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.
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
I’m excited to announce the release today of my latest mystery-thriller, ONE, Sydney Jones Series, Book 3. Tap the link below to download and read FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
ONE Sydney Jones Series #3
Reviews for ONE from Advance Readers
ONE ~ 5 Stars
“All the action and surprising twists and turns this story takes kept me turning the pages quickly hungering for more.” Chick Lit Café
ONE ~ 5 Stars
“This fast-moving thriller will hold your attention, as no one is really safe.”Theodocia McLean (Book Marketing Global Network)
ONE ~ 5 Stars
“This psychological thriller is an outstanding addition to the Sydney Jones Series and is sure to gratify any mystery lover’s thirst for a great read.” Amazon Reviewer
Here’s a little background info about my quirky writing life during the research and writing of this novel.
I began writing ONE immediately following the release of Chance, Book 2, in the Sydney Jones Series. I’d already begun plotting the new story and named it before beginning the manuscript. This is a mysterious phenomenon for me and hopefully, it will continue for future books. This knowing adds to the excitement of writing for I’m trying to understand why I chose the name while the story unfolds. If you’re an author, I’d like to know your decision-making process for naming your novel.
Getting in the mood…
Mentally I prepare to write by listening to the music from the settings in the novel before beginning my day. I research the favorite foods of the locale and prepare them to add flavor to my writing. I take on the persona of someone living the story sometimes including clothing and accessories, a fun activity for me.
You’ll find from reading my novels, I enjoy adventure and scenic locations. I hope that I’m able to give you a taste of the land in my writing and you’ll embrace the culture.
Travel is an important part of my writing process. At times, I sense a story is waiting at my destination. This is a great experience and I attempt to take in the sight, sounds, smell, and feel of cities and towns in my stories.
I hope you enjoy reading ONE and look forward to your comments and reviews. The Sydney Jones Series, book 1: Primed for Revenge, book 2: Chance, and book 3: ONE.
Stay safe and believe we’ll travel again! Carolyn Bowen
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!
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.
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
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.
Quote of the Day: “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” William James
Fun times are here! My Goodreads giveaway is LIVE now for Chance – A Novel, Book 2 in the Sydney Jones Series *Trilogy. Enter for a chance to win one of 20 copies today. If you haven’t read Book 1, Primed For Revenge, download your copy, and be ready to continue the adventure with Chance – A Novel on November 5th. Preordersavailable now!
Quote of the Day: “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” Franz Kafka
Chance – A Novel (Sydney Jones Series Book 2) – November 5th, 2019
Excitement is in the air as I prepare to release, Chance – A novel, the second book in the Sydney Jones Series trilogy. This new psychological thriller is now available for preorder at the Amazon Kindle store.
I’ve worked with some super nice folks in preparing for this new release. Thank you!
If you are a book reviewer of mysteries and crime fiction especially women’s fiction, please contact me below for an advance reader’s copy for your enjoyment. If you’ve missed book one, Primed For Revenge, let me know so you’ll have the background for Chance – A Novel.
The official release date is Tuesday, November 5th. This will give you a chance to read and write your reviews prior to the holidays. Yes, I’m thinking of you – smiles!
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.
Click here to learn more about my books and purchase options. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Carolyn
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney
Photo Credit: Pixabay
I’m tickled pink-well almost. A peachy vanilla cream would be a more accurate description. None the less, I’m happy! The Long Road Home is taking its place as a top beach read this summer and why not – the scenery includes beach towns.
The main character Kate is living in Charleston South Carolina where her parents were killed in an automobile accident and she found out her fiancé is a cheater. She decides to travel to a property she’d inherited from her grandmother (Seagrove) on the Gulf of Mexico (FL) to make sense of her life.
Her family had a long history of secrets and she was about to uncover the worst of them. From old villainsstriking out to gain her inheritance, to the discovery her father wasn’t who she thought he was, and murder was the go-to strategy for those closest to her family. She floundered and, then fought to regain her footing to make sense of the tragedies heaped on her without cause.
Living a sheltered life she was unequipped to deal with recent life events. Who could she trust? The next-door neighbor rancher who helps makes Seagrove livable again or perhaps the government agent who knew more about her family than she.
Kate matures and sees things as they are – not as she’d believed much of her life. And, her fiancé – well that’s an interesting tale.
Love mystery-thrillers with romantic suspense? Learn more – download The Long Road Home FREE with Kindle Unlimited or order from your favorite bookstore. Happy reading!
Thanks for following my blog/newsletters. For my latest novels, and upcoming new releases, click here.
ATTENTION: Book bloggers and reviewers – Book two in the Sydney Jones Series Trilogy will be available soon. Don’t hesitate – sign-up to receive your advanced reader’s copynow.
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. Short 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 reviewson 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
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
Quote of the Day: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” Ernest Hemingway
I’m counting down the days/minutes until the launch of the new Sydney Jones Series Book 1: Primed For Revenge. On April 2nd this new novel series will be available online for purchase (ebook or paperback), and in your favorite bookstores. Click here to order!
Book Bloggers & Reviewers Wanted
If you’re a book blogger/reviewer, please message me for a Kindle gift copy.
Launch Party
Birthing a novel deserves a celebration, don’t you think? Join the fun on Twitter and Facebook on April 2nd for a fun adventure. One lucky party-goer from each social site will receive a signed copy of Primed For Revenge, the first in the Sydney Jones Series. Hope you’ll stop by and say hello.
If you’d like a sample of this new thriller, follow my blog using your email address and I’ll forward you a PDF of the first 25 pages.
I look forward to this new season and connecting with mystery lovers here and on social media. Carolyn Bowen
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 