New releases: Up Chit Creek, Kiss & Tell, Descent, Lancelots Lady & Deep Blue

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This late spring/summer we have released some awesome titles. Check them out!

UP CHIT CREEK (Qwickie) by Catherine Astolfo

No one is surprised that “nosy Rosie” is the one who finds poor Mr. Hummel in the garden. The surprise is the knife in his back. Nothing like this has ever happened in Chittendom Creek, let alone at the ReVisions Retirement Residence. When the oldies start dropping like flies, it’s Kira Callahan to the rescue.


KISS & TELL by Luke Murphy

Officer Charlene Taylor has received her dream promotion—working Homicide with the LAPD. Her first case is the high-profile murder of Ken Anderson, a playboy UCLA professor with a haunted past. A mafia kingpin, billionaire tycoon, cheated wife and jaded lover are only a few on a long list of suspects, all with motive and opportunity.


DESCENT by Kristina Stanley

When Kalin Thompson is promoted to Director of Security at Stone Mountain Resort, she soon becomes entangled in the high-profile murder investigation of an up-and-coming Olympic-caliber skier. There are more suspects with motives than there are gates on the super-G course, and danger mounts with every turn.


LANCELOTS LADY (German) by Cherish D'Angelo / Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Als Palliativpflegerin Rhianna McLeod von Milliardär JT Lance, ihrem dem Tod geweihten Patienten, einen Traumurlaub auf die Bahamas geschenkt bekommt, kann sie nicht ahnen, dass sie ihre ‚Ferien’ gestrandet auf einer privaten Insel mit Jonathan, einem irritierenden aber unwiderstehlich gut aussehenden Einsiedler, verbringen muss. Oder dass sie sich Hals über Kopf in diesen Mann verlieben wird. 


DEEP BLUE by Kathleen Duhamel

“Barely-not-starving” Denver artist and cancer survivor Claire Martin has almost given up finding an older man with a youthful spirit when she meets charismatic New York soul singer Robert Silver of the legendary band Deep Blue. She soon learns that hero worship can be dangerous, especially when the object of her desire comes with a disturbing past.

http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Blue-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B012YSB8N8

Our titles are also available at other retailers such as Kobo Books, B&N, GooglePlay, Smashwords etc., and many are available in trade paperback edition. Happy reading! :-)

Pre-order UP CHIT CREEK by Catherine Astolfo today!

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An Imajin Qwickies™ Mystery/Crime Novella

No one is surprised that “nosy Rosie” is the one who finds poor Mr. Hummel in the garden. The surprise is the knife in his back. Nothing like this has ever happened in Chittendom Creek, let alone at the ReVisions Retirement Residence. When the oldies start dropping like flies, it’s Kira Callahan to the rescue.

To solve the murder, Kira enlists the assistance of her friends, The Flower Pots—so named due to their past and present semi-legal activity. But Kira is up Chit Creek when a final ingenious plan to capture the killer almost ends with a victim close to her heart.

Book Details:

ISBN:978-1-77223-082-6 (Kindle ebook); 2.99 US May 2, 2015

Language: English

Available at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Chapters

Google Play

iTunes

Kobo

Smashwords

Pre-Order E.Y.E. OF THE SCORPION, an Imajin Qwickies novella by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

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PRE-ORDER TODAY!

Launching Imajin Books’ new Imajin Qwickies™ imprint, international bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif introduces us to her E.Y.E. Spy Mystery series with Book 1, E.Y.E. OF THE SCORPION…

When Eileen Edwards, a former-cop-turned-PI, is given the task to find a missing street kid named Zipper, she has no idea what she has let into her life. Not only did the boy witness a murder, he’s now being hunted by at least one motorcycle gang. Finding Zipper is the easy part; keeping him alive is the challenge.

As a killer prowls the streets of Vancouver looking for the kid, Eileen discovers that Zipper not only can’t remember what he saw, he’s also hiding a shocking secret. With the assistance of Constable Larry Norman from Eileen’s old Gang Task Force unit, she helps to expose a ruthless killer, and in the process, Eileen learns that sometimes one must let go of the past in order to move forward.

Releasing March 15, 2015.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo Books


DEADLY DOZEN bundle is on SALE!

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ONLY $1.99 from December 6-12 
(Digital List Price: $7.99 US)

 US readers & UK readers
  • Top 100 Best Seller in Anthologies, Collections & Anthologies, and Ghosts
The DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle contains 12 complete mystery/thriller novels by award-winning and international bestselling authors: Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Catherine Astolfo, Alison Bruce, Melodie Campbell/Cynthia St-Pierre, Gloria Ferris, Donna Galanti, Kat Flannery, Jesse Giles Christiansen, Rosemary McCracken, Susan J. McLeod, C. S. Lakin and Linda Merlino.

1. THE BRIDGEMAN by Catherine Astolfo
2. DEADLY LEGACY by Alison Bruce
3. A PURSE TO DIE FOR by Melodie Campbell & Cynthia St-Pierre
4. CHEAT THE HANGMAN by Gloria Ferris
5. A HUMAN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti
6. LAKOTA HONOR by Kat Flannery
7. PELICAN BAY by Jesse Giles Christiansen
8. SAFE HARBOR by Rosemary McCracken
9. SOUL AND SHADOW by Susan J. McLeod
10. INNOCENT LITTLE CRIMES by C. S. Lakin
11. ROOM OF TEARS by Linda Merlino
12. DIVINE INTERVENTION by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

With an individual list price total of more than $45.00 and over 640 reviews collectively on Amazon.com, the DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle is a value-packed, rollercoaster thrill ride that takes you from amateur sleuth to detective to paranormal to ancient mysteries set in intriguing worlds and so much more.

 US readers 
& 
UK readers

Pre-order Special: CAPTAIN SHELBY by Jesse Giles Christiansen

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Pre-order for only $2.99 until Sep 7, 2014


The Captain Shelby Trilogy - Book 2

There are places even the sea cannot go…

 In coastal Denmark, a young man named Nereus builds a longship and leaves at age eighteen to discover a new, enigmatic land. Faced with unimaginable obstacles, he crosses the North Atlantic, only to be captured by the Skraelings, the Inuit indigenous people who seek revenge on all settlers because of a "Great Red Man" who murdered many of their family members.

A few years later, Nereus is hired by a group of Irish settlers who are fleeing the tyranny of King Henry VIII, and he takes them across the North Atlantic to the Newfound Land. A fierce battle ensues against the sea, the Little Ice Age, and the vicious Skraelings.

When Nereus falls in love with Laura Hodges, fiancée to the group’s leader, William Brockelby, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous love triangle…until the formidable mystery surrounding Captain Nereus H. Shelby is finally revealed.

Book Details:

ISBN: 978-1-77223-001-7 (Kindle ebook); $4.99 US; September 7, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-77223-004-8 (Trade paperback); $14.99 US; September 14, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

 “With haunting prose, CAPTAIN SHELBY is a unique foray into the magical yet poignantly human history of the old fisherman from Pelican Bay. This prequel will not only deeply satisfy Christiansen’s previous readers, but will leave them so tantalized by the story lines, they will think the events actually happened—a demonstration of skill surely to launch this author into the big leagues.” —William R. Forstchen, New York Times bestselling author of One Second After

 “CAPTAIN SHELBY is written in the style of a classic novel which should stand the test of time. It is the finest in adventures/literary fiction genre seen by the best writers in the business. Christiansen tells this beautifully written novel with precision, making his storytelling that of an American master at the top of his form.” —Cathy Scott, award-winning author of The Millionaire's Wife

 “This is a novel with lots of different layers. On one level it's an enthralling historical romp but on another it seeks to forge a whole new myth around the early history of Canada with big characters and more than a hint of the supernatural. In its ambition and scope it reminded me of Mordecai Richler's classic of Canadian literature Solomon Gursky Was Here.” —Chris Hill, author of Song of the Sea God

 “CAPTAIN SHELBY is a story full of adventure, mystery, intrigue and love. Christiansen states he was inspired by Hemingway. The inspiration has given birth because this narrative is masterful. Hemingway would be very pleased with this author’s work.” —Lori Caswell, Top 1000 Amazon reviewer

Available at:

 Amazon

Pre-order Special A HIDDEN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti

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Pre-order for only $2.99 until Aug 28, 2014


Book 2 in The Element Trilogy

Evil lurks within…

When Caleb Madroc is used against his will as part of his father’s plan to breed a secret alien community and infiltrate society with their unique powers, he vows to save his oppressed people and the two children kept from him.

Seven years later, Laura and Ben Fieldstone’s son is abducted, and they are forced to trust a madman’s son who puts his life on the line to save them all. The enemy’s desire to own them—or destroy them—leads to a survival showdown.

Laura and Ben must risk everything to defeat a new nemesis that wants to rule the world with their son, and Caleb may be their only hope—if he survives. But must he sacrifice what he most desires to do so?

Book Details:

 ISBN: 978-1-927792-90-2 (Kindle ebook); $5.99 US; August 28, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-927792-94-0 (Trade paperback); $16.99 US; August 28, 2014

Language: English

Editorial Reviews:

 "Chilling and dark, Donna Galanti’s A Hidden Element is a twisty journey into another world, where fathers and sons fight the ultimate battle, and ghostly strangers manipulate those left behind on Earth. Don’t miss it." —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of When Shadows Fall

 "A Hidden Element is a fascinating look at the bleak and graphic world of the Elyon Destroyers, a humanoid race with special powers and a strong drive to endure and procreate at all costs, and other Elyons who struggle to stop them and save humanity. It is also a haunting story about just how far parents will go to protect, or destroy, their children in the name of love." —Rebecca Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author of The World Beneath

 "Donna Galanti's A Hidden Element expertly mixes genres, combining sci-fi with mystery, thriller and romance. The result is a pulse-pounding read that will keep you up long past your bedtime, turning pages as fast as you can. If you love suspense, do yourself a favor and make Donna Galanti’s Element series your next read." —Allan Leverone, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Final Vector

 "A darkly fresh take on the paranormal genre." —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Red Church

 "An intoxicating blend of sci-fi and suspense! Donna Galanti brings together all my favorite elements—psi-powers, aliens hiding among us, sex as a weapon and secret rebellions that could change worlds. A Hidden Element is an edge-of-your-seat read that had me holding my breath and crossing my fingers…at least until I had to turn the next page!" —John Everson, Bram Stoker award-winning author of Siren

 "A compelling page turner! A Hidden Element is an evocative mirror on humanity as seen through the eyes, hearts, and desires of a dying alien race. Bone-chilling suspense with a tantalizing palpable menace readers will devour." —Jordan Dane, bestselling author of the Sweet Justice series

"Donna Galanti’s A Hidden Element masterfully depicts the most powerful battle of all: great love against great evil, with an unearthly twist. The book wraps its confident storytelling around you on page one and rivets your attention to the heart-racing ending. A triumph of craft and characterization, A Hidden Element drips suspense from every compelling word. A gripping, emotionally involving, and unsettling read—highly recommended!" —Dakota Banks, award-winning author of the Mortal Path series

"Donna Galanti's new novel, A Hidden Element, is a wonder of a book. I loved it through and through. Galanti has a gift, especially for dialogue that sweeps the reader away into the land of Story. I'd call this one of the most magical books I've read in ages. It's human, it's got heart, and it's told by a true storyteller who cares about her characters so that we care too. I couldn't put it down—and that's the best we can ever say about a work of fiction. Galanti has a winner here." —Billie Sue Mosiman, author of Banished

 Available at:

 Amazon

An Interview with Our #3 Top Selling Author, Rosemary McCracken

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Congratulations, Rosemary, on making it into our Top 3 sellers. As our #3 bestselling author, you have worked hard to get where you are, and you have the support of mystery fans worldwide. Your Pat Tierney Mystery series is off to a great start.

Tell us a bit about your books. What are they about?

Safe Harbor and Black Water are the first two books in my Pat Tierney mystery series. Pat is a fortysomething financial advisor, and her creation was inspired by my work as a journalist. For the past 15 or so years, I’ve written about personal finance. I interview financial advisors and investment managers. I attend their conferences. I know the issues they face and the concerns they have, and I admire their dedication. So when I was looking for a central character for my mystery series, Pat Tierney appeared full-blown in my mind. She cares about her clients. She’s a champion of small investors. She has sleepless nights when markets are down.

Why do you think your books have sold so well?

Safe Harbor got off to a roaring start when it was released on March 7, 2012. The e-book was offered free to readers for five days out of every 90 on Amazon’s KDP Select program. And I did everything I could to promote it. Check out the question below for some of the things I did.

Pat returned in Black Water the spring of 2013. She leaves her home base in Toronto, and heads out to Ontario lake country where an elderly man has been brutally murdered. Her daughter Tracy’s friend Jamie is a suspect in murder, and when Tracy asks her mother for help…well, Pat is a softie when it comes to her family.

The fact that the books are part of a series contributed to their success. When Black Water was released, e-book sales of Safe Harbor soared even though my promotion efforts at that time focused exclusively on Black Water. The synergy created in cross-marketing books in a series is a huge bonus, especially for newly published writers whose names are not yet synonymous with a good read.

