Mystery & Suspense

A Life with Beasts

Courtney Davis ISBN 978-1-955065-25-2

So who’s dumping all the dead cats in Fawn’s territory? Fawn Malero has gone out of her way to live a normal life. It was a little hard to do what with her father being a powerful magician and head magistrate over all supernatural activity in the greater Seattle area. But she tried, even to the point of neglecting her part of the city assigned to her to watch over. Then the dead cats started showing up, and so did Logan, a werewolf with whom she had had an uneasy childhood. Next thing she knew, she was hiding a vampire in her basement as well as a young warlock on the run. Did I mention the roommate who was a ghost? Before she knew it, Fawn had a whole posse to help her solve the mystery. So much for her so-called “normal human” life.

“A Life with Beasts is a story of intrigue and attraction that is especially recommended for mystery readers who enjoy more than a light dose of paranormal encounters and a touch of romance.” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. Courtney Davis is a mother, wife and teacher who has always loved to find time to escape into a good story. She's been in love with reading and writing since she was a child and dreams of a life where she can devote herself fully to creating worlds and exploring relationships. To give someone else enjoyment through her words is the ultimate thrill.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Supernatural P.I.

Courtney Davis ISBN 978-1-955065-62-7

Just when Fawn Malero was getting comfortable in her new life.... Fawn was enjoying her new-found career as a Supernatural P.I., settling into a relationship with the Werewolf, Logan, and figuring out how to interact with all the supernatural creatures living in the Seattle area. But it never occurred to her the water off the shore was also under her administration...that was until they started crawling out to beg for help. Before she knew it, Fawn was on a quest to learn who was attempting to steal the magical properties of the ocean, where a powerful Vampire's daughter was being held captive. And could she catch the Magician who'd been selling dangerous items to humans? Of course, she wasn't alone. The posse she'd collected were still with her and determined to help. If she was going to make it as a P.I. she wasn't going to do it without backup.

“Readers of mysteries that are thoroughly embedded in crime and supernatural worlds alike will find Supernatural P.I. an outstanding read” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. Courtney Davis is a mother, wife and teacher who has always loved to find time to escape into a good story. She's been in love with reading and writing since she was a child and dreams of a life where she can devote herself fully to creating worlds and exploring relationships. To give someone else enjoyment through her words is the ultimate thrill.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Smothered

G.P. Gottlieb ISBN 978-1-941072-87-5

When the owner of the business next door is found dead in his office, Alene Baron's first feeling is relief. She's been suspicious of the food supplements her neighbor has been selling, not to mention the smoothies he's been hawking, which are much inferior to the ones Alene sells in her cafe. Plus, Stanley Huff never cleaned up his garbage in the alley they shared. As a sexual harasser and shady businessman, Stanley had enemies. One of Alene's favorite employees is a suspect. And now that employee is missing.

“Smothered is in a class of its own, both in the mystery genre and beyond.” – D. Donovan, senior agent, Midwest Book Review. “Overall, with all of the twists and turns, it was a very good book.” — Literary Gold “Culinary mystery collectors will want this book on their shelves.” — Kingdom Book Reviews “5 Stars! Smothered is a cozy mystery that has a sweet and humorous tone with a grounded story, family drama, and a realistic protagonist that must balance her role as a mother with her role as a sleuth.” — Liz Konkel, Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews “G.P. Gottlieb’s characters are endearing, and the tone of the book is lighthearted, making this a very enjoyable cozy mystery read....comes highly recommended.” — T.N. Traynor, Chick Lit Café “The list of characters at the front makes it easy to keep track of who is who which brings the story to life. Add in the cute town and you feel like you are there with her. Thanks to plenty of the little clues along with the multiple suspects will keep the reader guessing until the final reveal.” — Books a Plenty Book Reviews

About the author. G.P. Gottlieb has been a musician, a teacher, and an administrator, but she’s happiest when she’s writing recipe-laced murder mysteries. GP Gottlieb has always experimented in the kitchen and created her own delicious vegan cookies and cakes. She is also an interviewer for the New Books in Literature podcast channel. Gottlieb is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband in Chicago.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Bitter Vintage

M.L. Grider ISBN 978-1-955065-42-9

It started with a Tiffany lamp in 1995. Amy Dresden is used to turning men down gracefully. But when Pearce Martini sees her at an estate sale, he knows she is destined for him and doesn’t plan to go away. Not knowing what else to do, she turns to next door gun dealer and ex-LAPD cop Helen Wu for advice on self-defense. Amy never expected she’d own a gun—or wind up in the arms of another woman.

