Steven Ramirez's Blog: Glass Highway, page 4

March 14, 2022

Book Review—Nerve Damage

Nerve Damage Cover

I’ve always found medical thrillers to be fascinating. They introduce accidents and innovations that can help or hurt the human body in powerful ways. In Nerve Damage, fictional emergency room doctor Drake Cody is interested in helping people walk again. But, of course, when you come up with a treatment that might actually work, all kinds of things come out of the woodwork. Bad guys, for instance.

Author Tom Combs is, in fact, a doctor. His precise descriptions of patients in crisis and complex hospital procedures are endlessly entertaining. And his cast of characters is movie worthy. Not to give anything away, but there is one particular character whose powerful physique and questionable mental state would make Marvel jealous.

If you’re looking for a fast-moving story filled with twists and turns that drives the reader to a pedal-to-the-metal, nail-biting finish, then grab this book. And one last piece of advice. If you happen to be an inventor, be sure to read the fine print before signing away your miracle cure.

Book Description

ER physician and medical researcher, Drake Cody, has developed an experimental drug that may help the paralyzed walk. Rogue elements operating in the shadows of the pharmaceutical industry have learned of Drake’s breakthrough and they will destroy anyone or anything that prevents them from pirating the priceless research.

Drake, his wife, and their children become pawns in a deadly contest where billions in profits are at stake and their lives mean nothing. Murder, blackmail, and violence touches all those he cares about as the hospital, his home, and his city are swept into the madness. Greed, lust, murder, and betrayal confront courage and selflessness as Drake’s family and his hospital coworkers battle to save what matters most—their patients, their love, their lives.

Physician turned bestselling author Tom Combs’ suspense-packed thriller explodes with true-to-life medical action in a tale of heart-pounding thrills, brilliant twists, and characters readers care about.

John Grisham introduced legal suspense and thrills to the mainstream—Tom Combs has done the same with the world of medicine in book one of this riveting series.

Where to Buy

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million

More Reviews

Did you enjoy this review? Check out my other reviews here. And don’t forget to follow me at BookBub.

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Published on March 14, 2022 04:00

March 3, 2022

March 2022 Big Book Blowout

2022 Girls Reading

Greetings. This month, I’m getting right to it. It’s all about books to enjoy. And a little plug for Faithless, which is on sale all month. Here we go…

Faithless SaleYOUR NEXT THRILLER IS WAITING

[Faithless Ebook Cover]

From now until the end of March, you can grab Faithless for 99 cents and save a cool five bucks. Come on. That will buy you a White Chocolate Mocha at Starbucks. With change to spare. So, what are you waiting for?

Book Description

It all began in a strange, dark place. When I woke up, I was alone. Immersed in a tank with wires and tubes. The other test subjects are goners—drowned in black water.

My only memory is dying from my wounds during a night raid in Afghanistan. Something brought me back. When I opened my eyes, I was uninjured. Crazy, right?

Men in gray suits are after me. If they shoot me, I heal. How is that possible? I need to find out who these men are and why they want to end me.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. There’s this fever—I get it bad. And without the experimental drug I was on, I’ll flame out.

My name is Jane. And I will stop them.

Book Promotions

Spring Is On The Way

Here’s a promotion going on until April 2nd. Don’t let the banner fool you. If you like thrillers, there are some hot ones over there.

Learn more

The Mean Streets Just Got Meaner

These books are on sale through March 30. More heart-stopping fiction to keep you entertained.

Learn more

From the Depths

Here are some scary stories to keep you up at night, on sale through the end of the month.

Learn more

The Fulcrum

Here’s a thriller you can grab now for 99 cents. But wait, there are more. All titles are available at that price through April 2.

Learn more

Little Sister Lost

Get a free review copy of this exciting new thriller now.

Learn more

Revenge

Here’s another thriller you can pick up for 99 cents. Better hurry, though.

Learn more

Luckee Lynx

Wall Street? Geopolitics? Secret orders? What more do you want?

Learn more

Blood Cull

And finally, a police procedural to make your hair stand on end.

