Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Spotlight and Giveaway: Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen



About the Book



Book: Lethal Danger

Author: Jerusha Agen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: April 24, 2025

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

 




 

 

 

More from Jerusha

THE DANGER OF COLORED GLASSES

Have you ever felt left out? Maybe someone you care about never accepts you or loves you, no matter how much you try to please that person?

One would think Jazz Lamont, the heroine of Lethal Danger, would never have experienced such feelings. After all, she’s a beautiful security agent who trounces bad guys without breaking a sweat, doesn’t fear danger, and has an incredible K-9 partner. She was chosen to join the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, which means she’s one of the best in a dangerous, challenging line of work.

But though she doesn’t bat an eye when she faces threats and bad guys, Jazz is far from confident when it comes to social interactions. Thanks to a series of rejections in her childhood, Jazz is pretty sure most people won’t like her or want to accept her. So far, her life seems to be proving that assumption true.

As I discovered Jazz’s character while writing Lethal Danger, I was intrigued by how much her fear of rejection colored her point of view of basically everything. Sometimes, a comment that a gal on the Phoenix K-9 Team made would seem like a put-down to Jazz, though I knew as the author that the other agent hadn’t meant the remark that way.

Noticing Jazz’s tendency to see everything through rejection-colored glasses made me take a hard look at myself. What fears of my own are skewing how I see and receive things?

Is my desire for approval making me misinterpret others’ remarks as critical when they aren’t intended as such? Do my insecurities make me misconstrue or internalize social media posts or friends’ jokes? Perhaps my worries about finances or dangers to my physical safety make me see hazards where there aren’t any or avoid doing what the Lord wants me to.

How about you? Have you thought about the harmful ways in which your experiences, fears, and vulnerabilities might be coloring the glasses through which you view life?

Let’s all take stock together and then bring those burdens to Jesus Christ. He’ll remind us that the only point of view that matters, the only one that is accurate, is His. And He’ll help us begin to see the world through His perfect eyes.

Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 8

Texas Book-aholic, August 9

Guild Master, August 10 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 13

For Him and My Family, August 14

Blogging With Carol, August 15

Devoted To Hope, August 16

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 18

Fiction Book Lover, August 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 19

Books Less Travelled, August 20

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jerusha is giving away the grand prize of a signed paperback copy of Lethal Danger, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Lethal Danger tote bag, magnet, notebook, and keychain!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54270

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Spotlight and Giveaway: An Ancient Worship Movement by Greg Gordon, St Thomas Church



About the Book



Book: An Ancient Worship Movement

Author: Greg Gordon, St. Thomas Church

Genre: Christianity

Release Date: December 1, 2025

Find an Ancient Faith that will Transform Your Life.

Beyond the noise of a busy western world lies the need to worship God for Himself alone. So many different denominational ideologies and techniques of Church growth exist but what did the early Apostles and believers do? There is a need for “An Ancient Worship Movement” where we rediscover and implement older Biblical Church practices that were pre-denominational.

This book will help you:

- Rediscover Ancient practices lost to many evangelicals

- Renew your intimate personal walk with God

- Renew A passion for lost souls

- Experience personal spiritual revival

- Be equipped to start an [Mission] House Church

”The Ancient Worship Movement is not just a book but literally an invitation to a vibrant movement of God’s Spirit in our day. This book is a clarion call to the Western Church to point back to Jesus as the centre of the gathering of His people.” – Steve M.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Greg Gordon is the founder of SermonIndex.net, which was established in 2002. Millions of audio sermons have been distributed through this world-wide ministry. He is also the author of “The Following of Christ” and other books. Greg has traveled to many countries and across North America to thousands of churches and ministries bringing a message of radical Christian discipleship. He has also been involved in organizing over 12 international historic revival conference events where thousands of lives were impacted

 


 

More from the Authors

Why An Ancient Worship Movement? 10 Reasons from the Early Church Fathers



As the author of An Ancient Worship Movement, and founder of St. Thomas Church I’ve spent years reflecting on the wisdom of the early Church Fathers—those giants of faith like Ignatius, Justin Martyr, and Augustine who shaped Christianity in its purest days. Their writings reveal a worship so vibrant and real that it pierces through the noise of our modern age. Here are 10 reasons, drawn from their own words, why we desperately need a new ancient expression of worship today.



  1. To Reclaim Worship as a Way of Life

Clement of Rome taught us, “Let us cleave to righteousness, for our whole life is a sacrifice to God.” The Fathers didn’t see worship as a Sunday event but as a constant offering. Today, we’ve boxed it into schedules and stages—don’t we need to live it again, every moment?

2. To Restore the Power of Prayer

Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “Pray without ceasing, for it is the breath of the Church.” Prayer wasn’t optional for the early believers; it was their lifeline to God. Our distracted, prayerless culture needs this ancient pattern to reconnect with the triune God.

3.To Center on the Eucharist’s Mystery

Justin Martyr said, “This food we call Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes.” The Fathers revered the Lord’s Supper as a sacred encounter, not a ritual. Shouldn’t we strip away our casualness and rediscover its awe?

4. To Embrace Simplicity Over Spectacle

Tertullian observed, “We assemble in homes.” The early church thrived without megachurches or light shows. Today’s obsession with production values begs for a return to that humble, uncluttered faith.

5. To Rekindle Evangelistic Zeal

Irenaeus declared, “We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to some, but to us the power of God.” For the Fathers, sharing the gospel was worship itself. In a world numb to truth, don’t we need their bold witness to awaken souls?

6. To Foster True Community

The Didache instructs, “Share all things with your brother, for you are one in Christ.” The Fathers lived as a family, not a crowd. Our isolated, individualistic churches need this ancient bond in the unity of the Church.

7. To Confront Modern Drift

Cyprian warned, “He who departs from the unity of the Church departs from Christ.” The Fathers fought heresy and complacency with fierce clarity. Today’s watered-down faith needs their courage to call us back to the real Jesus.

8. To Ignite Personal Revival

Basil the Great prayed, “Kindle in us the fire of Your love, O Lord.” The Fathers knew revival starts in one heart. In our spiritually tepid age, don’t we need their passion to set us ablaze again?

9. To Ground Us in Practical Faith

Polycarp urged, “Stand firm in the faith, doing all things in love.” The Fathers gave us hands-on ways to live worship—prayers, fasting, service. Shouldn’t we trade theory for their tangible practices to anchor our restless lives?

10. To Dream of a Renewed Church

Augustine envisioned, “A people praising You, O God, from every corner of the earth.” The Fathers saw worship as a movement that could transform the world. Today, with faith fading, don’t we need their ancient hope to spark a new awakening?

These voices from the past aren’t relics—they’re a roadmap. The early Church Fathers show us worship that’s raw, relational, and rooted in Christ. As you consider to explore the book, An Ancient Worship Movement, I pray something of the genuine early faith of the Apostles illuminates your heart afresh to truth and reality. Jesus the Son of God is coming back soon may we be found doing His will, working with His Church and loving Him with First Love devotion.

Here are some summarized points from current reviews from the book:

”Thoughtfully explores Christian theology, delving into worship’s multifaceted nature—actions, evangelism, prayer, and communion.”

”Guides readers toward emulating the authentic roots of early Christian faith with a balanced, constructive critique.”

”Sets a spiritual tone from the start with an opening prayer that centers on Christ, not the author.”

”Offers fascinating insights into early church communion practices, making history vivid and relevant.”

”Strikes a compelling balance between theological depth and accessibility, especially in its practical prayer section.”

”Inspires personal spiritual revival with actionable guidance for deepening faith.”

”Critiques modern church drift thoughtfully, avoiding harsh judgment, and invites reflection.”

”Valuable for house church enthusiasts and believers seeking intimate worship renewal.”

”Provides a profound invitation to rediscover authentic worship through early church lenses.”

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, August 6 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, August 6

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 7

Stories By Gina, August 8 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, August 9 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

A Reader’s Brain, August 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13

Simple Harvest Reads, August 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 15

Guild Master, August 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 17

Fiction Book Lover, August 18 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 19 (Author Interview)

Giveaway



To celebrate his tour, Greg and St. Thomas Church are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of An Ancient Worship Movement and An Ancient Move of God: Book of Acts!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54269

Monday, August 11, 2025

Review: The Pretender by Wanda E Brunstetter

 


Blurb: 

A Woman Missing for Two Years Suddenly Returns Home

In book three of the Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s return creates more hurt and confusion in the Big Valley.

