Today's Featured Books

"A hard-hitting serial killer thriller that deftly explores the homeless crisis and the role of law enforcement with unflinching realism." ~BestThrillers.com. Jim Briggs promised his dying mother he would care for Portland's homeless strays—humans and dogs. With his inheritance, he launched Have Paws—Will Travel, a mobile canine care service. All is going well until six homeless people go missing without a trace, and he's the prime suspect. No animals are injured or killed in this story. 4.2 stars, 150 ratings. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Retro-music store owner Venus Bixby will do almost anything to be named to Chatham Crossing’s prestigious Town Committee. But when she stumbles over a body in the garden where her birthday party is scheduled to be held, she becomes both a suspect and a sleuth—not what Venus had in mind! Book 1 in the Venus Bixby Mystery series. If you're a fan of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams, give this cozy mystery a try. 4.2 stars, 180 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

U.S. Marshal Danny Coogan returns to his roots in Montana to settle into the sleepy town of Darwin with his pregnant wife. But as Danny races into town ahead of an early blizzard, the storms of his past threaten his future. Not only have the ambitions of the Ghost Buffalo Society set some of the local Indians on a path toward insurrection, but Danny’s best friend, Edmund Goodrunner, working undercover for the Tribal Council, has gone missing. 4.6 stars, 300+ ratings. From $7.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In this New Adult comedy, Jake Durham’s post-breakup life is a mess of viral humiliation, disastrous dating, and booze-fueled chaos. But with a little help from his friends, he might just find his way back. 4.5 stars, 36 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

London, 1815: where magic can be purchased at convenience, and the fashionable and wealthy descend for the start of the social Season. Young Gavin Hartford finds the city intimidating and lonely when he arrives. But then dashing man-about-town Charles Kentworthy rescues Gavin from a mishap and turns his life upside-down. As Gavin grapples with his feelings, he will need to be honest with Mr. Kentworthy, but first, he’ll need the courage to be honest with himself. A Queer Historical Romance. 4.4 stars, 345 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Assigned to a Space Force base in a charming coastal town in Florida, JAG Lt. Coral Ann Keith was ready for anything—until she found herself sharing her new home with a black Maine Coon, restless spirits, and shadowy figures determined to be her guardians. Along with her new roommates, Coral navigates high-stakes legal battles and babysits Chase Rand's dog while he deals with his own challenges. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Being bound and pleasured by three handsome, rugged silver foxes is far from what I’d expected from this trip…and exactly what I needed. In my whole life, I’ve never felt more lonely. A trip to the mountains seems like the perfect balm for my misery. Then I meet them: three deliciously hot silver foxes who can’t seem to tear their hungry gaze away from me. This reverse harem/why choose romance is a standalone novella that’s as filthy and spicy as it is sweet and cozy, with safe, consensual BDSM scenes and a HEA ending. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Congratulations to author Valerie Taylor on the April 22 release of Switched at Death, the second installment of the Venus Bixby Mystery series of award-winning cozy mysteries with a romantic twist.

The series began with A Whale of a Murder, released almost exactly one year ago in April 2024. In book two, Valerie brings back scrappy sleuth Venus Bixby and her mischief-maker twin sister, this time with a holiday theme that can be enjoy all year long.

Switched at Death

New Release: April 22, 2025
Book 2 of the Venus Bixby Mystery Series
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Paperback: From $16.69
Ebook: From $4.99  

2025 Firebird Book Awards Winner - Cozy Mystery
2025 Firebird Book Awards Winner - Holiday

Thanksgiving weekend always marks the start of Christmas festivities in Chatham Crossing. But this year, when the annual tree lighting ends in flames, this charming and usually joyful town finds little to celebrate.

After the town's long-time, beloved mayor collapses and dies at the scene of the tree lighting, nearly a week passes before details as to what actually caused his heart attack begin to emerge.

Preoccupied with the recent opening of her kitty daycare service, Venus Bixby thinks twice before getting involved in the investigation. But once her popular cookie bakery is linked to the mayor's death, she has no choice.

As clues begin to surface, Venus grapples with the possibility that someone she cares about may be responsible for the mayor's death. Will Venus's clever sleuthing be enough to save Christmas for this charming seaside town?

Includes cookie recipes and a playlist!

A Whale of a Murder

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book 1 of the Venus Bixby Mystery Series
4.2 stars, 180 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: From $13.98
Ebook: From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 

Sea breezes and fireworks fill the air in cozy Chatham Crossing, the peaceful and historic whaling town situated between Providence and Cape Cod. 

