Showing posts with label mystery novels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery novels. Show all posts

Friday, 4 October 2013

BOOK TOUR - The Travis Club by Mark Louis Rybczyk



Radio listeners in Dallas/Fort Worth may know Mark Louis Rybczyk better as 'Hawkeye,' the long time morning host on heritage country station, 96.3 FM KSCS. An award-winning disc jockey, Mark, along with his partner Terry Dorsey, have the longest-running morning show in Dallas. Mark is an avid skier, windsurfer and traveler. He is also the host of 'Travel With Hawkeye' a radio and television adventure feature that airs across the country. The Travis Club is the third book from Mark Louis Rybczyk.







Publisher: Self Published


Genre: Mystery
Release Date: June 17, 2013

In a cathedral in downtown San Antonio, just a few blocks from the Alamo, sits the tomb of Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and the other Alamo Defenders. Or so we have been led to believe. What secrets really lie inside the tomb and what has a group of misguided activists known as The Travis Club stumbled upon? How far will the city's power brokers go to protect those secrets?

What would happen if a group of slackers discovered San Antonio's DaVinci Code? Find out in the new book by Mark Louis Rybczyk, The Travis Club.


Excerpt One Short:

Chapter 1

Noel Black sharpened a pencil and placed it neatly back in the top drawer of his glass-topped
desk, right next to the other sharpened pencils. He glanced at the clock then straightened a few
paper clips and a calculator on the stark, polished surface.

11:08 p.m.

He knew he’d be leaving soon. So important to stay on schedule. Especially on a night like
tonight, when a life would come to an end.

Among the abstract paintings of his office was one unframed black and white print. A picture
of her. Not a picture of sentiment, but simply of record. A photo that would soon belong in a file.
Black fingered the yellowed photograph and could not help but think of childhood visits to
his mother’s father, his abuelo. He remembered spending the hot San Antonio summers at a
rickety west-side duplex much different than his parents’ ranch house in Dallas. Abuelo’s home
was filled with people, music, food and love.

As a child, Black would spend summer afternoons within earshot of the front window,
waiting for the rumble of his grandfather’s old diesel engine. Then the home would fill with
other workers, workers who were grateful to the old lady. All immigrants, they had left Mexico
hoping for a better life. The old lady offered them higher wages than the pecan shellers received.

With the promise of steady income came the chance to move into a house with plumbing, to send money home, and to send for other relatives. His grandfather loved the old lady and he did too.

More recently, Noel Black’s feelings about her had changed. She was a relic, an icon of a
past era. Now in her final years of the 20th century, the old lady had outlived her usefulness and
had no place in the modern San Antonio that he envisioned. She was in his way. She needed to be eliminated.

Of course, this kind of work had to be contracted out. He usually relied on a local contact
who understood the procedures. Anytime a life was extinguished, it must be done with precision in Noel Black’s world.












Friday, 27 September 2013

BOOK TOUR -- Stilletto's and Scoundrels by Laina Turner - GIVEAWAY




Stiletto's and Scoundrels
by Laina Turner

Genre: Mystery Romance
Publisher: Five Seas Ink
Release Date: March 21, 2010
Amazon

Book Description:

Gently touching the handle of the front door was all it took to make it swing wide open. It was late, after midnight, and everyone in the house except Tom was asleep. As usual, Tom was in his study working late. Walking carefully and quietly through the foyer, the adrenaline began to kick in. The intruder confidently walked into Tom’s study. Tom was concentrating so hard on the papers in front of him that he was unaware of anything else. Raising his hand, the intruder hit a stack of books sitting on a side table, sending them crashing to the floor. Tom spun around with a look of shock on his face as he recognized the person swinging a sharp object toward him. Tom raised his hands to protect himself but he wasn’t quick enough. The spikey end of the stiletto heel punctured his neck instantly, sending a spray of blood over the papers on his desk. He tried to cry out, but all that sounded was a gurgling noise as his lungs filled with blood.

The intruder set the shoe down next to Tom and backed out of the room softly, closing the door to the study and hoped no one would come looking for Tom until morning.

