Mercy Thompson is capable without being invincible. Her independence, mechanical skills, and complicated history with the local werewolf pack make her feel like a fully developed person rather than a collection of supernatural abilities. The mystery is engaging, and the world introduces vampires, fae, shapeshifters, and Native American mythology without overwhelming the reader. The restrained romantic tension leaves room for Mercy’s own story to lead.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Cursed as children.
Empowered as adults.
Now, they’ve been summoned to stop a force older than the gods themselves.
Stone Hearts
Olympian Awakenings Trilogy Book 1
by CB Samet
Genre: Greek Mythology Urban Fantasy Romance
Madison was cursed to destroy with a glance—until a prophecy calls her to fight beside the one man who sees through her walls… and into her heart.
Cursed to turn the living to stone, Madison has spent her life avoiding others—until a prophecy drags her to Greece to join a team of strangers to help stop an ancient evil. Among them, she meets Rex, a battle-scarred archaeologist with the power to heal and secrets of his own.
Together, they must survive deadly skirmishes, outwit mythical creatures, and recover the Armor of Achilles from the heart of Daedalus’ labyrinth.
The deeper they go, the more the maze twists not just the path, but their minds.
Failure isn’t an option. Succeeding might cost them everything.
Magic. Monsters. A love forged in fire. The battle is only beginning.
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Bookbub * Goodreads
Winds of Destiny
Olympian Awakenings Book 2
When a titan’s power surges, mortals pay the price—and the Olympians must answer the call.
Layla, Tyler, and the other Olympians are thrust on a perilous quest across the Mediterranean and into the sunken heart of Atlantis to reclaim Poseidon’s trident. Their sea voyage is fraught with danger with deadly monsters and diabolical magic at every turn. Only by learning to trust—and love—each other can they hope to survive.
Layla’s storm powers are tied to her heart, and to master them, she must first confront the emotions she’s spent years guarding. Tyler, a shapeshifter whose might can rival the fiercest beasts, may be the key to her control—but breaking through the walls around her heart won’t be easy. Their past mistakes still linger, and some wounds run too deep for even the strongest powers to heal.
Adventure, danger, and passion collide in this electrifying continuation of the Olympian Awakens series.
Grab Book 2 and continue the thrilling ride!
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Flame and Shadow
Olympian Awakenings Book 3
A titan is rising.
And this time, the world may not survive.
Fire-wielder Zoey has spent her life afraid of her own power. Ancient soldier Alexios has spent centuries believing he was nothing more than a weapon. Together, they’ve survived monsters, gods, and impossible quests—but nothing prepares them for Kronos’s final move.
As fractures tear open between worlds, monsters pour into the mortal realm and the boundary between life and death begins to collapse. When a desperate sacrifice strands Zoey in the Underworld itself, ancient warrior Alexios must defy gods, fate, and death to bring her home—before she loses her memories… and herself.
The final battle will demand everything from all six champions who have fought side by side: fire and storm, stone and steel, courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable trust.
Because defeating a Titan will take more than power.
It will take a family forged in battle—and two souls willing to burn for each other and the world they refuse to lose.
The explosive conclusion to the Olympian Awakenings trilogy delivers epic Greek mythology, found family, and a sweeping romantic finale where love and legend collide.
**NEW RELEASE!!**
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Stormborn & Flameforged
Olympian Awakenings Prequel
When fire meets storm, destiny ignites.
Zoey has always felt the burn of something more beneath her skin—an untamed fire that refuses to be extinguished. After years of hiding her power, she’s finally found belonging and a chance to be normal… as a stunt double on a Hollywood set.
Layla is the picture of grace and fame, a star with a global following. But behind the camera, she’s hiding a dangerous secret: she can control the weather.
When a monstrous creature straight from myth attacks during filming, Zoey and Layla are forced to reveal their powers—and discover they’re not alone. Chosen by ancient forces, bound by a forgotten legacy, the two women must join forces to face a truth that will shatter everything they thought they knew.
Because the world is on the brink of chaos.
And this is only the beginning.
Get It FREE HERE!
Christina is a four-time award winning author in thriller, romantic suspense, and fantasy. She is a mother of two energetic boys. She is a lover of suspense, adventure, and happy endings. She writes action and adventure in fantasy, thrillers, and romantic suspense genres. Her novels have empowered women overcoming powerful obstacles and the strong men who support them.
