Today's Featured Books
Blindspot by Maggie Smith
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Fatal Flaw by E L Bartol
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Unravel the dark secrets of a marriage strewn with danger, fear, and the haunting echoes of a malevolent past. As Maggie sets herself on a path of liberation, she discovers two missing women. Could these disappearances hit closer to home than she realizes? A riveting psychological thriller that explores the lengths one woman will go to protect her child, even if it means confronting the darkest corners of her own past. 4.3 stars, 17 ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /
The Inheritance and Other Dark Tales by Stephen Tallevi
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Spotlight on the John Keegan Mystery Series from author John Misak
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of the John Keegan Mystery Series from author John Misak.
Dive into the gripping world of Detective John Keegan, a seasoned NYPD homicide detective. Set against the ever-evolving backdrop of New York City, each book in the series unravels a complex web of murder, deceit, and intrigue. The series includes several novels that the author has labeled as "Retro Novels," which take place early in Keegan's career at a time when digital tools were not yet available to help solve crimes.
At the heart of the series is John Keegan...introspective, analytical, and often cloaked in sarcasm. His journey from an eager young detective to a seasoned investigator is marked by cases that challenge not only his skills but also his moral compass.
Through each novel, the series explores themes of corruption, power, and the fine line between justice and the law. The stories are grounded in realism, focusing on the challenges of solving crimes in a technologically advanced world, while avoiding supernatural elements.
Bonus: Soft Case, the first book in the series, is available in e-book format FREE!
Dive into the gripping world of Detective John Keegan, a seasoned NYPD homicide detective. Set against the ever-evolving backdrop of New York City, each book in the series unravels a complex web of murder, deceit, and intrigue. The series includes several novels that the author has labeled as "Retro Novels," which take place early in Keegan's career at a time when digital tools were not yet available to help solve crimes.
At the heart of the series is John Keegan...introspective, analytical, and often cloaked in sarcasm. His journey from an eager young detective to a seasoned investigator is marked by cases that challenge not only his skills but also his moral compass.
Through each novel, the series explores themes of corruption, power, and the fine line between justice and the law. The stories are grounded in realism, focusing on the challenges of solving crimes in a technologically advanced world, while avoiding supernatural elements.
Bonus: Soft Case, the first book in the series, is available in e-book format FREE!
Soft Case
Book 1 of the John Keegan Mystery Series4.0 stars, 650+ ratings
Paperback: $15.00
Ebook: FREE
When the most famous man in New York City dies suspiciously, homicide detective John Keegan must follow a trail of corruption that may just lead to the top of city government...and the end of his career.Ronald Mullins had it all...money, power, and a happy family. Suicide seemed an unlikely end for him. Partnered with Rick Calhill, a rising star in the NYPD, Keegan hesitates to investigate, knowing the case would attract more attention than he needed. Calhill would bask in the spotlight.
Then they discover Mullins prepared a Senate run. The happy family myth later crumbles. Relations between Mullins and his business partner appear frayed. Calhill dives in while Keegan stays on the sidelines, wary of the political implications of the case. His instincts prove correct as he ends up in handcuffs, accused of taking a bribe he never received. The whole department turns on him. Calhill conveniently distances himself from the case.
Suspended, threatened, and betrayed, Keegan must solve the case to save his career, with only a handful of people he has no choice but to trust. He learns hard truths about the people he respected most. In the end, he risks his job and his life to solve the biggest case the city has seen in decades.
The First Cut
Book 8 of the John Keegan Mystery Series (Book 1 of the John Keegan Retro Books)Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
It's 1999 and NYPD homicide detective John Keegan gets his first solo case when Cassandra Lavelle, an aspiring artist, is found brutally murdered in her apartment. Keegan investigates, seeing early indications that point to her boyfriend.Just as the case appears cookie-cutter, details of a secret relationship with another man emerge. The lure of the mystery man draws Keegan in, and he attempts an investigation with two suspects. He must choose the right one in order to fulfill the promise of justice he whispered to Cassandra as he encountered her body. How can a detective choose between two equally likely suspects? Keegan will find out, perhaps the hard way. At the same time, Keegan must manage his developing relationship with investigative reporter Elena Moreno.
In the end, Keegan will realize his life and career depend on how he manages his mistakes more than his successes. The partial justice he delivers to Cassandra and her family and the remnants of his relationship will forever guide his life and help shape him into the man he becomes.
The First Cut is an exciting trip back to the 20th Century and perfect for fans of procedural mysteries. The twists and turns will keep readers constantly guessing, and the novel's ending will provide insight into the imperfections within the justice system that all detectives must navigate.
