Once Upon a Blog . . .: crime

Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts

Friday, November 19, 2021

New Gypsy Shadow Releases for Fall, 2021


		Lady Killer by Stephen M. DeBock

When Miami drug lord Raul Rodriguez tires of his string of current mistresses, he knows he can’t afford to turn them loose; instead, he commissions his on-call assassin to eliminate them.

Assuming a false identity and affecting a disarming manner, the hit man earns the trust of his victims before terminating them. He relishes playing the chameleon.

But when he finds himself emotionally drawn to his latest target, a woman who says she could easily love him, the assassin faces a dilemma: will he run away with her, hoping to drop off Raul’s radar; or will he execute the very woman he envisions a future with?

Word Count: 12506
Buy at: Smashwords (all formats) ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Amazon

In a society where convicted killers are used as living organ donors, one man’s vendetta against a rival takes a bizarre and twisted turn. Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Stephen M. DeBock. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:

http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StephenDeBock.html#CantTake

Society has made the death penalty obsolete; instead, convicted killers are condemned to serve humanity as living organ donors. Paparazzo Patsy Galiardo publicly contends that former friend turned backstabber Peter Serafin belongs in that select prison population. True, the coroner has ruled the suspicious death of Peter’s affluent first wife a suicide. But when Peter later remarries, his bride this time a wealthy supermodel, Patsy vows to pursue his vendetta with even greater zeal. Further, because the paparazzo has designs of his own on the newest Mrs. Serafin, Patsy has even more motivation to get Peter out of the picture—which gives Peter more motivation to get Patsy out of the picture. Permanently.

Word Count: 27250

Pages to Print: 104

Price: $4.99

EXCERPT:

One

Two surgeons leaned over their respective sinks and lathered their hands and forearms with hot water and disinfectant soap. One of them whistled the tune to “Heigh Ho,” from Disney’s Snow White. The other smiled and shook his head.

“Shouldn’t that be ‘Whistle While You Work,’ Robby?” the other asked.

“Right,” he said, his English accent making it sound more like roit. “That’s a good one, too. Did I tell you, my great grandparents lived in London during the Blitz? No, I don’t believe I did. Well, they had their own version of that song.”

“I tremble with anticipation.”

“As I knew you would.” He sang, his voice reedy: “Whistle while you work. Hitler is a jerk. Mussolini bit his weenie. Now it doesn’t work.”

“One of these days, Robby, you’re going to have to learn to carry a tune.”

“And one of these days, Monty old thing, you’re going to have to learn to appreciate my prodigious and versatile talents. Talents, I might add, that extend far beyond yonder OR.”

“That’s not what the nurses tell me.”

“I’d offer a raspberry, old sod, but it would be beneath me.” They scrubbed in silence for a few moments. “You know, I’ve cut into many a body, and it’s never bothered me a bit, but I still get queasy when it comes to your specialty. Popping out one’s eyes. Ugh. I admire your pluck, though, Monty. No pun intended.”

“Hah . . . hah.” Monty, Dr. Hugo Montenegro, decided to change the subject. “So. Who’s the beneficiary of your prodigious and versatile talents today?”

“Ah. Handsome young fellow, just out of eighth grade. His only ambition is to play high school sports. Right now, lad’s on a ventilator.”

“Cystic fibe, yes?”

Dr. Colin Robertshaw nodded. “And about to get a brand new pair of healthy lungs. Who’s on the receiving end of your beneficence?”

“Busy day for me. I’ve got two corneal transplants and two vitreous implants.”

“Monocular, I assume?”

“Uh huh. Four patients, prepped and waiting as we speak.” He elbowed the faucet handles off. “I wish I could give my patients binocular vision, but the waiting list is so damned long . . .”

“Right. But having sight in one eye is better than having sight in none, isn’t it? Too bad, though, the first face your patients will see is your ugly mug. They might wish they’d remained blind.”

The men held their hands up and a nurse slipped on their gowns.

“What about our donor’s lungs? He a smoker, I’d hope not?”

“No, which is the only thing that’s to his credit.”

“What’s he believe he’s here for?”

“The usual, kidney transplant.”

The door behind them opened. “Stand aside, gentlemen, cardiac coming through.”

“Ah, Kamala, so glad you could make it,” said Robertshaw. “I was afraid you’d forgotten.”

“Please,” said the attractive, fortyish surgeon. “As if I could ever forget an opportunity to work alongside the renowned Dr. Robertshaw.” She gave him a playful nudge as she commandeered his place at the sink. “By the way, Colin, any new episodes of your own to report?”

Kamala Setty had done a radio frequency ablation on Robertshaw a year before to correct his occasional spells of atrial fibrillation.

“Nary a one, Kamala, my love. As I’ve told you before, you have touched my heart in a way no other woman has ever been able to do.”

She winked at him as she scrubbed in. “And if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that line . . .”

“You’d have a nickel. Admit it, love. I’m unique.” He looked at her hands as she scrubbed. “Ah, Kamala, Kamala, Kamala, such thin, delicate fingers. I so wish it were you doing my rectals instead of old Walt Kowalski. His fingers are as thick as kielbasa.”

“Thanks anyway, Colin, but I see enough assholes around here as it is. So who’s our donor today?”

“A bloody serial killer,” Dr. Robertshaw said. “Bloke named Reimers, remember reading about him a couple years ago? Tortured all those women?”

“Oh yes,” she said. “A mommy thing, right? His dark-haired mother used to burn him with her cigarettes, among other delightful abuses. Then as an adult he’d troll the bars for brunette smokers and burn them . . . before he dismembered them.”

“Would it be in poor taste to say I wished he were conscious and alert during today’s procedure?” asked Robertshaw.

Montenegro answered: “Yes it would, Dr. Mengele.” He turned to the heart surgeon. “Who’s your lucky patient today, Dr. Setty?”

“A lovely woman, Monty, a spry fifty-five, whose daughter has just presented her with a grandson. With her healthy new heart, she’ll live long enough to see him walk down the aisle at his wedding, maybe even long enough to become a great-grandmother.”

“Which reminds me, Monty,” said Robertshaw, “how’re things going with the father of the bride? Big doings this weekend.”

Hugo Montenegro tied on his mask. “Caroline’s doing most of the work. I’m only paying the bills.”

“Man’s lot in life. Sorry, Kamala, but it’s true. And Monty, whatever possessed you not to stage the wedding here in Philadelphia? No, no, too convenient; instead, you drag your guests a hundred miles into the hinterland.”

“It’ll be worth the drive, Robby. We’ve reserved a spot in the Hershey Gardens. This time of year, the roses’ll be in full bloom. Marcy loves the smell of roses.”

“Well, good show, then. And Kamala, you’re still welcome to join me as my date. Just leave your husband at home.”

She flashed a grin before lifting her mask. “Colin, you incorrigible flirt, if I did show up alone and wrap my thin, delicate fingers around your arm, I think you’d faint.”

Dr. Robertshaw winked at her. “Try me.” He headed for the OR doors, and as they swung open he sang, “Heigh ho, heigh ho. It’s off to work we go.”

A brutal serial killer is loose on Cape Cod and Jack’s wife is a possible target. He has to keep his wits about him to solve this. Calculation by Steven P. Marini. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:

http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StevenPMarini.html#Calculation

Is there a serial killer on the loose on Cape Cod?

Multiple, bizarre murders are taking place in Dennis, MA, Detective Jack Contino’s new town. But they all have different signatures. One looks like a MOB execution, another is a brutal knifing, yet another is the shooting of a businessman. The killer evens has his sights on Jack’s wife, Natalie. Somehow MOB boss Tommy Shea, Jack’s longtime nemesis, comes into the picture. He often does. What is his link to these events?

Jack can’t get rattled, but his nerves are getting frayed. He’s never had so much at stake in a case. He and his colleagues, including old pal Leo Barbado, get on the trail and must put the pieces of this puzzle together.

Word Count: 66000

Pages to Print: 217

File Format: PDF

Price: $4.99 /2.95 /3.60 //$13.99?

EXCERPT:

Chapter One

I hate these damn, freakin’ places, condos, condos, condos. The Cape is supposed to have quaint little cottages in quaint little villages, here and there. La,la,la. Saw the wife and kiddie leave, so now it’s just you and me, booze man.

I’d seen death like this before. Thirty plus years of police work in Boston gave me plenty of experience. Now I was with the police department in Dennis, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, the place Patti Page sang about, Old Cape Cod, quaint and quiet, with salt air everywhere. It was the late 1970s and I was still a cop, only now I was trying to take it slow and ease my way into retirement soon. This had all the markings of a Mob hit. They don’t get creative. When the Mob wants to execute somebody, they don’t have time to make a ceremony out of it. They usually have someone the victim trusts and lets the killer get close. Then, the killer turns the tables on the target, the ultimate betrayal of trust. This one fit the profile.

The guy took a single bullet to the back of the head in his West Dennis townhouse, shattering the peaceful October Sunday afternoon he was enjoying while his wife and small daughter were out. His body lay on the kitchen floor by the counter. It was a small kitchen, with yellow appliances against a light green wall. A guy could stand at the range and spin around to be at the sink. There was a bottle of Scotch and two glasses with ice on the counter near him, spoiled by blood spatter.

I got the call while off duty at home with my wife, Natalie. We were cleaning house when Sergeant Jim Pearson called me. My home is in West Yarmouth, so it took me about fifteen minutes to get to the scene. I looked around the kitchen and surrounding area with Jim while the forensic techs did their thing. Pearson was my right hand on the Dennis PD, a smart twenty-year man. He was about six foot-two and built like a linebacker, a good man to have beside you if things got rough.

“What have you got on him, Jim?”

“He’s Robert Schroeder, thirty-three years old, owner of West Dennis Liquors on Main Street. I’ve been in there myself and chatted with him a little. He’s owned the store outright for a couple of years, after buying out his partner. That’s what he told me once. His wife was out when it happened. She and her little girl came home and found him. Fortunately, she was able to block her daughter from seeing this. She’s with a neighbor next door. Mom is in the master bedroom with Officer Karen Orlando.”

“Speaking of neighbors . . .”

“Some officers are questioning people now,” said Pearson.

“Good. I’ll talk to the wife, if she’s up to it.”

“She’s okay with that, Jack. I spoke to her briefly and told her she’d have to talk to you, too.”

“Fine. While I see her, check on the officers canvassing the neighbors.”

“Got it.”

Anne Schroeder was sitting on the bed when I came in. She held a handkerchief to help her wipe back tears. I asked Officer Orlando to remain.

“Hello, Mrs. Schroeder, I’m Detective Jack Contino. I’m in charge of the investigation.”

She looked to be in her early thirties, a very good looking woman, and was well composed, considering what had just happened. She seemed small and frail, but when she spoke, there was strength in her surprisingly deep voice.

“Yes, Detective, Sergeant Pearson said you’d need to talk to me. I understand. I want to help any way I can to catch whoever did this.”

“I’m very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Schroeder. I know this must be very hard for you, but I need to get as much information as I can quickly. If, however, you need some time, I understand.”

“No. That’s okay, Detective. Go ahead.”

I don’t know how people in her situation can do it. Somehow they pull it together, for a while, anyway.

“Did your husband have any enemies that you know of?”

Mrs. Schroeder took a breath and paused a moment before speaking. She looked at me, then diverted her eyes, gazing toward the window across the large bedroom. The room was nicely decorated with a king size bed and matching cherry wood dressers, all new. The tan wall-to-wall carpet felt like a cushion under my big feet.

“Detective, my husband had a partner when they bought the liquor store five years ago. He was an old high school friend of Bob’s. Bob worked very hard to make his business a success, since it was always his dream to own his own business. Well, George, that’s his friend, George Brady, didn’t have the same energy for work and they didn’t see eye to eye about how to grow the business. Bob wanted to open another store after a few years, but George didn’t want to do that. He just wanted to enjoy the profits from the current store and live like he was on a permanent vacation. I guess you could say they had a falling out.”

“Did it ever get violent?”

“No, but they had some real shouting matches. I thought once that they were going to fight, but George slammed his fist against a wall at the store and walked out. The only solution was to buy George out, which Bob did two years ago. It meant selling the ranch house we had to get the money, but as soon as we sold it, Bob did the buyout. It drained our savings almost to nothing, but it was the only way. It was worth it, though. Bob hired an assistant to help him and a couple of part timers. I work there, too, part time when Janie, that’s our daughter, is in school. It’s been paying off and we moved into this condo unit seven months ago.”

“Who was working the store today, the assistant?”

“Yes. My God, he doesn’t know what’s happened. I didn’t think to call him. I’d better do that now.”

“Relax, Mrs. Schroeder, I’ll have some officers go over there and tell him to close up. Does he lock up the cash in a safe?”

“Yes. There’s one in the back room.”

“We’ll have him do that and tell him you’ll have to close the store for a while.”

“Thank you, Detective.”

She gave me the name of the assistant and I passed that on to Pearson, who sent an officer to the store.

“Mrs. Schroeder, do you have George Brady’s address and phone number?”

“I have that information in our address book, but I don’t know if he still lives there. He was in Harwich.”

She started to get up, but I suggested that I could get that information in a minute. I wanted to keep her talking.

“Did Mr. Schroeder ever have any other business dealings with people who he didn’t see eye to eye with?”

“No. He got along fine with the owner of the building and everyone else I know of.”

“I’d like to get the building owner’s name and information, too. Did your husband have any hobbies or activities that might have involved large sums of money?”

“You mean, like gambling, Detective? It’s a fair question. I’m not offended that you asked. No, he didn’t gamble. His whole life was his family and the store.”

