Security Force of Two #MFRWHooks
Welcome to #MFRWHooks! On the first day of Spring, SECURITY FORCE OF TWO, book one of the Mountain Town Mystery Series, burst onto the scene with 5-star reviews and awards. A former CIA agent and a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown for different reasons none of which includes involvement in an investigation of the new police chief’s murder.
A little about Security Force of Two:
Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and family secrets he wants to leave behind for good.
Candle Bearclaw, a gifted computer analyst/programmer with talents she’s buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position with the agency. She returns to her sleepy hometown only to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.
Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, will their secrets be revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open.
A new peek between the pages of Security Force of Two: New Hook
When she drove up the circle driveway, a chill shot up her spine, then a strange feeling came over her, almost like someone was watching. Reaching under the seat of her SUV, she pulled out her handgun, checked the weapon to make sure it was loaded, chambered a round, and tucked it in the back waistband of her jeans, covering it with her shirt and jacket. She backed out then drove the entire driveway more slowly, checking the perimeter. Nothing. The cell phone hadn’t chirped to alert her of a breach, but she checked her outside surveillance cameras, then the ones inside her home anyway. Again nothing. She shrugged off the feeling and stepped out of her SUV. Gun drawn, she flicked off the safety and turned on the laser. It didn’t hurt to be safe rather than sorry.
Peeking in the window, she saw the alarm keypad was still set and secure. Then she walked around the house, entered through the back door, closed and relocked it, deactivated the alarm. Nothing was out of place. Part of her wished she’d brought Terrabyte along. Though still young, the pups tracking ability was well-developed. Terra would know if someone were in or around the cabin since they left. Back to the wall, she moved carefully through each room, nothing. When she was sure the house was clear, she sat down at the computer, laying the gun next to it. Warning windows were popped up everywhere on the screen. Someone had tried to hack into her system but hadn’t gotten very far. Closing out the windows one at a time until she found a message planted just under the first layer of security. That is what must have set off the warnings. Her throat went dry as she read the message. “Poking around where you don’t belong is dangerous business. Carl’s death was unfortunate but an accident. Leave it be or pay the consequences.”
Fingers posed over the keyboard. She started to X out of the message but stopped. If this was a disintegrating message, she would have no proof it ever existed. Taking out her cell phone, she took a picture of the screen. The handle on the front door jiggled. She grabbed her gun and jumped up, making her way to the front bay window.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an internationally best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
Thanks for stopping in for #MFRWHooks.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Mountain Town Mysteries Series, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Security Force of Two, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 9 comments.
Interview Julie Howard Author of Wild Crime Series
Give a warm welcome to Julie Howard author of Crime and Paradise, first book in the Wild Crime series (99 cent Sale for ebook October 5th) and her new release October 8th, Crimes Times Two, second in the series!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Julie and her Wild Crime Series.
Julie, how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. When I was in college and realized I soon needed to earn a living, I majored in journalism and had a pretty great career in newspapers. My goal has always been to write fiction, but my career and raising a family took priority for a while. So, while I’ve always been a professional writer, I didn’t become a novelist until very recently.
If writing is your first passion, what is your second?
I love to travel. I especially enjoy going to places that are completely different from where I live – culturally, in cuisine and language, and with a far different history. I’m fascinated by how alike and distinctive we all are.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
Most definitely. Each of my characters – good or evil – has a tiny piece of me in them. I think that helps me humanize them and sympathize even with the worst of them. I figure if I can’t relate to them, the reader won’t be able to either.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
I have a couple of “secrets.” The first is to not suffer alone. I belong to a couple of writing groups and I’m always inspired by the creativity and enthusiasm of other writers. We all encourage one another and often, that’s all that’s needed.
My second secret is to write something completely difference, either in genre or in length. I love writing flash fiction, or stories of less than a thousand words. I’ve had a number pieces published and have them listed on my website. They get my mind working in different ways, sort of like stretching my muscles before exercising.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
That fear is a weapon we often turn on ourselves. The main character in my Wild Crime series is a young abused woman. In the beginning, she’s fearful and so stuck in her life that she can’t see any way out of her situation (other than to kill her husband). Through the story, she learns to face her fears and, in doing so, grows stronger.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Bandits
Favorite book: The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck
Last book read: Housegirl by Michael Donkor
Favorite color: Sea green
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops!
Coffee or tea: Coffee, all day long.
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: All three. Just give me a book.
Pencil or pen: Fine point pen.
Favorite dessert: Anything chocolate
Favorite junk food: See above
Favorite thing to do to relax: Read, of course
Champagne or gin: Tequila!
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder woman. Lasso those bad guys!
Favorite TV show: Peaky Blinders
Hot or cold: Chilly enough for a fireplace
I’d die if I don’t have: A good book to read
See told you an author can’t answer anything with one word. LOL
Tell us a little about your new release Crime Times Two, coming October 8, available for preorder now!
Meredith knows three things: First, the man in the library begged her to help him. Second, he was afraid of his wife. Third, now he’s dead.
While the evidence first points to a natural death, Meredith is certain there’s more to discover. People are tight-lipped in this small mountain village, and the man’s wife isn’t talking either. Then a second death occurs, with remarkable similarities. It’s time to talk about murder.
As a slow-burning relationship heats up in her own life, Meredith struggles with concepts of love and hate, belief and suspicion, and absolution and guilt. Nothing is clear cut…
She must decide: Is guilt, like evil, something you can choose to believe in?
How about a sneak peek between the pages of Crime Times Two?
Of course, Tena.
Jowls quivered under the man’s weak chin, and Meredith noted the stained and frayed shirt of someone who spent a lot of time alone in dark rooms, sending out a better version of himself into the virtual world. His eyes were anxious and beseeching at her as though she should have a clear understanding of him and his life.
Somehow, over the past hour and a half they’d been sitting next to each other – him playing video games and sharing his life story and her ignoring him the best she could – she had become his confessor and friend.
Meredith gave him what she hoped was an impartial-though-quasi-friendly smile. She reached for her purse and papers and rose from her chair. “Well. Nice talking with you.”
The man was lost in his own train of thought and seemed only slightly aware that Meredith was leaving.
He shook his head, morose.
“To make a long story short,” he summed up, “I think my wife is trying to kill me.”
Available at Amazon.
And the first book Crime and Paradise goes on sale for 99 cents Friday October 5th.
The story follows a young abused woman who ends up in a remote Idaho town. When her husband is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect. The local sheriff develops an interest in her beyond the investigation, and together they uncover some unsavory secrets in their small town.
On Sale for 99 cents October 5th at Amazon.
About the author:
Julie Howard is the author of the Wild Crime series. She is a former journalist and editor who has covered topics ranging from crime to cowboy poetry. She is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and founder of the Boise chapter of Shut Up & Write. Learn more at juliemhoward.com.
Connect with Julie on social media.
http://www.facebook.com/juliemhowardauthor
.It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with your sale on Crime and Paradise Friday October 5th and your new release Crime Times Two available for pre-order now.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Coming of Age, Crime and Paradise, Crime Times Two, Julie Howard, Mystery/Suspense by Tena Stetler with 11 comments.
