Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for September 2024

Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month
It’s that time of the month again, time for “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of speculative fiction by indie and small press authors newly published this month, though some August books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Once again, we have new releases covering the whole broad spectrum of speculative fiction. This month, we have urban fantasy, epic fantasy, historical fantasy, YA fantasy, paranormal mysteries, science fantasy, space opera, military science fiction, science fiction horror, undead marines, space dragons, intergalactic royalty, crime-busting witches and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Speculative Fiction Showcase, a group blog run by Jessica Rydill and myself, which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things speculative fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

The Great and the Small by A.T. BalsaraThe Great and the Small by A.T. Balsara:

Ananda is a troubled teen who feels like a misfit at home and at her new school, and her unusual ability to connect with animals makes her feel like even more of an outsider. Still raw from the death of her grandmother, Ananda’s dreams are haunted by a long-buried memory that causes her to push people away.

Fin is a Tunnel rat who lives in the passages beneath the city, in the dark places humans overlook or despise. Orphaned as a pup, he is the nephew of the Tunnel’s charismatic leader, the Beloved Chairman, and is willing to do anything to please his uncle, including becoming his lead henchman.

The worlds of humans and rats suddenly collide when Ananda protects Fin during a chance encounter in the market. Neither can foresee how their lives will forever be inextricably linked, but as the Chairman launches a plague war against the humans, both Fin and Ananda wrestle with secrets so terrible that they threaten their very existence.

Told as mirroring narratives that reverberate with the effects of buried trauma, and informed by historical accounts of plague and dictatorship, this stunning tale examines what it takes to grasp for light in the darkness and survive the threats both beyond us and within us.

Undead Marine: Mission Creep by Jonathan P. Brazee and J.N. ChaneyUndead Marine: Mission Creep by Jonathan P. Brazee and J.B. Chaney:

As more and more special operators are resurrected with their mycelia and joining the Undead, the powers that be begin to “borrow” the Marines for missions beyond their stated scope.

Particularly galling to Sergeant Paxton Alejo is when they’re assigned a mission against supposed human traitors, especially when the reek of politics belies the integrity of the missions.

He might be uneasy, but all of this is above his paygrade, so Pax marches on, doing his duty.

There are continuing rumors of “androids” in the press that seems to focus on the Undead, so the Marines in the brigade are surprised when they’re tasked to train Internal Security Agency operators to conduct joint military ops. The ISA’s mission is to ferret out internal threats to the League of Humanity.

How can the Undead maintain their secrecy while working so closely with them?

Meanwhile, there’s that small issue of a galaxy wide war with the alien Tucanans, and the Tucs seem to be closing the net around the Undead.

All Hell breaks loose when the enemy strikes, and the Undead, along with the still untrained ISA operators, have no live ammunition to fight back with.

As the Tucanans close in on them, loss feels inevitable. The Undead experiment could be over, and all of Humanity could follow and shatter.

But a Marine never gives up.

Especially a dead one.

Of Sands and Tides: The Chronicles of Captain Georgianna Forsythe by Jan EdwardsOf Sands and Tides: The Chronicles of Captain Georgianna Forsythe by Jan Edwards:

When the old god Nyarlathotep lures Captain ‘Georgi’ Forsythe – special agent for the Ministry of the Arcane — to the Valley of the Kings, the battle for her place in this world begins. Eight thrilling adventures packed into one volume, taking us from ancient Luxor to the Loch Ness of 1932. Conflicting pantheons of myth and legend plunge Captain Georgi into cosmic battles beyond wildest imagining. Will she remain a force for good or be lured into the world of chaos? The choice is hers!

 

The Salted Sceptre by Helen HarperThe Salted Sceptre by Helen Harper:

All my dreams are coming true. But some nightmares continue to lurk in the shadows.

I should be celebrating. Hell, I should be the happiest elf in the world. Unfortunately, I can’t revel in my successes when there’s a foul fiend who is relentlessly trying to lure me to his side. He won’t leave me in peace and he seems determined to plunge the country into chaos to get what he wants, using bloodshed, fear and malevolent magic.

Still, I’m no stranger to stubbornness. If I can turn the tables and become the hunter instead of the hunted, I might have a chance. The odds are stacked against me but I’m not alone in this fight – and I refuse to be anyone’s puppet.

Hocus Focus by Lily Harper HartHocus Focus by Lily Harper Hart:

A day at the beach turns into potential tragedy when Quinn and Rowan Gray-Davenport witness a boat going down in the cove. A quick swim helps them save a father, twin girls, and a set of pouty grandparents, but then things take a turn.

Rowan’s daughter Lana shows the family photos of the rescue later, and everybody they just saved has a death omen hanging over them. Save for one person, the grandmother. That means that death isn’t done with the family, and it’s up to Rowan and her merry band of paranormal hunters to find the answers necessary to save everybody involved.

It seems this isn’t the first time tragedy has befallen the family. The twins’ mother disappeared months before, abandoning her family and leaving a messy situation behind. As Rowan begins to dig, she realizes there might be more to the story than she ever imagined.

The victims have a lot of money—and it’s old money, so they’re insulated from scandal—but it appears something in their past is threatening their future.

It’s going to take everybody working together to save them. And even then, some ghosts don’t die. They can never be forgotten either.

It’s a race to the finish. Who will be left standing?

Hero's Legacy by Fred HughesHero’s Legacy by Fred Hughes:

Emperor Hazard is Dead!

When the Teddy Bears ambush the ship carrying Emperor Hazard to a peace conference in the Zenkarr system, Britannia once again finds itself at war.

The Teddy Bears have a plan, but Gathii Kong, now in command of the Imperial Force, doesn’t take the bait. He follows Hazard’s last order to fight smart and foils the Zenkarr Intelligence Minister’s plan to destroy Britannia’s fleet by not charging deeper into the system. But now Kong has the lion by the tail—he can’t follow the enemy fleet into the gravity well, nor can he let them out to terrorize the nearby systems.

Back at Brittania, nine-year-old Edward becomes emperor, with his mother Hiroko acting as empress regent, and what’s left of Team Hazard rallies to support the wife and son of their friend. With the empire at a crossroads, Hiroko orders Julie Adams to the front with simple orders: end the Zenkarr problem. While Julie agrees to the mission, she wonders if she can complete it. To do so, she’ll have to live up to the Hero’s Legacy.

Mist and Dawn by Patty JansenMist & Dawn by Patty Jansen:

A fisherwoman finds a dead man on a tiny offshore island, with no clue about how the man got there.

A camel driver deep in the northern desert rescues a man who speaks no known language, but is clearly well-educated.

An ancient sect that was considered close to extinct sucks in all the land’s young people and creates tension that may well lead to a civil war.

And the old astrologer to the court, a weaselly and much-maligned relic of old times, might have hidden, for twenty years, evidence that those things are connected.

An epic saga of magic-turned-technology, power and discovery.

Two Birds, One Crone by Amanda M. LeeTwo Birds, One Crone by Amanda M. Lee:

Scout Randall thought she had things well in hand. Then a loa landed in her lap and life exploded.

Baron Samedi does what he wants, when he wants. Right now he wants to learn as much as he can about the new pixie apex…and the lamia apex who is gunning for her. He doesn’t care who he annoys as he gathers his information.

Scout’s plan is to ignore him—after all, she has ghouls and random fires to deal with and he’s up to mischief one town over—but it becomes apparent quickly that the loa is in town for more than just a spying mission.

It seems Bonnie is no longer in danger of dying. She’s mastered her new reality and now she has a plan. If she can’t stop the inevitable big battle, she’s going to figure out a way to remove Scout from the equation altogether. If that happens, not only will Scout be gone, but nobody will remember her.

Scout wants to win but is she ready for the sort of battle that requires the ultimate sacrifice? She’s about to find out.
And it’s not going to be pretty.

The Old Guard by Glyn StewartThe Old Guard by Glyn Stewart:

At the heart of humanity
At the beginning of everything
Hope can be born… or destroyed

For months, Princess Lorraine Adamant has fled from star system to star system in a desperate attempt to evade the minions of her uncle, the man who murdered her entire family to seize power in the Star Kingdom of Adamant.

Thanks to the crew of her ship and her loyal bodyguard, Vigo Jarret, Lorraine has finally reached her goal: the homeworld, Earth. There, she plans to lay her case before the United Worlds, the oldest and greatest of humanity’s nations.

But to an ancient democracy, the trials of an obscure kingdom are hardly relevant. Lorraine must turn her mind from war to diplomacy, to convince the homeworld to honor its oaths and save her Kingdom.

One way… or another.

Dragon Guardian by James David VictorDragon Guardian by James David Victor:

A Science Fiction adventure with aliens, an all-powerful galactic empire, and space dragons from #1 Bestselling author James David Victor.

Dragon Guardian is the sixth book in the Star Dragon series. If you like incredible stories that are part space opera, part military sci-fi adventure, and full of non-stop action, be sure to check out the Star Dragon series today. Oh, and don’t forget about the space dragons.

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for September 2024


Welcome to the latest edition of “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of crime fiction by indie authors newly published this month, though some August books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Our new releases cover the broad spectrum of crime fiction. We have cozy mysteries, humourous mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, psychological thrillers, legal thrillers, adventure thrillers, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, lawyers, arson, voodoo, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting podcasters, murder and mayhem in Florida, Paris, various small towns and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Crime Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Indie Crime Scene, a group blog which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things crime fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

The Happy Housekeeper's Guide to Murder by Blythe BakerThe Happy Housekeeper’s Guide To Secrets by Blythe Baker:

When a blackmailer turns up dead, Barbara’s past finally catches up to her. Forced to search for the real killer in order to clear her own name, Barbara will have to confront secrets she had hoped to keep buried.

But can she regain the trust of those she has betrayed in time to keep the murderer from committing another crime?

 

Her Last Breath by Stacy ClaflinHer Last Breath by Stacy Claflin:

I thought I was chasing a mystery. Instead, I walked into a nightmare.

As a true crime podcaster, moving into the notorious “murder house” felt like the ultimate scoop. I returned to my quiet hometown, desperate for answers and a story that could launch my career. My goal? To uncover the truth behind the brutal death of Caroline, a young wife. But each new clue drags me deeper into a deadly web of secrets this town is desperate to keep hidden.

A missing locket. Hostile neighbors. Whispers of a sinister cult.

The more I dig, the more I realize the nightmare isn’t just about Caroline—it’s personal. My sister’s past is tangled in this dark mystery, and someone is watching my every step. As I navigate treacherous lies and unexpected allies, I can’t shake the feeling that someone close to me knows more than they’re letting on.

Now, with danger closing in, I have to decide: how far will I go for the truth? Because in this town, asking questions could lead to my last breath.

Her Last Breath is the first book in a spine-tingling, unputdownable psychological thriller trilogy that will keep you guessing until the very end.

A Parisian Murder by Colette ClarkA Parisian Murder by Colette Clark:

What is a little murder among old friends?

Paris 1926

Penelope “Pen” Banks and friends have made it to Paris. Unfortunately, things begin to dim in the City of Lights after meeting the first of her fiancé’s friends from the Great War. The brash and bold Freddy Caraway is intent on writing a novel based on the experiences of all his old friends—including Penelope’s fiancé, Richard!

But Richard isn’t the only one with secrets he’d rather not have come to light….

When Freddy is found murdered Richard is promptly taken into custody by the police, having been the last one seen with him. Now, it’s up to Penelope and friends to discover everyone’s secrets—including Richard’s—to determine which was scandalous enough to kill for.

House Guests by Mike FaricyHouse Guests by Mike Faricy:

Dev Haskell attends the funeral of a childhood friend and meets her adult children. Her son works for the DEA. Dev investigates a murder and comes across a rather mysterious individual named Boris Bacon. What little information he can find is not encouraging. It turns out the DEA is also investigating Bacon. Dev searches former addresses, which does nothing to improve his assessment of Bacon. Eventually he meets a woman who had a brief affair with Bacon and is frightened that he may return and force his way into her home. Ever the gentleman, Dev offers her his guest room until Bacon is arrested. She accepts and in the process brings another woman into the picture who has Bacon moving into the unit across the hall from her. Suddenly Dev has two House Guests and some serious pressure to help the DEA find Boris Bacon and get him off the street. A great adventure with a lot of laughs, check it out!

