Getting My Books for the 2021 Holidays

If you’re interested in getting some of my books for the holidays, you ought to act quickly. We’re getting closer to the last-order date at my local bookstore. I’ve resisted pushing people to order early because I really hate rushing the season, but I’ve spent the last couple of weeks in the company of booksellers, and I understand better what they’re up against.

If you prefer ebooks, you’re all set. The complete list of my book is here, on a single page. All my books are readily available at the usual online stores in e-book format. Just click the cover of the book you want, and choose your preferred store. The only exception is my children’s book on Fibonacci. That book is still only pubbed in print only.

A complete list of my wife’s books are here. The new Thanksgiving book is right at the top of the page.

Physical copies of our books—especially the new ones—are available via Amazon, B&N, and your local bookstore. If a store doesn’t have them, they can order them.

If you want books autographed by either of us, the best way to do that is to contact the indie bookstore in my town,  Malaprop’s, and order personalized, autographed copies of whatever tickles your fancy. Signed books make great gifts.

Here’s the skinny on signed books:

Call Malaprop’s directly at 1-800-441-9829 or 828-254-6734. Just tell them…

1. Which book you want to order and the author’s name.

2. Within certain limits, due to the ongoing supply-chain situation, we are striving still to do personalizations in books. The bookseller will know which books can be inscribed. So, let them know how you want the book personalized. To you? To the mother-in-law you’re always trying to suck up to? Your frenemy? Do you want it to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “Happy Thanksgiving,” “For a mystery buff,” or nothing at all?

3. Give them your payment information and shipping address.

4. Make sure you get your order in by December 6th for delivery by Christmas.

That’s it! Malaprop’s will have me or Denise sign, and they will ship your book out to you or to the person of your choice, autographed and ready to go.

But what about gift wrapping?

Yes indeed, they gift wrap–for FREE. I told you they were wonderful. So, you can have that autographed book gift-wrapped AND have a gift card slapped on it. That package of holiday reading cheer will be shipped wherever you want and will arrive ready to be slid under a tree, slipped into a (larger than usual) stocking, placed next to the menorah, or shipped to a loved one you hope to see in the very near future..

Can I order online?

Technically, yes, but calling is much more efficient, less ambiguous, and, in the long run, will take less of your time.

Which books of yours can I order?

All of them, really. My complete list is here, on a single page. (The Fibonacci book is here.)

Denise’s list is here.

Allow me to single out for your reading pleasure my two newest novels! They are:

Sorceress Kringle: The Woman Who Became Santa Claus

A gender-bending fantasy novel about Santa—the way you never imagined her.

Murder on Book Row

Meet the Book Lady. She sells books, eats well, and has a very large brain. Criminals fear her.

Happy shopping, and thanks for supporting a local independent author and bookstore!

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Yes, I am trying to post here more often. Thank you for noticing. If you want to sign up for my newsletter and claim your collection of free ebooks, go here. Thanks!

Three December Announcements!

Buy my books! There—I said it. What more could any writer have to say to the world in general (and this world in particular) during the month of December?

Actually, you know what? Buy our books. My wife’s and mine, I mean.

We both have some delightful offerings that we’ve cooked up for you lovely people during this disturbing pandemic holiday season we’ve got going on. Specifically, I launched a new book some weeks ago that I need to tell you about.

But let me march through these here announcements one by one, in the ever-popular ascending price order. Which means, let’s start with the deal you cannot miss.

Thing 1: The e-book of my Christmas epic fantasy, Sorceress Kringle, is on sale right now for the ridiculous price of 99 cents. Yes, I’ve gone nuts for Christmas. This gender-swapped, female Santa Claus story is probably my best book and I’m practically giving it away. Why? Because Santa. Because Christmas. Because ho-fucking-ho. So snap it up at wherever you buy your e-books. (Just do it soon before the price goes up.) Tell your friends. Tell your pets. And then, when you’ve immersed yourself in the Christmasy juices of this lush, evocative book, and you’re ready to burst with goodwill toward men, write a freaking review of the book where you bought it. Don’t read e-books? No problem. You can buy a paper copy wherever fine books are sold. You can order a copy from the bookstore in my town and they’ll get me to autograph it before they send it out. Get the deets on Sorceress Kringle right here.

Thing 2: My new book, Ear of God, is just out and it continues The Mesmerist thriller saga I started a few years ago. The new book’s a bizarro tale of a sweet harmless child with special gifts who gets himself kidnapped and unleashes hell on the world. I apologize for pubbing such a story during a freaking pandemic, but as I’ll try to explain a future post, writers gotta write, and I don’t write expecting my literary nightmares to become reality. So go grab Ear of God, and begin worrying about my sanity. The e-book’s $4.99, the paperback’s $16. And yes, you can get a signed copy from my local bookstore. All the details for Ear of God are here. Remember: if you do get it, please consider reviewing it at some online retailer. It’s one of the best things you can do to help an author out.

Thing 3: Lastly, the New York Times bestseller in the house—my lovely wife Denise Kiernan—just pubbed a nonfiction book called We Gather Together, which tells the remarkable story of how Thanksgiving (and thanksgiving) came to be. Among other things, it’s a book about a little-known woman, stirring events in the Civil War, the pursuit of love, honor, duty, and grace, and it includes what I think is one of the most compassionate, forthright portraits of Abe Lincoln I’ve seen in a book in a long while. The hardcover retails for $25; the e-book is $12.99. This book is destined to be a hit with book clubs, and a perennial bestseller. The book everyone needs to read around the holidays. If you don’t believe me, go hunt up the Wall Street Journal review and see for yourself. Get the details on We Gather Together right here.

So there you have it. Three important announcements to get off my chest before year’s end and the jangle of a hopefully better New Year.

There! Go! Buy! Crack some spines and snuggle in front of a fire and read thyself to thy heart’s content.

As for me, I gotta go vacuum the pine needles out of the carpet.

Thank you all. Hug the family for me. And stay safe out there!

Getting My Books for the 2020 Holidays

It seems that I’m an author who is in the holiday business. Three of my bestselling books focus (arguably) on the Fourth of July. I’ve got a major novel devoted to Christmas. And, if you want to count my wife, Denise Kiernan, she’s a hugely successful author whose latest title is devoted to the little-known history behind the Thanksgiving holiday. People always ask us how they can get our books, so I’m putting all the details you need into this post. I apologize for the early date, but 2020 is apt to be little challenging gift-wise.

The quick and dirty answer is, two ways. If you prefer ebooks, you’re all set. The complete list of my book is here, on a single page. All my books are readily available at the usual online stores in e-book format. Just click the cover of the book you want, and choose your preferred store. The only exception is my children’s book on Fibonacci. That book is still only pubbed in print only.

A complete list of my wife’s books are here. The new Thanksgiving book is right at the top of the page.

Physical copies of our books—especially the new ones—are available via Amazon, B&N, and your local bookstore. If a store doesn’t have them, they can order them.

If you want books autographed by either of us, the best way to do that is to contact the bookstore in my town,  Malaprop’s, and order personalized, autographed copies of whatever tickles your fancy. Signed books make great gifts, and it’s still sounds funny to ask an author, “Please, will you autograph my Kobo?”

Here’s the skinny:

Call Malaprop’s directly at 1-800-441-9829 or 828-254-6734. Just tell them…

1. Which book you want to order and the author’s name.

2. Within certain limits, due to the pandemic situation, we are striving still to do personalizations in books. The bookseller will know which books can be inscribed. So, let them know how you want the book personalized. To you? To the mother-in-law you’re always trying to suck up to? Your frenemy? Do you want it to say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “Happy Thanksgiving,” “For a mystery buff,” or nothing at all?

3. Give them your payment information and shipping address.

4. Make sure you get your order in by December 15th for delivery by Christmas.

That’s it! Malaprop’s will have me or Denise sign, and they will ship your book out to you or to the person of your choice, autographed and ready to go.

But what about gift wrapping?

Yes indeed, they gift wrap–for FREE. I told you they were wonderful. So, you can have that autographed book gift-wrapped AND have a gift card slapped on it. That package of holiday reading cheer will be shipped wherever you want and will arrive ready to be slid under a tree, slipped into a (larger than usual) stocking, placed next to the menorah, or shipped to a loved one you hope to see in the very near future..

Can I order online?

Technically, yes, but calling is much more efficient, less ambiguous, and, in the long run, will take less of your time.

Which books of yours can I order?

All of them, really. My complete list is here, on a single page. (The Fibonacci book is here.)

Denise’s list is here.

Allow me to single out for your reading pleasure my two newest novels! They are:

Sorceress Kringle: The Woman Who Became Santa Claus

A gender-bending fantasy novel about Santa—the way you never imagined her.

Ebook on sale through Dec. 26

Murder on Book Row

Meet the Book Lady. She sells books, eats well, and has a very large brain. Criminals fear her.

Ebook on sale through Dec. 26

Happy shopping, and thanks for supporting a local independent author and bookstore!

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Yes, I am trying to post here more often. Thank you for noticing. If you want to sign up for my newsletter and claim your collection of free ebooks, go here. Thanks!

One-Legged Playboy Writes Constitution

I’m back at Sleuthsayers, the mystery blog, today, writing about one of my favorite historical figures.

He was a man named Gouverneur Morris, who was a rake and scoundrel at the time of the American Revolution. His sexual exploits are legendary, as was the fact that he wore a wooden leg. (He lost his left leg in a carriage accident while in his twenties.)

He stands out in history for the work he did on the writing of the U.S. Constitution. Among other things, he gave America a phrase that we invoke to this very day whenever we speak of the document.

No, I won’t spoil it for you. You’ll have to read the story for yourself.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks, in the depths of October. I’m planning something appropriately spooky and morbid.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

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Independence Hall photo credit: Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash

Mint Julep Cups!

The Kentucky Derby was supposed to run back in May, but is happening tomorrow because of the pandemic. To celebrate, I’m looking into the colorful history of the event’s most famous libation, the mint julep. Specifically, I’m talking about the famous cup that the drink is typically served in.

I got thinking about this topic a while ago, when I tried to buy a pair of julep cups in my hometown, Asheville, NC, and struck unlucky. The Moscow mule copper mug is far more ubiquitous in my neck of the woods these days. But the julep cup has an interesting history that harks back to the post-WWII era and dips into presidential history as well.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

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Mint photo credit: Conscious Design via Unsplash

Sullivan's Island & Edgar Allan Poe

We live in the North Carolina mountains, which means that the nearest North Carolina beaches are something like 5+ hours away. That’s why it’s become our custom to head to the South Carolina coast instead. The nearest beaches are a more manageable 4.5 hours away.

And, as luck would have it, they’re temptingly close to Charleston, SC, which is one of the great historic cities—and a foodie destination, to boot.

The region is also chock full of literary history as well. One of the beach towns we visit every summer is Sullivan’s Island, famous for its association with the great freakish author, Edgar Allan Poe. He is the subject of my post this week at Sleuthsayers, the mystery blog.

I hope you’ll check it out, if you’re so inclined.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

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Book “collage” photo credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Pandemic Authors

Every author dreams of being sent on a book tour, but not all of them are so lucky. You need to have an amazing sales track record to have your publisher spring for a tour of any duration these days. Most midlist authors squeak by on their own, cobbling together tours by pulling strings at every bookstore they know and scrimping along the way by crashing at the homes of very good friends.

Then came a virus.

2020 is the year authors are staying home, and mounting virtual book tours to spread the word of their new titles. The early evidence is that these tours truly are global. There’s a very good chance that word of your talk will spread beyond the local reach of the bookstore sponsoring your event. That’s the upside. The downside, according to some publicists we’ve talk to, is that the longer your tour goes on, the lower the attendance at the later live, virtual events. The theory is that if a reader really wants to know about a book, they’ll tune in at the first couple of events, watch a replay, and decide whether to buy the book. They don’t have to wait for the live event offered by a bookstore in their area.

This week on the Sleuthsayers, I’m looking at how two mystery writers are getting the word out, broadcasting their own own videos from the comfort of their own homes. One’s a very famous author, the other not so much. But they are both during some thing very interesting.

I hope you’ll check it out, if you’re so inclined.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

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Book “collage” photo credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Dying Man Says, 'I am Murdered!'

To celebrate the Fourth of July, I’m presenting something truly strange. I love creepy true American stories, and the strange tale of how George Wythe—a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a mentor of Thomas Jefferson’s—met his fate certainly ticks all the boxes. His murder is the topic of my newest post up at Sleuthsayers, the mystery blog.

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration, and despite rumors to the contrary, only two were killed in unusual ways. One died in a duel. The other was old Mr. Wythe, Esq., who died in a murder by arsenic that feels ripped from an Agatha Christie novel. But not really terribly mysterious. The murderer left a trail a mile long, as you’ll see.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

Until next time, I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July!

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Book “collage” photo credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

The Curious Mr. Sengier

I had an interesting conversation with an interview subject this week that made a great lead-in to talk about U.S. nuclear history and medical supply chains surrounding the virus.

If I haven’t put you to sleep yet, maybe you’ll be moved to check out my latest post at the Sleuthsayers mystery blog today.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

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Book “collage” photo credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Government Loans for Mystery Writers—Not!

This is as nutty as I get, folks. My latest post at the Sleuthsayers mystery blog today is heavily inspired by the government loans the U.S. feds are handing out to…well, just about anyone these days, if only to keep the economy going.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if writers—specifically mystery writers—could carve off a piece of that action? Well, now they can!

Please check it out, if you’re so inclined.

The link to the blog post is here.

If you like my work, kindly consider bookmarking Sleuthsayers. The next post will be in three weeks.

If you’re looking for reading material during this hellish time, I hope you’ll consider one of my books or my wife’s. If ever there was a time for escapism, it’s now!

The e-book versions of both of my two most recent books, Murder on Book Row and the fantasy novel, Sorceress Kringle, are available at almost every online retailer. You can order print copies at the usual suspects online, or autographed copies from Malaprop’s, the bookstore in my nabe.

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Book “collage” photo credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash