Category Archives: General

Murder in the Lakes by Rachel Amphlett ~ cover reveal

Let’s check out the cover and blurb for Rachel Amphlett’s latest novel, Murder in the Lakes.

Blurb

A wedding, a missing fiancée, and a murder – Melody Harper is about to discover just how dangerous “I do” can be…

Fledgling private detective Melody Harper is down on her luck and nursing a black eye when she’s approached by a new client who believes her daughter is in danger.

There’s a wedding next weekend, and the client’s daughter is the bride. Except Melody’s client hasn’t told her the whole truth – the groom’s last fiancée seems to have disappeared, and nobody has any answers.

Now tasked with going undercover to protect the bride-to-be, Melody finds herself out of her comfort zone and on an outdoor adventure weekend in the Lake District with the hen party.

After narrowly escaping death in a climbing accident, Melody’s detective skills are tested to the limit when one of the bridesmaids is murdered – and time is running out.

This is her biggest investigation to date, but will Melody even survive long enough to unmask the killer and protect the bride?

Murder in the Lakes is a page-turning murder mystery from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett and perfect for readers who love amateur sleuths and deadly crimes.

Lakes

Book links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228706809-murder-in-the-lakes

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/murderlakes-zbt

Excerpt

Murder in the Lakes

(Melody Harper detective mysteries)

by Rachel Amphlett

Chapter One

It’s never a good start to the day when the daughter of one of your clients leans across your desk and slaps you in the face.

She had a mean left hook on her too, helped somewhat by the platinum engagement ring that she’d only thought to remove after she’d hit me, before throwing it onto the carpet on her way out.

It helped – a little – that my client managed to hold back her smug look of satisfaction until after her daughter had stormed out of the office, slamming the door in her wake.

‘I knew he was trouble, Melody,’ she said. ‘I told you.’

I stumbled around my desk, bent down to pick up the ring and handed it to Heather McAdams. ‘Perhaps hang on to this,’ I suggested. ‘I’m presuming he’ll want it back. Or you can sell it.’

I moved to the mini refrigerator under the window, cracked open the door and pulled out an ice pack.

I guess it shows how often this happens to me that I have one prepared.

I held the door to stop it swinging open. I didn’t need my client to see the case of beer that Charlie had left in there on his last visit.

I held the ice pack to my cheek as I made my way back to my chair and somehow managed to sit down and look my client in the eye without losing my composure. My eyes stung, and I was going to have a bruise, that much was for sure.

Mrs McAdams only realised now how hard her daughter had slugged me, and that maybe I wasn’t happy about it.

‘Are you all right?’ she said.

I glared at her. I had a sneaking suspicion her question was brought on by a sudden thought that her daughter might get sued for assault, rather than any concern for my welfare, and whether she should make a speedy phone call to the family solicitor.

‘I’m fine,’ I replied. ‘I’ll print out my invoice for you. I accept payment by card only.’

She looked taken aback for a moment, seemed to debate whether to ask if she could pay on account, and then thought better of it.

I ignored her and turned my attention to the computer screen instead. The system allowed me to automatically check off each service provided. I spitefully added an extra thirty pounds miscellaneous line item for the ice pack, hit the “print” button and then slid the still-warm invoice across the desk to Mrs McAdams.

‘Oh, my,’ she said, as she ran her manicured fingernail down the page. ‘This is rather more than I expected.’

‘A copy of my expenses is on the second page,’ I said, jutting out my chin. ‘I’m sure you’ll find everything is in order. You’ll appreciate that I do provide a rather exclusive service.’

She looked flustered. ‘I wasn’t implying—’

I raised an eyebrow.

She lowered her gaze in response and flicked over the page instead.

I drummed my fingers on the desk while she read through the numbers. Such a sign of impatience always annoyed the hell out of me when people did that anywhere within a mile radius of me, so I was banking on it getting on her nerves and that she’d hurry up and pay, then leave me in peace.

Sure enough, she flicked the page over with an exasperated sigh, then handed over her credit card.

It was from one of the larger banks, the word “platinum” embossed across the front of it with a sparkly finish that glinted in the sunlight streaming through the window.

A car horn honked somewhere beyond the double-glazed panes, followed in quick succession by a higher pitched beep and a stream of colourful swearing.

