Curl Up With: THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE

Take a walk on the spooky side with my popular paranormal romance and Dream Realm Award Finalist, THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE. It’s now available in Print, along with electronically at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com. Read on for more info.

Some background on the novel:

Since I write in quite a few different genres, I alternate between those genres so fans of that particular genre can look forward to a new book. When I was due to write a romantic suspense, I started thinking about this particular book. But first, I had to think of a topic. I wanted to write a paranormal about ghosts because many readers love ghost stories like my popular paranormal romantic suspense GRAVE FUTURE.

Now I was ready to begin. I like to come up with a title before I start writing. Sometimes that’s impossible, but usually I’m able to think of one that suits the project. To think of a title, I brainstorm, writing down whatever comes to mind. THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE just wormed its way in. I have no idea why I chose Wakefield; Wakefield happens to be the name of a location and also, a last name. I chose it to be a last name. Now I had a name for one of my characters, but which one?

Setting that thought aside for a while, I deliberated about what kind of a Disturbance could be called The Wakefield Disturbance. I came up with the idea of the heroine having a psychic ability that causes a shimmer around her when she receives communication from the dead. Her last name would be Wakefield. Now I had a heroine, Lara, who can hear messages from the dead. From there I built the story and the hero, private investigator Stuart Manning, around Lara’s needs. That’s about it in a nutshell!

A GIFT... OR A CURSE?

Lara Wakefield receives messages from the dead. Her latest “client” is a murdered young girl who wants to be put to rest. The girl’s killer, however, objects. Can Lara find the girl’s body without becoming the next victim?

MONEY OR LOVE?

Private investigator Stuart Manning wants nothing to do with supernatural phenomena. A retainer of $50,000 overcomes his reluctance. Lara’s innate ability, integrity, and beauty cause him to have second thoughts about psychics, while deadly occurrences cause him to believe the little girl’s murderer is still hanging around. How can Stuart protect Lara when the killer is always one step ahead?

THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE was published by Uncial Press and had been with them for many years. It was on the best-seller list and also a #1 best-seller at Fictionwise.com. In addition, this book is a 2008 Dream Realm Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction Romance.

The book video trailer received a “Spine-tingling!” recommendation from The SavvyClick.com. Here is the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tTLQySlNAk for the Uncial Press edition.

Music is by Kevin MacLeod, Jackhammer.

I recently decided to have the rights returned to me for all my Uncial Press books--a total of five novels and three short stories. THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE is the fifth to be re-released. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and in Print!

Here’s the new cover, only slightly changed:

Psychic Lara Wakefield is tasked by a murdered young girl to find her killer.

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Print

This book is part of the Uncanny Paranormals line.

Here are some fabulous reviews:

5 STARS!--Barnes and Noble

4 Cups! This is an interesting suspense tale with three good main characters. The rest of the cast... add a bit of comic relief. The plot itself is fun to read with elements of suspense, romance, and the paranormal. The dialogue is engaging... There is a good amount of suspense and fine love scenes also in this very enjoyable story.--Coffee Time Romance

Fantastic! Couldn't put THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE down!--Reader Comment.

Hauntingly good, spine-tingling!--Reader Comment.

I found THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE exciting and interesting--when I got home from work, I read the last chapters instead of doing my chores!--Reader Comment.

I enjoyed THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE!--Reader Comment.

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A Real Life Tidbit. The locale of the murdered girl’s summer home is based on a popular resort in Montana. This resort also has a petting zoo. Below is a photo of the llama that was the inspiration for an important part of THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE’s mystery. In the book, you’ll find resting on the grass can be very relaxing... or can serve another purpose!

Here’s a passage from THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE that features the llama.

Scene Setup: A member of the houseparty has just been found murdered. Lara and her young friend Chrissy take a break from the investigation to lunch outside.

Unseasonably warm sun beat down on Lara’s shoulders. Mmm, she couldn’t help but enjoy it. Good thing she and Chrissy had decided to leave the unhealthy atmosphere of the mansion for a while. Taking a picnic lunch by the petting zoo was an excellent idea.

Sitting on the grass, Lara munched on a sandwich and watched her young friend propped up against the fence as she fed the animals. The family of ducks swam to the pond’s edge to furiously peck at the bits of food Chrissy threw to them. The three mountain goats also moseyed over to graze on animal crackers. Only the llama remained where it was, still resting under the shade of a birch tree.

“Why won’t she come over and eat?” Chrissy grumbled. “I want to pet her.”

“Your hands are grubby from the goats. Maybe that’s why.” Lara couldn’t help joking. Despite the morning’s horrible experience, she actually was having fun, and was glad Chrissy was, too.

Instead of being scared or disgusted by the news of the murder, the girl had been delighted. Her own murder mystery to solve, she had said.

Lara shook her head. Shades of Agatha Christie! What a gruesome reaction.

But she couldn’t think about that. It was so peaceful outside, under the wide open sky. The only sounds she could hear were the nibbling from the ducks and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

And Chrissy’s complaints.

“The llama must be hungry. She hasn’t been fed yet. That’s what the older lady told me--Rose, Tawnie’s mother. So why doesn’t this darn beast come here?”

The llama couldn’t have been too hungry for the animal sat with all four legs folded under it, with no intention of getting up.

Chrissy stomped over to Lara and pouted. “She looks at me but doesn’t move!”

“Maybe it wants room-service,” Lara offered.

“Huh?”

“Maybe you should climb over the fence and bring the food to the llama.”

“Cool beans!” The girl rushed to the post-and-lintel fence, then paused. “D’you think I’m allowed to go in?”

“I don’t see why not. Just keep your hands away from the llama’s mouth, okay?”

“Sure.” Chrissy hopped over the fence and slowly walked the distance to the animal. It watched her progress, but didn’t budge. Only when Chrissy placed some crackers in front of it, did it bend its wooly neck and chew on the treat.

Another satisfied customer!

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To find out more, read The Wakefield Disturbance! I hope you enjoy Lara and Stuart’s story.

Happy reading,

 

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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

Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day: A special day to pamper your LOVE, see the one you FANCY, hang out with the people who ATTRACT you, yearn for the individual you WISH for, and find the folks you want to give HUGS to.

Nothing says LOVE & FANCY & ATTRACT & WISH & HUGS like these Valentine’s DaY treats by best-selling author, Susanne Marie Knight!

Love At The Top)

One Wife Too Many

Virtual Valentine, The

Embezzled Envelope, The

ForEvver

Away Place, The

Noble Dilemma, A

Contrary Contessa, The

Yuletide Yorkshire, The

Alien Paradise, An

Tainted Tea For Two

Timeless Deception

Reluctant Landlord, The

Alien Heat

Continental Marriage, A

Two Of Cups Is For Lovers

Wakefield Disturbance, The

Ill-Gotten Insurance, The

Sesterce For Her Thoughts, A

Have Christmas Card... Will Travel

Happy Anniversary

Uncovering Camelot

Grave Future

Signature Of A Queen

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

 

For Your Bookshelf: THE CONTRARY CONTESSA

A reader favorite and an award-winning time-travel Regency romance, THE CONTRARY CONTESSA has won hearts and accolades for many years and is now available in print as well as electronically. It’s the perfect addition for your bookshelf. Click here to see the print edition for THE CONTRARY CONTESSA.

Some background on the novel:

Writing THE CONTRARY CONTESSA, was a labor of love. I wanted to have a different setting for this Regency, so the first part of the book is set in Sicily, with the latter taking place in York, England, which, as a side note, has the reputation of being the most haunted city in Europe.

I’ve never been to Italy or Sicily, so getting the flavor of the land and surroundings was the most difficult part. I do have an Italian and English background, and I was happy to combine both heritages in this lively Regency!