Hocus Focus by Lily Harper HartHocus Focus by Lily Harper Hart:

A day at the beach turns into potential tragedy when Quinn and Rowan Gray-Davenport witness a boat going down in the cove. A quick swim helps them save a father, twin girls, and a set of pouty grandparents, but then things take a turn.

Rowan’s daughter Lana shows the family photos of the rescue later, and everybody they just saved has a death omen hanging over them. Save for one person, the grandmother. That means that death isn’t done with the family, and it’s up to Rowan and her merry band of paranormal hunters to find the answers necessary to save everybody involved.

It seems this isn’t the first time tragedy has befallen the family. The twins’ mother disappeared months before, abandoning her family and leaving a messy situation behind. As Rowan begins to dig, she realizes there might be more to the story than she ever imagined.

The victims have a lot of money—and it’s old money, so they’re insulated from scandal—but it appears something in their past is threatening their future.

It’s going to take everybody working together to save them. And even then, some ghosts don’t die. They can never be forgotten either.

It’s a race to the finish. Who will be left standing?

Deadly Defense by Robin JamesDeadly Defense by Robin James:

A savage killing…
A victim every cop in town wants to avenge…
A shocking confession by an accused with no remorse…
A case no other lawyer would dare touch…

Someone didn’t just want Megan Lewis dead. They wanted her obliterated. Even the most seasoned crime scene analysts were haunted by what they found. When Megan’s married ex-boyfriend admits to the murder, her family may at least get the mercy of swift justice.

Defense attorney Cass Leary has every reason to steer clear of this case. Her client, Reed Karl might just be the most hated man in town. But one look at the police report and Cass knows something doesn’t add up. And when Reed’s wife and young daughter beg her to help him, she can’t find the heart to say no.

With the odds stacked against her, Cass is all in on a murder trial that threatens to ruin her career and cost her the one person she can’t live without. But only Cass knows there’s another, more vulnerable victim’s life at stake. If she walks away now, she’ll have blood on her hands she can never wash clean.

Sometimes, small-town justice comes with a price too high for even Cass Leary to pay.

Two Birds, One Crone by Amanda M. LeeTwo Birds, One Crone by Amanda M. Lee:

Scout Randall thought she had things well in hand. Then a loa landed in her lap and life exploded.

Baron Samedi does what he wants, when he wants. Right now he wants to learn as much as he can about the new pixie apex…and the lamia apex who is gunning for her. He doesn’t care who he annoys as he gathers his information.

Scout’s plan is to ignore him—after all, she has ghouls and random fires to deal with and he’s up to mischief one town over—but it becomes apparent quickly that the loa is in town for more than just a spying mission.

It seems Bonnie is no longer in danger of dying. She’s mastered her new reality and now she has a plan. If she can’t stop the inevitable big battle, she’s going to figure out a way to remove Scout from the equation altogether. If that happens, not only will Scout be gone, but nobody will remember her.

Scout wants to win but is she ready for the sort of battle that requires the ultimate sacrifice? She’s about to find out.
And it’s not going to be pretty.

The Girl and the Inmate by A.J. RiversThe Girl and the Inmate by A.J. Rivers:

Would you trust a felon?

FBI agent Emma Griffin has seen more than her fair share of bizarre and brutal cases.
While still recovering from the horrific experience with her stalker, Emma receives an unexpected call.

An escaped inmate, requesting her help…

A man that was last seen hovering over a bodyguard’s bloody body, then fleeing the crime scene in panic. With the search from him still ongoing, Emma continues to receive surprising calls.

It feels like a complicated game of telephone. Unfortunately, a simple misunderstanding leads to many deaths.

This is a case of many twists and turns, and there’s one person whom you should never trust…
Ring. Ring.

Cruel Sentence by Michael StaggCruel Sentence by Michael Stagg:

Nate Shepherd’s next case sends him north to defend a teenager accused of arson and murder. If the kid started the fire, it’s murder, even if he didn’t mean to hurt anyone.

He started the fire.

Nate Shepherd’s client didn’t intend to kill anyone. That doesn’t matter.

After an old friend recruits him, Nate Shepherd heads north to defend a teenager charged with igniting a blaze that killed a toddler and a firefighter. When he arrives, Nate finds a neglected case and a looming trial date for double murder.

As he scrambles to discover what happened, Nate is resisted by a stonewalling prosecutor and a grieving town, each bent on punishing his client. Worse, every fact Nate uncovers confirms that his client started the tragic Mission Road Fire.

As trial approaches, Nate finds nothing but hatred for his client and growing anger toward him. Facing naked hostility and escalating violence, Nate must go to trial in a town that’s become a tinderbox. And without a defense, Nate’s teenaged client faces life in prison for a crime he didn’t mean to commit.

Apalach Affair by Wayne StinnettApalach Affair by Wayne Stinnett:

Jesse McDermitt is back, just as he promised. This time, he is thrust into the heart of the Florida Panhandle’s Tate’s Hell State Forest, where the tranquil surroundings belie a dangerous secret—a network of clandestine meth labs hidden against the backdrop of the Forgotten Coast’s natural beauty.

Jesse, a retired Marine turned charter boat captain, has brought his family to Apalachicola “for the oysters.” But being who he is, the leisurely cruise soon spins into a gripping quest to unravel the truth behind the illicit operations threatening the region.

As rumors swirl around the waterfront, Jesse is propelled into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, navigating through a maze of secrets and deception to expose the sinister forces at play.

With his trademark blend of resourcefulness and determination, Jesse uncovers a web of intrigue that threatens to tear apart the fabric of the tight-knit community.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for August 2024

Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month
It’s that time of the month again, time for “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of speculative fiction by indie and small press authors newly published this month, though some July books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Once again, we have new releases covering the whole broad spectrum of speculative fiction. This month, we have urban fantasy, epic fantasy, paranormal mysteries, fantasy romance, space opera, military science fiction,  technothrillers, dragons, lamia, AI girlfriends, space marines, intergalactic royalty, crime-busting witches and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Speculative Fiction Showcase, a group blog run by Jessica Rydill and myself, which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things speculative fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

Legacy Marines by Jonathan P. BrazeeLegacy Marines by Jonathan P. Brazee:

A Legacy among the stars. The children of tomorrow.

Esther and Noah Lysander are the twin children of General Ryck Lysander, Commandant of the Federation Marine Corps, leader of the Evolution, and Chairman of the Federation.

When they are told that their father and mother have been assassinated, they are both devastated. Cut adrift, they each decide to enlist in the Corps, but for different reasons.

Esther feels it is her duty to carry on the family legacy, confident that she can excel and reach the top. Noah simply wants to earn his father’s pride, even if it’s too late.

As children of General Lysander, they are not “normal” recruits.

To Steal the Sun by Melanie CellierTo Steal the Sun by Melanie Cellier:

Gwen has discovered both the love she once lost and her courage. But her greatest challenge still lies before her. She has chosen to fight for her people and that means standing against the mountain queen and all the fears of her childhood.

Charlotte is ready to risk everything to save her husband and reverse the consequences of her mistakes. But freeing Henry means getting entangled in the mountain kingdom’s fight for freedom and that fight might take the one thing Charlotte isn’t willing to give.

Once again, the two girls must rely on each other if they hope to save the men they love and emerge unscathed from the evil that lies at the heart of the castle east of the sun and west of the moon.

If you enjoy clean romance, adventure, intrigue, found families, and friendship, then try the Four Kingdoms duology now which retells one classic fairy tale across two books!

The Alternate Girlfriend by Declan ConnerThe Alternate Girlfriend by Declan Conner:

Deceit is the oldest sin as Doug Carter will discover

Doug Carter’s brilliant mind and sheltered upbringing have led him to a life of isolation. But when asked to beta test an AI pen pal site, he sees it as the perfect solution – an AI construct that can’t cheat on him and fulfills his desire for a loyal lifetime partner. Creating a pen pal in the image of his ex-girlfriend, Doug’s reality becomes blurred as the trial takes a dangerous turn. And when those with a connection to him start dying in mysterious circumstances, all signs point to Doug as the culprit.

As he races against time to uncover the truth, Doug realizes that his isolation may have been his worst mistake yet. With childhood enemies resurfacing and his own past coming back to haunt him, he must confront the deceit that has been lurking in the shadows all along.

The Price of Godhood by Chris FoxThe Price of Godhood by Chris Fox:

Things have never look so bleak. Saghir is on the run from the Avatar of Xakava, a city-sized demon that has already crippled the Spider-Mountain itself.

Calmora is besieged by Totarius’s endless legions, and more defenders fall daily. Li’s only hope is marrying Lord Indra to seal the Celestial Mountain. She must sacrifice our future together to ensure the survival of her people.

As for me? All I have to do is kill the eldest demon prince, my older and stronger brother, knowing that if he wounds me even slightly I will die. His wounds always kill.

If I survive I somehow must wed the flame, whatever that means, then walk through the Maw itself to become anointed by the cycle. Prophecy demands my death. Totarius seeks to ensure it.

Very well. I will face fate on my feet, and somehow, I will triumph.

Taming of the Brew by Lily Harper hartTaming of the Brew by Lily Harper Hart:

Life in the French Quarter is quiet…which is exactly how Ofeila Archer likes it. She’s making plans for Christmas, trying not to fixate on the fact that her mother is picking up trash as part of her community service, and otherwise just lazing about.

Then life takes a turn, as it so often does in New Orleans, and her mother calls with a problem. It seems she’s found a body.

Ofelia and her fiancé Zach Sully race to Bywater and are shocked to find that Ofelia knew the victim. She went to school with him, and at one time, he was close friends with her brother Felix.

When Ofelia and Sully start digging, they find that the victim was into some shady stuff, including aligning himself with the sort of voodoo queens who don’t have the city’s best interests at heart.

That’s bad enough, but when the victim rises of his own volition in the morgue and lets himself out of the refrigerator, things get downright crazy.
Somebody is keeping a secret…and it’s a big one. Ofelia’s biggest problem is that she doesn’t know who it is. She’s determined to find out, though.

Christmas is close and Ofelia wants a happy holiday. She’s going to have to fight like spell to get it.

Even then, it might not be enough.

Prince Imperator by Fred HughesPrince Imperator by Fred Hughes:

Hazard had promised his mother that he would return and accept the crown. He just needed one last trip to the front to re-organize the Sol Fleet, then he would return home to rule. When he arrived, though, he found himself in the middle of a battle.

The fleet and empire no longer needed him at the front as a warrior; instead, they needed a diplomat. If Earth was to survive, Hazard would need to deal with a host of new alien races, and as emperor, only Hazard could do that. But, of course, he’d do it with a powerful fleet at his back.

There can only be one possible path to peace in this region of space, though. Hazard would need to confront the Zenkarr, the area’s dominant race. Nicknamed the teddy bears by the fleet, there was only one way to deal with them—head on and carrying a big stick. It was diplomacy Hazard could get behind, but will he be able to create a lasting peace, or are the teddy bears not quite as nice as they seem?

Reparation by Patty JansenReparation by Patty Jansen:

After many years in space, Jonathan receives the message he’s been dreading: his father has taken a fall. He can no longer live by himself and Jonathan’s cousin has managed to get him into a care home.

Jonathan is an only child, he is no longer in contact with his mother, and a deep sense of guilt forces him to return to Earth to look after his father’s wellbeing.

Except his father has a secret. He’s in poor health and rather confused, so Jonathan finds it hard to get to the bottom of it.

It’s not like he has a lot of time, since he has to look for a job, a task which is proving surprisingly hard.

No one wants scientists, especially not if they’ve worked in space. But his father’s secret shows how important it is to keep the work going. Not that governments will listen.

Freaky Ways by Amanda M. LeeFreaky Ways by Amanda M. Lee:

The honeymoon is over for Poet and Kade. After a blissful week off from the day-to-day grind of the circus—where the only problem they had to deal with was the weird snake that appeared on the front porch of their cabin—the newlyweds are back with their friends in Phoenix.

And nothing will ever be the same again.

Phoenix is a city run by a slither of lamia, and even though Raven tries to maintain her distance from them each year when the circus rolls around, that’s not really an option this time. The slither is now being run by her father and brother…and they have a favor to ask of their long-estranged daughter and sister.

It seems the slither is cursed. Not only can they not procreate, but it also appears they’re constantly being attacked by mummies that only have destruction on their minds.

Lamia have been around for thousands of years and yet they’re in danger of dying out…forever. Only Poet and crew can help them. But is that what’s in Raven’s best interests?

Raven has made a point to keep her family secrets…well, secret. Now she has a decision to make. She either has to help Poet save her people, or say goodbye to the past that continuously haunts her.

What decision will she make? And when the enemy becomes clear, who will have the strength to fight them?

The battle lines are about to be drawn.

All Out of Flux by Nazri NoorAll Out of Flux by Nazri Noor:

Time is running out.

Leon Alcantara and Max Drake are finding help in the most unlikely of places. A third dragon has manifested, promising Leon untold elemental power. Another specter from Max’s past returns to haunt him, presenting a tempting offer.

But everything comes with a price.

Perhaps the risk is worth the reward. More anomalies are erupting across Dos Lunas. The boys need all the help they can get against the rogue time mage responsible. The Quartz Spider has finally shown his hand, and only Max and Leon can stop him.

But how can they stop the enemy when the enemy is time itself?

Rawlins' redemption by John J. SpearmanRawlins’ Redemption by John J. Spearman:

The Union is gone. Interstellar travel is no longer safe. Enter ex-Union Navy Officer Cliff Rawlins.

More than four years after being wrongfully stripped of his rank and decorations in a court-martial stacked against him, ex-Union Navy Officer Cliff Rawlins suddenly finds himself a free man.

The galaxy to which he returns, however, is changing.

The Union of Free Planets is on the verge of dissolving. Many of the shadowy political players working behind the scenes to end the Union are the same people who sent Cliff away. Yet, in the coming political upheaval, Cliff glimpses an opportunity.

For centuries, people have relied upon the Union Navy to act as the policeman of the shipping lanes. With the end of the Union will come the end of the navy. Interstellar commerce is about to become fraught with danger.

Cliff has a way to use his expertise to provide secure transport across interstellar space. A mercenary navy to defend settled space and get rich doing it. After all, he deserves it for what he went through.

But there are enemies old and new who want him to fail. And this time, they want him dead…

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for August 2024


Welcome to the latest edition of “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of crime fiction by indie authors newly published this month, though some July books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Our new releases cover the broad spectrum of crime fiction. We have cozy mysteries, small town mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, psychological thrillers, technothrillers, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, arson, missing brides, AI girlfriends, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting sisters, murder and mayhem in New Orleans, Virginia, Texas, Derry, Paris and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Crime Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Indie Crime Scene, a group blog which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things crime fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

A Murder in Paris by Mgda AlexanderA Murder in Paris by Magda Alexander:

A honeymoon in Paris. Idyllic days and nights. It couldn’t be more perfect. Until somebody dies.

October 1924. After their magical wedding, Kitty Worthington and her husband, Inspector Robert Crawford Sinclair, head to Paris for their honeymoon. Art museums, haute couture, French cuisine. Wondrous nights. It’s everything Kitty has always dreamed of and more. But then a body drops putting a damper on things.

At least this time, it’s a matter for the French police. There’s no need for Kitty and Robert to get involved. Things change, however, when a dear friend becomes the chief suspect, and she begs Kitty for help. Unable to walk away, she and Robert agree to investigate.

As they desperately search for clues, they discover a tortuous trail that leads from the Eiffel Tower to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Moulin Rouge. With time running out, the solution eludes them, until they realize the answer is to be found in the most macabre place of all, the Paris Catacombs.

Homecoming Queen by Chad BoudreauxHomecoming Queen by Chad Boudreaux

NO ONE EVER LEAVES MIRANDA TWICE.

Anika Raven faces the challenge of a lifetime. She must rescue her little sister from a neglectful family as the hurricane of a century barrels toward her hometown of Miranda, Texas. Time is of the essence, but the deadly storm is not her biggest problem.

Once Miranda High School’s beloved homecoming queen, Anika now possesses a dark secret that must remain hidden. Unable to outrun the shadows of her past, and terrified to confront the demons of her future, she finds herself running from the law.

Concealing a dark secret of its own, the town of Miranda’s corruption permeates every aspect of society. Each time Anika catches a break, a scheming mayor and powerful political forces deliver her another life-threatening setback.

Drowning Silence by Stacy ClaflinDrowning Silence by Stacy Claflin:

Regina Brannon’s unexpected return from prison—wheelchair-bound and seemingly helpless—flips her family’s world upside down.

Struggling to protect her pregnant self and adopted niece, Kenzi suspects her mother’s paralysis is a ruse. As eerie events unfold in their old mansion, the arrival of Ryker, a man claiming to be a long-lost Brannon, further complicates matters. Caught between her husband’s suspicions and her brother’s sympathy, Kenzi finds herself entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties.

As the line between truth and deception blurs, Kenzi must unravel the mystery before it’s too late. Is Regina truly helpless, or is she orchestrating a sinister plan that could shatter their fragile family forever?

The Alternate Girlfriend by Declan ConnerThe Alternate Girlfriend by Declan Conner:

Deceit is the oldest sin as Doug Carter will discover

Doug Carter’s brilliant mind and sheltered upbringing have led him to a life of isolation. But when asked to beta test an AI pen pal site, he sees it as the perfect solution – an AI construct that can’t cheat on him and fulfills his desire for a loyal lifetime partner. Creating a pen pal in the image of his ex-girlfriend, Doug’s reality becomes blurred as the trial takes a dangerous turn. And when those with a connection to him start dying in mysterious circumstances, all signs point to Doug as the culprit.

As he races against time to uncover the truth, Doug realizes that his isolation may have been his worst mistake yet. With childhood enemies resurfacing and his own past coming back to haunt him, he must confront the deceit that has been lurking in the shadows all along.

Fatal Lies by Elle Gray and K.S. GrayFatal Lies by Elle and K.S. Gray:

There are 5 hostages being kept in the small town of St. Michael’s. FBI agent Olivia Knight and her partner Brock must now race against the ticking clock to save the hostages and each other from the Gamemaster’s fatal plans.

After surviving a plane crash and an island full of deadly traps, it seems there is nothing that Olivia and Brock can’t overcome. But once the Gamemaster’s grand finale is revealed, Olivia and Brock are sent to a town on the outskirts of the U.S. Capital. There they must decipher cryptic clues to find the captive before time runs out. And the Gamemaster has many plans in place to ensure there are no survivors.

It appears they are just narrowly missing a landmine to collide into a missile.
Come one and come all, the final showdown has just begun…

Maid of Honor by Elle Gray and K.S. GrayMaid of Honor by Elle Gray and K.S. Gray:

PI Bridget “Birdie” Hartley is not your ordinary girl next door. She’s brave, bold, witty, and a force to be reckoned with. Known as Serenity Springs’ town sleuth, she has solved her fair share of mysteries. Besides solving crime, Birdie lived a seemingly normal life. Until the unfathomable landed on her doorstep…

Life in the little town of Serenity Springs had a certain cadence of predictability. Until the sudden disappearance of Birdie’s pregnant sister.
With desperation, despair, and a sense of doom hitting Birdie in waves, she opts to fill her troubled mind with every potential lead. When the maid of honor from her sister’s wedding goes missing as well, Birdie believes the two cases are connected.

Three Times a Killer by Gerald HansenThree Times a Killer by Gerald Hansen:

DI Liam McLaughlin and DS Nancy D’Arcy are seasoned pros, but even their skills are stretched when a battered body turns up in an alley across from the hair salon. Declan Hoagett was a seemingly harmless wino who spent his days hanging out on the street corner where the bank used to be. He rarely asked for handouts, though occasionally burst into song. Nobody would kill him for that, would they?

More baffling, why does Hoagett seem to have been killed three different ways? Are they looking for three perps? One? Two? It’s up to McLaughlin, D’Arcy and those from the Major Investigation Team to solve their most heartless homicide yet.

The third in the NUMBER ONE bestselling Derry Murder Mysteries, Three Times A Killer is another gripping, gritty mystery thriller with jaw-dropping twists and a touch of Gerald Hansen’s signature dark humor.

Taming of the Brew by Lily Harper hartTaming of the Brew by Lily Harper Hart:

Life in the French Quarter is quiet…which is exactly how Ofeila Archer likes it. She’s making plans for Christmas, trying not to fixate on the fact that her mother is picking up trash as part of her community service, and otherwise just lazing about.

Then life takes a turn, as it so often does in New Orleans, and her mother calls with a problem. It seems she’s found a body.

Ofelia and her fiancé Zach Sully race to Bywater and are shocked to find that Ofelia knew the victim. She went to school with him, and at one time, he was close friends with her brother Felix.

When Ofelia and Sully start digging, they find that the victim was into some shady stuff, including aligning himself with the sort of voodoo queens who don’t have the city’s best interests at heart.

That’s bad enough, but when the victim rises of his own volition in the morgue and lets himself out of the refrigerator, things get downright crazy.
Somebody is keeping a secret…and it’s a big one. Ofelia’s biggest problem is that she doesn’t know who it is. She’s determined to find out, though.

Christmas is close and Ofelia wants a happy holiday. She’s going to have to fight like spell to get it.

Even then, it might not be enough.

Death by Dagger by Donna MuseDeath by Dagger by Donna Muse:

In the sleepy town of Raven’s Point, the annual ball at the opulent Park Mansion is the highlight of the year—a night of pure fantasy. This year, the Regency masquerade theme adds an extra layer of allure, and sisters Helen and Maybelle can hardly contain their excitement. Dressed in exquisite period costumes, they enter the grand estate, eager to glimpse the luxurious lives of the Park family, the town’s wealthiest residents.

But the glittering evening takes a dark turn when Jeffrey Park, the man controlling the family fortune, is brutally murdered during a sudden power outage. The once-celebratory atmosphere turns sinister, and every guest becomes a suspect. The town’s secrets begin to unravel, revealing motives buried beneath the surface.

Drawn into the investigation by the determined and appealing Detective Peter Nelson, Maybelle finds herself in a perilous game of cat and mouse. As they delve deeper, they realize the murder weapon is the key to solving the mystery, but it remains frustratingly elusive.

Playing with Fire by A.J. RiversPlaying with Fire by A.J. Rivers:

At a beloved local theme park, all has not been well. After an inexplicable fire ravaged the park, the community united to rebuild the attractions. The grand re-opening ceremony was filled with excitement and hope. But the laughter soon turned into screams.

PI Dean Steele has solved countless cases. Endured life’s many tragedies, including the murder of his first love. Just as he begins to piece his life back together and reconnect with his hidden son, he is called into a new, bewildering case.

The town is baffled by a series of unexpected fires and an unidentifiable burnt victim. As Dean searches for clues, he discovers that the town is teeming with suspects, each with their own motives.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for July 2024

Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month
It’s that time of the month again, time for “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of speculative fiction by indie and small press authors newly published this month, though some June books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Once again, we have new releases covering the whole broad spectrum of speculative fiction. This month, we have urban fantasy, epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, paranormal mysteries, fantasy romance, space opera, military science fiction,  horror, vampires, ghosts, gravediggers, undead marines, spaceships for rent, crime-busting witches and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Speculative Fiction Showcase, a group blog run by Jessica Rydill and myself, which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things speculative fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

Lake of Sorrow by Lindsay BurokerLake of Sorrow by Lindsay Buroker:

All Kaylina ever longed to do was open her own meadery and prove her worth to her family. She didn’t want to develop feelings for the haughty royal ranger, Lord Vlerion, and she definitely didn’t want to be accused of trying to poison the queen.

But a conniving competitor has framed her, and now the Kingdom Guard is hunting her down.

Vlerion wants to help, but a rebel faction has learned that he’s cursed to turn into a deadly beast when his emotions are aroused. They’re blaming numerous murders on him and demanding his death.

Caught in a city far more dangerous and chaotic than she expected, Kaylina must avoid capture while finding evidence to clear her name. If she can’t, she may lose Vlerion—and her own life.

Proof of Concept by J.N. Chaney and Jonathan P. BrazeeProof of Concept by J.N. Chaney and Jonathan P. Brazee:

The Undead have been blooded in combat. Now it’s time to prove their value.

The huge cost and effort to reanimate them must be worth it. With no rights of their own, their very existence depends upon their return on investment.

But as the Undead are finding their footing and discovering how to best fight the war with the Tucanan invaders, the aliens are not standing still. They are experimenting with their evolutionary past to create new ways to fight humanity’s military forces.

It’s become an arms race. Which species can stay ahead of the other? Which one can gain the advantage?

For every new innovation, there is a counter, and when the Undead’s secret base on Opal-3 is attacked by the Tucanans, is that just a coincidence? Or is it an effort to wipe out the Undead Marines before they can establish themselves?

With pressure from the bean counters to prove their value on one side and the Tucanans’ invasion on the other, the Marines could be snuffed out before they ever really establish themselves as the premier fighting force of humanity.

Let Gravity seize the Dead by Darrin DoyleLet Gravity Seize the Dead by Darrin Doyle

In 2007, Beck Randall moves with his wife and teenage daughters into a long-abandoned cabin deep in the woods, built a century before by his grandparents. Once there, daughters Tina and Lucy discover that their predecessors have left an imprint of suffering and violence the girls refer to as “ The Whistler,” an eerie presence infused in the nature that surrounds them. As the 1907 and 2007 storylines braid together, characters and events intrude upon each other, blurring the boundaries between eras and illustrating that people and lives are not forgotten; instead, they are woven into the fabric of the land itself. With gritty, lyrical storytelling, Let Gravity Seize the Dead is an intergenerational literary horror story featuring a blend of suspense, beauty, and terror.

Starship for Rent 5 by M.R. ForbesStarship for Rent 5 by M.R. Forbes:

Noah, Ben, and the rest of the crew have done the impossible—defied the Warden and lived to tell the tale.

But for how long?

Faced with the Warden’s retribution, they’ll have to put all their combined skills and teamwork to the ultimate test to survive. And even if they make it through the gauntlet in one piece, their reward is hardly a reward at all…

A showdown with the Warden for the fate of the galaxy.

Times Never Change by John R. FultzTimes Never Change by John R. Fultz:

Long ago Lord Huto abandoned the City of Masters to live as a hermit atop a nameless mountain. Casting aside his royal lineage, he also abandoned his mastery of sorcery, leaving his brother to rule as Emperor of Yhorom. Yet Huto could not abandon the Thousand Year Bond that extends his natural life by ten centuries. Now, some 350 years later, an emissary from the great city brings news that Huto’s brother has been murdered. The chief suspect for this crime is the Emperor’s own wife, whose sorcery rivalled that of her husband. Huto doesn’t give a damn about politics, but he comes down from his lonely mountain for one reason: to expose and destroy his brother’s killer. However, it’s a long way back to Yhorom, and dark forces conspire to ensure that the hermit-prince never makes it home alive.

When rampaging soldiers destroy a small northern village, Umi loses her mother and her people in a single day. She flees into the depths of the Mossback Forest, where dangers and wonders abound. Adopted by a pack of wild forest spirits, she learns the secrets of earth magic, as well as how to track and kill those who despoil the forest. One day she will leave behind the wilderness and its vengeful spirits to walk the Dragon Road, which carries her all the way to ancient Yhorom, where the Old Masters rule by the twin virtues of steel and sorcery.

The hermit prince and the daughter of spirits are destined to meet…but will it be as allies or enemies?

The answer to this question will change the course of history.

Witches Get Sitches by Lily Harper HartWitches Get Stitches by Lily Harper Hart:

Hali Waverly is in a holding pattern following hip surgery. She’s getting better, but she still has to be careful…especially living so close to the beach. Still, she thinks it’s safe enough to go out for dinner with her boyfriend Gray Hunter…right up until they’re swarmed by escaped prisoners.

Hali thinks everything is okay until one of the prisoners uses magic on Gray and forces him to attack Hali. She manages to snap him out of it, but Gray no longer trusts himself and Hali is left with a doubting boyfriend as well as a lot of unanswered questions.

Even though most of the prisoners are recovered right away, a few manage to evade capture, including the witch who hexed Gray. Things get worse when the witch approaches Hali with a deal: Help her prove her innocence and she won’t go after Gray again. Otherwise…Gray is going to be her target, and she isn’t shy about what she’s going to do to him.

Hali and Gray have to work together to make sure he’s not taken advantage of. With Hali not at a hundred percent, though, that’s easier said than done.

Not all witches are created equal. Hali is powerful, but what happens when she comes up against a type of magic she doesn’t know how to defeat?
She’s determined to protect Gray at all costs, even if she has to put herself on the line to do it.

Green Vampire by J.S. KennedyGreen Vampire by J.S. Kennedy:

Mackenzie thought she could finally breathe after escaping the Governments clutches—but fate has other plans.

After being held captive and tortured for months, Mackenzie is finally home. But her peace is shattered when Master Dagmar asks for her help. Children are still going missing, and the Task Force created to stop these abductions is hitting road bumps at every turn.

With her powerful mate by her side, she must track down the Rogue, a monster vampire crazed from drinking supernatural blood.

Their hunt leads them to the Warrens, the vampire city below GreenRiver. Where they delve deep into the world of the undead. Together, Lucan and Mackenzie must stop the Rogue before more young lives are lost.

With their relationship still forming, can Lucan and Mackenzie strengthen their bond enough to finally overcome their foe? Or will the trauma of the past be the catalyst that tears them apart?

All Witches on Deck by Amanda M. LeeAll Witches on Deck by Amanda M. Lee:

Hadley Hunter never saw herself as mayor of Moonstone Bay. Now she has the job, and it seems to be a whole lot of squabbling neighbors and missing foul-mouthed birds instead of the action and adventure she was expecting. All of that changes when a local worker for one of the hotels calls in to report seeing a child wandering in the road in the middle of nowhere. Both the woman and child are missing when units go looking.

Sheriff Galen Blackwood can’t find a record of a missing child. He can’t find a path to follow for the missing woman. All he can find is a spit of desert in the middle of the island and no way across.

Moonstone Bay has a lot of secrets. When Hadley starts digging on this one, she’s confused. How is it that nobody has any information on this specific bit of land? Why has nobody ever bothered to ask? Why is it that everybody just accepts the land can’t be crossed?

Hadley smells a conspiracy, and she may be right. The problem is, there’s nobody around to confirm or deny anything she believes.

That, of course, means her mind is running wild. She’s going to take all of her friends along for the ride, too, whether they want to be dragged into this mess or not.

Some secrets are kept for a reason. When this one blows up, they all might regret it…if they live that long that is.

Grave Misfortune by Nazri NoorGrave Misfortune by Nazri Noor:

Darkness sleeps beneath Barrowdeep.

War-weary mercenary Leoric has traded his sword for a shovel, burying the undead blight that plagues the little town of Barrowdeep. Now he fights for the living instead of against them.

Fae trickster Orphium travels from town to town, stealing human trinkets and memories through games of chance. He’s desperate to fill the hollow in his heart, but the hunger never goes away.

Barrowdeep is ripe for the picking, except the nosy local gravedigger keeps interfering. But when Leoric unearths an ancient fae artifact, Orphium knows he’ll stop at nothing to possess the powerful coin.

And the undead will stop at nothing to possess him.

Orphium and Leoric must fight the undead together before tensions and their shadowy pasts rise to the surface — and before an even darker evil awakens beneath Barrowdeep.

Wolfram Gamma by A.E. WilliamsWolfram Gamma by A.E. Williams:

Dr. Selina Norden, survivor of The Culling, has sworn to take revenge on the people responsible for the death of her family. A genetically superior mutant, she labors to produce an evolved form of homo sapiens, one that will ultimately mean the extinction of humanity. Letting nothing stand in her way, she enlists the aid of Artificial Intelligences and rogue scientists to reach her goal. But Fate strands her on a lunar base, with rabid Scavengers bent on killing them all. Will she win?

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for July 2024


Welcome to the latest edition of “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of crime fiction by indie authors newly published this month, though some June books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Our new releases cover the broad spectrum of crime fiction. We have cozy mysteries, small town mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1930s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, legal thrillers, medical thrillers, adventure thrillers, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, lawyers, missing children, prison breaks, the opioid crisis, deadly caves, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting cats, murder and mayhem in Boston, Philadelphia, Indiana, Louisiana, the Cayman Islands, the French Riviera and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Crime Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Indie Crime Scene, a group blog which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things crime fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

A Murder in Blue by Colette ClarkA Murder in Blue by Colette Clark:

First Class train travel never looked so deadly….

France 1926

Penelope “Pen” Banks and friends are finally headed to Paris aboard the famous Blue Train. No sooner has the train left the station than one of their group is accused of theft by another First Class passenger. The situation is quickly resolved thanks to the timely (yet rather suspicious) intervention of a fellow female passenger.

When the victim of the supposed theft is found dead later that evening, a surprising number of suspects are uncovered. There may have been more to the victim’s travel plans than a simple tryst along the French Riviera with his young female companion.

Unfortunately, the accusation of theft has Penelope’s friend Lulu accused as one of the suspects. Can Pen find the real culprit before the cuffs are placed when they reach the next station?

Side Effects are Minimal by Laura EssaySide Effects Are Minimal by Laura Essay:

When ambitious attorney Claire Hewitt is asked to represent the Satoris, one of Philadelphia’s most prominent families, in a lawsuit over the death of their daughter, she is thrust into an opioid nightmare with deadly impact—and not for the first time. Claire’s guilt for not saving her sister, Molly, has not subsided in the twenty years since Molly’s almost certainly opioid-related death. Now, with this new assignment, her guilt comes full circle. Who was really at fault in Molly’s death? And who is at fault now?

What begins as a quest for truth becomes infinitely more complicated as Claire struggles to balance her desire for justice with the Satoris’ thirst for revenge. She knows she needs to expose the greed that transforms legal opioid production into illicit fabrications and the neglect that is the breaking point between physicians and their patients. But there are powerful people who will seemingly stop at nothing to prevent these truths from seeing the light of day, and she is sabotaged at every turn. Can she push past the obstacles in her way to build a winning case?

Based on true events, Side Effects Are Minimal is about a corrupt pharmaceutical industry, the guilt of physicians prescribing the opioids that kill, and the pain experienced by families who’ve lost loved ones to an epidemic that has brought the United States to its knees.

Prison Break by Elle GrayPrison Break by Elle Gray:

Shootings, prison break, carjackings, and murders…
Just another Monday at Blake Wilder’s office.

With the dissolution of the Black Cell unit, it seems that the change that FBI agent Blake Wilder dreaded has been forced upon her.

Still reeling from the aftermath of the shakeup, Blake packs up and attempts to adjust to her new reality. Upon arrival at the new office, the team receives an alert about escaped convicts from a prison transport traveling from Indiana.

At the scene of the crime, the team finds one dead guard and a ton of bullet casings. Three inmates have escaped, and the rest of the prisoners in the transport have been rounded up. While searching for the missing convicts, the team follows a trail of car-jackings, murders, and full-blown chaos. What’s the connection between the prisoners and who were the masked men that helped them escape?

Deception, betrayal, murder, and full-blown mayhem.
It seems there’s simply no rest for the wicked.

The Girl in the Springs by Elle and K.S. GrayThe Girl in the Springs by Elle Gray and K.S. Gray:

Serenity Springs is a picturesque small town where everyone knows your name.
Well, that was the case until one phone call changed everything…

PI Bridget Hartley is obsessed with all things mystery. She even has a reputation for being Serenity’s go-to detective.

With the exception of small-town drama and the occasional crime, life in Serenity is serene. Until a call from panicked parents searching for missing teens sets off a chain of events that no one could have foreseen.

Could hormones and young love be the reasons for their abrupt disappearance?
While searching for the missing lovebirds, Bridget stumbles upon a string of bizarre and unfortunate events. Events with potential connections to other missing teen couples.

With odd circumstances surrounding all the disappearances, it seems breathtaking views and idyllic springs aren’t the only things Serenity is serving. As the dominoes that kept the town together begin to fall, Bridget finds her own life spiraling out of control.

Sometimes life hits you like a tsunami, and the only way to survive is to hold on for dear life.
Will the girl in the Springs discover what she’s truly made of and save the town?

Witches Get Sitches by Lily Harper HartWitches Get Stitches by Lily Harper Hart:

Hali Waverly is in a holding pattern following hip surgery. She’s getting better, but she still has to be careful…especially living so close to the beach. Still, she thinks it’s safe enough to go out for dinner with her boyfriend Gray Hunter…right up until they’re swarmed by escaped prisoners.