I didn’t mean to insult her and was relieved by her response. “Of course, Mrs. Schroeder. I didn’t mean to imply anything.” I took a breath. “Is there anything else that you can tell me? Is there anybody else who might have a grudge of some sort against your husband?”

She shook her head, holding it high as she spoke, despite the tears.

“No, Detective. Bob was a fine man. He was kind and gracious to everyone.”

“Okay, Mrs. Schroeder, you understand that you can’t stay here now. We have to secure the crime scene, probably for a few days. Is there anyone you can stay with? If not, we’ll take you and your daughter to a motel at the town’s expense.”

“My sister lives in Sandwich. I’ve already called her, and she’s on her way.”

“Fine. Pack some things. Officer Orlando will help you. Your sister won’t be able to enter, so we’ll let you know when she arrives.”

“That’s all right, Detective.”

She eased her petite body off the bed and walked over to a closet and started collecting clothes. She wore tan Capri pants and a pale blue T-shirt. With white tennis shoes, she seemed to float across the floor. She turned back toward me and I saw her beautiful blue eyes, now tinged with sadness.

Other novels by Steven P. Marini:

Connections

A Jack Contino Crime Story

This vigorous, well-plotted crime concoction takes a straight-on look at the tangles and snares involved in stepping outside the “social contract,” and it’s a kind of morality tale without the classroom lecture. It’s pretty well done, too. The author has wisely limited his word count, so it feels just about right, and we’re left with the sense of an inaugural job well done.

--The Barnstable Patriot

Aberration

A Jack Contino Crime Story

Author Marini again shows his mettle when it comes to creating a great storyline . . .”

--The Barnstable Patriot

Aberration takes off like a bullet with a cool hero: Jack Contino, a cop’s cop, who knows a thing or two about criminals, breaking cases and chasing down a cold one. You’ll find yourself rooting for him all the way. And if it’s the late 1970s you’re nostalgic for, you’ll feel right at home with this nifty mystery.

--Jordan Rich

Chart Productions, Inc.

WBZ Radio.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

GSP's Last 13 Books of 2013, Alphabetically #4 and 5

Kill my Husband by Stanley Bruce Carter

#gypsyshadow #fantasy #erotica

Eldelaide Crawson desperately wants to kill her husband, and she'll do anything to get the job done. But despite her best efforts, Barrett manages to survive her strange and diabolical attacks. And then, just as success finally appears within her grasp, Eldelaide makes a bizarre discovery that changes everything.

Word Count: 30000

Pages to Print: 103

Price: 4.99

http://www.amazon.com/Kill-My-Husband-ebook/dp/B00F02N802
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kill-my-husband-stanley-bruce-carter/1116840670
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354667
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StanCarter.html#Kill

How can it possibly be this difficult to kill one lousy husband? Kill My Husband by Stanley Bruce Carter. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StanCarter.html#Kill

Memoirs of a Jobseeker by Ivano Massari

#gypsyshadow #humor #comedy

When Ian Mason’s contract with Snapper Search, Inc. in Dublin, Ireland is not renewed, he embarks on a journey of desperate job seeking that carries him across the Emerald Isle and beyond. His search for a job and for security for his family becomes a journey of self-discovery and increased faith as he is forced to call upon all his faculties and strength of will to stay the course and retain his sanity while groping his way to a new job in the foggy unreality of the twilight zone world of the jobseeker.

Word Count: 12300

Pages to Print: 54

Join Ian Mason and enter the surreal heart of darkness-world of the jobseeker, as he encounters the heartbreaking, bizarre and humorous realities of finding employment. Memoirs of a Jobseeker, Illustrated humorous short stories by Ivano Massari. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:

http://www.gypsyshadow.com/IvanoMassari.html#Memoirs

Thursday, December 12, 2013

GSP's Book of the Day December 12

Women with Weapons by Jim Woods

#gypsyshadow #crime #shortstories

Three separate women with separate stories; all with guns, all with a mission. Marlene as “The Husband Hunter” had a husband but couldn’t keep him, but found him after years and a global search, and then didn’t want him . . . alive. Veronica simply was misguided; her sole and desperate interest was protection of her family against imagined evils, but she was set straight following a neighborhood encounter where “The Streetwalker’s Price” was a life-preserving lesson. “A Gun in the House” offers a sense of security and comfort, and protection against intruders, but Constance testifies not all the threat comes from outside the home.

