Summer of the Blue Jay by Mike Demaio ~ @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #SummeroftheBlueJay #MikeDemaio #Novella #Fiction

Summer of the Blue Jay by Mike Demaio 

Literary Fiction Novella

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

What would you do with the last 24 hours of your life?

About the Book:

For nineteen-year-old Tina, the answer is simple: live.

After receiving devastating news, Tina refuses to spend her final hours confined to a hospital bed. With time slipping away and an impossible dream still burning inside her, she convinces Jake, a fellow patient, to run. Together, they escape the hospital, steal a car, and set out for New York City—determined to squeeze an entire lifetime into one unforgettable day.

As their frantic parents race to find them, Tina and Jake chase freedom through the heart of the city. From the peaceful lawns of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, every stop becomes a stolen moment, every laugh an act of defiance, and every heartbeat a reminder that time is the one thing no one can bargain for.

But as the sun begins to set, their breathtaking adventure turns into a race toward one final, symbolic destination—one that will test their courage, their bond, and the meaning of a life fully lived.

Emotional, urgent, and deeply human, Summer of the Blue Jay is a poignant contemporary novella about friendship, love, resilience, and the power of choosing joy when the clock is running out.

Perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age fiction, emotional literary stories, and thought-provoking books that ask life’s biggest questions, this unforgettable debut reminds us that tomorrow is never promised—and that one day can hold the meaning of a lifetime.

 

About the Author:

Mike DeMaio is an author and seasoned technology professional whose career has spanned more than twenty-five years in corporate Information Technology, including leadership roles supporting global teams across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty food industries.

After decades of solving complex technical challenges, Mike turned to writing as a way to explore the human stories behind pressure, change, resilience, and time. What began as humorous reflections on life in IT soon evolved into a deeper creative calling, leading him from industry commentary and tech-focused articles into fiction.

His debut novella, Summer of the Blue Jay, asks one of life’s most powerful questions: what would you do if you only had twenty-four hours left? Inspired by Mike’s own reflections on career disruption, identity, and the urgency of living intentionally, the story blends emotional depth with a fast-paced journey about friendship, courage, and the priceless value of the present moment.

Mike continues to develop a diverse range of writing projects, including humorous technology-inspired work, fiction, and thriller concepts. Through his storytelling, he hopes to remind readers that time is never guaranteed—and that the moments we choose to truly live are the ones that matter most.

 

Contact Links:

Facebook

Linkedin

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

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A Chatter of Bones & Baby’s Breath by Suzanne Phillips ~ #YA #Novellas

A Chatter of Bones & Baby’s Breath
Suzanne Phillips
Publication date: April 21st 2026
Genres: Young Adult

From acclaimed author Suzanne Phillips comes this compelling novella collection–gritty coming-of-age stories in narrative and verse that Kirkus Reviews calls “haunting and heartbreaking. . .an unflinching look at surviving trauma.”

A CHATTER OF BONES
Kaitlyn has come to rely on Olivia, the woman who rescued her from human trafficking, but is learning to trust her instincts and lean into her hard-earned strength. All of this will be challenged when a monsoon bears down on their remote spread, a mountain lion, flushed out of the surrounding hills by the weather, attacks, and human visitors push Kaitlyn to face her deepest fears.

BABY’S BREATH
Teen poet bares the geography of her heart and the “no care” foster care system as she mourns the mother she lost, releases dreams of reunification, and accepts that the only life she can live is the one in front of her.

Recommended for readers age 16+

Add to Goodreads / Purchase from Amazon

—

Read an Excerpt (Baby’s Breath):

TRAFFICK
The world is not safe for girls
Broken
Beaten
Forgotten
Sweetened
The world is not safe for girls
Not in twos
Or with mace
Not screaming for help
Or stony-faced
The world is not safe for girls
With pretty hair
Or pocked skin
With muffin top
Or perfect teeth
The world is not safe for girls
Not in your home or mine
Not in school
Or after
Not with two parents
Or none
There’s someone
Always waiting.
Stroked
Or snatched
Held by the hand
A picked flower
Sold
Bartered
Rented by the hour
Always someone waiting
In the shadows
Or under street lights
In the school cafeteria
At the family BBQ
A friend’s father
Favorite uncle
Colleague
Cop
Neighbor
Father
To prove
The world is not safe for girls.

Meet the Author:

Suzanne Phillips is the author of YA fiction, the Nicole Cobain mystery series (writing as Emery Hayes), and upmarket fiction. For a peek into the writer's life and updates on book releases & events check out her website.

