Featured Post

Friday, January 29, 2021

INTRODUCING A NEW SUSPENSE SISTER! (AND YOU'LL LOVE HER!)


I want to introduce our brand new Suspense Sister, A.D. Lawrence. She is one of the most talented people I've ever met! She can crochet (you should see what she made me!), she can play the piano, and boy, can she write! 

You'll love getting to know her. And watch for her upcoming book, THE PURPLE NIGHTGOWN! 

Here's Amy:

Hey, Ya’ll! 

 

I’m super excited for the opportunity to introduce myself and talk suspense with such a fun bunch. 

 

I’m A.D. Lawrence, and I write Christian suspense. My debut novel is releasing on March 1st as part of Barbour’s True Colors series. It’s titled The PurpleNightgown if you feel the urge to check it out. 


While writing has always been a dream of mine, true crime drew me like a siren song from the time I was eleven. My parents weren’t huge fans of us watching cartoons, so I grew up on things like Forensic Files, Dateline, and Body of Evidence. From the time I was a teenager, I wanted to get inside criminal minds and figure out how they operated. Come to think of it, that might have been one of the plethora of reasons I didn’t have many friends growing up. While I was reading about John Wayne Gacy and developing a healthy fear of clowns, other girls my age were dishing about makeup and boys (not sure if that’s what they really talked about since I spent a good deal of time reading in my room, but that’s what I assume based on my limited knowledge of normal people from shows like Lizzie McGuire.)

 

I gave up my dream of writing for about a decade, figuring it was just that … a dream. I mean, how many people get to spend their life doing what they love? So I holed up in my house, watching Investigation Discovery, and thinking I’d try applying to the FBI--because that is so much more realistic. One day a few years ago, a friend of mine told me about a book she was writing. Her excitement breathed new life into the desire I thought had died. Turns out it was just lying dormant until God was ready to use it. I tried a few genres and learned that I’m terrible at writing anything romantic. You might be thinking, “Oh, you can’t be that bad.”

 

Trust me. I’m the least romantic person on the face of the earth. Those initial emotion-charged scenes are painful to read and they’ll never see the light of day. But through trial and error, I realized that my love of crime might translate into something usable in the story world. When I started writing my first suspense novel, I got this overwhelming feeling that I’d found God’s calling for my life. Even though so many people thought my fascination with investigations, serial killers, and all things crime was disturbing, God didn’t give me that inclination for nothing. 

 

Isn’t it a comfort to know that the quirky, misunderstood parts of us are useful to God? He made us as we are for a reason. To equip us for a task only someone with our talents and interests can accomplish. We just have to be willing. 

 

What is something you love that makes you unique? Let me know in the comments for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. I look forward to your responses and can’t wait to get to know each of you better.


 

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

A Day in the Life of My New Character ~ Drawing to win a free book too!


Happy New Year, lovers of mystery and suspense! Today I invite you to get into the head of my favorite character from One From the Road, book one of Bourbon Tour Mysteries.  Leave me a comment and you could win a book from my previous series...your choice! 

My name is Jill Curtis and I’m a travel writer for a syndicated Chicago news service. What I’m I looking for? A break—one big, attention-grabbing story that will move me into my dream job of investigative reporter. And where is the boss sending me and my videographer? Certainly not London, Paris or Rome. No, Michael and I are headed to some small town in Kentucky to discover why thousands of tourists line up to tour their famous distilleries.  Maybe we’ll find some delicious vittles to eat and some tasty spirits to sip, but I don’t smell a Pulitzer Prize in the making.

What the boss and Michael don’t know is that my grandmother’s cousin lives in Roseville, home to two bourbon distilleries, and the woman owns a charming B&B. Who wouldn’t rather stay in a rambling Victorian mansion rather than a low-end chain motel on the outskirts of town? Although Granny hasn’t spoken to Dot Clark, the innkeeper, in years due to a teenage argument, I plan to mend fences between the two old ladies while I’m there. After all, what else do I have to do in rural America after the sun goes down?

Turns out the innkeeper’s husband is the master distiller of Black Creek, the smaller of the two distilleries we had planned to tour. With any luck Michael can shoot behind-the-scenes video, while I might be able to interview the head honcho of Black Creek in person. That would be so much better than the canned tour available to the general public. After all, who can turn down a long-lost relative who’s also your houseguest?

What I didn’t bargain for is meeting the handsome son of the master distiller at Founder’s Reserve…or tripping over a dead body during tour number-two.


Back cover of One for the Road: Travel writer Jill Curtis loves her job, but she desperately needs a break if she’s to achieve her dream of becoming an investigative reporter. Sent to Kentucky by her boss to find out why thousands of tourists flock to Bourbon Country every year, Jill’s dream seems to be slipping further away. After all, nothing interesting ever happens in rural America . . . does it? Staying at an estranged relative’s B&B, Jill’s plan to uncover what makes the state’s bourbon tours so popular goes awry when she discovers a body at one of the distilleries and quickly becomes a suspect in a brutal murder. Can she navigate high-stakes bourbon rivalries, centuries-old family feuds and ill-fated romance to catch a killer?

Buy it here


Now...leave me a comment about your new year's plans for a chance to win a copy of Hiding in Plain Sight, Sweet Taste of Revenge or Island of Last Resorts. Have a great 2021!!! 

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

What's Hot in Inspirational Suspense by Patricia Bradley





Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery?



(Hemlock Creek Suspense #3)
Heather Day Gilbert
WoodHaven Press / January 25, 2021

Brandon McClure has just moved back to his hometown of Hemlock Creek, ready to feed his love of adventure and the great outdoors as a whitewater tour guide. But before he can settle into the new job, he’s chosen for jury duty, where he ends up sitting front and center in the headliner trial of local tycoon Harlan Wells, a man accused of murdering his wife. 

When a key witness takes the stand, Brandon feels certain their paths have crossed before, but for the life of him, he can’t recall when or where. 

Nasha Patel’s testimony is crucial to the conviction of the accused murderer. That night in the emergency room, Nasha was the only one who heard the dead woman’s final statement…which put a target on her back. 

Fresh out of witness protection and feeling vulnerable and exposed, she’s acutely aware that all eyes are trained on her—including those of Juror Number 3, a stranger whose kindness once made a lasting impression on her. When the courtroom erupts into chaos and Nasha turns her terrified gaze on Brandon, it quickly becomes clear that only his unique skills can protect her…if only he can get to her before the hired hitmen do.


Links to purchase can be found here.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Beating The Winter Doldrums With Some Good Books – And A Giveaway!

 


Happy New Year Everyone!

Here in Texas, it has been a whirlwind of strange weather happenings since the New Year began. 

We started out cold and rainy, which sometimes happens here. After that, we moved on to several days that felt a bit like spring might be on its way a little early, and I was happy to see that happen.

But no. When we least expected it—bam! Winter decided to come back with a fury. It snowed all day. We had more snow than I’ve ever seen in Texas before and it stuck around for several days.

And so, we hunkered down until the snow eventually disappeared and normal times returned.  . .or so I thought. Until today when suddenly the air was filled with dust strong enough to smell it in the air. The skies are hazy, and I’m beginning to wonder what is next?

That’s my winter doldrums story. What about you? How are things where you are?

For me, the best way to beat the weather at its game is to read a good book and this New Year has brought a wealth of great new suspense stories that I can’t wait to dive into.  



I thought I’d feature a few books on my TBR list here today, starting with, Night Hawk: (Nighthawk Security Book 3) by Susan Sleeman. This series just keeps getting better and better and the covers of each new book make me want to read them.

Here’s the teaser: She’s determined to find her father’s killer…

FBI Agent, Toni Long, lost her father a year ago when he was killed in a joint FBI and ICE investigation led by Clay Byrd, a man Toni had found herself infatuated with. Unfortunately, the killer escaped, and if Toni hadn’t been distracted by her attraction to Clay, maybe her father wouldn’t have died. When she receives an anonymous tip on the killer’s identity, she follows the lead and an attempt is made on her life. Clay, having received the same tip, comes to her rescue. Thinking he can help find her father's killer and keep an eye on her safety too, he quickly offers Nighthawk Security’s help.

But she first has to face down her own dark past.

She fights the idea at first, but she will stop at nothing to find her father’s killer, even if it means partnering with a guy she has feelings for. But as the investigation unfolds, they unearth deep, dark family’s secrets that are more dangerous than anything Toni could imagine. Problem is, Clay is right there by her side, offering her comfort and support, and protecting her from menacing danger. She soon has to fight feelings she’s developing for him when her focus should be on the investigation and staying alive.

https://amzn.to/3swbgXg




What about a little Lynette Eason to take away the winter blahs? Active Defense (Danger Never Sleeps Book #3) is out now. I haven’t read this one yet, but if it lives up to the others it’s a keeper.

Take a look at the blurb:

As a former field surgeon in Afghanistan, Heather Fontaine is used to life-or-death situations. She just didn't expect them to follow her home. When she returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house--and threatened her friends--she assumes it is the stalker who has been following her and creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble has followed her even there.

Luckily, a stalker isn't the only one watching Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it's what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead--and why--before it's too late.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason will have you looking over your shoulder as you dive into this fast-paced, suspense-filled story about losing control and finding something even better.

https://amzn.to/35QfTSy'



This author is new to me but the cover just grabbed me and made me want to read it.

Bad Landing (Hope Landing Romantic Suspense Book 4) by Edie James.

She’s too busy for love. He’s allergic to commitment. They’ll make the perfect pretend couple, right?

Scientist Jane Farrell’s new discovery might just change the world… if she lives long enough to introduce it at the World Energy Conference. After intruders break into her lab and her home, she flees to her brother’s cabin outside the tiny mountain town of Hope Landing, hoping to elude the men trying to steal her technology.

But fate has other ideas…

https://amzn.to/3p3Ons0




And from the talented Cara Putman comes, Lethal Intent.

If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?

This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.

https://amzn.to/39G4C8i


So, what’s on your TBR list?

I will be giving away one of these e-books to someone. I’ll announce the winner on January 29th

Be sure to include your email address in your posts.

Happy New Year to you all!

 

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net


Wednesday, January 20, 2021

LIS March reboots and giveaway by Elizabeth Goddard

 Hi friends!


Thank you for joining me on Suspense Sisters. Today I'm excited to share about some upcoming re-releases or repacks all set in the mountains. I hope you enjoy spending time in the mountains. Ha! By the way, I'm giving away one eBook (chosen from one of the three books below) to one lucky winner. Please comment and leave your contact information. 

Harlequin is such a great publisher always looking for ways to market our books. I was excited to see they're repacking some of my Mountain Cove books. Peril on the Mountain released late 2020 and included Books 1 and 2 ( Buried and Untraceable) in my popular Mountain Cove series set in Alaska.

In Mach 2021, my Mountain Cove novel, Deception, is re-releasing along with Hidden Away by Sharon Dunn in a collection called:

Mountain Secrets


Trust is a matter of life-and-death…

Deception by Elizabeth Goddard

Jewel Caraway thought she’d left her past behind—but then it arrives at her door. Though she’s thrilled to reunite with her estranged sister, something about her sister’s new husband makes Jewel uneasy. Is he the one behind the attacks against her? Jewel turns to police chief Colin Winters for help. But will he stay by her side when her secrets are revealed?

Hidden Away by Sharon Dunn

When two thieves arrive at the Montana mansion where Isabel Connor is working, undercover investigator Jason Enger isn’t sure if she’s in danger…or an accomplice. Either way, with a snowstorm trapping the pair with the violent thieves, survival depends on working together. But how can they trust each other when he’s concealing his identity…and she’s hiding dark secrets of her criminal past?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sharon Dunn


Also releasing in March . . .

Alaskan Mountain Pursuit



Danger in the Alaskan wilderness

Tailspin by Elizabeth Goddard

Nothing can stop Sylvie Masters from scuba diving to find her mother’s downed plane—except possibly the hit man determined to keep the truth buried. When bush pilot Will Pierson comes to her rescue, she knows she can still reach her goal, but she needs his help. Will wants answers, too, especially since his mother was the missing plane’s pilot. But Sylvie is shrouded in secrets—secrets that someone will kill for.

Mountain Refuge by Sarah Varland

When someone tries to grab mountain runner Summer Dawson on a secluded path, she escapes—but soon discovers she’s a serial killer’s latest target. Clay Hitchcock thought he was done with law enforcement, but after finding Summer running for her life, he’s back in cop mode. Now if they want to stay alive, Clay and Summer must work together to bring down the killer lurking in the wilderness.


Then there's ...

Target on the Mountain



Which is NOT in my Mountain Cove series, but Deadly Evidence is book one in Mount Shasta Secrets! 


Together…for one last time?

Deadly Evidence by Elizabeth Goddard

FBI agent Tori Peterson intends to find her sister’s murderer, even if someone’s willing to kill her to keep the truth hidden. But that means returning home and working with the lead detective—her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Bradley. Though sparks still fly between them, Tori and Ryan must stay focused on catching a killer…before they are silenced for good.

Standoff at Midnight Mountain by Mary Alford

After her CIA operative brother disappears, leaving behind only a cryptic message, armed men target former agent Rachel Simmons for information. But with help from her ex, Agent Alex Booth, Rachel eludes them, trekking into the mountains in search of her brother. Pursued through the wilderness by highly trained—and very familiar—men, can Alex and Rachel expose a conspiracy that goes deeper than they ever imagined?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Mary Alford

All three books release in March in eBook and print copy. So get your reading on! 

Don't forget to comment to enter the drawing for one of these eBooks. 

Blessings!
Elizabeth Goddard

**************
Elizabeth Goddard has sold over one million books and is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies--a 2011 Carol Award winner. She is a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense finalist for her Mountain Cove series--Buried, Backfire, and Deception--and a Carol Award finalist for Submerged. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

What's Hot in Inspirational Suspense by Patricia Bradley

 



Wondering what's new in inspirational suspense and mystery? 


Cara Putman
Thomas Nelson / January 12, 2021

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home. 

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda? Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. 

When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?


 You can find links to purchase Lethal Intent here.

Monday, January 18, 2021

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

 


We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:


 

On Tuesday Patricia Bradley will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

 

On Wednesday, Elizabeth Goddard will share some exciting news about her Mountain Cove series. Love Inspired is repackaging this awesome series. You could win one of these repacks! Here is a synopsis of the first book in the series.

A witness to murder hides in the Alaska wilderness but the killer is on her trail in this exciting suspense, part of the Mountain Cove series.

BURIED

Fleeing to Alaska is the only option for Leah Marks after witnessing a murder. Afraid for her life, the legal investigator hopes a remote cabin will be a safe shelter. But the killer has tracked her to Mountain Cove. As he chases her into snow-packed Dead Falls Canyon, an avalanche buries them both. Saved by daring search and rescue specialist Cade Warren, Leah longs to tell him the truth. But how can she, without bringing even more danger into Cade’s life? Especially when they discover the killer is very much alive and waiting to take them both down.

Experience more action-packed mystery and suspense in the rest of the Mountain Cove series by Elizabeth Goddard:

Buried

Untraceable

Backfire

Submerged

Tailspin

Deception

You can buy BURIED here!


On Friday, Mary Alford writes about “Beating The Winter Doldrums With Some Good Books.” She’ll also be giving away a book!

Here’s one of her latest – COVERT AMISH CHRISTMAS

Fleeing to Amish country might be the only way to survive Christmas…


 

Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless—and dangerously powerful—enemies after them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Mary Alford

Buy COVERT AMISH CHRISTMAS here!

 

The Suspense Sisters

 


We love books!