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PLAY OF SHADOWS From Sebastien de Castell

By
Jocie McKade
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PLAY OF SHADOWS By Sebastien de Castell

Swordplay, magic, intrigue and friendships stronger than iron: the first book in a new swashbuckling fantasy series by the bestselling author of The Greatcoats.

Damelas Shademantaigne picked a poor night to flee a judicial duel.

He has precious little hope of escaping the wrath of Vixen, the most feared duelist in the entire city, until he stumbles through the stage doors of the magnificent Operato Belleza and tricks his way into the company of actors. An archaic law provides temporary respite from his troubles–until one night a ghostly voice in his head causes Damelas to fumble his lines, inadvertently blurting out the dreadful truth: the city’s most legendary hero may actually be a traitor and a brutal murderer.

With only the help of his boisterous and lusty friend Bereto, a beautiful assassin whose target may well be Damelas himself, and a company of misfit actor who’d just as soon see him dead, this failed son of two Greatcoats must somehow find the courage within himself to dig up long-buried truths before a ruthless band of bravos known as the Iron Orchids comes for his head.

Oh, and there’s the that matter of the Vixen waiting to duel him…

Play of Shadows : de Castell, Sebastien: Amazon.ca: Books

Amazon.com: Play of Shadows (The Court of Shadows Book 1) eBook : de Castell, Sebastien: Kindle Store

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist.

His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.

Sebastien’s acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.

Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com

Sneak Peek: LOVE & WHISKEY By FAWN WEAVER

By
Jocie McKade
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Melcher Media, the distinguished book producer and publisher of over 30 New York Times bestselling books known for its bespoke and exquisitely crafted titles for the world’s most renowned celebrities and brands—including Oprah Winfrey, Kobe Bryant, J.J. Abrams, Lexus, Nike, and Microsoft—announced today that its newest title by New York Times bestselling author and Uncle Nearest founder and CEO, Fawn Weaver, Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest, appears destined for national bestseller status four months prior to release.

The book cover, which Weaver unveiled for the first time alongside actor Jeffrey Wright on CBS’ “The Talk” on February 22, generated significant buzz online. Wright first shared the story of Jack Daniel and Nearest Green in a 2017 short film titled “The Story of Nearest Green” and the producers of The Talk confirmed the aligned booking was purely serendipitous. This milestone event marked an exciting moment in the book’s journey toward publication, set for June 18, 2024.

“We were in the middle of 2016, and in my 40 years of living up until that point, I had only seen America through the lens of grace, never through the lens of race. And for the first time, I was being forced to see it in another light,” Weaver began in describing what made her write this book. “And this story came to me when I needed hope for America. And I believed that hope was embedded in this story. I was right.”

The hardcover book, which is 380 pages and includes more than 30 pages of notes and references, chronicles Weaver’s journey from her first finding the story through a piece in The New York Times titled, “Jack Daniel’s Embraces a Secret Ingredient: Help From a Slave,” to her assembling more than 30 historians, archivists, genealogists, researchers, and conservators, interviewing and spending time with more than 100 of Nearest Green’s descendants, as well as many of the surviving descendants of Jack Daniel, pulling thousands of documents from more than six states over the course of more than seven years, and leading to the founding and building of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the $1 billion company and the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history. Reminiscent of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” Weaver seamlessly weaves together the lives of Nearest Green, Jack Daniel, and their descendants from 1849 until present day, as well as her own journey of discovery and determination to build the first spirit conglomerate to be founded by a woman or person of color.

“People from around the globe have clearly been eagerly awaiting this book,” said Charles Melcher, founder and CEO of Melcher Media, Inc. “We couldn’t be prouder to represent a title that is quickly becoming one of the most highly anticipated releases of the summer.”

Most books sell less than 5,000 copies in the lifespan of the book. Love & Whiskey sold more than 10,000 copies in its first week, through local independent retailers around the country, as well as larger retailers like Barnes & Noble, Hudson Booksellers, Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, and Walmart. Books were reported to be sold in all 50 states as well as in Europe, with orders coming in from as far as Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The book also reached No. 17 in the Top 100 books on Amazon, the largest book retailer in America, and remained No. 1 in seven out of its eight categories for most of the week, including Women’s Memoirs, U.S. State and Local History, Culinary Biographies & Memoirs, and Black & African American Biographies. It was also listed on Amazon as the No. 1 “Mover & Shaker.”

Stephen Graf Unveils His Debut Novel, The Third Traveler, A Multigenerational Irish Epic

By
Jocie McKade
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Award-winning author Stephen Graf is set to captivate readers with his novel, The Third Traveler, available on Amazon. With a rich tapestry of characters and settings, Graf’s novel spans three continents and four decades, exploring the intricate saga of an Irish family through triumphs and tribulations.

The Third Traveler embarks on its journey in the frostbitten terrains of Antarctica in 1912, with young explorer Ciaran Creagh’s perilous return after reaching the South Pole. The narrative then transports readers to County Kerry, Ireland, in 1910, where Ciaran’s fiancée, Bridget O’Shea, faces the societal pressures of an impending unwed pregnancy. Fast forward to 1936 in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, where Irish American boxer Davy Boy O’Shea prepares for a life-changing fight. The story culminates in 1947 with Percy Kelly, a young boy in New York, who dreams of familial bonds and maritime adventures.

Stephen Graf, a prolific Pittsburgh-based author with over 30 publication credits, brings his vast experience in short fiction, creative non-fiction, and screenwriting to this ambitious project. Graf’s narrative prowess has earned him numerous accolades, including Editor’s Choice awards, Pushcart Prize nominations, and winner of several international screenwriting competitions as well as achieving finalist status in several important screenwriting contests such as the ultra-prestigious Nicholl Fellowship sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A man of diverse talents and experiences, Graf’s rich background infuses authenticity and depth into his storytelling. From his early days as an amateur boxing champion to his scholarly pursuits in Anglo-Irish Literature, Graf’s multifaceted life informs the complex characters and settings of The Third Traveler.

The Third Traveler is not just a novel; it’s an experience that transports readers across time and geography, delving deep into the human condition. This novel is a must-read for those who relish rich historical narratives and complex family sagas.

About Stephen Graf: Stephen Graf is a distinguished writer and academic, with a vibrant career that spans teaching, writing, and adventure. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Graf’s life experiences, from boxing, to jumping out of airplanes in the United States Army and commercial fishing in Alaska, enrich his writing with authenticity and depth. With a Master’s Degree in Anglo-Irish Literature and a Ph.D. in 20th-century Irish Literature, Graf’s academic expertise and life experiences shine through his creative works. For more information visit https://www.stephenlgraf.com.

American Library Association reports record number of unique book titles challenged in 2023

By
Jocie McKade
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Public Libraries Saw 92 Percent Increase In Number of Titles Targeted for Censorship Over The Previous Year

The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by the American Library Association (ALA). The new numbers released today show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles* in schools and libraries. This tops the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship.

ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources in 2023. Four key trends emerged from the data gathered from 2023 censorship reports:

  • Pressure groups in 2023 focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92 percent over the previous year; school libraries saw an 11 percent increase.
  • Groups and individuals demanding the censorship of multiple titles, often dozens or hundreds at a time, drove this surge.
  • Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47 percent of those targeted in censorship attempts.
  • There were attempts to censor more than 100 titles in each of these 17 states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

“The reports from librarians and educators in the field make it clear that the organized campaigns to ban books aren’t over, and that we must all stand together to preserve our right to choose what we read,” said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. “Each demand to ban a book is a demand to deny each person’s constitutionally protected right to choose and read books that raise important issues and lift up the voices of those who are often silenced.  By joining initiatives like Unite Against Book Bans and other organizations that support libraries and schools, we can end this attack on essential community institutions and our civil liberties.”

ALA will unveil its highly anticipated list of the top 10 most challenged books in the U.S. on Monday, April 8, which is Right to Read Day of National Library Week, along with its full State of America’s Libraries Report.

“Every challenge to a library book is an attack on our freedom to read. The books being targeted again focus on LGBTQ+ and people of color. Our communities and our country are stronger because of diversity. Libraries that reflect their communities’ diversity promote learning and empathy that some people want to hide or eliminate,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “Libraries are vital institutions to each and every community in this country, and library professionals, who have dedicated their lives to protecting our right to read, are facing threats to their employment and well-being.”

In response to the surge of book challenges and efforts to restrict access to information, ALA launched Unite Against Book Bans, a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. The coalition will mark its second anniversary during National Library Week.

For more information about ALA and its intellectual freedom efforts, visit www.ala.org. For a breakdown for censorship challenges by state visit this heat map.

* ALA compiles data on book challenges from reports filed with its Office for Intellectual Freedom by library professionals in the field and from news stories published throughout the United States. Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the 2023 data compiled by ALA represents only a snapshot of book censorship throughout the year. A challenge to a book may be resolved in favor of retaining the book in the collection, or it can result in a book being restricted or withdrawn from the library.

Traveling Different, the “Autism Travel Bible”

By
Jocie McKade
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Just in time for National Autism Acceptance Month, on April 2, 2024, Rowman & Littlefield will release the paperback edition of the multi-award-winning parenting and travel guide, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse by Dawn M. Barclay.

Thought by many to be the Autism Travel Bible, in 2023,  the hardcover and e-book edition won the coveted Lowell Thomas Gold Award (Guidebook category) from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation, first prize in  the  Maxy Awards (Inspirational/Self-Help category), was a finalist in the Best Indie Book Awards (BIBA) in both the travel and parenting categories, and won honorable mention in ASJA Arlene Awards for Books that Make a Difference, Traveling Different also received a starred review in August 2022 from Library Journal, who called the book “an essential read, not only for parents of autistic or otherwise neurodivergent children but for all families.”

About the book: Traveling with children is always challenging, but for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and/or mood and attention disorders it can be especially intimidating. In Traveling Different, Dawn M. Barclay presents travel strategies and anecdotes from Certified Autism Travel Professionals™, parents of special needs children, associations and advocates, and mental health professionals, broken down by mode of transportation and type of venue. The heart of the book outlines suggested itineraries for spectrum families as well as venues that cater to the unique special interests that are characteristic of individuals with invisible disabilities. Culminating with a guide of travel agents who specialize in special needs travel and lists of organizations that advocate for special needs families, Traveling Different is the essential resource to make the cultural, educational, and bonding benefits of vacations available to all.

“I’m thrilled the book will now be available in paperback, which makes it more affordable for all families,” said author Dawn M. Barclay, who has appeared on close to one hundred podcasts, and interviews on video, radio, and television since the book’s initial launch. Barclay prints updates on her Traveling Different social media sites on X (formerly Twitter) at @TravelingDiff and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TravelingDifferent/, as well as exclusive content on Medium.com.

Preorders are available for a 30% discount. The discount expires 12/31/2024 and may not be combined with other offers. E-books must be ordered online at www.rowman.com. You must use the promo code RLFANDF30 for the 30% discount. Shipping charges and sales tax additional. Traveling Different is also available via major online book distributors and independent bookstores worldwide. An audiobook version is also available.

Hall of Fame Broadcaster Dick Vitale Releases New Book, Until My Last Breath: Fighting Cancer With My Young Heroes

By
Jocie McKade
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All proceeds from the book will benefit the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research

Dick Vitale, Hall of Fame broadcaster and V Foundation for Cancer Research Board Member, announced the release of his latest book, Until My Last Breath: Fighting Cancer With My Young Heroes, available for purchase on Amazon beginning March 6. Autographed copies will also be available on dickvitale.com and books will be on sale nationwide at additional locations on March 19. In the book, Vitale chronicles his own experiences with cancer and features the stories from his All-Courageous Team, the young cancer fighters who have inspired him at every step.

Vitale is a three-time cancer survivor who has battled melanoma, lymphoma and vocal-cord cancer beginning in 2021. As a long-time ESPN college basketball analyst who has achieved a record-breaking 45 seasons with the network, his cancer diagnosis left him feeling imprisoned in his own body, unable to speak for four months as he healed from his vocal-cord cancer treatments. Through this book, Vitale shares stories of his meetings with pediatric cancer survivors and highlights the lessons of hope and perseverance he learned from these remarkable children.

“Regardless of the health obstacles I faced in my own life over the last few years, my mission remains unchanged: continue fighting every single day for children with cancer,” said Vitale. “This book came about when I couldn’t speak, but knew I still needed to use my voice to support these kids. My All-Courageous Team has made me the proudest and most inspired coach on the planet. They are the true PTPers (Prime Time Players) of this book.”

Vitale is an active board member for the V Foundation for Cancer Research and established the Dick Vitale Gala in 2005, an annual event that raises funds for pediatric cancer research. More than $68.1 million has been raised since the inception of the gala, which directly benefits the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation. This fund awards grants to the nation’s top pediatric cancer researchers through a competitive selection process and drives forward research that will improve treatment options for children and save lives.

“Dick is a champion for pediatric cancer research and will stop at nothing to ensure every child has the bright and healthy future they deserve,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “He ignites a sense of passion in everyone he meets, and this book is a testament to how the children he has tirelessly advocated for have lifted him up through his own cancer experience.”

This book is an intimate look into Vitale’s family life, his cancer journeys, his All-Courageous Team and the strength he pulled from friends, family, colleagues, and his long-time friend and founder of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the late Jim Valvano. This heartfelt story will resonate far beyond the sports world and remind readers of the power of community, family and positive thinking.

“Perhaps the best compliment you could pay forward would be to read the book with the same emotion and the same love that Dick has exhibited for these children,” said Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski. “His huge heart comes through on every page. The character and strength of these praiseworthy young heroes and their remarkable families will shine even more.”

Until My Last Breath is available for purchase on Amazon and dickvitale.com starting March 6 and in bookstores and other online stores beginning March 19. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation.

The 19th annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held on May 3, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida. More information can be found at https://www.v.org/event/dick-vitale-gala/.

About the V Foundation:

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

New Dystopian Sci-Fi SIN:THETICA By Keith Anthony Baird

By
Jocie McKade
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SIN:THETICA By Keith Anthony Baird

Perfect for fans of Bladerunner and Neuromancer!

The Sino-Nippon war is over. It is 2113 and Japan is crushed under the might of Chinese-Allied Forces. A former Coalition Corps soldier, US Marine Balaam Hendrix is now a feared bounty hunter known as ‘The Reverend’. In the sprawl of NeuTokyo, on this lawless frontier, he must track down the rogue employee of a notorious crime lord. But, there’s a twist. His target has found protection inside a virtual reality construct and Hendrix must go cyber-side to corner his quarry. The glowing neon signs for SIN:THETICA are everywhere, and promise escape from a dystopian reality. But will it prove the means by which this hunter snares his prey, or will it be the trap he simply can’t survive?

SIN:THETICA eBook : Baird, Keith Anthony, Vassallo, S.D.: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Keith Anthony Baird began writing dark fiction in 2016 as a self-published author. After five years of releasing titles via Amazon and Audible he switched his focus to the traditional publishing route. His dark fantasy novella In the Grimdark Strands of the Spinneret was published via Brigids Gate Press (BGP) in 2022. Two further novellas are to be published in 2024 via BGP: SIN:THETICA (May) and a vampire saga in collaboration with fellow Brit author Beverley Lee, A Light of Little Radiance (November).

He is currently writing an alien invasion/post-apocalyptic novel called WIND RUST which will be the first of a planned trilogy.   He lives in Cumbria, United Kingdom, on the edge of the Lake District National Park.

Twitter (X) and Instagram – @kabauthor

 

‘DOG MAN’ LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES COMING SOON THROUGH SCHOLASTIC AND LITTLE FREE LIBRARY’S ‘POWER UP WITH READING’ INITIATIVE

By
Jocie McKade
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Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, and the Little Free Library (LFL) nonprofit organization whose mission is to expand book access, are excited to announce their “Power Up with Reading” initiative to grant Dog Man–themed Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to sites catering to children and families across all 50 United States. Dog Man author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, in coordination with Scholastic and Little Free Library, will donate 50,000 books to support these libraries and help ignite a passion for reading.

The first Dog Man Little Free Library will be unveiled at a school in Cleveland, Ohio, Pilkey’s birthplace, on March 19—which is also the global publication date of Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, the newest book in the wildly popular series. Additional Dog Man Little Free Library installations are planned for Washington, DC, New York City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland, Madison, and San Francisco, with more cities to be announced.

Each Dog Man Little Free Library box will include free copies of Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, as well as a wide assortment of children’s titles from Scholastic’s “The Power of Story” collection which aims to highlight books featuring diverse characters and stories. The book giveaway, provided by and courtesy of Dav Pilkey, will reach communities that are part of Little Free Library’s “Impact Library” program which focuses on granting book-exchanges in under-resourced communities.

In a statement, Dav Pilkey said, “When I was a kid, I have fond memories of going to the library where my mom would let me pick out whatever books I wanted to read. This is how I came to associate reading with love. I’m grateful to the many librarians, teachers, and the teams at Little Free Library and Scholastic. Their commitment and dedication to getting books into the hands of kids, especially those in underserved communities, is life-changing. They are real-life superheroes.”

Dav Pilkey’s artwork on the Little Free Library boxes includes the “Power Up with Reading” message and features Dog Man, along with other well-loved characters in his bestselling Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club series.

Apply to receive a Dog Man Little Free Library

You can bring a Dog Man Little Free Library to your community, too! Child-focused organizations in the U.S. are encouraged to apply to receive a library and nearly 1,000 Scholastic books. Fill out the application form to be considered: Dog Man Library application link
Enter to win Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder
In tandem with the Little Free Library installations and to celebrate the release of the 12th book in the Dog Man series, LFL is hosting a book giveaway, in collaboration with Scholastic, for Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder. All Dog Man fans in the U.S. and Canada can enter to win one of 1,200 copies of The Scarlet Shedder: Book giveaway entry form link
“As Dav Pilkey’s longtime publisher, we have seen how his books have inspired a generation of children to love reading. Over the years, we have also seen firsthand Dav’s personal commitment to schools, libraries, bookstores, and organizations that support kids and communities in need,” said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade. “We are proud to collaborate with Dav and Little Free Library on this exciting new initiative that celebrates book joy and highlights the importance of book access for all children.”
“It is an honor to be working with such global children’s literature brands as Scholastic and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man,” said Little Free Library Executive Director Greig Metzger. “At Little Free Library, we strive to be the connective fiber between book resources, community partners and book access points. Our collaboration with Scholastic, Dav Pilkey and over 50 local partners across the country is a wonderful example of how our mission is realized and delivered. We hope that through this project, more children will be inspired to grab a book and read.”
ABOUT LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Little Free Library® (LFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. There are more than 180,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide in all 50 states, in 121 countries and on all seven continents. Through them, over 400 million books have been shared since 2009. LFL received the 2020 World Literacy Award as well as honors from the Library of Congress, National Book Foundation and others. The organization grants Little Free Libraries full of books to underserved areas through its Impact Library and Indigenous Library programs and champions diverse books through its Read in Color initiative. To learn more, visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.
ABOUT DAV PILKEY
Dav Pilkey has created over 70 books for children and was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his picture book The Paperboy. When Pilkey was in second grade, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and what is now widely known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because of his learning and behavioral issues in school, he was often sent out in the hallway. It was in his elementary school hallway where he created comic books about superheroes that eventually became Captain Underpants and Dog Man. His Dog Man series, launched to critical acclaim in 2016, was an instant #1 bestseller and has more than 60 million copies in print and translations in 45 languages. DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures recently announced that its movie adaptation of Dog Man will be released in theaters worldwide on January 31, 2025. Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series, launched more than 25 years ago, has more than 90 million copies in print, translated into 44 languages, and released as a feature film by DreamWorks, as well as an original series on Netflix. TheaterWorksUSA’s musical adaptations of Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club opened to rave reviews, were both New York Times Critics’ Picks, and are currently touring around North America and Australia. For more information about Dav Pilkey and his books, visit http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/davpilkey.