Website / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

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One Gold Ring (Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries) by Dianne Ascroft ~ Cozy Mystery Novella

 

One Gold Ring (Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries) by Dianne Ascroft

About One Gold Ring:

 

One Gold Ring (Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery Novella related to the main Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries Series

Setting - Fenwater – a fictional small town in rural Canada

Independently Published (November 1, 2025)

Paperback Print length ‏ : ‎ 104 pages

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8272391599

Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 102 pages

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FYX6KXGD

A busy shopping street, a cozy coffee klatch, a missing ring: Marge Kirkwood has no desire for anyone to gift five gold rings to her. She just needs to find one elegant gold ring sparkling with dainty diamonds and rubies: the one that was stolen due to her carelessness. When Marge Kirkwood meets her friend Bruce Murray at the Honey Pot diner to reassure him about his choice of an engagement ring for her best friend Lois Stone, she couldn’t be happier for the couple. But a few moments of her inattention could scupper Bruce’s plans for a romantic Christmas proposal. A cunning thief seizes the opportunity Marge’s lapse affords to snatch Bruce’s family heirloom. Soon afterwards Lois arrives and joins Marge and Bruce in the search for the ring. Three heads may be better than one or two but Lois can’t find out that it’s her engagement ring they are hunting for. And so the week before Christmas begins with dashing through the snow without a sleigh, tangy gingerbread muffins and cinnamon scented apple cider, clever calico cats, slippery snow-sheathed sidewalks, glittering gems set in gold, hazardous high-heeled boots, rushing thieves and bustling Christmas shoppers set against a cheerful holiday clad shopping street, sultry Christmas songs serenading shoppers in the market, the sweet scent of carnations, roses and baby’s breath bouquets in the florist’s window and a mantlepiece twinkling with shiny baubles and lights woven through holly in a comfy century cottage.

About Dianne Ascroft:

Dianne Ascroft is a Canadian who has settled in rural Northern Ireland. She and her husband share their small farm with some elusive wild creatures. She is currently writing the Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries series. She believes that part of the enjoyment of reading a cozy mystery is losing oneself in a pleasing setting so she fictionalized a small town she knew and the first novel in the Century Cottage Cozy Mystery series, and the town of Fenwater evolved from there. She wanted to create a place that beckons readers to step in and stay a while, and characters that readers would remember. Cozy mysteries allow her to explore the characters and the place, as well as the mystery at the heart of the story. Writing stories set in her homeland, Canada, has also been a nostalgic journey for her and she enjoys every minute of it.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.dianneascroft.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DianneAscroftwriter

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y1k5c3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1357575.Dianne_Ascroft

Purchase Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

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Spend a night in the land of the dead with DEAD ‘TIL DAWN…by Kelli A. Wilkins ~ #Halloween ~ Civil War Horror Novella @KWilkinsauthor

Spend a night in the land of the dead with DEAD ‘TIL DAWN…

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Happy Almost Halloween Everyone,

I hope you’re ready for the scariest night of the year! To get you prepped for the holiday, I’m sharing something spooky — a look at my Civil War horror novella…

DEAD ‘TIL DAWN

Disturbing the dead doesn’t prove you’re brave – it proves you’re stupid.

After touring Gettysburg battlefield, Jessica, Tim, and Steve decide to sneak out to the Devil’s Den for some late-night fun. Jessica’s friend Kathy objects, and warns them about trespassing where they’re not wanted.

Undaunted by ghost stories and fueled by his own arrogance, Tim races toward the Devil’s Den. When the group drives through mysterious battlefield fog, they find themselves surrounded by Civil War soldiers looking for a little fun of their own.

Kathy leaves the others to fend for themselves and flees to Little Round Top. Although she’s rescued by a kindhearted Union solider named Charlie, she refuses to believe that what she’s experiencing is real. As the nighttime battle rages on, Charlie introduces Kathy to other weary soldiers, and she quickly realizes she’s trapped in the land of the dead until dawn.

***

So how did this story come about? Well, if you know me, you know I love writing psychological/creepy/spooky horror stories. And I also love traveling to historic places—especially if they’re haunted.

This novella was inspired by actual events that happened to me in Gettysburg, PA. My husband and I had a very unusual experience with battlefield fog and I wanted to use it in a story. Here’s the short version:

It was around 11:30 pm and we wanted to explore. Since you can’t go onto the battlefield at night, we decided to drive around it. As soon as we got outside of town we came upon a wall of fog. You could literally see the line where it started. (I incorporated this into the story.)

