Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Population Zero by Fran Lewis

Population Zero

by Fran Lewis

August 1-31, 2021 Tour

Synopsis:

Population Zero by Fran Lewis

Imagine a forest so dense and so filled with trees that you cannot see anything but darkness. The smell of the dead leaves, the creatures that lived there, and the stench they created.

Imagine smashed windows and abandoned satellite dishes and blocks of plaster all over the ground.

Imagine... What might the world be like if humans were suddenly to disappear?

In Population Zero by Fran Lewis, we experience several post-human worlds through the eyes of people who were allowed to visit for one day. A world covered in ice, a world in complete darkness, a world where deserts are plentiful, and others...

Get a glimpse of what our planet would look like if humans stopped existing. Get a glimpse of the future.

Book Praise:

"Fran Lewis's newest offering is a polished, razor-sharp double-edged sword. On one hand, it is reminiscent of the old Twilight Zone series and just as chilling. On the other, it is a poignant reminder of just how precious and fragile human life on this planet truly is. A riveting read."
-- Vincent Zandri, New York Times and USA Today bestselling Thriller and Shamus Award winning author of The Girl Who Wasn't There and the Dick Moonlight PI series.

"Population Zero creatively focuses on the damage being done by Covid 19 as it ravages the human race, and our inability to deal with climate change."
-- Allan Topol, national best selling author of The French Revenge

Book Details:

Genre: Science Fiction
Published by: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: June 26th 2021
Number of Pages: 76
ISBN: 163752868X (ISBN13: 9781637528686)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

My name is Ella, and I will be your guide and voice as you take the journey with me into the future. I am an ethereal being that is not alive but has been chosen by those above to help you, the humans, understand what is going to happen if you do not work together, follow the guidelines for the virus, and learn to live in harmony.

Remember, these worlds are the imagination of the author, and she wants you to really think about what she has created. You can decide if you would want to live in any of the worlds she imagined in her mind. What if you were asked to be the only human to experience one of these worlds if you could travel back for a short while? Welcome to your future. Think about it and decide.

Sometimes I think the world would be better off without humans. For many reasons in the worlds created, people fled and abandoned their homes. Desert areas became common, providing people with the sand, the hot sun, and not even a trace of water. Recent scenes show nuclear exclusion zones, urban neighborhoods burned out, and nowhere to escape.

Think about this: A forest so dense and so filled with trees that you cannot see anything but darkness. The smell of the dead leaves, the creatures that lived there, and the stench they created are worse than the smoke from a five-alarm fire. Imagine a sandstorm that plows across a highway and darkens the daylight sky, making it hard for drivers to see even an inch in front of them.

Smashed windows and abandoned satellite dishes and blocks of plaster all over the ground. The world — Population Zero...a look into the future.

What if this really does happen?

***

Excerpt from Population Zero by Fran Lewis. Copyright 2021 by Fran Lewis. Reproduced with permission from Fran Lewis. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Fran Lewis

‪Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three master’s degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who's Who of America's Teachers and Who's Who of America's Executives from Cambridge. In addition, she is the author of three children's books and a fourth that has just been published on Alzheimer's disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a cure.‪

Fran is the author of 19 titles and completed by the titled A Daughter’s Promise. Fran has 6 titles in her Faces Behind the Stones series and her magazine is MJ magazine. She was the musical director for shows in her school and ran the school's newspaper. Fran writes reviews for authors upon request and for several other sites.

Her network if MJ network on Blog Talk Radio. You can also find her reviews on just reviews on Wordpress. Her latest titles are Sisters : two sisters from the Bronx, What If? and Silent Voices in her Faces Behind the Stones series and the present one Population Zero. ‬ ‪

Catch Up With Our Author:
Tillie49.wordpress.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram - @berthatillie49
Twitter - @franellena
Facebook

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews & guest posts!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

My Take: This was a very short book but it covered a lot of different scenerios. It was written post Covid and mentions the pandemic several times but also brings up other things that we as a society could be living with in the future like other pandemics, no light , and pollution so bad you need special masks to venture outside. I liked this book, but I think I would only give it a three stars because I thought there was too much put on covid in some of the other scenerios that I don't think it would have anything to do with. The book did make me think and if I was still homeschooling I would probably have my children read it to produce some discukssion. I received a review copy of this book from Partners in Crime tours and was not required to write a positive review.

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani

The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani Banner

The Ninth Session

by Deborah Serani

August 9-27, 2021 Audiobook Review Tour

Synopsis:

The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani

An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that brings a unique mix of psychotherapy and sign language and Coda culture. Just when you think you have it figured out, think again!

Dr. Alicia Reese takes on a new patient. Lucas Ferro suffers with crippling anxiety, and as sessions progress, he begins to share the reasons why he's struggling. As Ferro's narrative becomes more menacing, Reese finds herself wedged between the cold hard frame of professional ethics and the integrity of personal truth. And, finally, when Ferro reveals his secrets, Reese learns how far she's willing to go, willing to risk and willing to lose to do the right thing.

The Ninth Session Audiobook Details:

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: TouchPoint Press
Publication Date: September 26th 2019
Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | Goodreads

Visit Audible to listen to a sample!

 

Author Bio:

Deborah Serani, Psy.D.

Deborah Serani, Psy.D. is psychologist in practice 30 years. She is also a senior professor at Adelphi University and has been published in academic journals on the subjects of depression and trauma. Dr. Serani is a go-to expert for psychological issues. Her interviews can be found at ABC News, CNN, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post and USA Today, and affiliate radio station programs at CBS and NPR, just to name a few. She is also a TEDx speaker and has lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Serani has worked as a technical advisor for the NBC television show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - where a recurring character, Judge D. Serani, was named for her. Dr. Serani is an award-winning author, writing about psychological topics in many genres.

Catch Up With Deborah:
www.DrDeborahSerani.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Twitter - @DeborahSerani
Facebook - @Dr. Deborah Serani

& Find out what's new on Instagram - #deborahserani

 

tours offered this for a

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews!

 

 

Enter Below to WIN The Ninth Session:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Deborah Serani. There will be ONE winner who will receive (1) Audible promo code for The Ninth Session (U.S. addresses only). The giveaway runs from August 9 through August 30, 2021. Void where prohibited.

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

My Take: I really enjoy psychological Thrillers and I really like audio books so when Partners In Crime offered this for review in audio I said yes please. I enjoyed the story and the narrator kept me involved in the story. The author was the narrator so I wasn't lost at all. The story unfolds in therapy sessions and therapry notes. Each twist carries the story forward to the climax of the story which has you sitting on the edge of the seat wondering what will happen next. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys their thrillers with edge of your seat action and twist and turns. I received a review copy of this book from Partners In Crime Tours and was not required to write a positive review.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Awakened by Grace by Darlene West


An encouraging story about love, loss, despair and the eternal optimism for a soul graced by faith….


By Darlene West

Title: AWAKENED BY GRACE
Author: Darlene West
Publisher: Resource Publications
Pages: 252
Genre: Christian Fiction

After the tragic death of his wife, Katie, Professor Franklin Franklyn blames himself. Filled with anguish, he walks away from his family and removes himself from all social interactions, which augments his suffering. But soon after the second anniversary of his wife’s death, his self-imposed reclusive lifestyle is interrupted by an unplanned visit from his eight-year-old granddaughter, Maggie. From that point on, Maggie’s faith-filled answered prayers manifest before Franklin’s eyes. As the two experience God-led divine appointments, Maggie encourages new people to become part of Franklin’s life. In spite of all Franklin witnesses, he finds it difficult to let go of his guilt and move on without his wife.

“Awakened by Grace is a touching story of a man whose wife was killed. . . . His granddaughter, Maggie, opens the heart of her grandfather and teaches him to look outward instead of inward. . . . It is a wonderful story of overcoming adversity.”

–Susan Osborn, author of over thirty books

“You will love Awakened by Grace and never want it to end. If you’re looking for a book that portrays love, hope, forgiveness, and redemption, this is it. You can’t help but root for Maggie. Her faith is unending and her tenacity is infectious. I highly recommend you grab a cup of coffee and snuggle in for a good read. It will be hard to put down.”

–Veronica Dixon, Christian, wife, mom, legal assistant

“In my opinion, Darlene West’s book Awakened by Grace is very well-written and engaging. Through the trials of the characters in her book, I love how Darlene has used her faith in the Lord to illustrate how she believes that God can bring light to situations that are very dark.”

–Ron Wells, music aficionado, Seattle, Washington

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3ehd1SV





Professor Franklin Franklyn would have never been in church that night if it hadn’t been for his granddaughter’s Christmas play. He enjoyed spoiling his six-year-old princess, Maggie. When he and his wife, Katie, had arrived, the play had just begun.

At the entrance of the foyer, an older gentleman greeted them. Un­buckling her tan coat’s belt with one hand, Katie took the program from the greeter, and thanked him. Franklin proceeded to unbutton his winter coat as they dashed toward the coat rack.

Franklin helped his wife with her coat. “I hope we didn’t miss her dance.”

“I don’t think so.” She glanced at her gold watch, “We’re only seven minutes late. We didn’t miss it.”

As he shoved their coats into the packed cubby-space, Franklin felt someone bump his hip. He swiveled around. Looking around at his six-foot-four eye level, he didn’t see anyone. That is, until he felt another bump against his hip.

Next to him was a thin woman hunched over with her body wob­bling. Teetering, her red scarf swayed from her neck. Her red-furry hat covered most of her salt and pepper hair. Franklin leaned over a bit.

The woman was having difficulty. Her crooked fingers struggled to hang her coat on the hanger.

Franklin extended a hand toward her. “Young lady, may I help you with your coat?”

When she stood straight, she appeared shorter than he had per­ceived, but a bit taller than his petite wife.

Page 2:

“Young lady?” her broad smile exposed her large yellowish, crooked teeth. “I don’t have to guess that you’re a charmer. I am proud to say that I have eleven grand-children and five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild in the oven. I’m ninety-two years young.”

Other than a few aging lines under her eyes and around her full lips, the smoothness of her light beige skin presented a much younger woman. “Ninety-two! Impossible! You look like you’re in your fifties.”

“Your charm won’t get you anywhere with me, young man. But since you’re a kind gentleman, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“I’d be honored.”

Katie assisted the woman with her scarf. “Mrs. McKinney, did you come alone?”

She must know the woman.

“Yes I did! I can drive myself though my family doesn’t think so.” She handed Katie her hat. “Timmy is narrating the play tonight.”

“Yes I know. I saw him during dress rehearsal last night. He’s very talented.”

Katie touched her arm. “Mrs. McKinney, I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you to my husband, Frank. Honey, I’d like you to meet Mrs. McKinney.”

“This is Frank?” She appeared as ecstatic as a child who had caught Santa Claus with his bag of toys.

Franklin shook her cold and frail hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m so happy to meet you. I’ve been praying for you.”

Though he perceived prayer as a ridiculous ritual used to comfort religious people in times of need, he took no offense by her comment. Besides, he knew from experience that prayer neither helped nor hurt anyone.

“Katie, he’s tall like my darling Grant was. I can’t believe that it’s been three months since he went home to be with the Lord.”

A shiver jolted Franklin’s body. “Mrs. McKinney, I’m so very sorry.” He grabbed Katie’s hand. Just the thought of losing her disturbed him.

The corners of Mrs. McKinney’s lips turned upward. “Thank you. I know he’s with Jesus and I’ll see him soon, but I do miss him.” Her droop­ing eyelids contrasted the divine contentment written in her face.

“Granny!” a young-bubbly blond screeched, “There you are!” the long-legged teen wrapped her arm around Mrs. McKinney’s shoulders. “You should’ve let Daddy pick you up. We were worried about you.”

“I’m not completely helpless.”

 



















Darlene West has a bachelor’s degree in English with a writing minor in the concentration of fiction, as well as a master’s in adult education. Darlene is a retired corporate developer, program designer, evaluator, training needs assessor, and curriculum specialist. Though she grew up in and loved the restaurant business, her favorite regular job was being a Christian radio disc jockey in Champlain, New York. She loves being a wife, mother, and especially a granny.





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My Take: This is a very well written story that will pull at your heartstrings and maybe produce a tear or two. This is a story that deals with Grief and starting over in faith filled way that will touch you right in the feels and won't let go until the very end. Professor Franklyn feels alot of grief over his wife's death and is slowly going down hill until he has a visit from his granddaughter Maggie. Maggie has answeres to prayers and leads her Grandpa back to start a new life but he still has a way to go. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I received a review copy of this book from Pump Up Your Book Tours and was not required to write a positive review.

Roots of Ruin By Amber Mitchell

Sorry Pictures would not copy and Past. Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41310402-roots-of-ruin Series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/226877 Purchase Links: • https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0893V16W7?tag=entangpublis-20&name=Roots%20of%20Ruin • https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0893V16W7?tag=entangpublis-20&name=Roots%20of%20Ruin • https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0893V16W7?tag=entangpublis-20&name=Roots%20of%20Ruin • https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0893V16W7?tag=entangpublis-20&name=Roots%20of%20Ruin • http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/9781649370020?name=Roots%20of%20Ruin • https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781649370020?name=Roots%20of%20Ruin https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Query=9781649370020&name=Roots%20of%20Ruin Link to Tour Schedule: http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/tour-schedule-roots-of-ruin-by-amber-mitchell-presented-by-entangled-teen/ Giveaway Details: • One (1) winner will win a $15 Amazon gift card a Rafflecopter giveaway Link to Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e785/? Roots of Ruin (Garden of Thorns #3) by Amber Mitchell Publication Date: August 16, 2021 Publisher: Entangled Teen They did the impossible, but their problems are far from over… After freeing the Delmarion empire, Rose and Rayce must go to Varsha, the desert home Rose fled when she was a child—the country she’s meant to rule. Rayce is the new emperor of Delmar, Varsha’s longtime enemy, but that won’t stop him from assisting the girl he loves. Armed with the brute force of Rayce’s military, Rose sets out to free her people from the oppressive rule of the usurper king who killed her father. But even if they win, how can she be queen to her homeland and in love with the man ruling its bitter enemy? With her loyalties split between heart and crown, Rose must find a way to do the impossible again…unite two kingdoms at war, or sacrifice half of herself to save the other. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amber Mitchell was born and raised in a small town in Florida. After briefly escaping small town life by attending the University of South Florida where she earned her degree in Creative Writing, she decided to ditch traffic jams and move back to her hometown. There she writes Young Adult novels, usually with a bit of magic in them, rolls D20s with her friends on Thursday nights and enjoys hanging out with her husband and four cats. Her other job involves crafting cardstock in to 3D art and has allowed her to travel all over the US vending at comic conventions which has only increased her love for fantasy and fandoms. She is represented by Nikki Terpilowski of Holloway Literature Facebook | Twitter OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES After seven grueling years of captivity in the Garden—a burlesque troupe of slave girls—sixteen-year-old Rose finds an opportunity to escape during a performance for the emperor. But the hostage she randomly chose from the crowd to aid her isn’t one of the emperor’s men—not anymore. He’s the former heir to the throne, who is now leading a rebellion against it. Rayce is a wanted man and dangerously charismatic, the worst person for Rose to get involved with, no matter what his smile promises. But he assumes Rose’s attempt to take him hostage is part of a plot to crush the rebellion, so he takes her as his hostage. Now Rose must prove where her loyalties lie, and she offers Rayce a deal—if he helps her rescue the other girls, she’ll tell him all the Garden’s secrets. Except the one secret she’s kept for seven years that she’ll take to her grave if she must. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30118749-garden-of-thorns Like flowers denied water, people are wilting under the emperor's tyranny. Rose will not rest until the Gardener is dead. But there are bigger battles to fight, and Rayce—leader of the rebellion and the only man Rose has ever loved—believes their best chance at winning the war is to join forces with her sworn enemy. Saving innocent people is more important than her quest for revenge. But their new ally can’t be trusted—and he knows her darkest secret. One betrayal could leave the war and Rayce’s life hanging in the balance, and Rose will need to make the ultimate sacrifice to save them all. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37904177-war-of-the-wilted My Take: This is the Third Book in this series and really should be read after the first two books. Rose and her friends have freed Delmar and now Rayce the new emperor must keep his promise to Rose and free thw Varsha and let them decide is they want to stay and join Delmar or leave and form another land separate. This was a fast action packed story that I really enjoyed and would recommend if you like fast acction fantasy. I received a review copy of this book from Chapter by Chapter tours and was not required to write a positive review.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

The Upside Down of Nora Gaines by Catherina Constantine

Nora has visions of horrific things. Things that lurk in the shadows and feast on bones. After moving with her mother into an old farmhouse, Nora discovers a blank journal that fills itself with an ominous warning. A cursed beast is coming for her and time is running out. When the blood moon rises, so shall the beast. Local teen, Rebel, has his own trepidations about the house. His parents, both paranormal scientists, were investigating it when they died under mysterious circumstances. His growing feelings for Nora motivate him to battle the ghosts of his past, if it means keeping her safe. Allies to turn to enemies. Fiction turns to fact. The past and the present collide. All in an epic battle to claim unfathomable power. Can Nora unlock the secrets buried within the farmhouse in time to save herself and those dear to her from a grisly fate? My Take: I thought that this was a very good book. I listened to the audio books and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I liked the relationship between Nora and Rebel. I thought that the story waa interesting and the monster was very scary and Rebel and nora were both very wary of the monster. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes their stories with a touch of the scariness. I received a review copy of this audio book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Black Rocks and Rainbows by Susan C. Riford

 

High on a cliff in Hawaii in 1807, an irrepressibly curious native boy dives into the sea and swims to an American merchant ship anchored offshore, embarking on an extraordinary adventure that will change history…





By Susan C. Riford

Title: BLACK ROCKS AND RAINBOWS
Author: Susan C. Riford
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Genre: YA / Historical

BOOK BLURB:

The journey of a lifetime told in the audiobook BLACK ROCKS AND RAINBOWS begins with a ship: “An enormous canoe, with great white wings like a magnificent bird.” This is the merchant schooner Triumph from New England, anchored offshore by what is now known as the Big Island of Hawaii, and in 1807, the sight of it captivates a young Hawaiian boy’s imagination and spirit of adventure. Fifteen-year-old Hiapo Opukahaia, orphaned as the result of a war between two rival island chiefs, has been contemplating his future. He dives into the sea and swims to the ship, where he is invited to stay for dinner. When the captain asks if he would like to go to America, he nods Yes.

The audiobook BLACK ROCKS AND RAINBOWS, an historical novel for young adults, edited and narrated by actress Suzanne Ford, was written by her late mother, Susan C. Riford.  The audiobook chronicles the gripping story of Hiapo – renamed “Henry” by his fellow crewmen – whose literal and figurative journey leads to the greatest adventure of all: a hunger for knowledge which ultimately changes Hawaii forever. The title refers to the lava rocks and beautiful rainbows of the Big Island, the vision of which Henry carries with him for the rest of his life.

Working as a cabin boy, Henry does encounter true-life adventures – pirates, storms – during the ship’s year-long voyage, via the Seal Islands and China, back to its home port of New Haven, Connecticut. He also learns to read and write English, unlocking his quest for further knowledge; upon arriving in New Haven, Henry realizes he desperately wants to keep learning, but has no idea how.

Weeping one day on the steps of Yale College, he is found by a kind student, a relative of the school’s president. Taken under the president’s wing, Henry becames a scholar. He wants to translate written works from English into Hawaiian, but at the time, there is no such written Hawaiian language. So he begins to apply the principles in an American spelling book – devised by Noah Webster, of dictionary fame – to the sounds of his native tongue. In doing so, he creates the alphabet-spelling-grammar system that is the basis for the Hawaiian written language in use to this day.

Sadly, Henry dies of typhus fever in 1818 at the age of 26. He is buried in Cornwall, Connecticut, until 1993, when he makes one final journey: a group of Hawaiian residents has successfully crusaded for the return of his remains to the Big Island for permanent burial. Hiapo Opukahaia has come home.

Suzanne Ford was inspired to create the audiobook BLACK ROCKS AND RAINBOWS originally written by her late mother, Susan Riford, a prolific author of children’s books and plays and founder of what is now known as the Rev Theatre Company in Auburn, New York. Her mother became fascinated with Henry’s story when she moved to Maui. “The novel was her final work before she died,” Ford says. “I took on the unfinished manuscript, wrote the last chapter, had a few copies printed and recorded the audiobook. The story is such a fascinating and compelling adventure, fun to listen to for anyone, but especially for young adults.”

Ford is working on an updated, illustrated book version of BLACK ROCKS AND RAINBOWS. “It’s noteworthy that there has never been a full-length historical novel about Opukahaia, who is such a major figure in Hawaiian history and whose story carries a timeless message about the importance of education,” she observes. “Especially in this era of the dawning of deeper recognition of indigenous peoples and their heritage, this as yet unfamiliar but universal coming-of-age story is resonant and relevant to youth of any culture.”

PRAISE

“This adventure story is riveting from start to finish and the action keeps coming. The ending, though sad because it’s a true story, was very uplifting and inspiring. A very satisfying audiobook experience.”

-Amazon

Listen to a sample of the audiobook here:

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Rocks-Rainbows-Adventures-Opukahaia/dp/B08S58DNKW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2250DQNT6KKE5&dchild=1&keywords=black+rocks+and+rainbows&qid=1617483025&sprefix=black+rocks+and+rainbows%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-1

And here:

https://soundcloud.com/user-158936241/black-rocks-and-rainbows














Suzanne Ford is an actress and writer working in film, television, and theatre. She has performed in more than 100 stage productions in New York and Los Angeles, on tour and in regional theatres around the country. Her many film credits include the Duplass Brothers’ recent hit Manson Family Vacation; You, Me and Dupree and The Apparition, and she has appeared on such television shows as Grace and Frankie, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal MindsIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Friends. She has been an advertising copywriter, has written a biography of Mel Gibson, screenplays, and cookbooks, and has ghostwritten memoirs. She and her husband live in the Hollywood Hills.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK







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My Take: This was a great audio book based on the life of Opukahaia. He watched his parents murdered and then had to go live with the tribe that killed his parents. His Uncle found out that he was alive and then took over his upbringing. He became a cabin boy and then went to school. He met life on his terms and not on others. He went to Yale and taught others about his homeland. Suzanne Ford did a wonderful job as the audiobook narrator. I received a review copy of the audiobook of this book from Pump Up Your Book Tours and was not required to write a positive review.

Monday, August 9, 2021

With Neighbors Like These :An HOA Mystery by Linda Lovely

With Neighbors Like These

by Linda Lovely

July 12 - August 6, 2021 Tour

Synopsis:

With Neighbors Like These by Linda Lovely

MANAGING AN HOA IS MURDER…

He championed shooting deer inside the HOA’s nature sanctuary. Now his corpse is posed curbside, cradling a trophy deer head. The theatrical murder panics residents, and Ted Welch asks Kylee Kane, retired Coast Guard investigator, to help his HOA management firm calm fears. Kylee agrees. Her own mother is getting death threats over her crusade to protect the deer.

HOA=DOA TERROR REIGNS…

When a belligerent owner in another HOA is murdered, terror reigns. The Sheriff’s Department blames Ted for letting HOA feuds spiral into homicide. Kylee discovers links between the victims and suspects a recently-pardoned general is next. Authorities and the arrogant general dismiss her warning. Can she foil the third act in the crafty killer’s death-as-theater game or will she be the next corpse on display?

Praise for With Neighbors Like These:

"Linda Lovely delivers another twisty mystery with the perfect mix of wry humor and quirky characters. Anyone looking for a fun, fast page-turner, here it is!"
--Tami Hoag, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“HOA communities seem deceptively safe, but the mix of gossip and politics in rule-bound groups can be a fertile breeding ground for murder. For the gutsy Kylee Kane, a fact-finding gig in South Carolina’s Lowcountry turns increasingly complex and dangerous. With Neighbors Like These offers a distinctive setting, a tenacious female sleuth and captivating suspense.”
--Katherine Ramsland, bestselling author of How to Catch a Killer

"Low Country murder, intrigue, and even a little romance abound in With Neighbors Like These. Kylee Kane is a welcome addition to the genre, and author Linda Lovely knows how to stir the pot with crackling dialogue and a tidy little mystery. Highly recommended!"
--Richard Helms, Derringer and Thriller Awards winning author of Brittle Karma

Book Details:

Genre:Traditional Mystery
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: July 13th 2021
Number of Pages: 326
ISBN: 9781953789457
Series: HOA Mystery Series, Book 1
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

ONE

Kylee Kane
Friday, September 25, 6:30 p.m.

“Mom, are we eating at the kitchen table?”

Silence.

Not again.

I look outside. Mom’s standing by the mailbox, tugging on the blue stocking cap that keeps her nearly-bald head warm.

Crap. I said I’d get the mail. She’s a stubborn old cuss. While her skin now looks like wrinkle-mapped parchment, those cagey blue eyes still flash.

Mom stops midway to the house to read something. A postcard? She looks up. Her expression is one I rarely see. Fear? Distress? Definitely bad news.

Ted’s Mustang pulls into the drive, and Mom stuffs whatever worried her into a pocket. Ted jumps out, and Mom’s thin arms embrace him.

Thirty years ago, Ted was my kid brother’s pimpled, bratty best friend, a snot-nosed pest. Last year, when we met up again in the Lowcountry, I couldn’t believe it. These days he could model for GQ. A lot happens when decades pass between sightings.

I open the front door. Mom’s slightly out of breath as Ted helps her up the stairs. While her cancer’s in retreat, chemo has taken a toll.

Ted glances my way and grins.

“Hi, Kylee. See you’re still having trouble getting your mother to behave. Bet you long for those Coast Guard days when you could give orders and know they’d be obeyed.”

“Yep, some days I’m sorry I retired,” I answer.

Mom waves her hand like she’s shooing flies. “Let’s talk about something interesting. Ted, what do you hear from your son?”

“Grant’s great, sends lots of love. Says your care package made life worth living last week. Freshman year’s tough at the Citadel.”

At six-feet, Ted towers over my five-foot-two mother. Though he’s forty-seven, three years my junior, only a hint of silver threads his thick black hair. His hazel eyes seem to change color with his mood or maybe it’s just the light. Tonight, they’re green.

Ted looks worried as he studies Mom. He was eight when his own mother died. After that Mom included him in all our family activities. He loves Mom as much as I do.

During our kitchen table dinner, he regales us with tales of HOA intrigue to lift Mom’s spirits. Since his management company has more than a dozen homeowner associations as clients, his supply of stories seems endless.

“Once upon a time, there were three neighbors,” he begins. “RulesALot is convinced his neighbor, DoggyDo, is harboring three mutts, one more than the two-pet-per-household limit. Since he can’t see over his hedge to prove it, RulesALot launches a spy drone. A pilot he’s not. His drone crashes in ToplessTina’s backyard, who’s suing him as a Peeping Tom. Of course, there’s only one question on every male owner’s mind: Did the drone snap photos of Tina’s tatas before it nosedived?”

Ted’s eyebrows wiggle up and down, and Mom laughs. “Your HOA stories are certainly entertaining.”

“Believe me, the stories are a lot funnier if you’re not expected to wade into the middle of the skirmishes. Never dreamed HOAs would be tougher to manage than U.S. embassies on hostile soil.”

Mom fiddles with her napkin. “Speaking of neighborhood feuds, I have a confession. I figured you’d be scolding me by now, Ted, since you manage our HOA …”

Ted and I look at each other. Uh oh.

“What did you do?” Ted asks.

“I told the moron Hullis Island directors I’ll sue if they don’t let us vote on what happens to our deer. Emailed copies to all 1,123 owners.”

I reach across the table and squeeze Mom’s hand. Though I agree with her, she needs to focus on regaining strength, not leading a crusade. “Oh, Mom, kicking over a hornets’ nest isn’t part of your cancer recovery regimen.”

Mom’s eyes narrow. “Hey, everyone else bitched and nothing happened. Figured a lawsuit threat might make their little sphincters tighten, and they’d pay attention.”

Mom switches to a fake, shaky geezer voice. “I’m a little old lady, their nightmare plaintiff. Who’s going to go off on some sick, elderly lady?”

Ted’s eyebrows lift. “Exactly what did your email say?”

“Told ’em their plan to shoot our almost-tame deer with no vote on who, what, when, or how was plain wrong. Hullis Island is a nature sanctuary. They can’t unilaterally declare an open hunting season without an island vote to change our covenants.”

Ted shakes his head. “Myrt, I told the board the same thing, though a bit more diplomatically. The directors sided with Cliff, the board president, and his expert, some lawyer drinking buddy, who found a no-vote loophole after they’d tipped a few.”

He shrugs. “Welch HOA Management offers advice, but we’re hired help. Clients call the shots.”

“What loophole?” I butt in. “Don’t the covenants require a vote on any change to the island’s status as a nature sanctuary?”

Ted nods. “Cliff’s citing a provision that allows killing protected animals if they pose a threat to human life.”

I roll my eyes. “What? They say zombie deer are preparing to ambush humans? That exception allows trapping rabid raccoons or aggressive alligators, not shooting starving deer.”

“I cornered Barb Darrin, a director I thought had sense,” Mom says. “Her justification? Deer carry ticks, a health hazard, and they can crash into golf carts.”

Mom sighs. “Everyone agrees the herd’s out of control. Doesn’t give these arrogant SOBs the right to sanction a Wild West killing spree. Sure as shoot, some bozo will mistake a human or a big dog for a deer and fire away. You won’t be able to throw a rock without hitting some guy in camo with a high-powered rifle.”

Ted taps his spoon against his coffee mug. “Myrt, what aren’t you telling us?”

“Well…” She shrugs. “Seems one wannabe deer killer has no qualms about threatening old ladies.” She pulls the crumpled card from the pocket of her baggy sweater. “Found this love note in my mailbox.”

Good grief. That’s what she stuffed in her pocket.

Ted snatches what looks like some movie-maker’s idea of a ransom note. Black-and-white newsprint cut and pasted on a postcard.

“What a nice closing line.” Ted reads, “‘It’s time us hunters declare open season on diseased deer and busybody bitches like Myrtle Kane.’” He turns the card over to look at the front. “Did this come in an envelope?”

“No, just lying in the box.”

“Mom! This is dangerous. Either I’m moving back in with you or you’re coming to live with me.”

“Nonsense,” she scoffs. “It’s pure bluster. Took a year to convince you I’m healthy enough to live alone. Anyway, I get seasick just thinking about sleeping on your boat. No-sir-ee, you can’t dynamite me out of this house.”

Ted raises his palm in a hold-it gesture. “Myrt, do you think Dan Finley pasted this up?”

She shakes her head. “While I’m convinced he’s our Grass Slayer, it’s not his MO to cut up newsprint and issue threats. More his style to use that big commercial sprayer of his to ruin the Quaids’ lawn tonight.”

I frown. “The Quaids who live cattycorner? What does Finley have against them?”

“They’re one of the couples leading the ‘Save Bambi’ drive.”

“But why would Finley do something tonight?”

“The Quaids are in Savannah for their son’s wedding,” Mom answers.

Ted sets down his mug. “You may be right about Finley seizing the opportunity.”

Mom chimes in. “The deer have cost him big bucks. The poor starving creatures devour plants like I eat chocolates. Plants he’s guaranteed. His nursery and landscaping business is hurting. He blames folks like the Quaids, who put out buckets of corn to keep the deer alive.”

“Last week, herbicide messages were left on the lawns of two other deer lovers who were out of town,” Ted adds. “Dead yellow grass shows up quite nicely against a field of green Bermuda blades.”

“What kind of messages?” I ask.

Mom shrugs. “One lawn read, ‘Up yours!’ He was more artistic on the other lawn, drew a fist with an extended middle finger.”

I laugh in spite of my worries that Finley might be Mom’s new enemy.

Mom purses her lips. “Sure, it sounds like juvenile hijinks, but the anger’s palpable. Folks who golfed or played bridge together no longer speak. That’s why I’m adamant we need a vote. Then, win or lose, everyone has a say, and we can move on. It’s called democracy.”

“Speaking of democracy, I propose a kitchen vote,” Ted says. “All in favor of Kylee and me staking out the Quaids’ yard tonight raise your hands. That overgrown lot across the street offers a view of their place. Maybe we can catch Dan Finley at work.”

While I’m skeptical a one-night stakeout will succeed, that vacant lot also offers a perfect view of Mom’s mailbox. And I’m all for hanging around to catch anyone delivering hate mail.

Ted and I raise our hands. Mom harrumphs.

“Just what will you do if Dan Finley does drop by?” she asks.

“Video him doing the evil deed.” Ted smiles. “My new phone takes excellent photos in low light.”

Mom grumbles, but won’t argue with our kitchen table vote, a Kane family tradition.

“Just when do you intend to sneak off in the woods?”

Ted glances at his watch. “Say an hour? I doubt Finley would chance a drive-by while folks are still drifting home from dinner at the club.”

“Good. I’ll change into some old clothes and sneakers I left here before I was evicted.”

Ted looks ready for a Southern Living picture shoot in his tan chinos, button-down shirt, and polished loafers. “You sacrificing your HOA meeting duds for this outing?”

His hazel eyes twinkle. “Nope,” Ted answers. “I was a Boy Scout. Your dad, our scoutmaster, taught us well. I have running clothes in the trunk.”

***

Excerpt from With Neighbors Like These by Linda Lovely. Copyright 2021 by Linda Lovely. Reproduced with permission from Linda Lovely. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Linda Lovely

A journalism major in college, Linda Lovely has spent most of her career working in PR and advertising—an early introduction to penning fiction. With Neighbors Like These is Lovely’s ninth mystery/suspense novel. Whether she’s writing cozy mysteries, historical suspense or contemporary thrillers, her novels share one common element—smart, independent heroines. Humor and romance also sneak into every manuscript. Her work has earned nominations for a number of prestigious awards, ranging from RWA’s Golden Heart for Romantic Suspense to Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion for Best Cozy Mystery. A long-time member of Sisters in Crime and former chapter president, Lovely also belongs to International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. For many years, she helped organize the Writers’ Police Academy. She lives on a lake in Upstate South Carolina with her husband, and enjoys swimming, tennis, gardening, long walks, and, of course, reading.

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My Take: This is the first mystery I have read that was based on an HOA (Home Owners Association). After a murder occurs when a vocal resident on saving the island deer is found murdered on his front lawn with a stuffed deer head. Kylie is convinced by her old friend to become a security consultant. She must get to the bottom of this and other issues That comes up for the HOA. I have never lived in a place that is governed by an HOA nor would I want to but I was very intersted in a mystery that involved one. I found this mystery very good and was very interested in how it all worked out. I received a review copy of this book from Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours and was not required to write a positive review.