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Today's Featured Books

FREE - My Rockstar Billionaire by Sassy Monroe

• Romance

New release: Dating world-famous rock star Zack seems like a dream come true for Serena—until his newfound fortune thrusts them into the harsh glare of the media. With jealous exes, dark secrets, and band drama closing in, Serena must decide if their love can survive the spotlight or if it's doomed to fail. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Mystery, Thriller, Crime, & Horror Special Edition

Today is the birthday of H.P Lovecraft, and we are celebrating with a Mystery, Thriller, Crime, & Horror Special Edition. Read on to learn more about twenty books (including two freebies!) that will keep you on the edge of your seat during the day or wide awake well into the night...

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." ~H.P. Lovecraft

FREE - One Day Gone by Luana Ehrlich

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Mylas Grey returns to his hometown to investigate the disappearance of Lizzie Allen, the daughter of a U.S. Senator. The only clue is a bunch of Lizzie's doodles. To decipher the drawings, Mylas enlists the help of a member of his brother’s church, which causes Mylas to question his values, his lifestyle, and his lack of faith. Can the two of them set aside their differences and find Lizzie before it’s too late? Book 1 of the Mylas Grey Mysteries. 4.5 stars, 1500+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Someone Rotten Riding the Rails by Kris Bock

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Former war correspondent Kate Tessler returned to her childhood home in Arizona to heal after a bombing injury. Now she and her eccentric sidekicks, The Coffee Shop Irregulars, go undercover at a Russian mob wedding held on a private train to the Grand Canyon. They were only supposed to observe, but that plan quickly derails. The groom disappears from the moving train, and a search turns up a dead body but not his. The mob families aren’t about to call in the police, so it’s up to Kate and friends to uncover the truth. 4.5 stars, 24 ratings. From $4.99 SHOP NOW / 

In Freedom’s Shadow by Robert Hilliard

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

“A thrilling espionage story with well-researched historical details” based on the heroic true story of John Scobell, an African American slave who escaped bondage at the outset of the Civil War only to return to the Confederacy as a Union spy. Can Scobell avoid capture and certain death at the hands of brutal Rebel spy hunters? Will he find the one object that can break the Confederate codes and earn his emancipation? Or will he remain forever in freedom's shadow? "Grabs you in the very first sentence and never lets go.” ~author Salena Zito. 4.6 stars, 41 ratings on Amazon. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Prelude to Murder by Erica Miner

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Having survived her entanglement in a murder plot at the Metropolitan Opera, violinist Julia Kogan and her cohort, NYPD detective Larry Somers, head to Santa Fe Opera for the summer season, where murderous activities plague the performers onstage and off. Famous opera singers get picked off left and right, and ghostly Santa Fe apparitions spook Julia into a state of constant agitation. She joins forces with Larry to stop the killer from wreaking further havoc. But the threat to her life comes from a source she never could have imagined. From $5.99 SHOP NOW / 

Operation Storm’s Eye by E.S.Benton

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

In this thriller, an enemy arises, able to destroy any part of the world with their new weapon. With the weapon creating powerful storms and natural disasters, no government could even suspect someone has that much power. But after losing a fellow team, Alpha team knows all too well what’s at stake. Using their high-tech armory, they take down a submarine, take control of satellite, assault an enemy airfield, assassinate a target, and simply stay alive. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Operation Cavolo by E.S. Benton

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

The second in the Silent Codename Series. Alpha team is once again hot on the heels of their most dangerous enemy. But this time, countless people have been poisoned and with just 84 hours to find a cure, Alpha team must quickly distinguish friend from foe to unravel the mystery. But is it possible for anyone—even a team as skilled and unique as Alpha team—to succeed in this fast-paced, action-packed techno thriller? From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

With a Twist by Cathi Stoler

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

"An exciting, fast-paced whodunit that will keep you turning the pages through the night. Another great installment in her Murder on the Rocks Mystery Series." ~author Lori Foster Duffy. Murder, not pleasure, greets Jude Dillane when she takes a vacation from her East Village restaurant and embarks on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise. With increasing danger, too many suspects, and direct threats to her life, will what she discovers rock the boat and sink it forever? "An escapist delight." ~Alison Gaylin. 4.5 stars, 23 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Out of Time by CathI Stoler

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

"Leaves you out of breath in the very best way! This pulse-pounding, high-stakes game could only be played by the deft hand of gambler extraordinaire Nick Donahue." ~author Marie Sutro. It’s high-octane action as Marina DiPietro and Nick Donahue engage in a deadly international espionage cat-and-mouse game with ISIS. From Dubai to the Kentucky Derby, the duo must protect a fabulous racehorse while racing to stop the terrorists from obtaining a weapon of mass destruction that could tear the world apart. 4.8 stars, 21 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Be with the Dead by Matty Dalrymple

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

An invitation to speak at the Gotham Crime Fiction Conference draws Ann Kinnear into a mystery within a mystery, where the stakes are not just reputation and riches—they’re life and death. "A riveting, fast-paced, intriguing read with a colorful cast of characters who pull you in and don’t let go!" ~Lisa Regan, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling crime fiction author. 4.5 stars, 31 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

FREE - Instrument of the Devil by Debbie Burke

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Start your journey into the binge-worthy Tawny Lindholm Thriller series for FREE! Join the spirited 50-year-old widow Tawny as she takes on fast-paced adventures laced with romance in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana—where the towns are small but the dangers are immense. In this free Book 1 of the series, Tawny faces off against a charming terrorist bent on crippling the power grid. The eight award-winning thrillers of this series are perfect for beach days or cozy winter nights by the fire. 4.4 stars, 200 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

The Copper Isle Ghostslayer by Terri Greening

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Layla Devereaux, an exceptionally perceptive nature photographer and former investigative journalist, travels to an isolated island inhabited by ghosts to uncover the truth about what really happened to a lighthouse tour guide the previous summer and to free her brother from prison for a murder he didn’t commit. "A thrilling mystery with gold, ghosts, murder, and romance." ~Amazon Review. From $3.99 SHOP NOW / 

Alpha Beta Gamma by Malabika Ray

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

A high-paced, contemporary spy thriller set in London, where a physics master's student accidentally becomes entangled in a complex international espionage drama after one of her professors is murdered in his own lab. Together with a junior MI6 detective, she uncovers the mystery using her impeccable physics knowledge and calm, cool intellect. This marks the beginning of a spectacular investigative trio who will embark on many more thrilling adventures throughout the series. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

 

I Can Be Your Friend by Jessica Blade

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Mandy, the most popular girl at Bliss High, appears to have a perfect life. But she has no idea that a stalker is lurking in the shadows, determined to become her best friend—no matter the cost. Book 1 in the Bliss High Horror series. 4.1 stars, 63 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Kaleidoscopic Shades by David Neuman

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

The nightmares start. People go missing under bizarre circumstances, time becomes erratic, and temperatures begin to flare across the world. Just like before. Against this backdrop, a father learns that a door between realities remains open in his haunted past, greedily hungering for the souls of eight billion. Just like before...with one mind-numbing difference: his ten-year-old son is compelled to struggle by his side, in his past, where nothing should exist but long-abandoned, hideous memories. Hoffer Award Finalist. 4.3 stars, 55 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Crossing the Line by JD James

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

A criminal lawyer’s passion for justice unleashes a flaming torrent of death in this dark neo-noir suspense thriller when Steven closes his Shiva Third Eye to see only what he wants. Driven by an inner need to serve Justice, he ignores the NOW as his conscience drives him to kill a client to save the life of a witness. How many people must die for justice to be served? A great trial lawyer tries to push the line without crossing it. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Greylock by Paula Cappa

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Gold Medal Winner, Global Book Awards. Pianist Alexei Georg harbors a dark secret. He is haunted by a creature of darkness that relentlessly pursues him from Boston to Russia to Mt. Greylock. Whenever Alexei performs an old Russian sonata, a menacing presence appears in the audience, in the aisle, and on the stage with him. Is there a ghost inside Alexei's music? "A smart, supernatural, entertaining thriller. Think Stephen King meets Raymond Chandler. Briskly paced.” ~David Corbett, best-selling author of The Mercy of the Night. 4.2 stars, 127 ratings. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Blindspot by Maggie Smith

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

District attorney Rachel Matthews faces an unseen enemy and a threat to her daughter. When a stalker sends a macabre message and demands money, Rachel teams up with a private investigator to uncover the culprit. As the stalker's threats escalate, Rachel must solve the mystery to protect her family, career, and freedom, leading to a surprising climax. 4.6 stars, 125+ ratings on Goodreads. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Surrounded by the whiteness of the blizzard’s snow, Theodora Hayes was determined to rekindle a love she had walked away from many years ago. Instead, to her dismay, she found herself caught up in murder, betrayal, and, yes, love and its wicked dark past. The Lie is a story of many plots, all threading together in a mixture of romance, history, murder, mystery, and adventure, with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. 4.7 stars, 100+ ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

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

“Not for the faint of heart...a thrilling read for fans of horror.” ~Readers’ Favorite. A gripping collection of horror stories for lovers of macabre and haunting tales. From mysterious Bone Gatherers that dwell deep within Europe's catacombs to ancient Pagan cults that harvest human eyes, this spine-chilling collection is sure to keep you awake well into the early hours of the morning. "A brilliant and unforgettable book." ~Literary Titan. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Spotlight on the John Keegan Mystery Series from author John Misak

• Spotlight


 
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! 

Soft Case

Book 1 of the John Keegan Mystery Series
4.0 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"

• Events

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

• Book of the Day

For five years, Aderyn has waited to get the Call. When the system makes her a Warmaster, Aderyn eagerly sets out on her first journey. The problem? Her class is useless. No one believes a Warmaster is anything but a joke. They aren’t strong fighters, they have no magic, and they don’t have powerful skills. But Aderyn hasn’t waited all these years to give up now. With the help of a young man from another world, she’s going to prove she can do anything. 4.5 stars, 200+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /