Friday 56 #42 & BB #18 ~ Tiger Paw by Charles A Cornell

Posted on March 6, 2015 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice.The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and find any sentence or a few ( no spoilers) that grabs you and post it..

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence or so of the book you are reading along with you initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

Please include the title of the book and the author’s name.

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TIGER PAW by Charles A Cornell

I read this book some time ago, but it is so awesome, I wanted to share it with you!

You can read my review here.

Check out this awesome cover!

Isn’t it gorgeous and very creatively done?

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY 56

“So they were victims from the start?”

“Carleton created IPO’s for them, turned a spectacular profit and everyone in the game won. Greed greased the wheels and the machine accelerated. It became a feeding frenzy.

“Just when we got in way over our heads, he dumped his stock – big time – and began short selling behind our backs.”

“You mean ugly enough to kill?”

(56% on Kindle)

BOOK BEGINNINGS

New York City was paralyzed four blocks either side of Broadway, all the way from Central Park to Wall Street. What had started as a relatively small Occupy Wall Street demonstration had now grown to over one million people – one million very determined people.

People without a clear mission.

Except to be angry.

Very angry.

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SYNOPSIS

As a serial killer wreaks havoc on Wall Street, dismantling a corrupt financier’s empire one body at a time, FBI profiler Scott Forrester uncovers the deadly secret of a demon-worshipping Hindu cult that is determined to change the very fabric of society. Firmly in their assassin’s crosshairs, Scott Forrester is forced underground to stop the killing spree. But will he survive the deal he must make with the Devil to thwart their satanic plan?

Royal Palm Literary Award Winner for Best Thriller of 2012 –from the Florida Writers Association
Best Indie Thriller Nominee – Kindle Book Reviews

“A great variation to the thriller genre…the author blended a detective storyline with a thread of the esoteric which makes it stand out from other thrillers. The ending leaves you guessing… a well thought out story, with lots of action. Recommended for all lovers of thrillers and action books.” – Midwest Book Review

“5 Stars! – This book had my juices flowing-my heart pounding, blood boiling, anger, rage, PISSED OFF. It had me thinking of all kinds of things. So applicable to what is going on today. Believable. For a debut novel, I was really impressed.” – Sherry Fundin, Fundinmental Book Reviews

“This book goes far beyond a 5 STAR rating! Charles A. Cornell is a magnificent storyteller and his debut novel is brilliant. Tiger Paw was a very tumultuous read for me. It touches on everything that’s wrong in government and Wall Street. I can imagine the challenge he faces when writing the next novels. It will be hard to top this.” – Laura Thomas, FU Only Knew Book Reviews

What do you think of the cover?

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Review & Giveaway ~ Turnabout & Shallow Secrets by Rick Ollerman

Posted on March 5, 2015 by fundinmental

Turnabout & Shallow Secrets

by Rick Ollerman

Genre: Crime

Published by: Stark House Press

Publication Date: September 26, 2014

Number of Pages: 389 – the “book” contains 2 novels

ISBN: 978-1933586472

More: This is a set of two books featuring Crime.
These include strong language.

Purchase Links:

MY REVIEW

I love the simple cover, the colors and palm trees spoke to me. Murder and crime are my game, so I was excited to read this twofer. I thought it was two separate mysteries, but it is really one long book. I am going to review it that way.

This noir detective story started out with a splat. Rick’s description of what it’s like to fall (or to be pushed) out of an airplane, with no parachute, counting down the seconds until you hit, knowing you are going to die, had me white knuckled as I read. With a start like that, I am eager to read on. So I did.

Frankie O’Neil sets out to determine what really happened to his best friend. He never believed he committed suicide and he would not let the deed go unpunished. If something happened to me, I would love to have a friend like him.

O’Neil had retired from the police force because it was so hard on his wife. He loved her and did not want to lose her. He knew getting involved in this investigation would take its toll on their marriage, but it was something he had to do. He has a plan, but there are two police officers who are determined to be kept in the loop, dogging him at every turn.

This is in the early days of computers and his friend, Tim Clayton had a consulting business. He had taught O’Neil the ropes and he had started his own consulting business.

Reed is a naive and innocent kid he recruits to help him with the investigation. I love the kid. Poor Katy is caught in the middle.

Five years later, B J Donnelly is busted with a thirteen year old girl in his trunk and he drops O’Neil’s name. They try to keep O’Neil out of the investigation. He had been running the Sun Coast Murders Task Force, but Detective Sergeant James Robinson will be running it now and every time O’Neil turns around, James is there.

O’Neil has become a suspect and once accused, it doesn’t matter much if you are guilty or not. The stigma will follow you everywhere you go. Your life will be ruined.

Now it’s eight years later and there is another body. How could that be if Donnelly was the guilty party? Guess there is only one thing for him to do, and that’s to solve it himself. I knew that, but I am happy to ride along with him as we dodge the dirt and corruption. When you don’t know who to trust, trust no one.

There is more going on than meets the eye. I had my suspicions. I am so glad I did not quit reading after finishing Turnabout and went right on to read Shallow Secrets. Yes, there are secrets. Suspense, oh yeah. Fear, oh yeah. Twists and turns that kept letting me relax for a moment, thinking the story is over, then knocking me for a loop, again and again.

I would highly recommend the debut twofer, Turnabout and Shallow Secrets, by Rick Ollerman.

I received a signed first edition paperback in return for an honest review.

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Remember those old Ace paperbacks, with two actioners in one volume? Stark House is reviving them, with the current offering holding all the slam-bang anyone might want.

In Turnabout, ex-cop Frankie O’Neil is skeptical when a friend’s death is ruled a suicide. He uncovers a crime unknown to the Ace masters: computer theft. These crooks have friends with guns, and halfway along the novel becomes a series of cliffhangers that hit another memory: movie serials. Will Frankie escape in time? Find out in the next chapter. You won’t stop until you know.

Shallow Secrets moves slower, with a subtext: the power of chance to provoke horrors, then avenge them. Cop James Robinson doesn’t just know the accused killer. They’re roommates. The coincidence ruins his career. Then there are fresh killings, and Robinson is “a person of interest.” Near the end, Robinson almost tells a woman that “there wasn’t anything they could do to make the world safe” from murders. But coincidence can bring them down, as when someone sees something he’s not supposed to.

– from Don Crinklaw

EXCERPT

When they touched down in Miami, Gene could have passed out in relief. In a superhuman test of will, he forced himself through the cattle call of customs without drawing attention to himself. From there he almost ran to the nearest rest room and claimed the first open toilet as his own. He had pains in his gut now, his lower abdomen, and he swallowed two Ex-Lax tablets as he lowered himself onto the toilet.

It was a very unpleasant feeling when the first one came out, goose bumps breaking out across his thighs and arms, but Gene almost cried he was so thankful. He counted carefully, not wanting to get up until every last one of those damned things was pushed through his body, never relaxing, always afraid that any one of them might rupture, get caught on something on the way out, just before it cleared his asshole. Never again, he thought. His days as a mule were over.

Finally, the last condom exited his spent body and Gene slumped forward, exhausted. He had to spend some more time waiting for the effects of the laxatives to subside, but he didn’t mind. It was over and he had made it. He was tired and stinking of dried sweat and public bathroom, but he had brought the drugs in. All he had to do now was pick those little white torpedoes out of the toilet and boogie on back to Everglades City. To Midge and his knife and that damned spooky necklace.

Gene finally stood up and looked over his shoulder. It was hard to imagine how much money that ugly mess was worth. He took a half step forward and bent over to pull up his pants then stumbled and fell into the door of the tiny cubicle. The whoosh of water from the flushing toilet sent a bolt of electrified panic down his spine.

On his knees he turned and dove towards the toilet bowl in time to see the last wad of crumpled tissue get sucked into the hole at the bottom. In a futile gesture he grabbed for it, grabbed for anything, jamming his hand up to the wrist into the small opening.

Oh my fucking lord, Gene thought as he looked up at the piping coming out of the wall. What the fuck happened? There was no way to flush the damned thing, no goddamned lever to pull. Christ! he swore again. He hadn’t done anything!

He pulled his hand out of the toilet and wiped it in his shirt as he got to his feet. Staring in disbelief, he finished fastening his pants as he took a step back toward the door. Again the toilet flushed itself.

The damned thing was like the automatic doors to the terminal! It flushed itself when he moved away from it! How the hell was he supposed to know, God damn it? Nobody ever told him anything about fucking automatic toilets.

Author Bio:

Rick Ollerman made his first dollar from writing when a crossword magazine printed a question he’d sent. Later he went on to hold world records for various large skydives, appear in photo spreads in LIFE magazine and The National Enquirer, can be seen on an inspirational poster during the opening credits of a popular TV show, and has been interviewed on CNN. He also had a full-screen shot as an extra in the film Purple Rain. His writing has appeared in technical and sporting magazines and he has edited and proofread many books, and written introductions for a dozen more. Notably in 2014 he sold a short story and an essay to Noir Riot and his first two books, Turnabout and Shallow Secrets, were published by Stark House Press in September.

Catch Up:

Grab you copy at Amazon.

Tour Participants:

1. 3/02 Guest Post & Showcase @ Our Wolves Den
2. 3/05 Review @ fundinmental
3. 3/09 Review @ 3 Partners in Shopping
4. 3/10 Review @ Tea and A Book
5. 3/16 Guest Post @ Writers and Authors
6. 3/16 Review @ Deal Sharing Aunt
7. 3/19 Review @ Vics Media Room
8. 3/22 Review @ Quirky Book Reviews
9. 3/25 Showcase @ Mommabears Book Blog?
10. 3/29 Radio Interview @ Suspense Magazine
11. 3/31 Showcase @ Ryder Islingtons Blog

GIVEAWAY

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Rick Ollerman. There will be three winners of 3 sets of – 1) Signed book plus a 2) signed, limited chapbook of two essays on paperback original writers that served as introductions to other books. The giveaway begins on Feb 28th, 2015 and runs through April 3rd, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Endless by Amanda Gray and Boneseeker Brynn Chapman with Giveaway #T4T

Posted on March 5, 2015 by fundinmental

M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz: Endless by Amanda Gray and Boneseeker Brynn Chapman with Giveaway #T4T

Hello and welcome to the first Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Endless by Amanda Gray and Boneseeker Brynn Chapman

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

IN A RACE AGAINST TIME, HOW DO YOU KEEP THOSE YOU LOVE SAFE?

Jenny Kramer knows she isn’t normal. After all, not everybody can see the past lives of people around them. When she befriends Ben Daulton, resident new boy, the pair stumbles on an old music box with instructions for “mesmerization” and discover they may have more in common than they thought.

Like a past life.

