Category: IndieApril

Check him out. He’s really top drawer, and fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

Andy Graham

Andy Graham writes masterful tales of chilling terror. I hate reading his stories at night, because, quite honestly, they give me bad dreams.

He has the dystopian Misrule series, The Risen World Supernatural thrillers, and I Died Yesterday, a collection of dark fiction tales.

Graham is an accomplished wordsmith. Begin one of his books and you’ll be biting your nails and saying, “What was that noise?”

I’m currently reading A Demon Risen. But only while the sun is up.

Here is where you can find Andy Graham on Amazon:

Ray Zacek

Ray Zacek can scare your socks off, or make you laugh with his macabre dark humor. And when he turns to satire, it’s funny, biting, and somewhat chilling all at the same time.

Want a scary story? Try Cosecha and Daguerreotype. Satire? Try Fresh Catch: Fiction Sushi. Dark humor? Give The Sisters a read. I love his books and you will too.

Take a look at Ray’s Amazon pages:

Church Mouse, Book 1, Amazon US

He’s a superb storyteller who you will fall in love with. I guarantee it.

John F Leonard, Andy Graham, and Ray Zacek are masters of the art of telling us a good story. They are producing some of the best fiction being written today. Give them a try. You won’t be sorry.

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

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Indie April Suggestions – Part 6

James Vincett

A few years ago, I read that 3,000 new books appeared on Amazon every day. That is quite a number, and I bet it has only gone up.

The other week, someone wrote that there are 8 million books available on the Zon. Eight Million. That is absolutely incredible.

If you’re a writer, the question you’re probably asking is: how do I get people to find my books? And that is a very good question, but one I hope to address in a different post.

If you are a reader, you’re probably asking: how do I find my next good read? And that is a very good question, especially since Amazon has started polluting our search results with sponsored ads.

Nearly half of our search results aren’t search results — they’re advertising.

It is getting to the point where I don’t like searching for books on Amazon anymore. There are just too darn many ads. In fact, I’ve started searching for books on Google. And then I see where they are being sold, and often end up buying the book someplace other than Amazon. The Zon might want to take a new look at their over zealous ad pollution of book pages.

I am both a reader and a writer. And since becoming an independent author-publisher, I’ve consistently sought out those excellent books that aren’t in the top 300,000 on Amazon. And I’ve found quite a few, which I then go on to promote. Hoping they get a wider audience.

One of those serendipitous finds was James Vincett’s highly imaginative Hominin Universe.

Vincett has set three series in his future the universe. I would broadly class his books as space opera, with hefty side servings of military SF and action & adventure. And they will all wet your whistle for more.

Hominin Union

The first series is his Hominin Union trilogy, of which volumes 1 and 2 are out. They are top drawer, first class reading. He combines, space opera, military SF, political intrigue, with lots of action and adventure. Having just finished book 2, The Borrega Test, I’m champing at the bit for book 3.

This series is every bit as good as The Foundation, Star Wars, or Battlestar Galactica. Loads of characters to love and hate, and a tense storyline that has you biting your nails. I’m all in on this one.

You can find The Anuvi Incident and The Borrega Test on Amazon.

The Far Frontier

Two books are out in the episodic Far Frontier series. These are classic SF novellas of space exploration. They are very imaginative and highly inventive. Filled with curious humans, strange aliens, and fantastic worlds.

You can get Hope’s Surprise and The Dreaming Oceans of San Miguel (man, do I love that title) on Amazon.

The Independencies

This series is brand new. Slalom, Inc was just published in March. It’s a longish novelette, or shortish novella, that is the perfect vehicle for telling an ongoing story in easily digestible nuggets.

Slalom, Inc reminded me a lot of Firefly. So if you’re a Browncoat fan, I think you’ll like this first tale of The Independencies in Vincett’s Hominin Universe. And you can get Slalom, Inc at Amazon!

What I like most about James Vincett’s books, and I’ve read them all, is that they are set in a universe that pulls me in. I want to know more about it. I’m intrigued by it. A major plus is that Vincett knows how to people his universe with believable humans, near humans, and aliens.

The science incorporates classic SF tropes that are informed with current day understanding. So you get the best of both worlds: classic and modern SF. All wrapped up in a masterfully told story.

I’d love to see Vincett’s books on the big or small screen. And I’m not much of a movie or TV person!

If you read science fiction, James Vincett is an indie author you just have to meet.

Get his books, read them, and review them. Support this super indie writer. You won’t be sorry.

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

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Indie April Suggestions – Part 5

Caleb Pirtle III

When I was growing up, if you wanted to become a fiction author, you wrote books and submitted them to book publishers. You could write short stories, but the magazine market had dwindled to such a point that the paying markets were just about impossible to break into. Which left you with a variety of fanzines that paid in contributor copies. If you were lucky.

Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s things were pretty tough for those wanting to be a published author — especially an author of fiction. The Indie Movement is a tsunami of fresh air.

Caleb Pirtle III entered the world of writing, back in that pre-internet era, through the nonfiction side. He was a journalist, authored a variety of nonfiction books, was travel editor for Southern Living magazine, and editorial director for a custom book and magazine publishing company.

Moving into the fiction, he wrote screenplays, and today focuses on historical fiction, with a side of spy and psychological thrillers.

I’ve only read a smidgen of his 70+ published books. But that smidgen has been a gold mine. A literary El Dorado.

I’m very pleased to have discovered the many worlds Caleb Pirtle — and look forward to discovering many more!

The Quiet Assassin

Roland Sand is The Quiet Assassin and is the main character in three longish spy thriller novellas.

I suggest getting the one volume edition and read the stories one after the other, because the collection reads like a novel when read that way.

Sand was my introduction to Mr. Pirtle’s fiction, and I fell in love immediately. The writing is pictorially evocative. Pirtle wields words and sentences like an artist does a paintbrush. The characters are well-drawn, and you find yourself wondering where you’ve met them before. They are that real.

When I finished Lonely Night To Die, quite honestly I was sad. Sad because there were no more stories to read.

Pick up a copy of Lonely Night To Die at Amazon. You won’t be sorry.

The Boom Town Saga

Caleb has a time machine. I just know he does, because when I read the three books in The Boom Town Saga I was transported back to East Texas in the 1930s.

I could taste the dust, feel the sweat-producing humidity. I could reach out and touch the people of Ashland. I fell in love with Eudora Durant. And con artist though he is, I felt I could be friends with Doc Bannister.

The three books in The Boom Town Saga are three must reads. They will give you an understanding of Depression Era Texas that no text book will give you. And I think that’s because they are time machines. They’re also doggone good entertainment.

Get The Boom Town Saga at Amazon. You won’t be sorry. It’s some of the best reading I’ve experienced.

Last Deadly Lie

I am going to cheat, and quote my review from Amazon:

Last Deadly Lie is a powerful novel of greed, the lust for power, the desperate grasp for meaning and purpose, and of human depravity. The book is a starkly realistic portrayal of church people, small town people, all people. We all have our secrets. Secrets we will do anything to keep secret, and that is what gives this novel its power.

Caleb Pirtle’s strength as a fiction writer lies in his ability to put realistic characters on the page, and his ability to vividly paint a scene so that you can see, touch, and experience it right along with the characters. And to top it off, his prose sings.

Last Deadly Lie just might be the best novel I’ll read all year. Highly recommended.

What can I say? Stop what you’re doing and get this book right now! 🙂

Caleb Pirtle III is one of the very best writers to join the Indie Movement from traditional publishing. He is a fabulous craftsman, and I am looking forward to reading more of his wonderfully satisfying stories. Do give him a try, if you haven’t already. He’s magnificent.

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

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Indie April Suggestions – Part 4

RH Hale

Today, I’m showcasing my fourth author for Indie April: the incomparable and supremely talented RH Hale.

Twitter has been a good source for finding talented writers of truly amazing books. My reading life has been enhanced many-fold by these wonderfully creative people.

RH Hale is one of the most talented of the literary finds I’ve come across. And I’m so thankful I did.

Her two books

Church Mouse: Memoir of a vampire’s servant
and
Church Mouse (Book 2): The Change

elevate the vampire novel to a new height. Yet these books are more than just vampire novels. For Rona Dean, the human servant, the watch dog for these supremely deadly creatures, tells us her story. And by doing so, we are given an insight into what it’s like to live on the knife-edge of terror day in and day out; and, through this daily exposure to terror and incredible horror, we see Rona, the church mouse, change, grow, and eventually earn the respect of the monsters she serves.

Gothic novel? Or are these books a coming of age story? A tale of macabre terror? Or a philosophical treatise on what it truly means to be human?

Perhaps Church Mouse is all of these, and more.

Ms Hale’s storytelling is superb throughout. We are given atmospheric descriptions of places, and mood evoking pictures of settings. Her characters are alive, real. You can touch them, feel with them, feel for them.

Her command of the novel form is equal to that of the most mature of writers. Her words mesmerize us, evoke deep feelings in us, touch all of our senses — they let us see and experience Rona’s world.

These two novels are simply brilliant. They are gothic masterpieces. They are among the finest horror literature being written today. They rightly belong next to the classics: “Dracula”, “Carmilla”, and “The Vampyre”.

Simply put, Ms Hale is one of the finest indie authors writing today. She is nonpareil.

Church Mouse, Book 2, Amazon US

Church Mouse, Book 1, Amazon UK

Church Mouse, Book 2, Amazon UK

Church Mouse, Book 1, Amazon Canada

Church Mouse, Book 2, Amazon Canada

Church Mouse, Book 1, Amazon Australia

Church Mouse, Book 2, Amazon Australia

Church Mouse, Book 1, Amazon Germany

Church Mouse, Book 2, Amazon Germany

Comments are always welcome. And until next time, happy reading!

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Indie April Suggestions – Part 3

Matthew Cormack

My favorite form of the post-apocalyptic novel is the cozy catastrophe.

My introduction to this sub-sub-genre was with the classic novel Earth Abides by George R Stewart.

That introduction was 30+ years ago, and I immediately fell in love with the book. But at the time I was unaware that there were others like it. Because back then there was no internet and easy information.

Years later, I learned that Earth Abides was merely one example of an entire sub-genre of post-apocalyptic fiction called cozy catastrophes. And boy was I happy!

In my opinion, Matthew Cormack is the cozy catastrophe writer par excellence. His Piranha Pandemic universe is an awful place, but one filled with hope that a better world will eventually rise up and replace the one that died.

To date, there are 3 novels set in his post-apocalyptic world:

Don’t Dream It’s Over

Ganbaru

The Piranha Pandemic: From Small Acorns…

All three are superlative examples of the cozy catastrophe. They portray with stunning realism the collapse of society, and how people will react to the loss of everything. And in true cozy catastrophe fashion, he shows how people will try to re-organize and rebuild society.

The books are standalone, so you can read them in any order.

Don’t Dream It’s Over was the first book published. It’s the story of one survivor of the apocalypse. It is the best novel in epistolary form that I’ve read. It is also one of the best in-depth character studies I’ve read. The book, quite simply, is brilliant.

Ganbaru is the story of what happens when a small peace-oriented community comes into contact with an aggressive and belligerent group. The results aren’t pretty, to say the least. An exciting novel that will keep you on the edge of your chair.

The Piranha Pandemic: From Small Acorns… is a prequel novel, as it tells how the pandemic came about and describes, with horrifying realism, the collapse of civilization.

As the origin of the pandemic is hinted at in Don’t Dream It’s Over, I suggest you read the books in the order above. You’ll see the state of things after the collapse from two perspectives, and then read about the collapse as it happened.

As a writer, Mr Cormack is a master craftsman. He knows how to tell an exciting story. He knows how to create believable and realistic people. His world is well-thought out and hangs together.

I can’t say enough good things about this “Sunday writer”, as he refers to himself. All I can say is that I wish every day was Sunday.

Treat yourself to the best cozy catastrophes being written today. Heck, the best post-apocalyptic fiction being written today. This Indie April acquaint yourself with Matthew Cormack. You’ll be glad you did.

Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!

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Indie April Reading Suggestions – Part 2

Richard Schwindt

Welcome again to Indie April!

This month I’m promoting the work of 13 authors who have impressed me over the years with writing that lingers in my memory. Lingers in a good way, that is.

Last Friday, I presented to you Crispian Thurlborn. Today, Richard Schwindt, who is no stranger to this blog. He is an accomplished writer, who produces non-fiction, fiction, and humor. In this post, I’m focusing on his fiction.

My first foray into his oeuvre, was the book Herkimer’s Nose. And I immediately fell in love with the book. It remains among my favorites.

Herkimer’s Nose has everything: well-drawn characters, an imaginative and creative story, sea monsters, ghosts, spies, monster hunters, and, of course, humor. What’s not to like?

I read first and foremost for the characters. And Richard is a master craftsman when it comes to creating characters that come across as real people. And even if they are somewhat over the top, they are believably so.

Humor is another thing I enjoy in a good book, and Richard Schwindt doesn’t let you down in the humor department. He’s a funny guy and will tickle your funny bone with his dialogue, character interactions, and sometimes the scene itself. He’s given me plenty of hearty laughs, and who doesn’t need that?

Aside from his extensive output of therapy and self-help books, Richard writes mysteries, occult detective, humor, horror, fantasy, and literary fiction. All are excellent reads that do not disappoint.

The Death in Sioux Lookout Trilogy

Chris Allard is a worthy addition to the ranks of the amateur detective. He’s a disgraced social worker, who finally finds work in the remote town of Sioux Lookout. He also finds murder.

The three short novels that make up the trilogy are

Death in Sioux Lookout

Minnitaki Lake Mystery

The Vermilion River Murder

Filled with richly drawn characters. These books are not only murder mysteries, they are a look into what it means to live, and also to die.

They are mysteries done right. There’s also a one volume edition.

Tony Price: Confidential

I love the occult detective genre, and Tony Price is a super occult detective. The three novellas that comprise this trilogy are just the right length to tell the story and maintain the creepiness factor.

Tony Price is a burnt-out social worker who sees monsters. In fact, he might even be a monster magnet. He also knows how to deal with monsters, as any occult detective worth his salt does.

Get the anthology volume – Tony Price: Confidential – because you will want to read these back to back. They’re that good. There’s also a prequel novella: Ottawa: Confidential. And you don’t want to miss Tony’s first monster hunt, so get this one, too.

Dreams and Sioux Nights

There’s one other book I’d like to highlight. Not only because it shows a more serious side of Richard Schwindt, but because it is just doggone good.

That book is: Dreams and Sioux Nights.

The book is a collection of short stories. But don’t be put off by that. Because the 5 stories comprising the collection are amongst the best you will ever read. Yes, they are that good. I kid you not. This is top drawer literary fiction.

Dreams and Sioux Nights concerns people and people are what Schwindt does best. Within the pages of Dreams, you will encounter people who are very real. With issues that you yourself may have had to deal with. They are moving, touching, thought-provoking. This book may just be Richard Schwindt at his best.

Richard Schwindt has something for everybody. He’s one of the foremost indie writers today. His writing is of such a high caliber that he truly deserves to be a bestseller. That he’s not reflects on the state of the marketplace and not his quality as a writer.

Take a look at his Amazon page, and treat yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Richard’s Amazon pages

And here is a recent interview with Richard by Rox Burkey, who is one-half of the team that writes The Enigma TechnoThriller series: https://roxburkey.com/the-real-richard-schwindt/

Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!

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Indie April Reading Suggestions — Part 1

Crispian Thurlborn

Welcome to Indie April!

Every year, I solicit independent authors/publishers (aka “indies”) to recommend books for me to read, and if I like them, to promote.

My caveat is that I don’t want bestsellers. Nor any book ranked in the top 300,000 on Amazon. And they must be self-published. Small press does not count, as that is just downsized traditional publishing.

If you have any suggestions, please put them in the comments.

This month, I’m adding blog posts promoting 13 authors who have impressed me over the years with writing that lingers in my memory. Lingers in a good way, that is.

These writers are not bestsellers. Although they should be, and would be if we lived in a fair world. But, alas, we don’t. Their writing, though, is top-notch and will entertain you. That much I can guarantee.

Crispian Thurlborn

First up is Crispian Thurlborn, who is truly an author par excellence. He is a master craftsman. A meticulous craftsman. He does magic with words.

He writes stories that will chill you and impart a subtle terror that lingers long after the story has ended. He also writes stories filled with whimsy and humor.

All of his published work is top drawer.

Today I’d like to focus on his short novel, A Bump in the Night. It’s a ghost story, of sorts. It’s a philosophical story, of sorts. It’s sad, yet ends well. It’s filled with humor. And the prose would make Dickens envious.

It’s a tale of two ghosts who try to stop their friend, Mr Bump, from fading away. But the best laid plans of mice, men, and ghosts… Well, you know, Mr Murphy and his law even transcend the grave.

A Bump in the Night is not a tale of terror. Yet, in a subtle sort of way, the story confronts us with death, that thing which terrifies us all.

The book is one of my favorites. But then all of Mr Thurlborn’s work can be listed amongst my favorites. He’s that good.

So this Indie April, do yourself and Mr Thurlborn a favor: buy his books, enjoy them, and review them. Both you and he will be very happy.

Here are links to his Amazon pages: