Mystery/Adventure Series Book Giveaway

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

ADVENTURE...SUSPENSE...ROMANCE...HUMOR...INTRIGUE! How do you qualify for a giveaway? Read the reviews below and listen to the video. Then list one thing that grabs your attention. For an extra entry, you may also click on the book cover on the side bar and read a sample chapter. For an additional entry, post this contest on Facebook or your blog. Tell whether you want a book or ebook and which book you want. Happy Reading!

Behind the Scenes: This series was inspired by one of my favorite TV shows called Hart to Hart, which featured a married couple investigating and solving crimes staring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. The couple was madly in love: you laughed at the humor and sighed at the romance. I wanted to create something similar with a little suspense and adventure. In this series Julia is a reporter for a daily newspaper and John is a professional knife maker. Just like Hart to Hart, because of her curiosity, Julia gets herself into a bunch of trouble. Before long, she finds herself and her husband up to their necks in danger and running for their lives.

Anasazi Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Stolen artifacts, a devastating flood, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold in this mystery adventure novel. When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, Julia realizes the story and investigation are much bigger than she thought! Julia and her husband find themselves on the run trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous.

Socrates Book Review: “This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Weaver Clarke and I’m already hooked. The first pages grab you right in and grab at your heartstrings as you read about the destruction caused by the flood. When Julia and John fight for their lives, readers will be on the edge of their seats for this one. There’s also romance in the mix. John and Julia’s marriage is strong and they are quite supportive of each other. Even when they have their ups and downs, it’s not for long and they get right back into each other’s arms. It’s nice to see a relationship portrayed this way. Very realistic and believable. In fact, all the characters are portrayed realistically including their three daughters. And...my Socrates Great Book Alert Award!”

Melanie Ski, Homesteading Review: “Mystery and suspense intertwined with fascinating facts about the Anasazi culture! The thing I absolutely loved most about this book was the relationship dynamics between John and Julia. Their relationship with each other symbolized to me a model of what faithful Christian marriages can look like, even 20 years after the ‘newness’ wears off. I loved how Linda Weaver Clarke used descriptions in each chapter of the ebb and flow of John and Julia’s relationship, the physical love for each other, the respect, and the learning to bear one another’s burdens. Historical suspenseful fiction, the best of the best!! Add in a strong Christian family and you have a super fantastic story!”

Mayan Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

The jungles of the Yucatan, Mayan ruins, looters, a mysterious artifact, and a nosey reporter are focus of Mayan Intrigue. With a blend of mystery, suspense, and Julia's curiosity, John and Julia find themselves on the run once again. The discovery of a priceless artifact soon puts Julia’s life in great danger. From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot for John and Julia Evans.

Suko’s Notebook Review: “What starts out as a romantic trip quickly turns into a dangerous adventure among the Mayan ruins and jungles! Excitement prevails. This book is full of mystery and suspense. Linda’s writing is lively and down-to-earth; she has the ability to make you feel as if you’re in these stories, along with John and Julia, trying to decipher the truth and escape from harm.”

Socrates Book Review: “Ms. Clarke’s descriptions easily transports the reader to Mexico. You really feel as if you are part of the story. Her words flow beautifully through each page of the book. Readers learn more and more about the beautiful relationship shared by John and Julia. Their commitment to each other is stronger than ever. With each book, these two become more like friends of the readers instead of book characters. I enjoyed this very much and am looking forward to the third book in this thrilling series.”

Montezuma Intrigue

The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Mysterious events, the search for Montezuma’s treasure, a good-looking rogue, and family secrets! When a leather parchment of Montezuma’s map is found in great-grandfather Evans’ old chest, April and the twins know this summer is going to be a memorable one. Is Montezuma’s treasure a legend or reality?

Theresa Franklin, Life’s Journey: “Montezuma Intrigue is truly intriguing. The old country and western song said, ‘You had me from hello.’ Linda Weaver Clarke had my interest from the first sentence. It is an adventure from beginning to end. Although the plot is finding the treasure, there are sub-plots that teach Christian values found in few books today. Linda does a great job of weaving these values into the story without taking away from the main plot.”

Suko’s Notebook Review: “Linda Weaver Clarke has done it again. I am charmed by her new book, Montezuma Intrigue. The mysteries continue as this author entrances us with life-like characters and electrifying adventures. The search for Montezuma's treasure is both exciting and memorable. This time, the story took me on a rugged, outdoor adventure with the Evans family in search of Montezuma's treasure, through canyons and ravines and caves, aided by an antique parchment map found in an old wooden chest in the attic. There are also a few romances, and some surprises as well, which kept my reading pleasurable and lively. I enjoyed the adventure and suspense in her latest novel, which kept me reading well into the night.”

Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Tristi Pinkston

Tristi Pinkston is the author of nine published books, with more on the way throughout 2012. She is the mother of four adorable homeschooled children, and the wife of one thoughtful, supportive man. She works as a freelance editor and online writing instructor, and she is also a virtual book tour coordinator. She’s a regular presenter at the annual LDStorymakers Writers Conference, and loves seeing people achieve their dreams.

Hello Tristi! Please tell us about your mystery novel.

Targets in Ties is the fourth installment in my series, The Secret Sisters Mysteries. My characters are an elderly Relief Society presidency who turned to espionage to get their visiting teaching done, and in this book, they are travelling down to Mexico to pick up Ren, our main character’s nephew, from his mission. While there, they run afoul of a wanted antiquities thief and end up having to escape using only a missionary name tag and string from a sock. It’s a lighthearted comedy/mystery appropriate for all ages.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I held a contest on my blog to see where Ren should go on his mission. Mexico was the winner, so I then thought about all the possible problems my little ladies could get into while there. I love Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries about antiquities theft, so I decided to try my hand at it. From there, it just took off, and we ended up racing through the jungle, bartering for goats, trying to shoot spiders, hot-wiring cars … yes, I do have a very active imagination.

I love comedy. Your book sounds fun to read. I, also, have a great interest with antiquities. My new mystery/adventure series is all about artifact theft. So we have something in common. I noticed that you have written cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, historical fiction and a cookbook. Which was the most fun to write?

I enjoyed each of them immensely, but the most fun by far has been cozy mystery. My characters come to life in my head and banter with each other, and I love seeing what they’re going to come up with next.

What does your family think about your writing?

I started writing when my oldest child was three, so my kids don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. They get excited to see me release something new, and they love to read my books, but this is their everyday life, so I’m not sure they see it as unusual in any way. My husband wasn’t completely sure what he thought when I first started, but then he saw how happy it made me, and he got totally on board. He’s now my biggest support. And of course, my mom likes to brag.

Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

I once went on a group date at the library after hours (yes, we had permission) and we played Sardines. I won by hiding in the men’s bathroom. No one thought to look for me there. I am sneaky like that.

Hahaha! That’s so funny. Who would ever think of searching the Men’s Room? Not me! Now I know why it’s so easy for you to come up with comedy in your books. Now we know the real you: The “Sneaky” Author!

Interview with Author Mandi Tucker Slack

Mandi Tucker Slack has been married for 12 years and is the mother of two boys and a little 3 year-old girl. She and her family spend most weekends rock hounding or exploring new places. She loves the desert and mountains, and has been interested in everything from archeology to paleontology. One of her favorite hobbies is collecting and searching for fossils in the desert. She also grew up frequenting museums and accompanying her parents on archeological digs in San Rafael. Like a true author, she loves to incorporate her hobbies and interests into her writing.

“If you want suspense, action, drama all in one book, this is the one you want to read. I was instantly hooked and couldn't put the book down.”

Hello, Mandi. Your book is one of those where you have to sit on the “edge of your seat.” Please tell us about your suspense novel.

Jacey Grayson is a recently divorced mother who learns some frightening news about her ex-husband, John. Frightened, she and her son Blaze flee to Utah to hide among rural Mormons. The main theme in The Alias is Jacey’s attempt to overcome years of abuse and develop a sense of who she really is. As the story progresses we see her desire to change and grow. She struggles with feelings of guilt and remorse for staying with her ex-husband so long and exposing her son to abuse, but as the story progresses we also see how she uses the lessons from her past to move forward into a more promising future. 

Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

My story ideas usually come from a conglomeration of different events that touch my life. At the time, a close friend was pursuing a divorce where she had suffered some spousal abuse. I was struck by the amount of strength it would take to leave behind such a marriage and the amount of courage needed to build a new life. One of the main themes in The Alias is domestic violence. Jacey, the protagonist, is attempting to build a new life for her son after leaving behind an abusive and controlling husband. One reviewer said, “Having had some spousal abuse myself, the author handled the topic with a maturity I appreciated.” I’ve really tried to portray that quiet strength in this novel.

A Reviewer wrote, “I literally couldn't put it down and when I had to, I became agitated… while I was reading it this morning my heart was pounding and my hands were sweating wondering what was going to happen.” Wow! What a wonderful review! But this is only one out of many who have said that your book was hard to put down. Tell us your thoughts about this. What is your secret in writing an intriguing book?

I love suspense. I love to read any sort of story that gets your heart thumping. So, it is only natural that suspense is what I love to write. I like mysteries and I like to keep readers guessing. 

What does your family think about your writing?

My boys are always so supportive. When The Alias was first released, I gave each of my young boys their very own copy. My oldest, who was in Kindergarten at the time, carried it around with him for days. It just warmed my heart. My husband has been so supportive and without his help, I couldn’t do it. He has always gone the extra mile to help me when I’m at a point where I just can’t put down my computer.

You have a wonderful husband. I can just imagine your little son carrying around your book. How adorable! Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

When I was a kid, my dad joined the Army and we moved to Germany to live for 4 years. During that time, we visited many near-by castles and palaces and during one of those visits my sister and I met a little German girl who was about my age. We couldn’t communicate, but we all immediately became best friends and my mother brought us to the castle nearly every week to play with our new friend. I loved exploring the grounds, towers, dungeons and the great halls. The time spent at the castle has always been some of my best memories.

Wow! What special memories you have! Thanks, Mandi, for this awesome interview. It was fun meeting you at the book festival, and now… getting to know you here at my blog.