Böcker av Marpel S. H. Marpel

"JOHN, I JUST MET A ghost who's dying."I raised one eyebrow, waiting for the punchline from my favorite time-bender."No, it's not what you think. I haven't gone off the deep end. The government made him into something they call a ghost.""Figure if the government's involved, then it's going to be screwed up... But a ghost - dying?""Running out of juice, actually. Kept alive on some sort of weird life support that he won't fix to save himself.""Suicidal?""No, he says there's another in worse shape than him. A girl detective - of sorts.""And you got this from one meeting?""No, he appears once a year for about 5 minutes - so I tracked him back. And I've been talking to him for decades now.""5 minutes at a time?"Carol nodded, and bowed her head.I raised it with a gentle touch to her chin.And saw a tear roll down her cheek."Please, John. Help me help him - and her."Anthology containing: - The Case of the Time Bent Beau by S. H. Marpel- The Case of the Walkaway Diner Redoux by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel- Walkaway Redemption by S. H. Marpel- Felicity by S. H. MarpelExcerpt: I didn't often see Carol like this. In fact, never.Her eyes were hollow, her skin pasty, and she looked like she had slept in those clothes more than once. Not her ordinary tidy, perky self.Unlike some other of my guests, Carol always knocked politely. So softly, sometimes she had to knock twice to get my attention.This time, I rose at her first knock. Because there was some insistence in it this time. That's when I got a good look at her."Carol..."Her red-rimmed eyes met mine and I held out my arms.She melted into them for a long hug between friends.And I waited for her to speak.But when she didn't, "I've got some coffee I can warm up, and there's some of Hami's cookies left."Carol only looked up at me and nodded, then released me so she could drop onto the couch-bunk. I returned with the cookies after I'd poured this morning's coffee into a pan on the hotplate and set the coffeemaker to run another batch. A second look at her face persuaded me that this might be a long story she wanted to tell...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

Sue had been though a world of pain already.Surviving re-entry to this planet in a powerless escape pod. Learning to speak with telepathic canines that had become the dominant sentient beings on Earth. Finding she could shape-shift and cause illusions.She brought the end to a civil war between their pack and those nearby. Peace on Earth - at least this little part.By learning only a tiny bit of the unknown skills she possessed.One warm summer's night, a messenger brought her to meet a greater being than she thought existed. That being told her about a single key datum.All she wanted to do was rescue her family - only 240 thousand miles away - on the moon.And that single key could unlock what she needed most...This Anthology Contains:When the Crow Calls by C. C. BrowerTotem by C. C. BrowerMoon Bride by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelBlood Moon by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelThe Moon Cleaner by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelMoon Shadow by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelMoon Queen by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelMoon Rebels by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelAlice in the Moon by C. C. Brower, S. H. MarpelExcerpt:The crow landed in the murky-gray mist. On a dead but sturdy branch of a tree she had visited for hundreds of human years.She cried out to signify her appearance.At that, the moon seemed to peer through the dark cloud-like substance and give her definition and form, detailing her wing and body feathers with the highlights they would have in sunlight. Only with a cold reflection rather than warm.How she looked mattered little to the crow. How she flew was more important. Her preening was more to keep her streamlined in flight for speed and maneuvering.Even between worlds and time-lines, such things were important.If one wanted to continue to exist as a messenger, the messages had to go through. You could say she was very good at getting her messages delivered. Hundreds of years worth of proof.The moon wasn't a moon, but another spirit. As much an elemental as not.The crow stood silently, looking at the moon. First with one eye, then the other.The gray mist closed over the moon's glow after a while.The crow flapped her wings once and lept into that mist. Knowing what her message was and where it needed delivering.The branch of that tree was soon lost to sight as the crow flew on, certain of where she was and where she was going...- - - -It was a warmish night, and I couldn't sleep. The air was warm, and the only promise of a cool night was some hours ahead, just before dawn. But it was cooler here than in the den, because at least out here the air moved.The full moon was bright tonight, and bigger in the sky than I had ever seen it. Almost like daylight, but not the same. For the light had no heat or sharp definition.I lay here in my wolf-shape, since my fur was easier to keep clean than that one outfit of a white buckskin dress I'd been given by the pack.On a night like this, I would wake and watch the sky for these meteors that the moon colony sent to earth. These reminded me of the family I left behind and one day hoped somehow to rescue. However feeble that hope seemed at times...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

Walking down the highway - barefoot, feverish, and in only a nightgown.At least the storm had quit.Now if I could get my chattering teeth to stop, it would help - maybe.Up ahead, I see some stopped cars. Some have their lights on. Maybe I can get help. Too bad I can't travel any faster the way I am.That's odd. Nobody in them. Lights on, but no one at home.Except for a crying baby. And no one answers my calls either.No, I can't leave her alone. At least there's a shawl they left with her and her blankets.So she and I are on the road again. Toward the next town, which is just a couple of painful miles ahead.Me and the baby have something else in common besides my barefoot walking and feeling alone...Noner of us remember what happened to get us here.This anthology contains:- The Healers Chronicles: Birthdays - 01 by S. H. Marpel- The Healers Chronicles: Origins- Lazurai Homecoming by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel- The Lazurai by J. R. Kruze- Ham & Chaz by C. C. Brower, J. R. Kruze- The Lazurai Returns by J. R. Kruze, C. C. Brower- The Healers Chronicles: Miracles by S. H. MarpelExcerpt:I woke up not remembering much of how I got here, where I was, or who I used to be.There were two babies, one on each side of me, who were sleeping soundly. All of us in a big bed that was soft and warm.My hair and white muslin nightgown were drenched. Like I'd been out in the rain with them. Even soaked the sheets a bit.But the babies were both dry.I could hardly move from where I was, since the top sheet and quilted patchwork comforter had been tucked in around all of us so tight.