Using the instructions in the music box, Ben and Jenny share a dream that transports them to Romanov Russia and leads them to believe they have been there together before. But they weren’t alone. Nikolai, the mysterious young man Jenny has been seeing in her own dreams was there, too. When Nikolai appears next door, Jenny is forced to acknowledge that he has traveled through time and space to find her. Doing so means he has defied the laws of time, and the Order, an ominous organization tasked with keeping people in the correct time, is determined to send him back. While Ben, Jenny and Nikolai race against the clock — and the Order — the trio discovers a link that joins them in life — and beyond death.

Available for Purchase:

What Readers are Saying:

“I thought this book was pretty amazing – the characters, the setting and the adventure all came together to create this romantic yet ultimately dangerous story with a perfect time travel twist!” – Hannah – Lemonade Library

“I started reading this not knowing completely what the story was about but there’s an amazing love story as well as a bit of history thrown into the mix along with some time travel and a soul mate and reincarnation!” – Anna – Bound in Ink Books

“This book is a very interesting twist on time travel, history and romance, something I would love to see adapted on the big screen in the future.” – Lyn – Reading Tsinoy

Amanda Gray believes in magic and fantasy and possibilities. She is a team of two bestselling authors who live only miles apart but have never met in person. They talk on the phone and are the best of friends and between them have written more than a dozen novels and novellas and have had their work appear on television.

Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn’t fit the role of a proper 1900′s lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella’s dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.

Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment–to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.

But this is no time for child’s play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal … or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?

Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.

Available for Purchase:

What Readers are Saying:

“It was such a fab idea to take Holmes and Watson to the next generation and to have them on a kind of steampunk/ science adventure…” – Nicky Peacock – Author

“This was a fantastic historical romance, with a huge mystery to solve (and in true Holmes/Watson style!)… with some amazing twists and turns along the way. – Desiree – Reviewer

“The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!” – Christy – Christy’s Cozy Corners

Brynn Chapman

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway ~~~~~~~~~~~~

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Review ~ In The Woods by Nancy Gideon

Posted on March 4, 2015 by fundinmental

In the Woods (Based upon the original screenplay by Lynn Drzick)
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Suspense
Published by: Katharsys Pictures Publishing
Release Date: January 17, 2015
Length: 201 Pages

.MY REVIEW

With that delicious cover and knowing there is a screenplay and motion picture, how could I say no to this awesome sounding horror novel. I love the woods and trees! Add some spookiness, death and danger, a magical Hellhound and a serial killer, and I cannot resist.

I, too, am from the north and feel a need to support a fellow Michigander.

In the era of knights and kings, the battles were brutal and savage. The dark magic will follow firefighter, Alex Kerwood into the future.

Laurie was a cautious driver, so when she heard the thump, she had to get out and check. Oh yeah, deserted, lonely road at night, she knows she shouldn’t do it, but does it anyway. I love it. I was yelling at her, telling her to keep on driving. Something bad will happen to her if she gets out of the car. Damn, she does it anyway. 😈

She isn’t the only missing person in town and I doubt she will be the last.

People think Alex is a good guy, but he carries a lot of guilt. He thought he should have been there to save his friend and fellow firefighter, Terry. He drowned his sorrow in alcohol. He and his wife, Helen, love each other, but will the alcohol destroy their marriage? I do love a tortured and fallible hero, trying to do the right thing. Makes him easier to relate to when I know he’s not perfect. I want him to succeed and live happily ever after.

Of course, we have to have the Police Chief, Connor Pellman, wanting to be governor and needing to catch the killer to promote himself. Will that cause him to take the first suspect that comes along? The problems he can cause had me wanting to reach into the pages and smack him.

As Alex and his friend debate what to do about the incident in the forest, the decision is made for them. The past meets the future and IT sets ITS eye on Helen. They WILL know HIS name. Sometimes, you just need to make a decision and do it. Right or wrong, at least it was YOUR decision.

The suspense had me looking ahead, waiting for the worlds to collide with the supernatural Hellhound and the serial killer. Could you ask for two worse entities? I didn’t know which would do the most damage, but I was eager to find out. The story was predictable, but I loved it. There is enough going on that the pacing kept my attention and I was anticipating what would come next. Reads like a B movie and I love them, too. Just like In The Woods, the novel, B movies are not the best ever written, but I love them all the same.

I received the book in return for an honest review.

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Hundreds of years ago their battle began . . .

In an age of knights and sorcery, a good king must raise a monster to protect his people from the demon unleashed by a dark-hearted enemy determined to claim his kingdom. But once called forth upon blood-drenched fields, can such evil ever be truly laid to rest?

To a present day community held hostage by fear, a serial killer will soon be the least of its worries after two off-duty firefighters enter a forest and find a grave. What they dig up isn’t a victim or family pet. When they race from the woods, they bring a timeless hell with them . . .

ABOUT NANCY GIDEON

Based upon the original horror screenplay IN THE WOODS by Lynn Drzick, now an independent motion picture.With over 58 sales since her first publication in 1987, which was written in long hand then typed up on a manual Smith Corolla, Portage, Michigan author Nancy Gideon’s writing encompasses romance genres from historicals and regencies to contemporary suspense and the paranormal.

Under her own name, she’s a bestseller in contemporary romantic suspense, has written an award-winning vampire romance series, and has a six book shape-shifter series with Pocket Books. Also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDB), she collaborated on Indie horror films In the Woods and Savage with screenwriting and ADR script credits, and even played a small role, that of “bar extra.”

Writing historical romance as Dana Ransom, she’s a “Career Achievement for Historical Adventure” and “K.I.S.S.” award winner with books published in Romanian, Italian, Russian, Danish, Dutch, Portuguese, French, German, Icelandic and Chinese.

As Rosalyn West, she’s a HOLT Medallion winner with nominations for “Best North American Historical Romance” and “Best Historical Book in a Series.”

A prolific writer, Nancy attributes her creative output, which once peaked at seven novels in one year, to her love of history and a gift for storytelling. She also credits the discipline learned through a background in journalism and OCD. The due date for her third book and her second son were on the same day . . . and both were early! When on deadline, she turns on the laptop between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to get a chapter in before heading in to her full time job as a legal assistant. She’s a member of GDRWA, MMRWA, FF&P and dotes on her critique group.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Teaser Tuesday #39 ~ Spring is in the Air, but watch out for Evangeline

Posted on March 3, 2015 by fundinmental

Spring Robins (c) Sherry Fundin

Robins Waiting in Line (c) Sherry Fundin

There must have been more than a hundred robins as they danced through the air, bathed in the birdbath and had a snack. They have hung around for two days. Whether they will be here on Tuesday, I prepared this post on Monday, I don’t know, but I will be looking.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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EVANGELINE by E A Gottschalk.

This creepy cover makes it a perfect read for all my challenges, Goodreads, A to Z and Horror.

This is a seriously messed up story and I am looking forward to reading it.

Add Me to Goodreads now.

MY TEASE

On “Amen” I sensed Ted’s eyes shift Angeline’s direction. Sister bounced a nervous glance off his ravenous look then quickly turned away. She knew it wasn’t the meal he hungered for, and the notion twisted her guts.

.
(4% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

Sixteen year-old Angeline Gottschalk, a shy farmer’s daughter from rural Nebraska, is the country’s most notorious serial killer… and doesn’t even know it. That’s because while she sleeps, her psychotic alter-ego, Evangeline, is on the loose and raising bloody hell in the American Heartland.

Unaware she shares space in her head with the infamous murderer; Angeline and her wicked “sister” seem destined never to meet, until Evangeline’s next target turns out to be the boy Angeline loves.

Narrated with a gleefully twisted sense of humor by Evangeline Gottschalk, Nebraska’s “Level 3 Killer”, this dark and disturbing memoir invites readers to buckle up and come along on a bad girl’s violent crusade against injustice, and into the savage depths of her fractured mind.

Second Edition, February 2014

Includes all five books in the series.

Contains strong language, sexual situations and violence.

Check out her bio pic. I love it, E!

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Review & Excerpt ~ Three Days To Forever by Lauren Carr

Posted on March 2, 2015 by fundinmental

fundinmental would like to welcome Lauren Carr and her new mystery novel, Three Days To Forever.

I have so much to share, I hope you will take the time to enjoy it all.

Pour a cup of coffee, put up your feet, wrap up in your snuggly and let’s check it out.

Title: Three Days to Forever
Author: Lauren Carr
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Pages: 466
Genre: Mystery
Format: Paperback/Kindle

MY REVIEW

I am familiar with Mac Faraday and his cohorts, so I was happy to be able to read to review this mystery novel. I felt Lauren Carr would not let me down and was right. I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading more of her work.

I am loving the cover, simple, yet I sense an aura of menace.

Mac Faraday and Archie Monday are getting married. It will be the event of the season for the Spencer Inn and Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.

Just days before the wedding, Mac receives an envelope, containing a warning. As if that is not enough of a problem, he is attacked by a professional hit squad and the tale is off and running. Someone wants him dead. Or do they? Is he the real target? It seems so obvious, I am suspicious. I read on, getting deeper into the story, more involved with the characters as the danger spreads.

Plots within plots. There is so much going on, twisting and, turning, keeping me wondering how this will come together in a completed story. Who’s doing what to whom? Is it revenge for a perceived wrong? A terrorist threat from Iraq?

There are too many characters to mention, but they all contribute to the story in their own special way. We have met some of them before and will hear about some of them again and again, as we travel through the mystery series with Lauren Carr.

An invisible unit: Under the cover of anonymity, a secret unit, that does what no one else can do, what cannot be allowed to reach the light of day. They are cloaked in secrecy and deniability.

The politics are dirty, but necessary. This book will expose its biggest weaknesses, at the highest levels. Three Days To Forever by Lauren Carr reads as if it could be true. The good. The bad. The current events. Revenge, murder, terrorism, romance, love, loyalty and a determination to do what is right, regardless of the consequences.

Three Days To Forever is not a light read. The mystery and suspense kept me captivated, as I traveled from Iraq to the United States and back again. Lauren kept me guessing and on my toes. I never anticipated all the events that would ensue.

I did not sit on the edge of my seat with bated breath, or have to stay up all night until I finished it, but I did read the book, which is 434 pages in this ARC paperback, within a twenty four hour period.

I look forward to reading more Mac Faraday mysteries by Lauren Carr, or anything else she chooses to write.

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

In this latest Mac Faraday Mystery from best-selling mystery author Lauren Carr, readers will embark on a rollercoaster adventure with old friends (including the Lovers in Crime team of Prosecutor Joshua Thornton and Homicide Detective Cameron Gates), but also meet new ones as Mac Faraday’s daughter Jessica Faraday and Joshua Thornton’s son Murphy Thornton join the team in the race to get the love birds to the altar!

With three days left to the year, Deep Creek Lake is hopping with holiday vacationers and wedding guests pouring into the Spencer Inn for Mac Faraday and Archie Monday’s huge wedding ceremony which is being touted as the social event of the year.

But droopy flowers and guests who failed to RSVP are the least of Mac’s and Archie’s problems when a professional hit squad hits Spencer Manor to send the groom, Joshua Thornton, Archie’s mother, and Gnarly running for their lives.

With time running out to the big day, Mac Faraday and Spencer’s small police force have to sort through the clues to figure out not only who has been targeted for assassination, but also who is determined to stop everything … FOREVER!

“Lauren Carr’s mystery novels are indeed one of my go-tos when I’m looking for a good whodunit.” –Reviewer: Shana Benedict, ABookVacation Book Reviews.

“Lauren Carr does a good job of moving the quirky storyline along nicely with an abundance of witty dialogue. And you have no idea who the good guys are and who the bad guys are until the end.” – Reviewer: Every Free Chance Book Reviews.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Three Days to Forever is available at Amazon.
Watch the book trailer at YouTube.
Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

EXCERPT

How many years have I lived here, and I still don’t know where Archie puts the scissors?

After closing the drawer in the nightstand on his side of the bed, Mac gave up and twisted around to grasp the designer tag hanging from under his armpit. Hoping to not tear a hole in the new blue sweater that his daughter, Jessica, had given him for Christmas, he gave it a sharp tug.

The tag gave way, but the plastic “do-hickey” that kept it attached to the sweater didn’t.

Rats!

From where he was sprawled out in the center of the bed, Gnarly cocked his head at him.

“I don’t suppose you could bite it off without putting a hole in this sweater, huh, Gnarly?”

Mac studied the label he had torn off. Dolce & Gabbana.

Never heard of them. But if Jessica bought it, it has to be expensive, and she’ll have a fit if I put a hole in it. Mac went into the master bathroom in search of nail clippers.

Gnarly’s bark, and then his jump between the bed and the door, prompted Mac to forget the do-hickey hanging under his armpit. After grabbing his gun from the drawer in the nightstand, he followed Gnarly down the stairs to the two-story foyer, out the cut-glass front door, and onto the front porch. Mac clutched his weapon behind his back. When Gnarly, sitting at his side, uttered a low growl, Mac tightened his grip and watched the sedan slowly make its way around the circular driveway before coming to a halt at the bottom of the porch steps.

When the elderly driver stepped out of the car, Mac placed her and the car.

Agnes Douglas. Archie’s mother.

No wonder Gnarly had growled. He never had liked her very much … and the feeling was mutual.

Shoving aside his fears about the safety of Archie, his family, and their friends, Mac forced a wide grin onto his face.

After shoving the gun into the back waistband of his pants and covering it up with his sweater, he hurried down the steps to take the white-haired woman into his arms. Like her only daughter, she was petite. She fell two inches short of five feet tall, and Mac had to bend over to hug her. In her heavy dark blue winter coat and thick snow boots, she resembled a blue snow man.

Shouldn’t she be with Archie and the bridesmaids getting their hair done at the salon? Oh well, Agnes goes and does what she wants when she wants. Best not to question.

“Agnes, I’m so glad to see you.” Mac clasped her arm, slipped his other arm around her waist, and guided her across the slick ice, up the steps, and inside.

At the top of the steps, Gnarly backed away. Agnes had made it quite clear to Gnarly that he was only allowed to look at, but not touch, her.

“I told her that I had one of my headaches.” At the top of the porch steps, she turned to Mac. She tilted her head back to peer up at him from over the top of her glasses. She paused to look him up and then down, and then she noticed that he was wearing only his bedroom slippers without any socks. “What are you doing outside in two feet of snow and ice without boots on?”

“I heard you coming and didn’t want you to slip on the ice.”

Agnes’ head bobbed up and down while she chastised him. “Do I look like I need your help? I haven’t broken a hip yet. Archie depends on you. What good are you going to do her dropping dead from pneumonia?”

Unable to come up with an answer, Mac shrugged.

Willing Gnarly out of her way, she opened the front door.

“I hope you have the tea ready.” Grabbing him by the elbow, she ushered him inside. Gnarly was barely able to slip inside before she slammed the door.

“Actually,” Mac said as gently as possible, “I was on my way out.”

Her head snapped up to glare at him. “What do you mean you were on your way out?”

“One of my groomsmen and I have an appointment with the tailor.” Mac looked down at the tiny elderly woman who stood before him in the middle of the living room. She clasped her handbag with both hands in front of her.

Like a referee at a boxing match, Gnarly sat between them, looking from one to the other.

“Did I do something to upset you, Agnes?”

“I think it’s best if we lay out our ground rules before you marry Archie,” she said.

Sensing a battle, Mac folded his arms across his chest. He was physically setting up a barrier. “Okay, Agnes. Shoot.”

“To be blunt,” Agnes said in a tone devoid of emotion,“I’m giving this marriage five years. Archie refuses to tell me how much you’re paying for this huge three-ring circus, but I hope you’ll think it’s worth it when you only get five years on your investment.”

“Five years? Investment?” Mac chuckled. “With all due respect—”

Agnes’ hand shot up. She shook her head. “Don’t give me that all-due-respect crap. I’ve had seven children, six boys.

Archie’s daddy keeled over with a heart attack when she was only five years old. Since that time, I’ve been ’round the block so much that I wore a rut in it and”—she shook her finger at him—“I learned ages ago that when someone says to me ‘with all due respect,’ they’re not giving me an ounce of it.”

“I don’t consider Archie to be an investment,” Mac said through gritted teeth. “And to be blunt, I don’t think you know enough about our relationship to be in a position to make any sort of prediction about the success or lack of success of our marriage.”

“Archie has spent the last dozen years of her life hiding out in this mansion, taking care of your mother,” Agnes said.

“Then, she’s spent the last few years in your bed. Now,” she glanced him up and down, “you’re a very attractive man, and I’m sure Archie wouldn’t want to marry you if you weren’t good in bed. I’m sure all of that money adds to your appeal, but there’s more to lifelong happiness than sex and money. There’s character, and marriage with a man who has no character—”

Mac stepped toward her. “What gives you the right to comment on my character?”

As if to voice his agreement, Gnarly barked.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Carr is the best-selling author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, which takes place in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Three Days to Forever is the ninth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series.

In addition to her series set on Deep Creek Lake, Lauren Carr has also written the Lovers in Crime Mysteries, which features prosecutor Joshua Thornton with homicide detective Cameron Gates, who were introduced in Shades of Murder, the third book in the Mac Faraday Mysteries. They also make an appearance in The Lady Who Cried Murder.

Three Days to Forever introduces Lauren Carr’s latest series, detectives, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday in the Thorny Rose Mysteries. Look for the first installment in this series in Spring 2015.

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, editor, cover and layout designer, and marketing agent for independent authors. This year, several books, over a variety of genre, written by independent authors will be released through the management of Acorn Book Services, which is currently accepting submissions. Visit Acorn Book Services website for more information.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She also passes on what she has learned in her years of writing and publishing by conducting workshops and teaching in community education classes.

She lives with her husband, son, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

For More Information

Visit Lauren Carr’s website.
Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.
Visit Lauren’s Goodreads page to find out more about her books.
Visit Lauren’s blog.
Contact Lauren.

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Sherry’s Shelves #37 ~ Warm & Cozy with My Books

Posted on March 1, 2015 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves is my weekly update for February 22 – February 28, 2015.

STSmall_thumb2

.Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged is hosted by TalkSupe

**all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**

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falls_winter_3

Hello, everyone. I hope you are staying warm and dry.

What is your cure for the winter time blues?

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FREE & NEW TO fundinmental

Still free at time of posting. Check for the “0”.

Now $3.99 on Amazon.

Now $4..99 on Amazon.

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FOR REVIEW

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BOOKS I WON

Won an ebook from Month9Books Chapter Reveal.

My thanks to Steve Bryant.

Won a signed paperback through Dark World Books.

My thanks to Julie Kenner.

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #36

Review ~ Dictating Death by Bonnie R Paulson

Teaser Tuesday #38 ~ Just Evil by Vickie McKeehan

3 Charities Project ~ 3 Anthologies Giveaway

Giveaway ~ Fingers in the Mist by O’Dell Hutchison

Giveaway ~ The Third Twin by C J Omololu

Friday 56 #41 & BB #17 ~ Death of a Schoolgirl by Joanna Campbell Slan

Review & Free Book 2/27-2/28 ~ Demon Energy by Anthony Renfro

Giveaway & Interview ~ Heartsearch: Betrayal by Carlie M A Cullen

Giveaway ~ Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney

THIS WEEK ON fundinmental

I will be adding some reviews and…

Sherry’s Shelves

Review & Excerpt ~ Three Days To Forever by Lauren Carr

Teaser Tuesday

Review ~ In The Woods by Nancy Gideon

Review & Giveaway ~ Turnabout & Shallow Secrets by Rick Ollerman

Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

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What is your cure for the winter time blues?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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I have recently joined tsu.

If you are a member too, please stop by and follow. I will follow back.

Giveaway ~ Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney

Posted on February 28, 2015 by fundinmental

Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney

In a world divided by power and greed, seventeen-year-old Lilika harbors an intense desire to return to Winter in the Soul, the place her family left to escape the darkness that was manifesting from a coldness of the soul.

When she meets Talon, their connection is evident right from the start, and together they travel through the Black Kingdom to recover Lilika’s stolen locket. And in search of an answer to the mystery behind Winter in the Soul.

Lilika holds the key to stopping the darkness from spreading. The fate of their world lies in her hands. Will she stop the Black Kingdom before its darkness overtakes them all, or will they succumb to the darkness that is spreading across the land?

Praise for the Book

“This book is original, cleverly written and most of all a great read.”

“This novel is very suspenseful and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.”

“I really, really liked the story line, it is fresh take in the high fantasy/magic genre.”

AMAZON * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Smashwords * Publisher

EXCERPT: CHAPTER ONE

Spring Bloom

Pulling her blond locks away from her face, Lilika headed outside her cozy house to do her morning chores. When she hit the doorway, she stopped and lifted her face skyward, soaking in the sun’s beams. She reveled in the heat beating down on her and the feeling of warmth that bathed her skin.

She walked to the garden and sat down. Lilika pulled the weeds with the sun shining on her. Her fingers ran across something smooth.

“What is this?” she muttered to herself, digging quickly to try to see just what was in there. She exposed something gleaming from underneath the brown soil.

What could be under the dirt here? She pulled out a gold heart locket from the garden bed. It glittered in an almost magical way, like nothing she’d ever seen before.

“Lilika!” Jet yelled through the open kitchen window. “It’s almost time for school.”

She shoved the locket in her pocket. “Okay! I’m coming.” Her little brother could be such a nuisance sometimes. She would have to wait until later to inspect her find up-close.

“Hello,” a female voice came from behind her.

“Hello?” She jumped up and turned around, shielding her eyes from the sun.

It was so bright, all she saw was a figure blocking out the light, a black silhouette outlined by the sun’s rays. As her eyes adjusted to the change in light, the figure became clearer and clearer: A beautiful, golden-hued woman stood before Lilika.

“Lilika,” the woman said.

How does she know my name?

“Lil! It’s time to go,” her brother yelled again.

She whipped her head around. “Okay, I’m coming.” By the time she turned back, the golden woman was gone.

She stood, walked to the side of the house, and peered around the corner, but the golden woman wasn’t there. She swiveled her head to each side, but didn’t see her. Could this all have just been a figment of her imagination? Maybe sitting in the sun was affecting her. Butterflies danced in her stomach at the thought of the locket she’d found, and she hurried into the house to get ready for school.

***

The mile-long walk to school was a quiet one except for Jet humming to himself. Children said goodbye to their parents and walked out of their rural homes surrounded by lush green grass and foliage, through the center of Spring Bloom. Boys in button down shirts and long pants and girls in light colored, pastel dresses lined the walkways when Lilika and Jet got closer and closer to their destination. Lilika walked along with a solemn expression on her face.

She couldn’t help but think about the golden woman, whether she’d simply imagined her or if their conversation had really happened. What did it mean? She couldn’t tell Jet or their mother or father. They wouldn’t believe her. Something was actually happening to her for a change.

The sun cast bright light over all the individual stone cottages and gardens.

“Good morning, Lilika!” Mr. Woodland waved from his garden.

“Good morning.” Lilika hurried toward school.

“Lil! Slow down,” Jet said.

“Come on,” she said with pursed lips, “we’re going to be late.”

More and more residents filtered out of their houses, tending to their gardens, trimming their bushes, and cleaning windows of their homes. With every stone cottage Lilika passed, the people smiled and waved. She greeted everyone with a wave and picked up her pace once she reached the hill.

Standing in front of the school, she paused and caught her breath before opening the classroom door.

“So, do you want to do something after school? Maybe we can go for a walk or something.” Bryony stopped her just outside the door. Lilika had been friends with her for as long as she could remember.

“Oh, I can’t.” Lilika sighed. “I have to do my chores right away when I get home since I didn’t have time to do all of them this morning.”

“Well, I found something I thought you might be interested in.” Bryony pulled out a big book from her backpack and wiped the dust off of it.

Lilika whipped her head around. “What? What is that?”

“It’s called The History of Winter in the Soul.” Bryony moved her fingers along the raised gold title on the front. “It’s all about Wits.” Bryony opened it and read from the book. “It was a cold that could only manifest out of the coldness in the soul. That is how Wits got to be known as the Winter in the Soul.”

“What are you doing?” Violet butted in. Great, she was always putting her nose where it didn’t belong.

“Nothing. Keep your voice down.” Lilika glanced toward the window to make sure no one was looking. Leave it to Violet to try and join in with them when they were trying not to bring attention to themselves.

“What do you have there, Bryony?” Violet put her hand on Bryony’s shoulder to get a glimpse.

“Nothing.” Lilika shook her head.

“Well, what is it? What’s so interesting?” Violet leaned in closer.

“Oh, please,” Lilika whispered, “just stop. Someone’s going to see, and then we’ll all be in trouble. Just mind your own business and leave us alone. Go, go on.” Lilika waved her hand at Violet.

“Fine.” Violet rolled her eyes and stormed off.

“Bryony, you really shouldn’t have that book. Where did you get it anyway?”

“I found it under my parent’s bed. Aren’t you curious about Wits?”

“I am, but…”

“But what?”

The golden locket popped into Lilika’s head. Who was she to tell Bryony not to ask questions about Wits? She had questions of her own.

“Nothing, come on, we’d better get inside. We’re going to be late.”

Bryony shoved the book back inside her backpack and followed Lilika into school.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Jennifer Novotney

Jennifer Novotney was born in Burbank, California and lived in Los Angeles for most of her life until settling in North Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter. She attended California State University, earning a bachelors degree in journalism, and Northern Arizona University, earning a masters degree in English. After college, she spent several years writing and teaching, including at Pennsylvania State University.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/22/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Giveaway & Interview ~ Heartsearch: Betrayal by Carlie M A Cullen

Posted on February 27, 2015 by fundinmental

I love the covers for the Heartsearch trilogy by Carlie M A Cullen.

They are a brand that is easily recognizable, labeling the books ‘written by Carlie’.

Betrayal_front_cover

Add Me To Goodreads

SYNOPSIS

One bite started it all . . .

Joshua, Remy, and the twins are settled in their new life. However, life doesn’t always run smoothly. An argument between Becky and her twin causes unforeseen circumstances, an admission by Samir almost costs him his life, and the traitor provides critical information to Liam. But who is it?

As Jakki’s visions begin to focus on the turncoat’s activities, a member of the coven disappears, and others find themselves endangered.

And when Liam’s coven attacks, who will endure?

Fate continues to toy with mortals and immortals alike, and as more hearts descend into darkness, can they overcome the dangers they face and survive?

INTERVIEW

I would like to welcome Carlie and share her thoughts with you, my readers. Enjoy!

Hi Sherry! It’s so lovely to be here today.

I love book covers. In the library, I will grab a book by its cover alone. How much input to you have when it comes to the cover? Do you have final approval?

I have a great deal of input. It’s one of the great things about being independently published. I can put forward my ideas to my wonderful cover designer, Nicole Antonia Carro, and she sends me back her interpretations. We work together to tweak it until I’m happy. And yes, I absolutely have final approval. I love the way she’s created a brand for my Heart Search trilogy where there’s something on every cover to link them all together.

I do love it when the author is able to create a ‘brand’ for the series. Makes it easily identifiable.

2. Do you have a favorite character in your books and why? How much of you is in the character?

It’s difficult because I love them all for different reasons, but I would have to say Remy is my favourite. She’s a complex character and I love her journey of self-discovery through the three books. Remy has grown so much as a person and it’s great to see.

Although Remy was loosely based on my daughter originally, I drew on some of my experiences to help mould her character. There’s probably more of me in her than I’d care to admit. I’ve gone through pain and heartache and emerged a stronger, more independent woman and that’s what Remy has done too.

I think most characters are a compilation of people an author knows or is familiar with. You did a wonderful job of showing us how Remy grew as a person and I enjoyed sharing the experience with her.

3. If you could be any character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?

Geez, this is so hard to answer as there have been many characters I’ve liked and admired for various reasons. As you’ve backed me into a corner on this, I think I’ll have to pick Aeolyn from the Tower of Bones series by Connie J Jasperson. She’s tough, feisty, a warrior, and doesn’t take any crap from anyone. However, she has a wonderful caring side. She has a fierce love for her husband and is very protective and loving toward her friends. Aeolyn is resourceful, creative, and has a good head on her shoulders. She can plan attacks, organise supplies in advance, and thinks outside the box when necessary. I just love the way she’s been created and can’t wait until the next book comes out to see what happens with her next.

I am not familiar with Aeolyn or the Tower of Bones, but I will surely be checking it out. 🙂

4. Tell us something funny about yourself. It can be anything at all – something you like, something you did, something that happened to you…

I went to the hairdressers as I wanted to look my best for my daughter’s graduation from university. The colours in my hair were fading so I asked them to renew my two colour highlights (bright red and blonde). Something went a little wrong and the red dye bled onto the blonde and vice versa. Consequently, I ended up with bright pink hair and no time to get it put right before I was leaving to make the 300 mile trip. It wasn’t exactly the look I’d hoped to see in my daughter’s graduation photos!

I love it! Sorry, but I couldn’t help but laugh, imaging the look on your daughter’s face when she first saw you with you new do. LOL

Fast and Loose:

Sweet or Sour:

Sweet, every time. Unfortunately I’ve inherited my Dad’s sweet tooth!

Hot or Cold:

Hot if we’re talking about the weather (I hate the cold), and hot if we’re talking about men, hahaha

Dog or Cat:

Dog. I used to have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and she was so lovely. I hope to have another one someday.

TV or Movies:

Movies. I love them. I can’t go to the cinema as often as I’d like to though.

Thank you so much for inviting me here today. I’ve really enjoyed answering your questions – even if one or two gave me brain-ache [laughs].

Then I did my job! I really enjoyed the interview and loved sharing some chuckles with you, Carlie!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. She writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

Website / Twitter: @carlie2011c / Facebook / Linkedin / Amazon / About.me

Wattpad / Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY

These are a few of the awesome gifts! Aren’t they beautiful?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find the Carlie Cullen Heartsearch series on Amazon by clicking on the covers below.

Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I

Guest post for Heartsearch: Found, Book II

Review of Heartsearch: Found: Book II

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Review & Free Book 2/27-2/28 ~ Demon Energy by Anthony Renfro

Posted on February 27, 2015 by fundinmental

Anthony Renfro writes short horror stories that will have you looking over your shoulder and under your bed, twitching at every noise.

Check out his latest and pick it up for FREE, 2/27-2/28, 2015.

MY REVIEW

Got 5 or 10 minutes?

Do you like horror/religious stories?

Check out Demon Energy by Anthony Renfro.

Anthony’s inspiration for Demon Energy was Matthew 8:28 – 32 (HCBS).

A man is possessed by a thousand demons and all he could do is lay in bed as the demons had their way with him.

Three priests have come to save him.

As the priests fought to exorcize the demons, the demons negotiated a deal.

The pigs.

What an ending! I never saw it coming and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

This story is worth reading for the ending alone!

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

1 Man – A 1000 Demons Possession. Redemption. Salvation. This short story is about one man tormented by evil, and his journey into the light.

Exp:

A man lay on a bed.

His dreams were vivid and strong–evil things done by evil beings haunted those dreams.

His soul felt lost, departed.

He wasn’t himself.

How long had he been this way?

How long had he suffered in this torment of a hellish nightmare?

He wasn’t sure.

A distant knock on the door.

No, it wasn’t a knock. It was pounding. It was the sound of breaking. The door shattered inward. He managed to turn his sweaty head, brown hair matted to his skin, face covered in a thick sweat, body covered in cuts and bruises–all self-inflicted by his fingernails and his own fists.

He felt his soul losing again. The demons were crawling around inside of him, pushing his soul back to the shadows. He had no choice but to watch. He was a passenger inside his own body.

The demons raised him into the air, levitated him for all to see. Then his small skinny frame started to spin like a pig in a roast. Spinning violently around and around and around and around, and then he stopped. He was now sideways, and looking at the crowd who had come to take him away. He hung there like a limp rag doll. His blue eyes were not his eyes. Those two orbs now belonged to the thousand demons who tormented him.

Amazon US / Amazon UK