Blog Archives
The Case Files of GG Michaels Paranormal Investigator
J.L. Meredith’s The Case Files of GG Michaels: Paranormal Investigator delivers a gripping mix of supernatural suspense, investigative drama, and sly humor. Each short story follows Guenevere “Guen” Michaels, a fearless paranormal investigator, and her steadfast partner, Janet Yamashita. Together, they tackle eerie mysteries, confronting everything from ghosts and vampires to legendary creatures, all while juggling their professional cases and personal challenges.
Meredith paints each scene with precision and atmosphere. Whether it’s an abandoned asylum cloaked in shadow or a creaking Victorian house steeped in ghostly whispers, the locations feel alive and dripping with supernatural tension. The chemistry between Guen and Janet shines brightly, with Guen’s daring and resourcefulness playing perfectly against Janet’s down-to-earth practicality and skeptical humor. Their moments of banter and camaraderie bring a lighthearted charm that balances the book’s darker, chilling tones. The pacing of each short story keeps the suspense tight, pulling readers into one eerie case after another. Every tale builds anticipation as Guen and Janet piece together clues and face malevolent entities. Meredith seamlessly weaves historical details into the paranormal fabric, such as the haunting ties of the Monahan house to the Underground Railroad, adding a sense of realism and depth. The fusion of folklore with modern investigative techniques creates a refreshing and inventive take on paranormal sleuthing.
Despite its many strengths, the collection’s brisk momentum sometimes works against it. The sheer variety of supernatural cases can feel somewhat overwhelming, with transitions between stories occasionally losing clarity. Some climactic moments resolve too quickly, leaving a hunger for deeper exploration of these terrifying encounters.
The Case Files of GG Michaels: Paranormal Investigator is an engrossing read for fans of paranormal mysteries. Meredith’s knack for atmospheric storytelling, sharp character dynamics, and the interplay of horror and humor make this book an exciting and memorable entry into the genre. It’s perfect for readers who love their chills with a dash of wit.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B0DLCG96ZF
My Inspiration
In Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera, a detective reincarnated as a Siamese cat must solve a series of murders leading up to a young woman’s quinceanera. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A couple of things…first I was asked to do a young adult mystery. When I thought about that, I thought about my cat, Ash, a Siamese who has a bit of an attitude. Second, I thought about what I liked to read when I was a kid…The Hardy Boy and Nancy Drew Mysteries. I wondered what would happen if Nancy Drew met Sabrina the Witch (Another thing I loved as a kid) and I also have an interest in History. They all seemed to come together and Gumshoe was born.
I find that authors sometimes ask themselves questions and let their characters answer them. Do you think this is true for your characters?
Not really. Ash is my inspiration for Gumshoe’s antics. The mysteries are something I just figure out in my head. Ash speaks enough for everyone.
Do you have a favorite scene from this installment of the Gumshoe Mysteries?
I admit the beginning where Gumshoe is threatened with being neutered and his response makes me laugh every time.
Can fans expect to see a third book featuring Mia and Gumshoe? What are you currently working on?
Yes. I have a couple of different series that I write as well as write for a couple of anthologies, so the next Gumshoe won’t be out until 2025. I’ve had a couple of ideas and I know where Mia and Gumshoe will be headed next, just haven’t figured out yet who I am going to kill….just yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
Mia Thomas’ close friend Tiffany Santos is celebrating her fifteenth birthday with a traditional Spanish/Mexican quinceanera, but murder also plans on attending. As Gumshoe tries to solve the first murder, the bodies keep piling up. Mia and Gumshoe are dragged into a dark world of treachery and corruption. Can the two sleuths find the culprit or will Tiffany’s special day be ruined?
Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceanera
Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceañera spins an intriguing yarn around an unexpected protagonist, a reincarnated detective turned Siamese cat, Gumshoe, who assists his teenage witch companion, Mia. The story begins with a mysterious murder at a quinceañera, and Gumshoe, in his feline form, leverages his past life’s detective instincts to untangle the case. Set in a small town rife with secrets and imbued with the mystical, author Laura Hawks weaves a narrative that is as much a coming-of-age tale for Mia as it is a murder mystery.
Hawks’ writing style in Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceañera is not only engaging but also accessible, making it a perfect choice for a light and enjoyable read. The first-person perspective of Gumshoe adds a unique and humorous touch to the mystery.
The character of Gumshoe is a delightful surprise. Hawks skillfully brings to life a character type that I have never seen in mystery novels: a detective trapped in a cat’s body. This whimsical concept adds a layer of fun and unpredictability to the story.
Gumshoe Goes to a Quinceañera is an entertaining and lighthearted young adult mystery novel that stands out for its creative premise and the charm of its feline detective. I feel this book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist and younger audiences looking for a blend of magic and mystery.
Pages: 98 | ASIN : B0CHQ3ZZTG
A Sacred and Holy Right
Queering My Religion: Biblical Stories Of Queer Love In The 90’s transforms traditional religious stories into modern tales about identity, love, belonging, and the queer experience. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?
Back in the 1960s, a bible scholar named Clarence Jordan was able to confront racism and segregation in the American South by retelling the story of Jesus as if it took place in the American South in the 1960s.
While I’m not a biblical scholar of the same magnitude, I thought these stories might be a way to do something similar. The Queer potential in these stories is discussed in even the most conservative seminaries, but I wanted to move these readings out of graduate-level classrooms into the hands of people.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That Queer people have always been part of human reality and as much a part of God’s interaction with people as straight people have.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
That Queer identity is as much a part of being created in God’s image as anything else. Queerness is a sacred and holy right alongside other points of human existence.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I didn’t begin these stories with the intention of publishing them per se. I began them because I found that writing helped me deal with grief and stress. I’m still writing regularly. But right now I’m writing comedy for performance. I don’t know if I have another book in me or not. However, I did recently read a scholarly paper theorizing that a well-known character from the book of Judges may have been neurodivergent. So, perhaps Roseville, IN will receive a new resident.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Join us as we reimagine familiar tales such as “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors,” “David and Jonathan,” “The Centurion and his servant,” and “Philip and The Ethiopian Eunuch.” Each story tantalizingly hints at connections to the queer community, inviting readers to embrace ambiguity and explore the untold possibilities of these timeless accounts.
At the heart of this journey lies a powerful thesis challenging heteronormative interpretations, urging readers to question convention and celebrate the diverse spectrum of human experiences. Through the lens of Roseville, Indiana, themes of identity, love, and belonging come alive, offering readers a poignant reflection on the struggles and triumphs of the 1990s.
As you delve into these pages, be prepared to question preconceptions and rediscover the past through a fresh, inclusive lens. This anthology is not just a celebration of human existence but a bold call to reevaluate the narratives that have shaped our understanding of history. Join us on this literary voyage of rediscovery—one story at a time.
Queering My Religion
Queering My Religion by Rev. P. Crim presents a thought-provoking collection of short stories that reimagine biblical narratives through a queer perspective. This collection stands out for its modern twist on familiar tales such as “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors,” “David and Jonathan,” and “The Centurion and his Servant,” among others. Set against the vibrant era of the 1990s, these stories delve into the intricacies of identity, love, and belonging, offering a unique window into the queer experience within the context of well-known biblical stories.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to breathe new life into these traditional narratives. Each story is carefully crafted to establish a connection with the queer community, challenging readers to embrace ambiguity and celebrate the diversity of human experiences. By urging readers to question their preconceptions, the book facilitates a rediscovery of history through an inclusive and fresh perspective. Drawing inspiration from works like Clarence Jordan’s Cotton Patch Gospels and P.K. McCarey’s Black Bible Chronicles, Queering My Religion adds to the rich tradition of reinterpreting religious texts.
The collection’s standout feature is its bold reinterpretation of biblical stories, providing insight into the lives of characters as they grapple with their identities and relationships. From the journey of self-discovery in “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors” to the exploration of deep connections in “David and Jonathan,” each narrative resonates with contemporary audiences, bringing a new layer of understanding to these age-old tales. At its core, the collection challenges traditional heteronormative interpretations, highlighting the diverse spectrum of human experiences. Themes of love, acceptance, and resilience are woven throughout, reflecting not just the struggles and triumphs of the 90s but also presenting a timeless message of inclusivity.
Queering My Religion distinguishes itself by sparking discussions about inclusivity, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling. Appealing to fans of biblical narratives, queer literature, or immersive storytelling, this collection invites readers into a world of exploration and reflection, leaving a profound and lasting impact.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0CV9K3D61
LITERARY TITAN 