October's Book Reviews and Previews

For your consideration:

• A mystery set in World War II (When Hell Struck Twelve);
• A medical thriller (The Dreaming Tree); and 
• A murder thriller (The Dark Web Murders).

Hope you find something for your library,

Bruce


When Hell Struck Twelve (A Billy Boyle WWII Mystery Book 14) by James R. Benn

A Well-Crafted Wartime Backdrop for a Somewhat Clumsy Mystery

Author James Benn’s depiction of the events leading up to and during the Liberation of Paris—the backdrop for When Hell Struck Twelve—is outstanding. The Germans are retreating from Normandy after their defeat at the Battle for Hill 262. On the Battle’s 20th anniversary, President Eisenhower said that "… no other battlefield presented such a horrible sight of death, hell, and total destruction." Benn’s description in the opening chapters of the book does that statement justice. As the Germans retreat toward Paris after the defeat, a power vacuum is created, letting factions within the French resistance settle old scores. It’s not enough that the French are killing Germans and vice versa; the French are also killing each other. Our main characters, US Army detective Billy Boyle and Lieutenant Kazimierz (Kaz) find themselves entangled in this purgatory, witnessing the horrors of war from tank and gun battles on the streets of Paris to clandestine torture and murder in backrooms and deserted buildings. The psychological costs are also felt as our heroes develop mysterious headaches and uncontrollable muscle tremors. It’s a dark, brutal, unrelenting world compellingly drawn by Benn. For the complete review, see: https://amzn.to/2MeAFAx.


The Dreaming Tree by Matthew Mather

A Mind-Bending, Emotion-Stirring, Series-Launching Medical Thriller

“This is definitely one for the weird books.”

So said the partner of the book’s protagonist, Detective Delta Devlin, after they had solved the case. And I’d have to agree. From full-body transplants, to hunting trips for celebrities’ excrement, to “oil changes” for the wealthy—I’ll let you read the book, if you don’t follow those references—The Dreaming Tree is a wild ride between recent advances and imminent breakthroughs in medical science with a bit a pure fiction thrown into the mix. And author Matthew Mather makes it really tough to know just which of those you are reading at any given point in the story. Of course, in dealing at the bleeding edge of medical science, societal and ethical questions appear at every turn in the plot, not as academic questions, but as part of a baffling, sometimes surreal mystery. When is someone dead? If we can grow parts, why not an entire body? And similarly, your emotions will sustain some collateral damage from treading this ground. References to body-part harvesting among the helpless and the brutally poor are particularly gut wrenching. For the complete review, see: https://amzn.to/2P1nAgP.

The Dark Web Murders by Brian O’Hare

An Engrossing Murder Thriller with a Gut-Wrenching Finale

The Dark Web Murders is an engrossing—and by its end, harrowing—serial-killer, murder thriller. Initially, it’s a ‘crowd whodunit,’ deriving mystery from the excess of viable, and in this case, powerful suspects. “So, we have a dead judge who has just been partying with another judge, a law professor, a couple of property millionaires, a prominent surgeon, a well-known barrister, a socialite and a playboy, a gambling machines tycoon, a media mogul, a top civil servant, and a restaurateur.” This part of the story has the feel of a well-developed police procedural, bolstered by the considerable deductive skills of our protagonist, Chief Inspector Jim Sheehan. “Sheehan didn’t miss the deliberate nature of the judge’s composure.” That’s a lot of fine reading of body language. For the complete review, see: https://amzn.to/2p8vxGQ.

(I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.)

Three Headlines for October

Three headlines for October and two of them are GIVEAWAYS. It could be your lucky month!

1. Early Acclaim for Mind in Chains (and a Free Copy)

I was honored to receive a very flattering review of my upcoming book, Mind in Chains, from D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review. The review will be released in its entirety in their November MBR Bookwatch. The last two summary paragraphs are below, FYI.

“As Mind in Chains examines different beliefs and motivations, readers are treated to a fast-paced thriller that grows intrigue, crafts delusions, and moves back into the introduction's events with new perceptions of its significance. The premise which evolves is riveting, original, and thought-provoking.

Readers seeking a well-developed medical thriller that injects a substantial dose of moral, ethical, and social considerations into its story, tempering all with strong psychological growth in its characters, will find Mind in Chains just the ticket. It's a multifaceted, absorbing read that lingers in the mind long after the final revelation which examines issues of justice and humanity, as it crafts a growing story of horror.”

If you would consider writing a review when it's released on November 4, there are still a few Advance Review Copies available for free from Prolific Works. Claim your copy here: https://bit.ly/2kv6bk2


2. Giveaway 1 - $300! (in the form of an Amazon Gift Card)

Follow some amazing authors on Bookbub for a chance to win a $300 Amazon gift card!

The more you follow the more chances you have to win! You can also come back every day for special tasks that will earn you daily entry points!

(You'll need to scroll down a ways to find me, but I'd love a Bookbub follow, if you haven't already.)

Enter here: http://bit.ly/falbb


3. Giveaway 2 - More than a Dozen eBooks!

Win more than a dozen Crime/Thriller eBooks!

Some of the great titles you could win include:

The Dreaming Tree by Matthew Mather;
Of Half a Mind by Bruce Perrin;
The Fugitive's Trail by J.C. Fields;
The Emma Frost Mystery Series: Vol 1-3 by Willow Rose; and
Russian Roulette by Mike Faricy.

There will be two Grand Prize Winners who receive ALL of the eBooks!
and
12+ Winners of individual eBooks (randomly selected titles)

Enter here: https://AuthorsXP.com/giveaway

October's Limited Time Kindle Deals

Some frightfully good deals on Kindle reads but like Halloween candy, they'll soon be gone. 

And as an added bonus, check out the eBook and paperback giveaway at the end of this post. Authors apparently love Halloween!

(Prices change constantly. Please be sure to verify all prices before purchase.)

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/14

In the Space of an Atom

By Bruce M. Perrin

Thriller

Usual Price: $2.99  Sale: $0.99

 

There’s nothing like someone trying to kill you to give your life direction.

 

Yes, I'd been in a funk, drifting from job to job, but that all changed when Jones came at me with a gun. And when he, the research lab where I had worked, and the chief scientist all disappeared, I was left with nothing but a piece of mind-blowing technology and a story so bizarre that the police were more concerned about my mental health than the attempted murder. I needed help to understand what I’d gotten myself into. Enter young, beautiful Dr. Diane Stapleton. And when I accidentally involved her in this deadly nightmare, I knew only one thing for sure. I couldn’t let her die.

 

As a finalist in both the 2017 Wishing Shelf Book Awards and 2018 EPIC eBook Awards, In the Space of an Atom is the perfect mash-up of Janet Evanovich and Michael Crichton. It’s fast, light suspense with a bit of science and a touch of romance that you won’t put down until the final page.

US:  http://amzn.to/2uLd3wO

UK:  https://amzn.to/2UpKkY6

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/15

Murder in Eden (Eden Mysteries Volumes 1 - 3)

By Laurel Heidtman

Thriller, Suspense

Usual Price: $7.99 Sale: $1.99

 

College towns are anything but quiet—or safe. Murder in Eden contains Catch A Falling Star, Bad Girls, and A Convenient Death. That’s three Eden mysteries for less than the price of one!

Catch A Falling Star

Stolen treasure, criminals, cops, the surprise appearance of an ex-lover, and murder—definitely not what mystery novelist Kate Rawlings expects when she accepts a summer teaching position at her alma mater in the peaceful college town of Eden, Kentucky.

Bad Girls

When good girls disappear, everyone pays attention, but when bad girls disappear, no one does. Easy prey—or are they?

A Convenient Death

When Tracy Andrews, the promiscuous night clerk at the Eden Quick-Mart, is murdered along with an elderly customer, there’s no shortage of suspects. But when Eden police detective Jo Valentine takes a closer look at the elderly man killed with Tracy, what she doesn’t find surprises her.

 

https://amzn.to/2oUy6M0

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/13

Terminus Cut: (Wholesale Slaughter Book 2)

By Rick Partlow

Science Fiction-Space

Usual Price: $2.99  Sale: $0.99

 

Logan Conner has given up the life of a warrior prince to become Jonathan Slaughter, a mercenary captain of a rough-and-ready band of mech-jocks for hire.

Already legendary throughout the Periphery, their next job brings them head-to-head with the Jeuta, militant aliens who seek to loot and plunder isolated human colony worlds.

The fearsome Jeuta raiders will task Logan to his limits, but they’re only a sideshow to Wholesale Slaughter’s real operation objective—locating a treasure trove at the legendary Terminus Cut outpost containing enough ancient Imperial technology to give his people a fighting chance.

Don’t miss book 2 in this explosive new Military Sci-fi series!

 

https://amzn.to/33gfQvz

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/13

Moon Dance (Vampire for Hire Book 1)

By J.R. Rain

Vampire Mystery

Usual Price: $3.99  Sale: $0.99

 

Mother, wife, private investigator...vampire. The multi-million copy bestselling series!

Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.

Now the world at large thinks Samantha has developed a rare skin disease, a disease which forces her to quit her day job and work the night shift as a private investigator. Her new client, Kingsley Fulcrum, hires her to investigate the murder attempt on his life, a horrific scene captured on TV and seen around the country. But as the case unfolds, Samantha discovers Kingsley isn't exactly what he appears to be; after all, there is a reason why he survived five shots to the head...

 

https://amzn.to/2OunNcc

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/13

The Labyrinth (The Gods' Game, Volume II): A LitRPG novel

By Rohan M. Vider

Role Playing and Fantasy Games

Usual Price: $5.99  Sale: $0.99

 

His life on earth was over. Myelad was his world now. And there he had power. Power to change the Game. But would he? And how?

Accidentally summoned to Myelad, Kyran has earned the ire of the Gods and been banished to the subterranean world of Crota – to die. Yet Kyran has proved tough to kill, and despite the odds, has survived his first few days in the new world.

But his plans for escape have gone awry... Defeated and captured, what will become of him?

Join Kyran, as he battles his way through the labyrinth, gathering allies, overcoming foes, growing into a player, and finding purpose…

 

https://amzn.to/2Os43G9

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/13

The Long March (The Exiled Fleet Book 2)

By Richard Fox

Space Opera

Usual Price: $3.99  Sale: $1.99

 

Commodore Thomas Gage and his fleet, safeguarding the last of the Albion Royal Family, are on the run. Hunting them, a ruthless Daegon commander will stop at nothing to crush Albion’s only remaining free force.

To find sanctuary beyond their enemy’s reach, the battle-damaged fleet must cut through a hostile and dangerous region of space known as the Kigeli Nebula. But to secure passage, Gage must strike a deal with an old enemy who wants nothing more than to fulfill a vendetta and see the commodore dead.

Facing threats ahead, behind and from within, Gage must lead his fleet down the Long March to freedom.

 

https://amzn.to/2Mj0DTw

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/10

Tragic Beauty: A Dark Romance (Beauty & The Darkness Book 1)

By Iris Ann Hunter

Psychological Literary Fiction

Usual Price: $3.99  Sale: $0.99

 

I was sixteen when I made the deal...when I put my fate in the hands of Shayne McAllister, a man determined to break me. A man with black eyes and a blacker heart, he's been obsessed with me since we were kids. Now it's five years later, and my father has passed...and Shayne's coming to collect his debt.

But before I'm his to break, I see a chance to make a choice for myself, and I take it. I slip away for one night. One dark, stormy night that goes horribly wrong...until Gavin West. Handsome, angry, and haunted by demons, he grants me one messed up, beautiful night that changes everything and spares no one. Because Gavin decides he wants more than just one night...he wants me.

What follows, is darkness. A darkness where secrets will be revealed, blood will be shed, and sacrifices made.

My name is Ava, and this is my story.

Trigger Warnings: Tragic Beauty is a VERY DARK & TWISTED blend of contemporary romance, psychological thriller, and erotic suspense with graphic and disturbing scenes. It is a story about love and obsession, about hope and despair, but most of all, it is about finding light through the darkness.

 

https://amzn.to/2OoO0sR

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/11

Sparks Fly in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 10)

By Cindy Kirk

Humorous Fiction

Usual Price: $4.99  Sale: $2.99

 

Greer Chapin doesn’t do crazy things in the name of love. Yet when no one steps up to run for mayor of Good Hope, love for her hometown takes over. That smart, sensible Greer would make an excellent mayor is a given—as is the fact that she’ll win, because she’s running unopposed. Or so she thought. When another candidate throws his hat in the ring at the eleventh hour, Greer’s world is turned upside down.

Wyatt McConnell can’t believe how much his life has changed. Two months ago he was working long hours as a city manager in Chicago. Then he learned that a grandfather he never knew had died and named him as his sole heir. Faster than you can say ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ Wyatt moves to Good Hope and finds the home he’s always dreamed of. He might even have found the woman of his dreams too—if he can convince Greer not to hate him for running against her.

Falling for their opponent might be irrational, but Greer and Wyatt can’t resist each other. As election night nears, the reality of their situation is impossible to ignore: While there can only be one winner, both candidates are in danger of losing their hearts.

 

https://amzn.to/2pUghgE

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/12

27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend

By Shari L. Tapscott

Relationship Humor

Usual Price: $2.99  Sale: $0.99

 

Addison:

I need you to know I’m not pathetic. A little desperate, sure. But not pathetic. And mostly I agreed to Jessa’s insane boyfriend-finding list idea because Carter was looking at me like it was the stupidest idea known to man, and I wanted to irk him.

Carter:

Jessa’s guy-finding list is the stupidest idea known to man. The only reason Addison doesn’t have a boyfriend is because she’s the boss’s daughter, and none of the guys in our shop want to be fired.

Addison:

Maybe if he hadn’t kissed me last weekend, I wouldn’t be thinking about him constantly. See there? This is his fault. If I need to use a list to find someone who will get him out of my head, then so be it.

Carter:

Maybe if I hadn’t kissed her last weekend, the list wouldn’t bother me so much, but now I can’t get her out of my head. So I’m going to do the only thing a sane guy would do in my position. I’m going to sabotage the experiment…

Author’s note: 27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend is a steamy-clean adult romantic comedy with all the sizzle but no sex.

 

https://amzn.to/2B3cHDn

Start Date: NOW  End Date: 10/13

The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Burn: A Devilishly Funny Urban Fantasy Romance (Nava Katz Book 6)

By Deborah Wilde

Humorous Fantasy

Usual Price: $6.99  Sale: $0.99

 

It’s the End of the World as We Know It ...

Nava has come a long way from being a hot mess flying solo. She’s now one of the major players on the chessboard, leading the charge against a witch with dark magic, a power-mad rabbi, and the impending apocalypse.

Friends will die and secrets will be exposed. Add imprisonment, torture, and the biggest, baddest demon of them all who has plans for her, and it’s a lot for a girl to take in.

Time to rally the troops and make her last stand, because she’s damned if she’ll let the end of the world stand in the way of her romantic, sexy times galore, happily-ever-after.

It’s trial by fire.

Burn, baby, burn.

The heart-pounding final installment to the series.

 

https://amzn.to/31YNZzy

And now, the GIVEAWAY!

You can win over $100 worth of ebooks and signed paperbacks simply by pre-ordering the new thriller, Break My Bones at half price! Winner to be announced October 31.

Win e books, signed paperbacks, and exclusive swag! For full details visit www.RachaelTamayowrites.com

How to enter:  email your order confirmation or code to rtamayo@rachaeltamayowrites.com 

***Bonus prize: If the book makes it to bestseller status by the end of the month, winner will also receive an Amazon gift card.