with JoAnne Myers
We are delighted to welcome back author JoAnne Myers to Omnimystery News.
Last fall JoAnne published a collection of four novellas in Flagitious (Melange Books; September 2014 trade paperback and ebook formats) and in her guest post for us today she relates the facts about lycanthropes, more commonly known as werewolves.
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Photo provided courtesy of
JoAnne Myers
The study of lycanthropy, derived from the Greek word for "lycan" meaning wolf, and "thrope" meaning man, is a rare condition in which a person has an uncontrollable desire to eat human flesh, or drink human blood. It is vastly scrutinized by psychiatrists.
That was not the case for my hero Detective Nick Difozzio, in "The Tarot Card Murders", one tale in my crime/mystery collection, Flagitious. When young and virginal homicide victims turn up with human bite marks and drained of blood, this ex-Navy man knew he had a gang of lycanthropes in his town.
The perception of a link between mental illness and animalistic behavior has been traced throughout the history of folklore from many different countries.
Centuries ago, persons exhibiting bizarre symptoms were written off as the afflicted being melancholy. Nowadays, some doctors refer to Clinical lycanthropy as a psychotic episode caused by another condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or clinical depression.
In "The Tarot Card Murders," Nick is on his own to prove this murderous gang exists. When the Chief of Police, orders him off the case, Nick is left with only his courage, wits, determination and a Voodoo Priestess, to solve these bizarre murders, and save his citizens.
Documented cases of lycanthrope include the afflicted suffering from the same four symptoms; delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior, such as barking or howling, walking on all fours, and scratching furniture.
In "The Tarot Card Murders", the gang members are connected by their birthdates, of August 24. The birthstone peridot, and the horoscope sign Virgo. Members are kept in line with monetary rewards, intimidation, and threats of death, from the gangs Alfa male and female. The more Nick uncovers, the more personal and dangerous this case becomes.
If you enjoy reading about lust, lies and deceit, you will love "The Tarot Card Murders".
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JoAnne Myers has been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. She is a mother of three and grandmother of eight, and enjoys spending time with relatives, and volunteering her time within the community. Besides having several novels under her belt, she canvas paints.
For more information about the author, please visit her website at BooksAndPaintingsByJoanne.com and her author page on Goodreads, or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Flagitious
JoAnne Myers
A Four Story Collection
To Solve His Mother's Murder
After his Air Force career was interrupted by his mother's untimely murder, Steven Moore returned home. Met with a cold reception of lies, secrets, and threats, he is determined to find his mother's killer, even at the cost of his own life. Was his mother, Wanda, a victim of the legendary Hatchet Man? Was this loving and devoted mother killed because of her shady past, or for her inheritance? Between finding the truth and falling in love, Steven stops at nothing, to solve his mother's murder.
3381 Market Street
Katherine Sims, a young widow working for a brokerage firm in a small southeastern town, is tired of the excuses concerning her nephew, Charlie's absence. She knows something terrible must have happened to her favorite nephew with the sad blue-eyes. After exposing the killer, Katherine's life is turned upside down and she finds herself fighting for her life. Filled with maniacal suspects, a Satanic Cult, and danger around each corner, this story depicts one woman's courage to avenge a child's murder, while finding unexpected love.
The Other Couple's Child
Charlotte had it all. A loving and devoted husband. Supportive family and friends, and a house full of beautiful children. Everything was perfect for this Super Mom, until a medical procedure turns her life upside down, and spirals into a child abduction case. Time is running out. Will police arrive in time to save Charlotte and the other couple's child?
The Tarot Card Murders
New detective, and ex-navel man, twenty-six-year-old Nick Difozzio, returns to his small county determined to abolish crime. Not until death knocked on his door, did he know the face of evil. Will the decorated veteran destroy the Lycanthropes, or will he succumb to their murderess desires and become one of them? He took an oath to protect, honor, and uphold the law, but can he defy the lust, riches, and power offered, or are the "dark forces" stronger than his will?
