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The Death of Me – 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite

Today began with my waking up and learning my latest mystery-thriller, The Death of Me garnered a 5 Star rating by Readers’ Favorite. Oh, joyful day!

The Death of Me by Carolyn M. Bowen

I’m excited to share the news with an excerpt from the book review.

“Throughout the entirety of The Death of Me, I found myself kept on the edge of my seat by the author as they constantly found new ways to intrigue and thrill me in equal measure. I recommend this book to anyone seeking their next big thriller.” 5 Stars Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers’ Favorite ~ Tap the link below to read the full review.

Readers’ Favorite 5 Star Review

Preorder Now…

The Death of Me is available for preorder with a sizzling discount. Order your copy today and be one of the first to read this new thriller on its release date, January 4th, 2022.

Thank you to all my readers who support and encourage my writing life. Carolyn Bowen

The Death of Me by Carolyn M. Bowen

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Tis the season of homecomings…

Christmas Spirit (Pixabay)

When I think about Christmas my thoughts naturally gravitate to family and celebrating the season with loved ones. The expectations this year is no different from the previous happy holidays before we heard the word COVID and understood the reasons for limiting social gatherings.

For most families, including mine, the present year has precluded family gatherings and the isolation and loss of loved ones have left an indescribable heartache and void in our lives.

The season has its difficulties at the best of times dealing with family issues, but the social restraints of living in today’s world added another dimension. Yet, to live on we must rely on the promise that our lives will improve and that we will adjust and overcome that which seeks to destroy us.

This year’s optimism for a semblance of normalcy is forefront in our minds and hearts. My wish is for you and yours to have a merry and jolly Christmas Day.

Homecoming books to read…

The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

Kate’s longing for home and family after her parents were killed led her to take the long road home. She relocated from Charleston to the home she inherited from her grandmother on the Florida shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Her life was a tangled mess with her fiancé showing his true self, leaving her to face the investigation into her parents’ death with the professional jealousies, rampant criminal behavior, and buried family secrets that surfaced in the aftermath.

As an only child with no close friends or living relatives to comfort her during this challenging time, she needed a reminder of a happier time with family and their shared love. She chose to take the Long Road Home.

The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

A low country romantic murder-mystery about family, love, loss, and redemption. Cuddle with your blanket, and your favorite beverage and read this southern mystery with ties across the pond.

I enjoy hearing from my fans. Drop me a line or two to say hello and I’d also appreciate a review on the site where you ordered the book or audible. Thank you for supporting my novels, Carolyn Bowen

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Author Interview

Something to talk about!

This is an excerpt from an interview I prepared for an author’s platform. I hope you enjoy the backstory!

The questions were about my latest mystery thriller, ONE, the 3rd in the Sydney Jones Series.

Questions and Answers Below:

What is your book all about?

ONE, Sydney Jones Series Book 3 is the dramatic conclusion to the mystery series. The novel highlights the life of ace attorney Sydney Jones whose personal life is in shambles after learning the father of her son was killed in an accident. Now, she’ll never know the answers she was seeking.

Her law practice is flourishing and she along with her son, David took a much-needed break to their island villa. Little did she know but old enemies and an impostor friend were checking out the island. 

They returned to their home in Atlanta and Sydney was looking forward to meeting her friend Special Agent Thomason for coffee near her office. On the drive down GA 400, a grenade was lobbed into her sports car. Thomason was several car links behind her and sped to the explosion. He was the first official on the scene and quickly put their worst-case exit plan in motion. According to his report, Sydney was pronounced dead at the scene.

Will she survive to have the chance to get targets off her back and raise her son? Would the love for her son and desire to be reunited tilt her chances of recovery to die another day?


Inspiration for ONE – A Novel

Writing ONE was a natural progression from the previous novels in the series, Primed for Revenge and Chance – A Novel. Sydney Jones is fearless in taking on cases most attorneys would run from and it put a target on her back. The depths of feelings of betrayal, grief, and passion for living her life on her own terms was a motivating force behind the story.

Target Audience

Mystery lovers who love twisty-turny psychological fiction are the target audience for this book. The underlying theme of romance adds a spark to the story and captures your heart.

Takeaway from ONE

Every person has their own unique understanding of life. How one sees themselves and others is seen through a kaleidoscope of personal life’s experiences and their environment. For instance, Sydney’s grief when learning of Walker’s death and coming to terms with it fit her personality. My desire is that we learn to practice compassion for others walking their own path.

Future Goals – ONE

This is the latest release in the Sydney Jones Series, and I plan to market this novel to mystery-thriller readers at every opportunity online and in person when possible (Zoom).

About the Author

CAROLYN BOWEN is a mystery author who calls on her life escapades and an adventurous, imaginative spirit to inspire and entertain. Bowen uses travel as a muse to explore cultures and dialogue to bring her stories to life.

Her writing credits include Cross-Ties, a romantic adventure; The Long Road Home, a contemporary crime fiction mystery; The Sydney Jones Series Mystery Thrillers; Book 1: Primed For Revenge, Book 2: Chance, and Book 3: ONE.

Author Website: carolynbowen.com

Author Website: (blog) – https://cmbowenauthor.wordpress.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AmazonCMB

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/CMBGoodreads

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CMBowenAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolynBowenAuthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cmbowenauthor/

Instagram: http://bit.ly/BowenInstagram

YouTube: http://bit.ly/CBowenYouTube

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All Hands on Deck

Quote of the Day: We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. – Dakota

We’ve kicked off the promotions for the Sydney Jones Series and want to say thank you for supporting our new mystery series. If you want to be one of the first to know about future releases, sign up below. Here’s a snippet about the Sydney Jones Series Books 1 & 2.

Exciting news

Chance – A Novel is available for download FREE with Kindle Unlimited or purchase as a  paperback or ebook.

From the back cover

Walker didn’t plan to fall in love with Sydney. He blamed their closeness in proximity, horrid circumstances in her life, and no friends but a paid confidant to comfort her. There was no one to hold her in their arms, and that’s what the lady needed—to cry and release the pain in her life.

Sydney struck a chord in his heart. Her beauty, along with her spark to keep going through the hell in her life, enamored him even more. Did he love her? Yes!

The government had him now. It didn’t take him long to realize they’d framed him for Roxanne’s murder, then got his case dismissed when he agreed to become their agent.

The problem was, Sydney may still think him guilty of murder. The agency didn’t give him time to discuss the dismissal of charges against him. All he could tell her was the government needed him and he was catching an early morning flight.

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 is available online and at your favorite bookstores in ebook and paperback format now! 

Amazon

B&N

Books-A-Million

Google Play

KOBO

Smashwords

Foyles – UK

Book Blurb 

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she has put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for a crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.

Sign me up!

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‘Tis the Season

Quote of the Day

“City sidewalks
Busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There’s a feeling
Of Christmas…” Silver Bells

Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year. The festive decorations and lively spirit of the holiday puts a smile on my face. I enjoy listening to Christmas music and smelling the aroma of freshly-baked cookies. What are some of your favorite things to do?

New Release

This Fall I released the 2nd  book in the Sydney Jones Series – Chance – A Novel. If you enjoy reading mystery thrillers with an undercurrent of conspiracies, you’ll love this one. Check out some of these awesome reviews on my media page.

You’ll find it will be a great conversation starter when it gets eerie quiet during friends and family get-togethers. I look forward to reading your reviews. Thank you.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season. Carolyn M. Bowen

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New Mystery-Thriller: Chance A-Novel

Quote of the Day: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” Ernest Hemingway

Latest News

Chance A-Novel is now available at Amazon and you can read FREE with Kindle Unlimited. For mystery lovers who enjoy reading paperbacks, order yours here.

Thank you to all the readers and fans that supported this new release. You made the birthday celebration for Chance A-Novel a wonderful success. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Chance A-Novel Paperback Preview
Chance A-Novel Paperback Preview

For Mystery Lovers

You can download and read this new mystery-thriller, Chance A-Novel today, and be ready for some juicy conversations during the holiday season.

About Chance A-Novel

Walker didn’t plan to fall in love with Sydney. He blamed their closeness in proximity, horrid circumstances in her life, and no friends but a paid confidant to comfort her. There was no one to hold her in their arms, and that’s what the lady needed–to cry and release the pain in her life. Sydney struck a chord in his heart. Her beauty, along with her spark to keep going through the hell in her life, enamored him even more. Did he love her? Yes! The government had him now. It didn’t take him long to realize they’d framed him for Roxanne’s murder, then got his case dismissed when he agreed to become their agent. The problem was, Sydney may still think him guilty of murder. The agency didn’t give him time to discuss the dismissal of charges against him. All he could tell her was the government needed him and he was catching an early morning flight. When Sydney Jones’s bodyguard and lover, Walker, is framed by the CIA for the murder of a has-been rock star he once guarded, he has to leave the only woman he ever truly loved and go undercover for them or be found guilty and thrown in jail for life. He’s not even allowed to tell Sydney where he’s going or what he’s doing; he just has to…disappear.

Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Chance by Carolyn M. Bowen

Chance

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends December 01, 2019.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

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Dog Days of Summer Reading

Quote of the Day: “Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly.” Van Morrison

What are Dog Days of Summer?

The Dog Days of summer means the worst heat of the season will set in. Living in the south you know it’s time to find shade, cool bodies of water, and air conditioning. And, of course, a great mystery read.

When Are the Dog Days of Summer?

Yes, the season is here! Dog Days begin July 3rd and end August 11, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The 40 days of extreme heat coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star.

Stay cool and hydrated while enjoying the offerings during the summer months. There’s no better time to catch up on your reading. Load up your bookshelves for beach reads and the long summer nights.

For mystery lovers, you’ll want to check out the special promotion for Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1 at Smashwords. 
Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones SeriesShort Blurb:

In a conspiracy to advert prosecution in a wrongful death suit, lead attorney Sydney Jones was targeted for removal from the case of Birdman & Birdman’s prestigious client. She didn’t go quietly. There were immediate repercussions and only the fittest would survive.

Check out the reviews on my media page for books by Carolyn M. Bowen.

Are you on Instagram? Follow here and share your photos of reading my novels. I’d love to see your favorite reading spots.

Thank you for supporting my writing life. Wishing you a safe and happy July 4th! Carolyn Bowen

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Meet & Greet: Author Event

Quote of the Day: “Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.” Ray Bradbury, WD

Meet & Greet!

Join me May 3rd, 7-9 p.m. for a meet and greet at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. I’m tickled to participate in their Emerging Author’s Program.  I hope to see you there. Be ready for some fun and games with giveaways. Hint: What is your favorite scene or quote from any of my novels?

As many of you know, my latest mystery-thriller is celebrating an April birthday. Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series is available now at your favorite bookstores. I look forward to your comments and reviews. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

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Author to Author: The Writing Life

Quote of the Day: You see, I am trying in all my stories to get the feeling of the actual life across – not to just depict life – or criticize it – but to actually make it alive. So that when you have read something by me, you actually experience the thing. You can’t do this without putting in the bad and the ugly as well as what is beautiful. Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

One thing I think we can all agree on is the road to discovery for authors is challenging. We write and hope for the best reception for our stories. Most times it seems as though our stories come from a place of inspiration rather than a rational decision to write and plot around a specific topic. I’m speaking for myself here. If you have a writing method that works for you, good!

I’m going to skip right to reviews and reviewers for this is the pressure point for deciding the fate of your novel.

  • The shoot-gun approach to seeking reviews thinking everyone will want to read and leave a great review is a journey filled with perils and one you’ll most likely regret.

What to do!

Find your niche, your tribe, or following many say. Don’t send out review copies or place your work on websites that are not friendly to your genre. For example, you may ask why in the world someone would download and read or attempt to read about murder mystery if they find it appalling?

They do and are subject to leaving crass reviews making it difficult for real mystery lovers to find your novel. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written in Agatha Christie’s style or the most eloquent presentation of your story. Your novel and some readers just do not match. And, Lord help you if you get an overly zealous reviewer that goes to every site your novel is published on and shares their distaste. Please beware this is cyber-stalking!

You may ask, “Didn’t they read the novel’s description, clearly stating what it was about?”

I’m with you there. If a novel is crime fiction or in similar categories, you can expect a story line with gritty details about happenings that some may find offensive. That’s why their different genres for novels on all the platforms selling books.

What to do

  • Clearly identify the genre/s your novel falls into.
  • Write an accurate book description about your novel.
  • Find where the readers hang-out who would enjoy reading your story.
  • Think about groups on social media seeking books of your genre.
  • Your website is a goldmine and where true readers will navigate to keep up with your writing. Also, your website is the real estate that you own unlike the social platforms where you may post. Think back to social sites now dissolved and the followers that you no longer have access to.
  • Become a developer and up your game by engaging your fans on your website and where they hangout.
  • Find professional reviewers in your genre. You can post their reviews to your online book platforms.
  • Don’t give-up! There are readers who will enjoy your novels and give positive reviews. An interesting part of the writer’s journey is finding your base support. Once you do that, the sky is the limit. Go create!

 

If you’d like a sample of my new psychological thriller, Primed For Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages. Note: Crime fiction, murder mystery, psychological thriller, adult rated!

I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen

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Last Call to Enter Giveaway!

Quote of the Day: “Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.” Alan Alda

Goodreads Giveaway

Just a quick note to my mystery-thriller fans! You’re invited to enter my Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copies of Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1. Hurry, the magic ends at midnight for entering the contest.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Primed For Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen

Primed For Revenge

by Carolyn M. Bowen

Giveaway ends February 21, 2019.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1, Carolyn M. Bowen

Mystery Book Reviewers Wanted

I’m looking for bloggers and reviewers to read and review Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones Series Book 1.  Message me with your email address for providing your personal Kindle gift code. The review copies will be emailed on the official release date – April 2, 2019. Thank you!

Check out novels by Carolyn M. Bowen. Follow my blog for the latest news about giveaways, sweeps, and more. Carolyn Bowen

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