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.

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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.

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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. 

*****

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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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I - INVESTIGATION

I is for INVESTIGATION

At the discovery of a crime, there are procedures followed by the first officer on the scene to secure the area. In Murder & Obsession, Helen Gabble, is that officer.

You can read more on the Standard Operating Procedure of Homicide Investigations written by John M.Howell.

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Standing close to the fire, Detective Helen Gabble could not get warm, even with the proper winter gear she’d had brought in with the forensics team. A partial tent in the front of Steven’s cabin served as murder central while the crime scene investigators finished their job. The shelter had no walls, and despite a canvas roof, the snow swirled in the breeze. The burn barrel ate the wood and provided little to no warmth in the openness. After forensics gave her the all clear, the detective would move her team inside, but right now their operations headquarters resided in the elements. Some of her men waited in warm vehicles, and for a few minutes, she had too, but huddling against the cold didn’t feel right, so she directed the investigation outside. She kept things moving.

Ginger Diehl finally approached her at three in the morning. “We’re done; we’ve collected all the evidence from the bedroom and the grave out back. We’ve swept the place for fingerprints and taken photographs. You have full access now. The bedroom is off-limits, but you can use the downstairs. I just need your signature. Is there something else you need?”

“The body?”

“Sorry. No luck there. I had men on the other side of the bank. We found more bear tracks, but the water is moving too fast. She could be miles downstream. They’ll search when daylight hits.”

*****

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H - HYPOTHERMIA

H IS FOR HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature. A temperature of less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit and 35 degrees Celsius means hypothermia. Shivering is an attempt by the body to warm itself. Confusion and eventually a loss of awareness are symptoms to follow. Approximately 600 deaths occur each year in the United States because of hypothermia. Many people remove their clothes as the delirium gets worse.

I suffered from hypothermia during an incident in Alaska when it was 30 below and my car was stuck on a mountainside. Even though I was dressed in winter gear, I'd been in the cold for over two hours. Getting warm after that occurrence took well over eight hours. It's not something I ever want to repeat. Today, my fingers are still ultra sensitive to cold.

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Shivering uncontrollably, Steven wondered if hypothermia would be his Waterloo. He wrapped a woolen blanket around his shoulders and did his best to remain alert. He prayed the heat from the fire would be his salvation, but his body struggled to find the warmth promised.

Steven gazed at flames that seemed to him determined to withhold their lifesaving heat. His lips were blue, his thoughts muddled, and tears like ice droplets tumbled from his eyes. His body vibrated violently from the unending chill, loss, and his situation.

His heart pounded like a percussion drill through rock, and his lungs struggled for air. His mind sought understanding and forgiveness. He'd neglected his vow of protection, a promise he never thought he’d fail to deliver.

Intense grief filled his soul. Bordering on a complete collapse, Steven surrendered his hold on reality. He wanted, needed to join her.

*****

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Read an excerpt of my story Ever-Ton HERE!

Al Gore won the Presidency in 2000. 
The earth is dying and people are
trying to escape, well, in my story they are! 

G - GRIZZLY

G IS FOR GRIZZLY

The grizzly's terrain is the Brooks Range, but in the foothills, you'll find the black bear. Seldom do these two species cross borderlines. When they do nothing good comes from their meeting.

         I hiked the Brooks Range during the spring and saw many a footprint. I was even foolish enough to follow them. And then in one night (from the safety of a truck) I saw nine grizzly's, my attitude changed dramatically. Respect for these massive creatures was born.

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

             With Bushnell Elite Binoculars, Steven searched the valley below for any sign of the trackers. The very weather features he’d just been thankful for now obscured his vision, but he concentrated on color and movement. He spotted a grizzly. The bear, a good seven hundred pounds and at least seven feet tall, had Steven worried, especially when the animal reared on its hind legs and sniffed the air.                      
             Somehow, the grizzly had locked on Steven’s scent instead of the dead caribou’s or the beast would have been heading south not north, as Steven was. 

              Steven had no other option but to move, and move quickly. He hit the trail, but slowed by the heavy snow, his muscles screamed. 
             
            . . . after a rest break he repacked supplies for the rest of the journey but stopped when a familiar sound caught his attention. The deep growls of a bear reached him from the path he meant to take. He turned slowly. Instead of the grizzly, a healthy young black bear from the other side of the river lumbered toward him.

*****

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View Grizzly Fight Videos Here

*****

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Al Gore won the Presidency in 2000. 
The earth is dying and people are
trying to escape, well, in my story they are! 

F - FAIRBANKS

F IS FOR FAIRBANKS

The largest city in interior Alaska, Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. One of the first places I lived after arriving in Alaska. It's a lovely town that tries hard to hold on to the early days when a steamboat would bring prospectors and supplies up the Tanana River.

Named after the 26^th Vice President, Charles W. Fairbanks, who served under Theodore Roosevelt. It's known for its subarctic cold and its short but warm summers. I remember summer days that were as hot as 90 degrees and winter days as cold as 50 below.

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

                 Photo Copyright

Steven took the document, scanned it. “A search warrant. Regarding what? The Captain has my schedule. I’m due in the office Monday. Why drive all the way out here? Damn it, Helen. What the hell is going on?” He stood.

“Two women are dead. We have witnesses putting you with them just hours before they died.” She placed two pictures on the counter. “Do you recognize them?”

He scanned the photos. “Sure, I had a drink with her in Anchorage. April, I think she called herself.” He pointed to the other picture. “I bought her dinner after her car broke down, at the Bull Moose Diner in Fairbanks. What happened to them?”

“Strangled, dumped on the side of the road. So, yes, we’re here searching for evidence. Preliminary forensics ties you to them. Did you sleep with them?”

“Strangled, what are you accusing me of? Sleep with―you actually believe―” His anger escalated with each word. “I’m your suspect?”

*****

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E – ESCAPE

E IS FOR ESCAPE

Wearing leg irons would make any escape near impossible, unless you're an expert at picking locks like Houdini.

In Murder & Obsession, leg irons are used to keep a kidnap victim tethered. 

There'd be no escape from the horrors to come.

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Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:                                                                  

                                                                               Photo Copyright

The moon sat high against the purple sky, and the cold marched forth across the land with murderous intent - overcome, smother, and marshal the surrender of all occupants. Winter had arrived.
            . . . Quinn held a heavy chain with an ankle lock, still fastened securely to the bed.  “And yet they tried to accommodate her needs.”

“Gayln?” Steven swallowed the drink and lay back gingerly but reached for the ankle lock. The weight of the instrument felt heavy in his hand but heavier on a heart already shattered. He pictured the iron around Sarah’s delicate ankle. “How long ago?” Hope turned to anger. His friend had done this to his fiancee. Why? What had motivated such betrayal?

“While you slept I took the dogs to the village, talked to a few folks. They saw Gayln with a couple but never saw your girl. The couple flew out Friday night. Gayln drove out two days ago. He packed carefully. He’s running or he’s off to spend his loot. I'm sorry son.”

*****

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