I swiped Heather McAdams’s credit card across the handheld reader and handed it back to her, then used a large rubber stamp to punch the word “Paid” across the top of the invoice.

And yes, I pretended I was stamping her daughter’s face with it before I released the spring mechanism.

‘Thank you,’ I said, and stood to show her the way out, dumping the ice pack on the desk. ‘If you know of anyone else that would be in need of my services, please give them this.’

I handed over a business card.

Heather McAdams took it between her forefinger and thumb as if it was infected with weaponised smallpox and wrinkled her nose. ‘I’d best go and find out where Charlotte is,’ she sniffed.

To buy the book

https://www.rachelamphlett.com/books/single-title-thrillers/murder-in-the-lakes/

For an exclusive extract

https://www.rachelamphlett.com/books/single-title-thrillers/murder-in-the-lakes/extract/

A note from Rachel – if readers buy direct from my website shop they’ll receive their eBook 2 days earlier than the retail publication date. That means they’ll get it on 7 June – the retail / real publication date will be 9 June.

About the Author

Lakes

Rachel’s Bio

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.

You can follow Rachel at these links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelamphlett.author

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

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelamphlett.bsky.social

Website: https://www.rachelamphlett.com/

The Coat of Arms Killer by Frances Lloyd

I’m back with another review! This one is for The Coat of Arms Killer by Frances Lloyd.

 

Blurb

A killer is stalking the illustrious Fitzwarren family. And any of the clan could be next . . .

 Lord Hugo may be heir to the Fitzwarren millions. But everyone knows who rules the roost in his noble old family. His formidable mother, Lady Beatrice. It’s been that way since her husband met his watery end. In a boating accident, poor thing.

Now, on the eve of her seventieth birthday, Lord Hugo plans to give his mama a gift she’ll never forget: a portrait of her dear, departed husband.

Guests gather at the Fitzwarrens’ decadent ancestral pile, waiting with bated breath for a glimpse of the painting. Detective Jack Dawes is among them, his wife Corrie on his arm. A cord is pulled. The curtain falls . . . and Lady B lets out a blood-curdling scream.

It’s not the likeness that has her spooked. It’s the dagger, plunged deep in her husband’s chest. Scrawled beneath, in blood-red paint, there’s a single word. Killer.

Is it a spiteful prank . . . or something more?

Detective Jack’s determined to find out. But he’s got his work cut out — with the frosty Fitzwarrens seeking to shut him down at every turn and Lord Hugo himself mysteriously missing.

Lord Hugo’s family are certain he’ll turn up in his own time. But Jack knows the clock is ticking to solve this baffling case.

Before something worse than paint is spilled . . .

This entertaining and absorbing mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, J.R. Ellis, Faith Martin, Catherine Moloney and P.F. Ford.

Frances Lloyd

My Review

Lord Hugo is obsessed with keeping the Fitzwarren line intact for generations to come. The lengths this has gone to bring out the worst in some people.

There are secrets, lies, and murder. When the police come to investigate, they circle the wagons and refuse to talk. Or speak but with their spin on events.

Corrie, DI Jack Dawes’s wife, hears bits of gossip and passes the information on to her husband, although not always in a timely manner.

I didn’t particularly like the majority of the Fitzwarren family, but I did like the characters of the police and Jack’s wife.

The book wrapped up the loose ends nicely, and what a twist at the end.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224032818-the-coat-of-arms-killer-a-brand-new-enthralling-murder-mystery-with-a-tw

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/coatofarms-zbt

About the Author

Frances Lloyd

Frances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she became something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from a strong work ethic.

Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications. She also worked as a freelance journalist and photographer but her ambition was always to write crime novels.

She now lives in Northumberland – “Vera” territory – and writes full time. She has published ten DI Dawes murder mysteries.

Married three times but now a widow, Frances’ hobbies are reading, wine tasting and cooking.

Author Links

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flloyd.writes

It’s A Right Cozy Christmas Crime! #ARIGHTCOZYCHRISTMASCRIME

What better to whet your appetite for the festive season, than a seasonal read. In this case, it’s a collection of short stories all with the same theme – crime! Kick back and grab a cuppa and we’ll get down to business with A Right Cozy Christmas Crime.

Right Cozy Christmas Crime

Wendy J. Jones was the brainchild, and through her company, Scott and Lawson have gathered a diverse group of crime writers to put this first in a series of cozy crimes together.

Right Cozy Christmas Crime

Blurb

Step into a world where twinkling lights and holiday cheer are accompanied by Christmas puddings and a dash of intrigue. A Right Cozy Christmas Crime brings together thirteen festive mysteries where annual traditions are intertwined with shadowy secrets. From a historic Scottish Castle hiding a chilling truth, to the bustling streets of Lagos filled with more than just Christmas shoppers, each tale sparkles with holiday warmth while unravelling a deliciously puzzling mystery. It’s time to put your feet up, sip hot cocoa and join our detectives as they ensure justice is served. Perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries with a holiday twist.

My Review

I loved this collection of short stories. I could dip in and out as time permitted. The stories were interesting, and there was quite a collection of characters involved. Past and present timelines and a range of locations made for a fun read in the lead-up to the festive season.

Oh, and at the end? A recipe!

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DKG4TP9Q

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY 

Scott and Lawson Publishing, situated in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, is a beacon for literary enthusiasts. The company publishes captivating cosy mystery anthologies, transporting readers to quaint locales filled with intrigue and charm. In addition they specialise in non-fiction books tailored for writers seeking to hone their craft, the company offers invaluable insights and guidance fiction aficionados are also catered to with thrilling narratives that keep them on the edge of their seats. With a commitment to quality and a passion for storytelling, Scott and Lawson Publishing is a cornerstone of the Scottish literary landscape.

A Right Cozy Christmas Crime Features 13 Short Stories written by

Wendy H. Jones
Linda Mather
Sue Cook
Melicity Pope
Marti M. Mcnair
Sheena MacLeod
Pauline Tait
Gulia Fancelli Clifford
Dianne Ascroft
Gillian DuffStella Oni
Alex Greyson
Sophy Smythe

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

https://www.wendyhjones.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Wendy-H.-Jones/author/B00OABSKH0

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Dianne-Ascroft/author/B002BOCBKA

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/LINDA-MATHER/author/B095CQWLDY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Pauline-Tait/author/B01MU5U020

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sheena-Macleod/author/B01N32QPOJ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Stella-Oni/author/B08MV9TP6P

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alex-Greyson/author/B0DKJXNW16

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sue-Cook/author/B0BG8X6L37

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Gillian-Duff/author/B06XBTXG14

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Marti-M.-McNair/author/B0CK8JM7FQ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sophy-Smythe/author/B08YNV7ZTF

 

Death at a Shetland Festival by Marsali Taylor #DEATHATASHETLANDFESTIVAL

I’m pleased to be able to host Marsali Taylor once again. This time, it’s about her latest Shetland offering, Death at a Shetland Festival.

Death at a Shetland Festival

Death at a Shetland Festival
Blurb

Crowds are gathered for a concert at Shetland’s renowned folk music festival when there’s a shocking discovery – international folk legend Fintan Foley has been stabbed backstage. Sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae are in the audience and must untangle a complicated case where nothing is quite what it seems. Cass soon discovers that Foley’s smiling stage persona concealed links with Shetland. He’d worked here in the 80s, the days when oil brought wealth to the islands. Has a long-buried secret risen to the surface – and will it make Cass a target for a cold-blooded killer?

My Review

This is the second Shetland book by Marsali Taylor I’ve read. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The title tells you exactly what happened, but the whodunnit is the best part of the book. I loved the dual timeline aspect, with the segment from 1981 coming from a diary from back in the day.

Cass and her partner, Gavin, a policeman, are at the festival where the murder takes place. She fancies herself a modern Miss Marple, and that’s when the fun begins.

Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist came and sent me backtracking yet again.

I hope this author continues with the series because it’s a cracking good one.

HOW TO BUY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Shetland-Festival-Marsali-Taylor/dp/1035400650/

About Marsali Taylor

Death at a Shetland Festival
Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women’s suffrage in Shetland. She’s also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.

Social Media Links

Author Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/MarsaliTaylorAuthor/

Website – https://www.marsalitaylor.co.uk

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marsali-Taylor/e/B0034PACI8/

WHISPERS THROUGH TIME Publication Day!

It’s publication day for WHISPERS THROUGH TIME! Yay!

Here’s a look at the cover.

WHISPERS THROUGH TIME

Blurb

A historic Canadian property becomes the canvas for a tale that spans generations. In 1914, a tragedy unfolded, leaving scars that linger far beyond the passage of time.

In 1947, a visionary purchases the haunted remnants, seeking a new beginning for his family, but his young daughter senses a ghost from the far past.

In the present, urban explorers unlock the secrets of the past while running a web design company. Photographs and sketches capture the essence of the property, documenting the whispers of spirits from another era.

As the explorers navigate the abandoned corridors and forgotten chambers, the photographs unveil subtle anomalies until supernatural phenomena manifest that defy explanation.

Amidst the subtle changes in decor and the flickering candle flames frozen in time, the explorers find themselves entangled in a mystery transcending the boundaries of the living and the dead, forcing the urban explorers to confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.

Is a structure just that, or can it house remnants of horror, pain and sin? The urban explorers find they must confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.

Buy Link

You can buy WHISPERS THROUGH TIME from your favourite online bookstore at this link:  Books2Read.

 

Detective Kate Young series by #CarolWyer

Nobody can get into the mind of an erratic killer—except an unpredictable detective.

When a young man is found lying on a station platform with a hole in his head, DI Kate Young is called in to investigate the grisly murder. But the killing is no one-off. As bodies start to pile up, she is faced with what might be an impossible task—to hunt down a ruthless killer on a seemingly random rampage.

Meanwhile, Kate has her own demons to battle as she struggles to come to terms with her husband’s death. And she is hell-bent on exposing corruption within the force and bringing Superintendent John Dickson to justice. But with the trail of deception running deeper—and closer to home—than she could ever have imagined, she no longer knows who she can trust.

With her grip on reality slipping, Kate realises that maybe she and the killer are not so different after all. But time is running out and Kate is low on options. Can she catch the killer before she loses everything?

And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for. The cover for book 3 in the DI Kate Young series – A Life for A Life.

Detective

Out March 15th Available to pre order now.

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Detective-Kate-Young-Book-ebook

US: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Detective-Kate-Young-Book-ebook

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Life-Detective-Kate-Young-Book-ebook

“WOW! Gritty and tense. DI Kate Young is an exciting new lead character I can’t wait to see more of in this compelling series.” —K. L. Slater, bestselling author of Little Whispers and The Apartment

The Little Shop of Borrows by Suzy Turner

The Little Shop of Borrows is the first full-length novel in the Winterbourne witches series.
little shop of borrows

Blurb

After spending a year perfecting his knitting skills in the Peruvian mountains, Taren Winn-Jones returns to England to transform his late Nanna’s house into a yarn shop. But when he discovers it has quite literally vanished, he doesn’t know what to do. Luckily for him, he has just befriended a strange young woman heading to the mysterious hamlet of Willow Tree Farm…

Sadie Thornton is following her father’s instructions. “If I disappear, you must find your way to the Winterbournes of Willow Tree Farm.” Well, her father has gone, so she’s had no choice but to leave the Tibetan monks behind and fly halfway across the world to start afresh with a family harbouring a badly kept secret—that they are, in fact, witches.

When it becomes apparent that a murder has been committed, a house has been stolen, and ghosts are hanging around, three generations of the Winterbournes will do everything in their power to protect their new friends and if that means waging a war against Cinnamon Grove’s obnoxious Mayor, then so be it.

Little Shop of Borrows is the first full-length novel in The Winterbourne Witches series. If you like quirky characters, magical mysteries and moments that will have you laughing out loud, then you’ll love Suzy Turner’s Little Shop of Borrows.

Buy Links

Little Shop of Borrows – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LSFY2TD

A short, prequel novella, Willow Tree Farm, is available on Amazon for FREE.

Willow Tree Farm – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L43BJM4

My Review

A house that’s larger on the inside than it appears. A quirky family. Meet the Winterbournes of Willow Tree Farm! Should I mention they’re witches? Not wart-covered and casting evil spells requiring ‘eye of newt’ and other ghastly ingredients. These are good witches who use their powers to help people.

I loved this book! The characters were well-developed and likeable. Even the obnoxious Mayor has some redeeming qualities and is the perfect candidate for the Winterbournes to use their powers.

And then there’s the Power of Three, but I won’t say any more than that. If you want to find out, you’ll have to read Little Shop of Borrows.

About Suzy

little shop of borrows

Suzy Turner wrote her first chick lit novel in her early twenties, but it wasn’t until much later that she decided to focus on writing full time. It was during a visit to Canada in 2009 when the ravens within the dark eerie forests of British Columbia called to her. The story of Lilly Taylor was born soon after and the first novel in The Raven Witch Saga was created. Suzy has since published several more urban fantasy books and contemporary women’s novels.

Having lived in Portugal since childhood, Suzy, who is originally from Yorkshire in England, loves to travel. She finds inspiration wherever she goes. Old decrepit buildings, graveyards, cathedrals and castles are just a few of the things that can be found within the worlds of her urban fantasy books, and her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with fun friendships, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and quirky characters you’d want as friends.

Suzy lives in the Algarve with her husband, three cats and a dog, where she does yoga every morning and bookish stuff for pretty much the rest of the day!

For more books and updates, visit www.suzyturner.com

You can follow Suzy at these links:

Website: www.suzyturner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzyturnerbooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/suzyturner

Twitter: www.twitter.com/suzy_turner
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/suzyturnerbooks

 

 

Progress Report ~ It Happened in Gastown #sweetromance

progress report

Progress Report

I’ve been conspicuously absent from my blog, so I thought it was about time I got my skates on and wrote a post. This one is a progress report on my work-in-progress – It Happened in Gastown.

The book is written. Yay! There could be an epilogue but that can be written and edited separately.

Currently, this episode of the “It Happened” series is longer than the first (It Happened on Dufferin Terrace), but that’s okay. Many series have different length books in them. Harry Potter comes to mind.

It Happened in Gastown has been through Grammarly – copied and pasted from Scrivener one scene at at a time – and corrections made in both applications.

Next, I compiled the entire document to word format (.docx) using Scrivener and imported it to Autocrit. That process wasn’t without its challenges. It seems the version of Safari I’m running on my MacBook Air and Autocrit didn’t like each other. Only a portion of my document loaded. Nothing past chapter 15 and there are 21 chapters in total.

Thanks to Kevin at Autocrit, that problem is sorted and I’m happily editing away using Chrome. Again, I’m making the changes in both applications so if something goes pear-shaped (as things sometimes do), I’ll have an up-to-date copy.

The Office 365 version of Word has the ability to read your manuscript back to you, but since I don’t have that version, I depend on either Scrivener or Natural Reader to do this step for me. The beauty of doing it in Scrivener is the corrections only need to be made once.

Finally, it’s off to my readers who will undoubtedly pick out errors that slipped through the cracks.

My plan is to post a cover reveal at some point during this process with pre-order links for kindle and kobo.

If you would be interested in hosting a cover reveal for It Happened in Gastown, leave a comment and I’ll get back to you with the details.

 

Please welcome Katherine and Jared from YESTERDAY TODAY ALWAYS

Today, I have the pleasure of not just one guest in the “hot seat” for a fireside chat, but two. Katherine Murphy-Whithorn and Jared Martin, from Melanie Robertson-King’s novel, YESTERDAY TODAY ALWAYS, are with me here today.

Can you tell us a bit about YESTERDAY TODAY ALWAYS?

Katherine: Unbeknownst to me, I have a stalker. I thought he was just a poor homeless bloke, plenty of them in Aberdeen, so never paid much attention to him.  That’s it. In a nutshell, it’s a psychological, romantic suspense, thriller.

I understand you met under somewhat unusual circumstances. What can you tell us about that?

Jared: I still have the mark on the top of my foot where she rammed a spike heel down on me. *chuckles*

Katherine: It wasn’t that bad. * swats playfully at his arm* I was looking at CDs in HMV and backed up to move away from the bin. I didn’t know Jared was behind me and I trod on his foot. He’s never let me forget it.

I imagine it was rather painful at the time.

Jared: If she’d been half an inch closer to my toes, she would have hit the steel cap in my work boots, and I wouldn’t have felt a thing. *winks at Kat*

What do you do for a living?

Katherine: I own a bookstore on Exchequer Row – As the Pages Turn – you might have heard of it? *far away look crosses her face*

Jared: I work offshore on the Alba Ecosse platform.

After a long time apart, you recently found each other again. How?

Katherine: I had sent my part-timer, Melissa, up to the corner of Shiprow and Union Street to collect the new chalkboard sign, so it didn’t get nicked like the old one. I advertise our shop up there because of the increased foot traffic.

Jared: I happened along, onshore for a few weeks, and saw her struggling with it, so I offered to carry it for her.

Back up one second. Katherine, you just said you advertise our shop. Earlier you said you owned.

Katherine: *takes a deep breath* My husband, and I started the business before he was killed in the London Bombings when he was off on a book buying trip.

I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry for your loss. *leans over and rubs the back of Katherine’s left hand*

Jared, before I interrupted you, you were saying?

Yeah. I picked up the sign and carried it down the street and into the shop. Poor kid never have managed on her own. It’s a heavy sucker.

Katherine: You could have knocked me over with a feather I was so gobsmacked to hear Jared’s voice and see his face. I didn’t think I would ever see him again.

If you don’t mind me asking, how did you fall apart in the beginning?

Katherine: My father was high up in the Royal Bank of Scotland. My parents didn’t approve of mine and Jared’s relationship, so when the chance came to get me away from Aberdeen, he accepted the position in Canada. They dragged me off kicking and screaming.

Jared: Didn’t approve was an understatement. Back then, I was living in a grotty bedsit trying to work my way through school. Not only was I from the wrong side of Aberdeen, I was from the wrong side of the border.

I thought I detected an English accent. What part of England?

Jared: North Yorkshire.

Recently, Melanie redesigned the cover of the book. Can you show us?

Katherine: *brings up the image on her iPad*  This one is different from the print version. While it was beautiful, it didn’t quite pull off the theme of the book – the psychological thriller aspect. This new design says it so much better.

Katherine
Yes, it is quite a powerful image.

Fire and blood are both red, making it associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. It’s also an emotionally intense colour.

In contrast, the hint of yellow reveals freshness, happiness, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment, remembrance, intellect, honour, loyalty, and joy, but also cowardice and deceit.

Melanie’s name in stand-alone white on red grabs the reader. The relationship of colours works well together. This book is going to the top of my TBR list.

Did I hear the book is nominated for an award?

Katherine: The 2019 Reader’s Choice Award in the thriller category. Reader’s Choice Awards in the thriller category which you’ll find on page 9. I’d love it if you voted for this book. It is a cracker.

The trailer for it is amazing. Do you think your readers would like to watch?

Blurb

Who is stalking Katherine and why?

Still reeling from the death of her husband in the London Bombings, Katherine builds a wall around her heart to prevent further hurt.

In a serendipitous moment her first love, Jared Martin walks back into her life. Old feelings are rekindled, but as their second-chance-relationship develops, another cruel twist of fate strikes. The helicopter Jared is a passenger on ditches in the North Sea.

Who, if anyone, will survive the ordeal? Is fate still not done its dirty deeds?

Will a reckless moment from her past come back to haunt her?

Contains adult content, violence, and strong language. 18+ recommended.

Where can YESTERDAY TODAY ALWAYS be purchased?

amazon

kobo


Books a Million


Barnes and Noble (print & nook)

iBooks

Diesel

Thank you, Katherine and Jared, for stopping by Celtic Connexions. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you.
Thanks for stopping by everyone. I hope you enjoyed the second in what I hope will be a number of fireside chats with characters from Melanie’s books.

D is for Dublin ~ 2018 #AtoZ Challenge

D is for Dublin

D is for Dublin

2018 #AtoZ Challenge

Day 4 and we’re catching a flight to Ireland – Dublin to be precise.

Dublin is located on the east coast and is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. During the week of Easter, 1916, the aptly named Easter Risings took place. Launched by Irish Republicans, it was to break away from British rule and form their independent nation.

D is for Dublin
By Keogh Brothers Ltd., photographers [1] [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons

Dublin is home to the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness brewery.