Learning Curve (23 page)

by Ricky Bush

Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-28-2

eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-29-9

Mitty Andersen knows that rising blues star Bobby Tarleton didn't die of a heroin overdose. He'd blown enough blues harmonica notes with Bobby to know that he would never let anything get in the way of his music. So when he gets the news in the middle of his blues set at Little Queenie's, he suspects a cover-up—and he's determined to put his ex-investigative reporter skills to work to find out what really happened.

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, T
he 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

www.barkingrainpress.org

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

Preview the first four chapters for free at

www.barkingrainpress.org

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

www.barkingrainpress.org