Excerpt & Giveaway: Memories of Murder by Lara Nance

Back in January, Ms. Nance was on tour for her steampunk mystery, "Revenge of the Mad Scientist", and I had an excerpt on here. Now she's on tour for another book, "Memories of Murder", and again I have an excerpt along with a giveaway (see end of post).

Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cities throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres within the scope of women’s fiction. But the basis of all her stories is a tale that will entertain and intrigue.

If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales, to paranormal romance and adventure, Lara’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, with a touch of romance.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio. 

Find Lara online:

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Book Blurb ~

When Maeve McKenna renounces her witch powers and accepts a low-key nurse practitioner position at a Virginia retirement community, the last thing she expects is a suicide her first day on the job.

     

As the town's sexy sheriff, Paul Sutton, starts looking into the tragic death of his father's friend, Maeve can't help but get involved--with both the case and him. Their informal investigation unveils an old journal that connects the ruins of a nearby asylum and long-forgotten cemetery with the shiny new retirement community's memory unit--and Maeve's Alzheimer's patients.

     

Maeve senses a sinister presence in the old asylum, calling to the patients, but in order to stop it from killing again, she must first conquer some demons of her own and reclaim the magic she's denied herself.

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Romance

Format: ebook, paperback

Length: 481 KB, 302 pages

Release Date: February 28, 2011

Buying Links:   Barnes & Noble  Amazon

 

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Excerpt

As if on cue, her cell phone rang and when she saw her mother’s number she sighed. Her Mom had been great during her crisis, but now had trouble letting go. Of course Maeve was grateful her mother and aunts had flown to Atlanta as soon as they’d heard about the attack. The Gems—the triumvirate of her mother, Opal, aunts Ruby and Pearl insisted Maeve return to Savannah to heal as soon as she could leave the hospital. There, the Gems helped restore her health with tenderness and a little magic.

Her mother and aunts had to stop worrying about her. She took a deep breath and forced a brightness into her voice she didn’t feel. “Hi, Mom.”

“Emerald, darling, how are you?” Her mother’s voice was a rich contralto tinged with concern.

Maeve cringed at her mother’s use of her first name. She chose to use her middle name after she bound her powers. However, her mother persisted in calling her Emerald or Em no matter how many times Maeve reminded her.

 “Yes, I’m fine. I made it and I’m on the way to the cabin I’m renting now,” Maeve said. “How are you?”

“Oh, I’m the same as ever,” her mother said with a deep chuckle. “Incorrigible.”

Maeve had to laugh. Yep, that was her mom.

“So, do you like it there?”

Maeve sighed. “I just got here. But so far it’s very picturesque. The retirement community is obviously exclusive. You should see it. In a few months maybe you guys could come up for a weekend and sightsee.”

“You’re not telling me something. What happened to upset you?” Opal’s tone sharpened.

“Mom, stop it. You always say that when I talk to you from out of town. I’m perfectly fine,” she lied.

“Really, Maeve, Ruby saw a crow in her front yard this morning. A crow!”

“Big deal, a bird flew into her yard.”

“No, not just any bird. And then she went out back to work in the garden and found another one dead on the stone path. You can’t say that’s a coincidence.” She ended on a triumphant note.

“Mom.”

“I know, I know. You don’t want to hear about omens. But mark my words Emerald Maeve McKenna, one day you will recognize the value of your heritage and be glad you have the powers.”

“Mom!”

“Okay. I’m done.”

“Good. Now please give the rest of the Gems my love, tell them I miss them and take care. I’ll call you later in the week and let you know how the job is going.”

“I will. Take care and I hope whatever it is you’re not telling me is nothing really bad.”

“Mom!”

“Good bye, darling.”

“Bye, Mom.”

She didn’t know whether to smile, grit her teeth, or both. Although her Gems had saved her, she also needed distance from her family for a while. It was important to find her own balance now that she had renounced her witch powers. She swallowed, regrouped her thoughts, and then headed into downtown Rolling Gap. She had to keep going. There was no other way to survive.

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The book is specially priced at $0.99 March 4 - 8. At each stop, Lara will award a signed cover flat; and a $50 Amazon gift card will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the book tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/virtual-super-book-blast-memories-of.html