The Scheme by Amethyst Drake

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon GC and a signed book to one randomly drawn winner, a $10 Amazon GC and a signed book to a second randomly drawn winner, and a signed book to a third randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I write mysteries because I love mysteries! I've always enjoyed reading mysteries and watching TV crime drama. No as a writer, I love the thrill of crafting intricate puzzles that keep readers guessing. I also love exploring the complex motivations and interactions of the characters. The genre is a balance between engaging the reader and keeping them on their toes. It’s a challenge to weave a logical yet unpredictable plot, but it's incredibly rewarding when everything comes together, creating that "aha" moment that mystery lovers crave.

What research is required?

There is a lot of research required for the mysteries I write. I am writing in a setting that is not my local area. I’ve done a lot of research into Baltimore and surrounding areas. I’ve also chosen to set my novel in the recent past. Even though I have a lot of memories about how things were in 2009, I still have to fact-check that information because technology has advanced and changed so much since then. Then there is a lot of research involved into people’s occupations to increase the realism and depth of the story. I also have to do research to confirm whether certain plot points are possible and believable. A lot of this research can be done online, through other books, or by talking to people who have personal experience with the subject.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine.

I've learned that true resilience requires perseverance. Katherine Carson has been through many tragedies and seen things that most of us can't imagine. She is very resilient, but her past still comes back to haunt her. Katherine's journey shows me that strength is in the choice to rise each time we're knocked down. It's to keep going when the battles seem endless. Katherine inspires me to see courage isn’t always winning—it’s about continuing to fight.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

A: My most interesting writing habit is plotting in the bathroom. I have a big white board on the door of the bathroom for taking notes. I do some of my best thinking in the shower or brushing my teeth.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I consider myself a discovery plotter! I start with a general, loose outline of key points or scenes. Then I layer in more details and spend a lot of time thinking about the plot and asking myself questions. For example, I might know exactly how the villain commits the crime, but I have to mull over what clue will lead the detectives to that conclusion and how they will find that clue. I keep layering details into my outline and making changes as needed until I am happy with the story. The outline keeps me of track, but the freedom to discover new character details and twists keeps it exciting for me.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

There’s a stack of books I use for reference: Self-Love Workbook for Women by Megan Logan; The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi; and Reclaim your Author Career by Claire Taylor. There’s also a stack of different colored and sizes of post it notes and colored pens.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’m working on book 2 of the Carson Crimes Files series, of course. But I’m also starting a new series focused on Margaret Mitchell, the lawyer who is Katherine’s childhood friend. Margaret Mitchell Mysteries will be shorter and cozier, and we will get to learn more about the budding relationship between Margaret and Jake.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Carson Investigations has four detectives: Katherine, Jake, Lee, and Sammi. Which one is your favorite? Which is your least favorite? And why? Comment on this post or send me an email at amethyst@agswordsmiths.com

Katherine Carson, a former intelligence operative turned private detective, has never been in it for the money. But when a desperate CEO offers double her usual fee to find his missing daughter, she can't refuse.

Set in Baltimore, 2009, what begins as a simple missing person inquiry transforms into a complex case of espionage, financial crime, and deep-seated grudges. For Katherine, this case strikes a personal chord, stirring up haunting memories from her own past. As unexpected connections emerge, she must confront her unresolved guilt.

Can Katherine and her team of private detectives solve the case before it's too late, or will the turmoil of her past consume her?

Read an Excerpt

Katherine’s mixed emotions reflected the muddle of the Ames’ case. The chilly silence was broken by the ring of her BlackBerry. She answered on the second ring.

"Hey, Katie."

"Hi, Jake." Katherine unbuckled her seatbelt and straightened up in her seat.

"Did you make it inside your apartment?"

Katherine slumped back. "You always know, don't you?”

"You okay? Seems like this case is getting to you.”

"I guess so. I wanted this to be easy money…find a run-away heiress, let the family figure out the relationship mess." Katherine got out of her car and climbed the steps to her apartment.

"I suppose nothing is ever that simple."

"I suppose not.” Katherine unlocked her apartment door and stepped into the nearly bare living room. “I just wish we had more to go on. The clues we do have seem to conflict with each other. And I think Sammi is on strike.”

“Again?” Jake chuckled.

Katherine huffed as she removed her coat and bolted the door. “What does she think detectives do? We can’t find missing people by looking into a crystal ball.” Katherine lowered herself onto the soft couch, the only piece of furniture in the room.

"Even if we could, she’d probably think that was spying, too.” Jake chuckled louder. “Cut her some slack, Katie. We were all young and naive once.”

Jake knew better than most people exactly how young and naive Katherine had once been. He was the closest thing to family she had.

“Anyway, I’d like to believe Olivia wouldn’t run off..."

Jake finished her thought. “But it’s possible that this Robert character manipulated her into doing something she would not normally do."

"If that’s the case, then I want to find Olivia before she does something she’ll regret. I hope it’s not too late."

About the Author:

Amethyst Drake is a passionate storyteller. She excels at crafting delightful characters and enjoys developing com-plex relationships among them. Mystery has always been her favorite genre to read, making it a natural choice for her writing. She aims to blend her personal experience with mental health and the moral complexities of intricate interpersonal relationships into engaging novels.

Amethyst loves reading all kinds of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers and enjoys watching classic detective and espionage dramas like "Murder, She Wrote," "Perry Mason," and "Mission: Impossible."

She also loves hearing from readers! Connect by signing up for her newsletter at amethystdrake.com or email amethyst@agswordsmiths.com

Author Website: https://amethystdrake.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethystdrake.author
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3M5lmJO
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3Z3VsOv

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Men of the 65th by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

Read an Excerpt

The Borinqueneers successfully defended the 1st Marine Division’s retreat, but they soon realized this was only part of a much larger withdrawal of UNC [United Nations Command] troops. As the retreat continued into mid-December, news came that the enemy buildup had accelerated. Chinese and North Korean forces were gathering and converging on Hungnam. The UNC’s worst fears were coming true: they were losing ground in the war.

They had to accelerate their plans in response to protect their troops and evacuate the Korean refugees that had fled to Hungnam. They ordered troops to board ships, division by division, and sail south to Pusan… Meanwhile, the 65th and the 3rd Infantry Divisions would hold the main line of resistance, providing enough cover for everyone to make it safely out of Hungnam…With each withdrawal, the enemy continued to push the Borinqueneers and the 3rd Infantry Division.

…They were exhausted from several days of fighting…The soldiers of the 65th were some of the last to leave Hungnam. They were hurried and squeezed tightly onto the final boats. Finally, they could rest and relax. Once they left, the military would destroy the port so the enemy could not use the equipment and facilities against them.

…After they loaded onto the final ship and set sail, the dynamite detonated. The soldiers looked back and watched the port explode…everything – erupted in smoke and flame.

About the Author:

Talia Aikens-Nuñez writes chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction for children. Her daughter inspired her to write her OMG Series of books about an accidental little witch. She and her husband live on a river in Connecticut with their daughter and son.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War-ebook/dp/B0BNT3ZRZQ/

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Cover Reveal: Stellar Heir by Scott Killian

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.

He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others, which was a boon, considering he was just a derelict scavenger.

That was until forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to take it back. What initially appears as a boon swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.

Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion.

An action-packed space opera, perfect for science fiction fans of Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.

About the Author: Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Story telling, in any form, is his greatest passion.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scott.E.killian
Twitter: https://x.com/authorsekillian
Email: saltnsulfurpublishing@gmail.com
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/9f595cbdc394/author-scott-killians-newsletter
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DF1RLYLB

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The Secret Truth by Barry Finlay

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barry Finlay will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Retired investigative journalist Jake Scott narrowly avoids a collision with a speeding car on his way to a Bed and Breakfast where he plans to spend the night. Moments before his arrival, the peaceful atmosphere at the B&B is shattered by a devastating explosion, claiming the lives of five guests. While authorities initially chalk it up to a tragic gas leak, seasoned homicide detective Dani Perez can't shake her suspicions. Given her overloaded schedule, she enlists Jake's expertise to delve into the backgrounds of the deceased. As Jake pursues the investigation, he unearths a web of secrets hinting at a darker truth lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly idyllic B&B.

Read an Excerpt

Ground trembled under Jake’s feet, and streetlights and trees rocked as if a sudden fierce wind grabbed them by the throat and shook. The entire street shimmied for interminable seconds, and the pavement seemed to heave toward the heavens as if from an earthquake before settling back to earth. The sound of the blast echoed off the surrounding houses, and a car siren bleated nonstop. Jake’s muscles wound themselves into knots for the second time in minutes. Goosebumps popped on his arms and the back of his neck, and his stomach twisted. Once again, his gym bag thudded to the ground from his unclenched fist as fiery roofing materials rained down onto the street and the cars in the B&B’s driveway. As Jake’s mouth hung open, a tree in front of the house burst into flames.

For the second time, instinct took over. People lived in that house! Jake shook himself from the shock gripping his body and leaned forward to rummage through his gym bag for his phone. He unzipped one end of his bag but located only his running shoes. He tossed the now bloody towel into the bag and fumbled with the zipper at the other end, hands shaking until he brushed against what he looked for. His heart sank when he held his phone in the brightness of the overhead streetlight to reveal a jagged crack snaking across the length of the screen. It must have cracked when the bag flew out of his hands during his earlier dive for safety.

About the Author:

Barry Finlay is the award-winning author of the travel adventure, Kilimanjaro and Beyond – A Life-Changing Journey (with his son Chris), the Amazon bestselling travel memoir, I Guess We Missed The Boat, the inspirational Just Keep Climbing, and five Amazon bestselling and award-winning thrillers comprising The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection: The Vanishing Wife, A Perilous Question, Remote Access, Never So Alone, and The Burden of Darkness. His new Jake Scott Mystery Series debuted with Searching ForTruth and The Guardians of Truth. He is now following that up with The Secret Truth. Barry was featured in the 2012-13 Authors Show’s edition of “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.” He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for his fundraising efforts to help kids in Tanzania, Africa. Barry lives with his wife Evelyn in Ottawa, Canada.

Author Website: http://www.barry-finlay.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBarryFinlay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karver2

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How to React When Woken at 3am by Drunk Argentinian Backpackers While Staying in a Youth Hostel and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips by Simon Yeats

Welcome to the cover reveal of Book Four of the LESSER KNOWN TRAVEL TRIPS series, How to React When Woken at 3am by Drunk Argentinian Backpackers While Staying in a Youth Hostel and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Book 4 of the hilarious book series that those in the know will want to read when arriving at Paris airport so they laugh so freaking hard that it will intimidate any suspicious characters looking to abduct them and sell them into the human trafficking game.

Life was not meant to be easy, Simon Yeats’ father used to tell him. Well, it sure as hell was not meant to be this bizarre and witty. Australian ex-pat Simon Yeats shares his stories of travel misadventures and dubious personal introspection with comedic insights into the unusual and uproarious elements of living his life abroad. All while having a sense of Wanderlust as pervasive as Mongol hordes in the 12th century.

From how to negotiate getting abused in Los Angeles when you will only drive at 5 miles/hr., to what to do when locked out of your hotel room in your underwear, to the emotions of attempting the world’s second highest bungee when you have a pathological fear of heights, to how to deal with the trials and tribulations of staying in a youth hostel with travelers who have no respect for the other guests.

Simon Yeats has gone into the world and experienced all the out of the ordinary moments for you to sit back and enjoy the experience without the need to empty your bank account, get squeezed sitting in a middle airline seat, or deal with border security at the Ukraine/Russia boundary..

Read an Excerpt

Big Wednesday was my first day at work as a liftie on the Burgess Creek lift at the Steamboat ski resort as a wide-eyed 20-year-old. I do not remember the exact date, but I am absolutely certain it was a Wednesday because everyone who was present at the resort that day referred to it as ‘big Wednesday.’

Overnight, between ‘ordinary Tuesday’ and ‘big Wednesday,’ the town and resort received a mammoth amount of snowfall. It absolutely dumped. A biblical amount of snow. Even though I do not recall snow being mentioned once in either the old testament or the new testament. But I could have missed the reference.

And Moses went up the mountain at God’s direction and there was fresh dump of powder snow, and he cried out, “ye verily, gonna cut me some wicked turns.”

To get to work on my first day, I take the shortcut straight down the hill to the main road and bus stop. I am decked out in my official Steamboat resort onesie ski suit. The snow level is over my belly button. It is like wading through waist high surf for a half mile.

I scramble onto the bus, and I am on my knees huffing and puffing while dripping with sweat.

An inauspicious start to the day.

About the Author:

Simon Yeats has lived nine lives, and by all estimations, is fast running out of the number he has left. His life of globetrotting the globe was not the one he expected to lead. He grew up a quiet, shy boy teased by other kids on the playgrounds for his red hair. But he developed a keen wit and sense of humor to always see the funnier side of life.

With an overwhelming love of travel, a propensity to find trouble where there was none, and being a passionate advocate of mental health, Simon’s stories will leave a reader either rolling on the floor in tears of laughter, or breathing deeply that the adventures he has led were survived.

No author has laughed longer or cried with less restraint at the travails of life.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CBNQLSPW/about
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authoryeats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoryeats

Pre-order the book: https://www.amazon.com/Argentinian-Backpackers-Staying-Hostel-Lesser-ebook/dp/B0DCSYR5T7?ref_=ast_author_dp

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Alexandr by Chris DeBrie

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Alexandr is a professional hitman with one client. His recent marriage to a childhood friend has him ready for retirement. But he doesn't yet realize that his final target is different than all the rest. Follow Alex into a version of Earth which includes superhumans, witches, and otherworldly beings. DeBrie brings you dozens of characters and situations, seemingly all on the same course to destruction.

About the Author

DeBrie has published more than fifteen comic books and novels, including the mystery “Cap’n Random”. He has produced music for rockers and hip hoppers, coached youth basketball, hoards a special Swedish meatball recipe, and tutors elementary school students. Call him a multihyphenate, or a jack of all trades, master of none… your choice. Find us on socials by typing “With Lurv” into your browser.

Website: http://www.StuffedWithLurv.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPX7WY3R
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3060250.Chris_DeBrie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555876923020
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuffedwithlurv/
Mwe: https://mewe.com/withlurv/posts

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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alexandr-I-Chris-DeBrie/dp/B0DC58V4XK/ref=sr_1_1

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A Curvy Girl's Haven by Kristabel Reed

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Dr. Arabella Stanton is back in Havenbrook, California, seeking a break from her work with Doctors Without Borders. Exhausted and haunted by memories of the refugee camps, she finds solace in the familiar yet changed landscape of her grandmother’s old town. She plans to rest, recuperate, and plan out her next steps—until a persistent knock at her door changes everything.

Garret de la Rosa, a Navy SEAL with his own shadows from missions past, is back in Havenbrook to recover and find some peace. When a mutual friend brings Arabella to his door, he’s bleeding from an injury, and neither expects the connection that sparks between them.

As Arabella and Garret navigate their growing attraction, they also face their personal demons and the reality that their lives are on different paths. Amidst the tranquil beauty of Havenbrook, they find themselves questioning their futures and what they truly want.

Read an Excerpt

Why subject herself to disappointment? No matter how attractive she found him, he was only being grateful. The fact she was ready for a new chapter in her life did not mean Garret would be any part of that new chapter.

“It was nice to see you. If you have any problems”—she made a small gesture to his side—“let me know.”

Arabella offered another smile and nod, and turned to leave.

“Doctor!” Garret called again. “I’m experiencing a problem.”

Frowning, she turned back around, already in doctor mode. “Oh, does it hurt? Is the pain more intense—”

“This beautiful woman,” he interrupted, “refused to go out with me. Twice! I need your advice. Is there anything I can do to convince her that lunch is harmless enough?”

Shocked, she wanted to give a sharp retort about leaving the woman alone if she said no. And then Arabella realized Garret was talking about her. She blinked and laughed, shaking her head at the ridiculousness of it all.

“Depends on where you want to have lunch.”

After all, if she had lunch with him, he’d stop trying to thank her. Because he’d already have thanked her. And they could both move on. Or something. That was logical reasoning, wasn’t it?

About the Author: I’m an East Coaster with an insatiable love for pizza and movies. This love has also produced a chubby girl who thought it would be fun to write a few romances for the fuller ladies. And after a long break from writing, I decided to explore the small, California community of Havenbrook; where curvier ladies find hot guys who fall madly in love! After all, curvier girls need love too.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KristaelReed
Blog: http://kristabelreed.blogspot.com/

Buy Link for Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Curvy-Girls-Haven-Kristabel-Reed-ebook/dp/B0DBNS4L9K/ref=sr_1_1

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