You’ll notice that the words on the photo are different from the title of this post. That is because when I use those words in a post, all the social media channels block the post because their bots think it is promoting… crime.
So let’s call it mystery month! and have we got some mysteries for you!
HARD-BOILED AND LOADED WITH SIN (A NOIR ANTHOLOGY) features 18 hard-hitting tales by today’s top indie writers. Edited and featuring an introduction by Dianne Pearce, this must-read collection includes the following tales…
PRIDE GOETH BEFORE by SUZANNE MATTABONI THE THIRD REFILL by ALBERT TUCHER ELEGY IN A CITY CHURCHYARD by WILLIAM F. CRANDELL THE LISSOME LIQUIDATOR by JAMES DONZELLA LEAVING by ALBERTO AMBARD GET ON HOME by DENA LINN A DARK PLACE by QUINTIN PETERSON ALPHABETIC KARMA by SCOTT ARCHER JONES CHUMP CHANGE by SUSAN WALSH HER EYES WERE OPEN by BENJAMIN FINE THE LADY WITH EMERALD GREEN EYES by JAMES DONZELLA PEARL OF GREAT PRICE by PHIL GIUNTA PROFIT AND LOSS by DIANNA SINOVIC ANGEL DELORME AND THE CRAIGFLOWER BUS by MITCHELL TOEWS TRACKER OF LOST SOULS by ROBERT POPE DIG TWO GRAVES by ANDREW R. MIKOS ROCK BOTTOM by QUINTIN PETERSON THE BULLET TRAIN by R. DAVID FULCHER
If you think you know noir, think again!
Delve into the world of cozy mysteries with Just a Housecleaner, where Amy Willard weaves a captivating tale centered around a strong female protagonist and the bonds of friendship shattered by an unexpected tragedy.
Follow Patsy Taylor as she navigates the intricate web of grief and detective work in the wake of the sudden death of her dear and recently reacquainted friend, Veronica.
With Patsy’s background in law enforcement, her sleuthing skills come to the forefront as she uncovers threats lurking within Veronica’s estate from unlikely sources. Along the way, a colorful cast of characters is introduced, each adding layers to the mystery surrounding Veronica’s demise.
As romance, grief, and intrigue intersect, Patsy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling truths that not only shed light on Ronnie’s death but also on her own heart. With touches of humor sprinkled amidst tense moments, Willard keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Join Patsy as she transitions from housekeeper to investigator, determined to safeguard Ronnie’s legacy from falling into the wrong hands. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, Just a Housecleaner is a compelling read that skillfully blends suspense, humor, and heart. Dive in and uncover the secrets lurking within its pages!
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, a thrilling crime anthology featuring work by twenty-three unique voices. This volume contains the following original works, among many others:: Puzzle Box No. 1 by Heidi J. Hewett Reflections of Miss Ava by Phyllis Humby Detective Show #2647 by Monte A. Anderson Acts of Magic by David Yurkovich Mark Twain’s Unscheduled Trip to Shanghai by Dianne Pearce A Murder in Manila by Jonathan Ochoco Sleep To See Tomorrow’s Memories of Yesterday by Robert Lewis Heron The Case of the Mislaid Eggs by Patsy Pratt-Herzog In Death, She Speaks the Truth by Liliana Widocks Isla de Corazón Piedra by Michael Sarabia The Discovered Country by Tom Barlow Insomnia by Sharon Berg The Infiltrator by Paulene Turner My Illness Looks Like Darkness by Wendel Young
And our newest mystery treat:
“…a throwback to a time before graphic violence and hardcore police procedurals became the norm…Elliott crafts a pleasantly twisty mystery populated by rich characters… an intriguing tale that is sure to delight old-fashioned mystery lovers. A satisfying cozy mystery with just a hint of the supernatural.” KIRKUS
“A Witch Awakens is a ‘Fire Circle Mystery’ steeped in an Appalachian backdrop and traditions. It delivers a punch with the hard-hitting story of Cece Chagall, who moves back to her hometown of Eureka Grove in search of peace, only to herself involved in a murder…Readers seeking vivid, engrossing stories that weave supernatural overtones into issues of murder, discovery, and transformation will relish the combination of realistic characterization and community awakening that make A Witch Awakens a vibrant, thoroughly immersive experience.” MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
In the debut novel of the Fire Circle Mystery series, author Ellis Elliott blends elements of the supernatural into the cozy mystery genre resulting in an exciting reading experience. Readers meet Tennessee “Cece” Chagall, who returns to her hometown of Eureka Grove, Tennessee, after leaving New York. She resumes life as a dance instructor at her grandmother’s studio and reconnects with her old friend Bess. But her peaceful routine is shattered when a beloved local figure is murdered. Cece’s synesthesia—referred to as her “peculiars” by Aunt Granny Hazel—begins revealing clues that seem to guide her toward the truth. As she grapples with the strange sensory experiences that point her to the murder weapon, she leans on her eccentric aunt and the supportive women of the “fire circle” for insight. Blending small-town charm, quirky characters, and a classic whodunit feel, this mystery pays homage to traditional detective tales, steering clear of graphic content and gritty crime tropes.
So celebrate (Mystery) month by reading a great book!
The long flight from New York to Frankfurt had left me tired and feeling disheveled. As a private investigator, I instinctively felt for the reassuring bulge of my snub nosed .38 revolver under my left shoulder, only to remind myself I had left my piece back in the Big Apple before taking my vacation.
I hadn’t gotten a break in over five years, not since Delores had convinced me to take her to the Bahamas. I should’ve known she would split right after the trip. This time was different—just me, myself, and I. If I wanted to drink beer at a biergarten all day I could, or rent a car and speed down the Autobahn, I could do that as well. It was almost too good to be true.
I was glad to finally board The Bullet Train when I found the right platform and even more glad to find an abandoned cabin. The Germans didn’t call it The Bullet Train of course—they called it an IC or Inter-City Express. It was called that because it didn’t stop at any of the smaller stations between the starting point and the destination. I called it The Bullet Train because I was impressed by the pictures of the high-speed Japanese trains many years ago, and the term just stuck with me.
This particular train was travelling between Frankfurt and Darmstadt. I wanted to start my vacation in Germany in Darmstadt as it was picturesque, and small by big city standards, and believe me I’ve had enough of big cities.
I had just lowered my hat over my eyes and propped up my feet when I heard the cabin door slide open.
Just my luck, I thought, until I opened my eyes.
In front of me was a knockout redhead. She was easily over six feet tall, with a figure that was somehow curvy and trim at the same time. She had full pouty lips, a slightly upturned nose, and eyes that seemed to change between different hues of green when the light caught them.
“Do you mind if I share the cabin with you?” she asked. She didn’t sound German, but she also didn’t sound American. The only word that came to mind was that she sounded cultured.
“Of course not. I’m Nick Jansky. Pleasure to meet you,” I said, sitting up and extending my hand. I felt a spark when she lightly clasped my hand in return.
“The pleasure is all mine,” she replied, taking the opposite seat. I didn’t escape my attention that she hadn’t offered her name in reply. I didn’t overthink it, however. In my line of work I had learned that people may prefer to remain anonymous for any number of reasons. In her case, I was pretty sure a man was involved.
“Are you from Frankfurt?” I asked as the train got rolling.
“I’m a bit from all over, I guess you could say,” she said, laughing slightly at her own joke.
She was taking her anonymity seriously. Despite her allure, it has been a long flight, and I wasn’t in the mood for games.
“Well enjoy the trip, Miss,” I said, lowering my hat back down over my eyes. She seemed disappointed that I was no longer playing along.
The gentle vibrations of the tracks helped to quickly lull me into sleep, and I wasn’t sure how long I had been out before I felt a slight tap on my knee.
“Nick?” She asked.
I sat up, still groggy and unsure of my surroundings. The urban feel of Frankfurt had given way to rolling hills and quaint towns.
“Yes?” I replied, lifting my hat.
She seemed anxious and vulnerable now, no longer exuding the confident demeanor she previously exhibited, and she was squeezing her handbag for apparent comfort.
“I haven’t been entirely honest with you,” she began.
“Well, how bad could it be? We’ve just met!” I exclaimed.
This made her show a forced smile, and she clasped my hands. Again, I felt the spark, a shiver that coursed through my being when she touched me.
“You’re kind. I didn’t expect that,” she said, looking out the window at the landscape rolling past. Again the sunlight caught her eyes and they seemed to shift like currents in the ocean.
“What do you mean you didn’t expect that?” I inquired.
“Ok, here’s the honest truth. I saw you on the platform and followed you to this car. You seemed like a man who…well, who could handle himself.”
“Are you in some kind of trouble?” I asked, looking directly into her shape-shifting eyes.
“Yes. There is a man following me. I think he’s from the government. I think he wants to kill me,” she blurted out.
June is “Crime Month,” and we want to hear from you! What’s your favorite mystery novel of all time?
Aside from the books we’ve published here, mine just might be A LITTLE YELLOW DOG.
Leave a comment with your favorite below, and one lucky respondent will get a print copy of the Hawkshaw Press book of their choice! (Winner chosen and notified July 1st!)
We are excited to extend an invitation to you for the inaugural Current Words One-And-Done Session—an exclusive opportunity designed for fiction and memoir writers to refine their skills within a supportive setting, and the best part is, it’s entirely free!
Hosted online by DPP founders Dianne Pearce and David Yurkovich, this session is scheduled for 9-11 AM Pacific time on select Saturdays. To ensure an intimate learning environment, each meeting is limited to five participants. This is your chance to engage with seasoned professional editors at no cost.
Registration: To secure your spot, submit a portion of your writing (between 450-550 words) for live discussion. Please email your selection to workshops@currentwords.com by January 20, 2024, to be considered for the February 3rd workshop. Include your full name, city, state, and the type of work you are developing (short stories, long-form fiction, memoir) in your application. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited space. Upon confirmation of your enrollment, you will receive an email containing further instructions and the meeting URL. Participants must be willing to join a Zoom call and have their work constructively discussed in a small-group setting. Please commit to attending if you sign up, as there are very limited spaces available.
In case you do not secure a spot in the first meeting, we will provide information about our March date. We plan to select five new participants each month as long as there is interest. We eagerly anticipate sharing this enriching experience with you, learning more about you and your writing, and connecting with our fellow authors.
There is NO charge to participate. We so look forward to reading your writing!
We are so pleased to launch the first book in the Maidskill Mystery Series, JUST A HOUSECLEANER, a cozy series by Amy Willard:
When Patsy finds her friend and client, Ronnie, has passed away in her living room, Patsy’s only thought is how to take care of Ronnie’s dog and estate. But someone in Ronnie’s life has other ideas. Can Patsy, still grieving the loss of her friend, help save her friend’s estate?
View the official book trailer:
The paperback is coming in the fall, but you can start reading the book right now, FREE, on Kindle Vella!
Amy is a lifelong entrepreneur who currently runs her own housecleaning business, FOR REALS! And is starting down the cosy mystery path with JUST A HOUSECLEANER, her first book, but the second one is almost done!
The long flight from New York to Frankfurt had left me tired and feeling disheveled. As a private investigator, I instinctively felt for the reassuring bulge of my snub nosed .38 revolver under my left shoulder, only to remind myself I had left my piece back in the Big Apple before taking my vacation.
I hadn’t gotten a break in over five years, not since Delores had convinced me to take her to the Bahamas. I should’ve known she would split right after the trip. This time was different—just me, myself, and I. If I wanted to drink beer at a biergarten all day I could, or rent a car and speed down the Autobahn, I could do that as well. It was almost too good to be true.
I was glad to finally board The Bullet Train when I found the right platform and even more glad to find an abandoned cabin. The Germans didn’t call it The Bullet Train of course—they called it an IC or Inter-City Express. It was called that because it didn’t stop at any of the smaller stations between the starting point and the destination. I called it The Bullet Train because I was impressed by the pictures of the high-speed Japanese trains many years ago, and the term just stuck with me.
This particular train was travelling between Frankfurt and Darmstadt. I wanted to start my vacation in Germany in Darmstadt as it was picturesque, and small by big city standards, and believe me I’ve had enough of big cities.
I had just lowered my hat over my eyes and propped up my feet when I heard the cabin door slide open.
Just my luck, I thought, until I opened my eyes.
In front of me was a knockout redhead. She was easily over six feet tall, with a figure that was somehow curvy and trim at the same time. She had full pouty lips, a slightly upturned nose, and eyes that seemed to change between different hues of green when the light caught them.
“Do you mind if I share the cabin with you?” she asked. She didn’t sound German, but she also didn’t sound American. The only word that came to mind was that she sounded cultured.
“Of course not. I’m Nick Jansky. Pleasure to meet you,” I said, sitting up and extending my hand. I felt a spark when she lightly clasped my hand in return.
“The pleasure is all mine,” she replied, taking the opposite seat. I didn’t escape my attention that she hadn’t offered her name in reply. I didn’t overthink it, however. In my line of work I had learned that people may prefer to remain anonymous for any number of reasons. In her case, I was pretty sure a man was involved.
“Are you from Frankfurt?” I asked as the train got rolling.
“I’m a bit from all over, I guess you could say,” she said, laughing slightly at her own joke.
She was taking her anonymity seriously. Despite her allure, it has been a long flight, and I wasn’t in the mood for games.
“Well enjoy the trip, Miss,” I said, lowering my hat back down over my eyes. She seemed disappointed that I was no longer playing along.
The gentle vibrations of the tracks helped to quickly lull me into sleep, and I wasn’t sure how long I had been out before I felt a slight tap on my knee.
“Nick?” She asked.
I sat up, still groggy and unsure of my surroundings. The urban feel of Frankfurt had given way to rolling hills and quaint towns.
“Yes?” I replied, lifting my hat.
She seemed anxious and vulnerable now, no longer exuding the confident demeanor she previously exhibited, and she was squeezing her handbag for apparent comfort.
“I haven’t been entirely honest with you,” she began.
“Well, how bad could it be? We’ve just met!” I exclaimed.
This made her show a forced smile, and she clasped my hands. Again, I felt the spark, a shiver that coursed through my being when she touched me.
“You’re kind. I didn’t expect that,” she said, looking out the window at the landscape rolling past. Again the sunlight caught her eyes and they seemed to shift like currents in the ocean.
“What do you mean you didn’t expect that?” I inquired.
“Ok, here’s the honest truth. I saw you on the platform and followed you to this car. You seemed like a man who…well, who could handle himself.”
“Are you in some kind of trouble?” I asked, looking directly into her shape-shifting eyes.
“Yes. There is a man following me. I think he’s from the government. I think he wants to kill me,” she blurted out.
Hawkshaw Press 