The Buzz on THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE

THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE is case number Three in my popular Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. For those of you not familiar with this series, click on the link for my Author Notes on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, case number one, and my Author Notes on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE, case number two. Breaking news! THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO in ebook form is now FREE at many internet sites including Amazon.com. Click on the link for Amazon.

Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in this murder mystery series!

Things are heating up between our favorite fitness instructor and homicide lieutenant in THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE. As the title indicates, there’s something going on with a divorce or marriage. Some of the characters may or may not have been legally separated. Whatever’s going on, Minx finds herself embroiled in another dangerous case.

Artist’s rendering of a possible cover

DIVORCE... L.A. STYLE

Minx Tobin's latest client, Magda Boswell, complains that her new husband wants her dead. But maybe it's the old husband Magda should worry about. Or perhaps the old husband's new wife harbors murderous thoughts. Then again, Magda's longstanding boyfriend isn't too devoted, either. Minx gets mixed up in convoluted marital problems that just might end up in death... for her.

Los Angeles homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris can't believe his good luck. Not only does he win twenty thousand dollars, but more important, he persuades Minx to take a chance on him. But when Minx gets involved in another murder case, he finds the odds for her survival are not in her favor.

Desert Breeze Publishing has published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels. THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE has received great reviews including 5 stars from Goodreads! All books are available both electronically and in print.

Divorce takes a deadly turn when Minx tries her hand at marriage counseling.

Amazon.com Ebook Amazon.com Print

Here is a book trailer for THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE:

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

More books from my stash on Kindle. The Ill-gotten Insurance and the Duplicitous Divorce are both cozy mysteries/romances by Desert Breeze author, Susanne Marie Knight. There is a first in this series, but I haven't had the opportunity to read it, yet. Minx Tobin, our heroine and amateur sleuth, is a personal trainer and aerobics instructor moved to CA from the east coast. She's not too interested in getting into another relationship (recent break) until she meets Lieutenant Gabe Harris (police force). And even after three books, they are still dancing around their emotions — but getting closer. I doubt it will take them five seasons as it did for Laura and Remmington Steele... The next in the series, The Virtual Valentine, comes out this month. I like Minx. I like Gabe. I'm routing for them and wondering what sort of trouble Minx will stumble upon next.--Gloria Reviews

Minx is my favorite detective! I need my Minx fix!!!--S. M.

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Real life tidbit: I enjoy going to Las Vegas. What a great place to unwind! Minx, new to Los Angeles, hasn’t taken the drive over to Las Vegas until she receives tickets to a show given to her by one of her clients.

For my first visit, I stayed at the New York New York Hotel. I also tried the roller coaster, just as Minx and her good friend Sadie does. All I can say is--Wow! Below is a scene where you can experience how Minx and I felt!

The trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World took about five hours. Sadie had insisted on driving and Minx gladly took her up on her offer. Once they arrived in Las Vegas, Minx was even more glad. Traffic on that hugely wide and famous Strip was absolutely insane.

By the time they reached their hotel, New York-New York, it was two o’clock. They’d requested early check in, dropped off their suitcases, and were ready to play tourist and see the sights.

First up was the Roller Coaster that circled the familiar skyline of New York. Strapped into the seat with Sadie by her side, Minx coasted up high in the air, dropped back down, then turned and twisted one hundred eighty degrees--to make for the longest few minutes of her life.

After the ride was over, Minx walked on wobbly legs. Good thing she hadn’t eaten lunch. Her stomach would’ve been hard pressed not to eject its contents.

Sadie, on the other hand, took the coaster ride like a pro. “That was fun. Wanna go again?”

“Um, no.”

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I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. Case Number Four is THE VIRTUAL VALENTINE.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

The Buzz on “The Convert”

The inside scoop on the science fiction short story, “The Convert” is that it’s about 4,700 words or 19 pages (according to Amazon.com) The story was selling for $1.99, and has now been reduced to $0.99.

Back in 2002, there was a publisher’s call for short stories to be included in a Christian Science Fiction anthology. I was intrigued with the idea of combining Christian fiction with science fiction. While I’ve written science fiction and also written about faith, I’d never merged the two. I really enjoyed creating this thought-provoking story.

The idea for "The Convert" started with the phrase "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." If this was to be the beginning of my story, I then wondered why the speaker needed God's forgiveness or blessing. To give the tale a science fiction twist, I created an unusual dilemma for the main character, Father Wren. The question "The Convert" asks is: who is the real convert in this story?

Although a short story, this little science fiction gem has a long history and has garnered lots of awards. It first appeared in a digital anthology, LEAPS OF FAITH, where it was a Dream Realm Award Finalist in the Anthology category.

Then “The Convert”, was also included in a print version of LEAPS OF FAITH, published by TheWritersCafe.com, and was a finalist in the prestigious EPIC Awards (now EPIC eBook Award) for Best Anthology.

LEAPS OF FAITH also was voted a Top Ten Finisher in the prestigious Preditors and Editors Readers Poll.

Here is a book trailer for LEAPS OF FAITH, which includes “The Convert”:

What ties all these Christian science fiction stories together in LEAPS OF FAITH including “The Convert” is the theme of faith depicting challenging times or ethical dilemmas.

Once the contract expired, I offered “The Convert” by itself on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and other internet sites.

When one of his congregation wants to marry an alien who is more flora than fauna, what's a priest to do??

Amazon.com and Smashwords

This book is part of the Fascinating Sci-Fi line.

“The Convert” also was voted one of the top seven stories of LEAPS OF FAITH. Here are some wonderful reviews:

The Convert takes an entirely different angle and addresses a person's faith versus human prejudice and the role it might play if there is every close contact with races who differ from us in very obvious ways. Susanne Marie Knight [short story] is an interesting tale about an indigenous alien who wishes to marry a human colonist to his planet. In this tale a priest must decide if he has the right under God to marry this alien to a human. He goes through a lot of psychological struggle, but when he hears the story from the alien, he begins to look at the situation with his heart. Also included in this story is how abusive we can be, simply because we don't understand, or do not seem to have the capacity to understand things that do not fit into our little spectrum of understanding. A wonderful story that is beautifully told.--Christian Science Review.

FIVE STARS! Quantum physicists, amazed by the symmetry of the universe, have said that the more they delve into the quantum mechanics, the more convinced they become of an existence of a higher power. Karina and Robert Fabian merge science and faith in an anthology of fifteen Christian science fiction stories that ignites our imaginations... In Susanne Marie Knight's 'The Convert,' Father Wren has an equally awesome decision to make. He's the only priest on the Ophiuchi 4 colony and must decide the marital fate of Chloe and Ping. She's a deaf human; he's a telepathic tree.--Scribes World Reviews

Highly Recommended! ... the stories engrossed me from the beginning. Though SF/religious in nature (as stated by the publisher), each story managed to be more than that. They cover the gamut of human experience--doubt, faith, adventure, and conflict. I found the juxtaposition of futuristic story elements and inspirational elements compelling. Each aspect blends seamlessly into a unique collection of stories. Regardless of your faith or reading preferences, don't miss this collection of stories from FrancisIsidore Electronic Press, including such authors as Leslie Brown, Peter Bell, Michael S. Poteet, Susanne Marie Knight, Greg Beatty, and many others. It poses intelligent questions and offers honest answers. This is a book designed to make you think, and it achieves its goal.--Dog-eared Webzine

Leaps of Faith contains fourteen stories by twelve authors. The stories delve into different aspects of space exploration, time travel, hard science, evangelism in space, robot rights, and contact with extraterrestrial lifeforms. Though much of the work deals with Christian (and often Catholic) concepts, belief and general faith also drive many of the stories. Some of the stories are pure adventure. Others are deep, philosophical works that struggle with science and belief. And, still others are humorous looks at our human selves. "The Convert" by Susanne Marie Knight and examines how far Christianity can be extended to alien species.--Myshelf.

Leaps of Faith will undoubtedly go down as one of the best collections of Christian science fiction in this new century. Katrina and Robert Fabian have pooled together some incredible talent... This book will certain entertain and challenge the reader. If you enjoy short stories, this is for you.--Yellow30 Sci Fi

The book was a real delight to read, and the authors wrote their stories well. It was easy to become immersed in each tale as they followed one common theme. I give LEAPS OF FAITH two thumbs up!--Midwest Book Review

This is a collection of stories from authors who explore many different aspects of science and faith, and what that all means when science makes another discovery, or when we reach out to alien races... I found the collection over-all thought provoking and a good read. --Author's Choice Book Reviews

I highly recommend this book. It not only entertains, it makes you think.--MyShelf.com

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My snippet from real life: I was born under the sign of Pisces, and am a self-confessed incurable romantic. So, to me, love can conquer all. I couldn’t resist writing a story of two people from dissimilar circumstances who overcome their differences. In “The Convert” one of the strangest pairings I created was with a human, Chloe, and a being who was more flora than fauna, Ping. They bridged the gap separating them with beautiful music. And who doesn’t love beautiful music?

Ping’s voice reflected ecstasy. He then started singing.

Breathtaking rapture inundated Father Wren’s senses, almost overloading them. This melodious song was fairly bursting with supreme love and beauty. 

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Love is an extremely powerful emotion--physically, mentally, and spiritually. I hope you enjoy this unusual science fiction story with Father Wren, Chloe, and Ping.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

The Buzz on “Carla’s One-Sided Crush”

The inside scoop on the short story (or VERY short story as some would say) is also going to be very short. Amazon estimates the story at fourteen pages. The word count is around 2,300 words. It’s available at Amazon.com and Smashwords, and sells for 99 cents.

I’d like to reduce the amount, only 99 cents is the lowest I’m allowed to go on those sites. Originally, this story appeared at Fictionwise.com for 49 cents, and readers were very happy with that price. But alas, Fictionwise closed its doors. Periodically, Smashwords holds a sale, and I can set the price to free at that time, so do check on the link every now and then. “Carla’s One-Sided Crush” has been a popular download.

Some time ago, one of the “hot” romance internet sites, All Romance eBooks, put out a call to authors for short stories with a Back-To-School theme. The word count reflected that they wanted a quick read. I answered the call with “Carla’s One-Sided Crush”. It was quickly chosen, and even earned this comment:

“This is fabulous! It gave me goose bumps. LOL!”

The story appeared in their newsletter, Wildfire, and sizzled there during the month of September.

It’s a really cute story!

Maybe Carla's schoolgirl crush hadn't been so one-sided after all.

Amazon.com and Smashwords

This book is part of the Romantic Contemporaries line.

Basically, we have Carla, now grown up at age twenty, running into her obsession, the hunky Newton Philips. Newton is a biology teacher, and oh, does he use the physical effects of attraction against Carla!

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His gaze held her, and despite all her struggles, Carla couldn’t break the connection. “Fight or flight?” she whispered.

“The stress of attraction,” he whispered back.

She shook her head.

Newton gave a knowing smile. “Yes, even now the pupils of your eyes are constricting, to help you focus on me.” He glanced down at her chest, and his smile deepened. “You’re trembling and your breathing has quickened, both of which are caused by adrenalin rushing through your body.”

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You may be wondering why I gave Carla’s crush the name of Newton. Ah, it’s a tidbit from real life. I’d just found out my great grandfather’s first name was Newton. I’d known him as Frank, which turns out to be his middle name. Cool, right?

So now you’ve learned that “Carla’s One-Sided Crush” is really short and really cute! I hope you enjoy Carla and Newton’s story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

The Buzz on THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE

THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE is case number two in my popular Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. For those of you not familiar with this series, click on the link for my Author Notes on THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO, case number one. Breaking news! THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO in ebook form is now FREE at many internet sites including Amazon.com. Click on the link for Amazon.

Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in this murder mystery series!

As with every book in the series, the title reveals a lot about the story. You might wonder, “How can life insurance be ill-gotten?” In this case, if the “deceased” isn’t really deceased, then.... Well, you get the picture!

DEAD AGAIN

An odd string of coincidences leads Minx Tobin to an old friend, Bill Gutierrez. Only Bill died five years ago. Before Minx has a chance to question the man, he turns up dead... again, with a slip of paper in his pocket with her name on it. Whether she likes it or not, Minx is involved in another murder. Will the Case of the Ill-gotten Insurance turn out to be deadly for her as well?

Los Angeles homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris regrets that the fitness trainer who piqued his interest is a murder suspect once again. But at least he has a legitimate reason to see Minx. Maybe he can even convince her to go out with him. And maybe he can prevent L.A.’s newest murderer from adding Minx to his... or her fatality list.

Desert Breeze Publishing has published all six (to date) Minx Tobin novels and have received great reviews including 4.5 stars from Sensual Reads and 5 stars from Single Titles Reviews. The books are available both electronically and in print.

