FOCUS ON BOOKS SERIES: AUTHOR REED STIRLING AND MYSTERY NOVEL: A BOUQUET OF DARTS

 

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

Please welcome accomplished author Reed Stirling. He said,"Intrigue is my primary interest, with romantic entanglement an integral part of the action." 

You will find this in Reed's latest release, A Bouquet of Darts.

A Bouquet of Darts by Reed Stirling
A European Travel Mystery

Reed, thank you for being my guest this month on the Focused on Books series. I love the premise of your mystery novel. What sparked this book filled with intrigue and romance?

Thank you, Janet. The reason I wrote a Bouquet of Darts is because travel inspires. Put a group of people with common interests into a confined space, for instance, a tourist boat plying the canals in the Netherlands, introduce conflicting points of view, and what results is potential for an interesting plot. Add Eros, the mischievous mythological god of love with his gold and lead-tipped arrows, and the plot thickens. Insights into the nature of love from different perspectives could develop thematically. A year ago, I entertained these thoughts over a beer on the outer deck as our boat sailed out of Amsterdam. 

I agree, travel does inspire an interesting plot! This one sounds like a fun, entertaining read.

BACK OF THE BOOK--A Bouquet of Darts

Leaving Amsterdam, twenty engaging personalities begin a seven-day bike and barge excursion through the Netherlands. Allegiances form, love interests develop, conflicts arise, and a cyclist’s lifeless body mars their arrival in Maastricht.

      Who is responsible? The insulted chef? An angry deckhand? The most antagonized among the guests? Everyone onboard, the result of a well-wrought plot?

Eros? Could the culprit be the god of love whose arrows never miss their mark and whose intentions never falter?

Click the link to download A Bouquet of Darts at major online booksellers. 

Also available in Paperback.

 Buy link

ABOUT AUTHOR REED STIRLING

Reed Stirling lives in Cowichan Bay, BC, and writes when not painting landscapes, or travelling, or taking coffee at The Drumroaster, a local café where physics and metaphysics clash daily. Before retiring and taking up writing fiction as a past time, he taught English Literature. Several talented students of his have gone on to become successful writers. He is a member of the Cowichan Writers Association and the B.C. Federation of Writers. Book We Love Inc. has published his novels.

Author Reed Stirling

Shades Of Persephone, published in 2019, is a literary mystery set in Greece.

Lighting The Lamp, a fictional memoir, was published in March 2020.

Séjour Saint-Louis (2021) is set in Montreal and dramatizes family conflicts.

The Palimpsest Murders (2023) is a European travel mystery set in the Lowlands.

A Bouquet of Darts, featuring Eros the god of love, was published in 2024. 

Reed Stirling’s shorter work has appeared over the years in a variety of publications including Hackwriters Magazine, Dis(s)ent, The Danforth Review, Fickle Muses, The Fieldstone Review, Humanist Perspectives, StepAway Magazine, and Mediterranean Poetry. 

 Click here to read Reed's guest blog post in 2020

To all who celebrate, Happy Easter and Joyous Passover from J.Q. Rose!!

BONUS Focus on Books Series Guest S. Cox New Book Release: Reuben Hayes

 

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

BONUS BOOK: Yes, I know it is not the third Wednesday of the month, but I wanted to shout about my guest's latest book release this month, Reuben Hayes. You've just got to know about Sandra Cox's latest Western.

Reuben Hayes by S. Cox

Western action and Romance

The tough middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman.

And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

 🌄🌄🌄

I am delighted to welcome back my honorary cousin, dear friend, Western author and super storyteller, Sandra Cox. Sandra is the record holder for the number of times a guest has visited this blog!. Since 2020, Susan has appeared here seven times always bringing with her great stories of the West filled with action and engaging characters. 

Welcome back, Sandra! 

What inspired you to write this story?