I thought that was strange–but what the heck–we’d drive through it and come out the other side. Wrong. The thick, swirling fog completely engulfed the car. We couldn’t see more than two feet in front of us, and saw nothing but fog on all sides.

We figured the fog would dissipate or…something. Nope. The further we drove, the thicker it got. From time to time I swore I saw shadows in the fog, but I figured it was my imagination.

Robert was getting a little nervous because it was pretty obvious this wasn’t normal. He was worried about another car coming down the street (there weren’t any, who else would drive around in creepy fog?) and hitting us. I told him I was more worried about what we’d do if a Civil War soldier on a horse ran in front of us.

Although I don’t consider myself a “paranormal investigator” I love exploring haunted places and taking ghost tours. Historic houses and basically “anything old and creepy” appeal to my imagination. Is it any surprise that I love Halloween?

Here’s an excerpt from Dead’ Til Dawn, featuring the infamous battlefield fog. I’m happy to say that the book got several great reviews on Amazon!

***

Steve leaned forward in the back seat and tapped Tim on the shoulder. “You think we can get to the Devil’s Den now? Won’t they have security guards?”

“Who’d guard a battlefield at night? Ghosts?” Tim chuckled.

“The ghost stories we heard today were cool,” Steve replied. “I wanted to take that ghost tour at the orphanage. They let you investigate and try to contact dead soldiers. Maybe tomorrow–”

“I told you, that was a rip off,” Tim interrupted. “Who cares who died out here, anyway? It was over a hundred and fifty years ago. I don’t know why you keep wasting your time and money on that paranormal crap. There’s no such thing as ghosts. People in town made up those stories to rake in tourist money and sell costumes to idiot reenactors. If playing dress-up… Whoa!”

Tim stopped the car. A wall of white mist covered the road ten feet ahead of them.

“Is that fog?” Jessica asked, brushing her long red hair over her shoulder.

“Yeah,” Steve answered. “But why is it there and not anywhere else?”

Kathy peered out the side window. The two-lane road was crystal clear on both sides of the car, but the line of fog blocked their path. It’s waiting for us to advance. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Let’s go back.”

Tim stomped on the gas and plowed into the fog.

“Check it out. We’re surrounded,” Steve exclaimed.

Fog engulfed the car, blocking out the fields, trees, and fences along the road. Every so often Kathy thought she saw a glimpse of movement in the misty darkness, but it was hard to tell with Tim speeding like a maniac.

Steve pointed behind them. “Look back there. The town’s gone, swallowed up,” he said.

Kathy gazed out the rear window. Steve was right. Behind them, Gettysburg lay sleeping, wrapped in a blanket of milky whiteness.

***

Wanna find out what happens when they get out of the car? Order your copy of Dead ‘Til Dawn here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Til-Dawn-Civil-Horror-ebook/dp/B015LHI08A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4X9aLb

Want more horror stories for Halloween? Like mysteries? Visit the Horror, Mysteries & More section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Have a creepy Halloween!

Happy Haunting,

Kelli A. Wilkins

Spooky October Spotlight on… Nightmare in the North by Kelli A. Wilkins #Horror #Novella

 

Spooky October Spotlight on… Nightmare in the North

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

Hi everyone,

Happy October! Today I’m sharing a look at my horror novella, Nightmare in the North. Think of it as a pre-Halloween treat!

Some of you may know me as a romance author, but I also write short horror fiction. I originally started out as a horror author, and nowadays I divide my time between romance, horror, and mysteries. (My latest mystery is The Route 9 Killer.)

Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about traveling alone in the winter and trusting strangers. Travel takes a deadly turn in this story!

So… how did this novella come about? Believe it or not, I wrote a version of this story for my eighth grade English class. The assignment was to write a short story – and boy, did I! The original version was much shorter and less detailed, but the basic premise was there. I’m not sure what my English teacher thought when she read it, but I got an A.

I grew up in upstate New York where winters can be brutal and last a long time. It can be an isolated place, and sometimes you could be snowed in for days. I used that as the backdrop to the story, threw in some strange characters, and added a little mystery. After I submitted the story for my English class, I pretty much forgot about it.

Then, one January I drove to Vermont in a snowstorm. I was in the car for 12 hours, and naturally, my mind started to wander… I wanted to write a horror story, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write. As I was driving, I thought back to that original story and decided to rewrite it – to tell the story the way it needed to be told.

