Archive for the ‘thriller’ Category

Objects of Desire by Valerie Webster Banner

Objects of Desire
by Valerie Webster
March 11-22, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:

It’s August in Baltimore City. Nothing’s hotter – until Rita Mars gets a shocking visit from the police. Her ex-partner is missing and police are relentless in trying to pin her to the disappearance. One cop in particular has made her his crusade to indict. In the meantime, Rita accepts a client who suspects someone is out to destroy the charitable foundation she works for. Rita hires a hacker named Roswell and a cyber game of cat and mouse commences. This is a high-speed chase of a read that will leave you wondering – could it happen here?

 

 

 

Book Details:

Genre: Thriller

Published by: Ignited Ink Publication Date: November 19, 2023 Number of Pages: 372 ISBN: 9781952347085 (ISBN10: 1952347084) Series: A Rita Mars Thriller, 2

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

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MY REVIEW

You’ll be tracking two separate cases in this one. And so will the main character, P.I. Rita Mars. There’s the messy breakup with her former partner, Diane, who is now a missing person, and the circumstances of that split put Rita on the suspect list. And then there’s the financial hanky panky being played out in another arena.

Well, I sure did have to put on my sleuthing hat and use the old brain pan to sift through all the false leads and kind of zero in on some guilty parties. That was fun. As was getting to know Rita and her background. She had so much on her plate in her personal life and she did a bang up job of managing her team. The author did such a good job of showing me Rita and filling me in on her past that I forgot this wasn’t even the first book in the series. It was that easy to settle in with the characters and become friends.

There’s lots of mystery for you fans of the genre and some comedy to lighten things up. I’m planning on going back to read the beginning of the series and hope to read more as it continues.

4 STARS

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Enjoy this peek inside:
Prologue
“I ain’t here to clean the house.” The person on the porch blocked the usually sunny opened doorway. “I’m sorry?” The woman inside the house stood waiting for an answer. She was a tiny person, slim, noticeably agitated by the unexpected break in her routine. “I brought you something.” “I have a meeting this morning. I’m afraid I have to get ready. Maybe later.” The woman inside started to close the door, but a booted foot wedged in the frame to stop progress. A broad hand with thick stubby fingers rested against the door. “Just take a minute.” The woman inside hesitated, irritated, undecided. “Promise. A minute.” The boot in the door sill stayed in place. “Uh, ok. “The woman ran a hand through her hair. “But I really need to finish dressing for my meeting.” “No problem.” The beefy palm touched the door but did not push. The woman inside opened her house. The figure outside stepped in, overshadowing the home owner by almost a foot. “Nice house. I always wondered what it was like in here.” “You have something for me?” asked the woman. “I do.” The visitor took time surveying the foyer and living room as the two stood by the still open door. “Can we hurry this up, I need to leave.” A trickle of sweat beaded at her temple. She glanced toward the kitchen where her cell phone lay on the counter. “Ok, so let’s get you ready to go.” The figure’s paw snagged the woman’s arm and clutched it so that the woman’s sleeve crushed with the pressure. “Hey, let go.” The woman pulled against the grip but she was no match. “Stop.” She dug her nails into the grasping arm. “Let’s go upstairs.” The woman was half dragged, half lifted toward her stairwell. “What is the matter with you? I’m going to call the police.” The woman threw all her weight away from her trapped arm trying to loosen it. “Stop,” she cried. She began to flail with every ounce of strength. The intruder shook her head. “Now you know you don’t want to do that. We need to get you packed up and ready.” The woman now grabbed the banister as the intruder strong-armed her up the steps. She could not hold against the brute strength of her attacker who easily drew her upward. “Gotta suitcase?” The attacker maintained the commanding grip. The attacker held fast while she went through the woman’s chest of drawers, her closet and bathroom, throwing clothes and toiletries into a small roll-aboard that had been in the bedroom closet. All the while, the impinged victim wrestled, clawed and dug her teeth into the arm that tightened around hers. The woman screamed again, but the free meaty hand covered her mouth. The attacker drew out a roll of duct tape and secured the woman to a vanity chair. She then took a pillow case and made a gag. “Get you all set up here,” said the attacker. “You’ll need stuff. Now I know this is a little bit of a surprise for you. But don’t worry, I will take care of you.” The woman in the vanity chair bowed her head as tears streamed down her face. “Ok, so we’ve got everything, I think.” The attacker shut and snapped the suitcase closed. “I wanna take that pillow case off your mouth but you need not to scream. You gonna be good?” The woman nodded and her intruder unknotted the pillowcase. “Uh, I think I should leave a note,” said the woman. “I don’t think so.” The intruder had removed the gag, but made no move to release the woman from the vanity chair. The woman’s eyes roved quickly back and forth as she scoured her brain for an escape plan. “People will wonder where I am and we don’t want them to know, do we?” “That’s my girl,” said the attacker. “Good idea.” *** Excerpt from Objects of Desire by Valerie Webster. Copyright 2024 by Valerie Webster. Reproduced with permission from Valerie Webster. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Valerie Webster:

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Valerie Webster

Valerie Webster is a crime fiction author whose 30+ year career was focused on developing and implementing technology applications for the purpose of criminal surveillance and tracking, information security, crime deterrence and homeland security. She interlaces her work on real cases and policing applications throughout her writing and her storytelling leads you through the shadow worlds of the criminal as well as the crime fighters. She has written two books in the Rita Mars Series: DRIVEN: A RITA MARS THRILLER is her debut novel in the series. Her second book is OBJECTS OF DESIRE: A RITA MARS THRILLER. Valerie makes her home near Boulder, CO. Learn more about Valerie and her work at valeriewebster.com

Catch Up With Valerie Webster: ValerieWebster.com Goodreads BookBub – @vwebster Instagram – @rmarsauthor Facebook – @RMars4Hire

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

 

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Don’t Miss Out! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Valerie Webster. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE NIGHTMARE MACHINE by Tim White Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

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Check out my review and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

THE NIGHTMARE MACHINE

 by Tim White

 

 

Pub. Date: February 20, 2024

Publisher: Ocean Scribe Publishing

Formats:  Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 600

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Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/THE-NIGHTMARE-MACHINE

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Purchase the book directly from Tim! There’s also a prequel novella! 