Four books collected into this Anthology featuring: - Hermione - When Cats Ruled - A Case of Lost Time - Enemies & Bookends- - - -Hermione:When a goddess is almost killed by bleeding out - it's serious.Good thing they got to me in time, while I was still a cat.Now my shape-shifting was on hold until I healed.For the last few centuries or so, I'd been happy as a library cat. But then I got bored, and started helping out with simple missions.Because of that ambush, I was stuck in a human-shape. At least I wasn't dead.But I'd never be able to shift back to my native form without crippling pains up that arm - until I could understand how humans loved - the subject that always left scholars of the ages mystified.Easy-peasy - for a goddess. ...Maybe.When Cats Ruled:Two scientists broke time - trying to travel in it. If they weren't so cute, I don't think I'd be as forgiving.Still, they have no clue what they just invented.In these days of overnight express delivery, they could make a fortune. And the same device could deliver ticking bombs to any government building or office building anywhere. Instantaneously.You'd think these scientists would have learned something after the Manhattan Project. And Nagasaki. And the Twin Towers.Nope. All these two young knuckleheads were trying to do was to prove the impossible was possible - and get some more funding to do it. I just can't tell them that what they were doing was the worst thing in history, I'd have to show them. Or they'd never believe me.And that's when it really got involved - and personally dangerous.A Case of Lost Time:My true love got us trapped here with my own time machine.Not really her fault - or I hoped, anyway.You see, she's brilliant, powerful - and a shapeshifting cat who rules Ancient Egypt.That last part doesn't bother me, as long as she's human at least part of the time. Otherwise, royal consorts have some benefits, too.She brought me here with my own machine. And then it disappeared. Stolen. And now we're marooned. But that doesn't matter. Because even if none of my science background helps me, my heart just melts anytime she talks to me.But if we're going to get back, we're going to have to do it soon - or I'll be stuck with her here for the rest of my life.While she lives on forever. Like she did before.Enemies & Bookends:It was either leave these four trapped in ancient times, or risk their lives to save our world in the present.Helluva choice.It they died, we'd all be dead soon after.If we tried anything without them, we'd die just a little later - but still dead.Because evil doesn't take opposition lightly - unless it's overwhelming. And even then, they still put up a good fight.So: fight and live, or fight and die.Our secret weapon was among those trapped in time. Something we didn't know about.Then or now.- - - -Also included: A comprehensive "Book Universes Notes" with a character list, linked book references from the earlier series, and mention of (some) easter eggs...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

How do you defend against a person who could kill you with a single touch?An unforseen bi-product of terrorists bombing a children's hospital, the Lazurai were deadly. A mere touch could spread that killer virus to others. Even downwind, without a sneeze or cough to start it.All that survived were babies. The government made it worse by their experiments. All those growing children wanted was to feel love like any child. When they grew older, their powers increased. And they found they couldn't be stopped.By anyone or anything.Then they escaped...These collected tales explore the universe of the Lazarai, their own growth as a super-species of human, and their unique outlook on life and living.Extract: Late morning that day, he saw someone walking. Miles off yet. Coming toward him, along the edge of the road and staying off the pavement. Chuck could tell because the highway was laser straight for miles in both directions.You could hear anything coming when there was traffic. And then hear it going.Walkers made no noise, and took a long time to get there. A long time to get gone."Well Mr. Lazurai, take your time. I'm in no hurry." Chuck said out loud to no one in particular.He figured that this had to be a Lazurai as he was walking.People told stories about them: they wouldn't always kill you right off. If they liked you, then you had a few days. The people that lived were cursed anyway, as anyone they knew would leave them alone after that. As what the Lazurai gave a person could also affect the other people around them. Big or small community, it didn't matter. Viruses spread.Chuck didn't care. He would not leave Charlene and she would not leave her baby. So if this was the end, he was as ready as he would be.By the time the walker was nearly in earshot, Chuck had finished off the rest of his lemonade and was ready for a refill. But he stayed on that bench in the shade and waited to meet this person.His only real hope is that the end would be swift and painless. For everyone concerned...These collected tales explore the universe of the Lazarai, their own growth as a super-species of human, and their unique outlook on life and living.Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now

A different take on time travel. What if the "grandfather murder conundrum" didn't exist? Where you could freely travel in time without affecting your or anyone else's present?The trick is that this also tends to "haunt" you, even drive you insane...This anthology contains:Time Bent by S. H. MarpelA World Gone Reverse by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelA Very Thin Line by S. H. Marpel- - - -Time Bent:TIME HAUNTED HER. IT didn't do what it was "supposed to" when she was around.It ran forward, backwards, sideways. Sometimes time helped her solve her problems, sometimes it made them worse.For a lovely young woman, you'd think there would be young men lined up to talk to her at any gathering. But she stayed away from them - perhaps to protect them from what was "haunting" her.Two Ghost Hunters came to help her solve it. But she left with only the promise of returning "just in time" - and didn'tOr was this time-problem contagious? Were other people at risk because of her - or could she pass it onto her children?Life didn't seem any more safe, just because you could bend time any way you wanted.A World Gone Reverse:When the hamburgers all disappeared, along with the buns I was warming, I thought I was seeing things.But when my spatula went through the cast-iron grill top - I had to let it go out of reflex. No way was I going after it - I'd been burned too many times.It wasn't like I had a choice after that. Because the grill itself dropped out through the bottom of the rolling coach we were cooking out of that summer.I looked up at Hami, my order-taker, business partner, and lover - only to see her fall through the floor as well. A look of shock and trying to say something, but frozen in time.Then the coach disappeared, and I fell with it - but only as far as the pavement it used to be parked on. I could see the asphalt beneath my feet at least.Until it turned to some sort of foamy waves lapping on a beach I'd never seen before. Green hard sand. Green water.And a long white line that went down this beach like it was some sort of dual-lane highway going nowhere...A Very Thin Line:I was walking in my pasture one sunny afternoon, when a pair of hands pulled me into the underworld.Once I arrived, I relaxed - a bit. Because it was an old friend. Carol. A time-bender and now a Lazurai as well. Meaning she could walk through rock - and other things."Hi John. How have you been?" Carol was standing in front of a crystal fire place, warming herself from the magma heat that was channeled out of the earth's core."Not bad, Carol. Other than being pulled deep into the earth without a simple request, or how-de-do.""Sorry about that. Really. But I need your help - because I'm worse than haunted now - I'm being hunted.""And I'm the only one who can help you?"She smiled, embarrassed, and shrugged. "Yeah, that about sums it up - other than how many people are after me..."- - - -Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now

The body disappeared, the witnesses forgot their stories.And I had 24 hours to solve the mystery before all the evidence vanished.I had no memory of how this all started. Only that I was brought in to solve a mystery in a single day before I had to move to my next assignment. Because I'm a time-jumper. And I go where I'm sent.Because I'm damned good at figuring things out. You don't have to have a string of degrees behind your name to figure out things.The trick is, I "borrow" someone else's body while I'm on the job, for the time I'm here.All I know on this job had a missing corpse already. And it happened when no one was around to see, on a government naval base in the heart of New York. Where sub-contractors came and went constantly.I just had to solve it faster than the witnesses either "forgot" or "disappeared."Like I said, I had only 24 hours.Anthology containing:-The Case of the Time Bent Beau by S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 01 by J. R. Kruze-The Saga of Erotika Jones 02 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 03 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 04 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 05 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 06 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 07 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel-The Saga of Erotika Jones 08 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel- The Saga of Erotika Jones Book Universes Notes by J. R. KruzeExcerpt:I didn't want to get out of bed for this new case. I felt tired, the bed was warm, and there was this hunk beside me. Broad shoulders, firm bum, sculptured abs - everything a gal could want.Still, the beeper was vibrating, it's staccato tempo on the side table persistent and annoying.I had my job to do. And under 24 hours, as usual, to see if I could solve this one.So I picked that annoyance up and saw the texts that had come in for me. On her beeper. My host's.That was the trick - I "borrowed" someone's body and ID for the cases that came in. How they did it, the nuts-and-bolts, I didn't really know. Nor did I know my own past - any more. Too many of these jumps had kinda swiss-cheesed my memories.The texts were all from Finn. He was my partner, my bar-buddy, and somehow was connected to the reason I still did this. Still, he made it interesting, and cheered me up when things got too solid and graphic.This morning he'd texted me the body was already missing, already cleaned. Said I needed to get there quick, since we both knew the reasons - the witnesses would be "forgetting" what they saw nearly as quick.Finn had a theory, and it was closer to true than anyone else believed - other than we who lived in the strange worlds where humans and fairies crossed paths, and where we fought the hidden wars to keep humans safe - in spite of themselves. The darker half of the faery kind were organizing for something - and these human bodies showing up and disappearing were just collateral evidence of their larger plan.Somehow. Having a working theory, anyway, was better than having none.My feet on the floor now, I bent to scoop up my underthings and found a too-short cotton bathrobe lay tangled in them. Slipping that on gave me some relative decency...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

I'd been caught in a cross-fire. And just got saved from bleeding out.Now my shape-shifting was on hold until I healed. But I was stuck in human shape, having to re-learn the human experience.I don't know when I first appeared on Earth. Before recorded time somewhere. And for the last few centuries or so, I'd been happy as a library cat. But then I got bored, and started helping out with simple missions.Good thing they got to me in time on this one. Now I had to re-learn what it is to be human. Me, the cat-goddess.But I'd never be able to shift back to my native form without shooting pains up that arm - until I could understand human relationships - ones that always left the scholars of the ages mystified.Easy-peasy for a goddess. Maybe.Excerpt: The knives and fireballs were aimed right toward us as we arrived. Sent from rock-outcrops in the darkness beyond our glow-balls. An ambush.Sal and Jude's shields came up, but John had already gotten himself nicked. He was holding on to his other arm with his free hand, blood seeping between his fingers. We were pinned down.So I sent to Sal - "Let me out. I'll hold them while you get John to safety.""You sure?""We're sitting ducks otherwise."Sal nodded to me and to Jude.I leapt out and multiplied with alternate selves, borrowed from multiple time-lines. All of us tiger-sized now. And we each held the small groups in stasis. Something I could do indefinitely.Sal and Jude took John out of there. The attackers and my multiple me's we were now all in a Mexican stand-off.Until their reinforcements came in. One of my other future selves went down with a bad slice and a lot of blood. I signaled the others to retreat and take her with them. Then shrunk down to my smallest cat size and bounced out of harm's way to a small rock outcropping that was out of their firing-sights. Mostly.It was just a nick, but I wasn't going to hold that blood in with my tiny paws. And anything larger that had regular human-type hands would stick out enough to become a target.About that time, Sal came back with Jude on point - rapid-firing lightning bolts with hopes to fry their equipment, or at least make them duck.For the second we needed, it worked, Sal scooped me up in her arms and Jude took us out of there. Just as the firing started up again. But we weren't there.- - - -I remember a gurney being wheeled somewhere, and Sal holding me down on it with both hands as I wrestled in pain. Sal's hands were red with my blood, her face worried. Then someone got a very small mask over my feline nose and mouth and I was out...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

A massive collection of quick escapes into alternate universes where you can live through the eyes of everyday people finding themselves in fantastic adventures.Mysteries, Romances, Fantasies, and Science Fiction - all sorts of speculative fiction beyond the ordinary and humdrum.But why devote weeks to reading a huge novel, when you can escape in the few minutes you have and be back before anyone notices you were gone?That's the great advantage of having short stories that are simple to get into and easy to return from. Commutes, breaks, down-time - all the times you're otherwise bored to tears. You could simply be enjoying solving a mystery, indulging in a light romance, living an adventure in deep space - or right down the block.Why not - after all? If you carry a smartphone around with you, then you can carry this 700+ page book for just for those occasions.Stuck in a layover with a few hours to kill? Read on and on and on. And in between stories, you can check in with reality for awhile and see if you can fit in just one more story before you have to board...An incredible investment. Because all these stories read differently every time you do. This one book has enough stories to entertain, educate, and inspire you - so you might not have to buy another book this year...This anthology from four up-and-coming authors was built from their original standalone stories. (And if you like them, there's more where that came from...)This Anthology contains: - A Mystery Reader - An SF/Fantasy Reader - A Romance Reader - A Writer's Reader - A Humor Reader - A Mind's Eye ReaderScroll Up and Get Your Copy Now

The first collection of our short stories for 2019 continue in our tradition of mysteries and speculative fiction. This contains the first quarter's work from a couple of our authors.And ongoing credit is given to our fans who gave us story ideas.A World Gone Reverse tells the second installment of a time bender's journey, and her escaping the black SUV types trying to capture her.Erotika Jones make her debut as a sexy female detective who occupies a new identity each time - and only 24 hours to solve the crime. Before all evidence and witnesses disappear.A Dog Named Kat employs a talking canine to help a girl resolve her mother's death.The Girl Who Saved Tomorrow brings up the alternate history record of a female genius-type engineer who is enlisted by a time-jumping savant - with just 12 hours left to save the world.The Faith of Jude spotlights a member of the Ghost Hunters team as she battles a group of artificial intelligences in a courtroom - for the fate of humanity.A Very Thin Line is the third installment of Carol the time bender (you met her above) and takes the fight for her and all her friends to the government types who have been chasing her.Dark Lazurai tells the story of two original Lazurai, saving the life of one who has become uncontrollably radioactive.As usual, we present these bi-monthly to collect all our published stories in nice anthologies so you can keep updated with our author's book universes as they develop.Feel free to share these with your friends.And be sure to get your bonuses at the end of the last story, as these parables are based on strange secrets hidden in plain site. And that makes these books read differently every time.Anthology containing: - A World Gone Reverse by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel - The Saga of Erotika Jones 01 by J. R. Kruze - A Dog Named Kat by J. R. Kruze - The Girl Who Saved Tomorrow by J. R. Kruze - The Faith of Jude by S. H. Marpel - A Very Thin Line by S. H. Marpel - Dark Lazurai by J. R. Kruze

Some satire is timeless. Others predict the near future with uncanny accuracy.When you're faced with a violent, dangerous present - perhaps it's some relief to blow it all up into an exagerrated future history. Then you can tell yourself that it's all just entertainment....And hope it doesn't really turn out that way.- - - -She could still remember the look on his face when they closed the Riot Wall for the final time.She could barely find him at first beyond the chain-link fence a few hundred yards away. If not for that red-plaid shirt he always wore when he visited her. Standing in the closed "visitor" queue on his side of that wall.After this day, there would be no more visits. Because this wall was the long-overdue solution to the long-running riots.Riots meant businesses closed, meant tax payments dropped, meant fewer jobs - even if you worked for the government. And the government jobs were the safest, as they only really depended on sucking up to whoever was in charge at the time.It was a coward's way of surviving. But at least you survived.Beyond the walls were more jobs, but lower wages for them. Still, those people seemed to like it out there. They liked working for themselves.Rob had promised he was going to take her there. And one thing after another kept making him break his promise.When the Riot Walls shut for good - that was the final straw.It didn't mean her heart wasn't breaking. And she knew his was, too.But she had to turn away. Because everyone had to turn away. Someone in power was addressing their "citizens" over the city's PA system. And they had to listen "attentively" -If they wanted to keep their jobs, their housing, and what they considered a life here inside these walls...Anthology containing:Riot Wall by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersThe Panic of 2020 by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersOur Second Civil War by R. L. Saunders, C. C. BrowerBecoming Michelle by R. L. Saunders, C. C. BrowerA Sweet Fortune by R. L. SaundersThe Projector by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersScroll Up And Get Your Copy Now.

I'd been left out here, alone. By an oil-burning lamp. In the cold, uncaring desert.It was my only comfort until dawn.Just as the first of dawn started bringing the earliest glimmer of what I could see with my human eyes, I woke to some snuffling sound near my head.Opening my eyes, not relishing the hot day coming, I saw the nose of an animal near my face."Rise, little one."I sat up. And saw eye-to-eye with a female coyote.She was not young. Scars criss-crossed her front legs. Her eyes showed wrinkles of her experiences. Her udders dried and smaller now, but obvious she had born many litters."We have miles to go. Leave your lantern. Carry that dolly if you want. They are hunting us - you and me."At that the old mother coyote walked off a pace. And looked back.She was the only life I could see in this parched desert.So I followed as she led me to my new home.Excerpt:Transcript of opening lecture to nursing studentsHello and welcome to this lecture series.As students of Rochelle's Lazurai Nursing School, you occasionally run into the rare spirit-turned-mortal, goddess, and other extreme metaphysical types, I've been invited to bring you up to speed on these and others.Mostly because, I think, that when me and my friends first arrived on earth Earth, we caused a bit of concern as we were all soon being treated in an old saloon by your most senior healers.The plus-side was that we all recovered. Even though there was - and is - nothing more intoxicating in that saloon of Hami's than the good looks of those who visit it. And the good food, of course.(laughter)What you probably didn't hear was that there was a mental-metaphysical side to that treatment that had to be addressed so your physical "laying-on-of-hands" could do its wonders.You see, I was involved in transporting all these wild girls to Earth. One could bend time and space with her organic tesseracts. Another was a trained outer-space killer and assassin, who 'graduated' when she terminated her last teacher. The third had actually been a self-aware star. (Yes, the kind that burn radioactive white heat and live for billions of years - not the ones with their name in bronze on Hollywood Boulevard.)(laughter)These were just your average, run-of-the-mill girls next door.(laughter)Each of these gals got interested in human life on Earth, and I just helped them make the transition.Meanwhile, I was basically one of the "walking dead" - since no doctor or hospital could cure me, and the only thing keeping me alive and in one piece was my own dogged determination to solve my own puzzle.So, after I got all these three gals here, they all were involved in an explosion that left them unconscious and nearly dead themselves. I arrived shortly after, just to meet with John - that adorable mystery writer - who I knew could help me figure this out. Yes, he's got a reputation through the galaxy...(laughter)No, but we'll get into how distant perception works in a later lecture.What John's good at, besides digging a story out of you, is connecting the dots. I mean, he writes mysteries for a living, so that's gonna rub off on you.That brings up how he got Gaia to bring Akashi out of retirement to make a house call.Akashi is that god of all knowledge. Kinda like Saturn, but loves stuffed pastry. So Gaia played a trick on John and had him show up with one of Hami's pastries in his hand...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

The Continuing Saga of the Ghost HuntersA mystery-detective writer is recruited by two enticing young spirit guides, who are capable of transporting him through space and time to solve the problems of ghosts stuck in this dimension. A follow-up anthology with their continuing adventures, as they further explore the unseen enemies they face who want to keep the ghosts haunting here. As well, the relationships between a young man and two very female guides develop as they continue working side-by-side. All learning from their various adventures and mysteries.This anthology contains: The Haunted GhostFaithHarpyThe Ghost Who LovedExcerpt from The Haunted Ghost: Jude and Sal phased in like before. They phased me outside, on a rock outcropping outside a second floor window opening. Narrow, but still wide enough if there wasn't a harsh wind or earthquake.The apparition started as before, with the lady in white with the single rose walking toward the two. I could see the whole scene from outside.Then the floor dropped out, but Sal and Jude kept standing like nothing happened.The walls had returned to their actual state, and a bright moon was shining down from above, lighting the open walls.The face on the lady was one of shock. She had quit screaming once she saw that Sal and Jude hadn't changed position, but were smiling at her. This was my cue."Hey, over here! Can you help me? I just had some simple questions for you. Please come here, I'd like to hear your thoughts and your story," I said, as enthusiastic as I could, given that I couldn't move anywhere safely on that narrow ledge.The lady glided towards me and again put the rose between her two hands. My asking questions, from what should have been a solid wall, really threw her off her game.She was puzzled, a slight frown on her face. "Why do you want to ask me questions? No one has ever wanted to know my opinion..."

"Something not right here," I stated the obvious."Looks like a trap," Sal returned.Bernie heard it first and ran toward John.That courageous dog knocked John down just as the incoming explosion hit.Sal got her shield up and I returned fire, giving them what they gave.Then it got quiet, too quiet.I turned around. Sal had tears coming down her face, and she didn't dare to let go of her shield. Bernie and John were both down, twisted on the ground and blood showed on both Bernie's fur coat and John's jacket. Who's blood, I couldn't tell from here.Only a split-second look. Because more incoming explosives filled the air around that dome."Jude?""Yes, Sal?""I've got to get these two out of here.""Go ahead. I'll be with you shortly."I felt them phase out.And then I let my anger out for real. Excerpt: John felt something out there. But he didn't worry about it. With Bernie standing guard, he knew any human soul approaching would be sensed before they could get within a hundred yards of his cabin.But what he felt wasn't human - or wasn't recently. And that is what got him up, out of his comfortable writing chair.Two steps and he was at the door. By reflex, he grabbed his ball-cap off the row of hooks near it.The summer moon shone brightly. And showed a reflective glint off all light-colored surfaces. The black-and-white border collie Bernie opened his eyes at the silent opening of that cabin door.John just nodded at him. So Bernie rose on his four legs and sniffed the air. His ears perked to detect any sound out of the ordinary hoo-hoo's of owls and scurrying feet of night creatures."What do you sense, Bernie?" John's thoughts sent clearly to the dog, a talent he'd been refining with someone nearby who could help him master it."Nothing. What did you feel?" The black-white collie still was at alert, all senses tracking anything out of the ordinary."A once-human. Someone I've met before." John looked first down the overgrown driveway and then to the cow-path trail some visitors liked to frequent.Bernie started, pointing his hears and eyes down that path. Then he relaxed, and smiled as he began panting. "Yes, they seem familiar. Not that we've met, but they know you."John relaxed, and came over to Bernie to scratch his back. And wait.Soon the moonlight showed two female forms coming down that wide cow-path. One tall and dark, the other shorter and dressed in a white, long gown. It would be some time before they got into enough light to make out their faces.The girl in white was being supported by the taller woman, as she having some difficulty walking.It wasn't Jude or Sal, thought John, as I'd recognize them by now - and they most often just shifted right inside the cabin or to the porch outside. Walking anywhere wasn't normal for them.This mystery pair stopped for a moment, as the smaller woman dressed in white seemed to crumple slightly. The tall woman bent to support her for the minute she needed, then they both straightened and continued toward us.John thought to turn on the porch light, but reconsidered. This nearly-full summer moon was more than enough, and the porch light would make everyone's eyesight limited if they did. Those two women were having enough trouble walking as it was, without having to peer at the path in front of them against the glare of the porch light....

In older days when people belonged to the land, two young girls found their power by becoming ghosts, then spirit guides. This is their origin-story...Their parents were serfs, and belonged to two different dukedoms. Falling in love endangered them both. Becoming pregnant with twins made this even worse.Their Dad had to raise them by himself, as Mother died shortly after birthing them. But her spirit remained on Earth to watch over them. Sal and Jude could see her, and knew their Dad could feel her presence. But the problem in survival was staying hidden, because they were on hunting land the King claimed as his own. And forces were at work to find them...Excerpt: We were both born as twins. But as you can see, we were never identical. Jude had black hair and I had blond. And our Da told us that we were more alike than not, otherwise. We liked to drink our milk and smile and gurgle. And neither of us cried much.But we didn't know our Ma much, well not at first. She caught a fever a few days after we were born and died soon after. Da was upset by this, but he often told us that our smiles and gurgles took all the pain away. That, and when he went out to hunt that night, he found a white and black spotted milk goat who had wandered off into the woods and was following him around as he tried to hunt. Her udders were full, and looked tight and painful to Da. So he took the goat home to us, so we could have some milk until he could find where she had wandered off from.It was that night where we saw our Ma again. She was smiling at us, and we smiled back. Da couldn't see her, so he didn't understand why we were so happy. But with full bellies, we went to sleep and Da milked the rest from that goat and put the milk into skins to make into cheese. Then he tethered the goat right outside the hut to graze.He never did find out who that goat belonged to. No farm around us was missing any. And we had that goat until we could eat solid food, Da said. And then it wandered off again one day. But it wasn't the last time both tame and wild life around our cabin would take care of us.We grew like sprouts, Da told us. Soon we were walking and getting into trouble. When he went off to hunt food for us to eat, he soon devised a system of tying us to opposite corners of the cabin, just long enough to not get us tangled with each other or anything else. Everything up and out of our reach, and secured so it couldn't fall on us.What he didn't know is that the mice and birds would come to entertain us while he was gone. We would hear symphonies by the birds, and watch balancing and tumbling acts by the mice. And we knew Da was close when they would combine the most dramatic action with the trilling accompaniment of the birds. And when the door opened, the birds and mice would vanish, leaving us smiling and clapping just as Da opened the door with some game he had caught.. . .In those days, the land wasn't owned by people, it was all property of the King or Queen or Prince, depending on who was in power when. And where the land was deeded to a local count or baron, the property title could be withdrawn at any time.People were property of the land. And were supposed to stay with it. Our family, our Da and Ma, were from two different deeds. They'd met at a trading festival and fell in love.Both Dukes wanted both of them, or would be just as happy to split them up so they could re-mate to someone else within the land deed they belonged to. But our parents eloped into hiding - and away from everyone they knew, to keep their families and themselves safe.When Ma found she was pregnant, that made the problem very serious. You can't split a child...

While these authors make writing seem effortless, it's always easier to read than write. And where these ideas come from is anyone's guess.All we can say is that we are blessed with their output.Along with Volume 11, we're wrapping up three new author's production this year.While we wrap up two series with the final installments of the Healers Chronicles and Walkaway Blues, we also start a new series with Corona-XI.Most of this volume has to do with building and completing the Saga or Erotika Jones series. All great mystery, adventure, and a little time travel.I hope you enjoy all these great stories. Excerpt:"REMIND ME, SAL, WHY we are here again?"Above us floated a massive mountain of rock, which was showering us at every small breeze with tiny stones and sand dust.Taking shelter in it's thin shade for some relief from the moderate heat of the endless Gobi desert on all sides, it made for a very uncomfortable position. Even though the desert was cool compared to the Sahara and others, sweat was still a given at this time of day. Along with the sandpaper bath.Sal just sat there on her own camel, dressed in her light brown caftan and matching turban, smiling at me like I'd just cracked a joke at my own expense."John, how many times can I say you're cute?'"If I tell you, will it get us on top of that big piece of rock - so we can start talking to the ghosts in charge of this mess?"She shook her head no. "Sorry, John. We're just waiting for someone to give us an invitation."I shrugged. "Someone we know, I hope?"The sand rumbled beneath our feet, and the camels got fidgety. I was used to writing books, walking pastures, tending quiet cattle on foot. Even my riding horses was a long time ago. But the past few days had gotten me used to these long-legged desert-beasts. Or so I thought. For me, a nervous camel just meant one thing: hang on for dear life.Right at that thought, a sand devil spun up between the two of us. At that, the camels calmed - not what I expected their reaction to be.A female figure emerged as the whirling sand died away. Long and flowing coal black hair with silver highlights framed a smiling face shining out above her timeless and young body - dressed today in a tan silk blouse tucked into British horse-cavalry pants and tall, brown leather boots. As if she'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine for desert tourists."Hi-ya John, Sal. Need a lift?"Anthology containing:Corona-Xi01 - Empress Oracle by S. H. Marpel, J. R. KruzeThe Saga of Erotika Jones 02 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Saga of Erotika Jones 03 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Saga of Erotika Jones 04 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Saga of Erotika Jones 05 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Saga of Erotika Jones 06 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Saga of Erotika Jones 07 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Saga of Erotika Jones 08 by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Healers Chronicles: Miracles - 03 by S. H. MarpelThe Case of the Walkaway Diner Redoux by S. H. MarpelScroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

"Well, this is curious - I've only got papers that say to take one of you."My two latest deaths stood in front of me."The other is supposed to keep on living. But here you both are."Neither spoke to volunteer which was which."So, you both intend to keep on living, in spite of my orders to take one of you."Silence signaled assent."You know that no one has ever cheated Death. Just because you have some spirit-guides looking out for you doesn't mean I won't end up with one - or even both of you."I tapped a long, bony finger."Or maybe all four of you, just to make it completely fair. Because the more those two gals are working to keep you both alive, the more they are just making a bargain with me."The two men standing there looked at each other.Then turned to me and shrugged. At the same time, like they'd rehearsed it."Alrighty, then. The Game is on. Let's see who can beat Death and keep living. It's like always - all or nothing."And I never lose..."This anthology contains: - The Healers Chronicles: Birthdays - 01 by S. H. Marpel- The Healers Chronicles: Origins - 02 by S. H. Marpel- Lazurai Homecoming by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel- When Death Lives Twice by S. H. MarpelExcerpt: JUDE AND I GOT RUSHED in here again last night.Because both our boys slipped under again. Flat-lining like before.Rochelle kept telling us we two sisters were doing great at nursing them, that there was nothing anyone else could do any better. But now each of us had only one duty right now - and that was to save the guy we were "assigned" to.We knew Rochelle had never seen anything like this before. Sure, she'd had people just give up and die on her. Especially when she couldn't get to them in time. Even after she'd brought them back to life once or twice or more.But under the care of a Lazurai healer, body death is extremely rare.Sure, they both had serious wounds when they came in. But those had all been patched. And there were only faint lines now where the jagged cuts had been repaired. In time, there wouldn't even be any scars to show. The surgery here was expert.Yet this was the third time both of us had to come in and stop the slide.And once we did, it left us both exhausted. Of course, it didn't help that we were either sleeping on hallway couches or a nearby wheeled gurney just to be on call.At least we had plenty of towels around to sob into when it got to be too much...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

The third collection of short stories by J. R. Kruze.Known for a unique take on common situations, and a dry wit, Kruze is also able to look at usual circumstances and see unusual aspects to write about. These stories will let you start wondering about the world around you.Mystery, fantasy, paranormal, romance and science fiction are a few of this mixed genre collection.Enjoy seeing your world through J. R. Kruze's eyes...This anthology contains: - The Girl Who Became Tomorrow by J. R. Kruze - The Autists: Brigitte by J. R. Kruze - Dark Lazurai by J. R. Kruze - The Girl Who Saved Tomorrow by J. R. Kruze - A Dog Named Kat by J. R. Kruze - The Saga of Erotika Jones 01 by J. R. Kruze - A World Gone Reverse by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel - The Arrivals by C. C. Brower, J. R. KruzeExcerpt:I TORE OFF THE HEADSET with it's VR goggles and earbuds. They skidded across my massive desk, scattering papers and files like a mini cyclone. Only stopping when they wrapped around the very solid, unmovable gray base of Lady Liberty.Someone had cast her as a thick bronze piece, originally created as a classless idea of a lamp support. I took out all that wiring and plugged that hole so she again stood for something. It's original message of friendship between two nations, united in the birth date of universal independence and freedom, had been altered by marketing to mean wanting "...huddled masses yearning to breathe free."But those weren't my favorite lines, which were at the beginning, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!"I stood at that thought, and walked over to the two walls of plate glass, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked that N'Yack harbor. Clear days would allow you to see that Gray Lady standing with her back to us, far out in the harbor.And my thoughts always went back to my own grandmother and her grandmother - who had started and fostered a lineage of independent geniuses, ones who kept that legacy of pushing forward the technologies of this culture.They didn't come here through that harbor, but instead were born and raised in the Heartland. Extreme geniuses with talent far beyond their time, education, and sex.Along with that natural-born freedom to think, to innovate, to create a better world than the one we each were born into.I brushed a black lock out of my eyes and swung the rest of that long dark mane out of my way. And put my arms akimbo as I stood there, defiant against the history that had brought me here to this point in time, this office.That's what I thought as I looked far out across that harbor, looking for the real Gray Lady out there.Not for long.Because right about the time of that thought, I got a blinding flash of intuition and my reflexes soared me into action. Literally.I ran, leaped, and flew across to the other side of my up-armored desk, where I landed and curled into a reverse-rolling ball of tucked knees and arms. A ball that bumped to a stop back under that tiny desk crawlspace.Just before the explosion blew what was left of those two glass corner walls out into the streets below. And ignited the rest of my former office into a fireball.At least that's what they later told me happened.Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

A collection of short stories from new voices - the cross-currents of mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and romance.Worlds new or perhaps re-visited - but only you will know if this is the stuff of dreams - or nightmares.Wolves that talk to nearly-extinct humans through their minds.Witches that not only represent the five elements, but also the five principles that can defeat all magic.Goddesses who have to work together to defeat a priestess who has mastered social media, and is threatening to use it to zombify the world.How an angel regained her lost wings by finding her true self.A female mechanical genius escapes her failure by learning the finer points of marketing - and its key single core basic.Satire that bites a little close to the truth of our modern times - the political theatre that turns deadly - and a woman witness who profits from her mis-statements about abuse, but loses all trust of the people around her...Anthology containing:When the Crow Calls by C. C. BrowerWitch Coven Harvest by S. H. MarpelFreed by S. H. MarpelThe Alepha Solution by S. H. MarpelGaia by S. H. MarpelA Case of Missing Wings by S. H. Marpel & J. R. KruseThe Case of the Naughty Nightmare by J. R. KruseOn Love's Edge by J. R. KruseSynco (TM) by J. R. Kruze & R. L. SaundersThe Girl Who Built Tomorrow by J. R. KruzeBeltway Gremlin by R. L. SaundersThe Lonely Witness by R. L. SaundersThis massive collection of over 400 pages can keep you enthused and distracted for hours.And the ideas in these stories keep re-writing the stories in between your readings. A near-infinite resource to keep your entertained indefinitely (well, together with the earlier four volumes...)Scroll up and Get Your Copy Now.

2020 was a year none of us will soon forget, but we'd rather...At least we have some decent fiction - fantasies and mysteries in exotic surroundings as well as the ordinary.Our latest anthology of this year's works has all of these in a single volume. And we collect the last of this election year's artistic output into this single volume.Of course, we also have a little satire, with a president making his appearance in two of our stories. And while his opponent didn't appear, the riots did. Even our authors are not immune to being inspired by the reported events, though I can assure you none of them were ever in personal danger from these or that pesky virus which only spread worse the more you tried to lock it down...And that sounds like some editor should put a bug in one of their ears with a new idea for a story.For now, I'll leave you to this marvelous collection of these New Voices stories.Excerpt: THE SMALL TWIN-ENGINE plane rocked in the sudden thunder storm, lightning flashed outside. Cabin lights flickered on and off. Along with the sky flashes exposing the passenger's drawn faces to alternate pitch black and brilliant white.Besides the pilot and the stewardess, the only occupants in the rocking craft were a man, his very pregnant wife, and an attending doctor.In the midst of the thunder and whining engines, A cry rang out, then another.Two young children entered this world inside that small airplane.In the next minute, that craft pitched forward, pushing all the occupants against their seats. The husband and wife each holding tight onto one child each, while the doctor grasped his black medical bag to his chest with one hand, and the arm of his chair with the other - both hands white from a straining grip.Seconds turned into eternity as the plane plummeted through the flashing clouds.In the cockpit, the pilot was furiously working to level out the plane at least into a gliding pattern. All by brute force of his straining arms, legs, and back. At his side, strapped into the co-pilot seat, the stewardess was working through the re-start sequence to get the engines powered again, to get the hydraulics and electrical working once more.With her practiced moves, any observer could see they had been through similar scenes before. Their quick, sure actions coming from repetitive training and sheer muscle-memory - despite the steep angle of descent and the continual rocking that shook the craft.At last, the engines caught again, and lights flickered back on in the cabin. Thrusting the throttle full forward, the young woman in the co-pilot seat then helped the straining pilot pull back on the shared yoke of that plane, using the controls on her half of the small cockpit.They got their too-rapid descent back under control only a few thousand feet above the storm-whipped waves. There the clouds left them as a retreating ceiling, and they were now below the cloud-to-cloud lightning. As the pilot pulled the throttle back to a more normal speed for the new conditions, the stewardess patted his shoulder. "I'd give you a kiss, lover, but I need to check on our guests."Anthology containing: The Autists: Jenna by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelIdylls of a Lazurai by S. H. Marpel, J. R. KruzeRiot Wall by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersThe Eye In Team by J. R. Kruze, S. H. MarpelThe Case of the Tenacious Typist by S. H. Marpel, J. R. KruzeThe Girl Who Believed Tomorrow by J. R. KruzeThe Projector by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersThe Panic of 2020 by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersDoppel by S. H. Marpel, R. L. SaundersScroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

"Something's not right here," I stated the obvious."Looks like a trap," Sal returned.Bernie heard it first and ran toward John.That courageous dog knocked John down just as the incoming explosion hit.Sal got her shield up and I returned fire, giving them what they gave.Then it got quiet, too quiet.I turned around. Sal had tears coming down her face, and she didn't dare to let go of her shield. Bernie and John were both down, twisted on the ground and blood showed on both Bernie's fur coat and John's jacket. Who's blood, I couldn't tell from here.Only a split-second look. Because more incoming explosives filled the air around that dome."Jude?""Yes, Sal?""I've got to get these two out of here.""Go ahead. I'll be with you shortly."I felt them phase out.And then I let my anger out for real.This anthology contains: - When Death Died by S. H. Marpel- When Death Lives Twice by S. H. Marpel- The Case of the Time Bent Beau by S. H. Marpel- The Case of the Walkaway Diner Redoux by J. R. Kruze, S. H. Marpel- Walkaway Redemption by S. H. Marpel- Felicity by S. H. Marpel- NaN by J. R. Kruze- Wolver's Village by C. C. Brower, S. H. Marpel- The Healers Chronicles: Birthdays - 01 by S. H. Marpel- The Healers Chronicles: Origins - 02 by S. H. MarpelExcerpt: John felt something out there. But he didn't worry about it. With Bernie standing guard, he knew any human soul approaching would be sensed before they could get within a hundred yards of his cabin.But what he felt wasn't human - or wasn't recently. And that is what got him up, out of his comfortable writing chair.Two steps and he was at the door. By reflex, he grabbed his ball-cap off the row of hooks near it.The summer moon shone brightly. And showed a reflective glint off all light-colored surfaces. The black-and-white border collie Bernie opened his eyes at the silent opening of that cabin door.John just nodded at him. So Bernie rose on his four legs and sniffed the air. His ears perked to detect any sound out of the ordinary hoo-hoo's of owls and scurrying feet of night creatures."What do you sense, Bernie?" John's thoughts sent clearly to the dog, a talent he'd been refining with someone nearby who could help him master it."Nothing. What did you feel?" The black-white collie still was at alert, all senses tracking anything out of the ordinary."A once-human. Someone I've met before." John looked first down the overgrown driveway and then to the cow-path trail some visitors liked to frequent.Bernie started, pointing his hears and eyes down that path. Then he relaxed, and smiled as he began panting. "Yes, they seem familiar. Not that we've met, but they know you."John relaxed, and came over to Bernie to scratch his back. And wait.Soon the moonlight showed two female forms coming down that wide cow-path. One tall and dark, the other shorter and dressed in a white, long gown. It would be some time before they got into enough light to make out their faces...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

"It was a dark and stormy night, and everyone was sitting around the glowing fireplace, safe and warm against the raging weather outside. Someone said, 'John, tell us a story.' So John began..."The story "Ghost Hunters" started a series with two spirit-guides recruiting the human John Earl Stark, a mystery writer and part-time cattle farmer.Since that humble beginning, an expanding team of spirit-guides and even goddesses have joined the Library in its mission to help ghosts and other beings in trouble - to solve their own mysteries.And then John writes up their stories all as fiction - because no one would believe these tales otherwise.But the stage was set from that first book - that all beings should be treated with respect, and the way to solve a mystery is to get the story told.This second canon is part of a complete first collection of 38 stories that enlighten, entertain, and inspire readers over and over. Because they are written simply, and not as throwaway fiction, but stories that you get something new from on each reading. Mysteries that seem to be re-writing themselves in between readings - because they change the reader with the ideas in them.And after his first two years of writing, this author shows no signs of slowing down his prolific output.The first half is pretty straight forward if you stick to reading them in sequence. So - that is what's recommended.With these collections, reading is simpler. This second canon picks up where the first left off. This is now be your next assignment. It's on you if you read out of order.Never before published into single volumes, these stories wiil leave you wondering why no one has treated ghosts like this before. But then, if you were in their shoes, wouldn't you appreciate such treatment?Yes, even if you're a goddess. Those, too.This canon contains: - Ghost Hunters Anthology 05 -- The Training: Tess -- The Training: Sylvie -- The Training: Star -- The Training: Mysti - Ghost Hunters Anthology 06 -- Clocktower Mystery -- Ghost of the Machine -- Finding Grace -- The Mystery of Meri -- Time Bent - Ghost Hunters Anthology 07 -- A World Gone Reverse -- The Faith of Jude -- A Very Thin Line -- Dark Lazurai -- Lilly Lee - Ghost Hunters Anthology 08 -- Hermione -- When Cats Rules -- A Case of Lost Time -- Enemies & Bookends -- The Tao of MystiScroll Up and Get Your Copy Now

A Sorceress appeared after being imprisoned for 12,000 years.To escape, she tricked the oldest goddess still remaining on earth, and crippled another one shortly after.Now the Ghost Hunters have to solve a problem they helped create. One who was more powerful than any they had faced to date.Individually, she could probably destroy any one of them. Only working together as a team could she be stopped.The trick was - she was building her own team.One that could enslave the Western world in a single afternoon of app updates...This anthology contains: - The Case of the Sunken Spirit - Harpy Redux - The Harpy Saga: Sister MineExcerpt:The circle around us started moving toward one of the offices. At least it was well-lit and somewhat clean compared to most of the rest of the warehouse. As we got closer to the machine, I could feel its operation through the spell that was on me. Meaning this was an active spell in operation. Maybe even drawing more of Alepha's powers. One could only hope.A form blocked the doorway and cast a long shadow in our direction. The phalanx of armed flunkies around us opened up to a semi-circle, blocking any escape, but letting whoever it was to see us. As she strode closer, the light evened out - it was Alepha.Flowing yellow robes covered her legs and arm, right up to a long v-notch down her front that started from the points of each shoulder and trailed below, past her navel. Gold trim everywhere, form-fitting and little left to the imagination. White-blond hair what was piled up on her head behind some sort of gold tiara, with earrings that dripped down to her bare shoulders. Even her fingernails were covered in gold - and trimmed to points like claws. Anything a guy would stop to drool over, and a woman would want to have a dress and get-up like that hanging in her own closet.To be sure, I took mental notes, as did John. (But his excuse, other than being a red-blooded male, was that he would need to write this up later as a another mystery-adventure story.)"So, you survived, Harpy? So sad for you. Curse for the rest of eternity with your affliction." She gestured and I was flooded with pain, making me sink to my knees. John followed me down, to make sure I didn't collapse.John whispered to me, "Are you going to be OK?" I nodded, but winked at him. The one communication that Alesha couldn't understand."Aren't you just a tortured soul, that you have to inflict pain to get your bennies." John was a bit caustic."Careful, John. Don't wear out your welcome all at once. Human lives aren't too important to me that I'd want to prolong yours - even if you think you can just throw it away by coming here to get some relief for your friend." At that she demonstrated by making a gesture toward one of our guards, who simply turned to a small pile of dust. His weapon clattered on the concrete warehouse floor for someone else to pick up, along with any other metal items if they wanted.That crowd around us didn't flinch at that. Their mono-colored eyes and lack of reaction probably meant they were living zombies - slaves inside their own skins. And again, meaning a sizable power at work keeping them that way...Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Now.

I was Queen of the World. Until I wasn't. One moment I was in chains and bleeding, the next I was fine - but dressed in red.Someone had played a dirty trick on me. They'd dressed me in a red cartoon outfit - like a Queen. But not my usual goth black.And I also couldn't get out of it. Buttons too high on my back. Hoops and petticoats I couldn't reach under to get free of.Someone was going to pay for this.That little Sue Regniald was the last person I'd seen. And here she comes now.Are you kidding me? She's got a baby-blue fluffy dress, white apron, red sash around her middle, a blue ribbon in her blond hair - where have I seen that?NO. We're in Looking-glass Land! Like I said - somebody's going to pay...Excerpt:I ran at Sue to knock her down.Or tried to, anyway.These hoops and petticoats made running extremely difficult. I had to use both hands to hold them up away from my feet front and back. But those hands were the ones I wanted around Sue's throat.Nobody, but nobody ever treated me this way.On top of that, she was uphill from me, and it was all grassy. My flat, squared-off shoes didn't seem to have any tread to them, and the grass juice made things slick real fast.She was just standing there, with the light wind swishing her fluffy blue dress and white apron. Her long, wavy, blond hair was somehow keeping out of her eyes - that blue satin ribbon was doing the trick. Like that red sash around her waist was keeping her dress and apron in some sort of order..But her smile was the most irritating of all.As ticked off as she made me, my top speed - with all this buffoon-wear I was lugging around - ended up only as a fast walk.Not that any of this helped my temper. But the amount of work it took to get that fast walk left me out of breath and sweaty.Sue just watched from up there with her innocent smile.But I was determined.I slogged on as I could, while she just waited.At last I was within arm's reach and she simply stepped out of the way - and tripped me.Flat on my face. Again.At least this time she didn't put her knee into my back and chain my arms together. And I didn't get any split lip or bloody nose.Soft grass is better than landing on hard, tiled floor.Rolling over is easier in hoops, though.I only saw Sue's face again, more concerned than trying to rub salt in the wound. And just got my elbows up underneath me and looked back at her."Why'd you have to trip me?""Because it was a quick way of ending your silly parade. You'd have to catch your breath that way and think things over."She was right about that. This meant a lot more strategy."Well? Aren't you going to help me up?""I don't think so. Not because it isn't the polite thing to do, but you really haven't cooled off yet. You'd just pull me down on you somehow and we'd wrestle around on this grass until I hurt you again. Meanwhile, I'd get grass stains on this pretty dress."So, she saw through that tactic.Scroll Up and Get Your Copy Today.