You are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

Just the title of the book – You are Fatally Invited – sparked me to take part in this tour.

 

fatally invited

Blurb

Six thriller authors. One writing retreat.
You’d die to be on the guest list . . .

The Host
Legendary mystery author J. R. Alastor’s books are sold all over the world, but no one knows his real name. After years hiding in the shadows, he has sent out six invitations to an exclusive murder mystery retreat on his private island.

The Assistant
Mila del Angél has been hired to ensure the week runs smoothly. She has yearned for revenge on a ghost from her past for years – and this could be her chance to get it.

The Players
The six bestselling thriller writers accept their invitations without question – it’s an opportunity any author would kill for.

The Game
What should have been a week of trope-filled games takes a sinister turn when one guest is found dead, and the others find themselves in the midst of a nightmare drawn from Alastor’s dark imagination. They may have written thrillers – but now they and Mila must survive one…

fatally invited

My Review

The premise is simple. A themed murder mystery week at reclusive author J. R. Alastor’s island home in Maine.

Six crime writers have been invited to participate, and J.R.’s assistant, Mila, is in charge of organizing the event.

This book had so many twists. When I thought I had discovered J.R.’s identity, another twist sent me back to square one.

I love books that make it challenging to figure out whodunnit, and this is one such novel.

I should also say that this is the first book by Ande Pliego I’ve read, but she’s found a new fan in me!

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213330589-you-are-fatally-invited
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/fatallyinvited-zbt

About the Author

fatally invited

ANDE PLIEGO began writing stories when she discovered she could actually wield her overactive imagination for good.

A lover of stories with teeth, she writes books involving mind games, dark humour, general murder and mayhem, characters pushed to the edge of themselves, and most importantly, finding the hope in the dark.

When not reading or writing, she can usually be found dabbling in art, scheming up her next trip, or making constant expeditions to the library.

Born in Florida, raised in France, and having left footprints all over the globe, Ande is settled in the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her craftsman husband and little son.

You can follow Ande at these links:

Twitter: https://x.com/andepliegowrite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andepliegowrites/

 

 

The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite ~ Cover Reveal

This book, The People Next Door, by Kate Braithwaite sounds like a cracking good read. Today I’m pleased to be part of the cover reveal tour.

Blurb

Twenty years ago, Jen’s sister disappeared. Now, she’s looking for answers.

Jen Silver has moved to a new neighborhood in affluent, suburban Pennsylvania with her partner, Dan, and her daughter. It’s a picture-perfect neighborhood where the residents hang out on each other’s patios drinking margaritas on warm summer nights. They eagerly welcome Jen and her family.

But Jen isn’t who they think she is.

Dan doesn’t know the truth either.

Jen has spent her life trying to find out what happened to her sister. She’s chosen this community for a reason — because Dan has his own connection to the neighborhood and a past he thought was long-buried.

As Jen pieces together the events of twenty years ago, someone is determined to keep the facts from coming to light. But secrets always come out and sometimes, the worst truths lie close to home . . .

people

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228125367-the-people-next-door

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

About Kate

people

Kate Braithwaite is the author of four historical novels based on true but overlooked events. “Charlatan” tells the story of Madame de Montespan and the Affair of the Poisons in 17th Century Paris. “The Plot” features Titus Oates’ Popish Plot, a scandal that earns him a place as one of Britain’s top 10 villains. “The Puzzle of Nellie Bly” explores the exploits of a ground-breaking female journalist going undercover in a 19th Century New York lunatic asylum. “The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph” reveals a shocking rupture between two very different sisters in late 18th century Virginia.

Originally from Scotland, Kate studied English at Leeds University and has subsequently lived in Canada and the US. She is the author of Sis-Stories, a Substack publication all about sisters in history and fiction, and an editor for the Historical Novel Society. Kate and her family live in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Kate’s Social Media

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

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

Website: https://kate-braithwaite.com/

White Nile by Chris Fox

I’m hosting another ‘new-to-me’ author on my blog today. Chris Fox and his novel, White Nile, are in the limelight.

White Nile

Blurb

Captain James Hillsdon, an Iraq War veteran, is scarred by his tours of duty. Desperate for solace, he travels up the course of the River Nile in an act of soul-searching. When he reaches the city of Khartoum, Sudan, he makes a discovery that places him at the heart of a global crisis, and into the hands of two American officials.

But Hillsdon is hiding a secret, and the Americans know about it. If his secret is ever revealed, the consequences for Hillsdon’s family will be unthinkable. He needs to make a choice, but if he chooses poorly, there will be no escaping the repercussions.

White Nile

My Review

Once in a while, you need to read a book that pushes you out of your comfort zone. For me, this was that book.

James Hillsdon suffers from PTSD, and to get his mental health back on track, he travels to Khartoum, Sudan, for a much-deserved break. However, things don’t turn out that way for him, as he becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and unspoken truths.

The flashbacks to his time in Iraq are vivid, but war is a gruesome affair. Chris did an excellent job writing the book. It kept me engaged since I wanted to know how it turned out for him.

I look forward to reading more of Chris’s books in the future.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221234410-white-nile

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

About the Author

White Nile

Chris Fox was born in Bromley, southeast London, but he grew up in a Rutland village near the market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire. He attended Stamford School and the University of Sheffield, before embarking on a career in Education. He has earned two master’s degrees, from the universities of Warwick and Oxford, respectively. When he gets a break from teaching, Chris enjoys playing cricket during the summer holidays. Other hobbies include reading, gardening and walking in the countryside. He lives in Oxford with his delightful greyhound, Lilly. White Nile is Chris’s second book. He has already started writing the sequel.

Follow Chris at

Twitter: https://x.com/CDFoxAuthor

Website: https://cdfox.weebly.com/

Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers ~ Cover Reveal

I’m thrilled to be part of this cover reveal tour for Daniel Sellers novel Murder at Ardaig Castle.

Blurb

MEET DETECTIVE LOLA HARRIS. A TOUGH COP WITH ATTITUDE, BUT A GOOD HEART.

A secluded retreat. A storm closing in. A killer among them.

Detective Lola Harris is persuaded to take a much-needed break in the remote Scottish Highlands. She’s expecting peace and quiet. But Ardaig Castle, an exclusive wellness retreat for the rich and famous, has its own dark secrets.

Lola soon discovers that someone is sending poison pen letters to the staff. They’re growing more malicious each week. The latest reads: Why have you employed a killer among your staff?

As a storm rages outside, paranoia spreads within. The castle’s wealthy guests are rattled, old wounds are reopened and then — a body is discovered sprawled on the stone-flagged floor of the castle hallway, limbs twisted at an impossible angle.

Trapped by the weather, Lola must untangle a web of lies, grudges and hidden pasts before the killer strikes again.

Because at Ardaig Castle, not everyone is who they claim to be — and someone will kill to keep their secrets buried.

 

Daniel Sellers

 

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227642183-murder-in-the-trossachs-a-brand-new-gripping-and-unputdownable-scottish

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

 

About Daniel

Daniel Sellers is the author of the Kindle-bestselling Lola Harris Mysteries and is an obsessive fan of Agatha Christie. His crime thrillers are pacy and dark, with as much interest in whydunnit as who. He grew up in Yorkshire, and has lived and worked in Liverpool, Glasgow, Ireland and Finland. Sellers now lives in Argyll in Scotland.

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

Twitter: https://x.com/DJSellersAuthor

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

Come back on March 26th for my review of this novel.

 

It Happened Book 6

I’m about to start Book 6 in my It Happened series. I have the ‘who,’ ‘where,’ the ‘meet-cute,’ and the ‘movie tie-in.’ And even the dog who brings the couple together.

I’ve also designed four covers for the book.

Book 6
Cover A
Book 6
Cover B
Book 6
Cover C
Book 6
Cover D

I’ve decided to set this book in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. While I may not have hit every province, I have gone coast-to-coast in the series.

Book 6 features Amy Scott (Michael’s twin). But in that stage between wakefulness and sleep, I can’t think of anything else to write in this story. However, I can come up with many ideas for Book 7, although I only planned on six in the beginning. And I’ve also had some ideas for a third book in my dual timeline series. I’m writing those ideas down so I don’t forget them.

Amy and Seaumus

Yes, I know Seaumus isn’t spelled as it normally would be. However, for the ‘meet-cute’ to work, it has to be spelled this way. I created this image using Bing. The real stuffie in the book isn’t nearly as big as this one.

Back to the covers, I have my favourite. Which one do you like best? Leave your selection in the comments.