 

What
is The Nightmare Machine? Think Silent Hill meets Inception and Monster
Hunter International
.

Five millennia of suffering. A pilgrimage steeped in terror. Will her quest
bring redemption or only a false promise of salvation?

Bangor,
Maine. Sara Holcomb knows what she must do. Raised within a secret order
devoted to protecting humanity from a malevolent god, the dutiful
seventeen-year-old prepares for a terrifying expedition through a world of
nightmares. So when the time comes, she convinces three close friends to escort
her on a perilous journey to an otherworldly cathedral of bone and blood.

Transported
to a land of chaos and horror while they sleep, Sara wrestles with guilt at
bringing people she holds dear to this hell from which they may not escape. And
as vicious traps and pitiless creatures tear at their bodies and minds, the
honor-bound young woman fears they won’t be strong enough to complete the
mission that will preserve mankind.

 

MY REVIEW

The first thing that caught my attention was the stunning story displayed on the cover. Yes, it pulls you in, wanting to know this girl and her story. It’s absolutely perfect for what’s revealed inside. And the title. It’s also perfect. A teenage girl, descendant of a long line of Maidens, destined to save the world. She takes three friends as protectors into a hidden world. One filled with danger. Teeming with monsters worthy of your worst nightmares. To enter. They sleep. To survive. They awaken.

The first chapter sets up the intrigue. A typical girl. One with horrible nightmares. And hints of a family secret. I was hooked and remained that way through the entire story. Sara was an ordinary girl thrust into a horrific saga. Her character was so genuinely written and I really empathized with her. She had to face things a much older person might not have handled as well as she did.

Dylan was in love with Sara. But that wasn’t why she chose him as one of her protectors. He was a boy wonder. A budding genius and curious about how things worked. His mind worked in mysterious ways and she trusted him.

Dylan and Sara both helped Dr. Alex Warner at a small recovery clinic helping people overcome their addictions. I was unsure how that made her a good choice for a protector aside from knowing Sara and Dylan. Once they began their quest, it began clear.

Tom’s place on the list of protectors was obvious.  He was a veteran of war and had survived some horrific situations. He was no stranger to violence and death and his training made him a perfect candidate to work as a team. I really enjoyed his part in the story. He was someone you didn’t want to mess with yet he had a lot of baggage and that gave him an aura of vulnerability.

I tried to envision this nightmare world the group had entered. The author did a great job of showing it to me through words and my imagination did the rest.

As for how the story moved along. I mentioned the first chapter hooked me and kept me hooked. Well that’s true. And the characters sealed the deal for me. Along with the cruel world in The Nightmare Machine and the outrageous and dangerous monsters that were unleashed in it’s pages. Whoa. I do love monsters and there were some humdingers in the book.

Packed with action, suspense and horror, I was thrilled to get everything I wanted out of this story. That was great. And even more exciting. There’s more to come! Can’t wait for that.

5  STARS

 

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About Author Tim White:

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Tim White is
an author, editor, writing coach, and game designer in Phoenix, Arizona. He
started writing fiction in 1996 and nonfiction in 2006. As of 2023, he has
published more than 1,000 nonfiction articles and three nonfiction books. He
has written three novels, four novellas, dozens of tabletop role-playing game
(TTRPG) scripts, and hundreds of short stories.

Tim is a
zealous crusader for the power of storytelling to promote human flourishing. He
writes fiction in several genres, particularly one that he calls “Romantic
horror” (as in “Romantic-era novelists” such as Victor Hugo and Alexandre
Dumas, not as in “romance novel”). This little-known genre is unique in that it
uses fear as a backdrop against which heroism is sharply contrasted,
dramatized, and elevated.

Tim’s
storytelling philosophy is summed up eloquently by one of his favorite authors:

“I often
hear people say that they read to escape reality, but I believe that what
they’re really doing is reading to find reason for hope, to find strength.
While a bad book leaves readers with a sense of hopelessness and despair, a
good novel, through stories of values realized, of wrongs righted, can bring to
readers a connection to the wonder of life. A good novel shows how life can and
ought to be lived. It not only entertains but energizes and uplifts readers.” ―
Terry Goodkind

Before
transitioning to writing full time, Tim was an Army combat medic, and later, a
nurse paramedic specializing in trauma and surgery. He is a lifelong shooter
and has ranked moderately well in state-level 3-gun competitions. He loves
board games, video games, and role-playing games; cats; Pembroke Corgis; good
coffee; good books; and escape rooms. He owns an escape room venue in Arizona,
where he designs and builds every prop and puzzle in-house.

Sign up for one or all of Tim’s Newsletters!

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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Giveaway Details: (there are 2 giveaways)

Bargain Booksy Giveaway:

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One winner will be chosen at random on 4/15/2024 and notified via email
that they have won the 20 eBooks and a Kindle.

Giveaway Link: https://www.bargainbooksy.com/thriller-giveaway-021524/

Rockstar Book Tours Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours,
International.

