S - SLEEPING LADY

S IS FOR SLEEPING LADY

Sleeping Lady Mountain or Mt. Susitna is one of my favorite views from Anchorage. I think I've talked about the mountain in each of my novels.

The Legend says: Mt. Susitna acquired the name ‘Sleeping Lady’, because its shape resembled a maiden at rest. Legend said the young woman came from a tribe of giants that occupied the land in a bygone age, and, when warring factions required her groom to negotiate a peace settlement, she lay down to sleep, and awaited his return. He died in the war, and no one wanted to awaken her to give her the news.

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Captain Reed drummed his fingers on the top of his thigh. Forty-five years old, with salt and pepper hair, Bill Reed was the youngest officer to hold the position of Captain in Anchorage. An ulcer, testament to his dedication, had flared due to this mess with his top investigator. His phone, on speaker, sounded the ring of a placed call. He waited for someone to answer. 

Through the window to his left, Sleeping Lady Mountain’s new covering of snow reflected the purple hue of the sky. Captain Reed repeated in his head the childhood rhyme about a red sky at night. He wondered if a purple sky meant this living nightmare would get worse. He couldn’t believe Steven Quaid, an officer he’d chosen as his replacement, had run from authorities instead of facing the music. He considered Quaid a friend, but his position would not allow anything but professionalism and a hands-off attitude.

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And a very special shout out to Chrys Fey
on the release of her first novel.

DIGITAL LINKS:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble /

 KOBO / The Wild Rose Press

ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

Congratulations, Chrys!

R - RESEARCH

R IS FOR RESEARCH

Research Resource for Writers

No matter the type of book you're writing, some type of research needs to be done, whether it's trying to find a name, a point of law, or a question of forensics for a crime novel.

HERE, and all in one place is an item that may help you. Usually, I just type the title of my research question into Google and get a list of items. But I came across this wonderful site and thought I'd share.

Click the HERE for access!

For Murder & Obsession I did quite a lot of research and one subject involved flying to Russia.

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

“It’s not easy getting into Russia. You have to file a request for flight authorization with Moscow. He’d also have to file flight plans twenty-four hours in advance. What did his paperwork show?” Steven asked.

“I’m assuming from your knowledge of the procedures you had considered this a possibility?” Agent Lopez said.

“Of course, with his heritage,” Steven said.

“Good, good.” Lopez seemed to relax with Steven’s acceptance of his theory. “Paperwork is pending; we’re still waiting to hear from Moscow, but I did get a few details from an officer at the Provideniya airport.”

“Did they pass through customs? Does he have connections in Russia?” Steven asked.

“That I don’t know yet. The paperwork will give us those details. I do know he landed at noon on October 21st. His associates we’re still investigating.”

“October 21st, but he was spotted in Nome on October 18th. Where was he before the flight to Russia?” Steven rubbed his chin and began to pace.

           “Again, it’s early in the investigation. There are hundreds of landing strips in Alaska, but we are assuming he came here to Anchorage since his home is here, and it’s where the flight to Russia originated. We’re checking all cameras at the airport, and the FBI will be doing another sweep of his home for possible evidence.”

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Q - QUINN

Q IS FOR SKY QUINN

One of my favorite characters in Murder & Obsession is Sky Quinn. An Inuit, better known by most as an Eskimo. Sky, is Steven's Uncle, in name only. He was a friend of Steven's Uncle Atian, and had a huge part in training Steven for wilderness survival. (I chose not to use the term Eskimo because some find it derogatory.)

This photo was my inspiration for Sky Quinn.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

A warrior with the heart of Santa Claus, Sky Quinn epitomized the man Steven desired to be. A tracker and guide of unmatched skill, Quinn stood five foot seven, wiry, with weather worn, russet skin, deep brown eyes, and a constitution that kept him forever young. Quinn’s unparalleled courage made him Steven’s hero.

“No one gives up The Ghost of the North Slope, but you they’ll sell out in a heartbeat," Quinn said with a grin.

Despite his pain, Steven smiled. Quinn’s nickname, The Ghost of the North Slope, fit the man. Sky Quinn had a legendary reputation. No man, enemy or friend would ever speak ill of Quinn. He had earned the respect, but Steven hadn’t yet reached mythical status.

                                                   

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P – PROVIDENIYA

P IS FOR PROVIDENIYA

Provideniya, a Russian city on the Bering Sea, is sometimes referred to as the Doorway to the Arctic is a popular sight for tourists that fly in from Nome and Anchorage.

Yes, you can fly to Russia from Nome, or Anchorage. As long as you file all the right papers!

