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Posts Tagged ‘thriller’

The Sun By Frank F. Weber ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: February 13, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, thriller
Tags: giveaway, thriller

The Sun
by Frank F. Weber

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

Taytum Hanson, a determined and alluring attorney, steps into the sunlight, as she relentlessly searches for a loophole in her lover’s conviction. Is freeing Tug Grant the answer or the beginning of a new set of problems? Taytum’s passionate lifestyle and willingness to take on the Minnesota Mafia places her life in jeopardy. Jon and Serena Frederick face hard choices in this intense fast-paced thriller with a fierce pulse-pounding ending. If you enjoyed Scandal of Vandals you’ll love how The Sun warms and then burns.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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Enjoy this peek inside:

TUG GRANT
6:00 A.M., TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021
MINNESOTA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY – LINO LAKES
7525 4TH AVENUE, LINO LAKES

The cells in each pod at Lino are dull brown concrete with blue metal doors. I shiver as I glance out the thin side window, waiting for the day to start. Everybody wears two layers because there’s a chill that runs through this cellblock on a cold night that you can’t shake. The common area has blue metal tables and chairs bolted to the floor. It would be impossible to make a seat less comfortable than the flat steel circles mounted too close to our tables.

I’m tempted to call the Innocence Project. Dick Doden mur- dered my wife, Deb Grant. Doden testified that my friend, Roan Caruso, hired him for the hit. And that’s where the evidence ends. How the hell did I get convicted of murder-for-hire? Prosecutor Bridget Bare claimed the circumstantial evidence was over- whelming. But was it? Is taking out an insurance policy on your partner evidence of murder? Ten million dollars might have been a little excessive, but it’s not enough to convict a man of murder.

I had loaned Roan one hundred thousand dollars before Deb’s murder. That loan and the insurance were all they had. It was all circumstantial. Roan never implicated me.

About Author Frank F. Weber:

Frank Weber is a forensic psychologist who has completed assessments for homicide, sexual assault, and domestic abuse cases. His work has ranged from assessing murderers chained to the cement floor in the basement of a prison and assessing psychopaths to providing therapy for wealthy professionals who’ve engaged in multiple affairs. He has testified as an expert witness in numerous sexual assault and homicide cases, written seven different treatment workbooks, and in 2015 published a training series for psychologists which has been accredited by the MN Board of Psychology. He has received the President’s Award from the Minnesota Correctional Association for his forensic work, and recently received an award for excellence in his clinical work. Frank Weber has used his unique understanding of how predator’s think, victim trauma, and actual court cases to create a thrilling mystery. His debut novel, Murder Book, will be available in May, 2017.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Reign Of Terror By Leo Silva ~ Author Interview And Giveaway

Posted: February 9, 2025 in Author Interview, Excerpt, giveaways, Memoir, thriller, true crime
Tags: giveaway, guest post, thriller, true crime

Reign of Terror by Leo Silva is a gripping true crime memoir that takes readers deep inside the brutal world of Mexico’s Los Zetas cartel. Follow a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and unrelenting action as you delve into this heart-pounding thriller.

Reign of Terror

by Leo Silva

Genre: True Crime Memoir, Thriller

“One of the best DEA narco books I have ever read” – Dave Gaddis, DEA Chief, Global Enforcement Operations

Reign of Terror by Leo Silva is a gripping true crime memoir that takes readers deep inside the brutal world of Mexico’s Los Zetas cartel. Former DEA Special Agent Silva brings unparalleled insight, recounting his years on the front lines in the relentless fight against one of the world’s most violent criminal organizations. This powerful narrative unveils the hidden realities of the drug war, from the complex relationships between the cartels and law enforcement to the personal sacrifices made by those who risk everything to protect others. With raw detail and authenticity, Silva sheds light on the lives of those entangled in a web of corruption, power, and violence. Reign of Terror is more than a recount of battles won and lost—it’s a story of courage, resilience, and the cost of justice. A must-read for fans of true crime and international intrigue.

“In Reign of Terror, Leo Silva masterfully recounts the rise and fall of the notorious and ultra-violent Los Zetas cartel. But more than just retelling the story, Leo’s work is filled with inside information and insights that bring the reader into the world of those tasked with dismantling Los Zetas. Compelling, Leo brings profound humanity to the fight against the Zetas, a fight that brought both victories and tragedies, all of which are deeply felt by the reader.”
– Jack Luellen, Author of Someone Had to Die Podcast Host: “Cartels, Conspiracies and Camarena”

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It was a scorching hot day on July 14, 2007, not unlike most summer days in deep south Texas. The kids were out of school and were eager to take a dip in the pool. I decided I would barbecue some burgers for the kids, and some ribs for some friends and family who would visit later in the afternoon. Because of all the pressure we had been under during the investigation, I had not celebrated my birthday. But today I was going to forget about work and celebrate my birthday the way any self-respecting Texan would celebrate, with beer and barbecue, surrounded by friends and family. I had the ribs marinating in my special marinade of pineapple juice, lime juice, soy sauce and a tinge of ginger and I had just lit the charcoal in my old pit when my wife came out to tell me she was going to make a quick run to the store because I had forgotten to buy her favorite side dish, corn, when I bought the meat earlier. I’m not sure what compelled me to assure her it was alright and that I would fetch the corn, while she stayed at home and supervised the kids in the pool. I have often thought about that specific moment and wonder what would have happened if I had not gone.

