M2D4 Toe Tag: The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar

December 8, 2023December 3, 2023TG Wolff

The Medusa Murders is an amateur sleuth mystery. Professor Bay “L.L.” Browning is drawn into a serial killer’s world when her coat is found at a crime scene. The killer has an agenda and a style, one that emulates the mythical Medusa turning her victims to stone. Her knowledge of art and mythology turns out to be the expertise the police need.

Bottom line: The Medusa Murders is for you if you like clean mysteries with a cozy feel and centering on art and mythology.

Listen to the second chapter (not a typo) here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For podcast

Strengths of the story. The Medusa Murders is classified on Amazon as amateur sleuth, women’s crime fiction, and contemporary women’s fiction. It absolutely is an amateur sleuth follow-along mystery. Crime fiction has become the broader term for stories involving crime, so it fits again. Contemporary women’s fiction is a story of a woman’s growth through the story. This is an element of the story but is most applicable to the secondary stories. While it is not listed as a Cozy, the clean storytelling style (no cursing), lack of on-screen violence, and prominent role of interesting and quirky specialties (classic art and mythology), make The Medusa Murders a good fit here, too.

The setting in a fictional Wisconsin college in the winter is a nice variation on a small town setting. The social complexities of working inside higher ed gives a “peak behind the curtain” from what life looks like from a professor’s perspective.

The story does a nice job of showing Bay having to juggle her work responsibilities and family problems that includes her ex-con sister showing up at her door, while also working to find a link between the murders and mythology.

All in all, it’s a fun read. For those who dig mythology or know their way around classic art about mythology, you will find a lot to dig your teeth into with this one.

Where the story fell short of ideal: One of the first and biggest challenges for authors using amateur sleuth is getting the hero into the story. From the beginning, Bay doesn’t know why she is part of the investigation and, several times, makes credible arguments that someone else who knows more should be doing the work. For me, this undermined the strength and credibility of the character. Ultimately, it doesn’t affect the flow or result of the story.

It took me some time to warm up to Bay. There were times it felt like she embodied the collegiate arrogance she accused others of having. She came into her own in the second half of the book and I came to like and respect her.

About Joy Ann Ribar

Joy Ann Ribar is an RV author, writing on the road wherever her husband and their Winnebago View wanders. Joy’s cocktail of careers includes news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and aquaponics greenhouse technician, all of which prove useful in penning mysteries. She loves to bake, read, do wine research, and explore nature. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people.

Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.

Partners In Crime Tours represents a network of 300+ bloggers offering tailor-made virtual book tours and marketing options for crime, mystery and thriller writers from around the world. Founded in 2011, PICT offers virtual book tour services for well-established and best-selling authors, as well as those just starting out with their careers. PICT prides itself on its tailored packages for authors, with a personal touch from the tour coordinators. For more information, check out their website partnersincrimetours.com

M2D4 Toe Tag: A Grifter’s Song compiled by Frank Zafiro

December 5, 2023December 3, 2023TG Wolff

A Grifter’s Song is a Crime Thriller novella series. Sam and Rachel are long time lovers and lifelong grifters. No mark is too big, no scheme too hot. They zigzag across the continent, looking to make the next score and stay ahead of Little Vincent and the Philadelphia mob. From the first book to the last, nothing is sacred. . . except the love they have for each other.

Bottom line: A Grifter’s Song is for you if you get your thrills cheering for heroes who live on the other side of the tracks.

Today’s featured release is not a single book but 35 novellas in a collection called A Grifter’s Song. The collection was conceived and edited by Frank Zafiro with episodes written by Frank and 29 other authors, myself included. I have for you today an excerpt of the 1^st book, THE CONCRETE SMILE by Frank Zafiro, the first chapter of the 2^nd book PEOPLE LIKE US by J.D. Rhoades, and the 4^th chapter of the last book, INTO THE DYING SUN by Frank Zafiro.

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For Podcast

Strengths of the series: Zafiro created a world for the grifters with a full backstory that drives Sam and Rachel’s continuous need to move on. They have a few trusted acquaintances, including a computer hacking expert, and too many enemies, thanks to the long arms of the Philadelphi mob.

All novellas are under 30,000 words, or about 100 pages, making them easy reads that fit into a busy lifestyle. Stories have equivalent ratings of PG to R, but most are pretty hard core. Lol, my episode, #30 GOOD FOR IT, was definitely as lighter end.

Each story is a unique blend of Zafiro’s world and the imagination and style of the individual authors. Sam and Rachel remain true to themselves and each other, no matter what situation they are thrown into.

Where the story fell short of ideal: The series concept is well developed and provides a framework that is defined enough to provide continuity but is open enough to give authors room to work. Readers are bound to have favorite stories and stories they like less – I certainly do. If you don’t love one, I encourage you to read on. This is a very satisfying series.

For behind the scenes interviews between Frank and his writers, check out the podcast Wrong Place, Write Crime wherever you get your podcasts.

All books in A Grifter’s Song were released from Down & Out Books and are available from AMAZON and other book retailers.

About Frank Zafiro

Frank writes gritty crime fiction from both sides of the badge. Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1986-91 in military intelligence as a Czechoslovak linguist. In 1993, he became a police officer in Spokane, Washington. During his career, he worked as a patrol officer, corporal, and detective. In 2002, he became a sergeant and entered into leadership roles. He was fortunate enough to command patrol officers, investigators, the K-9 unit, and the SWAT team. He retired from law enforcement in 2013 as a captain in order to write full time and to teach.

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M2D4 Episode 5: One-Eyed Jack and the Suicide King by Erica Obey

September 8, 2023September 4, 2023TG Wolff

The Remo and her once-glamorous residents are no stranger to hard times. When Rex “Suicide” King rolls out of an elevator with his throat cut, the hardened residents barely flinch. In fact, only two people even seem to realize the situation. The house detective Joe Hall, retired NYPD, and the desk clerk, Roby, have to put the pieces together that spell murder. It’s an impossible crime in an impossible location.

Find more of Erica’s stories on her website.

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For Podcast

M2D4 S6E3 This Never Happened to Wolfman Jack by Nikki Knight.

August 11, 2023August 6, 2023TG Wolff

DJ Jaye Jordan is working alone, spinning tunes for lonely hearts on a Saturday night. When company arrives, it isn’t her yoga buddies, but a blast from the past…with a gun. Time is running out. If Jaye can’t solve this cold case, she just may have to resort to Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For podcast.

M2D4 Toe Tag: The Hemingway Deception by Tj O’Connor

August 4, 2023July 30, 2023TG Wolff

The Hemingway Deception is a Thriller. Hemingway. No one knows who he is or what he can do, only that he is the ultimate prize. The key lies with Dr. Montilla, who some label a saint and others a guerilla.

Ana Karras Montilla survived her upbringing in the jungles of Colombia to establish a ‘normal’ life in Queens. Now her missionary parents have gone missing and saving them means embracing everything she fought to escape. Trane does the dirty work that needs to be done. To protect his Washington-insider bosses, has to find Montilla, then Hemingway to put a permanent end to his plans. Catalina Reyes is a Cuban spy who has lost her husband and has lost her direction. Desperation drives her to take on this mission where succeed or die are the only outcomes and Montilla is her guide. Luke Brennan is NYPD, working to make sense of the mess Karras and Trane leave in their wake. Everyone keeps telling him to let this one go. Right. Like he’s going to listen.

Bottom line: The Hemingway Deception is for you if you like multi-hero stories where everyone is out for themselves for damn good reasons and the stakes are so high, losing means war.

Listen to the first chapter here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For podcast

The Hemingway Deception was released from Suspense Books and promoted by Partners in Crime Tours and is available from AMAZON LINK and other book retailers.

About Tj O’Connor

Tj O’Connor is the author of The Hemingway Deception, Dying with a Secret, (pending publication), The Consultant and four paranormal murder mysteries. Tj is an international security consultant specializing in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis—life experiences that drive his novels. With his former life as a government agent and years as a consultant, he has lived and worked around the world in places like Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Americas—among others. Tj is a Harley Davidson pilot, a man-about-dogs, and a lover of adventure, cooking, and good spirits (both kinds). He was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley and lives with his wife and Labrador companions in Virginia where they raised five children who are supply a growing tribe of grands!

Catch Up With TJ O’Connor:
www.TjOConnor.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @tj37
Twitter – @Tjoconnorauthor
Instagram – @tjoconnorauthor
Facebook – @TjOConnor.Author

M2D4 S6E2: Who Felled “Lumber Jack?”

July 28, 2023July 25, 2023TG Wolff

Chief Tom Goldston is trying to save the Taraca Bay police department by solving the murder of the baseball team’s beloved mascot Lumber Jack aka Wilson Bain. Here are the people Tom has interviewed in the order he’s talked to them:

• Franklin Langford, owner of the Lumberjacks who hired Bain to be the mascot;

• Boomer Cordillero, low level criminal who Bain owed money;

• Paul Caverly, Lumberjacks GM who oversaw Bain;

• Kirk Van Ness, Defender of the Redwood who no showed the road trip;

• Ryan Mitchell, Lumberjacks best player; and

• … and I’m adding Sheriff Adam Jones because he’s an a-hole.

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For podcast.

M2D4 Toe Tag: Psycho Therapy by TG Wolff

July 21, 2023July 19, 2023TG Wolff

Psycho Therapy is a Mystery. Diamond. One name for a woman who is faking it until she makes it. And she will make it. At least that’s what she’s telling herself. Dr. Robin Ransom is a therapist to first responders, cops, and spies. She has a problem. She is being blackmailed via email by a nameless, faceless crook. Her neighbor Murali Devi, is an IT wizard who said he’d take care of the problem for her. Now he’s dead. And there’s a hot British guy after her for information she swears she doesn’t have.

Before Diamond was a widow, she was a CIA agent with lethal skills. Skills she nearly used on herself. An intervention puts her on Dr. Ransom’s couch and squarely in the middle of a high-stakes game of blackmail, kidnapping, and murder. From a video gaming Beastmaster in Michigan, to a suicide bomber in Virginia, to a psychiatric conference in the south of France, Diamond jumps in with her usual flair for chaos and destruction. But Fate isn’t satisfied, pushing Diamond into a position where it is either her or the person she cares for most.

Bottom line: Psycho Therapy is for you if you like fast-paced mysteries, dynamic characters, and story meant to be read just for the fun of it.

Listen to the first chapter in Diamond’s third and final (gulp) adventure mystery.

Find Mysteries to Die For wherever you get your podcasts including Apple, Google Play, Spotify…or you can listen right here.

M2D4 S6E1: A Package of Pepper Jack Cheese by KM Rockwood

July 14, 2023July 11, 2023TG Wolff

Welcome to season 6 of Mysteries to Die For: Things that Go Jack in the Night. Our first “jack” of the season is Pepper Jack Cheese! Yum.

When love-struck Logan Wesley and his Jack Russell Terrier Jack take their daily walk past the home of his dream girl, Logan gets more than he bargains for. Elizabeth’s father is laying on the walkway, dead. The suspects include:

Kristine Wellingham, the trophy wife;
Roger Wellingam, the older son who is kinda weird;
Elizabeth, Logan’s crush who is reported being sexually abused by her father;
Cyndra Heston, the delivery woman who discovered the body; and
Logan’s own dead beat father (what was he even doing there?)

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For Podcast

ABOUT Pepper Jack Cheese

From the website for Shisler’s Cheese House in Orrville, Ohio – 24/7 hotline https://cheesehouse.com/

Pepper Jack Cheese is a cow’s milk cheese that blends the creamy, buttery flavor of Monterey Jack cheese with the intensity of spicy peppers. Jalapeños, serrano peppers, and habañero peppers are all used to create heat. As the cheese ages, the peppery flavor intensifies. Some older pepper jacks can taste quite zesty, but generally, the cheese is only aged for a few months. It will take on a creamy color and semi-firm textures.

Monterey Jack Cheese was made by the Mexican Franciscan friars of Monterey, California, in the 19th century. Then David Jack, a California businessman, decided that the market for the cheese could be developed. He produced the mild, white cheese that we now call Monterey Jack. Later, producers began to add small pieces of spicy peppers to the curds of their Jack cheese, creating Pepper Jack Cheese.

ABOUT KM Rockwood

kmrockwood.com

KM Rockwood draws on a varied background for stories, among them working as a laborer in a steel fabrication plant, operating glass melters and related equipment in a fiberglass manufacturing facility, and supervising an inmate work crew in a large medium security state prison. These jobs, as well as work as a special education teacher in an alternative high school and a GED teacher in county detention facilities, provide most of the background for novels and short stories.

M2D4 S5E13: Detective Connelly Gets Wet ‘n Wild by Jack Wolff

June 23, 2023June 22, 2023TG Wolff

A day off at a waterpark turns into working day for Detective Connelly when a Kiddie Train ride is derailed, taking out the beloved mascot. With Crocs in sport mode, Detective Connelly goes…where no man should go.

Fans of Inspector Clouseau and Inspector Gadget will love Detective Connelly, a man for whom brilliance and insanity is a razor thin line.

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For Podcast.

Detective Connolly closes out Season 5. Check out the anthology, available in print and e-book. Join use July 14 for the start of Season 6: Things That Go Jack in the Night.

M2D4 S5: Her Last Carriage Ride by TG Wolff

June 9, 2023June 8, 2023TG Wolff

It’s 1895 and Cleveland Patrolman Grant McPherson is off-duty when he answers a cry for help. In a posh carriage, he finds Mrs. Enid Carter with a gun shot wound. His quick actions and the efforts of the best surgeon in the city fail to save the woman’s life. Cian Kelly, one of Cleveland’s four detectives, is assigned to the case. With McPherson’s assistance, they dig into the dirty deeds of a woman determined to conquer society.

Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For podcast.