Christina Dodd's Blog
May 15, 2020
Vote on the WRONG ALIBI cover!
Let’s talk about book cover art for my upcoming book, WRONG ALIBI…
No! Don’t leave! It’ll be fun, I promise, and so much better than reading another scary article about the coronavirus or monster murder hornets. Right?
First, you might decide on the art by the book description:
WRONG JOB
Eighteen year old Evelyn Jones lands a job in small town Alaska, working for Donald White in his isolated mountain home. But her bright hopes for the future are shattered when he disappears, leaving her to face charges of theft, embezzlement — and a brutal double murder. Convicted, she faces life in prison.
WRONG NAME
Her escape leaves her scarred and in hiding, isolated from her family, working under an alias at a wilderness camp. Bent on justice, intent on recovering her life, she searches for the killer who slaughters without remorse.
WRONG ALIBI
At last, the day comes. Donald White has returned. Evelyn emerges from hiding. The fugitive becomes the hunter. But in her mind, she hears the whisper of other forces. Can Evelyn untangle the threads of evidence before she’s once again found with blood on her hands…the blood of her own family?
Next…remember I came up with the title WRONG ALIBI, which my publisher liked, then decided they wanted one that shouted “Alaska.” Over Thanksgiving, my family brainstormed, we came up with choices, you took a survey and decided which one you liked…and my publisher decided they really liked WRONG ALIBI. (Read about it here).
As soon as the title was decided on (the first time), I asked Assistant Judie to mock up a cover for my website, which she did, and I posted it on October 7. Let’s give Judie a hand!
On October 25, I received the first publisher cover concept. I liked it! It seemed scary and evocative. I expected to see a revised cover…
On January 6 , I received another, completely different cover. I do mean completely different, not like different colors or changed fonts. It was a whole new concept. I liked it, too. I made a couple of suggestions, waited to see the revised cover and…
On February 6 — you guessed it — another completely different cover appeared in my inbox. Completely different from the first two. Discussion and tweaks followed, and at long last, we have a final cover for WRONG ALIBI!
Whew!!
How can I show you the covers while making it fun and entertaining for you? Let’s try this:
— The three covers are up on a survey.
— Look them over and vote on your favorite.
— Click for results and you’ll see the popular winner.
— Click again and you’ll see the cover my publisher chose for the book!
Want to discuss your choice, the popular choice, and the official final cover? There's a post on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM, and you can comment and discuss. You can also tweet at me on TWITTER (I’m @ChristinaDodd.)
I’m excited to see which cover wins the popular vote and what you have to say about the final WRONG ALIBI cover. Book covers are so important to sell to a new audience, but more important, I know you want the cover to feel right for the story.
I’ll send a follow-up letter with some of your more fun, enlightening comments.
One last very cool thing: , DEAD GIRL RUNNING,book 1 of the Cape Charade series , DEAD GIRL RUNNINGis on e-sale for $1.99 for Kindle and Nook, and for $3.99 for Kobo, Apple Books, and GooglePlay. As a bonus, includes the series introductory short story, HARD TO KILL. Yes, the short story is in the paperback, too!
Purchase here: DEAD GIRL RUNNING
As you continue in isolation or perhaps make your way slowly and carefully into a changed world, may you find health, happiness, and employment, and I hope books give you constant companionship, knowledge and comfort.
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author who reminds you to:
Vote on the cover survey
Get your sale copy of DEAD GIRL RUNNING!!
Be safe — my readers are precious to me!
No! Don’t leave! It’ll be fun, I promise, and so much better than reading another scary article about the coronavirus or monster murder hornets. Right?
First, you might decide on the art by the book description:
WRONG JOB
Eighteen year old Evelyn Jones lands a job in small town Alaska, working for Donald White in his isolated mountain home. But her bright hopes for the future are shattered when he disappears, leaving her to face charges of theft, embezzlement — and a brutal double murder. Convicted, she faces life in prison.
WRONG NAME
Her escape leaves her scarred and in hiding, isolated from her family, working under an alias at a wilderness camp. Bent on justice, intent on recovering her life, she searches for the killer who slaughters without remorse.
WRONG ALIBI
At last, the day comes. Donald White has returned. Evelyn emerges from hiding. The fugitive becomes the hunter. But in her mind, she hears the whisper of other forces. Can Evelyn untangle the threads of evidence before she’s once again found with blood on her hands…the blood of her own family?
Next…remember I came up with the title WRONG ALIBI, which my publisher liked, then decided they wanted one that shouted “Alaska.” Over Thanksgiving, my family brainstormed, we came up with choices, you took a survey and decided which one you liked…and my publisher decided they really liked WRONG ALIBI. (Read about it here).
As soon as the title was decided on (the first time), I asked Assistant Judie to mock up a cover for my website, which she did, and I posted it on October 7. Let’s give Judie a hand!
On October 25, I received the first publisher cover concept. I liked it! It seemed scary and evocative. I expected to see a revised cover…
On January 6 , I received another, completely different cover. I do mean completely different, not like different colors or changed fonts. It was a whole new concept. I liked it, too. I made a couple of suggestions, waited to see the revised cover and…
On February 6 — you guessed it — another completely different cover appeared in my inbox. Completely different from the first two. Discussion and tweaks followed, and at long last, we have a final cover for WRONG ALIBI!
Whew!!
How can I show you the covers while making it fun and entertaining for you? Let’s try this:
— The three covers are up on a survey.
— Look them over and vote on your favorite.
— Click for results and you’ll see the popular winner.
— Click again and you’ll see the cover my publisher chose for the book!
Want to discuss your choice, the popular choice, and the official final cover? There's a post on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM, and you can comment and discuss. You can also tweet at me on TWITTER (I’m @ChristinaDodd.)
I’m excited to see which cover wins the popular vote and what you have to say about the final WRONG ALIBI cover. Book covers are so important to sell to a new audience, but more important, I know you want the cover to feel right for the story.
I’ll send a follow-up letter with some of your more fun, enlightening comments.
One last very cool thing: , DEAD GIRL RUNNING,book 1 of the Cape Charade series , DEAD GIRL RUNNINGis on e-sale for $1.99 for Kindle and Nook, and for $3.99 for Kobo, Apple Books, and GooglePlay. As a bonus, includes the series introductory short story, HARD TO KILL. Yes, the short story is in the paperback, too!
Purchase here: DEAD GIRL RUNNING
As you continue in isolation or perhaps make your way slowly and carefully into a changed world, may you find health, happiness, and employment, and I hope books give you constant companionship, knowledge and comfort.
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author who reminds you to:
Vote on the cover survey
Get your sale copy of DEAD GIRL RUNNING!!
Be safe — my readers are precious to me!
February 5, 2019
New Book!
Dear Ones,
A writer-friend asked me that horrible question, “What’s your new book about?”
I told her WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER is a thriller. And it’s a comedy. It’s about survival against all odds. And it’s about learning to be a parent. She started to make that humming sound that meant she wanted to tell me I’d lost my mind.
…Okay, she was snoring.
In a panic, I told her WHAT DOESN’T KILL HER is a mash-up between the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies and The Fugitive. That got her attention.
Because anyone who’s been a parent or taken care of a child will tell you—no matter how dangerous or difficult the circumstances, a seven-year-old can’t be quiet, they can’t sit still, and they always gotta go potty.
