Blog Archives
Treacherous Trek
Fallen Deer follows a woman and her friends as the town they live in quickly spirals into an intricate mystery involving arson, hidden children, and a chilling murder that seems to connect to forces far greater than the town itself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
You might be surprised if I told you a deer fell out of the sky and landed on our car, but it’s true. My husband was driving during a rainstorm, and apparently the deer was hit by a truck in the other lane and went airborne. My husband never saw it coming since it fell from above the car. He only knew what happened because another driver stopped to tell him. He was in shock when he called me—he hadn’t even dialed 911 yet—and I was startled that a career fire lieutenant, who was trained to respond to danger, would react to a crisis the same way the rest of us do. As we talked about the accident in the weeks after it occurred, I knew it would be the catalyst scene of Fallen Deer. I just added a little Cadence extra to it. The symbolism of the falling deer gave me the title, too, and the storyline for the character who falls the farthest.
The other inspiration was the political battle over immigration reform during election season. I wanted to put a face on the individuals who sacrifice everything to come to a country where half the people hate them and describe them as “venom” or worse. What is their motivation and thinking behind the decision to embark on such a treacherous trek that may end in being sent back to the place from which they fled? What is the history of immigration and who gets to tell the story of it?
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
I wanted to explore greed; resilience; revenge; retribution; discovering one’s inner strengths and weaknesses; trust; redemption; and, finally, acceptance and love.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Aside from the opening scene of the falling deer, I liked writing Oliver’s journey of self-discovery. His is a late coming-of-age story, and his scenes are fraught with terror, insecurity, angst, comic relief, and glimpses into his parents’ intrusive relationship with him. Oliver first appeared in Stone Coat Man (A Cadence Mystery #5), where he shied away from the action. I wanted to dig deeper into his story and take him on his personal journey from shy, reticent kid, whose parents still send him care packages of essentials, to a self-reliant adult, who may not like where his thoughts are taking him, but who knows he’s the only one in a position to act upon them. The scene in which he envisions his vehicle passenger and a huge stag standing in front of the vehicle as Minecraft characters was really fun to write, but I am no gamer. I had to do research and then revise and revise to get the right balance of humor and suspense. I especially enjoyed writing the dialog between Oliver and his passenger.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I don’t have a title yet for the book I’m working on now, but it will be book 7 of the series, A Cadence Mystery, and it’s going to be a frightful thriller! I’ve had nightmares about the asanbosam, a creature from Ghanian mythology, that appears in the book. Often, my dreams take my books in directions I hadn’t considered, or they resolve questions when I feel stuck or suffer writer’s block, so I am always open to what they show me. The book deals with a terrible chapter in our history, doppelgangers, and the power of suggestion. I’m about 36,000 words in and plan to release the book in December 2025.
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Fallen Deer (A Cadence Mystery #6)
Dianne L. Hagan’s Fallen Deer drops readers straight into the stormy heart of Cadence, New York, a town brimming with history, secrets, and an eerie knack for attracting trouble. When Marian Greene, our ever-curious protagonist, sets out on a simple errand, she never expects to find herself staring into the lifeless eyes of a man who quite literally falls out of the sky. What begins as a routine morning quickly spirals into an intricate mystery involving arson, hidden children, and a chilling murder that seems to connect to forces far greater than the town itself. As Marian and her steadfast group of friends, family, and law enforcement unravel the layers of Cadence’s latest catastrophe, they uncover deep-rooted corruption, harrowing secrets, and the resilience of a community determined to protect its own.
What I love most about this book is how effortlessly Hagan blends cozy small-town dynamics with high-stakes suspense. The relationships feel real—warm, complicated, and filled with the kind of teasing and deep loyalty that makes the town of Cadence feel like home. Take Lester and Marian’s banter, for instance. Their long-standing love is evident in the way they bicker, support, and challenge each other. And then there’s Enoch, who, despite his gruff exterior, carries a quiet wisdom that grounds the story. Every character feels like someone you’d meet in real life.
The writing itself is a mix of sharp, punchy dialogue and beautifully immersive descriptions. The moment when Marian’s windshield shatters as a deer crashes onto her car is a masterclass in tension. The scene unfolds in slow motion, pulling the reader into the same breathless shock Marian experiences. And just when you think she’s caught a break, she looks up—only to lock eyes with a dead man. It’s moments like these that showcase Hagan’s ability to build suspense without sacrificing the intimate, small-town feel that makes Cadence so special.
That said, the book isn’t all heartwarming friendships and gripping mysteries. It also digs into weighty, real-world themes. The arrival of two buses of migrants, the racial history of Cadence, and the trauma carried by the town’s residents add layers of social commentary that make this more than just a mystery novel. One of the most gut-wrenching moments comes when a malnourished child is found hiding in the woods, terrified and alone. The urgency of finding the missing mother and the fear that something far more sinister is at play give the story a deeper emotional weight.
If you’re looking for a mystery that balances thrilling suspense with rich character relationships and meaningful themes, Fallen Deer is for you. Fans of Louise Penny’s Three Pines series or Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries will feel right at home in Cadence. It’s a book for readers who love a good whodunit but also crave depth, humor, and a little bit of history woven into their mysteries.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DWYP2ZCV
Oppression and Colonization
The Makana’s Legacy follows a family and their struggles with personal grief, a fractured family bond, and the looming presence of ancient spirits tied to their island’s tumultuous past. I thought this story had a unique setup and an interesting premise. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
This story is completely from my imagination with some elements of my life mixed in. I based the story on CHamoru lore of the taotaomo’na and the makana. The lore was something I grew up with, so there wasn’t much for me to research there. Some of the characters are somewhat based on real people in my life and some of the events, even supernatural, are based on personal accounts from myself and my family. I have never heard stories told like this one, though, that bring the actual legends to life. In the past, I have only heard the legends and scattered personal accounts. I thought it would be great to actually put all of this into a formal novel that showcases my culture, the taotaomo’na lore, and recognizes the suruhanos who continue to serve our communities. Like my first novel “Guardians of the Latte Stones”, I wanted to use the story to share my culture and get readers interested in learning more about the CHamoru people. As far as sources of information go, my father (who is a native CHamoru) helped with the translations and I scoured the Internet for what little information there was on the makana and on the practices of the suruhanos.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Having grown up on Guam, I have personal experience with the topics in the story. The only thing that I found I didn’t know about was who the makana were. This story originally had “Suruhanu” in the title. But learning about the makana helped to reshape the story. I think that many CHamorus might be learning of the makana through my story and I would feel a great deal of pride if that’s what happens. After centuries of oppression and colonization, the CHamoru people are still striving to restore what we can of our language and history. I hope that my stories can help with that even if just a little bit.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This is the second book that I have self-published. It’s expensive and developing the stories takes some time. I may not be able to afford to publish my next book for another year or two. I already have drafts for follow-ups to this novel and had planned for them to be part of a “Suruhanu” trilogy. I will be working on them anyway. It’s important to me that I represent my culture well, so I don’t want to rush the stories just to get something published faster.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Chosen by his ancestors, a young man becomes caught in a relentless struggle against a dark malevolence.
The CHamoru makåna were powerful healers from a time long forgotten. For centuries, their spirits waited for one destined to carry their sacred light.
When Mateo is born, he inherits the gifts of the makåna. But the light of his ancestors does not go unnoticed by dark, ancient forces.
As Mateo’s extraordinary abilities grow, so does the threat from sinister spirits intent on exploiting his gifts. Shadows stalk his every step, haunting him and tormenting those he holds dear.
In time, it becomes painfully clear that the path to Mateo’s destiny will take him into a darkness beyond the veil of death. Can faith and the light of his ancestors sustain him, or will the forces that seek to consume his soul ultimately prevail?
The Plain of Pillars: A Celtic Story Retold
Long before Eden, a melody existed, primal, untamed, and boundless. A boy, spun from the golden strands of a horse’s mane, enters a world where gods walk among mortals, trees whisper secrets to stones, and stones morph into glistening silks. This tale unfolds as an extraordinary bond between kin faces the fires of war, with ancient myths reshaped into bold new forms. Through evocative storytelling, the author bridges antiquity and the present, weaving a vibrant tapestry of hope, resilience, and magic. By journeying alongside these ancient dreams, we might unearth profound truths about ourselves and the world around us.
In The Plain of Pillars: A Celtic Story Retold, Griffith presents a stunning reinterpretation of Celtic mythology. This narrative combines poetic storytelling with a profound exploration of harmony, conflict, and the cyclical nature of life. Set in the eternal land of Siraide, the story centers on The People, who live in unity with the Music that both created and sustains them. But their peace is shattered by Balor, the Oceaner god-king, whose insatiable thirst for power threatens to engulf their world in chaos. As characters wrestle with love, destiny, and loss, their struggles also reflect larger themes of colonization and the gradual erosion of cultural identity.
Griffith deftly juxtaposes Siraide’s interconnected reverence for life with the Oceaners’ destructive authoritarianism, crafting a poignant commentary on resilience and the enduring power of unity in the face of oppression. These thematic undercurrents infuse the story with urgency and depth, creating a tale as reflective as it is captivating.
The prose itself is a triumph. Griffith’s lush descriptions and rhythmic dialogue draw readers deep into the rich, magical world of Siraide. The lyrical tone lends a dreamlike quality to the narrative, beautifully blending the mythical and the emotional. Particularly striking is the figure of the Raven, a modern-day chorus reminiscent of Greek tragedies. This enigmatic voice delivers profound philosophical reflections, implicating readers in the consequences of colonization and unchecked power. This narrative device seamlessly bridges myth and reality, serving as a haunting reminder of what is at stake.
At its core, The Plain of Pillars is a meditation on timeless themes: the conflict between creation and destruction, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the enduring power of love and community. Griffith crafts a story that is both epic in scope and deeply intimate, resonating with fans of mythological retellings like Circe, Ariadne, and A Thousand Ships.
Whether you are drawn by its mythological roots or its reflections on universal truths, The Plain of Pillars will leave you with a sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the delicate, eternal balance between creation and destruction.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B0DLXY4WW6
Twinchantment Tales: 30 Mystical Adventures From Tamilnadu
Twinchantment Tales is like stepping into a portal to the heart of Tamil Nadu, with every page dripping in folklore, culture, and the kind of magic that makes you feel like a kid again. Dr. Sridevi K. J. Sharmirajan’s writing effortlessly pulls you into the lives of twins Annapurani and Bhuminathan, who spend their summers soaking in enchanting stories from their grandparents. The twins, their doting grandparents, and the quaint village of Mithilapuram feel so real that you might find yourself wishing for an invitation to their next storytelling session under the stars.
First off, the writing is pure charm. The descriptions of the village life—lush jasmine fields, the hum of crickets, and the soulful voices of the grandparents—set such a cozy vibe. One of my favorite tales was “The Magic of Erode’s Turmeric.” It’s not just about a magical crop but a metaphor for intention and mindfulness. When Grandpa Vaidyanathan says, “Sometimes the greatest truths lie beyond the grasp of our skepticism,” I felt that. This isn’t just storytelling; it’s soul-nourishing wisdom wrapped in vivid imagery.
Another standout was “The Tale of Tanjore’s Dancing Dolls.” It’s the kind of whimsical story that makes you want to hold onto your heritage a little tighter. The way the dolls are described, almost alive with joy and grace, had me grinning. And the underlying message about navigating life’s ups and downs with dignity? Timeless.
While the magical adventures are fun, what hit me the hardest was the emotional core. Stories like “The Enchanted Temple Mirror of Kumbakonam” are not just fables but reflections on inner beauty and humility. The part where Queen Durga Devi confronts her own flaws through a mystical mirror. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause and think about how we perceive ourselves versus who we truly are.
By the time I finished the book, I felt like I’d been on a journey—spiritual, cultural, and magical. Sure, some parts leaned heavily on the moral-of-the-story approach, which might feel a bit predictable if you’re not into life lessons wrapped in folklore. But for me, it worked. It felt like being told a bedtime story with just the right mix of wonder and wisdom.
If you love mythology, folktales, or stories that blend culture with magic, this one’s for you. Parents looking for meaningful stories to share with kids? Perfect choice. Or anyone who just wants to be reminded that the world is full of wonder if you look closely enough.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0DLJ62Q93
Wolf’s Hyde
Skinwalker. Lycanthrope. Yee Naaldlooshii. Werewolf. By any name, Tanaka Chee had dedicated his life to hunting it down and destroying it. After a violent killing spree in Flagstaff, Arizona claimed his daughter as one of its victims, the creature became his singular target. As Tanaka connected fragments of his Native American heritage with tales of murder spanning the country, one truth became clear: the werewolf operating under the name Norman was cunning. Tracking where Norman had been proved far easier than predicting where he would strike next. Whether the creature’s elaborate game of cat and mouse was a blessing or a curse, Tanaka didn’t know. What he did know was this: he would stop him or die trying.
Wolf’s Hyde, by Dylan Collins Dunbar, is a supernatural thriller that wastes no time plunging readers into its dark and relentless narrative. From the chilling introduction of the werewolf to the heartbreaking presence of Barbara Chee and, later, her father Tanaka, the story maintains a constant undercurrent of dread. Native American folklore enriches the narrative, blending seamlessly with the timeless European legends of werewolves and monsters that have haunted humanity for centuries. Norman, the ever-elusive antagonist, moves through the story under various identities, but Dunbar reveals only what is necessary, precisely when it needs to be known. This masterful restraint adds layers to the book’s intrigue, keeping readers both captivated and unnerved.
At its core, Wolf’s Hyde is about a father’s grief and his relentless pursuit of closure. Tanaka’s love for his daughter drives the story, grounding the horror elements with emotional weight. The tension between hunter and hunted intensifies with every page as Norman and Tanaka close in on each other. Despite revenge being a familiar theme in literature, Dunbar makes it feel original and organic here, breathing fresh life into the narrative. The balance between emotional depth and raw suspense is handled with precision, ensuring neither element overshadows the other. Dunbar’s take on werewolf mythology is equally impressive. He honors classic lore while threading it with unique twists that keep the story vibrant and unexpected. Readers familiar with traditional supernatural tales will appreciate the nods to established mythology, while the incorporation of Native American legends adds a distinct and refreshing perspective. This fusion sets Wolf’s Hyde apart from other entries in the genre, elevating it beyond a mere creature feature.
The pacing is relentless. From the opening scenes to the book’s climax, Dunbar maintains an unyielding grip on the reader’s attention. The twists are clever and well-timed, often steering the plot in directions that surprise and delight. Just when the story seems predictable, it veers sharply, ensuring readers remain on edge. These unexpected turns are what transform a good thriller into an exceptional one. The conclusion, while inevitable and satisfying, left me conflicted, a testament to how deeply invested I became in the story. Whether it delivered the ending I wanted mattered little in the end; what mattered was the journey, and Dunbar delivered it brilliantly. I found myself torn between admiration for the book’s full-circle resolution and a lingering sense of wanting more—a feeling only the best stories evoke.
In Wolf’s Hyde, Dylan Collins Dunbar crafts a gripping tale of horror, vengeance, and human resilience. The seamless blend of folklore, emotional depth, and thrilling suspense ensures it lingers long after the final page. For fans of supernatural thrillers, this novel delivers everything one could hope for: tension, surprises, and a story that refuses to be put down. It is a worthy addition to werewolf lore, written with skill, heart, and just enough darkness to haunt its readers.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B0DHYD4JXS
Stone of Lust (Stones of Iona Book 3)
Stone of Lust, the third installment in Margaret Izard’s Stones of Iona series, combines Scottish folklore, romance, and modern intrigue into a tale that’s as much about family as it is about the supernatural. The story centers around Ainslie MacDougall, a determined young woman tied to an ancient heritage and a family curse involving mystical Fae stones. Her sibling relationships, particularly with her skeptical and protective brother Colin, are tested as she steps into a larger conflict involving dangerous Fae, her family’s legacy, and a quest to safeguard those she loves. It’s a journey of survival, love, and loyalty where modern-day Scotland feels as magical and dark as any ancient legend.
Izard’s writing has a rich and cinematic quality that is full of vivid descriptions that make the Scottish highlands come alive. The opening chapters, where young Ainslie grapples with her wooden sword, reminded me of childhood dreams of bravery. Ainslie’s fierce spirit shines through in these scenes. When her brother Colin’s skepticism threatens to discourage her, she holds her ground with grit and wit. This childhood resilience defines Ainslie, and it’s one of my favorite aspects of the book. Though I loved the book, I felt some passages lingered on descriptions of the MacDougall castles, slowing the story’s pace at times, especially when it felt like the plot was building toward something urgent.
As the story unfolds, the balance between magic and realism kept me intrigued. Colin’s reluctant involvement in the family’s Fae heritage brings a grounded contrast to Ainslie’s deep-seated faith in these mystical stones and legends. Their banter provides levity to the story, especially in the family-centric scenes. Yet, when Colin encounters threats from his wife Bree’s past and sees the stones’ mystical forces at work, his character shifts. I enjoyed watching Colin’s initial dismissal of his sister’s beliefs clash with his growing desperation to protect Bree, though I felt some scenes felt heavy-handed in illustrating his inner conflict, making him seem stubborn to a fault.
One standout aspect of Stone of Lust is how Izard builds suspense. By the time Ainslie’s nightmares start crossing into reality, each encounter with the Fae feels tangible and sinister. Izard’s pacing during these moments, coupled with the mysteries surrounding the “Stone of Lust,” pulled me into a real thrill.
Stone of Lust is an engaging read for fans of folklore, romance, and suspenseful family dramas. The novel’s combination of Scottish legends, family loyalty, and an unyielding female protagonist makes it a good pick for those who appreciate a story that is as much about character as it is about magic.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0DCZVVR9T
Valkyrie
In Valkyrie, Harry Hutchins takes readers on an exciting journey that blends Norse mythology with modern-day life through the character of Christine, a seemingly ordinary young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her biological father is none other than Odin—the All-Father, god of war and death. As mythology often teaches us, being the child of a god comes with a heavy burden, and Christine’s life is no exception. She finds herself entangled in her father’s affairs, which thrusts her into encounters with a wide array of beings—both human and otherworldly—that challenge her understanding of reality.
For fans of mythology, this book is a treasure trove of familiar and surprising mythical figures. Hutchins skillfully weaves together elements of Norse and Germanic mythology, adding a fresh twist by combining these ancient tales with modern technology and settings. Christine is forced to balance the mundane aspects of her life—college, friendships, her boyfriend—with her new identity as a Valkyrie, daughter of Odin. The tension between these two worlds is a constant source of intrigue as she navigates adventures that are as extraordinary as they are perilous. The narrative is fast-paced, driven by its concise length of around 150 pages. While the book moves quickly, Hutchins ensures that the various plot threads are neatly tied up by the end. This rapid pacing sometimes comes at the expense of depth, with answers to key questions being delivered a bit too swiftly. A little more mystery and room for exploration could have enhanced the overall experience, allowing readers to savor the revelations rather than being hurried through them.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its integration of mythology into a contemporary setting. Hutchins effectively balances the fantastical with the familiar, grounding Christine’s supernatural adventures in a world of smartphones, college exams, and everyday relationships. This fusion creates a unique backdrop that keeps the story feeling fresh and relevant. The portrayal of Christine as a young woman occasionally stumbles. There are moments in the narrative that feel out of place or jarring, such as unnecessary comments about her appearance—”an inch more here, an inch less there—of which men would approve”—or the villain’s crude remarks like “sexy virgin” and “busty leggy cold fish.” These moments detract from the story and sometimes feel more like distractions than meaningful additions.
Valkyrie succeeds in delivering an engaging and imaginative tale. Its fast pace and focus on mythology make it particularly appealing to young adult readers or anyone fascinated by Norse legends. Christine’s dual struggle between her old life and her newfound role as Odin’s daughter offers plenty of excitement and adventure, making this book a worthwhile read for mythology enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a quick, mythologically rich escape, Valkyrie should be right up your alley.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0CW1FSFX6
LITERARY TITAN 