PODCAST::: Espionage & Betrayal with Author Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hay

By
Jocie McKade
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Espionage & Betrayal with Author Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hay on Book Lights

LISTEN HERE!!

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hay is an educational consultant, author, editor, speaker, and podcaster. She currently serves as a content editor and writing coach for Iron Stream Media, where she is responsible for ensuring the quality of content produced by writers. She also freelances as an editor and coach to help writers get their projects ready for publication. Additionally, she works as a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines, providing feedback on manuscripts to ensure the content is culturally sensitive and inclusive.

As a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations, an online magazine for Christian writers, Katherine actively supports and encourages aspiring writers to hone their skills and pursue their passion for writing. She regularly blogs for the PEN, the Write Conversation, The EFA Newsletter, the BRMCWC blog, and has also published her writing in Guideposts.

She hosts the podcast “Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality” and is the cohost of the www.wordweaversinternational.com live podcast “Open Mic.” and “A Fifth of the Story,” her first general market thriller. You can learn more at: https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights – shining a light on good books!

Here’s a look at Katherine’s latest release: A Fifth of the Story

There’s an attack on US soil, and Brock―an agent of the CIA―finds himself in the middle of the mess. He soon discovers that there’s been a breach that threatens not only to destroy the nation’s safety, but very possibly, Brock’s own life.

In the race against the clock, Brock tries to keep his field officer’s wife and children safe and stay alive.

In the midst of the chaos, Brock discovers one of his closest allies is a part of the dangerous intelligence breach responsible for a recent string of crimes by an extremist organization.

It’s up to Brock to either take down the organization, or find himself―and those he loves most―at their mercy.

A Fifth of the Story is the suspenseful, action-packed tale of one man’s courage and resilience as he works against the clock to save the lives of his two best friends and, ultimately, the freedom he’s fought for as a CIA agent during one of the US’s history’s darkest hours, using the backdrop of espionage, loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate test of friendship.

Sneak Peek: A KILLING ON THE HILL by Robert Dugoni

By
Jocie McKade
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A KILLING ON THE HILL by Robert Dugoni
(Available for Pre-0rder Releasing April 9, 2024)

A gripping new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.

The Great Depression. High-level corruption. And a murder that’s about to become Seattle’s hottest mystery. It’s the kind of story that can make a reporter’s career. If he lives to write about it.

Seattle, 1933. The city is in the grips of the Great Depression, Prohibition, and vice. Cutting his teeth on a small-time beat, hungry and ambitious young reporter William “Shoe” Shumacher gets a tip that could change his career. There’s been a murder at a social club on Profanity Hill―an underworld magnet for vice crimes only a privileged few can afford. The story is going to be front-page news, and Shoe is the first reporter on the scene.

The victim, Frankie Ray, is a former prizefighter. His accused killer? Club owner and mobster George Miller, who claims he pulled the trigger in self-defense. Soon the whole town’s talking, and Shoe’s first homicide is fast becoming the Trial of the Century. The more Shoe digs, the more he’s convinced nothing is as it seems. Not with a tangle of conflicting stories, an unlikely motive, and witnesses like Ray’s girlfriend, a glamour girl whose pretty lips are sealed. For now.

In a city steeped in Old West debauchery, Shoe’s following every lead to a very dangerous place―one that could bring him glory and fame or end his life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Dugoni is a critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Amazon Charts bestselling author, reaching more than ten million readers worldwide. He is best known for the Tracy Crosswhite police procedural series. He is also the author of the Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, the Keera Duggan legal thriller series, and several standalone novels, including The 7th Canon, Damage Control, and The World Played Chess. His novel The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell was named Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, and Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. The Washington Post named his nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary a Best Book of the Year. Several of his novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Book Award for fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has been a finalist for many other awards. 

Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than twenty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages. He lives in Seattle.  

Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com
Facebook: @AuthorRobertDugoni
Instagram: @robertdugoni
X: @robertdugoni

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