About The Author:


Who am I? It kind of depends on the day. I am a human compendium of unrelated things. I used to think I was just weird, had shiny ball syndrome and couldn’t focus, scattered, you name it. Then I decided it was OK to be all over the place as long as each avenue I wanted to explore had meaning and purpose or was fun. So I embrace the fact I am a college professor, a writer of fiction and non-fiction, promoter of other authors, human resource professional, business consultant, mom, and all around interesting person (according to my closest friends).

When I’m not working toward my goals I like, ok fine, LOVE wine, coffee, shopping, and books. I enjoy my kids, they are awesome. I hate the cold but yet live in the mid-west. Vegas is one of my favorite spots as I love to people watch and if I ever get married again it will definitely be in a drive through chapel by a fake Elvis.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Schedule
September 22 - VBT Café Blog
September 23 - Guest Blogging at Livia Ellis Bookish Writer
September 24 - Spotlight at Books, Books The Magical Fruit
September 27 - Spotlight at Bookalicious Traveladdict
September 28 - Spotlight at Perusing Princess
October 1 -  Spotlight at Dalene's Book Reviews
October 3 - Reviewed at Brooke Blogs
October 8 -  Spotlight at Rose & Beps Blog
October 10 -  Spotlight at Deal Sharing Aunt
October 12 -  Reviewed at Community Bookstop
October 14 -  Reviewed at The Self-Taught Cook
October 16 -  Spotlight at Jody's Book Reviews





Monday, 29 July 2013

Book Tour and giveaway - The Crimson Key by Wes Dodd



About The Author: 

Wes Dodd was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1958, currently residing in Southside Virginia. He has two daughters and three grandchildren. Within the last couple years he has discovered a passion for creating and breathing life into great stories. He has published three novels: The Crimson Key, a mystery, The Secret Guardian, fantasy and Saving Faith, a romantic thriller.


The Crimson Key
Genre:Mystery
Publisher: Outskirt Press
Release Date: July 2012
Book Description:
 
David Paige, a young detective from Charleston, S.C., is about to embark on an investigation of a lifetime—his own. After an unexpected tragedy shatters his perfect world, he discovers that his mother had been keeping a life-long secret from him, revealing that he is not who he believed he was. With no family member to turn to, David has to rely on his detective skills and a mysterious item left to him from his mother—a crimson-colored key.
The search for the truth takes David to New York City, where he runs head on into lies, deception and murder, all in an attempt to cover up a string of dreadful crimes. Then if this is not enough to deal with, he falls for the daughter of a prominent man, both sharing an undeniable attraction—which complicates his life even further.
It isn’t until a near-death experience, and help from his mother through several frightening nightmares, that the pieces of the puzzle finally begin to come together. The Crimson Key ultimately unveils many secrets, surprising many people including David—opening his eyes and heart as well.
Excerpt:
Chapter 1 
     On a dark mid-November night in 1986, rain fell hard from the black sky above, rain bitterly cold like liquid ice. The fierce wind whipped it in sheets, punishing anything in its path. On the outskirts of Philadelphia in a suburban neighborhood, a fiery red Z28 slowly pulled to a curb in front of a small three-bedroom, single-story brick house. The driver, a distraught young woman, slowly leaned forward, resting her head on the leather-covered steering wheel. She cried uncontrollably. A few minutes passed before she finally reached up and turned off the ignition, silencing the motor and radio just as Michael Jackson’s Thriller was ending. She sat up straight once again, wiping her face in an attempt to regain her composure for the clandestine mission ahead of her. She cast a pair of glassy eyes to her right, drawn to a small basket much like a picnic basket in the dark leather seat beside her. While she gazed relentlessly at the basket, she realized once again that she had made the right decision.
     Alice Paige rose up in her bed, awakened by a pounding on her door. She peered at the clock—1:07 a.m. She carefully placed her book on the nightstand, the book she was reading when she drifted off. “Who is at my door at one in the morning?” she thought to herself as she slipped on her heavy brown robe. Reaching the front door, she pulled the curtain back carefully, just enough to peek outside. Though the front was dimly lit and the rain poured down, she instantly recognized the figure that stood on her front stoop. The long blonde hair and familiar curvatures of her slender face could be but one person. Alice slowly opened the door and invited her twin sister, Amber, inside.
     Alice and Amber were identical twins at birth, though now complete opposites in many ways. Alice had light ash brown hair that she kept very short. She never wore makeup and was considered plain-looking and ordinary in her ways. Amber, on the other hand, was gifted with rare beauty and a voluptuous figure. She did very well in beauty pageants and at age eighteen went off to New York City in pursuit of a modeling career. Alice remained hidden in her shadow.
     Amber entered slowly, carrying an odd-looking basket covered entirely with a blue blanket, wet from the rain. She tugged a large suitcase on wheels that seemed to be very heavy. She sat the basket down gingerly, as if what lay hidden within might be fragile. Amber then fell into her sister’s arms, releasing a flood of emotions. She hugged Alice tightly, clinging firmly to her as if hanging on for dear life.     
 

