Blog Archives
Satire of the Human Condition
Pairs: This Dating Site Will Be the Death of You follows a detective in Tampa Fl who is investigating the bizarre death of a woman who invited seven peculiar men from a friendship-dating app called Pairs to the local aquarium, only to end up murdered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Interestingly, my inspiration came from the nights my friend, who had put herself – and me – on Match so we could both find partners, texted me countless weird profile pictures of people on the site. She was infuriated, but I found it really funny. I was at a riverside Tiki bar one day trying to write an outline for my second novel when I decided to write something funny about all the pictures she sent me. That turned into Pairs (none based on actual people, but not so far off the mark either).
Each character in this story is unique and leaves readers with more questions than answers. What was your inspiration for the characters’ interactions and backstories?
Pairs is set up so that I can inspire reader involvement. The characters are purposefully vague in order to stimulate reader imagination. At the end of the book, people are encouraged to write their own ending (I have done 3), and send it to me. I may put theirs on my website (pending approval signature etc from the contributor). Pairs is also set up formulaically. Its theme is online dating. All future books have a different theme. Detective Ned is the recurring character, and he develops a backstory throughout the series, and has his own diary on CracktheCaseBooks.com.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I hate to say this, but I just write and edit. The ideas are almost too easy since it’s farce, folly, satire of the human condition… But I would also say they are about the same thing.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
- Mishaps is out already on Amazon. It is book #2.
- Books 3 (Wrecks) and 4 (Critters) should be out by the end of 2025, and 2 more are in the works for 2026.
- A longer, more serious mystery novel should also be out by the end of 2025. All info will be announced on social media and CracktheCaseBooks.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A woman searching for love. A string of online suitors. A deadly end. When a young woman’s body is discovered, Detective Ned is drawn into the murky world of online dating. The suspects? Every man in her dating history on the app Pairs. Each profile photo hides a secret: the suave charmer with a shady past, the awkward loner with an unhealthy obsession, or the too-perfect match with everything to lose..
In this sharp and satirical mystery, you hold the power to uncover the truth. Will the killer be caught in the web of lies? Choose from three gripping endings and then perhaps create your own. Submit your take to tremorinthehills@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on crackthecasebooks.com. Love might be a game, but in Pairs, the stakes are deadly.
Murder Italian Style
If you’ve ever wished your cozy mysteries came with a side of handmade shoes and a sprinkle of Italian charm, Murder Italian Style, by Diane Vallere, might be your next binge. In this 16th installment of the Killer Fashion Mystery series, amateur sleuth Samantha Kidd trades her Pennsylvania digs for a dreamy villa in Monza, Italy, a trip that was supposed to be a holiday break but, of course, turns into a classic whodunnit. Between artisanal pizza, buried family drama, and a decades-old murder conviction that doesn’t quite sit right, Samantha finds herself pulled into a mystery that’s as tangled as a pile of vintage silk scarves.
Right out of the gate, what I loved most was Samantha’s voice: sharp, warm, and packed with dry humor. Her banter with her husband Nick in the opening chapter had me actually laughing out loud. “What’s potato in Italian?” “Po-tah-to.” Vallere writes like she’s sitting across from you at brunch with bottomless mimosas, light on her feet but with a real eye for detail. There’s a moment when Samantha describes the villa with such affection and awe that I could feel the chevron wood floors under my toes. That scene also sets the tone for the book’s secret weapon: atmosphere. Italy isn’t just a setting, it’s part of the mood board for the whole story.
The premise is compelling: a former lover imprisoned for murder, a cache of unsent letters, and a parole hearing fast approaching. The stakes extend far beyond legal implications; they’re deeply emotional. A particularly memorable moment unfolds during a dinner beneath the stars when Monica and Isabella appeal to Samantha for help in proving Pasquale’s innocence. The vulnerability in this exchange is palpable and deeply affecting. What stands out even more, though, is Samantha’s response. She doesn’t overreact or grandstand; she listens, reflects, and ultimately agrees to help. Not out of obligation or heroism, but because she genuinely cares. It’s this quiet mix of empathy and discernment that keeps the story anchored, even as the mystery grows more complex.
While the pacing in the middle section slows somewhat, this deliberate tempo allows for a richer immersion in the setting and character dynamics. Scenes featuring Samantha’s keen eye for footwear, reminiscent of a detective inspecting clues, are particularly engaging. Vallere’s expertise in fashion shines through, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. A standout example is the visit to the shoe store near the prison, a moment that subtly intertwines setting, character insight, and thematic resonance. It’s a thoughtful approach that enhances the story’s texture without overwhelming it.
Murder Italian Style was a breezy, stylish, and unexpectedly emotional ride. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a quirky heroine, a pinch of fashion, and a setting you’ll want to move into immediately, you’ll be in good hands. Fans of Nancy Drew for grown-ups, Hallmark mysteries, or anyone who gets misty over old love stories should absolutely pick this up. Just be warned: you’ll crave pizza, espresso, and maybe a pair of Italian loafers by the last page.
Pages: 234 | ASIN : B0DTJGZX4G
Bad Boys, Bad Boys: What Does A Lawyer Do?!
Wegman’s Bad Boys Bad Boys is part courtroom confessional, part social satire, and part philosophical musing—seasoned heavily with gallows humor and a splash of heartfelt introspection. The book is split into two sections: the first filled with hilarious, bizarre, and occasionally touching anecdotes from his long career as a criminal defense attorney; the second a freewheeling mix of commentary on language, politics, and modern culture. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to defend the indefensible—or you just want a brutally honest glimpse into the absurdity of both the justice system and humanity itself—this book delivers.
What hit me right away was Wegman’s comedic timing. The man knows how to tell a story. In Happy Birthday To Me (Chapter 2), he recounts with surgical precision how a single moment of inattentiveness during voir dire turned into a masterclass in foot-in-mouth lawyering. When he chirped, “Oh, September 2nd—what a great day. That’s my birthday,” right after a grieving widow said her husband died that day, I cringed so hard I nearly dropped my Kindle. That scene is a perfect example of what Wegman does best: turn his own blunders, and his clients’ downright legendary stupidity—into vivid, laugh-out-loud tales that reveal deeper truths about how fragile the line is between ordinary life and legal chaos.
But it’s not all jokes. Some stories really get under your skin. In It Wasn’t Me (Chapter 3), Wegman walks through a court-martial rape case where the accused was found guilty but sentenced to only 90 days. That paradox—the brutal charge against the surprisingly lenient sentence—throws a wrench into everything we assume about guilt, truth, and justice. Wegman doesn’t moralize; he lays out the tension and lets you sit with it. His reflection on how credibility, not truth, is often what wins in court made me pause and stare at the wall for a bit. I’ve felt that same frustration in my own work. Court isn’t about justice; it’s about persuasion. His honesty about that, and about how easy it is to get swept up in your own client’s story (Davey and Gravy Train, Chapter 5), made me feel like I was having a late-night drink with a colleague who’s been in the trenches.
