BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - MYSTERY - TRIAL BY TOWN by Sharon Fernicola

Trial by Town

by Sharon Fernicola

Publication date: March 31st 2026

Genres: Adult, Mystery

BLURB

A gripping small town murder mystery

In the quiet coastal town of Keansbury, reputation is everything.

When eighteen-year-old Peter Keans—the heir to the town’s most powerful family—is found murdered, shock quickly turns to certainty. A young woman is arrested, and for all residents the case appears simple.

Justice, they believe, will be swift.

Attorney Katie Russo isn’t so sure.

Invited to review what seems like an open-and-shut prosecution, Katie begins to notice small inconsistencies buried beneath the surface of the investigation. As she looks deeper, she discovers a community bound by loyalty, economic dependence, and an unspoken understanding that some truths are better left alone.

With the trial approaching and tensions mounting, long-held assumptions begin to fracture. In a place where reputation defines identity and silence protects power, the search for truth threatens far more than a single verdict.

TRIAL BY TOWN is a character-driven small town murder mystery about justice, moral ambiguity, and the quiet pressure of a town determined to protect its own.

Perfect for readers who enjoy small town suspense, courtroom drama, and mysteries where the truth hides behind reputation and power.

For fans of Defending Jacob and Anatomy of a Scandal comes a gripping small town murder mystery where reputation, power, and truth collide.

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EXCERPT

“Mr. VanAnt, as you may know, the Professor asked me to speak with Miss O’Neill. I did so only to be of help.” She made certain her tone continued calm and reassuring, not wanting to give the misimpression that she was speaking as a defense attorney. “Miss O’Neill is unwavering in her claim of innocence.”

He was quick to respond, the red deepening in color. “I’m not surprised by anything she says. She’s always been a strange girl. Her uncle was strange. I guess it was just in the genes. However, that’s not an excuse. Mrs. Russo, as far as myself and this community are concerned, she killed him. Whether by accident or intentional, she killed him. The sooner she’s removed from here, the better. We have enough to deal with without her presence being a constant painful reminder.”

He tried to take another sip of coffee, but his shaking hand made him unsteady. A small amount poured onto the table. Katie grabbed a few napkins to blot up the puddle. She worried that she may have pushed him too far, but as concerned as she felt for him, she was compelled to continue the discussion.

“I can only imagine the pressure you’ve been under. The Professor mentioned that Mr. Keans Sr. has had virtually no involvement with the business since his son’s death.”

He paused a moment, then looked directly at Katie. “One does what one needs to do to survive. I have a responsibility to our customers, our workers, our community, and our families. A lot of people have been affected by this tragedy, and I’ll do everything and anything it takes to see that this business continues.”

Katie felt a chill up her spine. His words almost sounded like a threat. Perhaps he wasn’t quite the gentle giant she had thought. It was clear that the conversation had gone as far as it was going to go. “I’m certain you have everyone’s support and appreciation.”

Katie glanced at her watch and noted the lateness of the hour. “I’ve taken up enough of your time.” She rose and extended her hand. “This was an unexpected pleasure meeting you, and I very much enjoyed the tour.”

“Likewise.” He held the chair for her, the way a gentleman did in an old black-and-white film, and then escorted her to the elevator. “I hope you don’t mind if I say goodbye here. I have a few hours of paperwork ahead of me and I’d better get started.”

“Not at all. Again, thank you.”

He stood there looking at her until the doors closed. The chill she got earlier seemed to return. She tried to explain away her discomfort. After all, he had a right to feel such anger, and it wasn’t directed toward her. More chills as she walked briskly to the car, only this time, they were caused by the late afternoon breeze off the water. She slid into the seat and turned on the engine and the heater and waited until she was sufficiently warmed. As she drove out the gate, she thought about his words. Other than Jennifer, everyone she’d spoken to since arriving were aligned in their sentiment, although none expressed it so succinctly as Mr. VanAnt. “The sooner she’s removed from here, the better.” Katie rounded the bend, happy to be heading toward the comfort of the Professor’s home.

