Friday, October 18, 2024

Ashes on the Wind: The Love Story Behind the Crime of the Century by Brandy Purdy Genre: Dark Historical LGBTQ Romantic Suspense, True Crime

 


The love story behind the Crime of the Century


Nathan "Babe" Leopold was a socially awkward genius who used arrogance as a shield. He cultivated a philosophy of absolute selfishness cherry-picked from his reading of Nietzsche and indulged himself with vivid sexual fantasies about kings and slaves.

Richard "Dickie" Loeb was the brightest of the bright young things, a social butterfly as fragile as glass inside, hiding his insecurities behind a dazzling smile and a mouthful of lies. He found escape in thrilling tales and fantasies of crime.

They were two brilliant and privileged boys, each harboring secrets it would have been social suicide to reveal in their 1920s world.

When Babe met Dickie, it was like his favorite fantasy had stepped out of his dreams into real life.

When Dickie met Babe, he thought he had found the accomplice who would help make his criminal dreams come true.

Dickie was willing to give Babe what he wanted, if Babe would give him what he wanted. Quid pro quo. Until Dickie wanted something more, leaving Babe desperate and willing to do anything to hold onto his dream. Even if it led down a dark path to the Crime of the Century and infamy as the thrill killers Leopold and Loeb.

  

I have read all but one of Brandy Purdy’s novels, since 2010 and I have enjoyed them all including Ashes on the Wind. Brandy spends extensive time doing research and has the knack for telling a great story.

  

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Brandy Purdy is the author of several historical novels including The Ripper's Wife, The Secrets of Lizzie Borden, The Boleyn Wife, and The Tudor Throne.

  

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon giftcard (WW),

kindle ebook of Ashes on the Wind (US only)

-1 winner each! 


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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The Girl of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris Genre: Historical Fiction


The true story of a powerful Knight and a runaway Queen who unite to defy an empire.


 

The Girl of Many Crowns

by D.H. Morris

Genre: Historical Fiction


"The Girl of Many Crowns" is the true and inspiring story of Judith, the first princess of France, who is a pawn in a complex political game of chess as her father, King Charles, tries to hold on to his kingdom. King Charles, grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, is beset on every side by Vikings, rebel lords, and greedy neighboring monarchs. He marries 12-year-old Judith to Aethelwulf, the aging King of Wessex, for political advantage. When she is widowed less than two years later, he arranges a second marriage for her. But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father's command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.

Baldwin Iron Arm is a powerful knight from Flanders who pledges loyalty to King Charles and his family. As the companion of Judith's brother, Louis, he fulfills his oath by protecting King Charles' family from Vikings, rebel lords, wars, and assassination plots. He is conflicted when he must choose between obeying the king and rescuing his daughter Judith from her imprisonment.

  

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A native of San Diego, California, D. H. Morris has lived on four continents and traveled through many countries. She has four children and eleven grandchildren and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Choral Music education and pursued graduate work in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. She is also a published playwright.

As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9 th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves talking about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.

  

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon


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Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Murder Under a Cold Moon A Mona Moon Mystery Book 13 By Abigail Keam Genre: 1930’s Historical Cozy Mystery

 


Mona Moon is the American Phryrne Fisher!


Murder Under a Cold Moon

A Mona Moon Mystery Book 13

By Abigail Keam

Genre: 1930’s Historical Cozy Mystery 


“The ending will shock you and leave you with valuable lessons about family, charity, greed, and the consequences of past mistakes. This is a great story and a must-have for all historical mystery fans.” –Readers’ Favorite

Mona Moon and her new husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth are on their honeymoon at last. They are invited to a weekend party by an old friend of Robert’s family—Lady Eustacia. Mona and Robert arrive in a substantial downpour to find several other couples awaiting the appearance of their hostess. When Lady Eustacia fails to come downstairs, Mona and Robert search the manor house only to find the lady missing. It is then they discover the telephone wires have been cut and none of the cars are able to drive into town due to the storm. Mona and Robert believe the invitation was a ruse, but for what purpose? And how do they help Lady Eustacia?

 

What readers are saying about Murder Under a Cold Moon:

FIVE STARS! “Abigail Keam masterfully blends light-hearted humor, suspense, and historical charm. Her ability to balance action with cozy moments keeps the pacing just right, ensuring readers remain captivated from start to finish.” –Tambi Smith, Mystic Shadows Mystery Book Club.

 

FIVE STARS! “Using suspense and a never-ending array of twists, the author skillfully weaves character development with elements of mystery. When you think you have figured out who the real culprit is, Keam throws in another surprise that challenges your

assumptions, making the story thrilling to read.” –Readers’ Favorite

 

FIVE STARS! “I continue to revel in this cleverly contrived and engaging cozy series. I adore Mona Moon, a woman ahead of her time with movie star looks, boatloads of her own money, nerves of steel, and a nose for sleuthing.” -DJ Sakata, Books and Bindings Blog.

 

FIVE STARS! “The setting, theme and mystery were done really well. It almost felt like something from Holmes or Christie. It is a great read for the fall season.” - Susan Reads Cozies, Goodreads

 

FIVE STARS! “Those who enjoy reading crime fiction and detective stories should get their hands on this book!” –Readers’ Choice, Goodreads

 

FIVE STARS! “Carve out a few hours and have yourself a plate of biscuits and a pot of builders' tea to enjoy and savor this one. Because once you start, you won't want to put it down!” –Jesse Coffey, Goodreads

 

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**Don’t miss the rest of the books in the series!**

Find them on Amazon!

 

Murder Under A Blue Moon – Only .99 cents!!
Murder Under A Blood Moon
Murder Under A Bad Moon
Murder Under A Silver Moon
Murder Under A Wolf Moon
Murder Under A Black Moon
Murder Under A Full Moon
Murder Under A New Moon
Murder Under A British Moon
Murder Under A Bridal Moon
Murder Under A Western Moon
Murder Under A Honey Moon -
Only .99 cents!!
Murder Under A Cold Moon
Murder Under A Mystic Moon

 



Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series, which weaves real people and events into the story. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. There is an addendum at the end of the mystery to give more information. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy.”

 Miss Abigail currently lives on the Palisades bordering the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters.

 

AWARDS

2010 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By A HoneyBee
2011 Gold Medal Award from Readers' Favorite for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By Drowning
2011 USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist for Death By A HoneyBee
2017 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Death By Design
2019 Honorable Mention from Readers' Favorite for Death By Stalking
2019 Murder Under A Blue Moon voted top ten mystery reads by Kings River Life Magazine
2020 Finalist from Readers' Favorite for Murder Under A Blue Moon
2020 Imadjinn Award for Best Mystery for Death By Stalking 2022 Finalist in Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A Full Moon
2022 Finalist the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical Category - Murder Under A New Moon
2022 Death By Chance: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A Bridal Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery
2022 Top Ten Mystery Novel by Kings River Life Magazine for Murder Under A British Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

 

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Signed print copy of Murder Under A Cold Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery

 – 2 winners, US only,

$10 Amazon giftcard 

– 1 winner, WW


The Missing Girl by Stacia Moffett

  

 Historical Fiction

Date Published: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Publisher: Peanut Butter Publishing






















 

 

In rural Radford, Tennessee, in the 1950s, a white family is killed in an automobile accident.

Upon hearing the news of her parents’ and grandfather’s deaths, Jessa runs away with her dog, creating problems for her town, especially for the sheriff, her parents’ friends, and the Black community that falls under suspicion. Racial distrust shapes the town’s response to Jessa’s disappearance, and as the weeks stretch out, the weather poses increasing challenges for Jessa as she shelters in a hollow tree while attempting to provide for herself and her dog, Cassie. Help appears from an unexpected source as a family mystery is revealed.

The Missing Girl and the second book, Jessa Is Back, are placed right in the midst of “the good old days” and serve as a reminder of the unabashed nature and danger of white supremacy in the 1950s. These provide us an opportunity to examine the parallels in events unfolding today

 

Also in the Series
















Historical Fiction

Date Published: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Publisher: Peanut Butter Publishing


 

Jessa is a different person when she returns to her hometown.

The integrated schools in Oregon allowed her to form a friendship with a Black girl, and now she sees the local Jim Crow practices in Tennessee with new eyes. Supported by her Oregon relatives, she becomes an advocate not only for the inclusion of music throughout the school system of Radford, but also for friendships that cross racial lines. While she becomes a gadfly to the school board, her interactions with other members of her town precipitate crises that uncover support for her position as well as staunch opposition.

In the South, and also in the rest of the country, a long road stretches from the 1950s to the present, and we must judge how well we have lived up to the vision that Jessa’s discovery of interracial friendship revealed to her.


Contact Links

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The Missing Girl on Amazon

Jessa is Back on Amazon

 

 

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Friday, October 4, 2024

⭐⭐⭐Sandra’s Reader and Author Blog Party ⭐⭐⭐


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

What started off as a simple book blog that posted the personal reviews of the site owner has grown into a site where authors and readers can connect. Since then, we’ve given away books, gift cards, reviews, tours, and free promotions to authors.

 

Check out Sandra’s Book Blog 

to find out more!  



To celebrate all the readers and authors that have been a part of our blog, we’re throwing everyone a Reader and Author Blog Party! We’re also including one prize for readers and one prize for authors.

 

Follow the party HERE


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Author Giveaway


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

The Mark of the Salamander The Island of Angels Book One by Justin Newland Genre: Historical Fiction

 


 THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.


The Mark of the Salamander

The Island of Angels Book One

by Justin Newland

Genre: Historical Fiction

  


1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind.

Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hordes of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.

The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.


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JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism.

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (ISBN 9781789014860, Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

His second book is a historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (ISBN 9781789015829, Matador, 2018), and is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (ISBN 9781838591885, Matador, 2019) is an historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

The Abdication (ISBN 9781800463950, Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.

His latest is The Mark of the Salamander (ISBN 9781915853271, Book Guild, 2023) and is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it tells the epic tale of England’s coming of age.

The second in the series, The Midnight of Eights (ISBN 9781835740 330, Book Guild, 2024), charts of the uncanny coincidences that culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada and is due for publication in October.

Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin gives talks to historical associations and libraries, appears on LitFest panels, and enjoys giving radio interviews.

He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.


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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Print copy of The Mark of the Salamander,

 $10 Amazon 

– 1 winner each! 


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Monday, September 23, 2024

A Tainted Heart Bleeds by Sophie Barnes

 

  


House of Croft, Book 2

 

Historical Mystery/Thriller/Romance

Date Published: 10-29-2024


 

He’ll never forgive her deception, or the hold she still has on his heart…

Adrian Croft’s worst fear has been realized. His wife, the sweet woman who swept past his every defense, is a cunning spy working against him. Forced to play a dangerous game where one wrong move could see him destroyed, he must unravel her secrets while hunting a far more sinister threat.

Samantha knew her decision to marry her target would come at a price. Now, having lost her husband’s trust and affection, she’ll do whatever it takes to win it all back – abandon past loyalties, spill her secrets, and catch a killer. But will it be enough to undo the damage?

 

About the Author



USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

 

Contact Links

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Twitter

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Pinterest

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BookBub

 

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/ATaintedHeartBleeds

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Barnes and Noble

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