Learn more

Okay, that’s a wrap. I’m exhausted. Happy reading. See you next month—I’m taking a nap. Peace and love.

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Published on March 03, 2022 04:00

February 7, 2022

Book Review—The Lobotomist’s Wife

The Lobotomist’s Wife Cover

Lobotomy is a terrifying word. For someone to cut into a human brain expecting the patient to benefit is, well, diabolical. Yet, a pioneer of psychosurgery, Egas Moniz, received a Nobel prize for the procedure in 1949. After WWII and continuing into the late 1960s, thousands of lobotomies were performed in the US, primarily on women. And guess what—they usually got worse. If that isn’t a horror movie, I don’t know what is.

The Lobotomist’s Wife by Samantha Greene Woodruff is not horror fiction. Instead, it’s a well-written, thoughtful account of a woman committed to helping patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. Ruth Emeraldine is bright and caring. Though not a medical doctor, she understands medicine and its role. And, without exception, she puts the patient first.

When Ruth meets Robert Apter, she’s blinded by his brilliance and infectious enthusiasm for innovative treatment of the mentally and emotionally disturbed. After attending a medical conference, Robert is convinced that lobotomy—or leucotomy—is the answer. What’s more, he believes the procedure will make him famous.

The author based Apter on real-life lobotomist Walter J. Freeman. The story is filled with rich historical detail, and other real-life characters such as Rosemary Kennedy make an appearance. My favorite aspect of the book is seeing Robert’s gradual, deliberate descent into megalomania. It’s heartbreaking when Ruth attempts to save him. And frightening when he continues to travel from state to state to perform the procedure.

If you’re looking for a thrilling and satisfying tale of psychological fiction, then The Lobotomist’s Wife should be on your reading list.

Book Description

An enthralling historical novel of a compassionate and relentless woman, a cutting-edge breakthrough in psychiatry, and a nightmare in the making.

Since her brother took his life after WWI, Ruth Emeraldine has had one goal: to help those suffering from mental illness. Then she falls in love with charismatic Robert Apter—a brilliant doctor championing a radical new treatment, the lobotomy. Ruth believes in it as a miracle treatment and in Robert as its genius pioneer. But as her husband spirals into deluded megalomania, Ruth can’t ignore her growing suspicions. Robert is operating on patients recklessly, often with horrific results. And a vulnerable young mother, Margaret Baxter, is poised to be his next victim.

Margaret can barely get out of bed, let alone care for her infant. When Dr. Apter diagnoses her with the baby blues and proposes a lobotomy, she believes the procedure is her only hope. Only Ruth can save her—and scores of others—from the harrowing consequences of Robert’s ambitions.

Inspired by a shocking chapter in medical history, The Lobotomist’s Wife is a galvanizing novel of a woman fighting against the most grievous odds, of ego, and of the best intentions gone horribly awry.

Where to Buy

Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million

More Reviews

Did you enjoy this review? Check out my other reviews here. And don’t forget to follow me at BookBub.

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Published on February 07, 2022 04:00

February 3, 2022

February 2022 Highlights and a Free Chapter

2022 Valentines Day

Greetings. Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about the effects of climate change. There is some good news, though. The Xerces Society announced that 247,237 monarch butterflies were spotted across 283 overwintering sites. That’s a 125-fold increase over last year.

To put that in perspective, the western butterfly population was estimated to be in the low millions forty years ago. Still, this is good news. You can find the story here.

Book News

Last time, I mentioned that I’m juggling several projects. One of them is an update of my zombie trilogy. The tenth anniversary of Book 1, Tell Me When I’m Dead, is coming up in July 2023. That might seem pretty far out, but I’ve got a lot to do. After revising all three books, I need to hire an editor and commission new book covers. Also, I plan to create hardcover editions.

Here’s a rewritten chapter from Book 1. With any luck, the writing is punchier. Let me know what you think.

BETTER WAIT OUTSIDE

What’s worse than draggers and the trail of death they leave behind? The answer—the low state the nailheads had gotten to as the outbreak wore on. I used to think there were good people and bad people. But what this shitshow taught me was the eternal truth of good people going bad.