This novel deals with one man's prejudice against his own family. He has a ready dislike of anything or anyone non-English, and when his father marries a lady from Sicily... well, Robert Weston is seriously displeased. Too bad, says his stepsister, Lexia Cappello, the Contessa di Fabrianni. Unaware of the Sicilian tradition of "Fortuna"--true love--Robert gave Lexia the four colors of roses--red, white, yellow, and pink. She and he are destined to marry, no matter what he thinks!

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: Because of the Sicilian tradition of “Fortuna”, Lexia Cappello believes she is destined to marry her stepbrother, the Marquess of Rutherford. Robert Weston, however, has a ready dislike of anything or anyone non-English. Can she convince this obstinate lord that his ignoble prejudice stands in the way of his future happiness?

ALL IN THE FAMILY: At first Robert Weston is annoyed, then intrigued by his new-found Sicilian stepsister. The more he resists her, the more he finds he yearns to possess her. Can he overcome his pride to admit the error of his ways and win the Contrary Contessa’s heart?

I truly enjoyed “living” in Lexia Cappello’s character. Out of all the heroines in my books, I’d say she is the one most unlike me. What a saucy minx! As you’ll find out, she has Robert Weston, the Marquess of Rutherford, wrapped around her feminine, little finger. :))

THE CONTRARY CONTESSA was published by Awe-Struck Books (Mundania Press) and had been with them for many years. I decided to have the rights returned to me for all my Awe-Struck books--a total of twelve. It’s now available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and in Print!

Lord Rutherford has no interest in marrying a non-English matron, but how can he resist his captivating... and contrary stepsister?

 Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Print

THE CONTRARY CONTESSA has garnered an impressive list of awards and reviews. This book was chosen as finalist in the prestigious EPPIE Awards (now EPIC eBook Award) for Best Historical Romance.

Also, it was a Romance Reader at Heart Top Pick Award Winner, in addition to being a #1 best seller at Fictionwise.com and earning 5 stars at The Romance Studio and Romance Junkies.

This book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.

For those of you who like to read reviews, here are a few lovely ones!

5 Hearts! This is an excellent Regency romance. It has a little bit of comedy and tons of romance. The plot has some surprising and very pleasing twists. Robert, who is very proper, and Lexia, who is quite bold, make an interesting pair. I highly recommend this fun, entertaining story.-- The Romance Studio

Top Pick Award! Charming and delightful! THE CONTRARY CONTESSA is well written and what I like to call spicy! Lexia is a beautiful Sicilian spitfire who teaches Robert what it is to love someone and accept them for who they are. Gina, Anthony, and Emma are precious and precocious children who added a lot of fun to this story. I absolutely loved this novel. Lexia is a very strong-willed woman who goes after what she wants, which in this case is Robert. Robert had a lot to learn about happiness and love, and thank goodness he realized that you don’t have to live by society’s rules. The twist at the end was the perfect ending for this novel. I cannot wait to read more from Susanne Knight.-- Romance Readers At Heart

5 Blue Ribbons! THE CONTRARY CONTESSA will steal your heart with its humor and warmth. The impish but delightful children provide plenty of laughs and tender moments as they help Robert and Lexia to realize that nothing can stand in the way of true love. Plus, there is a thrilling twist at the end of the story. Susanne Knight has written a great story, filled with plenty of love, comedy, and desire. Italy and England collide in this warm-hearted, romantic tale of true love, Italian style.--Romance Junkies

THE CONTRARY CONTESSA is a charming little Regency, with a twist. We also get the pleasure of learning a bit of Italian culture with this one. Susanne Marie Knight has done a wonderful job of blending the two cultures with the typical results. The horror of the kitchen staff when a member of the nobility enters the kitchen, and not only enters it, but proceeds to cook and clean up! The characters are believable, from Robert’s dislike of anything not English, to Lexia’s passionate nature. I really loved the character Zia Concetta, Lexia’s aunt. Taciturn and quiet by nature, she still manages to make her disapproval known. If you enjoy a good Regency as much as I do, you don’t want to miss this one!--PNR Reviews

Ms. Knight has a real knack for creating distinctly unique characters. Her work is filled with witty, fast paced and engaging dialogue from these fun, interesting people. She obviously did her research well, giving the reader just enough finely woven history and appropriate time and style details on fashion, art, and architecture. The author has crafted a technically well written story filled with lovely language. Satisfying, light entertainment.--NovelSpot Romance Review

I loved, loved THE CONTRARY CONTESSA. Susanne, you are sooo good!--N.W.

