Book Watch: The Zombie Game by Glenn Shepard

We're thrilled to be hosting Glenn Shepard's THE ZOMBIE GAME Blog Tour today! Please leave a comment to let him know you stopped by!



About the Book:

Title: The Zombie Game
Author: Glenn Shepard
Publisher: Mystery House
Pages: 335
Genre: Thriller

ISIS terrorists are plotting to kill the Pope during his visit to America.

Their plan: Hijack a hospital ship in Haiti, convert it to a missile launcher, and cruise into Miami Harbor, unnoticed.

Their only obstacle: Dr. Scott James is a volunteer on the ship, and he’s recruited a squad of Haitian zombies to stop the attack. But nothing adds up … until the last seven minutes.

MEET JAKJAK, DEAD MAN
Jacques Jacobo, “Jakjak,” is the Haitian Finance Minister’s personal bodyguard. He’s just taken two bullets in the chest trying to stop an assassination attempt on his boss.

DR. SCOTT JAMES, TARGET
Dr. Scott James is a volunteer surgeon on a hospital ship anchored off the coast of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. He’s got his share of personal demons.

OMAR FAROK, MASTERMIND
Omar Farok wants to rule ISIS, and the world. He’s just taken over the hospital ship and converted it into a launch platform for a nuclear strike on Miami.

SANFIA, VODOUN BOKOR
Sanfia is the most powerful Vodoun priestess in Haiti. Omar Farok will pay her big money to turn Dr. James into a zombie.

ELIZABETH, THE WILDCARD
Beautiful Elizabeth is one of the most notorious freelance operatives in the world. She’s come to Haiti to defuse the bomb.

They’re all about to play The Zombie Game.

For More Information

  • The Zombie Game is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.


Book Excerpt:

The Streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

June, 2014

10:01 p.m.

JAKJAK, THE CHAUFFEUR, PEERED through the windshield of the black Mercedes sedan, looking for danger. Haiti could be a bad place after dark. Killings, kidnappings, and armed robbery were common. Police protection was almost nonexistent in Port-au-Prince. Not only was Jakjak a driver, but he was also his employer’s bodyguard.
It had been more than four years since the terrible earthquake had destroyed the country, but massive piles of rubble remained. Jakjak dodged broken stones that had spilled onto the road from the high rows of demolished cement blocks lining the streets, and then suddenly a black cat jumped out in front of the Mercedes.
Jakjak stomped on the brakes but heard the thump of the animal striking the bottom of the car. Slamming to a halt, he looked back to see the dead cat lying in the middle of the road. His heart beat faster and he began to sweat. His mother had warned him of this. She was a Mambo, a Vodoun priestess with strong powers. According to Jakjak’s religion—Petro Vodou—the spirit embodied in black cats, Iwa, grew angry and vindictive toward those who brought him harm.
Jakjak felt through his black suit coat to reassure himself that his .45 was in the holster strapped to his chest. He was a young thirty-eight, muscular from his daily workouts with heavy weights, and imposing at six-foot-two and 220 pounds.
But killing the cat made his large hands shake.
Jakjak turned to the three men in the back seat. “Mal se nan lé a. Evil is in the air. We must turn back.”
Julien Duran answered, “No, Jakjak. Drive on.”
“Please, sir. Listen to me. No good will come of tonight’s meeting. I feel the spirit of the cat on me. We have angered him.”
Duran cleared his throat. At forty-eight, Duran was tall and thin, with prematurely gray hair. He wore a white suit, white tie with a diamond stickpin, and a heavily starched white shirt with gold cuff links and mother-of-pearl inlays. Jakjak had worked for him for twenty years, since Duran had returned from his economics studies at Yale, and law school at the University of Virginia. After only two years in a prestigious law firm in Port-au-Prince, Duran had been offered a government job as Assistant Minister of Finance, where his work gained him frequent promotions. In 2010, after the quake, he reached the top. He was made Minister of Finance.
Duran, sitting in the back of the Mercedes between his two assistant ministers, leaned toward his driver and said, “Jakjak, I respect your beliefs, but regardless of what your intuition tells you, I must go to this meeting. Charles Roche is a billionaire. I can’t keep him waiting.”
“Men lé a. But the hour ... Hooligans now rule the streets at night. The spirits say we are in danger.”
Duran folded his arms as he sat back. “Tonight, Roche is choosing between giving financial aid to Haiti or Chile for earthquake damages. I don’t want Chile to be the one to take his money.”
A few minutes later, the Mercedes cruised past the once opulent building of the Ministry of Finance. The white columns and mahogany doors had all been bulldozed after the great building had stood for months as an uninhabited ghost structure. The marble and white cement that was once a palace now lay in ruins.
Jakjak continued a short way and then parked in front of the temporary housing units that were still used from time to time as offices for the Ministry. Piles of debris covered most of the parking spaces, so Jakjak was forced to park the Mercedes a good distance away. In the aftermath of the quake, the Minister and his two assistants were used to this kind of thing. Jakjak got out, briskly opened the car doors for his passengers, and then he escorted Duran and his two assistants to the office.
The visiting group consisted of three officials and two bodyguards. They were waiting at the door of the main temporary building. Jakjak unlocked it and ushered them in.
One of the bodyguards saw Jakjak’s .45 bulging against his coat and stopped him at the door. “No guns.”
Jakjak placed his hand over his gun. “Non, Mesye. I won’t give up my gun.”
“Then no meeting.”
Duran went to Jakjak’s side. “Check these men for weapons and then wait outside.”
The five visitors raised their hands as Jakjak patted them down.
Jakjak turned to Duran. “I cannot leave you.”
“I’ll be fine. Stay in the car. I’ll be out shortly.”
Asthe other men made their way to the conference room, Jakjak returned to the Mercedes. But his hands began to shake. He closed his eyes. He saw the cat’s eyes; they were in the face of the devil.
The introductions were brief. The central figure was a lawyer Duran had known for years, Virgil Baccus. Baccus was the attorney for billionaire Charles Roche. He was a portly man who practiced law in St. John and often worked with foreign clients. After shaking Duran’s hand, Baccus took his seat. Duran’s heart beat fast as he thought about Baccus. He had a reputation for representing men who created their wealth by embezzling corporate funds.
To Baccus’ right was a six-foot, muscular man dressed in black; to his left was another tall, muscular man, also dressed in a black suit. The two bodyguards stood by the door. Duran recognized all the men as being from St. John and St. Croix.
Baccus spoke up immediately. “Well, I have good news. Mr. Roche has already decided to give his money to your country. I bring a check from him for five hundred million dollars.”
Baccus removed a check from an envelope and handed it to Duran.
Duran looked at the check and smiled. At the conference table were his assistants, Antoine Gabriel and Hugon Cheval. Both were small and thin. Gabriel wore wire-rimmed eyeglasses. Both men were dressed in black suits and black ties.
Duran showed the check to Gabriel and Cheval. Both smiled and nodded their heads in appreciation.
Duran turned to Baccus. “Please extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Roche. This will be incredibly helpful in rebuilding Haiti.”
“Indeed.” As they stood and shook hands, Baccus said, “Mr. Roche would appreciate the check being deposited right away so we can begin to allot money for building projects here on your island.”
Duran withdrew his hand. “We?”
“Yes. My client of course expects to have a say in the distribution of his generous gift.”
Baccus handed a ten-page contract to Duran.
Duran put on reading glasses and spread the papers in front of his men. His smile turned to a frown. Cheval pointed to an item on page one and shook his head. Gabriel pointed to two lines and then a third. Duran put his finger on a paragraph on another page. The three men raised their heads and locked eyes with Baccus.
Duran, looking over his glasses, asked, “Is this some sort of joke? You’re proposing we have your client serve on the board, my board, and have veto powers over everything, including my authority?”
“That seems only fair. My client has good insights into the needs of your country. He pledges to restore Haiti to an even better state than it was before the quake. But he must be in charge of the relief effort.”
“We’ll gladly accept his money, but I’ll never agree to turning over control of the funds to outsiders,” Duran said.
“You have twenty-four hours to sign these papers, or else we will withdraw all our funds.”
“We don’t need more time. My associates and I are in agreement. The answer is no. This meeting is over.”
The two bodyguards moved quickly from the door, just as Baccus broke open his briefcase. Passing by, single file, the guards reached in and removed two, tiny, .22-caliber pistols, each fitted with a silencer as hefty as a beer can.
Baccus spoke. “That is unfortunate. However, there is still time to change your vote to our favor.” He looked coldly at Duran’s assistants. “Mr. Gabriel?”
Gabriel trembled as one of the guards raised his custom-fitted gun to the terrified man’s head.
But Gabriel’s answer was firm. “No.”
About the Author


Glenn Shepard’s first novel, Surge, was written while he was still a surgical resident at Vanderbilt. In the following years he wrote The Hart Virus, a one-thousand-page epic about the AIDS crisis, as well as three other novels. In 2012, he created “Dr. Scott James,” his Fugitive-like action-hero. The first volume of the series was The Missile Game, followed shortly afterward by The Zombie Game. Born on a farm in eastern Virginia, Dr. Shepard lives and maintains a thriving surgical practice in Williamsburg.

Visit Glenn’s website at www.glennshepardauthor.com.

We're thrilled to be hosting Glenn Shepard's THE ZOMBIE GAME Blog Tour today! Please leave a comment to let him know you stopped by!



About the Book:

Title: The Zombie Game
Author: Glenn Shepard
Publisher: Mystery House
Pages: 335
Genre: Thriller

ISIS terrorists are plotting to kill the Pope during his visit to America.

Their plan: Hijack a hospital ship in Haiti, convert it to a missile launcher, and cruise into Miami Harbor, unnoticed.

Their only obstacle: Dr. Scott James is a volunteer on the ship, and he’s recruited a squad of Haitian zombies to stop the attack. But nothing adds up … until the last seven minutes.

MEET JAKJAK, DEAD MAN
Jacques Jacobo, “Jakjak,” is the Haitian Finance Minister’s personal bodyguard. He’s just taken two bullets in the chest trying to stop an assassination attempt on his boss.

DR. SCOTT JAMES, TARGET
Dr. Scott James is a volunteer surgeon on a hospital ship anchored off the coast of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. He’s got his share of personal demons.

OMAR FAROK, MASTERMIND
Omar Farok wants to rule ISIS, and the world. He’s just taken over the hospital ship and converted it into a launch platform for a nuclear strike on Miami.

SANFIA, VODOUN BOKOR
Sanfia is the most powerful Vodoun priestess in Haiti. Omar Farok will pay her big money to turn Dr. James into a zombie.

ELIZABETH, THE WILDCARD
Beautiful Elizabeth is one of the most notorious freelance operatives in the world. She’s come to Haiti to defuse the bomb.

They’re all about to play The Zombie Game.

For More Information

  • The Zombie Game is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.


Book Excerpt:

The Streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

June, 2014

10:01 p.m.

