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Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Books to Read | April 2022

Don’t miss out on these exciting new mystery, thriller, and suspense books that are perfect to add to your reading list this winter! Check out these new books by bestselling authors John Etterlee, Demetrius Jackson, Kathi Daley, Elle Gray, Elizabeth Hunter, and Patricia Macdonald. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense books!

Retribution (Rob Walker Book 2)

by John Etterlee

Release Date: April 16, 2022

On a mission in Africa, a Special Forces operator unwittingly uncovers a government conspiracy that gets half his men killed and sends him on a quest to bring those responsible to justice.

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Treacherous Deceit

by Demetrius Jackson

Release Date: March 22, 2022

The night of the North Carolina high school basketball championship game; star point guard and son of the mayor, Blaine Tucker, is found murdered. Mayor Tucker requests Special Agent Donatella Dabria to lead the investigation. What she uncovers places her squarely in the killers’ crosshairs. Can she find justice for Blaine before she becomes the next victim?

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Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Sister Spy

by Kathi Daley

Release Date: April 19, 2022

USA Today Bestselling author Kathi Daley brings you a heartwarming mystery series about finding answers and fostering hope while building friendships and embracing the magic of life by the sea and small town holidays.

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The House on the Hill (Blake Wilder FBI Mystery Thriller Book 11)

by Elle Gray

Release Date: April 19, 2022

When a family of 4 goes missing seemingly in the dead of night, Blake Wilder and her team are called to find the young family and determine the reason for their sudden disappearance.

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Double Vision (Vista De Lirio Mysteries Book 1)

by Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: April 19, 2022

Successful realtor Julia Brooks moves to the quirky neighborhood of Vista de Lirio in the California desert and meets a riotous cast of eccentric characters. But her semi-retirement is spoiled when she finds the body of the neighborhood lothario dead in the kitchen of her brand new listing. Even more complicated? She also meets his ghost.

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Mother's Day

by Patricia Macdonald

Release Date: March 27, 2022

Meet Karen. Married to her childhood sweetheart. Loving mom of thirteen-year-old Jenny. It’s Mother’s Day and her perfect day becomes a perfect nightmare. A woman turns up at her door claiming to be Jenny’s biological mother. Two days later the woman’s bloody body is found in a dumpster. And the prime suspect is Karen’s own husband..

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The Story Behind One Bossy Proposal by Nicole Snow

by Nicole Snow

Can love bloom from an unexpected collision over breakfast? The answer is a big, hilarious, cinnamony-sweet yes! In my latest enemies-to-lovers book, One Bossy Proposal.

Dakota Poe—a young poet and copywriter distantly related to that Poe—came to Seattle for a reset. Shiny new career prospects, changing scenery, and no whiff whatsoever of the heartbreak she left back home. It's all going according to plan until she butts heads with an outrageously rude, gorgeous, and domineering suit in her favorite cafe. She scored the last cinnamon roll and this man acts like his life depends on getting it back.

The first thing Lincoln Burns needed was that cinnamon roll. The second is a brilliant copywriter to help push the new wedding line at the head of his fashion empire. So when the infuriating and beautiful young woman who stole his precious pastry shows up at the job interview—it's on.

One massive gamble.

Two scorned hearts tangled together.

So many secrets falling out.

Endless banter, molten looks, and desire.

And when Lincoln decides to ask “Nevermore” to join him on a pretend engagement scheme to market his new wedding attire, everything comes tumbling down in the best kind of steamy, intense, and heart-stompy chaos.

This book is a little heavy, a whole lot of funny, and majorly steamy. Rainy kisses, cinnamon roll fights, Poe jokes, plus some really possessive moves by our grump-tastic hero, are just a few of my favorite things you'll find in these pages. This book is a freaking riot packed with characters and a slow-burn love that ran off with my heart.

Now, it's your turn. Don't even hesitate. Sink your teeth into One Bossy Proposal today while it's Free with Kindle Unlimited!

Nicole Snow is the author of the new book One Bossy Proposal

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Interview with Angel S. Vane, Author of Tempting Fate

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Tempting Fate?