Hali thinks everything is okay until one of the prisoners uses magic on Gray and forces him to attack Hali. She manages to snap him out of it, but Gray no longer trusts himself and Hali is left with a doubting boyfriend as well as a lot of unanswered questions.

Even though most of the prisoners are recovered right away, a few manage to evade capture, including the witch who hexed Gray. Things get worse when the witch approaches Hali with a deal: Help her prove her innocence and she won’t go after Gray again. Otherwise…Gray is going to be her target, and she isn’t shy about what she’s going to do to him.

Hali and Gray have to work together to make sure he’s not taken advantage of. With Hali not at a hundred percent, though, that’s easier said than done.

Not all witches are created equal. Hali is powerful, but what happens when she comes up against a type of magic she doesn’t know how to defeat?
She’s determined to protect Gray at all costs, even if she has to put herself on the line to do it.

Spitfire Storm by Nicholas HarveySpitfire Storm by Nicholas Harvey:

A wild storm. A forgotten tragedy. A long hidden secret.

When a violent nor’wester hits Grand Cayman, a cargo ship is caught in the maelstrom, and several containers are lost to the ocean floor… unless AJ Bailey and Reg Moore can recover the precious contents belonging to Reg’s wife, Pearl.

Eighty years in the past, at the height of World War II, an Air Transport Auxiliary pilot ferrying planes to RAF airfields in the southern coast of England, becomes the victim of a bold lie in a story missing from the history books. In present day, AJ and Reg search the dangerous depths, unaware that the clues to the long silenced coverup are held in the clutches of one of the containers… along with a more modern and immediate peril.

Drama in the skies of war torn England and a hazardous salvage operation in the Caribbean Sea come crashing together in another action packed AJ Bailey adventure tale.

Nine Lies by CeeCee JamesNine Lies by CeeCee James:

A new love interest for Laura Lee leads to a mystery she never expected.

Laura Lee’s experience at Thornberry Manor revealed her adventurous nature, even if it had been dragged out of her rather reluctantly at times. But that’s okay, because one of those adventures introduced her to Billy, a local electrician. Little did she know that her latest love interest would lead her down a path filled with unexpected mystery.

Billy convinces Laura Lee to join him on an exploration, promising her an extraordinary adventure. She was excited to go, until she learned it involved a local cave. She hated caves. However, as the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back, so she tentatively agreed. Little did she know that this decision would plunge her into a web of danger and deception.

With each twist and turn, Laura’s determination to solve the mystery grew stronger. Mary, along with the rest of the secret book club were all determined to unravel the truth behind the cave’s dark history.

All Witches on Deck by Amanda M. LeeAll Witches on Deck by Amanda M. Lee:

Hadley Hunter never saw herself as mayor of Moonstone Bay. Now she has the job, and it seems to be a whole lot of squabbling neighbors and missing foul-mouthed birds instead of the action and adventure she was expecting. All of that changes when a local worker for one of the hotels calls in to report seeing a child wandering in the road in the middle of nowhere. Both the woman and child are missing when units go looking.

Sheriff Galen Blackwood can’t find a record of a missing child. He can’t find a path to follow for the missing woman. All he can find is a spit of desert in the middle of the island and no way across.

Moonstone Bay has a lot of secrets. When Hadley starts digging on this one, she’s confused. How is it that nobody has any information on this specific bit of land? Why has nobody ever bothered to ask? Why is it that everybody just accepts the land can’t be crossed?

Hadley smells a conspiracy, and she may be right. The problem is, there’s nobody around to confirm or deny anything she believes.

That, of course, means her mind is running wild. She’s going to take all of her friends along for the ride, too, whether they want to be dragged into this mess or not.

Some secrets are kept for a reason. When this one blows up, they all might regret it…if they live that long that is.

Broken Bayou by Jennifer MoorheadBroken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead:

In this debut thriller, a troubled child psychologist returns to a small Louisiana town to protect her secrets but winds up having to protect her life.

Dr. Willa Watters is a prominent child psychologist at the height of her career. But when a viral video of a disastrous television interview puts her reputation on the line, Willa retreats to Broken Bayou, the town where she spent most of her childhood summers. There she visits her aunts’ old house and discovers some of her unstable mother’s belongings still languishing in the attic?dusty mementos harboring secrets of her harrowing past.

Willa’s hopes for a respite are quickly crushed, not only by what she finds in that attic but also by what’s been found in the bayou.

With waters dropping due to drought, mysterious barrels containing human remains have surfaced, alongside something else from Willa’s past, something she never thought she’d see again. Divers, police, and media flood the area, including a news reporter gunning for Willa and Travis Arceneaux?a local deputy and old flame.

Willa’s fate seems eerily tied to the murders. And with no one to trust, she must use her wits to stay above water and make it out alive.

Death at King's Chapel by Lee StraussDeath at King’s Chapel by Lee Strauss

Death is so cryptic!

In 1932, Boston’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Haley Higgins is called to view bones at the crypt at King’s Chapel. Finding old bones in a crypt isn’t unusual, but finding new bones is! Together with her good friend and investigative journalist Samantha Hawke and in co-operation with the police, Haley works to unravel the mystery behind the lost soul abandoned in the crypt. Who was the victim and why was the body left in the crypt?

As the mystery unravels, it’s clear to Haley that they’re dealing with a sinister mind and a culprit who wouldn’t stop at killing again.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for June 2024

Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month
It’s that time of the month again, time for “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of speculative fiction by indie and small press authors newly published this month, though some June books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Once again, we have new releases covering the whole broad spectrum of speculative fiction. This month, we have urban fantasy, sword and sorcery, paranormal mysteries, fantasy mysteries, fantasy romance, science fantasy, space opera, military science fiction,  horror thrillers, vampires, clairvoyants, space marines, space mages, crime-busting witches, grim reapers, and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Speculative Fiction Showcase, a group blog run by Jessica Rydill and myself, which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things speculative fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

Steamed Punks by Jerry BoydSteamed Punks by Jerry Boyd

A truly strange derelict leads the crew to a planet that doesn’t quite make sense. Figuring it out takes time, and hard work. Fixing it takes even more. Come see how BSR deals with their latest adventure.

A truly strange derelict leads the crew to a planet that doesn’t quite make sense. Figuring it out takes time, and hard work. Fixing it takes even more. Come see how BSR deals with their latest adventure.

 

Commandant by Jonathan P. BrazeeCommandant by Jonathan P. Brazee:

Major General Lysander has spent 38 years of his life dedicated to the Corps and sworn to perform the duties assigned to him by the Federation.

In the process, he has become the most decorated Marine in its history.

During his career, he has been given missions that he privately questions, but as the ancient Tennyson quote goes, “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die.”

He has sworn an oath to obey, and he always upholds that oath to the best of his abilities.

Sworn oath or not, Ryck is faced with a situation that so horrifies him that he cannot accept it.

Can he just stand by and let it proceed, or will he become an oathbreaker and put not only his life, but more importantly, that of his family, his fellow Marines and sailors, and the citizens of the Federation in peril?

Latency by Chris CoppelLatency by Chris Coppel:

Up until now, the only monsters the LAPD had ever seen were of the human variety…

When two down-on-their-luck detectives are forced to work together on a series of cold cases, they slowly begin to uncover a common thread that may hold the key to solving some of their town’s grizzliest unsolved murders.

Little do they know that the same key will unlock secrets from a different dimension; one filled with monstrous creatures that should never be disturbed…

To Walk on Wolrds by Matthew JohnTo Walk on Worlds by Matthew John:

From the Burning Isle to the hellish depths of Zanzara, beyond the demon-haunted planets circling the Black Rim, only Maxus the Meddler may walk on worlds…and woe to any other who tries.

Kings and generals are but pawns for the immortal sorcerer, as are the vengeful creatures from the stars. The machinations of Maxus require many cogs, and only one among them has ever risen beyond his station.

Lachmannon the Kael, a man born from the stony bones of the earth, becomes the meddler’s most useful asset. But the Kaelish mercenary’s head is as hard as his fists. When Maxus’ monomaniacal goal–to master the sorceries of every world and every age–becomes clear to him, will he remain an expendable tool?

Not bloody likely.

John’s tales of swords, sorcery, and subversion have previously appeared in the pages of Weirdbook, Whetstone, and Tales From the Magician’s Skull. To Walk on Worlds collects nearly a decade’s worth of sardonic dark fantasy, as well as a fistful of new stories printed here for the first time.

Skullduggery by Helen HarperSkullduggery by Helen Harper:

Okay. I’ll admit I’ve got problems. But surrender is word wholly absent from my vocabulary.

My grasp on magic is shaky at best and my dependence on spider’s silk is a battle I’m still fighting. But while my heritage and my health might be problematic, I’m certainly not going to roll over and give up.

Not me. Not ever.

With Hugo Pemberville and his skilled band of Prime treasure hunters by my side, I’m drawn into a quest for a mythical golden skull. This artefact might just be the breakthrough needed to shed light on the enduring mystery of Lady Rose’s disappearance – but the search for it will force me down a twisty path filled with unexpected revelations.

The echoes of the past have never felt quite so close to home.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen DolbeareThe Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Spells, hexes and curses.

Curses are falling on this town like rain in London. Just when I think I’ve found a link between the hexed victims, someone else shows up who’s been jinxed. It feels like the devil is playing darts with my paranormal town and if the dart hits you, you get whammied with a curse.

To be honest, I haven’t a clue how to find the perpetrator. My sole lead is pointing at the travelling black market that has just arrived in Portlock. That would be all fine and dandy —ifI could find it. Weirdly, no one is willing to direct the cops to a highly illegal market. I’m obviously persona non grata – though being a slightly-less-than-undead vampire, I’m kind of used to that.

On top of everything, my overbearing British mother has come to visit. Stuck in my shoebox of a house together, we might actually have to deal with some of our issues. Thank goodness I have Connor Mackenzie, vampire leader and sexy lumberjack, to run to when the going gets tough.

I’m juggling things—badly—when I discover my dog is cursed. What am I willing to do to save my hound? Anything and everything.

The world can burn for all I care, as long as I can save my pup…

Foreseen in Murder by Edale LaneForeseen in Murder by Edale Lane:

Jenna solves real crimes; Rhiannon has prophesied one. Can Jenna thwart a murder that hasn’t happened yet?
Book 9 in the popular Lessons in Murder series, by award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane.

Blissful about her upcoming marriage to Jenna, Dr. Randi McLeod accepts her friend’s invitation to visit a spiritualist for a fun reading. Skeptical at first, Randi reconsiders when her practitioner Rhiannon becomes terrified, envisioning her own murder during their session.

Jenna Ferrari, Randi’s fiancée, is buried in multiple investigations while squeezing in wedding planning. Add helping her little sister, and the practical detective has no time for a quack psychic who foresees her own death.

But when a malicious perpetrator tries to kill Rhiannon for real, Jenna and her team roll into action. Can they catch the shadowy would-be killer before it’s too late, or is the clairvoyant destined to die?

The Grim Reaper Gaffe by Amanda M. LeeThe Grim Reaper Gaffe by Amanda M. Lee

It all comes down to this.

Charlie Rhodes has come a long way.

She started out as a young woman trying to find a reason for her magic, going as far as to hide in the one place they were looking for her.

Now the final battle is here.

Charlie is in Detroit, surrounded by new faces, and looking for the final piece of the puzzle. Between the reapers, zombies, mages, brujas, loas, and gods, she has her hands full. Death is barreling toward her and taking no prisoners.

Sybil wants to kill her to prolong her life. Charlie just wants to be free to live hers.

This war has always been written in the stars. Now it’s finally here. Who will win?

Chilled to the Bone by Amanda M. LeeChilled to the Bone by Amanda M. Lee

Stormy Morgan is flying high. She’s engaged. She’s used to her new routine. She’s even learning about being a witch. All of that changes when a local podcaster’s house goes up in flames and a body is found inside.

Carl Winslow was not a nice man. He spent his time stalking local family vloggers so he could cast aspersions on their life choices. One family in particular draws his ire, and he fights with them the night of the fire. Are they to blame for the podcaster’s death, though?

Stormy and her fiancé Hunter Ryan are on the case, and the further they dig into Carl Winslow’s life, the more they realize that nothing in Shadow Hills is as it seems.

