by Philip Eliot | Feb 18, 2026 | Crime Fiction |
Strange events which took place in 1938 lead to the present-day cold-blooded killing of a ranch hand in the remote canyon country near Moab, Utah. The only clue besides a 9-mm bullet in the victim’s head is an ancient-Indian potsherd stuck into his chest. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and judges it’s related to a drug deal gone bad. But he’s actually up against an intelligent and cunning adversary driven by greed who’s discovered a long-forgotten cave containing a collection of rare museum-quality Indian artifacts. Local politicians and merchants are exerting strong pressure on the sheriff for a quick resolution to the case as the killing is threatening to disrupt the upcoming tourist season, Moab’s sole source of economic activity. After all, who would want to explore the backcountry with a killer on the loose out there? In the end, Rivera faces an ethical dilemma: Should he enforce the letter of the law or serve the cause of justice? And a woman learns the answer to a question that’s been haunting her for seventy years.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 18, 2026 | Historical Romance |
A Time-Travel Romance Set in the Heart of Colorado’s Gold Rush Wars, The Golden Promise of Cripple Creek by Mary Ellen Johnson When her political fiancé dumps her, social media influencer Maeve Mooney retreats to her family ranch—only to tumble down an abandoned mine shaft and straight into 1901 Cripple Creek, Colorado. It’s a world of glittering wealth, gritty saloons, and a brutal battle between miners and powerful mine owners. Using her piano skills to mingle with the town’s elite, Maeve soon crosses paths with Ronan Doyle, a rugged union leader immune to her charms and consumed by the fight for justice. As strikes erupt into violence and martial law descends, Maeve faces an impossible choice: return to her own time—or risk everything to stand beside the man she loves in a past that could destroy them both. But Maeve Mooney has never been one to accept defeat…not in love, not in life, and certainly not across time itself. Publisher’s Note: Maeve’s journey is an enthralling blend of passion, self-discovery, and the enduring quest for justice. “The Golden Promise of Cripple Creek” by Mary Ellen Johnson is a love story that transcends time and societal barriers. Don’t miss out on this captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning your own choices. There are a limited number of sexual scenes with some vulgarity characteristic of the time. THE TRAVELS ACROSS TIME SERIES Before I Wake Eternal Beloved The Golden Promise of Cripple Creek THE KNIGHTS OF ENGLAND SERIES The Lion and the Leopard A Knight There Was Within A Forest Dark A Child Upon The Throne Lords Among the Ruins The Flames of Rebellion Mary Ellen Johnson’s passion for Medieval England ignited her writing career. Her debut medieval historical, The Lion and the Leopard , was followed by The Landlord’s Black-Eyed Daughter , a historical novel inspired by Alfred Noyes’ poem The Highwayman (published under the pseudonym Mary Ellen Dennis). Landlord was later named one of the top 100 historical romances of 2013. After a twenty-year detour in a quixotic quest to change the world, Mary Ellen happily returned to her first love: historical fiction. She especially delights in exploring the tumultuous fourteenth century. Her six-book Knights of England series traces the fortunes of the characters introduced in The Lion and the Leopard and their descendants, weaving through the Black Death, the reign of Edward III, the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, and concluding with the deposition and death of Richard II in 1399. Mary Ellen is passionate about bringing Medieval England vividly to life for readers. She relishes researching battles, campaigns, daily life across social classes, and the worldview of her subjects—along with castles and cathedrals. One of her favorite places to visit is Canterbury Cathedral, where she stands in awe before the tomb of the Black Prince. Recently, a distant cousin shared years of genealogical research that revealed connections to familiar names from her studies: John of Gaunt, Edward the Black Prince, Edward II, Edward III, even Richard the Lionheart. Discovering that her own family tree intersects with the very figures she has spent a lifetime researching has been both thrilling and mysterious. Genetic memory? Reincarnation? She doesn’t know—but intends to explore such possibilities in future novels.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 18, 2026 | Horror & Paranormal |
When a renovation turns into a crime scene, can Skye get to the bottom of a nightmare turned murder? County Cork, Ireland. Skye Brigid O’Shea is still struggling to fit in. Still branded an outsider in her adopted rural town, the ex-pat American strives to get her inherited B&B shipshape despite the flaky local help. But after waking with a fright from a dream her fae cat claims she borrowed, the discombobulated newcomer trips over a dead body in her pub. Not about to head the suspect list again, the nosy former nurse chases down clues both mundane and otherworldly. But after discovering she’s not the only person having others’ dreams and a band of New Age neo-druids making trouble near the standing stones, Skye is only certain that this perplexing puzzle is sheer chaos. Can she unearth the culprit before out-of-control magic, small-town secrets, and old hippies land her on the wrong side of the veil? Whispers, Whiskey, and Wishes is the quirky second book in the Skye O’Shea Cozy Mystery series. If you like stubborn sleuths, snarky felines, and eccentric locals, then you’ll love Rowan Dillon’s walk on the enchanted side. Buy Whispers, Whiskey, and Wishes for a shot in the dark today!
by Philip Eliot | Feb 18, 2026 | Fantasy |
Lucy Kincaid wants a simple life with a white picket fence, but after Jens crashes into her life, she knows that won’t be in the cards. Still reeling from the deaths of her family, Lucy Kincaid struggles to get her life back on track. But when the short-tempered Jens saves her from an attack, Lucy is swept away to a world that seems infinitely more perilous. Suddenly, fairytale creatures are no longer make-believe–and more dangerous than she ever imagined. As Lucy delves deeper into this fantastical realm, she encounters oversized garden gnomes, warrior elves, Nøkken, Fossegrimens, and worst of all, sirens with a vendetta. When her life on earth is utterly destroyed, Lucy knows there is no going back. Lucy must hunt down the siren who is targeting everyone she loves, or all of Undraland will go up in flames. This is the first box set in the 9-part Undraland series, which contains Undraland, Nøkken, and Fossegrim. Devour this fast-paced paranormal romance series by USA Today bestselling author Mary E. Twomey, and one-click this romantasy adventure today.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 18, 2026 | Horror & Paranormal |
[Previously published (2024) as Adrenaline Rush by Fred Anderson] “…on the edge of my seat till the very end.” — Amazon review “Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!” – Amazon review Maya Sanchez has just landed a gig to deliver a gift car for a rich guy who won’t take no for an answer. BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS ON AN EMPTY ROAD. The job? Simple. The pay? Incredible. Five thousand dollars to drive it from Atlanta to Baton Rouge. The catch? She has to leave right away to get there by morning. It seems too good to be true. HEAVY FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARKNESS BEHIND HER. But after crossing paths with the wrong man at a desolate rest stop, Maya finds herself in possession of something that belongs to him … and he wants it back. HOT BREATH ON THE BACK OF HER NECK. Now she’s in a fight for more than her life in the Louisiana wilderness over a night of terror that just won’t end, and learning the hard way that nothing is ever easy.