I changed the opening, moved the setting to Vermont, and filled in all the details and backstory that set the tone. The ending of the new version is slightly different from the original, but it’s not off by all that much. I added an epilogue (of sorts) to the end, and spent about twenty minutes getting the last line just right.

After reading Nightmare in the North, my husband said that it was well written and it drew you in, but it was “twisted” and “disturbing” — I consider that high praise!

 

Here’s the summary and links…

NIGHTMARE IN THE NORTH

Stranded during a violent blizzard, Mark hikes to the only house nearby. George, a well-mannered University professor, welcomes Mark and gives him shelter from the storm.

By morning, Mark suspects that everything isn’t what it seems. George’s adult daughter, Kate, who also lives in the house, shares a disturbing and unsettling tale. When questioned, George insists that Kate has a psychological issue and can’t be trusted to tell the truth.

Mark quickly finds himself caught in a game of cat and mouse. Who should he believe? Is Kate’s desperate plea for help sincere? Should he be suspicious of George? Or are both of them plotting something together?

Isolated from everyone, Mark is forced to wait out the storm—and find a way to escape—if he hopes to make it out alive.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9QD45X  

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/m2vqOk  

I hope you’ll check it out. If you like horror fiction, visit the Horror, Mystery & More section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Happy Reading,

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 6 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her latest release, The Route 9 Killer, was published in May 2023. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ.

Kelli’s paranormal/mystery romance, In Another World, was released in 2022. She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

Book Blast ~ What Not to Wear to a Graveyard (A Resale Boutique Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder ~ Cozy Mystery Novella

 

What Not to Wear to a Graveyard (A Resale Boutique Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder

BOOK BLAST

About What Not to Wear to a Graveyard:

 

What Not to Wear to a Graveyard (A Resale Boutique Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

A Resale Boutique Mystery Novella

Lyrical Press (September 8, 2020)

Print Length: ‎ 97 pages

Digital ASIN: ‎ B082WR2253

After trading her Manhattan digs for her upstate hometown, fashionista Kelly Quinn has big plans for her grandmother’s consignment shop. But this All Hallow’s Eve someone is already dressed to kill . . . 

A socialite’s missing dog has made front page news in Lucky Cove—complete with a hefty reward. But between renovating the consignment shop, planning her costume for a 1970s themed Halloween party, and scouting a location for a fashion shoot, Kelly doesn’t have time to search. Yet a visit to the local colonial-era cemetery—ideal for the moody atmosphere she’s after—soon turns up the precious pooch. Kelly’s looking forward to collecting the check—until she makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned farmhouse: The dog’s owner, stabbed through the heart. 

Kelly can’t help wondering why Constance Lane was traipsing around the farmhouse in stilettos. But as Kelly gets decked out in a vintage disco caftan, that isn’t the only fashion misstatement spooking her. Hidden in the dead woman’s past is a secret that could be the motive for the murder. And as the Halloween party gets started, even a menacing clown and a threatening bearded lady can’t keep Kelly from trick or treating for the truth—even if it means her last dance . . .

About Debra Sennefelder:

Debra Sennefelder is the acclaimed author of the Food Blogger Mysteries, the Resale Boutique Mystery Series and the upcoming Cookie Shop Mystery series. An avid reader who reads across a range of genres, mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery.

Her first novel, THE UNINVITED CORPSE (A Food Blogger mystery) was published in 2018.When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.

Born and raised in New York City, where she majored in her hobby of fashion buying, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in retail and publishing before becoming a full-time author. Her writing companion is her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzu, Connie. 

Author Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pzv3VJ

Website: http://bit.ly/2lQwSNi

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2qjwHyT

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2mkLpnz

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DpMPE8

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EQh6da

Purchase Links:

Amazon - B&N - Kobo 

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Happy Release Day ~ The Graveside Bar and Grill by Darynda Jones ~ @Darynda @jennw23 #Paranormal #Novella #CharleyDavidson

The Graveside Bar and Grill, an all-new steamy paranormal novella set in the Charley Davidson world from New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones and 1,001 Dark Nights is available now!

When Donovan St. James’ precocious charge asks him—no questions asked—to tail the doctor who keeps their ragtag team patched up, he wants to refuse. Not because the saucy teen is getting too big for her britches, ordering him around like a mob boss, but because the woman stirs feelings in him he would rather not explore. However, when evil threatens the doc’s life, he realizes he has no choice. Sia saved his life once. He will try to return the favor. He just prays he can do it without losing his heart.

Running from the supernatural entity that has destroyed entire worlds to have her, Sia thought she’d found a haven on Earth with a motley team of warriors protecting the girl destined to save humanity. But when Sia’s found, she realizes something on this plane is more scrumptious than her: that very teen. So, she runs—and Donovan St. James follows. Nothing is more alluring than a scruffy biker with a lacerating gaze. And she vows to tell him that…if they survive.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively from Amazon!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wm4mHR
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/GravesideBarandGrill
Audible: https://amzn.to/3PJaTD5

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uaMDRI

About Darynda Jones:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that legacy. She currently has two series with St. Martin's Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Connect with Darynda:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ePZwY2
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3eWHrHO
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MFwCxD
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y050sk
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2A0FvPY
Website: https://darynda.com/

For More information about 1,001 Dark Nights, visit:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ
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Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ Double Dipped (One Scoop or Two) by Terry Korth Fischer @TerryIsWriting ~ Cozy Mystery Novella

 

Double Dipped (One Scoop or Two) by Terry Korth Fischer

About Double Dipped:

 

Double Dipped (One Scoop or Two)

Cozy Mystery

 Novella

Setting - Wisconsin

Part of: One Scoop or Two (41 books)

The Wild Rose Press, Inc (June 29, 2022)

Print length: ‎ 137 pages

ASIN: ‎ B09W8RLJ4X

Accepting second best is good for her career, but first-grade teacher, Retta Curt, delays signing up for the disappointment. Given two weeks to reconsider her contract, she retreats to Gram’s cottage on Moon Lake, the last place she felt contentment. But the cottage is derelict; Cousin Julie, distant; childhood beaux, Dean, bitter; and Sweet Picks, the family ice cream stand, in danger of folding. Magruder, a surly newcomer, is buying and then neglecting properties until nothing remains of the idyllic lakeside community she remembers. When vandals target Sweet Picks, Retta’s dreams to recapture her happy childhood collapse, and the return to Moon Lake becomes a decision worse than accepting her teaching contract. Star-crossed, can she save the family business and rediscover happiness, or is Retta destined for a second-best future?

About Terry Korth Fischer:

Terry Korth Fischer writes short stories, memoirs, and mysteries. Her debut mystery, Gone Astray, introduced Detective Rory Naysmith, a seasoned city cop relocated to small-town Winterset, Nebraska. The Rory Naysmith Mysteries continued with Gone Before, January 2022. Transplanted from the Midwest, Terry lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two guard cats. When not writing, she loves reading, gardening, and basking in sunshine. Yet, her heart often wanders to the country's heartland, where she spent a memorable—ordinary but charmed—childhood. Learn more about Terry at her author website: https://terrykorthfischer.com

Author Links:

Website: https://terrykorthfischer.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/terryiswriting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerryIsWriting

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/terrykorthfischer

Goodreads Author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14349440.Terry_Korth_Fischer

BookBub Author: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/terry-korth-fischer

BookGems Author: https://www.bookgems.com/profile/tkfischer/

BLOG Website: https://www.terryiswriting.com

Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/TerryKorthFischer

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Apple Books

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Book Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ Enter a Wizard, Stage Left (A Zodiac Mystery) by Connie di Marco #Mystery #Novella

 

Enter a Wizard, Stage Left (A Zodiac Mystery) by Connie di Marco

About Enter a Wizard, Stage Left:

 

Enter a Wizard, Stage Left (A Zodiac Mystery)

Traditional Mystery

Prequel Novella

Suspense Publishing (October 26, 2021)

Print Length: ‎ 111 pages

ASIN: ‎ B09JGV526H

Julia Bonatti wasn’t always a crime-solving San Francisco astrologer. She was a young woman, engaged to the love of her life, preparing for a teaching career when tragedy struck. Her fiancé was killed in a hit and run accident. As Julia struggles with her loss and attempts to find meaning in her life again, she takes refuge with her grandmother Gloria. But there’s little time for grief or rest because Gloria, a retired seamstress, needs Julia’s help. Gloria’s been hired to create costumes for a production of Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death at the newly opened Theatre Mars in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. 

Theatre Mars is a stunning jewel, the cast is supremely talented and the script is brilliant. What could go wrong? Julia gets the first hint of trouble when her new friend, the owner of The Mystic Eye bookshop, warns that all might not go well. Opening night will take place during the dark of the moon, the last three days before the new moon, a time that bodes disaster for any new project. The dire prediction comes true when the lead actress is murdered before the final curtain, echoing the play itself. Julia discovers a vital clue to the murder, but a clue that puts Gloria’s life in grave danger. Can Julia rescue her grandmother before it’s too late? And will a black cat play a leading role? 

