Silent Payback Book Launch by Jaye Marie.

October 23, 2019October 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome Jaye Marie to my blog today. She is introducing her new book and is here to let you know it is available.

Silent PayBack Book Description

A city on edge – a detective on shaky ground…

A serial killer roams the streets of Brighton, hunting for his next victim.

When the case lands on detective David Mallory’s desk, will his personal demon prevent him from bringing this vicious monster to justice?

As the body count rises, Mallory finds himself sinking under the weight of his heavy secret – one that could jeopardise his job and his reputation.

With the pressure building, can the troubled detective reconcile his issues and solve the case, before more women die?

About Jaye

Jaye Marie is affectionately known as the giant redwood, probably because she is very tall, but also because of her love for trees. Most afternoons she can be found repotting or taking care of her bonsai collection, but her love of detective mysteries soon brings her back indoors. She has written three fiction novels in this genre, Nine Lives, Out of Time and Crossfire and is looking forward to publishing Silent Payback, her fourth book.

She spends any free time learning everything she can about self-publishing, and despite all the obstacles, she never gives up on anything and is as stubborn as a mule. She also shares a website http://jenanita01.com with Anita Dawes…

Jaye’s Links

e-mails jayemarie01@btinternet.com

website https://jenanita01.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/jaydawes2

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doubletrouble44/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6586480.anita_dawes

Amazon UK: amzn.to/2p4xxzg and US: amzn.to/2LXHgjO

Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jaye-Marie/e/B00O2ZUFOK/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/anitajayedawes

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jenanita01/

Medium https://medium.com/@jaydawes2

If you would like to follow her schedule here is the Twitter line-up

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #234 by Keith Channing

October 22, 2019October 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

In Keith’s words, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #234

“You are growing very sleepy.”

“Huh?”

“Look into my eyes and concentrate.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“Hypnotize you, of course.”

“Well, that’s not going to happen. I read where you have to be a willing subject to be hypnotized.”

“Not willing necessarily. Just dumb enough to fall for it.”

“Well, you will never get me to fall for it after that statement.”

“Wanna bet?”

“No, I don’t. Bt the way what happened to your owner. He looks knocked out.”

“Oh, nothing. I just put a spell on him. He’s in a deep trance. I will wake him up in time for dinner, though.”

“You are really delusional. He’s just taking a nap.”

“Yeah, watch this. When I say so, you will cluck like a chicken. Cluck.”

“I’m waiting.”

“Maybe he didn’t hear me. CLUCK.”

“Still nothing. I think you would do well to let him nap.”

“So, look into my eyes.”

“Yes, master.”

“You are very sleepy.”

“Very sleepy, master.”

“When I say so, you will moo like a cow. Okay, Percy. Moo like a cow.”

“Moo.”

“Now, when I say so, you will wake up and remember nothing. Wake up.”

“Wow, where was I?”

“Under my spell.”

“You sure?”

“I had you moo like a cow.”

“Well, that doesn’t prove anything. I am a cow. besides, I was messing with you. Oh, look, your boss is waking up.”

“TREVOR. WHAT IS THIS COW DOING IN THE LIVING ROOM?”

“I’m leaving Trevor. Good luck with the explanation.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Parachute Jump in 1797

October 21, 2019October 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

First parachute jump

This week marks the anniversary of the first successful parachute descent is made by Andre-Jacqes Garnerin, who jumps from a balloon at some 2,200 feet over Paris in 1797. There are two reasons we have to go there. 1. Tiny already caught a time capsule there. 2. Andrew Joyce, the very talented writer, and history buff had me tied up in his garage until I agreed to do a post on the jump. So for us not to make a mistake that could cause a tear in the time continuum and so that I don’t end up back in Andrew’s garage, here is a list of ten things not to do when we go there.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Parachute Jump in 1797.

10 If you go to the jump, do not ask Andre-Jacqes if you can go tandem. If you do, at best, he’ll laugh you off. At worst, he will think you are trying to steal his thunder. (That glove slap to the face means you better start practicing your swordsmanship, Jarl. Of course, you could pray he forgets about it. Likely? Not.)

9 If you go to the jump, do not try to convince Tiny the WWF champ that you can take over holding his balloon tie-down ropes. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t understand your request. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped the last seven anger management group sessions, will not give you the rope without a fight. (You better worry about that rope around your ankle, Jarrad. Your weight isn’t enough to keep the balloon on the ground. So as you dangle from one leg at 2000 feet, you might contemplate this. Does Tiny really know how to tie a knot that holds?)

8 If you go to the jump, do not start taking bets on whether or not old Andre-Jacqes will make it. If you do, at best, Andre-Jacqes will not find out about it. At worst, Andre-Jacques’ brother will make a bet that he won’t. (Now you’ve caused a family incident, Jarran. Here comes Andre-Jacques now. I see he has a glove in his hand. Might be time to go.)

7 If you go to the jump, do not offer to pack Andre-Jacqes’ chute. If you do, at best, he will ignore you. At worst, he’ll let you do it. (Funny how that thing looked like a trail of smoke when he let go of the balloon, Jarrell. The sad thing, it never opened. Oh, well, there is always next time.)

6 If you go to the jump, do not ask Andre-Jacqes to unfold your sweetheart proposal flag on the way down. If you do, at best, he’ll say no. At worst, he’ll agree. (Just your luck, Jase. There are at least four women in the spectator area named Noelle. Good luck on the breach of promise lawsuits not to mention the father’s blunderbusses)

5 If you go to the jump, do not ask the balloon pilot if he knows the color of his balloon. If you do, at best he will be too busy to answer. At worst, he’ll think you are making a joke about his balloon. (As you may know, Jaspar, Frenchmen do not take lightly jokes by Americans. I don’t think this one gets it for sure.)

4 If you go to the jump, do not try to get Andre-Jacqes to yell Geronimo when he jumps out of the balloon. If you do, at best, he’ll have no idea what you are talking about. At worst, he too will think you are joking, Jaxon. Don’t look now, but that guy in the top hat is the second coming to ask which weapon you would like to use. Here’s a hit. Tell him death by pillows.)

3 If you go to the jump, do not suggest that Andre-Jacqes should have his parachute made out of silk by Hermes. If you do, at best, he will assume you don’t know what you are talking about. At worse, he will place an order for the parachute. ( Now you are in a pickle, Jaydee. You weren’t aware that Hermes was founded in 1837. How you going to deliver a parachute tomorrow when the manufacturer won’t be in business for 40 years? You got any silkworms?)

2 If you go to the jump, do not ask Andre-Jacqes to wear your Go Lafayette sweatshirt for the stunt. If you do, at best he’ll decline. At worst, he will accept your gift. (Given the amount of angst around the support of the American revolution that shirt could cause a definite crowd reaction, Jayme. I’m not talking positive either. Can you say Guillotine?)

1 If you go to the jump, do not ask for an order of french fries at the local food tent. If you do, at best, you’ll have a thicker potato that’s been fried. At worst, the order taker won’t understand you and will alert the chef. (Here we go, Jayson. You got the big guy with the butcher knife all hot and bothered. I would hit the road if I were you.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Rough Hollow Yacht Club

October 20, 2019October 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

I wandered over to the Rough Hollow Yacht Club just to see how the other half lives. I must say the place is beautiful. Here are some photos.

While walking toward the view, the restaurant is on your left. Pretty nice outdoor/indoor space.

Just past the restaurant, there is this view of the yacht basin.

Another shot from “on top” of the marina. All the slips are covered.

As you look out to the yacht basin, to your right across from the restaurant is the pool and athletic club. The athletic club is behind the palms.

This is the incline track that has two cars to take you down to the docks.

Straight ahead is the yacht club office and general store.

Here is a shot looking back up the stairs to the top of the incline. I wouldn’t want to walk those.

A photo of the fish around the pilings.

A whole rack of jet skis and a view of the covered slips.

A photo of the furthermost docks.

A fueling station with a warning. Gas fumes collect below decks during the fueling process, and a spark from the ignition system could set them off. There are pumps on boats that ventilate the below-deck area. This sign is a reminder to run the pumps.

More slips.

Another view of the incline.

A list of activities available at the club. I hope you enjoyed the visit.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Oh”

October 19, 2019October 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

Oh, my goodness, it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this week’s prompt is “oh.” It has been so much easier to let Linda Hill explain the prompt, so here are her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “oh.” Use it as a word or find a word that starts with “oh.” Bonus points if you start and end with “oh.” Enjoy!”

Now you can see why I started the post with “oh.” I’m saving up for a Bentley Turbo Convertable, and I’m pretty close. The bonus points from this post should put me over. If you would like to participate in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to accumulate bonus points. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Oct. 19/19

“Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day. I have a wonderful feeling everything’s going my way.”

“I guess it’s Saturday.”

“How did you know other than the obvious of knowing where you are which with you is sketchy at best.”

“You are using a prompt word, I’m sure. I can always tell when you break into song. What show is that song in?”

“Oklahoma. Premiered on Broadway in 1943.”

“They made a movie of it too, didn’t they?”

“Yeah, in 1955.”

“So what does this have to do with Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“Oh, we are supposed to come up with using oh or a word that starts with oh.”

“Oh. What the heck words start with, oh?”

“Ohmmeter is one.”

“Yeah, you can build a story around that, I’m sure. Any more?”

“All obscure. Nothing to work with.”

So you are going with Beautiful Morning,?”

“Oh, yes, I am.”

“How about Ohio. You could talk endlessly about that.”

“Yeah, I could. The state, Ohio. The greeting in Japanese, Ohio.”

“Not to mention the Ohio River.”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“We should quit now and get a beer.”

“Yeah, what beer?”

“Oh-J double IPA from Portland, Maine.”

“You looked that up, didn’t you?”

“Oh, my. Trapped like a rat.”

“Dishonest rat at that.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

“It’s Friday, Boss.”
“Yeah, time for pizza.”

Friday has arrived as it does each week typically. The prospect of spending a couple of days catching our breath makes Friday a particular day. I used to call it Saturday eve when I was a prisoner of organized commerce. Friday was the day to put on casual clothes and take a little extra time at lunch. Friday was also the day when company re-organizations would take place and thus became a “day of the long knives.” Even if this were the case, Friday was also the day the eagle pooped. Yeah, payday. Payday was a cause to stop after work for a couple of drinks and to celebrate making it another week, bi-week or in the old days, month.

I once asked one of my co-workers if he would like to stop after work for a couple of drinks. He said, “If I can only have a couple, then no.” He was one of those funny guys that every office has on hand.

This week was more editing on the WIP. As I was working, it became apparent to me that my deadline was in serious jeopardy. I had planned to have the MS into my editor’s hands by early November. This would have included beta reader input.

I find that my second draft is taking me longer. I did beg my editor for more time since I hate to send her an MS that isn’t as complete as I can make it. The beta read part of that is essential. If I sent it without input from beta readers, then there would be a chance of another rewrite, which would then be a waste of the editor’s time. So I pushed the launch and will be ready to solicit beta readers shortly. (My editor is an angel) If you would like to read the book, I will be posting an invitation separately.

Today’s JohnKu celebrates the weekend. I hope you have a good one.

It was a hard one,

Now that the week is over. . .

Time to celebrate.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s New Toy

October 17, 2019October 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

“So Twiggy. What do you have there?”

“A new toy.”

“Geez. I wonder where mine is?”

“You can play with mine.”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t look big enough for two.”

“No, it’s not. But we can take turns.”

“Yeah, I think that would work.”

“Its name is Starfish. It has a squeaker too.”

“Okay, now it’s your turn.”

“You sure?”

“Sure, I’m sure. You go ahead. Take it for a ride.”

“You know this is my nap time.”

“Yeah, I didn’t pay attention to the time.”

” How about you play with it for a while? I’ll call you.”

Okay then, Lucy. You have a nice nap, and I’ll go play.”

“Uh-huh. Good deal. Snozzzzzzz.”

🎶”Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are.”🎶

🎶”Laying in the sea so low. Watching the tides come and go.”🎶

🎶”I think you would rather be. With your pals in the deep blue sea.”🎶

“Twiggy?”

“Yes, Lucy.”

“I would leave the singing to Taylor Swift.”

“Hedgehog likes it.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 16, 2019October 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Think it’s Friday yet, Lucy?”
“Hit the snooze. It’s just Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, Larry and Andrew had a bizarre meeting with the Assistant DA Taggert. He apologized for treating our heroes like criminals, gave Larry back his gun, and then more or less left them to fend for themselves. Well, I see that they are in the car so let’s go and maybe we can collect some intel.

“So, you had a question while we were in Taggert’s office?”

“I did, Larry.”

“Let’s have it.”

“Don’t you think that guy was a little too casual with us.”

“What do you mean?”

“He strolls into his office, says an ‘I’m sorry,’ and then shoos us on our way.”

“Well, what’s you expect a cake or something?”

“No, but I thought he would give us some specific help. You know, like, ‘Let me get a couple of officers to help you in your investigation,’ kind of help.”

“You expect too much out of people. He was just glad to have us out of his office.”

“I hope that is all it was.”

“You worry too much. Here we are at the Hyatt.”

“I know I worry too much, but I can’t help it. Okay, what’s the plan here?”

“We go inside and ask to speak to the manager. We lay. The search warrant on him and then ask to see the registration records.”

“Sounds pretty straightforward to me. Let’s go.”

“Let me do the talking.”

“Always do. That’s how we get into trouble.”

“Yeah, very funny. Let’s go to the front desk over there.”

“Lead on my liege.”

“Yes, sir, how can I help you?”

“We would like to speak with the manager of the hotel.”

“Is there a problem, sir?”

“No problem, and I would appreciate your help in having the manager step out here. I’m a detective with the Boston Police department on official business. Here are my credentials.”

“Yes, sir. One moment sir.”

“Way to go on the Bogart, Larry.”

“I don’t need to waste words on a front desk clerk, Andrew. Here comes someone who looks like they are going to be a pain in the ass.”

“Be nice, Larry.”

“Yes, sir. My name is Wentworth, and I’m the senior manager. What seems to be the problem?”

“There is no problem, Wentworth. We just need to see some registration records.”

“Well sir I’m sorry, but registration records are confidential¾”

“I don’t mean to interrupt, Wentworth, but this warrant says otherwise.”

“Hmmm. I see this warrant authorizes a Detective Dunfee to view the registration records any time before eight Pm tonight.”

“Correct. So let’s go to where ever the records are and take a look.”

“Are you Detective Dunfee?”

“Yes, I am. Here are my credentials.”

“Yes, sir. Can you wait a minute? I will need to counsel with our attorney.”

“What do you mean by a minute? I would hate to see you in contempt of that order.”

“I just need to make a phone call. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. In the meantime, may I offer you some coffee?”

“I would love a coffee.”

“Very well. Let’s go to our executive office. We have coffee there. I will excuse myself and make the call from my office.”

“That’s fine. Lead the way.”

“Yes, sir. Right, this way. It is a short walk down the hall.”

“Larry, a word?”

“Yes, Andrew? Uh, Wentworth. Could you give us a minute?”

“Yes, sir. I go to the executive office door and wait for you.”

“What is it, Andrew?”

“This guy could drag his feet and take it beyond the eight o’clock cut off.”

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. We have served the warrant. If he delays too long, I’m sure we can threaten obstruction of justice of something. I may even pull my gun. I’m getting pretty sick of these runarounds. Thanks for the warning, though. Let’s catch up to old Wentworth and have a nice cup of joe.”

“Good idea. And Larry?”

“What, Andrew?”

“Thanks for listening. You’ve been a peach.”

“Might not last, but I appreciate your counsel.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #233 by Keith Channing

October 15, 2019October 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo ( below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo

“What was that?”

“What?”

“That noise.”

I didn’t hear anything.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Sounded like a bomb went off.”

“There are no bombs around here.”

“Okay, maybe not a bomb but an explosion at the very least.”

“Okay, I’ll get up and investigate. Turn on the light will ya?”

“There. Watch those stairs.”

“I’m going to look out the bathroom window. I’m not going downstairs.”

“What do you see?”

“Looks like the neighbors behind us are having a barbeque.”

“What do you mean? Its five o’clock in the morning. Come back in here.”

“I’m just saying they have the whole sky lit up with their fire.”

“Let me have a look. I’ll be right back.”

“You’ll see.”

“Goodness. I think they have the whole neighborhood on fire.”

“Must be expecting a pretty big turnout.”

“We have to do something.”

“Like what?”

“Call the police or fire department.”

“I think you are right. Serves em right for not inviting us to the party. I wonder what they were going to serve. Brisket I’m guessing.”

“The fire department is on its way.”

“I’ll bet they would have had sweet corn too.”

“Will you please stop.”

“And ice-cold beer.”

“I don’t think it was a party.”

“You are just saying that since we weren’t invited.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Laying of the White House Cornerstone in 1792

October 14, 2019October 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Yes, this week marks the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the White House by George Washington in 1792. I’m sure you want to be there, but before you go, take this list and maybe avoid making social or time travel mistakes.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Laying of the Cornerstone of the White House in 1792

10 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not think the silver trowel is a souvenir. If you do, at best, a kindly George Washington will ask you to put it back. At worst, the Navy men in attendance who are also celebrating the founding of the Navy will help you put it back. (It seems as if those Navy boys have had a little too much rum, Jakome. They are serious about your yardarm swing.)

9 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not sit in Tiny the WWF champ’s seat. If you do, at best, he will find another. At worst, Tiny, who missed his Anger Management support group that morning, will not be able to control himself. (If you can hold on for another minute, Jalen, Tiny will grow tired of spinning you around above his head. Of course, your landing after that helicopter experience might be a little rough.)

8 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not carry a sign that says, “Federalists Suck.” If you do, at best, the Federalists will think you are joking. At worst, It will be assumed that you do not support the constitution. ( You’ve done it now, Jamael. You have all those burley revolutionary veterans ready to run you out of town. )

7 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask Alexander Hamilton for tickets to his show. If you do, at best, he’ll wonder what show? At worst, he’ll have Aaron Burr meet you at dawn. ( Do not go through with the duel, Jamison. That guy knows his way around a flintlock. I’ll bet you have much to learn.)

6 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask Washington what he thinks of “the wall.” If you do, at best, he’ll talk about clearing rocks out of the fields at Mount Vernon. At worst, when you describe what you are asking, he will have you committed. (You knew that that was a non-subject, Jamshid. Gotta wonder why you would go there?)

5 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not expect to find a Starbucks right next door. If you do, at best you can handle disappointment. At worst, your caffeine cravings will get the best of you. (There was no reason to yell at that sweet old lady when she couldn’t tell you where the nearest Starbucks was, Jantzen. Now you have that big soldier over there looking crossly at you.)

4 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask for directions to the Washington monument. If you do, at best, someone will point to George. At worst, whoever you ask will begin to suspect you are not from around there. (Since the monument was not started until 1848, Janyd, you are going to gather a crowd who may not like your story of time travel.)

3 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask about the Secret Service protecting the President. If you do, at best, no one will care. At worst, you might be asked why you think the President needs protecting? (Since the Secret Service was not established until 1865, Japhet those police officers are wondering why you are so concerned. Maybe time to leave.)

2 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not ask the architect why he forgot a fence? If you do, at best he’ll tell you there is no need since the President doesn’t keep cows. At worst, the idea will get passed around, and someone will suggest one be put in. (In effect you caused a time tear, Jarah since Thomas Jefferson helped build one in 1801)

1 If you go to the cornerstone laying, do not offer to help carry the stone. If you do, at best, it will arrive in one piece. At worst, it was a little heavier than you thought, and now it is laying in two chunks on the ground. (Yeah, I would say it is time to run not walk to the time machine, Jari. I think your work is done here plus there about 200folks who would love to wring your neck.)