Minx’s dead friend turns up alive... but not for long. Will the life insurance have to be paid twice?

Amazon.com Ebook Amazon.com Print

Here is a popular book trailer for THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE:

This book is part of the Intriguing Mysteries line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

4 Hearts! Susanne Marie Knight pens another thriller in this series. The lives of the rich and famous overlap with those who work for a living. Character building and dialogue are great. The suspense as Minx confronts a killer is edge of your seat. For a woman whose intuition and people skills in a case are superb, Minx doesn't seem to do well communicating with Gabe. He's a macho man with a heart of gold but doesn't let Minx see much of his better side. Gabe's friend, Sgt. Antonio Atwell and his family are a priceless addition that really give the tale a boost. The author does a great job blending everyday people, some of whom are a bit creepy, with the suspects. Associates we meet at the fitness Emporium, especially the guys, will pique the memories of those forgettable dates we had before finding Mr. Right for many women. This is a fun series--The Romance Studio

The Ill-gotten Insurance, the second installment in the Minx Tobin Case books, will not only keep you turning the pages until you reach the end of the story, it will have you seeking out the first of Ms. Knight’s Minx Tobin Case books if you have not already read it. The author’s fluent writing style which brings her characters alive, warts and all. Her ability to capture the outrage of the rich implicated in the murder along side her depiction of the hero and heroine and their supporting cast creates plenty of friction as some of those characters are simply ‘way-out’ weird... Ms. Knight offers characters you will want to get to know even better, characters you are still rooting for at the conclusion of The Ill-gotten Insurance. The story is packed with a gallery full of suspects and enough twists and turns to satisfy any reader.--Long and Short Reviews.

I don't normally read mystery, but I'm enjoying your book, Susanne Marie Knight. I just started it a while ago and already I'm hooked.--J. L.

Minx and Gabe need to get together!!--C. K.

I can't wait to read these books!--T. D.

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When I started this series, I had no idea Minx would have a background in art. She surprised me! Many moons ago, as she says, she took drawing classes in high school. I did as well, attending New York’s High School of Music and Art. Nor did I know that there is actually a type of gun called the .22 short, Beretta Minx. That certainly came in handy, and naturally the gun figures in the mystery.

Here’s a scene where Antonio Atwell, Gabe’s trusty sergeant, has a bit of fun with his lieutenant.

A crime scene investigator walked over with a pencil threaded through the trigger guard of a semiautomatic pistol. “Lieutenant Harris, we discovered this Beretta under the flat screened TV.”

As Gabe eyed the weapon, Antonio remained strangely quiet. Gabe darted a quick glance at his sergeant, then returned his attention to the pistol. “Small caliber, .22, easily fits into a woman’s purse, but is still deadly effective.”

He dismissed the investigator, then fixed his sights on his sergeant. Someone of Antonio’s advanced age of sixty two shouldn’t be smirking at his superior officer. “Okay, what the hell am I missing here, Sergeant?”

“What was the manufacturer’s name for that semiautomatic again, Lieutenant?”

“Geez it, you want me to examine the damn thing? This a test? It was a Beretta--”

“Full name?”

Gabe frowned. The name was important? He narrowed his gaze in the pistol’s direction. “.22 short, Beretta Minx.”

Minx! Hell’s bells, he hadn’t thought of that woman, that fitness instructor, since, well, since last week. Truth be told, he thought about her a lot, considering he actually hadn’t seen her in two months from the time of the arrest in the Neal Loehman murder case.

Not that he was serious about Minx Tobin, or anything. They’d never dated, unless that aborted Mexican dinner where she walked out on him could’ve been called a date. Hell, she’d never even called him by his first name.

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And here’s another inside scoop: the widely popular 80s movie, Ghostbusters, plays a role in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series. In fact, Minx’s name is based on a line from the movie. There’s a scene near the end where Bill Murray’s character watches the aerobatics of the "god" Zoser, and then says "Nimble little minx." My family just loves that line! Also, a reference in the movie to “Tobin’s Spirit Guide” is responsible for Minx’s last name. So there you have it! In addition, the dedication in THE ILL-GOTTEN INSURANCE is to our beloved ghostbusters: Bill, Dan, Harry, and Ernest.

I hope you enjoy Minx and Gabe’s adventures. There are lots more surprises in store for them as the series progresses. Case Number Three is THE DUPLICITOUS DIVORCE.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!