Z - ZAZZY

Z IS FOR ZAZZY

Zazzy means shiny or flashy - stylish... And only one character in Murder & Obsession fits that role. Alice Foxx, Sarah's nemesis and a woman who shows up during Sarah's memorial to make another claim on the unsuspecting Detective.

Picture Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Her perfume hit Steven’s senses a second before he saw Alice Foxx sashaying toward his table. He couldn’t even remember what he’d been saying as she drew closer and then planted herself between them. Her presence shocked Steven speechless. He had no idea Alice would come to Alaska for Sarah, a woman she hated. Her red dress and black fur coat were a bit pretentious for the event, but not for Alice’s personality.

“Well, if I haven’t located the two men who loved her most, acting civilly. Drowning your sorrows or comparing notes? May I join you? Sorry, Steven, I don’t mean to sound flippant.”

Alice had his complete attention, she smiled, and brushed a stray hair from his face, her touch made him cringe. He searched for the camera shooting the event hoping it missed the moment.

“You look incredible for a man who died in a bear attack.” She took his hand in hers. “I’m sorry about Sarah, and I mean that.”

Alice repositioned her chair closer to Steven and put her hand on his thigh. “From what I understand, you’ve located a few of those responsible. How many are there?”

Steven shrugged. “More than I’ve uncovered.”

Alice whispered in his ear, “I’m here as long as you need me.”

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HERE!

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(signed if I can send by mail)

*********************************************************

This is it folks!

The last post of the
2016 A to Z Challenge

Whew! We did it!

Thank You!
Everyone one who posted
everyone who kept it short
everyone whose post was so interesting 
I had to know what happened next!

&

Thank You!

Especially to all  who commented
Reciprocated!

Everyone who stayed with the challenge
 despite the dirty laundry
the cold meals
and the un-swept floors!

You are my heroes!

See you for the IWSG on Wednesday!

Photo Copyright

X - X FACTOR

X IS FOR X FACTOR

The X factor

The X factor or what is known as a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome.

Or in the case of my 'murder trilogy' certain clues play a significant part in the story of another book.

The story detailed in Murder & Obsession was hinted at in Murder, Madness & Love, the hints continued in the second book, Memories of Murder, but concluded in this, the third book.

Hints and certain happenings in both of the earlier books come to the forefront during this mystery. And while all three books are a stand-alone story, there were definite details shared early on - these X factors tied all three books together.

Photo Copyright

Here's a scene, from Murder, Madness & Love  
that demonstrates an X-factor . 

Inside the entry door, she breathed easy, then heard laughter. He was on the other side. The door was heavy and would not come down with just one kick, but solid wood still wasn't strong enough to keep a determined assailant from getting to her.

She should have realized when he'd stopped following her. He'd come straight here—hell, he probably had time to go back to the church and get his car. How did he know? How could he know? She was disappointed in herself, but only for a moment. Think, woman, think.

"I've been waiting for you, sweetheart. Predictable. So damn predictable. I can get in, but you can't get out."

"Then come in and get me." She ran up the steps to the master bedroom. Locking the door, she knew how easy the door would come down. She went into the bathroom. Locked that door too, knowing a fist could take the door off its hinges. Opening the window, she waited. Listening, to make sure he was in the house before she went outside.

She poured a bottle of shampoo on the floor. "See how well you can stand up after you hit this," she whispered.

A loud explosion told her the front door was down, and she scrambled through the window to the first-floor roof.

"Come out; come out, wherever you are!" A loud bang heralded the news that the bedroom door was down.

She quickly, but carefully, made her way across the wood shingles, to a point where she could shimmy down to the porch roof, and to the ground. She heard him kick in the bathroom door and allowed herself a smile when she realized the other sound was him falling on his ass. Curse words filled the air.

She smiled as she ran for safety.                      

^***

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Read All the Amazon Reviews
of Murder & Obsession
HERE!

Thank you for supporting my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

U - UNUSUAL

U IS FOR UNUSUAL SURVIVAL TIPS

In Alaska and Canada there are guidelines in place for what pilots must carry in their planes. Alaskan Survival Kit Regulation.

If you're a hiker, snowmobiler or just a tourist and traveling into the Alaskan wilderness, even if only for a few miles or a few hours, your life may depend on what you're carrying.

Basic Wilderness Survival Skills

If you're foolish enough to go into the wilderness without a survival kit, you may still save your life.

Water, shelter, and warmth should be your first priorities:

• Find a dry location and use the vegetation like pine boughs to build yourself a nest.
• Lipstick or chap stick could help you start a fire. It's petroleum based.
• A mirror can signal for help.
• Dental Floss can be used as a fishing line, for cutting food, or even capturing it.
• Duct Tape is a favorite of mine and one I used in Murder & Obsession. There are numerous uses for Duct Tape! From first aid to creating containers.

This survival kit has everything you might need - no matter what emergency you find yourself in. You should keep one in your car!

• Gerber® Miniature Multi-tool
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Fine Edge Knife
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Small Flat Driver
• Medium Flat Driver
• Lanyard Ring
• Bottle Opener
• Tweezers
• Waterproof Bag
• Miniature Light
• Hand Saw
• Signaling Mirror
• Survival Blanket
• Fire Starter
• Waterproof matches
• Cotton Ball - Fire Tinder
• Snare Wire
• Emergency Cord
• Waxed Thread
• Fishing Kit
• Sewing kit
• Lanyard Whistle
• Lightweight, ripstop nylon bag with waterproof zipper
• Land to air rescue instructions
• Priorities of Survival - Pocket guide contains Bear’s survival essentials

Do you have an unusual survival tip you can share?

Stay safe!

*****

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Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

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of Murder & Obsession
HERE!

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paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

T - TLINGIT

T IS FOR TLINGIT

"The Tlingit (pronounced clink it) are an indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America and the Southeast Coast of Alaska. The Tlingit are a matrilineal society, which is the tracing of descent through the female line." In my books, you'll find Steven's mother holds the true power.

As Michael Di Gesu, says in the blurb he wrote for Murder, Madness & Love:

"Detective Steven Quaid waits. His Tlingit Indian features, as though carved from granite, mask his Irish passion..."

During my research it was the true story of a Tlingit warrior's sacrifice during the war in Iraq that influenced my choice for the background of Detective Steven Quaid. But this photograph played a big part too!

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt: (when Steven was sixteen)

“Atian,” Doreen addressed Steven, “do you still want to be a tracker like your uncle?” Doreen had always called Steven “Little Atian” when his uncle lived, and hearing the name as his own lifted his confidence. (Atian (Ah-tee-ahn) is Native American for Steven)

Doreen dished a bowl of stew for him. “You sound so much older this year, Atian. Don’t grow up too fast.”

“Show off,” Gayln uttered with a mouth full of roll. He swallowed and continued, “Steve says stifling, but what he really means is bullies make the city unbearable.”

Steven glared at Gayln.

“When this summer is over, you’ll have no more worries with bullies. I’ll make warriors out of the both of you,” Quinn promised.

Steven smiled and dipped his roll into his stew. Warrior. He rolled the idea around in his head. Warrior sounded like a much better title than half-breed did. His Tlingit mother and Irish father had given him everything a young man could want, but material items did not mean acceptance by either the white population or the native population. School was a struggle―not the classes, but the social interaction―the acceptance of his peers.

*****

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Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

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Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

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.

Photo Copyright

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.

Buy Here

Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

Please support my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)



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!

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.

                                                   

Buy Here

Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

Please support my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

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.

*****

Buy Here

Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

Please support my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

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.

Photo Copyright

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.”

*****

Buy Here

Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

Please support my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)

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.

*****

Buy Here

Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
Memories of Murder
Murder & Obsession

And try for a free copy of 
Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
(just click the links)

Please support my Thunderclap!

Remember every comment during the A to Z will be an entry to win a 
paperback copy of the trilogy!
(signed if I can send by mail)