Friday, May 19, 2017

Sweating in an Alaskan Cooler

Thought for the day: Books can describe the deepest depths of human depravity, but we the readers have the good fortune to read about them from a safe distance. [me]


In support of the lovely Yolanda Renee's newest book release, The Snowman, I'm taking a flight of fancy to the maximum security prison of the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska, to visit its most notorious inmate, serial killer Stowie Jenkins, AKA the Snowman...

ME: Oops, I must have screwed up. This can't be the right place. My Flight of Fancy gizmo must've slipped a cog again. Maybe if I slap it here and smack these buttons—

SNOWMAN: Don't be stupid, lady. I'm Stone Jenkins. Welcome.

ME: (nervously reaching in pocket to check for Glock) Where are you?

SNOWMAN: Behind you.

ME: (yelping and whipping around way too fast for an old broad) Where are the cells, and why the hell aren't you in one?

SNOWMAN: (shrugging) I'm confined to this area. It isn't great, but it's the best Mommy could do.

ME: (looking around) Holy crap. My first apartment wasn't this big. I guess your mother had something to do with the clothes you're wearing, too?

SNOWMAN: (fingering his silk shirt appreciatively) That's right. I have delicate skin, and she didn't want me to get a rash.

ME: (shaking head) This isn't at all what I expected. I thought you'd be in the deepest darkest bowels of some vile penal hellhole.

SNOWMAN: (laughing) How gauche! As you can see, my mother's money is keeping me quite comfortable. Oh, please forgive my bad manners. Would you care for a glass of wine?

ME: (licking parched lips) I'm not thirsty.

SNOWMAN: (pouring himself a glass of wine) Suit yourself. I trust you have some questions?

ME: A couple. Do you regret killing those women? They were so young—

SNOWMAN: My only regret is not being able to continue with my artwork while I'm in this disgusting place. Those women were blessed to be chosen by me, because we created one-of-a-kind masterpieces together. (sighing) Sketchbooks and oil paint are fine for some artists, but it takes a genius to realize the most exquisite tools are blood and the human body.

ME: (taking a step back) Some people think you're insane. Matter of fact, I expected you to be wearing a strait jacket and padlocked into a chair.

SNOWMAN: (laughing) Like Hannibal Lector? How droll. There's a fine line between insanity and genius, and I'm clearly on the Mensa side of the line. It takes a brilliant mind and a keen sense of beauty to appreciate my work. (cocking his head and looking at me like he's regarding a side of beef) Have you seen any of my photographs?

ME: I prefer the Old Masters.

SNOWMAN: It was too much to hope for that you shared my vision. Your loss. Anything else?

ME: I'm still trying to digest the fact that you don't regret torturing and killing those women.

SNOWMAN: Well, I do have one other regret. I so wanted to make that pain-in-the-ass detective pay. (smiling) But my vision for him is as strong as ever, and I still hope to realize it some day. He's a marvelous specimen. I might even turn his hair into a hat... what do you think? I think his ponytail would look much better on me.

ME: I think you're going to spend the rest of your life in this so-called prison.

SNOWMAN: I wouldn't count on that. Genius cannot be denied. (strokes chin, considering) You look pretty good for an older woman. Much better than Mommy. Maybe my next series of art should focus on older women.

ME: (taking another step backwards) Well, I'd better be going.

SNOWMAN: Do you take a blood thinner? That might change the patterns, but I could make it work. Might create more of a lacy effect...

ME: (frantically punching buttons on the Flight of Fancy gadget) Gotta go!

SNOWMAN: (in a gradually fading voice) If you plan to return, you'd better make it soon, because I don't plan on being here much longer.

ME: Whew! I'm back home now. (looking around) There must be a bottle of wine around here somewhere...

*****************************************



It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renée’s THE SNOWMAN Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

This is a prequel to the author’s Detective Steven Quaid Mysteries. This story tells of Steven's first case as a rookie detective. It takes place 10 years before the events in MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, the first book in the series.

The author is offering a tour-wide giveaway featuring
both print and eBook copies from her series. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

◊ THE SNOWMAN
◊ by Yolanda Renée
◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: TRACE Enterprises
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mystery
◊ Novella
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ Contains explicit sex & violence

It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium.

          Stowy Jenkins, aka, Stone, and as Alaskans refer to him, the Snowman, is a true artist.
His muse, Gigi, is the ultimate inspiration for his painting. Her rejection inspires him to use a very unusual medium...blood.
          While art may be his passion, the taste for blood is his obsession, and multiple murders, the result.
          Rookie, Detective Steven Quaid, is no fan of the Snowman’s murderous exhibitions. A twisted and deadly relationship bond the two men and neither knows who will come out of it alive.


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The other books in the Detective Quaid Series include:



          A killer plays cat and mouse with a young widow against the snowy backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Branded a black widow after the suspicious death of her millionaire husband, Sarah Palmer flees Seattle for Anchorage. However, the peace and quiet she hoped to enjoy in her hometown is soon shattered. A killer is murdering Sarah look-alikes on the 14th of each month, taunting Sarah with a valentine of evidence. After her experiences in Seattle, Sarah is slow to go to the police. When she finally does, she finds Detective Steven Quaid—Anchorage P D’s hotshot investigator—has not only heard the rumors, he believes them. Worse, her aloofness and composure only confirm his suspicions. Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?


World damnation is a psychotic man’s goal, but two obstacles stand in his way, greed and a dedicated detective.
Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with the victim of his last case tarnishes that status. While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.


Flames
burn between a hardboiled cop and a gifted artist, but soon extinguish as another man’s obsession ignites into an inferno of desire, driving him to destroy the object of his madness.
Detective Steven Quaid is ready for new challenges as Anchorage's top detective, but not until he marries the woman of his dreams on New Year's Eve. Determined to give Sarah the wilderness honeymoon she desires, he turns his grandfather's cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat. After the final details are complete, Steven treks into the mountains to hunt. On his return to the cottage, instead of Sarah, he is greeted by several police officers and a bloody crime scene. Accusations fly, and Stephen flees into the wilderness, his heart racing and thoughts etching into his soul. The wilderness is unforgiving, but Steven faces it head on: Caught between a massive grizzly and a black bear in a deadly tug of war, he is barely saved from death's door by the fortuitous appearance of his uncle. Despite surviving multiple injuries, Steven continues his investigation as he recovers, but answers don't come quick or easy. Having enlisted the aid of his number one suspect, Steven faces a struggle that has become more than personal. This one just may cost him his heart.

You can find out more about the books and the author by following the tour HERE. You can also include your chances of winning in the giveaway.


This tour-wide giveaway features both print and eBook copies of the four books in the Detective Quaid Series. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, June 6.

The prizes include:

* Grand prize - Winner receives a print copy of all
four books in the Detective Quaid Series (U.S. and Canada only).
* First place - Winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
* Second place - Winner will receive eBook copies of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series.
* There will be 3 runner-up winners and each will win an eBook copy of THE SNOWMAN or one of the other books in the series (winner's choice).

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour. You never know what you might find out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


                  If you haven't read any of Yolanda's books yet, what the heck are ya waiting for???

                            Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

61 comments:

  1. I have The Snowman and may need to wait for a sunny day before I dive in. And dive in I will.
    Thank you for the heads up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. I hope you enjoy the book. (You don't have to wait until a sunny day to read it, but daylight might be a better choice than darkness... :))

      Delete
    2. Really, COOL, thanks EC!
      And yes, daylight would be better! :)

      Delete
  2. I love stories that draw you right in so you are part of it. It's always a surprise to come to the end and find I'm just me, sitting in my chair or n=bed here at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trust me, THIS book will suck you in with the very first paragraph: "Maggy struggled against the restraints. 'Please don't do this.' Her voice wavered."

      And while you're reading it, you'll be VERY glad you're just you sitting in your chair. :)

      Delete
    2. I feel the same way, River. Books have always been an escape! But reading some of them can give me the chills and make me get up to check all the locks - doors and windows! :)

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  3. Hi Susan - brilliant taking on of the Snowman - glad you get out and get home to Smarticus ... I'm not sure how he let you go - but the mind is creative.

    I have the Snowman too to read up and must settle and do just that ... I need to get to read before he escapes I guess ...

    So pleased to see Yolanda here with you ... no doubt you'll have a great chat over a few glasses of vino ... cheers to you both - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shhh! Smarticus was out working in his garage, and didn't even know I'd left...

      Cool! I'm glad to hear you have the book. I hope you enjoy it.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Hilary!
      You're more than welcome to enjoy a glass of wine too! You might need a glass before reading Stowy's story!

      Delete
  4. Yolanda has created some fascinating characters with this series and the Snowman is one that will stay with you. Susan thanks for checking on the Snowman (glad you're home safe and sound ... was that a noise I just heard) and thanks for being a part of Yolanda's tour.

    Mason
    MC Book Tours

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure, Snowman is a character readers will long remember, whether they want to or not. A noise? Um, excuse me. (High fiber diet...)

      Thanks for hosting the tour for Yolanda. You've done a super job.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Mason!
      This tour wouldn't have happened without you!
      Susan's post has to be the topper! So creative!

      Delete
  5. Such fun, mostly for Stowy though! Do you think he's serious about the 'older' idea though? Wonder if that includes the author? :)
    Thanks, Susan, that was brilliant! You know the Snowman, well, a little too well! Take care!!!
    So glad that you're part of the Snowman tour! You've made my day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nah, I think he was just messing with me about the older women. (We're more likely to fight back!)

      Thanks for including me in your tour. It was fun!

      Delete
  6. haha you might want to suck back the wine and keep the bottle handy as a weapon after that visit.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I thoroughly enjoyed this flight of fancy. It curdled my blood in a deliciously creative way....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If this flight of fancy curdled your blood, you should read the BOOK!

      Delete
  8. I'm glad it's too hot here for a Snowman.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wishing all my best to Yolanda. It's going to be in the 90's here in L.A. starting today and for the next few. I'll be wishing I were a real snowman in a cold place.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Temperatures are the same here in Georgia, too. Much too hot way too soon. I'd say an escape to Alaska might help, but I think it's unseasonably warm up there, too.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Arlee!
      Stay cool and avoid snowmen at all costs! :)

      Delete
  10. Awesome way to highlight a book.

    I read the story. It was a great read- gritty and full of suspense.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks.

      You've got good taste, lady. :)

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Elizabeth!
      Your support came at just the right time!

      Delete
  11. sounds creepy and trippy. Different Friday post for you - very clever. Good luck to the author. She's on a good blog tour.
    Now - hope you don't sweat too much this weekend. We are humid here in the wacky month of May

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Creepy, trippy, and GOOD! Yeah, this has been some blog tour for her, and she isn't done yet. (She has more energy than I do...)

      The only way we can avoid sweating this weekend is by staying in the house. It's bloody hot out there! (I'll imagine you sitting around your pool with a cold drink... with a little umbrella in it.)

      Have a great weekend.

      Delete
    2. Hi, Joanne!
      Thank you, and you're right, Mason runs the best blog tour! So awesome to have such organization!

      Delete
  12. Very scary, creepy and so interesting !
    Pool open here 100+ weather next week !

    cheers, parsnip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UGH! Temperatures in the nineties are bad enough. I'm in no hurry to get into the triple digits. Enjoy that pool. (You might need to add some ice cubes so it doesn't feel like bath water...)

      Cheers back atcha.

      Delete
    2. Hi, angryparsnip:
      Susan has an amazing sense of humor, and she got to know Stowy quite well, and yes, he's very creepy!

      Delete
  13. Excellent post, Susan. My mantra is now "Yikes!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Excellent mantra, dude. It works for so many different situations...

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  14. Hey Susan, now that is how you draw someone right into a book.

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  15. Thanks for the heads up; I ordered it!!

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  16. That was such a fun post. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

      Greetings back atcha, Mario.

      Delete
  17. Ehem, hi there friend Susan ... cat here ... love me my books ... just finished your book while in Cuba ... still jetlagged big time ... still overwhelmed by Cuba and your book and Hemingway and all ... what a stew ... I love me a good stew ... smiles... Always, cat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome home! I hope you had a fantabulous time in Cuba.

      Overwhelmed by my book? In a good way, I hope... :) Thanks so much for reading it. (You made me purr...)

      Delete
  18. You did that well, Susan. I expect that you will be back to lighter fare next week.

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  19. That was creepy good, Susan.
    You pulled it off superbly!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Blood as a medium? How delightfully creepy and gruesome! Good thing your Flight of Fancy gizmo worked when it really needed to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure! If that gizmo hadn't worked right, I never would've gotten Smarticus' dinner on the table on time... :)

      Delete
  21. Sounds chilling! Good luck to Yolanda with her new book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Connie!
      Susan sure knows how to make a blog tour fun!

      Delete
    2. It IS chilling, Connie. Check it out... if you dare.

      Delete
  22. Replies
    1. Thanks! I'm glad you do.

      I'll be vewwy vewwy careful... (You, too!)

      Delete
  23. Ooh, great interview. As a horror fan, I can't help but love how depraved the Snowman is! Characters like that are always fun to read and write about...

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    Replies
    1. Oh, if you like horror, you'll LOVE Snowman. He's about as depraved as you can get.

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    2. Thanks, Heather!
      I like exploring that part of life too!

      Delete
  24. I must just say I love your header/banner photograph.
    Great to read your post too, thanks.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. It's supposed to be a picture of Seward, Alaska. :)

      Delete