Let’s say you’re Kellen Adams. You take a security job. You’re double-crossed. You find yourself in the wilderness, on the run, unprepared, your enemies unknown. Then, oh no, you discover your new seven-year-old daughter has tagged along to bond.
What are you going to do?
The consequences of failure would break you. And Kellen Adams does not break.
What doesn’t kill her…had better start running.
Read WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER
There’s a new pop-up survey on my website: Where were you when you heard about The Three-Armed Cover?
I read all comments. I’ll bet I’m going to hear some interesting stories on this one!
Finally, you know how humble I am (oh, stop laughing!), but I have to tell you about the review
WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER got from the Mystery Tribune. They said:
“Dodd’s gripping voice will appeal to fans of Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Linda Howard & Jayne Ann Krentz.”
A company of fabulous authors to be in, isn’t it?
Until next time, happy reading!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author
The bestselling Cape Charade series
1. HARD TO KILL
2. DEAD GIRL RUNNING
3. FAMILIES AND OTHER ENEMIES
4. WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER
5. HIDDEN TRUTHS, Sept. 1, 2019
6. STRANGERS SHE KNOWS, Oct. 8, 2019
Downloadable Printable booklist Updated
Books by Series
A writer-friend asked me that horrible question, “What’s your new book about?”
I told her WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER is a thriller. And it’s a comedy. It’s about survival against all odds. And it’s about learning to be a parent. She started to make that humming sound that meant she wanted to tell me I’d lost my mind.
…Okay, she was snoring.
In a panic, I told her WHAT DOESN’T KILL HER is a mash-up between the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies and The Fugitive. That got her attention.
Because anyone who’s been a parent or taken care of a child will tell you—no matter how dangerous or difficult the circumstances, a seven-year-old can’t be quiet, they can’t sit still, and they always gotta go potty.
Let’s say you’re Kellen Adams. You take a security job. You’re double-crossed. You find yourself in the wilderness, on the run, unprepared, your enemies unknown. Then, oh no, you discover your new seven-year-old daughter has tagged along to bond.
What are you going to do?
The consequences of failure would break you. And Kellen Adams does not break.
What doesn’t kill her…had better start running.
Read WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER
There’s a new pop-up survey on my website: Where were you when you heard about The Three-Armed Cover?
I read all comments. I’ll bet I’m going to hear some interesting stories on this one!
Finally, you know how humble I am (oh, stop laughing!), but I have to tell you about the review
WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER got from the Mystery Tribune. They said:
“Dodd’s gripping voice will appeal to fans of Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Linda Howard & Jayne Ann Krentz.”
A company of fabulous authors to be in, isn’t it?
Until next time, happy reading!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author
The bestselling Cape Charade series
1. HARD TO KILL
2. DEAD GIRL RUNNING
3. FAMILIES AND OTHER ENEMIES
4. WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER
5. HIDDEN TRUTHS, Sept. 1, 2019
6. STRANGERS SHE KNOWS, Oct. 8, 2019
Downloadable Printable booklist Updated
Books by Series
June 21, 2018
Christina Dodd's NAME THE DOG Survey!
Dear Readers,
In book #3 of the Cape Charade series, which I'm writing now, seven-year-old Rae Di Luca gets a dog and it needs a name. Thank you to everyone on social media who came to my rescue and suggested a name.
There were thousands! I narrowed down the choices based on:
— Names I love (I'll use it a lot!)
— Names I haven't used before in one of my books (Think about it! I've named hundreds of characters/pets.)
— Names that aren't the names of my friends or relatives (Rule #1: Never name anything after your mother-in-law! ;) )
Then I created a survey, and it is waiting for your vote. But first!
To help you choose, I wrote an original scene with Rae, Max and Grandma Verona Di Luca, that introduces the new dog. Read, then vote!
Rae ran into the kitchen yelling, “Grandma! We got a dog!”
Verona turned away from the accounts spread across the table. “Well, let me see it… My God, what’s that?” She pulled off her reading glasses and stared as the fifty pounds of red muscled beast bounded in, tail wagging, and explored her kitchen.
Rae ran after it. “It’s my dog! It’s my dog!”
“That’s not a puppy. You were going to get a puppy!” Verona's horror was palpable.
Max wandered in, hands in his pockets. “Rae and that dog looked at each other, and it was love at first sight.”
“What is it?” Verona demanded.
"It's a dog!" Rae said.
“According to the animal shelter," Max said, "she’s half Australian cattle dog, half full sized poodle.”
“And half some other breeds. That is a mutt!” Verona turned in her chair and watched the dog race into the living room, nose to the ground. “How old is it?”
Rae ran after it.
“About eighteen months. It's a stray."
In a goaded voice, Verona said, "Maximilian, you promised you were going to get a small dog. A puppy! A Pomeranian or a…a Puggle."
"On the bright side, she's housebroken."
From the living room, they heard a crash and Rae yelling, "It's okay! Nothing's hurt. It was her tail!"
"House broken is exactly the term I would use," Verona said ominously. "We won't be drinking wine in the living room any time soon."
The dog ran back into the kitchen and for the first time seemed to notice Verona. It stopped, stiff-legged, and stared her full in the face.
Verona stared back.
The dog smiled. It actually smiled, pranced over in a display of delight and affection, leaned against Verona's leg and put its head in her lap. And smiled some more. "Oh, no," Verona said. "It likes me."
Max and Rae exchanged smirks.
"She loves you, Grandma," Rae said.
"Of course it does." Verona sighed. "What's its name?"
"We don't know. What do you think we should name her?"
"She's part French poodle, so how about Fifi?" Max laughed at his mother's expression, laughed hard.
His laugher warmed Verona's heart. He hadn't smiled for so long… "How about Luna, like the moon… and lunatic?" she asked tartly.
"I could call her Bella Luna. Beautiful moon. That's a great name!" Rae said.
Max got a mixing bowl out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and put it on the utility porch. "She looks like a Sadie."
"Calamity." Verona absentmindedly scratched the dog between the ears.
"Or a Mabel," Max said.
"Quirky, because she's so funny and fun." Rae knelt down and hugged her new dog.
"Since she's half cattle dog and half poodle, how about Canoodle?" Max grinned at his little girl.
"Daddy, that's a funny name. I like Cara Mia." Rae crooned to the dog in a perfect Italian accent. "My beloved."
With a sigh, the dog subsided onto Verona's feet.
"Ramona, like Ramona in the Beverly Cleary books Rae is reading now," Max said.
"But Daddy, Ramona's always in trouble!" Rae protested.
"How about that?" Verona muttered.
"She'll be a superhero like Mommy and me, so — SuperNova!" Rae stretched out on the floor, her head on the dog's side. "When Mommy comes home, she'll be so excited to meet my new dog!"
"Yes." Max took a painful breath. "She will. Now, let's all vote on a name!"
Vote here by June 25 at midnight. I can’t wait to see what name you choose!
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
DEAD GIRL RUNNING Out now!
WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER (Had Better Start Running) Coming 1/29/2019
Printable Book List (Updated)
Books by Series And In Order
"They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?"
In book #3 of the Cape Charade series, which I'm writing now, seven-year-old Rae Di Luca gets a dog and it needs a name. Thank you to everyone on social media who came to my rescue and suggested a name.
There were thousands! I narrowed down the choices based on:
— Names I love (I'll use it a lot!)
— Names I haven't used before in one of my books (Think about it! I've named hundreds of characters/pets.)
— Names that aren't the names of my friends or relatives (Rule #1: Never name anything after your mother-in-law! ;) )
Then I created a survey, and it is waiting for your vote. But first!
To help you choose, I wrote an original scene with Rae, Max and Grandma Verona Di Luca, that introduces the new dog. Read, then vote!
Rae ran into the kitchen yelling, “Grandma! We got a dog!”
Verona turned away from the accounts spread across the table. “Well, let me see it… My God, what’s that?” She pulled off her reading glasses and stared as the fifty pounds of red muscled beast bounded in, tail wagging, and explored her kitchen.
Rae ran after it. “It’s my dog! It’s my dog!”
“That’s not a puppy. You were going to get a puppy!” Verona's horror was palpable.
Max wandered in, hands in his pockets. “Rae and that dog looked at each other, and it was love at first sight.”
“What is it?” Verona demanded.
"It's a dog!" Rae said.
“According to the animal shelter," Max said, "she’s half Australian cattle dog, half full sized poodle.”
“And half some other breeds. That is a mutt!” Verona turned in her chair and watched the dog race into the living room, nose to the ground. “How old is it?”
Rae ran after it.
“About eighteen months. It's a stray."
In a goaded voice, Verona said, "Maximilian, you promised you were going to get a small dog. A puppy! A Pomeranian or a…a Puggle."
"On the bright side, she's housebroken."
From the living room, they heard a crash and Rae yelling, "It's okay! Nothing's hurt. It was her tail!"
"House broken is exactly the term I would use," Verona said ominously. "We won't be drinking wine in the living room any time soon."
The dog ran back into the kitchen and for the first time seemed to notice Verona. It stopped, stiff-legged, and stared her full in the face.
Verona stared back.
The dog smiled. It actually smiled, pranced over in a display of delight and affection, leaned against Verona's leg and put its head in her lap. And smiled some more. "Oh, no," Verona said. "It likes me."
Max and Rae exchanged smirks.
"She loves you, Grandma," Rae said.
"Of course it does." Verona sighed. "What's its name?"
"We don't know. What do you think we should name her?"
"She's part French poodle, so how about Fifi?" Max laughed at his mother's expression, laughed hard.
His laugher warmed Verona's heart. He hadn't smiled for so long… "How about Luna, like the moon… and lunatic?" she asked tartly.
"I could call her Bella Luna. Beautiful moon. That's a great name!" Rae said.
Max got a mixing bowl out of the cupboard, filled it with water, and put it on the utility porch. "She looks like a Sadie."
"Calamity." Verona absentmindedly scratched the dog between the ears.
"Or a Mabel," Max said.
"Quirky, because she's so funny and fun." Rae knelt down and hugged her new dog.
"Since she's half cattle dog and half poodle, how about Canoodle?" Max grinned at his little girl.
"Daddy, that's a funny name. I like Cara Mia." Rae crooned to the dog in a perfect Italian accent. "My beloved."
With a sigh, the dog subsided onto Verona's feet.
"Ramona, like Ramona in the Beverly Cleary books Rae is reading now," Max said.
"But Daddy, Ramona's always in trouble!" Rae protested.
"How about that?" Verona muttered.
"She'll be a superhero like Mommy and me, so — SuperNova!" Rae stretched out on the floor, her head on the dog's side. "When Mommy comes home, she'll be so excited to meet my new dog!"
"Yes." Max took a painful breath. "She will. Now, let's all vote on a name!"
Vote here by June 25 at midnight. I can’t wait to see what name you choose!
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
DEAD GIRL RUNNING Out now!
WHAT DOESN'T KILL HER (Had Better Start Running) Coming 1/29/2019
Printable Book List (Updated)
Books by Series And In Order
"They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?"
February 23, 2018
Book Trailer and Survey!
My publisher, HQN, decided to make a DEAD GIRL RUNNING book trailer, like a movie trailer only… well, you know. It’s brilliant and moving and shows you the kind of journey you’re going to take with Kellen Adams in DEAD GIRL RUNNING.
After you watch, take the quick survey and tell us your opinion. What do you think? My publisher is very interested in your response, and so am I. Thank you!
SURVEY: https://goo.gl/forms/IqDeIbUGF5ulbRqc2
VIDEO TRAILER: http://bit.ly/2otQIi5
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM !
DEAD GIRL RUNNING, 4.24.2018
Printable booklist
Books by series in order
After you watch, take the quick survey and tell us your opinion. What do you think? My publisher is very interested in your response, and so am I. Thank you!
SURVEY: https://goo.gl/forms/IqDeIbUGF5ulbRqc2
VIDEO TRAILER: http://bit.ly/2otQIi5
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM !
DEAD GIRL RUNNING, 4.24.2018
Printable booklist
Books by series in order
January 29, 2018
Fate Hands The Three-Armed Cover Another Run at Fame
Get it? Fate HANDS the Three-Armed Cover…
:cough:
Vanity Fair did a celebrity photo shoot and somehow Oprah ended up with a third arm. As you can imagine, my fans who are familiar with my Three-Armed Cover have gone wild with joy. Thank you to everyone who emailed, Instagrammed, Tweeted and Facebooked me about the mistake, and of course, thank you to Vanity Fair and Oprah. J
. 
You can read about my Three-Armed cover here.
You can see my screamingly funny video
(includes a glimpse of The Husband) here.
Feel free to share this news on to any friends who might need a hand…
Stop me before I pun again! And…I have a lot of upcoming excitement to share, so this is a good day to join my newsletter. Please read a sample, then join us!
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING 24, 2018
Printable booklist
Books by series in order
:cough:
Vanity Fair did a celebrity photo shoot and somehow Oprah ended up with a third arm. As you can imagine, my fans who are familiar with my Three-Armed Cover have gone wild with joy. Thank you to everyone who emailed, Instagrammed, Tweeted and Facebooked me about the mistake, and of course, thank you to Vanity Fair and Oprah. J
. You can read about my Three-Armed cover here.
You can see my screamingly funny video
(includes a glimpse of The Husband) here.
Feel free to share this news on to any friends who might need a hand…
Stop me before I pun again! And…I have a lot of upcoming excitement to share, so this is a good day to join my newsletter. Please read a sample, then join us!
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING 24, 2018
Printable booklist
Books by series in order
January 13, 2018
2018 with Christina Dodd and Ritter
Dear Ones,
As we go back to work after the holidays, I always remember this interesting story:
A sinner died and went to hell, and was given a choice of his torment for all eternity. He toured the different torture rooms: the burning fires room, the pitchfork stabbing room, the all pencils have worn down erasers room. Finally he opened a door and saw people standing waist deep in manure. He thought, “That’s not too bad,” and waded in. In a few minutes, the devil in charge said, “Break’s over! Everyone back on your heads!”
My Virgin Podcast!
The Not Boring Book Show asked me to be a guest, it was my first podcast. and I confess, I was a little nervous. Would I be witty? Intelligent? Remember important facts…like my name? May I say — it’s definitely not boring! The hosts, Stacy and Angela, are entertaining and funny, they asked great questions, and we ended up cackling about the treehouse, the three-armed cover, and my absolute idiocy when I started writing (I started right after I gave birth to our first daughter, because, “How much trouble can one little baby be?”) The hosts and I even got serious about my readers and how words and stories bind us and guide us. You can listen and/or download here.
P.S. This is not only the first podcast I did, but it’s also the first one I’ve listened to. Do you know how hard it is to hear your own voice and think, “Do I really sound that squeaky?” Now I’ve listened to several of the Not Boring podcasts, and they’re fun, informative, and entertaining. Give them a try!
Of course, I hope you enjoy my podcast the most.
2018 Upcoming Christina Dodd books!
2018 is going to be an interesting reading year for us all, with lots of wonderful books coming from your favorite romance and suspense authors. Here’s a round-up of mine!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING: the first full-length thriller in the Virtue Falls spin-off series, Cape Charade, coming April 24 in hardcover, trade paperback and eBook!
I have three confessions:
1. I’ve got the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I don’t remember an entire year of my life.
3. My name is Kellen Adams … and that’s half a lie.
Girl running… from a year she can’t remember, from a husband she prays is dead, from homelessness and fear. Tough, capable Kellen Adams takes a job as assistant manager of a remote vacation resort on the North Pacific Coast. There, amid towering storms and lashing waves, she hopes to find sanctuary. But when she discovers a woman’s dead and mutilated body, she’s soon trying to keep her own secrets while investigating first one murder…then another.
Now every guest and employee is a suspect. Every friendly face hides a mask. Every kind word sounds like a lie. Kellen is driven to defend her job, her friends, and the place she’s come to call home. Yet she wonders—with the scar of a gunshot on her forehead and an amnesia that leaves her unsure of her own past, could the killer be staring her in the face?
DEAD GIRL RUNNING, coming April 24, 2018
Read an excerpt
Add to your Goodreads To-Read list
Pre-order your copy online or from your favorite bookseller!→
Very early news: On Saturday, May 12, bestseller Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) and I will be autographing together at The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale Arizona! Details here!
HARD TO KILL: the first Cape Charade Short Story
When Army Captain Kellen Adams receives a job offer that sounds too good to be true, she finds herself balanced between fascination and fear. All she has to do is break a code and find a long lost treasure…or die trying.
HARD TO KILL, coming in August, 2018…I think. Stay tuned for more information as I know it!
At last! Coming in paperback and with reduced eBook prices on March 27
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM!
Last night someone had called Merida, warned her that “they” were hunting her, and today worry replaced joy and mindlessness. As she stood there, facing the ocean, she found herself listening, not to the waves ceaselessly rolling, but for the sound of footsteps behind her. Serenity had never seemed so far away, so at last she turned back, running hard up the path, testing her limits for speed and endurance. She turned onto the street where the B and B stood, saw a man jogging toward her, shirtless, in shorts, shirtless, beautifully sculpted, shirtless … Lifts weights, shorts are too long, almost to his knees, such a shame, those thigh muscles must be awesome…
Benedict, of course.
He lifted one hand in recognition and ran past her at a pace that made her feel like a sweaty underachiever.
She turned and ran backward — it was good exercise — and watched him.
“Wow.” For a ruthless, conniving, asshole of an autocrat, he looked good, probably because he had time left over from impaling his competitors to exercise.
He rounded the corner and headed for town, and he didn’t turn to glance back.
“Damn it.” She slowed to a walk. She was looking at him, and he didn’t care to look at her. She turned to face forward, glimpsed movement out of the corners of her eyes.
A man hid in the hedges.
She leaped sideways, but too late.
He yanked her into the shadowy yard through a narrow gap in the towering boxwood.
She fought. Branches scraped her skin.
But he was powerful and skilled. He rendered her helpless, pulled her close and in a deep, familiar voice said, “I did warn that you couldn’t scream.”
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM! out in paperback on March 27
at AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, and your favorite bookstore.
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM Readers’ Guide
Ritter is 15 years old!
Everyone on my mailing list knows Ritter. He is the puppy we raised and trained as an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence. He is the dog who stayed in advanced training for five months (!) before he flunked out of college and returned to us. He helps me with promotion by posing with books and at my desk, and is happy to do it for treats and a lot of pets. He is the sweet boy who has been our faithful friend for so many years…and on January 4, he turned fifteen years old.
Which is 105 in dog years. (Read more about Ritter, the Almost Assistance Dog.)
Every day, Ritter gets up and goes for a walk (really a mosey) with The Husband, who takes him down the hill and up the hill. He eats three meals a day and greatly enjoys them. He helps me with my writing by sleeping through all the exciting scenes. He’s got lumps and bumps, we have to help him up the stairs (thus making us his assistance humans) and he can’t hear well. But when 105 years you are, slower you will move. I hope you have a friend as dear and loyal as Ritter. Join me in wishing Ritter a Happy Birthday!
Hold on to your hats! In the next few months, we’re going to have BIG interest and excitement with the Reviewers’ Club and contests run exclusively for you, my newsletter friends. I’m so thankful you chose to join me. Books come out, social media announcements are iffy, but you always know the exciting details about my stories and when you can welcome them into your home.
Until we meet again, have a wonderful, book-filled January!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of lots of books!
Historical Romance (CANDLE IN THE WINDOW 2.99 eBook)
Paranormal Romance (STORM OF VISIONS
2.99 eBook)
Suspense (VIRTUE FALLS $6.79 paperback.)
As we go back to work after the holidays, I always remember this interesting story:
A sinner died and went to hell, and was given a choice of his torment for all eternity. He toured the different torture rooms: the burning fires room, the pitchfork stabbing room, the all pencils have worn down erasers room. Finally he opened a door and saw people standing waist deep in manure. He thought, “That’s not too bad,” and waded in. In a few minutes, the devil in charge said, “Break’s over! Everyone back on your heads!”
My Virgin Podcast!
The Not Boring Book Show asked me to be a guest, it was my first podcast. and I confess, I was a little nervous. Would I be witty? Intelligent? Remember important facts…like my name? May I say — it’s definitely not boring! The hosts, Stacy and Angela, are entertaining and funny, they asked great questions, and we ended up cackling about the treehouse, the three-armed cover, and my absolute idiocy when I started writing (I started right after I gave birth to our first daughter, because, “How much trouble can one little baby be?”) The hosts and I even got serious about my readers and how words and stories bind us and guide us. You can listen and/or download here.
P.S. This is not only the first podcast I did, but it’s also the first one I’ve listened to. Do you know how hard it is to hear your own voice and think, “Do I really sound that squeaky?” Now I’ve listened to several of the Not Boring podcasts, and they’re fun, informative, and entertaining. Give them a try!
Of course, I hope you enjoy my podcast the most.
2018 Upcoming Christina Dodd books!
2018 is going to be an interesting reading year for us all, with lots of wonderful books coming from your favorite romance and suspense authors. Here’s a round-up of mine!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING: the first full-length thriller in the Virtue Falls spin-off series, Cape Charade, coming April 24 in hardcover, trade paperback and eBook!
I have three confessions:
1. I’ve got the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I don’t remember an entire year of my life.
3. My name is Kellen Adams … and that’s half a lie.
Girl running… from a year she can’t remember, from a husband she prays is dead, from homelessness and fear. Tough, capable Kellen Adams takes a job as assistant manager of a remote vacation resort on the North Pacific Coast. There, amid towering storms and lashing waves, she hopes to find sanctuary. But when she discovers a woman’s dead and mutilated body, she’s soon trying to keep her own secrets while investigating first one murder…then another.
Now every guest and employee is a suspect. Every friendly face hides a mask. Every kind word sounds like a lie. Kellen is driven to defend her job, her friends, and the place she’s come to call home. Yet she wonders—with the scar of a gunshot on her forehead and an amnesia that leaves her unsure of her own past, could the killer be staring her in the face?
DEAD GIRL RUNNING, coming April 24, 2018
Read an excerpt
Add to your Goodreads To-Read list
Pre-order your copy online or from your favorite bookseller!→
Very early news: On Saturday, May 12, bestseller Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) and I will be autographing together at The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale Arizona! Details here!
HARD TO KILL: the first Cape Charade Short Story
When Army Captain Kellen Adams receives a job offer that sounds too good to be true, she finds herself balanced between fascination and fear. All she has to do is break a code and find a long lost treasure…or die trying.
HARD TO KILL, coming in August, 2018…I think. Stay tuned for more information as I know it!
At last! Coming in paperback and with reduced eBook prices on March 27
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM!
Last night someone had called Merida, warned her that “they” were hunting her, and today worry replaced joy and mindlessness. As she stood there, facing the ocean, she found herself listening, not to the waves ceaselessly rolling, but for the sound of footsteps behind her. Serenity had never seemed so far away, so at last she turned back, running hard up the path, testing her limits for speed and endurance. She turned onto the street where the B and B stood, saw a man jogging toward her, shirtless, in shorts, shirtless, beautifully sculpted, shirtless … Lifts weights, shorts are too long, almost to his knees, such a shame, those thigh muscles must be awesome…
Benedict, of course.
He lifted one hand in recognition and ran past her at a pace that made her feel like a sweaty underachiever.
She turned and ran backward — it was good exercise — and watched him.
“Wow.” For a ruthless, conniving, asshole of an autocrat, he looked good, probably because he had time left over from impaling his competitors to exercise.
He rounded the corner and headed for town, and he didn’t turn to glance back.
“Damn it.” She slowed to a walk. She was looking at him, and he didn’t care to look at her. She turned to face forward, glimpsed movement out of the corners of her eyes.
A man hid in the hedges.
She leaped sideways, but too late.
He yanked her into the shadowy yard through a narrow gap in the towering boxwood.
She fought. Branches scraped her skin.
But he was powerful and skilled. He rendered her helpless, pulled her close and in a deep, familiar voice said, “I did warn that you couldn’t scream.”
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM! out in paperback on March 27
at AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, and your favorite bookstore.
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM Readers’ Guide
Ritter is 15 years old!
Everyone on my mailing list knows Ritter. He is the puppy we raised and trained as an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence. He is the dog who stayed in advanced training for five months (!) before he flunked out of college and returned to us. He helps me with promotion by posing with books and at my desk, and is happy to do it for treats and a lot of pets. He is the sweet boy who has been our faithful friend for so many years…and on January 4, he turned fifteen years old.
Which is 105 in dog years. (Read more about Ritter, the Almost Assistance Dog.)
Every day, Ritter gets up and goes for a walk (really a mosey) with The Husband, who takes him down the hill and up the hill. He eats three meals a day and greatly enjoys them. He helps me with my writing by sleeping through all the exciting scenes. He’s got lumps and bumps, we have to help him up the stairs (thus making us his assistance humans) and he can’t hear well. But when 105 years you are, slower you will move. I hope you have a friend as dear and loyal as Ritter. Join me in wishing Ritter a Happy Birthday!
Hold on to your hats! In the next few months, we’re going to have BIG interest and excitement with the Reviewers’ Club and contests run exclusively for you, my newsletter friends. I’m so thankful you chose to join me. Books come out, social media announcements are iffy, but you always know the exciting details about my stories and when you can welcome them into your home.
Until we meet again, have a wonderful, book-filled January!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of lots of books!
Historical Romance (CANDLE IN THE WINDOW 2.99 eBook)
Paranormal Romance (STORM OF VISIONS
2.99 eBook)
Suspense (VIRTUE FALLS $6.79 paperback.)
January 6, 2018
Christina Dodd and the Almost-Assistance Dog
On January 4, Ritter turned fifteen years old (105 in dog years!) Here is his story…
Meet our dog, Ritter. All dogs are special, but Ritter was special in a different way. In 2003, my husband suggested we train an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities. We knew it would be a lot of work, but the reward was providing a dog to help someone in a wheelchair live a full, joyful life.
CCI breeds and provides the dogs. Ritter was our assignment. We got him when he was eleven weeks old and hell-dog. The first thing we were told about him was that he’d eaten a towel and we should watch to make sure he’d pass it. (It’s stuff like this, folks, that makes me realize that I’m the living embodiment of romance.) He wrestled with our own personal dog, Lizzie, who didn’t understand why she wasn’t still an only dog. We had to teach him over thirty commands including “Visit” which had him put his head into your lap so you could pet him and “Hurry” which was the “go to the bathroom” command. (Yes, romance! I’m surrounded by romance!)
We took him to restaurants and to grocery stores to teach him how to behave in public, and he grew into a wonderful, sweet, polite dog who everyone loved and who would be a great companion to anyone in a wheelchair.
In August 2004, when he was nineteen months, we took him to San Diego for advanced training at CCI. Walking away from him was a gut-wrenching moment. My husband tried to be stoic and said that we’d sent two children to college and this wasn’t any different. I knew Ritter, and it was different — I knew he would never call or write.
We got monthly reports from his trainers telling us how he was doing, and while they always said he was smart and wanted to please, they were concerned about how excitable he was and that he had a fear of (don’t laugh) Care Bears. (You’re laughing!) Yes, it’s true… READ MORE HERE: http://www.christinadodd.com/photo/ch...
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM Out now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING APRIL 24, 2018
Printable Book List
Books by Series and in Order
Meet our dog, Ritter. All dogs are special, but Ritter was special in a different way. In 2003, my husband suggested we train an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities. We knew it would be a lot of work, but the reward was providing a dog to help someone in a wheelchair live a full, joyful life.
CCI breeds and provides the dogs. Ritter was our assignment. We got him when he was eleven weeks old and hell-dog. The first thing we were told about him was that he’d eaten a towel and we should watch to make sure he’d pass it. (It’s stuff like this, folks, that makes me realize that I’m the living embodiment of romance.) He wrestled with our own personal dog, Lizzie, who didn’t understand why she wasn’t still an only dog. We had to teach him over thirty commands including “Visit” which had him put his head into your lap so you could pet him and “Hurry” which was the “go to the bathroom” command. (Yes, romance! I’m surrounded by romance!)
We took him to restaurants and to grocery stores to teach him how to behave in public, and he grew into a wonderful, sweet, polite dog who everyone loved and who would be a great companion to anyone in a wheelchair.
In August 2004, when he was nineteen months, we took him to San Diego for advanced training at CCI. Walking away from him was a gut-wrenching moment. My husband tried to be stoic and said that we’d sent two children to college and this wasn’t any different. I knew Ritter, and it was different — I knew he would never call or write.
We got monthly reports from his trainers telling us how he was doing, and while they always said he was smart and wanted to please, they were concerned about how excitable he was and that he had a fear of (don’t laugh) Care Bears. (You’re laughing!) Yes, it’s true… READ MORE HERE: http://www.christinadodd.com/photo/ch...
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SCREAM Out now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING APRIL 24, 2018
Printable Book List
Books by Series and in Order
December 20, 2017
NO TIME, she screamed!
Dear Ones,
How’s your holiday season proceeding? Please don’t get upset with me, but this year I’m crunched for time as never before (a common holiday complaint!) and I’m not my usual jolly elfish self. I took a January 1 deadline. What was I thinking? Then on social media I saw someone mention she was writing down the things she was grateful for. I started that, and while I’m still inwardly screaming, “NO TIME,” I have regained my sense of proportion.
Things I’m thankful for this season (in no particular order):
I’m thankful for my family. I know, everyone says that, but my two adult daughters are lovely people and I’m proud of them. And my husband — yes, he builds cool things and he’s funny. He makes me laugh and you, too, when I tell you the stuff he says. He’s also the kindest, most generous and caring man I’ve ever met.
…Mind you, occasionally he’s a jackass. But we’ve been married since the earth’s crust cooled and I can think of a :cough: few occasions when I may have slightly donkey-like, too. So. What is a relationship but talking together, sharing experiences, and loving in spite of everything?
I’m thankful for my friends. Sure, everyone says that, too, but as the saying goes, you can pick your nose and you can pick your friends, and I’ve been lucky enough to happen upon great people who have gifted me with their friendship. Some of them are authors, some of them are real people (kidding! sort of!), and to a person, they’re witty, smart and supportive.
I have a job I enjoy. If you’ve read my bio, you know I started work as a drafter, designing roads, mines and sawmills. I could have done that my whole life and made a good living, but it would just have been a job. Writing is a vocation, an obsession, a joy.
…All right, sometimes writing wavers between awful and horrible, but my dears, writing is what I was born to do and I’m so lucky to have a husband who supported me, financially and with his encouragement, for ten years while I learned my craft (and didn’t make a dime.)
I’m thankful for the memory of my mother. When my mother was pregnant with me, my father died suddenly of a heart attack leaving her with my two sisters, eight and ten, me on the way and no visible means of support. Let’s just say it wasn’t easy for her, but she read to me, laughed at my bad jokes (as do you ), and made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. Is there is a greater gift to give a child?
I’m thankful God gave me legs to walk and arms to lift. So I work out. I hate exercise (with a fiery passion), but with a family history like mine, I figure it’s an hour a day five days a week or eternity wishing I had. When I was a kid, my mother would say, “When you have your health, you have everything.” At the time, I didn’t get it. I get it now, and I’m grateful to be strong and healthy.
I’m grateful for my money. I know, I’m shallow. Maybe so, but I’ve been poor, and during the holidays, The Husband and I adopt 8 children and buy gifts from their wish list. This year ages ranged from 6 months to 16 years, so we got to buy art supplies, makeup, bikes, helmets, a baby doll and books. I was that needy kid, and it’s a privilege to be able to pay it forward. An added blessing — it’s fun to buy gifts for children!
I’m grateful for you, dear reader. I tell you about the bad stuff, like the tree falling in my house and you sympathize. I tell you the good news about my books, and you congratulate. I tell you about the tree falling in my house, the stone circle, the treehouse and the zip line,and you chuckle. You write me letters or answer my website survey and share parts of your life with me, and we know each other. We’re a community of hundreds of thousands of readers joined together by adventures, romances, and stories we love, and isn’t that a wonderful thing to realize and rejoice in?
Thank you to all of you who give and who receive. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, and I hope this year and every year you’re blessed with shelter, food, clothing and dreams that come true!
And books! And time to read!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM Out now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING April 24, 2018
Books by Series and in Order
How’s your holiday season proceeding? Please don’t get upset with me, but this year I’m crunched for time as never before (a common holiday complaint!) and I’m not my usual jolly elfish self. I took a January 1 deadline. What was I thinking? Then on social media I saw someone mention she was writing down the things she was grateful for. I started that, and while I’m still inwardly screaming, “NO TIME,” I have regained my sense of proportion.
Things I’m thankful for this season (in no particular order):
I’m thankful for my family. I know, everyone says that, but my two adult daughters are lovely people and I’m proud of them. And my husband — yes, he builds cool things and he’s funny. He makes me laugh and you, too, when I tell you the stuff he says. He’s also the kindest, most generous and caring man I’ve ever met.
…Mind you, occasionally he’s a jackass. But we’ve been married since the earth’s crust cooled and I can think of a :cough: few occasions when I may have slightly donkey-like, too. So. What is a relationship but talking together, sharing experiences, and loving in spite of everything?
I’m thankful for my friends. Sure, everyone says that, too, but as the saying goes, you can pick your nose and you can pick your friends, and I’ve been lucky enough to happen upon great people who have gifted me with their friendship. Some of them are authors, some of them are real people (kidding! sort of!), and to a person, they’re witty, smart and supportive.
I have a job I enjoy. If you’ve read my bio, you know I started work as a drafter, designing roads, mines and sawmills. I could have done that my whole life and made a good living, but it would just have been a job. Writing is a vocation, an obsession, a joy.
…All right, sometimes writing wavers between awful and horrible, but my dears, writing is what I was born to do and I’m so lucky to have a husband who supported me, financially and with his encouragement, for ten years while I learned my craft (and didn’t make a dime.)
I’m thankful for the memory of my mother. When my mother was pregnant with me, my father died suddenly of a heart attack leaving her with my two sisters, eight and ten, me on the way and no visible means of support. Let’s just say it wasn’t easy for her, but she read to me, laughed at my bad jokes (as do you ), and made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. Is there is a greater gift to give a child?
I’m thankful God gave me legs to walk and arms to lift. So I work out. I hate exercise (with a fiery passion), but with a family history like mine, I figure it’s an hour a day five days a week or eternity wishing I had. When I was a kid, my mother would say, “When you have your health, you have everything.” At the time, I didn’t get it. I get it now, and I’m grateful to be strong and healthy.
I’m grateful for my money. I know, I’m shallow. Maybe so, but I’ve been poor, and during the holidays, The Husband and I adopt 8 children and buy gifts from their wish list. This year ages ranged from 6 months to 16 years, so we got to buy art supplies, makeup, bikes, helmets, a baby doll and books. I was that needy kid, and it’s a privilege to be able to pay it forward. An added blessing — it’s fun to buy gifts for children!
I’m grateful for you, dear reader. I tell you about the bad stuff, like the tree falling in my house and you sympathize. I tell you the good news about my books, and you congratulate. I tell you about the tree falling in my house, the stone circle, the treehouse and the zip line,and you chuckle. You write me letters or answer my website survey and share parts of your life with me, and we know each other. We’re a community of hundreds of thousands of readers joined together by adventures, romances, and stories we love, and isn’t that a wonderful thing to realize and rejoice in?
Thank you to all of you who give and who receive. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, and I hope this year and every year you’re blessed with shelter, food, clothing and dreams that come true!
And books! And time to read!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM Out now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING April 24, 2018
Books by Series and in Order
November 11, 2017
Photobomber, Caramel Corn Celebration, and Zipline
Dear Ones,
I know you’re busy, but I also know you love good books and, bless you, my books, so I must share this news with you. THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM is on Amazon’s Best of the Year list! When you look at this list, your wallet will scream (with joy!) Twenty. Great. Books. And yes, you remember correctly — last year’s BECAUSE I’M WATCHING (now available in paperback) was also one of Amazon’s Best of the Year. When I wrote the Amazon editor to thank her, she said, “Thank YOU—marvelous books like yours is what makes the world a better place.”
What did I do to celebrate? Let me put it this way — it’s hard to type with fingers sticky from the caramel corn!
Photobomber!
I did a quick video showing off my huge DEAD GIRL RUNNING poster, and someone had to get in the act. Hint: If you could zoom in, you would see blond dog hair all over my knees. Wait for it….
https://www.youtube.com/embed/HZUlKsv...
Zipline Update!
Husband: “I’m taking down the zipline for the winter. Do you want one last ride?”
Me: “No, I’m still in my pjs and I’m really stressed and…Sure. Let me put on my bathrobe and slippers.”
Ziplining: The cure for stress. (More treehouse/zipline.) Wishing you a stressless day with lots of time to read!
http://www.christinadodd.com/photo/ch...
Warmly,
Christina Dodd (Your favorite dorky…er, glamorous author!)
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM Out now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING April 24, 2018
I know you’re busy, but I also know you love good books and, bless you, my books, so I must share this news with you. THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM is on Amazon’s Best of the Year list! When you look at this list, your wallet will scream (with joy!) Twenty. Great. Books. And yes, you remember correctly — last year’s BECAUSE I’M WATCHING (now available in paperback) was also one of Amazon’s Best of the Year. When I wrote the Amazon editor to thank her, she said, “Thank YOU—marvelous books like yours is what makes the world a better place.”
What did I do to celebrate? Let me put it this way — it’s hard to type with fingers sticky from the caramel corn!
Photobomber!
I did a quick video showing off my huge DEAD GIRL RUNNING poster, and someone had to get in the act. Hint: If you could zoom in, you would see blond dog hair all over my knees. Wait for it….
https://www.youtube.com/embed/HZUlKsv...
Zipline Update!
Husband: “I’m taking down the zipline for the winter. Do you want one last ride?”
Me: “No, I’m still in my pjs and I’m really stressed and…Sure. Let me put on my bathrobe and slippers.”
Ziplining: The cure for stress. (More treehouse/zipline.) Wishing you a stressless day with lots of time to read!
http://www.christinadodd.com/photo/ch...
Warmly,
Christina Dodd (Your favorite dorky…er, glamorous author!)
New York Times bestselling author of
THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM Out now!
DEAD GIRL RUNNING April 24, 2018
October 31, 2017
Chicken Manure and Newsletter News
Dear Ones,
Saturday, my newsletter went out without a hitch (YAY!) and The Husband and I went off to buy manure so we could plant garlic. Tell me my life isn’t the epitome of romance.
Also:
Husband: “Is chicken manure okay?”
Me: “When did I become the expert on manure? … Sure, it’s great.”
We came home with our manure and I discovered all the links on my newsletter were dead. When I asked what happened, I was told, “The freables divorced the bambosh and destroyed the quatch.” At least, I think that’s what they said…
Good news! Apparently the freables and the bambosh have reunited and the links work again! So if you were one of my readers who got a dead-in-the-water newsletter, please accept my apologies, take the time to peruse this informative and entertaining missive again, click all the links you wish, and read this brand-new bonus excerpt from DEAD GIRL RUNNING:
“Because you’re suspicious of him. For murder? Or smuggling?” Max followed, not too closely, and he moved quietly.
But she knew he was there. He had a presence, and she wanted to put her desk between them. She took the stairs. “Leo and Annie filled you in on all the details?”
“What there is of them. I suspect we’re looking at the tip of an iceberg.”
“I hate being on the Titanic,” she muttered.
“Full speed ahead,” he said, proving he had good hearing. “And no way to turn away from the peril. You don’t mind if I play the Kate Winslet role, do you? I don’t even like to walk in the rain.”
She turned and laughed at him. “You’re our new security man!”
He was two steps down, smiling faintly. “A good security man knows when to duck and run. I was a linebacker. I’m very good at running.”
“So…you’re fast?” She winced. That sounded faintly sexual.
He sobered, and suddenly he was no longer big and handsome, but rather sad and lonely. “Not always fast enough.”
All your questions answered:
You: Is DEAD GIRL RUNNING part of the Virtue Falls series?
DEAD GIRL RUNNING is the first in the Virtue Falls spin-off series, Cape Charade.
You: Why are you quitting Virtue Falls?
I didn’t say I was quitting Virtue Falls! Do you remember in VIRTUE FALLS, the first book in the series, after the earthquake, when Margaret Smith (owner of Virtue Falls Resort) spoke to Annie Di Luca (Yearning Sands Resort)? (Christina waits while you run to re-read VIRTUE FALLS.) DEAD GIRL RUNNING is set at Yearning Sands Resort. Yes, even that far back, I was planning this book. I’m going to own all books set on the Washington state coast! BWAHAHAHA!
:cough:
Ahem.
You: You said Annie Di Luca. Aren’t the Di Lucas the family from your Bella Terra series?
That’s very astute of you. The Bella Terra series is set in the California wine country, and features the Di Luca family. The Di Luca family owns three resorts; one is their Washington resort of Yearning Sands. Again…author planning!
You: My head is spinning. Why are you mixing and matching series like this?
We all know authors who write book after book after book in a successful series, and the stories get tired because it’s clear that the authors are bored, but they can’t break away? I’m taking the series that I love, expanding the worlds, and assuring that I continue to write thrilling stories with characters and settings that you love.
You: What happens to my favorite character, Kateri Kwinault?
She’s the county sheriff. There are crimes occurring at Yearning Sands. She might make a cameo appearance.
You: Do I have to read all of Bella Terra and Virtue Falls before I can read DEAD GIRL RUNNING?
Yipe! No! Characters carry over from one book to another, and that might enhance your enjoyment, but all these books read as stand-alones. Really! Read the reviews!
You: You said DEAD GIRL RUNNING is coming April 24, 2018. What takes you so long to publish a book?
Hey! That’s only eight months since THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM. My new publisher has created an accelerated publishing schedule for me, and I’m thrilled! DEAD GIRL RUNNING links are up, and you can pre-order it in hardcover, trade paperback and eBook.
You: In trade paperback, eBook and hardcover???
Yes, it’s true. For those of you who collected all the Virtue Falls books, DEAD GIRL RUNNING is in hardcover. Book club readers will be thrilled to see it come out in trade paperback (the larger format.) And eBook readers will enjoy the convenience of reading the newest Christina Dodd suspense on phone, computer or eReader. Win for everybody!
You: What can I do to prepare for DEAD GIRL RUNNING?
— Put it on your Goodreads to-read list. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
— Mutter darkly when I send an excerpt that makes you want to read it right now. (The excerpt on the website is pretty darned good, too.) http://www.christinadodd.com/book/dea...
— Wait for me to announce a newsletter contest for advanced reading copies so you can taunt your friends about reading it early.
— Re-read Virtue Falls and Bella Terra. And heck, Darkness Chosen which also uses Western Washington as a home base and is another one of my most loved series.
— Communicate with your friends about the books you enjoy, because reading is a wonderful adventure to be shared.
One final thing: I have a new question on the website pop-up survey: Do you read the pages past “The End?” It’s a yes/no response, but there’s a comment box for you to tell me details. Due to the volume of responses, I don’t have time to respond, but I read every word!
http://www.christinadodd.com/
I hope this letter answered all your questions. Wishing you a great week and happy reading!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
the Bella Terra Series
#1 SECRETS OF BELLA TERRA
#2 REVENGE AT BELLA TERRA
#3 BETRAYAL
And the Virtue Falls Series
#1 THE LISTENER: A short story
#2 VIRTUE FALLS: Full-Length Thriller
#3 THE RELATIVES: A short story
#4 OBSESSION FALLS: Full-Length Thriller
#5 LOVE NEVER DIES: A short story
#6 BECAUSE I’M WATCHING: Full-Length Thriller with two bonus chapters from:
#7 THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM: Full-Length Thriller, today!
— A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT: A compilation of three short stories: THE LISTENER, THE RELATIVES, and LOVE NEVER DIES, as well as extras from the Virtue Falls series.
— THE WATCHER: A Virtue Falls short story, free to you on my mailing list! Download and read on your eReader or use an app to read on your phone or computer.
Saturday, my newsletter went out without a hitch (YAY!) and The Husband and I went off to buy manure so we could plant garlic. Tell me my life isn’t the epitome of romance.
Also:
Husband: “Is chicken manure okay?”
Me: “When did I become the expert on manure? … Sure, it’s great.”
We came home with our manure and I discovered all the links on my newsletter were dead. When I asked what happened, I was told, “The freables divorced the bambosh and destroyed the quatch.” At least, I think that’s what they said…
Good news! Apparently the freables and the bambosh have reunited and the links work again! So if you were one of my readers who got a dead-in-the-water newsletter, please accept my apologies, take the time to peruse this informative and entertaining missive again, click all the links you wish, and read this brand-new bonus excerpt from DEAD GIRL RUNNING:
“Because you’re suspicious of him. For murder? Or smuggling?” Max followed, not too closely, and he moved quietly.
But she knew he was there. He had a presence, and she wanted to put her desk between them. She took the stairs. “Leo and Annie filled you in on all the details?”
“What there is of them. I suspect we’re looking at the tip of an iceberg.”
“I hate being on the Titanic,” she muttered.
“Full speed ahead,” he said, proving he had good hearing. “And no way to turn away from the peril. You don’t mind if I play the Kate Winslet role, do you? I don’t even like to walk in the rain.”
She turned and laughed at him. “You’re our new security man!”
He was two steps down, smiling faintly. “A good security man knows when to duck and run. I was a linebacker. I’m very good at running.”
“So…you’re fast?” She winced. That sounded faintly sexual.
He sobered, and suddenly he was no longer big and handsome, but rather sad and lonely. “Not always fast enough.”
All your questions answered:
You: Is DEAD GIRL RUNNING part of the Virtue Falls series?
DEAD GIRL RUNNING is the first in the Virtue Falls spin-off series, Cape Charade.
You: Why are you quitting Virtue Falls?
I didn’t say I was quitting Virtue Falls! Do you remember in VIRTUE FALLS, the first book in the series, after the earthquake, when Margaret Smith (owner of Virtue Falls Resort) spoke to Annie Di Luca (Yearning Sands Resort)? (Christina waits while you run to re-read VIRTUE FALLS.) DEAD GIRL RUNNING is set at Yearning Sands Resort. Yes, even that far back, I was planning this book. I’m going to own all books set on the Washington state coast! BWAHAHAHA!
:cough:
Ahem.
You: You said Annie Di Luca. Aren’t the Di Lucas the family from your Bella Terra series?
That’s very astute of you. The Bella Terra series is set in the California wine country, and features the Di Luca family. The Di Luca family owns three resorts; one is their Washington resort of Yearning Sands. Again…author planning!
You: My head is spinning. Why are you mixing and matching series like this?
We all know authors who write book after book after book in a successful series, and the stories get tired because it’s clear that the authors are bored, but they can’t break away? I’m taking the series that I love, expanding the worlds, and assuring that I continue to write thrilling stories with characters and settings that you love.
You: What happens to my favorite character, Kateri Kwinault?
She’s the county sheriff. There are crimes occurring at Yearning Sands. She might make a cameo appearance.
You: Do I have to read all of Bella Terra and Virtue Falls before I can read DEAD GIRL RUNNING?
Yipe! No! Characters carry over from one book to another, and that might enhance your enjoyment, but all these books read as stand-alones. Really! Read the reviews!
You: You said DEAD GIRL RUNNING is coming April 24, 2018. What takes you so long to publish a book?
Hey! That’s only eight months since THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM. My new publisher has created an accelerated publishing schedule for me, and I’m thrilled! DEAD GIRL RUNNING links are up, and you can pre-order it in hardcover, trade paperback and eBook.
You: In trade paperback, eBook and hardcover???
Yes, it’s true. For those of you who collected all the Virtue Falls books, DEAD GIRL RUNNING is in hardcover. Book club readers will be thrilled to see it come out in trade paperback (the larger format.) And eBook readers will enjoy the convenience of reading the newest Christina Dodd suspense on phone, computer or eReader. Win for everybody!
You: What can I do to prepare for DEAD GIRL RUNNING?
— Put it on your Goodreads to-read list. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
— Mutter darkly when I send an excerpt that makes you want to read it right now. (The excerpt on the website is pretty darned good, too.) http://www.christinadodd.com/book/dea...
— Wait for me to announce a newsletter contest for advanced reading copies so you can taunt your friends about reading it early.
— Re-read Virtue Falls and Bella Terra. And heck, Darkness Chosen which also uses Western Washington as a home base and is another one of my most loved series.
— Communicate with your friends about the books you enjoy, because reading is a wonderful adventure to be shared.
One final thing: I have a new question on the website pop-up survey: Do you read the pages past “The End?” It’s a yes/no response, but there’s a comment box for you to tell me details. Due to the volume of responses, I don’t have time to respond, but I read every word!
http://www.christinadodd.com/
I hope this letter answered all your questions. Wishing you a great week and happy reading!
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author of
the Bella Terra Series
#1 SECRETS OF BELLA TERRA
#2 REVENGE AT BELLA TERRA
#3 BETRAYAL
And the Virtue Falls Series
#1 THE LISTENER: A short story
#2 VIRTUE FALLS: Full-Length Thriller
#3 THE RELATIVES: A short story
#4 OBSESSION FALLS: Full-Length Thriller
#5 LOVE NEVER DIES: A short story
#6 BECAUSE I’M WATCHING: Full-Length Thriller with two bonus chapters from:
#7 THE WOMAN WHO COULDN’T SCREAM: Full-Length Thriller, today!
— A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT: A compilation of three short stories: THE LISTENER, THE RELATIVES, and LOVE NEVER DIES, as well as extras from the Virtue Falls series.
— THE WATCHER: A Virtue Falls short story, free to you on my mailing list! Download and read on your eReader or use an app to read on your phone or computer.
