It’s been a quiet month since my last newsletter. It needed to be. Chemo treatments compromised my immune system to the point where I now must take a week’s worth of daily injections after each chemo/immunotherapy session. Needless to say, I live an isolated existence these days, but with only one chemo treatment left and then surgery next month, I see a light at the end of this very long tunnel.

The lack of socializing has allowed me to focus on my current work in progress, which is the third book in an urban fantasy trilogy. All three books definitely have mystery components to them. I usually work on the book for an hour every morning and a bit more in the afternoon. As I work on the final chapters, my outline is quite minimal at this stage. I know how I want the book to end. I’m just not quite sure of all the events and twists that will happen along the way until I sit down to write. But that’s the fun part. The goal is to keep it interesting. Once it’s completed, I’ll read through all three books for continuity and to make a few necessary changes in book one.

On the promotion front, this month I’m offering a $.99 discount on the fifth installment of my Casey Holland series, Knock Knock until Feb. 28. Please note that these books can be read in any order. This novel was inspired by a series of local news stories several years ago about home invasions targeting senior citizens. The topic troubled me a great deal, and further research revealed just how common this was in cities everywhere. Here’s the book blurb:

When a home invasion kills senior Elsie Englehart, security officer Casey Holland is devastated. Part of her latest assignment is to watch over elderly bus riders in an area frequently targeted by a group of thugs. Determined to keep others safe, Casey escorts an elderly man to his home, only to come under attack by an armed intruder. Hospitalized and angry, Casey struggles to regain control of her life, despite interference from family and colleagues, and the postponement of her wedding. Yet another home invasion compels Casey to take action, but at what cost to her health and her relationships?

Here are the platform links: Amazon, Kobo, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play

On the freebie front, I’m taking part in the Winter Reads BookFunnel promo, featuring 42 authors offering full free ebooks in the mystery, thriller category. You can find the link HERE.

What I’ve Been Reading

As long-term subscribers know, I’m a reader with eclectic tastes. One of the most intriguing books I’ve read lately is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I read The Martian a while back and really enjoyed it, but I think this book is even better. There’s a fair bit of technical science discussion and lots of suspense. The movie should be great.

I’ve also read a gritty, noir spy thriller called Dark Sky by Joel Canfield. Former CIA operative Max Bowman takes on the occasional assignment from a former colleague and friend. His latest assignment is mysterious, ominous, and takes him to dark, dangerous places that could cost him his life. It’s a good read.

That’s it for now. Until next time, happy reading!

Debra Purdy Kong

[email protected]

https://debrapurdykong.wordpress.com/ (blog)

Mysteries on the Move…