Three weeks ago, on Sept. 2nd, I posted my September crime fiction deals newsletter. Later that same day, my doctor called to tell me that I had malignant cells in a lymph node. Since then, I’ve undergone a barrage of tests and will start chemotherapy and immunotherapy on Sept. 30. It will be ongoing once a week for the next 12 weeks, and there will be more, plus surgery afterward. Since my sister has had breast cancer twice and my mother passed from pancreatic cancer, it shouldn’t be a huge shock, yet it is.

But I also see this as an opportunity to learn and view life from a different perspective. I don’t intend to weigh you down with details about my journey, as I’d rather focus on books in this newsletter. If you’re interested in reading more about my cancer journey, I’ll be sharing details on my WordPress blog, ‘Mystery Deb’. The blog has always focused on the ups and downs of my personal and professional life as a writer. You can find it HERE. The first post about my new health situation will be on either Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

I’m sharing this news because I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to send this newsletter. I’m reluctant to do more BookFunnel promotions in October, as they require frequent attention. I might discount books on my own for a week or two here and there, depending on how my body reacts to the treatments. I enjoy giving readers deals as much as I enjoy getting them. Since my immune system will be severely compromised, I’ve cancelled all in-person craft fair events this fall, which means I’ll only be selling online ebooks for the next six months, like I did during the Covid lockdown.

And just a reminder that my $.99 BookFunnel promotion sale for The Blade Man, ends in one week, which you can find HERE.

If you prefer to buy directly from Amazon, you can find it HERE. Access to Kobo, Apple, or Barnes & Noble can be provided through the link HERE.

WHAT I’VE BEEN READING

My reading choices have been on the lighter side this month. I’ve been meaning to read A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle for some time, and finally got around to it. It’s a wonderful, humorous book that was published in 1990 about Peter’s first year as a farm owner in Provence.

My other choice is a fairly lengthy historical mystery called Lady Helena Investigates by Jane Steen. Set in Sussex in 1881, it’s a compelling story that I’m almost finished. 25-year-old Helana is mourning the sudden death of her husband Justin. Although his death was ruled accidental, one doctor thinks otherwise, despite strong opposition by the coroner and others about his theory.

I plan to read a lot while receiving my treatments, so please send your recommendations my way!

Until next time,

Debra Purdy Kong

dpurdykong@gmail.com

www.debrapurdykong.com

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

Mysteries on the Move…