Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for April 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 March 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, science fiction mysteries, science fiction romance, space opera, military science fiction, dystopian fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction, technothrillers, horror, cyborgs, space marines, alien invasions, crime-busting witches, fugitive heroes, deadly muses, the devil and his daughter 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:

Muse by L.C.W. AllinghamMuse by L-C.W. Allingham:

Inspiration is a living thing and it is hungry…

Terra Desmarais’s success as the next big artist in NYC is absolutely inevitable. Her patrons, the associates, Mr. Black, Mr. Silver, and Mr. Green, can practically taste the raw talent dripping from the enigmatic trailer park prodigy’s dollar store paints.

Up and coming pastel artist Cedric Fleck is a lucky discovery of the associates. Rescued from oblivion by Mr Green, put up in a studio by Mr. Silver and paraded around on the arm of Mr. Black should be the dream. But within the steady stream of great press and even better parties, Cedric can’t shake the sense that something is very wrong. He wants to hate Terra for her overnight success, but he’s taken by her earnest love of art.

As the artists around them crash and burn, and Cedric struggles to break free from the toxic seduction of Mr. Black, Terra is only concerned with her strange and compelling paintings. She seems to want nothing of the fame, the money, the sex or the drugs. As greed exposes the true colors of the associates, and Terra is too lost in her art to notice the danger, Cedric discovers that inspiration is a living thing, and it is hungry.

Colonel by Jonathan P- BrazeeColonel by Jonathan P. Brazee:

Ryck has proven himself as a warrior and a hero, but in times of peace, that can lead to trouble. Ryck’s temper gets the best of him, and because of that, and with a heavy heart, he resigns his commission.

As an old enemy comes a-calling, a new threat surfaces, and Ryck’s services are once again needed.

If he fails, all of humanity could be at risk.

Given a second chance to be the man that Humanity needs, Ryck answers the call, determined to make good. This new threat, however, might just be his most insurmountable yet.

The Devil's Daughter by Rachel FordThe Devil’s Daughter by Rachel Ford:

Antonia guards the devil. Caelia is his daughter.

Mayor Crassus is the most corrupt man in Black Port. He’s never met a con he didn’t like, or grift he rejected. He’s mercenary, cold-blooded, and ruthless in turns.

In order to better feather his own nest, he’s promised his daughter’s hand to one of the king’s most ruthless inquisitors. Caelia, in whose veins flows the blood of a powerful matriarchal line of witches, knows it would be a fate worse than a death sentence.

Whatever it takes, she must escape.

She turns to Knight Protector Antonia Brocklehurst, her father’s bodyguard – a woman with plenty of secrets of her own.
But Antonia’s mission could save the lives of hundreds. Can she abandon it to save one woman – even if she has loved her for years?

Fiendish Delights by Helen HarperFiendish Delights by Helen Harper:

Yeah, I’m a treasure hunter. No, I’m not rich. Or busy. Or successful.

Not yet.

I’m doing my very best at making a living in my newfound career. I’ve got magic, a pair of brownie sidekicks and enough ambition to fill every chilly corner of Edinburgh castle.

What I don’t have is any actual treasure to hunt.

However, when a young girl asks me for help, I end up embroiled in a deeply dangerous search for an ancient magical artefact. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants to find it. Between fire-breathing dragons, vicious vampires and lethally powerful fiends, I’ve got my work cut out for me if I’m going to locate the treasure first.

At least this time I’ve got help. Hugo Pemberville might be as provocative as ever but he has also attached himself to my side. Sure, I’ve got a few teeny tiny problems of my own to deal with – but I’ve got everything under control.

Sort of.

Hexcess Baggage by Amanda M. LeeHexcess Baggage by Lily Harper Hart:

The French Quarter is quiet for a change. Christmas is just around the corner, and the off-season is allowing for some rest and relaxation for the local business owners. Ofelia Archer is basking in it…until her mother’s walking group stumbles upon a body in Jackson Square.

The White Walkers—a group Ofelia and her fiancé Zach Sully are constantly mocking—have been getting bolder and bolder in the Quarter. Their aim is to stop the crime and clean things up…even if that means pointing the finger at a homeless man Ofelia is convinced is innocent.

As things come to a head between Ofelia and her mother, a group of shadow assassins takes shape and begins a cleanse in the Quarter. They’re acting as vigilantes, but who is controlling them?

All eyes turn to the White Walkers.

Ofelia has always made it a point to let her mother live her own life. That’s no longer an option. It’s time to infiltrate the group and find out exactly what’s going on.

Ofelia isn’t going to like what she finds.

Ofelia has always taken it upon herself to care for the homeless population in New Orleans. With the White Walkers working against her efforts, the battle is afoot.

Ofelia won’t let those who need help go without it.

Marie Charlies won’t back down.

It’s mother against daughter and the fate of the French Quarter is in the balance.

Who will win?

Undead Urges by Amanda M. LeeUndead Urges by Amanda M. Lee:

Luna Thorn is a witch about town. She likes to fancy herself a loner, but the truth is, she has the weight of the world resting on her shoulders.

Gorgons are infiltrating Detroit, and they’ve set their sights on Luna. They want her. The question is: why? Luna is determined to find out. It won’t be easy.

When zombies attack the Cathedral, the building Luna and the people she cares for call home, Luna is determined to snuff out the culprit. Unfortunately for her, the only lead she has is a witch who isn’t in the mood to offer up help.

When the most powerful mage in the Midwest pops up for a visit, Luna is glad for the help. The responsibility is becoming overwhelming, though, and she’s afraid she might crack under the pressure.

As a traveler, Luna can wander through time. If only she could control her powers. It’s not as easy as she hoped, however. Instead, she keeps overshooting her mark, and the resulting chaos is not what she bargained for.

Luna wants to save the world. More than that, she wants to keep the people she loves most safe. An ancient order of monsters wants to stop her in her tracks.

It’s a fight to the finish, and when Luna delves into the history of the world she resides, she finds that some things should be left in the past. Will she have that option, though?

Luna won’t give up. Neither will the friends she’s surrounded herself with. That just might be their downfall, though.

Will she survive to find out the truth of her past? Or will she die never knowing what she was truly meant to be?

Honor of Cyborgs by Scott MoonHonor of Cyborgs by Scott Moon:

Follow commands or save his renegade family… He must choose.

No one defies the Protectorate.

They’ve got relentless cyborg assassins who never quit and never fail to take out their targets.

Until one defies them by becoming a parent.

Camden 1192, and ninety-nine other killers, are assigned to locate and capture the traitor. Orders specify taking the child alive, if possible. Only, theres one problem. The traitor happens to be Camden’s sister, and the child, his nephew.

At the end of the day, everyone knows the Protectorate’s Cyborgs are only good at one thing—ending the lives of anyone daring to disobey. But it’s family… Blood versus duty.

Can one man win the most unwinnable scenario in the galaxy?

Exoputians by A.J. Pagan Jr.Exoputians by A.J. Pagan IV:

As the Second American Civil War wanes, Mary the Exoputian awaits her chance to contact the Folbulae—a highly advanced species of extraterrestrial, only to be hunted down by the dictator of the Sovereign States of America, Vladimir Booth.

With rising tides and thawing tundra, the Exoputians—a new species of human genetically created to live in Space and communicate with the Folbulae, land in the Republic of Texas following a missile strike on their space station. Mary and the other Exoputians learn of the lies their progenitor taught them, training the space-bred crew to use their novel communication to cure the planet they’d never set foot on. As Mary and the others road trip through racially segregated America, they encounter multiple attempts on their lives to follow through with their once-mission of saving the planet from the climate crisis.

Discover with Mary what’s worth saving on a planet prepared to destroy her entire species.

Content Warning: This novel is about the Second American Civil War, a race war. As such, it contains references to racism, police brutality, war, profanity, hate speech, violence, violence against minorities, racial slurs, sexual violence, drug use

Wartorn Stars by Glynn StewartWartorn Stars by Glynn Stewart:

A mysterious enemy threatens the innocent.
A tide of silence and death sweeps the stars.
A single fleet, far from home, stands for freedom.

Under threat by a strange enemy, the alien Londu have called on old debts, leading Rear Admiral Henry Wong to bring his new Expeditionary Fleet hundreds of light-years from home to aid them.

A hard-fought victory gives his partner, Ambassador Sylvia Todorovich, time to negotiate a new alliance with their old friends. The same victory should give him answers about the strange Enigma alien attacking the Londu—but all they find are lies and more questions.

The questions give them one possible source of answers: another old ally, wrapped in mysteries of their own. An old ally no one has heard from since the Enigmas started attacking…

Fugitive Heroes by James David VictorFugitive Heroes by James David Victor:

When you’re being chased by the good guys and the bad guys, the only thing to do is prove you are the real hero.

Melias and crew have have the devices needed to fight the Lightbringers, but they’re also on the run from the military that they are ultimately serving. Can they stay ahead of the authorities and fight the Prime Ones at the same time? If they can’t prove themselves to be fugitive heroes, all of humanity may be doomed.

 

Arttificial Wisdom by Thomas R. WeaverArtificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver:

Salvation has a price.

An enthralling murder mystery with a vividly realised future world that forces readers to grapple with hard-hitting questions regarding our relationship with Artificial Intelligence and the price we would be willing to pay, as a species, to be saved from crises of our own making. This jaw-dropping techno-thriller is perfect for fans of Blake Crouch, Neal Stephenson, Philip K Dick, Kim Stanley Robinson and RR Haywood.

It’s 2050, a decade after a heatwave that killed four hundred million across the Persian Gulf, including journalist Marcus Tully’s wife. Now he must uncover the truth: was the disaster natural? Or is the weather now a weapon of genocide?

A whistleblower pulls Tully into a murder investigation at the centre of an election battle for a global dictator, with a mandate to prevent a climate apocalypse. A former US President campaigns against the first AI politician of the position, but someone is trying to sway the outcome.

As the murder of a crucial witness derails the investigation, Tully must find the truth, convince the world to face it and make hard choices about the future of the species. But will humanity ultimately choose salvation over freedom, whatever the cost?

The States by Nora WoodseyThe States by Norah Woodsey:

A dream experiment holds unforeseen consequences for a woman who relinquished love and belonging 8 years earlier. Can her dreams convince her to pursue happiness, or will they pull her away from reality?

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for April 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 March 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, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1930s mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, science fiction mysteries, crime thrillers, legal thrillers, action thrillers, technothrillers, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, lawyers, assassins, mass shootings, cold cases, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting grannies, crime-busting housekeepers, murder and mayhem in London, San Francisco, Hollywood, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, Venice, Kenya 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 Disaster by Blythe BakerThe Happy Housekeeper’s Guide To Disaster by Blythe Baker:

Something strange is going on next door. Suspicious that an elderly neighbor may be in danger, Barbara and her friend Vicky investigate mysterious activities down the street.

Barbara also has worries further from home, as a certain attractive but crooked restaurant owner has discovered the part she played in his downfall. Can Barbara uncover the truth next door without being blind to a more shadowy danger across town?

A Death in Venice by Verity BrightA Death in Venice by Verity Bright:

Stunning views across the Grand Canal and a hotel suite fit for royalty… Lady Eleanor Swift is having a jolly good time on her Italian vacation, until a gondola ride is cut murderously short!

1924. Lady Eleanor Swift has been on a grand tour around Italy for a month with her butler Clifford. Finally arriving in Venice, she’s thrilled to be attending the famous carnival: all that’s needed is the perfect bejewelled costume for her faithful bulldog, Gladstone. But on her first gondola ride to take in the sights, a passenger collapses into the canal with a knife sticking out of his back.

Eleanor saw an argument break out between the gondolier and the victim, Councillor Benetto Vendelini, and it turns out they’re rivals from the city’s two great families. Vendelini’s murder is sure to reignite their centuries-long feud. While attending a glitzy ball that night, Eleanor learns of a plot to steal a precious family heirloom from the Vendelini household. Is the stolen item the key to solving this baffling murder?

Josephine West and the City Corpse by Beth Byers and Ann WarrenJosephine West and the City Corpse by Beth Byers and Ann Warren:

July 1922

Josephine and her friends have gone to San Francisco. Compared to Carmel, it could be New York City.

They fill their days with shopping and eating and their evenings with the theater and parties. San Francisco feels like the glamorous home where they can be true to themselves. That is until they stumble across Chessie’s rogue husband.

He’s wants to torment her and take everything she has. She wants to divorce him and free herself. Someone else plans to get their revenge—and they succeed.

Now it’s up to Josephine and Mrs. Sloan to clear Chessie’s name, before she’s taken in for a crime she wanted to commit.

The Cat and the Cadaver by Lisette ClarkThe Cat and the Cadaver by Colette Clark:

Only the cheetah knows who the killer is…and she isn’t talking!

Hollywood 1936
It seems like just another day of putting out fires when one of Olympus Studios’ actresses goes missing. Maisie Hart is due to make an appearance on the balcony of her home for a public appearance, but seems to have vanished. Lisette Darling is put into service to find her.

What results is a madcap adventure that uncovers a puzzling crime scene, a mystery that may be worth a million dollars, two dead bodies…and a cheetah!

Oddly enough, the only innocent party appears to be the cat.

Murder by the Sea by Danielle CollinsMurder by the Sea by Danielle Collins:

Returning home after several years is stressful enough. The last thing you need is a dead body and a murder accusation.

Skye Williams left Kenya to go to school and start a new life in America. When she decides to return to her childhood home, she dreams of finding the peaceful, relaxing life that alluded her in the New York. Unfortunately, when her neighbor is killed and she becomes the prime suspect, Skye must use all of the street smarts and problem solving skills she learned in America to keep herself out of jail. Can she catch a killer and save herself and her dreams of a peaceful life in her old childhood home?

Murder by the Sea is the first story in the Skye Williams Kenyan Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries with interesting characters, exotic settings, and unexpected twists, you’re going to love Skye Williams.

A Motive to Kill by Elle GrayA Motive To Kill by Elle Gray:

“Urgent Code 10. Gunshots heard inside Honeybee Lounge on McComb Street. Backup needed.”

There’s been a mass shooting with over 23 casualties in Atlanta.

FBI agent Blake Wilder and her team are called by D.C. Headquarters to spearhead the case.

Upon their arrival to the crime scene, they are greeted with hostility by the field officers present.

Unfazed by the tension, Blake begins to sort through the identities of many victims, most of them high profiled lawyers.

While attempting to identify a motive, the team sorts through the deceased lawyers’ case files.

Soon after, Blake realizes that the footage and evidence regarding this case has gone missing.

And this case now leads to a dead end.

All is seemingly hopeless until a crucial lead points to one undeniable truth.

Hexcess Baggage by Amanda M. LeeHexcess Baggage by Lily Harper Hart:

The French Quarter is quiet for a change. Christmas is just around the corner, and the off-season is allowing for some rest and relaxation for the local business owners. Ofelia Archer is basking in it…until her mother’s walking group stumbles upon a body in Jackson Square.

The White Walkers—a group Ofelia and her fiancé Zach Sully are constantly mocking—have been getting bolder and bolder in the Quarter. Their aim is to stop the crime and clean things up…even if that means pointing the finger at a homeless man Ofelia is convinced is innocent.

As things come to a head between Ofelia and her mother, a group of shadow assassins takes shape and begins a cleanse in the Quarter. They’re acting as vigilantes, but who is controlling them?

All eyes turn to the White Walkers.

Ofelia has always made it a point to let her mother live her own life. That’s no longer an option. It’s time to infiltrate the group and find out exactly what’s going on.

Ofelia isn’t going to like what she finds.

Ofelia has always taken it upon herself to care for the homeless population in New Orleans. With the White Walkers working against her efforts, the battle is afoot.

Ofelia won’t let those who need help go without it.

Marie Charlies won’t back down.

It’s mother against daughter and the fate of the French Quarter is in the balance.

Who will win?

Game Shows Can Be Fatal by Jinty JamesGame Shows Can Be Fatal by Jinty James:

Can Martha win a TV game show and catch a killer?

Senior Martha is going to appear on a TV game show! She flies to LA, along with her fluffy white Coton de Tulear dog Teddy, and their roomie Pru, who works as an assistant librarian in the small town of Gold Leaf Valley.

Martha holds her own at first when she competes, but when one of her fellow contestants is murdered, she declares that as president of the senior sleuthing club, she needs to investigate!

Since the other members of the club are Teddy and Pru, they help Martha “sleuth”.

Is the killer one of the game show crew members, a fellow contestant, or someone from the audience?

When the showrunner breaks his arm in a friendly football game, Martha thinks it’s suspicious.

But when they finally face the killer, has their time run out? Or will they stay alive for their next senior sleuthing club mystery?

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.

Undead Urges by Amanda M. LeeUndead Urges by Amanda M. Lee:

Luna Thorn is a witch about town. She likes to fancy herself a loner, but the truth is, she has the weight of the world resting on her shoulders.

Gorgons are infiltrating Detroit, and they’ve set their sights on Luna. They want her. The question is: why? Luna is determined to find out. It won’t be easy.

When zombies attack the Cathedral, the building Luna and the people she cares for call home, Luna is determined to snuff out the culprit. Unfortunately for her, the only lead she has is a witch who isn’t in the mood to offer up help.

When the most powerful mage in the Midwest pops up for a visit, Luna is glad for the help. The responsibility is becoming overwhelming, though, and she’s afraid she might crack under the pressure.

As a traveler, Luna can wander through time. If only she could control her powers. It’s not as easy as she hoped, however. Instead, she keeps overshooting her mark, and the resulting chaos is not what she bargained for.

Luna wants to save the world. More than that, she wants to keep the people she loves most safe. An ancient order of monsters wants to stop her in her tracks.

It’s a fight to the finish, and when Luna delves into the history of the world she resides, she finds that some things should be left in the past. Will she have that option, though?

Luna won’t give up. Neither will the friends she’s surrounded herself with. That just might be their downfall, though.

Will she survive to find out the truth of her past? Or will she die never knowing what she was truly meant to be?

The Baker Street Murders by Emily OrganThe Baker Street Murders by Emily Organ:

When Augusta Peel finds a mysterious letter in a book she’s repairing, her enquiries take her to Baker Street. But events turn sinister when she learns the address is linked to a missing person.

Enlisting the help of Philip Fisher and his detective agency, Augusta attempts to solve a crime which has been hidden for ten years. Can the pair possibly match the skills of Baker Street’s most famous resident, Sherlock Holmes?

It’s not long before the body count rises. And when someone discovers her true identity, Augusta’s own secrets threaten to catch up with her.

The Last Promise by A.J. RiversThe Last Promise by A.J. Rivers:

We are the promises we make, the vows we keep, and the oaths we dare not break.

When PI Dean Steele received a call from his high school sweetheart Brielle, he never imagined it would lead him to the discovery of her lifeless body. His hunt for her killer takes him on the road to the biggest mystery of his life.

Could Brielle have been hiding his child?

What secrets was she hiding from Dean and even her own family?

While searching for the killer of the woman he once loved, he uncovered more secrets that will change everything he thought he knew.

This is the promise that defines us. The last promise we could ever make.

The Girl Who Remembers by A.J. RiversThe Girl Who Remembers by A.J. Rivers:

There are memories that we try our hardest to forget.

Reminders of what was taken from us…

For FBI Agent Emma Griffin pain and brokenness was all she knew.

At eleven, she found her mother murdered. The love she most cherished was gone in an instant. Even after catching the culprit, the pang in her heart never left her.

Now with her husband and newfound family, it seems like the painful chapters are finally closed.

When bodies are found seemingly mimicking Emma’s old cases, it seems like an enemy from agent Griffin’s past is zeroing in on those close to her.

When a floodgate of memories resurfaces, birthing a desire in Emma to destroy those who dare threaten the people she loves, she starts to remember pain points that her mind attempted to erase.

There’s time for justice, then there’s time for retribution.

To crush the things that stomps on the innocent and robs us of our joy.

Revenge isn’t sweet, it’s judgement.

Last Dance by Sheldon SiegelLast Dance by Sheldon Siegel:

Amid the pulsating beats of an upscale strip club in San Francisco’s historic North Beach, a chilling crime unfolds. Ex-cop César Ochoa stands accused of brutally stabbing the club’s star dancer, Chloe Carson. The evidence is damning, but César maintains his innocence.

In a desperate bid for justice, César turns to Public Defenders Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez. As they delve into the shadows of the club, they unearth a web of sex, drugs, infidelity, and hidden pasts involving the city’s elite. With time ticking away, the legal duo races against the establishment to unravel the truth in this lightning-paced thriller.

In the 16th gripping installment of Sheldon Siegel’s bestselling series, LAST DANCE, readers are plunged into a world where loyalties crumble and the line between guilt and innocence blurs. For Mike and Rosie, this could be their most challenging case yet, where one misstep could be their last.

Arttificial Wisdom by Thomas R. WeaverArtificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver:

Salvation has a price.

An enthralling murder mystery with a vividly realised future world that forces readers to grapple with hard-hitting questions regarding our relationship with Artificial Intelligence and the price we would be willing to pay, as a species, to be saved from crises of our own making. This jaw-dropping techno-thriller is perfect for fans of Blake Crouch, Neal Stephenson, Philip K Dick, Kim Stanley Robinson and RR Haywood.

It’s 2050, a decade after a heatwave that killed four hundred million across the Persian Gulf, including journalist Marcus Tully’s wife. Now he must uncover the truth: was the disaster natural? Or is the weather now a weapon of genocide?

A whistleblower pulls Tully into a murder investigation at the centre of an election battle for a global dictator, with a mandate to prevent a climate apocalypse. A former US President campaigns against the first AI politician of the position, but someone is trying to sway the outcome.

As the murder of a crucial witness derails the investigation, Tully must find the truth, convince the world to face it and make hard choices about the future of the species. But will humanity ultimately choose salvation over freedom, whatever the cost?

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for March 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 February 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, science fantasy, paranormal mysteries, paranormal thrillers, space opera, military science fiction, dystopian fiction, alternate history, weird western, horror, elves, dragons, alien invasions, starships for rent, space marines, science fiction by women, Norse gods, ancient evils, 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:

Different Kinds of Defiance by Renan BernardoDifferent Kinds of Defiance by Renan Bernardo:

Defiance has many faces, and in DIFFERENT KINDS OF DEFIANCE, they are as varied as they are gripping. In a world teetering on the brink of moral ambiguity, each story is a testament to the spirit that resists, rebuilds, and redeems.

From the sunbaked docks of a Rio de Janeiro, change yet still familiar, to the oil-streaked shores of Barra Nova, Renan Bernardo weaves takes if characters caught in the throes of life’s tempests. Meet Hamilton, whose pursuit of a stolen yacht morphs into a crusade for healthcare for the forgotten, his acts a mosaic of bravery and necessity. Walk with Vitória as she battles the relentless tide of pollution with a fleet of smart-bots at her side, her resolve as persistent as the oil that stains her beach. And stand by Jota, who faces the storms of parenting in the shadow of a past that is never quite done with him or his defiant bloodline.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF DEFIANCE is a collection for the rebels at heart—for those who find courage where hope seems lost and for whom every act of resistance is an act of sheer will.

Can one steal for the greater good? Can technology heal a land left for dead? Can a single act of love withstand a legacy of struggle? Dive into these stories of resilience and witness the many forms defiance can take when faced with the precipice of change.

Federation Marine: Lieutenant Colonel by Jonathan P. BrazeeFederation Marine: Lieutenant Colonel by Jonathan P. Brazee:

As a lieutenant colonel, Ryck is given command of the Second Battalion.

With the Marine Corps anxious to certify the resurfaced concept of integrated operations units, the battalion is thrown right into the fire.

With his new command, Ryck has the opportunity to prove his ability to be a true combat leader and not just as a warrior. But with that opportunity come the risk that he cannot handle the manager aspect of command: the logistics, training, maintenance, admin, and support aspects that allow every unit to maximize its combat potential.

A proven fighting Marine, Ryck still has to master every requirement of command—the tactical and the support—if he is going to keep his career alive in the Corps.

Tested by Temptation by Lindsay BurokerTested by Temptation by Lindsay Buroker:

In the final installment of the Tracking Trouble series, Arwen must confront her dark-elven kin once and for all while helping Azerdash win a war against all of dragon kind.

Ambitious tasks under any circumstances. But, to make matters worse, Gemlytha, the powerful woman Azerdash has admitted having feelings for, isn’t as dead as everyone believed.

When he comes face to face with her again, will he choose Arwen? Or Gemlytha?

Starship for rent 2 by M.R. ForbesStarship for Rent 2 by M.R. Forbes:

Starship rental gone wrong. Very wrong.

Trapped on the other side of the galaxy, Ben, Noah, and their companions are dragged into the midst of war by the mysterious Warden. Relentlessly hunted, they must choose the best of bad options and learn the ultimate lesson to prevail.

If they ever want to go home, they have no choice but to fight…and kill.

 

Shadows of the Past by Eric GoebelbeckerShadows of the Past by Eric Goebelbecker:

It’s 1915, twenty years after the Martian invasion chronicled in the War of the Worlds failed. The aliens left behind advanced technology and weapons, and now humanity is on the brink of a catastrophic war. Caught in the middle of the chaos are two unlikely heroes: Emil Zimmerman, a young German soldier, and James Brogan, an introverted radio engineer.

Emil dreamed of escaping his small village and making his way to the big city, but finds himself in the trenches fighting for an army that indiscriminately wields deadly Martian weapons. Meanwhile, James just wants to be left alone, but is pulled into a web of conspiracy when he’s called upon to repair crucial radios on Long Island.

