Oct 1, 2026 | Mystery
“Wed, White and Blue is a fast-moving, emotion-filled sequel to Coyote Valley, plunging readers back into the volatile world of a controversial co-ed prison experiment where romance, rivalry, and survival make for an explosive combination.
Keri remains at the heart of the story. Originally sent undercover to investigate reality star Jared, she has already discovered that prison life rarely follows the rules. Having survived a deadly confrontation and found an unexpected romance with Trevor, she might hope the worst is behind her. Instead, the danger is only beginning.
Dean is out of administrative segregation and hungry for revenge, while the arrival of Trevor’s ex-girlfriend threatens to reopen old wounds and destabilize new relationships. Loyalties shift, unlikely alliances emerge, and jealousy and betrayal prove almost as dangerous as physical violence.
What makes the novel particularly entertaining is its collision of extremes. Wedding plans, birthdays, a long-overdue prom, a baseball game, romantic entanglements, murder, and calculated revenge unfold within the same pressure-cooker environment. Beneath the action lies an engaging exploration of betrayal, consequence, and the lengths people will go to protect—or possess—those they love.
Just when its direction seems clear, Wed, White and Blue delivers a final punch that leaves the reader reeling. Rating: ★★★★★ ,” The International Review of Books.
READ THE BOOK ON AMAZON
Sep 28, 2026 | Mystery, Interviews, Thriller
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I am a Historian, writer, but also programmer and data analyst, with vast experience in the field.
Why do you write?
Since I was a little kid, I’ve always invented stories in my head. I just can’t stop inventing stories at any moment in the day, every day. It’s nice to have a way to escape for a while from all the craziness of the real world and live in a world where you set the rules. I think other people may be looking for this kind of escape also, and that’s why I share my stories.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration for this book, especially the fantastic and philosophical elements, came from the stories of Julio Cortazar and Jorge Luis Borges. For the horror and suspense, I got inspiration from ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’ and ‘The Twilight Zone.’
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I think this genre is great for making the reader guess and question reality.
How would you describe your writing process?
I usually have the whole story in my head from beginning to end before writing the first word, so I first write a few pages with the whole plot, and then I start developing the characters and filling out the details.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Social media is a great place for authors to interact with readers and also with other authors and this process can sometimes help authors absorb new ideas that can later become stories.
What advice would you have for other writers?
If you have stories in your head, write them down. If you don’t have training or education in the field, it’s always good to do a course, this can give you more confidence. Finally, don’t be afraid to show your work to others and learn from their critiques
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Sometimes I want a historical novel or essay, and sometimes I want to read fantasy or suspense, so my mood heavily influences my selection of books and covers.
What’s your next step?
I am working on a historical novel set in Constantinople, during the glorious times of the Byzantine Empire. It has murder, investigation, and a good deal of fantastic elements.
What book do you wish you had written?
Rayuela (Hopscotch) by Julio Cortazar
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I value reviews very much, and I usually read them in detail because I know I can learn and grow as an author by paying attention to what readers have to say about my work.
FIND ABELLA’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Jul 26, 2026 | Mystery
“Coyote Valley is an engaging romantic suspense novel that blends undercover intrigue, prison politics, and ultimately danger into a captivating story.
Keri Quinn enters a correctional facility on a covert mission for a tabloid magazine to investigate Jared Howerton, a disgraced reality television star serving time for assault, expecting to uncover a scandal. What begins as a straightforward assignment quickly evolves into something far more complex as Keri finds herself navigating a volatile environment shaped by inmate rivalries, gang tensions, and the often-blurred boundaries between prisoners and guards.
As the stakes rise, what begins as a straightforward investigation evolves into a far more personal journey.
Her growing connection with Trevor Westbrook, Jared’s cellmate, an inmate with reasons to distrust her, adds emotional complexity to the story.
Their evolving relationship unfolds naturally against a backdrop of uncertainty. As violence escalates within the prison between prisoners, as well as guards and prisoners, and someone close to Keri becomes a casualty of the brewing conflict, the narrative shifts into a gripping tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and courage.
One of the novel’s most interesting strengths is Keri herself. While she initially appears somewhat untested, she grows into a determined and resourceful protagonist whose fierce protective instincts define her character. Her affection for Kawaii, a striking coyote living within the prison compound, adds warmth and emotional texture to the story. The novel’s prison setting is particularly effective, providing a tense and unpredictable atmosphere where loyalties shift quickly, every decision carries consequences, and danger lurks where least expected.
More than a simple love story, Coyote Valley explores trust, resilience, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. The result is an entertaining and heartfelt novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy romance wrapped in genuine suspense. Rating: ★★★★★ ,” The International Review of Books.
READ THE BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 23, 2026 | Interviews, Mystery, Thriller
Today, we’re talking with Elmont Kristiansen about his book, Forty-Nine
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I was raised in the southeastern United States, but my favorite places on earth are in the desert. The desert plains, dramatic mountains and broad skies are inspirational.
Why do you write?
I am driven by the narratives that pop up in my imagination. I ignored them for a long time, but I found a great sense of enjoyment out of bringing them to the written page.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I’ve been following UFO disclosure as a topic for many years. I always found it interesting that the threat angle has been pervasive in Hollywood and in the recent disclosure chatter. What if we have it wrong? That’s the premise that I started exploring in Forty-Nine
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I enjoy the variation of themes, tropes and general flexibility in the science fiction genre. It can span from a space opera to an exploration of a troubling mathematic proof.
How would you describe your writing process?
I usually start with a scenario or even a scene in my imagination. From there, I’ll form around that initial idea the outline of the narrative, the characters at play and how these come together. I’ll also usually start collecting snippets of dialogue that support the plot direction, before finally writing and assembling scenes.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Audience is the most important thing an author can gain from social media. Not sales, not likes, but a forum to find the readers that connect with your work.
What advice would you have for other writers?
I have two pieces of advice:
One, surround yourself with the support you need as a writer. It’s a tough business putting your hard work out there into the world. Find editors and writing partners that can help prepare your work to be the best it can be.
Secondly, trust your gut. Ultimately, your writing is your own and you owe it to yourself and your readers to reflect that intuition you have in your work.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For titles, I try to find as singularly as possible, the core notion of the piece, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Forty-Nine is titled this way for a reason, but the reason for the title in my next novel, Vanish, is evident early on.
For covers, I really try to match the cover to the mood and audience. For Forty-Nine, I went more abstract with bold typography because it communicated the novel is more on the literary side of the fence than a pure genre novel. My next novel, Vanish, will focus more on the relational tension it covers.
What’s your next step?
I’m working to get my next novel, Vanish, out this year. I also have two novellas I’d like to prepare for 2027 release. I’m also working on scenes and outline the follow up to Forty-Nine.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
When I see a new review or rating, I get very excited. It means someone took the time to read my work, but also were so moved by it to write a review.
FIND ELMONT’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Feb 9, 2026 | Mystery, Crime
Today, we’re talking with Lina Hansen about his book, Cursed Out Loud
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I’m a teacher by training and a (science) communication specialist (Marketing, PR) by job experience. I got so fed up with all these technical texts I started writing paranormal mysteries…
Why do you write?
When I was still working, writing crazy, supernatural stuff kept me sane. Now it gives me something to look forward to every day.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
On vacation. I travel a lot, and my journeys inspire all of my novels. I also worked as a travel freelance writer once, and that influences my settings.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I love the idea of infusing magic into contemporary settings.
How would you describe your writing process?
Slow and meticulous. I don’t hammer out first drafts in one go. Instead, I do a mind map for the general ideas, then I create a summary. Only once I know I have an ending, do I start mapping out the three acts, using a template I developed. Then, I start with the writing. I managed to bang out a 60K novel in six weeks once – the approach was recommended to be able to write more than one novel per year, but that was the exception. It needed massive editing, so I’m not doing that anymore. It’s more like an organic growth.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
It’s a great way to get your message out there, and it’s also the only way to engage with actual readers. I would suggest, however, to stick to SM that really work for you instead of doing a little bit of something all over the place. Also, make sure NOT to talk only about writing all the time. Writing should be a part of it, but not the biggest, otherwise people interested in the writing might get overloaded.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Keep writing. No matter what happens, just don’t give up – as long as you enjoy it. Even if 99% of us don’t make it to the top, at least we have created something unique. And no, AI stuff isn’t up to par. At least it isn’t yet.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I stand accused of a sense of humor and for cozy mysteries quirky titles that work in a series are a must. Since I love playing with words, finding titles has never been a problem. Covers also are easy, since I have experience in graphic design and I paint. That’s why my covers tend to be quite colorful… Knowing the genre requirements are a must, but within the framework, creating a cover is a highly enjoyable experience. I do use a cover designer, though. It makes life easier.
What’s your next step?
Finish off my two series and write another standalone.
What book do you wish you had written?
A multi-million copy Bestseller, LOL! Since that won’t happen, I’ll settle for the feedback I got from one of my readers. She was a triple-mom, with three jobs, and my stories helped her escape for a short while.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
That depends on the review…. No one likes two or one star reviews, especially not if they are a) slapped on without an explanation or b) based entirely on personal experience or even misunderstandings. I had one reviewer giving me one star because they hated “witch cozies”. Well, then why do you download the freebie? I would never, ever engage, however. That’s unprofessional and it will only get you into trouble. I do appreciate reviewers who give reasons for their ranking. I can learn something from that. Or, I can simply feel good about someone liking my novel.
FIND LINA’S BOOK ON AMAZON
Dec 18, 2025 | Interviews, Crime, Mystery
Today, we’re talking with Dan Frolec about his book, The Cave
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
- With a group of friends, we hit a coral reef and shipwrecked our boat on one of the most remote islands in Indonesia called Sumba. In the middle of the night and survived, camped on the beach with no one around before we found someone to rescue us.
- I rode thousands of kilometers on and off-road on a motorbike, in Mongolia, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Spain,…
- One of my hobbies is teaching freediving, I used to teach downhill skiing, Pilates and swimming too.
- I nearly sailed across the Atlantic but changed my mind to follow the career path; this remains one of the very few life decisions that I sometimes question.
- I had an injury of my lower back, disk hernia, which was very painful and limiting my life; I spent 10 years exercising to build my core strength, and eventually designed my own fitness program, which is a combination of yoga, Pilates and physiotherapy called ExFitt.com
- My daughter, wife and I went on a campervan tour around Europe for 3 months during winter 2024. Without any previous ‘campervanning’ experience. Amazing trip!
- I publish monthly newsletter #surviveyourlife on my danfrolec.com website with various tips and tricks to survive in an urban jungle and learn about interesting stuff.
Why do you write?
Writing is a purposeful activity which completely focuses my wandering mind on a single task.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The Cave covers a crazy, unbelievable story that happened to me and my friends in 2002.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Recreating dialogues of a true story that were long forgotten.
How would you describe your writing process?
I put blocks of time in my calendar, usually Sunday mornings, and try to stick to it. If the time block starts at e.g. 9:00am and lasts three hours – I begin writing at 9:00am (sort of) and write for 3 hours.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Anxiety? 😉 I feel that authors can gain understanding of their readers, their preferences, challenges, ideas.
What advice would you have for other writers?
If you want to write a book, don’t worry if you don’t know anything about writing. Just start and see what happens. It’s a fantastic journey.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Titles: I draft several proposals and then ask a group of respected friends (from marketing/agency industry) for feedback.
Covers: I use a professional designer, again ask a group of friends for feedback.
What’s your next step?
Develop a teaser video for The Cave. If The Cave becomes a success, I will consider writing another book, this time fiction.
What book do you wish you had written?
History novel from the era when Czech tribe started
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I am happy that someone took time to 1) read, and 2) even write a review.
FIND DAN’S BOOK ON AMAZON
