The Kabbalist

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Guest Article by Yoram Katz

The Plot

A 200 years old letter, sent by a Napoleonic cavalry officer who died during the 1799 siege of Acre, drives a young Frenchwoman to travel to Israel and hire a local private eye in an attempt to unveil an old family secret.

The two quickly find out that the old secret is very much alive and even lethal.

Their quest takes them back in history, through the Napoleonic era, the golden age of Kabbalah in the 16th century and the Crusaders Kingdom of Jerusalem, right into the origins of Christianity and of Kabbalah – the Jewish mystical tradition.

The old family mystery mushrooms into something the two could not have imagined, with far reaching implications for long-accepted ideas, and with direct impact on their personal lives.

What the readers said

“The Kabbalist is one of the best historical mysteries I have ever read. It is fabulously built and organized. I really enjoyed being led in the company of each rich character from “false truths” to “real truths”.

“This book is a riveting, cannot-put-it-down, detective tale, embedded in a historical mystery that keeps the reader mesmerized while feeding astonishing information through the narrative as well. A brilliant book in which Dan Brown's"The Da Vinci Code" is contradicted with an equally profound hypothesis”.

“I have found “The Kabbalist” by Yoram Katz to be simply more than fascinating.”

“The Kabbalist” is that rare gem among historical fiction novels, in that it not only convincingly draws you into several different eras and events without being cumbersome, but also weaves in a compelling mystery and memorable characters.”

“Excellent merging of detective Noir and historical fiction with mystical overtones. He does an excellent job jumping around in time without making it seem choppy. The characters are well developed and believable. I started out reading to pass time, but then found that I couldn't put it down.”

“The Kabbalist is an amazing combination of a present day crime story, a historical thriller and a well-built fiction on the interconnectedness of Catholic and Jewish religion and the origins of the Kabbalah.”

“Katz's wide knowledge of Middle Eastern history enlightens the reader, and his story telling skills keeps you flipping pages.”

“An absolutely gripping story, well told. The historical backdrop has clearly been very well researched and makes the story thoroughly believable. This is no shallow conspiracy book, it is a suspenseful mystery that unfolds at a steady pace while weaving together connections between characters who lived thousands of years apart.”

Special promotion price on Amazon during December 29-31, 2014

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The Murder of Lady Malvern

The Murder of Lady Malvern

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A delightful page-turner! ~ Review by M.L

I thoroughly enjoyed The Murder of Lady Malvern, a clever Jules Poiret Mystery. There is nothing cliché about this murder mystery, though it is written in a charming, old-style classical mystery tone, reminiscent of Agatha Christie and with all the suspense of Daphne du Maurier. The main character, a brilliant detective, is witty, sharp as a tack and quite refreshing and charming.

The story line and mystery being solved in this book is a classic “who killed the rich lady”. The author kept me guessing around every turn and I liked being kept hanging. The supporting characters and suspects in this mystery were compelling, well-written and delightful.

I look forward to reading the further adventures of Jules Poiret. I anticipate the next set of stories will be equally adventurous and will hopefully be just as entertaining. Thank you, Frank Howell Evans, for an enjoyable and refreshing read. I hope to read more of your work in the future.

Book Description: Read The Murder of Lady Malvern if you like Downton Abbey or Agatha Christie.

Famous detective Jules Poiret and his friend Captain Haven are invited to the birthday party of Lady Malvern. Poiret's joy of seeing his old friend again is short lived when Lady Malvern is murdered. Poiret takes this murder to heart and vows revenge.

Please sign up for a FREE Kindle Unlimited subscription to read this book and all other Jules Poiret books for FREE.

The Murder of Lady Malvern

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Fugue

The past.....Oh boy...the past can be good, bad, haunt you and a million other things. So why do you want to remember it, if you are on the run from it?

Well its both for Hillary. Probably because she can barley remember what happened. She woke up years later, a kid by her and has no idea how she got in the motel. Well that is a big gap and pretty shocking for Hillary. Her mind is just a blank and no idea why that is and she better hope her son can help figure things out. Otherwise life is going to be stranger and crazier.

I loved this story and it had me glued from the start!

~ Excerpt of Review by Serenity

 

Book Description:

“Fugue” is the story of one woman’s quest to remember her past, while, at the same time, on the run from it. Hillary wakes up one morning in a motel room she doesn’t recognize, next to a child she doesn’t recognize.

It is five years later than her last memory, and strange clues in her bags do not add up to where she has been and what she has been doing. She doesn’t understand why she doesn’t remember, but the secret might lie in her three year old son, Cayce, who seems to demonstrate psychic ability.

But when Cayce is nearly kidnapped by strangers who seem to be following them, Hillary knows she must find a way to remember, to save herself and her child from danger, before she loses him forever.

Debut novelist Ashley Michel brings us a story of paranormal mystery, suspense and intrigue!
Now available in ebook, paperback and hard cover from LuLu, Smashwords, B&N, Amazon, iTunes and many more!

Inexplicable events mystify

 

 This Doctor has a Stealth-a-Scope~ Excerpt of Review by K. J. Dahood

I have come to trust that Gold,though his works are fiction, is trying to tell us some things about medicine that are important. Best of all, they are not so technical that your eyes glaze over. In fact, once you pick up RAGE your eyes will stay wide open into the wee hours. The themes he revisits here is misuse of over-the-counter medications. In this case, it is scopolamine. Ever heard of it? It's on motion sickness patches. Government and intelligence organizations (!) have used it for mind control.

Book Description ~

When normal people suddenly attack and murder, their defense attorney hires Dr. Michael Rose, a former cop turned forensic psychiatrist and his associate, Karen Scott to represent them in court. The inexplicable events mystify these experienced professionals, and together they seek a rational explanation.

When psychiatric evaluation reveals a pattern among the subjects, Michael suspects that there is more to these incidents than spontaneous psychosis. Using his instincts and skills as a former police detective, Michael and Karen begin their own investigation.

What they uncover is chilling.

Who is behind it?

Why is it happening, and most importantly can they do something before the killer strikes again?
During the dramatic denouement, Michael must wrestle with his conscience and the true meaning of justice.

“I wrote professionally as a physician to inform but rarely to entertain, at least not on purpose.” Lawrence W. Gold, M.D.

Rage is available on Amazon!

Sometimes the dead come back

 

Echoes of Harmony: Sometimes the dead come back 

A horror suspense adult thriller for a mature audience.

I love how the author, Miranda Nading, has subtitled her book - Sometimes the dead come back. (Scary!!!) Here is a brief blurb from the book description:

Celia Davenport worked faithfully for seventeen long years to honor her divine inheritance. 

Dana Mitchell fought her way off the streets of Memphis to build a life she could be proud of. As the Director of the Department of Family Services, she was in a unique position to help other young girls beat the odds.

When a serial killer targets her girls and closes in on her daughter, Dana becomes the primary suspect of a vindictive detective. In order to stop the slaughter, she must uncover the terrible truth of her family’s past- and face the dead.

Excerpt from CHAPTER ONE ~ (Kindle Locations 58-81)

Dead leaves and branches cracked under her feet as she moved off the path and into the old forgotten cemetery. She could almost smell the woman’s fear— thick and rich, waiting to be tasted. The deep shadows of the old church stood silent and still against the starless sky on the horizon, barely visible through winter’s unadorned trees. Silent, but not lonely. A castle still waiting for the knights that had abandoned her.

She knew this place like an old friend. Every tombstone was a wrinkle around eyes that stared into her soul. They watched her as she went about her work, guarded her when she lay down to sleep each night. Stepping easily around chunks of fallen angels and temples for the long dead, she closed her eyes and inhaled , the soft smells of decaying earth embraced her. The prodigal daughter returned. They had tried to keep her away. Lied to her, imprisoned her, hurt her— but in the end, she had found her way back. And now it was her turn.

A whisper of dry leaves and muffled sobs brought a dark smile to Celia’s lips. There were times when she loved to sit in the stillness around them, watching them fight back their fear. Fear of the final judgment, which sits deep in everyone’s gut, waiting for the little spark to fan the flames. Some understood that the time had come to pay for their sins and they accepted the heavy price with quiet tears while they begged for forgiveness and mercy. Others fought against the coming darkness, screaming and bucking against their restraints , refusing to acknowledge that greed and perversity had ruled their lives even as the last ounce of life fled into the darkness.

This one, her dark flesh barely visible against the stark headstone where she lay, was the last in a long line of whores and thieves. The key. The piece of the puzzle that would lay it all on Elizabeth’s doorstep. That last and final delicious prize was almost within her reach. So much hard work, so many diligent nights— but God had rewarded her.

“With the children gone and my degree completed, we have contracted to work as civilian employees in the National Parks.  This new adventure has given me the time and freedom needed to dedicate myself to writing and exploring America's most protected treasures.” ~ Miranda Nading

Echoes of Harmony: Sometimes the dead come back is available on Amazon!

Author ‘Frank Zafiro’ is spot on with his depiction of crime and criminals

 

Keeps you hooked ~ Excerpt of Review by Eros

“This is the type of book that I would recommend for every die-hard crime/mystery fans out there. The plot sucks you in within the first few chapters due to the author's alluring, vivid writing style - and the way the story plays out isn't comparable to any other book out there, it's simply that unique.”

Here is what Frank Zafiro shares about the plot of his latest novel ~       At Their Own Game!

Jake Stankovic has been flying below the radar for years, dealing safely in stolen property crime with his two-man crew. But times are tough, so he decides to step up to the big money with a drug deal. Everything that can go wrong, does. The deal goes bad, a vengeful detective sets his sights on Jake, one of his crew might be a turncoat, and a woman from a long past affair suddenly reappears. All of this would be complicated enough on it’s own, but for Jake, it’s even worse.

The woman is the detective’s ex-wife.

And Jake Stankovic used to be a cop.

Now Jake must face new problems and old vendettas in an all-in proposition with lives on the line. He has to find a way to get his money back, keep the girl, and beat everyone involved…At Their Own Game.

 

Want to see the first three chapters to preview?

Go to Frank Zafiro’s website!

Frank was a police officer from 1993 to 2013.

He is the author of numerous crime novels.

In addition to writing, Frank is an avid hockey fan and a tortured guitarist. He lives in Chattaroy, Washington.

You can keep up with him at http://frankzafiro.com.

At Their Own Game is Available on Amazon!

Sherlock Holmes: The Dark Reckoning

Guest Article by Ian Wright

Holmes notices a crowd gathered inside Hyde Park at the scene of a murder. He forces his way through the crowd and discovers a decapitated body. As the mystery starts to unfold, he begins to suspect that his presence at this scene was no coincidence. Soon, more murders take place and a sinister pattern starts to emerge.

In each case a different body part is removed from the victim, but to what end? The victims are carefully chosen, and clues are purposely left for Holmes to discover. These clues lead Holmes closer to the killer, who seems to be using them as a means to taunt the detective.

It becomes clear to Holmes that he and Doctor Watson are being hunted and are likely to become the killer’s final victims. Despite this, he feels compelled to continue his investigation to catch the killer and bring the murders to an end.

Meanwhile, the killer watches as Holmes follows clues that lead him through the streets of Victorian London and into a dangerous trap. From here, there is no escape for the great detective and the only way out is death.

Amazon Review by Writer - Excellent New Sherlock Holmes Story

"Frankly, I didn't expect much; usually new Holmes stories are simply pale versions of the originals. But "The Dark Reckoning" was a most pleasant surprise which far exceeded my dim expectations. I dare say Mr. Conan Doyle would have been proud."

Excerpt: 

It was almost dark as Holmes drew close to Baker Street, the skyline of buildings and treetops were silhouetted against a dark blue sky. There were thousands of stars visible, like bright glittering speckles in a vast expanse of indigo. A few wispy clouds looked like ghosts haunting the moon, being gently illuminated by its glow.

The bright warm glow of gas street lamps was diffused by the frostiness in the night air.   In the street there was a fresh pile of horse manure, sending ribbons of steam up into the cold atmosphere. A man walked across the street, gazing into the irresistible light of an upstairs window; hoping to catch a glimpse of clandestine activities within. With his gaze firmly fixed on the window, the heel of his foot landed heavily in the manure. The man’s foot slid a little, causing him to stumble, and he quickly looked around hoping that nobody had seen him.

Holmes saw what happened and tried to suppress his mirth, as he didn’t want the unfortunate chap to see him laughing. He walked passed the man, who was trying to look as dignified as possible, as if nothing had happened. Holmes had to bite his lip to stop himself from bursting out laughing as he walked by. The man wiped his shoe on the curb and then began to follow Holmes, until turning off into a side street.

It was from a side street that Holmes heard a sarcastic, mocking voice say, “The game’s a head, Mr. Holmes!”

*****

Follow Ian Wright on Facebook 

Available on Amazon. USA / UK / Canada

From The Waist Up

A Mystery awaits you!

Guest Blog Post by Lawson Brooks.

From The Waist Up represents Lawson Brooks’ debut into the world of mystery novels. A provocative fusion of Walter Mosley, George Pelecanos and Elmore Leonard—Lawson has garnered attention with his descriptive writing style, authentic portrait of Washington, DC and ability to employ twists and turns in his story that will have readers guessing until the end.

Set in 1996, From The Waist Up follows Felix Anderson’s journey to find the killer of his wife while trying to escape the glare of two tenacious detectives. Lawson utilizes his interests in history, politics and biographies to present readers with a captivating insight into the culture of African-American Professionals in the nation’s capital where he currently resides. From The Waist Up is the first work published by the Brooks Media Group.

This Holiday Season, Unleash Your Inner Detective!

Get Your Personally Autographed Copy of From The Waist Up regularly $16.99 for just $9.99 now thru Christmas. The book will make a great gift or stocking stuffer. Offer available only at www.lawsonwbrooks3.com.

I put From The Waist Up in my computer case as I was leaving to board a plane for Chicago on a Tuesday. I began reading upon taking my airline seat and I continued through my change of planes in Detroit and on to Chicago. With suspense, I picked it up again Wednesday night. I could not put it down, until I came to page 238 during the early morning hours of Thursday. You got, and kept the attention of this non-fiction reader who has not read more than 3 fiction books in the last 25 years. Great Book! — J. Franklin Long, Manassas, VA

More about the book

Infidelity is a gamble that when exposed, carries devastating  repercussions.  Add murder and the stakes go through the roof.  Felix Anderson unwittingly learns this lesson and the costs are high.  A one-night indiscretion, the subsequent slaying of his beautiful, young wife, and his own evasive behavior places him under a cloud of suspicion despite an ironclad alibi.

Relentlessly shadowed by Detectives Monroe Waters and Kevin Conner, Feilx’s continual missteps cast doubt on his innocence.  Complicating his predicament is a hefty insurance settlement, a dubious financial transaction and unpredictable ex-lover.  Undeterred, Felix focuses on finding his wife's killer.  As he attempts to put the pieces together Felix is propelled through a series of events that leave him no margin for error.

Read an excerpt on Author's Website

Follow Lawson Brooks on Facebook