Just finished THE CONTRARY CONTESSA and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! I loved your use of the Italian words. It brought back memories!--M.C.

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed THE CONTRARY CONTESSA. Great romance with lots of laughs, for the perfect combination. Thanks for a great read.--S.W.

I really enjoyed the Italian slant of THE CONTRARY CONTESSA! Never read anything like it before. Wonderful story!--M.C.

I am a big fan of your writing. I think you are a very good writer! You should be proud of your hard work, and also for all the joy you bring us fans! Keep up the great work!--T.L.

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Here’s an excerpt from THE CONTRARY CONTESSA that was inspired from real life. As a child, I learned that it was a “sin” for food to grow cold. When called to dinner, you didn’t dawdle in taking your place at the table. And so, this book is dedicated to my mother “who knows pasta must always be served hot!”

In the scene below, Robert and his friend James Dutton, have just arrived in Sicily to bring Robert’s half siblings back to England. Robert is unaware that his hostess for dinner is not only the Contessa di Fabrianni, but also his stepsister, Lexia.

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In the center area of the room stood an extended oblong table, made of highly polished cherrywood. Seating for twelve, however seven place settings presently were arranged on the sleek tabletop. A large ceramic bowl of pasta was already placed near the plates, along a heaping container of mouthwatering tomato sauce and small dishes of finely grated cheese.

The combination of aromas tantalized his senses, caressing him as a lover might, after a long abstinence.

Robert instinctively licked his lips.

“Ah, the signori are hungry, yes?”

To the side of him, poised by a larger painting of the Venetian canals was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. As she turned from the picture to face him, he drank in the sight of her. Dressed in the finest French silk, the woman looked like the queen that he had only minutes before made fun of. Her dark, shiny hair curled in ringlets, was piled high on her head, and was set off with a gold star bandeau.

A pert nose, high cheekbones, and the largest, luminous eyes in the world, the woman fluidly made her way to his side. The motion caused the soft, rounded mounds of her breasts as revealed by her modestly cut décolletage to quiver ever so slightly.

Faith, his mouth suddenly went dry. Dutton was also affected, for he too remained owl-eyed and silent.

“Does no one speak? Is the conversation all up to me?” She dimpled a smile at him.

That smile. Good Lord! She was the Contessa! Somehow she had transformed her ragtag self into a Madonna worthy of every man’s reverent worship. His wits gone begging, he struggled to hide his obvious astonishment.

“With all due respect, Contessa, you are... you are... so different.”

“Ah, Marquess, what sharp eyes you have.”

Damn it all, but Dutton laughed. Leaning over, he whispered into Robert’s ear. “Street urchin, hey?”

The Contessa curved her lips into a Mona Lisa smile, evidently overhearing. “Urchin, eh? That is not what the Marquess called me earlier.”

Blast! Remembering his behavior in the kitchen, Robert flushed. This girl/woman was sharp on the uptake, as sharp as a rapier’s point, while he had displayed the rag manners of a bovine Cit. He could not blame his conduct on the wine. His boorishness was his responsibility. His alone.

With an elegant motion of her long-sleeved arm, she gestured toward Dutton. “You are Signore Dutton, yes?”

His friend made a stately bow. “James Dutton, at your service, ma’am. Thank you for your hospitality on such short notice.”

For the first time, her saucy smile seemed to reach her eyes. She glided over to the table, her assurance evident in every step. “Let us sit, signori. The pasta, it grows cold. In Sicily, there is no worse fate.”

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The love of family and the love of food are very important in Lexia’s world, and I like to say this Regency is sprinkled with Sicilian cooking, giving it a special twist! If you love Regency romance, this book’s for you! I hope you enjoy Lexia and Robert’s story.

Happy reading,

 

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

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