About the author. Bitter Vintage is the first published novel to come from the twisted mind of M.L. Grider. In addition to writing, Grider is a professional photographer. He is busy at work on a collection of prequel stories linked to Amy Dresden and Helen Wu as well as the next adventure in the Helen Wu series.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Book of Jobs

M.L. Grider ISBN 978-1-955065-54-2

In this prequel to Bitter Vintage, M.L. Grider explores events in the lives of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden prior to their adventure in 1995. While these incidents may seem at first glance unrelated, they all contribute to what makes Amy and Helen who they are. Some are funny, others tragic, but that all adds up to why Helen quit the LAPD in favor of a gun shop, and Amy gave up her dream of acting to become an antique dealer.

“The Book of Jobs a fine recommendation for libraries strong in crime stories that take the time to craft intriguing, impossible circumstances” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review “Grider does an exceptional job throughout this exquisitely crafted masterpiece!” — Gud Reader, Goodreads “I got a real kick out of this book” — Laura, Celtic Lady’s Reviews “We give this book 5 paws up.” — Storeybook Reviews “I cannot recommend this book highly enough!” — Suzie, My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews “This is a great look at LGBT issues in that time period and a read that is worth checking out!” — Sal, Bound 4 Escape “A solid five-star book for me!” — Bee, Book Pleasures “This was such a great collection that I went back and re-read some of the stories after I finished.” — Mark, Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

About the author. The Book of Jobs is the second published novel to escape the twisted mind of M.L. Grider. In addition to writing, Grider is a professional photographer. He is busy at work on the next adventure in the Helen Wu series among other wild and warped stories.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Runaway Train

S.W. Capps ISBN 978-1-955065-04-7

“WE’RE GOING TO GIVE OUR VIEWERS MORE!” With these words, the TV news ‘train’ officially ‘ran off the rails’. New reporter Bill Stacy arrives at KEGT in August of ’87, the same month the FCC rescinds the Fairness Doctrine. No longer forced to report news in an “honest, equitable” manner, Bill (whose name is as fake as the news he covers) finds himself in the middle of the biggest story to ever hit ‘Texomaland’—a serial arsonist is terrorizing the community. The big question: Can the investigative journalist find the ‘Torch’ before his ratings-hungry boss gets him killed?

“...a solid, fast-paced action piece in which a newsman author inspects the process and demise of unbiased reporting methods.” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. S.W. Capps is a former TV news reporter. Since leaving the world of glitzy sets and pompous anchors, he’s spent much of his time on two wheels, exploring the country via motorcycle and writing about it. His features have appeared in Rider, RoadBike, and H.O.G. magazines. He lives with his wife and ‘investigative’ dog in the Pacific Northwest, currently at work on a new novel.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Trouble with Murder

Vanessa A. Ryan ISBN 978-1-955065-21-4

Here I sit at a police station being accused of murder! Will wonders never cease? How could I have decapitated Gerry Delaney when he was a big, barrel-chested man and I’m a slim woman, barely registering five-feet six? That’s something the cop interrogating me can’t or won’t answer. Besides, why would I kill Gerry? I was trying to get him to buy tequila mixers for his dive bar. He hadn’t made up his mind yet and killing him wasn’t going to help. I’m Hetty Carson, private investigator. Business was slow, so I started selling tequila mixers on the side in downtown L.A. Who knew it could lead to murder? I mean, Gerry’s murder was a tragedy, for sure, but I figured it didn’t have anything to do with me. Until someone figured it did, and now I have to investigate why if I want to stay alive.

About the author. Vanessa A. Ryan is an actress in Southern California. When not writing or acting, she enjoys painting and has exhibited her work in art galleries and museums. As a child, Vanessa wished she could be another Nancy Drew and solve real life mysteries. Instead, she enjoys writing them. She is the author of several mystery/suspense novels, and she once lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where some of her novels take place.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Where No One Will See

Felicia Watson ISBN 978-1-955065-78-8

Lucia Scafetti, a Philly private eye, has tried to move out of the shadow of her infamous crime family. She has her own business, her beloved dog Rocco, and she’s starting to date the cute lawyer down the hall. Her life is upended when her notorious hitman father disappears while in search of the diamond and gold coins he stole from his last victim. Lucia races to unravel the mystery of her father’s disappearance before a crooked and powerful cop beats her to it. Though Lucia’s allies are scanty and her enemies numerous, she tries to resist the questionable help on offer from her Mafiosi family. It looks like Lucia must finally decide on which side of the law she truly belongs, knowing the wrong choice could send her to prison – or an early grave.

“This was a five-star read for me!” — Laura Lee, Celtic Lady’s Reviews “I can't give this book enough praise... but this is a perfect read for mystery lovers!” — Bee Lindy, Book Pleasures “This was a really good book.” — Ashley’s Bookshelf “If you're looking for a good mystery to sink your teeth into, you cannot do better than this one!” — Bookgirl86, Goodreads “Here is a fine enjoyable story, well-plotted and well told” — Agora2 Reviews “This book has everything you could wish for in a good mystery,” — Denise D., Goodreads “Felicia Watson is a dynamite writer” — Suzie, My Tangles Skeins Book Reviews “...she nail the dynamic [Italian-American families] perfectly!” — Mark, Teddy Rose Reviews “There are always secrets, Sold told; Some stay hidden forever” — A Room of Books “This was a really good book.” — Ashley’s Bookshelf “Every beat of this novel was pure gold for me!” — Gracie, Goodreads “I’m giving all the stars to this magnificent novel” — Sal, Bound4Escape “I highly recommend this P.I. crime mystery/thriller!” — Avonna Loves Genres “We give this book 5 paws up.” — Leslie, Storeybook Reviews “Few books can compare to the satisfaction of a good crime fiction book, [this is] one such compelling read.” — Gud Reader, Goodreads

About the author. Felicia Watson started writing stories as soon as they handed her a pencil in first grade. When not writing, Felicia spends her time chasing after her not-so-brilliant, but darling and beloved dogs, being chased by her truly brilliant, darling, and beloved husband, is known to friends and family as an amateur pastry chef, and still finds time for swimming and her day job as a scientist.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Guardians

Lansford Guy ISBN 978-1-955065-33-7

The only thing buried deeper than her sister's body is the truth. To protect Maureen Buckley from her family's plot to have her placed under a guardianship, attorney Allen Mann will have to first understand what could have driven her to conceal the mummified body of her twin sister under her family's sprawling Texas ranch. While none question Maureen's brilliance, her fear of leaving home and deference to the mysterious entities she refers to as the "Guardians" raise serious doubts about her sanity. Allen will have to dig deep into the gnarled roots of a wealthy family's twisted history, including the disappearance of two boys decades earlier, to unravel Maureen's motives and determine if she really is the delusional killer that will be portrayed in court.

"Sexy and sly, The Guardians grabs you on its first punchy page and wrings you dry by its startling conclusion. — Ron Franscell, USA Today bestselling author of The Darkest Night and Shadow Man

About the author. Lansford Guy is a former newspaper reporter who followed the court room beat into the courthouse and now practices law. His short fiction and poetry have appeared in Pulp!, the Austin Daze and My Favorite Bullet. His podcast, Fiction Tartare, features his original fiction and is available through Apple Podcasts. His non-literary interests include archery, virtual reality development, and perpetually refining his chili recipe. He lives with his wife, son and two cats in Texas.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Inseparable

David Kruh ISBN 978-1-955065-40-5

Tommy knew the right thing to do was turn them in to the cops. But that wasn't the adventurous thing to do! What happened to the three men who escaped from Alcatraz prison in June 1962? Did they meet the same watery fate as dozens who preceded them into the cold San Francisco Bay? There is credible evidence two of them - brothers John and Clarence Anglin - not only survived but lived for years in South America. Inseparable is a fictional account of how a 13-year-old boy named Tommy helped them to freedom. Tommy O’Conner was an only child whose mother, a widow of the Korean Conflict, had been left to make it on her own. She passed her independent, sometimes lonely spirit, to her son. But Tommy was also, in many ways, no different than other boys his age who dreamed of adventure. Then, one June day in 1962, his daydreams were interrupted by the real thing when he came face to face with John and Clarence Anglin - two of the Alcatraz escapees - and made the decision which would change all their lives.

“I loved It ! ... will be getting five stars from me.” — Amy, Lock, Hooks, and Books “It was a heck of a ride, but I loved every moment... I’ll give it 5 stars of course” — Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings “Amazing debut... Worth a five-star” — Gud Reader, Goodreads “Inseparable is my new favorite of the year!” — Suzie, My Tangles Skeins Book Reviews “It's a coming of age tale that tests the bonds of human connection ... and is highly recommended” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review “This is an outstanding book of history and adventure and one that would be great for book club discussions! I could not put it down and read all the way to sunrise.” — Nora, Storey Book Reviews “This is an incredibly immersive novel by Kruh, and one well worth the read! A definite must read for historical fiction and adventure lovers!” — Sal, Bound 4 Escape “A five-star read from David Kruh! This is a must read for any lovers of adventure historical fiction or Alcatraz enthusiasts!” — Bee Lindy, Book Pleasures “Inseparable is my new favorite this year!” — Laura, Celtic Woman Reviews “I could not put the book down and I did not want it to end!” — Teddy Rose, Teddy Rose Book Reviews

About the author. David Kruh is the published author of several books on Boston history and the co-author, with his father Louis, on a book about presidential homes and landmarks. A frequent contributor to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald and History Magazine, David is also a published and produced playwright, and a popular lecturer on a variety of historical subjects. Inseparable is his debut novel.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Ghost Tour

Clayrn Vaile ISBN 978-1-941072-76-9

Hotel Historian Rebecca Bridger conducts popular “ghost” tours of the Griffins Keep, though she doesn’t believe in such things — until personal encounters with the paranormal rock her skeptical paradigm. But when proposed changes threaten the hotel’s higher function as a spiritual portal, only her complete faith in the hotel’s magic and its lingering guests will avert supernatural disaster. WINNER: Colorado Authors League Award for Best Novel: Supernatural/Horror

“...starts off as a by-the-books haunted-hotel tale, but very quickly gets a lot better than that.” – Jason Bettus, Chicago Center for Literature and Photography This is first-rate historical fiction, clinging closely to people and places that may seem familiar to Denver history buffs. Claryn Vaile’s first novel will delight fiction and nonfiction fans alike. BOO! – Tom Noel, aka Dr. Colorado, co-author of Denver Landmarks & Historic Districts and many others If you're looking for a great ghost story, look no further than Ghost Tour ... Colorado writer Claryn Vaile weaves a wonderful story of the paranormal within the walls of historic yesteryear. — Linda Wommack, Colorado historian and author of Colorado’s Landmark Hotels and Haunted Cripple Creek & Teller County Claryn Vaile brings her characters to life as they share tales of ghosts, intertwining them in the plot as they try to save the historic hotel from modernization and certain “death” for the spirits inhabiting it. — Laura V. Keegan, author of Haunting at Remington House Suspense, fright, and fun abound on every page of Claryn Vaile's exciting novel Ghost Tour! A vivid, gripping work, Ghost Tour will keep you on the edge of your seat to the last page. – Dr. Derek R. Everett, Colorado historian and author

About the author. Claryn Vaile is a Colorado native with a passion for local history and historical architecture. She has served on the faculty of Metropolitan State University and is a member of History Colorado, Historic Denver, Inc. and the Denver Woman’s Press Club. She is fascinated by the paranormal and loves to stay in historic hotels, purportedly haunted or otherwise.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Devil by the Tail

Jeanne Matthews ISBN 978-1-941072-97-4

What’s a 20-something Union war widow to do in 1867? Start up her own detective agency with a former Reb P.O.W. of course! Quinn Sinclair, who uses the name Mrs. Paschal professionally, and her wryly observant partner Garnick get two cases on the same day - one to help a man prove he didn't kill his wife, another to help a lawyer find reasonable doubt that his client killed her ex-lover's new bride. As the detectives dig deeper, they unearth facts that tie the cases together in disturbing ways. This tantalizing tale of 19th Century Chicago comes complete with corrupt politicians, yellow-press reporters, gambling parlors, and colorful bawdyhouse madams. At every turn in the investigation, Quinn discovers more suspects and more secret motives for murder. Not least among her worries, someone seems intent on murdering her!

“I enjoyed Devil by the tail so much that it;s going on my list of best books read in 2021.” — Leila Taylor, Buried Under Books. “It’s not only the people and places in this book I love. It’s the language. Matthews does dialogue and description like nobody else.” — Jane Isenberg, award-winning author of The Bones and the Book and Murder in the Melting Pot “A simply wonderful mystery! Devil by the Tail provides the reader with multiple levels of enjoyment. HUZZAH! — Curt Colbert, award-winning author of Rat City and All Along the Watchtower “Jeanne Matthews knows how to structure a mystery that keeps readers guessing” — Joyce Yarrow, author of the The Jo Epstein Mysteries and Zahara and the Lost Books of Light “The characters are well-formed, the themes interesting, and the mystery absorbing... I’m really looking forward to the next installment of this well-constructed mystery series.” — Bibliostatic Review “Devil by the Tail is an entertaining story with engaging characters, a thought-provoking plot, and just enough romance to make it alluring!” — Connie Porter Saunders, Older & Smarter blog “I found Devil by the Tail to be a well-written mystery with engaging characters, and I hope there are more books to come in the series.” — Mostly Mysteries “As soon as I started DEVIL BY THE TAIL, it grabbed me and didn’t let go until the very end.” — Books & Benches “I loved that this novel took off without a hitch, and you were in a whirlwind of two cases and trying to figure out what was going to happen next.” — Reading Is My Remedy “A gripping puzzle with danger at every turn.” — Amy’s Booket List “Devil by the Tail is a fast-paced and fun historical mystery that had me turning pages as fast as I could read.” — Novels Alive

About the author. Jeanne Matthews graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and has worked as a copywriter, a high school English and Drama teacher, and a paralegal. An avid traveler and crime fiction reader, she is the author of the Dinah Pelerin international mystery series. She currently lives in Washington State with her husband, who is a law professor, and a Norwich terrier named Jack Reacher.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.