JAKJAK, THE CHAUFFEUR, PEERED through the windshield of the black Mercedes sedan, looking for danger. Haiti could be a bad place after dark. Killings, kidnappings, and armed robbery were common. Police protection was almost nonexistent in Port-au-Prince. Not only was Jakjak a driver, but he was also his employer’s bodyguard.
It had been more than four years since the terrible earthquake had destroyed the country, but massive piles of rubble remained. Jakjak dodged broken stones that had spilled onto the road from the high rows of demolished cement blocks lining the streets, and then suddenly a black cat jumped out in front of the Mercedes.
Jakjak stomped on the brakes but heard the thump of the animal striking the bottom of the car. Slamming to a halt, he looked back to see the dead cat lying in the middle of the road. His heart beat faster and he began to sweat. His mother had warned him of this. She was a Mambo, a Vodoun priestess with strong powers. According to Jakjak’s religion—Petro Vodou—the spirit embodied in black cats, Iwa, grew angry and vindictive toward those who brought him harm.
Jakjak felt through his black suit coat to reassure himself that his .45 was in the holster strapped to his chest. He was a young thirty-eight, muscular from his daily workouts with heavy weights, and imposing at six-foot-two and 220 pounds.
But killing the cat made his large hands shake.
Jakjak turned to the three men in the back seat. “Mal se nan lé a. Evil is in the air. We must turn back.”
Julien Duran answered, “No, Jakjak. Drive on.”
“Please, sir. Listen to me. No good will come of tonight’s meeting. I feel the spirit of the cat on me. We have angered him.”
Duran cleared his throat. At forty-eight, Duran was tall and thin, with prematurely gray hair. He wore a white suit, white tie with a diamond stickpin, and a heavily starched white shirt with gold cuff links and mother-of-pearl inlays. Jakjak had worked for him for twenty years, since Duran had returned from his economics studies at Yale, and law school at the University of Virginia. After only two years in a prestigious law firm in Port-au-Prince, Duran had been offered a government job as Assistant Minister of Finance, where his work gained him frequent promotions. In 2010, after the quake, he reached the top. He was made Minister of Finance.
Duran, sitting in the back of the Mercedes between his two assistant ministers, leaned toward his driver and said, “Jakjak, I respect your beliefs, but regardless of what your intuition tells you, I must go to this meeting. Charles Roche is a billionaire. I can’t keep him waiting.”
“Men lé a. But the hour ... Hooligans now rule the streets at night. The spirits say we are in danger.”
Duran folded his arms as he sat back. “Tonight, Roche is choosing between giving financial aid to Haiti or Chile for earthquake damages. I don’t want Chile to be the one to take his money.”
A few minutes later, the Mercedes cruised past the once opulent building of the Ministry of Finance. The white columns and mahogany doors had all been bulldozed after the great building had stood for months as an uninhabited ghost structure. The marble and white cement that was once a palace now lay in ruins.
Jakjak continued a short way and then parked in front of the temporary housing units that were still used from time to time as offices for the Ministry. Piles of debris covered most of the parking spaces, so Jakjak was forced to park the Mercedes a good distance away. In the aftermath of the quake, the Minister and his two assistants were used to this kind of thing. Jakjak got out, briskly opened the car doors for his passengers, and then he escorted Duran and his two assistants to the office.
The visiting group consisted of three officials and two bodyguards. They were waiting at the door of the main temporary building. Jakjak unlocked it and ushered them in.
One of the bodyguards saw Jakjak’s .45 bulging against his coat and stopped him at the door. “No guns.”
Jakjak placed his hand over his gun. “Non, Mesye. I won’t give up my gun.”
“Then no meeting.”
Duran went to Jakjak’s side. “Check these men for weapons and then wait outside.”
The five visitors raised their hands as Jakjak patted them down.
Jakjak turned to Duran. “I cannot leave you.”
“I’ll be fine. Stay in the car. I’ll be out shortly.”
Asthe other men made their way to the conference room, Jakjak returned to the Mercedes. But his hands began to shake. He closed his eyes. He saw the cat’s eyes; they were in the face of the devil.
The introductions were brief. The central figure was a lawyer Duran had known for years, Virgil Baccus. Baccus was the attorney for billionaire Charles Roche. He was a portly man who practiced law in St. John and often worked with foreign clients. After shaking Duran’s hand, Baccus took his seat. Duran’s heart beat fast as he thought about Baccus. He had a reputation for representing men who created their wealth by embezzling corporate funds.
To Baccus’ right was a six-foot, muscular man dressed in black; to his left was another tall, muscular man, also dressed in a black suit. The two bodyguards stood by the door. Duran recognized all the men as being from St. John and St. Croix.
Baccus spoke up immediately. “Well, I have good news. Mr. Roche has already decided to give his money to your country. I bring a check from him for five hundred million dollars.”
Baccus removed a check from an envelope and handed it to Duran.
Duran looked at the check and smiled. At the conference table were his assistants, Antoine Gabriel and Hugon Cheval. Both were small and thin. Gabriel wore wire-rimmed eyeglasses. Both men were dressed in black suits and black ties.
Duran showed the check to Gabriel and Cheval. Both smiled and nodded their heads in appreciation.
Duran turned to Baccus. “Please extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Roche. This will be incredibly helpful in rebuilding Haiti.”
“Indeed.” As they stood and shook hands, Baccus said, “Mr. Roche would appreciate the check being deposited right away so we can begin to allot money for building projects here on your island.”
Duran withdrew his hand. “We?”
“Yes. My client of course expects to have a say in the distribution of his generous gift.”
Baccus handed a ten-page contract to Duran.
Duran put on reading glasses and spread the papers in front of his men. His smile turned to a frown. Cheval pointed to an item on page one and shook his head. Gabriel pointed to two lines and then a third. Duran put his finger on a paragraph on another page. The three men raised their heads and locked eyes with Baccus.
Duran, looking over his glasses, asked, “Is this some sort of joke? You’re proposing we have your client serve on the board, my board, and have veto powers over everything, including my authority?”
“That seems only fair. My client has good insights into the needs of your country. He pledges to restore Haiti to an even better state than it was before the quake. But he must be in charge of the relief effort.”
“We’ll gladly accept his money, but I’ll never agree to turning over control of the funds to outsiders,” Duran said.
“You have twenty-four hours to sign these papers, or else we will withdraw all our funds.”
“We don’t need more time. My associates and I are in agreement. The answer is no. This meeting is over.”
The two bodyguards moved quickly from the door, just as Baccus broke open his briefcase. Passing by, single file, the guards reached in and removed two, tiny, .22-caliber pistols, each fitted with a silencer as hefty as a beer can.
Baccus spoke. “That is unfortunate. However, there is still time to change your vote to our favor.” He looked coldly at Duran’s assistants. “Mr. Gabriel?”
Gabriel trembled as one of the guards raised his custom-fitted gun to the terrified man’s head.
But Gabriel’s answer was firm. “No.”
About the Author


Glenn Shepard’s first novel, Surge, was written while he was still a surgical resident at Vanderbilt. In the following years he wrote The Hart Virus, a one-thousand-page epic about the AIDS crisis, as well as three other novels. In 2012, he created “Dr. Scott James,” his Fugitive-like action-hero. The first volume of the series was The Missile Game, followed shortly afterward by The Zombie Game. Born on a farm in eastern Virginia, Dr. Shepard lives and maintains a thriving surgical practice in Williamsburg.

Visit Glenn’s website at www.glennshepardauthor.com.

We're thrilled to be hosting Glenn Shepard's THE ZOMBIE GAME Blog Tour today! Please leave a comment to let him know you stopped by!



About the Book:

Title: The Zombie Game
Author: Glenn Shepard
Publisher: Mystery House
Pages: 335
Genre: Thriller

ISIS terrorists are plotting to kill the Pope during his visit to America.

Their plan: Hijack a hospital ship in Haiti, convert it to a missile launcher, and cruise into Miami Harbor, unnoticed.

Their only obstacle: Dr. Scott James is a volunteer on the ship, and he’s recruited a squad of Haitian zombies to stop the attack. But nothing adds up … until the last seven minutes.

MEET JAKJAK, DEAD MAN
Jacques Jacobo, “Jakjak,” is the Haitian Finance Minister’s personal bodyguard. He’s just taken two bullets in the chest trying to stop an assassination attempt on his boss.

DR. SCOTT JAMES, TARGET
Dr. Scott James is a volunteer surgeon on a hospital ship anchored off the coast of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. He’s got his share of personal demons.

OMAR FAROK, MASTERMIND
Omar Farok wants to rule ISIS, and the world. He’s just taken over the hospital ship and converted it into a launch platform for a nuclear strike on Miami.

SANFIA, VODOUN BOKOR
Sanfia is the most powerful Vodoun priestess in Haiti. Omar Farok will pay her big money to turn Dr. James into a zombie.

ELIZABETH, THE WILDCARD
Beautiful Elizabeth is one of the most notorious freelance operatives in the world. She’s come to Haiti to defuse the bomb.

They’re all about to play The Zombie Game.

For More Information

  • The Zombie Game is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.


Book Excerpt:

The Streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

June, 2014

10:01 p.m.

JAKJAK, THE CHAUFFEUR, PEERED through the windshield of the black Mercedes sedan, looking for danger. Haiti could be a bad place after dark. Killings, kidnappings, and armed robbery were common. Police protection was almost nonexistent in Port-au-Prince. Not only was Jakjak a driver, but he was also his employer’s bodyguard.
It had been more than four years since the terrible earthquake had destroyed the country, but massive piles of rubble remained. Jakjak dodged broken stones that had spilled onto the road from the high rows of demolished cement blocks lining the streets, and then suddenly a black cat jumped out in front of the Mercedes.
Jakjak stomped on the brakes but heard the thump of the animal striking the bottom of the car. Slamming to a halt, he looked back to see the dead cat lying in the middle of the road. His heart beat faster and he began to sweat. His mother had warned him of this. She was a Mambo, a Vodoun priestess with strong powers. According to Jakjak’s religion—Petro Vodou—the spirit embodied in black cats, Iwa, grew angry and vindictive toward those who brought him harm.
Jakjak felt through his black suit coat to reassure himself that his .45 was in the holster strapped to his chest. He was a young thirty-eight, muscular from his daily workouts with heavy weights, and imposing at six-foot-two and 220 pounds.
But killing the cat made his large hands shake.
Jakjak turned to the three men in the back seat. “Mal se nan lé a. Evil is in the air. We must turn back.”
Julien Duran answered, “No, Jakjak. Drive on.”
“Please, sir. Listen to me. No good will come of tonight’s meeting. I feel the spirit of the cat on me. We have angered him.”
Duran cleared his throat. At forty-eight, Duran was tall and thin, with prematurely gray hair. He wore a white suit, white tie with a diamond stickpin, and a heavily starched white shirt with gold cuff links and mother-of-pearl inlays. Jakjak had worked for him for twenty years, since Duran had returned from his economics studies at Yale, and law school at the University of Virginia. After only two years in a prestigious law firm in Port-au-Prince, Duran had been offered a government job as Assistant Minister of Finance, where his work gained him frequent promotions. In 2010, after the quake, he reached the top. He was made Minister of Finance.
Duran, sitting in the back of the Mercedes between his two assistant ministers, leaned toward his driver and said, “Jakjak, I respect your beliefs, but regardless of what your intuition tells you, I must go to this meeting. Charles Roche is a billionaire. I can’t keep him waiting.”
“Men lé a. But the hour ... Hooligans now rule the streets at night. The spirits say we are in danger.”
Duran folded his arms as he sat back. “Tonight, Roche is choosing between giving financial aid to Haiti or Chile for earthquake damages. I don’t want Chile to be the one to take his money.”
A few minutes later, the Mercedes cruised past the once opulent building of the Ministry of Finance. The white columns and mahogany doors had all been bulldozed after the great building had stood for months as an uninhabited ghost structure. The marble and white cement that was once a palace now lay in ruins.
Jakjak continued a short way and then parked in front of the temporary housing units that were still used from time to time as offices for the Ministry. Piles of debris covered most of the parking spaces, so Jakjak was forced to park the Mercedes a good distance away. In the aftermath of the quake, the Minister and his two assistants were used to this kind of thing. Jakjak got out, briskly opened the car doors for his passengers, and then he escorted Duran and his two assistants to the office.
The visiting group consisted of three officials and two bodyguards. They were waiting at the door of the main temporary building. Jakjak unlocked it and ushered them in.
One of the bodyguards saw Jakjak’s .45 bulging against his coat and stopped him at the door. “No guns.”
Jakjak placed his hand over his gun. “Non, Mesye. I won’t give up my gun.”
“Then no meeting.”
Duran went to Jakjak’s side. “Check these men for weapons and then wait outside.”
The five visitors raised their hands as Jakjak patted them down.
Jakjak turned to Duran. “I cannot leave you.”
“I’ll be fine. Stay in the car. I’ll be out shortly.”
Asthe other men made their way to the conference room, Jakjak returned to the Mercedes. But his hands began to shake. He closed his eyes. He saw the cat’s eyes; they were in the face of the devil.
The introductions were brief. The central figure was a lawyer Duran had known for years, Virgil Baccus. Baccus was the attorney for billionaire Charles Roche. He was a portly man who practiced law in St. John and often worked with foreign clients. After shaking Duran’s hand, Baccus took his seat. Duran’s heart beat fast as he thought about Baccus. He had a reputation for representing men who created their wealth by embezzling corporate funds.
To Baccus’ right was a six-foot, muscular man dressed in black; to his left was another tall, muscular man, also dressed in a black suit. The two bodyguards stood by the door. Duran recognized all the men as being from St. John and St. Croix.
Baccus spoke up immediately. “Well, I have good news. Mr. Roche has already decided to give his money to your country. I bring a check from him for five hundred million dollars.”
Baccus removed a check from an envelope and handed it to Duran.
Duran looked at the check and smiled. At the conference table were his assistants, Antoine Gabriel and Hugon Cheval. Both were small and thin. Gabriel wore wire-rimmed eyeglasses. Both men were dressed in black suits and black ties.
Duran showed the check to Gabriel and Cheval. Both smiled and nodded their heads in appreciation.
Duran turned to Baccus. “Please extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Roche. This will be incredibly helpful in rebuilding Haiti.”
“Indeed.” As they stood and shook hands, Baccus said, “Mr. Roche would appreciate the check being deposited right away so we can begin to allot money for building projects here on your island.”
Duran withdrew his hand. “We?”
“Yes. My client of course expects to have a say in the distribution of his generous gift.”
Baccus handed a ten-page contract to Duran.
Duran put on reading glasses and spread the papers in front of his men. His smile turned to a frown. Cheval pointed to an item on page one and shook his head. Gabriel pointed to two lines and then a third. Duran put his finger on a paragraph on another page. The three men raised their heads and locked eyes with Baccus.
Duran, looking over his glasses, asked, “Is this some sort of joke? You’re proposing we have your client serve on the board, my board, and have veto powers over everything, including my authority?”
“That seems only fair. My client has good insights into the needs of your country. He pledges to restore Haiti to an even better state than it was before the quake. But he must be in charge of the relief effort.”
“We’ll gladly accept his money, but I’ll never agree to turning over control of the funds to outsiders,” Duran said.
“You have twenty-four hours to sign these papers, or else we will withdraw all our funds.”
“We don’t need more time. My associates and I are in agreement. The answer is no. This meeting is over.”
The two bodyguards moved quickly from the door, just as Baccus broke open his briefcase. Passing by, single file, the guards reached in and removed two, tiny, .22-caliber pistols, each fitted with a silencer as hefty as a beer can.
Baccus spoke. “That is unfortunate. However, there is still time to change your vote to our favor.” He looked coldly at Duran’s assistants. “Mr. Gabriel?”
Gabriel trembled as one of the guards raised his custom-fitted gun to the terrified man’s head.
But Gabriel’s answer was firm. “No.”
About the Author


Glenn Shepard’s first novel, Surge, was written while he was still a surgical resident at Vanderbilt. In the following years he wrote The Hart Virus, a one-thousand-page epic about the AIDS crisis, as well as three other novels. In 2012, he created “Dr. Scott James,” his Fugitive-like action-hero. The first volume of the series was The Missile Game, followed shortly afterward by The Zombie Game. Born on a farm in eastern Virginia, Dr. Shepard lives and maintains a thriving surgical practice in Williamsburg.

Visit Glenn’s website at www.glennshepardauthor.com.

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Interview with 'The Tiger's Cage' Linda J. White



Linda J. White is the author of multiple FBI thrillers including the HOLT Medallion-winning “Seeds of Evidence.” She lives in Fauquier County, Virginia with her husband Larry, who worked at the FBI Academy for over 27 years. When she’s not writing she likes playing with dogs and her grandchildren and going to the beach.

Her latest book is the suspense novel, The Tiger’s Cage.

For More Information
About the Book:

FBI Special Agent Tom Donovan is about to nail the drug lord he’s been investigating when Angel Ramos does the unthinkable: He kidnaps Tom’s eighteen-year-old son, Kenny. The FBI responds with a powerful show of force but Ramos manages to elude them. Tom is furious, his wife is terrified, and their son is forced to confront evil face-to-face.
Tom devises a brilliant plan to rescue his son, but on a windy, rainy night in Washington, his past collides with his present in a dramatic turn of events, and Tom discovers his greatest strength isn’t his at all.
The Tiger’s Cage is a story of courage, faith, and endurance in a violent world.

For More Information

  • The Tiger’s Cage is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads

Thanks for this interview, Linda.  Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?

I’ve been writing novels for over twenty years and I have three traditionally published books out and two self-published books. I write FBI thrillers—my husband made video training films for the FBI Academy for over twenty-seven years. Our kids grew up arresting each other in the back yard!

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

I love the beach and being out on the water. Until recently, we had a 32-foot sailboat. I loved anchoring in a cove off the Chesapeake Bay and watching the sun go down while herons stalked fish in the shallow waters.

Congratulations on your new book! Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?

Tuesday, January 12, 1993

“Ride, Kenny?”
“No, thanks. It’s a good night to be outside.”
“See you tomorrow at school, then.”
“You bet.” Kenneth Patrick Donovan turned toward his home, just a mile away. His suburban Northern Virginia neighborhood was quiet, peaceful, softly illuminated by lights from living room windows spilling onto front yards in gentle squares. Four inches of snow from yesterday’s storm lay on the ground, fluffy and clean, like a down comforter shaken and re-laid on the earthy bed.
No one was out, not even the neighborhood dogs, and Kenny drank in the solitude like a tonic. He couldn’t get the meeting out of his mind. Amazing. He was learning so much. Shoving his hand in the pocket of his high school letter jacket, he fingered a little metal cross. He looked up at the starry January sky, and it seemed he could see forever.
He didn’t notice the white Chevy van as it came down the street. He heard a noise. A small alarm went off in his head. He started to turn around, too late.
They grabbed him from behind. Kenny’s head snapped back and fear exploded in his belly. He pulled against their hands, and sucked in a panicked breath as someone shoved a bandanna in his mouth. He couldn’t breathe! The night disappeared under a knit hat.

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey?

I first got the idea for “The Tiger’s Cage” in December, 1992. I had no idea how to write a novel—or even if I could. Agents at the FBI Academy graciously helped me learn enough about FBI procedures to make the story authentic. A year later I had a complete manuscript. Then the fun began! I started sending it out to agents and editors, got encouragement and plenty of rejections, and almost got it published. In the meantime, I kept writing and my fourth book (“Bloody Point”) got picked up. Yay! I’ve had three traditionally published books, and one Indie, then last summer, I decided to publish “The Tiger’s Cage” myself. The story would not leave me alone!

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be?

Tom Donovan, a strong, self-sufficient FBI agent, finds his life spinning out of control when the drug gang he’s been investigating kidnaps his son.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

Many mystery/suspense books are plot-driven. “The Tiger’s Cage” is a page-turner but you really care about the characters.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

Father’s Day, because the love of a father for his son is a strong theme in this book.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

I’ve written the sequel to “The Tiger’s Cage.” I’m not sure what I’ll do with it!

What’s next for you?

My agent is shopping a novel based on the 2002 D.C. Sniper incident. And I’m working on a novella about a seventeen year-old girl dating an older guy whose intentions are not at all honorable.


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Interview with Alexander King, author of 'Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier'



In 1995 Alexander King encountered ‘spiritual healing’ whilst studying medicine and now resides in London, England working as a healer and masseur helping people to better health, healing and ‘enlightenment’ in a realistic manner. To date (2015) Alexander has treated well over 1500 clients, and his work has featured in several publications including the Sunday Telegraph. In this book he aims to make his discoveries about Energies and complementary healing tools as transparent and transformative as possible in order to support others who are seriously considering their wellbeing and/or are negating the growing minefield of ‘alternative’ remedies. Alexander enjoys good health and an active social life despite the many challenges he has faced and surmounted.

His latest book is the self-help/self-discovery/spirituality book, Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier: Surviving the Path to Enlightenment.
For More Information
About the Book:

Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier is a revolution in the Self-help book world. It shakes up the status-quo, by questioning and uncovering the illogical, cold-hearted or incomplete in spiritual teachings. But Alexander King then attempts to find understandings which allow for the Divine and the basis of Life to be truly loving and intelligent again. Perhaps to keep ascending on the spiritual path one has to keep evolving ones self-help literature as well? Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier
does not just stand still, and repackages existing esoteric teachings – it is moves forward with brutal honesty, but thorough positivity!
Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier tells the true story of one person’s incredible quest for self-discovery, and the answers to why we are here and what exactly we should be doing with our lives. From an inquisitive childhood, full of promise and expectation, we follow Alexander down a much murkier path to the all consuming world of a modern day cult. And then a battle for identity ensues…
Initially Alexander King, studying for a medical degree at the time, did just want to learn about Spiritual Healing, but the Teacher/Guru he found turned out to be the manipulative and sociopathic kind. A great battle for survival, to de-mask the Guru, and ultimately to de-program himself again ensued.
From this baptism with fire a stronger, more grounded Alexander emerged. All was not all well yet though, as after the cult, a few years of Chronic Fatigue followed. They gave Alexander the chance though to really test all sorts of spiritual tools and teachings on himself, to see which could actually stand up to the often so high flying promises they come with. In recent years Alexander King has worked as a full time masseur and healer and, through his dealings with many different clients, has learned even more about energies, and how they appear to work on this planet. In his practice Alexander King endeavours to help his clients to better health, healing and ‘enlightenment’ in a realistic manner.
Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier starts as a personals story but finishes as a most unique and encompassing encyclopedia of esoteric practices and teachings.

Book Praise:

This is a fascinating book because we get inside the thoughts of the author, who is himself a healer. It is a kind of journey we travel with him, as we learn how he arrived at where he is now, all the pitfalls and all the logical thinking processes ( yes, this author reasons with logic - his early training was in medicine). We are taken thorough all the weighing up of facts and possibilities, and the battles. It is a very frank, honest, and for a book of this kind of topic - strangely realistic. The author avoids merely restating in repackaged form material which is covered in other books. What we get instead is his own unique insights and perspective, and his own application of methods. Reading this book has led me to modify my own practices, and to substantially reconsider some of my own views.

There is much to be applauded in this book, from the courage it takes to follow your dream, to the bravery of standing up to those who seek to destroy it and to then speak up about the great untruths that still exist in this world, masquerading as fact. Take encouragement and guidance from this book and live your truth today!
Barbara Meklejohn-Free, author of the bestseller The Shaman Within  (Moon Books)

For More Information

  • Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier is available at Amazon.
  • Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Thanks for this interview, Alexander.  Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?

Hi there, thank you for having me! I will be talking about Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment, which is my first venture into publishing. As you can tell from the title I write about spiritual and esoteric matters. I have been on a conscious spiritual journey for nearly 20 years now. Things have not always been smooth sailing, initially e.g., trying to find someone to teach me how to become a Spiritual Healer, I ended up in a cult, and for some years after that I suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Those times weren’t the most happy, but they taught me to think independently, and test many spiritual teaching and tools, whether they were indeed as helpful and healing as they proclaimed. Over the years I encountered many esoteric teachings which seem incomplete, confused or even wrong, and potentially damaging. It took me some time to find my own way, tools and understandings, as well as the confidence to stand behind them. Furthermore I changed my career some years ago, to work full time as a Spiritual Healer and Masseur. One-on-one client work helped me understand ever more about energies, how they seem to operate on our planet, and how we should approach healing the ones on the negative end of the energies spectrum. I decided that a book like Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment , free thinking, and out of the box would be a worthy addition to esoteric book market. Something fresh, new and different!

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

Meeting with friends, occasionally going out for a bit of a boogie on the social side. When in need of regenerating myself and my energies, I meditate, hit the gym, read and watch TV.

Congratulations on your new book! Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside? 

Conscription
My early years weren’t extraordinary, but I mention them simply
because some believe they are critical in forming the emerging
adult. However, I believe that any part of our life is just ‘a part’ of
the whole experience. If a part is testing, it is best to learn
potential lessons, forgive and move on.
I was made in Rome and born prematurely into a middle class
family in Germany in 1971, slotting between two sisters: one
three years older, the other nine years younger. My German
father worked as a psychologist while my Croatian mother kept
the home front in order. Though my father didn’t say he loved us
every day, or play with us every chance he’d get – I love him for
always providing well for us. His love is demonstrated in actions
rather than words. He has always been very reliable and helped
me immensely by exercising my scientific brain, always trying to
explain with reason and scientific thinking when any of us would
come home with some idealistic, harebrained idea. He’d keep us
grounded. Mum is more emotional. She would be responsible for
cuddles, mending scraped knees and always having an open ear
and heart for any problems we might face. She had her hands full
with me being born with severe strabismus and knock-knees.
During the first years of my life she ran me patiently and lovingly
to doctors and therapists.
Other than that I was low maintenance. My mum just had to
give me a toy car and I’d happily play by myself for hours. At
school I was self-motivated, loved learning, and even if not at the
top of the class always did well with very little parental supervision.
My strabismus was mended, but never to the point of me
gaining three-dimensional vision. I didn’t miss it (never having
known any different), but it did impair my abilities in any kind…

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey?

I knew I wanted to write Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment for a few years before commencing, but it took a while I and the energies were ready for it. Initially I was still lacking a few last pieces of the puzzle that is life, and even when I had found those, something was still blocking me. One day I decided to just buy a Dictaphone though. Whenever I had a thought I wanted to preserve, I’d speak it into the Dictaphone. This materializing my thoughts in some way, seems to have helped getting rid of the last few resistances trying to stop me from sitting down and writing, i.e. a few weeks later I managed just that. From then on things flowed more or less. I’d make sure that I took 2 consecutive days off each week to write and after about 2 years a first draft was finished. I loved writing it, but don’t get me wrong, probably like most books, it was a painful process at times too. At times it was like swimming against a powerful stream, with none but a piece of flimsy flotsam to hold onto. And not every week I was all eager to jump back into the cold water for another swim. Especially spiritual writing from the heart is therapeutic as well though. It has helped me sort and clarify my thoughts and believes, so I am very happy for having written Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment for that reason alone!

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be? 

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Spirituality* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment is different by not telling you what to believe, but rather by helping you to think for yourself. I believe we are all individualized divine Spirit. Everyone has access to divine truth and wisdom inside of themselves. If it is always easy to get a clear connection is another issue. Spiritual teachers can give you suggestions of how to think and what to believe, but they are all but human themselves. I stand behind what I claim in Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment, but there is no guarantee that I will still believe all of it as it stands in a few years time, or that the answers that you might have found already yourself are not even closer to ultimate divine truths!

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

Is there a ‘coming home’ section too? I hope that Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment is more of a coming ‘home’, after having been on a bit of a stressful and tumultuous journey.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

I keep on blogging about spiritual matters under www.alexander-king.com. As of yet I have no plans of writing another book, but who knows, at some point my blogs might have accumulated enough new material for another opus?

What’s next for you?

For now I am happy to just do plenty of PR for Tours and Cures of a Lightsoldier; Surviving the Path to Enlightenment. Once the book has gained a bit more traction I’ll look into doing physical book signings and or organize life seminars about different spiritual topics. In the more near future I am planning on creating a YouTube channel with guided meditations, spiritual self-help tools, and perhaps reading a few extracts from the book. 
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Book Blast: His Lass Wears Tartan by Kathleen Shaputis #bookblast



The Literary Nook is happy to have Kathleen Shaputis and her HIS LASS WEARS TARTAN on the blog today!  Please leave a comment to let her know you stopped by!



Title: HIS LASS WEARS TARTAN
Author: Kathleen Shaputis
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Pages:  270
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Independent and dedicatedly single, Rogue Bruce enjoys running Castle Baillie with her Aunt Baillie from America. They specialize in romantic Elizabethan-themed weddings, complete with resident ghost, Lord Kai (nothing like a haunted castle to set the mood for love). But love is something Rogue is not the least bit interested in. Content with her work and stable of horses, no man is necessary for her happiness.

Matchmaking is in the air, though, focusing on Bruce MacKenzie, a Thor in plaid and jeans from town, and Jonathan Olson, a snobbish Rhett Butler type. With two men after her heart (she’d thought safely locked away), Rogue is torn with confusion. Murder and a psychic yank the soundtrack of Rogue’s life from romantic to scary, while she has choices to make in this sizzling triangle.

You can pick up your copy at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

“Who created these torture devices for women?” Rogue muttered as the high-heeled ankle boots her glittery Seattle friend, Rafael, had picked out for her squeezed her toes. Dashing around the white-silk-draped chairs inside the reception tent set up on the castle grounds, she lifted her floor-length emerald skirt of fluff and ribbons and screamed internally about her aching feet.  Her steps made soft clicks on the temporary polished flooring. “Spike heels make my legs look better, she tells me. Heels? Seriously? Buried under twenty yards of bloody material, no one will notice, I swear, and this dress weighs a ton.”
Why must my bloody underwear be authentic if no one knows or sees it? Seriously, another full day of endless agony in this restrictive Elizabethan costume of layered torture. You know an evil man must have created the corset. No woman would have designed something so miserable and called it fashionable. How many times had she pleaded with Aunt Baillie to let her wear something soft, something comfortable like pants and a jacket? Her aunt’s normally sweet face would transform into a stony glare, forcing Rogue to relent and don one of the many costumes made specifically for her. 
“The Baillie Castle Bed and Breakfast promises a fairy-tale environment for couples in love and bridal parties and a stop-time fantasy for families and guests,” Rogue mimicked her American aunt and business partner. “These expensive weddings pay the taxes and daily upkeep of your renovated castle.”
Rogue could barely breathe in the tightly wrapped bodice as she rounded out of the heated white tent, her eyes on the temporary stone path placed in the soggy Scottish mud. Plowing into something solid, Rogue cursed and frantically reached out, wobbling on the spiked heels. Grabbing at anything, her fingers found soft, crushable flannel before warm, strong hands wrapped around her wrists. Staring at the manly fingers holding her steady, Rogue’s eyes traveled up the long, chiseled arms of a young man to his concerned face, locking eyes with her.
“Ya be all right, miss?”
His baritone voice tickled her ears, causing the breath to catch in her throat as the heat from his grasp flushed in a wave across her face. All she could handle was a weak nod while staring at his serious face framed with shaggy blond hair, a chill breeze lifting the bangs from his ruddy forehead. His oddly green eyes blinked above a well-freckled nose and broke the spell.

About the Author


Kathleen Shaputis, author/ghostwriter, lives in the glorious Pacific Northwest with her husband, Bob, a clowder of cats and two pompously protective Pomeranians with little social aptitude, Brugh and Bouncer. If not writing, she’s busy reading and watching romantic comedies, her ultimate paradise.

Visit Kathleen’s website or connect with her on Twitter or Facebook.
 

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Scorpio's Kiss: Interview with Romance Author MC Domovitch & Win Books!



Monique Domovitch has had many careers, starting with being one of Canada’s top models. When she retired from modeling she moved on to a career in the financial services as an adviser and planner, specializing in helping women attain financial freedom. During those years, she was also one of the first women in Canada to host her own national financial television show. During all those years, Monique’s dream was always to someday become a writer. Ten years ago, Monique attended a writer’s conference where the first line of one of her novels was read out loud in a workshop, attracting the attention of a publisher and an agent.

Since that life-changing conference, Monique Domovitch has published nine books, four with Penguin using the pen name Carol Ann Martin, two with Harlequin using her own name, and another two with Lansen Publishing. Scorpio’s Kiss was previously published as two novels, Scorpio Rising and The Sting of the Scorpio. Scar Tissue, her latest, is her ninth novel and she is hard at work on her tenth.

A great believer in the energizing power of writers’ conferences, she says that if not for that first conference she attended, she would not be published today.
For More Information
About the Book:

Scorpio's Kiss is a spell-binding tale of love, ambition and greed that will keep the reader turning the pages until its surprise ending. Set in New York and Paris amid the glamorous and competitive worlds of art and real estate, Scorpio's Kiss takes the reader from the late 1940s to the 1960s through the tumultuous lives of its heroes.

There is Alex Ivanov, the son of a Russian immigrant and part-time prostitute. He yearns to escape his sordid life and achieve fame and fortune. His dreams of becoming a world-class builder are met with countless obstacles, yet he perseveres in the hope of someday receiving the recognition he craves.

Half a world away, Brigitte Dartois is an abused teenager who runs into the arms of a benefactor with an agenda all his own. When she finds out that her boss has an ulterior motive, she flees again, determined to earn her living through her art. This career brings her fame, but also the unwanted attention of her early abuser.

Domovitch’s novel is a compelling tale, filled with finely etched characters and a superb understanding of the power of ambition. Scorpio's Kiss promises to resonate with all who once had a dream.

For More Information

  • Scorpio’s Kiss is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Thanks for this interview, M C Domovitch.  Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?
I converted to the writing life later in life than most authors do. I had already enjoyed a number of successful careers, my children had left the house and become independent, so when my husband and I moved across the country, I was faced with starting a new career in a new town or pursuing my life dream of becoming a writer. It was an easy decision, at least for me. As for my husband, he found it difficult to stop relying on me to help with his business. But within a year, I had finished one novel, found an agent and publisher and was already under contract for a three-novel series. At that point he realized that this was not just some cute little hobby his wife was playing at. He understood I was serious about this. Since then he has been incredibly supportive. 

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?
I’m a huge dog lover, and I’m constantly trolling the Internet for dog-rescue stories and videos. If I had my way, I’d probably have a dozen dogs, but then I’d also be without a husband. All kidding aside, my husband is also a dog lover, but since we travel as much as we do, two dogs is all we can handle. We have two small Yorkies that we can carry on board and tuck under the seat. They are great little travelers. When they see me packing they get very nervous, until I their carriers. They jump right in. They know they’re coming along.

Do you have a day job? Or a night one?
I’m very fortunate at this point in my life to be able to devote all my energies to writing. That’s my job.  

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey?
I wrote my first two novels many years ago, back when I had a nine to five job. I’d get up at five, write till eight, then after work I’d get back at the computer and write until midnight or so. I did this for two years, until both novels were finished. Then I collected rejection slips. At one point I became discouraged and put my dream aside. It wasn’t until about seven years ago that I started again and suddenly it was as if the sky just opened up. Everything just fell into place. I went to the San Diego Writers’ Conference and my writing caught the attention of an agent and a publisher. Since then you’d better believe I am a big believer in writers’ conferences.

What is it about the suspense genre that appeals more than any other genre you would choose to write?
I like page turners, always have. I love books that are so captivating that a reader can’t bear to put it down. And that is what I enjoy writing. Sometimes I am so excited by my stories I can’t type fast enough. I want to know what happens next. I always begin a novel with a clear protagonist, a start point in a story and an ending, but how exactly my characters will get from A to Z can surprise even me. It really is as if the characters take over.

