Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.
Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, Titan Books …
The Menacers by Donald Hamilton
A Matt Helm Thriller (11th in series)
Publisher: Titan Books
Price: 99¢ (as of 03/10/2015 at 5:00 PM ET).
Matt Helm is puzzled. He's been sent to Mexico to investigate the sighting of a flying saucer, but Helm doesn't believe in little green men. Then his Russian opposite number is shot in her hotel, but who did it? And why are the Mexican cops acting so tough?
Time to track down the redhead who called in the sighting and get to the bottom of the case.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during March 2015 and priced $4.99 or less …
Full-time RVers Rip and Rapella Ripple are headed to Rockdale, Missouri, in their old travel trailer (aka The Chartreuse Caboose) to attend a friend's surprise birthday party. But surprise quickly turns to shock when a party guest is found murdered and Lexie Starr, a friend of the Ripples, is hauled off to jail as suspect number one.
Determined to exonerate Lexie, the Ripples put the Chartreuse Caboose in park and their investigating tactics in drive. But more than a simple frame-up is afoot when the victim's stepfather, who is also the local Police Chief, ignores the Ripple's findings.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
London, 1920. In the aftermath of the Great War and a devastating family tragedy, Laurence Bartram has turned his back on the world. But with a well-timed letter, an old flame manages to draw him back in. Mary Emmett's brother John — like Laurence, an officer during the war — has apparently killed himself while in the care of a remote veterans' hospital, and Mary needs to know why.
Aided by his friend Charles — a dauntless gentleman with detective skills cadged from mystery novels — Laurence begins asking difficult questions. What connects a group of war poets, a bitter feud within Emmett's regiment, and a hidden love affair? Was Emmett's death really a suicide, or the missing piece in a puzzling series of murders? As veterans tied to Emmett continue to turn up dead, and Laurence is forced to face the darkest corners of his own war experiences, his own survival may depend on uncovering the truth.
— The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Death, Taxes, and Cheap Sunglasses by Diane Kelly, A Tara Holloway Mystery (8th in series)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway can calculate tax penalties to the penny. But seeing the world of white-collar crime through rose-colored glasses? Priceless.
Tara's career comes with a lot of pros and cons — which is a nice way of saying that she's kick-a$$ in her fight against professional con-artists. And she's tough enough to deal with all the money-launderers, tax-evaders, and other such criminals who cross her path … Until her own boyfriend, Nick, joins their leagues. Now all bets are off.
Nick is about to go deep undercover — and the stakes are higher than Tara could have ever imagined. It's all part of a joint task force with the DEA to bring down a powerful, violent drug cartel. It's going to take more than a pair of dime store shades for Tara to bring their dark deeds to light. Can she help Nick without blowing his cover … and ending up in harm's way herself?
— Death, Taxes, and Cheap Sunglasses by Diane Kelly
A Claudia Rose, Forensic Handwriting Mystery (5th in series)
Publisher: Suspense Publishing
Price: 99¢ (as of 03/10/2015 at 3:00 PM ET).
A teenage girl, brutally murdered and left in a trash dumpster; a young man, killed in a firebombing attack; a soccer mom, shot in the living room of her home; vicious thugs whose job is to protect a suspected criminal. Just another week on rotation for LAPD detective Joel Jovanic … until he uncovers a connection between the disturbing series of vicious crimes and Annabelle Giordano, who is in the temporary custody of his soulmate, Claudia Rose.
Annabelle is a troubled and traumatized teen who suffered the tragic loss of her mother and later witnessed the brutal murder of a beloved mentor. Neglected by a father who scarcely acknowledges her existence, it's little wonder the girl makes some disastrous life choices.
