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Friday, April 18, 2025

HEROES AND VILLAINS




Almost all novels include heroes and villains. This is especially true in mystery and suspense. The idea is to present our hero. Then we must take him on a journey. His or her journey will lead him to either victory or defeat. In inspirational suspense, the end of the journey should end in victory since God will undoubtedly walk by our hero’s side.

In my opinion, our heroes and villains should be real. Our heroes should be flawed, and our villains should still have traces of humanity. One way to give them this is to provide them with a backstory. How did they get where they are? What was it that broke them?

How do you feel about this? Can you name some heroes and villains from novels or movies that touched you?


SHATTERED SANCTUARY

Was this the last thing she'd ever see? Would she be able to make things right before it was too late?


"God . . ." was all she got out before he lunged toward her.

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and strategically perfected methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

Buy it here

Leave a comment and you could win a copy of my newest release, SHATTERED SANCTUARY. You can choose a print copy or a Kindle copy. (Print copy U.S. only.)

www.nancymehl.com

21 comments:

  1. Sounds amazing and the cover is amazing too!!! Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful giveaway!!!
    Sherry Brown
    ozdot4@sbcglobal.net

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  2. Love your cover and the book was awesome! As for villains that touchd me, probably the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera followed by Hannibal Lecter.

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  3. Rumpelstiltskin/Mr.Gold from the tv show Once Upon a Time.

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  4. can't think of any
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  5. A villain would be Loki from the Avenger and Loki movies. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. I absolutely love reading a good mystery, especially when they have well created and developed heroes and villains who fit perfectly with the plot. I have been wanting to read Shattered Sanctuary and would be thrilled to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.

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  7. I must admit, I was too frightened to ever watch Silence of the Lambs, but I believe That Villain would be the all-time worst!
    I would love to read Shattered Sanctuary! I have read most of your other novels--most recently Cold Vengence. Wow!

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  8. Yes, I want to know what it is that makes or breaks a person that lead them on the path they are on. Most villains have an abusive past, superior being, or are consumed with jealousy. Prescott from the Ryland + St. Clair series. ceedee1958@gmail.com

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  9. Thank you for this gripping blurb of Shattered Sanctuary, my interest is piqued!! I enjoy watching superhero movies, and I adore Batman - the hero who upholds justice without too much violence! I also drawn to Darth Vader who is a complex character in Star Wars. cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. Would love to get a print copy, I enjoy this genre! tWarner419@aol.com

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  11. Your last series was sensational!! It was suspenseful and so inspirational! It pointed to God on every page. It was a true blessing to me to read the amazing series! I’m sure that this one won’t be any less inspirational.

    char loves mark at g mail dot com

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  12. Oh yes! I really don't like it when a villain is just evil for its own sake. Batman villains are excellent examples of complexity. I almost feel sorry for them.

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  13. I was blessed to receive an ARC by Virginia Vaughan of her new book, Missing in Texas. My heart went out to Christy and Mike who wanted the case solved, but for different reasons. They both felt that the evidence pointed at one person only. They were at odds as to one wanted to convict and one was sure he was innocent. The person who was at the center of the investigation, was not doing himself any favors. I can fully understand the pull. dpruss@prodigy.net

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  14. I’m more of a hero girl Superman is my favorite. But I love Harlequinn she let love turn her into something she’s not. Some villains have really good back stories that you can sympathize with. Ty for the d Chance! Dreadrake1@gmail.com

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  15. SHATTERED SANCTUARY looks good!

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  16. Sounds amazing would love to read this one Sarahbaby601973@gmail.com

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  17. Wow, this book sounds intense and amazing! I love the idea of heroes and villains being real and believable. It also makes for a better reading experience when you aren't questioning the reality of something happening. Thank you for sharing!

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  18. I love this cover & the story sounds AMAZING. I would love to read it. kittygirl2795816@yahoo.com

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  19. I'm way behind on my pleasure reading, but as soon as things ease up just a little these books are at the top of my to be read list. Everything I've ever read by Nancy Mehl has exceeded my expectations. 👍👍

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  20. I cannot WAIT to read this!!!

    Heather Mitchell crhbmitchellfam@duck.com

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