murder mysteries | CW Hawes

A Free Justinia Wright Mystery

Yes, Virginia, a free Justinia Wright mystery is coming to readers everywhere — but only if they’re signed up for my mailing list. It’s something like Henry Ford’s “You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black.”

I don’t do free very often. So this is a great opportunity to get a Justinia Wright novelette simply by joining my mailing list. Which you can do here.

The Justinia Wright Private Investigator Mystery series has been getting positive attention of late. I was named among the Top 25 Mystery Writers You Need to be Reading by international bestselling mystery and thriller writers Caleb and Linda Pirtle.

Of the latest Tina and Harry adventure, Death Makes a House Call, readers are saying:

First rate entry in a great series.

…if you like well-drawn, fascinating, and believable characters…not to mention clever writing (with lots of laugh-out-loud moments), give this author a try!

This book is highly entertaining…

…well-written and worthy of all five stars.

If you haven’t read any of the Justinia Wright mysteries, you can find them on Amazon.

I will start serializing the novelette to my mailing list on Friday, March 13th — so don’t wait to sign up! The game is afoot!

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

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The World of Justinia Wright

About a month ago, I wrote a post announcing I’d been given an award by international bestselling authors Caleb and Linda Pirtle. You can read that post here. I’m still excited at being named One of the Top 25 Mystery Writers You Need to be Reading.

There are currently 7 books in the Justinia Wright Private Investigator Mystery Series. Vampire House and Other Early Cases of Justinia Wright, PI, which I’ve numbered Book 0, doesn’t get included on the Amazon series page due to Amazon’s quirky rules.

I’m in the middle of doing line editing and proofreading on Book 7 (actually the 8th book in the series) and hope to publish it by Christmas. More on this book in a future post!

So what is it about the Justinia Wright Private Investigator Mystery Series that makes it worth reading? I thought I’d let some of the reviewers tell you what makes the series so fun to read (and for me, to write!).

Richard Schwindt, who has an excellent amateur sleuth trilogy — The Death in Sioux Lookout Trilogy — and an equally excellent occult detective trilogy — Tony Price: Confidential — wrote this about the world of Tina and Harry Wright:

Some fictional universes are just places you want to be, and I have been so moved by the world CW Hawes has created for private detective Justinia Wright and her brother Harry. Although Hawes has a demonstrated penchant for the scary and grotesque, and can frequently be found (at least in his fiction) underground, he has shown a remarkably light and airy touch in Trio in Death-Sharp Minor. Tina and Harry’s world comes complete with music, art, excellent food and drink. I would drop by their house any time, if only for a glass of Madeira. The three mysteries are deftly written and include an adorable and sexy love affair between Harry and Bea, one of the bereaved from the first story. If you want to check out a good cozy mystery, without the annoyingly twee failings of the genre, you could do much worse than this series. Highly recommended for mystery lovers and anyone looking for an escape with a light touch.

And that is exactly how I feel when I write these mysteries: Tina and Harry’s world is where I want to be.

Another mystery writer, Joe Congel, who writes the superb Tony Razzolito PI Mysteries, wrote this about Tina and Harry:

[But Jesus Never Wept] is the third book in the Justinia Wright Private Investigator series, and it is a top-notch addition to a top-notch series, written by a top-notch author. If you’ve been following the brother/sister PI team, you already know this series is rich in storyline and character development. If you are discovering the Wrights for the first time in this book, you will not be disappointed. However, treat yourself, and go back and read the first two books in this wonderful series.

In this installment, the author mixes religion, the Japanese mob, and high-end prostitution, and wraps it all up in a very engaging murder mystery. But what truly drives this story is the relationship between the main characters – Justinia, Harry, Bea, and Cal. The subplot of their lives is intertwined masterfully with the main plotline of the book, which is the mystery that needs to be solved. And although the idea of an intriguing mystery may have brought you here, the well thought-out, fun, realistic, characters are what will bring you back for more. A great murder mystery will make a great book, but a deeply developed cast of reoccurring characters is what makes a great series… and this is a great series.

I loved the first two books, and this one is no different. It’s why I bought the whole series. I look forward to seeing what the Wright’s get themselves into between the pages of the next book. But don’t take my word for it, try them for yourself – just don’t be surprised if you become addicted.

For me, the story is all about the characters. The plot, or storyline, is simply the characters doing their thing in a particular situation.

I find it very satisfying when my fellow mystery writers have such a glowing opinion of Tina and Harry. They are telling me I have accomplished what I set out to do: to create a world that is as cozy and enjoyable as the one Rex Stout created with Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin.

I love Tina and Harry. They were my first children, as it were. In fact, they are older than my daughter! I love the world that Tina and Harry inhabit: a Minneapolis that is akin to the real city, and yet is its own world.

If you desire to travel anywhere in the world right from the comfort of your favorite chair, if you want to entertain yourself at your own pace, if you want to put your worries and problems on a shelf for awhile and lose yourself in someone else’s world — then I encourage you to explore the world of Tina and Harry Wright. It’s a world filled with comfort, good food, and lots of adventure. Live a little from the comfort of your favorite chair, at your own pace.

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In the Top 25

The older I get, the more I enjoy mysteries. Not thrillers. I actually don’t care much for them. I like the traditional whodunit, where the focus is on solving a murder, and the pacing is gentler.

The first novel I wrote was a mystery. The title? Festival of Death. Although the Festival of Death you can buy today on Amazon, is not at all the same book I wrote back in the late ‘80s. It’s amazing how a couple, three decades can change things.

In the last five years, I’ve written five novels, two novellas, three novelettes, and seven short stories in the Justinia Wright Private Investigator series; and there are an additional two novels in the works. I love every minute I spend with Tina and Harry. The series is also my all-time second highest seller.

Now it’s one thing to write something simply because you love doing it. But it’s a whole different ballgame when you get recognized for doing so — which recently happened to me.

International bestselling authors Caleb and Linda Pirtle are known for their promotion of indie authors. It’s a wonderful thing they are doing for their fellow writers.

Recently they named me as One of the Top 25 Mystery Writers You Need to be Reading.

I am thrilled and honored they chose me to be on their list.

Support from one’s peers is always awesome, and I feel very blessed that my fellow writers appreciate and enjoy my work.

Being an Independent Author/Publisher, means you’re it: you are the writer and you are the publisher and you are the marketer. You are responsible for everything: writing the book, editing the book, formatting the book, producing the ebook and print masters, and marketing the book.

All of which is a lot of work, and some days it is more work than I care to handle. I’d rather just be writing. And then along come people like the Pirtles, who have done all that you’ve done, and know how tough this writing business is. There is nothing like a little recognition and appreciation to put gas in your tank.

Here’s a link to Caleb and Linda Pirtle’s website: https://calebandlindapirtle.com/c-w-hawes-one-top-25-mystery-writers-need-reading/

Recognition is nice. It is a signpost to readers: hey, check this out! Because at the end of the day it all boils down to readers. And we writers want readers to know we exist. After all, they buy the books.

So all you readers who are reading this, buy and review the books of indie authors. They don’t have massive marketing budgets, but they do have you — and your support is crucial for their encouragement and success. Go ahead and make an author’s day.

To my fellow writers, I encourage you to buy and review the books of your peers. Such an act will not only make their day, but you might gain a friend in the process. And who doesn’t need friends? Remember, it’s who you know that counts.

I’m very thankful for the Pirtles and will continue to support my fellow writers. Good karma is, well, good!

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

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Even More Suggested Reads

Here is my third list of suggested reads for your summer holidays, or lazy days. Or if it’s winter where you are, reads with which you can snuggle up on the sofa or in your favorite chair and escape the less than perfect weather outside.

The Death in Sioux Lookout Trilogy by Richard Schwindt

I’m a big fan of Richard Schwindt. I own all of his fiction. Because he is simply that good. His writing is laced with humor, full of life-like characters, enchanting (but not ponderous) descriptions of places that will transport you right out of your chair, and masterful storytelling that grabs you and doesn’t let you go.

Sioux Lookout is one of Schwindt’s favorite places and he makes it come alive for us in this trio of murder mysteries.

I love this series. My only complaint is that there aren’t more stories. Three just aren’t enough!

Do pick up this trilogy and join Chris Allard, dysfunctional social worker, as he solves 3 murders. An unlikely, yet astute amateur sleuth.

The Razzman Files and The Razzman Chronicles by Joe Congel

I love private investigator mysteries and Joe Congel writes doggone good ones. So good, in fact, that I bought every book he’s published to date.

In Tony Razzolito, The Razzman, Congel pays homage to the classic noir detective, without the overwhelming dark atmosphere. At the end of the day, we have bad guys — not bad humanity.

These are well-written whodunits, perfect for your armchair detective work. Pick them up, because the game is afoot!

The Monkey Idol by KD McNiven

I met Ms McNiven on Twitter, and I’m glad I did. Otherwise I’d never have discovered this delightful book — which is the first in her Decker and Callie series of adventure yarns.

My interest in archeology and lost cities and civilizations goes way back, and because this novel taps into all three I was hooked.

Ms McNiven tells a tale that will remind you a bit of Dirk Pitt, Indiana Jones, and Lara Croft. Lots of action in a thrilling adventure.

There are 3 books out now in the Decker and Callie series, and the two I haven’t read are definitely on my TBR list! And they should be on yours, as well.

Dark Fiction Tales by Andy Graham

Andy Graham is an incredible wordsmith. Simply incredible. His command of the English language is superb. And I’m more than a little envious! 🙂

His Dark Fiction Tales are amazingly dark tales about us. You know, people who could be you or me and yet aren’t you or me. The folk in Graham’s tales are the Mr Hyde that lurks inside each and every one of us — whether we want to admit he’s there or not.

I Died Yesterday is Book 1 and contains 5 stories that examine the consequences of our deepest wishes and desires, and of our seemingly innocent actions.

An Angel Fallen is Book 2 and is a powerfully eloquent tale of consequences and redemption. If this story doesn’t move you, I’m not sure any will.

A Crow’s Game is Book 3 and has just been released. I’m very much looking forward to reading it.

If you love to read the handiwork of a master craftsman, one who does things with language that no one else can, if you love good storytelling and well-crafted imagery, then you’ll love Andy Graham.

Once Upon a WolfPack: A #WolfPackAuthors Anthology by the #WolfPackAuthors

Short stories are the perfect reading experiences for this day and age when everyone is busier than busy.

But for myself, I’ve always loved short stories. I cut my reading eye teeth on them. A well-crafted short story is a thing of beauty. A powerful experience in a small package.

The #WolfPackAuthors is a writing group on Twitter dedicated to promoting and supporting its members. And one of our projects of mutual support is the Once Upon a WolfPack anthology. This collection of 17 stories and poems not only highlights the work of 17 members of the pack, but the profits from the anthology go to Lockwood Animal Rescue Center. The center helps save wolves from senseless and careless destruction and helps support returning veterans to transition back into civilian society, a society that doesn’t often understand the hidden wounds they carry.

Pick yourself up a copy and meet 17 new to you authors — and help out wolves and vets. This is such a good deal!

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

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Tony Price: Confidential

Good Books You Probably Never Heard Of – Part 11

Tony Price: Confidential by Richard Schwindt

https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Price-Confidential-Richard-Schwindt-ebook/dp/B01MSYGO6F

Richard Schwindt is a phenomenally innovative and creative writer. His storytelling is nonpareil. His characters are amazingly realistic and his word paintings put you on location with them.

Tony Price is one of Schwindt’s wonderfully delightful characters. He’s a chain smoking, vodka drinking, burnt out social worker with a knack for finding and fighting monsters. Yep, you read that right. A monster fighting social worker. Right out of Paranormal Land. Only Schwindt makes it all seem as real and ordinary as crossing a street.

Tony Price: Confidential is the collection of all three Tony Price novellas. Below is a brief synopsis of each tale.

Scarborough: Confidential takes place in 1987. To Tony’s dismay, his clients are being brutally murdered one by one. Who or what is doing this? To find the answer, Tony ends up not only scouring the dark corners of Scarborough, but winds up traveling to the Venezuelan back country. And there he finds that only he can defeat the evil killing his clients.

Sioux Lookout: Confidential sees Tony taking a vacation at the urging of his girlfriend. What was supposed to be a time of fishing, drinking, smoking, and relaxing, suddenly vanishes when something evil comes to the little town of Sioux Lookout. And it is upon Tony to send the monster back to the hell it came from.

Kingston: Confidential finds our hero forced into retirement all because he was being a good Samaritan and rescued a woman and her child from a notorious hardcore druggie who was armed and threatening their lives.

So he and wife Brenda move to Kingston to be closer to their twins who are attending college there. As often happens to those forced into retirement, Tony is bored. He has too much time on his hands. That is until a monster comes to town.

This time Tony is aided in his battle with the homicidal maniac ravaging Kingston by his daughter, Ashley, who’s inherited her father’s gift and much of his personality.

Schwindt’s books are filled with humor, horror, fascinating people, and scary monsters. If you’re into the paranormal or urban fantasy, Tony Price: Confidential is for you.

Very Highly Recommended!!

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TV Review: Murdoch Mysteries

Steampunk is alive well. Not only as a sub-genre of speculative fiction, but also as a lifestyle movement and a musical genre.

A few weeks ago, while looking for something to watch on Netflix streaming, I stumbled upon the retro-detective series Murdoch Mysteries. I fell in love immediately. I mean who wouldn’t love a show that features Nikola Tesla in the first episode? I’ve been binge watching ever since.

Some people might not call Murdoch Mysteries steampunk. And in a very real sense it isn’t. At least it isn’t traditional steampunk. However there are many steampunk elements that the writers incorporate in the episodes, so I call it steampunk light.

Detective William Murdoch, of Toronto Constabulary’s Fourth Station House, is an amateur inventor and a scientific sleuth worthy of Sherlock Holmes’s shoes, Inverness cape, and deerstalker hat. But Murdoch wears none of those. Just a conservative 1890s suit and Homburg, the classic hat worn by Winston Churchill, among others.

The show begins in the mid-1890s and in season six enters the new century. Numerous inventions are featured that were either invented or discussed at that time and some of them Murdoch himself invents to help him solve crimes. Also a feature of the show are the famous personalities who appear as part of the storyline; people such as Tesla, Henry Ford, Winston Churchill, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jack London, and HG Wells.

The episodes are filled with humor and historical puns, such as when Constable Crabtree claps his hands to activate a sound activated switch (the Clapper of modern day fame), which makes the series almost a comedy were it not for the seriousness of Murdoch and the murders he’s trying to solve.

I believe the success of this series lies in the interaction of the main trio of characters: Detective Murdoch, Constable Crabtree, and Inspector Brackenreid. Murdoch is unrelentingly serious and conservative, in spite of his love of science, technology, and invention. When he invents “Silly Putty” to capture newsprint he can’t read on the inside of a wallet, Brackenreid wants to take some home for his boys because they would love the silliness of it. Murdoch rebukes him that the putty is not a toy.

Crabtree aspires to be like Murdoch, but has an imagination that enables him to see practical applications of Murdoch’s and other inventors’s inventions that they themselves don’t see or dismiss. When a microwave machine shows up in Murdoch’s office, having been used as a weapon, Crabtree envisions it could be used to bake potatoes. When told the machine would have to be the size of a room, Crabtree goes on to imagine homes being built in the future with potato baking rooms. Eventually in the course of the series, Crabtree puts his imagination to use and writes a novel.

Brackenreid is an old school cop who in the beginning has little toleration for Murdoch’s odd methods. He’s a blustering blowhard, who is really a marshmallow on the inside.

Of course no series would be complete without a love interest and that we have between Murdoch and the very progressive coroner, Doctor Julia Ogden.

The series also explores many social issues and can therefore be seen as a commentary on our own age, which in many ways isn’t much different from Murdoch’s.

As I noted above, many might not see Murdoch Mysteries as steampunk. But whatever genre you decide to call the series, the series is riotously good fun. Very highly recommended.

As always, comments are welcome and until next time — happy reading!

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