Venus Bixby, owner of the forever popular music store Oldies & Goodies, is counting on the festivities over the Fourth of July weekend to propel her to a position on the prestigious Town Committee. After years of living in the shadow of her late husband, Venus will finally be the center of attention this holiday weekend: starting with her fiftieth birthday celebration and ending as the parade’s Grand Marshal.

Faster than a cookie crumbles, her dream collapses on the morning of her party when she trips over orange platform shoes in the gardens of the Sofia Silva Whaling Museum and breaks her thumb. When it’s discovered the shoes are attached to the body of the manager of the museum’s gift shop, Venus becomes both a suspect and a sleuth in Chatham Crossing’s first murder in decades.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams.

About the Author
Valerie Taylor is a novelist and book reviewer who was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer, including stints in Boston and Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter.

Valerie is a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com and a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. Learn more about Valerie and her work at ValerieTaylorAuthor.com, sign up for email updates from Valerie, and be sure to follow her online:
 

        

In this special edition newsletter, we are shining a spotlight on the work of Rebecca Rook, author of Young Adult fantasy, horror, and thriller novels, including:

• The Penance of Valentine Cash, YA Urban Fantasy
• False Haven, YA Thriller/Suspense
• City of Graves, YA Literary Fiction, YA Thriller/Suspense

The Penance of Valentine Cash

Neil Gaiman's American Gods meets Jennifer Mason-Black's Devil and the Bluebird in this modern adaptation of the Greek legend The Twelve Labors of Hercules for young adult fantasy readers.

When Valentine Cash dies in an accidental collision she caused on the cusp of musical fame, Valentine is offered a deal: Complete a series of difficult tasks to get her life back. Fail, and she dies a final, everlasting death.

Guided by Route 66, the Mother Road of America, on her quest, she tackles one herculean task after another, giving up a piece of herself with each trial.

Valentine begins to understand that the fame she once sought won’t bring her happiness or belonging—and if she fulfills the penance, she must decide what’s more important: Her old life or restoring the lives of the strangers who died alongside her.

The young and the ancient, the tangible and the mythical, collide as Valentine learns the true meaning of redemption, connection, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

★★★★★ "Slick and intelligent blend of mythology and contemporary themes." ~Readers' Favorite

False Haven

Holes meets The Haunting of Hill House in this young adult horror novel for fans of Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Asylum by Madeleine Roux, and Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff.

Seventeen-year-old Vivienne Barston’s life has fallen apart. With her mother recently dead, her father disappears into his grief—leaving Viv to deal with her sadness and anger alone. Viv turns to destructive behaviors like petty vandalism, but after a disturbing stint in a juvenile detention center frightens her, Viv agrees to a court mandated service opportunity designed to expunge her record. The deal: work for six weeks with a trail conservation crew in the rural woods of southern Oregon, and she’ll be free with a clean slate. She knows it’s her last chance to fix her life.

When Viv arrives at the small town of Hard Luck, Oregon, she meets her motley crewmates, all with troubles of their own. The unusual group travels to Grafton Stake, a remote and derelict former asylum with a haunted history—and now Viv must face the ghosts of the past while fighting for her future.

★★★★★ "Scary, suspenseful, and entertaining!" ~Goodreads Review

City of Graves

A young adult thriller that will appeal to fans of I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney, and Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff.

Finch Marlowe is gifted and privileged. She knows she’s lucky. Except her wealthy parents have high expectations for her future. Every extracurricular activity and every volunteer endeavor contributes to the never ending quest for a perfect college application—and Finch feels every bit of that pressure. Failure is not an option.​

But Finch has a secret. She belongs to the city’s urban exploration community—a dangerous and thrilling pastime that involves exploring abandoned buildings. Moving through these forgotten places gives Finch with a sense of freedom she’s never experienced at home, and she begins to unearth her real self in this new community.

However, everything changes when Finch finds a body in one of the buildings. And as Finch becomes the target of a killer, she finds herself questioning everything she knows in a desperate attempt to save herself.

★★★★★ "Wonderful, spooky read." ~Amazon Review

About the Author

Rebecca Rook designs tabletop games, makes art, and lives in the Pacific Northwest with two wonderful dogs. She also writes young adult fiction in the fantasy, thriller, and horror genres. Rebecca was a 2021-2022 Hugo House Fellow in Seattle, WA, and attended the 2021 Tin House YA Fiction Workshop in Portland, OR. Prior to this, she completed the Yearlong Workshop for Young Adult and Middle-Grade Fiction at Hugo House. Learn more at byrebeccarook.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter (follow the link and then scroll to the bottom of the page for the sign-up form), and be sure to follow her online:  

Free online: Literary Editions from the University of Alberta Press, an online listening party featuring readings from UAlberta Press’ newest poetry collections: This Sweet Rupture by Omar Ramadan, When Whales Went Back to the Water by Lisa Baird, and Python Love by Shannon Arntfield. Wednesday, April 23, 6:00 - 7:30 PM CDT. 

"Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash." ~Leonard Cohen

Espionage suspense thriller. Alex Curtner, a new CIA Chief of Station for Ukraine and Russia, assists Ukraine in its fight for freedom during the Russian aggression. It is the largest European war since WW II. In the clandestine world of international espionage, what begins as a routine CIA assignment, morphs into a personal battle. 4.5 stars, 15 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Cora's strange ability to locate lost things brings her to the site of a murdered corpse. After the police find no clues to the culprit, Cora allows the victim’s fiancé to persuade her to help him dig up evidence. When Cora discovers the handsome man is not what he seems, she fears the only thing her talent will lead her to is her own grave. 4.4 stars, 800+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

An explosive tale of love and survival. "Heart-pounding." ~Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize. Rhyme Carter has a problem: she’s married to the Antichrist. But her heart belongs to Emery, a man who wakes in a hospital to find the woman he loves betrayed him. Rhyme has plans to thwart her evil husband and reclaim her life, but can this former librarian save the planet and the man she loves? 4.8 stars, 48 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

A forgotten legacy. A hidden power. A choice that could change everything. Ameenah lives alone on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, her quiet life shaped by tragedy and survival. But when her craft catches the eye of the ruthless Hir, everything begins to unravel. Drawn into a dangerous game of power and secrets, Ameenah discovers a magic long buried in her blood—and a past that refuses to stay hidden. As an ancient force stirs, her choices will determine whether a lost legacy is reborn…or destroyed forever. 4.3 stars, 60 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

The Past Never Truly Stays Buried... Charlie Dalton is haunted by memories he thought he had resolved long ago. Thirty-four years after a traumatic childhood event, Charlie's life is once again thrown into turmoil when someone close to him is murdered. When Charlie is immediately considered a suspect, the lines between past and present blur. A web of connections links him to another missing person—someone he’d hoped the world had forgotten. From $3.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Soren was a sculptor, not a killer—until assassins murdered his father. Now forced into their ruthless guild, Soren is trapped in a brutal world of poison, betrayal, and blood. Revenge demands a price: his very soul. Will vengeance destroy him, or can he survive long enough to strike back? 4.4 stars, 75 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

A once-popular New York priest with family ties to the mob is falsely accused of abuse. A cop with a chip on his shoulder and internal affairs breathing down his neck is on a bad-luck bender. Their paths cross in this gripping thriller. "Thought-provoking." ~Maureen C. Grix, Psychotherapist. 4.6 stars, 44 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Part II in the Organic Masculine series, this workbook focuses on integrating our pathologies of sex and aggression into the wholeness of the adult, organic self, providing a path toward embodying the masculine warrior. Drawing on archetypes and integral theory, this comprehensive approach offers a practical, experiential pathway to redefine masculinity in wholeness and become the Warrior the world desperately needs today. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Jason Stocks, a poet known for his collections of "Explicit Southern Poetry": 

• Blameforest, 4.8 stars, 51 ratings on Amazon.com
• Laughing is Forever, 4.8 stars, 32 ratings

Blameforest

Finalist in the 2024 American Legacy Book Awards

"Provocative, explicit poetry written with muscular swagger." ~Kirkus Reviews

"Fierce, bold, and self aware...steeped in the Gothic hauntings of Deep South life." ~Jenifer DeBellis, author of Blood Sisters

"Stocks captures the rhythms of a vibrant vernacular that is original and authentic...a layered and nuanced work of innovative literature to be read in one sitting, and then over and over again." ~Jacob M. Appel, author of The Cynic in Extremis

Laughing is Forever

Gritty, rhythmic, far-out poetry from a unique American voice

"These mercurial poems surprise, thrill, and move in equal measure. They’re dying to be read." ~Independent Book Review

"This collection is brave, unflinching and hits you like a punch in the jaw. It is at times brutal and vicious but also tender and intelligent." ~Sam Szanto, author of If No One Speaks

"These are the kind of tattered, beautiful poems I often search for and rarely find." ~Sean Thomas Dougherty, author of Death Prefers the Minor Keys

About the Author

Jason Stocks is a writer and teacher living in south Florida. Before becoming a teacher, Jason worked in a chicken house, washed dishes, bagged groceries, waited tables, and sold cars. Jason received his BFA from Goddard College and his MFA from Solstice of Pine Manor College where he was the 2014 Sharon Olds Poetry Fellow. His poetry has appeared in numerous journals, including Exterminating Angel Press, Confrontation, and Deep South Magazine. Learn more by visiting his YouTube channel, and be sure to also follow him on Facebook and on Amazon: 

Free online: Earth Day Film Festival, an online documentary film festival that invites you to explore both the wonders and the challenges facing our natural world. Presented by Earth Day Orcas and the San Juan Islands Makers Guild, in collaboration with the Friday Harbor Film Festival. April 19 - 28. 

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ~Rachel Carson

They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. We will fight back! The Earthrise Super Box Set: six full sci-fi novels. 2,000+ pages of fun. For FREE. In Earthrise, childhood friends Marco and Addy struggle to survive a hostile alien invasion. If you loved Ender's Game and Starship Troopers, you'll love Earthrise. From a USA Today bestselling author. 4.2 stars, 2300+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

A mysterious flu is sweeping the world, killing many. Unexplained violent behavior is being broadcast on the news. A massive solar flare is the final straw, devastating the electric grid and pushing the world into lawlessness. Jack Emily is a regular guy, thrown into a world of violence, sickness, and hippies. In a world where tough guys rule, Jack must find a way to protect his family and friends. Join Jack and his friends a he bumbles his way through the apocalypse. 4.8 stars, 20 ratings. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Set in 1875 in the Wyoming Territory, Lost in Prosperity blends romance with suspenseful mystery. It tells the compelling story of Sam Hilliard Stone, a rich and beautiful heiress with a temper as quick as her draw, and Providence "Jackson" Knight, the handsome, rugged rancher who loves her. Together, they struggle to rebuild their lives after a tragic stagecoach accident threatens their happiness. Contains spice, graphic language, and violence. 4.9 stars, 49 ratings. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Tired of the same old financial struggles? Break the cycle with Money Games—adventure therapy for your wallet! For fans of Atomic Habits and The Psychology of Money, escape the financial Groundhog Day with this playful guide to mastering your relationship with money. Your financial struggles aren’t random—they’re inherited. Money Games blends behavioral science and gamification to help you override scarcity mindsets and rewrite your financial future. Includes a FREE 130-page workbook. 4.8 stars, 38 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

• Code Name Delilah (The Delilah Series Book 1)
• The Delilah Enigma (The Delilah Series Book 2)

Code Name Delilah

Set in London during the early years of World War II, Code Name Delilah weaves a cast of fictional characters with noteworthy historic figures to capture the events of 1939 through 1942, when an international coalition of nations supporting Great Britain began to pull together to defeat the Axis Powers.

Against this backdrop, Robert Johnston, a New York lawyer at the Office of Strategic Services, and Sarah Leach, a Royal Navy lieutenant with MI6, code name “Delilah,” are thrown together and tasked with tracking a German double agent, RAF Bomber Command missions, French Resistance fighters, as well as each other. They also rescue a German Jewish refugee named Hannah, whose past is catching up with her. Meanwhile, Robert, separated from his wife, and Sarah, alone in London, begin to fall for each other over bottles of wine at the Old Bell Tavern.

The Delilah Enigma

London 1943. The streets teem with refugees and soldiers while double agents circulate among them. Follow Lt. Sarah Leach, a Brit with MI6, and Robert Johnston, an American at the OSS, as they trade secrets and sex while working for the Allied effort. 

Sarah and Robert are tracking the German resistance among high-ranking military officers, while gathering intel for the D-Day invasion and protecting their friend Hannah from a mysterious stalker. Things take a turn for the worse when Sarah is capture by the SS. Her location is unknown until Bletchley Park friends reveal classified intel to Robert. Will his rescue party get to her in time? Historical events and a sweeping cast of real and fictitious characters round out this “terrific read.”