Word Count: 12,750

Pages to Print: 43

Price: $3.99

http://www.amazon.com/Women-with-Weapons-ebook/dp/B007G1B118
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-with-weapons-jim-woods/1109232368
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/137910
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/JimWoods.html#WWW

A determined lady with a gun is not to be taken lightly. When she makes demands, listen up and pay attention. Women with Weapons, three short stories by Jim Woods. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/JimWoods.html#WWW

Saturday, October 19, 2013

GSP's Book of the Day October 19

The Extortions of Stiffani Voydalle by Stanley Bruce Carter

#gypsyshadow #blackmail #erotica

The Ballingers’ maid is very good at finding dirt—not just dust and grime, but the dirty little secrets the Ballinger clan desperately wants to hide. And she’s more than happy to keep those secrets—for a price. But the handsome Ballingers soon learn it takes more than money to seal the lips of Stiffani Voydalle.

Word Count: 30,000

Pages to Print: 104

Price: $4.99

http://www.amazon.com/The-Extortions-Stiffani-Voydalle-ebook/dp/B00BEQ9G8Q
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-extortions-of-stiffani-voydalle-stanley-bruce-carter/1114511308
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/284723
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StanCarter.html#Extortions

No secret is safe from Stiffani Voydalle, extortionist extraordinaire. The Extortions of Stiffani Voydalle by Stanley Bruce Carter. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StanCarter.html#Extortions

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

GSP's Book of the Day September 10

Sixes and Eights by Jamel DuBois

#gypsyshadow #checkeditout #shortstories #crime

Thou shalt not kill. Neither shalt thou steal. These rules to live by are violated in some degree in all the stories in this collection: “Bring Me the Head of Kathleen Sullivan” relates the murder of a prominent Texas citizen. “Dominoes,” delicately positioned and when pressed into movement to nudge into the next one and that one into the next, results in a jumbled heap. In “Sad Songs,” the narrator is a songwriter-guitar player marked by hard work and hard times; and betrayal and lost love. “The Taking of Kaitlyn Peck” is the case of a young girl abducted on the way from school to her upscale neighborhood home. “Storm Clouds and Blue Skies,” one or the other, not both, mark the futures of these gypsy pilots. “Out of Focus.” Click, click, goes the mind of a killer, detailing revenge for a long endured and lying slur. “A Day At the Zoo,” certainly is no picnic, except for the man killers of a wildlife park in Africa.

Word Count: 38500
Pages to Print: 121
Price: $4.99

http://www.amazon.com/Sixes-and-Eights-ebook/dp/B00D5XRHY6
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sixes-and-eights-jamel-dubois/1115473803
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/322308
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/JamelDuBois.html#Sixes

Author Jamel DuBois creates crime stories, soft and hard, displaying a range of situations wherein people find themselves in trouble with society and the law. Sixes and Eights, a short story collection by Jamel DuBois. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/JamelDuBois.html#Sixes

Friday, July 26, 2013

GSP's Book of the Day July 26

Murder Gras by Jamel DuBois

#GypsyShadow #checkeditout #crime #mystery #shortstory

Robert Blackwood is the greatest mystery author of all time. Just ask him. His mysteries are published in several languages and are adapted to motion pictures, all thanks to the efforts of his companion and literary agent, Jamie McCorkle. The pair works and plays in New Orleans, home of the popular pre-Easter Carnival celebration and Robert’s literary alter ego and star of his books, private detective Big Joe Holt. But things are not going well financially for the twosome when Bobby, as Jamie affectionately calls him, dries up creatively and fails to produce more mystery tales. However, author Bobby saves the day when he comes up with the ultimate mystery story concept and a bizarre plot to die for.

Word Count: 3010
Pages to Print: 14
Price: $2.99

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Gras-ebook/dp/B004UN6F4S
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-gras-jamel-dubois/1030691636
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31899
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/JamelDuBois.html#MurderG

Robert Blackwood is the greatest mystery author of all time. Just ask him. Murder Gras, a short story by Jamel DuBois. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/JamelDuBois.html#MurderG

Saturday, July 20, 2013

GSP's Book of the Day July 20

Aberration by Steven P.. Marini

#GypsyShadow #checkeditout

Jack Contino moves to Cape Cod, takes a job on the Dennis Police Department planning to live life in the slow lane, but things speed up when a black man is murdered. It’s similar to a killing in Needham, but the trail leads to a South Shore white supremacist group.

DeeDee O’Hare and Judy Black are twenty-somethings sharing a summer rental in Dennis. DeeDee worked in a restaurant with the victim and has a boyfriend, Jared Wilkes, a local bartender with a roving eye…for Judy. Jack checks them out and learns that Jared has a checkered past calling for close scrutiny. He finds that Jared and the hate group have a link.

Mob figure Tommy Shea, Jack’s old nemesis, is in the mix, but how is he involved? Jack has to find out. It’s hard to solve a local murder when the Boston Mob has it in for you.

Word Count: 56400
Pages to Print: 200 (ALSO in PRINT!)

