A Divided Nation A Deadly Plot A Man Caught Between Two Worlds
Will Manley is a rising star in the U.S. Government’s clandestine services–an undercover agent tasked with stopping a domestic terror group bent on reshaping America. But as he immerses himself in their radical ideology, he faces a battle more personal than he ever anticipated: a choice between his government career and the legacy of his Native American roots.
At the heart of the struggle is Elias McArdle, a brilliant and ruthless former U.S. Army commander. With a clear vision for a new world order–one where white supremacy reigns–McArdle manipulates powerful forces, orchestrating a series of calculated events to bring the U.S. Government to its knees.
But Will isn’t the only one with a stake in this fight.
Ron Shortridge, a highly respected FBI agent, works tirelessly to counter the threat, unraveling a complex web of hate, lies, and hidden agendas to brace for an impending act of terror that would change America forever.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Hurney, a wise Lenape elder, offers a path of healing through ancient wisdom, but time is running out.
A mysterious red fox, secretive and resourceful, who may be more than he appears to be.
Can Will find the strength to stop McArdle before it is too late? Or will darkness consume them all?
Filled with suspense, mystery, and political intrigue, RIGHTEOUS ALLEGIANCE is a gripping work of thriller fiction with complex characters and thought-provoking action that will appeal to young adult and mature audiences alike. Fans of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan will be hooked from the first page.
My Review:
This thriller/espionage book by George Yuhasz takes the reader into the deep world of spies and times of planning strategy withing and outside of one’s unit. Politics and survival draw the characters into a myriad of feelings and decisions. Great pace and the characters are written such that you feel what they feel.
Portobello, Scotland. Grace McKenna is just back from a hearty breakfast at The Espy seaside pub when a perplexing mystery arrives at her door. Glamorous widow Sylvia Gordon is determined to find the truth about the death of her husband, Paul. Once a local celebrity with supposed psychic abilities, Paul is now the talk of the town after a deadly fall from the tower at a nearby college. The locals believe it was a tragic accident, maybe even a consequence of dabbling too deep into the psychic realm? But Grace has a feeling there’s more than meets the eye…
With the help of Tobias Sloan – a dashing English journalist with a keen appetite for mysteries – Grace starts unravelling the puzzle of Paul’s last days. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear that plenty of people had reason to want Paul gone. Both his work and home life were rife with long-held grudges… was one of Paul’s trusted friends actually his murderer? Then, Grace’s search takes a frightening turn when another body is found – this time in the changing rooms of the posh local golf club.
Uncovering a shocking secret linking the two deaths, Grace finds her professional and personal boundaries beginning to blur. She is left to face not only the ghosts of her own past, but also the prospect of a killer stalking the cobbled lanes of Edinburgh. Can Grace uncover the truth before another innocent life is taken?
My Review:
This novel is the first in a trilogy by Baldwin. I felt many emotions, especially for the main protagonist who lost her son to suicide. The guilt a parent faces is tremendous. Many characters are not who they appear to be. Betrayal is a hard pill to swallow and betrayal hits most everyone in this novel one way or another. Too many people could have killed a man, or it may have been suicide. Undercover work us extremely dangerous and thus book has all things romance, hurt, betrayal and lies spring forth in copious amounts.
In this young adult mystery set in 1970, a family tragedy prompts Christi, a shy and studious teenager, and her mother to travel to rural Roselyn, Mississippi. Christi’s Uncle Bill, the county jailer and a deputy sheriff, is critically wounded while investigating a moonshine still that a local farmer found on his property. As the deputies approach the scene, they are ambushed by four assailants, resulting in the death of the farmer, then vanish without a trace.
Convinced the history of local mistrust of ATF federal agents will hinder the investigation, Lily, the jailer’s daredevil teenage daughter, is determined to find the culprits who shot her daddy. She just needs to persuade Christi, her scaredy-cat cousin, and her best friend Troy, the son of the investigating detective, to join the hunt. Living in a house connected to the jail, Lily thrives on excitement and pushing boundaries. Rule abiding Christi and Troy have been entangled in Lily’s misadventures before and suffered the consequences of lying, spying, and sneaking into forbidden place. With Uncle Bill’s life on the line, Lily manages to convince them this time will be different. What harm can a few questions and a little information gathering do?
Lily’s first assignment brings them face to face with a bootlegger brandishing a shotgun. Christi and Troy quickly realize Lily has once again left out critical details of her plan. When the trio meet Jake, the undaunted teenage son of the murdered farmer, he offers to take them to the location of the ambush. The horrifying scene they stumble upon has them running for their lives. The deeper the foursome digs to uncover the truth, the more the danger escalates, and the threats become personal. Will they back off and let the authorities handle it? Or will their stubborn doggedness result in another disaster?
This fast-paced southern mystery also has a coming-of-age theme. In their efforts to find justice, the four teens discovered the importance of loyalty, being their genuine selves, trust, and taking responsibility for their actions. There is also a sweet romantic first love theme to the story. Adult mystery lovers will enjoy the many twists, turns, and surprises that will keep them guessing. The historical elements of the 1970 setting will also give a nostalgic feel of a time past for some adult readers.
This book is a teenage murder, mystery, crime, moonshine novel set back in the day when many counties were dry. I remember some counties being dry as a young child, but never saw a still or moonshine being made. No one is the same at the end of the book as all lives are changed in many ways, some to death. Murdered actually, and the story weaves around a smallish town, and the countryside. Tack in some people from Chicago, bad men, dangerous men, and mix that with four teenagers and you have a plot in which the teenagers are in more danger than they realized.
A dark road. Two dead men. And a killer who won’t quit.
When a livestock trailer is found abandoned on a remote Texas Hill Country road—one man shot, the other skewered by an arrow—Deputy Adam Cash knows this isn’t your typical cattle theft. The trailer belongs to rancher Paul Moreland, who swears he knows nothing. The bodies suggest otherwise.
As Cash digs deeper, the case unravels fast. The victims worked for Moreland.
Another suspect, Branson Kent, is caught mid-heist—then ends up dead days later. The trail leads to Shaeffer’s Livestock, a shady auction barn where stolen cattle change hands and secrets run deep.
When a second murder silences the pen man who could have talked, Cash realizes someone is eliminating witnesses, and he might be next.
Roadkill is the fourth book in the Adam Cash Mystery Series, a pulse-pounding Texas mystery perfect for fans of C.J. Box, Jeff Carson, and Craig Johnson.
Award-winning author Jeff Kerr delivers another tightly woven modern Western thriller—packed with gritty justice, sharp twists, and the high-stakes tension only Texas can offer.
Wow. This is the first book I’ve read by Kerr. Talk about a gritty murder mystery western book! This one packs a huge punch as the body count goes up. A great twist to modern day cattle rustling gone totally haywire. I thought I had it figured out but I was way off. Much of this novel is gritty, but not with actual mention of the bloody parts of the murders. Which is nice. This one packs a punch plenty without listing gruesome findings. Truly western feel and very much Texas!
Corrine Alday’s secret holds a community hostage-until it doesn’t!
On a blustery winter morning in 1964 a young woman is found dead in an alley. Reports of the unmarried woman’s pregnancy send shockwaves through the community. Knowing the ruinous impact the truth could have on their families, the local men deny any relationship with her. Alexa Owl and Detective Slater are assigned to travel back to 1965 to reveal who killed the woman, why, and who fathered her child. They soon discover respectable friends from their own time could be involved, and if so, Alexa fears relationships in the twenty-first century could be shattered. In the interim, Detective Slater is informed he’s been placed on probation. Mishaps on this assignment will not be tolerated. This is his last chance to fulfill the requirements to join Saint Peter’s Guardian Angel Squad. Suddenly, Alexa is torn back into the twenty-first century. Someone she once cared for has been murdered. Worse, mysterious text messages were sent to her before the murder, and they were answered, but not by Alexa! Meanwhile, back in 1965, Slater insists he can manage on his own. Nevertheless, his angel mentor, Detective Bobby Starr, has tapped someone else to take Alexa’s place. He believes Slater and his new partner will be an unstoppable team, but is it too late for Slater?
My Review:
As far as the Owl's Nest Mysteries go, I really loved this book. This book had more than one mystery, and more than one time traveler, which is different from the others, as only one person time traveled. Investigating one cold case murder and one current day murder was much to handle and do it right, yet McDonald did do it right! I won't write who the second time traveler was, but I do know I wish I could time travel in real life.
In The Literary Hedgehog, the charming sequel to The Poetry Mouse, readers follow the inspiring story of Miss Evie Mouse, a talented poet who defies societal norms to have her voice heard. When Mr. Hedgehog, editor of the prestigious City Magazine, receives her bold submission, he is initially skeptical. How could a small female mouse contribute something worthy of publication? But after a change of heart, driven by the wise words of those around him, Mr. Hedgehog realizes the true power of Evie’s poetry. With support from her friend Brayden Fox, Evie faces the excitement and anxiety of seeing her work in print for the first time.
This delightful tale teaches children the importance of believing in themselves, challenging outdated assumptions, and the value of friendship and encouragement. Evie Mouse’s journey shows that determination, courage, and the support of others can make dreams come true.
What this book can teach young children:
The importance of self-belief and following your passions.
Challenging stereotypes and societal expectations.
The value of encouragement and support from friends.
Courage in seizing opportunities and taking risks.
Introduce your young readers to The Literary Hedgehog, and let them discover how far self-confidence and the support of friends can take them. Spark their imaginations and inspire them to find their voice—just like Evie did. Add The Literary Hedgehog to your library today and join Evie on her literary adventure!
Children will love this sweet story about a mouse who writes beautiful poetry. Evie didn’t believe in herself and her abilities until it was pointed out to her by other characters. The publisher didn’t think women in general, let alone a girl mouse, could write. The publisher finally realized how valuable his secretary truly was, not just for pouring tea, but the business couldn’t run without her. Evie challenged the forces against her and became a hero in the process.
Please welcome Carolyn Summer Quinn to my blog. “Good morning, Carolyn! Please sit down. I’m thrilled to have you on my blog today. Carolyn is an award-winning Author of fifteen books.”
Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
Greetings from New York City! I’m an Author and Photographer. I grew up singing show tunes in the suburbs of New Jersey and particularly like anything to do with the 1920s, the clothes, cars, styles, music – everything!
Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?
I’ve been writing stories since I learned how to write in the first grade. I loved it right from the start!
How difficult was it writing your first book?
My first book was MAMA ROSE’S TURN. It was a biography of Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother, Rose Hovick, whose unorthodox parenting style inspired the beloved Broadway musical GYPSY. The writing wasn’t difficult, but the amount of research I had to do was enormous! It took two and a half years of meticulous research in my spare time while working full time as well. When all was said and done, it was well worth all that effort. The musical was written by playwright Arthur Laurents, and it’s fantastic, but he freely admitted it was “75% fictionalized.” I found an entirely different story by looking into old newspaper articles, official records like the census, the family’s archives, and interviewing people who knew Rose or were her relatives.
Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
No, I’ve never wanted to give up. I am writing because I enjoyed it. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it. I’m always rather astounded at some of the authors who say it’s a chore for them to write because I must wonder what’s going on there.
Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
My parents were very supportive, and so was my godmother, but they’re all gone now. It’s my friends and cousins who are my cheering section now!
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
If you enjoy writing and have an idea for a book, go for it! Start to write and see where it goes. To those who think they’re untrained, keep in mind that Dame Agatha Christie was one of the bestselling authors of all time – and she never went to school for a day in her life.
What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
My father said the best attitude to have, especially in the face of any naysayers, is, “Hooray for me – to heck with you!” And the lady who ran the musical theater I participated in during the summertime in my town used to say, “Don’t let the idiots get you down.” In both cases I’ve cleaned up the language they used in those two phrases, tee hee!
What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
I’ve written in three different genres, including two books for middle school students, but my main target audience is adults. My favorite genre is cozy mysteries and historical fiction. One of my most recent books, UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN, is about the Kindertransport and World War II, when Jewish children were sent to foster homes in the United Kingdom to escape persecution. That one is historical fiction. So far UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN has won eleven writing awards! And a mystery I wrote, THERE’S NO CURE FOR IMPOSSIBLE, was the Cozy Mystery Award Winner at the American Fiction Awards this year, too.
Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
I pick out all the images for the covers then work with an artist who puts them together for me. Here’s how that evolved. One of my first books was for middle-grade students and I needed a cover with a nice picture of a 12-year-old girl on it. I was working with a different artist than the one I use now, and she found this utterly ridiculous picture of a girl who looked like a 15-year-old Lolita type! It didn’t work. From that point on I’ve had to insist on finding the images myself. I found a better image for the cover of that book, NOW AND FOREVERMORE ARABELLA.
What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
I’m working on THE MYSTERY FROM WAY BACK WHEN. It’s set during the 1940s and 1980s in the Catholic neighborhood where my father grew up. It isn’t finished yet, but it’s coming along.
Any last words before we wrap things up?
I’d just like to say to other writers when they’re first starting out, as the old song says, “Don’t give up the ship!” Keep going! Give it a whirl!
Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery. While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she’s quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra’s sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business.
All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah’s new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven.
Of course, you never want that to happen literally.
When one of Hannah’s famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel’s assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra’s help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?
My Review:
This is a modern-day novel akin to Pride and Prejudice, yet with a totally different spin on the characters. Phaedra dresses in period clothing and lectures at the local university about that time frame of Austin’s novel. Modern teas with French pastries and delicacies about in many settings. Unfortunately, a person dies after consuming a cupcake laced with cyanide at her sister’s newly opened patisserie. Cyanide isn’t the only poison used in this novel, but I thought I had the suspect figured out, but I was wrong. I did not see the ending coming. Five shiny gold stars.
Your book has been chosen as one of the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winners for Fall 2023.
Each year, for the past 40 years, NABE, now known as the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs, awards fine books of quality.
Her Alibi by Mary L. Schmidt has won Best Book in the Category of True Crime.
.
Thanks to NABE.
Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat! No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?
Her Alibi – .99 cents only. On her third marriage to this man who didn’t deserve the traumas my mother dealt him. “Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather, or that she left Mary as her alibi?” #TrueStory#TrueCrime#HerAlibi#murder in real life. Living with a murderer! Finally, the truth comes out about the psyche of a woman known as the “Black Widow”! I, @MaryLSchmidt , had the bollocks to write this story from the perspective being her daughter. The psyche of Marguerite is one for the books… just like the psyche of #BTK and others, I never knew the REAL danger living with this woman. No slander or libel to family as the only one who could sue me has been dead for 10 years! #RealLife#LivingWithAKiller#memoir
I just want to say that the book “Her Alibi” had to come out. Harold mattered! Everyone matters! But Harold mattered, especially to his three children, Alan, Scott, and Darrel. I don’t know your faith or what you believe, but I know what I experienced yesterday morning. I had a Heavenly visit while in my recliner. Without words, no physical anything seen, my right foot was touched with pressure for several seconds. It was Harold letting me know he felt validated, finally. He appreciated my hard work (bad memories) and effort to get this book out. I’m NOT doing this for money. I have money and I donate to many things, causes, and to people in need. But this story needed to be told. Harold mattered. If family are offended, well, not the first time, nor the last time. HAROLD MATTERED! And I hated being used as her da#m alibi. The TRUTH had to come out!
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite Stories of abuse and domestic violence always shock you when you read them. This happens to anyone who reads Mary L. Schmidt’s book, Her Alibi. Here, the author tells the story of her family, focusing in particular on the abuses of her mother, Marguerite, who had always treated her as a scapegoat. After divorcing her husband, Marguerite marries Harold (she will marry him three times, to be exact) and is most likely responsible for his death. Is it possible she used her daughter as an alibi? And how will relations between Marguerite and her children develop? Her Alibi tells a disturbing story of an abusive mother and the consequences her mental condition and behavior have on her family and children, especially the daughter she treats as a scapegoat. Mary L. Schmidt tells us this story in a way that clearly depicts the world of abuse that characterized her childhood and gives the reader a precise understanding of what she and her siblings went through. Marguerite is represented in such a way that her personality deeply impresses the reader, especially considering what she may have done to Harold and her daughter, the alibi. I appreciated that Schmidt included many photos of her family because this makes you know the people she describes and makes you even more sympathetic to what they have experienced. Her Alibi is not a book for the faint of heart, and I recommend it to readers who have the courage to read it, to match the courage the author had in writing it.
Amazon Number One Bestseller – 2022
Literary Titan – Gold – 2022
SoCal Book Awards – Honorable Mention – 2022
Reader’s Choice Book Awards – Finalist 2023
London Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023
Los Angeles Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023
NABE – Gold – Best Book in the Category of True Crime Fall 2023
Author Shout Reader Ready Award Winner – Recommended Reads 2024
Her Alibi has been chosen by Author Shout as a Recommended read for 2024!Nice way to end the year.
Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat! No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?
Her Alibi – .99 cents only. On her third marriage to this man who didn’t deserve the traumas my mother dealt him. “Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather, or that she left Mary as her alibi?” #TrueStory#TrueCrime#HerAlibi#murder in real life. Living with a murderer! Finally, the truth comes out about the psyche of a woman known as the “Black Widow”! I, @MaryLSchmidt , had the bollocks to write this story from the perspective being her daughter. The psyche of Marguerite is one for the books… just like the psyche of #BTK and others, I never knew the REAL danger living with this woman. No slander or libel to family as the only one who could sue me has been dead for 10 years! #RealLife#LivingWithAKiller#memoir
I just want to say that the book “Her Alibi” had to come out. Harold mattered! Everyone matters! But Harold mattered, especially to his three children, Alan, Scott, and Darrel. I don’t know your faith or what you believe, but I know what I experienced yesterday morning. I had a Heavenly visit while in my recliner. Without words, no physical anything seen, my right foot was touched with pressure for several seconds. It was Harold letting me know he felt validated, finally. He appreciated my hard work (bad memories) and effort to get this book out. I’m NOT doing this for money. I have money and I donate to many things, causes, and to people in need. But this story needed to be told. Harold mattered. If family are offended, well, not the first time, nor the last time. HAROLD MATTERED! And I hated being used as her da#m alibi. The TRUTH had to come out!
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite Stories of abuse and domestic violence always shock you when you read them. This happens to anyone who reads Mary L. Schmidt’s book, Her Alibi. Here, the author tells the story of her family, focusing in particular on the abuses of her mother, Marguerite, who had always treated her as a scapegoat. After divorcing her husband, Marguerite marries Harold (she will marry him three times, to be exact) and is most likely responsible for his death. Is it possible she used her daughter as an alibi? And how will relations between Marguerite and her children develop? Her Alibi tells a disturbing story of an abusive mother and the consequences her mental condition and behavior have on her family and children, especially the daughter she treats as a scapegoat. Mary L. Schmidt tells us this story in a way that clearly depicts the world of abuse that characterized her childhood and gives the reader a precise understanding of what she and her siblings went through. Marguerite is represented in such a way that her personality deeply impresses the reader, especially considering what she may have done to Harold and her daughter, the alibi. I appreciated that Schmidt included many photos of her family because this makes you know the people she describes and makes you even more sympathetic to what they have experienced. Her Alibi is not a book for the faint of heart, and I recommend it to readers who have the courage to read it, to match the courage the author had in writing it.
Amazon Number One Bestseller – 2022
Literary Titan – Gold – 2022
SoCal Book Awards – Honorable Mention – 2022
Reader’s Choice Book Awards – Finalist 2023
London Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023
Los Angeles Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023
Author Shout Reader Ready Award Winner – Recommended Reads 2024
Life on Molly is a travel and lifestyle blog. I am a normal girl with many passions. I am an explorer of new places, a learner of new languages, creator of my ambitions, blogger, and a good pal. This blog is my little corner of the world where I am able to share my adventures with you and inspire you to live a life full of purpose.
When Angels Fly 