I use the close proximity of this airfield in Murder & Obsession.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

“Well, I guess I should quantify my statement: we’ve traced one of the men who killed Sarah to Russia. The authorities called us about an hour ago. His plane is sitting at the Provideniya airport. The flight originated in Anchorage. We’re working with the Russian authorities to track him down. When they give permission, I’ll be flying there to aid in the investigation. Right now the Russian Federation and the United States aren’t exactly bosom buddies. We’re working with the State Department, but I’m also trying to pull in favors with friendly counterparts in Russia,” Agent Lopez said.

*****

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O - OBSESSION

O IS FOR OBSESSION

Obsession – an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind. In Murder & Obsession, a man is obsessed with a woman. He will do anything and everything in his power to gain the object of his obsession, even murder.

Rapunzel's tower is a symbol of the Obsession.

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

This is a nightmare that represents obsession; it's one that haunts Steven as he searches for answers.

 A scenic trail, bright sunshine, and clear skies. Steven and Sarah followed the river south.

“You do realize we’ll take the same trail back,” Steven informed her after they’d stopped yet again to take photographs.

“I know, but not until after lunch. The light will be different then.”

“The middle of winter and you want to eat lunch in the cold.”

“I want to do more than eat lunch. This is a honeymoon, isn’t it? You brought a tent and sleeping bag for a reason.”

Steven laughed. His angel loved getting naked in the snow. Only half a mile later, Sarah stopped again to snap a few pictures of the valley laid out before them, and Steven had to admit, the day was perfect. No, he thought, she’s perfect. He gazed at his wife with admiration.

The red laser light of a rifle sight bounced off the white of her fur collar, and the fracture of a gunshot registered just as Sarah dropped to the ground.

Steven was instantly at her side, his gaze on the area where the blast originated.

The shooter stepped out from his hiding place and declared, “If I can’t have her, neither will you. See how you enjoy life without Sarah by your side.”

*****

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N - NOME

N IS FOR NOME

Nome, one of the best known cities in Alaska. Nome is the city where a diphtheria epidemic required a relay of dog sled teams to deliver the life saving serum in 1925. In memory of the event, a race is run every year in March called the Iditarod.

In Murder & Obsession, Nome is one of the places Detective Steven Quaid visits in his pursuit of the criminals.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Their plane came in for a landing at the Nome Airport on a clear, bright, but cold, day.

The airport manager met them on the tarmac. “Detective Quaid, so good to make your acquaintance. I’ve been reading about you in the papers.” He shook each man’s hand. “Mr. Thomas, Mr. Summers. I have coffee and donuts waiting in my office.” He pointed to the nearest hanger. “You picked a great day to visit. The winds have been ferocious this last week; today it’s deceptively mild.”

Steven grinned. “Nonresidents would never call these winds mild. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us, Mr. Thane.” Rand Thane, a portly man, had a pleasing personality. His bright smile and welcoming attitude worked for the man in charge.

“Rand, please. My condolences, Detective. I hope you find the bastard soon.”

Before Steven could answer, a gunshot sent the men to the tarmac. “Anyone hit?” Steven said, as he drew his gun and surveyed the area in a search of the shooter.

“No,” they chorused.

“Rand, you okay?”

“I might have to change my pants, but I wasn’t hit,” Rand said.

Shouts came from behind the hangar. With guns drawn, the men ran in search of the shooter.

*****

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M - MURDER

M IS FOR MURDER

What makes a murderer? Is it nature or nurture? In a recent documentary "Making a Murderer" the producers failed to answer that question, but they made us consider the issue. On what side of the coin did you place your bet?

In Murder & Obsession, there are several killers with differing motives. Jake Martin is an assassin that comes from a good family that's very popular in his home town of Nome. Outside of Nome, though, he's known for his criminal activity. Just call Jake with a request, deposit the money into his account, and he's on the job.

So what motivates Jake? Ego? Money? Or need?

In my story, it's all three just as in reality where murder happens for several reasons. If you're considering a novel that features a serial killer and you need to know more for accuracy try googling FBI sites - they are loaded with valuable information!

5 Myths about Serial Killers and Why They Persist [Excerpt]

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Losing patience, Steven took out his own knife, a nine-and-a-half-inch Bowie. “I have a collection of knives too. This is my favorite. I used this knife to slit a bear’s throat. Would you like a demonstration?”

“Depends, Detective.” Martin smiled. “You’re looking mighty weak, you sure you can handle a knife that big?”

Steven exploded out of his chair and knocked Martin out of his. He’d removed his arm from the sling, so he’d have access to his hand. “Why does everyone think I don’t have the energy to take them straight to Hell?” Steven sat on Martin’s back, his knife against Martin’s throat, cutting the skin. He pressed Martin’s face into the floor with his broken left arm. The action broke away some of the plaster cast, but despite the pain he held Jake in place. “Would you like me to show you what my real intentions are?”