Not that Ormand Ferry was ever good. He was one of those types who pretended to be your friend while screwing your wife. Over the years, he’d built up a loyal following of the disillusioned, the disenfranchised, and the just plain stupid. People like Steve Pinkerton. He fed them, comforted them, and gave them guns. Then, after warming their bellies with hot soup, he preached to them. And boy, were they ready to listen.

In the world according to Ormand, the “affliction” had been sent down from on high. God was using His winnowing fork to separate the chaff from the wheat. The strong and the pure would survive—no one else. And he, Ormand Ferry, was the anointed one leading the chosen to safety. Harsh words from a certified nutcase who’d dropped out of college to sell timeshares to old people who couldn’t afford them. But I digress.

We traveled at night, counting on the darkness to keep us safe. As we neared our destination, we ditched the Humvee and hiked in. I took in the details of our surroundings and listened to every faraway sound. The night and its secrets weighed on us, stifling our spirits. Taking our weapons and ammo, we headed out. After only a few blocks, I was drenched in sweat from the humid late-summer air. Even at night, it was sweltering.

As we pressed on, we encountered draggers in various states of decomposition. The fresher ones—if a dead, stinking body could ever be fresh—traveled in packs. The older ones, those near total collapse, wandered alone, no longer able to hunt.

Eventually, these pathetic wraiths lay by the side of the road, looking at the moon with unseeing eyes. Waiting for what? Death? I didn’t know how these things died without the benefit of a bullet to the brainpan. They seemed to exist in an eternal twilight of existential longing.

“I think it’s this way,” I said.

We entered a familiar alley and found Ben’s motor home. My heart sank. Someone had set fire to it. The vehicle sat there black and burned out from the inside, a rotting hulk that offered no hope of escape. Beyond the wreck stood the side entrance Holly and Griffin had used to escape.

I recalled that day. Seemed like a million years ago. I prayed we’d find them alive. Why hadn’t I insisted on bringing more men? It was stupid to think the three of us could keep ourselves safe, never mind Holly and Griffin, if they were sick or injured.

The security guards mounted flashlights on the rails of their AR-15s. Springer pushed the door open and poked his weapon through. Then, he gave us the signal and slipped inside, with Popp and me close behind.

It was inky black as they played their flashlight beams from one side of the trash-filled room to the other. I listened for any kind of movement. Who knew what was lurking—we had to be ready. The place looked empty. As we advanced, a hungry dragger glared at us with filmy eyes. A partially eaten hand hung from its mouth.

Springer didn’t fire his weapon. The sound would attract others. Instead, he drew his knife and ran the blade through the dragger’s head before it could strike. The creature fell with a groan, then ceased to move.

We found the emergency stairs and began our ascent. I wasn’t sure how I ended up in front. Right away, I noticed the peeling metal railing, which was wet and sticky. I signaled to Popp, who shone his flashlight on my hands. They were stained with blood.

Farther up, I heard movement. Popp directed his beam upstairs. Nothing but shadows. On the second floor, I heard a shuffling noise, followed by soft mewling. Something scratched at the door. An injured animal? Immediately, I thought of Greta.

Turning towards the guards, I grabbed the door handle. Springer shook his head and pointed at Popp, who took the lead. Taking a breath, he flung the door open. Nothing but an empty floor with offices and a reception area. We decided to investigate.

As we turned the corner, Springer found light switches. When he flicked them on, we knew we weren’t alone. We’d walked into a slavering dragger pack. The creature closest to me hissed. Surprised, I fell backwards into the guards. Regaining their footing, they shot the hostiles in front through the head. Others came at us, forcing us to retreat.

I took a position next to the wall and began firing at the pack. Creatures continued to push towards me, ignoring the bullets that riddled their torsos. An intense volley took them down, one after the next. The noise was deafening.

A lone dragger moved in on Springer. I didn’t fire my handgun for fear of hitting the guard.

“Push him away,” I said.

As Springer shoved him back, I fired at the creature’s head. Nothing—I was out of ammo. A burst of bullets went through its ear, and it went down. When I turned to see, Popp was lowering his weapon. I gave him a thumbs-up and popped in another mag.

Two more draggers appeared. As I raised my gun to fire, a decaying hand grabbed me. I let myself go limp. In the weak light, I saw the bewildered dragger coming for me again. I shot it through the mouth. The bullet shredded its slithering tongue into black confetti.

In a few minutes, we’d finished them all off. Exhausted, we sat on the floor in a circle and looked at one another.

“Whole damn building’s infested,” Springer said.

I got to my feet. “I have to find Holly and Griffin.”

Popp looked at his friend and stood. “Break’s over.”

“Thanks, guys,” I said.

Using the emergency stairs, we checked the other floors. No more draggers. It took us over an hour to clear the building. Eventually, we arrived at the top floor. Halfway up the stairs, we found the body that the disembodied hand belonged to—a guard around the same age as Springer and Popp. He’d been shot through the head.

Springer opened the stairwell door and peered into the hallway. As Popp and I entered, the drone of a single voice drifted towards us. Thinking it might be Holly or Griffin, I moved towards the sound. Springer grabbed my arm and signaled for me to get behind Popp and him.

We entered the office suite through walnut doors. Inside, we found rows of fabric-covered cubicles on either side of us. And towards the windows, a conference room. The door was closed.

I expected a dragger to leap out at us, but the cubes were empty. Each was filled with personal items—family photos, stuffed animals, and children’s drawings taped to small whiteboards.

The stranger’s voice grew louder as we approached the conference room. My guts twisted up as I imagined finding Holly and Griffin hurt and dying. Springer grabbed the door handle, side-eyed Popp and me, and flung the door open.

Inside, a lone security guard lay in a corner by the windows, muttering and rocking. At first, he didn’t see us. When Springer shone his flashlight on him, the guard slowly pointed his handgun at us. He was weak and could barely keep it steady.

“Easy,” Springer said as Popp and I closed the curtains and turned on the lights.

The guard was young. He was alone and scared. I guessed the body we found in the stairwell was a buddy of his.

“I’m Springer. What’s your name?”

The guard tried speaking, but he was delirious. Nothing but moaning came out. His speech sounded suspicious—like he might be turning. I chalked it up to fear.

“It’s okay,” I said. “We’re here to help.”

Popp moved in slowly. “Put down the weapon, son.”

Confused, the guard turned to us and lowered the handgun. As we moved closer, I was revolted by what I saw. His right leg looked like it had been chewed off up to the knee. Someone had made the kid a tourniquet from the AR-15 strap. A trail of blood led from the door to where he lay.

Popp pointed his weapon, but I grabbed his hand to stop him. Crouching down close to the guard, I looked him in the eyes. He was fading fast, and I had to hurry. The name on his uniform read _Barnes_.

“Barnes, listen to me,” I said. “There were two women in here earlier. One of them is a teenage girl. They had a dog.”

He stared at me, uncomprehending, yet mesmerized by the sound of my voice. I side-eyed Springer and Popp. They were getting impatient.

“Did you see them?” The kid shook his head. “Are you positive?”

“Ran away. Wh-When the draggers came.”

“Where? Where did they go?”

“C-covered them as best we could,” he said. “Too many. They get away?”

He was near death now. It wouldn’t be long before he turned. Somehow, I felt for this kid. Who even knew where he was from, whether his family was alive? I wanted to help him, but it was no use. He was handed a death sentence the second those creatures bit him.

I looked at Springer, filled with sadness at not finding Holly and Griffin. And also for what I knew was about to happen to this guard.

“Better wait outside,” Springer said.

 

Books to Enjoy

Bloody Death

Here’s a crime thriller about a dead former captain, a cop who refuses to deal with her past, and a gruesome murder. Check out Bloody Death by Audrey Walker.

Shades of Truth

Do you like psychological thrillers with lots of family secrets? Grab Shades of Truth by Lisa Alfano.