But I believe the character of Pat Tierney is the major reason for the books’ success. Pat is a character every reader can relate to, an ordinary woman battling the forces of evil in her world. Because the financial industry in which she works revolves around money, it provides opportunities for those who are clever and greedy enough to challenge the system. Pat doesn’t want to see people taken by these bad apples. She has integrity, a strong set of ethics and the courage to stand up for what she believes is right. That’s probably why The Toronto Star has called her “a hugely attractive sleuth figure.”

“I can’t wait for the next Pat Tierney instalment,” one Amazon reviewer wrote about Safe Harbor. “I look forward to seeing what trouble Pat Tierney gets herself into next,” another added.

And they still want more of Pat and her world. “I hope there is a third book in the series,” a reader said in a review of Black Water, “because I would like to know what happens to some of the secondary characters…All the more reason to suspect a third book may be on the way.”

Absolutely right!

Even though you're published by a hybrid/traditional type publisher, you've taken on the role of book promoter. What are some of the ways you've promoted your books?

I’m a big believer in taking every opportunity that comes my way to promote my books – both digitally and in person. I spent considerable time writing them, so why wouldn’t I want to give my all to promote them? Most days, I post tweets on two small tweet teams. When I have a big promotion or some other major event, I’ll post on more teams and try to secure guest spots on other authors’ blogs. I may purchase a digital advertisement.

But I also get out and talk to people at libraries, book clubs, bookstores – wherever I can meet readers. I was at Bouchercon, the big U.S. mystery conference that was held in Albany, N.Y., last fall. And I’ll attend Bloody Words, its Canadian counterpart, in June. At some of the smaller events, I may only be able to introduce myself to a handful of readers, but those readers will spread the word.

Networking with other authors is also instrumental in book promotion. It is part and parcel of digital promotion – tweet teams and blog tours are built on the team concept. Authors today also banding together to take their books out to readers. I am fortunate that Toronto, where I live, is the home of dozens of crime fiction writers. Crime Writers of Canada organizes regular talks at public libraries for its members. I also belong to a crime fiction collective, The Mesdames of Mayhem, that recently published Thirteen, an anthology of members’ short stories. We regularly visit venues in southwestern Ontario to promote Thirteen and our own novels.

What advice would you give to writers who are considering Imajin Books for their works?

Check out Imajin Books’ submission page at http://www.imajinbooks.com/submissions/. Find out if your manuscript fits what Imajin is looking for. If it does, follow the submission guidelines to the letter.

It will be well worth your while if your manuscript is accepted. Imajin is a dynamic, independent publishing company that considers its writers an essential part of its team. Authors have input on their books’ titles, editing and cover images. Imajin markets its books online, and helps its authors to do the same.

Learn more about Rosemary:

An Interview with Our #2 Top Selling Author, Catherine Astolfo

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Congratulations, Catherine, on being our #2 bestselling author. As one of our most prolific authors, we've watched you promote your books with creativity and excitement.

1. Tell us a bit about your books. What are they about?

Currently, I have five books published by Imajin Books. The first four are part of a series. The Emily Taylor Mysteries revolve around an unusual heroine - the principal of an elementary school. In her late forties, Emily Taylor becomes a reluctant sleuth through a variety of external events. Some of her decisions, however, are based on a fear of discovery, for she has a mysterious past that involves her husband. Readers do not find out the details of this past life until Book 4. My fifth book is a psychological suspense, a standalone, titled SWEET KAROLINE. This novel explores a dysfunctional relationship between two women and what happens when one of them dies violently.

2. Why do you think your books have sold so well?

I believe you must start with a good story. Readers must be caught by the characters, the plot, the setting - or, ideally, all three. After that, it’s good old fashioned hard work - marketing, promoting, networking.

3. Even though you're published by a hybrid/traditional type publisher, you've taken on the role of book promoter. What are some of the ways you've promoted your books?

For the most part, I use social media: Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, my blog, my website, as well as lots of online promotion sites, such as World Literary Cafe. I also network, through Crime Writers of Canada, local libraries, and bookstores to get my name out into the community.

4. What advice would you give to writers considering Imajin Books for their works?

Be prepared to work hard, build your Author Platform, and learn a LOT. Your rewards will be many.

Learn more about Catherine:

Catherine Astolfo's website
Catherine Astolfo on Facebook
Catherine Astolfo on Twitter

New release: BLACK WATER by Rosemary McCracken - on SALE $0.99

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BLACK WATER by Rosemary McCracken
A Pat Tierney Mystery - book 2
How strong is a mother's love?
When Pat Tierney's daughter, Tracy, asks her to help find Tracy's partner, Jamie Collins, their mother-daughter relationship is stretched to the limits. Pat heads out to cottage country where an elderly man, who killed Jamie’s sister in an impaired driving accident ten years ago, has perished in a suspicious fire. Unfortunately, Jamie is the prime suspect.
Pat takes charge at the new branch her investment firm has opened in the seemingly idyllic community where Jamie grew up, and her search for Tracy's missing sweetheart takes her through a maze of fraud, drugs, bikers and murder.
Once again, Pat proves that family can always count on her. 
Book Details:
ISBN: 978-1-927792-01-8 (Kindle ebook); $3.99 US; May 24, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-927792-02-5 (Trade paperback); $14.99 US; May 24, 2013
Language: English
Editorial Reviews:
"Rosemary McCracken is a master when it comes to showing ordinary people embroiled in extraordinary circumstances. From page one, Black Water draws the reader deeper and deeper into what at first seems a missing-person case but--step by step--eventually becomes a gripping tale of kidnapping, fraud and the violent settling of old scores. Pat Tierney, financial advisor, widow and mother faces off against bikers, drug doyennes and a crazed killer in this fast-paced engrossing mystery. It's a fast read with a beautifully complicated plot and great action near the twisty ending!" —Rosemary Aubert, author of the Ellis Portal mystery series
"Rosemary McCracken's second Pat Tierney mystery takes us into the tranquility of the Ontario lake country. But the idyllic setting has a dark underside. Human greed and ancient grudges are wreaking havoc. McCracken's smart and engaging protagonist must discover the truth and restore peace to paradise. She's more than up to the task." —Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn mystery series
"I personally love books where the characters are so believable and well-drawn that they become friends. Black Water is filled with wonderful details of everyday life that melt the curtain between the fictional and the real world. Add to that a suspenseful story and you have a winner all around." —Maureen Jennings, author of the Detective Murdoch mystery series
"A man meets and fiery death and in the small world of Braeloch, a northern Ontario town, suspects abound. McCracken's clever plot kept me guessing right to the end." —D.J. McIntosh, author of The Witch of Babylon 
Available at:
Barnes & Noble

New Release: Seventh Fire by Catherine Astolfo

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Step out of the fire and into the flames…
Emily Taylor's husband, Langford, has a troubled past that has come back to haunt them, but it's time to clear his name. Along with their lawyer and a skilled private detective, they travel back to Vancouver, BC, the site of tragedy and heartbreak. 
When a twisted serial killer, who calls himself The Artist, discovers that Langford and his wife have returned, he is determined to complete a gruesome ritual of evil. He knows how to lure his victims into his trap.
But The Artist has a formidable opponent—the powerful, sustaining love between two people who have survived his malice before and plan to do it again.
Book Details:
ISBN: 978-1-926997-69-8 (Kindle ebook); $3.99 US; June 21, 2012
Language: English
Editorial Reviews:
"Seventh Fire is a chilling tale with unimaginable evil at its core. Astolfo slowly but steadily builds suspense while introducing a handful of plausible villains that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The story is a chilling, cautionary tale at odds with the beautiful setting of Vancouver, which Astolfo paints with a deft hand." —Brenda Chapman, author of In Winter’s Grip
"Thirty years ago a horrific murder shocked the city of Vancouver. The killer was quickly caught, tried, and incarcerated. But they had the wrong man, and Emily Taylor has devoted her life to seeing her husband exonerated. Seventh Fire is a powerful tale of love verses hate and the ability of that love to triumph over evil." — Vicki Delany, author of Among the Departed
"The evocative setting of 1980's Vancouver is beautifully described in Astolfo's latest Emily Taylor mystery "Seventh Fire." The horror of murder intertwines with the passion of art in an intriguing plot that the reader unravels only at the end. Emily Taylor fans will be astounded at the dark secrets that lurk in her past." —Janet Kellough, author of On the Head of a Pin
"Catherine Astolfo has an unusually keen insight into the sometimes-skewed human condition. One is struck by the amount of research Seventh Fire must have required. But don’t read this at bedtime, since it will make you distinctively uneasy. A writer of masterful plots, Catherine has completed the story of Emily Taylor’s secret past with a twist and a shock. One can only hope Catherine Astolfo produces further work for our eager consumption." —Merci Fournier, author of Plural Spaces
Available at: