Blog Archives
And Then I Heard the Quiet
Set in the charming village of Fort Langley, Alyssa Hall’s mystery novel, And Then I Heard the Quiet, introduces us to Valerie Russo, a young woman grappling with her past while aspiring to coordinate events for the upcoming 2010 Olympics in Canada. In an attempt to find some peace, Valerie takes a temporary gig house-sitting—and dog-sitting—for the affable Carter family. What begins as a serene retreat swiftly turns into a complex adventure, as an unexpected encounter pulls her into a whirlwind far beyond her expectations.
The charm of this novel is anchored in its vividly drawn characters, who, though they echo the familiarity of American sitcom figures, are perfectly suited to the quaint, drama-filled backdrop of Fort Langley. Their distinctive personalities may stretch the bounds of realism, but they leave a memorable impression that enriches the unfolding mystery. Although the plot might initially appear predictable, it expertly incorporates a series of unexpected twists that captivate readers all the way to its sudden and satisfying conclusion.
The portrayal of the protagonist, Valerie, presents a subtle challenge in the narrative. Her tragic past is gently woven into the story from the beginning, with occasional hints throughout that seek to build intrigue. This narrative choice may leave readers eager for more clarity, which could enhance engagement with her character in initial readings. While this stylistic approach subtly teases out her backstory, it’s a technique that may become more noticeable upon re-reading when the element of mystery is familiar.
And Then I Heard the Quiet stands out as an excellent choice for a leisurely vacation read. Its succinct form and engaging twists offer a delightful escape. It’s perfect for anyone eager to delve into a light, captivating mystery. This mystery novel will be a charming pick for readers in search of both relaxation and intrigue.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0CYXS9J6D
Steampunk and Victorian Vibes
The Roses of Port Townsend follows a mother and her two sons as their fresh start in a seaport town turns into a ghostly adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I traveled with my two sons, Ian and Ryan, from Olympia, Washington, to Port Townsend when they were younger. We stayed at Manresa Castle over Easter and had a wonderful time. During our visit, we took several photos and captured images that featured orbs. In one photo, there was an orb above each of our heads, which was quite spooky. Manresa Castle is reportedly haunted and has been featured on the television show “Ghost Adventures.”
The Victorian architecture, combined with both Steampunk and Victorian vibes, makes Port Townsend a fascinating destination. The history of the town, as well as that of Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, is all intriguing and significant. As I was writing the novel, my husband and I lived on the coast, either on Camano Island or in Ferndale, Washington, overlooking the Salish Sea. We visited Port Townsend regularly, and during those visits, ideas for my novel began to develop. I would write between jobs or in the evenings after coming home from work. Once I was able to retire, I started writing regularly, and the ideas flowed freely.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I tell a good story, and plot twists are a necessity. I have always hated knowing how a story would end, and about eighty percent of the time, I can guess at even a “trick” ending and get it right. However, plot twists need to make sense and must enhance the storyline. I found that plot twists added depth to my story and made it more engaging. Everything just fell into place. I also challenged myself to revive my imagination, which had been buried in dry government documents, statistics, program requirements, rules, laws, and administrative procedures. To be truly creative, you must find the child’s voice within and ask yourself what’s truly fun, scary, exciting, whimsical, or even absurd. That’s the voice I try to tap into. I do utilize some of my knowledge about government to create an image of “them bilge-rat government types,” as the untrusting pirate, Ben Pease, would likely say. Still, mostly I rely on my imagination, the history of the area, and the joy of finding and fighting monsters. We all have to defend ourselves against monsters at some point in our lives. These days, they are less likely to be vampires and more likely to be found in the hallowed halls of our political institutions.
Do you find you are able to relate to your characters while writing?
My characters have become very real to me; they feel like members of my family now, so I have a good understanding of what they will and won’t do. I can relate to every character in my novel because they remind me of my sons or because I’ve encountered similar characters in the past. Most of my characters are a blend of people I know, historical figures I’ve discovered through reading, characters from movies or books, and aspects of my own personality.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I want to share that the Gumshoes are preparing for another exciting adventure. I am starting to work on “The Portal Protectors,” the next book in the “Roses of Port Townsend” series. I hope to complete my first draft by the summer of 2026.
Author Links: Website | Reader’s Favorite
In the heart of the book, The Roses of Port Townsend, you will meet Mandy Rose, a resilient schoolteacher, whose husband is missing under mysterious circumstances. Forced to leave her home in Olympia due to her school’s closure, she ventures on a daring journey with sons Max and Oscar to Port Townsend, a quaint Victorian era seaport city. Despite warnings of its eerie aura and alleged hauntings from her brother, Leo, Mandy follows the path that fate has laid down for her. The Rose family’s strength is truly tested as they confront the chilling mysteries of this Victorian city.
Mandy, Max and Oscar, and their loyal dogs, Josie and Bone, delve into a world that transcends the realm of the ordinary. The city’s scenic tranquility belies the dangers that lurk within, as the family stumbles upon supernatural beings. The Rose family is welcomed by new friends in Port Townsend; Max and Oscar develop budding romances; family members come to the rescue; and together they all become amateur detectives in the most important missing persons case they will ever face.
Not all is as it seems in this city, where an unusual tomato garden holds lethal surprises, and a pirate’s secret could be the key to their survival. As Mandy and her family navigate through the labyrinth of Port Townsend, they uncover truths that could shatter their reality. What started as a quest for employment soon turns into a race against time as they struggle to find Mandy’s husband, and to discover the secrets of their new home, Victorian cottage, “Little Red.”
The Roses of Port Townsend is a thrill-ride of whimsy, suspense, mystery, and danger. The book weaves an enchanting tapestry of suspense, magical realism, and the strength of a mother’s love. As Mandy battles the unknown, the question remains-will the Rose family bloom again in Port Townsend, or will they wilt under its haunting spell? Dive into the pages of this riveting tale to find out!
The Roses of Port Townsend
The Roses of Port Townsend is a genre-blending story set in the misty coastal town of Port Townsend, Washington, where mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and family drama intertwine. The novel follows Mandy Rose and her two sons, Max and Oscar, as they relocate to this Victorian seaport after the mysterious disappearance of Mandy’s husband, Rick. The family’s attempt at a fresh start quickly veers into strange territory, with ghostly figures, cryptic messages, unsettling townspeople, and supernatural occurrences. Many of them are tied to the town’s haunting history and a bizarre obsession with tomatoes. As secrets unravel, the Rose family must confront both literal and figurative monsters while clinging to love and hope.
Ethel Steinmetz Marmont writes with obvious affection for the Pacific Northwest, and her descriptive passages made me want to visit Port Townsend. The real heart of the story, though, is the relationship between the characters. I found Mandy’s weariness and perseverance achingly real. The banter between Max and Oscar made me laugh more than once, especially Oscar, who’s half spooky child, half comedy relief. That said, the book zigzags tonally. Sometimes it’s a whimsical ghost story, other times it’s a tech thriller or a family sitcom. It’s not a clean cut, and I loved the creativity.
The writing is imaginative and often charming. Marmont occasionally indulges in monologues or eccentric character introductions that make you pause and think. That unpredictability also gives the book its charm. I didn’t always know where the plot was headed, and I liked that. The character of Benny P., for example, feels like he walked out of a Halloween parade and straight into a ghost tour. Is he a ghost? A pirate? A time traveler? I’m still not totally sure, but I enjoyed every second he was on the page. And the tomatoes became such a strangely meaningful element of the story that I might actually never look at them the same again.
The Roses of Port Townsend was a delightful read. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy quirky tales that mix magical realism with heartfelt family drama. If you liked A Series of Unfortunate Events, Coraline, or Practical Magic, this might hit the sweet spot. It’s especially good for parents reading alongside tweens or teens. It has just enough spooky spice to intrigue younger readers while still offering emotional weight for adults. It’s a little weird, a little heartfelt, and very much its own thing. For me, that’s enough to recommend it.
Pages : 390 | ASIN : B0F277WYCR
Psychosis Diagnosis
Psychosis Diagnosis by Nikki Minty is a dark, raw, and deeply emotional story set against the gritty backdrop of Coraki, Australia. The book follows Monroe, a teenager born into crushing poverty, drug abuse, and violence, as he struggles to escape his toxic home life. Along the way, he meets Indi, a girl trapped in an oppressive religious cult, and the two bond over their shared trauma. Interwoven through Monroe’s story is the unsettling past of Enzo, a boy from 1920s New Orleans who dabbles in dangerous dark magic and crosses paths with sinister figures. The novel flips back and forth between the two timelines, threading together themes of survival, inherited darkness, and the desperate hope for freedom.
From the very first scene, when Monroe’s mother is scrabbling through carpet fibers for her drug stash, I felt like I was dropped into his suffocating world. The details are so vivid, like the curdled milk on the windowsill, the wild tangle of his mother’s hair, it’s impossible not to feel Monroe’s desperation. Nikki Minty doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She shows every broken window, every slammed fist, and every moment Monroe wishes he could just disappear. There’s a rawness to the language, a kind of grit that doesn’t let you look away. Some parts, like Monroe’s inner battle after Freddy Krueger clocks him with a beer bottle, physically made me tense up.
What surprised me most, though, was how much heart there is beneath all the darkness. The relationship between Monroe and Indi could have felt cliche, but instead, it’s tender and cautious. Indi, with her ice-blue eyes and haunting scars, is fighting her own quiet war, and the scenes where they find shelter under a leaky patio roof or hide out in Monroe’s dingy room are oddly beautiful. I loved that Monroe wasn’t written like some savior figure swooping in. He’s messed up. He’s scared. Sometimes he’s selfish. And that’s exactly what made his decision to help Indi feel heroic. You can feel how heavy that choice is every step of the way.
The flashbacks to Enzo’s life in New Orleans elevated the novel to a deeper and more compelling level. They gave the story this eerie, almost gothic undertone that I didn’t see coming. Enzo’s early scenes with Jerimiah, where they accidentally or maybe not so accidentally kill a young girl during a dark magic ritual, were chilling. It wasn’t just the supernatural stuff that spooked me. It was how easily innocence turned into something monstrous. Enzo’s gradual fall into darkness mirrors Monroe’s struggle in a way that left me genuinely unsettled. The shifts between Monroe and Enzo’s timelines kept the story moving at a brisk pace, though at times I found myself wishing for a few more pages to fully savor each perspective before transitioning.
By the end, I was a wreck, in the best way. Minty builds the tension so well that by the final chapters, when everything’s crashing down, you’re white-knuckling the book, praying these characters you’ve grown to love somehow claw their way out.
I highly recommend Psychosis Diagnosis to readers who appreciate dark, intense, and character-driven narratives. Those who admired works like The Outsiders or Sharp Objects are likely to find this novel equally compelling. However, readers should be prepared for an experience that challenges rather than comforts; this story is not designed to offer easy resolutions, but rather to evoke deep and lasting emotions.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0DYZTR4ZR
Dark Dreamcatchers: And Other Stories
Michael Stone’s Dark Dreamcatchers: And Other Short Stories delivers a chilling quartet of tales, each unraveling its own brand of paranormal unease. Across these pages, Stone invites readers into unsettling worlds where the line between reality and the extraordinary blurs, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with tension. The collection opens with Dark Dreamcatchers, where a family vacation descends into terror. Jonah’s family stumbles upon a quaint town seemingly frozen in the 1950s—a picturesque facade concealing something far more sinister. The story unfolds with mounting dread, setting a haunting tone for the rest of the book.
In Rattlesnake Dick and His Proposition, the Sierra Nevada mountains become the stage for a surreal encounter. Ethan’s hike takes a dark turn when he meets gold panners from a bygone era. Held at gunpoint and brought to their leader, he faces a grim choice that could determine his survival. Then, in The Rift, the discovery of a mysterious portal upends the lives of Nala and her owner. The portal offers the allure of time travel but exacts a perilous cost. Finally, Pear, Anyone? plunges into the disorienting depths of the human mind, exploring how extreme circumstances twist perception and fracture reality.
What makes this collection compelling is its refusal to lean solely on conventional horror tropes. Stone deftly blends psychological terror with supernatural intrigue, crafting tales that provoke both fear and fascination. Each story is distinct yet tied together by recurring themes of the uncanny and the unknown. The result is an emotional rollercoaster—relief, unease, and shock linger long after the final page. Stone’s gift for vivid detail enhances every story. His evocative descriptions bring eerie towns, time-bending portals, and unnerving encounters to life. The accompanying illustrations amplify this immersion, making each setting and character feel strikingly real.
Dark Dreamcatchers: And Other Short Stories is a fresh take on horror and the supernatural. With its creative storytelling and psychological depth, the collection will captivate fans of both genres. Whether you crave mind-bending twists or spine-tingling suspense, this book promises an unforgettable journey into the extraordinary.
Pages: 125 | ASIN : B0DLT8L4D8
We Change and Grow Thought Our Lives
A Rising Tide follows a bookstore owner with supernatural gifts who starts having haunting dreams sending her on a journey of self-discovery filled with danger and a confrontation with her detiny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is the 13th book in the series and Jessie has wondered where her gift came from. Matt paid for her to go to Ireland because her family came from Ireland. The idea shows up in several of the books but I knew the trip had to show her why she had the gift that she does. This would be a crucial point in the series. The culture of Ireland is perfect for the possibility of magic with all its wonderful legends and magical creatures.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Yes, it is possible that one single moment can alter the course of our life. But I also believe we have many life changing moments in our journey, We can change and continue to grow through out our lives. To me Jessie epitomizes the idea of what would happen if we became truly aware of the world around us and could seen what is often unseen.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Keeping the mystery with a few red herrings to keep the story interesting is the tough part. Sometimes I feel like my characters are leading me and I like that. My editor tells me to read the manuscript like a reader. I try hard to take subjects that are important to me and make them somehow entertaining at the same time.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is in the final galley stage and ready to be signed off on. It will be out this year and will take Matt and Jessie through their wedding, but not without some problems.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | X | Website | Book Review
Once again Matt will be challenged to think outside the box when Jessie’s look-alike relative from the past shows up along with several ancient artifacts, and a grumpy ghost who takes up residency in her store to guard them. With all the strangeness that surrounds their relationship Matt finds himself more in love with his little warrior than ever.
A Rising Tide
A Rising Tide by Iona Morrison is a wonderfully crafted novel that seamlessly blends suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Set in the picturesque yet mysterious town of Blue Cove, the story revolves around Jessie, a bookstore owner with a deep connection to her ancestral gifts. As she becomes enmeshed in enigmatic events, haunting dreams, and escalating threats, Jessie is propelled into a journey of self-discovery and courage. With the steadfast support of her boyfriend Matt and a close-knit circle of family and friends, she must navigate the delicate interplay between supernatural forces and tangible dangers, ultimately confronting her destiny amidst a rising tide of darkness.
Morrison’s storytelling shines in her ability to intricately weave together diverse elements—romance, heritage, mystical abilities, and societal challenges—into a cohesive and riveting narrative. Jessie emerges as a compelling protagonist and her personal growth was both inspiring and relatable. Her relationship with Matt provides a heartwarming counterbalance to the tension and peril that drive the story.
The vividly depicted setting of Blue Cove, with its serene exterior concealing deeper undercurrents of unrest, mirrors Jessie’s own struggles with precision and depth. The novel’s ambition is undeniable, offering a rich tapestry of plotlines that range from the discovery of ancient family scrolls to the unraveling of contemporary crimes. This expansive scope occasionally felt overwhelming to me. Certain intriguing aspects, such as the mystical artifacts and the concept of influencers shaping events, I think would benefit from deeper development. Nevertheless, these minor critiques do little to detract from the novel’s overall impact.
A Rising Tide is both a thrilling and heartwarming tale, deftly combining paranormal elements with themes of resilience, love, and community. Morrison’s ability to create a story that is at once captivating and deeply human ensures an engaging experience for readers. Fans of paranormal fiction infused with romance and mystery will find themselves thoroughly enchanted by this remarkable work.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0DCZTD26N
Old-Fashioned Country-House Murder Mystery
The Chesterfield Clue follows a former school teacher and his wife who come into a large inheritance and purchase a vineyard in the Finger Lakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had introduced Chesterfield, Carrie, their very vivid parents, and even the baroque French barrister Alaistre (“Swifty”) Treves-Alsace in THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS, a pure romantic comedy that earned a starred review from Kirkus and was ultimately named to their Best of 2012 and LOL lists. With the supernatural provenance of the Ffoulkes Fortune, I saw a chance to move them up in the world, to a beautiful Finger Lakes wine estate, where I could essay a good old-fashioned country-house murder mystery.
Your characters are richly developed and complex, really allowing readers to get to know them. Do you incorporate any emotions or memories from your own life into your characters’ lives?
Well, I had a Shakespeare-loving mother of Welsh parentage, for a start. The dad was a veteran, though not of the ferocious exploits of Captain Jack Chesterfield. Beyond that, I fell in love with the idea of making Carrie a girl next door type, and her 50 yr. old mother Barbara a seductress of almost terrifying erotic power. I also love writing master scenes for Swifty, and hope readers indulge me to their profitable enjoyment. Finally, it was only with two Chesterfield novels completed that I realized something mysterious and unconscious about character creation. Two “minor” characters — Jeanine the Gym Chick in THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS, and Deputy Dibberly in THE CHESTERFIELD CLUE — each became in the end sort of working-class, underdog heroes: conceived to fill a function, they took on such life that they were fully in the arena at the climax. Somehow I found justice in that, and wonderment.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
A good question, as slow cooking works for me. I do have a title, and a bit of scribbling. It’s THE CHESTERFIELD NIECES, and those nieces will be quite a contrast and quite a handful together. One will be rich and spoiled (Barbara’s), the other a daughter of Juanita’s brother Johnny, a border sheriff in Texas. And she’s also, sharp readers of The Clue will surmise, cousin to the late Miguel. At least one character from The Clue is going to get killed, and though it won’t be at the hands of either niece, their misadventures won’t be a bit of help in solving anything!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
It is always an organism with me, not schematic. Characters come first, like Adam and Eve. I have to clearly see and hear them or they are not there. They have not only their own voices but their own drives, upon which they act for good or evil. OK then. For a shocking plot twist I will cite the decision, quite late in the game, to write a second murder. The primary murder follows country-house tradition: a wealthy, rather disagreeable older family member has cruelly treated many, and created motive all around. A second murder, I felt, would really turn the screw and open up new dimensions, yet be almost traumatically painful. I went on and wrote it, and feel right about it. So that was a battlefield decision, more than halfway through, and so were some character creations made spontaneously: Fauncebroke (“Fancy Boy”) Mountjoy IV, Hannes the winemaker, Mrs. DeChambeau. They made their impact, and I like to think the two judges, one male one female, registered as distinct personalities with distinct bench styles.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Website
Mother knows best, eh what? At least while mainly sober. Thus when the “mythical” Ffoulkes Fortune actually comes through – and to the only pair who didn’t scheme for it – the ghost of Daphne Ffoulkes Chesterfield instructs her son to “put a bit of it back into the land.” This advice he dutifully follows by purchasing the Finger Lakes wine estate of Carrie’s father, a “reformed” Brooklyn gangster. Ensuing are roomsful of lust, triumph and scandal in the vineyards, humour bone-dry as a fine Cab Sauv, classic country-house murder, and masterly courtroom chessplay from the anciently wise French avocat Alaistre (“Swifty”) Treves-Alsace.
LITERARY TITAN 