Announcements, Updates & More
Reviews note social relevance of Something in Madness
I’m thrilled that Something in Madness has garnered such wonderful early reviews (below), consistently noting its social relevance. The novel, recently released in paperback and eBook editions by TouchPoint Press, brings to a close my Southern historical DarkHorse Trilogy. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or can be ordered from your local bookstore (refer to ISBN is 978-1-952816-10-9). It was written as a stand-alone, as well as the gripping conclusion to the DarkHorse Trilogy.
If you don’t already know the story, here’s a brief description:
Abolitionist Durksen Hurst and three black friends return home to a devastated Mississippi, the sole survivors of a Union colored cavalry regiment. But instead of peace, they find unregenerate Confederates who reject emancipation still in charge. Undeterred, Durk opens a law practice to help disenfranchised freedmen — only to be threatened by powerful planters and nightriders. A black school is burned; a petition march to Jackson is terrorized. And when one of his friends goes missing, Durk is horrified to discover Black Codes being used to force freedmen into brutal servitude. Clever Durk schemes to liberate them, but must contend with armed ruffians — and a rigged court system. Will fire and bullets prevail?
Preview Something in Madness here.
Find all three books in the DarkHorse Trilogy here.
Early reviews:
“Despite the dark forces at work in Something in Madness, it is ultimately a tale of hope and determination against seemingly insurmountable odds. It is also a timely tale for these troubled times in our divided nation.”
- Terry Baker Mulligan, award-winning author of Sugar Hill and Afterlife in Harlem
“Something in Madness offers invaluable lessons on the real roots of modern racial strife....The result is an engrossing story not just for historical fiction readers, but for anyone who would better understand the roots of modern racism and the choices and impact it brings to all sides of the equation.”
- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer at Midwest Book Review
“...a tense and gripping venture into the post-civil war South,” noting it “...has a wonderfully unique voice and chromatic characterization for all of its characters which really brings the story off the page.”
- Thomas Anderson, Literary Titan, 5-Stars
Giveaways, Interviews & Guest Blogs
Publisher’s Kindle Giveaway in the Works
My publisher, TouchPoint Press, will be running a giveaway on Goodreads soon, offering 10 Kindle copies of Something in Madness. Watch for details.
Suspense Zone Giveaway in December
In December, I’ll be interviewed on The Suspense Zone website and giving away a signed paperback copy of Something in Madness. Although the novel is packed with suspense, revelations, mysteries and plot twists — and some serious, socially relevant social issues — I’ll try not to spoil the surprises during the interview! Info here.
American Historical Novels Facebook & Goodreads Discussions
I spent a week in October discussing my research of the Reconstruction period (time frame of Something in Madness) with these two groups. One participant from each won a drawing for a paperback copy of the novel. If you’re a fan of American history, I encourage you to join these group(s). You’ll discover some great novels and learn more about American history:
· American Historical Novels Facebook Group.
· American Historical Novels Goodreads Group.
Guest Blog Posts
In “Bestowing Justice Through Fiction” for Southern Writers Magazine’s Suite T blog, I talk about my DarkHorse Trilogy and why I find the South such a fertile landscape for fiction writers. Find it here.
In “My Approach to Moving Readers’ Hearts and Minds Through Historical Fiction,” my contribution to Kathy L. Brown’s Historical Fiction Storytelling blog, I reflect on Something in Madness’s relevance to the social upheaval being shown daily on the news — and, more importantly, its universal themes. Find it here.
I’ll announce further details on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.