Death Southern Style by #BeverleyBateman @SDSXXTours #MFRWhooks

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Good question. I don’t know. I’m going to try and find out. Did she have any enemies? Was there anyone who didn’t like her?”

“Perrine? No sir, everybody loved that woman.”

“If everyone loved her and she had nothing to steal, who would have shot her?” “That’s your job, ain’t it?”

Connor smiled. “Yes, it is, and I am trying to do it. Will you be here in the morning?”

“I might. Why?” She raised her chins. Her eyes narrowed.

“I’m bringing Julie Ann home, maybe around eleven. It would be nice to have someone here to welcome her.”

“I’ll be here. I’d do anythin’ for that child. Poor little thing, you should have let her stay here the night. It would have been better than some old hotel. I could have taken care of her.”

“I didn’t know you were here. She came to the house direct from the airport earlier, but because of the tape couldn’t get in. I guess she didn’t think of coming across the street to see if you were home.”

“She was probably distraught. I didn’t see her arrive or I would have come out. I was probably in the back trying to keep cool. After the murder we’re all being pretty careful around here.”

“That’s a good thing. Keep it up. With the stress and the heat Julie Ann was exhausted, close to collapsing. That was why I took her to a hotel.”

“Poor baby, is there anythin’ I can do?”

“Not tonight. I’m guessing she’s already asleep, but if you could be here for support in the morning, I’m sure she’d appreciate that.”

“I be here. I watch for her.”

“Good, here’s my card. If you think of anything you didn’t already tell the police, or if you have any concerns, call me. I want to help you and Julie Ann get to the bottom of this.”

“Sure,” thick lips compressed into a tight line, “like the cops are really going to do anything to solve the murder of a poor, lady down here. They’ve already written it off. I know how you all work.”

“Not everyone works like that. I’m really going to try and find out what happened.” Connor pushed the door open a little farther. “You said murder, not robbery. Do you know something I don’t?”

“I know what I know. It wasn’t no robbery. Perrine was murdered and if you look hard enough, you’ll see that, too. The rest of those corrupt cops went through the motions. They weren’t there long enough to figure out nothing.” Savannah stared up at him her eyes glittered with suspicion before she shoved the door shut. Connor heard the lock snap and then a chain being slid into place. Savannah obviously knew more than she said, but what? Nothing added up. One thing he was sure of, it wasn’t a robbery gone bad.
The forensic guys would come back and go over the house and grounds with a fine-toothed comb. They’d look for anything that might provide a lead.

He’d interview the neighbors after everyone got home from work. In the morning he’d interview Julie Ann and see if she had any information that might explain a motive for murder or what the killer might have been searching for in that little office.

He needed to talk to the coroner and then Frank. After that he’d work on background checks, including one on Savannah Cheval, before he picked up Julie Ann from the hotel.

This case was more than just robbery. A murder had occurred, and he wouldn’t let the case become another of the unsolved murders, despite what Tozer and anyone else might want. There was a murderer out there. Until they found a motive, Julie Ann might be next on his list. Connor wanted to catch him and make sure that didn’t happen. He needed a motive and a suspect.

Could he find anything to give him a clue as to where to start?

Death Southern Style #MFRWhooks

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Connor waited a few minutes before he followed her.
She touched the doorknob. A vision passed in front of her. A man inside stood by the door. There was a flash. Her mother crumpled to the ground.
Julie Ann dropped her hand and took half a step back.
Damn her mother’s visions. She’d known he was waiting, and she was going to die.
That’s why she ran away from the house. So she didn’t die inside. Thanks, Mom.
After a deep breath, Julie Ann opened the door, hesitated and stepped inside. She stopped to survey the room.
An icy cold blasted through her body. It felt like she had floated outside her body.
She could see the room and herself standing there staring at the space by the door where the man had waited. He was fuzzy, not clear enough to describe. She briskly rubbed her bare arms.
“Are you okay?”
She continued to rub her arms. “I will be. It feels cool in here.”
“Why don’t we do this later? You can stay at the hotel a few more days, or with Savannah.”
“No, I’m fine, really. I’d like to go through the house now. I’ll stay here tonight.”
“Are you sure? Do you think it’s wise? If your mother’s death wasn’t a robbery you could be in danger. They got to you in the hotel.”
“I realize that.” Julie Ann whispered.
“Julie Ann! Is that you girl?” The voice came from the sidewalk Julie Ann turned back to the door. The solid shape of the older woman limped across the street with the help of a gnarled wooden cane.
“Savannah? Yes. It’s me.” Julie Ann skipped out the door and down the walk.
“My, you sure are skinny, girl. Don’t you take time to eat in New York? Come here, baby.” Savannah held out her ample arms.
Julie Ann moved into the circle. Savannah wrapped her tight and held her for a long time.
Julie Ann found comfort for the second time in days.
“I’m so glad you’re still living here. I can’t believe she’s gone. It’s not fair. She was such a good person.”
“You got that right.

July 2021

Running late this month. I’m going to blame it on the summer heat and the Canadian July 1^st and American July 4^th holidays. I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and stayed safe.

We have been breaking heat records up here with temperatures around 39 Celsius or 100 Fahrenheit.

Our area is going to Stage three of Covid opening, which means no masks except on public transport and government buildings. Some businesses have decided to require masks or ask for proof of immunization. Hopefully it works out and we can enjoy the summer. I’m still a little cautious. We’ll see how the next few weeks go.

Last month I listed my limited goals for the summer. I’m hoping my muse likes the heat and returns home. I have finally started to write and edit. Fingers crossed I can keep it up. One on my challenges is doing blogs and book tours and websites, etc. If I spend my writing time doing them, I don’t have the energy, time or focus for the real writing. So, I’m cutting back on PR for now.

Susan fumbled for the key. Her left hand still gripped the dog leash. Her other hand automatically tried the doorknob, fully expecting it to be locked.

It clicked opened.

She frowned and hesitated a second. That was strange. He always kept it locked.

A soft popping sound came from inside the room.

A low guttural growl became a snarl. The giant wolfhound yanked on the leash, dragging Susan reluctantly through the doorway.

She let out an involuntary gasp. At the far end of the room Mr. Andrews, still sat in his favorite chair. He was slumped forward, dark blood matted the back of his head. The man behind the chair turned, his gun pointed at her.

Their gaze locked briefly. Susan shivered as she stared into his cold, pale blue eyes.

Wolf barked furiously. He strained at the leash, attempting to lunge forward. He jerked her closer to the man. He fired at her but missed when Wolf jerked her off balance.

In that split second, the animal’s shaggy head rubbing against her waist, Susan Brown, single mother and professional dog walker, knew the true meaning of terror. Her chest contracted. She heard a scream.

It couldn’t have come from her. She couldn’t even breathe. She felt frozen, unable to move. She offered up a wordless prayer that her legs would move. She turned and felt a flash of relief when they responded. Yanking at the leash with both hands to get the dog started, Susan raced out the door and down the apartment hallway. Another shot missed her.

Oh God, I’ve got to get to Hank. I can’t let anything happen to my son. He’s too young to be without his mother.

Her pulse pounded in her ears, terror clutched her throat, her thoughts on her son she ran. The enormity of what she had just witnessed sank in. He would be after her, probably speeding silently down the hall behind her. Even if she got away, he’d have to find her. He ‘d have to kill her.

The dog’s leash was still wrapped tightly around her hand. Wolf whined as he tried to return to his master. Her mind fixed on her son, sweet, loveable Hank she dragged the dog along with her. . She had to get to Hank. If the killer shot her, what would happen to her son? No father, and then no mother. Even if she escaped the killer would hunt her down. He’d find out about Hank. He might try to get to her through her son. Oh God, and then he’d kill them both.

Prodded by fear for her son, Susan rounded the second-floor landing, feet barely touching the floor.

Damn, the dog is slowing me down.

She should let go of the leash, but it was wrapped too tightly around her hand. She would have to stop to release it. So, she kept running, dragging the reluctant, barking wolfhound behind her.

She didn’t see the man until she landed on top of him at the foot of the stairs. The three of them collapsed in a pile. Man, woman, and dog, all leashed together. Susan's gaze met his glare. She found herself staring into deep, Mediterranean-blue eyes. Her stomach contracted in a spasm of cold recognition. Then the terror blasted back, full force.

This had to be the worst day of her life.

“What the hell’s goin’ on?” He snapped.

Susan struggled against him. The dog leash, tangled around their legs, held their bodies firmly together.

The frantic dog continued to bark and struggle for freedom. The result pulled them even tighter together. The barking , the heat, the sweat, and the closeness surrounded and compressed her so she couldn’t breathe.

With supreme effort, spurred on by terror, Susan managed to get her feet solidly on the floor and slide out of the tangled mess. She hit the floor running, raced out the door, down the few steps and into the descending darkness of the humid, crowded, New York Street.