Giveaway: $20 Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

International Giveaway & Book Tour with Wes Dodd - Featuring Saving Faith

Saving Faith
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Publisher: CreateSpace & Book Tango
Release Date: June 1, 2013

Book Description:

Fate rides on the wings of life, steering life along its unforeseen journey, thus fulfilling one’s destiny. Fate can also bring two paths to cross, though traveling in opposite directions, lives that had once ran parallel. So it was in the lives of Trevor Logan and Faith Thomas, two paths traveling parallel, destined to be one at a young age. Then came a sinister plan, painted with pictures of deception, sending their lives reeling in opposite directions. But after over twenty years, fate caused their paths to cross once again, by way of an unusual chain of events. Their paths crossed just when Faith’s life was in danger, leaving Trevor to risk his own to save hers, thus keeping a strange promise he had made to her father—over twenty years before.

Excerpt 
From chapter 1

     It was the birth of a new year, early January1989, back when times seemed far simpler and life moved at a considerably slower pace, two main ingredients making life much sweeter. In rural Southside Virginia, an area rich in faith and family, the sinking sun was fighting off darkness with its last burst of fire, transforming the cloudy horizon into a sea of blistering red waves. A rusted old Chevy pick-up truck, spattered with different colored muds like an abstract painting, pulled into the gravel lot of Scott’s Country Store, a local hangout in the community. The building was large enough to house farming supplies in the rear, with groceries located in the front and a grill to one side. This made it a popular hangout for the old and young as well because Mr. Scott, the owner, had two eye-catching teenage girls running the grill and front register.
     Trevor Logan and his best buddy, Randy, entered the store. Trevor was calm and casual as usual, while Randy was brimming with excitement. “Hey everyone, come see the sixteen-point trophy buck that Trevor just bagged. It was one shot right through the heart from four-hundred yards.”
     The store emptied quickly, with the exception of Trevor and Faith Thomas, who was working the grill. Killing a trophy buck on the last day of deer season did not excite Trevor half as much as Faith did. They were both seniors in high school, being sweethearts for the past four years. Trevor was six foot one in height, medium build with light brown hair and baby blue eyes. Faith was five foot eight with dark hair, vibrant green eyes and a contagious smile—the daughter of the local pastor.
     Trevor walked over to the counter where Faith was working. She turned, leaned over the counter, then planted a long seductive kiss on his lips. Her working partner, Denise, walked by just as their lips were locked. Walking past, she planted her hand on Trevor’s butt cheek—squeezing it firmly.
     Faith caught Denise in the act. “Denise!”
     Denise laughed as she scampered back to the register. “The Devil made me do it.” 
     Faith turned her stare to Trevor. “Why do let her do that?” she whispered in anger.
     “She doesn’t mean any harm,” Trevor replied, still high on her kiss. “She knows that I only have eyes for you, and you are the sole owner of my heart.”
     Faith stared into his dazzling blue eyes. “But still…”
     Trevor cut her off. “But still, she is your friend…isn’t she?”
     Faith’s eyes darted back over at Denise, witnessing her gazing at Trevor’s butt. “Sometimes I wonder.”
     Trevor placed a tender hand on her cheek, pulling her eyes back to his. “You don’t mean that.”
     “Sometimes I think she pretends to be my friend, just to be near you.”
     “That’s silly,” he remarked, then tried changing the subject. “You want to come see my prize?”
     She smiled. “You know how I feel about killing one of God’s creatures. I will wait until you have it mounted…at least then it will have the appearance of being alive.”
     He accepted with a smile. “That’s fine with me. Do we still have a date tonight?”
     “The store closes at nine and I have to be home by eleven.”
     Trevor planted another kiss on her lips. “I will take whatever time I can get. Randy and I will be done dressing out the deer, leaving me just enough time to clean up.” He then pulled out his wallet to retrieve his hunting license as he approached Denise at the register. “Why do you upset Faith like that?” Trevor asked softly so Faith would not hear.
     Denise, a five-foot-three-inch blonde bombshell, looked seductively up into his eyes. “I can’t help it, she has something I want.”
     “Stop it,” he whispered as he filled out the Big Game Stamp. “You know that she is my one and only.”
     “But we would have so much fun together. You will eventually get tired of her…but never with me. I can please you in ways you never imagined.”

     Denise leaned over the counter a bit so Trevor’s wondering eyes would fall down her blouse. 

About The Author: 


Wes Dodd was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1958, currently residing in Southside Virginia. He has two daughters and three grandchildren. Within the last couple years he has discovered a passion for creating and breathing life into great stories. He has published three novels: The Crimson Key, a mystery, The Secret Guardian, fantasy and Saving Faith, a romantic thriller.



Giveaway: $20 Gift Card


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, 28 July 2013

International Giveaway & Book Tour by Wes Dodd - Featuring The Secret Guardian

The Secret Guardian
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: CreateSpace & BookTango
Release Date: April 2013

Book Description:

A Sacred Society exists amongst us all. Believed only as a myth—its origin thrives in secret. Once transformed, each generation of its members become the elite of our society—some for good and some for evil as well. Troy Anthony, unknowingly and somewhat unwillingly, is about to join the elite, like his father before him. It takes a close family friend to ultimately expose the Secret to Troy, revealing his true destiny, and then she becomes a valuable ally. They inadvertently share a unique bond—one of which many doubt its very existence. Troy is taken to two magical places where he learns many secrets of the world, many of which we all have been curious about. It becomes an epic battle where Troy clashes with an evil tyrant, his father’s assassin, a distant cousin sharing many of Troy’s unique abilities.

Excerpt 

Claire Anthony suddenly rose up in bed, escaping the nightmare which held her hostage. Breathing heavily as if running from fear, she threw back the deep heavy quilts and sat nervously on the edge of her bed. Still shaken, beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, gently sloping along her narrow cheekbones. Her silken auburn brown hair was drenched along the hairlines. She sighed heavily as she glanced at the clock on her night stand—2 a.m.
     This was not a rare nightmare, but rather a recurring one, brought on by a Secret she had kept for many years, an ancient secret known by only a few. She needed to reveal the Secret to her son, Troy, even sooner than she wished. The Secret would change their lives forever if Troy     decided to fulfill his destiny—like his father before him.
     She noticed a mysterious shadow lingering on her rug from the bright moon shining through her window. Driven by curiosity, she walked to the window to take a peek, as if searching for someone or something in particular. The brilliance from the moon illuminated the entire farmyard, almost like day. After a thorough examination and seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she quietly returned to bed. She once again buried herself within heavy handmade quilts passed down to her from her grandmother, most of which Claire as a child watched her make. 
     Claire and her son, Troy, lived on her grandparents’ farm in Virginia where she was raised. She lost both of her parents in an auto accident when she was barely eight years of age. When her grandparents both passed, she inherited the farm. She and Troy moved back there after the loss of her husband, Bruce, in the North Tower during the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Much like herself, Troy had to deal with death at a very early age. After the tragedy and some healing time, she thought it best to get her son out of the city, which prompted her move back to the farm. The farm was nestled in a small valley amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains near the sleepy little town of Sweet Springs. Claire recollected the good times she had growing up there. The clean fresh country air and the friendly people made it a perfect place for raising her son and teaching him strong values. The beautiful scenery and a laid-back lifestyle made it perfect for her as well.
     Claire was a slender woman of forty years, about five-and-a-half feet in height. Her vivid green eyes and captivating smile made everyone take notice when she entered a room. Even with hints of gray blending in with her auburn brown hair, she appeared to be at least ten years younger than her age. Many men had come calling on her, but she had turned them all away—graciously.
     The next morning dawned cool and crisp with a bite in the air that rendered noses and cheeks rosy red, much like good old Saint Nick’s. The heavy frost had the appearance of a coating of freshly fallen snow. As the sun peeked over the horizon, the trees sparkled and glimmered as if infused with magic. The hillsides were speckled orange with pumpkin patches. The valley was consumed with the fragrance of seasoned oak and hickory burning in fireplaces. In the home of Claire and Troy, the aroma of freshly cooked bacon filled every room—making your tongue tingle, mouth water and stomach cry.  
     This aroma awakened Troy every morning at 6:30 sharp. He would always leap out of bed, bounce down the stairs, and be at the table anxiously waiting before his mother could finish   preparing breakfast. This morning was oddly different. Claire had finished cooking and Troy was not yet at the table. She glanced at her grandmother’s antique clock on the old mantle—6:45. She was astonished, for she had never had to call him for breakfast before. She made her way to the hallway, then called up the stairs, “Troy, are you up yet?”



About The Author:


Wes Dodd was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1958, currently residing in Southside Virginia. He has two daughters and three grandchildren. Within the last couple years he has discovered a passion for creating and breathing life into great stories. He has published three novels: The Crimson Key, a mystery, The Secret Guardian, fantasy and Saving Faith, a romantic thriller.


Giveaway: $20 Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday, 7 June 2013

Book Tour and Giveaway - The Presley Thurman Mysteries by Laina Turner

The Presley Thurman Mysteries
by Laina Turner

About The Author:


Who am I? It kind of depends on the day. I am a human compendium of unrelated things. I used to think I was just weird, had shiny ball syndrome and couldn’t focus, scattered, you name it. Then I decided it was OK to be all over the place as long as each avenue I wanted to explore had meaning and purpose or was fun. So I embrace the fact I am a college professor, a writer of fiction and non-fiction, promoter of other authors, human resource professional, business consultant, mom, and all around interesting person (according to my closest friends).
 
When I’m not working toward my goals I like, ok fine, LOVE wine, coffee, shopping, and books. I enjoy my kids, they are awesome. I hate the cold but yet live in the mid-west. Vegas is one of my favorite spots as I love to people watch and if I ever get married again it will definitely be in a drive through chapel by a fake Elvis.



Genre: Mystery Romance
Publisher: Five Seas Ink
Release Date: July 2012

Book Description:

This six-book set includes...

Stilettos & Scoundrels

Presley tells her boss what he can do with her job in HR and embarks on a new career as a freelance journalist. What seems like a simple interview with a Senator turns to murder when the day after her interview the Senator turns up dead. Does the fact that Presley was one of the last people to see him alive make her a suspect? Her ex-boyfriend Cooper, who was in charge of the Senators security, might think so. Presley is determined to clear her name but can she do it and resist Cooper’s charms?

Necklaces & Nooses

When Presley’s boss is found hanging she thinks its suicide until the police discover its homicide. Who would want to kill a boutique owner? Presley’s not sure but she’s determined to find out. The cute detective assigned to the case makes it all the more exciting.

Handbags & Hooligans

Presley went to Vegas to watch her friend Anna get married and the event turned into solving the mystery of her brothers girlfriend disappearance. But Ashley wasn't exactly the schoolteacher she appeared to be. Who was she and was she kidnapped?

The holiday short…Mistletoe & Murder


In this holiday short story, Presley goes home for Christmas expecting it to be a relaxing holiday until her old boyfriend, Brian, asks for her help finding out who has been stealing from him and it turns from theft to murder. Why would anyone want to kill Tommy and what was he hiding?