Second Time Around
Book 9 of the John Keegan Mystery Series (Book 2 of the John Keegan Retro Books)Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Still reeling from his partial failure in his first case, Keegan is partnered with department snob Rick Calhill, an upwardly mobile detective who looks down on Keegan. It's an unlikely partnership, but their boss believes they complement each other. Keegan could not disagree more. When Keegan's boss asks him to "watch" Calhill for him, the partnership becomes more antagonistic.Seeing the partnership as punishment for his failure, Keegan attempts to work the case, a seemingly simple murder of a convenience store clerk, by himself. When curious clues surface, Keegan dives deep into the case as Calhill deals with personal issues that cause him to retreat.
Initial signs pointed to the clerk intercepting a robbery. This theory begins to unfold when the surveillance VHS tape goes missing, and attempts to elicit answers from the owner prove fruitless. When happenings at the store indicate trouble, Keegan and Calhill realize they stumbled on something larger, and are determined to solve the case and get justice for the clerk's family.
About the Author
John Misak says that "mysteries always interested me," but he never thought he could write them. Then, on a whim, he wrote Soft Case, a murder mystery and the first of the John Keegan books."I write other series and under different names," says Misak, "but the John Keegan character remains my favorite. We've grown together and I enjoy writing from his perspective. I hope to keep his stories coming."
Learn more at JohnMisak.net, sign up for the John Keegan Mystery Email List, and be sure to follow John Misak online:
Free online: The Notebooks Collective "In Conversation"
Free online: The Notebooks Collective "In Conversation" reading series with poets Karen Rigby and Danika Stegeman. The Notebooks Collective is a virtual literary arts space focused on community, connection, and continued learning. "In Conversation" is their monthly reading series that fosters discussion about craft and the creative life. Tuesday, August 20, 7:30 - 9:00 PM EDT.
“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” ~Carl Sandburg
Warmaster 1: Dungeon Spiteful by Melissa McShane
The Kidnapped Smile by Laurie Woodward
The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
An adult epic fantasy that follows the trials of Ian Troy, a man born with an addiction to magic living in a world where magic is reviled and its users are enslaved. This is an adventure that transports you to a shattered land in need of rescue. Travel with Ian as he returns to the past to save the future, crossing time to solve the mystery of The Crown of Stones, his true connection to the artifact, and the role it played in shaping all their lives. Coming August 20. From $2.99 PRE-ORDER NOW /
Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue by James Tyler Toothman
Spotlight on Who Am I by Anvil Long
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Who Am I: Mending a Lost Identity, a collection of poems and prose that captures the emotions of author Anvil Long as he worked to heal and rediscover his identity after learning he had been conceived during a date rape incident.
★★★★★ "A deeply stirring memoir." ~Goodreads Review
★★★★★ "A deeply stirring memoir." ~Goodreads Review
Who Am I: Mending a Lost Identity
Genres: Memoir, PoetryPaperback: $8.32
Ebook: $4.99
Winner, 2024 Next Generation Indie Book AwardWho am I is a collection of poems and prose that captures the author's emotions as he worked to heal and rediscover his identity after learning he had been conceived during a date rape incident. His lineage, which he had once believed to be an essential element of his being, was lost forever. The pain and internal struggle caused by this revelation consumed his thoughts daily.
Review by Ananya Hazarika for Readers' Favorite
A dark secret, a devastating truth, an identity crisis, choices, fighting depression, and acceptance, Who Am I is a collection of poems and prose by Anvil Long. Anvil, a child of rape, is shocked when he learns the truth about his biological father. This discovery initiates a change in his perception of his identity, and he starts questioning the foundation of his existence as if it were a lie. But when his friend mentions Ben Lerner, Anvil draws inspiration from his poems and starts penning his innermost feelings and confessions.
Divided into three parts titled Impetus, Discovery, and Healing, each part is a revelation of his struggles in each phase of denial and acceptance. He shares his experiences of the journey he takes, from being depressed after discovering the truth to healing from trauma and accepting himself as an individual despite bloodlines and lineage. He later realizes that family is not defined by blood, but by choice, love, acceptance, and trust. It is a memoir that is inspiring, motivating, and emotional.
Who Am I is one of the most interesting and sensitive memoirs I have come across in a while. Anvil Long shares his experiences of beating depression by starting to write. His written accounts reveal his deepest feelings, which is proof of the pain he went through. The poems remind me of Wordsworth: "Poetry is the continuous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotions recollected in tranquility." As I kept reading, a few lines from Anvil's poem "Finding Myself in Part 3" reminded me of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. Anvil finds his love for solo riding on open roads, which finally gives him clarity and the making of his destiny.