Two years since Rosa Petersheim mysteriously disappeared from her Amish home, there has been no word from her. Her family and friends have suffered in the silence, though they have tried to move on with life.
 
Then one day Rosa just as suddenly reappears at her parent’s home. . .with a husband in tow.
 
Rosa is ashamed of the choices she made that caused her to leave home. And now that she is back, her father is not welcoming and her siblings and friends want explanations that she can’t give.
 
Will Rosa’s family accept her and Anthony? Can the Big Valley ever be home again?


My Review: 

I have loved the first two books from A Mifflin County Mystery series from Wanda E Brunstetter. I was excited to have the opportunity to read the third installment, The Pretender. I do want to caution the reader that since this is a series, it would be a better experience if the books are read in order. I wanted to keep reading to find out more about Rosa and get the answers I had been wondering about her all throughout the series. I thought this was a definitely a book worth reading.

I am going to give The Pretender five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love Amish fiction with a little mystery to dive into As always, I will be looking forward to more upcoming releases from Wanda E Brunstetter in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Pretender from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Spotlight and Giveaway: Butterflies by Samantha Roman



About the Book



Book: Butterflies

Author: Samantha Roman

Genre: Christian YA

Release Date: June 4, 2025

Fifteen-year-old Candy Chancellor must choose between holding onto yesterday’s pain or the hope of tomorrow. When her father is tragically killed weeks before her baby brother is expected, Candy is tossed from being a happy home schooled girl to the new girl at Christian school- with a seat in front of her new best enemy. Now that her grieving mother is unable to provide any true support, Candy relies on the help of two of her new friends from school, an old friend of the family, and tries to find God in the midst of it all.

Real estate tycoon Leslie Chancellor must make a choice between life or death and this time she doesn’t have her husband to help her. When Robert Chancellor is tragically killed, Leslie spirals into a deep darkness she can’t escape. Now that Candy is chasing her dreams of being a super star, Leslie must rely on an old family friend, a kind colleague, and new friend she didn’t plan on meeting.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Samantha Roman is a Christian author  who loves sharing heartwarming fiction with readers all over the world. She writes by day and is a mystery movie watcher at night. When she isn’t writing or watching movies, you can catch her with her family and puppy!

More from Samantha

You wanted to read Christian fiction, but nothing with too much “romance.”

You sing your part of the duet, but your dad doesn’t answer.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, August 8 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 9

Artistic Nobody, August 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 11

Guild Master, August 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Fiction Book Lover, August 14 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 15

A Reader’s Brain , August 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 16

lakesidelivingsite, August 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Vicky Sluiter, August 20 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 21

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Samantha is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54271

Friday, August 8, 2025

New Series Review and Giveaway: Testament

 

Testament is now streaming on Angel.com and the Angel App,
available to all Angel Guild members. 

Description: 


The Book of Acts explosively reimagined in an alternate-modern era. A resurrection
sparks a 
movement that turns the world upside down, spreading hope amid chaos.
As the followers risk everything to preach the good news, the Temple races to silence
them before the oppressive Imperium regime retaliates. But public miracles, unburied
secrets, and fractured loyalties force both sides to confront the true cost of their
choices. This powerful live-action series will challenge you, move you, and make
you rethink what it means to truly follow Jesus. Set in a modern world, you'll connect
with these stories and people like never before.


Stream the full season of Testament today on Angel 


My Review:

I was honored to have the opportunity to view episodes five and six of the new live action series, Testament. To be honest, I was not sure what I was in for before I started watching the episodes. However, I was quickly captivated. I am one that does not "watch" the screen when I have the television, but I found myself not wanting to take my eyes off the screen. With the current world events, it was frightening to see how the series could actually become real life. It was mysterious, suspenseful, thought provoking, and adventurous. I am giving Testament, episodes 5 and 6, a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy watching suspenseful and action packed shows. I am hoping to binge watch the rest of the episodes from Testament soon, and really am hoping for another season to be released in the future. I received a short term complimentary Angel Guild membership to preview Testament, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


Disclosure:

Many thanks to Angel for providing a one month Angel Guild membership for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


Giveaway:

$10 Amazon giftcard

Leave a more than a three word completed sentence telling me who you will be watching Testament with. Don’t forget to leave your name and email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on August 12, 2025.


Giveaway Rules:


Giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you.

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours.

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner.

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified.

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4) by Pepper Basham



About the Book



Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 



Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

The Sacred Line, July 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 1

Jodie Wolfe, August 1

Worthy2Read, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

Devoted To Hope, August 2

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 4

Min Reads and Reviews, August 4

Stories By Gina, August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Daysong Reflections, August 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 6

Betti Mace, August 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

An Author’s Take, August 10

Lily’s CornerLily’s Corner, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 12

Pause for Tales, August 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54262


My Review

The Highland Heist is the fourth installment from the Fredrick & Grace Mystery series by one of my favorite authors, Pepper Basham. I enjoyed the previous three books from the series and I believe this one is by far my favorite of the four. It was great catching up with Freddie and Grace and seeing what adventures awaits them. They are once again teaming up to solve a mystery. I 

The Highland Heist will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical mystery. I am hoping this is not the end of the Fredrick & Grace Mystery series and Pepper Basham plans a fifth addition to it. 

I received a paperback copy of Pepper Basham's The Highland Heist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Book Blast and Giveaway: Blood in the Shadows by Hawk MacKinney



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Hawk MacKinney will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



When marine buddy, Gulfport, Mississippi Sheriff asks Craige Ingram for help, Ingram and Buckingham Parish patrolman ‘Badger’ Thomas Boback find themselves in the summertime dogdays of the humid Gulf Coast. With crowded beaches and an undermanned staff, a routine investigation soon becomes anything but routine when indescribable body parts start showing up along the surf, in beachfront cabins, half-buried in bayou wetlands, stashed under freeway bridges, and across county lines. Craige’s search for answers to identifying victims and killer among the crowds of tourists and skin-and-sun partygoers soon makes it obvious the victims have no connection with one another—until conflicting DNA results and haunting premonitions resembling the warnings Craige’s grannie often had become part of the investigation. The jigsaw of abandoned cross-kin offspring begin a horrifying Gordian Knot tangle that threatens anyone who approaches the shadowy ancient wreck of an old mansion - an asylum from a lost time.


Read an Excerpt

Romona Cowan stepped back and looked at her handiwork. Black goop, flaxseed, and smelly oil-based paint dripped from the brush in her hand. With two fingers she gingerly propped the framed sign against the rusty decorative iron corner post. The sign canted off-center on the post, a singular reminder of the elegance of the iron fence that once stood around the small postage-stamp of a front yard. She took another look. Fingers, hands, one sleeve of her work shirt, and yard jeans were paint-smeared. Days ago, when she brushed the leaf litter off the fallen sign, the lettering was hardly visible, and she thought she might have to buy wood for a new sign. Penny-wise Ramona decided on a can of paint instead. The paint had peeled, left the frame bare in spots, but it hadn’t rotted. For someone who’d always been told she could never do nothing right, her Gran’mère Nana’s fixed-up sign come out looking nice and bright. The letters came out wobbly in a couple of places, but from the street no one would notice. She gave it a last here and-there touch-up.

Madame Nana Rowena
PALMISTRY READINGS by appointment

She said to herself, “Nana doesn’t want to do readings anymore. I’ll tell anyone that comes in I’m her granddaughter, Mademoiselle Ra mona.” With a soft mumble, “No point changing what ever’body expects.” She’d put the sign out in the sun and take it inside at night. Let it dry a couple or three days, then stick it out in the front yard where Gran’mère Nana first put it up. Right out there where folks driving along the beach in their fancy cars could see it real clear. The sign looked almost brand new. It would make those prissy rich kids that snobbed her in school because she was different jealous all over again. Besides, school was boring; a good enough reason to drop out.

About the Author:


Hawk MacKinney has authored several award-winning works of fiction that include THE MOCCASIN HOLLOW MYSTERY SERIES and THE CAIRNS OF SAINCTUARIE SCIENCE FICTION SERIES. His historical romance MOCCASIN TRACE was nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award.

Cross-genre character-driven plots reflect Hawk MacKinney’s southwest upbringing along the Texas and Oklahoma borders. With postgraduate faculty positions in several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem.

Website: http://www.hawkmackinneyauthor.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Shadows-Hawk-MacKinney/dp/B0FG47PDSV/ref=sr_1_1