Gems & Gunshots

Presley heads to San Diego to hang out with Cooper and enjoy the great west coast weather. She didn’t expect that while hanging out at the local coffee shop she would be a witness to a robbery and murder at Gemstone’s Unlimited. Much to Cooper’s dismay Presley feels compelled to investigate. She discovers that not only was the store owner a womanizer but also was filing false insurance claims for diamonds that weren’t really stolen. Was that why he was being blackmailed? Was that why someone robbed his store? Presley is determined to find out!

As a bonus get the short story prequel, A Day in the Life of Trixie Pristine.

In this short story prequel, Trixie and her friends Berklie and Sophie, considered themselves typical thirty something females until someone turned up murdered in their newly opened bookstore/wine bar. They thought they would be living out their dream in their new shop not trying to catch a killer. Who killed Sylvia and why? Or was one of them the intended target?


Excerpt One:
 
Stilettos & Scoundrels “Hello?” “Presley! I need to talk to you right away!” It was Helen Daniels, hysterical. I could hardly understand her. “What is it, Helen? What’s wrong?” I had fallen asleep, but the sound of fear in Helen’s voice quickly woke me up. “Just meet me at Gardner’s old warehouse in thirty minutes. If you’re not there, I will not be able to wait. It’s not safe. You have to hurry!” “Helen! Calm down, safe from whom? Why all the drama? Helen…Helen?” She’d hung up. I glanced at my watch. Crap! I’d never make it there in thirty minutes. All I could hope for was Dirt and his deputies were out investigating the Senator’s murder rather than trying to keep the streets safe from speeders. I ran out of the house, running past my mother still working in her garden. “Presley, where are you going? “I’ll be back in a bit.” “For dinner?” “I don’t know.” I said exasperatedly. I didn’t need the third degree. “Where are you going?” “I’ll explain later. Just eat without me if I’m not back.” “Pres!” “Bye, Mother.” I pushed seventy in a forty-five mile an hour zone, my Kia humming, just hoping to get there on time. I was surprised my car could go that fast. In Chicago, the traffic was so bad you didn’t really have a chance to speed this much. My phone rang again, but I didn’t look at it. I needed to concentrate on my driving. Gardner’s warehouse, located about twenty miles outside of town, used to be a production plant for some automotive part. The plant closed years before, when I still lived here. It was so long ago that I couldn’t remember what the company actually produced. I pulled in the parking lot, gravel flying, hoping Helen was still here. The clock on my dash said it had been thirty-three minutes since she called me. I pocketed my keys, not wanting to weigh myself down with my purse, and jogged around to the front entrance. I had on flip-flops, not the best jogging shoes, but I was so startled when Helen called I just ran out of the house without paying attention to what I had on. This was a big place, and I huffed trying to catch my breath. I really must get in shape, I wheezed to myself. Helen hadn’t specified exactly where to meet her, so I assumed she might be at the front entrance. She wasn’t waiting outside for me, so I tried the front door or what I presumed was the front door. It was unlocked, which I thought strange for an abandoned building, but I assumed Helen had unlocked it. Though had it been locked, I could have crawled through one of the many broken windows. I carefully stepped inside the building and the darkness engulfed me. The little bit of light in the building was let in by the broken windows, and it took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust. It smelled dank and musty, and I could hear the scurrying of what were probably little furry rodents. I shuddered involuntarily and didn’t want to think about what type of creepy crawlies were in this building, especially with me in flip-flops. I wasn’t thrilled about stepping any further into the building. “Helen,” I called softly. No answer. Where the hell is she? I tiptoed a little further into the building in an effort to be quiet, though I still couldn’t see very well, so tiptoeing wouldn’t do me any good if there was anything in my way. All of a sudden, I felt a hand on my arm; I jumped about ten feet and started to scream. “Shh, Presley. It’s just me,” Helen said. “Do you think you could be a little quieter?” “Then don’t ask me to come to an abandoned building and grab me when I’m not expecting it. I can’t see! You could have been anyone or anything,” I retorted. “I am not a big fan of the creepy things I am sure are in this building.” I took one look at Helen and grew concerned. She was usually one of those women who always looked impeccable, but her dark brown hair, usually in a knot at the nape of her neck, was disheveled and loose. I could tell Helen had been crying, from her smudged make-up. She definitely wasn’t her normal well put together self. I could see that, even in this poor light. I still felt a stab of jealousy because, even a little worse for wear, Helen looked better than most women. Not fair at all. “So what is going on, Helen? Why all the cloak-and-dagger stuff? Why did we have to meet here, of all places?” I asked, looking around and waving my arms. “Should we even be here? The place looks about ready to fall down. I’m sure the owners wouldn’t be too happy if we fell through the floor or something. This building is quite a liability.” “It’s the only place I could go where I could easily see if I was being followed. Besides, we own the building. Or rather, I do now,” Helen, replied giving a little laugh—the hysterical kind, rather than the ha-ha kind. “Why would anyone be following you?” I took a step forward, concerned Helen might really be in danger. It seemed so surreal. Helen tried to keep herself from crying again. “They called my house, Presley. They called my house and demanded money. They said if I didn’t pay up, they would make sure I met the same fate as Tom. I knew they would want their money, but I didn’t think it would be like this. I thought I would have some more time. I can’t get my hands on that kind of money right now. It would look too suspicious; besides, I don’t even know yet where I am going to get it!” Helen then burst into tears. I waited for a few uncomfortable moments for the tears to subside. To help Helen, I needed her to calm down and tell me everything she knew. Plus, I had a few questions of my own. “Do you know who it was that called you, Helen? Who did the Senator owe money to?” “I don’t know specifically who the caller was, nor who Tom owed money to. I didn’t recognize any voices and they didn’t tell me their names. Tom tried to hide as much as he could from me about this aspect of his life, I told you that already, and when I forced the issue, he told me as little as possible. Usually just enough to get me to shut up. To be honest, it got to where I didn’t even ask much because I didn’t really care.” “Who else knows about the Senator’s gambling problem? Maybe that’s who called you. Could it be blackmail?” I thought blackmail seemed as good a reason as any. “The only people who know about this, besides the people he owed the money to, are me and Tobey. As the Senator’s assistant, Tobey was privy to a lot more information than I thought he should have been,” Helen explained. “Tom said he would find out anyway, and that we could trust him. I don’t think Tobey is the type to try to blackmail anyone. Other than that, there is no way Tom would have told anyone else. He might have been a gambler, but he wasn’t stupid. At least not that stupid.” “What about Garrison Palazzo.”


My favourite genre by Laina Turner

Depending on the time of day or day of week it will probably be different and for that I am lucky. I appreciate the fact I can enjoy many different types of writing and be entertained and/or learn something. I chalk it up to the fact that my parents were avid readers of many different types of books. My mom was an English teacher so she had a love of the classics and then her not so serious side enjoyed Danielle Steele and Janet Daily (she was a closet reader of Harlequin Romances and my grandmother, also a teacher, had an entire room devoted to shelves of Harlequins-all in numerical order). My father on the other hand enjoyed Science Fiction and great authors such as Tom Clancy, Zane Grey, and John Jakes. To this day I love the Dirt Pitt character from Tom Clancy’s novels. I admit I can’t understand half of what Dirt does – the books are way over my head in terms of military type vernacular – but Clancy writes such a good story I get great enjoyment out of his books without understanding them.

I get asked by many authors to do book reviews. I review almost every book I am asked to even if it is outside my norm. Things I would probably not pick up myself for entertainment such as vampire or young adult but I can appreciate their value to literature. As with anything else we must be open minded or else we might miss something very good.

I challenge you to pick up a book that is completely opposite of what you would normally read next time you are at the bookstore or on Amazon. Give it a chance. You might be surprised.

More About Laina  

When she’s not working toward her goals she likes, ok fine, LOVE wine, coffee, shopping, and books. She enjoys her kids, they are awesome. She hates the cold but yet lives in the mid-west. Vegas is one of her favorite spots as she loves to people watch and if she ever gets married again it will definitely be in a drive through chapel by a fake Elvis.

Laina is currently living in Indiana, with her family, and is always writing something, whether it’s blogs, articles, business journals and books or ideas for her next novel. She is continuously doing what she loves which is writing or drinking coffee.

You can also find her at:

www.lainaturner.com
Facebook Fan Page Laina Turner
Twitter: @lturnermolaski