WordCrafter News: September Writing Projects & Back to School Bonanza
Posted: August 31, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Book Sales, Books, Children's Books, Dark Fantasy, Dark fiction, Fiction, Health & Wellness, Historical Fiction, Horror, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, Self-Help, Time travel, WordCrafter News, WordCrafter Press, Writing | Tags: 12 Dark Nights of Christmas, A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes, Back to School Bonanza Sale, Marta, Midnight Madness, My Backyard Friends, The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2 Double Visions, WordCrafter News, WordCrafter Press, Writing 6 Comments
September is a writing month, with no new releases scheduled, so it seems pretty calm. I’m planning to hunker down and dig in to three different writing projects in various stages of production. My only promotional endeavors this month will be to promote the Back to School Bonanza Book Sale where you can get all three of the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series in a $5 bundle.
WordCrafter Back to School Bonanza
3 for $5 Bundle
All 3 My Backyard Friends Series Books for one low price of $5.
September 1 – 30, 2026
Exclusive on WordCrafter Press My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series page:
September Writing Projects
Although WordCrafter Press has no September releases, it looks like I’ll be elbow deep in writing projects. September will find me compiling and editing on the Midnight Madness anthology, as well as doing the first round of edits on the 12 Dark Nights of Christmas anthology. Of course, I’ll be setting up the Midnight Madness tour for mid-October, when it is scheduled to release, as well. And 12 Dark Nights of Christmas will be scheduled for a December release, of course.
And throughout the month, I will also be finishing up the first draft of Marta, Book 3 in my Women in the West Adventure Series. I’m sitting right now around 85,000 words, which is already longer than either of the first two books, and I’ve still got a ways to go. I don’t know how long this one will end up being, but I’ll use as many words as I need to tell it.
There are several reasons this book may be longer than the first two. One, Marta’s journey ventures outside of Colorado, all the way to El Paso, Texas. Two, Marta sports a full cast of colorful characters who accompany her on her journey, whereas in the first two books, much of the journey for Delilah and Sarah were travelling solo with a good amount of inner dialog to lead the way. Since my stories are dialog heavy and character led, discussions seem to make up a great deal of those 85,000 words. And three, my writing is improving, and I’m learning to add more details for a better crafted story, which is a good thing, right? Better writing from me, equals a better story for my readers.
I’m researching new things for this book, as well; delving into New Mexico and Texas history to add to my knowledge of the Colorado frontier. Since Marta’s journey is made by wagon, I’ve researched the different types of wagons and how they are built, as well. And it’s always interesting to peruse the newspapers of the 1800’s, adding many details which help to bring the story ton life. I’ve learned many interesting facts, some of which I’ll be sharing on the blog tour, when the book comes out, next March.
In addition, I’ve had to research the life of Pauline Cushman, Union Spy, who is the historic supporting female character in Marta’s tale. The supporting historic female character, along with the strong female protagonists, are what sets this western historic women’s fiction series apart from the rest.
Other Good News for WordCrafter Press
Before I let you go today, I wanted to share a couple of good things which are happening around WordCrafter Press. We’re always proud when good reviews turn up, and last month we got another four-star review on Amazon for The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Double Visions: https://wp.me/p6H3KI-jnH
We also had a bit of excitement at WordCrafter Press when A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes, by Daniel J. Cox made the Amazon #1 Bestseller in Diabetes! It’s the first time a WordCrafter Press book has made the list, so we’re pretty proud of the accomplishment.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders. Her novels include Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Books 1 & 2 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, and Double Visions.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
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This post sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.
Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.
Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services
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Book Review: “Into the Deep Dark Woods” & “A Harmony of Hells”
Posted: August 28, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Gothic, Horror, Mystery, Review, Short Fiction, Stories, Thriller | Tags: Allison Longueira, Book Review, Charles De Lint, Dark Fiction Anthology, Gothic Thriller, Harmony of Hells, Jonathan Maberry, Kevin J. Anderson, Sebastian de Castell, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Writing to be Read, Yves Fey Leave a comment
About Into the Deep Dark Woods
See what lurks in the deep, dark woods—a place of fairy tales, secrets, and monsters…
Where the unexpected looms at every turn.
Where twisted shadows meet dappled sunlight.
Where even the silence grows teeth.
Into the Deep, Dark Woods features 28 all-new stories and poems that explore the magic and mystery of the primeval wilderness. Venture from the decay of a demented pumpkin patch to worlds where dragons hide among the trees and the sycamore beckons the blue ghost fireflies. Face the strangeness of an alien planet, then dine in a themed restaurant that may or may not be staffed with werewolves.
Edited by New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and award-winning editor Allyson Longueira, along with their Publishing graduate students at Western Colorado University, this page-turning anthology presents new stories by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jonathan Maberry, Charles de Lint, Sebastien de Castell, and many others.
Step off the path and into a world where every tree tells a story and every clearing offers a choice. The deeper you go, the darker it gets.
The darker it gets, the more interesting the light becomes.
Welcome to the woods. Try not to get lost.
Purchase Link: https://wordfirepress.com/products/into-the-deep-dark-woods
My Review of Into the Deep Dark Woods
I received a digital copy of the Into the Deep Dark Woods anthology from executive editors Kevin J. Anderson and Allyson Longueira in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Into the Deep Dark Woods is this year’s anthology put out by the graduate in publishing students at Western State Colorado University. Every year international bestselling author, Kevin J Anderson guides a cohort of Western’s publishing students through the process of putting together and publishing an anthology on the professional level, through his publishing company, Wildfire Press and Draft2Digital, as a group thesis project. submission numbers are higher every year. My cohort in 2022 published Gilded Glass, with over 600 submissions, and I heard they had over 900 for this one. Every story or poem is hand selected by the grad students, and I’m always happy to review these wonderful anthologies.
There are things in the woods. Whether they be shape shifters, the undead, all types of crawly things, fearies & dragons, golems, witches, alien life forms, or just the trees themselves, the stories found in this collection will make you believe they are there and you should be very afraid.
Some stories made me laugh, others made me cry, some gave me the creeps and others had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There are so many good tales in this anthology, that I wouldn’t even attempt to try and review each one. But I will give you an idea about the ones which stick out in my mind:
- “Underneath the Sycamore Tree on the Hill”, by Sam Knight was sad and made me want to cry.
- “This Real World”, by Lea Harper was my favorite poem.
- “Mulch”, by Brent Nelson offers excellent dark humor.
- “Metsubishu”, by Benjamin Spada has the feel of Ninjas and Samurai. I try and view such stories through the eyes of my son, Mike, who absolutely would have loved this story, therefore, it gets my vote.
- “The Dreadwood Dragon”, by Sebastian de Castell is an intense tale of friendship and sacrifice which touched my heart and made me smile.
Whether the forest or the things which lurk within, there is definitely something to fear if you dare to venture Into the Deep Dark Woods. I give this dark fiction anthology five quills.
About A Harmony of Hells
A poet haunted by grief. A lover marked by blood. A sister silenced behind asylum walls.
In the decadent heart of fin de siècle Paris, Averill Charron makes a devil’s bargain. To rescue his sister—locked away by their father—he joins forces with the last man he should trust, Blaise Dancier, the crime lord who once ordered his death.
No longer enemies. Now they are lovers. Together they descend into the underworld, searching cabarets and crypts, brothels and back alleys, chasing whispers that lead to deception and death.
Even as they hunt for her, Jeanette fights for her freedom. But escape only leads to recapture. Once again, she’s trapped in a world where only dreams of forbidden love and the promise of revenge keep her sane.
Their paths converge in the drowning beauty of Venice at Carnevale, where every mask conceals a threat. In a world ruled by power, madness, and betrayal, love may be the final sacrifice.
A HARMONY OF HELLS…a love story with murders.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Hells-story-murders-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0FXVTR5DX
My Review of A Harmony of Hells
I received a copy of A Harmony of Hells: A Love Story of Paris…with Murders, by Yves Fey, through the Review Pool in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. I chose this book because of the awesome cover and because I love gothic horror and gothic mystery.
Let me start by saying, I’m not a big fan of m/m romance/sex scenes. It’s not a statement about morality, but rather something that doesn’t do anything for me, personally, so I will usually skip over those stories. But…, this story is written in such a way that the sex does not overwhelm the plot, and the romance is tactfully written to support the story. Although the m/m relationship does play a key role, and in places, it is very graphic, there is so much more to this story.
Driven by a need to find his sister, Jeanette, who has been hidden away in the asylums and brothels of Paris and beyond by his father, Averille makes an alliance with Blaise Dancier, Parisian crime lord. It is risky business, but he feels he has no choice, and then finds himself surrendering to lust and wholly giving himself over to a man he knows he shouldn’t trust. In the search for Jeanette, it seems they are always at least one step behind his father, but Jeanette is resourceful and works toward her freedom at every opportunity. Their efforts bring them so close to crossing paths, but not close enough, and it is a race for time to find one another before their father can whisk her away once more.
A scandalous gothic thriller that will keep readers turning pages. I give A Harmony of Hells five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders. Her novels include Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Books 1 & 2 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, and Double Visions.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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WordCrafter “Legends” Book Blog Tour Giveaway Winners
Posted: August 22, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Blog Tour, Books, Dark fiction, Giveaways, Short Fiction, Stories, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press | Tags: Blog Tour, Books, Giveaway Winners, Legends: Monsters the go Bump in the Night, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press 1 Comment
We had a great tour last week, and contributing authors shared some tasty morsels which, hopefully, tantalized your horror tastebuds and made you want to read more of the stories in Legends: Monsters that go Bump in the Night. Before we can officially sign off from the tour, there’s a matter of a couple of different giveaways, that we need to announce the winners for.
First, Chris Barili’s Classic Mustang Photo Competition
On Day 1, author Chris Barili offered an excerpt reading from “The Legend of Trooper 666” which describes the trooper’s classic Mustang. Chris is offering a signed print copy, (winners outside the U.S. will receive a free digital copy instead, due to the outlandish costs of international shipping) for the person who sends in a photo of a classic Mustang that closest matches the trooper’s car during the tour
Here are the rules:
1. You don’t need to be in the exact year, just the generation or year group (1960s, for example)
2. If their pic is verifiably of a NY State Patrol car, it wins. If we have more than one, we’ll select the winner.
3. If it is of a show or race car, owned by other than the photographer, they need that owner’s permission to submit the photo.
4. Actual dead state troopers or other LEOs will disqualify the entry immediately. :).
The Winning Entry
There was no winning entry, because we received not one photo. Nobody played.
Second, the Legends Puzzle
Each stop on the tour featured two authors and their stories, and each post included the name of the legend their story is based on. So, there is the opportunity to collect two puzzle pieces at each stop when the correct legend for each story is placed into the comments. Any visitor with a complete puzzle at the end of the tour wins a free digital copy. In the event that no one completes the puzzle, the visitor with the most pieces wins.
And the winner is…
(Drumroll please)
- Robbie Cheadle, with puzzle pieces 1 & 2, (because she was the only one who played.)
Final Thoughts
I have to say, I was highly disappointed that no one participated in the giveaways for this tour. I thought it would be really fun to run them a little different than just “comment to enter”. We went to considerable effort to set it all up, and no one seemed interested to play. 😦 I will have to look at other options in the future, or maybe just go back to the same old, same old.
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Day 4 of the WordCrafter “Legends” Book Blog Tour
Posted: August 20, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Blog Tour, Book Release, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Giveaways, Guest Post, Short Fiction, Stories, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press Leave a commentWe’re celebrating the release of Legends: Monsters that go Bump in the Night on Day 4 of the WordCrafter Legends Book Blog Tour over on Undawnted with host, DL Mullan. We have a guest post from contributing author Robb T. White about his story, “The Urbexer’s Girl” and a promo for Abe Margel’s “It was no Stroll in the Park”.
Undawnted does not accept comments, so please post your answers here to collect the puzzle pieces for this stop to get in on the giveaway for a free digital copy. And just a reminder, there is still time to get in on Chris Barili’s giveaway for a print copy. Send your Mustang GT photos to Chris at stealthcb@gmail.com and to me at KLBWordCrafter@gmail.com.
Visit today’s stop at: http://www.undawnted.com/2026/08/undawnted-presents-legends-day-4.htm
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Day 3 of the WordCrafter “Legends” Book Blog Tour
Posted: August 19, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Audio Excerpt, Blog Tour, Book Release, Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Giveaways, Guest Post, Review, Short Fiction, Stories, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press | Tags: "Sema", "The Legend of Tilly Mae", Anthology, Book Review, Danaeka Scrimshaw, Dark fiction, Giveaway, Joseph Carrabis, Legends: Monsters the go Bump in the Night, WordCrafter Press Leave a commentFor Day 3 of the WordCrafter Legends Book Blog Tour, we’re over at Carla Loves to Read with a video guest post and excerpt reading from “Sema”, by Joseph Carrabis, a guest post from contributing author Danaeka Scrimshaw on their story, “The Legend of Tilly Mae”, and a review of the book by host Carla Johnson-Hicks.
Don’t forget to name the legends and collect the puzzle pieces to get in on the giveaway for a free digital copy of Legends: Monsters the go Bump in the Night.
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Welcome to Day 1 of the WordCrafter “Legends” Book Blog Tour
Posted: August 17, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Audio Excerpt, Blog Tour, Book Release, Books, Dark fiction, Giveaways, Guest Post, Mythology and Legend, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press 2 CommentsIt’s day 1 of the WordCrafter Legends Book Blog tour and we’re over at Poetry by Mich, and Hotel by Masticadores, and Masticadores Phillipines. Meet contributing author Chris Barili and hear an excerpt reading from his story, “The Legend of Trooper 666”.
We’ve got two great giveaways. Help us put together the Legends puzzle by collecting two puzzle pieces at each stop. And this stop has the way to find out about the one offered by Chris Barili. You’ve only got a week to gather your photos and get your entries in, so join us today.
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WordCrafter News: August Release – “Legends: Monsters that go Bump in the Night”, Winners for the GEM Tour Giveaway & a Question about P.O.V.
Posted: July 27, 2026 Filed under: Anthology, Blog Tour, Book Release, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Giveaways, Mythology and Legend, Nonfiction, Point of View, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter News, WordCrafter Press | Tags: A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes, Anthology, Books, Daniel J. Cox, Giveaways, Legends: Monsters the go Bump in the Night, New release, WordCamp US 2026, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours, WordCrafter Press Leave a commentWinners for the WordCrafter GEM Book Blog Tour Giveaway
We had a great tour last week and a successful. Launch of this groundbreaking method of empowerment for those with pre- and type 2 diabetes. If you followed the tour, by now, you’ve been thoroughly educated about Dr. Daniel J. Cox’s GEM method for managing diabetes and, if you have pre- or Type 2 diabetes, you may be ready to grab a copy of the book and get started. As promised, we’re giving away four signed print copies of A GEM for your Pre- or Type 2 Diabetes (non-U.S. residents, digital copies only), and now, it’s time to announce who the lucky winners are in the GEM Tour Giveaway.
And the Winners Are:
(Drumroll Please)
- PVCann (Roberta Writes)
- Liz Gauffreau (Roberta Writes)
- Kymber (Roberta Writes)
- Beth (Poetry by Mich)
Congratulations to the winners! If you haven’t heard from me yet, please contact me at KLBWordCrafter@gmail.com to claim your prize. (If you don’t think you need this book, prizes are transferable to someone who does.)
August Release: Legends: Monsters That Go Bump In The Night
I’m so excited to tell you about this themed anthology, Legends: Monsters That Go Bump In The Night, which is scheduled to release August 18, 2026. Wendigos, succubus, chupacabras, the angel of death, the phoenix, Trooper 666, killer Jack O’Lanterns, Gilgul and urban legends of the babysitter, and the ghost girl of Cleveland; this anthology has it all. Contributing authors include: Kaye Lynne Booth, Abe Margel, Chris Barili, Joseph Carrabis, Sara W. McBride, C.R. Johansson, Robb T. White, Rebecca M. Senese, Daneaka Scrimshaw. Filled with tales shaped by diverse legends of haunting monsters that will keep you awake at night, in this thought provoking collection of stories. And the best part is, this exciting new themed anthology is already available for pre-order: https://books2read.com/LegendsMonsters, so you can reserve your copy today!
WordCrafter Legends Book Blog Tour
The WordCrafter Legends Book Blog Tour will run August 17 – 21, 2026. I’m excited about this tour because besides meeting some of the contributors through guest posts and readings, and some really fun stuff. Contributing author Chris Barili is offering his own fun photo game and giveaway connected to his story, “The Legend of Trooper 666”. He’ll be featured at the first tour stop and you’ll have all week to send us your photos, so you’ll want to be sure and catch that first stop for that. The winner will receive a print copy of Legends: Monsters that go Bump in the Night signed by Chris.
Then, you’ll want to follow the rest of the tour to get in on the cool new giveaway, where you get to put a puzzle together by naming the legend that each story is associated with. Winners will be chosen from the players with the most puzzle pieces at the end of the tour and they will receive one of three digital copies that we’re giving away. It’s going to be a lot of fun and hope you all will join us as we launch this originally themed anthology.
A Question About P.O.V.
Okay. So, July was supposed to be a writing month, so I could work on revising Marta. Mainly, I’m changing some of the characters to make the story more colorful. But, here’s the thing. Both of the first two books in the Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, were written in a single p.o.v., but with Marta, for certain things which I need to happen, there almost has to be multiple p.o.v.s for the story to unfold smoothly.
So, what do you think? Each book is about a single woman, and the first two books are in single p.o.v., which makes sense to me. Will readers expect this third book to also be in p.o.v.? Can I fulfill the promise of the premise of a book titled for the main character if I use multilple p.o.v.s? Would multiple p.o.v.s make the book less of a fit in the series? Let me know in the comments. I will greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Want to be notified when I have a new release?
Here’s a link where you can subscribe to get a notification from Books2Read whenever I have a new release out. If you’d like to be notified of my new releases, sign up here: https://books2read.com/author/kaye-lynne-booth/subscribe/1/112381/
WordCamp US 2026 Reminder
WordCamp US 2026 is the flagship North American event for the WordPress community, bringing together developers, designers, agency owners, bloggers, and builders for four days of sessions, workshops, networking, and contributor collaboration. This year, WordCamp US will be held at the Pheonix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, August 16–19, and since I am an affiliate, they are offering my audience a great deal. The new Sunday–Wednesday schedule means the weekend before is free to explore the Phoenix area and the Pheonix Convention Center is fully air conditioned for cool comfort to enjoy WordCamp 2026.
The $100 general admission ticket covers four full days of sessions, workshops, and meals, and you can meet and chat with the representatives from WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and Pressable, who sponsor WordCamp US 2026. Even better, as members of my audience, you can get $20 off a general admission ticket by using the code AF26 at us.wordcamp.org/2026/tickets/, so your admission will only cost you $80. But the offer is only good through the end of July, so if you plan to go and wish to use the affiliate discount, get your tickets now.
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
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This segment of “WordCrafter News” is sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.
Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.
Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/
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Audio Book Review: “Behind You” & “A Shift in Shadows”
Posted: July 17, 2026 Filed under: Audio Books, Audiobook Review, Crime, Dark fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Review, Speculative Fiction, Thriller | Tags: A Shift In Shadows, Behind You, Book Review, Crime Fiction, Crime Thriller, Demons, Fea, Kaye Lynne Booth, Krys Janae, Maddox Grey, mystery, Rylie Dark, Speculative Fiction, Susan Marlowe, vampires, werewolves, Writing to be Read 4 Comments
About Behind You
Despite being a rising star in the BAU unit, FBI Special Agent Hailey Rock still lives in the shadow of her older sister, who remained in their small Midwestern town to become a police sheriff and who remains the favorite in their parents’ eyes. Hailey has not thought of her estranged family in ages, but when young women turn up dead in her hometown, the FBI dispatches Hailey to solve the case her sister cannot—and forces her to face demons, including that of her kidnapped sister, that Hailey wished she would never face again.
Women are turning up dead, posed in local farm fields like scarecrows, and time is running out. A serial killer lurks, and their small town never felt so small.
A cat-and-mouse thriller with harrowing twists and turns and filled with heart-pounding suspense, the Hailey Rock mystery series offers a fresh twist on the genre as it introduces two brilliant protagonists who will make you fall in love and keep you listening late into the night.
Purchase Links:
Chirp: Behind You (A Hailey Rock FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1) by Rylie Dark – Audiobook (No Subscription)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-You-Hailey-Suspense-Thriller/dp/B0BY9M881V
My Review of Behind You
I purchased an audiobook copy of Behind You, by Rylie Dark and narrated by Susan Marlowe from a Chirp Friday Freebie Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
The trail of a serial killer creating human scarecrows in her hometown brings FBI Agent Hailey Rock back to work the case alongside her small-town sheriff sister, stirring old memories and old grievances, as they follow the crime trail to discover who is responsible for these reprehensible crimes. Unable to work together, the sisters pursue their individual theories independently, and it becomes more of a race to see who can solve the crime first. But you can’t solve the puzzle until you have all the pieces, and some are still missing. We are given enough viewpoint from the killer’s perspective to be able to speculate if each of the suspects could be the perpetrator, but the identity isn’t revealed until the very end.
This mystery is well written, although the personal conflict between sisters is over played in this listener’s opinion, making both law enforcement officers seem unprofessional and petty. That said, the narrator, Susan Marlowe does an excellent job, providing distinctive voices that don’t all sound alike, but very natural, and carefully placing just the right emotional touches exactly where needed.
A well-crafted crime thriller mystery with an excellent narrator. I give Behind You four quills.
About A Shift in Shadows
Betrayed by love.
I was a fool in love once—until I learned he only wanted me for my power. I left him and found love with someone else. He retaliated by ripping out her heart.
Driven by revenge.
Every year my warlock ex-lover leaves me a bloody heart as a gift. A taunt and a reminder that I belong to him. But he’s forgotten that I’m the ruthless feline shifter that was hunting down my enemies long before we crossed paths. Sooner or later, it’ll be his heart I’m holding in my hand.
Damned by magic.
But to destroy the warlock who has haunted my dreams once and for all, I might have to embrace the dark magic I’ve been hiding my entire life. And even if I survive… it will change the course of my life forever.
A Shift in Shadows is Book One of the urban fantasy romance series Lost Legacies. Perfect for fans of stabby morally grey FMC’s, all the found family vibes, and slow burning romances.
Purchase Links:
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Shifvt-Shadows-Lost-Legacies-Book/dp/B0F14MTQWP/
Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/a-shift-in-shadows-by-maddox-grey-99acfacc04
My Review of A Shift in Shadows
I purchased an audiobook copy of A Shift in Shadows, written by Maddox Grey and narrated by Krys Janae, through a free Chirp deal. I’m offering here an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I must commend this narrator. Every character has a distinctive voice which fits the character’s personality. Krys Janae does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life, whether they be shifter, vampire, witch or warlock, fae, demon, or…. something else. Janae may be the best narrator I have as yet encountered. Bravo on a job well done.
I had a hard time getting into this world. I am familiar with werewolves and vampires, but I haven’t read a lot of stories where they exist together and socialize. Add to that, witches and warlocks, demons, and members of the fae realm, all either loving or fighting amongst themselves, and new, unfamiliar beings called devourers, and that’s a lot to learn and assimilate. There are vampire hybrids, too; vampire kids, which goes against all that I know about vampires, which comes from classic vampire literature and Anne Rice. But once I accepted that this world was different from others which I had explored and accepted it for what it is, I began getting into the characters and the world, and I have to admit, I became invested.
Lemane knows who she is, but she is unsure what she is, and she is on a constant search for answers. But it’s hard to search when you are hiding from a crazy rogue warlock, who is determined to have her as his own or destroy her. All her life she was taught to keep her own magic hidden, and since she’s not encountered any other beings which have magic such as hers, the kind that can open gateways to other realms, she fears what will happen if she lets it out, but is forced to use it to save herself and those she cares for, time after time. With a vampire for a roommate, a werewolf for a lover, and a fae for a bestie, Lemane searches for answers in this realm and beyond. But there’s more going on than she realizes, and greater powers are at work, all in a grab for control of the realms.
Can Lemane find the answers she seeks and stop an evil coupe, avoid the warlocks and vampires, and stay alive long enough to save her world and herself?
I may not know what an FMC is, but I surely know a good story when I hear one. I give A Shift in Shadows five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Crossbones” & “Consumed”
Posted: June 26, 2026 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Gothic, Mystery, Review | Tags: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Consumed, Crossbones, Douglas Pratt, E.Chris Ambrose, Gothic Horror Mystery, Justin Acala, Kaye Lynne Booth, Treasure Hunting, Writing to be Read 2 CommentsAbout Crossbones
Treasure hunter Rikki Talens embarks on a daring expedition down the Gulf coast of Florida, driven by the discovery of an ancient grave that could lead to one of the greatest pirate treasures in history. But she’s not the only one on the trail. Ernesto, a ruthless descendant of the very pirate who buried the treasure, is determined to reclaim what he believes is his birthright, even if it means leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
As Rikki deciphers cryptic clues and navigates deadly traps laid centuries ago, she must also outwit Ernesto and his band of mercenaries who will stop at nothing to claim the treasure first. The race is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher—for Rikki, it’s about more than just gold; it’s about uncovering the truth behind a pirate legend that could change history.
Battling the elements, rival treasure hunters, and her own inner demons, Rikki is pushed to her limits in a high-octane adventure where every decision could be her last. Can she outsmart Ernesto and secure the treasure, or will the legacy of the pirate Gasparilla claim yet another victim?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Crossbones-Talens-Adventure-Douglas-Pratt-ebook/dp/B0CXZRPRD7
My Review of Crossbones
I purchased Crossbones, by Douglas Pratt and E. Chris Ambrose through a free BookBub Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Crossbones is the first book in the Rikki Talens Adventure series, with a strong female protagonist capable of carrying the series. Rikki is after the treasure of Gasparilla, a legendary pirate who stole a Spanish princess and beheaded her, carrying her head with him until his vessel sank and he met his demise. As Rikki follows the clues in an attempt to find the princess’ burial spot and the treasure left behind, she must beat Ernesto and his gang of thugs, who are Gasparilla’s heirs, determined to claim their legacy in Gasparilla’s hidden plunder.
Action and adventure are the meat of this tale. I give Crossbones five quills.
About Consumed
Sergeant Nathaniel Brannick is trapped in Victorian London during a period of disease, crime, and insatiable vices. One night, Brannick returns from work to find an eerie messenger in his flat who warns him of dark things to come.
When his next case involves a victim who suffered from consumption, he uncovers clues that lead him to believe the messenger’s warning. Despite his incredulity, he can’t help but wonder if the practical man he once was has been altered by an investigation encompassed in the paranormal. That is, until he meets the witch hunters, and everything takes a turn for the worse.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Consumed-Justin-Alcala-ebook/dp/B07WLVR9QN/
My Review of Consumed
I received a digital copy of Consumed, by Justin Alcala through Sandra’s Book Club review program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. The digital copy which I received was fraught with places where the text was confuddled in mid-sentence, often with whole lines of text missing, which may or may not appear a paragraph or two down. Needless to say, this was very confusing and pulled me right out of the story every time this occurred.
(I also have to say that I think Alcala could have picked a better title for this book. When searching for it on Amazon, I came by twenty-four other books by the same title, making it necessary to type in the author’s last name to locate the book, because it wasn’t even among them. A different title might improve discoverability for this book.)
Nosferatu, the undead, or vampires, if you prefer, a classic Victorian London setting, and a detective suffering from both consumption and opium addiction, come together to create a gothic horror crime novel which is right up there with the classics. When Sargeant Detective Nathanial Brannick and his partner are assigned to a woman found dead in her flat, with circumstantial evidence pointing to murder, it seems they’ve stumbled into something much more sinister. When they see the probable murder victim rise from her grave and she attacks them, the case turns even more puzzling. At every turn, it seems their suspect is three steps ahead of them and circling around behind. And it’s unclear just who their suspect is, as there are two Romanian strangers in town, who claim to be witch hunters, whose paths keep crossing with our detectives, who seem like likely suspects, in addition to their evil prey. People are dropping dead all around him as Brannick struggles to catch the culprit before there is another killing.
Fans of classic Dracula will love this gothic horror crime novel. I give Consumed four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
______________________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Golden Healer”
Posted: June 12, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Magical Realism, Review, Young Adult | Tags: Book Review, Golden Healer, Kaye Lynne Booth, M.J. Mallon, Magical Realism, Writing to be Read, Young Adult Fiction 4 CommentsAbout Golden Healer
I didn’t think my life could get any weirder, until the dreaded rollercoaster…
Amelina Scott’s destiny is to be a Krystallos: a magician of light, chosen to learn the ways of crystal magic on her 16th birthday. Located on a river pathway in a mysterious part of Cambridge, the Crystal Cottage is guarded by mythical beings.
Unfortunately, there are those who seek to harm this haven of light. Learning of Ryder – a Shadow Sorcerer with hypnotic powers – Amelina discovers that her own magic is now threatened, and that the Curse of Time might be unleashed again.
As secrets abound and the creatures of the Chronophage come alive, can Amelina become the true magician she needs to be?
A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Golden Healer is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal. NOTE: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Healer-Curse-Time-Book-ebook/dp/B09R1MTQPY/
My Review of Golden Healer
I received a digital copy of Golden Healer, by M.J. Mallon, from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. I was excited when asked to review book 2 in Mallon’s The Curse of Time Series, as I recalled enjoying the first book in the series, Blood Stone. My review of Blood Stone: https://writingtoberead.com/2023/08/18/book-review-bloodstone/
I don’t have a lot of experience with magical realism, but once I get into the swing of it, and realize that magical happenings are an expected part of everyday life and just about anything is possible, the stories in this series start popping. Mallon writes magical realism with a skilled hand. Although the events of the story may seem a bit odd to the characters, they are taken as a matter of fact, they just are.
Amelina knows that something isn’t right. There are many strange things happening. Her friend Jade is determined to date Ryder, despite Amelina’s misgivings and her warnings that the boy is trouble. Jade thinks Amelina is just jealous and refuses to listen. Esme is still trapped inside the mirror and has lost her reflection, but Amelina doesn’t know how to free her. After taking her father’s youth and Krystalos powers by forcing him to ride the monster rollercoaster, the grasshopper has decided Amelina’s next on line for a ride. And the Crystal Cottage remains as mysterious as ever.
Rollercoasters with a high price, evil giant grasshoppers,mirror prisons, cats with human characteristics, evil shadow demons, magic welcome mats with attitude, and lots and lots of magic crystals. This story has it all.
This is one story you’ve to read to believe, and I do think reading the series in order could be helpful. A delightful and surprising story, which I truly enjoyed reading. I give Golden Healer five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_____________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