But she has one staunch ally in Claudia, a highly regarded forensic graphologist who digs into the darkest of human secrets through the study of handwriting. When Annabelle involves herself with a questionable tattoo artist she re-opens a door to the grim side of life and goes down a path that could get her killed. A distraught Claudia will do anything to save her, even if it means jeopardizing her relationship with Jovanic.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Today's featured new hardcover mystery, suspense, or thriller title scheduled to be published during March 2015 is …
Cold Betrayal by J. A. Jance, an Ali Reynolds Mystery (10th in series)
Publisher: Touchstone
Ali Reynolds's longtime friend and Taser-carrying nun, Sister Anselm, rushes to the bedside of a young pregnant woman hospitalized for severe injuries after she was hit by a car on a deserted Arizona highway. The girl had been running away from The Family, a polygamous cult with no patience for those who try to leave its ranks. Something about her strikes a chord in Sister Anselm, reminding her of a case she worked years before when another young girl wasn't so lucky.
Meanwhile, married life agrees with Ali. But any hopes that she and her husband, B. Simpson, will finally slow down and relax now that they've tied the knot are dashed when Ali's new daughter-in-law approaches her, desperate for help. The girl's grandmother, Betsy, is in danger: she's been receiving anonymous threats, and someone even broke into her home and turned on the gas burners in the middle of the night. But the local police think the elderly woman's just not as sharp as she used to be.
While Ali struggles to find a way to protect Betsy before it's too late, Sister Anselm needs her help as well, and the two race the clock to uncover the secrets that The Family has hidden for so long — before someone comes back to bury them forever.
How To Catch a Cat by Rebecca M. Hale, A Cats and Curios Mystery (6th in series)
Publisher: Berkley
A serial killer with a peculiar penchant for City Hall interns is on the loose in San Francisco, and it's up to me — and my two cats, Rupert and Isabella — to put a stop to the spree. Unfortunately, worrying about my uncle Oscar's failing health and assisting with the interim mayor's America's Cup regatta doesn't leave me with much opportunity to chase down clues.
Could the key to apprehending the killer be found in San Francisco's sailing history? The first European vessel to pass through the Golden Gate contained a familiar cast of human — and feline — passengers as well as an elusive killer who used a similar murder weapon. Will the past catch up to the present in time to crack the case?
Fegan has been a "hard man," an IRA killer in northern Ireland. Now that peace has come, he is being haunted day and night by twelve ghosts: a mother and infant, a schoolboy, a butcher, an RUC constable, and seven other of his innocent victims. In order to appease them, he's going to have to kill the men who gave him orders.
As he's working his way down the list he encounters a woman who may offer him redemption; she has borne a child to an RUC officer and is an outsider too. Now he has given Fate — and his quarry — a hostage. Is this Fegan's ultimate mistake?
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Every week, Witness Impulse — an imprint of William Morrow — releases new suspense and thriller digital originals, typically priced at just $2.99 each (though a few are a bit higher).
Omnimystery News is pleased to present you with one of this week's titles …
A Simmy Brown, Lake District Mystery (4th in series)
Publisher: Witness Impulse
Price: $2.99 (as of 03/10/2015 at 12:30 PM ET).
Simmy has been adjusting to life in Windermere, running her florist shop, Persimmon's Petals, and trying to put her tragic past behind her. But just when she thinks her life is quietly coming together, it starts to unravel at the seams.
She delivers a bouquet of flowers with a mysterious message attached to an elderly lady that brings sinister secrets to light. And when another old woman is found murdered in her own home, Simmy is drawn into the center of the investigation after the prime suspect names her as an alibi.
As the murky lives of her neighbors tangle and swirl around her, Simmy must uncover the motive behind the murder before the killer strikes again …
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
We are delighted to welcome back mystery author Lauren Carr to Omnimystery News.
We recently spoke with Lauren after her ninth Mac Faraday mystery Three Days To Forever (Acorn Book Services; January 2015 trade paperback and ebook formats) was published, and wanted to follow up with her, asking how she comes up with her cast of characters for her books. She titles her guest post for us today, "Looking for Characters".
