Ciao, amici! It’s my pleasure to welcome Craig Boyack back to the blog today, and this time, it’s a two-fer. He’s here to talk about a new mystery anthology called MURDER THEY WROTE, in which he has a story. But in addition to his installment, our Story Empire colleague, Mae Clair, also has a piece in the collection. And there are several other talented authors’ offerings. So, I guess it’s really a three-fer. Or a many-fer. Whatever you want to call it, two SE authors and some of their writing friends have a new murder mystery anthology out, and Craig’s here to talk about it. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome as he talks about this release.
Staci, I’m honored to be back at your place to promote my newest project. Honestly, you have to let me pay some of this back if you ever want to push a few of your stories to my followers.
The newest project is an anthology called Murder They Wrote. The title kind of gives the game away, but it’s seven short stories by seven different authors with murder as the central theme. I’m excited to be among them.
I’m going to take a little different spin on this post and talk about my main character. Jason Fogg has been with me for many years. His first appearance was in a trunk novel, that I’ll never show anyone. He’s been in several short stories, and appeared in a novel that involved a team up adventure.
I’m a speculative author, so all isn’t as it seems on the surface with Jason. He has the ability to dissolve himself into fog. Since he works as a private detective, that gives him a real advantage in being able to slip through keyholes and window screens.
Now for the different spin. When Jason first discovered his powers, he became a bit of a pervert, not to put to fine a point on it. Over the course of his stories, he eventually got together with, and married, the object of his lust/affection. Her name is Riley.
In this case, the Foggs are fixing up an old house that was payment from a previous case of Jason’s. (See Viral Blues for that case.) I really tried to expand on their relationship in this story. Jason’s work takes him away for long periods of time, but he tries to check in when he can, because he loves her. She gets stuck doing a lot of the painting and fixing, but Jason helps when it’s possible.
Riley makes him take the case, because they need the money more than the labor. Their struggles are the same as many young couples have, with a few extras related to Jason’s lifestyle. At one point she buys him a backyard sauna, so he can heal and relax in an environment that’s suited to his abilities. It seems kind of frivolous, but she’s doing something for him that he would never do for himself.
I’m kind of happy to see their relationship evolve inside Jason’s case work. It isn’t an easy thing to pull off in a short story without losing the plot. I think it came out well and hope some of your fans will give it a chance.
Like I said, there are seven authors involved, and anthologies are a great way to experience multiple authors. You might find a new favorite this way.
About MURDER THEY WROTE
Murder comes in 7 different genres. By 7 different authors.
Are you a fan of courtroom drama? In the anthology’s first story, Abraham Lincoln defends a friend’s son against a charge of murder.
For lovers of speculative fiction, Jason Fogg dissolves into mist to sneak through open windows and snoop for clues.
How about a cozy? Jazzi, Jerod, and Ansel discover a dead body while renovating a kitchen, dining room, and half bath.
Have a craving for a Regency? Lord Peregrine and his wife, Elizabeth, use their sharp minds and quick wit to solve a murder at a garden party.
Need a bit of literary fiction? A young, lonely widow must deal with the theft of a valuable butterfly collection.
And what about a little psychological horror? Twin sisters discover that their attic is haunted by not one, but two ghosts.
Last, but never least, the anthology concludes with a historical mystery. A young, newly married knight is accused of murdering his obnoxious host at a holiday gathering in his castle.
Pick up your copy of Murder They Wrote.
I’ve already grabbed my copy, read it cover to cover in one quick sitting, and wrote my review. There’s truly something for everyone in it. I hope you’ll consider reading it, too, as well as sharing this post and leaving Craig (and the other authors) an encouraging message below. Grazie!
This anthology sounds better every time I read about it. There’s a great group of authors involved. Thanks for the new insight on Jason Fogg, Craig.
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It is quite the group, Vashti. Thanks for lending your support.
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I just finished this and really enjoyed it. Jason is a character I’m enjoying getting to know.
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So glad you took the time to weigh in, Denise. Thanks.
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So glad you enjoyed Jason. Thanks for saying so here.
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I’m really looking forward to reading this collection of writing from such talented authors! Thank you for spotlighting it today, Staci!
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It was my pleasure, Jan. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
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I’d love to know what you think. It was a fun thing to participate in.
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Thanks so much for featuring Craig and the anthology today, Staci. I loved being a part of it. Jason and Riley’s banter made his story special for me. I really enjoy his humor. It’s always a win/win to read Craig and Mae Clair.
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Thank you, Judi. Hope we’re drawing some real attention.
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The banter was wonderful. All the stories had something to offer. You put together quite the collection.
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Congratulations to Craig and everyone for publishing this anthology. It looks great!
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Thanks for stopping by to cheer them on, Jacqui.
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Thank you so much.
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I was able to read this many-fer mystery anthology soon after it came out. Fun read! And yeah, Craig is creative. The Jason-fog thing is really cool!
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Another use of “many-fer.” I think it’s catching on!
It is a fun read, and he is super creative. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks, Priscilla.
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So glad you enjoyed the anthology, and stoked that you found Jason cool.
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Fantastic post, Staci. Thank you for the adventure. Congratulations to Craig and the team. I’m so looking forward to the read. On my kindle! 🙂
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Ah. Let’s not talk about how many things are on my Kindle. So glad I pushed this one to the front of the line, though.
Thanks, Gwen.
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Thanks, Gwen. Hope you enjoy it and find some new favorite authors.
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A superset of stories and entertaining authors, Staci. Congratulations to Craig and thanks for hosting.
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“Superset” is the perfect way to describe it. Thanks, John.
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Thank you, Staci.
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Thank you, John. Superset sounds good. I’ll take it.
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It is good.
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I can already tell I’m going to enjoy Jason and Riley’s story. And I agree with Jess – many-fer is now a permanent word in my vocabulary.
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Thanks, Teri. Biting my nails to find out what you think.
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When it becomes a commonplace term, I wonder if people will remember where it started.
Yes, this is indeed a many-fer. Jason and Riley are a great pair. I know you’ll enjoy their story. And many more!
Thanks, Teri.
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I’m looking forward to delving into this book! ❤️
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Thanks for giving it a chance. Hope you enjoy it.
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It’s a fast and fun read, for sure. Thanks, Tessa.
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What a cool post about Jason Fogg and the anthology. I loved Craig’s story, especially how strong Jason’s voice came across in his tale. A great mystery tale by Craig with a plenty of humor and wit tossed in. Jason has become one of my favorite Boyack characters.
Staci, many thanks for hosting today and for shining a spotlight on Craig and the book. I was delighted to take part in the anthology!
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Glad you enjoyed Jason. I’m sure there are more mysterious tales in the collection, and I tried to bring an extra dose of character to shore mine up.
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Jason is such a fun character. I’m glad Craig chose him for this anthology. The two of you really delivered in a big way.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I’m over at Staci’s place today. The topic is the anthology, Murder They Wrote. I’m teasing some of Jason Fogg’s personal life outside his detective work. Staci is a person all authors should know, and she has a wonderful new series out under the pen name of D. L. Cross.
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Much appreciated, Craig.
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Great to see Craig here today, Staci. And especially talking about Jason Fogg. I thoroughly enjoyed Murder They Wrote, and Jason Fogg is one of the reasons why. Such a cool character, I’m planning to track down all his stories and read more about him. SOON. Murder They Wrote has something for everybody, though, covering a wide range of stories and styles. I highly recommend it! 🙂 Much success to Craig, Mae, and all the other contributors to this fun anthology! 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed the collection, Marcia. Excited that you enjoyed Jason enough to check out his other tales. Thanks.
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When Jason’s in a story, I know I’m going to enjoy it. Craig’s characters are always wonderful, but Jason is near the top of my list. Thanks, Marcia.
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I enjoyed reading more about Jason – he’s quite the character – and I think Craig pulled off the relationship aspect well.
Anthologies are fun, and as you say, Staci, with two SE authors involved – it’s a win-win. It’s also a good way to get to know new (to me) authors.
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Couldn’t agree more, Joan. Thanks.
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Craig, my non-caffeinated brain forgot to wish you all the best with the anthology!
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Here you go. (Passes ☕️)
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I like that angle on anthologies, too. It’s like a test drive of new to me authors.
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With Craig and Mae in this anthology, it’s sure to be a fun read. And I look forward to reading all the stories in this anthology, which has some authors new to me in there. Thanks for sharing, Staci 🙂
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I knew three of the seven authors, so it was almost an even split for me. That’s what I love about anthologies. Can’t wait to hear what you think once you’ve read it, Harmz.
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I have it downloaded on my KU subscription, and I’m hoping to get to it soon 🙂
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Thanks, Harmony. Hope you enjoy it.
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I never tire of reading Craig’s work, it’s always different and unusual, and this story sounds like one of his best!
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You are so right about his unique take on stories. He’s got such a fertile imagination and agile mind. You always know you’re in for a wild ride when you read one of his works. Thanks for weighing in!
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My pleasure!
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This looks like a super anthology, Staci.
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If you like mysteries, you’ll definitely find one (or seven) stories that appeal to you, Robbie.
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I’m looking forward to this one when I get to it. Loved your introduction, Staci. A “many-fer” is now an official saying, you know.
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I coined a new term? Awesome! I love it when that happens. Thanks. 😀
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you read the anthology, Jess.
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You’ll hear!
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Saw your post today. Comments were closed. Just wanted you to know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
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Aw thanks, lovely. Yes, I thought I’d close the comments so tomorrow when I’m on all the drugs I won’t answer someone’s best wishes completely inappropriately (which could be a thing depending on what they give me 😁) .
Really appreciate your kind words 🤗
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Now that could really be amusing. Or fodder for a story…
Take care, Jess. Looking forward to your quick and healthy return. ❤️
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Ha! I love new terms.
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I just finished this anthology and thoroughly enjoyed it! I love the teasing sarcasm you used between Jason and Riley, Craig. It made them relatable.
This is worth the read!
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So glad to hear your opinion on this one, Jacquie. Thanks.
And I agree; Jason and Riley are great.
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I enjoyed writing their dialog. Glad it came across at the far end. Thanks.
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