New Book Release & Exciting Updates!

Hey there, mystery lovers and fellow sleuths! Buckle up. I’ve got some rip-roaring news coming at you, guaranteed to blow the dust off your magnifying lens. If you’re ready for twists, turns, and a sneak peek into what’s next for our favorite private eye, Connor Pierce, then you’re in the right place. 

Murder in the Glass Castle  

First up, let’s talk about the elephantine mystery in the room. Murder in the Glass Castle, the next dizzying installment in the Connor Pierce Mystery Series, is almost complete! With a plot thicker than a foggy mountain pass on a damp night, and secrets behind every hazy pane of glass, getting this story from brain to page was an oversized dose of drama. Think less “writer’s block” and more “vicious typewriter with vendetta.” 

I hope to get this second book in the series out within the next 3 to 4 weeks. I’ve worked long and hard, way longer and harder—okay, at least way longer—than planned or expected. This release is especially significant because I believe it will be the best of the lot. More time and energy went into every aspect of the writing, from developing the plot to exploring character conflict to emphasizing reader engagement. This last is most important. It represents a level of growth as an author. 

Let’s hope these qualities are clear to you when you finally read the book. Keep your eye peeled for the fast approaching release date.

Beta Readers: The Unsung Heroes  

Before you get your hands on it, my team of eagle-eyed beta readers has been tearing it apart—constructively, of course. After a bit of editing magic and a few late-night sessions with a blue pen, the final manuscript will be polished to perfection. 

I am hotly anticipating the receipt of beta reader reviews. Their feedback is worth its weight in ink and coffee stains. I know their input will greatly enhance the quality of the novel. There is nothing so revealing to a writer as readers telling you exactly what works and what doesn’t work. This kind of feedback cuts right to the core. Expect the unexpected because their suggestions unavoidably add a thickening sauce that gives the twists and turns of surprise a level of intrigue that even I didn’t see coming. As the information comes in the final stage of editing begins. It is one of those experiences that either cures you (makes you a better writer) or kills you (ends all desire to tell stories at all). Do I stand or do I fall? We will see very soon.

Cover Reveal Extravaganza 

But wait, there’s more! In the midst of getting the newsletter out to you, nearly on time, I’m rolling out all-new covers for the entire series, and they’re stunners. Think bold, moody colors with a dash of ominous, these covers practically scream, “Exciting murder mystery inside!”  Most importantly, they match! Setbacks and technological glitches aside, the job is almost done. 

You know what they say: don’t judge a book by its cover—unless it’s a Connor Pierce Mystery! 

Connecting the Dots: Blog & Newsletter  

In a move that’s been a long time coming, I’m tightening the threads between this blog and the author newsletter. Expect more interconnected content—because, really, why should you have to choose between one and the other? The purpose of the newsletter is to provide you with updates on what is happening with my writing life, along with links to free reading material and other bonus goodies. I’d like to incorporate giveaways of a higher order going forward. Feel free to give me some ideas.

Stay tuned for seamless transitions from the blog to your inbox, where you’ll find exclusive tidbits, behind-the-scenes insights, and maybe even a few clues about the next big mystery. 

Your Opinion Matters—No, Really  

Reader engagement makes the difference. Because I know you’ve got opinions as strong as Connor’s disdain for sloppy police work, I’ll be rolling out simple surveys in the near future. These will be swift, easy, and contained. There’s nothing worse than a “quick survey” that takes ten to fifteen minutes out of my life. Think, ten to fifteen seconds, tops. They might even include a surprise or two for those who participate. Your feedback will help shape future content, so if you’ve ever wanted to have a hand in the series, here’s your chance. 

The Art & Craft of Mystery Writing  

For those who wonder what it’s like to craft a mystery from scratch, follow this. Imagine a labyrinth, a jigsaw puzzle, and a high-stakes poker game all rolled into one—that’s writing a book in this genre. An idea sparks, something along the lines of “What if…?” and snowballs roll into shapes. Characters materialize and immediately begin to disagree, revealing motives, opportunities and means. Before you know it, plot twists and alibis surround you. 

When I craft a story, the idea starts with relationship conflict. Characters develop nuance, like people, from traumatic moments in their respective pasts. A single event has impacted two characters in different ways. Or separate traumatic events resulted in emotional responses that alter expectations and worldviews in such a way that their collision in the storyline demands resolution. Their conflicting wants or needs make the bones of a plot.

Murder in the Glass Castle began with the conclusion that grudges wield power over a person. Long-term resentments eat away at the soul. They distort memories and create confusion. Bitterness fosters delusional ideas, which drive problematic behaviors. These distorted perceptions might make it harder for a detective to solve a crime. They may cause the people he interviews to tell a twisted version of the truth. Given enough reinforcement and enough time, animus can become murderous intent.

The concept of resentment as motivation grew into a weed garden of antagonism, bitterness, acrimony, indignation, animosity, and malice between and among individual characters, as well as towards institutions. It provided a virtually unlimited number of potential conflicts and character ideas.

The core resentments of my primary characters came with ease. Connor’s grudge against his mother made complete sense and spurred the proverbial horsemen. Grudges of other key characters evolved into motives for action. Conflict surfaced as the characters interacted based on their individual distortions of reality.

A plot was born. You should read the book. It’s a whopper of grudge bearing proportions.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going  

So, what do you think? Excited about the new book release? Looking forward to those shiny new covers? Drop me a line in the comments or hit reply on the next newsletter. Let’s chat about what you’re most looking forward to or what you think Connor should tackle next. Until then, keep your wits sharp and your magnifying glass handy—this next chapter is one you won’t want to miss!