“You! Stop! Wait! Stop! Damn it!”

July rain spattered her face, dripped off the end of her nose and chin. Behind her, she could hear him swearing and the dog barking. Free of the dog she sprinted through the crowd, down the street and around the corner. Her feet pounded against the pavement as she pushed past blurs of people, lights, and buildings. She vaguely heard the angry voices as she shoved her way through the crowd, slamming bodies that were in her way and for the first time she could remember, she was glad of her height and her long legs. They rapidly covered the distance between her and Hank. Once they were safe, she’d take time to figure out a plan.

She felt badly about leaving the dog. Poor Wolf...he was such a sweet animal. Now he’d lost both his master and the only other person he knew, his dog walker. Hopefully, someone would be found to look after him, but that wasn’t her concern. Not now. Her mind was unable to focus and kept flitting from one idea to the next. She had to maintain her concentration and come up with a damn plan, for the sake of her son.

She didn’t slow down until she neared the apartment building. She jogged up the steps and into the building. She stopped and waited. She peaked outside. No sign of the killer. Hopefully, she’d have a little time to work out a plan.

The youngest of four, her family usually helped her solve her problems, even helped her make decisions. Until she was thirteen and was left home alone with her mother, they had done everything for her. She had finally realized she was responsible for her own life and needed to take control of her own decisions. It was slow work. When she was under stress she reverted to her engrained patterns of behavior, wanting someone else to take the responsibility.

She sighed because she not only had to fight this battle alone, but somehow, she had to make sure Hank was safe. If she contacted her family the killer might even track them down and use them to get to her.

Who knew what a cold-blooded killer might do to keep from getting caught?

The Climatarian Diet

Are you interested in the environment? Have you heard of the Climatarian Diet? I hadn’t and when I read this article I thought I’d share it. It came on a Weight Watchers letter. It was written by Ashley Linkletter.

Changing eating habits to be more climate-friendly is not only good for the environment and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it can also have an overall positive effect on our health. Choosing locally grown produce, fewer packaged items, and better-quality meat, eggs, and dairy are all habits that can lead to weight loss or maintenance as well as contributing to an overall feeling of nutritional wellbeing. What makes the climatarian diet so appealing is its lack of firm rules, which means you can incorporate as few or as many of the following suggestions as you would like.

– Eliminate or reduce the consumption of beef and lamb. Cattle that have been raised for milk, meat, or manure are responsible for roughly 65 percent of livestock emissions of greenhouse gases. If you’d still like to enjoy beef, buy it less often and look for local, organic options that come from reputable farms with a focus on animal welfare.

– Choose sustainable seafood, meaning it comes from an abundant, well-managed source. Look for the Ocean Wise Canada label wherever you buy seafood or browse the online directory for recommendations on buying in-season, responsibly harvested fish and shellfish.

– Opt for locally grown, seasonal produce whenever you can. Signing up for a weekly CSA (community supported agriculture) box or shopping at the farmers market is not only beneficial for your health and the well-being of the environment, it’s also an impactful way to support the local economy.

– Cut down on food waste as much as possible. A 2017 study examining food loss in North America found that Canadians wasted 396 kilograms of food per person each year (the research accounted for food waste at all stages of the food supply chain.) Ideas for reducing food waste include buying only the food you need, following a strict grocery list, not grocery shopping while you’re hungry, and learning how to properly store and freeze leftover food.

– Learn how to dispose of food in a more environmentally friendly way. From urban composting to finding municipal recycling depots that accept food packaging and other flexible plastics, there are plenty of ways to rethink how common food waste is traditionally discarded.

– Be mindful of disposable products. Decrease your carbon footprint by bringing your own reusable cup to the coffee shop, keeping a stash of cloth grocery bags in the glove compartment, switching to washable cloth rags instead of paper towels, storing food in jars and resealable containers, and carrying a refillable water bottle with you at all times.

I’d love to hear your comments on this.

Janice Seagraves and her Latest Novel

Janice Seagraves grew up with a deep love of science fiction and adventure stories. Always the consummate artist, she traded in her paintbrush for a desktop to write breathless life-affirming novels that celebrate enduring love.

Blurb for Exodus Arcon Book 1:

Planet Arcon is in trouble. Before their planet tears itself apart, The Arcons built three colony ships to take them across the stellar reaches of space… towards Earth their new home. But, only the ruling class and the most brilliant minds can come. The rest must take their chances with the lottery.

One family cheats.

Excerpt from Exodus Arcon Book 1:

Breathing hard, Blade swung away from her. “I’d better go.”

“No, don’t go.” She gripped his arm. I must do this.

“You don’t want me.” He kept his head turned from her.

“I made a promise,” she blurted before she could stop herself.

“To whom?” He yanked his arm away.

I can’t tell him, I promised Ynyr. “To…Keefe.” She looked quickly at her mate and he nodded, but wore a confused expression.

“You must come,” Paz told Blade. “We are the only three of our family unit healthy enough to make the journey.”

“Why is that, youngling?” Blade glared at him.

“Ynyr is dying,” Keefe shouted. “And Lug, our podling, is fading.”

“My two podlings aren’t allowed to come either.” Paz’s voice rose to a squeak. Tears streamed. “You’ve got to come, Blade, you just have to.”

Keefe gave his triplet a long stare. “We three and Aziza need to go on.”

Clutching Blade by his wrist, she said, “Come on, bite me. I know you want to.”

As her pheromones filled the room, their scent like pod blossoms in the springtime, the males sniffed the air.

“My heart, what are you doing?” Keefe asked in a tense voice.

“I’m keeping my promise.”

Blade closed his eyes and moaned. “That’s a dirty trick.”

Paz sprang from his seat to tug his other arm, forcing him to look at Aziza. “Do it. I want you to come with us, and this is the only way.”

“And you, my podling?” Blade met Keefe’s eyes. “Do you really want to share your mate with me?”

Buy Links for Exodus Arcon Book 1:

Social Media Links

Website: https://janice-seagraves.org/bio/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/janiceseagraves

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JaniceSeagravesAuthor

Janina Grey and her New Novel

Janina Grey has been writing since she could hold a crayon, and there has been no stopping her since. Journaling, short stories, poetry, newsletters, news, feature, columns, Op/Eds, and press releases have kept her busy her whole life. But it was the sweet romances she read in her downtime that stayed forever in her heart and gave her the inspiration to write her own.

Growing up on Long Island and living periodically in Tennessee as a youth has given her the opportunity to meet many different types of people and experience many different lifestyles. After moving from Long Island to settle in upstate New York with her family, she found the support needed to pursue her writing endeavors.

When Janina is not writing, she may be marching for women’s rights, kayaking, camping, drumming, or dancing around the fire.

With her two children grown, she and her husband, David, share their 110-year-old Mohawk Valley farm house homestead with a few resident spirits and a very squawky murder of crows.

Author Interview

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Janina: Contemporary romance is my most recent focus as my publisher says I’m good at it! I have a time travel series I plan to pick back up when the Earth and Sky series is finished. I recently read someone’s tagline as “Joyfully Jumping Genres.” I wish I’d thought of that, as that’s what I’d like to do, but I was told a few years back that writers should stick with one genre when first starting out.

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Janina: I would have to say my Uncle Anthony influenced me the most in my writing journey, although he doesn’t write romance. He writes mystery thriller types of stories. My first writing endeavors began with poetry, which he also inspired, and it sort of grew from there.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Janina: A hot cuppa Lady Grey tea, the early morning sun filtering through the trees, and my earbuds piping whatever music is associated with the project I’m working on is how I get my creative juices flowing. For TEN BUCKS AND A WISH it was anything Fleetwood Mac. For LOVE IN THE FOREST it has been Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (especially the songs Writing and Bitter Fingers). For Book Two of the series, LIFE IS FOR LIVING, it was anything by Coldplay. The third book in the series, currently untitled, it’s Grateful Dead.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Janina: At the moment, my favorite animated series character would have to be a toss between She-Ra and Katra, from the She-Ra: Princesses of Power series. Both are very strong young women who come from a childhood filled with trauma. Katra is affected in a negative way, but I’m hoping her character arc will bring her peace. The other, She-Ra, struggles to correct the wrongs of her world, and hasn’t quite grasped her own power, but she’s getting there. It’s an amazing series with tons of great characters, and a message of inclusivity and empowerment for all, but especially the LGBTQ community and women.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Janina: Stevie Nicks, from Fleetwood Mac, and Elton John would be two people I would most love to meet in person. Growing up is rough, and I had my fair share of teen angst. Their music gave me a place to escape to, and hope that in the end everything would turn out all right. And it has. I would like to thank them for giving me a place to hide and to heal when things got overwhelming.

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Janina: If I had an unexpected free day handed to me I would write, of course. Guilt free, focused, and unabashedly imagination-driven prose would stream from my fingertips. Or I’d get distracted and clean the house. Those two To-Do’s are always at the top of my list.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Janina: I’m currently working on marketing LOVE IN THE FOREST, which was released on June 2, by Soul Mate Publishing. When I need a break from that, I’ve been wrapping up my final read-through of LIFE IS FOR LIVING before I send it off to Soul Mate. These are Books One and Two in the Earth and Sky series, set in the Adirondack Mountains, and are very different from my first romance published with SMP, TEN BUCKS AND A WISH, a Long Island based contemporary romance.

Blurb for LOVE IN THE FOREST:

Step into the mystical and magical forests of Upstate New York, where Earth and Sky camp photographer Brooke Meadows has taken refuge from the demons of her past as she uses her ability to communicate with the dead to heal loved ones left behind.

Unable to cope with the loss of his wife and daughters three years prior, Josh Quinn, CEO of the number one dating site Quirkyflirt.com, is ordered by his board president to take a break from his Big Apple Headquarters. He finds himself at Earth and Sky Retreats, where confronting his grief has led him to experience a life-altering transformation and re-evaluation of reality.

Will Josh leave behind his fast-paced, high society life in the concrete mountains of New York City, for the magical, bewitching world Brooke reveals to him in the foothills of the Adirondacks?

Will Brooke acknowledge and accept her own journey of transformation and healing as she and Josh explore the winding paths and summits that lead them to find love in the forest?

Excerpt from LOVE IN THE FOREST

“See? I told you.” Brooke laughed as they ended a very fast-tempoed rhythm beat out on two djembes they had selected from the music closet in the rec room.

“You’re good. I never would have thought I could do this.” Josh stared at his hands resting on the drum head.

“You have to trust me. Trust yourself. Trust the drum. And trust your heart.” She stared at him, suddenly uncomfortable as his gaze turned to her lips while she spoke. Even after she stopped talking, his eyes never moved. “It’s what I tell all the kids I teach when they’re here. Trust your heart. It’s good advice.” Trying to explain herself only made it worse.

As she babbled on, Josh offered a lopsided grin. “Uh-huh. I see.”

“Yeah, well. I don’t think you do.” The flush of her cheeks was spreading to the rest of her body.

“Thank you.” Josh put down his drum and pocketed the sunglasses he had placed on the seat beside him. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, sharing her personal space as he stared into her eyes.

“For?” Her breath caught as she noted, being this close, that his baby blues might actually be baby teals, something she’d never noticed before now.

She scooted her metal folding chair backwards, then beelined to the storage shelves. Pausing for a second, she shook her head to clear the crazy thought he’d been about to kiss her. Her drum made a solid thud as she set it on the shelf. After finding the nearest window and opening it, she scanned the wall for the overhead light switch by the door and headed in that direction. The room had darkened considerably as another storm blew in from the southeast.

“Teaching me how to drum. Reminding me what it’s like to feel again. I haven’t felt anything in a long time.” He rose from the folding chair and carried his drum to the shelf Brooke had placed her drum on. After setting the djembe next to Brooke’s, he joined her by the door.

She watched his every move; the graceful way he unfolded himself from the chair; the casual yet commanding way he sauntered across the rec room; to the way he studied her face, his eyes settling on her lips as he halted by her side.

Her heart pounded wildly and her breathing lost its normal flow as he reached for the wall switch and shut the lights so they stood in the shadows once more. “Thank you. For teaching me how to drum,” he said, his voice barely audible.

“You’re welcome,” she said in a breathless whisper. She cleared her throat and continued. “It’s getting dark. Storm’s blowin’ in.” Brooke’s voice cracked and she swallowed thickly. “We should go.”

“We should, shouldn’t we?” His words came softly, cloaked in a husky timber.

“Yes.” She answered too quickly as he took another step closer.

He had a regal profile and in the shadows his silhouette appeared as though an artist had traced him, a soliloquy of perfection. Her legs grew wobbly as he filled her personal space with a velvety soft reality she’d not known in an awfully long time. He was so close she picked up his scent, like a heady incense. He smelled of fresh air, and rain . . . and man.

A rumble of thunder rolled around the mountains, and the lunch bell rang out in the distance, far off and faint. His eyes were warm and inviting. He smelled so good.

“Brooke?”

Reality returned with the sound of her name. She blinked and noticed he was studying her with an intensity that turned her insides to melted butter. His dimples cut deep and his teal blues were bright with amusement.

“Uh. Yeah?” She practically grunted, unable to speak.

“Lunch?” A corner of his mouth turned up on one side ever so slightly. “Unless you prefer to stay here in the darkness.”

At first, she thought he was mocking her, but his energy didn’t seem chiding at all.

“We better get going,” Brooke said, leading the way by putting as much distance between them as possible, without waiting for him to follow.

BUY LINKS for LOVE IN THE FOREST:

Soul Mate Publishing soulmatepublishing.com/love-in-the-forest/

Amazon: amazon.com/gp/product/B09233R53Q

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Website: www.janinagrey.com

Facebook: facebook.com/janinagrey

Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/18967836.Janina_Grey

Instagram: @janinagreyauthor

Twitter: @janina_grey

Bookbub.com: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janina-grey

Why would anyone kill Perrine? #MFRWhooks

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Julie Ann pulled out her cellphone and slowly punched in the number.
“New Orleans Police Department, how may I direct your call?”
“Sheriff Tozer, please?”
“Thank you. Please hold.”
She clutched the phone. Heaviness filled her body. Exhaustion and emptiness from crying filled her body.
How could this have happened?
“Sheriff Tozer.”
Julie Ann swallowed twice before speaking.
“Sheriff Tozer, may I help you?”
“I hope so. My name is Julie Ann Dupré, I was given your number.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Perrine Dupré, she was killed yesterday.”
“Oh, right, the old lady shot by a burglar when she returned home after shopping.”
“By a burglar? Are you sure?”
“Yes, ma’am. That was the motive.”
“What was taken?”
“We’re not sure. It’s possible she startled him before he took anything. He ran off right after he killed her.”
Julie Ann closed her eyes.
“Ms. Dupré? Ms. Dupré? Are you still there?”
“We have started the boarding for Flight 5868 to New Orleans.”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Will you be coming down to New Orleans?”
“What? Yes, I’ll be there this afternoon.” Julie Ann dropped her phone into her purse, stood up and proceeded to the boarding gate. 10
Her mother was really gone. But shot by a burglar? Everyone in the area knew her mother and she had nothing worth stealing. It didn’t make sense. There had to be another reason. Why would anyone kill Perrine?

Seelie Kay and her New Release

Award-winning author Seelie Kay writes about lawyers in love, sometimes with a dash of kink.

Writing under a nom de plume, the former lawyer and journalist draws her stories from more than 30 years in the legal world. Seelie’s wicked pen has resulted in nineteen works of fiction, including the new paranormal romance series Donovan Trait, as well the erotic romance Kinky Briefs series and The Feisty Lawyers romantic suspense series. She also authored The Last Christmas, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The President’s Daughter, Seizing Hope, The White House Wedding, and participated in the romance anthology Pieces of Us.

When not spinning romantic tales, Seelie ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. Currently, she resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, WI, where she enjoys opera, the Green Bay Packers, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.

Seelie is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!

Seelie can be reached at www.seeliekay.com, www.seeliekay.blogspot.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Interview

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Seelie: I have always been a mystery buff. I get lost in those kinds of stories. I also was a big fan of the “Hart to Hart” series, which so easily married suspense with a little romance. So it was very easy to write romantic suspense. It’s how I think.

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Seelie: My parents were teachers and former award-winning college journalists. They encouraged me to write early and often. I won my first national essay contest in third grade and more followed. Writing has always been my preferred form of communication. The notes I wrote to my mom at four are quite entertaining!

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Seelie: (Laughs.) It doesn’t take much! My imagination is unrelenting and unrepentant. I see a person, a news story, overhear a conversation, see something odd, have a vivid dream, and my imagination takes off. Of course, good chocolate keeps the ideas flowing.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Seelie: Winnie the Pooh. I had a stuffed Pooh when I was a child and loved those stories. There is one quote from one AA Milne story that stays with me. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” There is a lot of wisdom in those tales.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Seelie: Benjamin Franklin. He was quite the rake, but brilliant and entertaining. I imagine I could chat with him for years.

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Seelie: Bake something luscious, like Pain au Chocolat or triple chocolate mousse cake.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Seelie: I getting to the finish line with Book 2 in my Donovan Trait series, “Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass.” Donovan and his turned vampire bride, Shirley, are on the run when she unintentionally falls pregnant in violation of an agreement with the Vampire Coalition. The couple winds up on a mysterious island of vampire nuns and from there, well… You have to read the book!

Blurb for Bovine Tricks:

Lady Annabelle Trask is missing. Unfortunately, MISix doesn’t know if they’re looking for a woman, a cow, or something in between!

Is it real or is it fantasy? That’s the question MISix Agent Mathilda Honoria Spencer struggles with on her latest assignment. Tasked with discovering the whereabouts of Lady Annabelle Trask, Tillie is thrust into the world of Hucows and other human animals. It’s a world that raises serious questions about sexual fetishes, intentional physical enhancements, and even pornography, but in the end, Tillie has only one mission—to rescue and return Lady Annabelle to the Queen. However, as she and her partner, Agent Abdul Ali, attempt to find Lady Annabelle and keep her out of the clutches of terrorists bent on destroying the monarchy, they must also wrestle with their feelings for each other. Can they draw the line between their duty to the Crown and their relationship with one another? Or must they embark on separate paths to continue to serve the Queen?

Excerpt from Bovine Tricks:

Tillie’s face reddened. Suddenly, she felt quite queasy. She started to speak, but her superior held up his hand.

“There’s more. This is a human-animal auction. It is not limited to Hucows. There will be Hupigs, Huhorses, and maybe even, Husheep. Fortunately, you are to focus on the cows. That is where we believe Lady Annabelle will be found.”

Tillie gazed at him. “What if she isn’t there? What if she has changed…er, species?”

“I suggest you cross that bridge when you come to it.”

“And what am I to do if I find Lady Annabelle? How do I extract her?”

“You purchase her at the auction. You have been given sufficient funds to bid up to one million Euros.”

Tillie’s eyes grew wide. “Criminy. That much?”

Lord Ryder nodded. “These cows are well-trained and well-treated. The females are pampered—weekly manicures, hair treatments, and such. A happy cow is a happy milker, as they say.”

Tillie’s eyes widened. “Lady Annabelle could be there willingly? She is not necessarily a captive, forced be a Hucow?”

“Exactly. And that is our dilemma. While the Queen hopes that she is there willingly, several factors are at play. Lady Annabelle may have freely joined a farm to become a Hucow, or she may just have danced on the wild side and somehow wound up at auction. In the alternative, she may have been kidnapped and forced to become a Hucow, or she may have been forced and now enjoys the lifestyle. There are all sorts of reasons she could be there and all sorts of reasons she prefers to stay. Our only mission is to get her out.”

Tillie frowned. “Why would they put her up for auction? Isn’t that a way to get rid of unproductive or uncooperative cows?”

“Not necessarily. Some farms simply raise and train Hucows, then sell them. Given their going rate, it is a lucrative business. A great way to supplement the income from a regular farm. Human cows bring much more lucre than actual farm-raised cows.”

Tillie sighed. “For just one day, I would like to forget that there is a whole lot of people engaged in activities that far surpass my imagination.”

Lord Ryder’s mouth curved up into a wry smile. “Then we would be out of a job.”

Tillie tapped her jaw, considering. “You know, this might be a better job for the Yanks. They are a kinky bunch. I believe there was a recent study that found them to be the kinkiest country in the world.”

Lord Ryder snorted. “If you were the Queen, would you want that bunch of kinksters to know your relatives are participating in like behavior? Why their intelligence services would find a way to use it against us for decades.” He shook his head. “No. This we do alone.”

Book Trailer:

Buy links for Bovine Tricks:

Extasy Books: https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-3237-9-bovine-tricks /

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09289R52L

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bovine-tricks-seelie-kay/1139217151?ean=2940165239656

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bovine-tricks

Social Media links:

Website: https:// www.seeliekay.com

Blog: https://www.seeliekay.blogspot.com

Twitter: @SeelieKay https://twitter.com/SeelieKay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seelie.kay.77

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeliekay51/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Seelie-Kay/e/B074RDRWNZ/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/seelie-kay

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16492565.Seelie_Kay

Newsletter sign-up: https://rb.gy/w69pim

Death Southern Style “Her spirit prepared to leave.”

Born and raised in New Orleans Julie Ann Dupré senses things other people don’t. She’s living in New York when she’s told her mother has been killed in an attempted robbery, which is odd because Perrine didn’t have anything valuable to steal. Julie Ann comes home to find the truth and discovers there’s a family secret, hidden for years. She searches to find the real reason for her mother’s death. Now someone is trying to kill her. Will her psychic senses, a little dog and a detective keep her safe?

Detective Connor O’Reilly, a native of New Orleans and comes from a family of police. He’s an honest cop but realizes there is corruption in the division. He meets Julie Ann at her mother’s house and is immediately attracted to her. After telling her about the attempted robbery he checks into the case and finds no one is investigating the death. Julie Ann deserves the truth and he wants to know what really happened. He starts a thorough investigation. He’s warned off the case and then he receives a death threat.

Julie Ann and Connor work together to unravel the real reason behind Perrine Dupré’s murder, Julie Ann’s mysterious past, and why people want her dead, while developing their challenging relationship. Can they both survive? And what about their relationship?

Juggling her parcels, umbrella and the key Perrine jabbed it in the direction of the lock. Finally, the key found the opening and turned.
Thunder rumbled a little louder, sounding like pins crashing in a bowling alley. Perrine turned the doorknob and froze.
One of her psychic visions flashed in front of her. Her shoulders sagged. A man stood inside. Her visons didn’t lie. She wasn’t going to see Julie Ann after all. And she'd miss their regular telephone call tonight, too.
She wasn’t prepared to die. A single tear shimmered down her cheek. Her heart pounded. She clutched her parcels to her chest. Why now?
Lightning flashed. Thunder crashed again. He waited for her to come inside.
The vision showed her crumpled on the ground in front of the house. She’d run, but obviously she wasn’t going to get far. Even if she managed to escape, they would kill her
eventually. And after tonight Julie Ann would be home. She would also be in danger.
The family was too rich and powerful. They didn’t care about collateral damage or anyone who might get hurt. Had they killed off all the other people involved? Was that why the documentation wasn’t important anymore? The birth certificate should have been enough.
There was so much she should have shared with Julie Ann. At least then she would be aware of the threat.
Perrine didn’t want to die in the house. It would leave a permanent stain and memory. Julie Ann might never enter the house again if Perrine’s body was found inside.
In her mind, Perrine stared into the depths of the house, hands trembled, freezing cold filled her chest. She had to make a decision. He was getting ready to make a move. Perrine dropped her parcels, turned and raced down the steps.
The skies opened wide and lightning flashed across the sky, turning it an electric white. Perrine crumpled to the street. No one heard the shot. An icy shroud of death enveloped over her.
The front door closed. The lock clicked.
She felt no pain, not even when a boot kicked her sharply in the ribs - twice. The feet moved away.
A gate squeaked.
A car engine roared to life.
The phone rang. No one answered it tonight.
Her spirit prepared to leave.

Plot Challenges

Rhobin has come up with another thought-provoking topic. In your writing how do you recognize and overcome plot problems or failures?

Recognizing plot problems is usually fairly easy. You write yourself into a corner, or you hit writer’s block.

You sit and stare at the screen and try to force one, or more, of your characters to do something that goes against their philosophy or goal, and they refuse. The story doesn’t move forward. You decide you shouldn’t be a writer.

Overcoming plot problems can be a challenge. One of the first things I do when I realize I’ve hit a wall and don’t know how to get over it, is take a break. Going for a walk sometimes works. It clears the mind. Listening to music. Brainstorm with a writing friend. One thing that often works for me is before I go to sleep, I think about my problem. What’s wrong with the plot? What can I do about it? Sometime before I wake up in the morning my mind will often solve the problem and when I wake up I have at least one idea on how to solve the problem. I may even have more than one possibility.

Worst case scenario is the plot isn’t working, because that’s not the way the story is meant to go. It’s not the story the characters want to tell. So, you delete, and cut, and go back to the beginning and start over.

I’m looking forward to reading how other authors handle their plot challenges.

Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2lz

Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Category: Beverley Bateman

Death Southern Style by #BeverleyBateman @SDSXXTours #MFRWhooks

Final Day To Enter

The Silver Dagger Book Tour

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Death Southern Style #MFRWhooks

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July 2021

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Happy Summer!

The Climatarian Diet

Janice Seagraves and her Latest Novel

Janina Grey and her New Novel

Why would anyone kill Perrine? #MFRWhooks

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Silver Dagger Book Tour

Seelie Kay and her New Release

Death Southern Style “Her spirit prepared to leave.”

Buy links:

Excerpt

Silver Dagger Book Tour

Plot Challenges

Category: Beverley Bateman

Final Day To Enter

The Silver Dagger Book Tour

Buy links:

Available In Print

Excerpt

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Excerpt

Silver Dagger Book Tour

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Here’s an excerpt.

Happy Summer!

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