As he lost sight of her car, VanAnt drew the blinds and returned to his paperwork.

 

Author Bio:

Sharon Fernicola is a writer drawn to layered mysteries, emotional realism, and characters who challenge assumptions. Her fascination with crime and justice began early, watching Perry Mason with her father and falling in love with the genre’s blend of intellect and drama. Her debut novel, Trial by Town, explores the fragile line between perception and truth in a small town desperate to preserve its legacy.

In her 70s, Sharon completed three triathlons, obtained dual Italian–American citizenship, and wrote her first book—living proof that bold dreams don’t come with an expiration date. She brings a poetic sensibility to her storytelling, blending suspense with empathy and nuance. When she’s not writing, she’s mapping out her next adventure or putting in time at the gym, always chasing the next challenge with curiosity and grit.

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Presented by

SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERPT - COZY MYSTERY - LAST BITE by Amy S. Peele

A mouth-watering home run of a beach read where a newly widowed woman finds second chances through a funeral catering business and the magic of Chicago baseball.

Last Bite
by Amy S. Peele
Genre: Cozy Mystery

A mouth-watering home run of a beach read, this lighthearted romantic comedy featuring a newly widowed fortysomething takes the reader on a joyful romp through-out some of Chicago’s finest eateries—with a dash of Cubs baseball on the side.

In the heart of Chicago, forty-five-year-old Angie Sortino finds herself at a crossroads. Recently widowed, she discovers that her deceased husband, Vinnie, has left her penniless. Until his City pension can be cleared up, she’s on her own.

Angie has just taken a job at Chicago City Hall as a cleaning woman when her spirited twenty-two-year-old niece, Gina, and Gina’s best friend, Kim, approach her with the idea of starting a catering company targeting funeral parlors. Seeing a chance to reawaken her own culinary aspirations, Angie gets on board. As the three women embark on this new venture, they face the challenges of the catering business, from securing clients to perfecting their menu. Angie and Gina’s love for the Chicago Cubs adds a playful twist to their journey; they often find inspiration in the vibrant atmosphere of Wrigley Field. Gina’s youthful enthusiasm, meanwhile, contrasts with Angie’s cautious nature, leading to hilarious mishaps, unexpected romantic encounters, and heartfelt moments.

Through late-night brainstorming sessions and spontaneous cooking experiments, Angie begins to find her voice, both in the kitchen and in her life—and ultimately, with the support of a respected funeral director, Gina and Kim, and an unexpected new love interest, she learns to embrace her worth and pursue happiness. 

"Last Bite is a deliciously layered novel that mixes humor, heart, and mystery in equal measure." —Chicago Book Review

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             The sky was blue, it was a warm late-September afternoon, and there was no better place to be as they walked across the street from Murphy’s into the ballpark. They had the best bleacher seats. Center field, perfect view of the field, and an excellent place to grab a few home run balls, if the stars were aligned. As they approached their seats, Kim stopped. “Wait a minute. Gina, do you see what I’m seeing? It’s Peggy’s girls from the kitchen.”

Gina looked past the girls and saw something that astonished her. There was Peggy sitting next to Ben, who stood up and waved.

“Uncle Ben, what the hell?”

“Hey, Gina, it’s a long story, but we’re all here to have fun and forget about our troubles, right, Peggy?”

Peggy growled, “Why not, can’t work today, schools are closed. Ben stopped by with tickets yesterday and I figured my crew needed a break after the poisoning incident.” She sat back down, grumbled some more, and took a sip of her beer. Gina walked over and hugged Ben and sat between him and Peggy.

“I am so sorry about the poisoning,” Gina said. “Angie got it all straightened out. It wasn’t us who did it. She can bring you up to speed after the game.”

“Good to hear. Sorry I was so mean to you, but it put me behind schedule,” Peggy said. “By the way, my niece is coming out from San Francisco tomorrow, loves baseball. Maybe we can take her to a Cubs game. She’s a private investigator and has a case here. I think you’d like her. She’s a lot of fun. She bats for Kim’s team.”

“What’s her name?” Gina asked.

“Jackie Larsen, she’s one fun-loving smart cookie. Her parents disowned her when she came out, but I told her she would always have a place in my heart and home,” Peggy said, and then turned to watch the players warm up. Gina went to sit with her mom, Angie, and Kim.

“That Ralph knows how to pick good seats,” Connie said.

“Vinnie and Ralph spent many a day in the bleachers,” Gina leaned over and remarked. “They could afford the fancier seats, but they said this is where the real fans were.”

Angie bought popcorn, peanuts, and beer for the crew, toasting, “Here’s to family and the Cubs.” They all raised their beers, toasted, and yelled, “Go, Cubs!”

The Cardinals took an early lead with two home runs in the top of the second, and the Cubs answered in the bottom of the fifth and tied the score. Baseball time was different for Angie. She had learned from Vinnie to put all her cares away and soak it all in, one pitch at a time, one hit at a time, one inning at a time. Today, of all days, she was doing just that, glancing at the field and then over at her family, including Thad and Daisy, knowing they would always get through anything as long as they were together. She laughed out loud when one of the lunch gals yelled at the ump, “That was a strike! Get some glasses!”

What a motley crew, Angie thought. At the top of the sixth, one of the ushers came over to where she was sitting. “Is there an Angie Sortino here?”

They all looked up. “Who wants to know?” Angie asked.

“We have a very special surprise for Angie. Are you Angie?”

“Depends. You’re not from the mayor’s office, are you?” Angie asked.

“No, I work for the Cubs.”

“Okay then, I’m Angie. What exactly is the surprise?”

“Not at liberty to say, but if you’d please follow me, you’ll know soon enough. All I can say is it must be your lucky day.” He gestured for Angie to follow him.

“Bring her back in one piece,” Connie called after.

“No worries, she’ll be safe and sound. Enjoy the rest of the game. Go, Cubs.”

Angie followed him through the park, her mind reeling. Where is he taking me? They navigated through all the fans, kids in tow, lines of people waiting for beer and dogs.

He took her on an elevator up several floors, and she noticed a sign pointing to the press boxes. They walked past them.

“Would you please take a seat, Angie?” said the escort. “I’ll be back to get you at the start of the seventh inning.” He pointed to a small area with a live TV monitor displaying the game and several chairs. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Why not? I’ll take a beer, please.”

The young man returned with a draft beer and a bag of peanuts. “Enjoy.”

Angie sipped her beer, cracked open peanuts, and watched the rest of the sixth inning. The game was tied. Fans were yelling as the Cubs took the field at the top of the seventh. She was deeply engaged in the game when the usher interrupted her.

“How are you doing?”

“Great, but I’d like to get back to my family. Time for the seventh-inning stretch.”

“You’ll be enjoying that in just a few minutes. A friend of yours has arranged something for you. I hope you brought your best singing voice.”

Singing voice? Angie thought, as the usher led her to a door marked “Announcer” and gently knocked. What the hell?

“Come in,” came a voice from within.

The usher opened the door and Pat Hughes, the announcer for the Cubs, glanced over. “Angie, you’re going to be singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” with our guest celebrity.”

“What! Are you kidding me? Oh my God! This is a dream come true!”

“Come on in. We’re on in a few minutes.”

Angie stepped in and froze. There in front of her was Bill Murray—the Bill Murray, wearing his 2016 World Series T-shirt and hat, holding a microphone. “Hey, Angie. Nice to meet you. I was a friend of Vinnie’s—so sorry he’s gone.” He reached over

and gave her a warm embrace, saying, “He was a hell of a man, and there was no better Cubs fan.”

Angie was having an out-of-body experience, thoughts flooding through her mind. Is this real? How did this happen? I’m with Bill Murray.

Bill brought her right up front—where you could see the entire field—and handed her a microphone. “I know you know the words,” he said, smiling.

The Cubs announcer broke in, “And today we have our very own Bill Murray with a special guest, Angie Sortino, singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

Bill jumped in, “A one—A two.” He glanced over at Angie and they both started singing.

“Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack. I don’t care if I never get back!”

Angie gave it all she had, joy erupting from within her. She caught sight of her and Bill on the Jumbotron. As the camera scanned the crowd, everyone got up and sang, arm in arm. “So it’s root, root, root for the Cubbies . . .” The song ended, the crowd went wild, and Angie hugged Bill, smiling ear to ear.

“This was truly a dream come true.” She pointed at him with both of her index fingers. “Bill Murray. I sang with Bill Murray!”

Bill gave her a departing hug. “Take care, Angie. So nice to meet you after hearing about you from Vinnie for so many years.That man sure loved you.”

Amy S Peele was born and raised in the Chicago area, and now lives in Marin County in California. Having spent thirty five years working in the field of organ transplantation, she brings a fresh, knowledgable, and humorous new voice into the world of mystery novels.

In addition to killing people in her murder mysteries, she enjoys meditating, teaching yoga, swimming, and pursuing her spirituality by studying the teachings of Deepak Chopra. Amy invites you to her website www.amyspeele.com to learn more about her.

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Enter the Last Bite Giveaway Here

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT - COZY MYSTERY - DETECTIVE RYAN MYSTERIES by Clive Fleury

The truth doesn’t sleep — and neither does Detective Ryan.

A Detective Ryan Mystery Series
by Clive Fleury
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Off Season
A Detective Ryan Mystery, #1

Detective Ryan navigates drug overdoses, a mysterious foot on the beach and a long-buried cold case.

Detective Ramesh Ryan's career with Sydney's prestigious Organized Crime Unit is on the up, until he loses a court case against the city's most powerful drug dealer. In disgrace, the detective is relocated to the tiny Australian beach town of Barton.

It is off-season in Barton-when its few criminals usually take a well-earned rest. But not this year! With the detective's arrival, the town suddenly becomes murder central. Two bodies are discovered in the space of days, both victims of drug overdoses. Then a mysterious foot is found washed up on the beach, and memories are awoken of an unsolved cold case of the teenager who disappeared fifteen years ago. Add to this a blossoming romance, along with a contract taken out on Ryan's life, and it's clear that the detective has jumped out of the Sydney frying pan into the Barton fire.

What follows is an action-packed adventure, thrilling at every turn-where truth and lies are almost impossible to separate, and unexpected twists are the order of the day.

Praise For OFF SEASON

 

“Off Season is a sensational and thrilling mystery that will take its reader on a journey of ups and downs and twists and turns galore while always entertaining and thrilling you!”

 —Aimee – GOODREADS review

 

“Attention grabber. Moves quickly and smoothly. Informative. Enjoyable. Don't miss.”

—Margaret – GOODREADS review

 

“Fleury masterfully crafts a narrative that is both fast-paced and intricately plotted. The story kicks off with a bang and maintains its momentum throughout, with each chapter ending on a tantalizing cliffhanger. The plot is peppered with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers interested.”

—J. Komrie - GOODREADS review

 

“Great build-up of suspense, a layered plot, and an enticing protagonist. Takes a lot of turns, which I love. This is definitely a page turner for anyone who loves a good crime mystery.”

—Carolina Rolim – Verified AMAZON reader review

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All Or None
A Detective Ryan Mystery, #2

Returning to Sydney, Detective Ramesh Ryan is promoted to the Homicide Squad. Zoe Yang joins him there. Now a detective herself, she is assigned as his junior partner. Straight up, the cops are off and running-investigating the discovery of a murdered company director. Following the clues, Detective Ryan finds that this and a second murder may be linked to past events.

As the pressure mounts for a quick solution to the case, the detective finds that he too, is in the killer's crosshairs. But Ryan is distracted from the investigation by a romantic encounter with an old university friend. He also worries about his mother, Mumta, and her new obsessive desire for grandchildren from her only son. Could this be linked to her recent medical tests? And there's another pressing problem-the plague of rats in his apartment block.

Detective Ryan's hands are well and truly full!

 

Praise For ALL OR NONE

A riveting read. Anyone who likes mystery and crime, you won’t be able to put this down. Thought it was an elegant continuation of this universe. - Carolina R, Amazon Reviewer

I really enjoyed this book. I love it when you keep changing your mind about who did it to find out at the end that you're still wrong. – Nancy F., Goodreads Reviewer

 

All or None exceeded my expectations. The murders kept me guessing, but what I loved most was Ryan himself tough on the outside, vulnerable on the inside, and surrounded by challenges that made him relatable. – Mary M., Goodreads Reviewer

 

I devoured this ARC in two sittings. The tension builds perfectly, and the clues are woven in so well that you feel like you’re investigating alongside Ryan and Zoe. The personal subplots (his mom, the romance, even the rats!) add depth without slowing down the action. – Minor C, Goodreads Reviewer

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Clive Fleury is an award-winning writer of books and screenplays and has worked all over the world as a Film/TV director, writer and producer. He has written six books, most recently 'All Or None', the second novel in the Detective Ryan Murder Mystery series.

 

'All Or None' sees Detective Ryan back in the thick of things. His latest investigation into a mysterious death couldn’t come at a worse time. He discovers his mother is hiding a troubling secret and is further sidetracked by a new romance. Fans of who dunnit's, crime thrillers, and cop and detective stories will love this novel. 

 

Clive's other books include 'Off Season' - book one in the Detective Ryan Murder Mystery series; 'Kill Code' - a dystopian science fiction novel set in a world facing climate change;  ‘Scary Lizzy’  - a novel about an eight year old girl, who befriends an African child ghost –  and the teen action adventure book; ‘The Boy Next Door ‘ -  a story of what happens when a teenage girl has a crush on her next door neighbor, who isn’t all he seems.  He also co-wrote ‘Art Pengriffin and The Curse of The Four’ - a young adult fantasy adventure about a teenage boy who discovers his father was Merlin the Magician.

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Enter the Detective Ryan Mysteries Giveaway Here

Presented by

SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERT - PARANORMAL MYSTERY - RED SHADOWS AT SAUGATUCK (The Haunted Shores Mysteries, #4) by Randy Overbeck

Another charming resort town and, not very far away, an ugly secret. Can Darrell find justice for a murdered teen before something ugly happens to him, his wife and his young son?

Red Shadows at Saugatuck
The Haunted Shores Mysteries, #4
by Randy Overbeck
Genre: Paranormal Mystery 

This fourth entry in the Haunted Shores Mysteries series takes Darrell, Erin and their young son, Leo, home to Michigan for a family celebration. But, on their way, they notice a "MISSING" flyer for a Native girl and the whole family gets involved for searching for the teen. However, the teen turns out to be murdered, not missing and haunts father and son, seeking justice.

"A gripping tale of finding justice for a missing Native American teen."—John DeDakis, author of Fake and Senior CNN Editor for "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." 

"Darrell and Erin now have a son, who inherited his gift and it made an even better storyline. Their united family bond propelled the scenes. This was a paranormal fantasy, but it touched on the real-life issue of missing Indigenous women with heartbreaking and emotional elements. Overbeck is a dominant storyteller of mystery and suspense. A must-read book."—Darlene Fredette, author of One Sweet Christmas, A Redland Falls Story

 

“Red Shadows at Saugatuck is one of the finest books ever written, a paranormal mystery that stole my soul and took my breath away.” ★★★★★++ stars—N N Light Bookheaven

 

“Red Shadow at Saugatuck by Randy Overbeck was complex and captivating. I was mesmerized from the very first page right up to the last one.”--- ReadersFavorite.com

 

“Red Shadows at Saugatuck is thoughtful, deeply human, and low-key terrifying in a quiet way.” ★★★★★ The Gold Award--Literary Titan

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She glared at the downpour, measuring its progress. They had maybe fifteen minutes. Then, they were going to get drenched.

“Mom, what are we going to do?” Leo squeaked.

“It’s going to be okay,” she said, the first thing which came to her.

He looked up at her, deep green eyes wide. “How are we going to get to…Aunt Gertrude’s?” He sniffled. “I wish we were home, on the Chesapeake.”

She pulled Leo to her and hugged him. “So do I, son.” She stared at the water. “So…do…I.” She knew she needed to comfort her son, but what could she say? She’d tried never to lie to Leo. She scrunched down next him. “Mr. Salazar knows where we were headed. When we don’t come back in time, he’d send someone to go look for us. We simply need to wait.”

“You think so?” Leo sniffed.

“I do,” Erin answered, hoping she wasn’t lying to him. “But for now, since your dad’s not here, I need you to be a big guy for me. You think you can do that?”

He gave a slow nod and stuck out his chest. “I’ll try.”

Erin hugged him again. “That’s my big boy.” Still low next to him, she pointed out over the water. “See that line?”

“You mean that dark row?”

“Yeah, that’s a storm.”

“It is?” The fear was back in his voice.

“Yeah, and it’s coming this way.” She patted him on the chest. “The good news is it doesn’t look like there is any thunderstorm with it.” She pointed again. “No lightning.”

“O-kay,” he swallowed the two syllables.

“It means we’re going to get wet. But hey, didn’t we just spend the last few hours getting wet?”

He nodded.

“I think we can stand a little rain. What do you think?”

He looked at the approaching curtain of rain and then at his mom. “I guess so.” He sniffed again. “But mom, I’m scared.”

She hugged him tight. “It’ll be okay. You’ll see.” She hoped she wasn’t lying. “Hey, I just thought of something. Remember the cave we passed on our way to the waterfall. The one you wanted to explore, but I wouldn’t let you.” She glanced at the curtain of rain, then back at her son. “I think now would be a great time to check out the cave. What do you say?”

“Okay,” he gulped.

“If we hurry, we’ll might even be able to beat the rain.” She grabbed the picnic basket and the preserver. “I’ll race you.”

As they trotted down the trail they’d left a few minutes ago, she cast one last glance over her shoulder. But no one will be able to see us hiding in the cave…if they come looking for us.

Chapter 38

            The rain pounding on the roof of the car woke him. Darrell had no idea how long he’d been out. He shook his head and it all came back to him, like a slowly evolving video. The black SUV on his tail. Their hell-bent speed. Then the Cadillac pulled up alongside him. The car cut in front and Darrell had to jerk his car onto the shoulder. He lost control and swerved off the road.

            He felt his forehead. It hurt, bad. He must’ve hit it on the steering wheel. At least, the airbag hadn’t deployed. The car was still drivable, he thought. The Taurus hadn’t conked out, the engine idled quietly. Darrell decided he better get out to assess the damage. He put the car in park. When he was about the turn off the ignition, he hesitated. What if it didn’t restart? He let it alone.

            He pulled the handle to open his door, but it only moved about an inch and then stopped. He buzzed the window down and the rain sluiced inside. Darrell did his best to ignore it and looked out and down. He saw the edge of the ditch about a foot deep next to his car, his door.

Yanking his head in, he raised the window back up. No need to get any more wet than he had to. He climbed over the console and practically stumbled into the passenger’s seat, Erin’s seat. At least, she hadn’t been with him. The speed and the near collision would’ve infuriated her…and terrified her. Hell, it terrified him. He hoped she and Leo were having a great time out on the water. The rain pounded on the steel frame of the roof. He prayed they weren’t dealing with this storm out over Lake Michigan.

Putting his shoulder against the passenger door, it opened partway and Darrell could feel it pushing against the mud on the ground. He squeezed through the opening and out the door. His feet squelched in the mud. In seconds, the hard rain drenched him, his clothes soaked. At least, it wasn’t cold. Rain had cooled it a little, but the temperature still hovered in the high seventies, he guessed. Since he was out and soaked, he forced himself to struggle in the mud and check out the car. His feet getting sucked into the muck, he tromped his way around most of the frame. The Taurus appeared to be okay, though some parts of the body were so mud-splattered he couldn’t be sure. He’d driven off the road and over the shoulder but the culvert must have caught the car, the sloppy mud cutting the speed before he could run into anything else.

 

**Don’t miss the rest of the Haunted Shores Mysteries!**

Find them on Amazon! 

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” where he reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts, writing and book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.

 

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the ThrillerFest. When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and scenic locations, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.

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Presented by

SPOTLIGHT - COZY MYSTERY - A CAMPING CONUNDRUM (A Liz Adams Mystery, #5) by Stacy Wilder

A camping trip to South Carolina’s Poinsett Park turns deadly when PI Liz Adams’ husband discovers a body in the lake. Amid camping calamities, Liz and her lie-detecting Lab, Duke, rush to identify the killer—leading to a shocking twist of karma.

A Camping Conundrum
A Liz Adams Mystery #5
by Stacy Wilder
Genre: Cozy Mystery

A heart-pounding cozy mystery filled with twists, turns, and canine charm. Perfect for fans of page-turning whodunits and outdoor adventures!

Private Investigator Liz Adams isn’t thrilled when her husband, Brad, suggests a camping getaway to South Carolina’s picturesque Poinsett Park. The mention of camping brings back a haunting memory of a childhood Girl Scout trip that went terribly wrong. But for Brad, the park is a refuge—a chance to relive happy moments from his past.

The long weekend escape takes a dark turn when Brad discovers a woman’s lifeless body in the park’s peaceful lake. The victim, the landlady of a strip center in the neighboring town of Sumter, was notorious for making enemies among her tenants. With no shortage of motives but no clear suspects, Liz and her truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, embark on a quest to identify the culprit.

As Liz races to uncover the truth and put the killer in jail, the couple experiences one camping disaster after another. Will justice be served? Or will an unexpected twist of karma change everything? 

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Find them on Amazon

Stacy Wilder is the author of the Liz Adams Mystery Series. In addition to cozy mysteries, Stacy writes children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets.

 

Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, the adventure of travel, and the joy of reading.

She and her husband live in Houston, TX with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve. 

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Presented by

COVER REVEAL - YA HISTORICAL MYSTERY - LETTERS FROM LUCCA by Kim Baccellia

Check out the cover reveal of this gutwrenching historical where Sammi Clark travels to Italy to redeem her beloved Grandmother's name, only to find the truth is more complex.

Letters From Lucca
by Kim Baccellia
Genre: YA Historical Fiction, WWII Mystery

On the heels of Sammi's grandmother's whispered deathbed wish, a package of letters from Italy arrives at her post box. Reading them makes Sammi recall whispers she heard in childhood of her grandmother's wartime involvement, a past that Sammi's father and aunt would rather see remain closed. As if things couldn't get any worse, her long-time boyfriend, Hunter, dumps her.

However, an opportunity arises that sends her to Italy to defend her grandmother, even if the truth might shatter all she believes. In a helpful twist, Joseph, her best friend's Italian cousin, offers to help her. Despite the obvious growing attraction between Joseph and her, she tries to suppress it as she embarks on her mission to vindicate the grandmother she loves.

**Releases Feb 3, 2026 – PreOrder Now!**

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Award-winning author Kim Baccellia grew up in Sacramento, California, the oldest of seven. She has a business associate degree from Sacramento City College, a BS degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, and studied post grad bilingual/bicultural education at CSUF.

She’s been a telemarketer, library helper at the Harold B. Lee library at BYU, assistant manager, sales clerk, tutor, bilingual teacher, and homeschool mother.

Award-winning author. Author of YA paranormal CROSSED OUT and CROSSED FIRE. YA dystopia CANDLE IN THE WIND. Also the author of the urban diverse fantasy EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA. Short Christmas Magic in the Holiday analogy MISTLETOE AND MAGIC. Re-releasing YA fantasy series under new titles in 2026! Currently working on a historical romance set in Tuscany. 

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