Mitty hits the blues circuit with his “partner in chime,” Pete Bolden, and rounds up a posse disguised as a blues band. They gig the juke joints and blues bars throughout Southeast Texas and Louisiana, hoping to uncover the truth about Bobby T’s death. It doesn’t take long for Mitty to figure out that Bobby T just might be the latest in a decades-long string of serial murders aimed at eliminating “those who play the Devil’s music.”
Now Mitty must race against the clock to put an end to the madness before another harmonica player succumbs to a deranged psychopath who has managed to avoid capture for far too long.
“River Bottom Blues is a fast paced mystery of murder and the blues.” — James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review, June 2012 Small Press Watch
“If you love blues as much as you love your crime fiction, this debut novel by Ricky Bush is one to look out for.” — Crime Fiction Lovers
“Not only were the stakes high, but the characters were interesting and memorable. The climax, just like with any great murder mystery, was hectic and nervewrecking. All in all, I found River Bottom Blues an enjoyable read.” — Tiffany Cole, Reader’s Den
Preview the first four chapters for free at
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The Devil’s Blues
by Ricky Bush
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-22-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-23-7
When the best blues harp customizer in Texas rushes up the steps of the First Christian Church, he finds the doors have been chained shut. A massive explosion sends him to a Houston hospital where he is charged with the murder of the entire congregation—including his wife and daughter.
Enter Mitty Andersen, ex-investigative reporter turned blues musician, who was talking to him about a new harmonica order just before the church blew up. Sensing that an innocent man is being railroaded by an overzealous lawman, Mitty once again teams up with his “partner in chime,” Pete Bolden, to find out who’s really behind a string of church bombings.
In their quest for justice, the duo form an uneasy alliance with two ATF agents and soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a secret anti-Christian paramilitary organization known as S.O.S.: the Soldiers of Satan. Can Mitty and Pete dodge the wrath—and bullets—of the S.O.S. operatives long enough to stop the next bombing?
This thrilling sequel to River Bottom Blues lives up to the first book and leaves you hoping for another one!
“An old-fashioned romp through the Texas countryside pitting good against evil. Evil masquerades in black & white, but good is found in bluesmen Mitty Andersen and Pete Bolden—for whom friendship is golden. If you’re a blues fan, you’ll love how the musical references are interwoven in the story. If you’re not, you’ll get enough blues in your blood by osmosis to change your mind.” — James M. Jackson, author, Bad Policy
“Blues and crime make pitch-perfect partners once again thanks to the talented pen of Ricky Bush. Turn the lights down low, put on some blues even lower, and lose yourself in The Devil’s Blues.” —P.S. Gifford, author, Curiously Twisted Tales
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Speaking of Murder
by Tace Baker
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-47-3
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-51-0
The murder of a talented student at a small New England college thrusts linguistics professor Lauren Rousseau into the search for the killer. Lauren is a determined Quaker with an ear for accents. Her investigation exposes small town intrigues, academic blackmail and a clandestine drug cartel that now has its sights set on her.
Convinced that the key to the crime lies hidden in her dead student’s thesis, Lauren races to solve the mystery while an escalating trail of misfortune circles ever closer. Her department chair behaves suspiciously. A century-old local boat shop is torched. Lauren’s best friend goes missing—and the unsettled relationship with her long-time lover threatens to implode just when she needs him the most.
Speaking of Murder was first runner up for the Linda Howard Award for Excellence in March of 2012.
“Entertaining, innovative and suspenseful, this charming traditional mystery debut is just the ticket for those relishing a contemporary puzzler. Tace Baker’s first novel shows remarkable polish.” — Julia Spencer-Fleming, New York Times bestselling author, One Was a Soldier
“Clever, compelling and terrifically smart, Baker’s intelligent writing—and wryly wonderful sleuth—gives a hip, contemporary twist to this traditional mystery.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity winning author, The Other Woman
“What’s the recipe for a delicious mystery? A generous helping of academic politics, a dash of small town flavor, a touch of family complications, a savory handful of illegal herbs. Sweeten with a little romance, toss well until combined and then sit back and enjoy.” —Kate Flora, Edgar-nominated author, Finding Amy and Angel of Knowlton Park
“Debut author Tace Baker combines convincing, diverse characters, a vividly described setting, and a plot that picks up speed until it reaches a surprisingly intense confrontation. Who knew that linguistics professors led such interesting lives?” —Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the Orchard Mystery series and the Museum Mystery series
Preview the first four chapters for free at
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First Communion: A Collection of Modern Irish Stories
by Jack Scoltock
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-32-9
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-33-6
What should a young boy do when he discovers that his father is involved in the IRA? Who can you trust when an insane murderer is trapped on the same train you’re riding? How can a Catholic child manage to fit in at a Protestant school in Northern Ireland?
From the small towns and byways of Northern Ireland, this collection of short stories from renowned Irish author Jack Scoltock provides a rare glimpse into everyday life in the midst of religious and political strife. From coping with family members in the IRA to the trials of Catholic children attending Protestant schools, these stories reveal the complexities of modern living with a deft and insightful eye.
“Scoltock captures the hopes and dreams of working class northerners, still characters rarely seen in modern collections, and at all times he does this in the twinkling dialect of his own city. Here is a pen that records all of human nature but gravitates habitually toward the good.” —Cahir O’Doherty, Arts Editor, The Irish Voice
“Poignant day-to-day Northern Ireland life, with a touch of the Irish whimsy. Renowned author Jack Scoltock gives us a feast.” —Midge Baker, SimeGen.com
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In the Autumn of the Unfortunates
by Christopher Treagus
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-26-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-27-5
Experience a new twist in the tale of Jack the Ripper, as seen through the eyes of renowned artist Walter Sickert. Though Sickert was not a suspect in the crimes during that time period, in modern times he has been identified as a person of interest.
Set fifteen years after the original murders, this story begins when Sickert’s apprentice, Robert Wood, is accused of murdering a prostitute in Camden Town and comes to Sickert for help. Believing Wood to be innocent, Sickert agrees to assist him, but his investigation reveals an uncanny similarity to the Ripper’s crimes years before. Soon he must face a horrible possibility: Jack the Ripper may have returned—or, all the more likely—the Ripper never left!
To save his friend, Sickert must uncover the true villain behind the original killings, following an unsolved case more than a decade cold. His search will lead him down an ever-twisting path toward a truth far more terrible
than anyone could ever suspect—or believe!
“Chris Treagus has a great talent for historical horror fiction, dragging the reader through time and space so that one feels like they’re actually there. A writer to watch!” —Ken Kupstis, Author, Clownwhite and Voodoo Highway
Preview the first four chapters for free at
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Postponing Armageddon
by Adele Abbot
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-80-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-81-7
When history goes off course, can it be nudged back? The second coming of Jesus Christ was supposed to take place in the thousandth year of His era, but it did not happen as scheduled.
For in the year 1016, the long-lived thirteenth apostle (who was chosen to replace Judas), sets off on a perilous journey across Europe with a priceless and powerful treasure—twelve parchment scrolls inscribed by the twelve apostles. Matthias knows that if the scrolls can be read at the proper time at Glastonbury Tor in England, their powers will be initiated. History would be rewritten and the world would be restored to the glorious state originally envisioned by his Lord and God.
But Matthias is not the only one who knows what the power of the scrolls can do—nor is he the only ancient being with an agenda. For these primordial clans know that if the scrolls are ever put to use, they and their families will disappear, as if they had never existed…
What is the price they — and the rest of humanity — will pay for postponing Armageddon?
Postponing Armageddon was a finalist in the 2011 Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now contest for aspiring debut novelists, sponsored by Sir Terry Pratchett and Transworld Publishers.
“A most unusual and intriguing story which engages the reader like the very best fast-paced murder mysteries, with a new twist that slightly alters biblical and natural history in order to make a good fantasy. First rate entertainment!” — Carol Marrs Phipps, Carol and Tom Phipps Fantasy Blog and on Goodreads
“Set against a rich, seamless backdrop of history, fantasy, and hidden agendas, Adele Abbot takes you on a fantastic journey in this well-crafted, relentless page-turner that will leave you questioning the nature of fate and faith. Well done!” — Clint Talbert, author, The Last Stand of Daronwy
“A taut tale woven from rumors of Christ’s Apostles, lost biblical manuscripts, ancient beings and plenty of action as the journey unfolds. Abbot uses a crisp writing style replete with compact scenes, well-defined characters, and a compelling plot that elicits curiosity about her alternate history. It kept me reading, that’s for sure!” — Phillip Tomasso, author, Sounds of Silence
Preview the first four chapters for free at
www.barkingrainpress.org
Curiously Twisted Tales
by P.S. Gifford
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-49-7
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-50-3
Curiously Twisted Tales is a masterful collection of short stories from the devious imagination of horror writer P.S. Gifford. If you are not familiar with Gifford’s previously published works, this book will serve as a deliciously wicked sampler of some of his most fiendish tales—both old and new.
From cutthroat garden competitions to honeymoons from hell to wanna-be writers who are willing to do almost anything to get published, each story delves into the dark side of humanity with wit, charm, and a delectable dose of depravity. Creepy stories, twisted endings, unearthly beasties lurking in the corners—these nerve-rattling narratives will keep you turning pages as you turn on more lights!
“The stories of P.S. Gifford are smart, inventive, and scary as hell. This is horror writing at its very best.” —Jonathan Maberry, NY Times Bestselling Author, Rot & Ruin and The King of Plagues
“P.S. Gifford is a writer of great wit and talent. He remembers that most treasured of all storytelling purposes: entertainment! Keep an eye on this writer, because he’s going places and he’s delivering a lot of joy along the way.” —Scott Nicholson, Author, Red Church & Ashes
Preview the first four chapters for free at
www.barkingrainpress.org
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