Anvil Long sets the perfect example of how we can learn to channel our pain to achieve a greater sense of purpose, achieve freedom, forgive and accept the harshest of truths, and move forward without waiting for society's approval. The flow of his thoughts reflects in his figurative language, and poetic liberty gives him the upper hand to explore various writing styles, doing justice to literature. One should have a copy of this at home as it inspires and gives hope to those that are lost and struggling to connect to their loved ones. It is also proof that writing is another way of coping, which provides one with a sense of ownership of the story.
About the Author
Anvil Long was born in rural Oklahoma. His early years were spent in California and Oklahoma. He studied engineering at a major university in the Midwest and went on to forge a successful career in industrial technology. Anvil’s professional career provided him the opportunity to live and work in many different cities in the United States, as well as in Europe and the Pacific Rim. Anvil recently retired from his professional career and discovered that writing is calming and a means to release suppressed feelings. Anvil currently lives in the Midwest where he enjoys attending music festivals, riding motorcycles, and frequenting coffee shops and brew pubs. Learn more at anvil-long.com.
The Guest Book Trilogy: Combining Women's Fiction with Romance, Cozy Noir Mystery & Suspense
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Guest Book Trilogy from author Chrysteen Braun. When seven 1920 era cabins in Lake Arrowhead, California, are restored to their original vintage charm, the new owner has no idea that the cabins have their own stories to tell.
Bonus: This "trilogy" also includes a The Maidservant in Cabin Number One: The Beginning, essentially a prequel to the series.
"Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty's The Husband's Secret and Linda Holmes's Evvie Drake Starts Over." ~Publisher's Weekly Booklife Review
The Man in Cabin Number Five
Book 1 of The Guest Book Trilogy4.2 stars, 128 ratings
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
When Annie Parker discovers her husband’s infidelity, she doesn’t let it destroy her. She packs her bags and heads to Lake Arrowhead, California, the mountainside town where her family used to summer. Immersing herself in the restoration of seven 1920s-era cabins, Annie begins to put the pieces of her life back together. But starting over is never easy.Alyce Murphy needs closure. When she discovers her father did not die from a heart attack, as she’s been led to believe for the last 30 years, but in a murder/suicide, she is determined to uncover the truth of his death. But when she visits the cabin where her father ended his life, Alyce has to accept she may never know the true story.
Annie is looking toward her future while Alyce needs to put the past to rest. In parallel stories, both women are drawn to the rustic mountainside cabins as they search for the missing pieces—but they soon discover that the cabins have their own stories to tell.
Praise for The Man in Cabin Number Five
"A touching novel charting two women’s parallel lives, tied together by mysteries, transformation, and a cabin." ~BookLife
"A masterpiece with smooth storytelling that juxtaposes the serenity of the mountains with the eruptive chaos of dangerous secrets." ~San Francisco Book Review
"Masterfully written, intriguing, mystifying, and spooky." ~Readers' Favorite
"Blends memoir and mystery in an entertaining page-turner." ~Susan Denley, former Associate Features Editor, Los Angeles Times
The Girls in Cabin Number Three
Book 2 of The Guest Book Trilogy4.6 stars, 46 ratings
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
In book two of the Guest Book Trilogy, eighty-one-year-old Annie Parker recounts taking on an out-of-town design project that leads her down a path that is more than she bargained for.Back in Lake Arrowhead, California, a long-awaited mystery is buried in Cabin Number Three. Annie meets Carrie Davis who wants to update her childhood home on the lake and feels a tie to Annie’s cabins. Apparently, Carrie’s parents stayed here during the Roaring ‘20s when Bugsy Siegel ran an underground speakeasy and distillery. Unconvinced, Annie decides to investigate and finds their names in the old guest books—Elizabeth Davis and Thomas Meyer. As exciting as that sounds, it’s only the start of a winding tale that Carrie and the new man in her life uncover. The pair unravel a family history filled with gangsters, working girls, and a surprising twist to a family tree.
