesake of the diner, Junebug Calloway, came to the table. She had a crease in her septuagenarian forehead.  

“Junebug, don’t do that. It’ll make your forehead permanently wrinkled.” Caledonia held out her coffee cup.

“I just thought you’d be a might subdued this morning, Caledonia, what with the news and all. I know that man did you wrong, but laughing at a time like this? I’m a might surprised is all.” She finished filling the cup and set the pot on the table, hands on her hips.

The two women exchanged bewildered looks before directing their confusion toward Junebug. “What news?” they asked simultaneously.

Junebug’s mouth dropped open, and she got a gleam in her eye. She loved to be the first one to pass on a bit of gossip. “You mean you haven’t heard?”

Again, both women were in sync. “Heard what?” 

“‘Bout Virgil.” 

The women stared at her blankly. 

“He got stamped ‘return to sender.’”

“Return to sender?” Caledonia’s hand went to her throat. “You don’t mean . . . ”

Junebug nodded. “I do mean. He’s picking turnips with a stepladder now.”

Caledonia’s head bobbed from side to side. “That’s ridiculous. I just saw him yesterday afternoon.”

“You didn’t conk him over the head, did you?” Junebug chuckled but stopped when she saw the look that passed between the women. 

“What do you mean, Junebug?” Caledonia’s mouth had gone dry.

“Well, somebody did. Bopped him on that thick noggin of his. Now they’re basting that turkey in formaldehyde.” As an afterthought, she added, “May he rest in peace.”

Junebug’s eyes went from woman to woman. “Listen, I hate to deliver bad news and run, but I’m in the weeds. Look at this crowd. Nothing like a good murder to bring out the townsfolk.” She held up a finger to a man two booths away. “Be right there, Chet.” Returning her eyes to Caledonia, she said, “Anything besides coffee today, ladies?”

Caledonia shook her head with a vacant expression on her face. 

“Bring us two chocolate iced donuts, Junebug,” Paprika said.

Junebug nodded. “It looks like y’all could use a pick-me-up. Two life preservers, coming up.” 

When Junebug left, the women stared at each other, both instinctively closing their mouths when they saw the other’s wide open. Caledonia swallowed hard. Paprika covered her mouth with her hand.

Finally, Caledonia leaned in and whispered, “You don’t think I killed him, do you?” Sitting back, she answered her own question, “I killed him. I sent the man to be with Jesus.”

“Now, Caledonia, don’t go getting ahead of yourself. And I doubt it’s Jesus he’s keeping company with if you ask me.”

“You heard her. Someone conked him over the head. That someone was me.” Caledonia poked her chest with a finger. “I offed a man. I’m a stone-cold killer. What will happen to the children?”

Paprika grabbed her friend’s hand. “Hush it. Not another word until we find out more. And talk to a lawyer.”

“I don’t know if a lawyer will talk to me. After all, I just killed my last one.”

“Caledonia Culpepper, get ahold of yourself.”

Caledonia stared blankly and muttered, “You take care of the boys until Mother can get here.”

“Take care of the boys? What are you talking about?” 

Caledonia slid out of the booth.

“Where are you going?” 

 “I reckon to jail.” She walked to the counter where Johnny Butterfield, the chief of police, sat. Offering him her wrists, she said, “Lock me up, Chief. I’m a murderer.”

Amy Metz attended Centre College and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Elementary Education. She taught first grade until her first child was born and then motherhood and volunteer work took up her time. When her mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2009, she turned to writing as therapy. Needing an escape from life and from the memoir, and desperately needing to laugh, she began writing a humorous southern mystery that eventually became Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction, and an author was born.

Amy has been richly blessed with two sons – one married and one pursuing his master's degree – and a daughter-in-law. When not actively engaged in writing or spending time with her family, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in her hands. Amy's debut novel, Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction, was first published in August 2012, with the second edition released in September 2014. Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction followed in December 2014, and Short & Tall Tales in Goose Pimple Junction was published in 2015. Rogues & Rascals in Goose Pimple Junction launched in May 2016. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Contact her at: authoramymetz@yahoo.com. 

Visit Amy's blog at: A Blue Million Books.

Sea of Darkness by Isadora Brown & Rebecca Hamilton Book Blitz! @InkMuse

Sea of Darkness
Isadora Brown & Rebecca Hamilton
(The Vampire Pirate Saga #1)
Published by: Evershade Publishing
Publication date: May 10th 2018
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Working with a supernatural enemy is Kelia’s only hope of solving her father’s murder. But her investigation puts her own life in danger.
The Society’s sole purpose is to protect the general population from vicious Sea Shadows, and Kelia’s their top Slayer. But when her father is murdered and her handler insists it’s suicide, she starts to question whether The Society really has her best interests at heart.
Now, to solve her father’s death, Kelia must work with an unexpected ally: Drew Knight, an infamous Sea Shadow and the most beautiful creature Kelia has ever set eyes upon. A Sea Shadow who, without intending to, just may show her who the real enemy is…and it’ll only cost her one unnamed favor to be collected at a future date.
But after her affiliation with Drew Knight is discovered, Kelia is forced to choose between what she’s known since the beginning of her existence…or a dark, terrifying truth that puts her life at risk.
Find out who dies and who survives in SEA OF DARKNESS, the first installment of The Vampire Pirate Saga, an exciting new urban fantasy romance readers of Sarah J Maas and Karen Marie Moning are sure to devour!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“There,” he said, pointing at Kelia’s face. “You have a range of emotion littering your face.” He chuckled. “You’re easier to read than a book.”
Kelia bristled. She absolutely detested knowing she was here because she needed the assistance of a Sea Shadow. And not just any, but the most infamous vampire pirate of them all.
“I found out some information,” she murmured. “And I feel you would be able to assist me in what to do with it.”
He tilted his head to the side, his eyes shining. “Do share, darling.”
It was hard to concentrate when he smiled that way. Kelia had known he was dangerously beautiful, but when he was directly in front of her, cocking a smile like it was a weapon and shooting it in her direction, she was completely powerless.
“Well, don’t be shy with the goods,” he prodded. “What did you find that you need my help with?”
She shot him a glare, and he laughed.
“You are so good to goad, darling,” Drew said. “Something you need to work on. You don’t want your enemies to pick up on your weakness. They might use it to manipulate you.”
Kelia arched her eyebrow. “And how do I know who my enemies are?”
Drew’s smirk deepened. “That, my dear, is a very good question.”

