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As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
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Friday, June 2, 2017

The Paradise Coven


The drive from Columbus, Ohio to Ledge Rock Bistro located on Lake Erie between Sandusky and Cleveland took just over two hours. The limousine is black with tinted windows, and Oliver is dressed in casual attire rather than a chauffeurs uniform. A Glock 9 mm is tucked discretely in the waistband of his Chinos.
When the car pulls into the parking lot, Oliver motions for everyone to stay inside the vehicle while he checks on their reservations.
"Why all the secrecy?" Lilly asks, trying to see out of the windows.

"And the weaponry?" LaVerne adds beneath her breath as she side-eyes their guest, Bentley Wells. "Both Mr. Wells and Oliver are packing."

"We're perfectly safe," Debby says with conviction. Then she raises her brows and looks to Bentley Wells for confirmation. "Aren't we?"

Bentley smiles. "Of course."

"We just have to take precautions," Lyn adds."Detectives Michael McConnell and his partner, Aaron Simmons are investigating the brutal murders of two women in Columbus and can't be seen talking to a bunch of writers."

"How exciting," Mary says, rubbing her hands together. "All this cloak and dagger stuff gives me delicious chills."

LaVerne snorts. "More like the thought of meeting two hot detectives."

"I don't know how hot they are," Bentley says, "But they are two of my favorite characters, and I'd love for you ladies to meet them. And thanks to the Author Roast and Toast, we'll have the entire restaurant to ourselves so Michael and Arron don't have to worry about anyone from Paradise Coven trying to interfere with their on-going investigation."

"What's Paradise Coven?" Debby asks.

Bentley drops his voice, the timber low pitched enough to send another kind of chill down the hostesses arms. "Paradise Coven is a mysterious club with a terrible secret that could have far reaching consequences."

With author, Bentley Wells ominous words still ringing in their ears, the hostesses climb from the car and follow him into the restaurant. Oliver follows close behind, his hand mere inches from his concealed weapon.
As the sun sinks lower over the horizon, the hostesses are treated to an amazing view of Lake Erie from the vantage point of Ledge Rock, the small community in which they find themselves. Then they step into the cozy restaurant.

"Wow!" Lilly hurries over to one of the tables to look out of the window. "You can see the city from here."
   
"The food smells delicious," Debby adds.

"Those two detectives look kind of delicious too," Mary says with a giggle.

Lyn smiles. "I couldn't agree more."

After Bentley introduces the hostess to Michael McConnell and Aaron Simmons, a server pours wine and water while two others serve pepper steak with baked potatoes and a salad. As the group dine on a delicious meal, the two detectives discuss a serial murder case that is more chilling than anyone expected. 

(This week's introductory 'skit' written by Lilly Gayle)

About the Author:

Bentley Wells is a pseudonym.  The author has written a few short stories and numerous poems for literary magazines, articles for academic journals and conference proceedings, chapters and entries for nonfiction books and encyclopedias, and several academic and reference books.  The Paradise Coven is the author's first mystery.

Blurb:

A Paradise Coven features Columbus, Ohio, homicide detectives Michael McConnell and Aaron Simmons who investigate the brutal murders of two women.  There are no witnesses and few clues, except for unfamiliar words the killer has printed in lipstick on each victim.  When the detectives learn the definitions they wonder if they are dealing with a serial killer or a demon.  As McConnell and Simmons dig for the truth, they discover a decades-old third murder with the same MO.  This victim had ties to a mysterious club--The Paradise Coven.  Is a member of this club responsible for all three murders?  Unfortunately, the terrible secret the detectives unravel may have far-reaching consequences.

Excerpt:

     McConnell and Simmons walked toward their respective offices.  They saw Captain Black through his office
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window.  He was motioning to them.  McConnell opened the door and followed Simmons inside.

     Captain Black stood.  "Sit down," he ordered.

     McConnell and Simmons glanced at each other, shrugged, and sat down.

     "What's up, Captain?" McConnell asked.

     Captain Black crossed his arms and shook his head.  "Guess who called about an hour ago?"

     "Who?" McConnell asked.

     "The DA."

     "What about?" Simmons asked.

     Captain Black uncrossed his arms, moved to the front of his desk, and sat down on top of it.  "It seems Marks's attorney informed him that Marks saw you two this morning," he replied.  "She said that he saw you two when he left his apartment and again when he arrived at work."

     "That's true," McConnell admitted.  "We followed him."

     "McConnell, leave him alone."

     "But--"

     "McConnell, if you don't leave him alone, his attorney will file a lawsuit against the department."

     "How do you know?" Simmons asked.

     Captain Black sighed.  "She told Hurley."

     "She's bluffing, Captain," McConnell said.

     Captain Black glared at McConnell.  "We can't take that chance, McConnell.  Now, leave Thomas Marks alone.  Do you understand?"

     McConnell lowered his head.  "I understand."

     Black stared at McConnell for a minute.  "Get back to work."



***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Bentley's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)

12 comments:

  1. Welcome Bentley - this is so exciting and I can't wait to hear more about The Paradise Coven. No offence Oliver dear, but I am really glad to have Michael and Aaron here too!

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  2. I couldn't agree more, Lyn. The Paradise Coven sounds like a dangerous club, and those grisly murders could end up on an episode of Criminal Minds. How cool would that be? And if it does, Oliver can arrange another dinner meeting with Michael and Aaron and invite Dr. Spencer Reed and Morgan from Criminal Minds. I'd love to interview those two.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hywela and Lilly (if I may), I liked the opening section of the roast and toast of my novel. I believe "cheers" are in order!

    Bentley Wells

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheers Bentley, wishing you mega sales with your novel, it sounds brilliant!

      Delete
  4. Love the blurb, Bentley and I love detective novels. Two of my favs are James Patterson's Alex Cross books and Johnathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I agree, Lilly, that blurb drew me right in! I'm not normally a crime novel reader, but this sounds so intriguing, I'm hooked!

      Delete
  5. Hi, everyone! Bentley, I love the books blurb! I'm from Michigan and lived in ohio, so I know the area you're talking about. I wish you much success with the book!! Also, I love riding around in limousines!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debby, yes, doesn't this blurb sound great! I visited Ohio a couple of times - this setting brought back wonderful memories!

      Delete
  6. Hello, Debby (if I may), thanks for the wonderful comment about the book's blurb. Thanks, too, about wishing me "much success" with the book. I hope your wish comes true, ha, ha.

    Bentley Wells

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi everyone! Sorry for the tardiness - I just had to have another spin around the block in the limousine. It's not every day a girl gets to ride in one of those!
    Bentley - this book sounds right up my alley. I love mystery novels and when teamed with great characters, I'm in reader-heaven.

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  8. Hello, LaVerne (if I may), I believe anyone who enjoys mysteries that suggest something other than the usual will enjoy this mystery.

    Bentley Wells

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  9. Hi La Verne, um, I had to have a spin myself, after you left - as you say, it's not often we get the chance! You're so right about this book, definitely on my reading list!

    ReplyDelete

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