  "I wish I could say I dreamt it and it’s destined to become a bestseller, but unfortunately, I never remember my dreams. Honestly, I have no idea where my stories come from. The only thing I can say with certainty is that my writing revolves around the West, in whatever form it takes. Sometimes classic Westerns. Sometimes Western Time Travel. Sometimes Western ShapeShifters. When I was younger I genre-hopped, but eventually settled into the Western niche.  I only wish I’d done it sooner.

  AND since I failed to answer this question I’m going to lob it back to your readers to ask them, " What do you write and/or read? And, if you write, where do your ideas come from?"

I like Sandra's questions. Please leave a comment below.

Reuben Hayes by S. Cox

BACK OF THE BOOK

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.

Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger named Hawk. Between the two men, and Reuben’s crusty ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Character Facts About Hawk

Young gunslinger.

Has saved Sage’s life on more than one occasion.

Doesn’t know who his parents are. Was raised in a mission orphanage. Took off at fifteen.

🌄🌄🌄

 Click here to purchase the eBook now:

Click here to order the paperback

🌄🌄🌄

 ABOUT SANDRA COX

Sandra, who writes as both S. Cox and Sandra Cox, is an animal lover and avid gardener. She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

She and her husband are ruled by four cats and a dog. An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Sandra can be found at http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

OR http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

OR https://sandracox.blogspot.com

OR https://www.pinterest.com/scoxauthor/ 

OR https://www.bsky.app @scoxauthor

OR Amazon.com: Sandra Cox: books, biography, latest update

🌄🌄🌄

UPDATE: 

I have updated and released Your Life with Jesus: How to Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir in paperback and hardcover in color.

Your Life with Jesus
Learn how to write your spiritual memoir.

“Your Life with Jesus: Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir” offers a thoughtful pathway for capturing your faith journey. This book combines carefully selected Bible verses with insightful writing prompts to inspire you as you share the moments that have shaped your spiritual life.

In Part One, you'll find tips on igniting your memories and crafting compelling stories that keep readers engaged. Part Two presents over 40 journaling topics, each paired with a relevant Bible verse and writing prompt to deepen your reflection. Embrace this opportunity to document your unique story and uncover new insights into the transformative power of faith.

The hardcover in color is available now for Easter gifting to someone you love and as a gift to yourself.

            

                 🌄🌄🌄

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Facebook 

Instagram

Substack

 

IWSG Blog Hop: Superman and Me #IWSGblog hop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Happy April!

Happy Spring!

Hello and welcome to the April IWSG Blog Hop! I am looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! 

Thank you for joining in on the fun.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the April 2 posting of the IWSG Blog Hop--Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

🌷🌷🌷

April 2 question

What fantasy character would you like to fight, 

go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

I didn't think twice about selecting a fantasy character as my answer to this question. I would love to fly with Superman! Why wouldn't I? "Superman possesses superhuman strength, speed, flight, invulnerability, and heat vision, among other abilities, all due to his exposure to Earth's yellow sun." 

In case you don't know about Clark Kent, Superman's human side,"he is a humanoid alien refugee from the planet Krypton who lands on Earth, developing superhuman abilities and becoming Superman, Earth's only superhero, while also working as a journalist for the Daily Planet newspaper in Metropolis." 

Superman
Image by Solihin Kentjana from Pixabay

Clark jumps into a phone booth, (remember them?) and in a nanosecond 

he comes out dressed in that tight-fitting Superman suit with the huge S in the middle of his chest. He runs a few steps and then launches into the sky, his cape billowing behind him. 

At that moment, he doesn't care about his job at the newspaper. 

He is on a mission to rescue someone or get the bad guy. In other words he helps people, one of the reasons why I admire the character. 

I think he would be an interesting fellow to hang out with. After all, he writes for the newspaper. That's how I entered the writing world. See? We have so much in common.

But nothing is perfect. Superman's downfall is Kryptonite. So my job would be to keep him safe from that deadly rock. Hmm, I wonder though if he might need that suit and cape washed and pressed once in a while. Yes, I'd be happy to do it for Superman.

