Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is pleased to shine a spotlight on The Jimmy Crikey Series of middle grade fantasy/adventure novels from author Wallace Briggs. 

"A beautiful world that meshes fantasy and science fiction for young readers." ~Literary Titan

The Amazing Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Worlds Beneath And Above The Stars 

Beneath the very ground on which you walk and beyond the stars above your head are more worlds than you could ever dream of. There are monsters. Magic wielded by witches and sorcerers. Epic adventures in worlds far across the ocean. And fearsome weapons that threaten to destroy everything.

Jimmy Crikey is a brave soul whose incredible courage allows him to rise above every challenge in his path, on his way to discovering why he looks so very strange.

With a bright red mop of unruly hair, big blue eyes, a small snub nose, pointed ears, and enormous feet, poor Jimmy is ridiculed by the neighbourhood children and runs away in search of a world where he fits in. Following a midnight flight through the forest, he stumbles into a lost, underground world called Roombelow where magic, adventure, danger, and excitement await.

Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in the Sky Islands (and beyond) 

Jimmy Crikey is the orphan alien living on Earth. Because of his strange appearance, Jimmy was bullied beyond endurance.But he saved the underground world of Roombelow from the sleeping spell cast by Matilda, the witch who forgot how to laugh. And now Gemma, the little lady who lived at the bottom of the well, is Jimmy's greatest friend, and Jade (Gemma's tiny niece) is Jimmy’s greatest admirer.

Once freed from the bullies, Jimmy blossomed and developed into a genuine hero. He uses his unique Attalian powers to defend Roombelow from many of the dangers that threaten. Meanwhile, far above Earth, the Sky Islands are invaded by the galactic race of Zylons. It takes the combined power of the four witches, the ancient Weatherman, Jade (an apprentice witch), and Jimmy to save the Sky Islands. But then the Weatherman disappears, and Jimmy and friends set out to rescue him.

Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in Parallel Worlds 

When Earth is invaded by an alien species of omnivorous worm, the four guardian witches of Earth are powerless against them. So it falls to Jimmy to seek the help of his technologically advanced friends on Attalia, his home planet in a different dimension.

Jimmy may be an orphan, but he has friends on both sides of the universe, including Jade, the apprentice witch who joins Jimmy on his quest. They escape the worms once and reach the safety of Attalia. But when Jade's life is threatened again, it's up to Jimmy to save the day.

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: The Emerald Lake

In this is a stand-alone fourth book in the series, Emerald Lake, the underground home of the Aquamites, is invaded by a flesh-eating, fire-breathing serpent that is impervious to the magic of the four guardian witches. The witches call on Jimmy for help.

Jimmy accompanies Elwinn, witch guardian of everything associated with water, to visit the Emerald Lake. They capture the serpents, but Annison is seriously injured when a serpent takes a big bite out of her tail. All appears lost until Lord Oron reveals his true identity--and a plan that could save Annison's life. 

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Ever Witch 

Jade is approaching the end of her apprenticeship with Witch Matilda, the leader of the Guardians. But there are several challenges to complete before Jade becomes a fully qualified member of the sister's Coven, and Jade cannot accept help from anybody, especially not from Jimmy. 

Things get complicated when the cave world of Lithnia, the Sky Islands, and Roombelow all fall under threat, requiring help from Jimmy and Jade. And things get even worse when an alien race from the Alpha Centauri system risks destroying Earth in order to save their own planet. Can Jimmy help the aliens resolve their plight without bloodshed? And when Witch Matilda is called to a higher realm, who will be appointed as her successor?

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: 5-Book Set 

Get the entire set of all five Jimmy Crikey books on Kindle for only $4.95 (free via Kindle Unlimited)!

Free online: The Back Room. Grab your favorite cocktail and yoin authors Brett Battles, Claire Jiminez, Alex Marwod, and Matthew Quirk for an evening of great conversation. Each online event starts with a short introduction to a panel of authors. The audience is then divided into breakout rooms where they remain for the rest of the program while the authors visit each room in turn. Everyone’s video is turned on and their mics are unmuted, allowing for informal, face-to-face discussion. Sunday, June 25, 6 PM CDT. 

"Summertime is always the best of what might be." ~Charles Bowden

Author and life coach Barry Williams experienced a breakup, job loss, and had to move house all within three months during Covid lockdowns. Dealing with depression, Thank You Covid chronicles the steps Barry took to get back to himself and come out better than ever. Part memoir, part self-help, this book guides readers to build resilience and gratitude when faced with life's challenges by using a variety of self-care techniques and alternative therapies. A must-read for anyone feeling lost or struggling with a life challenge. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

"The Amazing Bees is a must read for all children, their parents, teachers and others." -Dr. Renai Jonas. Follow the exciting adventure of Princess Debbee, a honeybee who sets out to save her hive from destruction by thoughtless humans. This engaging story teaches children how their actions impact the environment and provides a powerful female role model to look up to. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

"A beautifully written story, full of poetry, action, texture, color and striking, sometimes shocking darkness." Nine hundred years after the end of the world, a troubled human mercenary awakens Earth’s last surviving son from cryosleep; now she must protect him, both from the callous alien powers who have enslaved humanity and the ruthless human fanatics who fight them. "If you only have time to read one Sci-Fi book this year, this is the one you should choose." 4.4 stars, 57 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is pleased to shine a spotlight on Sparkling Books, an independent press based in the United Kingdom that publishes crime, detective, mystery, suspense, thriller, horror, romance, women's fiction, children's, young adult/middle grade, and drama.

Sign up for news from Sparkling Books or follow Sparkling Books on Twitter to get information about new releases and other news. 

Petronella and the Janjilons by Cheryl Bentley 

The Janjilons are not what they seem. They look like a type of monkey, but they are really children. How did they turn into Janjilons? And could it happen to anyone?

Behind this mystery is someone evil: Judge Ormerod who wants to be the next Duke of Westshire. With the help of three weird sisters, he has to rid the land of clever children from being an obstacle to him. The Janjilons work for him as the three sisters mete out punishment and keep them locked up.

Petronella starts to look into these strange happenings. But time is running out because when the Judge no longer needs the Janjilons, they will be destroyed.

"A fun and exciting tale of mischief and the resulting troubles, of problem solving and the outcome of working toward a goal." ~”Linda Barrett, Bookseller, USA

Peregrine Harker & the Black Death by Luke Hollands 

Murder. Spies. Explosions. Revenge. This book for teens has it all!

London 1908. Peregrine Harker is about to learn you’re never too young to die. A secret society stalks the murky streets, a deadly assassin lurks in the shadows, and a series of unexplained deaths are linked by a mystery symbol. When boy-detective Peregrine Harker stumbles across a gruesome murder, he sparks a chain of events that drag him on a rip-roaring journey through a world of spluttering gas lamps, thick fog, deadly secrets, and dastardly villains. Every step of Peregrine’s white-knuckle adventure brings him closer to the vile heart of a terrifying mystery – the true story behind the Brotherhood of the Black Death.

“Highly imaginative and original.” ~The Hopeful Heroine Blog

Three British Mystery Novels 

Three authors, three great mysteries:

• Lynnwood by Thomas Brown: Who wouldn’t want to live in an idyllic village in the English countryside like Lynnwood? With its charming pub, old dairy, friendly vicar, gurgling brooks, and old paths with memories of simpler times. But the unthinkable is happening in Lynnwood ‒ a village with centuries of guilt on its conscience. Finalist in the People’s Book Prize.
• A Taste for Blood by David Stuart Davies: Two laser-sharp detectives, two thought-provoking cases, and two plots running parallel...you won’t see what’s coming! Featuring private investigator Johnny (One Eye) Hawke, and his one-time colleague in the police force Detective David Llewellyn. Hawke is on the case of a mysterious suicide. Llewellyn is investigating the chilling crimes of a top psychiatrist and his scheming patient. 
• Ellipsis by Nikki Dudley: ”Right on time,” Daniel Mansen mouths to Alice as she pushes him to his death. Haunted by these words, Alice becomes obsessed with discovering how a man she didn’t know could predict her actions. Ellipsis is a thriller stemming from what is left unsaid, what bounces around in the mind, and what evaporates when trying to remember. Can there be a conclusion when no one seems to know the truth?

Further Exploits of Sherlock Holmes

This exciting anthology brings together the work of two much admired Sherlock Holmes writers: David Stuart Davies and Matthew Booth. In these stories, Holmes and Watson are engaged in daring exploits applying their razor-sharp intelligence in new cases.

"Captures the feel of the originals...well-rounded tales" ~Jonathan Johnson, Librarian, USA

"These stories bring Holmes and Watson back to life in the true spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." ~Jeannette Beech, UK reviewer

The Sicilian Woman's Daughter by Linda Lo Scuro 

Most victims of the mafia are the Sicilians themselves. The role of women both as perpetrators and victims has been grossly overlooked. Until now.

As the teen daughter of Sicilian immigrants, Maria turns her back on her origins and fully embraces the English way of life. Notwithstanding her troubled and humble childhood in London, and backed up by her intelligence, beauty, and sheer determination, she triumphantly works her way up to join the upper middle class of British society. There she becomes a bastion of civility. But an incident causes Maria to delve into her mother's murky family history, drawing Maria more and more into a mire of vendetta.

"An enthralling read on many levels.” ~Book Trail

The Financial System Limit by David Kauders 

Can the world really continue to stimulate its way out of every downturn? What happens to debt as central banks and governments buy prosperity?

In The Financial System Limit: The world's read debt burden, the author puts forward three radical theories, which show that Keynesian economics can no longer benefit society. He explains why debt cannot expand to infinity; then how debt interest is a cost to us all. The global economic cycle is now determined by central bank policies. Read The Financial System Limit to understand why banks keep failing and learn why financial and economic policies have to change. You will discover why debt reduction programs do not work and what will follow the recent inflation.

David Kauders FRSA is a British investment manager who has been concerned about the hidden social costs of easy money. This is his third book.

Free online: The Big Texas Read. Join author Richard Z. Santos for a reading and discussion of his new novel, Trust Me. "One of the most anticipated books of the year." ~Crime Reads. Wednesday, June 21, 7 PM CST.

“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” ~Wallace Stevens

The Women Who Fought For Music. An informative and inspiring book that celebrates the achievements of women in music. The book covers a diverse range of female musicians from different eras and genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and pop, and explores their contributions to the world of music. With engaging storytelling and interesting facts, this book is a great read for anyone interested in the history of women in music and their impact on the industry. 4.9 stars, 19 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

A Children’s Documentary Series Exploring Global Cultures & The Natural World: Costa Rica. Wouldn't you like to take a family vacation to a place you've never been, right now? You and your entire family are invited to come and experience, learn, feel, and imagine what life in other countries all over the world is like from other kids. Visit fascinating countries around the world without ever having to leave your home with a kid’s documentary series that teaches an appreciation for both culture and biodiversity by country worldwide. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Tension - Her Billionaire Man Romance Series Book 1. I'm sure you remember how my life turned around when my dear neighbor, Mrs. Janey, died, leaving her billion-dollar company to her parrot...and me. What I thought was a turn for the better proved otherwise when I was met with resistance from her grandson, Craig Vans. The man was insufferable, and I could not stand him one bit...well, except in bed. Though he was irresistible, I had to enlist the help of Mrs. Janey's lawyer, who served Craig with only two weeks to dispute my inheritance of the company or step down as CEO. And just when it seemed that I would finally be getting the break I needed, a new obstacle arose: Craig's mother. FREE - SHOP NOW /