Ends March 5th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

2/19/2024

@darkfantasyreviews

IG Post

2/19/2024

Kountry Girl Bookaholic

Excerpt/IG Post

2/20/2024

jlreadstoperpetuity

IG Post

2/20/2024

Writer of Wrongs

Excerpt

2/21/2024

The Melting Plot

IG Post

2/21/2024

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

2/22/2024

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

2/22/2024

GryffindorBookishnerd

IG Review

2/23/2024

Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s

Review/IG Post

2/23/2024

@books.mo.reads

IG Review

 Week Two:

2/26/2024

Books and Zebras

IG Review

2/26/2024

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

2/27/2024

@dana.loves.books

IG Review/TikTok Post

2/27/2024

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

2/28/2024

FUONLYKNEW

Review

2/28/2024

The Momma Spot

Review

2/29/2024

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

2/29/2024

Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review/IG Post

3/1/2024

Confessions of the Perfect Mom

Review/IG Post

3/1/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Alex organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Dianne Hartsock will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Alex

by Dianne Hartsock

 

 

 

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Synopsis

Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that bewilder his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of the children, sees the brutal images of tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips…

Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and hopefully uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s involved. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always understand.

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Enjoy this exclusive peek inside:

“Alex!”

Mary’s usually kind face looked impatient, and he jerked to his feet. From her tone, she’d probably been calling him for some time. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Sarah hasn’t come in yet, and Becca and I have our hands full with another shipment. Will you read to the children today?” At the look of panic probably on his face, she smiled encouragingly. “Now, don’t be afraid,” she said as she took his arm, giving it a motherly pat. “It’s only three chapters of Lone Wolf. When you’re done, you can let them have cookies.”

She guided him to the room where every Saturday afternoon during summer the bookstore hosted a reading for kids who had nothing better to do. Before Alex could draw a breath, she pushed him onto a stool and pressed a book into his hands. He gaped as she abandoned him in front of an audience of expectant children.  A dozen kids of various ages sat on a rug at his feet. He gave them a quick glance and then opened the book to the marked page.

The light radiating from the children hurt his eyes, and it took him a moment to focus on the print. The children stirred restlessly in the awkward silence until he cleared his throat. As he began to read, even Brian Edwards stopped hitting his neighbor to listen.

Alex’s voice grew low and intense as he immersed himself in the story. His tone became so expressive that the more sensitive children seemed able to see the action unfold behind their eyes, same as he could.

He reached the end of the second chapter safely and began to hope he might make it through the rest without mishap. He turned the page to continue, but then a shadow appeared on the paper. He rubbed his eyes, wanting it to be his imagination, but the shadow spread across the print. He struggled to ignore it for a few more sentences, but the growing darkness teased his eyes away from the page. He spotted the source instantly: a boy near the door whose black aura coiled tightly around his body.

The blackness seeped from the boy until it dimmed the brightness of the other children.

“Rabbit,” Alex whispered in horror, his eyes going wide. In his mind, he saw a rabbit tied to a board in a dark place, its paws bound with gray tape. A scalpel glittered in the boy’s trembling hand. With his gaze intent on the heaving chest of the helpless creature, the boy licked his lips in anticipation of doing something cruel.

Alex’s sharp whimper of distress broke the unnerving stillness in the room. He covered his face to wipe the disturbing image from his mind.

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About Author Dianne Hartsock:

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Dianne grew up in one of the older homes in the middle of Los Angeles, a place of hardwood floors and secret closets and back staircases. A house where ghosts lurk in the basement and the faces in the paintings watch you walk up the front stairs. Rooms where you keep the closet doors closed tight at night. It’s where her love of the mysterious and wonderful came from. Dianne is the author of m/m romance, paranormal/suspense, fantasy adventure, the occasional thriller, and anything else that comes to mind.

She now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. Dianne says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house with a fire crackling on the hearth and a cup of hot coffee in her hands, which kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

 

Author Links: Blog / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / Goodreads / Instagram

Purchase Links: Amazon / JMS Books / B&N / KOBO / Smashwords

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

The Master of Midnight

by William Michael Davidson

 

Publication date: May 10th 2024
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Finding bodies is part of the job for Detective Otto Haines, but when a victim’s limbs are found in two public parks miles apart from each other, he is utterly confused. Most speculate that it must be some sadistic killer, bent on mutilating his victims and leaving his “calling cards” behind in the ghostly hours of the night.

And there are problems along the way. As Detective Haines tries to hunt down this killer, he must also deal with his rookie partner, Serena Grimm, while trying to keep a secret from his past out of the spotlight. As the trail to the killer becomes a labyrinthine search with shifting suspects and no end in sight, the impossibly horrific nature of these crimes forces Otto to reconsider everything he has known about good and evil.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Otto Haines climbed out of his black Dodge Charger and noted the time. It was nearly one o’clock in the morning. The crime scene tape had already been set up and blocked off a section of Marina Vista Park. Crime scene technicians worked beneath the ocher-colored glow of streetlights and the briny ocean mist that rolled in from Marine Stadium, only a stone’s throw away.

Officer Dave Hemelrick of the LBPD greeted Otto as he strode toward the perimeter.

“Finally made it, huh?” Dave asked. “And no partner tonight? Already scared off the rookie?”

“She’s on another call,” Otto said without telling him the full story: two incidents had been called in, nearly back-to-back. The other was a few miles away, in front of Wilson High School. It was unusual, for sure. Two homicides called in minutes apart from each other was an aberration. Otto couldn’t remember another instance of it.

“Any witnesses here?” he asked, and Hemelrick’s expression darkened as he cleared his throat.

“We got two. One homeless, probably on drugs. We have a young woman too. She’s the one who called it in. Finishing up questioning now.”

“Good. I’d like to speak with both—especially the woman. Have them wait.”

“Will do.”

“Any ID on the victim?”

A similar, grave expression passed over Hemelrick’s face. The flashing lights of the emergency vehicles reflected in his large, dark eyes.

“No, no ID. Not much of a body either.”

Otto understood what Officer Hemelrick meant only a few moments after showing his badge to several officers along the perimeter and ducking below the crime scene tape. Where Otto normally would have found a body—shot, stabbed, or strangled—there was only an arm on the sidewalk, mere inches from the grass. Nothing more. For a moment, it didn’t look real. While a technician snapped photographs of the scene, Otto bent down to examine the grotesque sight.