Price: $3.99

http://www.amazon.com/Aberration-Contino-Crime-Stories-ebook/dp/B00DSXJ00W
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aberration-steven-p-marini/1115951531
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/333483
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StevenPMarini.html#Aberration

A murder case for Jack at his new job. This one involves young people looking for summer fun, white supremacists, and the Boston Mob. Aberration, Book 2 of the Jack Contino Crime Stories by Steven P. Marini. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StevenPMarini.html#Aberration

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Book of the Day April 18

The Extortions of Stiffani Voydalle by Stanley Bruce Carter

The Ballingers’ maid is very good at finding dirt—not just dust and grime, but the dirty little secrets the Ballinger clan desperately wants to hide. And she’s more than happy to keep those secrets—for a price. But the handsome Ballingers soon learn it takes more than money to seal the lips of Stiffani Voydalle.

Word Count: 30,000
Pages to Print: 104
Price: $4.99

Here's what we need you to do (Thanks in Advance!):

1. Login to Amazon
2. Click the link (under the picture)
3. By the title on Amazon there is a "like" button, click it.* if you wish you can stop there, but if you want to help even more . . .
4. When you click and hover over the like button it says "share this link: via Email, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest." Click one (two or all) of them and hit share, it should only take a couple of minutes.
5. Page down to the visible tags* (Tags Customers Associate with This Product) and either click on the tags you agree with, agree with all the tags or, if you've read the book, add some tags of your own. The fastest way, of course is to click on the link that says "Agree with these tags?"
6. If you have read the book, please leave a brief review!

*Amazon, for some unknown reason, keeps dropping the like button and has seemingly permanently deleted product tags, so unless you care to leave a review, there is no longer any way to help us get the word out about this book on Amazon. We encourage you to buy it at Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, or on our Gypsy Shadow website (links provided below) and help our authors succeed, despite Amazon's bizarre treatment of authors and Indie publishers!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Extortions-Stiffani-Voydalle-ebook/dp/B00BEQ9G8Q
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-extortions-of-stiffani-voydalle-stanley-bruce-carter/1114511308
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/284723
http://www.gypsyshadow.com/StanCarter.html#Extortions

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Book of the Day February 27

Women with Weapons by Jim Woods

Three separate women with separate stories; all with guns, all with a mission. Marlene as “The Husband Hunter” had a husband but couldn’t keep him, but found him after years and a global search, and then didn’t want him . . . alive. Veronica simply was misguided; her sole and desperate interest was protection of her family against imagined evils, but she was set straight following a neighborhood encounter where “The Streetwalker’s Price” was a life-preserving lesson. “A Gun in the House” offers a sense of security and comfort, and protection against intruders, but Constance testifies not all the threat comes from outside the home.

Word Count: 12,750
Pages to Print: 43
Price: $3.99

Here's what we need you to do (Thanks in Advance!):

1. Login to Amazon
2. Click the link (under the picture)
3. By the title on Amazon there is a "like" button, click it. if you wish you can stop there, but if you want to help even more . . .
4. When you click and hover over the like button it says "share this link: via Email, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest." Click one (two or all) of them and hit share, it should only take a couple of minutes.
5. Page down to the visible tags (Tags Customers Associate with This Product) and either click on the tags you agree with, agree with all the tags or, if you've read the book, add some tags of your own. The fastest way, of course is to click on the link that says "Agree with these tags?"
6. If you have read the book, please leave a brief review!

Amazon, for some unknown reason, keeps dropping the like button and has seemingly permanently deleted product tags, so unless you care to leave a review, there is no longer any way to help us get the word out about this book on Amazon. We encourage you to search for and buy it at Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, or on our Gypsy Shadow website and help our authors succeed, despite Amazon's bizarre treatment of authors and Indie publishers!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Book of the Day November 22

Murder Gras by Jamel DuBois

Robert Blackwood is the greatest mystery author of all time. Just ask him. His mysteries are published in several languages and are adapted to motion pictures, all thanks to the efforts of his companion and literary agent, Jamie McCorkle. The pair works and plays in New Orleans, home of the popular pre-Easter Carnival celebration and Robert’s literary alter ego and star of his books, private detective Big Joe Holt. But things are not going well financially for the twosome when Bobby, as Jamie affectionately calls him, dries up creatively and fails to produce more mystery tales. However, author Bobby saves the day when he comes up with the ultimate mystery story concept and a bizarre plot to die for.

Word Count: 3010
Pages to Print: 14
Price: $2.99

Here's what we need you to do (Thanks in Advance!):

1. Login to Amazon
2. Click the link (under the picture)
3. By the title on Amazon there is a "like" button, click it. if you wish you can stop there, but if you want to help even more . . .
4. When you click and hover over the like button it says "share this link: via Email, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest." Click one (two or all) of them and hit share, it should only take a couple of minutes.
5. Page down to the visible tags (Tags Customers Associate with This Product) and either click on the tags you agree with, agree with all the tags or, if you've read the book, add some tags of your own. The fastest way, of course is to click on the link that says "Agree with these tags?"
6. If you have read the book, please leave a brief review!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Book of the Day October 5

Everyone's On the Take by Len Dawson

In this somewhat-dark, slightly-erotic crime story a disillusioned mother, her inept husband, her teenage son, her husband’s sleazy friend, and a hit man who’s attracted to her, each hatch a plot to exploit some illicit cash. As they interact, they unravel each other’s plans, committing crimes, making new plans, leaving dead bodies in their wake, and eventually coming together for a final confrontation.

Here's what we need you to do (Thanks in Advance!):

1. Login to Amazon
2. Click the link (under the picture)
3. By the title on Amazon there is a "like" button, click it. if you wish you can stop there, but if you want to help even more . . .
4. When you click and hover over the like button it says "share this link: via Email, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest." Click one (two or all) of them and hit share, it should only take a couple of minutes.
5. Page down to the visible tags (Tags Customers Associate with This Product) and either click on the tags you agree with, agree with all the tags or, if you've read the book, add some tags of your own. The fastest way, of course is to click on the link that says "Agree with these tags?"
6. If you have read the book, please leave a brief review!

Special Things

Friday, November 19, 2021

Friday, July 4, 2014

In a society where convicted killers are used as living organ donors, one man’s vendetta against a rival takes a bizarre and twisted turn. Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Stephen M. DeBock. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:

Word Count: 27250

Pages to Print: 104

Price: $4.99

EXCERPT:

One

Two surgeons leaned over their respective sinks and lathered their hands and forearms with hot water and disinfectant soap. One of them whistled the tune to “Heigh Ho,” from Disney’s Snow White. The other smiled and shook his head.

“Shouldn’t that be ‘Whistle While You Work,’ Robby?” the other asked.

“Right,” he said, his English accent making it sound more like roit. “That’s a good one, too. Did I tell you, my great grandparents lived in London during the Blitz? No, I don’t believe I did. Well, they had their own version of that song.”

“I tremble with anticipation.”

“As I knew you would.” He sang, his voice reedy: “Whistle while you work. Hitler is a jerk. Mussolini bit his weenie. Now it doesn’t work.”

“One of these days, Robby, you’re going to have to learn to carry a tune.”

“And one of these days, Monty old thing, you’re going to have to learn to appreciate my prodigious and versatile talents. Talents, I might add, that extend far beyond yonder OR.”

“That’s not what the nurses tell me.”

“Hah . . . hah.” Monty, Dr. Hugo Montenegro, decided to change the subject. “So. Who’s the beneficiary of your prodigious and versatile talents today?”

“Ah. Handsome young fellow, just out of eighth grade. His only ambition is to play high school sports. Right now, lad’s on a ventilator.”

“Cystic fibe, yes?”

Dr. Colin Robertshaw nodded. “And about to get a brand new pair of healthy lungs. Who’s on the receiving end of your beneficence?”

“Busy day for me. I’ve got two corneal transplants and two vitreous implants.”

“Monocular, I assume?”

“Uh huh. Four patients, prepped and waiting as we speak.” He elbowed the faucet handles off. “I wish I could give my patients binocular vision, but the waiting list is so damned long . . .”

“Right. But having sight in one eye is better than having sight in none, isn’t it? Too bad, though, the first face your patients will see is your ugly mug. They might wish they’d remained blind.”

The men held their hands up and a nurse slipped on their gowns.

“What about our donor’s lungs? He a smoker, I’d hope not?”

“No, which is the only thing that’s to his credit.”

“What’s he believe he’s here for?”

“The usual, kidney transplant.”

The door behind them opened. “Stand aside, gentlemen, cardiac coming through.”

“Ah, Kamala, so glad you could make it,” said Robertshaw. “I was afraid you’d forgotten.”

“Please,” said the attractive, fortyish surgeon. “As if I could ever forget an opportunity to work alongside the renowned Dr. Robertshaw.” She gave him a playful nudge as she commandeered his place at the sink. “By the way, Colin, any new episodes of your own to report?”

Kamala Setty had done a radio frequency ablation on Robertshaw a year before to correct his occasional spells of atrial fibrillation.

“Nary a one, Kamala, my love. As I’ve told you before, you have touched my heart in a way no other woman has ever been able to do.”

She winked at him as she scrubbed in. “And if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that line . . .”

“You’d have a nickel. Admit it, love. I’m unique.” He looked at her hands as she scrubbed. “Ah, Kamala, Kamala, Kamala, such thin, delicate fingers. I so wish it were you doing my rectals instead of old Walt Kowalski. His fingers are as thick as kielbasa.”

“Thanks anyway, Colin, but I see enough assholes around here as it is. So who’s our donor today?”

“A bloody serial killer,” Dr. Robertshaw said. “Bloke named Reimers, remember reading about him a couple years ago? Tortured all those women?”

“Oh yes,” she said. “A mommy thing, right? His dark-haired mother used to burn him with her cigarettes, among other delightful abuses. Then as an adult he’d troll the bars for brunette smokers and burn them . . . before he dismembered them.”

“Would it be in poor taste to say I wished he were conscious and alert during today’s procedure?” asked Robertshaw.

Montenegro answered: “Yes it would, Dr. Mengele.” He turned to the heart surgeon. “Who’s your lucky patient today, Dr. Setty?”

“A lovely woman, Monty, a spry fifty-five, whose daughter has just presented her with a grandson. With her healthy new heart, she’ll live long enough to see him walk down the aisle at his wedding, maybe even long enough to become a great-grandmother.”

“Which reminds me, Monty,” said Robertshaw, “how’re things going with the father of the bride? Big doings this weekend.”

Hugo Montenegro tied on his mask. “Caroline’s doing most of the work. I’m only paying the bills.”

“Man’s lot in life. Sorry, Kamala, but it’s true. And Monty, whatever possessed you not to stage the wedding here in Philadelphia? No, no, too convenient; instead, you drag your guests a hundred miles into the hinterland.”

“It’ll be worth the drive, Robby. We’ve reserved a spot in the Hershey Gardens. This time of year, the roses’ll be in full bloom. Marcy loves the smell of roses.”

“Well, good show, then. And Kamala, you’re still welcome to join me as my date. Just leave your husband at home.”

She flashed a grin before lifting her mask. “Colin, you incorrigible flirt, if I did show up alone and wrap my thin, delicate fingers around your arm, I think you’d faint.”

Dr. Robertshaw winked at her. “Try me.” He headed for the OR doors, and as they swung open he sang, “Heigh ho, heigh ho. It’s off to work we go.”

Monday, May 5, 2014

A brutal serial killer is loose on Cape Cod and Jack’s wife is a possible target. He has to keep his wits about him to solve this. Calculation by Steven P. Marini. Available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, other fine eBook vendors and Gypsy Shadow Publishing at:

Is there a serial killer on the loose on Cape Cod?

Jack can’t get rattled, but his nerves are getting frayed. He’s never had so much at stake in a case. He and his colleagues, including old pal Leo Barbado, get on the trail and must put the pieces of this puzzle together.

Word Count: 66000

Pages to Print: 217

File Format: PDF

Price: $4.99 /2.95 /3.60 //$13.99?

EXCERPT:

Chapter One

I hate these damn, freakin’ places, condos, condos, condos. The Cape is supposed to have quaint little cottages in quaint little villages, here and there. La,la,la. Saw the wife and kiddie leave, so now it’s just you and me, booze man.

“What have you got on him, Jim?”

“Speaking of neighbors . . .”

“Some officers are questioning people now,” said Pearson.

“Good. I’ll talk to the wife, if she’s up to it.”

“She’s okay with that, Jack. I spoke to her briefly and told her she’d have to talk to you, too.”

“Fine. While I see her, check on the officers canvassing the neighbors.”

“Got it.”

Anne Schroeder was sitting on the bed when I came in. She held a handkerchief to help her wipe back tears. I asked Officer Orlando to remain.

“Hello, Mrs. Schroeder, I’m Detective Jack Contino. I’m in charge of the investigation.”

She looked to be in her early thirties, a very good looking woman, and was well composed, considering what had just happened. She seemed small and frail, but when she spoke, there was strength in her surprisingly deep voice.

“Yes, Detective, Sergeant Pearson said you’d need to talk to me. I understand. I want to help any way I can to catch whoever did this.”

“I’m very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Schroeder. I know this must be very hard for you, but I need to get as much information as I can quickly. If, however, you need some time, I understand.”

“No. That’s okay, Detective. Go ahead.”

I don’t know how people in her situation can do it. Somehow they pull it together, for a while, anyway.

“Did your husband have any enemies that you know of?”

“Did it ever get violent?”

“Who was working the store today, the assistant?”

“Yes. My God, he doesn’t know what’s happened. I didn’t think to call him. I’d better do that now.”

“Relax, Mrs. Schroeder, I’ll have some officers go over there and tell him to close up. Does he lock up the cash in a safe?”