Growing up in Houston, I always loved visiting the small Texas towns where my grandparents grew up. There is a distinct spirit and pride in those towns and the people who live there. Some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet are in small Texas towns and I just love the charm the people have there. A few years ago, I moved to one of those small towns and was instantly inspired to write a books set in towns like this.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Tempting Fate, what would they be?

Vision of Love by Mariah Carey.

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

I’m an absolute genre hopper! But I suppose my reading habits skew to romances and thrillers. I adore historical romances, but don’t have the patience to do the research to write one.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

After a visit to Key West this spring where I toured the Ernest Hemingway house, I’m excited to read his novels. I’m starting with A Farewell to Arms and then probably will read To Have and Have Not next.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene when Harlow-Rose and Santos come face-to-face for the first time as he investigates the fire at her family’s brewery tops the list. I felt the tension writing it because Harlow realizes for the first time that Santos isn’t the man she thought he was, yet they couldn’t talk about it because he was questioning her about the crime.

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

No, I'm too boring for that.

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

"Courage means doing what you need to do before life forces you to do it." - Iyanla Vanzant

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

Love triumphs over all kinds of differences and difficulties.

Angel S. Vane is the author of the new book Tempting Fate

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Interview with S.B. Alexander, Author of The Predator

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

The Predator is book 2 in the continuation of Sam & Layla’s story. These two characters have taken up a home in my brain, and their story is just pouring out and onto the pages.

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

Remedy by Seether, War of Hearts by Ruelle, Legends Are Made by Sam Tinnesz, and Walk Through the Fire by Zayde Wolf & Ruelle.

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

Paranormal and Fantasy Romance, but I also love to read New Adult Romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright Cold Hearted Bastard by Jenika Snow Storm And Fury by Jennifer Armentrout.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Hands down, my favorite scene to write in The Predator was the hospital scene. Without giving too much away, Layla and Sam’s chemistry in this scene is funny, tense, and it’s a pivotal moment in their relationship where decisions have to be made.

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

A quirky one I would say is writing in Comic Sans. For some reason, the words flow better.

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

Make the best of life because it’s too darn short.

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

I would love readers to remember Sam and Layla.

S.B. Alexander is the author of the new book The Predator

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Interview with John Etterlee, Author of Retribution

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Retribution?

I write mainly military and spy thrillers. Of course, they are mostly fiction. But I do draw on world events and my own experiences in the Army to craft thrilling and realistic stories.

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

It may be because I’m a child of the 80’s, and it might sound cheesy, but only one song comes to mind. It would be Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins, which happened to be written for the movie Top Gun.

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

Yes, absolutely. My favorite genre is definitely thrillers. I write what I’d love to read!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, the books on my list are Jack Carr’s THE DEVIL’S HAND, Brad Thor’s RISING TIGER, and Tom Clancy’s CHAIN OF COMMAND.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably the opening scene. I love the creative process, especially the part that forms the setting and tone of a book.

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

As a matter of fact, I do! I love to listen to music like Breaking Benjamin, Seether and old Def Leppard songs as I write while my Sphynx cat lays on my desk. He's my mascot!

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

Yes, it’s more of a philosophy. I hate laziness. And I believe in setting goals. Nobody reaches those goals by being lazy.

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

That many of the characters in the book are based on real people.

John Etterlee is the author of the new book Retribution

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Interview with Demetrius Jackson, Author of Treacherous Deceit

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Treacherous Deceit: A Donatella Mystery?

Excellent question. Treacherous Deceit is the fourth novel in the Donatella Series, and it takes place after the events of the preceding novel, Annihilation. As a reader, you’ll witness how the characters must deal with the tragedy and the loss from the incident, while continuing to live their lives. As the meat of the story begins to unfold the underlying theme begins to emerge, how far will you go for love or to protect what you desire?

The inspiration came from two places. The first being the number of cyber security attacks that are taking place around the world. The second being how long we are willing to chase something knowing that it’s wrong for us. The goal was to intertwine the two of them into a compelling novel that you wouldn’t want to put down.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Treacherous Deceit: A Donatella Mystery, what would they be?

I imagine when Donatella is thoroughly pummeling her opponents, the song Da Rockwilder by Method Man and Redman is playing in the background.

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

I love a good MTS (Mystery, Thriller or Suspense) novel. But if I had to pick one, it would be Suspense. When the main character is placed in a precarious position with a ticking clock, I find myself totally engrossed and I can’t wait to see how it’ll end. You pair that with a well-timed twist and I’m all in.

It’s certainly my favorite genre to write. Early in my writing career, I listened to an author interview with Stephen King regarding Salem’s Lot. He talks about the confidence he felt in writing the book and his willingness to push the envelope. I listened to the interview several times and it gave me the confidence to push the envelope which you find evident in the novels I write, especially suspense.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I recently finished Sierra Six, Mark Greaney, and Diablo Mesa, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I’m a novel behind in my Jack Reacher series so I’ll likely pick up Better off Dead followed by the second book in the Agent Zero series, Target Zero.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

One of my favorite scenes is when Agent Donatella goes to visit BJ, her technology genius. He is still in bad shape from the events that unfolded in Annihilation, and she gives him some advice that I feel will resonate with everyone who reads the book. It’s what he needed to pull him out of his despair, and I hope it does the same for any reader who could be facing the same feelings.

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

Aside from throwing up roadblocks for my characters 🙂 . I think my quirk would be, I try something different with each novel. For example, in Hour of Reckoning, the second book in the Donatella novel, my goal was to create an antagonist that you both loathe and applaud at the same time. For this novel it was to show the impacts of misplaced love.

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

Don’t stress about things you have control over. For decades my friends have always said, “Nothing ever gets to you,” but that’s not true. The things I don’t have control over I don’t let get to me. I realized a long time ago; I cannot control all outcomes. For those I have some influence over, I do my best to look for the best outcome. For those I don’t, I simply remove from my mind and go on about my day.

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

Life will throw you endless curveballs. How you choose to deal with them is totally within your control.

Demetrius Jackson is the author of the new book Treacherous Deceit: A Donatella Mystery

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Interview with Aaron Deck, Author of Spare Parts

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Spare Parts?

I worked as a janitor in an old hospital that was built into a mountain. During my four year tenure there I listened to stories about how humans swore the place was haunted. I thought, “what if it was” one day and the story just kind of unfolded in front of me.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Spare Parts, what would they be?

The Doctor: Vampira by The Misfits. Alessia: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. Simon: Enter For (Your Chance To Win Pt. 1) by Ol’ School Johnny.

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

I primarily write in the horror/fantasy genre, but my current favourite genre to read is Sci-Fi.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“The Murderbot Diaries” by Martha Wells, and “More Than Human” by Theodore Sturgeon.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had a blast writing the Nutritionist chapter. She was a background character that was talked about, but never seen, for the majority of the book. When it was time to give her the light to shine, it allowed me to get into the meat and bones of her story, and the hauntings that surrounded the hospital.

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

Nothing really. I do my best writing when the sun is on the far side of noon, but other than that, nah. I guess my quirky habit, much like all other writers, is convincing myself to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, etc etc.

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

I’m kind of a nihilist, so it would be, “That’s life, man. Have fun because it’s all you get.”

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

That there will be a sequel coming within the next two years. There are some characters who feel like their story is unfinished, and that’s because it is.

Aaron Deck is the author of the new book Spare Parts

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Interview with MK Lorber, Author of The Curse of a Faeblood

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Curse of a Faeblood?

I cut my teeth on Romance novels in the 90s. This story is my ode to those bigger than life lovable heroes. When they fall, they fall hard. As a reader, I want front row seats when they crash land.

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

ROMANCE! Any and all sub-genres. For fiction, it's the only genre I intend to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Elf Tangent (Lindsey Buroker), Children of the Fallen Gods (Carissa Broadbent), Tinderbox (Rachel Grant), and Fire Heart (Emma Hamm) are at the top right now.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene where Gavyn demands (asks in his own gruff way) for Ember to dance with him. It occurs early in the romance, but it’s the moment where Gavyn metaphorically stumbles. Not because of her beauty, nor their chemistry. Her perception trips him up. For a glimmer of a moment, he sees himself through her eyes.

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

I write with a cat on my desk, pups at my feet, and the Game of Thrones soundtrack in my headphones.

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

‘Catch ‘em being good.’ I coach youth basketball and lacrosse, and I keep a piece of paper in my pocket with this saying written on it. It’s been four years since I stumbled across this ideology, and the more I use it on the field, the more I use it in everyday life. ‘Catch ‘em being good’ works for adults, too. We are the hardest on ourselves and those in our sphere of influence, so I look for opportunities to celebrate the small, positive moments.

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

I enjoy big messy families — I read them, write them. Often, we must forge those bonds from circumstance, not blood. And sometimes, they are harder won but stronger for it.

MK Lorber is the author of the new book The Curse of a Faeblood

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Interview with Keith Leonin, Author of Less Than Perfect

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Less Than Perfect?

The story is loosely based on my experience when I was in my teens.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Less Than Perfect, what would they be?

Everybody Hurts (by REM).

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

I like to read Literary fiction; the same favorite genre to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Lincoln Highway.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The Homecoming Dance scene.

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

I have a polished stone engraved with 'IMAGINE' that I keep in front of me when writing.

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

"While we wait for life, life passes."

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

Love and life are fleeting, so make the most of each and every day.

Keith Leonin is the author of the new book Less Than Perfect

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Interview with L C Conn, Author of Sentinels

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Sentinels, Book 1 of The One True Child Series?

When I began writing this series the original inspiration came from a very vivid dream. Originally the series started with what is now book 3, but I realised by the end of what became Book 5 that I had never explained how these characters managed to obtain their abilities in the first place. So Book 2 was born.

Unfortunately, that didn't answer my own questions, and it was only then that Sentinels was created. I had a lot of trouble bringing the ideas that were in my head and I scrapped about five initial drafts before I decided to truly start at the beginning and wrote the prologue. It was from writing how this world came to be, that the rest of the story fell into place.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Sentinels, Book 1 of The One True Child Series, what would they be?

I love to listen to music while I write, and I have a very broad taste. But the one song that kept popping up on my many and varied playlists is Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive. It has a lot of the traits that the main character comes to realise over and over as the story unfolds across the seven books, and my favourite line from the song is "As long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive."

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

Fantasy seems to be the main genre I am comfortable writing in, and it is the one that I tend to lean towards when reading as well. I do like other genres such as action and adventure, but you can't go past fantasy for pure escapism.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My to be read pile contains a long list of titles, especially from indie authors I have come to know while writing and promoting my own books. Sprinkled in this list are some of my fellow authors from Between The Lines Publishing. Again, mostly fantasy stories.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were quite a lot of scenes that I had fun writing, and a good chunk of those were the interactions between Carling and Chaos. But my most favourite would have to be when Carling helps her brother to become a wolf fully. I have gone over that scene so many times to make sure I get it right and that the reader is well and truly along for the ride.

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

Apart from the necessity of music or some sort of background noise, such as a cafe, the only other quirky habit depends on which story I am working on. For example, with this series I had no problem tapping away at the keyboard for hours on end, but my other stories about dragons have all needed to be handwritten first.

I also like to have visual inspiration near me. I have a cork board by my desk, which is littered with pictures that have given me some sort of inspiration in one way or another. It is usually in a constant changing state and being rearranging as the stories progress. When I am out and scribbling in my note books, I have a smaller sheet which is tucked away in the back for reference.

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

"Love is stronger than hate." This is my own philosophy and is at the core of not only The One True Child Series, but also how I treat people. My opinions and beliefs are my own and I don’t feel the need to impress them on others, but I am willing to listen to the ideas of other's and understand why they believe in what they do. Also, life changes from day to day, sometimes you must re-examine your own thoughts and beliefs to adjust to the changing times. But always at the core of everything, is the willingness to be open and love my fellow human for who they are. It takes far too much energy to be hateful.

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

The one thing I would love for my readers to come away from not only Sentinels, but also the complete series, is the underlying idea that runs through the complete story. And that is my own philosophy from the above question, that "love is stronger than hate."