One of the hardest things about being an author, especially when over three million new books are released annually, is to get your book to stand out from the crowd. I caught a break in January, when Under Abnormal Conditions went free on Amazon, which carried over into paid sales after the price went up. It’s also caught on in the United Kingdom, even more than in the US. I’m not sure how that happened–it could be some anointing from my pastor, Philip Pimlott, a UK native, or perhaps because of an excellent critique by Steph Thomas, which helped improve the manuscript. (As a side note, authors, check out her affordable and insightful critique service. Between Rena and I, she’s critiqued three of our books, and her input has been extremely valuable.) Anyway, shout-out to any of my British readers who happen to read this blog — you are appreciated.

Ever since the re-release of Under Abnormal Conditions last November, I have been editing my next book and preparing it for release. That day has finally arrived. Tomorrow is the official release date of my next book, a thriller, Darker Than Night. This book focuses on the life of Carter Williams, a homicide detective in the Baton Rouge Police Department. A lot of the book was inspired by the people and situations I encountered working for Probation and Parole in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Here’s the official book description:

In Darker Than Night, secrets and scandals are served up daily in a world where no one is safe, neither sinner nor saint. The brutal predator whispers his chilling signature line to each victim before he strikes: “I come from a place darker than night.”

Reluctantly reinstated to the force, seasoned yet troubled homicide detective Carter Williams is assigned to investigate the death of a reputed child molester and murderer. The gruesome murder upsets no one, but as the killer goes on to torture and slay numerous victims, he surprisingly wins favor with the public.

As the case becomes more and more personal, Williams’ own reputation is threatened as he deals with department politics, a young partner, and a fragile home life. Williams struggles to unravel the gruesome mystery while trying to hold onto everything he has so carefully strived to protect.

Although the book isn’t officially releasing until tomorrow, you can get it now exclusively on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00C34Q1A4

In order to get the word out about this book, I need some help from you, my loyal readers.

I would appreciate you sharing this post, or the direct link to the book on social media, especially Facebook and Twitter. If you use twitter, please include the hashtag #darkerthannight. As an incentive, I will enter all the tweets using that hashtag today and Tuesday into a drawing to receive a free copy of the book.

I have included some ready-made tweets to make it as easy as possible (although you can feel free to use your own as well).

A mysterious killer is stalking Baton Rouge. Find out more in @clue_writer’s new #thriller http://amzn.com/B00C34Q1A4 #darkerthannight  Click to Tweet.

Maybe it’s time to be afraid of the dark. Check out the new #thriller from @clue_writer. http://amzn.com/B00C34Q1A4 #darkerthannight   Click to Tweet.

Releasing today, exclusively on #kindle: a new #thriller from @clue_writer. http://amzn.com/B00C34Q1A4 #darkerthannight  Click to Tweet.

In the UK? We’ve got you covered. Check out the new #thriller from Erick Burgess http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C34Q1A4 #darkerthannight    Click to Tweet.

RT or use hashtag #darkerthannight for a chance to win a free copy of the new #thriller from @clue_writer http://amzn.com/B00C34Q1A4   Click to Tweet.

Also, I am offering a free follow-up short story to anyone who reads the book and posts a review on Amazon. Just send me a link to your review (positive or negative), and I will email you the story.

As always, I am grateful to my readers. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible. Thank you.