There was a very small splatter of blood on the sidewalk near where the arm had been severed, which was just below the elbow. It appeared to be a grisly, jagged dismemberment; if this were a horror movie and not a crime scene, Otto might have guessed the arm to have been bitten off and spat onto the grass by some foul creature.

He was able to determine a few things. This appeared to be a male. Thick arm. Dark hair. Caucasian. It took him a moment to note by position of the thumb that this was the left arm. The fingers were ringless.

“Where’s the rest of him?” Otto asked without turning around. When Hemelrick didn’t respond, Otto turned to him.

“That’s what I’m saying. That’s all we’ve got.”

 

About Author William Michael Davidson:

William Michael Davidson lives in Long Beach, California. A believer that “good living produces good writing,” Davidson writes early in the morning so he can get outside, exercise, spend time with people, and experience as much as possible. He is a writer of suspense and speculative fiction. If he’s not writing, he’s probably at the beach.

 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Gary L. Stuart will be awarding a print copy of Hide and Be and its immediate sequel, My Brother, Myself to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Hide And Be

by Gary L. Stuart

 

 

Genre: Thriller

Synopsis

Twin brothers Arthur and Martin suffered horrible abuse as children, forcing them to survive by seamlessly assuming each other’s identities. Living each other’s lives provides protection from the trauma of their past. But when tragedy strikes, one of the brothers plummets into a dissociative crisis that leads him down a murderous path.

As the body count rises, two cases end up in the courtroom, where judges, lawyers, and psychiatrists try to piece together which twin is the suspect and which is the victim. Everyone in the courtroom strives to bring the victims to justice–but how can justice be served when no one is sure who the defendant truly is?

Enjoy this peek inside:

Like I said, me and Marty were from Maine. Born, bred, and fed. By foster parents mostly. Always hated the cold. We lived in drafty houses in winter, wore cheap coats in spring and fall, but not knowing any better, just accepted it. Lived our lives wherever the caseworkers said. You know, go here, stay there, new doctors, and interchangeable houses.

A general practitioner, whose first name was Doctor, talked to our first foster mother, but not us.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Greyson,” the doctor said.

That’s what he always called her—Missus—she didn’t have a first name, and he didn’t have a last. He was Doctor and she was Mrs. Us? We were just two little jellybeans sitting in one chair. Doctor had three chairs in his office. One for her, one for him, and the third for us. I remember liking that—same chair, same us.

“Autonomous language is common, harmless, really. It’ll go away in time,” he told her. Not us. He never said anything to us. We don’t remember the exact words, but who cares? Fumbuck, he knew. You? How can you tell? Autonomous, dummy. Marty told me.

“They will always be hard to tell apart. Dress them differently. They will want to be together, with their family gone and all, but treat them like regular brothers, even if they are identical twins.”

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About Author Gary L. Stuart

I am a retiring lawyer, a working author, and a preserving blogger. I was a full-time trial lawyer for thirty-two years in a large Phoenix firm. I was a part-time law professor for the last twenty-nine years. As of summer, 2023, I am writing, publishing, and blogging full time. My first book was a textbook published by the Arizona State Bar Association. My first novel was published by the University of New Mexico Press. I’ve written ten novels and eight nonfiction titles as of July 2023.

From the day I entered law school, I’ve been reading cases, statutory law and writing about legal conundrums and flaws in our criminal and civil justice systems. I’ve always read novels, nonfiction, and historical fiction by great authors who were never corrupted by the staid habits of trial lawyers. I write long-form, interspersed with the occasional blog, op-ed, or essay. One of the unexpected benefits of reading the law is learning how to write about it. Somewhere along the trajectory from a baby lawyer to a senior one, I became intoxicated with blending nonfiction with fiction in books, rather than legal documents. After spending thirty years in courtrooms trying cases, I started writing about them. That led to writing novels while borrowing from famous historical settings and lesser-known characters. My courtroom days were chock full of ideas, notions, and hopes about ultimately becoming an author. I organized and memorized critical information for judges, juries, and clients. Now I use that experience to write vivid fiction and immersive nonfiction. I moved away from trial practice to teaching law students how to use creative writing techniques to tell their client’s stories, in short form.

F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.” The same could be said of my transition from trying cases to writing crime fiction. I’ve been holding my breath for twenty years waiting for galley proofs and book reviews. Anais Nin spoke for all of us when she said, “We write to taste life twice.”

My first novel, The Gallup 14, won a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly. I won a Spur Award from Western Writers of America in 2004 for my first nonfiction book (“Miranda, The Story of America’s Right to Remain Silent”). I won the 2010 Arizona Book of the Year Award, The Glyph Award, and a Southwest Publishing Top Twenty award in 2010, for “Innocent Until Interrogated—The Story of the Buddhist Temple Massacre.” My third nonfiction title (“Anatomy of a Confession—The Debra Milke Case”) was highly acclaimed. My nonfiction title “CALL HIM MAC—Ernest W. McFarland—The Arizona Years” was widely and favorably reviewed. My latest nonfiction crime book, “Nobody Did Anything Wrong But Me, was published by Twelve Tables Press, one of America’s most distinguished publisher of law books about important legal issues. No New York Times bestsellers, yet.

Author Links: Facebook / Twitter / Email / Website

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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I am so excited that I get to share the trailer for URBEX PREDATOR by Jens Boele!

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If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book, be sure to check out all the details below.

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This blitz also includes a giveaway for an awesome t-shirt of the book courtesy of Jens & Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

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URBEX PREDATOR : Take nothin but pictures, leave nothing but
bodies. A Deadly Survival Story.

Author: Jens Boele

 

 

Pub. Date: February 4, 2024

Publisher: Jens Boele

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 394

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Find it: GoodreadsAmazon

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Abandoned Horrors. Deranged Souls. A Deadly Survival Story.

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In the chilling new horror novel, “Urbex Predator,” by Jens Boele, a
group of intrepid urban explorers embarks on what they believe to be a routine
trip to an abandoned barracks in the middle of nowhere.
As a relict from the Cold War era, they are a popular destination for
photographers, influencers, and adventurers. A place that is closely guarded
and harbors a multitude of risks. But it’s not just the derelict buildings that
pose a danger.

Nela and her friend Tess venture to the eerie ruins to complete their
photography thesis, only to find themselves relentlessly pursued through the
darkened corridors by a group of ruthless thugs.

Zander, Yelka, her sister Vivien, and her manager Damon set out on a photo
shoot, only to be unexpectedly cornered by a gang of depraved youths. As night
descends, the boundaries between life and death blur, and the group is forced
to confront the darkest corners of their own souls.

As the night deepens, will they fall victim or rise as hunters in the shadows?

Inspired by early works from literary giants like Jack Ketchum and Richard
Laymon, “Urbex Predator” promises readers a heart-pounding journey
through the realms of fear and survival, where every turn reveals a new
nightmare. Yet, this spine-tingling narrative is not just the product of
imagination; it’s also a reflection of author Jens Boele’s real-life
experiences as an Urban Explorer, who spent many years venturing into the very
places he describes in his book.

.

.

About Author Jens Boele:

.

 

Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment
industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born
in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth,
culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in
2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling
creation, “Urbex Predator.”

.

Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and
crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales
that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s
storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his
villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination
of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane.

.

Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic
horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion
imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic
thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading
experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers
alike.

.

Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders,
as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into
English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s
passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family
and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a
captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity.

.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

.

Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

.

2 winners will receive an URBEX PREDATOR T-shirt, International.

.

Ends March 8th, midnight EST.

.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

Urbex Predator

by Jens Boele

 

Publication date: February 4th 2024
Genres: Adult, Horror, Thriller

Abandoned Horrors. Deranged Souls. A Deadly Survival Story.

In the chilling new horror novel, “Urbex Predator,” by Jens Boele, a group of intrepid urban explorers embarks on what they believe to be a routine trip to an abandoned barracks in the middle of nowhere.
As a relict from the Cold War era, they are a popular destination for photographers, influencers, and adventurers. A place that is closely guarded and harbors a multitude of risks. But it’s not just the derelict buildings that pose a danger.

Nela and her friend Tess venture to the eerie ruins to complete their photography thesis, only to find themselves relentlessly pursued through the darkened corridors by a group of ruthless thugs.

Zander, Yelka, her sister Vivien, and her manager Damon set out on a photo shoot, only to be unexpectedly cornered by a gang of depraved youths. As night descends, the boundaries between life and death blur, and the group is forced to confront the darkest corners of their own souls.

In the face of danger, will they fall victim or rise as hunters in the shadows?

Inspired by early works from literary giants like Jack Ketchum and Richard Laymon, “Urbex Predator” promises readers a heart-pounding journey through the realms of fear and survival, where every turn reveals a new nightmare. Yet, this spine-tingling narrative is not just the product of imagination; it’s also a reflection of author Jens Boele’s real-life experiences as an Urban Explorer, who spent many years venturing into the very places he describes in his book.

Goodreads / Amazon

~~~~~

Enjoy this peek inside:

“However, that’s the shortest way!” Out of the corner of his eye, Zander Regan watched the rest of the group with his arms crossed.

“Are you telling me that I have to crawl through a bush and then climb over a wall for a photo shoot? Really?” Yelka handed Vivian her sneakers. She was carrying her flip-flops in her right hand, like she was carrying a purse. Vivian’s outfit for the trip to the abandoned barracks was far from practical, especially her choice of hot pants and a spaghetti-strap top.

“I must admit, Yelka,” added her manager Damon, “I’m quite irritated about this location too. Isn’t there an official entrance to the site?” He lifted his sunglasses and glanced at Yelka and Zander, eyebrows raised.

Zander ignored Damon’s gaze, pretending to check his watch. Vivian and Damon were already starting to get on his nerves. This could have been a fun trip, but he was used to their behavior. It was likely that one of them would become dramatic at the slightest opportunity. The other sure bet was that Yelka would try to appease her sister, his pretty Yelka.

Oh, if only she knew how much he desired her …

“Zander really tried everything, Viv. This is the fastest way to the barracks—and your photos.” She smiled. “You’re going to look more than gorgeous, darling sis. The barracks make an impressive backdrop, right, Zander?”

There she was again, Yelka with her velvety voice and twinkling eyes that made his legs feel weak. Zander didn’t understand why Vivian, not Yelka, was the Instagram model. It was like a joke.

I am a model on Instagram.

Yes, and I’m a mercenary in Call of Duty.

“Isn’t that right, Zander?” repeated Yelka.

“Huh? Oh yes,” Zander stuttered as if he had been caught in a lie. “The barracks were abandoned after German reunification and have lain fallow ever since,” he explained. “The area is in the middle of a 6,000-acre woodland and consists of barracks, a civilian settlement, and a military hospital. All areas are separated from each other, but are supposed to be connected by underground bunkers …”

“For fuck’s sake, can you please wake me up when he’s done with his monologue?” Annoyed, Vivian glanced at Damon.

“Viv, please.”

“6,000 acres is pretty darn big,” Damon hooked in. “I hope we don’t have to trek for miles through the woods. Tonight we have to post our stories, and by tomorrow morning the pictures. And our designers still must retouch them before.”

“This is the fastest way. We’ll be there in half an hour,” Zander meekly assured.

“I’m supposed to spend another half hour …”

“Get down! Down!” shouted Zander and Yelka at the same time.

As they walked along a dirt path next to a weathered stone wall, a car approached.

About Author Jens Boele:

Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.”

Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane.

Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike.

Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity.

Website / Goodreads

 

Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

The Vampire

by Jack Townson

 

Publication date: January 23rd 2024
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Thriller

Trade your entire life for fame, fortune, and eternal beauty. The only thing have to lose is your soul… Magic is real. And real damn scary.

A man down on his luck trips and stumbles into a world of bloodthirsty monsters hidden among the precipices of New York City. A chance encounter with illustrious vampire Alexander LaMont ensnares the clumsy yet hopeful James Donovan in shadow and treachery, thrusting James into his new identity, The Vampire Jack Townson. Will Jack survive the vampiric politics of Manhattan, or will final death come to claim him at the next sunrise?

Welcome to New York. We bite.

Jack Townson’s contemporary fantasy series, The Vampire Jack Townson, is a perilous tale about the dangers of love, deception, and vampiric grit where the action of Jay Kristoff meets the decadence of Anne Rice.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

~~~~~

Enjoy this peek inside:

Onto the landing we danced, Alexander’s blonde hair bouncing as he brought me closer to the railing, edging dangerously near a fatal fall. All it would take was a wrong step or playful push to seal our fates.

“Jack. I have to tell you something,” he began softly. “I have not been entirely truthful, you see. There is something more I need to show you.” His voice was barely a whisper, his eyes falling to the stone beneath us.

I couldn’t imagine what he was about to divulge. My thoughts wheeled over possibilities like the mafia, or perhaps he was something of a Russian spy. My pulse thumped violently in my chest, the anticipation making my sternum ache.

“Alexander?” I matched his thoughtful tone, placing my hand over his on the railing. “Whatever it is… I’m here. I’m not leaving. You’ve shown me so much magic in a single night. How much more unbelievable could this possibly get?”

He smirked darkly, as if some great secret lived there beyond his violet stare. “Don’t be afraid. Close your eyes.” He instructed and so I did.

.

.

I heard the slight shuffle of heeled shoes and the metallic tapping that followed. The railing vibrated under my hands and fear was the very thing that forced my eyes open.

Alexander!”

There he stood upon the metal bar, the wind whipping about his ethereal hair and the dark mesh of his shirt.

I reached for him in my panic. “Are you insane? Get down from there!”

My stomach lurched, my fingertips splayed as I tried to grasp the hem of his pants and then… I failed.

My gut shot up to the roof of my mouth as I watched Alexander La Mont spiral off of the edge and down… down… down. His screaming voice vanished as so, too, did his body.

Holy shit!” I shrieked. “He killed himself. He fucking killed himself! What the fuck!”

But before I could spiral any further and get sick all over the balcony floor, the most peculiar thing happened. A voice. A tiny whisper of a thing beckoned to me.

“Jack. Jack, look down.”

His voice called to me from the side of the building. It was impossible. He was surely dead. This had to have been some sort of trick. Was I losing my mind from the trauma of watching this man splatter on the pavement far below? Wait. Did I actually see him hit the pavement? I leaned over the railing, my raven curls interrupting my view of the streets below as wind swirled them about my face.

There he was.

Standing on the wall, staring up at me, feet pressed against the brick and completely disregarding gravity, was my mentor. He stood there as effortlessly as some arachnid-themed superhero, the lights of the city shining behind his head creating an almost angelic halo about his blond curls.

The world spun rapidly as I white-knuckled the banister. What was happening? Perhaps it was still the absinthe playing tricks on me. Yes. Perhaps all of my drinks had been spiked that evening. There was no other way to explain it. This had to be the product of some intense hallucinogenic.

“No. You weren’t drugged,” he stated simply. “What you are seeing is very real, and I imagine very confusing. I had to show you. I needed you to believe me. There was no other way.”

“Alexander!” I screamed, my eyes welling up with tears, watching them rain down over where he stood. “Please, please come back up! This is unnatural!”

He shook his head in protest. “No, no. How about you come down here.” He laughed, twirling in his spot with his arms outstretched to demonstrate he was truly not affected by the earth’s gravitational pull.

I hugged the railing, my hand gripping the metal bar tightly as fear turned my blood to ice. “N-no! I can’t!”

He cried up at me, “You’ve been telling yourself ‘no’ for so long! You’ve restricted yourself to a mediocre life, when so much more awaits you! Stop living in fear! Release yourself! Be free! Come to me! Now!” His hand outstretched towards me. Lightning cracked overhead.

I exhaled sharply, my fingers twitching in fear as I brought one leg over the ledge. I squeezed my eyes shut, focused on remembering how to breathe. Then came the other leg until I stood on the dangerous side of the railing, gripping to the metal and what might have been the last moments of my life.

“Jump, dear Jack,” he laughed.

“I can’t! I’ll fall!”

Terror gripped me to my core and reduced me to a little boy again. My heart lodged itself in my throat. The world beneath me spun in vicious circles as all the lights started to blur like watercolor. If I didn’t step down, I would surely fall forward with the vertigo. Few options were left now.

“I will catch you! I will keep you safe, if you only trust me!” Alexander promised over the rush of the wind, his smile flashing across his beautiful face.

His velvet words coaxed me enough at last, and down the lip I went. For a moment, time froze, the city fixed in place as my life flashed before my eyes. My mother, Bradley, Dad, Chloe—all happy and awash in sunlight. What if this was all truly a hallucination? What if I just hurled myself into my doom? Time resumed as I tumbled, arms flailing, the world about me smeared in violent color. Everything I had ever known was both literally and figuratively flipped upside down.

At last, arms wrapped about my body, holding me in place. Alexander hardly moved as he caught me against his chest with inhuman strength, his tight body acting like a bed for mine. He grinned up at me, our forms finally closing the distance that had plagued me all evening. I could feel my heartbeat slamming against him, yet his didn’t respond. There was nothing there.

“What… are you?”

He grinned, his lavender eyes sparkling as they beamed through the darkness into mine. “I am what rules the night. A master of the starlight, a fiend of flesh, both angel and demon as one. I am walking history—legend and myth, and you’ve known it in your heart all along.”

About Author Jack Townson

A 2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. With an ever-expanding following that now exceeds four hundred thousand devoted fans, he’s left an indelible mark on the digital landscape, garnering an impressive 4.2 million likes under the #Fangfam hashtag.

Beyond his online presence, Jack is a versatile artist, encompassing the roles of actor, singer, and writer. His most celebrated work to date is “The Vampire Jack Townson,” an original story that first captivated audiences on TikTok and has been endorsed by New York Times bestselling author and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, Jonathan Maberry. This immersive narrative plunges into the hidden world of a supernatural being and the profound journey towards rediscovering one’s humanity.

Jack extends an invitation to his followers, beckoning them to peer into the psyche of an undead bohemian—an artist and a creature of the night, eternally ensnared in a world of nightmares. It’s a life devoid of sunlight’s warmth and the enduring embrace of true love, offering a unique glimpse into the enigmatic existence he portrays through his creative endeavors.

Website / TikTok / Twitter / Instagram

 

GIVEAWAY!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Ghost Of Shantel Thompson organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Curtis Maynard will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Ghost Of Shantel Thompson

by Curtis Maynard

 

 

Genre: Paranormal Thriller

Synopsis

When the Riggs family in Mobile, Alabama, faced the mysterious death of their adoptive daughter Shantel Thompson, they never imagined her ghost would linger for decades…

 

In Curtis Maynard’s heart-stopping paranormal thriller, ‘The Ghost of Shantel Thompson,’ a new family, fifty years later, grapples with a haunting legacy where the line between life and death is hauntingly thin.

 

Just as they begin to settle into their new life, their own young daughter is gripped by chilling visions of Shantel. It’s not just fleeting shadows—she’s entangled in a vengeful spirit’s relentless quest for justice, a quest that spans generations.

 

As whispers from the grave reveal long-hidden secrets, this new family faces a terrifying truth: some ghosts refuse to be silenced. Now, they must confront the mystery of Shantel’s death before her ghostly agenda consumes them all.

 

Dare to uncover the truth? ‘The Ghost of Shantel Thompson’ awaits to send shivers down your spine

~~~~~

Enjoy this peek inside:

Reacting swiftly, Damian lunged out of bed and rushed to Sarah’s side, using his body as a shield between Alicia and her mother. “Alicia? Alicia?” he repeated, his voice desperate, hoping to break the hold of whatever trance had possessed her.

 

Alicia blinked, her eyes refocusing as she met her father’s gaze. “Dad?” Her voice was calm, confusion evident in her tone. She glanced down at the knife in her hand. “What happened?”

 

“That’s what we want to know,” Damian replied, his voice filled with concern. “Your mother woke up and saw you standing over her with a knife.”

 

Alicia’s gaze shifted to Sarah, who sat trembling on the bed. “I don’t remember coming in here. I don’t know where I got the knife from.” She looked back at her father. “I must’ve been sleepwalking again.”

 

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Damian asked, a trace of suspicion in his voice.

 

Alicia’s mind raced, searching for a plausible explanation. She couldn’t afford to be caught in the act of sneaking into their room. “I… I remember a nightmare. Yes, that’s what it was. I was sleeping, and I had a nightmare. I didn’t know what was going on. And the next thing I know, you’re shaking me awake.”

 

Relieved by Alicia’s explanation, Damian gently took the knife from her hand. “Let me just take this from you,” he said, his tone soothing. “And let’s get you back into bed.”

~~~~~

About Author Curtis Maynard:

.

Curtis Maynard is an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and author passionate about suspenseful storytelling. Enthralled by the paranormal, his mysteries and thrillers feature everything from hauntings and visions to cryptic messages from beyond the grave. Curtis currently resides with his wife and son in Alabama, a setting rich with inspiration for his novels and short films. He hopes his stories will leave you spellbound, disquieted, and suspicious of the slightest shuddering shadow.

 

Author Links: Amazon / Twitter / TikTok / Facebook / Facebook / Instagram

 

~~~~~

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice Banner

Lest She Forget
by Lisa Malice
November 20 – December 15, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
Haunted by a forgotten past. Hunted by a ruthless killer. No one to save her but herself.

After surviving a car crash, Kay Smith wakes from a coma with amnesia, a battered face, and no one to vouch for her identity. Her psychiatrist is convinced that her memory loss is connected to the horrific flashbacks and nightmares haunting her. As she digs for clues to her past, Kay uncovers a shady character following her every inquiry. Who is he? And what does he want from her? As Kay’s probes deepen, she realizes that everyone around her has deadly secrets to hide—even her. Emerging memories, guilty suspicions, and headline-screaming murders push Kay to come out of the shadows and choose: will she perpetuate a horrendous lie or risk her life to uncover the truth?

Praise for Lest She Forget:

“Lisa Malice’s debut, Lest She Forget, is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end!” ~ Debra Webb, USA Today Bestseller

“Brimming with intrigue, Lest She Forget takes readers on a dark and twisted journey with surprises around every corner. It’s a thriller that grips you from the first page!” ~ Ellery Kane, award-winning author of the Doctors of Darkness series

“This twisty thriller takes you deep into Kay’s psyche, even as she runs for her life. Whoever you think this woman is, whatever you think she’s seen or done, prepare to be surprised!” ~ Sarah Warburton, author of Once Two Sisters and You Can Never Tell

“Lisa Malice’s psychological thriller Lest She Forget is a tense and twisty debut, an intricately plotted story that grows more and more complex with each new revelation. Don’t even try to guess how this novel ends; just put yourself in Malice’s capable hands and enjoy the ride!” ~ Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter and The Wicked Sister

“Lisa Malice turns an amnesia story on its head in this twisty, unique tale of intrigue, suspense and unexpected turns. You won’t be able to predict the next chapter, much less the ending.” ~ Lisa Black, NYT bestselling author of the Gardiner & Renner and Locard Institute series

 

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Published by: CamCat Books Publication Date: December 2023 Number of Pages: 368 ISBN: 9780744307153 (ISBN10: 0744307155)

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | CamCat Books

Read an excerpt:
The loud heavy beat of my heart echoes in my ears, pulsing in sync with the car’s wipers as they furiously slap at the snow alighting the windshield. The frantic rhythm draws me in as I stare ahead into the darkening night and the thick snowflakes swirling in the beams of the headlights. The effect is almost mesmerizing. My eyelids start to droop. I want nothing more than to sleep, let my mind shut off. Under slumber’s spell, the ache in my heart would subside, the guilt in my soul would vanish, and, if I was lucky, I’d wake up to find that the words I heard earlier today were just part of a gruesome dream, an awful nightmare. She’s dead. My chest tightens, my heart races as my thoughts are pulled toward our last moments together. Fraught with suspicion, accusations, anger. My eyes tear up. It’s your fault. The words reverberate in my ears as my head starts to throb. How could I have been so stupid and naïve to fall for that man’s lies, his manipulations? If I could go back in time and change everything, fix my mistakes, right a host of wrongs, I would. Things would have turned out differently. Two—no, three—people would still be alive. But there’s no going back. Worse, I see no path forward, at least not one I can live with. My gaze is drawn to a hazy pair of headlights reflected in the rearview mirror. A chill runs down my spine, even as a bead of sweat trickles down the side of my face. My fingers, clenched atop the steering wheel, go numb as my foot presses down on the accelerator. “Calm down,” I tell myself. I can’t let fear trick me into imagining what is not there. I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, then open them again and glance into the side mirror. They’re still there, those headlights, keeping pace with me. I focus on the road in front of me, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Get a grip,” I tell myself. “If he wanted me dead, I wouldn’t have made it this far.” Staring ahead, a forest of tall pines engulfs the road, blocking out much of the remaining daylight and casting a gloom all around that grows blacker and grimmer with each fleeting moment. But I can’t go back. Not now. I’d have to face the truth, accept my own culpability, surrender myself, my life, my future. I’m not ready to do that. I turn on the radio and press the scan button, hoping for a distraction. Music pours through the speakers in short clips—Spanish, hard rock, country, polka—and then a soft, familiar melody, its words just on the tip of my tongue. “. . . I would surrender my soul, if it would bring back yours . . .” My gut twists with remorse. The pain is cut short as the radio scanner moves to the next station. “. . . Could you forgive me, if I made it to Heaven . . .” Tears well up in my eyes as the radio, again, moves on. “. . . My name won’t be on St. Peter’s list . . .” A mournful sob erupts from deep inside me. My hands, clutching the steering wheel, suddenly go weak and start to tremble. Those songs, their lyrics—words that never held any personal meaning—now haunt me. It’s as if some cosmic disc jockey knows what I’ve done and doesn’t want—no—won’t let me forget it. “Please, no more!” I shout. A woman’s voice pops over the speakers, a news program. “Finally, I sigh, poking the scan button to set the station. “. . . it’s time for a quick station break, after which we’ll go to a weather update with WCVA’s meteorologist, Alec Bohanan. Our weather team says this blizzard hitting Virginia and much of the East Coast, the first significant snow event of 2017, is a bad one. It could be a killer, so sit tight at home and keep your radio dial tuned to this station . . .” She’s right. The snow is coming down thicker and heavier with each passing mile. The roads will only get worse. But I need to press on. I must get home. I can think better there. Figure out what options I have left. My attention is pulled back to the voice on the radio. “When the last segment of The June Jeffries Show returns, we’ll join the Virginia State Police press conference with breaking news on the missing person case of—” It’s your fault. The words echo in my ears, pulsing louder and faster with each echo, drowning out the newscaster’s voice. I slam my fist down on the radio’s power button. Suddenly, flashes of light bounce off the windshield. The muscles in my jaw tighten. My neck stiffens. My hands, locked in a death grip on the steering wheel, grow cold, numb. My gaze darts to the rearview mirror. Unable to look away from the looming vehicle behind me, I throw my left arm up to block its intense beams. The steering wheel jerks to the right, pitching the passenger-side wheels off the road. I grasp the steering wheel with both hands and pull to the left, but overcorrect. The car careens across the snow-swept blacktop, skids beyond the center line. When I finally pull the car into the right lane, my heart is pounding, my body trembling, while my grip on the steering wheel goes weak. *** Excerpt from Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice. Copyright 2023 by Lisa Malice. Reproduced with permission from CamCat Books. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Lisa Malice:

.

Lisa Malice

Lisa Malice earned her B.S. in psychology at the University of Minnesota, her M.S. and Ph.D. at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her debut novel, Lest She Forget, a psychological thriller, was a finalist in five unpublished manuscript contests. Lisa is an active member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and the Authors Guild. A native of Minnesota, Lisa lived in the Atlanta area with her husband for nearly thirty years before moving to the Tampa area in 2019 to enjoy a life of sailing, fishing, and shelling on the Florida Gulf Coast. They have two adult children and a granddog.

Catch Up With Lisa Malice: www.LisaMalice.com Goodreads Instagram – @LisaMaliceAuthor Twitter/X – @LisaWMalice Facebook – @LisaMaliceAuthor

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!  

 

Enter for a Chance to WIN:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for CamCat Books and Lisa Malice. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.