I always picture him as Christopher Reeves who played 

the character in one of the many Superman movies.

Now do you see why I'd love to hang out with Superman/Clark Kent? Super powers, hero, smart, handsome, AND a writer!!

Did you choose Superman for your fantasy character??? Please leave your comment below.

 The quoted paragraphs are from Wikipedia.

I apologize if the formatting is a bit wonky for this post. I think Professor Google 

has spring fever and is not paying attention to business...???

🌷🌷🌷

UPDATE: I have updated and released Your Life with Jesus: How to Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir in paperback and hardcover in color.

Your Life with Jesus
Learn how to write your spiritual memoir.

“Your Life with Jesus: Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir” offers a thoughtful pathway for capturing your faith journey. This book combines carefully selected Bible verses with insightful writing prompts to inspire you as you share the moments that have shaped your spiritual life.

In Part One, you'll find tips on igniting your memories and crafting compelling stories that keep readers engaged. Part Two presents over 40 journaling topics, each paired with a relevant Bible verse and writing prompt to deepen your reflection. Embrace this opportunity to document your unique story and uncover new insights into the transformative power of faith.

The hardcover in color is available now for Easter gifting to someone you love and as a gift to yourself.

             🌷🌷🌷

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Facebook 

Instagram

Substack

Focus on Books Series: Guest Susan Calder's New Book Release, A Killer Whisky

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

I am delighted to welcome back my friend and skillful storyteller, Canadian author, Susan Calder. Susan has graced the pages of the Focused on Story blog in previous posts. She brings excellent stories to share with you.

A Killer Whisky by Susan Calder
Historical fiction and mystery

CONGRATULATIONS on your latest release of this mystery, 

A Killer Whisky: Alberta (Canadian Historical Mysteries)

Readers, in case you questioned the spelling of whisky in the title, Grammarly explains that Whisky (no e) refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits. Whiskey (with an e) refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States.

Susan, what prompted you to write A Killer Whisky?

Thank you for hosting me, Janet.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I became intrigued with the 1918-20 flu pandemic, which was formerly called the Spanish flu. I read several non-fiction books on the subject and thought it would be interesting to write a mystery story set during that time. My general idea was that someone dies of presumed flu, but my story protagonist suspects it was murder and investigates. When one of my writing groups, Crime Writers of Canada, decided to publish an anthology of Canadian short stories with the theme "cold," I turned my musings into a short story. 

Before submitting the story to CWC, I showed the first pages to a writer-in-residence, who suggested it could be a novel. I sent in the short story anyway and it was published in the CWC anthology, "Cold Canadian Crime." 

Some months later, BWL publisher, Jude Pittman, told me she planned to produce a series of mystery novels set in Canada's ten provinces and two of our territories. I considered ways to turn my short story into a novel, decided my plan would work, and asked to write the Alberta novel for the BWL Canadian Historical Mystery Series. 

A Killer Whisky: Alberta (Canadian Historical Mysteries) by Susan Calder

BACK OF THE BOOK        

The 1918 influenza pandemic strikes Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Great War rages overseas. While her husband fights in Europe, Katharine works in a doctor’s office to support her children and her brother, a wounded veteran. One night their neighbour suddenly takes sick and dies. The attending doctor concludes the man died from influenza, but Katharine suspects someone laced his whisky with a drug that mimics the deadly flu’s symptoms. 

 Katharine convinces the police to investigate. Worried about her brother’s involvement with a suspect, she delves into his secrets and comes to fear he’s connected to the murder. She grows disturbingly attracted to the investigating detective who returns her affections. He’s convinced her brother or someone else close to her is a killer and risks his career to pursue the crime. Katharine must discover the truth so she can move forward in a world that has changed forever.

BUY LINKS:

A Killer Whisky amazon paperback

The eBook is available at major online booksellers

JQ'S REVIEW OF A KILLER WHISKY

The historical fiction novel, A Killer Whisky, is set against a backdrop of WWI and the killer disease, the Spanish flu. That backdrop and the location of the story attracted me to the mystery. My husband and I visited Alberta a few years ago, so I looked forward to revisiting the places through this story.  Ms. Calder is an excellent storyteller. Her characters engage the reader and her narratives paint a word picture of the scenes and the era. I had many choices of who would have been the killer, but I did not know who it was until the final pages. Now, for me, that is the measure of a satisfying story. If you are a reader of well-researched historical fiction and mystery novels, I would recommend A Killer Whisky. 

ABOUT AUTHOR SUSAN CALDER

Susan Calder is the author of six novels published by BWL Publishing. Four are part of her Paula Savard Mystery Series set in Calgary, Alberta, and the fifth is a

Mystery author Susan Calder

standalone suspense novel. Her recent release, A Killer Whisky, takes place in Calgary during the 1918 influenza pandemic and the final days of WWI. A Killer Whisky is book #12 of the BWL Canadian Historical Mystery Series.   

CONNECT ONLINE WITH SUSAN

 

BWL Author Page: Calder, Susan - BWL Publishing Inc.

Website: Susan Calder | Author of Paula Savard Mystery Series & To Catch A Fox

Susan's Previous Guest Post

Readers Circle: Susan Calder's Ten Days in Summer, Blog Swap

UPDATE: I have updated my guided journal, 

Your LIfe with Jesus: How to Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir.

The hardcover will be available later this month for Easter gifting.

Sharing your sacred story is a beautiful gift to your family, friends, and yourself. As you look through the lens of time, you'll realize God's presence in your life journey and gain new insights when recording videos or penning your memoir. 

Your Life with Jesus
Learn how to write your spiritual memoir.

“Your Life with Jesus: Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir” offers a thoughtful pathway for capturing your faith journey. This book combines carefully selected Bible verses with insightful writing prompts to inspire you as you share the moments that have shaped your spiritual life.

In Part One, you'll find tips on igniting your memories and crafting compelling stories that keep readers engaged. Part Two presents over 40 journaling topics, each paired with a relevant Bible verse and writing prompt to deepen your reflection. Embrace this opportunity to document your unique story and uncover new insights into the transformative power of faith.

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Facebook 

Instagram

Substack

IWSG Blog Hop: Who Would I Like to Be Today? #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop

#IWSGbloghop

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. 

To find out more, click here.

  

The purpose of the group is 

* to share and encourage. 

* Writers can express doubts and concerns 

without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 

* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 

*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. 

Click here to sign up and/or to visit the bloggers this week.

Happy IWSG Day!

Hello and welcome to the March IWSG Blog Hop! I am looking forward to visiting many of my IWSG friends and meeting new IWSG bloggers! 

Thank you for joining in on the fun.

Huge thanks to the awesome co-hosts for the March 5 posting of the IWSG - Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

March 5 question - If for one day you could be anyone or *thing* in the world, what would it be? Describe, tell why, and any themes, goals, or values they/it inspire in you.

Boy jumping 
Image by Leonardo Espina from Pixabay

What a timely question for me to answer. If you are reading this post on March 5, I am at Epcot at Disneyland in Orlando, FL. So, today, I wish I could be me at age 10. I could enjoy the awe, wonder, magic, and excitement a child experiences when seeing the amazing rides and sights at Disneyland.

I am looking forward to the visit because our daughter, Sara, her hubby, and her in-laws will be experiencing the flower festival together on opening day. I realize the place will be packed and lines to the rides long, but at this age, I can accept it and just enjoy the magnificent floral displays. 

 It's going to be a great week! I will catch up with you this weekend.

Thank you for stopping in today! 

Click here to sign up to join the monthly blog hop and visit the bloggers this week.

Connect online with JQ Rose:

Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

Facebook 

Instagram

Substack