Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Martha's Notebook by C. Fulster, the first book of a new zombie apocalypse trilogy. Pre-order your copy now to be among the first to receive this new book when it is released on October 1! 

Bonus: Get the e-book for a special price of $2.99 now through October 5. (After that, the e-book will be available at a regular price of $4.99.)

Martha's Notebook

Before the incident, Martha’s biggest worry was her parents’ divorce. Now she’s hiding from a zombie horde hell-bent on annihilating humankind nicknamed “Chippers.”

But this attack wasn’t spurred by a viral outbreak. Instead, these zombies seem to be puppets of an AI technology gone rogue, and with every day that passes, it’s learning more about how to accomplish its sinister goal.

But why is an AI creating, controlling, and upgrading zombies—and more importantly, how do you stop an ultra-intelligent, world-ending technology that can shift course at a moment’s notice?

Only one thing is clear: there’s no going back.

Martha’s Notebook is the electrifying first installment of a new sci-fi horror trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist. Jam-packed with survival, suspense, and existential dread, it’s sure to satisfy any post-apocalyptic fiction enthusiast.

About the Author

      

We have two great options for free literary events this weekend. If you happen to be in or near Chicago, we recommend Printers Row Lit Fest, a two-day book fair with lots of in-person readings, lectures, and book signings. All events are free, no tickets required. Saturday, Sept. 7 & Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. CDT.

Can't make it to Chicago this weekend? Check out The Back Room discussion of "Big Fall Books" with authors Ally Condie, David Ellis, S.C. Lalli, and Thomas E. Ricks. For our money (actually, it's free!), this is one of the best online reading/discussion series around. Sunday, Sept. 8,  7 p.m. ET.

"Going to Chicago was like going out of the world." ~Muddy Waters

At 18 years of age, John Walker Pattison was diagnosed with cancer. After years of failed chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, his parents were told that he would not survive. Yet today, he is one of the longest-surviving cancer patients in the UK. Later, his daughter was diagnosed with terminal cancer, yet she too went on to defy the odds. Learn more in this inspiring true story. 4.9 stars, 20 ratings. From $4.50 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on When Shepherds Kill by James Hammonds, a thriller set in Chicago that follows a city councilman as he helps investigate the death of his friend and fellow city councilman. 

When Shepherds Kill

“We are the only people in America who have to protect ourselves from our protectors.” ~Stokely Carmichael

Inspired by the 1963 unsolved murder of Chicago Alderman Benjamin Lewis, this novel follows Councilman David Strong as he gets involved in the murder investigation of his friend and colleague, Councilman Earl Williams.

When Williams is found slumped over his office desk, Detective Harry Johnson persuades Councilman Strong to assist in the murder investigation of their mutual friend.

The dead councilman's constituents are angry, so the mayor has the police make a quick arrest. This strategy to keep the city calm goes south fast as demonstrators demand the release of the incarcerated young man.

David Strong, a reluctant sleuth, investigates Williams’ death while supporting the protestors. His efforts put him in the crosshairs of the police, Russian mobsters, Mexican drug dealers, and local street gangs.

If Strong is going to unravel this murder mystery and come out alive, he must use all of his wits.

About the Author

      

Free online: First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Shanan Ballam, Poet Laureate of Logan City, Utah, and a Senior Lecturer for the Utah State University's Department of English. Shanan survived a massive stroke in January 2022 that left her without speech and without the use of her entire right side, but she never quit writing poetry. Friday, September 6, 12 p.m. CDT. 

"Every year, about 800,000 Americans have strokes. But it seems that, unlike Shanan Ballam, few people found poetry in it." ~Peter Rosen, KSLTV.com

Do you believe in Halloween magic? This collection of contemporary military romance stories takes place around and during Halloween, featuring closely held secrets, ghosts, sexy adult costume parties, and things that go bump in the night. It’s a bewitching 'must-have' collection with various tropes and steam levels, offering something for every reader to enjoy. Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (Vol. 2) is available for a limited time—get your copy before we prepare for Volume 3! Step out of the shadows and pick up your copy today! From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Ronald Mullins seemingly had it all. So when he dies of an apparent suicide, Detective John Keegan starts asking questions. Before long, Keegan is thrust into a web of corruption that could destroy his career—and his life. In Soft Case, Keegan must navigate betrayal and danger as he uncovers secrets that reach all the way to the top. Can he solve the city's biggest case before it consumes him? Dive into the gripping first book of the John Keegan Mystery Series. 4.0 stars, 669 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Congratulations to Michelle Tobin and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Home for the Bewildered, the story of a psychologist who has no problem saving her patients...but can she save herself?

★★★★★ “A poignant, funny, inspiring exploration of the healing power of empathy and common humanity.” ~John Neafsey, psychologist, author of A Sacred Voice is Calling

Home for the Bewildered

It's 1974 and Dr. Dorothy Morrissey becomes the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum in Lansing, Michigan.

Dorothy’s patients mirror her emotional issues as they draw her into their often-chaotic lives:

• Thomas’s flair for drama as a cross-dressing homosexual with bi-polar makes Dorothy laugh as much as he makes her cry.
• George is at the asylum after pleading "not guilty by reason of insanity," causing Dorothy to wrestle with an inexplicable aversion to him.
• Ruth’s post-partum psychiatric break threatens to draw Dorothy in with her.
• Marcella, labeled as borderline, frustrates Dorothy's efforts to keep her from self-harm.

As good as Dorothy is at holding and interpreting her patients’ past traumas, she resists looking at her own, causing a strain on her relationship with Kenneth. It seems Dorothy has no problem saving her patients...but can she save herself?

Praise for Home for the Bewildered
★★★★★ “Tobin masterfully takes us deeper and deeper into the minds and hearts of her characters. You finish, wanting a sequel.” ~Dan Mulhern, J.D., Former First Gentleman of Michigan

★★★★★ “Tobin tackles HUGE subjects: grief, homosexuality, priest abuse, family denial, parental guilt, the AIDS crisis, hypermasculinity, and feminine stereotyping with a clear sense of unity and emotional richness.” ~Beth Gylys, Ph.D., author of Body Braille

★★★★★ “A compelling work of fiction that could also serve as an excellent resource for teaching the art of psychotherapy.” ~John Neafsey, author of A Sacred Voice is Calling

Free online: Abraham Lincoln's "A House Divided" Speech. Join the staff of the New York Public Library's Grand Concourse Library for a discussion of one of Lincoln's most consequential speeches. The NYPL provides a link to a free copy of the speech if you'd like to read it ahead of time. Wednesday, September 4, 12 - 1 PM EDT. 

"A house divided against itself cannot stand." ~Abraham Lincoln