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Literary Science-Fiction
Date Published: August 7th, 2018
Publisher: Owl House Books
Agapanthus was kidnapped when she was only two years old, but she doesn’t remember it. In fact, she doesn’t remember her home planet at all. All she knows is Deeyae, the land of two suns; the land of great, red waters. Her foster-family cares for her, and at first that’s enough. But, as she grows older, Agapanthus is bothered by the differences between them. As an Exchanger, she’s frail and tall, not short and strong. And, even though she was raised Deeyan, she certainly isn’t treated like one. One day, an Exchanger boy completes the Deeyan rite-of-passage, and Agapanthus is inspired to try the same. But, when she teams up with him, her quest to become Deeyan transforms into her quest to find the truth―of who she is, and of which star she belongs to.
About the Author
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Francesca G. Varela was raised in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In 2015 she graduated from the University of Oregon with degrees in Environmental Studies and Creative Writing, and she then went on to receive her master’s degree in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah.
Francesca’s dream of becoming an author began in third grade, and her writing career had an early start; she wrote her award-winning first novel, Call of the Sun Child, when she was only 18 years old, and she wrote her second novel, Listen, when she was only 20.
When not writing or reading, Francesca enjoys playing piano, figure skating, hiking, identifying wild birds, plants, and constellations, and travelling to warm, sunny places whenever she can.
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About the Book![]() Title: The Acadia Files: Book Two, Autumn Science Author: Katie Coppens Illustrator: Holly Hatam Number of Pages: 88 Recommended Ages: 8-12 years Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers Publication Date: September 18, 2018 Summary: Books that explore science through adventure The Acadia Files: Book Two, Autumn Science presents five stories of fall, each one followed by Acadia’s science notebook pages with her simple explanations and lively, whimsical drawings of natural phenomena. The Acadia Files is a fun introduction to the wonders of science, using real-world scenarios to make scientific inquiry relatable and understandable. Parents and educators can use The Acadia Files to let kids discover for themselves what it’s like to be curious about the world and to satisfy that curiosity with scientific thinking. Acadia Greene wants answers. What happened to the frogs she used to see at her favorite local pond? Why do leaves change color in the fall, and why don’t evergreen needles do the same? What is the water cycle, and what is transpiration? How do time zones work, and why does the sun set at different times in different places within a single zone? How do germs infect us? Acadia doesn’t mean to do science, but she has questions and her parents refuse to simply give her the answers. “Conduct an experiment,” they tell her. “Use the scientific method.” So Acadia makes hypotheses, designs experiments, analyzes data, and draws conclusions. Acadia does science. The author, Katie Coppens writes a recurring column for NSTA's middle school magazine Science Scope on science and literacy called "The Integrated Classroom." color Take a peek inside the book... My ReviewThe Acadia Files: Book Two, Autumn Science is a wonderfully written and fully engaging educational book that will have readers eager to learn more. Acadia loves learning and, along with her friend Isabel and a little help from mom, she sets out to learn all she can and maybe even make a difference in the world. I love how this book is written like a journal. Acadia collect data, analyzes her observations, uses diagrams to explain what she's learned and then draws a conclusion. She also includes several things she still has questions about. Acadia's scientific process is straightforward and the concept is easy for readers to grasp so they can apply what they've learned and conduct science experiments of their own. The illustrations are stunning and add to the story's charm. Readers will be easily captivated and let yearning to find out more. I recommend picking up a copy and checking out the other books in the series too. About the Author![]() Katie Coppens is a middle school English and science teacher. She lives in Maine with her husband and two children. Go to www.katiecoppens.com to learn more about her publications. About the Illustrator![]() Holly Hatam is a picture book maker, greeting card designer, and a textile engineer. She is also the #1 New York Times Bestselling illustrator of Dear Girl. Her other books include, Tree Song, Jack (Not Jackie) and The Acadia Files. Holly lives in Whitby, Ontario where she can be found hugging trees with her husband Stephen and son Linden, stuffing her pantry full of tea and sticking her nose in a book. You can learn more about Holly at www.hollyhatam.com. About the Book![]()
Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford #1)
by F.P. Spirit Genre: YA Fantasy Release Date: December 2016 Summary: Magic is easy. That’s what Glolindir thought, until he came across his first real monster. Luckily, he survived, thanks to his new “friends.” Lloyd, the reckless young warrior with blades of fire. Seth, the sarcastic halfling who might be an assassin. Aksel, the genius little gnome whose very touch can heal. Little did they know that things were about to go from bad to worse. After one hundred and fifty years of relative peace, dark forces stir around the little town of Ravenford—monsters, black magic, creatures of the night. The only thing standing between Ravenford and certain destruction is this band of young misfits. Add to Goodreads Buy on Amazon! Read an Excerpt
Lloyd followed Seth’s finger and saw a strange sight. The bottom half of a skeleton stood in the middle of the path. He watched curiously as Brundon rushed up behind it and kicked it with his boot. The creature whirled around and began chasing him, but Brundon dodged and ended up behind it. The tracker kicked it and dodged again. It was like watching a strange dance.
