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Author Sarah Stuart Celebrates her New Release

8/27/2021

50 Comments

 
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Hello blog friends, today I've invited author Sarah Stuart to share her good news with us. She's traveled across the great Pacific to celebrate her latest masterpiece, Shattered Lives. I've just begun reading it and can attest, it's a winner. Welcome, Sarah!  
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Thank you for hosting me today, Gwen. I’m here to launch a psychopathic serial killer upon an unsuspecting world. All my romantic suspense books include crime, so it seemed the next logical step to move into Police Procedural. I am indebted to John Nicholl, best-selling author in the genre, for his help and encouragement, and to his son-in-law who works in the London Metropolitan Police.

The setting had to be London. I live in County Durham, North-East England, but the only time I set a book here, the lead character promptly made it impossible for him to stay. London, with its theatres and music venues is my second home... or it is when we don’t have Covid19. Note: the disease is ignored in Shattered Lives. I have read books where it’s used very cleverly, but rarely. I read to escape... and it dates the book. Anyway, enough of me. Let's go to the Book Blurb.​


BOOK BLURB:
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​Ralph Thyme, an addicted gambler and his wealthy grandmother’s only acknowledged heir, discovers he has an elder sister, Olivia, who was sold at birth. Suppose Olivia discovers her true identity and claims half the inheritance he craves? How far will he go to eliminate the threat?

Olivia escaped childhood sexual abuse. Despite horrific memories, nightmares, and fear, she is determined to save a stranger’s little girl from the same fate, and the solution she offers takes all her courage... and then some.

DCI Croft investigates a heinous case of rape, murder, and mutilation. Next to die, are a private detective and his pretty daughter... and then another woman... and another. Can DCI Croft identify and capture a psychopathic killer hell-bent on eliminating anyone who stands in his way before he murders his sister... or is it already too late for Olivia?
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A GLIMPSE introducing family man, DCI Gerald Croft, and his sidekick, DS Pringle:

DCI Croft made for the incident room uniform had dedicated to the serial killer murders. A map had been drawn on one of the whiteboards and marked with the exact location of everything found in George Street. Another displayed the places items had been discovered during the fingertip search of Jubilee Park. He pointed from the boards to the table holding bagged items they knew were Joanna’s. ‘Handbag, mobile, gloves, shoe, two pieces of a broken shoe, scraps of her fur coat, knickers, and other clothes including the coat, are all here. Should we be looking harder at the rest, Pringle?’

‘A lot of it points to druggies using Jubilee Park, sir, and Mr Taylor said Joanna tested clean. I’ve instructed Inspector Kapdi to increase patrols to include the park. It’s possible a dealer has found out it’s a well-hidden outlet away from the powerful mobsters. We know who rules the roost in Garton South, and so will the little men trying to edge their way into the market.’

No wonder his detective sergeant had been promoted to a DS post earlier than most who passed the exam. He handled uniformed inspectors so well they were hardly aware of his hands on the reins. ‘It’s Patrick’s report that worries me. He confirmed death by strangulation, but the rest of his findings don’t add up with the Offender Profile. Mrs Ryan is convinced all the murders were committed by the same psychopath.’

‘Joanna was brutally raped by a man wearing a condom, sir.’

‘Rape is always forceful. Our killer has never taken hair as a trophy. A lock was pulled out by the roots, but Joanna’s fingers and thumbs were left intact.’

Pringle frowned. ‘We saw that and hoped we’d get DNA from under her nails. Judging by her scattered belongings, she fought.’

‘I’m certain she did. Pringle, would you say Joanna was a girl who cared about her looks?’
‘Her clothes were stylish and expensive, so yes.’

He rubbed his forehead. ‘Patrick found evidence that she bit her nails, but they were filed smooth.’

‘So?’

He’d been lucky, or Mirelle might have been married before they met. ‘My wife used to bite her nails, but so many lads complained about her scratching them, she painted on stuff that tasted revolting, and it worked.’

‘Joanna wasn’t even wearing nail varnish, sir.’

‘Mirelle said she didn’t. It drew attention to her jagged claws. Any other makeup, except waterproof mascara, would have washed off Joanna. Pringle, I think we’re looking for a different killer. Ours –’

‘Doesn’t chase women, and he likes a warm room, even when he paid a hooker, or agreed to pay one presumably, since Bo Critz took him to her flat.’

Pringle’s instructions to Inspector Kapdi about patrolling Jubilee Park in case it was being used by a drug pusher clattered in his brain. ‘Suppose Joanna knew something about a drug dealer, and he knew she knew? A copycat killing would shut her up and leave the police to assume it was yet another by the man who murdered the others.’

‘Except it wasn’t a true copycat, sir.’

‘Maybe he read that the killer likes trophies and didn’t take on board the media reports that they were always the same – digit tips and the ring finger. He knew the danger of us finding DNA, dumping the body in moving water. But for getting entangled in a tree, Joanna could have been in the Thames before she was found, if ever, and it would explain why he was wearing latex gloves. An opportunist rapist is hardly likely to carry them about.’

‘Both men, if there are two, must be on the police database to worry about DNA.’

‘Even Hal knows DNA can secure a conviction.’ He managed a grin. ‘He watches crime dramas on TV. Pringle, a drug dealer’s DNA might well be on record, but a man with no convictions wouldn’t be, and if we’re right about our killer being young...’

‘Trophies are all he’s interested in, and ring fingers attract him, sir. He didn’t remove Erik Hamsa’s, but he doused him in so much water Mr Taylor found no DNA, even under his fingernails. More water than the females, I mean.’

‘Hamsa almost certainly didn’t scratch. He fought his killer with a weapon of some sort, and it must have connected with clothing – new clothes – forensics found no DNA. To my mind, that confirms Hamsa saw him raping Patsy, and the monster is only interested in mementos from women.’ He eyed the whiteboards gloomily. ‘It’s a different killer, Pringle.’

‘The Garton Gazette is calling Joanna the serial killer’s fourth female victim.’

He knew, and that the Chief Super was furious. ‘Arresting Joanna’s murderer and making charges stick would spike their guns. Top priority, Pringle.’


THE TRAILER:

Pre-publication review:

“Sarah Stuart has created a complex and realistic world in which multiple stories merge into one as we not only follow DCI Croft but also a defending lawyer, the killer’s intended victim, and the killer himself. While the killer’s identity is not a secret to us, the complex way all of the stories intertwine makes for an elaborate web of intriguing narratives. I especially enjoyed how the characters’ personal and professional lives blended together – sometimes unknowingly to the characters themselves – making for a believable yet terrifying experience. With some of the most shocking and heinous crimes, Shattered Lives is undoubtedly one of the most memorable thrillers I have ever read.”

Shattered Lives is available as an eBook or in print. http://getbook.at/ShatteredLives

Website http://authorsarahstuart.com/
​

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Stuart/e/B00MA9XLHI
50 Comments
Rebecca Bryn link
8/28/2021 03:24:32

A lovely blog post. I've read all Sarah's books and have enjoyed every one. I love this leap into a new genre and look forward to more DCI Croft books.

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 03:29:11

Thank you for stopping by, Rebecca.

I'm delighted you like the change to thrillers.

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Rebecca Bryn
8/28/2021 04:10:00

I do. I loved your other series, and this is quite a dramatic and surprising change. I hope there will be more thrillers? Are you working on another? I would imagine that thinking of new and different crimes to feature is challenging. What next, I wonder...

Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 04:59:13

So lovely to meet you, Rebecca. Thank you for visiting and commenting. Sarah is an amazing writer, and like you, I've enjoyed her books very much.

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 05:22:05

Revealing the crimes would be... revealing, Rebecca, but I do have a title, which might give everyone a clue. Deadly Envy

Rebecca Bryn
8/28/2021 06:01:36

Nice to be here. :)

Priscilla Bettis link
8/28/2021 05:08:35

Great excerpt and intriguing trailer. Best of luck to Stuart on the recent release of Shattered Lives.

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 05:28:06

Thank you for stopping by, Priscilla.

Was the trailer sufficiently intriguing for you to download a copy?
I was thrilled to bits with the print version, but I'm holding the price low on the eBook... for now. :-)

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Priscilla Bettis link
8/28/2021 08:19:43

Actually, yes. It's now on my Kindle.:-)

Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 06:27:25

Thank you, Priscilla, for the visit and comment. I'm reading it now, and "intriguing" is a good word for it. 😊

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 05:24:31

Thank you, yet again, for hosting me, Gwen. As you know, this is the first stop on my first blog tour. It's great to see interest so early.

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 06:27:58

My pleasure, Sarah. All the best to you!! 😊

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 09:03:28

That's wonderful, Priscilla. Enjoy... with the windows and doors locked and bolted. :-).

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Jacqui Murray link
8/28/2021 09:23:43

I love Brit detective books. I'll check this out.

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 09:39:53

You don't get more British than London, Jacqui.

Please do try Shattered Lives; it would be great to get more international reviews, and I'm guessing from your comment you're not in the UK.

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 09:41:43

Thank you, Jacqui, for the visit and comment. Sarah is a wonderful writer. 😊

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 09:50:35

I'm keeping quiet about your last comment, Gwen. I'm just thrilled you like my books. :-)

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Rhonda Hopkins link
8/28/2021 11:05:21

Intriguing excerpt! I've added this to my TBR list. Can't wait!

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 12:21:32

Thank you, Rhonda. I hope you enjoy it!

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 12:55:24

Thank you for visiting, Rhonda, and for sharing your interest. All the best!

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Robbie Cheadle
8/28/2021 11:25:48

An exciting extract, Gwen. Thanks for this introduction to Sarah and her books.

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 12:55:48

Thanks so much, Robbie. 😊

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Harmony Kent link
8/28/2021 11:53:16

This sounds like a great read. Best of luck to Sarah with her latest release! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Gwen 🙂

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 12:56:44

Thank you, Harmony. It's a pleasure hosting Sarah today. 😊

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John Howell link
8/28/2021 11:55:24

Lovely to see Sarah with you today, Gwen. Best wishes to her on the latest.

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 12:57:45

Thank you, John. She's a marvelous writer.

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D.L. Finn
8/28/2021 12:10:55

Congrats on your new release, Sarah! I picked up my copy :) Thanks, for hosting, Gwen

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 12:58:36

Thank you so much, Denise. It's a pleasure helping with the launch. 😊

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 12:27:35

Thank you for stopping by Robbie, Harmony, and John. It's good to see you all coming over.

DL - should remember what D stands for, I'm sure - I'll await your review with interest. (I do read them and take notice, as Harmony will confirm.)

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Paul link
8/28/2021 13:34:04

I am mid way through your new book and deeply involved in what is going on! When not reading, I go through various scenarios in my mind trying to anticipate what happens next and... I am always surprised!! A true sign of a great thriller!!

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 15:11:28

Thank you for stopping by, Paul.

I'd love to know those scenarios... hopefully, all wrong.

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 15:11:50

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your assessment. You've convinced me!! 🙂

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Jan Sikes
8/28/2021 13:41:29

How wonderful to see Sarah here today, Gwen! I have read every book Sarah has written and look forward to opening this one. I've grabbed my copy. Best wishes to Sarah and thank you for hosting!

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 15:12:39

Thank you so much, Jan, for joining in the launch. I've got my copy as well! 😊

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 15:14:33

Delighted to know you'll be reading, though it's very different from my other books, Jan.

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Jane Badrock
8/28/2021 13:42:29

Congratulations!

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Gwen M Plano
8/28/2021 15:12:55

Thank you, Jane. All the best!

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Sarah Stuart link
8/28/2021 15:15:44

Thank you, Jane. Hugs.

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Lucinda E Clarke link
8/29/2021 10:37:09

I love all of Sarah's books. not read this one yet but it'sa on my TBR list, so it will be soon.

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Gwen M Plano
8/29/2021 15:19:07

Thank you, Lucinda, for visiting. I'm so happy to meet you. I've just started reading the book and it's a winner. 😊

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Sarah Stuart link
8/29/2021 11:20:04

It's very different, Lucinda, but then, you write in several genres too.

Thank you for stopping by. :-)

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Sarah Stuart link
8/29/2021 16:29:14

Thank you so much for hosting me on my first stop of my first blog tour, Gwen. It's raised a lot of interest, and I've sold quite a few books, not all of them Shattered Lives. Obviously, people's eyes were caught by the bottom two banners. I'll be in Australia next, but I'm not sure if comments are possible. I'm waiting to hear from Jan with a date.
Hugs, Sarah

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Gwen Plano
9/4/2021 07:29:27

It was my pleasure to host you, Sarah. I've been busy with a move, but I have a little more time now and hope to visit your tour regularly. I am so happy for you!

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Jill Weatherholt link
8/30/2021 06:54:41

What a great excerpt! Thanks for introducing me to Sarah and her books, Gwen.

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Gwen Plano
9/4/2021 07:29:55

My pleasure, Jill. Thank you for visiting. 💗

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Sarah Stuart link
8/30/2021 07:24:10

Hi, Jill

Thank you for your interest. It would be great to hear what you think of Shattered Lives.

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Miriam Hurdle link
8/31/2021 23:45:39

Thank you for introducing Sarah to me, Gwen. I enjoyed reading the excerpt. Best wishes to your new release, Sarah!

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Sarah Stuart link
9/1/2021 03:04:48

Thank you for stopping by, Miriam. I'm delighted you enjoyed the excerpt.

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Gwen Plano
9/4/2021 07:30:43

Thank you for visiting, Miriam. My warmest regards. 💗

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Jacquie Biggar link
9/7/2021 12:04:39

I like a good police procedural. This sounds interesting, thanks!

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