As the world hurtles towards the brink of destruction, Emil and James find themselves on a collision course with fate, each struggling to survive and make sense of a new reality.

Shadows of the Past is a science fiction, alternate history, survival adventure. Do you love War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells? Then the thrilling journey of The Great War of the Worlds, where humanity grapples with the legacy of Martian technology is the ride you’re looking for.

The Way Back Home by Elle GrayThe Way Back Home by Elle Gray:

The end is here, and judgement has come.

FBI agent Cora Pratt came to Storyville searching for the crazed Postcard Killer.

A killer that has taunted her all over the USA.

When she arrived in this quiet town, nothing could have prepared her for the supernatural mysteries that would unfold.

Orphaned as a young child, Cora did not know about her family’s background. Let alone her shocking connection to this strange place.

Until now, the truth of her unusual past has been kept secret to almost everyone.

But as the end draws near, it’s now time for Cora to learn of her special purpose.

It’s a tale as old as time. The battle of good versus evil.

Salvation or eternal condemnation.

The world as we know it will never be the same.

Cold as a witch's tequila sunrise by Lily Harper HartCold as a Witch’s Tequila Sunrise by Lily Harper Hart

The big day has arrived. Hali Waverly is finally getting the surgery she so desperately needs. Her boyfriend Gray Hunter is determined to be by her side for it. She thinks she’s ready for it. Is she, though?

The surgery itself goes off without a hitch. Hali’s recovery is another story. Ceding control of her beloved tiki bar to her brother and her boyfriend’s brother only amps up her anxiety. Things get worse when a storm hits, and it’s of the magical variety instead of the natural. When a body is found in the aftermath, things are bad.

Things get worse when the body is identified as belonging to a local pack member, and the last person seen with the woman is Gray’s mother. Helene, of course, denies being up to anything nefarious. Unfortunately for her, Hali is in on her big secret, and it’s time to share it.

Hali thought the hardest thing in the world would be the surgery. She was wrong. Now she has to tell the man she loves about his mother’s betrayal and keep him from cutting his parents out of his life forever because of it.

It’s not just the pack closing in, though. The dark merrow are also making their move. Hali’s small sliver of beach is about to become very crowded.

Even though this is the exact worst time for a war, Hali finds herself embroiled in one. One side will fall forever. Hali wants to be on the winning team because if she’s not, they’ll all die.

The big battle is here.

Chilled to the Crone by Amanda M. LeeChilled to the Crone by Amanda M. Lee:

Winter has descended on Hawthorne Hollow like a chilly blanket, and all Scout Randall wants to do with her days is snuggle in bed with her gas station chicken and wait for spring to arrive.

Nothing in her life ever goes the way she planned, however.

There are gods afoot, as if Scout didn’t have enough to deal with. The Nordic goddess Skadi is in town, and she has something specific on her mind.
With the new lamia apex down for the count—whether she’ll survive her ultimate transition, nobody can say—Scout thinks she has some breathing room to get to know the family that’s only recently come to town. Instead, she’s got a god to deal with, and Skadi means business.

Scout’s magic is ever-evolving but is she strong enough to face a god?

When another god arrives hellbent on fighting it out with the first god, Scout thinks things can’t get worse. She’s wrong. Things can always get worse.

A god fight is not what Scout was anticipating it. It’s upon her, though. Worse, it seems one of the gods might be partnering with the lamia apex with domination on their minds. What does that mean? An end for them all.

Scout has been reticent about facing her new reality. She’s out of time, though. She either has to agree to take on the mantle of the pixie apex, or Hawthorne Hollow—and ultimately the world—will fall into ruin.

It’s time for a war. Is Scout ready?

Rediscovery Volume 3Rediscovery Science Fiction by Women Volume 3 (1964 – 1968), edited by Gideon Marcus:

Surfing the New Wave

In the ’60s, the New Wave swept over science fiction. Women rode that wave and pushed beyond, into new waters.

These stories are darker, exploring psychological horrors in ways that their older sisters didn’t dare to. They’re innovative, playing with form and structure. They’re challenging, forcing us to confront the demons not just outside us, but within us.

Come Rediscover nineteen of the era’s best works—and dive into a whole new frontier.

Includes 19 stellar pieces of fiction, with Afterwords by luminaries from Seanan McGuire to Marie Vibbert, as well as by relatives of the authors!

Terror at Tierra de Cobre by Michael MerriamTerror at Tierra de Cobre by Michael Merriam

An ancient evil has awakened…

Strong women, ancient magic and the walking dead make for a heady mix. In Michael Merriam’s tale, seven women are called to protect a small mining town in the New Mexico Territory, Tierra De Cobre, against an evil that has killed or stolen the town’s men and is twisting the souls of the townswomen. The Sihuanaba is part siren, part shapeshifter, possessed of the body of a beautiful woman, her face a horse’s skull with flaming eyes. Once she is freed from her copper prison in the mine, she feeds off the miners to regain her strength, then consumes or twists all the men who come to rescue them. Maria Garcia, recently widowed and quietly fierce, has the answer: hire women to fight the monster. And they do. Taking the classic Western “The Magnificent Seven” as a jumping off point, the town’s defenders are assembled, all women from wildly different backgrounds, united by one mission: to defend the town and defeat the Sihuanaba. All the odds are against them, the price of failure is death or worse and all they have is each other.

The Exodus Gambit by Glynn StewartThe Exodus Gambit by Glynn Stewart

Her family, gone, destroyed from within
Her kingdom, doomed, tainted by blood
Unless a scion rises to become something… more

In a single ruthless blow, Commander Lorraine Adamant’s favorite uncle murders everyone ahead of him in the succession for the Star Kingdom of Adamant. Only luck and the paranoia of her bodyguard, Vigo Jarret, saves Lorraine’s life.

On the run in a single starship Lorraine should never have commanded, with a crew she can not trust, she swiftly learns her uncle’s hounds are hot on her heels. She must gather every skill, every trick, she has ever learned if she is to survive—and pray the uncle who taught her those tricks is a step behind.

Because one thing is certain: Lorraine Adamant will save her Kingdom—or die.

Star Dragons by James David VictorStar Dragons by James David Victor:

What happens when your worst enemy suddenly becomes your best friend?

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

Keel Hennity was killed by a dragon. His entire existence as a reincarnated fighting machine has focused on keeping those Star Dragons under control. Now that he’s been mysteriously bonded to one of the deadly creatures, he’s supposed to turn the creature into his best friend and most powerful ally. What could possibly go wrong?

Star Dragons is the third 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 March 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 February 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, culinary mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, parnormal thrillers, crime thrillers, legal thrillers, action thrillers, adventure thrillers, police officers, FBI agents, amateur sleuths, lawyers, assassins, serial killers, sinister campgrounds, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-bustong realtors, crime-busting housekeepers, murder and mayhem in London, Florida, Michigan, South America 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 Danger by Blythe BakerThe Happy Housekeeper’s Guide To Danger by Blythe Baker:

A violent assault on a door-to-door salesman leaves the man’s life hanging in the balance as Barbara, Craig, and Deputy Elwood search for answers. Was it the victim’s estranged wife? A business competitor? A dissatisfied customer?

Meanwhile, Barbara has a chance at a new romance, but she has barely begun to pursue it when yet another mystery rises up. Can Barbara solve two different crimes before either of the perpetrators catches up to her?

School Days Intrigue by Beth ByersSchool Days Intrigue by Beth Byers:

Denny has accepted that the investigatory life is not for him. He’s not very good at it, and every time he goes it alone, he ends up bruised from his head to his toes. Or thereabouts.

Still, when an old chum from back when he was in short pants needs him, what can he do but help? It seems everything is askew, his life is about to be ruined, and he can’t go to Victor and Vi for help. Denny tries pushing his friend off on Smith, but old Snakey won’t be pushed.

With a desire for armor, a certainty that things are about to go awry, and a willingness to flee like a rabbit, Denny tries to help. No one, least of all him, will be surprised if things only get worse.

A Secret To Die For by Beth Byers and Ann WarrenA Secret To Die For by Beth Byers and Ann Warren:

In this final short mystery, Sam and Mia have returned home after their last caper and delved back into their lives. Everything is the same busy usual until Sam’s boss calls her for help.

He’s got a secret, one worth killing over. And, he’s very afraid that death is, in fact, at the door. Calling in Griffin and Jonah for help, it’s time to solve this mystery before all is lost.

 

No Way Out by Stacy ClaflinNo Way Out by Stacy Claflin:

When an escaped killer stumbles upon a secluded campground, the perfect hideaway becomes a sinister hunting ground…

True-crime podcasters Ariana and Damon Jones seek respite from their rough year with a camping trip in the wilderness. But the solace they hoped would bring peace soon twists into a sinister stage for a deadly game of terror.

A shadowy figure infiltrates the campsite, masquerading as just another camper. The group shrinks as people vanish or show up dead. Cut off from civilization, Ariana and Damon realize they’re trapped with a monster, their every move watched by a predator hidden in plain sight.

With suspicion corroding and trust a mere illusion, their professional skills may be their only chance to unmask the predator. But as the body count rises, they must tread carefully, for one wrong decision could mean the difference between life and death. Can Ariana and Damon survive the untamed darkness…or will they become the killer’s final trophies?

The Way Back Home by Elle GrayThe Way Back Home by Elle Gray:

The end is here, and judgement has come.

FBI agent Cora Pratt came to Storyville searching for the crazed Postcard Killer.

A killer that has taunted her all over the USA.

When she arrived in this quiet town, nothing could have prepared her for the supernatural mysteries that would unfold.

Orphaned as a young child, Cora did not know about her family’s background. Let alone her shocking connection to this strange place.

Until now, the truth of her unusual past has been kept secret to almost everyone.

But as the end draws near, it’s now time for Cora to learn of her special purpose.

It’s a tale as old as time. The battle of good versus evil.

Salvation or eternal condemnation.

The world as we know it will never be the same.

Cold as a witch's tequila sunrise by Lily Harper HartCold as a Witch’s Tequila Sunrise by Lily Harper Hart

The big day has arrived. Hali Waverly is finally getting the surgery she so desperately needs. Her boyfriend Gray Hunter is determined to be by her side for it. She thinks she’s ready for it. Is she, though?

The surgery itself goes off without a hitch. Hali’s recovery is another story. Ceding control of her beloved tiki bar to her brother and her boyfriend’s brother only amps up her anxiety. Things get worse when a storm hits, and it’s of the magical variety instead of the natural. When a body is found in the aftermath, things are bad.

Things get worse when the body is identified as belonging to a local pack member, and the last person seen with the woman is Gray’s mother. Helene, of course, denies being up to anything nefarious. Unfortunately for her, Hali is in on her big secret, and it’s time to share it.

Hali thought the hardest thing in the world would be the surgery. She was wrong. Now she has to tell the man she loves about his mother’s betrayal and keep him from cutting his parents out of his life forever because of it.

It’s not just the pack closing in, though. The dark merrow are also making their move. Hali’s small sliver of beach is about to become very crowded.

Even though this is the exact worst time for a war, Hali finds herself embroiled in one. One side will fall forever. Hali wants to be on the winning team because if she’s not, they’ll all die.

The big battle is here.

Capped by Closing Costs by CeeCee JamesCapped by Closing Costs by CeeCee James:

In a small town known for its picturesque landscapes and quaint charm, Stella O’Neil eagerly arranges a showing for Dude Ranch. The property, nestled amidst rolling hills and vibrant green pastures, has attracted potential buyers from far and wide.

As the day of the showing arrives, a select group of interested buyers and enthusiasts gather at the horse farm. Little did anyone know that this showing would soon turn into a chilling mystery.

 

The Client List by Robin JamesThe Client List by Robin James

After a chance encounter at the funeral of an old mentor, small-town lawyer Cass Leary finds herself at the center of a murder trial no one believes she can win.

Cass is stunned when a man she hasn’t seen or spoken to in twenty years wills his law practice to her. His client list contains a single name. Farrah Sibley. Accused of murdering her boss, Farrah has femme fatale written all over her. Beautiful. Smart. Cunning. But is she capable of such a cold-blooded killing?

Shot once through the heart, the victim, prominent lawyer Terrence Dowd only had one enemy. His mistress, Farrah is on record threatening Dowd’s life and had the motive and opportunity to turn their relationship into a fatal attraction. She was also the last one to see Dowd alive. Two things drive Cass to take the case despite the skepticism of her team. There’s no physical evidence tying Farrah to the crime and someone Cass revered believed in her innocence until the day he died. Cass takes a leap of faith and mounts a defense.

Firestorm by Ethan JonesFirestorm by Ethan Jones:

A killer with no conscience…

Assassin Tom Maverick is an old-school tough guy. He’ll kill anyone, for any reason, no questions asked. His life has been one terrible mistake after another, but that has only hardened him more.

After being falsely accused of executing an innocent family, Tom is on the run. And now no questions mean no answers as to why he’s been framed.

When he scarcely escapes a car bombing in South America, Tom realizes his enemies have found him. What’s worse, the hitmen have also found his son… a continent away.

Ready to fight, he discovers a conspiracy spanning the globe. But can Tom determine who’s hunting him, foil their plan, and keep his son out of the firestorm?

Chilled to the Crone by Amanda M. LeeChilled to the Crone by Amanda M. Lee:

Winter has descended on Hawthorne Hollow like a chilly blanket, and all Scout Randall wants to do with her days is snuggle in bed with her gas station chicken and wait for spring to arrive.

Nothing in her life ever goes the way she planned, however.

There are gods afoot, as if Scout didn’t have enough to deal with. The Nordic goddess Skadi is in town, and she has something specific on her mind.

With the new lamia apex down for the count—whether she’ll survive her ultimate transition, nobody can say—Scout thinks she has some breathing room to get to know the family that’s only recently come to town. Instead, she’s got a god to deal with, and Skadi means business.

Scout’s magic is ever-evolving but is she strong enough to face a god?

When another god arrives hellbent on fighting it out with the first god, Scout thinks things can’t get worse. She’s wrong. Things can always get worse.

A god fight is not what Scout was anticipating it. It’s upon her, though. Worse, it seems one of the gods might be partnering with the lamia apex with domination on their minds. What does that mean? An end for them all.

Scout has been reticent about facing her new reality. She’s out of time, though. She either has to agree to take on the mantle of the pixie apex, or Hawthorne Hollow—and ultimately the world—will fall into ruin.

It’s time for a war. Is Scout ready?

Then She's Gone by Willow Rose Then She’s Gone by Willow Rose:

A discovery of bones on a windswept beach, the disappearance of a young woman, and a detective whose secrets are about to come out…

Summoned to a crime scene swarming with people, Detective Billie Ann Wilde is devastated to find a woman’s broken bones abandoned in a suitcase on the sand of a popular Florida beach. And Billie’s blood runs cold when she reads the name “Danni” handwritten on the luggage tag in black ink: the name of Billie’s own best friend.

Rushing over to Danni’s home, Billie is relieved to find her alive, preparing dinner for her two young daughters. So whose bones are in the suitcase? And why was Danni’s name at the scene?

For years, Billie has worried that the dark secrets in her past might put her loved ones in danger, and soon her connection to the case is confirmed. Another set of bones is found at a busy local mall. With shaking hands Billie reaches out to read the luggage tag where another name is written in black ink: but this time, it’s Billie’s own name. And now, Danni has gone missing…

Can Billie face up to the past and unravel her connection to this twisted killer? Or, with two young women already gone, is it too late for Billie to save Danni’s life?

Swift and Silent by Wayne StinnettSwift and Silent by Wayne Stinnett:

Things in the Middle Florida Keys aren’t as idyllic as they seem. If one looks closely, there’s a layer of dirt just below the surface. The butt-ugly kind of dirt that’s hard to get off.

Things move slowly in the Keys—locals call it island time—but there are some for whom it seems that time is at a standstill; whose clocks revolve only around the tides, fish migrations, and the rising and setting of the sun and moon.

Jesse McDermitt remembers the Keys the way he’d first found them as a young man. He’s lived on his little island in the Content Keys for a long time and he’s learned to adapt to some of the change. But not all of it has been positive, and it seems the dirt has a way of finding Jesse, sticking to his feet like Everglades mud.

Is it finally time to go away? To completely disappear? He has the means and there are places in the world where the dirt hasn’t settled. Places he’d like to show his wife and family.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for February 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 January 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 epic fantasy, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, paranormal romance, paranormal mysteries, space opera, military science fiction, dystopian fiction, horror, vampires, dragons, wizards, time travel, starships for rent, space marines, crime-busting witches, crime-busting ghosts 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:

Jonathan P. Brazee "Major"Major by Jonathan P. Brazee:

A Marine major is one of the orphan ranks, too senior to command a line company, but too junior to command a battalion.

Newly promoted to major, Ryck reports for duty as the assistant naval attaché to the Confederation of Free States, the same government whose troops he’d recently fought in the Telchines. Ryck wasn’t happy about the assignment, but he buckled down for a long and boring tour of duty.

But action seems to follow Ryck, and this is no exception.

From the diplomatic post on New Mumbai to leading one of the newly formed Raider special ops companies, Ryck continues his eventful career as a United Federation Marine.

Pursued by Dragons by Lindsay BurokerPursued by Peril by Lindsay Buroker:

The dragons of the Cosmic Realms aren’t pleased now that Azerdash has recovered a legendary galaxy blade. It makes him more of a threat in his quest to oust their kind from power. To stop him, the dragons have sent one of their own after him, a deadly assassin who likes a challenge…

Arwen wants to help Azerdash, but she has her own problems. She must track down the missing vampire alchemist, Zoltan. It’s her fault that he was kidnapped, and she can’t leave him in the hands of dark elves.

But when the dragon assassin comes after her, because of her relationship with Azerdash, Arwen must worry about far more than kidnappers.

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

When Noah sees an advertisement offering him a chance to rent a starship, he’s convinced it has to be a trick.

Already mired in the worst day of his life, he’s willing to do anything to escape, including a field trip to the middle of nowhere to follow the lead. Except there is no trick. The starship is real. And Noah’s life will never be the same.

All he has to do is sign the contract.

Joined by his wisecracking friend, a woman he met online, and the ship’s curious crew, Noah’s about to discover that the universe is more dangerous, bizarre, and magical than he ever imagined.

From tragedy to triumph. His true destiny awaits.

Ghosts of Past and Present by Rachel FordGhosts of Past and Present by Rachel Ford:

When Tennessee Evans inherited a fortune, the last thing she expected was to find her absentee family on her doorstep. But that’s exactly what happened.

Quite literally, in fact. First her dad and his new wife, then her mom and her new husband. Awkward doesn’t quite cover it.
Then her stepmom is kidnapped, and the ghosts start showing up.

Which would be bad enough on its own. But Tennessee is already juggling a complicated romance, her plans to restore the town’s downtown area, and a home renovation project.

She needs to figure out what’s going on stat. Fortunately for her, the dead are on the case, and they have a few ideas…

Another Time, edited by Jean-Paul GarnierAnother Time: An Anthology of Time Travel Stories 1942-1960, edited by Jean-Paul Garnier:

The nature of time has forever perplexed humankind. Add the many ripe paradoxes of time travel and the situation gets complicated. While science has shown us that time travel is technically possible, at least on paper, we still know little about what time actually is, or our place within it. Science fiction has long explored this theme and it has become one of the cornerstones of the genre. In this collection of stories, we find visions of what time travel could be, what could go wrong, and dive headlong into the paradoxical nature of what it might entail. Tales ranging from 1942 to 1960 bring us into these mysterious worlds and provide a window into what the writers of this era grappled with when exploring time and the possibilities of traveling within the fourth dimension. Readers will also delight in traversing another time in literature, with stories that first appeared in Worlds of IF, Astonishing Stories, Galaxy Magazine, Thrilling Wonder Stories, Startling Stories, and Imagination Stories of Fantasy & Science Fiction.

With stories by:

C. Shook
Darius John Granger
Evelyn E. Smith
Sylvia Jacobs
Rog Phillips
Miriam Allen deFord
Anthony Boucher
Henry Kuttner
Alfred Bester

and an introduction by Dr. Phoenix Alexander

Witch Mirror by A.L. HawkeWitch Mirror by A.L. Hawke:

Reflections of a wicked witch.

Bryce and I are trying to revive Alondra’s old metaphysical history class. We’re in college again, this time teaching. But It’s stressful under our former teacher’s shadow. Not only that, there’s a new demon-witch messing with my love life. So I’m going through that again. Well, at least this time I have Alondra’s magic to protect me.

Actually, not only do I have her magic, her spirit is inside me, possessing me. But don’t worry, Alondra’s ghost is a positive force here to help Hawthorne. I mean…are you good, Alondra?

A witch council is gathering at my house to reflect on ways to save us. They’re convinced Alondra is evil, but Alondra and I are unsure they know what they’re doing. Well, if I can’t hold things together—inside and outside of myself—I fear my plans of finishing graduate school at Hawthorne U. and starting a family are going to shatter.

Witchy Woman Blues by Lily Harper HartWitchy Woman Blues by Lily Harper Hart:

The final battle is here.

Hannah Hickok had high hopes for her wedding and honeymoon, but everything changes when a local politician stops by to casually drop some disturbing news. It seems Casper Creek is going to be seized by eminent domain…and there’s nothing she can do about it.

Cooper Wyatt knows that the land can’t just be taken from Hannah willy-nilly, but stopping what’s about to happen is going to take more than the sheriff on their side. They’re also going to need some magical help.

That means it’s time for Hannah’s ultimate decision on the nexus magic. She knows she can’t risk anybody getting their hands on it, especially local witch Astra Bishop, who wants to use it for evil. That means there’s no choice but to absorb it now. Is she ready, though?

Hannah wants her happily ever after. She has to take out Astra—and those she has working for her—to make it to the other side. It’s a tall order, but she’s determined to make it happen.

Casper Creek is a place of magic and love. Hannah is willing to fight to the death to keep it that way.

Will she get her wish, or will she lose everything? You’re about to find out. The end is here.

The Future Lies by John Be LaneThe Future Lies by John Be Lane:

What would youdoif you found out one day that the Artificial Intelligence that ran everything was lazy, dishonest, and not quite as bright as it seemed? That there might be a way to outwit the Network, in spite of its oppression, and maybe to find love, and something like a future, in the ruins of a desolate world? If you didn’t die trying, that is?

 

 

freaky wedding by Amanda M. LeeFreaky Wedding by Amanda M. Lee:

Wedding bells are about to ring for Poet Parker and Kade Denton. They just have to knock a few things off their list in Galveston, including getting a license, and then they will be ready to pledge themselves to one another forever.

There’s just one little problem.

On their first night, right across the water, they watch the local vampires do a ritual on the beach. They don’t sweat it too much until the police show up the next morning to ask them about the body that was found in the exact same location.

It seems the vampires are up to something, and they’re not the only ones. Trouble is back and the quiet week of rest and relaxation Poet was hoping for is about to go up in smoke.

As Poet and her motley crew of paranormals dig deeper into the Galveston lore, they find more interesting tidbits than they can shake a loa at. Something magical—something dark and dangerous—has been controlling the island for a very long time. That’s why no other paranormals can get a foothold in the area. It’s also why the vampires seem to be serving a new master. Unfortunately for Mystic Caravan, that creature is now focused on them.

Poet wants her big day. She wants a honeymoon to enjoy. It seems death is on the wedding reception menu, though, and it’s going to take everybody working together to make sure Poet and Kade get their happily ever after.

Lamias, dwarves, pixies, shifters, and loas are about to unite in a big fight. Who will win, though?

The Battle of Erathal by Joseph P. MacolinoThe Battle For Erathal by Joseph P. Macolino:

He just wanted to enjoy this time of peace. But when a familiar evil is unleashed upon the forest of Erathal, will anyone be safe?

Enjoying the time without strife, Irontail works to spread peace and unity throughout the forest of Erathal. Organizing the first ever Festival of Gratitude, he finally feels he is fulfilling his calling as the leader of his centaur village. But his plans are once again hijacked when a familiar villain escapes from imprisonment.

The felite warrior, Tel’ Shira, joins Irontail and the other heroes of Erathal as they plan their counter-offensive. But even her gift of foresight is not enough to prepare her for the upcoming battle against this malevolent foe.

With the future of Erathal on the line, will anyone survive to tell the tale?

The Battle for Erathal is the thrilling conclusion to the Evorath epic fantasy series.

Your Evil Is My Good by Robert MammoneYour Evil Is My Good by Robert Mammone:

Thirteen tales to unsettle and terrify. The beginning of a zombie apocalypse; what really happened to Amelia Earhart; ancient sorcery from the howling wastes of Pakistan; terror in the subways; messages from beyond the black rim of the galaxy. All these and more in Robert Mammone’s debut collection, Your Evil is My Good.

 

 

 

Arsalan the Magnificent by J.E. TolbertArsalan the Magnificent by J.E. Tolbert:

Arsalan the Magnificent is a lighthearted but poignant novel of historical fantasy fiction. In Europe and the Ottoman Empire of the early 19th century, a profession of wizards known as magical architects have achieved wealth and fame as builders of fantastical structures. Facing disgrace after his newest and greatest work collapses, Arsalan Ozdikmen, a renowned Ottoman magical architect in the prime of his career, is exiled to the Balkans. There, he undergoes a journey of reckoning and recovery, and finally redemption, when he is called to the aid of a young Bavarian princess.

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for February 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 January 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, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, WWII mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, psychological thrillers, police officers, FBI agents, amateur sleuths, prisoners, missing persons, serial killers, murderous twins, murdered brides, deadly weddings, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting housekeepers, crime-busting ghosts, murder and mayhem in London, California, Lousiana, Florida, Texas 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 Theft by Blythe BakerThe Happy Housekeeper’s Guide To Theft by Blythe Baker:

Barbara Hollis has barely settled into the sleepy little town where her brother is sheriff, when a shocking crime rocks the community. Thanks to a peculiar new friend she has made and an unexpected prize she has won at a plasticware party, Barbara finds herself dragged into a dangerous mystery.

Can she uncover the identity of a murderer and track down a jewelry store thief, while navigating a confusing acquaintance with a handsome restaurant owner who is just a little too charming for anyone’s good?

Murder Overdue by Beth ByersMurder Overdue by Beth Byers:

Vi feels like she’s been pregnant for about 1,000 years. She’s decided it’s time to make a major change in her life. No more murders. No more mayhem. No more madness.

Except, then she meets a man and a woman, and if there was ever a pair of people who needed to be murdered it was them. Vi says so. Maybe more than once. Maybe to those who took note. Maybe, even, to a suspicious degree. So when one of them is killed, all eyes turn to the heavily pregnant Vi.

This time, Vi isn’t just investigating to right a wrong. She’s not fighting for justice. She’s saving her baby from being born in a jail cell and herself from being hanged before her child is walking. She takes up her swollen ankles, gathers round her wild friends, and the whole gang is going to find the killer, trap the killer, and then welcome a baby who really should have come already.

Josephine West and the Bookish Corpse by Beth Byers and Ann WarrenJosephine West and the Bookish Corpse by Beth Byers and Ann Warren:

March 1922

If Josephine Marie West knows about anything, she knows about grief. Which is probably why she bonded so quickly with her friend, Chessie. Josephine hadn’t had a best friend as an adult before, and she’s ready to be the best best friend the world has ever seen. So when Chessie calls for help, Josephine drops everything.

It’s time to uncover yet another murderer.

Swamp Spies by Jana DeLeonSwamp Spies by Jana DeLeon:

Things have reached a critical point in the Middle East. Carter agreed to serve as a consultant for his old Force Recon unit but for reasons unknown to his friends and family, jumped from the command center and into the field. Now he’s MIA, and Fortune is the only one who can put together a rescue mission that has any chance of being successful. But will her skills and connections be enough?

Most Sinful residents are unaware of Carter’s crisis and are going about their daily lives as they always have, including local prankster Gage Babin. Except this time, Gage’s attempt to elicit laughs leaves him on a slab in the medical examiner’s office. Everyone knows how unhealthy he was, but Fortune thinks there’s more to his death than a poorly timed prank that caused his bad heart to give out.

Unfortunately, what she knows and what she can prove are two different things. And unless she can find the evidence to support her theory, someone will get away with murder.

Deadly Plot by Jan EdwardsDeadly Plot by Jan Edwards:

When the body of Nario Costa is dug up in Wyncombe’s Victory Gardens, Bunch Courtney’s investigations unearth far more than an escaped POW!

What at first appears to be a cold case takes a darker turn as she uncovers links far beyond her Sussex home — and the body count begins to rise!”

 

 

Ghosts of Past and Present by Rachel FordGhosts of Past and Present by Rachel Ford:

When Tennessee Evans inherited a fortune, the last thing she expected was to find her absentee family on her doorstep. But that’s exactly what happened.

Quite literally, in fact. First her dad and his new wife, then her mom and her new husband. Awkward doesn’t quite cover it.

Then her stepmom is kidnapped, and the ghosts start showing up.

Which would be bad enough on its own. But Tennessee is already juggling a complicated romance, her plans to restore the town’s downtown area, and a home renovation project.

She needs to figure out what’s going on stat. Fortunately for her, the dead are on the case, and they have a few ideas…

The Inmate's Secret by Elle GrayThe Inmate’s Secret by Elle Gray:

It should be the season of joy, but one inmate has a secret he’s taking to the grave…

FBI agent Blake Wilder is basking in the holiday spirit, when she receives a phone call from an old high school friend regarding a murder case.

She reluctantly agrees to visit him in prison. There he begs her to investigate his case to prove his innocence. He is currently serving a life sentence for a murder he claims he did not commit.

While glossing over his case, Blake notices that there are potential discrepancies in the original investigation.

It seems her friend, the inmate, has been keeping secrets from her.

And as Blake dives deeper into the case, she finds a trail of illicit affairs, abuse, incompetence, and a shocking twist that no one saw coming.

Lust, pride, envy, deception, and murder. Some have secrets they’d kill for.

This inmate has a secret worth taking to the grave.

Witchy Woman Blues by Lily Harper HartWitchy Woman Blues by Lily Harper Hart:

The final battle is here.

Hannah Hickok had high hopes for her wedding and honeymoon, but everything changes when a local politician stops by to casually drop some disturbing news. It seems Casper Creek is going to be seized by eminent domain…and there’s nothing she can do about it.

Cooper Wyatt knows that the land can’t just be taken from Hannah willy-nilly, but stopping what’s about to happen is going to take more than the sheriff on their side. They’re also going to need some magical help.

That means it’s time for Hannah’s ultimate decision on the nexus magic. She knows she can’t risk anybody getting their hands on it, especially local witch Astra Bishop, who wants to use it for evil. That means there’s no choice but to absorb it now. Is she ready, though?

Hannah wants her happily ever after. She has to take out Astra—and those she has working for her—to make it to the other side. It’s a tall order, but she’s determined to make it happen.

Casper Creek is a place of magic and love. Hannah is willing to fight to the death to keep it that way.

Will she get her wish, or will she lose everything? You’re about to find out. The end is here.

freaky wedding by Amanda M. LeeFreaky Wedding by Amanda M. Lee:

Wedding bells are about to ring for Poet Parker and Kade Denton. They just have to knock a few things off their list in Galveston, including getting a license, and then they will be ready to pledge themselves to one another forever.

There’s just one little problem.

On their first night, right across the water, they watch the local vampires do a ritual on the beach. They don’t sweat it too much until the police show up the next morning to ask them about the body that was found in the exact same location.

It seems the vampires are up to something, and they’re not the only ones. Trouble is back and the quiet week of rest and relaxation Poet was hoping for is about to go up in smoke.

As Poet and her motley crew of paranormals dig deeper into the Galveston lore, they find more interesting tidbits than they can shake a loa at. Something magical—something dark and dangerous—has been controlling the island for a very long time. That’s why no other paranormals can get a foothold in the area. It’s also why the vampires seem to be serving a new master. Unfortunately for Mystic Caravan, that creature is now focused on them.

Poet wants her big day. She wants a honeymoon to enjoy. It seems death is on the wedding reception menu, though, and it’s going to take everybody working together to make sure Poet and Kade get their happily ever after.

Lamias, dwarves, pixies, shifters, and loas are about to unite in a big fight. Who will win, though?

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

Here comes the bride, all dressed in…

When the body of a “bride,” clutching a bloody invitation is found in a shallow grave with flower petals scattered around, FBI agent Emma Griffin is called to the scene.

Initial reports about the victim’s disappearance were conflicting.

Some believed she had simply gotten cold feet, just a “runaway bride”.

While her family feared something far more sinister occurred.

When another “bride” is found in a similar fashion, it seems as though a serial killer is sending a message.

While the case takes on many bloody twists and turns, unraveling the final moments of these soon-to-be brides and deciphering the killer’s cryptic messages is only just the beginning.

With Bellamy’s wedding date quickly approaching, Emma juggles her duties to Bellamy and solving this mysterious case.

But there’s a strange darkness looming over Bellamy’s big day.

And Emma’s fears are confirmed when Bellamy is nowhere to be found…

It’s the event most women have been waiting all their lives to celebrate.

As the saying goes,“Be careful what you wish for”.

Don't Let Her Go by Willow RoseDon’t Let Her Go by Willow Rose:

A missing five-year-old girl is the key to unlocking a detective’s terrifying past…

When Detective Billie Ann Wilde receives a desperate call that five-year-old Emma Wilson is missing, she rushes to the family home. But inside the picture-perfect house surrounded by Florida marshlands, she finds no children’s clothes or toys, no photos of the innocent child Emma’s mother Marissa describes. Billie suspects Marissa Wilson is hiding from someone.

It’s a race against the clock to find Emma. But Marissa refuses to tell Billie anything about her past, and before long, she also disappears…

And then Billie realizes who Marissa is.

She’s the ten-year-old girl Billie failed to find in her first ever case fourteen years ago. The leads went cold because Billie made a fatal mistake.

As more bodies turn up in the same marshlands, Billie must revisit her past and face up to her demons to find Marissa and her child. But she is unknowingly putting herself in the path of a terrifying serial killer…

Hide and Be by Gary L. StuartHide and Be by Gary L. Stuart:

You look exactly like your twin brother. Exactly. You think like him, for him, with him, cannot live without him. Cannot. Don’t want to. Don’t want to. Other kids play Hide & Seek. But you and he play Hide & Be. Your parents died when you were two. The foster parents were sometimes nice and sometimes awful. They could never tell you apart because one of you would hide; the other would just be. Be bad. Be blamed. Be good. Get the Jesus Strap. Get the ice cream cone. There were always eyes on you, then him. Wondering which one you were. There were always voices in your head, his. They can’t judge you because you could always be him, or you. You did not need friends because you are his and he is yours. You learn you don’t need anyone else; they can’t see you, just him. Or are they looking at him, not you? If one of you dies, the other will be. You.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for January 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 December 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, cozy fantasy, sword and sorcery, paranormal mysteries, ghost stories, space opera, military science fiction, dragons, elves, barbarians, alien invasions,  starships, space marines, paranormal investigators, crime-busting witches, crime-busting skeletons 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:

Paranormal Investigation by Chantal BellehumeurParanormal Investigation by Chantal Bellehumeur:

This fictional ghost story with a slice of humour was inspired by historical facts and true events.

Discover the dark history of Cornwall’s old jail, built in 1833, and follow the fictitious Roy family as they conduct a paranormal investigation inside the historic building. Their spooky venture evokes questions about a spirit possibly following them home.

 

Captain by Jonathan P. BrazeeCaptain by Jonathan P. Brazee:

As a captain, Ryck Lysander has been given one of the most sough-after assignments in the Marines: an infantry company commander.

His new battalion commanding officer, however, is not impressed with Ryck’s past accomplishments, and Ryck finds himself struggling to fulfill his CO’s expectations.

Now, abandoned by the Navy, stranded among the asteroids, Ryck and his battalion must find a way to survive the day.

But these are Marines. . . and that means never giving up.

Destiny Delayed by Lindsay BurokerDriven by Destiny by Lindsay Buroker:

Arwen Forester is on a quest to remove her dark-elven tattoo and get her mother’s evil people out of her life forever. The last thing she wants is for them to magically manipulate her into betraying Azerdash Starblade, the half-dragon refugee she has feelings for.

But when an old elven comrade visits Azerdash, sharing the location of one of the invaluable galaxy blades that were made for his kind, Arwen must set aside her own quest to help him. This may be a chance for him to once again become the leader he was meant to be.

But there are people—and dragons—who will kill to keep the powerful sword from returning to Azerdash’s hands. And they would have no problem slaying Arwen in the process. Is his quest worth dying for?

Echoes in the Deep by Terry Maggert and J.N. ChaneyEchoes in the Deep by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert:

Mark Tudor is learning a valuable lesson about being a Peacemaker.

With Veteran pay comes veteran problems. And the Guild, more often than not, is the issue.

He’s become an effective enforcer of the law, but unfortunately, crime is growing a lot more complicated. Someone is slaving artificial beings to ships, running contraband across the stars in a fatal practice that marries murder, theft, and kidnapping. Even as Mark’s crew grows, he discovers these crimes aren’t just horrific—they’re common.

And he means to stop it.

Deep in the black between stars, Mark finds an ancient and bizarre place, filled with the galaxy’s discarded junk. And in the middle of that cold, distant void lies a massive ship—one that holds secrets that will rock the halls of power in known space—and turn crime into profit.

Diving headlong into new cases, Mark will find that the elite criminals aren’t scared of a farm boy from Iowa. That professional killers are lurking in the shadows.

But he’s no longer alone.

With Tan, the teenaged tech wizard, and Drogo, whose gifts are a bit more martial, the search for justice will become a little more violent. With seemingly unconnected events escalating, one killer separates herself from the crowd.

Bone Appetite by Rachel FordBone Appetite by Rachel Ford:

I’m a magic-wielding Freak. My partner Flinty Jack is a sentient skeleton. We’re Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations.

Things are going well. I mean, sure, our short-term squatter seems to have turned into a perma-resident. And yeah, there are rumors that an undead serial killer might have set his sights on us next.

But work is steady, and the agency is finally on solid footing. Until one of Nat’s plaintiffs, head chef of an up-and-coming local restaurant, decides to bail on a rock solid case. She doesn’t believe he left willingly, and her firm asks us to take the case. Unpaid.

We don’t have the manpower, and we’re not doing well enough for charity cases yet. But saying no isn’t really an option. Not when it’s my fiancée asking.

So now we’re up to our eyeballs in work, trying to track down an un-missing person. Except the deeper we dig, the more it looks like someone went to a whole lot of trouble to cook up a story of the chef with cold feet…

The Revelations of Zang by John R. FultzThe Revelations of Zang by John R. Fultz:

A collection of dark fantasy tales with a metaphysical edge, full of grotesque wonders and weird splendor. Artifice the Quill flees from tyrant sorcerers into a world of strange magic, ancient gods, and exotic kingdoms. The exiled author joins a traveling troupe of performers known as the Glimmer Faire, where he learns the magical power of art and the art of magical power. These Twelve Tales of the Continent alternate between the exploits of Artifice and the adventures of Taizo the Rogue, a master of skullduggery who sparks a rebellion in the name of bloody vengeance.

The Lost Gods of Narr were displaced a century ago by the Sorcerer Kings, a council of dictators who rule the Golden City with necromancy, alchemy, and terror. The mysterious folk of the Red Isle foster dissension in Narr by smuggling their enchanted goods into the city, while the ancient Zang Forest expands itself across the lands of men, devouring farms and towns as it reaches to smother the wicked city. Now that the Lost Gods are returning to destroy the world, only Artifice, Taizo, and a small band of rebels have any hope of preventing the apocalypse. Seven of these interrelated stories are previously unpublished, including “Spilling the Blood of the World,” the novelette which brings the entire Zang Cycle to a staggering finale.

There's something about magic by Lily Harper HartThere’s Something About Magic by Lily Harper Hart:

The day Ivy Morgan-Harker has been dreading is here and the woman she helped send to prison is back in Shadow Lake…and she’s not acting like herself.

Ava Moffett returns to town just in time to be swept up in the death of a local woman, who had no ties to the area before recently taking over the hardware shop with her husband. Poison is the cause of death, but who doled it out?

If the death wasn’t bad enough, Ivy and her husband Jack have another problem. It seems their daughter Olive is sensing things that Ivy herself can’t see, which means Shadow Lake’s top witch might be falling behind.

Ivy wants nothing more than to live a happy life and help her friends. Ava’s revenge might make that impossible, though.

Prepare yourselves, because Ivy’s past is threatening her future, and this just might be the one fight she can’t win.

Whale Mail by Patty JansenWhale Mail by Patty Jansen:

Picture this: you’ve somehow come into the possession of a dragon (long story–you can read the previous book if you really want to know, but it’s kinda embarrassing, so you don’t need to).

And you need to return that dragon to the place it came from.

You’ve tried putting it on a truck–but it destroyed the truck.

You’ve tried putting it on the train–but it destroyed the carriage.

Now you’ve put the dragon in a warehouse while you figure out what to do, but–

You guessed it: the dragon destroys the warehouse.

Tell me, why wouldn’t you trick some rich merchant into lending you the only thing you haven’t yet tried: a boat.

The Quelling by C.L. LauderThe Quelling by C.L. Lauder:

When you’re Stained, patches of skin glisten like liquid starlight, and sooner or later, his creatures find you.

When Kyjta accidentally brands herself with an alien fluid while plotting revenge, she knows her fate is sealed. As one of the Stained, her markings glisten star-bright, and the creatures sent by the Rhemans to scavenge for bodies will have no trouble finding her.

One night, while sheltering during a raid, Kyjta forms an unexpected pact with a Rheman rebel to protect a young girl, Calipsie, who’s fallen into her care. Days later, when Calipsie is taken, Kyjta abandons precaution to go after her. Facing impossible odds and allied by a Rheman she’s not sure she can trust, Kyjta must not only rescue Calipsie, but also face the Rheman overlord who’s taken a disturbing interest in her.

Witching on the Job by Amanda M. LeeWitching on the Job by Amanda M. Lee:

Hadley Hunter came to Moonstone Bay to find herself. That included finding her passion in life. She just didn’t think it would involve becoming mayor.

She has no qualifications, other than being a powerful witch.

Half the town is rooting against her.

The other half is just sitting back to see what happens.

Only a handful of people are rooting for her, but they’re the only ones who matter.

When a body appears on the beach, one that’s been stabbed in the back and surrounded by curse runes in blood, Hadley finds her attention split. She might be the new mayor, but she’s also interested in what killed a former member of the power-hungry DDA.

The investigation involves old grudges, hidden files, a new witch in town, and the island’s biggest secret. Hadley isn’t ready for any of it, but she’s not going to have a choice.

Someone on the island is trying to keep dark information from coming to light, and it’s going to put them all in danger.

So, brace yourselves, because the new mayor is about to face a very old problem. Can she solve the case and keep the island safe? That’s anybody’s guess, but the odds are stacked against her.

Neither Beg Nor Yield, edited by Jason M. WaltzNeither Beg Nor Yield, edited by Jason M. Waltz:

Can you handle the truth?

Sword & Sorcery has always been about the attitude.

Stop seeking elaborate definitions. Cease arguing over semantics and accoutrements. Quit making it more difficult than necessary. Learn the fundamental immutability of the S&S Riddle: Protagonists with nonchalant mercenary motivations & indomitable wills. It’s all in their attitude.

The definition of S&S has never been clearer.

Sword & Sorcery warriors are very, very dangerous people, considered barbaric, who act according to their own codes of honor in pursuit of their own ends. Brothers (and sisters) to THE WILD BUNCH, comrades of the SEVEN SAMURAI, partners of every MAN IN BLACK, and riders in every WILD HUNT. They don’t just seize the day—they seize Life itself by the throat and squeeze until it begs. They don’t falter in the dark or before the unknown—they spit in the face of Death itself and stomp it into the dirt until it yields.

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for January 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 November 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 hardboiled mysteries, cozy mysteries, holiday mysteries, animal mysteries, historical mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, adventure thrillers, gothic thrillers, noir, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, ex-cons, heists, kidnapped teenagers, kidnapped cats, suspicious suicides, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting housekeepers, murder and mayhem in London, Minneapolis, Florida, Hawaii, Brighton, the Côte d’Azur, the Caribbean 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 Brighton by Magda AlexanderA Murder in Brighton by Magda Alexander:

With her wedding day rapidly approaching, all Kitty Worthington wants is a fun seaside holiday with her loved ones. But some are at outs with each other, the weather’s not promising, and someone gets murdered. Again.

Brighton 1924. The pleasant vacation Kitty Worthington envisioned is not going well. Disagreements and altercations between those dear to her all too soon scuttle her plans. Determined to enjoy some fun in the sun, she heads to the shore with her fiancé, Chief Detective Inspector Robert Crawford Sinclair. But before they can dip their toes in the surf, they stumble across the body of a wealthy socialite. In their beach hut, of all places.

As bad luck would have it, Kitty’s intended is soon assigned the case. After all, he’s not only present, but experienced at solving murders of the elite. Although reluctant to become involved in the investigation, Kitty agrees to help. And soon, so do her family and friends.

But finding the murderer won’t be easy. The woman was roundly disliked. Did the milquetoast husband kill her? Or was it the much put upon stepdaughter? And what about the shady stepson in debt up to his ears?

With a raging storm bearing down on them, there’s no time to lose. Witnesses and suspects are all jumping ship. And if that weren’t enough, the Worthingtons’ beloved basset hound soon goes missing. Is it the murderer’s ploy or an unfortunate coincidence? Whatever the reason, they must discover the killer before all is lost.

The Happy Housekeeper's Guide to Arson by Blythe BakerThe Happy Housekeeper’s Guide to Arson by Blythe Baker

Suspicion. Lies. Murder. Barbara Hollis didn’t expect to encounter any of these in small town life. With a murky past to hide from, moving to quiet little Cobbsville was supposed to be a perfect escape. But a neighbor who has her own dangerous secret to conceal soon becomes as big a threat as the crazed lunatic who is setting fire to houses around town…

Even as a terrible new doubt surfaces against her brother, Barbara is intrigued by an attractive new acquaintance who happens to be the local mayor. But will one more distraction prove welcome … or deadly?

The Bleak Midwinter by Beth ByersA Bleak Midwinter by Beth Byers:

Once again, Smith and Bea are back to London and back to their regular lives. Smith’s niece is off to school and the couple is back to work.

Only Bea switched back to Vi’s house for her employment, so she can be near her daughters while she works, and all is going well.

In the bitter cold, nearly alone at Vi’s home, Bea discovers an unseasonable and un-Londonlike snowfall. She’s stuck. And, she’s not alone.

Murder on the Cote D'Azur by Colette ClarkA Murder on the Côte d’Azur by Colette Clark:

A riveting Riviera murder!

Antibes 1926
Penelope “Pen” Banks and friends have finally made it to the Côte d’Azur, settling into a beautiful villa in Antibes. After only one week it’s been perfect weather, beautiful scenery, welcoming French locals, and a fashionable set of American expats with whom to socialize.

The only fly in the ointment is the odious Mrs. Vera Tynehook. With her belittling words, acerbic nature, and ruthless lack of consideration for others, she has managed to make an enemy of almost everyone.

It’s enough for Penelope to wonder why so many attend the parties she hosts, no matter how swanky they are. She soon learns they all have a bit of fun at the hostess’s expense. But what happens when a night of harmless teasing ends in Vera’s murder?

There are too many suspects to count, especially when the police reveal the surprising nature of her death.

The Lies in the Falls by Elle GrayThe Lies in the Falls by Elle Gray:

It’s the perfect time to enjoy the winter snow.
Unfortunately, there are things brewing in Sweetwater Falls that neither coffee nor hot cocoa can solve…

It’s Founders Day in the once idyllic town, as well as the beginning of the festive holiday season.
Contrary to the beautiful scenery, being the sheriff of Sweetwater is not quite as cozy as Spenser Song imagined. Nor did she think she would meet her match with her grumpy neighbor turned confidant, Ryker Makawi. When her evening out with Ryker is interrupted by the daughter of one of the town’s most powerful families. Spenser gathers her forces and launches a hunt for the supposed missing matriarch of the Gilchrist clan. It’s a hunt that grows increasingly strange with little making sense and even less being what it seems.

When her body is uncovered in a surprising way. The list of suspects is long.
Nothing and nobody are what they appear to be and when the finger pointing starts, Spenser doesn’t know who to believe. As she peels back the layers of the Gilchrist family, the answers she uncovers are far from what she expected them to be.

It’s wintertime in Sweetwater Falls and the bodies are falling like snow.
Will Spenser, with Ryker’s aid, solve the chilling case before the blizzard of chaos buries the whole town?

There's something about magic by Lily Harper HartThere’s Something About Magic by Lily Harper Hart:

The day Ivy Morgan-Harker has been dreading is here and the woman she helped send to prison is back in Shadow Lake…and she’s not acting like herself.

Ava Moffett returns to town just in time to be swept up in the death of a local woman, who had no ties to the area before recently taking over the hardware shop with her husband. Poison is the cause of death, but who doled it out?

If the death wasn’t bad enough, Ivy and her husband Jack have another problem. It seems their daughter Olive is sensing things that Ivy herself can’t see, which means Shadow Lake’s top witch might be falling behind.

Ivy wants nothing more than to live a happy life and help her friends. Ava’s revenge might make that impossible, though.

Prepare yourselves, because Ivy’s past is threatening her future, and this just might be the one fight she can’t win.

Lighthouse Point by Nicholas HarveyLighthouse Point by Nicholas Harvey:

Deadly Grand Prix racing. Daring deep dives. Double-crossing diamond thieves.

When dive boat operators AJ Bailey and Reg Moore are hired to explore a newly discovered wreck on the island of Bonaire, the treacherous depths are not the only danger they face.

With hidden ties leading back to a fledgling Formula One Grand Prix team from 1970, the two exhilarating timelines build to a thrilling climax with a twist leaving AJ and Reg fighting for their lives.

Book fifteen in this bestselling series takes AJ and her mentor Reg out of their Cayman Islands comfort zone and plunges them into a wild adventure in another beautiful Caribbean paradise.

The Cabin Conspiracy by CeeCee JamesThe Cabin Conspiracy by CeeCee James

Georgie joins the party!

Georgie invites Stella to come stay at her aunt’s bee farm for the week. It’s a vacation, right?

All is fun and games until the local gardener is murdered and Aunt Penelope is taken to jail as the suspect. No one can believe sweet Penelope has been arrested, especially Stella. But Georgie confesses her aunt has a strange past.

A past that’s apparently revisited the small bee farm. And Stella and Georgie can’t boot him out!

Witching on the Job by Amanda M. LeeWitching on the Job by Amanda M. Lee:

Hadley Hunter came to Moonstone Bay to find herself. That included finding her passion in life. She just didn’t think it would involve becoming mayor.

She has no qualifications, other than being a powerful witch.

Half the town is rooting against her.

The other half is just sitting back to see what happens.

Only a handful of people are rooting for her, but they’re the only ones who matter.

When a body appears on the beach, one that’s been stabbed in the back and surrounded by curse runes in blood, Hadley finds her attention split. She might be the new mayor, but she’s also interested in what killed a former member of the power-hungry DDA.

The investigation involves old grudges, hidden files, a new witch in town, and the island’s biggest secret. Hadley isn’t ready for any of it, but she’s not going to have a choice.

Someone on the island is trying to keep dark information from coming to light, and it’s going to put them all in danger.

So, brace yourselves, because the new mayor is about to face a very old problem. Can she solve the case and keep the island safe? That’s anybody’s guess, but the odds are stacked against her.

Maui Holidaze by Toby NealMaui Holidaze by Toby Neal:

A cat hunt at Christmas on Maui…

I’m Kat Smith, Secret Service agent turned postmaster sleuth in the small town of Ohia on Maui, and I’m dealing with my first private investigation at the holidays: Lady Sapphire, a pedigreed feline expecting her first litter on Christmas, has been stolen from her elderly owner. My hot pilot boyfriend Mr. K and I are up to our eyeballs in cozy mystery motives when we discover that Tiki, my beloved stray, has also disappeared.

Now the hunt is personal, and I’ll leave no furball unturned to bring these cats home.

Murder on the Thames by Emily OrganMurder on the Thames by Emily Organ:

The river reveals its secrets…

Amateur sleuth Augusta Peel is showing a friend the sights of London when their boat trip on the River Thames is cut short. A body has been found adrift in a rowing boat.

The circumstances are puzzling. Scotland Yard takes on the case and Augusta makes some enquiries of her own. But since Detective Inspector Philip Fisher’s resignation, she no longer has a contact at the Yard to help her.

Could the murder be linked to a series of accidents at a factory? And who was behind an attack on a young woman a few weeks previously? A breakthrough comes when the Yard asks for assistance, but Augusta has already made an enemy who’s determined to make life difficult for her.

Philip’s new detective agency is getting off the ground. And although he’s happy to help Augusta, a lady in distress is causing a distraction…

The Girl in Hawaii by A.J. RiversThe Girl in Hawaii by A.J. Rivers:

“Don’t look back. There’s someone out there that will save us all.”

When an unexpected call from FBI agent Bella Walker takes Ava James on a red eye flight to Hawaii waters.
Nothing could have prepared her for the surprising mysteries that lie hidden in the Jurassic World-like landscape.

After the 17-year-old, Kelly Winters went missing in Florida, Ava James worked tirelessly on the case only to reach a dead end.
She had lost hope of finding the truth behind Kelly’s mysterious disappearance.
Until she received a shocking call.

In the middle of the Oahu rainforest, physically battered, but with an unbreakable determination,
Kelly Winters pushed her body to the limit to escape her captors.
Upon hearing the young girl’s story, Ava makes a promise to Kelly that she will follow through until all the other victims are found.
While Ava and Bella unravel the case, they find it linked to a huge trafficking network that has spread its seeds everywhere.
From everyday men to Capitol Hill to Japan to the Middle East.
The case could mean career suicide or even an untimely death.
The stakes are higher than ever. There are enemies to be found in even the police precincts.

This conspiracy is bigger than she could have ever imagined, and no person could save her from the bones that she would unearth…

Northtown Angelus by Robert WhiteNorthtown Angelus by Robert White:

Johnny Dillon took his life. His wife Cora wants to know why. The Northtown cops don’t care; they closed the case as a suicide. The M.E. hasn’t got any answers for the discrepancies Ray Jarvi discovered in the autopsy report and from what Johnny’s wife told him about the days leading up to his decision to take his life.

This is the beginning of an investigation for private investigator Ray Jarvi, who follows a twisting path of corruption and vice in his rust-belt town on the shores of Lake Erie to help her find some resolution to the worst day in her life. Like a medieval play between warring devils and angels battling for a soul, he must deal with a variety of Northtowners who play one part or the other on his journey to find those answers. Getting past one obstacle only leads to another—and another. Before long, Jarvi does not know whom to trust. He realizes nothing in his town is what it appears to be and that there are some dangerous people who like it that way.

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Indie Speculative Fiction of the Month for December 2023

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 November 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 epic fantasy, urban fantasy, gaslamp fantasy, sword and sorcery, fairy tale retellings, paranormal mystery, historical fantasy mystery, gothic thrillers, space opera, military science fiction, werecats, prophets, rougarous, starships, space marines, space pirates, crime-busting witches, haunted houses 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:

Prophet of a Blind God by Tim AkersProphet of a Blind God by Tim Akers:

Fleeing the Guild of the Wheel is no small task. Clinging to his fragmented memory and the pale sword that drives him, Lohit Maast makes his way to the swamps of the Mossmarch, where the Guild has no dominion. But in the cracks of the world, other powers gather. Strange figures stalk his dreams, and a secret cabal of Seers lurks in the shadows. In Lohit, they find the answer to their prophecy, and promise to help him recover his memories if he will assist them. But is their revelation one of hope, or destruction? Is Lohit their savior, or the herald of coming doom?

Federation Marine: Lieutenant by Jonathan P. BrazeeFederation Marine: Lieutenant by Jonathan P. Brazee:

As a certified “hero,” Sergeant Ryck Lysander gets offered a commission as a second lieutenant.

Only, he doesn’t feel like a hero, and his tendency to jump into a fight himself is at odds with his duties as an officer.

When first contact with an alien race turns into a full blown war, Ryck is thrust into combat once again, and the battle goes poorly.

Before he has time to take a breath, Ryck finds himself in a crises. Did he make a mistake by accepting the commission? Or will he rise to his newfound position?

With humankind facing an existential threat, one confused former hero won’t amount to much. A change from infantry to recon gives him one last chance to prove that he has what it takes to not only be a leader of men…

Grave Memories by Stacy ClaflinGrave Memories by Stacy Claflin:

The Brannon House stands as a deceptive facade, its past horrors refusing to dissipate into the shadows.

Ember Brannon is inexplicably drawn to an old gravestone bearing her own name, its forgotten presence casting an unsettling pall over her family’s ancestral home. As she becomes fixated on the stone and the long-forgotten life it represents, Ember’s reality begins to unravel. Vivid dreams transport her to a time shrouded in mystery, the tragic demise of her namesake becomes an obsession she won’t release.

Obsessions have their price. Ember awakens with muddy feet, evidence of nocturnal wanderings she can’t remember. The discovery of a hidden diary, chronicling the life of the other Ember, triggers a relentless spiral into fascination and compulsion. Her loved ones try to stop her, but she pushes everyone away.

Within the opulent halls of the Brannon House, Ember hurtles toward an impending breaking point. Is she fated to echo the tragedies that haunt her lineage, becoming another ghost within the estate’s dark history? Or will she find the strength to confront the enigma she’s become, and the danger that now stalks her every move?

Tomb of Heart and Shadow by Cara N. DelaneyTomb of Heart and Shadow by Cara N. Delaney:

Their marriage was a simple bargain. Love was not supposed to complicate things.

When her reputation-obsessed family issues her an ultimatum – get married or be disinherited – Saria seizes upon what seems like a most convenient solution. She strikes a deal with a stranger – marriage and a child in exchange for freedom and security. That her bride is a sorcerer from the mysterious city of Neeth is not a problem. Or so Saria thinks.

Taleysin doesn’t expect much from her second marriage. A child and heir to carry on her sworn duty to the city of Neeth, and more importantly, a wife who won’t ask too many questions. The deal with Saria seems to be everything she wants – and nothing more. She will have her heir, and Neeth will remain safe for another generation.

But soon enough, their resolve over their practical decision begins to crumble. While Saria grows ever more curious about Neeth’s magical secrets, Taleysin finds herself falling for a woman who was supposed to be nothing more than a means to an end. When a mysterious assailant begins to hunt down sorcerers, Saria and Taleysin must find a way to work through this shift in their relationship – to save both their marriage and the city.

The Saga of Pthren Four-Scars by Jeff DraperThe Saga of Othren Four-Scars by Jeff Draper:

A collection of three stories set in the same world of low magic and brutal savagery, where the first choice is usually violence followed by a second choice of more violence. In amongst the violences are a few very sweet character moments that will draw you into the world Othren Four-Scars is trying to protect.

The Battle of Raven Kill is the second story I ever had published, first appearing in “The Return of the Sword: An Anthology of Heroic Adventure”, edited by Jason Waltz. It’s a 1 vs 100 slugfest with mud, blood, cracked skulls, knife wounds, broken bones, and of course bookended by a touching father-daughter vignette.

The Feorhmaegan was a follow-up prequel to Raven Kill that gives us a better understanding of where our hero comes from and the type of adventures he’s had. (Spoilers: Violent ones!) I never found a publisher for it before moving on to other things but I think the quality is high enough to include it here.

The Witch of the Westmoors is a flash fiction piece first published in “Abandoned Towers, #3” by Cyberwizard Productions. It’s set in the same world, only years later and with new participants in the ancient struggle set up in the other two stories.

Werecats Resurgent by Mark J. EngelsWerecats Resurgent by Mark J. Engels:

Cornered, captured, and determined to make their stand…

After springing her lover from the brig, Pawly and her family make ready to swipe a container from an ocean freighter transiting Lake Michigan—one containing the genetic material needed to save her mother from the debilitating effects of her unsated bloodlust. All according to Mawro’s plan, him having laid a trap for them on behalf of his rogue state employer. But Mawro’s superiors spring a trap of their own, exploiting Pawly’s feral rage by revealing to her a horrific secret from her past. Chaos ensues, leaving members of her family kidnapped, their remote island hideaway in flames, and her mother at death’s door. Now Pawly and the family—together with some unlikely new allies—must journey halfway around the world on a veritable suicide mission, a final showdown to rescue their loved ones and to quell her kind’s lethal bloodlust once and for all.

Werecats Resurgent is the third and final installment of the Forest Exiles Saga featuring the modern-day remnant of an ancient clan of werecats, torn apart as militaries on three continents vie to exploit their deadly talents.

Battles Unfought by Rachel FordBattles Unfought by Rachel Ford:

A new ship. A new era. A new mission.

The Lady Bane is under new management. The military prototype turned privateer vessel is the new home and base of operations for Maggie, Kay, and the former crew of the Black Flag.

They’d prefer to spend some time getting to know the new ship. But when a high priority mission comes in from the admiralty, they can’t refuse.

The mission is straightforward: break into a secure facility owned and operated by a cabal of criminals, crack a state-of-the-art safe, and retrieve a data chip containing sensitive information.

The stakes are high. It’s a very secure facility, and very sensitive information. Wars have been waged for less.
The payout is huge – whatever they can lift from the safe, they can keep.

If they survive long enough to get away with it, anyway.

Masters of Hex by Lily Harper HartMasters of Hex by Lily Harper Hart:

Life in the French Quarter is about to calm down for the off-season, so of course things in Ofelia Archer’s life are about to heat up.

With Halloween right around the corner, all Ofelia wants to worry about is what couple’s costume she and her boyfriend Zach Sully are going to wear to the big reunion party being hosted for her former high school. Then the unthinkable happens and she senses Sully is in danger when he’s out on a case.

Ofelia swoops in, the mightiest witch in the French Quarter, and finds herself saving the love of her life shoulder-to-shoulder with his father.
Zeke Sully is all charm and secrets. He wants to win Ofelia over, but there are shadows chasing him…and dropping bodies all over the Quarter.

Sully doesn’t want anything to do with whatever his father is involved in. Ofelia doesn’t feel she can abandon her future father-in-law. That leads to some strife.

Some business deals can’t be undone, and Ofelia is about to get a glimpse of the seedy business underbelly in New Orleans. The question is, can she fix what’s been broken, or is it already too late?

The Rougarou Rigmarole by Amanda M. LeeThe Rougarou Rigmarole by Amanda M. Lee:

Charlie Rhodes joined the Legacy Foundation because she was looking for information on who she was. More important, she wanted to know why she could do the things she could do.

What she found out changed the course of her life.

Now the big fight is almost upon her. She’s supposed to be in New Orleans practicing her new abilities so she can be ready for that fight, but a local legend might derail everything.

Every state has its own version of the Bigfoot legend. In New Orleans, the beast is called the Rougarou and usually only appears following a great tragedy. The murder of some innocent teenagers in the French Quarter is just such a tragedy…but the killing isn’t over. No, not by a long shot.

Even though she knows she’s supposed to be focusing on the enemy that’s coming for her, Charlie can’t stop herself from digging into the case of the Rougarou…and what she finds might just send her over the edge.

New Orleans is the type of city that holds a million secrets. Charlie is about to discover a big one.

With the help of her motley crew of characters—including a visiting mage who is determined to help and a fledgling crossroads demon who is determined to be a hindrance—Charlie has a battle in front of her. It will be good practice for the big one, which is right around the corner.

She just has to survive long enough to fight both enemies.

It won’t be as easy as anybody wants it to be.

A Death at the Dionysos Club by Melissa Scott and Amy GriswoldA Death at the Dionysus Club by Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold:

Secrets, Magic and Murder…

The gentleman’s clubs of Scott and Griswold’s gaslamp fantastical London are full of secrets and the ones that Julian Lynes and Ned Mathey and their circles frequent are even more hidden than most. Beneath their respectable, or less respectable, façades, they are a haven…or a torment for men who desire each other’s company. Now someone is leaving a trail of murder victims, each one found without a heart. Each one somehow connected to Lynes, Mathey, their friends, their enemies and the communities that they belong to. Finding the murderer could reveal everything, leading to certain ruin for some, and the loss of all they hold dear for Julian and Ned. How far will they go to solve the mystery and stop a killer?

Mirror of My Heart by Laura WeyrMirror of My Heart by Laura Weyr:

When the happily ever after isn’t the one you expect.

Once upon a time, a spoiled princess met her youthful new stepmother, a woman as cold as she was beautiful. . .or so she seemed.

Once upon a time, a queen burdened a girl with harsh tasks, yet never heavier than she could bear. . .and so a princess became strong and wise.

Once upon a time, in the midst of loneliness, two hearts touched love. . .until a king returned from war to find his daughter grown into the very likeness of her dead mother.

Now fled to the forest, her beloved a prisoner, can Snow White win her happily ever after?

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Indie Crime Fiction of the Month for December 2023


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 November 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, holiday mysteries, historical mysteries, historical fantasy mysteries, Jazz Age mysteries, 1930s mysteries, 1950s mysteries, paranormal mysteries, crime thrillers, adventure thrillers, gothic thrillers, police officers, FBI agents, private investigators, amateur sleuths, crime-busting witches, crime-busting socialites, crime-busting housekeepers, haunted houses, murder and mayhem in London, Boston, New Orleans, Cornwall, the Caribbean 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:

Murder with Mayhem by Blythe BakerMurder With Mayhem by Blythe Baker:

As Sylvia and Miles prepare for their wedding day, tragedy threatens. With the life of a member of the wedding party in danger, can Sylvia catch a murderer and get to the bottom of one final mystery?

 

 

 

 

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

Bloody murder is the last thing on Barbara Hollis’ mind when she agrees to travel to a sleepy little town to keep house for her widowed brother. Aside from chasing after her irritating young nephews, she thinks the biggest challenge she’ll face is learning to cook a proper soufflé. But a bizarre encounter on a train quickly draws her into a more complicated and dangerous future than she bargained for…

When a local woman turns up dead, and Barbara’s sheriff brother is too inept to solve the case, Barbara finds herself joining forces with a handsome deputy in search of a cold-blooded killer. But her new hometown is crawling with secrets, and Barbara just might discover that unmasking one villain is only scratching the surface…

Murder on the Cornish Cliffs by Verity BrightMurder on the Cornish Cliffs by Verity Bright:

A festive invitation from an old family friend, the promise of gingerbread at the village inn, snowy walks on the Cornish coast with Gladstone the bulldog… But wait, is that a body on the beach?

Winter, 1923. It’s nearly Christmas and Lady Eleanor Swift has received a rather strange letter from an old friend of her uncle. Mr Godfrey Cunliffe has asked her to stay in Cornwall for the holidays – but only because he believes his gardener is trying to poison him! With not a moment to waste Eleanor hurries down to his picturesque manor house with her butler Clifford and handsome beau Detective Hugh Seldon. But they arrive too late to stop the crime…

Lying dead at the bottom of the steep cliffs, however, is not Mr Cunliffe, but the gardener himself. And his plans for restoring the gardens to their former glory are missing. Jerome St Clair has gone from suspect to victim. This certainly puts a twist in the tinsel!

As snow begins to fall, Eleanor quizzes the family. Mr Cunliffe’s alibi is as fragile as the glass baubles hanging from his towering Christmas tree. Eleanor quickly realises everyone from the handyman to the housekeeper is keeping secrets, and she’s convinced that Mr Cunliffe is still scared for his life.

When Gladstone the bulldog pulls a charred corner of the missing garden plans from a fireplace festooned with a gold-ribboned garland, Eleanor thinks the clue she needs is hiding out in the grounds. But when someone tries to run her over with the huge lawnmower, she knows she must wrap up the mystery fast before her Christmas is cancelled for good…

Murder at Manningtree by Beth Byers

Murder at Manningtree by Beth Byers:

It’s 1921, and Veda Wright is almost alone in the world. With a widowed aunt giving Veda a place to stay, it’s time for her to find a way to look after herself.

When she applies for a position as a secretary for a famous historian in Manningtree, her worries are entirely mundane. Until she walks around with spectral sound of footsteps following her. There is an unholy wail on the wind. The feel of being hunted is in the air. And, when she is entirely alone, she stumbles over a body.

She’s certain of several things. Firstly, this poor soul was murdered. Secondly, this scene was set for her. And thirdly, it isn’t a ghost playing games with her. The only question she can’t answer is: why her?

Christmas Wrapped Intrigue by Beth ByersChristmas Wrapped Intrigue by Beth Byers:

In this short Christmas caper, Denny has solved his first crime and has sworn not to solve another. His friends, however, are contagious. This time, Denny notices something is amiss with Father Christmas. Meddling a little seemed harmless until he stumbles on a real crime.

Before he can help himself, he’s been arrested for something he didn’t do and needs to prove his innocence. Soon, coal in his stocking is the least of the things Denny needs to worry about. There are the crimes that are chasing him into a trap that he’s not prepared to escape. Will Denny slide out of troulbe or will he find himself in shackles on Christmas morning?

Grave Memories by Stacy ClaflinGrave Memories by Stacy Claflin:

The Brannon House stands as a deceptive facade, its past horrors refusing to dissipate into the shadows.

Ember Brannon is inexplicably drawn to an old gravestone bearing her own name, its forgotten presence casting an unsettling pall over her family’s ancestral home. As she becomes fixated on the stone and the long-forgotten life it represents, Ember’s reality begins to unravel. Vivid dreams transport her to a time shrouded in mystery, the tragic demise of her namesake becomes an obsession she won’t release.

Obsessions have their price. Ember awakens with muddy feet, evidence of nocturnal wanderings she can’t remember. The discovery of a hidden diary, chronicling the life of the other Ember, triggers a relentless spiral into fascination and compulsion. Her loved ones try to stop her, but she pushes everyone away.

Within the opulent halls of the Brannon House, Ember hurtles toward an impending breaking point. Is she fated to echo the tragedies that haunt her lineage, becoming another ghost within the estate’s dark history? Or will she find the strength to confront the enigma she’s become, and the danger that now stalks her every move?

Shadow of the Falls by Elle GrayShadows of the Falls by Elle Gray:

Spenser Song could have never imagined that her career in the FBI would lead to her husband’s death.
She moved to Sweetwater Falls and accepted the job as the town’s Sheriff to escape from the pain of her dark past.
But a fresh start in the once idyllic town came with many unexpected twists…

Fortunately, with her new friends, a new sense of family and community, and a blossoming relationship with Ryker, Spenser felt a sense of peace and contentment. A feeling she thought would be lost to her since the night of her husband’s murder and her near death.

Unfortunately for Spenser, good things never seemed to last.
Unbeknownst to her, the past was rising like a dark shadow, intent on destroying the people she loved and the community she vowed to serve.

When Spenser is called out to a brutal sexual assault, she uncovers a pattern of similar assaults in the surrounding towns. More disturbingly, Spenser finds that the women in this string of assaults all bear a striking physical resemblance to her.
Each attack is more vicious and brutal than the last, and it isn’t long before Spenser’s worst fears are realized.

How do you fight a monster that seems to know you better than you know yourself?
There’s a dark shadow covering the Falls and Spenser will need the help and comfort of Ryker and his Lab, Mocha more than ever before.

Masters of Hex by Lily Harper HartMasters of Hex by Lily Harper Hart:

Life in the French Quarter is about to calm down for the off-season, so of course things in Ofelia Archer’s life are about to heat up.

With Halloween right around the corner, all Ofelia wants to worry about is what couple’s costume she and her boyfriend Zach Sully are going to wear to the big reunion party being hosted for her former high school. Then the unthinkable happens and she senses Sully is in danger when he’s out on a case.

Ofelia swoops in, the mightiest witch in the French Quarter, and finds herself saving the love of her life shoulder-to-shoulder with his father.
Zeke Sully is all charm and secrets. He wants to win Ofelia over, but there are shadows chasing him…and dropping bodies all over the Quarter.

Sully doesn’t want anything to do with whatever his father is involved in. Ofelia doesn’t feel she can abandon her future father-in-law. That leads to some strife.

Some business deals can’t be undone, and Ofelia is about to get a glimpse of the seedy business underbelly in New Orleans. The question is, can she fix what’s been broken, or is it already too late?

The Rougarou Rigmarole by Amanda M. LeeThe Rougarou Rigmarole by Amanda M. Lee:

Charlie Rhodes joined the Legacy Foundation because she was looking for information on who she was. More important, she wanted to know why she could do the things she could do.

What she found out changed the course of her life.

Now the big fight is almost upon her. She’s supposed to be in New Orleans practicing her new abilities so she can be ready for that fight, but a local legend might derail everything.

Every state has its own version of the Bigfoot legend. In New Orleans, the beast is called the Rougarou and usually only appears following a great tragedy. The murder of some innocent teenagers in the French Quarter is just such a tragedy…but the killing isn’t over. No, not by a long shot.

Even though she knows she’s supposed to be focusing on the enemy that’s coming for her, Charlie can’t stop herself from digging into the case of the Rougarou…and what she finds might just send her over the edge.

New Orleans is the type of city that holds a million secrets. Charlie is about to discover a big one.

With the help of her motley crew of characters—including a visiting mage who is determined to help and a fledgling crossroads demon who is determined to be a hindrance—Charlie has a battle in front of her. It will be good practice for the big one, which is right around the corner.

She just has to survive long enough to fight both enemies.

It won’t be as easy as anybody wants it to be.

A Death at the Dionysos Club by Melissa Scott and Amy GriswoldA Death at the Dionysus Club by Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold:

Secrets, Magic and Murder…

The gentleman’s clubs of Scott and Griswold’s gaslamp fantastical London are full of secrets and the ones that Julian Lynes and Ned Mathey and their circles frequent are even more hidden than most. Beneath their respectable, or less respectable, façades, they are a haven…or a torment for men who desire each other’s company. Now someone is leaving a trail of murder victims, each one found without a heart. Each one somehow connected to Lynes, Mathey, their friends, their enemies and the communities that they belong to. Finding the murderer could reveal everything, leading to certain ruin for some, and the loss of all they hold dear for Julian and Ned. How far will they go to solve the mystery and stop a killer?

Friends of the Devil by Wayne Stinnett and Stewart MatthewsFriends of the Devil by Wayne Stinnett and Stewart Matthews:

After watching his yacht burn to the waterline in a fiery explosion, Jerry Snyder is forced to make a deal with the only devil who can help track down a lead—his estranged, mob-connected father figure, Arlen Burkhart.

The investigation starts on unsure footing, and Jerry’s deal with Arlen goes from bad to worse when, at a funeral held on a private Caribbean island where the uber-wealthy have met to pay respects to one of their own, bodies begin to wash up at Jerry’s feet like fish on a red tide.

In this luxurious tropical paradise, murder, blackmail, and deceit are the name of the game, and secrets are as abundant as sins. Before Jerry can determine who is trying to kill the funeral attendees, he’ll not only have to risk his life, but he’ll also have to confront a past which threatens to claim his very soul.

Death on Tremont Row by Lee StraussDeath on Tremont Row by Lee Strauss:

Death isn’t an act!

It’s been five years since Haley Higgins moved back from London to Boston, and in that time she’s become a doctor of pathology and the assistant pathologist at the Boston City Morgue. In her position, she often assists in the solving of crimes and murders, particularly since she’s been working in tandem with Samantha Hawke, an intrepid newspaper reporter and good friend.

In the spring of 1932, depression is widespread in all its forms. Haley is cheered by news that her good friend Ginger Reed, once known as Lady Gold and a former resident of Boston, is coming to visit! Naturally, Ginger will want to spend time with her sister and stepmother, but there will certainly be time for two old friends to chum around.

Tremont Row, a bustling shopping and theatre district, is exactly the kind of place Haley and Ginger, along with Samantha, love to hang out. Until a death at a play on opening night interferes with their shopping plans!

Haley and Samantha, continuing to fight the patriarchal barriers in their respective fields, work together to find justice for the latest victim. Is it a crime driven by the desperation of poverty, or is the motive far more sinister?

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