A familiar voice came from behind him. “He sure is stubborn.” Lloyd turned in time to see Titan walk up beside him, a thin smile across her lips. “I guess we should go help him.” Lloyd fell in beside her. They walked up the trail together as the crazy fight continued. They stopped a few feet away, watching as Brundon dodged the skeleton again. Titan chuckled softly. “Would you like a hand?” Brundon glanced their way and shook his head. “No, I got this.” Titan glanced at Lloyd and shrugged. “Like I said, stubborn.” Lloyd had a sudden idea. He held out his hammer and called over to the tracker. “Hey, Brundon, care to try it out?” Brundon had just swung behind the skeleton again. He glanced over at Lloyd and his eyes fell on the proffered weapon. A broad smile spread across his face. “Don’t mind if I do.” “Sure, accept his help and not mine,” Titan said with mock disappointment. Brundon backed away from the sightless skeleton. “Only his weapon, love, only his weapon. Of course, if you want to hand me your mace…” “No, no. I’d like to see you wield that hammer.” “Suit yourself.” Brundon reached the two of them and accepted the hammer from Lloyd, attempting to heft it with one hand. Without warning, the head of the hammer dipped and began to fall. Brundon swiftly grasped it with his other hand, catching it just before it hit the ground. A short laugh escaped Titan’s lips. “Having some trouble there?” “I’m…just…fine…” Brundon grunted. Slowly but surely, he lifted the hammer back up. He grasped it firmly with both hands, and after a few test swings was able to effectively wield the weapon. “See, piece of cake.” Titan chuckled under her breath. “Yeah, sure it is.” Brundon ignored her, turning and rushing the roving skeleton. In a couple of minutes he reduced it to a pile of cracked bones. Brundon stood over the pile with a grim look of satisfaction on his face. “Well?” he said, glaring defiantly at Titan. “Oh yes, all hail Sir Brundon, the skeleton slayer.” Sharp snorts of laughter broke out from down the trail. Lloyd turned around in time to see Seth roll off the skeleton he had been sitting on and fall onto the ground. He lay there laughing until he couldn’t breathe. Titan taunted him further. “Well, Sir Brundon, there’s another skeleton waiting to meet its end via your mighty mallet.” Brundon fixed his partner with an acid stare. It quickly faded though, replaced with a half-twisted smile. “Why not.” He shrugged, then strode down the trail to finish off the last skeleton. While Brundon joyfully hammered away, Lloyd and Titan rejoined the others. About the Author![]()
F.P. Spirit has always loved fantasy. From the moment he received his very first copy of Lord of the Rings back in high school, he was hooked. Today, somewhere between work and family, F. P. manages to write young adult sword and sorcery fiction. His series, Heroes of Ravenford, chronicles the adventures of a young band of misfits in the dangerous world of Thac. The last book in the series, The Baron’s Heart, is due out this fall.