Favoritequote, ‘She needed a hero. So she became one.’ –Robin Reed
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Would you like a chance to win a $20 Amazon or PayPal Gift Card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Zélie’s anger and determination are rooted in personal loss and systemic persecution. Amari develops from a frightened princess into someone willing to challenge her family, while Inan’s internal conflict shows the damage created by fear and indoctrination. The plot is ambitious, action-packed, and emotionally intense, though some romantic developments feel rushed. The magic system and West African-inspired world give the novel a vivid identity.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Today was supposed to be a writing day.
I even had it on my calendar.
Coffee.
Laptop.
Chapter nine.
I don’t get a lot of time to write but today was supposed to be simple. Not thing on my calendar, except writing, until later in the day.
Except life had other plans. A client called about a contract. Another needed to see a house. Someone had a question about coaching. Dinner theatre preparation started early.
By the time I finally sat down, at the end of the day, my brain felt like it had already lived three separate days.
For a moment I felt guilty. I promised myself and my readers that I would publish two novels this year and its already the end of August and I haven’t even published the first one.
The book didn’t grow today. It was supposed to, but it didn’t.
Then I realized… maybe it did.
Every conversation I had today taught me something about people. About hope. About stress. About disappointment. About joy.
Those are the things stories are made of, right?
Maybe writing isn’t always typing words. Sometimes it’s simply paying attention to the world around me.
Tomorrow, I’ll open the manuscript again.And maybe today’s life will help tomorrow’s chapter become something better.
~Nina Soden #TheRedheadedAuthor
Percy Jackson’s humor and frustration make him an immediately likable narrator. Discovering that his difficulties are connected to his identity as a demigod allows him to reinterpret qualities he once considered weaknesses. Annabeth and Grover contribute their own skills and insecurities rather than functioning as simple sidekicks. The quest is fast, funny, and filled with clever modern versions of Greek mythology.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Katniss Everdeen is practical, emotionally guarded, and driven by survival rather than a desire to become heroic. Her devotion to Prim and complicated partnership with Peeta reveal her compassion gradually. The Games create immediate suspense, but the novel’s deeper strength lies in its examination of propaganda, inequality, and public entertainment. The pacing is excellent, and nearly every action carries emotional or political consequences.
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Know someone who would like to receive the weekly Theatre Happenings Newsletter? Share this link so they can subscribe today! https://forms.gle/rqXDP3UhCHGaJQ7b9
Disclaimer: Theatre Happenings has never and will never sell or share your information with anyone. All information you provide via the links (Submission Form, Giveaway Entry Form, and Feedback Form) within this newsletter is used solely for the purposes of Theatre Happenings and its moderator (Nina Soden) to ensure the best experience possible.
| EVENT | GROUP | LOCATION | DATE |
| Rocket City Playwrights’ Series | Theatre Huntsville | Shenanigans | 8/14 & 8/15 |
| The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim by Agatha Christie | Front Row Theatre Troupe | Main Street Cafe | 8/27-8/30 |
| Come From Away | Shoals Community Theater | 123 North Seminary St, Florence, AL 35630 | 8/27-8/30 |
| Sordid Lives | Shoals Community Theater | 123 North Seminary St, Florence, AL 35630 | 10/15-10/18 |
| Dear Evan Hansen | IMP | Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center | 10/16-10/18 |
| Belles of Whitechapel: The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak | Front Row Theatre Troupe | Main Street Café | 10/22-10/25 |
| Come From Away | IMP | Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center | 11/19-11/22 |
| How The Grinch Stole Christmas | Shoals Community Theater | 123 North Seminary St , Florence , AL 35630 | 11/19-11/22 |
| DETAILS | GROUP/ETC | LOCATION | DATE |
| PLAYWRIGHTS WANTED | Front Row Theatre Troupe | Madison, AL | Ongoing |
| Audition/Casting Call | Theatre Huntsville3 | TH Scene Shop | 11/15-11/16 |
ABOUT ME:
Backstage Chaos
It can be a whirlwind backstage during a show — quick changes, last-minute fixes, stage fright, misplaced props, organized chaos.
Real estate can feel that way behind the scenes too, but my goal is to keep everything running smoothly so my clients experience only polished performance.
Nina Soden (Associate Broker/Realtor, The Soden Team at LEGEND REALTY)
📧 ninasodenbooks@gmail.com | 📞 256-520-9640
NEW LISTING
Looking to buy a new home or maybe a rental property in North Alabama? Check out these great homes:
| 115 Rainbow Glen Cir. Madison, AL NOW AVAILABLEView Listing Here! |
Beautiful, freshly painted 2-story brick w/finished walk-out basement. Outstanding finishes throughout. Primary on main level w/glamour bath featuring granite, ceramic tile, large tile shower & plant ledge. Heavy crown molding throughout, columns, & French doors to the office. The Kitchen offers a commercial gas stove w/ double ovens, granite, & walk-in pantry. 2-story family room. 2-bedrooms upstairs w/private baths & walk in closets. Finished basement has a 2nd kitchen, large dining area, bonus room, private bedroom & bath, & large cinderblock-walled storage room. Covered deck and patio off the back of the house. Walk-out attic storage on the second level.
148 Clift Farm Drive Madison, AL 35757 NOW AVAILABLE View Listing Here!
Beautiful full-brick, single-level townhome in desirable Clift Farm! This 3BR/2BA home offers almost 1900 sq ft with an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen featuring quartz countertops, backsplash, large island, and abundant cabinetry. The private owner’s suite includes a soaking tub, separate shower, and walk-in closet. Enjoy the screened-in porch and fenced backyard for added privacy, plus numerous upgrades throughout. Amenities include a pool, clubhouse, fitness center, playground, new pickleball courts, dog park, and golf cart-friendly streets, all near shopping and dining.
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
AND THE WINNER IS… Why Not You?!
Check out the upcoming giveaways below. The next winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. It could be you!
UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS:
| Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: Come From Away Ticket Dates: August 27-30, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: August 18, 2026 |
| Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: Sordid Lives Ticket Dates: October 15-18, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: October 6, 2026 |
| Sponsor: Shoals Community Theatre Production: How The Grinch Stole Christmas Ticket Dates: November 19-22, 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCED: November 10, 2026 |
Click here to be entered for your chance to win two tickets to an upcoming production.
PRODUCTIONS:
Theatre Huntsville
Rocket City Playwrights’ Series
Dates:
Synopsis: The Rocket City Playwrights’ Series celebrates original storytelling by showcasing brand-new 10-minute plays written by North Alabama playwrights and performed in a readers’ theatre format. Join us for this special 10th anniversary event, where you’ll experience fresh local talent and vote to help choose the audience’s favorite play.
Performed at: Shenanigans Comedy Theatre (2650 Leeman Ferry Road SW, Ste. A, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Tickets: $12 https://shenanigans.yapsody.com/event/index/874571/rocket-city-playwrights-series-2026
Added 8/5/2026
Front Row Theatre Troupe
The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim
By Agatha Christie (Stage Adaptation by Stephanie Hyatt)
Dinner and a Performance
Dates:
Synopsis: When a wealthy businessman mysteriously vanishes without a trace, legendary detective Hercule Poirot is determined to uncover the truth. Filled with twists, clues, and classic Christie intrigue, this adaptation brings one of Poirot’s most famous cases to the stage.
Performed at: Main Street Café (101 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758)
Tickets: Dinner Theater | Main Street Cafe
THURSDAY – SUNDAY TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!
IF YOU’D LIKE TO ATTEND THE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26TH DRESS REHEARSAL (PERFORMANCE ONLY – NO DINNER) CALL 256-520-9640 TO SEE IF TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE – LIMITED SEATING. TICKETS WILL BE $20 PER PERSON!
Added 6/23/2026
COMING SOON
Looking to buy a new home or maybe a rental property in North Alabama? Check out these great homes:
| 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,966 QFT |
This beautiful home is in the heart of Madison (35758). Schools: Columbia Elementary, Liberty Middle, and James Clemens High School. Built in 2003, this full brick ranch-style home has a formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, in-home office, and a secluded primary suite. Interested in the details? Call me at 256-520-9640
Call me at 256-520-9640 for more details.
Shoals Community Theater
Come From Away
Dates:
Synopsis: Come From Away is a Tony Award-winning musical based on the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after the 9/11 attacks. When U.S. airspace closed, 38 planes were diverted, doubling the small town’s population. Residents welcomed the “come from aways” (strangers), fostering compassion and lifelong friendships.
Performed at: 123 North Seminary St , Florence, AL 35630
Tickets: $12 – $15 Go to theshoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 3/30/2026
Shoals Community Theater
Sordid Lives
Dates:
Synopsis: Get ready for a hilariously chaotic dive into small-town Southern life with Sordid Lives, the award-winning “black comedy about white trash” by Del Shores. When Peggy, the family matriarch, meets her untimely demise in a freak accident, her dysfunctional Texas family is forced to reunite for her funeral. What follows is a sidesplitting, heartwarming, and sometimes outrageous exploration of love, acceptance, and forgiveness
Performed at: 123 North Seminary St , Florence, AL 35630
Tickets: $12 – $15 Go to theshoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 6/8/2026
Independent Musical Productions, Inc. (IMP)
Dear Evan Hansen
Dates:
Performed at: Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center (7901 Bailey Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35802)
SUMMARY: Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), and a score by Grammy®, Tony®, Emmy® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Dogfight, James and the Giant Peach), Dear Evan Hansen is a new classic, with a message that has resonated with audiences around the world: “You Will Be Found.”
Seventeen-year-old Evan Hansen has felt invisible his entire life. But when a tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, Evan is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else. As his web of well-intentioned lies begins to unravel, though, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for.
The show opened at the Music Box Theatre to rave reviews and struck an emotional chord with critics and audiences alike. It went on to win six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Production, two Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Helen Hayes Awards.
Tickets: TBD
Or you can buy tickets online: https://imphuntsville.ludus.com/index.php
Added 2/18/2026
Front Row Theatre Troupe
The Belles of Whitechapel: The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak
By WJR Miller
Dinner and a Performance
Dates:
Synopsis: In this powerful and haunting production, the women known to history only as victims are finally given a voice. Through humor, heartbreak, resilience, and humanity, the women of Whitechapel share their stories and challenge the myths surrounding one of history’s most infamous killers.
Performed at: Main Street Café (101 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758)
Tickets: Dinner Theater | Main Street Cafe
*Tickets for this performance will be available starting Monday, August 31st.
Added 6/23/2026
Independent Musical Productions, Inc. (IMP)
Come From Away
Dates:
Performed at: Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center (7901 Bailey Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35802)
SUMMARY: Come From Away is a critically acclaimed musical featuring a culturally relevant script accompanied by a deeply moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The show has earned global success with 37 award nominations, 13 of which resulted in wins, most notably Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards. The show’s global presence resonates across all audiences as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.
Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Come From Away gives theatres the opportunity to contribute to its worldwide impact by spreading the show’s message of kindness, unity, and resilience with their communities. With a flexible cast size and possibilities for technical creativity, Come From Away is guaranteed to be a show for audiences to remember.
Tickets: TBD
Or you can buy tickets online: https://imphuntsville.ludus.com/index.php
Added 2/18/2026
Shoals Community Theatre
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Date: November 19-22, 2026
Performed at: Shoals Community Theater (123 North Seminary St, Florence, AL 35630)
SYNOPSIS: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a classic tale about a bitter, solitary creature who despises Christmas and plans to steal it from the cheerful Whos of Whoville. Disguised as Santa Claus, he steals all presents and decorations, only to realize that Christmas is not about material goods, causing his heart to grow and prompting him to return everything.
Tickets: $12-$15 email info@shoalstheatre.org or call 256-764-1700
Added 4/7/2026
HOMES FOR SALE
Looking to buy a new home or maybe a rental property in North Alabama? Check out these great homes:
408 Arcanum Lane New Market, AL AVAILABLE View Listing Here!
Step into comfort & style in this stunning 5BR/5BA home of thoughtfully designed living space. The open floor plan features a gourmet kitchen w granite counters, SS appliances, gas cooktop, & a lg island that flows into the spacious LR with cozy FP, perfect for everyday living & entertaining. A private in-law suite with full BA is conveniently located on the main level, ideal for guests or multi-gen living. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite offers a relaxing retreat with a sitting area, fireplace & a spa-inspired bath. Add’l BRs and flexible living space provide room for work, play, or hobbies. Enjoy outdoor living with covered patios and a backyard FP perfect for year-round gatherings.
7011 Oakleigh Rose Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806 NOW AVAILABLE View Listing Here!
Move-in ready and better than new, this one-level home sits on a desirable corner lot with a spacious open-concept layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features quartz countertops, a large island, and walk-in pantry, flowing seamlessly into the dining and living areas. The isolated primary suite offers a double vanity and generous space. Enjoy a covered front porch and extended rear patio, ideal for relaxing or hosting guests. Located in a private 52-acre community with walking trails, pool, cabana, and outdoor grill, just minutes from Huntsville, Madison, Toyota, and Redstone Arsenal, with easy access to major roads and nearby conveniences.
Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
OTHER EVENTS:
Front Row Theatre Troupe
CALLING ALL PLAYWRIGHTS – CALL FOR ORIGINAL ONE-ACT PLAYS
We’re seeking original one-act plays (45–60 minutes) for our upcoming season.
We are looking for:
• Original, unpublished works
• No more than 6 characters
• Minimal set requirements
• Modern-day costuming
• Limited props
• Comedy, dark comedy, drama, or mystery
• Optional light audience interaction
Our productions will take place in an intimate dinner theatre setting with up to 36 guests per performance. We’re especially interested in scripts that lean into strong dialogue, compelling characters, and storytelling that thrives in close proximity.
Selected works will receive a fully staged production before a live audience and promotion through our marketing efforts.
If you’re a local playwright who would love to see your story come to life in an immersive setting, we would love to read your work.
To submit: Email your contact information, a brief synopsis, character breakdown, and a completed script OR 10–15-page sample to: NinaSodenBooks@gmail.com
Subject line: PLAY SUBMISSION – (PLAY NAME)
Theatre Huntsville
Auditions – Murder on the Orient Express
Dates: November 15-16, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Synopsis: Theatre Huntsville invites you to audition for Murder on the Orient Express, Ken Ludwig’s clever and thrilling stage adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic.
Location: Theatre Huntsville Scene Shop and Rehearsal Space (500 Plummer Road Huntsville, al 35806)
Added 8/5/2026
SUBMISSIONS:
If you are part of an upcoming theater production, theatre-related event, arts-related event, or just something exciting in and around the North Alabama area, I’d love to help you market it through the THEATRE HAPPENINGS weekly email newsletter. Please submit all event details through the new online THEATRE HAPPENINGS – SUBMISSION FORM. (Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeFZsqfwGksQPse1V2pwZjK8h_M1LT8QjYRj6Ok3TxFveYlw/viewform?usp=header)
If you know someone in the North Alabama area (or surrounding areas) who would be interested in receiving the weekly Theatre Happenings Newsletter, please share this email with them so they can subscribe today! https://forms.gle/rqXDP3UhCHGaJQ7b9
Thank you,
Nina Soden
GIVEAWAY:
My goal is to do regular giveaways… That’s right, I want you all to have a chance to win free event tickets…
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE NEXT TICKET GIVEAWAY… If you are a part of an upcoming theatre production or theatre/arts event and would like to donate 2 tickets, please give me a call at 256-520-9640 or email me the details at ninasodenbooks@gmail.com.
Want to know your home’s value? Give me a call at 256-520-9640 or CLICK HERE!
North Alabama Real Estate | Legend Realty | Serving your real estate needs in North Alabama
Bella Swan’s reserved personality makes her easy for many readers to identify with, although her emotional dependence on Edward can sometimes overshadow her individual development. The forbidden romance and mysterious atmosphere create an undeniably addictive story, even when the plot moves slowly. Whatever readers think of the relationship, the novel’s ability to build tension and inspire an entire generation of paranormal fiction is difficult to dismiss.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Death needed a vacation.
What he got was a murder, a demon, and a 73-year-old detective with no time to kill.
The Mortimer & Mrs Morris Trilogy Book 1
by Tammie Painter
Genre: Humorous Dark Paranormal Mystery
Death is bored. Immortality will do that to you.
** A hilarious new series from the author of The Cassie Black Trilogy! **
After an eternity of escorting souls to the afterlife, Death — who really prefers you call him Mortimer — is bored. There’s been departmental divisions, technical developments, and fitness crazes that mean people just aren’t dying like they used to.
What’s worse… He’s running low on romance novels to keep himself occupied.
His solution: a working holiday to Top World, where he expects room service, infinity-high thread counts, and an easy solution to get business booming again.
What he doesn’t expect is Mrs Morris, a seventy-three-year-old detective with a tightly packed schedule that leaves no room for an immortal assistant.
But Mortimer refuses to go away. After all, detectives find murderers, and having his very own killer would be the perfect way to nudge up those mortality rates.
Luckily, someone’s just been murdered — and Mrs Morris has been hired to find the culprit. The only trouble? The victim reeks of demons, turning Mortimer’s perfect opportunity into a great deal of trouble that could end his career. Oh, and the human race.
Death Takes a Holiday is a humorous fantasy novel about the most inconvenient partnership in the history of the afterlife, where a pair of unlikely allies are thrown together by broken bones, murder mysteries, pesky demons, and the deadliest cup of coffee in Portland.
Like Terry Pratchett joining the Thursday Murder Club, Death Takes a Holiday is perfect for fans of wry humor, paranormal mystery, and unforgettable characters forming reluctant bonds.
**Releases August 18, 2026 – PreOrder Now!**
Amazon * Author’s Site * Apple * Google * Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads
Author of humorous fantasy whodunits full of mythical misfits and magical mishaps
Many moons ago I was a scientist in a neuroscience lab where I got to play with brains and illegal drugs. Now, I take wickedly strong tea and turn it into comic fantasy whodunits full of mythical misfits and magical mishaps that I hope give you a giggle.
My tales run the gamut from the ever-expanding Cassie Black Trilogy with its wryly humorous paranormal mysteries to the comical fantasy whodunits in The Circus of Unusual Creatures, and from light-hearted novellas celebrating my love of books to short fiction in which I really flex my myth-loving and humor-craving muscles!
When I’m not creating worlds or killing off characters, I can be found gardening, planning my next travel adventure, concocting some sort of mess in the kitchen, or working as an unpaid servant to one very spoiled cat and some very demanding squirrels.
Website * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Would you like a chance to win a $10 Amazon or PayPal Gift Card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
What happens when a literature teacher channels her inner Nancy Drew to break an inmate out of America’s most famous prison?
by Bill Smoot
Genre: Historical Literary Fiction, Crime Drama
James, a still-water-runs-deep boy, struggles to navigate the rough streets of Oakland, California, in the 80s. His only friend is a pit bull he rescues from dog fighting. On the cusp of college, James commits a crime that results in a prison term of thirty to life.
Allison, a young Indiana girl obsessed with Nancy Drew novels, vows that her life’s mission will be to solve mysteries and help people. Introverted yet daring, Allison moves to Berkeley to teach prep school and volunteers as a tutor at San Quentin. She meets James when he is approaching fifty, learns his story, and after his parole denial, channels Nancy Drew to plan his improbable escape.
San Quentin Exodux is a braided novel about two people whose lives cross in a quest to reset an ill-fated life. It is a story infused with misfortune and pain, but also with hope and a fierce humanity.
“San Quentin Exodus, Bill Smoot’s deeply compelling novel, introduces readers to the world of prison but really to the much bigger world of his characters’ lives, inviting us to follow the trajectory of each as it unfolds with surprise and mystery, love and loss. Like all good literature, San Quentin Exodus ultimately asks us to reconsider everything we believe—or think we believe. Smoot is the consummate storyteller: restrained, wise, compassionate.”
—Lori Ostlund, author of Are You Happy?
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads
Bill Smoot grew up in Maysville, Kentucky, and attended Purdue University where he was editor of the campus newspaper, The Purdue Exponent. Fired as editor by the university president, he was reinstated after protest from students and faculty. He went on to graduate school at Northwestern University, where he received a PhD in philosophy. He has taught for four decades at levels ranging from sixth grade to university students. He currently teaches courses at Mount Tamalpais College at San Quentin and the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning at UC-Berkeley. His essays and short stories have such publications as Ninth Letter, Crab Creek Review. The Nation, Literary Review, Crab Orchard Review, Western Humanities Review, Narrative, and Salon.com. His the author of Conversations with Great Teachers and a novel, Love: A Story. Mr. Smoot currently lives in Berkeley, California, with his dog Artemis. His website is https://billsmoot.net
Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Would you like a chance to win a $15 Amazon or PayPal Gift Card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Nina Soden 