Author Bio:
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Harlequin, Baste Lübbe, and Evershade. A book addict, registered bone marrow donor, and indian food enthusiast, she often takes to fictional worlds to see what perilous situations her characters will find themselves in next.
Represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA, Rebecca has been published internationally, in three languages: English, German, and Hungarian.

Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

--

Isadora Brown loves all things dark, dangerous, and deadly. Things that go bump in the night and send shivers down backs are things she adores. She loves (and writes) sexy, forbidden romance, usually with some bite and a hint of magic. She is the author of The Somerset Series, The Dark Paradise Trilogy, The Stranger Trilogy, and The Neverland Trilogy. You can find her work on Amazon and keep up with her by signing up for her newsletter here: http://madmimi.com/signups/349869/join

Author links:
Goodreads / Facebook / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY!
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Eye for Eye by JK Franko Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Eye for Eye by JK Franko

on Tour July 22 - September 20, 2019

Book Details:

Genre: Crime & Mystery
Published by: Talion Publishing
Publication Date: June 22nd 2019
Number of Pages: 400
ISBN: 1999318803 (ISBN13: 9781999318802)
Series: Talion #1
Purchase Links: Amazon | Goodreads

"NEW TWIST ON STRANGERS ON A TRAIN"
~ THE SUNDAY TIMES

Roy and Susie are on a skiing holiday, trying to take a break from the constant reminders of their daughter, tragically killed by a careless driver. Out of the blue they meet Deb and Tom, another couple with a tragic past and a shocking proposal to put things right.

As the bodies accumulate, secrets are revealed and alliances crumble. Ultimate survival depends on following the rules for a perfect murder. And the first rule is… leave no singing bones.

 Read an excerpt:

When I try to piece together how this whole mess began, a part of me thinks it may have started over thirty years ago. At least the seeds were planted that far back, in the early 1980s. What happened then, at that summer camp in Texas, set the stage for everything that was to come.
Odd, how something so remote in time and geography continues to impact me here, today.
Sometimes I try to imagine her, how she felt—that eleven year-old girl—as she ran, stumbling and tripping through the woods that night. I try to put myself in her shoes. When I do, I wonder if she was frightened.
Did she understand the consequences of what she’d gotten herself into? I imagine it felt otherworldly to her, like a dream. But not a good dream. No, one of the bad ones—the ones that make your heart machine-gun as you try to outrun some dark thing that’s chasing you. But the faster you try to run, the slower you go, your legs feeling leaden, clumsy, useless.
Panic sets in. Tears of frustration form. Fear takes hold and won’t let go. You open your mouth to scream but realize, to your horror, that you’re paralyzed. It’s not that you can’t scream; you can’t even breathe. Not a dream—a nightmare.
Then again, all that may simply be my imagination. It could just be me projecting what I might have felt onto Joan. Maybe she wasn’t scared at all.
True, it was dark out. The night smelled of rain, but there was no lightning, only the far-off rumble of thunder hinting at a distant storm. There were no trail lights, no visibility but for the moon peeking out intermittently from behind a patchwork of clouds. But, Joan had been down this trail before. She was running toward the main cabin.
She had been at Camp Willow for almost two full weeks. She had been up and down that trail at least ten times a day, every day. Of course, that was during the day, and always with her buddy, or a camp counselor (the children called them troop leaders). Joan had never been on the trail at night. And never alone.
Maybe I imagine Joan was scared because, as an adult, I believe that she should have been. I would have been terrified.
***
Excerpt from Eye For Eye by JK Franko. Copyright © 2019 by JK Franko. Reproduced with permission from JK Franko. All rights reserved.

 Author Bio:

J.K. FRANKO was born and raised in Texas. His Cuban-American parents agreed there were only three acceptable options for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect. After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med, he ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not acceptable), then he went to law school (salvaging the family name) and spent many years climbing the big law firm ladder. After ten years, he decided that law and family life weren’t compatible. He went back to school where he got an MBA and pursued a Ph.D. He left law for corporate America, with long stints in Europe and Asia.
His passion was always to be a writer. After publishing a number of non-fiction works, thousands of hours writing, and seven or eight abandoned fictional works over the course of eighteen years, EYE FOR EYE became his first published novel.
J.K. Franko now lives with his wife and children in Florida.Catch Up With JK Franko On:
jkfranko.com, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!

Tour Participants:

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Enter The Giveaway!!!:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for JK Franko. There will be 6 winners. Two (2) winners will each win (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. Two (2) winners will each win a signed copy of EYE FOR EYE by JK Franko (Open to U.S. addresses only) and Two (2) winners will each win a Knife set (Open to U.S. addresses only). The giveaway begins on July 22, 2019 and runs through September 22, 2019. Void where prohibited.

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