Recommended Viewing

Archive 81 Poster

If you’re a Netflix subscriber and enjoy the just plain weird, check out ‘Archive 81.’ It’s a story about some dangerous occult shenanigans at a creepy hotel.

Logline. An archivist takes a job restoring damaged videotapes and gets pulled into the vortex of a mystery involving the missing director and a demonic cult.

Okay, that’s a wrap. See you next month when I travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and get run over by a float—ouch. Peace and love.

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Published on February 03, 2022 04:00

January 6, 2022

January 2022 Highlights and a New Year

2022 Happy New Year

Greetings. So, I thought about making a few New Year’s resolutions. Honestly, though, what’s the point? Historically, my follow-through hasn’t been all that great. Instead, I’m pressing onward, hoping 2022 is a little kinder to everyone than last year.

2022 Mullet

And it looks like we’re starting the new year off right. Look what’s back. Yeah… You can read about it over at NPR.

Book News

This is not so much about resolutions as it is about taking a step back to reevaluate my direction as a writer. To date, I’ve published ten books, mostly in the horror and supernatural genres. Last year, I wrote a screenplay, which is something I used to do a lot before moving into fiction.

If you’re familiar with screenwriting, you’ll know it’s hard. Really hard. In fact, it’s way more difficult than writing fiction. Not that I’m complaining. But I need to complete several more drafts before I can even think about sending it out. Stay tuned.

In December, I began writing a comic novel that’s unlike anything I’ve attempted before. And I can’t wait to see where this thing goes. I plan to focus on that for the next few months. Wish me luck.

Recommended Reading

Velvet Was the Night Cover

I’ve become a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. A while ago, I reviewed Mexican Gothic, a macabre story set in 1950s Mexico. Recently, I read Velvet Was the Night, which is set in Mexico City in the early seventies. You may recall that at that time, student protesters were killed by government-trained assassins as part of Mexico’s Dirty War. If you enjoy historical fiction with fascinating characters faced with daunting choices, check out this novel. You can read my review here.

Book Blurb

1970s, Mexico City. Maite is a secretary who lives for one thing: the latest issue of Secret Romance. While student protests and political unrest consume the city, Maite escapes into stories of passion and danger.

Her next-door neighbor, Leonora, a beautiful art student, seems to live a life of intrigue and romance that Maite envies. When Leonora disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself searching for the missing woman—and journeying deeper into Leonora’s secret life of student radicals and dissidents.

Meanwhile, someone else is also looking for Leonora at the behest of his boss, a shadowy figure who commands goon squads dedicated to squashing political activists. Elvis is an eccentric criminal who longs to escape his own life: He loathes violence and loves old movies and rock ‘n’ roll. But as Elvis searches for the missing woman, he watches Maite from a distance—and comes to regard her as a kindred spirit who shares his love of music and the unspoken loneliness of his heart.

Now as Maite and Elvis come closer to discovering the truth behind Leonora’s disappearance, they can no longer escape the danger that threatens to consume their lives, with hitmen, government agents, and Russian spies all aiming to protect Leonora’s secrets—at gunpoint.

Velvet Was the Night is an edgy, simmering historical novel for lovers of smoky noirs and anti-heroes.

Where to Buy

Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Books-A-Million

Books to Enjoy

The Reluctant Coroner

What happens when a county coroner gets embroiled in a conspiracy with a high body count? Find out when you read The Reluctant Coroner by Paul Austin Ardoin.

Vanished

Who doesn’t love a free story? Read how Detective Ava Locke fights to save the girls kidnapped by a madman in Vanished by Clara Lewis.

Sandusky Burning

Here’s another free story. Check out Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway. It’s a crime thriller that features a man in crisis and a very bad guy—all set in a harsh wilderness.

Sullivan File

And if you like adventure, romance, and thrills, try Sullivan File by CB Samet.

Recommended Viewing

Don’t Look Up Poster

If you’re a Netflix subscriber and love wicked satire, be sure to watch ‘Don’t Look Up.’ It’s an end-of-the-world story starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and an all-star cast.

Logline. Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

Okay, that’s a wrap. See you next month when I try out a mullet. I’ll let you know if any Billy Ray Cyrus fans gang up on me. Peace and love.

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Published on January 06, 2022 04:00

December 27, 2021

Book Review—Velvet Was the Night

Velvet Was the Night Cover

Reading about a country’s violent past is troubling enough. But frightening when it happens in a neighboring country that purports to be our friend and reliable trading partner. I was in school when the events described in Velvet Was the Night occurred. I can still recall the news footage of that horrible day in 1971—El Halconazo—and its bloody aftermath.

Nearly 120 student protesters were killed by government-trained assassins as part of Mexico’s Dirty War. The closest thing we had here in the US was the Kent State shootings in 1970. That day, National Guard troops killed four students and wounded many others as they protested the Vietnam War.

The novel centers around Maite, a young woman working in a legal firm. She fantasizes about romance courtesy of the novelas she picks up at the newsstand. Her innocent world is shattered, though, when she meets Leonora, a spoiled rich girl flirting with politics.

And then, there’s Elvis. He’s a young drifter obsessed with American pop songs and a member of the Hawks, one of the covert paramilitary groups out to punish dissenters who oppose Mexico’s president, Luis Echeverría Álvarez.

The main characters in author Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s book seem to suffer from ideology or fantasy. What binds them together in the narrative is fear. Fear of change, fear of the unknown, and fear of self. As a result, more are destined to die.

Velvet Was the Night is a powerful novel of desire and deceit. Moreover, it’s an insightful window into the minds of Mexico’s youth in the seventies. As I submerged myself in the story, I began to see my younger self in Elvis. Aimless, futureless, and confused. And that made me afraid.

Book Description

1970s, Mexico City. Maite is a secretary who lives for one thing: the latest issue of Secret Romance. While student protests and political unrest consume the city, Maite escapes into stories of passion and danger.

Her next-door neighbor, Leonora, a beautiful art student, seems to live a life of intrigue and romance that Maite envies. When Leonora disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself searching for the missing woman—and journeying deeper into Leonora’s secret life of student radicals and dissidents.

Meanwhile, someone else is also looking for Leonora at the behest of his boss, a shadowy figure who commands goon squads dedicated to squashing political activists. Elvis is an eccentric criminal who longs to escape his own life: He loathes violence and loves old movies and rock ‘n’ roll. But as Elvis searches for the missing woman, he watches Maite from a distance—and comes to regard her as a kindred spirit who shares his love of music and the unspoken loneliness of his heart.

Now as Maite and Elvis come closer to discovering the truth behind Leonora’s disappearance, they can no longer escape the danger that threatens to consume their lives, with hitmen, government agents, and Russian spies all aiming to protect Leonora’s secrets—at gunpoint.

Velvet Was the Night is an edgy, simmering historical novel for lovers of smoky noirs and anti-heroes.

Where to Buy

Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Books-A-Million

More Reviews

Did you enjoy this review? Check out my other reviews here. And don’t forget to follow me at BookBub.

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Published on December 27, 2021 04:00

December 24, 2021

2021 Christmas

A Merry and Blessed
Christmas to All

2021 Christmas

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Published on December 24, 2021 19:00

December 9, 2021

December 2021 Highlights and Merry Christmas

2021 Christmas Cat

Greetings. Well, we made it to the holidays. Whew! Wherever you are in the world, I hope your plans include spending time with family and friends. So much has happened this year—not all of it good. In case you’re feeling anxious, here are a couple of stories to brighten your day.

Giving Machines

Giving Machines allows Americans to make charitable donations using the vending machine concept. Read more here.

Talk the Walk

In London, a couple in their 30s launched a walking tour initiative to help others fight loneliness. Read more here.

Book News

CH Paperback Cover (1080x1378)

Just in time for the holidays, the ebook version of my romantic comedy, Chainsaw Honeymoon, is on sale for 99 cents until December 31, 2021.

SHOP NOW

Book Blurb

Can Ruby save her parents’ marriage ? Maybe, with a little help.