If you’re looking for legal theory or a polished ABA how-to, this ain’t that. But if you’ve got any experience in the justice system, especially defense work, you’ll find yourself nodding, laughing, maybe wincing a bit. This book is perfect for law students who need a reality check, burned-out attorneys who need a laugh, or just anyone with a dark sense of humor and an interest in courtroom drama. Wegman’s style is unfiltered but never mean-spirited. He’s that rare kind of lawyer who can take the darkest parts of the job and still find a human (and often hilarious) angle.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B0DZ7Y3RCX
I Went With It
James The Accountant follows a commercial real estate broker in New York who is a victim of mistaken identity, and he finds himself dragged into a world of crime, mobsters, intimidation, and a whole lot of trouble. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Jimmy and Tiffany are based on friends of mine. I liked the idea of someone who is seemingly so in control of the direction of his life being thrown into a situation where he finds himself completely out of his element. And then finding out how he would respond to it.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Thank you. Wayne is my favorite character. His character developed naturally with the story arc. As a former Marine myself, I was particularly intrigued by his relationship with Chuck. The idea of those two worlds colliding (Marines and Mafia) was compelling and fun to write. Also, I loved his interactions with Jimmy – I thought they played off each other well.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I did not plan any of it, just let the story unfold as it went along. I was surprised and pleased with the twists and turns as well. This actually began as a simple writing assignment, I was aiming for 20 or so pages, but then the story just kept getting more interesting to me – so I went with it.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I am working on a sequel to James The Accountant that will focus on what happens to Wayne after he leaves that night. Still in early stages of writing, but I hope to have something this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
An unfortunate case of mistaken identity soon lands them in the back of an SUV with an odd assortment of Italian and Lithuanian gangsters claiming their boss needs a word with James the accountant. Jimmy is an accountant by trade, yes, but what could they possibly want with him?
Not all is as it appears to be as Jimmy and Tiffany fight for their survival in a world where death is a way of life. Someone is keeping secrets, and Jimmy needs to figure out the who, what, and why if he is going to save the woman he loves.
A Storyteller at Heart
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders follows a police force in Nova Scotia who would rather do anything other than solve the mystery surrounding a serial killer terrorizing the town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I lived in Nova Scotia for seven years and was a police officer/investigator. The small town I lived in had many quirky and inspirational characters that I could use in the story. Moreover, a few of my police officer colleagues were so terrible at their jobs that they became rousing characters in the book. I like to use absurdist humour, and the serial killer Saul, a cat-loving psychopath, became a perfect antagonist for me.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
I knew a guy who had (what seemed like) a million cats in his home, whom he called “cat.” My daughters encouraged me to write about a cat-loving killer, as they were convinced that the guy was a tad “odd.” He was a nice guy in real life; however, writing a character into the story was easy based on his idiosyncrasies.
I found this novel to be a cutting piece of satire. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your novel?
I am a storyteller at heart. Give me a topic, and I’ll make up a silly or slapstick story in the blink of an eye. I have held a few very serious jobs in my life, like policing and child protection—dark humour has helped me to maintain my sanity. Joseph Heller inspired me (Catch-22 and Something Happened!). I loved how he drew me into his narratives and colourful characters, making me laugh out loud. Few authors have been able to do this. Carl Hiaasen is one, and David Sedaris is another. The Monty Python team and their work NEVER get old for me, and laughter has been a considerable medicine in my life. In fact, satirical books saved my life in my teens. I wrote about this in my memoir, The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence (by Gary Trew). Literary Titan also reviewed the memoir. I hope readers enjoy the story’s absurdity, knowing that the location, scenarios, and some of the characters were a very real part of my life experience.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I wear two hats (or sombreros). I write humorous crime fiction and nonfiction (memoirs and other challenging topics like generational trauma). I want to write a sequel to The Man with the Pink Sombrero AND An Eye for an Eye. Two very different books—both absurdist fiction, yet with a commonality of humour. In An Eye for an Eye (the mallet murders), I have a sequel as the end of the story leaves the reader with many questions about the antagonist. Saul and his paramour escape the prison, obviously) and relocate. This time, his “partner” finds herself in a situation where she and the antagonist find joy and justification in their new “venture,” leading to more killings. The sequel may be called “Hello, Mr Pillow.” Enough said.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Chaos unfolds in Yeovilton County as a doctor is found dead, one eye chillingly missing. While the authorities turn a blind eye to the mayhem, former detective Daryl Smith is determined to uncover the truth behind the gruesome killings. He joins forces with Yvonne Sparks, a brilliant profiler sidelined by her colleagues, and the pair begin the strangest homicide investigation of their lives. As events unfold, a twisted cat-loving serial killer emerges, brandishing a mallet and leaving a trail of chilling clues: a missing eyeball, dismembered fingers, half-eaten cans of tuna, messages written in blood and vanishing purebred felines.
In this thrilling story, a quirky cast of characters takes center stage: a one-eyed Chartreux cat, a scandalous mayor, a book club-obsessed police chief, a seductive cult leader, and a detective who prioritizes bias over his badge. At the core of it all is a cold-hearted killer who puts the well-being of his cats above everything else.
An Eye for an Eye is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a wild and darkly comedic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The outrageous characters will shock you and have you laughing out loud.
James The Accountant
Tyson Freeburg’s James The Accountant is a wild ride through the world of high-stakes real estate, dirty money, and unintended consequences. The story follows Jimmy Undell, a commercial real estate broker in New York, who thinks he’s just closed the biggest deal of his career. But when some shady figures mistake him for James the accountant, the man who actually dug into the financials of a company with something to hide Jimmy finds himself dragged into a world of mobsters, intimidation, and a whole lot of trouble. What starts as a normal evening out with his wife, Tiffany, quickly spirals into a life-or-death situation where he must use his wits to survive.
Freeburg’s writing is sharp, fast, and dripping with personality. Jimmy’s voice is so strong that you feel like you’re sitting next to him at the bar, sipping scotch while he tells you about his life. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, especially the exchanges between Jimmy and Tiffany. Their relationship is messy, passionate, and full of the kind of biting humor that only comes from knowing someone inside and out. One of my favorite moments is when Tiffany, completely unfazed by being kidnapped, tells one of the thugs to “F Off” without missing a beat. That’s the kind of writing that makes these characters feel real.
The book is also a masterclass in tension. The moment when Jimmy and Tiffany are confronted in the street and forced into the SUV is a perfect example. The fear creeps up slowly, Jimmy’s thoughts racing as he tries to figure out what’s happening, until suddenly, the reality of the situation crashes down on him. The pacing is relentless just when you think things might calm down, another twist slams into place. It’s a rollercoaster of backroom deals, violent enforcers, and the constant question of who Jimmy can trust.
James The Accountant is dark, cynical, and often wildly inappropriate, but that’s exactly what makes it work. Jimmy’s inner monologue is full of observations that are brutally honest and laugh-out-loud funny. He’s a guy who knows he’s in over his head but still can’t help making wisecracks along the way. Even in the most intense moments, Freeburg finds a way to inject humor without breaking the tension. A standout scene is when Jimmy realizes the mobsters think he’s someone else and immediately starts mentally strategizing how to talk his way out of it. It’s that mix of panic and quick-thinking that makes him such a compelling character.
This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with a strong voice and a dose of humor. If you like Elmore Leonard or Breaking Bad’s mix of danger and dark comedy, you’ll love James The Accountant. It’s a high-energy, no-holds-barred crime story with unforgettable characters and a plot that never stops moving. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers with a bit of bite and a lot of attitude. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading “just one more chapter” until it’s suddenly 3 AM. It’s that kind of book.
Pages: 173 | ASIN : B0D9KGNG5W
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders masterfully exposes the dysfunction, mediocrity, and deep-seated corruption within law enforcement. Set against the grim backdrop of Nova Scotia, a serial killer lurks while the police department, rife with apathy, treats the escalating murders as mere inconveniences. Chief Kennedy, preoccupied with his book club and personal escapades, displays a staggering lack of leadership, swiftly declaring homicides as suicides and shelving cases as cold. Yet, amidst this chaos, the narrative reassures readers that not all officers have succumbed to this moral decay; a few still hold onto their integrity.
One of the novel’s standout qualities is its suspense. While employing dramatic irony, the author skillfully builds tension by weaving a web of mystery around the characters’ connections. For instance, Chapter 19 introduces Bobby Bobbit, and Chapter 21 shifts focus to the Poskett family. These characters vanish from prominence for much of the story, reappearing only briefly. This subtle threading leaves the reader pondering their significance and questioning how they tie into Saul or the broader case. The author expertly sustains this intrigue until the final pages, making the resolution deeply satisfying.
The portrayal of the police department’s shortcomings is scathing and incisive. More effort is spent scrutinizing Daryl’s clerical error during his application than on investigating the string of murders gripping Nova Scotia. Chief Kennedy’s incompetence reaches absurd levels, as he prioritizes recruiting book enthusiasts over capable officers to bolster his book club. Investigations are laughably perfunctory; if no leads emerge within a mere 22 minutes, cases are abandoned and marked cold. This gross negligence breeds public mistrust, illustrating the chasm between law enforcement and the community they are supposed to protect.
The story evokes a visceral emotional response, ranging from anger and disgust to morbid curiosity. Chief Kennedy’s flippant remarks at Dr. Hussain’s crime scene—where he muses about re-election and lobster sales—cement him as a detestable figure. Scenes such as the brainstorming session about the killer, treated as a light-hearted joke, are equally infuriating. Despite this, the author elicits unexpected empathy for characters like Saul. A poignant example occurs when Saul, seeking justice, approaches the Skank family only to face harsh insults. Moments like these reveal the depth of the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Saul’s plight while simultaneously lamenting the environment he must navigate.
This novel is an excellent recommendation for fans of crime fiction, particularly those who enjoy titles like In a Place of Darkness by Stuart MacBride or The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham. Readers who appreciate dramatic irony and are captivated by protagonists unraveling mysteries will find much to love here. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—anger, pity, and disgust—but be assured the gripping storytelling will keep you hooked until the very end.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0DPZT3KMB
Lofty Ambitions
In Elliefant’s Graveyard, a rookie police officer’s journey home to honor her family leads her directly into a mystery when she begins to suspect a tragic accident is actually murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Heather Prendergast arrived out of the blue. After writing four legal thrillers drawing on my background at the sharp end of the music industry, I wanted a new challenge and scoped out a dark psychological thriller. It was going to be one of those shiver-down-the-spine hair-on-end Scandi-noir style novels that were so much in vogue. But then the project was hijacked in the very first paragraph by what was intended as the most minor of incidental characters – a young woman police officer roped in to assist a grizzled detective investigating a suspicious death. This young, pretty, posh, ambitious PC leapt off the page and wrestled the entire darn book out of my hands – she wouldn’t, wouldn’t, wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was her book, she said. Like it or not like it. And so Heather Prendergast – Prendergast of The Yard – was born and refused to be stuffed back into the inkwell. And so inanity followed insanity. When searching for a suitable description for Baby Caspar – don’t worry, you’ll meet him – the word ‘plumpenormous’ sprang to mind. Having let the genie out of the bottle, the text demanded wordplay. More . . . more . . . more. Mind you, it took a greying of the hair to revise to the point where the wordplay melded seamlessly into the narrative.
I must admit, I was gobsmackered with the response. Jaded hacks who normally rushed off to wash their hair when I timidly asked them to cast an eye over a draft emailed me the next day wanting more. The constant refrain was, “What does Heather do next?” So I decided to find out and wrote two sequels. Goodness greatness me, what an ambitious young lady. It’s just a shame that her deductive abilities don’t measure up to her lofty ambitions.
The Prendergast of The Yard casebooks are a fun read. Almost without exception, the response is that the reader has never read anything like it. More than a few have compared Heather’s adventures to a modern-day Alice in Wonderland. Maybe. Maybe not. Because the bottom line is, Heather is Heather. Unique.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Heather’s final standoff with a psychopathic murderer and her bungled attempt to free his hostage
What was the hardest part about writing a murder mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
It’s all in the plotting
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are two Prendergast of the Yard sequels ready to go
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 