Stormy was already working against forces she didn’t see coming. There’s a conspiracy of people who were apparently waiting for her to manifest her powers working against her, though. They have plans for her. They also had plans for Carl.

As evidence begins mounting, it points to one particular person. Only Stormy is convinced it has to be someone else. She’s determined to get to the source of the death and destruction wreaking havoc on her once quiet small town.

She has to survive to find her answers, though, and that’s not a given.

It’s a race against the clock. Either Stormy finds what she’s looking for and stops Shadow Hills’ most recent threat, or everybody suffers in the wake of yet another bout of magical mayhem.

Who will survive? You’re about to find out.

Point of Hopes by Melissa Scott and Lisa A. BarnettPoint of Hopes by Melissa Scott and Lisa A. Barnett:

The city of Astreiant is full of magic, danger and bureaucracy, and never moreso than when something or someone is making guild apprentices disappear without a trace. Philip Eslingen has just been discharged from his mercenary company and as a Leaguer and a stranger, makes an ideal suspect. Fortunately for him, Pointsman Nicolas Rathe from the Point of Hopes station doesn’t agree, but he knows the only way to prove that is to find the missing children and the real culprits. Together they must follow a twisted trail of deceit and magic in a city on the brink of exploding into violence. If they can’t learn to work together, the results could be catastrophic, even fatal. And if they can’t trust each other, the price could be higher than either of them realize.

Ambassador for Mars by Glynn StewartAmbassador for Mars by Glynn Stewart:

A dark shadow awakens on the edge of known space.
Long lost and long forgotten, an alien foe rises,
One that would power its return by enslaving humanity!

During her pursuit of the human traitors known as Nemesis, Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers ventured deep into alien stars. She destroyed her enemy at the final moment, but saw firsthand the might of the alien empire Nemesis called the Reejit.

The lost world Chimera has hidden between human and alien space for generations. Roslyn must protect the planet from this waking threat, but both the human and alien colonists see her as a harbinger of nightmare. Roslyn may have the full faith of the Mage-Queen of Mars, but political interference quickly undercuts Roslyn’s diplomatic power and the chain of command. She is replaced as Ambassador by Connor O’Hannagain, a man loyal to the Protectorate, but not its Queen or credos.

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for June 2024


Welcome to the latest edition of “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of crime fiction by indie authors newly published this month, though some May books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Our new releases cover the broad spectrum of crime fiction. We have cozy mysteries, small town mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, fantasy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, urban fantasy mysteries, crime thrillers, psychological thrillers, adventure thrillers, horror thrillers, noir, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, vigilantes, serial killers, country house murders, missing children, biker gangs, grim reapers, vampires, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, murder and mayhem in London, Lois Angeles, Detroit, Florida the Cotswolds and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Crime Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Indie Crime Scene, a group blog which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things crime fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

A Matter of Dead Ends by Isabella BassettA Matter of Dead Ends by Isabella Bassett:

The gentle waft of sewers emanating from Uncle Albert is not the only thing troubling Lady Caroline. From lost rivers and secret tunnels to Elizabethan lore, what unsavory matter has Uncle Albert walked into? Join Lady Caroline and Uncle Albert on a Voyage of Discovery through the secrets of London.

London, 1926

The members of the Royal Society for Natural History Appreciation have always felt they were built for greater things. Now, as they take a wrong turn, they stumble upon a secret of mythical proportions. To discover the truth, they need to go on a modern-day Voyage of Discovery and descend into London’s underworld of lost rivers, Tube tunnels, and secret passageways.

But as a thick fog settles over London, and as the Royal Society digs deeper into London’s secrets, what they uncover could have disastrous consequences for Lady Caroline’s family, and even the Government.

Latency by Chris CoppelLatency by Chris Coppel:

Up until now, the only monsters the LAPD had ever seen were of the human variety…

When two down-on-their-luck detectives are forced to work together on a series of cold cases, they slowly begin to uncover a common thread that may hold the key to solving some of their town’s grizzliest unsolved murders.

Little do they know that the same key will unlock secrets from a different dimension; one filled with monstrous creatures that should never be disturbed…

Murder by Rote by Rachel FordMurder by Rote by Rachel Ford:

Aunt Anne’s house parties are to die for. Sometimes, literally.

When heiress Meredith Thatch accepted an invitation to a house party on her aunt’s country estate, she expected an exciting weekend for herself and partner Alec.

The worst storm in decades wasn’t in the cards, though. Neither was murder. Then a guest winds up dead in suspicious circumstances – and the only road in the area washes out.

Trapped in the manor, with every guest a possible suspect – and everyone harboring secrets – Meredith and Alec race to find the murderer.

Before their own secret comes out – or the killer strikes again.

Summer in the Falls by Elle GraySummer in the Falls by Elle Gray:

While the town prepares for the annual local festival, Spenser helps with the festivities while chatting with the residents. Unfortunately the pleasantry is interrupted when Spenser runs into Rafe Johnson, the man beginning his campaign to unseat her as sheriff.

The standoff between them is tense with Spenser deciding to walk away. Fortunately, when she arrived home to Ryker, she was able to drop down her guard, as he works on his fields, planting an apple orchard for his new apple cider business.

The semi-peace is short-lived when the lead singer of a local band drops dead on stage. Initially, it seems to be an open and shut case of overdose. But when the toxicology reports find poison in the victim, no one, not even Spenser, would have ever expected the troves of victims, or the illicit and depraved turn the case would take.

It seems life at Sweetwater Falls has a way of keeping everyone on their toes. Sex, drugs, murder, and rock & tumble. It’s just another gorgeous day here in the Falls.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen DolbeareThe Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Spells, hexes and curses.

Curses are falling on this town like rain in London. Just when I think I’ve found a link between the hexed victims, someone else shows up who’s been jinxed. It feels like the devil is playing darts with my paranormal town and if the dart hits you, you get whammied with a curse.

To be honest, I haven’t a clue how to find the perpetrator. My sole lead is pointing at the travelling black market that has just arrived in Portlock. That would be all fine and dandy —ifI could find it. Weirdly, no one is willing to direct the cops to a highly illegal market. I’m obviously persona non grata – though being a slightly-less-than-undead vampire, I’m kind of used to that.

On top of everything, my overbearing British mother has come to visit. Stuck in my shoebox of a house together, we might actually have to deal with some of our issues. Thank goodness I have Connor Mackenzie, vampire leader and sexy lumberjack, to run to when the going gets tough.

I’m juggling things—badly—when I discover my dog is cursed. What am I willing to do to save my hound? Anything and everything.

The world can burn for all I care, as long as I can save my pup…

Foreseen in Murder by Edale LaneForeseen in Murder by Edale Lane:

Jenna solves real crimes; Rhiannon has prophesied one. Can Jenna thwart a murder that hasn’t happened yet?
Book 9 in the popular Lessons in Murder series, by award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane.

Blissful about her upcoming marriage to Jenna, Dr. Randi McLeod accepts her friend’s invitation to visit a spiritualist for a fun reading. Skeptical at first, Randi reconsiders when her practitioner Rhiannon becomes terrified, envisioning her own murder during their session.

Jenna Ferrari, Randi’s fiancée, is buried in multiple investigations while squeezing in wedding planning. Add helping her little sister, and the practical detective has no time for a quack psychic who foresees her own death.

But when a malicious perpetrator tries to kill Rhiannon for real, Jenna and her team roll into action. Can they catch the shadowy would-be killer before it’s too late, or is the clairvoyant destined to die?

The Grim Reaper Gaffe by Amanda M. LeeThe Grim Reaper Gaffe by Amanda M. Lee

It all comes down to this.

Charlie Rhodes has come a long way.

She started out as a young woman trying to find a reason for her magic, going as far as to hide in the one place they were looking for her.

Now the final battle is here.

Charlie is in Detroit, surrounded by new faces, and looking for the final piece of the puzzle. Between the reapers, zombies, mages, brujas, loas, and gods, she has her hands full. Death is barreling toward her and taking no prisoners.

Sybil wants to kill her to prolong her life. Charlie just wants to be free to live hers.

This war has always been written in the stars. Now it’s finally here. Who will win?

Chilled to the Bone by Amanda M. LeeChilled to the Bone by Amanda M. Lee

Stormy Morgan is flying high. She’s engaged. She’s used to her new routine. She’s even learning about being a witch. All of that changes when a local podcaster’s house goes up in flames and a body is found inside.

Carl Winslow was not a nice man. He spent his time stalking local family vloggers so he could cast aspersions on their life choices. One family in particular draws his ire, and he fights with them the night of the fire. Are they to blame for the podcaster’s death, though?

Stormy and her fiancé Hunter Ryan are on the case, and the further they dig into Carl Winslow’s life, the more they realize that nothing in Shadow Hills is as it seems.

Stormy was already working against forces she didn’t see coming. There’s a conspiracy of people who were apparently waiting for her to manifest her powers working against her, though. They have plans for her. They also had plans for Carl.

As evidence begins mounting, it points to one particular person. Only Stormy is convinced it has to be someone else. She’s determined to get to the source of the death and destruction wreaking havoc on her once quiet small town.

She has to survive to find her answers, though, and that’s not a given.

It’s a race against the clock. Either Stormy finds what she’s looking for and stops Shadow Hills’ most recent threat, or everybody suffers in the wake of yet another bout of magical mayhem.

Who will survive? You’re about to find out.

A Mystery at Moor House by Kelly MasonA Mystery at Moor House by Kelly Mason:

Marooned after a garden party turns sinister, Lady Ellen finds herself in the midst of an unsettling mystery.

An unexpected summer storm leaves occupants and visitors, including Ellen, Lottie and Captain Hamilton, contained within Moor House and grounds after it is cut off from the outside world. When a priceless Egyptian artefact is stolen, the thief leaves the man guarding it brutally maimed. Tasked by the artefact’s secretive owner to recover the relic, Lady Ellen must sift through a web of secrets and motives. As she delves into the lives of both the family and staff at Moor House, the question arises: Who is truly capable of such a betrayal?

With her companions Lottie, Captain Hamilton and her faithful dog Prince by her side, will she be able to locate the treasure and discover the thief before they escape? Or will the artefact be lost forever?

The Woman in the Attic by A.J. RiversThe Woman in the Attic by A.J. Rivers:

When life keeps throwing you grenades, you don’t stop running.

From having a criminal mastermind as a father, to losing his mother when he was young, PI Dean Steele has had to overcome many tragedies in life. After leaving the military, he was determined to continue living a life of service. Since then, he has solved many brutal and shocking cases as a private investigator.

Called in to investigate a strange case with missing EMTs dispatched to 871 Ridge Port, he never expected to find the many gruesome twists in the case. What happened to the EMTs or the people who lived in 871?

Nothing is adding up and every new clue only leads to more deaths. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is what happened to the woman in the attic?

The Girl in the Dark by A.J. RiversThe Girl in the Dark by A.J. Rivers:

The life of a teenage girl is a roller coaster of emotions.
Did Luisa Sinclair really run away from home?

With a troubled home life, many in town speculated that Luisa Sinclair ran away. It’s been years since her sudden disappearance and all hopes of finding her are gone. Until a fisherman pulled up an ominous drum barrel. It contained human remains and the DNA comes up as a match for Luisa.

While FBI agent Emma Griffin attempts to track down the culprit responsible, she stumbles upon a trail of missing young girls in that area. Cases that may be linked to Luisa’s disappearance and murder. There’s a cunning and wicked predator on the loose. It’s only a matter of time before the killer takes another life.

Trust the wrong person and it might cost you your life…

Death at Chelsea by Anna Sayburn LaneDeath At Chelsea by Anna Sayburn Lane:

The prettiest flowers can be deadly…

Detective duo Mrs Jameson and Marjorie Swallow are called to investigate when a renowned garden designer suspects that someone is sabotaging her priceless Himalayan Sapphire Lilies, ahead of the 1923 Chelsea Flower Show.

But soon it’s not just the flowers that are dying. Rival gardeners, intrepid plant hunters and even King George V himself are caught up in a poisonous bouquet with its roots deep in the mountains of Tibet.

The third in the Marjorie Swallow 1920s murder mystery series requires all her wit, charm and pluck to solve.

Point of Hopes by Melissa Scott and Lisa A. BarnettPoint of Hopes by Melissa Scott and Lisa A. Barnett:

The city of Astreiant is full of magic, danger and bureaucracy, and never moreso than when something or someone is making guild apprentices disappear without a trace. Philip Eslingen has just been discharged from his mercenary company and as a Leaguer and a stranger, makes an ideal suspect. Fortunately for him, Pointsman Nicolas Rathe from the Point of Hopes station doesn’t agree, but he knows the only way to prove that is to find the missing children and the real culprits. Together they must follow a twisted trail of deceit and magic in a city on the brink of exploding into violence. If they can’t learn to work together, the results could be catastrophic, even fatal. And if they can’t trust each other, the price could be higher than either of them realize.

Bad Blood by Wayne StinnettBad Blood by Wayne Stinnett:

It’s been three months since Jesse McDermitt had any time off to go back home to Florida. When two surprise openings on the leave roster open up, he and his friend Rusty Thurman jump on it, and head back to the Keys for some scuba diving.

The husband of a local reporter’s friend has nearly been killed. Not once, but four times in less than a month. The reporter is Jesse’s new girlfriend and they become curious. How does a man survive four attempts on his life?

Meanwhile, the man Jesse helped put away is doing time in Florida State Prison, hundreds of miles to the north. But Bear Bering isn’t completely cutoff. His cousin, Chuck, is still working the tourist crowds in Key West and has learned that Jesse and Rusty are back in town.

Suddenly, Jesse and his friends are in danger, and once again they are forced to leave. A biker gang, under Chuck Bering’s direction, comes after Jesse and his friends. The leader, a mountain of a man named Sideshift, served time with Bear and both he and Chuck want to see Jesse and anyone around him crushed.

Jesse and friends sail to Key West to find out who the bungling would-be murderer is, and everything comes to a head on Mallory Square, when the bikers, the murderer, and Bear’s family all come at Jesse as one.

The End of Justice by Mary StoneThe End of Justice by Mary Stone:

Justice reigns, no matter the cost.

Justice Hall’s carefully constructed life as Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Office’s own caped crusader is spiraling out of control. His girlfriend is pregnant with his baby, Justin Black’s insane fan club of serial killer wannabes are threatening to come for him, and the bodies of the criminals he’s killed in the name of justice are piling up on his ranch.

Worst of all? He suspects his boss—the county sheriff—is onto him.

If he can’t restore her faith in him, he’s going to lose everything. His job, his freedom, and the life he so desperately wants with the woman he loves.

Redemption comes in the form of the decaying corpse of a missing young man who was garroted with fishing line, his body tossed near a creek in the middle of nowhere. If Justice can find the killer and play this one by the books instead of taking matters into his own hands, he just might get away with murder.

But can a vigilante killer who’s developed a taste for blood change his ways? And when his darkest secrets are uncovered, how will justice/Justice be served?

Fade to Black by Robert WhiteFade to Black by Robert White:

Fade to Black ‘s stories present characters you might see on any street in any town anywhere. Or maybe you wondered about the guy at the end of the bar brooding over his drink. What’s he thinking about? Or the woman who cut her eyes away from you as you passed her on the street. What’s on her mind? And then you went about your day not giving another thought to that stranger. Here’s your opportunity to see what lurks beneath the surface, and it’s not pretty–malignant intentions, murderous plans, festering hatreds, and dark secrets never meant to come to light. Have fun exploring the depths of human behavior; you won’t be disappointed.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for May 2024

Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month
It’s that time of the month again, time for “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of speculative fiction by indie and small press authors newly published this month, though some April books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Once again, we have new releases covering the whole broad spectrum of speculative fiction. This month, we have urban fantasy, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, sword and sorcery, paranormal mysteries, fantasy romance, science fantasy, space opera, military science fiction,  religious science fiction, technothrillers, vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, cryptids, immortals, space marines, space dragons,  starships for rent, crime-busting witches and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Speculative Fiction Showcase, a group blog run by Jessica Rydill and myself, which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things speculative fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

Shadows of Winter by Lindsay BurokerShadows of Winter by Lindsay Buroker:

Kaylina wants to prove herself to her family by opening a successful meadery, but on her first day in the capital, she runs headlong into the powerful royal ranger, Lord Vlerion. He’s aloof, sexy, dangerous, and… he accuses her of being a spy.

To remove suspicion from her name, Kaylina must work with him to stop the real danger to the crown.

But she soon learns that Vlerion suffers from a curse. When he experiences strong emotions, he turns into a deadly beast who can’t tell friend from foe.

Irking him would be a bad idea. Developing feelings for him would be even worse. Unfortunately, as Kaylina spends more time with Vlerion, she struggles with both.

If she can’t keep from rousing the beast, she won’t clear her name, fulfill her dream, or even survive the week.

The Immortal by Joshua T. CalvertThe Immortal by Joshua T. Calvert:

They called it the Immortality Code…

…and one Swiss firm just cracked it.

Is it real or a fraud?

FBI geneticist Mason Brown and Danish Interpol agent Jonna Nielsen have just 72-hours to find the missing man they call The Immortal. He’s on the run across Europe and his genetic material may be the most valuable commodity in human history.

There’s just one problem.

Someone else wants him, too.

As the time to find him dwindles, Mason and Jonna seem to be one step behind a wealthy man who will stop at nothing. If the tech billionaire finds him first, it could change the economic playing field for the entire world.

Who is the Immortal? And could he be a contemporary witness of Christ as some sources believe?

You’ll love this science thriller because the pacing is perfect and the twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Starship for Rent 3 by M.R. ForbesStarship For Rent 3 by M.R. Forbes:

Better the devil you know?

Intercepted by the Warden after a narrow escape, Noah, Ben, and the rest of Head Case’s crew are forced into their most impossible task yet:

Kill the only man to ever slip the Warden’s all-seeing gaze—the leader of a vast criminal syndicate who may be the only true threat to the mad god’s grip on the galaxy. But getting close to him won’t be easy, and even if they do…

They might wish they never had.

Don't Be Afraid of the Spark by Lily Harper HartDon’t Be Afraid of the Spark by Lily Harper Hart:

What happens when Michigan’s most famous ghost hunter can’t see a ghost but her daughter can? Harper Harlow-Monroe is about to find out. When her daughter Poe starts talking about a new ghostly friend nobody else can see, one who brags about hiding from Harper, Whisper Cove’s favorite paranormal investigator is on the case.

Unfortunately, the new ghost comes along with a fresh body…and nobody can figure out why—or how—a woman who died years before is going after people in the present.

Poe is confused. She likes her new friend and doesn’t want to listen to her mother. There’s just one little problem. The dead woman is holding a grudge against Poe’s grandmother, and she’s ready to add another name to her body count. Now things are getting personal.

Harper has friends and they want to help but this is the sort of war that only Harper can fight.

Poe’s life is on the line, and there’s nothing Harper won’t do to protect her…including sacrificing herself.

Strap in, because it’s about to get wild in Whisper Cove.

The past is threatening to ruin the future, and Harper and company will do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen. They just have to survive to win the day.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee by Heather G. HarrisThe Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

I thought I was finally getting the hang of being a paranormal policewoman, but when one of the gemstones powering the barrier around the town is stolen, I’m as terrified as the average Joe. Of course, there’s nothing average about the Joes in this town. It’s chock full of mythical creatures, and some of them think the barrier is a waste of time.

Well, I’ve seen the cryptid monster beyond and I know we’re doomed if the magical palisade ever fails. Calling what would follow a massacre would be a gross understatement. The race is on. I need to find the gemstone before the weakened barrier fails forever and the fiend devours us all. No pressure then.

It’s a simple theft… how hard can it be to solve? Answer: Very hard. Especially when theft turns into murder.

There’s also the little outstanding matter of my date with the vampire leader, Connor, not to mention that my best friend seems to be falling apart at the seams. And if all of that isn’t enough to be cracking on with, I have a visitor due imminently. My mother.

I’d rather face the monster.

A Grimm Decision by Jeffery H. HaskellA Grimm Decision by Jeffery H. Haskell:

It’s not the war he wanted.

Commander Jacob T. Grimm is eager to get back in the war, but when an ambassador to a nothing planet called Cordoba pulls strings, Interceptor is the convenient puppet.

Assigned to escort the ambassador, a company of Marines, and participate in wargames with Cordoba, Jacob fears the only action will be against boredom.

He couldn’t be more wrong.

A coup is brewing on Cordoba and Interceptor and the Marines of Bravo Two-Five are caught right in the middle.

Betrayed on every side, Jacob has to come up with his most daring plan yet, if he’s going to save his crew and his ship.

What Jacob doesn’t know, though, is an old enemy is in league with the coup. An enemy that wants Commander Jacob T. Grimm’s head.

Trapped between a rebellion and invaders, Jacob can’t see a way out. There may be no victory he can achieve. Attack or defend someone will die—and only Jacob can decide who.

Hurled Headlong Flaming by Matt HolderHurled Headling Flaming or The Bishop’s Tale by Matt Holder

Hurled Headlong Flaming: The Bishop’s Tale is a dark fantasy novella by Matt Holder that follows a priest on a perilous quest to a hellish underworld to retrieve an ancient manuscript he believes can help prevent the apocalypse. Drawing from influences like Dante, Milton, and Robert E. Howard, and Lovecraftian dream-quest literature, this bizarre tale sees the Bishop descend through a hidden city, forced to engage in infernal dialogues and navigate labyrinthine streets while pursued by demonic creatures. Grappling with questions of faith, truth, and the brutality of the Crusades, the Bishop’s harrowing journey examines the violence that often accompanies meaning-making in a world that resists interpretation. This first entry in the Keen Blades series from Spiral Tower Press aims to expand the boundaries of what sword and sorcery can be.

All Quiet on the Witchy Front by Amanda M. LeeAll Quiet On the Witchy Front by Amanda M. Lee

Christmas is in the past and the new year is shining bright for Bay Winchester…right up until a local inn catches fire and she realizes that something more than snow is afoot in Hemlock Cove.

Bay and her husband Landon Michaels don’t hesitate before charging into the fire—there are children at risk after all—but when the fire seems to have a mind of its own…literally…things take a shift for the worse.

It seems there’s a firebug on the loose in northern Lower Michigan. What does he or she want, though? As Bay starts digging, clues lead her back to a real estate agent she crossed paths with weeks before. He wants the property that burned, but has he somehow come into contact with the sort of magic that can make his dreams come true? Or is it something else entirely?

On top of that, two of the victims who were saved from the fire refuse to wake up. They’re in magically induced comas, and the doctors can’t figure out why. All that’s certain is their lives are in danger, and Bay is the only one who can save them.

Bay isn’t about to let an enemy take her down, but when Aunt Tillie starts acting squirrelly—even more squirrelly than normal—she becomes suspicious of the woman who always seems to have her pulse on everything paranormal.

What is Aunt Tillie hiding?

Fire is raging across Bay’s world and she only has one chance to put it out. Will she manage to rise to the occasion, or is the Winchester world about to burn?

Bloodstained Skies by Dagmar RokitaBloodstained Skies: Apex Predator by Dagmar Rokita

Cerridwen’s crash landing leads her into the depths of an uncharted jungle. Every rustle of the leaves or smudged trope on the ground brings her closer to the terrifying realization that she is being hunted.

The rebellion finds themselves stranded on an unforgiving planet after a devastating defeat at Narjahanam fortress. As supplies shrink and tensions rise between Antares, his friend and the ruthless Rakshasas, every conflict may turn out to be fatal.

Forced into a perilous situation, Devi must renew a relationship with an old ally. When the visit turns into imprisonment, she is thrust into a deadly game where only the winner can escape with their life.

Meanwhile, the Unions don’t slow down, even after the attack on their base. In the moments between working on their secret project, Azhi and Seth learn about their astounding origins.

Dragon Knights by James David VictorDragon Knights by James David Victor:

One mortal enemy has been turned into a trusted ally. Now all that needs to be done is to stop a superior alien force determined to wipe humanity from the galaxy.

Keel has turned a mortal enemy into a trusted friend, and rides on the back of a deadly dragon. As the war with the Jaali heats up, his small band of Dragon Knights might be the only thing standing in their way. Can a small team of previously mortal enemies turn the tide of the war and save humanity?

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for May 2024


Welcome to the latest edition of “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”.

So what is “Indie Crime Fiction of the Month”? It’s a round-up of crime fiction by indie authors newly published this month, though some April books I missed the last time around snuck in as well. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. So far, most links only go to Amazon.com, though I may add other retailers for future editions.

Our new releases cover the broad spectrum of crime fiction. We have cozy mysteries, small town mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, psychological thrillers, medical thrillers, action thrillers, technothrillers, romantic suspense, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, assassins, terrorists, kidnappings, wrongful convictions, deadly family reunions, deadly Olympics, vampires, immortals, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting housekeepers, murder and mayhem in San Francisco, Louisiana, Michigan, Amsterdam, Iran and much more.

Don’t forget that Indie Crime Fiction of the Month is also crossposted to the Indie Crime Scene, a group blog which features new release spotlights, guest posts, interviews and link round-ups regarding all things crime fiction several times per week.

As always, I know the authors at least vaguely, but I haven’t read all of the books, so Caveat emptor.

And now on to the books without further ado:

The Happy Housekeeper's Guide to Crime by Blythe BakerThe Happy Housekeeper’s Guide To Crime by Blythe Baker:

A sudden death at the local hardware store plunges Barbara into another murder investigation. While examining her list of suspects, she makes the acquaintance of a handsome handyman and also realizes she is being spied on by a mysterious woman.

Will the murder investigation and a budding romance leave Barbara blind to the reemergence of a danger from her past?

 

The Immortal by Joshua T. CalvertThe Immortal by Joshua T. Calvert:

They called it the Immortality Code…

…and one Swiss firm just cracked it.

Is it real or a fraud?

FBI geneticist Mason Brown and Danish Interpol agent Jonna Nielsen have just 72-hours to find the missing man they call The Immortal. He’s on the run across Europe and his genetic material may be the most valuable commodity in human history.

There’s just one problem.

Someone else wants him, too.

As the time to find him dwindles, Mason and Jonna seem to be one step behind a wealthy man who will stop at nothing. If the tech billionaire finds him first, it could change the economic playing field for the entire world.

Who is the Immortal? And could he be a contemporary witness of Christ as some sources believe?

You’ll love this science thriller because the pacing is perfect and the twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

baskets and beignets by Jana DeLeonBaskets and Beignets by Jana DeLeon:

Worth dyeing for.

Ten years ago, Ryan Comeaux was convicted of killing his girlfriend and was sentenced to life in prison. Now a witness has come forward who claims she was with Ryan the entire night and it’s not possible that he was the killer. But the local police assume she’s mistaken and aren’t interested in reopening what they view as an open-and-shut case.

The witness, Kelsey Spalding, has her own reasons for wanting Ryan’s conviction overturned and hires Swamp Team 3 to prove him innocent. Fortune has solved cold cases before, but never one with so little evidence and so many suspects with not only strong motive but opportunity. Can she solve a decade-old murder, or will the real killer strike again to cover his tracks?

Whispers at the Reunion by Elle and K.S. GreyWhispers at the Reunion by Elle and K.S. Grey:

A family reunion is the perfect time for food, alcohol, and gossiping about loved ones.
In this case some rumors can lead to murder…

It’s been weeks since a shocking event sent the Federal Agency into panic.
FBI agent Olivia and Brock are left broken, fighting to overcome the grief.
Amidst the agency’s chaos, they find a welcoming distraction in the form of a family reunion.

It’s at a secluded lake house where Olivia would visit as a child with her family.
The area is quiet, and the town locals are as friendly as they come.
Her cousin Jean is hopeful that the weekend will bring some cheer that the couple desperately needs.

It’s all laughter and joy the first night as the family enjoy dinner and catch up with one another.
But when arguments ensue between family members.
Olivia is soon reminded of why she prefers to avoid family events.

The next morning, renewed with a spirit of optimism, Olivia takes Brock hiking on her favorite trail.
In the forest, she stumbles upon one of her worst nightmares.
Her family member’s dead body.

Double lives, lies, gossip, and secrets that kill.
There are many questions to the mystery but the one question on everyone’s mind is…
Have you heard the rumors?

Silenced in the Falls by Elle GraySilenced in the Falls by Elle Gray

To be young, wild, and carefree.
The true essence of Taft High’s Spring dance.
But there’s a price for the naivety of youth.
A high price that could cost your blood, soul, and your silence.

Sweetwater Falls is a charming town with all sorts of characters.
From chaperoning the school dance with Ryker to putting drunk drivers behind bars.
It seems former FBI Agent Spenser Song has finally gotten the hang of her Sheriff duties.

The next morning, hunters stumble upon the body of the town’s star baseball player.
A bright-eyed senior at Taft High, now bruised, beaten, and left for dead by the culprits.
With the unconscious teen now fighting for his life in the hospital.
Spenser searches the muddied crime scene for clues and interviews those close to the boy.
As the investigative trail hits a dead end, another teen boy is found in a similar manner.
Indicating that a serial predator is on the loose.

Secret, lies, shame, and deceit.
The truth will set you free. Your silence will buy your bondage.
Will you take the guilt to your grave?

Don't Be Afraid of the Spark by Lily Harper HartDon’t Be Afraid of the Spark by Lily Harper Hart:

What happens when Michigan’s most famous ghost hunter can’t see a ghost but her daughter can? Harper Harlow-Monroe is about to find out. When her daughter Poe starts talking about a new ghostly friend nobody else can see, one who brags about hiding from Harper, Whisper Cove’s favorite paranormal investigator is on the case.

Unfortunately, the new ghost comes along with a fresh body…and nobody can figure out why—or how—a woman who died years before is going after people in the present.

Poe is confused. She likes her new friend and doesn’t want to listen to her mother. There’s just one little problem. The dead woman is holding a grudge against Poe’s grandmother, and she’s ready to add another name to her body count. Now things are getting personal.

Harper has friends and they want to help but this is the sort of war that only Harper can fight.

Poe’s life is on the line, and there’s nothing Harper won’t do to protect her…including sacrificing herself.

Strap in, because it’s about to get wild in Whisper Cove.

The past is threatening to ruin the future, and Harper and company will do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen. They just have to survive to win the day.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee by Heather G. HarrisThe Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

I thought I was finally getting the hang of being a paranormal policewoman, but when one of the gemstones powering the barrier around the town is stolen, I’m as terrified as the average Joe. Of course, there’s nothing average about the Joes in this town. It’s chock full of mythical creatures, and some of them think the barrier is a waste of time.

Well, I’ve seen the cryptid monster beyond and I know we’re doomed if the magical palisade ever fails. Calling what would follow a massacre would be a gross understatement. The race is on. I need to find the gemstone before the weakened barrier fails forever and the fiend devours us all. No pressure then.

It’s a simple theft… how hard can it be to solve? Answer: Very hard. Especially when theft turns into murder.

There’s also the little outstanding matter of my date with the vampire leader, Connor, not to mention that my best friend seems to be falling apart at the seams. And if all of that isn’t enough to be cracking on with, I have a visitor due imminently. My mother.

I’d rather face the monster.

Unleashed by Ethan JonesUnleashed by Ethan Jones:

When anger’s unleashed…

Assassin Tom Maverick thought he had left his troubled past behind. But a threat against his young son drags Tom back into the life he’d been trying to escape. He is forced to accept a contract, the assassination of a high-ranking Chinese politician hiding deep inside Iran.

As Tom gets closer to his target, he realizes the assignment is not what it seems. Those he trusts have been paid to betray him. And those he loves die. Just when he thinks it can’t get worse, it does…

But if they think they can corner him, they’re wrong.

With his anger unleashed, how will Tom execute the contract, get out of Iran alive, and save his son?

Find out in book two of Tom Maverick’s adrenaline-drenched series.

All Quiet on the Wotchy Front by Amanda M. LeeAll Quiet On the Witchy Front by Amanda M. Lee

Christmas is in the past and the new year is shining bright for Bay Winchester…right up until a local inn catches fire and she realizes that something more than snow is afoot in Hemlock Cove.

Bay and her husband Landon Michaels don’t hesitate before charging into the fire—there are children at risk after all—but when the fire seems to have a mind of its own…literally…things take a shift for the worse.

It seems there’s a firebug on the loose in northern Lower Michigan. What does he or she want, though? As Bay starts digging, clues lead her back to a real estate agent she crossed paths with weeks before. He wants the property that burned, but has he somehow come into contact with the sort of magic that can make his dreams come true? Or is it something else entirely?

On top of that, two of the victims who were saved from the fire refuse to wake up. They’re in magically induced comas, and the doctors can’t figure out why. All that’s certain is their lives are in danger, and Bay is the only one who can save them.

Bay isn’t about to let an enemy take her down, but when Aunt Tillie starts acting squirrelly—even more squirrelly than normal—she becomes suspicious of the woman who always seems to have her pulse on everything paranormal.

What is Aunt Tillie hiding?

Fire is raging across Bay’s world and she only has one chance to put it out. Will she manage to rise to the occasion, or is the Winchester world about to burn?

Death by Midnight by A.J. RiversDeath by Midnight by A.J. Rivers:

It’s a time for celebration.
Unfortunately in Twilight Cove, the festivity is masking something ominous…

PI Dean Steele has had to solve many strange mysteries throughout his career.
This time he is called to the small seaside town to unmask the truth behind a chilling murder.
Who would kill a man and tie him up to a parade float?

While following clues in this case, Dean stumbles upon an intricate web of secrets.
Skeletons that seemed to have shaped Twilight Cove for many generations.

Across town at the palatial home of Joseph Palmer, a Gatsby-like figure.
The most incredible party in town is being held.
The guest list is long, the house is packed, and the night is filled with food, laughter, music, and drinks.
Everyone is having a wonderful time… except for the host.
What could be tormenting him?

There’s a time for celebration and a time for death.

Rest in Peacee by Willow RoseRest in Peace by Willow Rose:

Sarah Chapman is angry at her husband. She’s also drunk… very drunk as she drives down their street, ready to face him.

When a neighbor hears the commotion and rushes to help, he finds her inside, gun still in her hand, and her husband, Steven, dead in the bed.

Sarah is arrested and taken away but claims to be innocent.

The only one who believes her is FBI profiler, Eva Rae Thomas.

She knows Sarah personally, and as she looks at the evidence in the case, she is convinced that Sarah is telling the truth, even though she was highly intoxicated when the event occurred.

But the detective on the case is determined to have her convicted for the murder.

As more bodies turn up, only Eva Rae Thomas sees the connections and soon starts a race against time to prove Sarah is innocent and to catch the real murderer before it’s too late and her own family is targeted.

Murder at the Olympics by Lee StraussMurder at the Olympics by Lee Strauss:

The Race for Gold is Murder

The 1928 Amsterdam Olympics set the stage for Ginger’s latest adventure. Excited yet conflicted, Ginger faces a historic moment: women’s debut in the games amid a British boycott. The plot thickens when an English sprinter is found dead. Was it a protest against the boycott, or is something darker at play?

Ginger and Basil race to assist Dutch police, unraveling a mystery where the stakes are life or death, and the finish line means survival.

Burner by Mike TriggBurner by Mike Trigg:

What if your social media addiction jeopardized the person you love?

Inspired by the explosive events of our polarized political climate, Burner is an all-too plausible contemporary thriller that examines the social and personal consequences of the lost sense of identity, trust, and truth itself that characterizes our technology-obsessed culture.

Shane Stoller has just been arrested for domestic terrorism, accused of being the mastermind behind the online profile Burner_911—the anonymous leader of a massive populist movement. Chloe Corbin has just been abducted by Burner_911’s followers in a lawless uprising on the streets of San Francisco, targeted as the socialite daughter of a tech billionaire. What nobody knows is that Shane and Chloe are secretly in love despite coming from opposite worlds. Plagued with regret but unable to communicate with his followers from prison, Shane tries desperately to find a way to save Chloe from the forces he has unleashed. From her own captivity, Chloe becomes more sympathetic to Burner_911’s cause—and transitions from victim to conspirator in an effort to free herself and exonerate Shane.

Part tragic love story, part mind-bending psychological thriller, Burner dives headfirst into the modern zeitgeist of politically motivated disinformation, toxic internet subcultures, and our continuing need for belonging, purpose, and love in an age of distorted online personas.

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