To learn more, you can go to his website, sign up for his newsletter, or follow him on Twitter. Heroes Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeroesOfRavenford/ Giveaway![]()
Fiction, Literature
Published: September 2017
Publisher: Napili Press
In The Era of Lanterns and Bells, a lighthouse is haunted by the memory of lighthouse keepers, a train operator is forever changed by a subway suicide, a journalist befriends a homeless virtuoso, an orca trainer believes she's a whale, an aerialist runs away from the circus, and a Golden Gate Bridge jumper saves lives with fortune cookies. An obese woman is rescued from being a shut-in, a woman discovers that her favorite childhood pond is polluted and cancer-causing, a woman falls in love with a bipolar man in Jamaica, and an arborist writes love letters from trees. These quirky and darkly comic stories entertain while posing essential questions about truth, compassion, and humanity.
About the Author
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Ann Tinkham is a writer based in Boulder, Colorado. She is an anti-social butterfly, pop-culturalist, virtual philosopher, ecstatic dancer, political and java junkie. When she's not tinkering with words, she's seeking adventures. Ann has talked her way out of an abduction and talked her way into the halls of the United Nations. She hitchhiked up a mountain in Switzerland and worked her way down the corporate ladder. Ann has flown on a trapeze and traded on the black market in Russia. She cycles up steep canyons, hikes to glacial lakes and mountain peaks, and blazes her own ski trails. As soon as she amasses a fortune, she plans to buy an island and hopes she won't be voted off her own island. Her fiction and essays have appeared in All Things Girl, Apt, Denver Syntax, Edifice Wrecked, Foliate Oak, Hiss Quarterly, Lily Literary Review, Short Story Library, Slow Trains, Stone Table Review, Synchronized Chaos, The Adirondack Review, The Battered Suitcase, The Citron Review, The Literary Review, Toasted Cheese, Wild Violet, Word Riot, and others. Ann's essay, "The Tree of Hearts" was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and her story, "Afraid of the Rain" was nominated for Sundress's Best of the Net Anthology.
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![]() The pathless path to fulfillment and happiness
Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Spiritual Wellness
By Master Genro: Gert Beirer and Clifford Stevens
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
Published: January 2018
Normally Priced $9.99 On Sale November 22-December 22 for only $.99
"Seek what is within self and you may find the answers to true authentic life fulfillment and happiness."
Find The Seeker! is based on the wisdom and profound, first-hand experience of a modern-day Master as well as the teachings of enlightened ones throughout the ages. This book reboots our spiritual search in order to renew our limiting, thought-driven and ego-dominated lives. Focusing on the spiritual dimension underlying Existence which all of us share, the book addresses people of all faiths who suffer, are unhappy and seek to lead more fulfilling lives.
“Find the Seeker! is not a wishy-washy, feel-good book offering a quick fix or esoteric porridge or pandering to those who want a spiritual baby rattle to rely on. Instead, it serves as a traveling companion and guide, enticing readers with the vision of what we really are" ...
Absolute, eternal and unconditional Being, whole and divine – which can only be directly experienced and embodied. It serves as a powerful wake-up call for those who mistakenly believe in their being separate from the Oneness and living in a state of duality, reminding us that the Kingdom of God is really within us.
Although written by a Zen Master and using some Zen stories, the focus is not on explaining Zen, its tenets or history. The book is in stark contrast to the majority of books which indulge in superficial descriptions or sayings and provide seemingly “precise” instructions, lists of goals or steps to take which trap us into continuing our dependency on intermediaries and religious institutions or our self-delusion of being less than we really are.
Instead, accompanying the authors along the age-old pathless path we have always been on, we are called upon to empty ourselves and “drop” all our preconceptions and expectations and the limited “self” which thinks it has a life of its own, as well as the heavy backpack with all our experiences and learnings.
The book holds up a mirror to our worldly and at times ego-driven existence, suffering and the intricate workings of the ego, which entraps us in the never-ending soap opera and the roller-coaster of life’s ups and downs, drama from chaos. We are led to live mindfully in the here-now, delve more deeply into ourselves and to be Self-reliant – enabling our inner guru to unfold our true nature so that we can abide in the one Self. In this way seekers become finders, and we can become the Oneness we already are, enjoying the vibrant bliss and lightness of Being that is inherently ours.
The book not only appeals to people interested in Zen but spiritual seekers and people of all faiths and confessions, especially those who suffer, are unhappy, and still have unanswered questions about spirituality and life purpose, and God.
As a result, the book targets readers searching for books on personal development, body, mind, and spirit, self-help, spirituality and religion, Buddhism, Zen or finding happiness. It may be the last book you need to read that includes all of the above and much more.
About the Authors
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Genro: Gert Beirer, who was born in Austria in 1945, studied Zen, meditation, Kung-Fu, Qi Gong and acupuncture in Asia. He was given the name Genro (“Origin of Joy”) Xuan Lou, Laoshi (Laoshi = “Spiritual Master”) by Zen Master Tetsuo Kiichi Nagaya Roshi. Genro Xuan Lou, Laoshi was named Zen (Chan) Master by the Abbot and Grand Master Kun Kong at the Lingyin Temple (Shakyamuni Buddhism) in Hangzhou, with whom he studied 11 years, by Abbot and Zen Master Shi Chan Ming in Wuhan, Province Hubei, China, and was also named Shifu or “Spiritual Teacher” in 2009 by Shi Xue Feng, Abbot of the Ding Shan Temple in Germany.
After returning to Europe, Genro spent decades as a therapist and business consultant and has been heading the Qi Gong Master School in Austria for many years, practicing in accordance with the Wuhan-Yangsheng style. Genro Laoshi has lectured at universities, appeared on TV, held seminars on a variety of spiritual and self-help topics, taught Qi Gong courses and published articles and books on meditation, Zen, motivation and communication, storytelling, body-reading, sexual Kung-Fu, autohypnosis, and many more topics.
About Author, Clifford Stevens - (Ki-ichi) was born in the United States. His career included stints as a teacher, journalist, PR manager and translator. He has studied Qi Gong, Zen and meditation with Genro Xuan Lou, Laoshi for many years. His meditation-imparted experiences and the Dharma transmission from Genro have qualified him to be a teacher of Zen. He humbly reveals his deep insights and awareness of the spiritual cosmos as he wanders along the pathless path with his Zen Master.
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Normally Priced $9.99 On Sale November 22-December 22 for only $.99
To celebrate the release of The Poetry of US edited by former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis, blogs across the web are featuring selected poems from The Poetry of US plus 8 chances to win a copy! Follow along on this road trip across the U.S. through poems and pictures!
Beach Days
Beaches are best on blue days:
sparkly crisp days
that tickle your skin with warmth.
“Wake up!” says the sun.
“Look at this! And this! And this!”
Blue beach days dazzle and tempt
with unspent gold.
But on gray days, beaches soothe.
“All the world is one,” say the waves.
“Sky, sea, sand, it doesn’t matter.”
Gray beach days fill you up,
let you gaze and gaze
over the wide Atlantic
without shielding your eyes.
-Joyce Sidman
*****
Blog Tour Schedule:
November 26th — Chat with Vera
November 27th — Beach Bound Books November 28th — Christy's Cozy Corners November 29th — Bookhounds November 30th — YA and Kids Books Central December 3rd — Java John Z's December 4th — Word Spelunking December 5th — A Dream Within a Dream
“...an expansive gathering, with dazzling visuals” - Kirkus
![]() About the Author: J. PATRICK LEWIS is a former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate. He earned a B.A. at Saint Joseph's College, an M.A. at Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in economics at the Ohio State University. Lewis taught in the department of Business, Accounting and Economics at Otterbein College until 1998, when he became a full-time writer. He is the author of more than 50 books of poetry for children, including Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles (2009, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger); New York Times Best Illustrated Book The Last Resort (2002); The Shoe Tree of Chagrin (2001) which won the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' Golden Kite Award; A Hippopotamusn't: And Other Animal Poems (1990); and he has collaborated with other poets on several collections. His children's poetry has been widely anthologized, and his contributions to children's literature have been recognized with the 2011 Poetry Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Ohioana Awards' 2004 Alice Louise Wood Memorial Prize. His poetry for adults includes the collection Gulls Hold Up the Sky: Poems 1983-2010.
GIVEAWAY
November 27th Paperback Releases (novellas) from Christina Bauer!
Check Out These Series From Christina Bauer - Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, a series of modern fairy tales with sass, action, and romance - Beholder, where a medieval farm girl discovers necromancy and true love - Dimension Drift, a dystopian adventure with science, snark, and hot aliens - Angelbound, about a quasi (part human and part demon) girl who loves to kick butt in Purgatory’s Arena About the Books![]()
Duty Bound (Angelbound Origins #0.5) by Christina Bauer
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy Summary: "Christina Bauer has blessed us, people! This book, written from Lincoln's perspective, was simply a treat that I most definitely enjoyed!" - The Reading Life As the High Prince of the demon-fighting thrax, Lincoln knows he must marry for political gain. Not that he minds. For all of his eighteen years, Lincoln’s been bound to his duty. Fighting demons is his life, and he’s never given romance a second thought. Instead, the High Prince lives for the days when he leaves his hidden realm to fight demons on Earth. Then, everything changes. "I call dibs on Lincoln as my book boyfriend and main squeeze." - Accidental Reader Lincoln and his nobles become forced to visit Purgatory, the home of quasi-demons (who are mostly human with a bit of demonic DNA). Here Lincoln spies Myla Lewis, a lady warrior who enflames his heart, ignites his interest, and inspires his respect. Trouble is, Myla’s also a quasi. By thrax law, Lincoln must kill anything demonic—not date them. For the first time in his life, Lincoln wonders if he’ll follow his duty…or heed the demands of his heart. Don't miss this prequel novella to the best-selling Angelbound, told from Prince Lincoln's point of view! Add to Goodreads Buy Links: Amazon ![]()
Moonlight and Midtown (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1.5)
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy Summary: “Bauer’s unique voice blends magical fantasy, swooning romance, and a bucketful of teenage sass.” – Booklist Years ago, Elle — never call her Cinderella — escaped her evil step family in order to build a new life for herself in Manhattan. Today, Elle’s awful past is a distant memory. In fact, Elle even attends West Lake Prep, an exclusive high school where regular humans mix with members of the Magicorum, such as fairies, shifters and witches. Although she still must live in hiding from her evil step family, Elle always has found ways to get whatever her heart desires. That is, until Alec Le Charme. Sure, Alec is the heir to the Le Charme dynasty of high-end jewelers, but he's also kind, charismatic, and has a knee-melting smile. “Must-read YA paranormal romance!” - USA Today Long story short, Elle has fallen for Alec, hard. Unfortunately, thanks to Elle’s evil step family, the Le Charme heir is absolutely off limits. In fact, if Elle and Alec so much as kiss, it will start a magical chain reaction that would end in powerful factions of witches and wizards going to war. As a result, Elle and Alec vow to stay friends, no matter what. Then West Lake Prep holds a masquerade ball. Identities get mixed up and forbidden kisses are finally shared. Time for the Magicorum to go to war, and for Elle to confront her hidden past in ways she never thought possible. Add to Goodreads Buy Links: Amazon ![]()
Scythe (Dimension Drift Prequels #1)
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy Summary: A prequel novella to the new series from USA Today's 'must read YA paranormal romance' author, Christina Bauer. Truth time. I go to a Learning Squirrel High School. Don’t judge. On second thought, judge away. Learning Squirrel is one step above attending class in a junkyard. But what do you expect? Everything’s made out of garbage these days. At least, I have my freelance work to keep Mom and me housed, clothed, and fed. How? I’m your regular high school science geek for hire… only my work manipulates space-time. These gigs pay really well, but the government wants people like me dead. Good thing I’m super careful about hiding from their detection systems. Then I screw up a job. Badly. My house slips into two-dimensional space-time. It only lasts for a few seconds, but the move still sets off about a dozen government alarms. If they track me down, Mom and I are good as dead. Long story short, I need to pay someone off, hide the evidence, and keep us safe. Unfortunately, that means asking the Scythe for help. He runs the local underground crime scene and has absolutely no conscience. Or I'm pretty sure he doesn’t. It’s hard to think straight when a guy’s that hot in an evil Mafioso kingpin kind of way. More importantly, he's a crime lord who can conceal my slip-up with a few clicks on his minion’s computer keyboards. But the Scythe has his price. In this case, he wants me to finish a certain dimensional prototype for him in twenty-four hours. I can do it, but it might mean Learning Squirrel High gets blown up in the process. Oh yes, and there's also my new hot classmate who may or may not be an alien... and he says he'll do anything to help me. This job won't be easy, but I’ve gotten out of worse scrapes. Maybe. "Bauer’s unique voice blends magical fantasy, swooning romance, and a bucketful of teenage sass." - Booklist This new series is perfect for: fans of urban fantasy, action & adventure, cool science, evil corporations, forbidden romance and hot new classmates who may or may not be aliens. Add to Goodreads Buy Links: Amazon ![]()
Cradled (Beholder #5)
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy Summary: "Has romance, adventure, and lots of magical encounters! It definitely satisfied my craving for something exciting!" - Cloud 9 Books Finally, Elea and Rowan are settling in to their new lives. Trouble is, Rowan is spending a lot of time cleaning up messes from his childhood. And considering the nightmare that was his mother, those are some ugly messes indeed. In fact, the experience is enough to make Rowan vow that he never wants children of his own. Oops. "A riveting story with action, love and vengeance...A fantastic read." - The Not So Public LibraryPerfect for readers who love sword and sorcery filled with magic, necromancy, witches and wizards. This series combines fierce females, paranormal romance and epic fantasy. Enjoy! Add to Goodreads Buy Links: Amazon About the Author![]()
Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates Stalk Christina on Social Media – She Loves It! Blog: http://monsterhousebooks.com/blog/category/christina Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer/ Twitter: @CB_Bauer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_cb_bauer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-bauer-481b12139/ Web site: http://monsterhousebooks.com/authors/cbauer Giveaway![]()
Horror
Date Published: 31st October
A collection of ten horror short stories, everything from the macabre to the down right disgusting.
Short Stories Include:
Why aren’t you scared
Infest
Don’t look under the bed
Trick or Treat.
Bogeyman
Siphon
Junkyard
Grounders
Can you Imagine
Point of no return
Each of the stories are unique and filled with terrifying, gruesome tales that are sure to rise your blood pressure. Lovers of monsters, the unexplained, serial killing maniacs and much more. Sink your teeth in and be in for a treat this Halloween.
About the Author
Born and raised in New Zealand, a mother and wife who donates what spare time she has into volunteer work with Autistic children.
Ellie Douglas is addicted to horror, everything about it she loves. She enjoys creating strong characters that rise to the top from ordinary lives.
Her love affair with horror has seen her produce three award winning horror books.
Ellie is creative in all aspects with several adult coloring books and an online casino slot game under her belt. She is constantly striving to do more. Ellie also makes professional book covers for authors and has helped people with making them a websites, banners, and logos.
Ellie’s ultimate aim is to give back, paying it forward and to constantly better herself. To give the audience amazing entertaining stories that she herself would read.
She would love to scare you…
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Thriller
Date Published: Spring 2018
Beautiful assassin Genevieve Wangen continues to work on her deadly concoctions from her secret lab in the woods, far from the prying eyes of the law. But just as soon as she has love and a new life in her sights, Genevieve is pulled into a far more dangerous high-stakes game of cat and mouse. She already upended her life and identity once. How far will she need to go this time to stay alive?
Reviews
"Make sure you set aside extra time, cancel any appointments and don't plan on sleeping! Once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down until you have finished it. Gary definitely has a way with words. His writing flows and is filled with great lines and an even greater story. He is a natural storyteller. This second book in the series is even better than the first." - Shelley Olsen, Owner, Paperbacks and Pieces Bookstore
"A major eureka page-turner, Evans has spun an original web of intrigue . . . that will be eagerly shared by murder mystery readers!" - Rollie Wussow has Midwest roots and is a semi-retired healthcare executive in sunny New Mexico
“As a journalist and author (and especially over a glass of wine), Gary has always been a master storyteller with a rich eye for the humorous and the ridiculous. Death by Poison features wonderful characters, rich dialogue, and a compelling tale. Like Gary, it’s great fun.” —Rusty Cunningham, Executive Editor, La Crosse Tribune
Previous in the Series
Thriller
Date Published: July 2017
When Shawn Sorenson drowned in 1987, no one in La Crosse, Wisconsin, took much notice. They thought it was simply another drunken accident. When another student, Tad Schwartz, drowned a year later, the residents began to suspect foul play. Why else would a healthy young man drown? Even so, the police had no leads or clues to suggest anything other than a tragic accident. Were these truly accidental deaths? Suspicion became reality one fateful morning in 2011 when Police Detective Allan Rouse, Sheriff's Deputy Charlie Berzinski, and pathologist Rick Olson pulled the 15th victim from the river. The body had a tale to tell.
Dr. Olson, physician Patricia Grebin, and researcher Sarah Giles discover an obscure piece of evidence. It leads Berzinski and Rouse down a tangled trail of clues before reaching a mind-boggling conclusion. Will Berzinski and Rouse catch the killer before it's too late? Filled with intrigue, betrayal, and gut-twisting suspense, Death by Drowning will draw readers into a Midwestern town full of secrets and clues as breathtaking as the Mississippi River.
Coming Soon in the Series
November 2018
After confessing to killing fourteen young men in La Crosse,Wisconsin, sultry serial killer Genevieve Wangen escapes custody for the second time. Aided by her Mafia contacts, she settles in at a remote cabin in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. Now, safely hidden behind her new identity as Samantha Walters, she happily continues her deadly work for the Carbones. But Detective Al Rouse and Deputy Charlie Berzinski are bent on locking her away for good. When they finally catch up to her, as she is about to wed her latest debonair lover, Genevieve finds that she must escape more than just the law!
About the Author
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Gary Evans has turned his passion for novel writing into a post-retirement career, with book four soon to be released, and book five already in the works. Evans spent 30 years in Midwest newsrooms as an award-winning writer, editor, and publisher. He spent 12 years as vice president at Winona State University. He ended his career as the president and CEO of Hiawatha Broadband Communication, one of the nation’s first alternative entrant telecommunications firms, after 15 years. Married to Ellen, they have two grown children, Gregory and Natalie.
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Dark Humor, Satire
Publisher: Xlibris
Published: February 2017
The Outlandish and the Ego is the first in a new genre of literature: political erotica. This wild and comical satire follows two parallel stories that ultimately converge and blend into a new American reality.
One side of The Outlandish and the Ego plays out with the Aide, who relentlessly seeks to maintain his power as he maneuvers his president for reelection. The Aide's ruthless appetite for victory comes to life in the form of wife swapping, partnering with a corporation hungry for war, endless slandering, and so much more. But in order to win, the Aide must survive an evil secret society-the Brethren.
The other half of The Outlandish and the Ego finds Samuel and Roger: two wild derelicts who are running from demon gnomes that nobody else can see or understand. In order to satisfy the gnomes' demands, Samuel and Roger must solve the riddle of "the signal." The two twisting plotlines crash into each other as the fate of the Aide, Samuel, Roger, and the Brethren come to an unexpected and hilarious close.
Excerpt
The following is the opening to the second chapter of The Outlandish and the Ego. The chapter is entitled, “The Ego.”
The Ego
The doors to the Oval Office blew open, and supreme authority guided the Aide’s rush toward the President’s desk. He held a shotgun with both of his hands. The oversized battle helmet rattled around the crown of his head as he stomped toward his destination. He knew everything he needed to say and how he wanted to say it. He was ready.
“We have a situation,” he said as he pulled around the President’s desk. As the President looked up at him with befuddlement, the Aide leaned in and put all his weight into a great shove and sent the desk over on its side.
“Take cover, they’re here, and they’re coming for you.”
“Who’s coming? What the hell is going on?”
“I should have informed you sooner, but I underestimated the severity of the information given to me.” The Aide readjusted his glasses as he peeked back over the ridge of the fallen desk, probing for oncoming enemies. “The Confederates are here.”
“The Confederates?” The President’s mouth gaped open. “What is going on?” he whined.
“I didn’t want to alarm you, but there has been an uprising, and the Confederacy, I’m afraid, is back and looking for you.”
“I’m as white as they come!” the President whined.
“What do they want with me?”
“Most likely a swift assassination.” The Aide peeked over the desk once more, this time aiming the barrel of the gun at the opening of the room. “But fear not, sir. I am here to protect the Union.”
“Where is the Secret Service?”
“Dead. They’re all dead.” The Aide looked the President dead in the eye. “Even the first lady. She was slain out on the front lawn.”
“This can’t be.” The President melted down to the carpet, grabbing his hair with his trembling hands.
“They’re gonna kill me!”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.” The Aide pumped the shotgun ready. “Unfortunately, I only have one shot left.”
“One shot?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, though, I’ll make it a good one.”
The Aide perked up as if to focus in on his surroundings.
“Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?
The Aide popped up and fired his last shot in the direction of the opened doors. After feeling satisfied, he sat back down behind the safety of the desk.
“What was it?”
“Nothing, sir. Just a false alarm.”
The President lay there with his back firmly pressed up against the desk, quaking in a peculiar combination of shock, fear, and rage. “No, no, no,” he mumbled while shaking his head. Frozen, he stared into the palm of his hands, searching for a steadiness in his current reality.
Then from the belly of the hall that led into the Oval Office, the penetrating screams came pouring through, directed at the President.
“What’s that?” he cried.
“It’s one of them,” the Aide said in a low tremble. “He’s wearing a ski mask, and he’s armed.” The Aide looked down at the ground. “It was a pleasure knowing you, Mr. President.”
“Oh Jesus!” The President began to bite his lower lip as he clenched his fist tight, turning the knuckles of his hand white. The savage grunts and screams of the masked Confederate assassin grew louder, and the President knew it would be only a matter of time. The masked man was now in the Oval Office. He stood in the doorway, and though the President and the Aide bunkered down back behind their makeshift barrier, the masked man knew where his target was hiding. He laughed maniacally as he mockingly danced toward the desk.
“Please, there is no need to kill me,” the President begged. “I’m from Louisiana—trust me, if it was up to me, the Confederacy would have never gone away!”
“It’s too late for negotiations.” The masked man moved toward the President, standing over the hunched man before him. He prodded the barrel of the gun up to the
President’s mouth. “Open wide.”
“Oh Jesus,” the President muttered. He opened his mouth, and the barrel of the gun slid inside. He felt the cold steel bang against the tips of his front teeth, and he knew it was the end. He closed his eyes and waited for his world to fade into the grim abyss.
“Just as we planned!” the Aide yelled. He gave the masked man a high five as both men bent over with laughter. The President opened his eyes to understand the commotion. “Did you see the look of fear?” Both men began to cackle uncontrollably. The Confederate assassin took the mask off, revealing his identity.
“You?” The President frowned.
“You idiot,” the Press Secretary said. “You were all too eager to swallow that barrel!” Both men began to laugh once more.
The President stood up slowly, adjusting his tie and trying not to look as embarrassed as he felt. “So nobody is dead, right?”
“Of course not,” the Aide explained. “The Secret Service and First Lady were in on it too.” The Aide waited for the humor to subside. He sensed that the Press Secretary had caught his breath, so he decided to move on with the business of the day. “All right, all right. Now that we’ve all had our fun, it’s time to get to the serious matters of the day.”
About the Author
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O. Ryan Hussain is the new voice of comedic fiction and satire. The characters featured in his debut novel, The Outlandish and the Ego, are vibrant creations from a true genius. There is currently nobody better at blending truth, comedy and dirty fun.
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