I’ve been creating some graphics for the release of Spellbound.
A horror anthology with 27 stories from 16 authors (The Box Under The Bed Book 4) compiled by USA Today Bestselling author Dan Alatorre, and edited by Roberta Eaton Cheadle and Donna Davis Walker, (author name M D Walker.)
I’m a contributing author with my tale The Twisted Sisters.
The first three graphics in the slideshow below I’ve made via Canva…
I’m thrilled to announce that I’m a contributing author in Dan Alatorre‘s Box Under The Bed horror Anthology no. 4: Spellbound which is currently on pre-order and releases 14th October 2020. There are many of my lovely friends contributing to this anthology too, including Robbie Cheadle, Ellen Best,Adele Marie Park, and Geoff Le Pard.
So pre-order your kindle copy now! While it is on special offer price: £0.78 Amazon UK and $1.02, Amazon US.
From the creators of the #1 bestseller The Box Under The Bed horror anthology and its #1 bestselling sequels Nightmareland and Dark Visions, comes Spellbound – a horror anthology with 20 stories from 15 authors.
A young girl and her mother seek out a mysterious sorceress to guide the child in developing her powers, but the beautiful blonde witch has ideas of her own – and desires a powerful book that only the child can give her. Tremble along as the stories in the magical book are revealed. “Some are true, some are false, and some are spells disguised as stories to hide our kind from those who would do us harm.”
* A young man is given a family heirloom at his mother’s funeral, but her protection can’t save him from himself. * A sailing ship takes a journey to the new world and discovers horrors along the way. * A young girl seeks a connection with her parents but learns she isn’t magical enough. * And many more!
Compiled by USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of horror once again unites the minds and stories of more than a dozen amazing authors.
Spellbound will take you into the shadowy world of the eerie and macabre, with heart stopping stories.
Perfect for Halloween or any time, these stories will make you think twice before borrowing a book, giving away jewelry, looking into a mirror, or going out on a moonlit night.
CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED.
NOTE: American and British spelling inside. Of the 23 stories contained in this anthology, none are part of any larger work.
My story is called Twisted Sisters.
Here’s the blurbto my short story:
During a meeting of The Twisted Sisters coven Luna, an ambitious member, proposes a determined plan: to give the public excitement after the grim life imposed by COVID19. With her Twisted Fairytales shop, she hopes to gain power and influence. The elder witch and the moon are fearful of her idea. At work, she dons her little red riding hood outfit. Hidden in her basket she keeps two shiny objects ready to work their evil…
This is going to be the scariest anthology yet!
Don’t forget to check out the other books in the Box Under The Bed Set, all available via Amazon,
And I’m also a contributing author to Nightmareland as well…
Thrilled to be a participating author in the next Box Under The Bed Anthology compiled by Dan Alatorre: Spellbound. Editor and Contributing author Robbie Chantree has written a fantastic post about the anthologies, plus there’s a video of her reading one of her stories in the previous anthology: Nightmareland.
This is an excellent video tutorial from Dan Alatorre. He reads from his introductory story in the forthcoming anthology Spellbound and discusses the story processes that he employs to create mystery, ambiance, vitality and atmosphere.
What do you include when you write a short story? What does it mean to show and not tell? How much setting is appropriate, or description? These and other writing tips are here in this 53 minute vi…
A review by Robbie Cheadle for The Italian Assistant by Dan Alatorre.
What Amazon says “Funny, Sexy, Heartbreaking, Hilarious” When a married man’s overseas business deal goes wrong, the one person who can help him has ideas of her own. A madcap comedy where true lov…
After completing the biggest case of his career, private detective Hank DeShear returns home to start treatment for a disabling genetic condition that could end his life, but he learns his partner on the prior case has just been murdered. Was he wrong to conclude the secretive killer known as The Greyhound had declared a truce? Or have disciples of The Greyhound surfaced to carry on with the murders?
DeShear is able to attach himself to an overseas goodwill mission headed by the U. S. Vice President, enabling him to pursue leads in foreign hospitals he thinks could be offshoots of Angelus Genetics’ illegal organ harvesting programs and human trafficking operations. Determined to pursue the truth wherever it leads, DeShear must also keep a low profile so he doesn’t become the next murder victim—but the onset of his debilitating condition may kill DeShear before the murderer gets a chance.
FANS OF ROBIN COOK AND MICHAEL CRICHTON WILL LOVE THE LATEST ADDITION TO THIS WELL-WRITTEN AND SUSPENSEFUL SERIES.
My review:
This is very different from my usual go to read, (which is often YA Fantasy/Paranormal,) but that’s a good thing. It’s great to immerse yourself in new genres from time to time. Rogue Elements: The Gamma Sequence Book 2 is a Medical thriller which packs a punch, with some truly gripping moments which will stay with me for a long time. There are a couple of real, ‘Oh my God,’ instances.. where I could almost see the events/trauma unfolding before my eyes and making me squirm as if it was happening to me…
You really wouldn’t want that!
Dan Alatorre is a talented multi-genre author with wide ranging abilities extending from, for example: cookery books, to paranormal, thrillers, sci/fiction, horror, realistic fiction/fatherly experiences and even romance!
But, from reading this second book in the Rogue Elements series, (unfortunately I haven’t read the first,) and his short stories in Nightmareland I get a gut feeling that his writing style excels whilst scaring and thrilling his readers!
Therefore, if you crave books that aren’t afraid to broach difficult subjects and touch upon dreadful evils such as ruthless organ harvesting – this is for you! Rogue Elements is a fast paced narrative, full of engaging dialogue and the characters are well written and believable.
Alatorre’s strength lies in his ability to write scenes that are almost cinematic in their execution. I wish I could say more but if I did it would spoil the book for you and I really don’t want to do that.
My recommendation: Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Please note: I received a copy from the author but this in no way influences my review.
So, what’s next on my reading shelf?
I’m currently reading Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights which was recommended by a colleague at work, who complimented me saying that there are similarities in our writing style! Now, that’s a compliment… More about that soon, plus do come back for more Indie Book Reviews…
What are you reading? Have you read Dan Alatorre’s Rogue Elements: The Gamma Sequence?
DO NO HARM is an extraordinary, limited collection of medical thrillers written by USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon best-selling authors. You can order it now for .99!
Do you crave reading books with nail-biting suspense, twisted plots and great characters who get caught up in whirlwinds of crime, deception and lies? Do you love sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering who will survive…and who won’t?
From the mountains of West Virginia, to acute care hospitals, the battlefields of the Middle East and the hallowed halls of our educational system, join us for these incredible stories of healthcare gone wrong.
If you like Robin Cook, David Baldacci and Patricia Cornwell, this collection is for you! Do No Harm is a binge-readers dream – 14 medical thriller books in one! And you can only get this collection of books from this group of authors here!
Grab your copy today and find a comfortable chair!
The tired, small hatchback hit a rock next to the edge of the road and came to an unexpected and abrupt stop. Erica had not seen the bulky thing hidden underneath the uncut grass. She switched off the engine and got out. There seemed no significant damage to her old banger but she couldn’t care less right now, to be honest, and decided she would leave it parked here anyway. She must be close.
Quite frankly, she considered herself lucky to have made it this far; the roads had been bumpy and her car was in a dire condition, too. It wouldn’t be much longer before it would have to be scrapped. Living in London she rarely needed it and had often been tempted to sell it anyway.
This was deepest Wales, the countryside – something that the Londoner in her had not seen for years and certainly hadn’t missed. Poor phone reception, miles to the nearest supermarket with its supplies of cigarettes and bubbly: that’s what the countryside meant to her.
She guessed the car was sufficiently off the road and out of the way. Who would come here, anyway? It was unlikely that two cars would find this remote corner of Wales at the same time, she reckoned. Erica looked around: not a living soul in sight, no houses or vehicles; she was totally off the beaten track. She could see no significant landmarks; all views were blocked by large trees and hedges. It was drizzling a little and although it was past lunchtime, there was mist that reminded her of early mornings. The wind had made the spring temperatures drop more than she had anticipated and she was chilly in her inadequate city clothing.
She searched her purse for the map, which her assistant Hilda had drawn for her. It seemed as if she was in the right place; there was the small path at the foot of the hill, and the two opposing gates leading to fields with horses and sheep. Since leaving her nearby B&B, all the road junctions she had come to had been easy to recognise and here was the little shoulder by the side of the road, where Hilda had recommended she should park the car.
She assured herself once more that it was the right path and then she psyched herself up for the walk up the steep hill. The tricky part, Hilda had explained, was finding the hidden gate, which would lead her to the man himself. However, Hilda didn’t have pancreatic cancer and was not recovering from a course of chemo and so she had no idea how difficult it would be for Erica to walk up that hill. It seemed by no means the easy climb her assistant had called it. For all her recent goodness, that woman could drive her mad.
Erica looked at herself in the outside mirror of her car before getting ready to face the man. Her hair had not fallen out from the chemo but it had turned grey and made her look much older than she was. There were still crow’s feet and wrinkles despite being facially bloated – it really wasn’t fair; the worst of both worlds. People used to think of Erica as at least five years younger than she actually was, but now people thought she was five years older. Overnight it seemed, she had aged from 40 to 50 but given her current situation she would be lucky to reach 45. Additionally, she had lost a lot of weight, despite the effect that the steroids had had on her. With her mere 5’ 4’’ frame, she looked tiny and felt thin and weak.
Only this man might be able to improve her chances and she desperately hoped the trip here would be worth it. If the man really was who Hilda thought, there was a slight chance for her. If she could make him speak to her, then she was sure she could persuade him to help – if he still possessed those powers. There suddenly seemed a lot of ifs.
She locked the car and began the climb up the tree-covered hill. Her trainers slid on the moist moss, her jeans too tight for some of the big steps she had to take. There was only a tiny trodden path, which seemed easy to lose sight of, curving its way upwardly through the trees. She was glad she had the map. Hilda deserved an award for organising this; if Erica ever made it back to her position at work she would make sure to find a way of compensating her, if she had anything left after she had paid the man.
Her assistant had come here a few days ago and had scouted the place out in the manner of a gifted detective. Hilda had been an angel the last few months with an uncalled for loyalty and devotion which Erica felt she didn’t deserve.
This is a shout out for my friend Christoph Fischer’s whose medical thriller The Healer is part of this multi author, charity box set of medical thrillers DO NO HARM.
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
This second installment of The Box Under the Bed series, Dark Visions, is filled with strange and creepy stories sure to keep your heart racing. Enter into a dark world of the macabre, the mystical and the malevolent, featuring 33 spine tingling tales that just may keep you up at night. Edited and compiled by Amazon bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of horror stories brings together the minds and pens of twenty seven authors:
34 stories by 27 authors. A few bestselling authors on that list, and quite a few prize winning authors.
Prologue: Now Comes Death, part one
1. The Corner Shop – Dan Alatorre
2. The Stranger – Allison Maruska
3. The Right Time To Move On – Jenifer Ruff
4. Devil’s Hollow – Adele Marie Park
5. Where The Black Tree Grows – MD Walker
6. The Storm – J A Allen
7. The Bloody Dogwood Tree – Dabney Farmer
8. Ghosts Of Tupelo – Sharon Cathcart
9. Cabin 5 – Heather Kindt
10. Bella And Button – Allison Maruska
11. Doll’s Play – Bonnie Lyons
12. Spirit Lake – Sharon Connell
13. Ice Cream – Geoff LePard
14. A Glimpse Of The Monster – Anne Marie Andrus
15. A Best Selling Lie – Christine Valentor
16. Normal Things – BA Helberg
17. Roadkill – Ernesto San Giacomo
18. Behind The Leather Apron – Alana Turner
19. Clicking And Clacking – Nick Vossen
20. The Haunting Of William – Robbie Cheadle
21. Where The Power Hides – Anne Marie Andrus
22. Nightmare Man – Betty Valentine
23. The Willow Tree – Robbie Cheadle
24. The Changeling – Christine Valentor
25. What If – Geoff LePard
26. Swimming – Frank Parker
27. The Call – Juliet Nubel
28. La Garconniere – Bonnie Lyons
29. Lucifer’s Revenge – Christine Valentor
30. The Nightmare – Lori Micken
31. Who Am I – Chuck Jackson
32. The Documentary – Ellen Best
33. The Doctor’s Walk – Betty Valentine
34. Excavation Murder – Victoria Clapton#
Goodreads Synopsis: Come along for a chilling ride on a ghost ship, experience eerie daydreams and psychotic killers, explore haunted houses, and send the deceased to their final destination.
And that’s just a quarter of the thrills.
Edited and compiled by Amazon bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of scary tales brings together the minds and pens of twenty authors, including bestseller Allison Maruska (The Fourth Descendant), bestselling author Jenifer Ruff (Everett), Lucy Brazier (PorterGirl), J. A. Allen, Juliet Nubel, TA Henry, Ann Marie Andrus, Heather Hackett, Barbara Anne Helberg, Scott Skipper, Joanne R. Larner, Christine Valentor, Adele Marie Park, Curtis Bausse, Annette Robinson, Frank Parker, Eric Daniel Clarke, and Maribel C. Pagan.
Perfect for Halloween or any time, these stories will make you think twice before walking alone on the beach at night, reading a diary, or innocently watching a train from your car.
Consider yourselves warned.
NOTE: Warning! American and British spelling ahead. A few stories words are olde English, too. The story The Death Of Mrs. Billen by Mr. Alatorre is from his novel An Angel On Her Shoulder, used with permission.
My review:
I intended to read The Box Under The Bed around Halloween time but I was so busy I didn’t get round to it. I’ve made up for that now, I enjoyed the Box Under The Bed very much. Without a doubt anthologies are an excellent way to discover new authors. All of the stories were a little different, some scarier than others, some gory, and there were even little touches of humour to be found. So, I’d say there is something for everyone in this anthology compiled and edited by Dan Alatorre.
There are twenty authors in all, three of which are members of the #ABRSC – Dan Alatorre, Lucy Brazier and Adele Marie Park.
Plus stories from: Jennifer Ruff, Allison Maruska, J.A. Allen, Juliet Nubel, T.A. Henry, Anne Marie Andrus, Heather Hackett, Barbara Anne Helberg, Scott Skipper, Joanne R Larner, Christine Valentor, Curtis Bausse, Annette Robinson, Frank Parker, Eric Daniel Clarke, Maribel C Pagan, and Carrie Ann Alexis.
Would I recommend it? Yes, indeed I’ve rated this anthology four stars.
I read The Box Under The Box anthology as part of my #ABRSC Christmas Read and Review.
Next up, I will be reading an ARC of Lizzie Chantree’s Ninja School Mum which is being published by Crooked Cat Books in Jan 2018. I will be hosting Lizzie on my blog as part of her blog tour in the New Year.
Bye for now, happy reading! If you’d like to join in the #ABRSC read and review comment below, I’d love to hear from you. It doesn’t have to be a scary story! All genres welcome! xxx
Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies. Click on Colleen’s and Debby’s photos to be directed to their awesome blogs. These ladies rock!
