Showing posts with label Memories of Murder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memories of Murder. Show all posts

Monday, October 24, 2016

AN AUDIO VERSION OF MURDER



BLACK WIDOW FLEES SEATTLE

Sarah Palmer becomes Chairman of the Board as investigations into her husband's death continue.

(UPDATE NEWS – September 21, 20XX) Sarah Palmer, the widow of Michael Palmer, has taken on the role of Chairman of the Board for the Palmer Corporation, one year after the death of her husband. The company, which her husband built from a one-room storefront to a multi-million dollar business resource company, has flourished under the guidance of the former corporate attorney and his best friend, Gerald Kessler. Mrs. Palmer, a graduate of the University of Washington, recently moved back to her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. Is it possible this talented artist is getting away with murder?

Despite labeling Michael Palmer’s death an accident, official sources have reported that there is an ongoing investigation into the unusual circumstances. Netta Greenwald, Michael Palmer’s aunt, has also hired private investigators to look into her nephew’s death. Mrs. Greenwald claims Michael Palmer wanted to end his marriage, a plan he shared with her just a week before his death.

Thrown clear of the Porsche 918 Spyder, Michael Palmer died of a broken neck when his vehicle careened off the road and into a stand of trees. His young wife, Sarah Davis, had generously presented him with the Spyder after his thirty-eighth birthday luncheon at the Herbfarm Restaurant in Woodinville, Washington.

Estimated speeds were as high as 90 mph, as Palmer broke in his gift, but speed was only a contributing factor. To avoid children exiting a school bus, he swerved off the road, at which point, the vehicle hit a tree and was engulfed in flames.

While experts believe the car’s brakes had malfunctioned, the fire destroyed any evidence of tampering. The question remains: how could a brand new Porsche, just delivered from the showroom floor, not have working brakes? Various local media outlets suspect Mrs. Palmer of foul play, labeling her a black widow seeking full control of her late husband’s millions, as well as the corporation.


Will these questions ever be answered, and justice found for the young entrepreneur? Will Sarah Palmer ever be free of the black widow label? Police Detective Terry O'Conner, believes that the evidence is out there and that while the case has gone cold, secrets never stay secrets forever.







To Be Released

October 31, 2016


Friday, October 14, 2016

MURDER IS FREE!







Also,

I'm proud to announce that all 3 books



Will soon be available in AUDIO!

October 31, 2016

Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged


Piper Goodeve (Narrator)


The trilogy is complete and book 4 is on the way!


For your enjoyment, an unedited excerpt from book 4:

MOTIVE for MURDER
A Detective Quaid Mystery

CHAPTER I
APRIL IN HAWAII

"Where do you think you're going?" Steven threw the blankets back.
"I'm meeting Elliot for a run on the beach, you know, that thing I do every morning while you continue to dream," Sarah said.
Steven shook his head and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Damn, I miss our cabin in the woods."
"Really?" She finished fastening her hair into a ponytail and faced him, eyebrows furrowed. "Hawaii was your idea. Cabin fever, if I remember correctly. At least that's what you told Frank."
"I was wrong. At the cabin, we spent hours cuddling. Now you're up with the sun, and the bed is cold."
Sarah sat down beside him. "I miss that too."
He pulled her deeper into the bed, his naked body covering hers. Kissing passionately, she molded her body to his.
"Tell you what." She said after she caught her breath. "I'll make it a five-mile run, and after a quick shower, we'll continue." She smiled but pushed him away.
He fell back on the bed and sighed deeply. "Five miles? I'll bet you do fifteen, just to make me wait."
She nibbled his earlobe. "You’re the one determined to get me healthy. I'm doing all I can to fulfill your wish. I promise a quick run. You start the shower, and I'll be right back."
He sighed again but let her go and pulled on a pair of shorts. In the kitchen, he poured a cup of coffee, grabbed the paper from the front porch, and went to the patio to monitor her run. He never slept during her early morning excursions. While Elliott, her bodyguard and running partner, was always at her side, Steven kept his eye on the dunes and the rocks dotting the beach. He didn't expect trouble, but he was ready regardless of the serene setting that Hawaii offered.
They were on private land, with a private beach, but Steven never rested when Sarah was out of his sight. It had only been four months since the last threat, and he wasn't ready to trust there'd be no more. In December, he'd rescued her from a kidnapper, and a sniper determined to put a bullet in her head, but constant nightmares haunted his dreams.
Frank had convinced him to come to Hawaii and consult on a case while continuing the honeymoon. He'd promised Sarah a year of his time, and while he felt guilty for working, Sarah needed the sunshine. Their cabin in the Brooks Range was great, but she had continued to struggle with her health. The warmth of Hawaii changed all that. In less than a month, she was the picture of wellbeing and this new case was close to a solution.
Their suspect had made a huge mistake moving to Hawaii to continue his exploits. The killings had started in Los Angeles, in January, but moved to Hawaii in March. The killer made his victims eat their own body parts, sexually assaulted them, and eventually killed them. This creep's appetite knew only brutality and Frank wanted Steven's help to capture him. They were close and once the case wrapped up, Steven would take Sarah to Paris.
He sipped his coffee and caught sight of her and Elliott coming back up the beach. The phone rang and when he answered, Frank shouted at him. "Where's Sarah?"
"Running. Why?"
"Get her in the house. I'm on my way." Frank yelled.
Steven could hear the roar of a helicopter in the background. "What's happening, Frank?"
"Bardot. Rudy Bardot, Jarrod's brother, is alive. He's our serial killer, and he's after Sarah!"
Steven dropped the phone and grabbed his gun. Barefoot he took off for the beach.
Two seconds too late.
Rudy Bardot rested a sniper rifle on a dune. His targets were in view. Steven sighted the man just as Sarah and Elliott arrived at ground zero.
Before Steven could calm his breathing enough to shoot, a shot shredded the morning's tranquility!
Elliott always ran with his body blocking Sarah's in safety, but the shooter had prepared for that.
One shot and both Sarah and Elliott went down. The bullet had gone through Elliott's shoulder and hit Sarah.
Bardot dropped his gun, pulled a knife, and moved toward his victims. He wanted a souvenir. " Jolies oreilles," Bardot said. (Pretty ears.)
Steven fired . . .
The end!

Well, actually the beginning of book 4.
I hope I've enticed you to start with Murder, Madness & Love
Or if you've already read the trilogy,
I hope I've excited you about the next book
MOTIVE FOR MURDER!
FYI
I changed the title from Dark Motives to Motive for Murder.
I've always referred the first three books as my
 Murder Trilogy;
I thought it made sense to make it the
Murder Series
by keeping the word
Murder
in all the titles!
Do you agree?






Thursday, August 11, 2016

FREE! MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE


An opportunity for all readers!




HOW COOL IS THAT?!






MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE
MEMORIES OF MURDER
MURDER & OBSESSION

Light is a fleeting moment in the frozen north that is Alaska. Although the sun shines brightly during the Summer Solstice, Detective Steven Quaid struggles to hold on to what he holds dear during life's darkest moments, his love for family, and professional achievement. Will a murderous stalker, a self-proclaimed Lucifer resurrected, or insidious obsession prove more powerful than this dedicated detective? Three separate life-threatening situations. One determined man.







Detective Steven Quaid is the Anchorage Police Department's top investigator. When he's called in to protect a beautiful widow from a stalker, he's not entirely sure she isn't behind the scheme herself. Before long, Sarah has him wound up tighter than barbed wire.

But one of the police department's best and brightest detectives may just be in over his head, especially when the facts start pointing to a conclusion he isn't willing to face. With a killer on the loose and a climbing body count, Steven can't afford to hedge his bets—or his life.

Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?



Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with a victim from his last case tarnishes that status.

 While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.






Love is never easy, but for Detective Steve Quaid and his fiancée,  their road to happiness is laden with minefields.

After spending countless hours reconverting his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat for his bride, the cabin becomes a bloody crime scene detailing her death. Accused, Steven escapes into the Alaskan mountains, biding his time to find the truth.

Who killed his beloved?

A seasoned woodsman, he outsmarts even the cleverest of trackers. All but one.

Mauled by a grizzly, a half-dead Steven barely escapes.

But will he live to bring the rightful murderer to Justice?

*****

Will you take advantage of the sale?

Will you help me spread the word?

Here's a Tweet for your convenience.

1st book in the Alaskan trilogy Murder, Madness & Love is free Aug. 12 & 13th! The Detective Quaid Mysteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EN77770/ref=cm_sw_su_dp#navbar


Saturday, April 30, 2016

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.

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.”



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)

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

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


Friday, April 29, 2016

Y - YOLANDA

y IS FOR YOLANDA


Okay, so I cheated for the letter Y and used my own name. Yolanda.

When it came down the 11th hour on Superbowl Sunday, it just made sense. Yes, I was working on my A to Z blogs, even then.

Denver was the team I was rooting for, but only because the Steelers nor the Seahawks made it. (Although, we all know they should have!)

Yolanda - meaning "violet flower" is of Greek and Spanish origin. Popular in the 1970's it's rank has fallen.

Renée - means rebirth. French. Every year the spring flowers bloom! Just like me. :)


What does your name mean? Check here.



Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

They landed at Bishop Air Services at six in the morning and Steven’s attitude immediately changed, especially when Yurij’s red and white Piper Super Cub waited in front of a hangar. In the office at one end of the tarmac, they sought answers. A middle-aged woman, her hair styled in a crew cut, managed the place.
“May I see the flight logs for the plane flown by Yurij Markowski?” Steven asked.
“Why?” Her gaze went from his feet to the top of his head very slowly.
“Because I asked politely.” Steven smiled.
She returned his smile. “Trudy Bishop at your service, Detective.”
“Good to meet you, Ms. Bishop.”
“Have to admire a man who’d fight off two bears.” She put an arm around a young secretary who came out of a small office. “Right, Patty?”
“Right.” Patty cuddled close to Trudy.
“Yurij called an hour ago asking the mechanic to get his plane ready. What’s that crazy Russian done now?”

*****
What does Yurij mean?
(Old Greek) farmer, earthworker 


[ syll. yu-rij, yur-ij ] The name Yurij is pronounced as YUHRIYJH †. Yurij is used chiefly in the Russian language and it is derived from Old Greek origins. Yurij is a variant of the name George (English).




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)



Thursday, April 28, 2016

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.







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.                      

***



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)



Wednesday, April 27, 2016

W - WRITING

W IS FOR ON WRITING:




A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT

by

STEPHEN KING


Writing a trilogy isn't easy. An understatement for sure, but while I will write several more Detective Quaid novels, these first three books, this trilogy, is my ode to love. All along, I meant to write three separate murder mysteries tied together by a love story. All stand alone books but with a running theme. I almost gave up.


To help get my head back in the game, I read Stephen Kings. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, and it helped to inspired me to continue. On Writing, and the content edit that Barbara Sachs Sloan did for all three books made all the difference. Without her patience and advice, these books might never have been written. 


A good content editor makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

But Stephen King's book inspired me to continue!


Amazon



The scariest moment is always just before you start.” 






“you can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” 






“Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.” 






“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.” 






“Writing is not life, but I think that sometimes it can be a way back to life.” 






“You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.” 






“Bad writing is more than a matter of shit syntax and faulty observation; bad writing usually arises from a stubborn refusal to tell stories about what people actually do― to face the fact, let us say, that murderers sometimes help old ladies cross the street.” 







*****

This is my 'murder trilogy'!

Light is a fleeting moment in the frozen north that is Alaska. Although the light shines brightly during the Summer Solstice, Detective Steven Quaid struggles to hold on to what he holds dear during life's darkest moments, his love for family, and professional achievement.

Will a murderous stalker, a self-proclaimed Lucifer resurrected, or insidious obsession prove more powerful than this dedicated detective? Three separate life-threatening situations. One determined man.

*****



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)