I took my wife’s gray 2002 Ford Focus with a “Hello Kitty” sticker in the rear windshield and hauled ass to the grocery store. The layout of the store was as familiar to me as the back of my hand. I knew it so well I could probably run through the entire store blindfolded and still find whatever I needed. I got my shopping cart, went straight to the produce section, and parked my shopping cart in front of the corn section. Carefully shucking the hulls and inspecting each ear, I started in on the corn to make sure there were no defects on the kernels, intent on getting home to cook the ribs and burgers.

As I was inspecting one ear of corn, three men turned the corner from the meat section into the produce section. I locked eyes briefly with a stocky built older man with grayish hair. The two men with him were much younger and walked behind the older man, in deference to his authority. They all passed by me on my right-hand side. I noticed that one of the younger men put his hand on the older man’s back, in a somewhat protective posture. I had seen the old man somewhere. The old computer in my brain started a file search in the most cavernous, obscure, and remote depths of my intellect. It transported me back to my office, to my desk, where I had posted a picture of Carlos Landin Martinez on the wall next to my door. Every day, for two years, the picture stared at me callously, devoid of feeling, almost mockingly.

I immediately went into high gear. Before taking any further action, I had to confirm for a fact that it was Landin, without a doubt. I watched them as they made their way in the produce section to the watermelon section. Landin himself picked out a large watermelon and gave it to one of the younger guys to inspect. I pushed my shopping cart closer to them so I could get a better look and confirm that it was Landin. I passed within 8 feet of him and got a good look at his face and confirmed that it was him. He glanced up as I passed them by, and we locked eyes again. The adrenalin was surging through every artery in my body, pumping out charges of electricity through my bloodstream. I could feel my carotid artery pulsating as the adrenaline flooded my blood stream. They placed their watermelon into their shopping cart and went to the checkout. While I was standing in line about four aisles away, I watched them through my peripheral vision, careful not to spook them or lose sight of them. I went through the checkout and paid for the corn, trying to fit in with the rest of the customers, despite wearing a shirt with the official DEA logo over the left side of my chest. I would not get close enough for him to notice that minor detail. They finished paying for the watermelon and they walked out of the north side exit of the store. I had parked on the south side, which could pose a problem for me, and I prayed they had not parked on the north side of the store—if they had, I might not get to see their vehicle.

Luckily, they were relaxed, taking their time to walk through the parking lot. I got the bag of corn, ran to the south side of the store, and quickly got into my wife’s “Hello Kitty” car just as they opened the door to a white Chevrolet pickup truck and got in.

We were in business!

They maneuvered their truck through the parking lot exiting on the south side, where I happened to be waiting. They left the store parking lot and approached 10th street, the principal thoroughfare in McAllen, Texas. I was behind them with two cars between us. It occurred to me then that if they made me, they would turn my wife’s Hello kitty car into Swiss cheese, with me in it. They turned south on 10th and then immediately turned into a car wash. I nearly panicked as they got out of the truck, as I didn’t want to lose them. But I remained calm and drove past the car wash and pulled into a furniture store parking lot that gave me a perfect view of them.

Landin and one individual got into a four-door sedan parked near the exit of the car wash and waited as the other individual took care of business with the car wash. I watched patiently as the other guy emerged from the car wash and entered the sedan on the passenger side, with Landin seated in the back. It was at this point that I pulled out my Nextel and called my McAllen PD task force officer, Erik Torres, gave him the description of the suspect vehicle, and my wife’s hello Kitty vehicle and told him to send me a unit immediately for a possible traffic stop. I could barely control my breathing as I spoke to Erik. I told him to keep it low profile because I wanted to make sure it was, in fact, Carlos Landin before letting anyone else know, especially the bosses in Houston.

When they left, the car was moving within the flow of traffic, going south on 10th street. I followed them cautiously for what seemed like an eternity. Erik called me and informed me that he had notified a unit in the area. Right after he said this, a McAllen PD unit pulled up alongside me and the officer gestured to me, as if asking which car. I pointed to the white four-door sedan, and he gave me a thumbs up and proceeded south on 10th behind the vehicle. Erik was in communication with the officer and gave me a play-by-play as the events developed. I dropped back and let the officer do his job. At the intersection of 10th and La Vista, the driver of the vehicle runs a red light, and the officer immediately pulls up behind him and flashes his emergency lights. The car with the three men pulled over, and I passed them up and pulled into an adjacent parking lot to watch the action.

The officer approached the vehicle, interacted with the occupants of the vehicle, and asked for their respective identification. My heart was pounding as I considered the magnitude of what was about to happen. The officer returns to his vehicle and calls Erik, who then calls me and says, “Leo, it’s him. It’s Carlos Landin Martinez! What do you want to do with him?”

“Get some more units to back up this officer and let’s lock him up!”

Within minutes, the place was swarming with McAllen PD units, and I watched as they handcuffed Landin and put him in the back of a patrol unit. His life would never be the same. My next call was to Jimmy Bird. He genuinely thought I was fucking with him.

I told him, “Jimmy, call Erik and get all the details, then call the AUSA assigned to the case and let her know what just happened. We have a lot of work to do before Monday and no, I am not fucking with you. Now get off the phone so I can call the boss and let him know.”

He let out a whooping victory cry before hanging up the phone.

So, I called my boss. He called his boss. And they called Washington, DC. Before dusk, the Administrator of the DEA was aware of what had transpired that Saturday afternoon in McAllen, Texas. I called our office in Monterrey to let them know. The rush of excitement swept through the whole agency like wildfire. I was taking and making calls all over the place, but there was one call I forgot to make in all the excitement. I forgot to call my wife and let her know I had gotten busy. She called me and when I saw the name on the incoming call list, my heart sank.

She had been worried sick, but I explained what happened and assured her I would be home soon. She understood. They always do.

Landin went to trial and on January of 2008, a jury of his peers found him guilty on 29 counts of charges ranging from Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 150 kilograms of cocaine, laundering over $1.5million in drug proceeds and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. For these crimes, he received a sentenced of life in prison, where he died in December 2021.

***

So I revert to the question. Was it destiny or circumstance that brought us together?

All I know is that I did not wake up on the morning of July 14, intending or expecting to capture one of the most notorious members of the Gulf Cartel. I woke up expecting I would have a fun filled day with my family.

I truly believe destiny brought us together on that summer afternoon in July, and I often wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t gone to the store for corn at that specific time on that specific day. Why had I taken my wife’s place? There is no logic or order to be found in it like so much in this world. Hell, his wife probably sent him out for a watermelon for a family gathering as well. Our paths crossed because of our love for and commitment to our families. Isn’t that ironic?

I have always been curious what leads a man to a life of crime. In my research, I interviewed an old classmate of Landin’s from Primaria Articulo 1, an elementary school in Reynosa Tamaulipas. The classmate told me that even as a kid, Landin had always been a bully, picking on weaker or smaller kids. The classmate recalled a time when, for no reason, Landin brutally beat on a much younger classmate in the playground, leaving him on the ground, bloodied and practically unconscious. Landin just laughed it off as if it were a big joke. As they got older, the classmate withdrew from Landin and the company he kept, stating that Landin never seemed to have any parental supervision and was always on his own, doing whatever he wanted to do, He drank alcohol at fourteen, and avoided school altogether. So, from an early age, Landin lived a life of crime and violence, causing harm to others and had no remorse for it. He had to know that his life of crime would end someday—and it did, on that scorching hot summer day in July.

I did what I had to do, what I was trained to do, and what I love to do. I certainly don’t have any regrets and never will.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

My passion and love for writing goes hand in hand in hand with my passion for music. In my family, I represent the fourth generation of musicians, with a love for music that is deeply embedded in my soul. I am both a singer and piano player and a huge fan of all musical genres with a special affinity for jazz and traditional Mexican boleros. My writing is interspersed with references to music and songs as I believe music plays a huge role in our daily lives and emotions.

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I am a native of Brownsville, Texas, a coastal city in deep south Texas. My love for reading books and writing stories was nurtured by my mother, who is an avid reader herself. In college, I majored in English with a concentration in American Literature and honed my writing skills under the tutelage of a highly talented professor. After college, I joined the US Drug Enforcement Administration as a Special Agent where I served in various assignments along the Southwest border and in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico for a total of 28 years of service. My experiences as a DEA agent provide the backdrop for my writing. My first book Reign of Terror depicts my experience in Monterrey Mexico and the DEA’s struggle to assist in the apprehension of some of their most violent members.

Who is your hero and why?

Without question, my heroes are my parents, who taught me valuable life lessons at a young age. Lessons which have helped shape my character and lessons that I have passed onto my own children. My writing makes several references to the advice and lessons my parents have given me over the course of my life.

What inspired you to write Reign of Terror?

In my college years, I always dreamt about writing a book one day. After I retired from DEA, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to tell my story in Reign of Terror. I often see the narrative about El Chapo Guzman being played out in the news, movies, books and series but hardly anyone knows about the other Cartels that exist in Mexico, especially the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest if not the oldest Cartel in Mexico. Reign of Terror gave me the opportunity to show the public that Chapo Guzman was not the only player in town and that there were people far more dangerous and treacherous than El Chapo.

Convince us why you feel your story is a must read.

Reign of Terror gives one the opportunity to immerse oneself into the darkest corners of Mexico’s Narco underworld. It is a collection of true stories, true events, victories and defeats, a rollercoaster of emotions told by someone who lived it firsthand.

What is your advice to new authors?

My advice to young writers is to be persistent and realize that writing is a marathon not a race. There may be days when one doesn’t feel like writing and that is OK. But keep chipping away at it until you have told your story the way you want. Persist, every day, even if you only write one sentence. It will all be worthwhile when you are finally done.

Leonardo “Leo” Silva is a native of Brownsville, TX, a charming seaside city on the border. He is a 1982 graduate of Homer Hanna High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Texas-Brownsville in 1985. He served as a Special Agent/ Supervisory Special Agent with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration from 1987 to 2015. During his career, he was assigned to offices along the Southwest border, Guadalajara, Jalisco and Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Change Of Heart By Cristina LePort, MD

Posted: January 28, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, thriller
Tags: giveaway, thriller

Change of Heart

by Dr. Cristina LePort

(A Miner & Mulville Novel)
Publication date: February 4th 2025
Genres: Adult, Thriller

In the bustling heart of New York City, a young medical student’s life is tragically cut short, though her heart continues to beat, holding the promise of life for another. Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.

Enter FBI Agent Jack Mulville, who steps in to supervise Special Agent Charlotte Bloom as they join forces with Miner. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that Amy Winter’s death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Amy Winter, a promising pre-med student, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden.

The quest for justice takes Miner, Mulville, and Bloom through the shadowy underbelly of organ trafficking, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.

“Change of Heart” is a gripping medical thriller that intertwines the intricacies of modern medicine with the relentless pursuit of justice. Cristina LePort, M.D., masterfully combines her medical expertise with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, delivering a novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Dr. LePort is an accomplished physician with a passion for weaving medical knowledge into thrilling narratives. Her extensive background in medicine lends authenticity and depth to her stories, making the Miner & Mulville series a unique blend of fact and fiction. (CristinaLePort.com)

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

He examined the blood-smeared paper. Only one typed sentence: I donate my organs for transplant. Kirk stared at the illegible signature. Something begged for attention, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was…

“Any weapons or bullets?”

“This was on the driver’s seat between the victim and the door.” John produced an evidence bag from his backpack. “A Ruger. A woman’s gun. Small, concealable, and accurate.”

Kirk reached for the bag and wrapped his hand around the plastic covering the grip’s checkered frame. In his mind, the weapon’s light weight and John’s words triggered an image of a beautiful young woman, Amy Winter, with no future.

“The bullet,” John went on, “ended up embedded next to the ceiling, on the car’s front passenger side. No other bullets found in the gun.”

“Why next to the ceiling?” Kirk lifted his eyes from the gun.

“It must have hit her cellphone.” John handed Kirk a plastic-wrapped iPhone with a dazzling pink case. “She must’ve been holding the phone to her ear when the bullet exited. We found the phone on the car floor between the two back seats. Screen’s shattered, phone’s dead.”

Kirk examined the phone. The black screen bore a bloody diagonal fracture from top to bottom. That would have been the direction of the exiting bullet grazing a phone glued to the woman’s right ear. Who in hell would she be chatting with while killing herself?

“Who discovered the victim?” Kirk said.

“A man called the hospital ER and 9-1-1 at about the same time.” John extracted a smartphone from his sport jacket and scrolled through his notes. “The call to the ER was registered at 4:41a.m. I’m not sure how precise that is. The 9-1-1 call came in at 4:42.”

Kirk placed his index finger on the phone’s volume button. Nothing happened. Then his thumb pressed the reset button several times. After the third try, the screen lit up. A key piece of a puzzle fell into place, making Kirk feel almost giddy with excitement.

“I’m afraid we’re not dealing with an attempted suicide,” Kirk said, turning the face of the phone toward John, “but an attempted murder.”

“I agree.” John’s brows went up. “But how can you be so sure without any forensics?”

“Several things,” Kirk said. “The note was added later, after the shot. Smears of blood, instead of sprays. Poor attempt by the shooter to make us believe the note was on the seat before the bullet hit.”

“Yeah,” John said, “that’s been bothering me also. You’ve come a long way from your training over ribs and beer.”

Kirk smiled at the memory of their favorite pub. It seemed a long time ago when Kirk decided to leave the police force and John helped him get started as a private investigator. John was more than a mentor. He always cared about Kirk, but cared even more after Kirk’s near-fatal car accident years ago. John had become as protective as an older brother.

The image of the dark pub dissipated and Kirk refocused on the victim’s note.

“I’m no calligrapher,” he said, “but, from the slanting of the signature, I think the victim is right-handed. A right-handed person would shoot her right side.”

“If it’s actually her signature,” John said.

“The shooter could have forced her to sign at gun point,” Kirk said. “Either way, it would point to attempted murder.”

“What else?”

“We’ve got the exact time of the shooting,” Kirk said, waving the plastic-clad phone. “Here in this frozen, undead iPhone.”

John grabbed the evidence bag. He stared at the fractured, frozen screen.

His lips stretched into a grin.

“The bullet froze the time at 4:43,” Kirk said. “One minute after the 9-1-1 call. The man called before the shooting occurred. It’s unlikely someone would notice the shooter, figure out what he was going to do, call the police, and leave without talking to them.”

“The witness could have left because he was afraid the shooter would come after him,” John said.

“Or perhaps,” Kirk said, “the caller knew the shooting would occur because he himself was the shooter. And he wanted the victim to be found as soon as possible.”

John referred again to his notes. “The caller said that someone had been shot. Not someone is going to shoot, or is shooting, somebody. The woman had gun powder residue on her left hand, but the shooter could’ve placed the gun in her hand before throwing it in the car. We’ve got a few prints on the handle. I bet they’re all from her. But I still think you’re right.”

Kirk nodded. “The shooter made sure she would be rescued in time for her organs to be saved for donation and subsequent transplant.”

Kirk turned toward the hospital ER entrance. A vivid memory materialized. A plastic bracelet around his wrist, from six years ago, in a different hospital. The bracelet classifying him as an organ donor. After his prolonged coma, doctors had given up on Kirk. Luckily for him, he had woken up and retained his organs.

The woman who had crossed the ER threshold earlier that morning wouldn’t be so lucky. Someone wanted her organs badly enough to put a bullet in her brain.

About Author Dr. Cristina LePort:

Dr. Cristina LePort was born in Bologna, Italy. She attended medical school at the University of Bologna and then completed her medical training at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn and at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases and has been practicing medicine for more than thirty years. Cristina is also the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Genescient, a biotech company devoted to genetic research on aging and the amelioration of chronic diseases. Medicine and fiction are her twin passions, and she is absolutely thrilled to be able to share her medical thrillers with the world.

Cristina LePort currently resides in Orange County, California, with her husband Peter LePort, a general surgeon. They have three children and three grandchildren.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ Eternal Ashes By Janelle Marie

Posted: January 25, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, thriller
Tags: giveaway, thriller

Eternal Ashes

by Janelle Marie

(Ash & Rage, #1)
Publication date: January 21st 2025
Genres: Adult, Thriller

One night. One moment. One mistake.
Now life will never be the same.

In her hometown of Auburn Village, Sofie Collins has built a good life for herself and her teenage daughter, April.

Sofie’s business is growing, and they are both happily in love, with April about to graduate from high school in only a few weeks.

Life – although far from perfect – is good. But one moment is all it takes.

Just one moment and now Sofie’s world will never be the same again.

Instead of building a brighter future with each passing day, Sofie suddenly finds the happiness she found slipping further and further through her fingers.

And it seems as though all the blame and guilt lies with her…

Or does it?

This mesmerizing drama is the compelling first chapter of a story of heartbreak, betrayal and cold revenge. When her world breaks, will Sofie find the strength to rebuild the pieces? Or is she about to send it crashing down?

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Sofie stared out the window of Chief Edison’s unmarked police car, a cold sense of dread spreading through her chest as she awaited her daughter’s fate. The local hospital wasn’t far, but the ride felt like it was hours. They had left immediately after throwing on some clothes. Sofie wasn’t sure what she had grabbed, or if she should bring anything for April. What had happened? What could’ve possibly happened? Why hadn’t she come home?

The night was still and silent. Everything was so quiet and peaceful, in such stark contrast to the turmoil raging through Sofie’s whole body.

Please, let my baby girl be okay. The thought repeated itself in her head, right along with the last image she had of April walking hand-in-hand out of the pub with Drew. April’s last words to Sofie had been “I love you.” But Sofie couldn’t remember if she’d said those all-important words back to her.

Sofie’s breath clutched in her chest, her gasp disturbing the silence inside the car. Chief Edison glanced back at her through the rearview mirror, concern in his eyes despite his blank expression. Beside her, Parker took Sofie’s hand, interlocking their fingers.

Chief Edison hadn’t given them many details beyond the fact April and Drew had been in an accident. He’d shared no insight into their condition. He didn’t need to though. Sofie could read between the lines. If the kids were okay, they would have been driven home.

April would have called.

If the kids were okay, Chief Edison would have said so instead of staying tight-lipped. His silence was a red flag. A bad omen.

Please, let my baby girl be okay…

Sofie’s vision blurred and she blinked back tears, refusing to let any fall yet. She was convinced crying prematurely would only bring bad luck. Sofie was fearing the worst, but she needed to hold on to some kind of hope. At least now, before she knew for certain how bad it was.

Maybe the kids were banged up and in shock. Maybe there were some broken bones. Maybe some concussions. Scrapes and scratches. Bruises. A bunch of stuff would heal quickly…

And maybe one day, a few weeks or months from now, they would remember this incident as a scary close-call they’d overcome. A minor setback.

Someday in the future, April and Drew would be married and in their forties, telling their kids about the bad crash they had weeks before graduating high school. Their yearbook would have pictures of all the signatures they’d gotten on their matching casts.

There was no need to panic.

No need to panic. Sofie let these words replace the chant in her head, wanting so badly to believe them. Yet, no matter how hard she tried to cling to some optimism, the prolonged drive provided ample time for dread to take hold again.

About Author Janelle Marie:

Janelle Marie is a distinguished voice in the realm of thriller-suspense fiction. Residing amidst the towering evergreens and cascading mountains of the Pacific Northwest, she infuses her stories with the essence of her surroundings, creating a unique and immersive experience for her readers.

With a talent for weaving tales, Janelle embarked on her writing journey, driven by a love for a great book. She discovered her passion for crafting stories that send shivers down the spine, skillfully spinning narratives that are tapestries of suspense, where unexpected twists and turns keep readers guessing until the final, gripping conclusion.

Janelle Marie invites readers to join her on a journey into the heart of suspense, where the landscapes are as unpredictable as the twists in her tales. Through her evocative prose, she aims to transport readers into a world where danger lurks in the shadows and the only way out is to keep turning the pages.

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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

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Deadly When Disturbed By DM Barr ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: January 23, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, suspense, thriller
Tags: giveaway, suspense, thriller

DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED

by DM Barr

January 13 – 31, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Deadly When Disturbed follows the journey of leading Realtor and philanthropist Dara Banks. When Dara searches for an assistant, finding someone as resourceful as Meryl “Merry” Rafter seems too good to be true. So good in fact, she neglects to run a reference check. Bad move. Before she knows it, Merry, a former “actress” trying to be “helpful,” has insinuated herself into Dara’s business, family, and charity, and may be the only person saving her from prison. Dara becomes suspicious and begins snooping into Merry’s past. Feeling cornered, Merry reciprocates by launching an investigation of her own and realizes—too late—that she may have picked the wrong mark to con. These women’s unsettling discoveries, and their desperate efforts to safeguard their skeleton-filled closets and fragile self-images, lead to an explosive confrontation certain to destroy the lives of everyone in their midst.

Praise for Deadly When Disturbed:

“Two women. Friends? Hardly. They’re both after the same thing. And as the stakes get higher, the mind games get uglier, until—well, I’m not going to give away the killer ending. D. M. Barr’s latest domestic thriller is a total rush. It’s like being back with Betty and Veronica all over again—only this ain’t high school, and these women (like the title says) are DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED.” ~ Marshall Karp, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the NYPD RED series

“Who’s the hunter and who’s the hunted in this taut domestic thriller? Don’t even try to guess. Just relax, enjoy, and hang on as DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED takes you on a wild ride.” ~ Brad Parks, international bestselling author of THE BOUNDARIES WE CROSS.

“Tense, well-written, and surprising—Liane Moriarty meets Gillian Flynn by way of John Lutz in D.M. Barr’s latest domestic thriller, DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED. Gaslighting and suburban intrigue abound in this carefully crafted tale, guaranteed to keep you in suspense all the way to the final chapter. Put this one at the top of your to-be-read pile!” ~ Richard Helms, Thriller, Macavity, and Shamus Awards winning author of 22 RUE MONTPARNASSE.

“DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED is a superb dark thriller that offers a brilliantly written bizarro take on the classic All About Eve. Shifts in reality and twists of the plot keep the reader on edge until the stunning and unexpected climax. Fasten your seatbelt and hang on. It’s a great ride.” ~ S. Lee Manning, award-winning author of TROJAN HORSE, NERVE ATTACK, BLOODY SOIL, and DEADLY CHOICE.

“DEADLY WHEN DISTURBED by D.M. Barr is a clever psychological thriller reminiscent of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, updated for today’s culture and with a superior narrative.… With a steady and increasingly intense pace, [it] is a hypnotic read of insanity and wretchedness that will stay with you long after the last page.” ~ Gaius Konstantine for Readers’ Favorite

Deadly When Disturbed Trailer:

Book Details:

Genre: Domestic Suspense, Domestic Thriller

Published by: Level Best Books Publication Date: January 2025 Number of Pages: 310

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Two female characters starring in a thriller. Sounds good to me. So I dove in.

When Dara’s work load becomes too much for just her to handle, she searches for someone to help. She finds Merry, who quickly becomes indispensable. And then, like a leech, she gets under Dara’s skin, inserting herself into all aspects of her life.

Does this scenario sound familiar to you? It does, doesn’t it? But, the author puts an intriguing twist on this. Dara wants Merry gone. Merry wants to step into Dara’s shoes. So, in order for either of them to get what they want, they’ll have to get to know everything about each other. And, boy, does it get suspenseful when the closet doors are flung open and the skeleton’s that were hiding there are revealed.

Talk about an ending you won’t see coming. A humdinger, indeed. For me. For you. And probably for the two women who lived it in these pages.

4 STARS

Enjoy this peek inside:

Prologue

She stood at her dining room table and calmly fingered through the cardboard box, double-checking that the paperwork was in chronological order. Even now, no one could accuse Samantha Ellingsworth of being anything but organized and precise. For nearly forty years, it had been both a gift and a curse. First the letters from Harry, professing his incendiary ardor during their abbreviated law school courtship. The GIA certificate for the diamond, his glittering promise of passion extending through eternity. The deed to their Upper West side condo. A copy of her resignation from Davis & Milliken, where she’d been on the fast track to partner. The birth certificates for her daughter, dated a year later, and the surprise twins, ten years after that. Next, the children’s coveted acceptance letters from Harrison—Manhattan’s most elite private pre-school and elementary—followed by every one of the glowing report cards she’d worked with them so diligently to earn. Campaign flyers she’d created for Harry’s run for state senate. Her passport opened to the page containing the stamp from that fateful trip to Aruba. The letters she’d written, refuting everything he’d accused her of as lies—all unopened and marked “Return to Sender.” The prescription for Prozac, unfilled, as if any pharmaceutical could rescue her from this pit of depression. Finally, the divorce papers she’d received a few weeks ago, still unsigned. A lifetime of aspirations, misunderstandings, and betrayals, all encapsulated in a pile of paper less than an inch thick. She affixed the cover to the box and took a long, wistful look at the “perfect” apartment they’d been so ecstatic about buying, beating out several competing bids thanks to the lingering cachet of the Ellingsworth name and its clout in political circles. Confident that the condo was spotless, with everything in its place, Samantha slowly donned her hooded sheepskin coat, grabbed the box, and headed out. The elevator operator nodded as she entered, but Gloria from the floor above murmured a curt hello and diverted her gaze as they descended from the seventh floor. Samantha had grown used to the frostiness over the past few weeks. Did the other tenants fear it was catching, that they too might be abandoned by their spouse and children, their lives reduced to rubble, if they inched too close? Whatever. She trudged southbound through the early morning wintery mix; package still cradled to her chest like a newborn. Frigid raindrops grazed her eyelashes before cascading downward and stinging her cheeks as she passed the signs in Zabars’ windows, reminding patrons to purchase their Thanksgiving turkeys. The holiday was only days away. The irony did not escape her. Shivering as much from the weather as from what lay ahead, she descended the subway staircase at 72nd Street, pushing against the throngs headed toward the sidewalk. She had someplace to go too and nothing—not crowds nor apprehension—was going to delay her. Today was the day, a chance to have her say. Finally, she’d make him understand. Samantha ran her MetroCard through the turnstile and headed toward the stairway leading to the uptown train. She positioned herself as close as possible to the opening of the tunnel and stood by the edge of the platform, resummoning her fleeting courage as the crowds swelled behind her. Commuters too involved with their phones to notice the determined woman beside them whose breathing had quickened and whose face had grown hot. She hugged the box even tighter to her fidgeting body and waited. And waited. A collective sigh arose from the crowd as the loudspeaker announced that the next train was going out of service and wouldn’t be stopping. She saw the light in the distance and heard the clunk-de-clunk and whirl—a deafening gale descending onto the tracks, drowning out the murmur of the passengers. Her ride to the most important meeting of her life. And it was the number 2 train. How appropriate. Just like her, relegated from number one. Timing was everything, the oncoming gleam only yards away. She tightened her grasp on what was left of her world, recalling the face of the bitch who’d laughed as she’d stolen it all away. Then she took one last breath and jumped onto the tracks. *** Excerpt from Deadly When Disturbed by DM Barr. Copyright 2025 by DM Barr. Reproduced with permission from DM Barr. All rights reserved.