Praise for The Girls in Cabin Number Three
"Great for fans of Julia Kelly’s The Light Over London and Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife." ~BookLife
"Rife with charming characters, a gorgeous mountain setting, and meticulous research." ~IndieReader
"Personal drama and historical tidbits combine nicely for a quick and entertaining read." ~Kirkus
"With themes of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the complexity of life, readers will get hooked from the very beginning." ~San Francisco Book Review
The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven
Book 3 of The Guest Book Trilogy4.7 stars, 22 ratings
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
In this heartwarming tale of friendships, forgiveness, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour, a young Annie Parker is struggling to overcome her grief over the recent loss of her sister, when a childhood friend unexpectedly turns up seeking refuge from an ill-fated marriage. It would have been easy for Annie to sink deeper into sadness, but when she learns her newest design client, Hudson Fisher, is the son of the late film actress Celeste Williams, her curiosity is peaked.As it turns out, the Roaring 20s starlet was no stranger to the Lake Arrowhead cabins—and this revelation sparks the unraveling of a scandalous story from Hollywood’s bygone era. Did an illicit romance between this leading lady and her dashing costar take place in Cabin No. 7? What really went on behind-the-scenes during the filming of that silent picture? Will discovering a piece of the past bring closure to Annie’s present?
Praise for The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven
"Feels like catching up with old friends as the narrative amiably revisits the highlights of Lake Arrowhead…. A light and engaging read, with an enticing mountain setting.” ~Kirkus Reviews
"A delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and those who appreciate stories of hope, redemption, and the enduring bonds of friendship. " ~Readers’ Favorite
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One
Guest Book Trilogy: The Beginning4.3 stars, 35 ratings
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
After her father’s death in 1923, when Ruth Ann Landry is just ten, she joins her mother as a maidservant for a wealthy Seattle family. The hours are long, the rules are strict, but she and her mother desperately need her wages to survive.By the time she’s seventeen, Ruth and her mother have moved into the house, and Ruth has become a mistress to her employer. While accompanying the family on vacation, she sees an opportunity to start a new life, and leaves. Ruth eventually finds solace in the mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, California, where she stays in one of the cabins owned by a man who becomes part of her future.
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One is the beginning of the story of The Guest Book Trilogy, and of Annie Parker, who eventually comes to own the cabins where Ruth Landry stayed.
Praise for The Maidservant in Cabin Number One
"Braun uses the mountainous area and cabins to her advantage in telling the stories of her characters. An exceptional plot. Her character development is outstanding." ~Readers'Favorite
"It is truly uplifting to follow the life of a young woman who is in a predicament and then watch her fight to create a better life for herself. The story carries themes of hardship, family, love, perseverance, and strength." ~City Book Review
About the Author
Chrysteen Braun is a California native, born and raised in Long Beach. She masterfully combines women's fiction with romance and cozy noir mystery. The Lake Arrowhead mountains, where she and her husband had a second home, were the inspiration for The Guestbook Trilogy. Learn more at ChrysteenBraun.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter (sign up via the form at the bottom of any page on her website) and be sure to follow her online:
Standing on the Moon: A free online literary event
Free online: Standing on the Moon - The Lyrical Imagination, a virtual event that explores the intersection between lyric writing and literature through performance and conversation. Sunday, August 18, 11 AM CDT.
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." ~Maya Angelou
Laughing is Forever by Jason Stocks
"These mercurial poems surprise, thrill, and move in equal measure." ~Independent Book Review. Laughing is Forever is a collection of gritty, rhythmic poetry that explores hard-knock life, domestic violence, and poverty while also delivering a powerful punch. 5.0 stars, 16 ratings. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /
5 Rules To Improve Your Conversations
Mom Your Way by Yasmin Kaderali
The Ruiner: A Casey Sparks Novel by Wes Cook
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
A Soul's Story by J.D. Catney
Her Dark Reflection by Hailey Jade
The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
All he wanted was to end the war. Fate had other plans.
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy from author C.L. Schneider, a dark epic fantasy that follows a man addicted to magic in a world where magic is reviled and its users are enslaved.
The trilogy includes three complete novels plus a preview of the first book of a forthcoming series:
The trilogy includes three complete novels plus a preview of the first book of a forthcoming series:
- Magic-Price, Book 1 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
- Magic-Scars, Book 2 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
- Magic-Borne, Book 3 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
- The Wandering Isles, a sneak peek at Book 1 of Soulbound Journeys
"The perfect blend of fantasy and adventure...a tale of magic, bravery, and war." ~Readers' Favorite
The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy
Genres: Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery FantasyComing August 20: Pre-order now!
Price: $2.99
An adult epic fantasy that follows the trials of Ian Troy, a man born with an addiction to magic living in a world where magic is reviled and its users are enslaved.The Crown of Stones Trilogy holds an adventure that transports you to a shattered land in need of rescue, an immersive reading experience that drops you into the mind of exiled soldier Ian Troy. Travel with Ian as he returns to the past to save the future, crossing time to solve the mystery of The Crown of Stones, his true connection to the artifact, and the role it played in shaping all their lives.
Read on to learn more about each book in the trilogy...
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price
Book 1 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy4.3 stars, 484 ratings
From $4.99 (free via Kindle Unlimited)
What if you were born with an addiction to magic? What if your pleasure meant their pain?The brutality of war was all Ian Troy had ever known. Peace was all he ever wanted. Fate had other plans when it placed the Crown of Stones, an ancient artifact of untold power, into his battle-weary hands. With one reckless wish, he ended a conflict that had been tearing the realms apart since before he was born. And paid a terrible price.
A decade later, Ian is still haunted by that tragic day. Running from the blood in his veins and on his hands, he struggles to forget—what he’s done and what he is. But when a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings his past crashing into the present, denial is no longer an option.
Praise for Magic-Price
- Bronze Medal - Epic Fantasy, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards
- First Place - Fantasy, Top Shelf Book Awards
- "One of the most original fantasy novels I have ever read." ~Peachy Keen Reviews
- "The characters are beautifully flawed and realized. The story is a fine addition to any collection...a very bright star that is well worth your notice." ~Red Star Reviews
- "A fantastic read...dark fantasy with a twist." ~Stephen Rhodes, Fantasy Faction
- "A rollicking, unpretentious good adventure." ~Readers' Favorite
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars
Book 2 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy4.6 stars, 251 ratings
From $4.99 (free via Kindle Unlimited)
They took it all: his will, his freedom, his magic. How far will he go to get it back?Struggling to reconcile the man he once was with the man prison made him, Ian Troy emerges from captivity to an unfamiliar world gripped with fear. In the wake of his fall, those he cares for suffered their own grim fates, leaving friends endangered and scattered.
His old enemy, Draken of Langor, seized control of Mirra’kelan and named himself High King. Draken’s brutal reign sparked a desperate rebellion that Ian now finds himself a part of. His one task: recover and repair the Crown of Stones, in the hope that it will tip the balance in their brewing revolution.
Praise for Magic-Scars
- "A story that rivals the best books in the fantasy genre." ~Amazon UK Review
- "The sophistication of magic spells, sources of magic and their effects continue to impress, they hold me to the story and don't let go. Every chapter left me needing more, and at every turn of the story, I felt more and more connected to Troy and his quest." ~The Scary Reviews
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne
Book 3 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy4.6 stars, 215 ratings on Goodreads
From $4.99 (free via Kindle Unlimited)
How far can a man fall before he can’t rise again?In one fell swoop, the resistance was shattered. Lives were taken. Hope was lost. Peace slipped like grains of sand through his fingers. So did the Crown of Stones. Now, forced into hiding, Ian Troy grapples for a way to save the realm—and free its people—from the sadistic clutches of Mirra'kelan's new self-appointed emperor.
Entrusted with the future of his race, Ian becomes the linchpin for lasting change. But how much burden can one man carry? And how much is he willing to sacrifice in the name of peace?
Praise for Magic-Borne
- "Intricate, fast-paced, and angsty, it was filled with nail-biting intrigue and suspense, heartbreaking moments. and crazy situations." ~Cover2Cover Reviews
- "Beautifully written, vivid description, compelling action...Magic Borne will not disappoint." ~Michael R. Stern, author of the Quantum Touch Series
About the Author
C.L. Schneider was born in a small Kansas town on the Missouri river, and grew up in a house of avid readers and overflowing bookshelves. While her main focus is epic and urban fantasy for adults, she dabbles in all areas of speculative fiction. Her stories tend to be dark, conflict-laden tales full of magic and mystery, action and intrigue, antiheroes and villains, monsters and myths, friendship, love, loss and sacrifice—with enough twists to give you whiplash. Learn more at clschneiderauthor.com, where you can read reviews, excerpts, sneak peeks and teasers, subscribe to her newsletter, and join her Street Team. Be sure to also follow her online:
All About Venice: a Free Online Culture & Travel Workshop
Free online: All About Venice, a virtual journey to the enchanting city of Venice, Italy. Discover the rich history, art, and cuisine of this iconic destination from the comfort of your own home. Wednesday, August 14, 8:00 PM EDT.
“When I went to Venice, I discovered that my dream had become-incredibly but quite simply – my address.” ~Marcel Proust
FREE - Malevolent by Jana DeLeon
The Moth Saga: Books 1 - 3 by Daniel Arenson
A Bend in the River by Libby Fischer Hellmann
Face Value by Ian Andrew
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
