*Major Spoilers* I recently finished reading The Phantom of the Opera written by Gaston Leroux in 1910. This book is certainly unique. It makes sense that it takes place in an opera house because the writing is very dramatic and theatrical. There are a lot of words and sentences in ALL CAPS. I also found... Continue Reading →
A Killer Corn Maze is Here!
I am excited to announce that my debut cozy mystery novel, A Killer Corn Maze, is officially published and available on Amazon! After months of editing, revising and anticipation, my dream has arrived! If you enjoy: Halloween Mysteries Small-town Secrets Amateur Sleuths Cozy Mysteries I hope you'll check out A Killer Corn Maze! The ebook... Continue Reading →
Coming Soon…
Another fall season is upon us, and that means another Halloween. This year, I am excited to announce that I will be publishing my first Halloween cozy mystery! A Killer Corn Maze. If you would like a sneak peek at my book and want to read an excerpt, click "Explore A Killer Corn Maze" in... Continue Reading →
What I’m Reading – Anna Karenina
*Spoilers* I recently finished reading Anna Karenina, written by Leo Tolstoy in 1878. This book is on the longer side, my version was 817 pages. What I discovered after reading Crime and Punishment is that translations matter a lot. A good translation can make a book a lot more enjoyable to read. Also, I will... Continue Reading →
A Summer Tale
By R.J. Byrd She was the most beautiful woman Simon had ever seen. Her dark, wavy hair shone under the July sun, the coastal wind fanning it around her tan shoulders and face. Her eyes were an extremely pale shade of green that seemed to track movement like a tiger. Her body was sleek and... Continue Reading →
My Book Writing Journey
Now that the days are shorter and we're all slowing down, I would like to share a personal story. It has been my dream to publish a book since I was 12. It has always been in the back of my mind, and finally, years ago, I wrote one. A cozy mystery that I felt... Continue Reading →
Joy Ride
By R.J. Byrd The second I settled into Dean's '22 Ford Mustang, I shed my jean jacket and yanked off my hair tie. "Damn," said Dean. His eyes were on all my exposed skin. I had on my bikini top and a pair of shorts. I rolled my eyes. I had no real interest in... Continue Reading →
What I’m Reading – Carmilla
*Spoilers* How do you keep a chill in the air when fall is months away? Read classic gothic horror of course. I recently finished reading Carmilla, written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu in 1872. The book is about vampires and was published around 25 years before Bram Stoker's Dracula. The story is short, a novella,... Continue Reading →
What I’m Reading – Crime and Punishment
*Spoilers* I recently finished reading Crime and Punishment written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky in 1866. While I enjoyed the book overall, I found certain aspects of it challenging. The Russian names are tough to pronounce, the dialogue can be stilted, and the references to Russian life can be confusing. However, the book brought up philosophical questions... Continue Reading →
Hunted
by R.J. Byrd I hid behind a tree to catch my breath. My lungs were burning, my whole body felt like it was on fire. My legs gave out, and I hit the cold ground. I knew I couldn't stay here long. He wasn't far behind. I'd rather die than let that bastard catch me... Continue Reading →