The Family Before Us by Tracy Martin-Summers

Please join me in welcoming Tracy Martin-Summers and her latest novel, The Family Before Us, to Celtic Connexions.
family

Blurb

I was only seven when I first met Eva. She stood at the front of the classroom, pale and petrified, clutching her hands as our teacher introduced her.

There was something about her—something that pulled me towards her immediately.

Maybe it was the sadness that lingered in her eyes, or her oversized, second-hand clothes, or the shoes so tight they pinched with every step.

Whatever it was, I knew I had to be her friend.

It’s ironic that her one simple mistake at the age of sixteen contributed to turning our lives upside down.

How was it that one single act of kindness exposed a web of inconceivable deceit, so mind-blowing, it was impossible to comprehend

What would you do if you discovered a secret so shocking that you no longer knew who you were?

How far would you go to protect the people you loved?

family

Book Links

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222383821-the-family-before-us

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

My Review

Abandonment, bullying, deception. And behind it all? Someone in a position of trust.

The title made me think of Lisa Jewell and her books. This wasn’t like them at all. I flipped through the virtual pages, trying to figure it all out.

This is the first Tracy Martin-Summers book I’ve read, and it won’t be my last. I still get shivers when I think of the book.

About the Author

family

Tracy was born in Harrow Weald, Middlesex, growing up in a loving family home. She married her first husband in 1990, has two grown up children and two granddaughters.

She studied a variety of topics via moduled learning, embarking on City and Guilds and NVQ courses, ranging from a brief spell in hairdressing to administration and now works for a utility company in North West London.

Tracy has numerous hobbies ranging from landscape painting to landscape gardening and always likes to paint the scene, even if it’s changing the colour scheme,yet again, within her home.

Tracy has always enjoyed writing and used to write short stories for her own children’s amusement but it has only been in the last few years that she has taken this more seriously and has gone on to write her first police procedural psychological thriller series, comprising Gordon Square, Arlington Terrace and Keeper’s Lodge.

On the 1st August she released her latest psychological thriller 101 and is now already plotting her next book.

Tracy married her second husband in 2014 and now lives in Bedfordshire in a sleepy hamlet where she writes whenever she gets a spare moment.

Author Links

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TracyMartinSum1

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

Website:  www.tracymartinsummers.co.uk

Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall #REDDAISY

I’m thrilled to have a new-to-me author here at Celtic Connexions today, Gemma Owen-Kendall to find out more about her novel, Red Daisy.

Blurb

What if the girl who wore the red coat fell in love with the wolf?

Grace Kennedy was once a quiet teenage girl growing up in a rural area with her parents. When Grace turns sixteen, she moves to a new town to live with her grandparents to study for a diploma in Dance at the local college.

It’s there that Grace’s life changes when she meets the polite and charming Daniel and also encounters the dark and mysterious Ben.

But are both boys truly who they say they are …

Dealing with the sudden strange events happening to her and a complicated love triangle, Grace’s world implodes when she learns that werewolves and spellcasters do truly exist.

Red Daisy

Buy Link

Amazon

Excerpt

I dropped to my knees onto the wet, cold and snowy ground. I could not understand why one moment he was caring and affectionate towards me then suddenly just vanished. I let the tears fall down my face, then a feeling of anger hit me. My fists clenched to the point I dug my nails into my skin, blood pressure increasing.

Letting out an almighty scream, I screamed so high and so hard that

I felt the veins through my body tighten and surface. I screamed that much that I struggled to breathe, then became light-headed and collapsed further into the snowy ground. I just wanted to be swallowed up. I didn’t care right now if I was to be taken onto the spirit world. I closed my eyes and just waited to see what would happen next.

Inspiration for Novel

I was inspired to write Red Daisy back in 2013 when I had an epiphany whilst in my car wearing a red coat, I came up with a sudden idea that I wanted to write my own version of Red Riding Hood and also go down the route of what if the girl in the red coat fell in love with the wolf.

I’ve always loved the Twilight books so author Stephenie Meyer has always had a big influence on my writing xx

About the Author

Red Daisy
Gemma is a writer from North East Lincolnshire, UK. Graduated at the University of Lincoln in 2009, she studied a degree in Drama. However years later Gemma has discovered writing is her hobby and passion. She hopes to one day to be able to go back to University to study creative writing. As well as her own writing, Gemma is a huge supporter for writers within her local area.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

www.facebook.com/innocenttimesauthor

www.instagram.com/gemma.authorpage

X – @gemmaowenkendall

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

 

The Queen of Cups by GB Williams #THEQUEENOFCUPSMURDERS

Today, the blog features something a little different. I’m reviewing The Queen of Cups by GB Williams.

Queen of Cups

BLURB

He’s determined to draw a better future. But his morning reading didn’t warn him about the muddy ditch of corpses…

South Wales. Detective Sergeant Madoc Palmer struggles to fit in. Committed to his job, the tarot reader hopes his transfer away from a sabotaging superior is a fresh start. Though he downplays his psychic ability as good instincts, the ploy is tested when two murders trigger strange visions.

As his abilities take an inexplicable leap forward, Palmer navigates the tricky task of guiding the sharp-eyed, evidence-following Detective Inspector Ruth Atkins to the identity of the decayed remains. With his suspicious new DI watching every move, the newcomer fears any slip of the tongue could get him laughed off the force.

Can he reveal his truth without destroying his life or letting a killer slip from their grasp?

Queen of Cups

LINK TO BUY

Queen of Cups

MY REVIEW

Anyone familiar with tarot will know the book’s title is a card in the deck. I can put everything I know about tarot cards in a doll-sized teacup. I know South Wales reasonably well, where the book is set. The book was engaging, and the characters were likable.  My lack of tarot knowledge did nothing to spoil my enjoyment of it.

The dynamics between the lead characters, DI Ruth Akins and DS Madoc Palmer, made it enjoyable.

I was lucky to get in on the ground floor with this book since it’s the first in a series of police procedurals.

A 5-star read, and I’ll be watching for more books by this author.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Queen of Cups

GB Williams specialises in complex, fast-paced crime novels. Her works include the recently expanded Locked Trilogy, The Elaine Blake Novels and the stand alone, The Chair. GB was shortlisted for the 2014 CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition with the story Last Shakes, now available in Last Cut Casebook. GB is a member of the Crime Writers Association, Crime Cymru, and part of the organising team for Gŵyl CRIME CYMRU Festival, as well as working as a writer and freelance structural editor. 

WEBSITE

HOME

For a free story, see books.gailbwilliams.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook: @GBWilliamsCrimeWriter

Instagram: @gbwilliamsauthor

Threads: @gbwilliamsauthor

Blog:  GB Williams Crime Blog

It’s paperback launch day for It Happened at Niagara Falls!

In just a few short hours, I’ll be hosting the paperback launch of the latest novel in my It Happened series, It Happened at Niagara Falls!

via GIPHY

Where: Prescott Pop-Ups

When: Saturday and Sunday (September 28 and 29) from 10:00-17:00 both days.

Supplies of this first print run are limited so get there early to purchase your copy.

paperback

What’s the book about? Well, here’s the blurb.

Must Love Dogs meets Serendipity

Scarred by a devasting accident that killed her parents and younger brother, Jennifer Fox finds solace in the embrace of Niagara Falls. Her pug, Zeus, holds the title of her best Friend. Undeterred by her physical constraints, she maintains a bartending job in one of the city’s many bars.

Since graduating from university, archaeologist Michael Scott has been on many prestigious digs. The discovery of Richard III in 2012 has been the pinnacle of his career to date. His dedication to his profession has prevented him from having many personal connections.

A chance encounter with a runaway pug leads Michael to invite Jennifer to the charming village of Percé.

After accepting the opportunity to work with a team on a dig site near Cairo, he leaves her behind in Canada.

Despite their different backgrounds, can Jennifer and Michael find common ground and live happily ever after?

*****

Did that whet your appetite for more?

*****

Each book in my It Happened series involves at least one dog, and said animal is instrumental in getting the couple together.

Currently, the paperback isn’t available to purchase online, but it will be soon. You can buy the ebook from these outlets at Books2Read.

I think of all the It Happened books I’ve written, this one was the most fun. It’s also the longest. The first four in the series range from 45-55K words. It Happened at Niagara Falls came in at over 80K.

I hope to see you over the weekend.  Here’s the cute building where I’ll be located.

paperback

 

 

My Scottish roots and writing by Melanie Robertson-King