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Interview with Hep Aldridge, Author of Hidden Treasure: Secrets of Cleopatra's Gold

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Hidden Treasure: Secrets of Cleopatra's Gold?

Legends and stories of lost treasure have interested me since my high school days. I enjoy putting my spin on the stories that are still a mystery or treasures that have not been found or verified. I lived in New Mexico and heard stories of Montezuma’s treasure being removed from Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital before the Spanish conquistadors could loot it. It is said to have been moved north through New Mexico and into the southwestern area of the United States. It has never been found.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Hidden Treasure: Secrets of Cleopatra's Gold, what would they be?

Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Action/Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Archaeology. Yes!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“The Lost Secrets of Maya Technology” James O’Kon PE, “Treasure Hunter” W.C. Jameson, and “A Few Bad Men” Maj. Fred Galvin USMC (Ret.).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I think my favorite scene in the book comes early on in the story. When Colt, Tess and the team confront the black-market art/arms dealer and Tess is taken captive. It gave me the chance to show what a strong, resourceful character she was. All my female characters are strong. They compliment the men on the team and add another dimension to my stories.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I always have instrumental music playing when I write, and I usually write late at night. Genre’s include Ambient chill music, electronic new age, and classical music.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I like the quote attributed to Hannibal Barca (218 BC) as he prepared to cross the Alps with his war elephants. His generals did not believe it was possible and he supposedly said, ““Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" Latin for "I shall either find a way or make one." This is the motto I chose for Risky Business Ltd. A fitting motto for a treasure hunting enterprise, I thought.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope my readers come away after reading my books with a renewed sense of adventure and the the possibilities that still exist in the many unanswered questions concerning our legends and mythologies.

Hep Aldridge is the author of the new book Hidden Treasure: Secrets of Cleopatra's Gold

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Interview with Coreene Callahan, Author of The House of Starlight and Shadow

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The House of Starlight and Shadow?

Actually, I never intended to write The House of Starlight and Shadow. I was trying to write a different book at the time, but I couldn’t get started. I felt blocked in a way I never had before, so I decided to try something new. Instead of sitting down in front of my computer, I bought an old typewriter – a beautifully restored 1959 Smith Corona Super Silent. Thus began my obsession with typewriters (I now own six and am always on the lookout for more), and from the clanking green keys of my Smith Corona came The House of Starlight and Shadow.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The House of Starlight and Shadow, what would they be?

I often listen to music while writing. My noise cancelling headphones where a godsend during the pandemic when I had a house full of teenage girls. Sometimes, I make a playlist for a book while I'm writing it, sometimes, I don't. But with the House of Starlight and Shadow, I listened to a lot of vintage rock. Think Lou Gramm, The Rolling Stones and The Cult. Here are a few off the top of my head:

Rain – The Cult • Sympathy For The Devil – The Rolling Stones • Midnight Blue – Lou Gramm • Under Pressure - Queen • Redemption – Skrizzly Adams.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read widely. I read everything. I love stories of all kinds, including non-fiction. Though, I will say I tend to listen to non-fiction on audiobook. In terms of fiction, though, I read books that have thriller-esque vibes, no matter the genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

So many! Far too many! Fairytale by Stephen King; Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter; Daring Greatly by Brené Brown are just a few. I'm currently reading a book that's been sitting on my shelf for a while - The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Hmm...picking a favorite is difficult for me. I love every part of writing, but in The House of Starlight and Shadow I loved all the magical creatures that showed up. The complexity of the landscape and world was really fun to write. I also became really intrigued by the villain in the book. Sad to say, but I tend to fall in love with the villains in my books. They are never cut and dry and end up being just as complex as the main characters. Which, of course, makes me want to figure them out all the more!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I'm an early morning riser, so at 5AM, coffee is all important. Every morning I sit down in my writing lair with my favorite mug full of good coffee.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The one thing I've always said when talking about storytelling is: Story is KING, and I, as the writer, serve the story. No matter how much I prep and plan for a book, the characters lead me where the story wants to go without fail. My job is to listen and write it all down.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would love if every person who reads my books has a fantastic time.

Giving a reader an excellent experience, a place to escape into with every book I write, is extremely important to me.

Coreene Callahan is the author of the new book The House of Starlight and Shadow (The Mirror Kingdom Chronicles #1)

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Interview with Olena Nikitin, Author of Magic and Medicine

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Magic and Medicine?

During the writing process of our previous series, Season's War, an epic romantic fantasy, we began wondering how people in our own modern world would react to the presence of gods and monsters in their everyday lives. Of course, bringing magic to the modern world, we had to set it in our favourite and already magical city of Gdansk.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Magic and Medicine, what would they be?

Now, this question had us battling for our characters, but after a mock battle, Mark and I came to an amicable arrangement. He loves League of Legends, so he picked for Leszek Legends Never Die by Against the Current. My choice for Sara is Bring Me to Life, by Evanescence, because such an amazing Operatic Rock song is perfect for her.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Mark loves sci-fi and sci-fi romance. However, listening to him arguing science with a paperback makes me wonder why (he is such an engineer). I use reading as a way of switching off, so the weirder, the better, and I'm currently enjoying the rabbit hole that is monster/alien romance, or, as I like to call it, monster smut.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My next book will be The Healers' Hellion by Miranda Bridges. I love this series, and its possessive men willing to do anything for their mate. Mark is editing our next book, so he steps back from reading otherwise, he edits the books he reads and can't finish them (I have caught him rereading Restoree, by Anne McCaffrey for the hundredth time, though).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved the teasing scene when Sara has to be more affectionate in public than she's comfortable with but leans into the situation with unexpected results (I'm desperately trying to avoid spoilers, but I loved this scene).

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have my writing corner in the lounge that's more of a nest, where the cats come and sit on my mouse laptop and, if I'm lucky, my lap (with five cats, it's like Piccadilly station). Other than that, I need coffee and lots of it.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Face life standing up, and don't be afraid to grab it by the balls

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Leszek's eyes, and that we all deserve a partner that sees who we are (I know that sounds like two, but you'll see, winks)

Olena Nikitin is the author of the new book Magic and Medicine

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Interview with Robert Brighton, Author of The Buffalo Butcher

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Buffalo Butcher?

I was disgusted by the ‘hero worshipful’ tone of all too many Jack the Ripper books and wanted to write one from the victims’ point of view: how five exploited women band together to catch a killer—and reclaim their humanity.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Buffalo Butcher, what would they be?

Helen Crosby: Angel of the Morning; George Grand: Death on Two Legs (Queen)

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Social history (nonfiction). I write “immersive historical fiction” and hope to recreate the world of the past, so I find that understanding historical attitudes and social behavior is essential to writing authentic historical fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Homer’s Iliad (Lattimore); Paideia (Jaeger); The Great Guano Rush (Skaggs).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

On the Midway.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

All my notes and ideas are first written with pencil in a notebook; I only use the laptop when I can write a scene down as I see and hear it in my mind’s eye.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Leap, and the net will appear” (John Burroughs)

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That friendship, love, and dignity can be found in the most unlikely places.

Robert Brighton is the author of the new book The Buffalo Butcher: Jack the Ripper in the Electric City

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Interview with Tasmin Turner, Author of Halloween and the Black Sun

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Halloween and the Black Sun?

During my time in Kosovo, I was struck by the many stories waiting to be told, tales that echoed resilience, hope, and the challenges of navigating the treacherous waters of diplomacy. It was this rich background that inspired me to write "Halloween and the Black Sun". The contrast of Kit's New Zealand sensibilities with the intricate dynamics of Kosovo provided a fertile ground for drama, tension, and suspense.

In my Crime Scene Kosovo series, I've ventured into crafting seasonal novellas, with lawyer Kit Chase taking the lead. This Halloween, I decided to embrace the chilling ambiance, intertwining it with the unsettling theme of extremist factions in Europe profiting from creating chaos. Having witnessed the devastating effects of extremist acts in New Zealand, it was important for me to depict how Kit, relying more on her sharp instincts than her legal prowess, could face such adversaries. My passion for deciphering dreams, engaging in Tarot readings, and exploring ancient archaeology fueled the narrative. I've combined these facets, aiming to deliver a story that's stimulating and enjoyable for the readers.

A unique touch I'm particularly fond of is the inclusion of two familiar canine characters from the series – Bambino, the Chief Prosecutor’s loyal rescue, and Max, the dedicated Police canine. Their integral roles add another layer of excitement as they stand alongside Kit, thwarting the antagonists.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Halloween and the Black Sun, what would they be?

Kit Chase: Destiny's Child "Survivor"; the two canine heroes: "Who let the dogs out?" by Baha Men.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Thriller and suspense. Yes 🙂

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I love the NewInBooks range, and the way they encourage Indie authors, so at the top of my reading list is one from the Red Feather selections: The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall by Lauren Smith. My favourite authors at the moment include Jayne Ann Krenz and Gigi Pandian.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

In the novella, the scene that captivates me most is when Kit and her team delve into the archaeological site of Ulpiana in Kosovo. This location, steeped in history, fascinates me due to my keen interest in archaeology. I make it a point to weave authentic world locales into my thrillers. At this particular site, the dogs played a pivotal role, pinpointing the exact scene of the crime in this intriguing setting.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have my crystals and essential oils around me for additional inspiration while I write. If it's a difficult scene I put on music with relaxing sound frequencies.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My guiding philosophy is "Per aspera ad astra" – "Through hardships to the stars." This quote encapsulates my belief in the transformative power of perseverance and hard work, fueling my passionate approach to life and learning.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

At the core of "Halloween and the Black Sun", I’d like readers to accompany Kit on her journey as she wrestles with her personal battles and beliefs. I aim to highlight the significance of listening to our instincts and inner revelations when facing uncertainty.

Tasmin Turner is the author of the new book Halloween and the Black Sun: A Crime Scene Kosovo Novella

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | October 31

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Tasmin Turner, Hep Aldridge, Janet Evanovich, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | October 31

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Allyson Lindt, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kristen Ashley, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | October 31

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Robert Brighton, Alice McDermott, Edward Carey, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!

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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | October 31

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Caitlin Schneiderhan, Bryce O'Connor, Bruno Miller, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Olena Nikitin, Lara A. Steel, Coreene Callahan, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!

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New Young Adult Books to Read | October 31

Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors Isabel Ibañez, Olivia Worley, Andrew G. Wood, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!