Martin didn’t move. He barely took a breath. “I’ll talk,” he croaked.

*****

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L - LITTLE DIOMEDE

L is for LITTLE DIOMEDE

LittleDiomede is a city located on Little Diomede Island, which belongs to Alaska and is the smaller of the two Diomede Islands, located in the Bering Straits. The population, approximately 115 inhabitants, lies on the west side of Little Diomede Island.

Big Diomede, less than 2.4 miles away, belongs to Russia. There is a weather station on Big Diomede, but otherwise it isn't populated.

I use Little Diomede in Murder & Obsession as a way for Detective Quaid to venture into Russia looking for evidence.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

On the plane ride to Little Diomede Island, Steven fell into a dream filled sleep.

                                           *****

Seagulls squawked loudly and dived at the trawler in search of fish and scraps as the captain brought his ship to the dock. Steven watched as the old skipper guided what seemed to him an unwieldy behemoth gently dockside. Brent jumped to the dock with the bowline and tied off. The ship secured, the men made ready to explore.

. . . forged documents were something Quinn had had in the works since the Russians first became suspects. He arranged for his friend, Captain Can’irraq, a Russian Yupik, to pick them up on Little Diomede Island, the closest Alaskan community to Russia. The Captain's travels to Little Diomede were a regular occurrence, and his trips to Provideniya were part of his regular routine to buy parts. As a traveling mechanic, he helped fishing trawlers on the sea and in dry dock.

*****

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K - KNIFE

K is for Bowie Knife

Detective Steven Quaid carries a Bowie Knife while hunting. In Murder & Obsession, he's on a manhunt and his Bowie Knife is his most important weapon, against both man, and beast.

While the history of the creation of the Bowie Knife comes under some scrutiny it is named for Jim Bowie who is said to have commissioned its design by blacksmith James Black. The knife gained notoriety because of the duel Jim Bowie fought, known as the Sandbar Fight. In this battle, Bowie fought several men. He was stabbed, shot, and beaten half to death but managed to win the fight using the large knife. Wikipedia

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

He secured his backpack, wishing for more layers between his skin and fierce claws, and with his nine-and-a-half-inch Bowie knife in hand, Steven stood his ground. He attempted to make his appearance larger by setting his feet apart, holding his arms high, and yelling loudly. Unimpressed, the bear ran faster and stopped just inches from Steven. Steven did not hesitate; he stabbed the animal in the neck. Warm blood spurted. He prayed he had severed an artery, but this hungry bear wanted to fight. The animal rose on his hind legs, roared his intent, and then went for his prey. Sharp claws shredded the strap holding Steven’s pack, and the bag went flying over the side of the bluff. Another blow cut through Steven’s jacket like a razor blade, caught the skin, and caused a burning sensation across his flesh. Steven struck again. The knife went deep into the bear’s chest―into a lung. The bear bellowed and brought his other paw down on his attacker’s skull, tearing away hair and flesh, slicing Steven’s head and cheek. The two titans separated. 

*****

Read Feather's Review HERE!

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J - JUGGERNAUT

J is for JUGGERNAUT

Juggernaut: an overwhelming or unstoppable force, especially one that destroys or that demands complete self-sacrifice.

In Murder & Obsession, Detective Steven Quaid comes up against a juggernaut, an unstoppable force that demands complete self-sacrifice.

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Murder & Obsession

Blurb:

Steven spoke, his anguish crystal clear with each word. “Gladys told them where to find Sarah’s body?”

Helen sighed but nodded.

“Well.” His eyes were dark, his face rigid, and his demeanor as cold as Arctic stone.

“The Bering Sea. The captain’s called the FBI.”

                                                     **

Steven stared out the window, but he did not see the street, the cars, or the people passing by. He saw Sarah, her beautiful green eyes no longer held the light. Her skin had no luster―life had disappeared from her body long before they pronounced death. He imagined her floating in the unforgiving cold of the Bering Sea, sinking into the black depths, her body thrashed by the unrelenting waves―always and forever.

Steven had never experienced such strong negative, hate-filled emotions. He didn’t like it, but he’d go with it if it changed the blackness surrounding him into light again. Vengeance, retribution, simmering hatred was much easier to understand and deal with than grief. His psyche couldn’t tolerate the overwhelming sense of emptiness. The loss was too much. He’d survive on planning his revenge, after that, he wanted nothing, saw nothing except an abyss. Is this what grief is? Floating in a starless void, with only memories of Sarah and all the what if’s replaying to unfulfillable conclusions.

*****

Read Feather's Review HERE!

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