Special Guest: Judy Penz Sheluk interviews character Calamity Barnstable from SKELETONS IN THE ATTIC

Judy Penz Sheluk’s latest release is Skeletons in the Attic, the first book in the Marketville Mystery Series, and her first title with Imajin Books. The protagonist in Skeletons is Calamity (Callie) Barnstable, a thirty-six-year-old woman from Toronto. Judy recently sat down with Callie in her new home to find out why she moved to the commuter town of Marketville, which is located about an hour north of Toronto.

Judy: You’re thirty-six and single. By your own admission, Marketville is the sort of town where folks with two kids, a cat, and a collie come to live. Why the move?

Callie: Trust me, it wasn’t my idea. My father died recently in an at-work accident and he left me this house. I didn’t even know the house existed, if you can believe that. On top of it all, in order to inherit, I have to live here for a year.

Judy: The house needs some work, but how bad could it be? Plus I caught a glimpse of your next-door neighbor. He’s handsome in that hunky reality TV handyman sort of way, and I didn’t spot a wedding band.

Callie: That would be Royce Ashford, and yes, he’s hot and single. [blushes] But you didn’t let me finish. In order to inherit, I have to try and find out who murdered my mother thirty years ago.

Judy: Wow. Your mom was murdered when you were six? That must have been hard on you and your father.

Callie: I’m sure it was hard on my dad, especially since her body was never found and he was considered a suspect. But until the reading of the will, I always thought my mother had left us for the milkman or some other male equivalent. So the big shocker was finding out that my dad had kept the true story away from me all these years. I suppose that’s why we moved to Toronto when I was seven. I don’t have any real memories of living here, though I’m starting to get the odd flashback.

Judy: Why would your father put that clause in the will? Do you have a background in investigation?

Callie: Hardly. Before I moved here, I worked in a bank call center. But I’ve already found a few things in the house that have provided clues to my mother’s past. [shivers] Not everything was a welcome find. One of the things I found was a skeleton in the attic.

Judy: A skeleton? In the attic?

Callie: Uh huh. Among other things. I’d rather not say any more about it. Can we switch subjects?

Judy: Of course. Do you have anyone helping you?

Callie: [laughs] There’s this self-proclaimed psychic, Misty Rivers. She managed to convince my dad that she could help find out what happened to my mother—for a fee, of course. As if I was going to fall for that.

Judy: This sounds like it would make a great book. Do you mind if I write about your experience trying to solve a thirty-year-old mystery?

Callie: Let me pour you a cup of tea. If you’re going to write a book about me, I have a whole lot more to tell you…

SKELETONS IN THE ATTIC is now available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle for the special introductory price of $0.99 US (reg. $4.99). 

Find it here: http://getbook.at/SkeletonsintheAttic

Find Judy Penz Sheluk at www.judypenzsheluk.com, where she blogs about her writing journey and interviews other authors.

Special Guest: Jesse Giles Christiansen offers a glimpse into the mysterious Doomsday Man

A special welcome to author Jesse Giles Christiansen, who is sharing (in his own unique way) his newest release, REVENGE OF THE SEA...

A Letter from Doomsday Man

November 24th, 2015

Address Unknown 

Dear Land Misfits,

I should like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl Kaye Tardif, owner and acquisitions editor of Imajin Books, for allowing me the opportunity to share a few words with you today. I am writing this from a location I am strictly forbidden to disclose, both for the protection of your emotional well-being and out of the deepest respect for the entity whom I serve.

First and foremost, I encourage everyone not to be altogether unsettled by the book cover. Things are not always as they appear. For example, I took great pains to present myself in a reasonable and favorable manner, but my actions around the sea earned me a shady status among all of you, something of which I shall remain always regretful. Furthermore, it is of no fault of mine that I possess such a dynamic personality that the lightning seems incapable of being shooed away from me, especially on deliciously darker, rainy days.

Secondly, those of you reading these words should in no way whatsoever hold me directly responsible for any dark, negative, or otherwise untoward feelings you may experience as a result of reading my story. Both here and during the days laid out in the novel, Revenge of the Sea, I always made great efforts to be polite and agreeable toward you, despite the awful circumstances which all of you deservedly rained upon yourselves.

Finally, the release date of December 1st, 2015 was in no way intended to disturb anyone during the Holiday Season, and I shall kindly ask each and every one of you to duly note that villains are made, not born, and that you already had plenty of devils skipping jovially about Christmas long before I arrived.

In closing, I should like to make one humble request, which I think is perfectly reasonable under the circumstances. Please keep an open mind when reading my story, for when you judge others you also judge yourselves—and while you may think you stand outside the bars of the prison of your own convictions, you may realize all too soon that your cell is tragically less comfortable than ever imagined.

Yours truly,  Mr. DM

REVENGE OF THE SEA by Jesse Giles Christiansen

Beware of what the tide may bring…

Ethan Hodges is deeply unsettled when thousands of decomposed starfish inexplicably wash up along the shore of Pelican Bay. As the ominous sea epidemic spreads to other marine life, he continues to see a suspicious-looking man loitering on the beach.

To solve the mystery, Ethan seeks help from longtime friend, Sheriff Dansby, and Reagan Langsley, a beautiful marine biologist from Lighthouse Point. Spurred by curiosity and jealousy, Ethan’s estranged wife, Morgan, joins them in the investigation.

When the elusive outsider is finally arrested, an enigmatic relationship develops between Ethan and the man. With cautious prodding, Ethan learns that the fate of the world appears to rest in the hands of the tall stranger named…Mr. DM.

Amazon Book Link: http://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Captain-Shelby-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B017Y41K4Y

About Jesse:

#1 bestselling author in sea adventures, Jesse Giles Christiansen is an American author whose page-turning fiction weaves the real with the surreal, while also speaking to the human condition. He was hailed by New York Times bestselling author, William R. Forstchen, as "leaving readers so tantalized by the story lines, they think the events actually happened—a demonstration of skill surely to launch this author into the big leagues."

Jesse was born in Miami, FL, playing on beaches as a boy, the sky bronzing him forever and the sea turning his heart lyrical. After spending a summer in Alaska before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in literature and philosophy, he wrote his first novel, Journey into the Mystic.

He feels he is haunted by Hemingway's ghost, not just by the poster in his writing studio that stares at him, saying, "What else you got?" but also by having a café called Hemingway's in the small European city where he writes. Finally, Hemingway became his neighbor on Amazon when his novel, Pelican Bay, outsold Old Man and the Sea.

He currently lives in Lüneburg, Germany, with his wife and their precocious White Siamese cat.

To learn more about this author, visit him at www.jessegileschristiansen.com

Author Blog: www.jgchristiansen.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseGilesChris

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jesse.gileschristiansen.7

SALE: Over 50% off DEADLY DOZEN Mystery/Thriller Bundle

Oct 10-16 SALE: Get over 50% OFF the DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle via Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

This bundle contains 12 complete mystery/thriller novels by award-winning and international bestselling authors: Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Catherine Astolfo, Alison Bruce, Melodie Campbell/Cynthia St-Pierre, Gloria Ferris, Donna Galanti, Kat Flannery, Jesse Giles Christiansen, Rosemary McCracken, Susan J. McLeod, C. S. Lakin and Linda Merlino. 

1. THE BRIDGEMAN by Catherine Astolfo 
2. DEADLY LEGACY by Alison Bruce 
3. A PURSE TO DIE FOR by Melodie Campbell & Cynthia St-Pierre 
4. CHEAT THE HANGMAN by Gloria Ferris 
5. A HUMAN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti 
6. LAKOTA HONOR by Kat Flannery 
7. PELICAN BAY by Jesse Giles Christiansen 
8. SAFE HARBOR by Rosemary McCracken 
9. SOUL AND SHADOW by Susan J. McLeod 
10. INNOCENT LITTLE CRIMES by C. S. Lakin 
11. ROOM OF TEARS by Linda Merlino 
12. DIVINE INTERVENTION by Cheryl Kaye Tardif 

With an individual list price total of more than $45.00 and over 640 reviews collectively on Amazon.com, the DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle is a value-packed, rollercoaster thrill ride that takes you from amateur sleuth to detective to paranormal to ancient mysteries set in intriguing worlds and so much more. 

Oct 10-16 SALE: Get over 50% OFF the DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle via Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Get DIVINE INTERVENTION free!

Free October 10-12 on Amazon - http://getBook.at/DivineIntervention

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist--a murderer who has already taken the lives of three people. 

Jasi and her team members--Psychometric Empath and profiler Ben Roberst and Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko--are joined by Brandon Walsh, the handsome but skeptical Chief of Arson Investigations. In a manhunt that takes them from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria, they are led down a twisting path of sinister secrets. 

Free October 10-12 on Amazon - http://getBook.at/DivineIntervention

And pick up DIVINE JUSTICE, book 2 in the trilogy for $0.99 during the same dates via Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

On SALE for only $0.99: DIVINE TRILOGY - 3 complete novels!

In this smoking hot trilogy by international bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif, CFBI Agent Jasmine (Jasi) McLellan and her team of gifted psychics take on three tough murder cases, putting their lives at risk in their search for justice and truth.

DIVINE INTERVENTION - Jasi and her team members―Psychometric Empath and profiler Ben Roberts and Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko―are joined by Brandon Walsh, the handsome but skeptical Chief of Arson Investigations. In a manhunt that takes them from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria, they are led down a twisting path of sinister secrets.

DIVINE JUSTICE - CFBI Agent and Pyro-Psychic Jasi McLellan battles a serious infection that threatens to claim her life. Slipping in and out of consciousness, she remembers the Parliament Murders. One by one, members of Ontario's Parliament are disappearing, only to be found days later, disoriented and drugged. Or worse―dead. Police are stumped and the CFBI brings in a covert PSI team, agents with special psychic abilities.

DIVINE SANCTUARY - Agent Jasi McLellan and her covert team of Psychic Skills Investigators, along with Special Consultant Brandon Walsh, investigate human remains found at a polygamist cult linked to the disappearance of over a dozen people. They soon discover that something insidious lurks behind the safe haven of Sanctuary's wrought iron gates.

"Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this…" —Writer's Digest

"A powerfully-written chill ride that will give you nightmares. Best to keep the lights on." ―Rick Mofina, bestselling author of In Desperation

“Fast-paced action from cover to cover!" —Dale Mayer, international bestselling author of the Psychic Vision series

http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Trilogy-Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-ebook/dp/B00PZGT424

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Divine-Trilogy-Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-ebook/dp/B00PZGT424

Excerpt from E.Y.E. OF THE SCORPION, an Imajin Qwickies novella

Chapter One

The Grim Reaper often came knocking when it was unexpected. That was something Eileen Edwards had figured out years ago. So when the phone on her desk rang at just after eight in the morning on Sunday, February 8^th, she knew it wouldn’t be good news.

“Call from Law-ree Nor-man,” the androgynous call display voice told her.

Constable Larry Norman was a detective in Vancouver’s Gang Task Force—and her former partner.

Eileen picked up the phone and grimaced as a twinge of pain shot through her right hand. “Sorry I can’t come to the phone right now. Please leave your name and—”

“Really, Eileen? Is that the best you can do?”

“—after the beep. Beeeep.”

There was a slight pause. Then Larry said, “You done?”

She sighed and adjusted her reading glasses. “I hope this is a crank call.”

“I need a favor. I need you to find a street kid named Zipper.”

“You do know this is Family Day weekend and my first weekend off in forever.”

“But you’re already up and working anyway,” Larry said.

Eileen leaned back in the chair and glanced across the room. The white letters on the glass door of the office reminded her that E.Y.E. Spy Investigations had bills to pay. “How do you know? Maybe you woke me.”

Larry chuckled. “You’re in your office. I can hear your printer gasping for breath in the background.”

She glared at the hefty, aging machine that was busy groaning and vomiting up paper like Linda Blair puking up pea soup. Maybe the printer needed an exorcism. Papers scattered on the floor told her she’d forgotten to extend the catch tray again. Another sheet shot out, and she caught it before it hit the floor with the others.

“You know, you should really trade that antique in for a modern printer,” Larry said. “Maybe one built after 1990.”

“It works fine. Now what’s so important about this Zippy kid?”

“Zipper.”

“What did he do—kill someone?”

“No, the opposite. We think he witnessed a murder.”

“Poor kid.” She sighed. “What do you know about him?”

“Not much. He’s about fourteen. No priors. His mother is dead. Father unknown. He’s not a big kid—wears a Canucks cap and gets around by skateboard.”

Eileen scribbled notes on the back of the paper. “What’s his real name?”

“No idea. He was raised by the street. Everyone calls him Zipper.”

She frowned. “Is he a prostitute?”

“No. He’s just fast on a skateboard.”

“Then they should have called him Zippy. Tell me about the murder.”

“You know I’m not supposed to talk about an active GTF investigation.”

“I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

“Okay,” Larry said, lowering his voice, “but you didn’t hear this from me.”

“Hear what?”

Pre-order E.Y.E. OF THE SCORPION today! http://getBook.at/EYEScorpion

Pre-order E.Y.E. OF THE SCORPION for only $2.99

Launching Imajin Books’ new Imajin Qwickies™ imprint, international bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif introduces us to her E.Y.E. Spy Mystery series with Book 1, E.Y.E. OF THE SCORPION…

When Eileen Edwards, a former-cop-turned-PI, is given the task to find a missing street kid named Zipper, she has no idea what she has let into her life. Not only did the boy witness a murder, he’s now being hunted by at least one motorcycle gang. Finding Zipper is the easy part; keeping him alive is the challenge.

As a killer prowls the streets of Vancouver looking for the kid, Eileen discovers that Zipper not only can’t remember what he saw, he’s also hiding a shocking secret. With the assistance of Constable Larry Norman from Eileen’s old Gang Task Force unit, she helps to expose a ruthless killer, and in the process, Eileen learns that sometimes one must let go of the past in order to move forward.

Reserve your copy at Amazon today! http://getbook.at/EYEScorpion

UK readers: SUBMERGED is on sale for only 0.99

From the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG comes a terrifying psychological thriller that will leave you breathless...

"Submerged reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl." --Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds

Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Submerged-Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-ebook/dp/B00BJ64OHY

Guest author Eileen Schuh talks about intensifying suspense with secret codes

Today I'd like to welcome my good friend, author Eileen Schuh to my blog. Be sure to read to the end and enter her contest--you might win some fabulous prizes. Take it away, Eileen...

There’s nothing that intensifies suspense like a good secret code.

In my new release, DISPASSIONATE LIES, my heroine, Ladesque, is living that suspense. The mysterious markings that are stymieing her are splashed across the DISPASSIONATE LIES book cover—squiggles and lines that conceal the secrets to her past.

It’s no secret why codes are intriguing. Shrug, one of my beloved characters in the BackTracker series, tells those who listen that knowledge is power and at some deep level we all agree. Since a code implies someone is keeping knowledge from us, we can’t help but believe that if we decipher the code, special powers will be ours.

I’ve used codes in past novels; there are several in FATAL ERROR that Katrina, my genius young BackTracker series protagonist, capably solves. One involves an encrypted message between gang members and another, a password.

The most memorable fictional code for me is in the movie Close Encounters when the aliens begin their communication with humans using colours and music. In fact, I liked that code so much I mention it in DISPASSIONATE LIES.

Codes come in many shapes and sizes. Encryption is what supposedly keeps our secure internet transactions secure. Yes, I know, it doesn’t work too well and works even less effectively in 2035 which is why in DISPASSIONATE LIES Ladesque is battling to give the world an internet system that can’t be breached.

Although they say easily deciphering codes is one of the main benefit mankind would receive from a quantum computer (and there is a futuristic quantum computer in DISPASSIONATE LIES), the mysterious language Ladesque is trying to decode is unrelated to that. She’s trying to uncover the truth about the intrigue, conspiracies and perhaps even murder blemishing her past. Without that knowledge, she’s not prepared to face her future, even if it might hold the massive power of a quantum computer.

It would not just be human codes that a quantum computer could decipher, it might make short work of uncovering the history of the universe as encoded in the stars. It might reveal to us the true nature of gravity, time and space and perhaps even time-travel. It might be able to translate into English, the songs of whales and relics of the past.

Whoever is the master of that first quantum computer will possess unfathomable knowledge—a power that can all be Ladesque’s, should she choose. However, first she must decode the diary that contains the facts about her past.

DISPASSIONATE LIES - Official Launch price ONLY $1.99 July 13 -26, 2014 on Amazon and Smashwords (Use coupon code GS42H on Smashwords for the eFormat of your choice.)

SCHRÖDINGER’S CAT joins the celebration at only 99₵ on Amazon and Smashwords! Smashwords coupon JU57W

About Eileen:

Eileen Schuh has published two adult Science Fiction novellas, SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT and her new near-future release, DISPASSIONATE LIES. She also has authored three novels in her young adult BackTracker series, THE TRAZ, FATAL ERROR and FIREWALLS. THE TRAZ is also available in a School Edition.

Her new near-future release, DISPASSIONATE LIES explores female sexuality against a backdrop of high-tech science, governmental and pharmaceutical conspiracies, espionage, and perhaps even murder.

SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT, with its tangled relationships, weaves intense emotion into the science of multi-universes.

Schuh, born Eileen Fairbrother in Tofield, Alberta, lives in Canada’s northern boreal forests and draws her inspiration from the wilderness, her grandchildren, family and friends, and her adopted community of St. Paul, Alberta.

Visit her online:
Blog: http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.eileenschuh.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EileenSchuhAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eileenschuh

Enter the Rafflecopter draw below to win one of many books, ebooks and paperbacks! Enter now; enter every day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get DIVINE INTERVENTION for FREE!

Everyone needs a little DIVINE INTERVENTION. And now you can get it FREE at Amazon, Kobo and Smashwords!

Amazon: http://getBook.at/divineintervention

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/divine-intervention-20

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13677

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three people.

Jasi and her team members―Psychometric Empath and profiler Ben Roberts and Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko―are joined by Brandon Walsh, the handsome but skeptical Chief of Arson Investigations. In a manhunt that takes them from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria, they are led down a twisting path of sinister secrets.

Sifting through ashes and clues, Jasi realizes that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when she learns that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.

Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind―a mind bent on destruction and revenge. And in the heat of early summer, Jasi discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she ever imagined.

Book 1 in the Divine series

"Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." ―Writer's Digest

Be sure to share this post so all your friends can enjoy a free ebook and a little DIVINE INTERVENTION of their own.

Author Kim Cresswell talks about "The Perfect Blend of Romance and Suspense"

First, I'd like to welcome my good friend, Kim Cresswell, to my blog. Take it away, Kim! :-)

I love writing and reading romantic suspense because not only does the suspense provide instant tension in a story, I love the push-pull-tug-of-war of romance.

Will the hero and heroine get together?

Will they overcome the conflict and live happily ever after?

In my debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION ( A Whitney Steel Novel ), my heroine, reporter Whitney Steel is investigating an alleged human cloning project when she meets up with the hero, undercover FBI Agent Blake Neely, who is searching for his own answers. Everything from this point on focuses on Blake and Whitney discovering whether or not the villain has produced the world's first cloned human.

The relationship between the hero and heroine evolves because of the suspense.

So what is the perfect blend of romance and suspense? In my opinion—a kick-ass heroine, a hot FBI agent, sizzling romance, murder, and lots and lots of mayhem!

Blurb:

Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the "Big" story.

She found it. Now it may kill her. 

After receiving a lead pointing to the world's first cloned human, now a small child, Whitney vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder. When she's nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective—at least not right away. 

Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man's thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother's death over a decade ago...

Can they save an innocent child before it's too late? 

Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many—Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Kim-Cresswell/e/B00B5LKAXA

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/kim-cresswell

Reviews:

Reflection is a deeply emotional romantic suspense that starts bold and holds you captive to the very end.” —New York Times Bestseller, Dianna Love

“Action packed from page one…an impressively laid out passionate thrill ride!” —InD’Tale Magazine (http://www.indtale.com)

“I was looking forward to reading about Whitney and Blake. I anticipated a Booth and Bones relationship (from the Bones TV Series) and I wasn’t wrong…this book is definitely worth reading.” —Quality Reads UK Book Club

About the Author:

Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.

Her debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards: RomCon's 2014 Readers' Crown Finalist (Romantic Suspense), InD'tale Magazine 2014 Rone Award Finalist (Suspense/Thriller), UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley's Romance Writers of America (RWA) "Gotcha!" Romantic Suspense Winner (2004) and an Honourable Mention in Calgary's Romance Writers of America (RWA) The Writer's Voice (2006).

LETHAL JOURNEY was a finalist in RomCon's 2014 Readers' Crown and From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003).

Her action-packed suspense and thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers. As one reviewer said, "Buckle up, Hang on tight!"

Kim recently entered the true crime writing arena. Real Life Evil - A True Crime Quickie (two short stories) was published in January 2014. You can read her latest true crime stories in Serial Killer Quarterly, a new quarterly e-magazine published by Grinning Man Press.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Cresswell/e/B00B5LKAXA

Website: www.kimcresswell.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooks

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/kimcresswell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898395.Kim_Cresswell

Goodnight, Tweetheart by Cheryl Kaye Tardif is featured at the Twitter Fiction Festival

A week ago, I participated in the inaugural Twitter Fiction Festival. I tweeted a short story I wrote live during the evening of this event. You can read the tweets by going to #goodnighttweetheart on Twitter, or you can read the short short below.

GOODNIGHT, TWEETHEART

A Myrtle Murphy Mystery by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

One tweet. That's all it took to send my life spiralling out of control. One goddamn little tweet on that magic social network pipeline. If I had only known it would lead to murder, maybe I wouldn't have tweeted it.

My tweet: Anyone out there live near the Starbucks in SE Edmonton?

The result: Six replies. Two from jokesters who lived in Edmonton, Kentucky. I'm in Canada. The other four I wasn't too sure about. Could be weirdos; could be lonely people. There are a lot of crackpots out there—and I've met a few of them online. Haven't we all?

I mean, I've had the "twalker" (tweet stalker) who has followed me, RTd my tweets…and then hit me up for a "favor," only to get all pissy because I wouldn't give them my first born. I've had the bashers who haven't liked my tweets. Aw, gee, too damned bad. It's a free tweet world!

But on that day last week, I had 4 tweeps. 2 turned into creeps. One ended up in Zimbabwe or some such country. The other…well, there was my mistake. The other convinced me to meet him at that Starbucks I'd tweeted about.

You ever get those weird fuzzy feelings? You know, when you know something's not quite right? Well, I did. I had all sorts of "warnings." But I was too stupid to listen to them.

I met him at Starbucks and my first reaction was: Holy ****! What a hunk! We went back to his place. "For a drink," he told me. But I had other plans.

I tried to reign in my urges, but as soon as he took off his jacket, my palms grew sweaty. I wanted him. Hell, did I want him! I imagined him naked, on the bed, wrists and ankles bound. 50 Shades of Grey, my ass. I'd give him a hundred, and he'd enjoy each one.

Before I tell you what happened next, you have to promise me you won't tell a soul. This is just between you and me—our little secret. And if you tell, I guess I'd have to kill you.

Now where was I? Oh yes…the hunk on the bed, naked, tied up. Sadly it didn't go quite as planned. The drug I slipped into his wine took too long to work and I grew impatient. Patience never has been one of my virtues. Just ask my husband. Oh wait, he's dead. Okay, ask my mother-in-law. Oh wait. She's dead too. Here's another secret: I killed them both.

And on that night, after a delicious chai tea latte date, I slowly undressed that hunk of a man, watched as he stretched out on the bed, his mind trying to comprehend.

"I thought you were just a sweet old lady looking for someone to talk to," he said.

I smiled. "I know, dear. I do look like the grandmotherly type, don't I?"

He didn't fight as I tied him to the bed. He couldn't. His drug-glazed eyes pleaded with me.

I held up my knife, its sleek blade glimmering in the dim light. "I have something for you."

Actually, it was more for me than him. I had missed my old friend Death. It had been too long.

Like Dexter, I have my own "dark passenger" that I just can't shake. Don't know if I want to. Some call me a monster. Others call me a serial killer. But most people call me Myrtle—Myrtle Murphy.

Want to get together for a coffee some day?

~ * ~

If you enjoyed this short Myrtle Murphy Mystery, you'll find longer stories featuring the serial killer you'll hate to love in SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET & OTHER CREEPY STORIES, available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle, and on B&N, Apple, Kobo Books and more.

Pick up a FREE copy of my "heart book" WHALE SONG, an international bestseller

On April 26 and 27, I am giving away free Kindle copies of my "heart book"--WHALE SONG. It is the best gift I can think of to give you.

I call it my "heart book" because it was my first published book and the story I am most emotionally connected to of all my titles. To say I "love" this book is an understatement. :-)

Whale Song has literally changed people's lives. In fact, one woman told me it "saved" her. Another told me it reunited her with her mother, who also read my novel. Another said it helped her deal with the loss of a parent. Many readers have laughed and cried and healed. I am blessed.

So today please accept a free copy of WHALE SONG and share it with a loved one.

This international bestseller, which has received much movie interest, is FREE on Amazon TODAY & TOMORROW only.

WHALE SONG

A "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson’s life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

Reviews:

“I read Whale Song and loved it.” ―Jodelle Ferland, actress (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Case 39)

“Tardif’s story has that perennially crowd-pleasing combination of sweet and sad that so often propels popular commercial fiction…Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.” ―Booklist

“Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel.” ―NY Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

“A wonderfully well-written novel. Wonderful characters [that] shine. The settings are exquisitely described. The writing is lyrical. Whale Song would make a wonderful movie.” ―Writer’s Digest

“Whale Song is reminiscent of Ring of Endless Light by M. L’Engle, and Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.” ―Carol D. O’Dell, author of Mothering Mother

“One doesn’t simply read a Tardif story, one experiences it! Among the very few authors I’ve ever said that about is my all-time favorite Pat Conroy. Like him, Cheryl Kaye Tardif has a definite way with words.” ―Betty Dravis, co-author of Dream Reachers I & II.

“Tardif leaves a lasting mark on her readers…Moving and irresistible.” ―Midwest Book Review

Pick up your FREE Kindle copy of WHALE SONG today. You can read it on your Kindle ereader, smartphone, tablet with the Kindle app, PC or laptop.

FREE eBook: WHALE SONG: School Edition - March 28-30

Get WHALE SONG: School Edition FREE on Amazon from March 28-30th.

Comes with detailed discussion guide for teachers!

Whale Song has been used in schools across the world, for novel studies, book reports and even as a book club read. The various societal and emotional themes make it a perfect choice for readers 9-109.

A "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson’s life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

FREE for 3 days only! Get it now.

Editorial Reviews:

“I read Whale Song and loved it.” ―Jodelle Ferland, actress (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Case 39)

“Tardif’s story has that perennially crowd-pleasing combination of sweet and sad that so often propels popular commercial fiction…Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.” ―Booklist

“Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel.” ―NY Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

“A wonderfully well-written novel. Wonderful characters [that] shine. The settings are exquisitely described. The writing is lyrical. Whale Song would make a wonderful movie.” ―Writer’s Digest

“Whale Song is reminiscent of Ring of Endless Light by M. L’Engle, and Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.” ―Carol D. O’Dell, author of Mothering Mother

“One doesn’t simply read a Tardif story, one experiences it! Among the very few authors I’ve ever said that about is my all-time favorite Pat Conroy. Like him, Cheryl Kaye Tardif has a definite way with words.” ―Betty Dravis, co-author of Dream Reachers I & II.

“Tardif leaves a lasting mark on her readers…Moving and irresistible.” ―Midwest Book Review

Read a free sample or buy WHALE SONG: School Edition FREE on Amazon from March 28-30th. 

Valentine's Day Special - WHALE SONG - FREE KINDLE eBOOK - Feb 14th & 15th

This year I wanted to do something special to celebrate Valentine's Day, so I decided I will give away what I've always called "my heart book"--WHALE SONG.

I call it my heart book because it was my first published book and the story I am most emotionally connected to of all my titles. To say I "love" this book is an understatement. :-)

So today on Valentine's Day I'll share my love.

This international bestseller, which has received much movie interest, is FREE on Amazon TODAY & TOMORROW only.

WHALE SONG

A "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson’s life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

Reviews:

“I read Whale Song and loved it.” ―Jodelle Ferland, actress (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Case 39)

“Tardif’s story has that perennially crowd-pleasing combination of sweet and sad that so often propels popular commercial fiction…Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.” ―Booklist

“Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel.” ―NY Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

“A wonderfully well-written novel. Wonderful characters [that] shine. The settings are exquisitely described. The writing is lyrical. Whale Song would make a wonderful movie.” ―Writer’s Digest

“Whale Song is reminiscent of Ring of Endless Light by M. L’Engle, and Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.” ―Carol D. O’Dell, author of Mothering Mother

“One doesn’t simply read a Tardif story, one experiences it! Among the very few authors I’ve ever said that about is my all-time favorite Pat Conroy. Like him, Cheryl Kaye Tardif has a definite way with words.” ―Betty Dravis, co-author of Dream Reachers I & II.

“Tardif leaves a lasting mark on her readers…Moving and irresistible.” ―Midwest Book Review

Pick up your FREE Kindle copy of WHALE SONG today. You can read it on your Kindle ereader, smartphone, tablet with the Kindle app, PC or laptop.

My idol, author Gail Bowen, talks about Love You to Death, an Orca Books 'Rapid Reads'

One of my favorite authors is Canadian mystery author Gail Bowen. I love her work, her generous spirit and I consider her a friend, though we've never met in person, just via the internet. Gail first caught my eye with her Joanne Kilbourn series, which has been made into TV movies starring Wendy Crewson.

Not long ago, Gail told me about a new venture she was involved in--Orca Book Publishing's new 'Rapid Reads', novelettes that are being used to promote literacy to reluctant readers. I am fascinated by this concept, since I don't always get through a novel in two days like I used to when I was a kid.

So I picked up Gail's 'Rapid Reads' offering--Love You to Death. I was immediately intrigued by the main character, a radio talk show host with a birthmark that covers half his face. Gail doesn't mince words. She doesn't waste them either. She made every syllable count. And I was hooked by page one.

In Love You to Death, Charlie the radio host has one hour to find a killer. Or more correctly, to lure a killer to--

Wait a minute! Here. Why don't I let Gail tell you more?



Check out Love You to Death. You won't be disappointed.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

When I grow up, I wanna be just like JA Konrath

If you're a reader, author, publisher or agent and you haven't heard about JA Konrath, then you must have been sleeping for the past 6 years and it's time to wake up and smell the margarita mix. JA, aka Joe, has become one of my book marketing idols and I aspire to be just like him "when I grow up". Truthfully, I think I'm a bit older than he is, and I really mean "when I figure out how to sell ebooks and make the kind of money Joe does."

JA Konrath is the author of the very popular "Jack" Daniels mystery series, and this guy knows how to sell ebooks--something I am just starting to get familiar with after taking back my ebook rights. In fact, he estimates he's selling 230 Kindle ebooks a day. WOW!

So what's the secret of his success? As much as he's been very gracious in sharing his techniques on his blog, I still can't see what exactly he's doing that is resulting in such high ebook sales--other than he's walked the walk, talked the talk and gotten his name (brand) out there any way he could PRIOR to going the ebook route. I've seen his name mentioned at events, conferences and everywhere online. Only a handful of authors seem to be making the ebook sales he's making.

I would like to be one of them. There! I said it. Out loud. In front of people. Ok, maybe only you, but I said it. I wanna be just like JA Konrath when I grow up. I am tired of making pennies and working long hours for such small financial rewards. Sure, money isn't everything; I LOVE to write! But I chose this as a career. Wait! That's not quite right. IT chose ME and wants to be a career. One where I make some money to validate the hours I spend pouring my heart and mind out onto my word processor, not to mention what I spend on marketing.

I was thinking of going back to school. Then I realized I AM in school. I'm attending Konrath University, reading his blog posts, reading his marketing book, studying everything he does, mimicking his techniques, creating some of my own and experimenting--because like Joe, I'm an experiment waiting to happen. And in case any of you are now rushing off to google Konrath U, I made that up. In other words, I'm kind of cyber-stalking Joe. He just doesn't know it. Yet. Or maybe he does...

Okay, break's over. Time to get back to my studies.

To learn more about JA Konrath, his novels and his amazing ebook sales, visit his blog A Newbie's Guide to Publishing and his website http://www.jakonrath.com. I'm hoping he'll add me to his links page since I blogged about him, so be sure to tell him you heard about him from Cheryl Kaye Tardif. lol

My ebooks:
Whale Song - available only at KoboBooks.com until June when it will be available thru Kindle and Smashwords.
The River - KoboBooks.com, Amazon Kindle and Smashwords
Divine Intervention - KoboBooks.com, Amazon Kindle and Smashwords

Lancelot's Lady - to be released September 27th via Kobo, Kindle and Smashwords.

Divine Intervention is on sale at Smashwords for only $2.50 until April 30

Smashwords has just released an e-book edition of Divine Intervention, a "sizzling" paranormal suspense thriller, and from now until April 30th, you can get Divine Intervention from Smashwords for only $2.50US! That's a savings of 50%.

Just use the coupon code: KQ82F

“A genuine Canadian crime novel...Tardif gives her readers plenty of twists and turns before reaching a satisfying ending." --Midwest Book Review

SOMEONE IS LEAVING A BLAZING TRAIL OF CORPSES BEHIND...BUT WHO?

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division, a secret government agency located in the secluded town of Divine, BC.

Jasi leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people. Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind. A mind bent on destruction and revenge.

Jasi's team, consisting of Psychometric Empath and profiler, Ben Roberts, and Victim Empath, Natassia Prushenko, is led down a twisting path of dark, painful secrets. Brandon Walsh, the handsome, smooth-talking Chief of Arson Investigations joins them in a manhunt that takes them across British Columbia―from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria.

While impatiently sifting through the clues that were left behind, Jasi and her team realize that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when they learn that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.

The case heats to the boiling point as Jasi steps out of the flames…and into the fire. And in the heat of early summer, Agent Jasi McLellan discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she imagined.

Divine Intervention appeals to fans of J.D. Robb and Kay Hooper and those who enjoy CSI, Medium or Ghost Whisperer.

Divine Intervention from Smashwords for only $2.50US! Code: KQ82F

"An exciting book from start to finish. The futuristic elements are believable...plenty of surprising twists and turns. Good writing, good book! Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." --Writer's Digest

“A crime novel at its best, with a Canadian twist, this book is a really thrilling page-turner, and is highly recommended..." --Allbooks Review

Whale Song - "You will remember this award-winning book for a long, long time"

"Canadian author Cheryl Kaye Tardif has a winning combination in her young adult book Whale Song: A Novel. Against a vivid Vancouver Island backdrop she weaves together many effective elements: the native American spirit world, symbolism of the orca (killer whale), racism and bullying, and the tragedy and redemption that run through young Sarah's family.

Eleven-year-old Sarah Richardson moves from Wyoming to Vancouver Island in Canada where her marine biologist father has a new job. Sarah feels alienated, but she makes a new friend in her neighbor Goldie, a Nootka Indian whose grandmother introduces Sarah to the traditional stories of their tribe. Goldie's family tragically lost a son to drowning and the young Goldie believes that the orcas are a link to the spirit of her brother.

When Sarah's artist mother becomes gravely ill, things spin out of control; at the height of her pain Sarah develops a hysterical amnesia and loses both her parents. Years later, emotionally closed-off to everything that had been meaningful to her, she finally finds peace in the love that she had known on Vancouver Island.

The author tells the story in Sarah's voice, and the prose is plaintive and rich. At times you may be reminded of gothic romance:

"...I felt restless and uneasy. I somehow knew that my life would change the second we drove into those trees.

"Destiny...or fate?"

The foreshadowing of tragedy, the intense emotion, a mystery, the suggestion of supernatural elements, loved ones kept apart by a misunderstanding... all gothic elements. But WHALE SONG is decidedly contemporary in the issues faced by adolescents finding their way to adulthood. The values and outcomes are just what you'd want for family reading, and this book will be enjoyed by all ages.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif handles the good and bad of family life with a sure hand, and tells a story that sings; you will remember this award-winning book for a long, long time."

--Linda Bulger, 2009, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

ESC Trillium student says The River "is in my opinion unbeatable and one of my favorites"

A grade 12 class at ESC Trillium High School in Ontario, Canada, studied my thriller The River this year. I was fortunate to be in touch with the students and to answer their questions via a video conference. I know I had a blast and I hope they did too.

Their teacher Pam Morin and I decided to hold a contest. The students would write a book report and Mme Morin and I would judge them. It was a tough competition; all the book reports showed a lot of thought and some varying reactions.

However, the following report stood out for me because I felt Kasandra really "got" what I was after and she noticed the little things, such as the quotes I spent hours looking for so they'd be the perfect ones.

Here is a condensed version of Kasandra's winning book report/review:

"I just finished reading The River by Cheryl Kaye Tardif, for my grade twelve pre-university reading assignment this year. And I must say that I truly enjoyed reading this novel. It was full of suspense, action, love, adventure, science and mystery. Let’s just say I was very impressed by this memorable novel...Ever since I studied The River, I discovered my interest in reading more of Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s books. The next novel on my list would definitely be Whale Song.

I loved the fact that we were reading a Canadian author’s novel, and that the story took place in Canada. I felt as if I could make a connection with this novel compared to other novels that I had to read in the past years. It was also great knowing that I could communicate with the author by e-mail if ever I had any questions about the novel or such.

The River was a great thrilling adventure that had me wanting to read more. It also had a little love story that fit in to the novel perfectly. I could also visualize everything that I was reading even with all the mystery and action going on. With that being said I think this novel would make an awesome movie...I must say that this novel was indeed the first novel that I didn’t want to put down, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t normally enjoy reading for a pastime. I also liked how this novel wasn’t too long to read.

I loved everything about this novel even the littlest things, such as the quotes at each part of the novel. For example, my favorite quote was: "When you arrive at your future, will you blame your past?” -Robert Half. This quote really makes me think. I also think that it was a great opportunity for my classmates as well as myself and my teacher to be able to read this novel, because of the interaction in-between Cheryl Kaye Tardif and my teacher. That was for sure a bonus. So far this novel is in my opinion unbeatable and one of my favorites yet. And I’ll always remember that “Life’s a journey!”

Congratulations, Kasandra, on winning a triple pack of signed novels: The River, Divine Intervention and a signed collector's copy of Whale Song. I really hope you enjoy all of my novels. :-) CKT

*Purchase The River from Amazon (paperback & Kindle), Chapters, Barnes and Noble and many more online retailers. In Edmonton, please check your favorite bookstore.