— ♦ —
Photo provided courtesy of Lauren Carr
On January 19, Three Days To Forever, my latest Mac Faraday Mystery, was released and I held my breath. Every author holds their breath until they get their first review. Even after Three Days To Forever made it up into the top ten on Amazon in police procedurals, I still waited anxiously for reader response to this mystery which brought together all of the characters in my various series and introduced new ones.
As usual with my books, many of the reviews noted, "cast of characters are well developed and interesting," "characters you will love (especially Gnarly)," and even simply, "great characters."
One reader wrote, "I wasn't sure how this book was going to go at the beginning. Some of the characters in particularly Archie's mom, seemed too silly. But as the book moved on and the story was fleshed out it all made sense."
With a big sigh of relief, I let out my breath. That was exactly what I was aiming for.
My favorite part of being a writer is finding new characters and exploring their minds and backgrounds to figure out what makes them tick. I enjoy presenting the character to the readers as a whole, and then, through the story, I slowly peel back the layers to show the reader what is underneath — who that character really is.
Such was the case with Agnes Douglas, the mother of the bride (Archie Monday), in Three Days To Forever. When readers first meet Agnes, she arrives unexpectedly at Spencer Manor and launches into an argument with Mac Faraday by announcing that she is giving their marriage five years before they divorce.
This is not a good first impression for Archie's mother. But then, during the course of the book, as readers get to know Agnes — see what makes her tick — their impression changes — and so does Mac's.
Admittedly, I knew while writing Three Days To Forever, that readers may think Jessica Faraday was a shallow rich man's daughter. She wears designer clothes, has an expensive (and unruly sheltie named Spencer), and drives a purple Ferrari. But after I take readers into the mind of this young lady who graduated with a master's degree in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, they come to realize that underneath her faux furs and leggings, Jessica Faraday is one smart cookie in high heels who has it all together.
I'm a people watcher. Even before I wrote my first book, I would study those around me and try to dissect their personality. "Why is she like that?" "What is his motive for treating his wife that way?"
I was really no fun back in my single days because instead of listening to my dates, I would be listening to the people at the next table. Now my husband recognizes that look in my eyes when I pick up a particularly juicy exchange that isn't happening at our table.
Here's a hint: Many authors listen in on conversations to hear how people talk to each other. It helps us to write dialogue. I read in one blog about an author who overheard a man plotting to kill his boss while his wife was shushing him. So don't plot a murder while eating at McDonalds. The lady at the next table may be a mystery writer and you can find your conversation in her next book.
Years ago, my family made a pit stop on the way to Snow Shoe, West Virginia. I was sitting in the car when I saw a man come out of the bathroom, purchase a soda at the machine, and go to his car. He was medium height, black hair on top of his head with gray from the temples down, like a gray strip around his head. Under a hook nose that was so huge it looked fake, his mustache was bushy and gray and he had a gray goatee. He also had a pot belly above his waist that made him look nine months pregnant and about ready to burst.
This stranger's appearance was so intriguing that I have stored him away in my memory to use later in a book. Years later, I am studying this man to find out who he is and what makes him tick. I still don't know what book I will use him in. I may kill him. Or maybe he'll turn out to be a killer? Maybe. Maybe not.
You'll need to read my books to find out.
— ♦ —
Lauren Carr is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She also passes on what she has learned in her years of writing and publishing by conducting workshops and teaching in community education classes.
The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, editor, cover and layout designer, and marketing agent for independent authors. This year, several books, over a variety of genre, written by independent authors will be released through the management of Acorn Book Services, which is currently accepting submissions. Visit the Acorn Book Services website for more information.
Lauren lives with her husband, son, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Three Days To Forever Lauren Carr A Mac Faraday Mystery
With three days left to the year, Deep Creek Lake is hopping with holiday vacationers and wedding guests pouring into the Spencer Inn for Mac Faraday and Archie Monday's huge wedding ceremony which is being touted as the social event of the year.