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be?
Scorpio’s Kiss is a story about love, ambition, greed and betrayal. That’s it in a tiny nutshell. For a bit more information, I’d add that there are two main characters, Alex and Brigitte. The book is made up of alternating points of view, one chapter about him, followed by a chapter about her. The story is told this way until they meet.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?
The characters. I am told that I have a talent for writing characters that stay in the minds of readers for long after they finished the book. There are a few that everybody loves, and some that we just love to hate. Some of the most hateful characters are also the most fun to get to know. One in particular, is such a vixen. Her plotting is stellar.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?
I’d like to say Valentine’s Day, because my novel does have some romance, but I think the fourth of July might be more appropriate because in the end, Scorpio’s Kiss is an American success story.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?
Funny you should ask, it was a series. It was originally published as Scorpio Rising and The Sting of Scorpio, two novels. It has now been repackaged into one novel as Scorpio’s Kiss.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I am often inspired by real people, or real events, and then I take a grain of fact and stretch it into a work of fiction. For example, the main character in Scorpio’s Kiss was inspired by Donald Trump. Back in the seventies and eighties, I was friends with Ivana, Donald’s first wife. She and I modeled together in Montreal. When she moved to New York, we stayed in touch and I had the pleasure of visiting and meeting Donald on numerous occasions. I was fascinated with his ambition and when I decided to write a novel about a strong ambitious man, I modelled my character after Donald.

What’s next for you?
I’m working on my tenth and eleventh novels as we speak. One is the sequel to Scar Tissue, titled Seeing Evil, and is scheduled to be published in the fall. The second, like Scorpio’s Kiss, happens in the fifties and sixties. The place is Key Largo and much of the plot revolves around Hurricane Donna and an incident that happens on the same morning. It promises to be another page turner.

Before I say goodbye, I’d like to invite everyone who enjoyed Scorpio’s Kiss to please take a moment to post a review. You would make this author very happy.
Thank you.

Giveaway!

Monique Domovitch is giving away 5 paperback and 5 ebook copies of SCORPIO’S KISS!


Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Five people will be selected to win one of five paperback copies and five people will be selected to win one of five ebook copies of SCORPIO’S KISS
  • This giveaway begins April 18 and ends on July 18.
  • Winners will be announced on Monique’s tour page on July 19.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Banished Threads: Interview with Kaylin McFarren & Win Gift Basket!



Kaylin McFarren is a California native who has enjoyed traveling around the world. She previously worked as director for a fine art gallery, where she helped foster the careers of various artists before feeling the urge to satisfy her own creative impulses.

Since launching her writing career, McFarren has earned more than a dozen literary awards in addition to a finalist spot in the 2008 RWA Golden Heart Contest. A member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers, she also lends her participation and support to various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

McFarren currently lives with her husband in Oregon and visits her second home in California once a month. They have three grown daughters and two grandchildren, and look forward to having more.

Her latest book is the romantic suspense, Banished Threads.
For More Information

Thanks for this interview, Kaylin. Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun? I love traveling overseas, gourmet dining and cooking, discovering new varietal wines, pruning and planting, visiting art museums, reading great mysteries under a blanket, attending an outdoor concert, remodeling and J
interior designing, socializing with friends, and spoiling my grandsons rotten.

Do you have a day job? Or a night one? 

My husband and I founded a non-profit called the Soulful Giving Foundation, and I’m the acting president with eight board members and ten honorary board members. We host an annual summer music event on our 15-acre estate with 3,000+ ticketholders, sixteen restaurants, Oregon wines & brews, art vendors and crafters, incredible silent auction items, wine pull, diamond jewelry drawing, and four amazing bands. This event benefits the cancer pediatric wing at Randall Children’s Hospital and Providence Cancer Center, and takes eight long months to organize.

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey? 

I would have to say the beginning of my journey was a bit rocky. While attempting to publish my first book, I went the normal route (if you can call it that). I solicited dozens of agents and more publishing houses than I care to admit. After thirty kindly written rejection letters, I ended up with a well-known New York agent who had claimed to be in love with my book. I was thrilled, to say the least. However, after three months, she decided that my book needed a complete overhaul in order to fit on a formula fiction shelf. Unwilling to do so, we parted ways and I hooked up with a small publisher willing to take a chance. The eBook was released, but it took three months of convincing for this house to publish the paperback version. 

Marketing was a joke and became my obsession. I tapped into as many social groups as possible and connected with a retail outlet willing to put my book in 300 stores, but my publisher refused to honor the initial order because they were set up as a print on demand business and were unable to front the cost. Long story short, I took matters into my own hands and decided to create my own publishing company for my books. My sales spiked, I now have a nice fan base…and 100% control over my writing, sales, and marketing, which makes me incredibly happy.

What is it about the romantic suspense genre that appeals more than any other genre you would choose to write? 

I love creating drama and building suspense while telling a story by compelling, complicated, flawed characters who long for normality in their lives. This genre allows me to leave my readers hanging and trying to determine who the good and bad guys are while the mysteries are solved and some degree of resolution is found.

If you had to summarize BANISHED THREADS in one sentence, what would that be? A valuable art collection disappears turning a treasure-hunting duo into crime-stopping sleuths willing to risk their lives to vindicate family members.

What makes your book stand out from the rest? 

I believe Diane Donovan, the senior reviewer for Midwest Review stated it best. "Mystery and thriller readers will find Banished Threads stands apart from more singular plots as it evolves into a gripping story of life and death told on many levels, using real living, breathing protagonists whose actions and thoughts move beyond the art and intrigue circles they traverse. Quite simply, Banished Threads is an emotion-charged ride through a series of close encounters that are as psychologically gripping as they are filled with action. Mystery and thriller audiences are in for a real treat."

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why? 

Perhaps Halloween as it involves angry, corrupt individuals and an undisclosed entity killing off characters right and left. J

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done? 

This is the third book in my Threads series, however, it was written to stand alone.


Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 

I tap into my life experiences and the memories of the people I meet, and often dream up a complete story—from beginning to end.


What’s next for you? 

I’m currently working on Twisted Threads—the fourth book in my series. This story brings together the villains from Banished Threads and Buried Threads in a fun, unexpected way and ties up a few loose ends.

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Book Feature: Launch Facility Bravo 13, 1 NOV 80 by Raymond Appleman

704255_TourBanner

INSIDE THE BOOK

Launch-Facility
   
Title: Launch Facility Bravo 13, 1 NOV 80 
Author: Raymond Appleman 
Publisher: AuthorHouse 
Genre: Mystery/Detective 
Format: Ebook

This is a fiction short story about a haunted missile site. Many air force personnel claim to have felt a tap on their shoulder and a voice ask “got a light?” while on Bravo 13. No person was ever seen responsible for the contact or the voice. On the night of 31 October 1980, a camper team of two guards was maintaining security while the electronic security systems were down for maintenance. The off-duty guard fired all the rounds from a short magazine on his M16 at the back door of the camper while he was in rest status inside the camper. Two security specialists were sent to investigate this incident and the story is the debriefing of their investigation.  

MEET THE AUTHOR

I was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1955 and graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1973. I enlisted for the United States Air Force on 1978 and served as missile facilities specialist with 321 Field Missile Maintenance Squadron at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, and quality control inspector/evaluator with 321 Strategic Missile Wing, Headquarters Squadron. I was honorably discharged in 1983. I studied BS computer science in University of North Dakota in 1985. I have worked as a computer instructor, computer technician, bookkeeper, and flight line service technician. I got my private pilot certificate in 1996.  

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