About Connie di Marco:

With the Zodiac Mysteries, featuring Julia Bonatti, a crime-solving San Francisco astrologer, Connie di Marco has combined her fascination with astrology and her love of writing mysteries. Writing as Connie Archer, she’s the national bestselling author of the Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Los Angeles but dreams constantly of the San Francisco fog.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.conniedimarco.com/

Blog: http://www.conniedimarco.com/blog/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/zodiacmysteries/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HdGb25

Twitter: @Connie di Marco

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14751339.Connie_di_Marco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connie_di_marco/

Purchase Link - Amazon https://amzn.to/33mgixK

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

January 5 – Maureen's Musings – REVIEW

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Release Blitz & #Review: The Black Rose by Karpov Kinrade #PNR #Novella @KarpovKinrade

The Black Rose, an all new paranormal romance novella in the Last Witch universe from USA Today bestselling author Karpov Kinrade is available now!

About the Book:

A hint of your scent carries on the wind. Strawberries and lilac. An intoxicating blend that I close my eyes to savor. I twist the onyx ring on my right hand. I could claim to be under your spell, but it would be a lie.

I’m protected from your magic. But apparently, not from your inherent charm. Still, I mustn’t let that distract me from what I need from you.

You took something from my coven’s former leader, and now the vampires under my care are dying because of it.

You have escaped capture thus far, but your time is running out.

I now know where you will be for an entire evening without the ability to disappear like the dark tendril of smoke you are. It might be the only chance I have.

On the night of the Ball, I will hunt you. I will find you. And I will take back what is mine.

And not even your charm will stop me.

My Review:

The Black Rose is a fabulous paranormal romance novella. Devin is a vampire on a mission. He is tracking a beautiful succubus who stole something from his coven and he desperately needs it back. He and his coven's lives depend on Devin's retrieval of the object. Sabine is also on a mission. Her mark has an object she needs back. Devin and Sabine need each other more than they realize. 

I love the way the author's wrote this story. It's as if the reader is privy to Devin's inner monologue. His dialogue is as the blurb is above - as if he's having a conversation with Sabine, even though he's not really talking to her. The uniqueness of the the writing, the content, the characters, and plot kept me engaged and interested. I found the entire novella intriguing. I will definitely seek more books out by Karpov Kinrade.

I was provided a copy of this novella to read.

My Rating:

Grab your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Btp0H0
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/theBlackRosee
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2TNDIYp
Nook: https://bit.ly/3k54QN2
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3ALDUrE

Add The Black Rose to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jZjS78

About Karpov Kinrade:

Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife entertainment duo Lux and Dmytry Karpov-Kinrade, aka The KK Duo.
Together, they write award-winning, internationally and USAT bestselling books, make music, create art, write screenplays and direct -- all the things.
Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Vampire Girl series, The Nightfall Chronicles and The Forbidden Trilogy. If you’re looking for their suspense and romance titles, you’ll find those under Alex Lux.
Check out their music by clicking on the Music tab.
They live in wine country California with their three offspring who have crazy creative genius oozing out of them in the form of music, art, performance, and all the things, and too many cats who all think they rule the world (spoiler alert: they do).

Connect with Karpov
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bfhDs7
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pM56A2
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2LeuEqG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/352YYM5
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3nh1k0h
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2X7jtmi
Website: https://karpovkinrade.com/

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ Chantara's Song: Children of Chaos Series by E.S. McMillan @Starlight_McMil~ YA Supernatural, Coming of Age

 

Chantara's Song

Children of Chaos Series

by E.S. McMillan

Genre: YA Supernatural, Coming of Age

Who said fate has the final word?

Born to sit on the throne and reign, Chantara is not your typical siren. With the voice of an angel and the kiss of death, she is poised to be the deadliest siren this world has ever seen.

Taught the ways of the ocean by her older sisters and equipped with a predestined plan of attack, Chantara is ready to claim her crown on her sixteenth birthday.

Will Chantara fulfill her destiny or will love intervene?

Add to Goodreads * Purchase from Amazon

E.S. McMillan is a self-proclaimed Superhero. She is a mom to 4 amazing boys. Married to one of her best friends and has plans to take the world by storm.

E.S. was born in California, raised in New York, and now resides in Connecticut.

E.S. is a lover of the written word and cannot remember a time when there was not a book in her hand or an open notebook waiting to be filled with her stories.

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