But droopy flowers and guests who failed to RSVP are the least of Mac's and Archie's problems when a professional hit squad hits Spencer Manor to send the groom, Joshua Thornton, Archie's mother, and Gnarly running for their lives.
With time running out to the big day, Mac Faraday and Spencer's small police force have to sort through the clues to figure out not only who has been targeted for assassination, but also who is determined to stop everything … FOREVER!
We're highlighting one of the titles in this post. All featured titles are either written by J. A. Konrath (or using his pen name Jack Kilborn) or co-written by him.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of the purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Omnimystery News is pleased to feature a selection of Free MystereBooks found on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 6:30 AM ET …
The Advocate's Dilemma by Teresa Burrell
The Advocates Series
Publisher: Silent Thunder Publishing
Price: FREE!
Blood Oath by Felicity Pulman
The Janna Chronicles
Publisher: Momentum
Price: FREE!
Hard Bite by Anonymous-9
A Crime Thriller
Publisher: Blasted Heath
Price: FREE!
The Predator by Denis Pitts
A Suspense Thriller
Publisher: Endeavour Press
Price: FREE!
An Unsaintly Season in St. Augustine by Kassandra Lamb
A Kate on Vacation Mystery
Publisher: Misterio Press
Price: FREE!
For a summary of all of today's titles, plus any that may have been added since this post was created, visit our Free MystereBooks page. This page is updated daily, typically by 8 AM ET.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of the purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during March 2015 and priced $4.99 or less …
Losing the most high profile case of her career ironically made Casey Cort a winner. Well-heeled clients now knock on her door, and Tom Brody, her rich ex-boyfriend, wants her back. But entry into the upper echelon comes at a price …
The newest assistant United States attorney, Miles Siegel, has set his sights on nailing a public figure he believes to be corrupt: Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge Eamon Brody. But Brody's brothers, one the presiding judge of the county, the other the state attorney general, aren't about to let that happen.
When Casey gets retained by single mom Claire Henshaw, to wrest custody from her son's irresponsible father, Casey handles her first case before the controversial judge … and learns something that will force her to make the hardest decision of her life.
— Under Color of Law by Sylvie Fox
See also the first book in this series, Qualified Immunity, for $3.99 on Kindle.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a mystery, suspense, or thriller ebook that we recently found by sleuthing (as it were) through new or recently reissued titles from independent publishers during March 2015 and priced $4.99 or less …
Cherringham Cozy Crime Series by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards
Episodes 10-12
Publisher: Bastei Entertainment
Price: $3.99 (as of 03/09/2015 at 5:30 PM ET).
Jack's a retired ex-cop from New York, seeking the simple life in Cherringham. Sarah's a Web designer who's moved back to the village find herself. But their lives are anything but quiet as the two team up to solve Cherringham's criminal mysteries.
In this compilation of episodes, local priest Father Byrne meets his unexpected demise. Jack and Sarah investigate — who could harm the beloved Father? And what secrets did he take to the grave? The Cherringham Regatta is shaken when vandalism of boots turns into bloody murder. And when a murder suspect is freed from prison after 25 years, it's apparent someone in Cherringham wants him to continue serving his sentence — to death. But Jack and Sarah start to question … did he commit the crime in the first place?
— Cherringham Cozy Crime Series by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
Omnimystery News is always searching for newly discounted mystery, suspense, thriller and crime novels for our readers to enjoy.
Today, we're pleased to present the following title, now available at a special price courtesy of the publisher, World Weaver Press …
Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins
A Vampirarchy Novel (1st in series)
Publisher: World Weaver Press
Price: 99¢ (as of 03/09/2015 at 5:00 PM ET).
A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can …
Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she'll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.
As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire's heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg's body is gone — and her perfect life falls apart.
Important Note: Price(s) verified as of the date and time shown. Price(s) are subject to change at any time. Please confirm the price of the book before purchasing it.