About Author Dawn M. Barclay:

Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who writes psychological and romantic suspense as D.M. Barr and non-fiction under her own name. Her eight other published books include Expired Listings, Murder Worth the Weight, and Saving Grace: A Psychological Thriller. Along with Deadly When Disturbed, in February LBB will also publish the first of her multi-volume series, Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide. Dawn recently completed her second stint co-editing a Sisters in Crime NY/Tri-state anthology. New York State of Crime, published by Down & Out Books in the fall of 2024, which includes her third published short story, “Orchestral Removals in the Dark.” She is currently editing an anthology of crime fiction for Down & Out Books inspired by the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Dawn offers developmental and copy editing through SuggestedDevelopment.com, and ghostwrites personal histories and corporate profiles through LegacyQuest.net. A member of ITW, she has served as president of Hudson Valley Scribes, vice president of Sisters in Crime-NY (still a board member), and the newsletter author/board member of the NY chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Catch Up With DM Barr: www.DMBarr.com Goodreads – @DMBarr BookBub – @DMBarr Instagram – @AuthorDMBarr Threads – @AuthorDMBarr YouTube – @BarrSinister-m7u Bluesky – @AuthorDMBarr YouTube – @BarrSinister-m7u Facebook – @AuthorDMBarr TikTok – @AuthorDMBarr

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The Russian Orphan By Deede Blake ~ Author Interview And Giveaway

Posted: January 20, 2025 in giveaways, Interview, thriller
Tags: author interview, giveaway, thriller

The Russian Orphan: They Call Him the White Stallion (World Changers Book 1) by Deede Blake
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 628 pages
Genre: Assassination Thrillers, Conspiracy, Espionage
Publisher: World Changers Publishing, LLC
Release date: October 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. Mild language, sex innuendos, mild violence.

Book Description:

From the cold, haunting alleys of Russia’s orphanages to the grandeur of the Kremlin, The Russian Orphan: They Call Him the White Stallion unveils the enigmatic life of Commander Sergei Radkov. He’s not just any man; he’s a symbol, a force, a leader. Known as the White Stallion, Sergei’s journey from an abandoned child to the President of Russia is riddled with espionage, warfare, and undeniable charisma.

But beyond the shadows of Spetsnaz and the intrigue of the GRU lies a heart that yearns for connection. Enter Dr. Selena Frederick, a brilliant American physician.

Their unexpected romance isn’t just a tale of two hearts colliding, but a testament to the power of love in the face of geopolitics and looming danger.

A Tale of Power: Witness the rise of a boy from the depths of abandonment to the pinnacle of global influence.
Espionage & Action: Dive into the covert operations of Spetsnaz and the GRU, where every decision could be deadly.
Forbidden Romance: Amidst political turmoil, a heart-stopping romance between two unlikely souls blossoms. But at what cost?
World Changer: Join Sergei on his quest to reshape the world, battling internal demons and external threats, especially those that target his beloved Selena.

The stakes are high. The challenges, formidable. The passion, undeniable. Every page is a journey, every chapter an emotion. Do you dare to ride alongside the White Stallion?

BUY THE BOOK
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INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR DEEDE BLAKE:

On writing:

How did you do research for your book?

Initially research began with reading and more reading. I read the full catalogs of all the Russian Greats. I think I might be the only person on the planet who’s actually read all three volumes of Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Then I moved to reading books on Russian history by folks like Robert Massey. Also, whatever I could find on Russian culture. I hit the internet when I needed to expand searches for information. Then I jumped on an airplane to Russia. Today, I’m writing two sequels, so I still read things like Patriot, the memoir by Alexei Navalny, prior to his death in prison as Putin’s opposition. I’ll be dedicating my next book, We Were Lost, to Navalny.

Which was the hardest character to write?

I think trying to get Sergei right as the main protagonist was hardest. Especially with him coming from such a vastly different background than those living in the Western world.

As the easiest?

I think Ivan was the easiest in this novel. He was a quiet commando who didn’t talk much. He’ll be harder to define and more complicated in the sequels.

In your book you make a reference to….how did you come up with this idea?

Actually, the idea of the book came from watching a documentary about Putin. I began to wonder what our world would be like if we had leaders who defined it differently. I didn’t know if I was up to the task of writing something like The Russian Orphan. It took me ten years, but today, I have a completed novel.

What made you write a book about…?

Like many Americans, I was beyond disgusted with American politics and media. So, I decided to create a character who was thrown into the political area as a patriot because of his country’s turmoil. Sergei Radkov is a solution driven guy who doesn’t miss a whole lot in the form of under currents in his nation and speaks truth to corruption.

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Anywhere. The first novel I ever wrote was called Tatesville. I didn’t publish it, but I wrote it in a couple of composition books by hand while in a hospital. My son was in a coma in PICU after a seizure. I heard a nurse’s shoes squeak as she was talking to a visitor across the hall. They were both saying they grew up near a town that I was familiar with. I changed the town’s name to Tatesville, add a little Peyton Place, and there you have it. A novel about southern American towns in the 1970’s and 80’s.

There are many books out there about…What makes yours different?

Honestly, I don’t know of any books exactly like mine. Most novels about Russia that I’ve read are more in the spy genre. But who knows? Maybe there are some and they haven’t come across my reading list.

What advice would you give budding writers?

I explain as best I can about the hardships of a novelist. However, I try to tell them what little I know about other writing markets. Everybody thinks they can write the all-American novel. If it’s in your soul to do so, then you must. It will take more dedication than you’ve given any other task in your life.

Your book is set in Russia. Have you ever been there?

Since I was still working full time as a licensed pharmacist, I could only go to do research for a month. I had to make it count and planned my itinerary very tightly. After more than forty years of service, I retired from pharmacy on Jan 1 of 2025.

If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?

Well, who wouldn’t want to be the lovely Dr. Selena Frederick, a physician that the world can’t get enough of. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have her skill set, her charisma, nor her beauty. Most of us are frogs, and many of us have warts. Ribbit.

Do you have another profession besides writing?

Yes, a licensed pharmacist working fulltime.

How long have you been writing?

Before I knew the alphabet. I loved to make up stories when I was very young. I was writing all sorts of stuff at a very young age. Singing a silly song was my way of processing my life experience.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

Never.

What helps you overcome it?

I think having so many diverse activities keep me away from writer’s block. It’s not unusual for me to wake up in the middle of the night from a deep sleep. Sometimes I’ll jot down a poem or write down the bones of a scene that I want in my current work, or even a future novel. Solutions literally come to me in my sleep.

What is your next project?

I’ll write the next two sequels for the trilogy of World Changers. Then I’m going to recreate some old writings like Tatesville. I have a few children’s books that I hope to bring to market. As well, I’m working on historical novels about my family’s experience in America since 1640. That’s probably a ten-year project.

What genre do you write and why?

As you can see, I have no genre. I write what is put into my head or laid upon my heart. Folks can call it what they like.

What is the last great book you’ve read?

Actually, I’m reading Patriot by Navalny for the second time. I’m in love with the guy.

On rituals: Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

When I immerse in writing, I like to close the world off. I once sat in a chair and didn’t move for 36 hours. My favorite snack is food. I barely notice it.

Where do you write?

Usually, one of several places. On the balcony of my condo at Myrtle Beach. At the pier or on the beach in Ocean Isle, NC where my partner lives. I’ve made friends down on the pier with a dolphin named Beautiful, because that’s the only word I can speak when she comes by. But my favorite place is to go somewhere far away and shut the rest o

f the world down. No phone. No internet. No problems. Just create. I’m considering a few months in Zanzibar to finish We Were Lost.

Do you write every day?

No, But I try.

What is writing schedule?

Before I retired from pharmacy last week, I wrote mainly in the morning and worked at night as a pharmacist.

Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time? In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

I write a lot of bones on paper. I keep a writing pad beside the bed. Then I start plugging it into my MAC. Then, I’ve written complete novels by hand, but that was before such things as home computers. I actually ended up putting Tatesville in my home computer and printed it out on a dot matrix printer.

If you’re a mom writer, how do you balance your time?

I have been a mom writer and full-time pharmacist. I wrote at night when the kids went to bed.

Fun stuff:

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

That’s a fun and fanciful thought. I’ll have to think about that one.

Favorite travel spot?

Anywhere with a beach. I love traveling the world and have found many great places. I love Edinburgh, Scotland. Anywhere in England is fantastic but I love London for all of the museums. Soon I’ll be going to Mongolia on the Russian border for research since Russia isn’t available to me. After all, I did knock off Putin in the second chapter. I hope to spend a few months in Africa soon, so stay tuned.

Favorite dessert?

Put chocolate in it. I’ll like it.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you?

Oh, man that’s cruel. But if you’re going to allow me three in my despair, let’s see. Definitely on of the Russian classics. One of the British classics. Then something like The Elephant’s Child by Kipling. Look I didn’t tell my parents what I wanted for Christmas until Christmas Eve when I was six years old. It was the new age of this thing called television and I was enchanted with all those boxes with those huge pretty bows on the Christmas commercials. All I wanted was a big box with a bow. My mom kept saying, “you’re not getting a box with a bow for Christmas.”
So on Christmas Eve, I decided I wanted a Chatty Cathy, a tea set, a table and chairs, and one of those new baker’s ovens. Just three books? Can you just put three good ones in a big box with a pretty bow?

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What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

When I was pregnant with my first child my husband and I had gone out to eat with some friends at what was known in the south as a “fish camp”. So here goes Ms. Pregnant, having to pee. The bathroom was really a converted closet. The sink was outside of the toilet area. I literally had to back into the toilet area with my big stomach to sit on the toilet and close the door. I came out, and priss back to my table on the other side of the establishment. I looked up after sitting down and wondered why everybody in the whole place was laughing at me. Then I saw it. Yep, I had gotten the toilet paper stuck in my underwear and unrolled a Mega size Charmin on my way back to the table.

The scariest?

The night my husband and I had to do CPR on our son.

The strangest?

Many of those. Probably need to just put those in a big box and wrap them with a big bow as well.

What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

Not sure. But whatever it was, I’m sure I’d never talk about it. Just the way I was raised.

Any hobbies?

Always writing. Counting the stars over the ocean. Wrapping Christmas presents with big bows. I mean, I make ridiculous art scenes on a package. Move over emerging TV.

Name a quirky thing you like to do.

Watch birds in the bird feeders at my partner’s house. Exciting right?

If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?

I would want them to believe that I tried to find the tenderest fiber of human threads that bind us all together. That’s memorable.

Meet Author Deede Blake:

Graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy, Deede Blake distinguished herself early on by winning the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for humanitarian contributions and the Bristol Achievement Award.

Though rooted in science, Deede’s heart beats for storytelling. Her diverse portfolio boasts poems, songs, essays, and novels that echo her global adventures. The Russian Orphan, her riveting tale, is slated to become a TV mini-series, the first in the anticipated World Changer Trilogy.

As Deede crafts her sequels, she immerses herself in the cultures of Mongolia, Africa, and the Philippines to bring authentic depth to her tales. She’s also launching a clothing line, and writing music for the television screenplay.

When she’s not traversing uncharted terrains, Deede enjoys the comforts of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with her two children and feline companions, and occasionally retreats to her partner’s abode in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Dive into her world, where science meets boundless imagination.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

THE RUSSIAN ORPHAN by Deede Blake Book Tour Giveaway

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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.