A year ago, Alan and Stacey Navarro separated, leaving their daughter, Ruby, to live with her mom and an over-caffeinated Shih Tzu. People split up all the time, and most kids might learn to deal. Not Ruby.

A bright, funny fourteen-year-old who loves shoes and horror movies, Ruby is on an insane mission to get her parents back together. But she can’t do it alone.

She needs her two best friends, a dog named Ed Wood, an arrogant filmmaker, a bizarre collection of actors–and a chainsaw-wielding movie killer. Yeah, it’ll be fine.

Recommended Reading

Hey You Pretty Face Cover

If you enjoy gripping police procedurals, check out Hey You, Pretty Face by Linda Coles. The story is moving and the protagonist kind. Honestly, I expected the typical tortured cop with a broken marriage and a drinking problem. DC Jack Rutherford will surprise you. Read my review here.

Book Blurb

An abandoned baby. Three girls stolen in the night. Two connected cases?

London, Winter, 1999. When an abandoned newborn baby is discovered, DC Jack Rutherford becomes involved.

Covering the holiday period almost singlehandedly, resources are at breaking point and he’s pushed to his limit.

While searching for the young mother, evidence of an organized crime ring almost breaks his heart leaving Jack wondering how he can put so many wrongs, right. Welcome to the human race…

Can he solve the case before the girls are lost forever?

Where to Buy

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million

Books to Enjoy

Escape to Action, Mystery, Magic, and Adventure

Ready for some new mysteries and thrillers? Check out the Escape to Action, Mystery, Magic, and Adventure promotion going on now until December 31, 2021.

Recommended Viewing

Zombie for Sale Poster

If you’re an Amazon Prime member and like comedy with your zombies, check out Zombie for Sale, a recent Korean film. The story is hilarious, and everyone in it is excellent.

Logline. When a pharmaceutical company’s illegal experiments inadvertently create a zombie, the strange Park family finds it and tries to profit from it.

Okay, time to go. See you next month. I wish you a safe and blessed holiday season. Peace and love.

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Published on December 09, 2021 04:00

November 29, 2021

Book Review—Hey You, Pretty Face

Hey You Pretty Face Cover

I’ve read loads of police procedurals over the years and have always found the protagonist to be gruff, sad, broken—or all three. But in Hey You, Pretty Face, he is kind.

For a cop, DC Jack Rutherford is an odd bird. He has a happy marriage and enjoys his work. That’s not to say he doesn’t have challenges. For one thing, his boss is a lazy ass (or should I say arse?). He’d rather hang out at the pub than solve crimes. Thank goodness for Jack.

The case that the detective is assigned occurs during the holidays, making the circumstances of the crime bittersweet. And being the mensch he is, Jack is determined to bring about a happy ending for all—especially the abandoned baby. She’s touched his heart more than he realized.

If you like a crime thriller with a heart, I suggest checking out Hey You, Pretty Face. In DC Jack Rutherford, Linda Coles has created a stellar character. And we all wish existed to solve even the most heinous crimes and bring about sweet justice.

Book Description

An abandoned baby. Three girls stolen in the night. Two connected cases?

London, Winter, 1999. When an abandoned newborn baby is discovered, DC Jack Rutherford becomes involved.

Covering the holiday period almost singlehandedly, resources are at breaking point and he’s pushed to his limit.

While searching for the young mother, evidence of an organized crime ring almost breaks his heart leaving Jack wondering how he can put so many wrongs, right. Welcome to the human race…

Can he solve the case before the girls are lost forever?

Hey You, Pretty Face is the fifth brilliant and captivating novel featuring DC Jack Rutherford by master storyteller Linda Coles. “Move over Agatha Christie, there’s a new dame in town.” Amazon reviewer.

Where to Buy

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million

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Published on November 29, 2021 04:00

November 25, 2021

2021 Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE

2021 Thanksgiving

DON’T FORGET THE FRANK-N-FURTERS.

The post 2021 Happy Thanksgiving appeared first on Steven Ramirez.

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Published on November 25, 2021 04:00

Glass Highway

Steven   Ramirez
On brand, better writing, digital marketing, movies and television, and self-publishing.
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