Archive for the ‘Spotlight’ Category

The Vanishing Castle Blitz

Posted: September 24, 2025 in Blog Tour Hosting, cover reveal, Crowdfunding, excerpt, giveaway, Now Available in Paperback, Polls, Press Release, Promo, rafflecopter, Recommended Reading, Showcase, Spotlight, Xpresso Tours
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Marlena Cannon
Matthew Lett
Publication date: September 23rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy

A fantasy mystery with hooves and heart.

Simarron isn’t a detective, he’s just a centaur with a clipboard and a nose for trouble. He left his homeland to get a professional job in the city as a magical safety inspector. However, his new life isn’t quite as he imagined it to be and his fellow housemates at Slant Row Boarding House (which is definitely not haunted) are shadier than an enchanted forest.

When a castle disappears and an alchemist ends up dead, Simarron must choose between the cozy, safe rule-bound life he’s always dreamed of and the principles that won’t let him walk away. He is a safety inspector, after all, and the city isn’t safe with a killer on the loose.

A cozy mystery set in a richly imagined gaslamp fantasy world, The Vanishing Castle delights with magical intrigue, a quirky found family, and a centaur sleuth you won’t soon forget.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

So, you want to be a magical safety inspector?

Checking my pocket watch, I scuffed the moisture off my hooves as I entered the brick building. Inside, a framed newspaper article announced the founding of the Magic and Alchemy Safety and Health Administration just ten years ago. But the smell of dust, lamp oil, and crumbling paper told a different story, one far older. I caught a dim reflection of myself in the glass—enough to see that my auburn mane looked presentable—but I smoothed it down anyway while I waited.

My gaze restlessly traveled the shelves containing old books and magical oddities, including a globe of the world adorned with dynamic swirls of clouds that flowed over the model. The morning light streamed in from a pair of narrow, floor-to-ceiling windows, brightening the dark wood and heavy silence of the interior.

I glanced at my pocket watch again—one minute until my appointment. Inconveniently, the desk positioned outside the director’s office was unoccupied. Not a secretary in sight. Oh, no—they didn’t expect me to interview for a secretary position, did they?

An indistinct figure moved beyond the glass-paneled door. I shifted from hoof to hoof. What was I to do in this situation, knock or wait one more minute?

By the time I worked up the nerve to announce my presence, two more minutes ticked by. Dread slid its icy fingers into my chest, warning me that I was now late, and gave me the final push to act.

I reached forward to knock, pausing when I heard footsteps shuffle to a halt on the other side. I backed up awkwardly, my hooves clattering on the wood floor as the door swung outward.

“Hello, you must be Simarron! I’m Ken Moosekind, Executive Director of MASHA,” said a squinty man with a bushy mustache whose robes smelled faintly of tobacco. “Come in, lad, and mind your head.” He retreated behind his cluttered desk.

I ducked my head slightly, entering the office: a place of organized chaos. Books and files sat piled atop cabinets and shelves—even on the floor. Wood scraped on wood as I moved aside a chair and settled down on my haunches opposite the director.

Director Moosekind shifted a stack of papers aside. “So, Simarron, you want to join MASHA as a magical safety inspector, do you?”


Author Bio:

Marlena Cannon grew up reading “The Cat Who…” mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun and writing stories of her own. She kept writing intermittently over the years, eventually pursuing her dream by completing the DIY MFA program in 2023, where she drafted “The Vanishing Castle,” inspired by one of her childhood projects. She also designed the cover using her background in graphic design. Marlena lives with her husband and their rescue rabbits.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!

The Vanishing Castle Blitz

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Where Lost Is Found: Navigating Seasons of Change with Snakes, Grace, and a Divine Dog

Posted: September 20, 2025 in Announcements, guest post, Now Available in Paperback, Press Release, Promo, Recommended Reading, Showcase, Spotlight
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What happens when everything seems to be in motion and it becomes a matter of just holding on?
When jobs and relationships become uninspired?
When the joy and wonderment is gone?
When—oh yes—the house is overrun by snakes?

What happens when life’s seasons change seemingly without warning? From a snake infestation in the home, a job that no longer fit, a testosterone-filled teen, and a less than bright hue cast over the house, Author Staci McCormack takes us on an unforgettable journey. In this powerful, funny, soul-wrenching memoire, a woman, her son, and an otherworldly presence tackle life’s messy transitions.

While rummaging through old memories, purging toxicity, and mustering the courage to reinvent, personal evolution surfaced. With a delightful dash of humor, a sprinkling of Jesus and profound wisdom, the author shares her discovery that personal transcendence is about hopping off the treadmill of life, bringing the awe and wonder back into each day, and intentionally crafting a new way to live.

For anyone facing life’s evolution without the navigational know-how, this book offers a relatable, life-changing, step-by-step roadmap to reignite your passion and reconnect with your stinkin’ amazing self. Walk away with a set of tools you can use today to bring peace, love, and rock ’n’ roll into your new daily walk. You too can craft your new season of life with this easy-peasy roadmap. Grab the dog’s leash and take your first step toward embracing the powerful truth that our human lives mirror nature’s seasons and fighting this natural cycle only keeps us stuck.

About the author

Staci McCormack has lived and in that living has gathered wisdom from mentors, nature, colleagues, students, animals, literature, relationships and the daily walk. It’s true. Staci has played many professional roles in her life to include: waitress, public school teacher / counselor / principal. Staci earned her MS and served for 30+ years in the field of education. Additionally, she has served as burger flipper, executive, preacher’s kid, author and national retreat leader. Each role was as equally important and life-propelling as the other.

She has grown, been stagnant and evolved. She accepts the adversity life occasionally brings and takes responsibility to be joyfully challenged as she walks upon life’s path. It’s a reality-based, soulful, humorous approach she takes into her days and she wildly celebrates the smallest of triumph.

She considers herself a member of earth, a seasoned soul and a woman of wise and humble ancestors. She feels blessed to have celebrated many years. She considers herself to be an evolved grown girl who has lived seasons, storms and brilliant sunlight.

Staci is a resilient truth seeker who understands that the answers, calm, connectedness, peace, love, joy, warmth and the purpose are found only within and in the midst of wise, grace-filled spaces where words are friends.

Staci has fulfilled many personal roles in her life to include: mom, best friend, neighbor, partner, pet-sitter, hippie, dreamer, and planner. Today, she spends time transitioning into new feet that stroll upon a path where she can write, serve, heal, evolve, stretch, explore, be still, be wild and be who she was made to be. Her bio continues and sometimes, the greatest thing that shines in a bio is the journey.

What Readers are saying:

5 STARS
A book for every women and any stage of life
“I am a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a full-time worker. While there is overwhelming joy in those roles, it is sometimes hard to see past all the ‘stuff’ that comes with them as well. Where Lost Is Found made me feel like I had a guide through the stuff. She helped me to see that I needed to drop the ‘dimes’ that were weighing me down and see the beauty in the everyday. I highly recommend getting the companion book because it helped me apply what I was taking from Where Lost Is Found to my own life.”

5 STARS
Honest reflection of life’s transitions
“A soulful and honest reflection on life’s transitions. … It’s a vulnerable and authentic offering that many will find relatable in their own seasons of change.”

5 STARS
An Inspiring Read – Highly Recommend!
“Where Lost Is Found Is a book worth reading if you enjoy true stories about interesting people who have lived many different versions of themselves, or if you are going through your own life transitions and difficult changes and want someone to hold your hand and tell you it’s going to be okay.”

Grab your copy on Amazon today – CLICK HERE!

Keep up with Staci and learn more on her website: https://www.sacredwalkllc.com/

Silent Killer Showcase

Posted: September 17, 2025 in Blog Tour Hosting, Crowdfunding, excerpt, FREE eBook, giveaway, Now Available in Paperback, Partners In Crime, Polls, Press Release, Promo, rafflecopter, Recommended Reading, Showcase, Spotlight, Win autographed copy!
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Silent Killer by Tracy Burnett & Ross Weiland Banner

SILENT KILLER

by Tracy Burnett & Ross Weiland

August 18 – September 26, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Silent Killer by Ross Weiland & Tracy Burnett

Gordon Stone is an investigator assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He’s given an insignificant case—a charity scam out of Africa—and ordered to close it. For Gordon, it’s not that simple. Gordon has high-functioning autism. He’s socially awkward, but blessed with a superpower—extraordinary focus and attention to detail. That superpower allows Gordon to piece together a disparate puzzle: a Hunter-Killer drone; an illicit drug shipment; a Special Forces operation gone wrong; and illegal immigration linked to 9/11. When these pieces align, national security is at risk and hundreds of lives hang in the balance.

Praise for Silent Killer:

“A brilliant, awkward, relentless, and unconventional hero who will not take ‘no’ for an answer, saves the day. Get me Special Agent Gordon Stone for every difficult case and watch this man work.”
~ Chuck Rosenberg, Former U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia

“This is a fascinating story about real people, complex issues, and a world of many complicated challenges. It’s an interesting read that keeps you focused and anticipating the next page. I liked it and recommend it.”
~ Chuck Hagel, Former Secretary of Defense and U.S. Senator

“A truly innovative thriller with a refreshingly unique protagonist who will quickly have you rooting for him. A fast-paced tale told with imagination, fused with a realism that only insiders from the investigative world can bring. It will keep you guessing from page to page. Highly recommended.”
~ Kimberly Prost, Former Ombudsperson for the U.N. Security Council Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Fiction
Published by: Down and Out Books
Publication Date: August 11, 2025
Number of Pages: 355
ISBN: 978-1-64396-413-3 PBK
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Down & Out Books

Read an excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

What would be a landmark day for any other federal agent was an exercise in misery for Special Agent Gordon Stone. He sat, restless and uncomfortable, in the crowded auditorium inside the Albert V. Bryan US Courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia. Wesley Jay, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), was on stage addressing the capacity crowd. Jay extolled the virtues of his office and its extraordinary success in managing the Eastern District’s “rocket docket.” The court’s namesake had coined the term in the seventies, District Court Judge Bryan himself. What it meant for Jay and his stable of Assistant US Attorneys (AUSAs) was that they were forced to be one of the most efficient offices in the country when it came to prosecuting cases. They gathered annually to recognize the most successful investigations and prosecutions of the preceding year. Lawyers, law enforcement, and family members filled the auditorium. For an office that had prosecuted some of the most notorious spy and terrorist cases in the country—not to mention the occasional political scandal—the yearly awards ceremony always attracted a full house.

“Copied by many, mirrored by none,” said Jay. “We bring justice to the American people more quickly and effectively than anywhere else in the country. I take great pride in that fact and hope you do as well.”

Gordon tried to listen, but his discomfort just being there compelled him to tune out Jay’s speech. It wasn’t that he did not want to be there. On the contrary, his greatest desire was to be able to sit in the audience, listen to Jay, and enjoy a career highlight. Gordon was being recognized for his work as lead agent on an application fraud case with the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI).

But Gordon did not fit in. He liked people, but he had trouble relating to them and was painfully aware of his social awkwardness. Way back in elementary school, he had been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, at the time referred to as Asperger Syndrome, or colloquially as Asperger’s.

Gordon appeared just like everyone else, but when it came to basic human interaction, it took a great deal of effort for him to engage with most people. It was always hard and frequently exhausting. Small talk, humor, and sarcasm often flew past him. Therapy had brought him a long way, but still, those who did not know him thought he was aloof. Some actually found his behavior offensive.

“Damn Asperger’s,” he said to himself.

The true irony, he knew, was however damning Asperger’s was to his social status, it was also his superpower, allowing him to focus on a particular topic—or investigation—to the point where he could see things no one else could see. He could anticipate what others viewed as unexpected. That focus bred unparalleled intuition, which was what made him a great investigator.

That was why he was here in this crowded hall, surrounded by people he did not know. He was a great investigator. But he was most definitely not a great socializer, and he was uncomfortable. As much as he wished he could enjoy the ceremony and embrace the praise of his peers, his Asperger’s would not allow it. In fact, a big group setting surrounded by strangers? That was pretty much the nightmare scenario.

Gordon’s brain was wired differently. At least that’s how Katherine, his longtime therapist, described it. He thought differently, acted differently, saw the world differently than most. She emphasized repeatedly to him he was not broken, just different, and Gordon knew it was okay to be different. Most of the time, that was enough. But even now, as a successful thirty-two-year-old federal agent, he could still feel broken. He hoped today would not be one of those days.

“The work we do—check that—the work you do for this country is, simply put, extraordinary,” Jay continued. “We put more cases before a judge than anyone else, and that means when it comes time to recognize our best work in a given year, the competition is tight. I salute those of you sitting in this room. Your work, your intellect, your dogged pursuit of justice places you at the top of what we do here. You are the best of the best. Thank you for all you do for our organization, our district, and our country.” Jay smiled to his audience. “Now then, let’s hand out some hardware.”

***

Excerpt from Silent Killer by Ross Weiland & Tracy Burnett. Copyright 2025 by Ross Weiland & Tracy Burnett. Reproduced with permission from Ross Weiland & Tracy Burnett. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bios:

Tracy Burnett

Tracy Burnett:

Tracy Burnett began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff at the Palm Beach County, Florida Sheriff’s Department. His next stop was with the Drug Enforcement Administration where he became a special agent and went through training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia as well as DEA US Army Ranger Training. That began a 25-year federal law enforcement career leading investigations on behalf of the US Departments of Justice, State, and Defense, among others, working both domestically and around the globe. Tracy now works as an Adjunct Professor for the School of Public Affairs in the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University in Washington, DC.

 

Ross Weiland

Ross Weiland:

Ross Weiland was a journalist in New York City before attending law school and joining the US Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1998. He served as a prosecutor, criminal appeals attorney, and civil litigator in the Navy before transitioning to federal civil service where he spent 21 years in the Office of Inspector General community as counsel, investigator, and senior executive at the National Archives, Department of Defense, and NASA. Ross now works as an administrative executive supporting oversight and law enforcement in the private sector in Washington, DC.

 

Follow Gordon Stone:

gordonstonerules.com
Instagram – @gordonstonerules
Facebook – @Silent Killer

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!
Click here to view the SILENT KILLER Tour Schedule

 

 

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