Hi everyone, and I hope 2026 is off to a good start for you. As I write this, I’m dealing with the aftermath of my fourteenth chemo treatment. I went to the ER on January 4 because my temperature was higher than it should be. Test results showed that my white blood cells were pretty much nonexistent, which put me at high risk for infection. To boost my blood cell count, I now give myself daily injections for a one-week period after each chemo treatment. More details about my cancer journey are on my blog, which is in the signature line below.

I enjoyed a lovely Christmas with my family. This year, my youngest granddaughter, Abby, began to understand why her older sister was so excited about Christmas, and had a great time. After the celebration, I rested and relaxed, as I’m sure many of you did.

I’m continuing to offer more deals in 2026 for two reasons. One is that I enjoy offering discounts and appreciate them as a customer myself. Second, doing so provides a sense of normalcy and continuity in my marketing life, and normalcy is something I could use right now.

In last month’s newsletter, I offered my third Casey Holland, Beneath the Bleak New Moon, mystery for $.99. This time, I’m offering the same deal for book #4, The Deep End until Jan. 31. Please note that the books can be read in any order. Here’s a short blurb:

Transit officer Casey Holland’s first volunteer shift at a youth detention centre ends in disaster when the director dies from heart failure. But all is not as it seems. There are rumors that his death was no accident. As more people die, the center is about to implode, but who is an ally and who is an enemy?

This story is the most autobiographical of all my mysteries. When I was a criminology student many years ago, I volunteered at a youth detention centre for one year. I kept a journal and incorporated the notes from that time into this novel, to reflect the ambiance of the environment I visited every Monday night. Needless to say, it was an interesting time. I was assigned to the girls’ unit and experienced my share of conflict, meltdowns, lockdowns, and the occasional escape attempt.

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

Also, for those looking for free psychological thriller, suspense, and horror ebooks, I’m taking part in a BookFunnel group promo featuring full ebooks. It’s another great opportunity to find new authors. You can find the link HERE:

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

Debra Purdy Kong

dpurdykong@gmail.com

www.debrapurdykong.com

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

Mysteries on the Move…