You had me at “Agatha Christie goes Steampunk.”

If you love a good mystery with sharp dialogue, romantic tension, and high-stakes drama aboard a flying airship, Murder on the Aerial Express needs to be on your radar. What starts as a routine journey soon turns deadly when the airship’s owner is found dead on the very first night. Now, everyone on board is a suspect.

Lady Isabelle isn’t looking for trouble, but trouble finds her anyway. She’s smart, skeptical, and completely unqualified to solve a murder. That doesn’t stop her from trying. As the hours pass and the tension on board rises, Isabelle finds herself pulled deeper into a mystery that’s as charming as it is dangerous. It’s witty, suspenseful, and full of characters you’ll want to side-eye.

But this isn’t just a great story. Murder on the Aerial Express is also a fresh take on how we experience fiction in the digital age.

Digital Reading Experience

The novel is delivered through a free serialized email newsletter, with a new chapter released every Thursday. Want to level up your reading experience? A premium version includes an interactive layout and beautiful AI-generated art that enhances the steampunk setting without overshadowing the story. It’s a unique blend of traditional storytelling and digital creativity.

At a time when publishing is shifting fast, this project manages to feel classic and experimental all at once. The text itself is hand-crafted with care, but the multimedia version opens new doors for creatives and readers interested in pushing boundaries. Whether you’re here for the whodunit or the format, there’s something worth discovering.

You can start reading for free or explore the premium version at

www.mkrumsey.com

More details are also available at mkrumsey.com/novel-newsletter

Hop aboard. The mystery is just getting started.

<p>The post Murder in the Skies with Style: A Steampunk Whodunit Worth Boarding first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

We’ve all seen our fair share of horror stories. Ghosts in the walls. Creepy dolls. Creepy kids. Creepy… everything. But every once in a while, a story sneaks in that hits a little too close. One that makes your skin crawl—not because of what’s lurking in the dark, but because it dares to ask what you’d do if your heart shattered beyond repair.

Oscar Bunnik’s One More Minute does exactly that.

On paper, it might sound like a standard horror setup: a man makes a deal with the devil to bring back the love of his life—one minute at a time, in exchange for blood. But don’t let the premise fool you. This book isn’t here to throw jump scares at you and call it a day. This is a slow-burn descent into grief, guilt, and the kind of love that doesn’t just haunt you—it consumes you.

Clayton Miller is not a slasher villain. He’s not a demon or a lunatic. He’s… a guy who lost the one person who made his life make sense. And now, he’s faced with the kind of choice that would break any of us: Would you kill to hold them again? Just for a moment?

One More Minute doesn’t give you easy answers. What it does give you are shivers, dread, and one hell of an emotional gut-punch. It’s messy. It’s tragic. And it’s full of beautifully broken characters, especially Lena, who will wreck you in the best way.

So yes, the horror is here—and it’s done really well. But the real terror? It’s in the love that turns into obsession. In the mirror that slowly stops showing you someone you recognize. In the question you’ll keep asking long after the final page:

What would you do for one more minute?

Read it now on Amazon; Free with Kindle Unlimited | Also available in Paperback & Hardcover

<p>The post Horror Spotlight: One More Minute by Oscar Bunnik first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

A Divine Calling

For millennia, the dragon god Alerius has watched over the barbarian tribes of the Forsaken Isles, awaiting the emergence of a true believer. Dar Tania, a young woman from the Tribe of Horses, becomes the first to hear the call of Tiamat, the Mother of Dragons. Her answered prayer marks the beginning of her transformation into the inaugural priestess of Tiamat, setting the foundation for an empire of divine warriors.

Founding an Empire

Guided by Alerius, Dar Tania embraces her destiny, uniting the disparate tribes under the banner of the Dragon Empire of Morbattania. Her journey is one of faith, leadership, and the forging of a new civilization rooted in divine purpose. This narrative sets the stage for the expansive Forsaken Isles series, with Dar Tania serving as the cornerstone of a saga that spans generations.

About the Author

Eric K. Barnum, an avid fantasy enthusiast since childhood, released his debut novel, Dar Tania, in September 2016. The book was honored with the 2018 ELIT award for high fantasy. Barnum’s storytelling is influenced by renowned authors such as Raymond E. Feist, David Eddings, and Brent Weeks. He aims to explore the interplay of magic and divinity, emphasizing the enduring significance of gods in a world brimming with enchantment. Beyond writing, Barnum enjoys hiking with his three daughters and delving into the wonders of the natural world.

Dar Tania is available in both paperback and eBook formats, with the eBook included in Kindle Unlimited. To delve deeper into the lore and upcoming releases of the Forsaken Isles, visit Eric K. Barnum’s Amazon Author Page. Embark on a journey of faith, power, and destiny with Dar Tania, and witness the birth of an empire that will shape the future of the Forsaken Isles.

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Dar Tania by Eric K. Barnum first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

A Life Transformed

Adelia Kreegan’s ordinary existence is shattered when her family is viciously torn from her, leaving her haunted by the miracle of her escape. Seeking refuge in the shadows of Viscosa, a sprawling city teeming with secrets, Adelia’s latent magical abilities begin to surface. Her intrinsic power draws the attention of Gaston Camlann, a seasoned sage renowned for his mastery of the arcane arts. Intrigued by her potential, Gaston offers to mentor Adelia, guiding her through the complexities of magic and the responsibilities it entails.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Under Gaston’s tutelage, Adelia embarks on a path of self-discovery, delving into the arcane arts and uncovering the true meaning—and dangers—of being a mage. As she navigates this treacherous journey, she learns that the pursuit of power comes with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. DeAngelo masterfully weaves a tale that explores themes of personal growth, the search for identity, and the weight of responsibility that accompanies great power.

Mageborn: A Richly Imagined World

Set against the backdrop of Tellest—a land where dragons soar the skies, dark magic lurks in forgotten corners, and heroes are forged through trials of fire and shadow—Mageborn paints a vivid picture of a realm where every choice has consequences, and the line between good and evil is often blurred. The novella’s richly detailed world-building and well-crafted characters immerse readers in a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

For those captivated by Adelia’s story, the Tellest Universe offers a plethora of tales that delve into the histories, cultures, and adventures of its inhabitants. From epic sagas to intimate character studies, Michael DeAngelo’s works provide a comprehensive exploration of a world where magic and reality coexist in delicate balance.

Mageborn is available in both paperback and eBook formats. For more information about the Tellest Universe and upcoming releases, visit Tellest.com.

Embark on a journey of magic, mentorship, and self-discovery with Mageborn, and witness the birth of a mage destined to leave her mark on the world of Tellest.

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Mageborn by Michael DeAngelo first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

In Raven’s Flight, Avery Swift’s peaceful vacation takes a dangerous turn when she becomes the target of dark, otherworldly forces. With relentless wolves from Hel on her trail, Avery must rely on the help of the enigmatic Thoren sisters and the steadfast Shadow Guardian, Jake Folkvar. Together, they set out to uncover a rare and powerful Asgardian ore, a quest fraught with peril at every step. However, as the stakes rise, Avery discovers that her survival depends not only on her courage but also on the strength of the unlikely allies at her side.

CB Samet masterfully intertwines mythology and suspense, crafting a story that will keep readers turning pages late into the night. With vivid descriptions, high-stakes action, and characters you can’t help but root for, Raven’s Flight delivers a thrilling start to an unforgettable series. Fans of fast-paced urban fantasy and romantic suspense will find much to love here.

Whether you’re new to CB Samet’s work or a returning reader, Raven’s Flight is an excellent entry point into The Shadow Guardians series. Available for free on Kindle, this novella invites you to dive into a world where magic and danger intertwine.

Ready to soar into adventure? Download Raven’s Flight today and discover what makes CB Samet a four-time award-winning author in thriller, fantasy, and romantic suspense. Discover more of The Shadow Guardians on CB Samet’s website and keep up with CB Samet on Facebook and Instagram.

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Raven’s Flight by CB Samet first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

The Bloodsworn, a dangerous faction lurking in the background, have sinister plans for Elias’ creation. As the stakes rise, Elias uncovers secrets about his own heritage and confronts the reality that his invention could either unite or destroy. Meanwhile, Brynn must confront her own past, with ties to ancient elven traditions that challenge the path forward. Can they protect their invention from falling into the wrong hands, or will their discovery unravel the harmony of their world?

Echoes of Harmony is a richly woven tale of love, loyalty, and the balance between innovation and tradition. Brady’s world-building shines, immersing readers in a landscape where both magic and technology shape the lives of its characters. Fans of intricate fantasy settings and deeply human conflicts will find much to love here.

Don’t miss out on this debut that explores the echoes of the past and the promise of a bold, uncertain future.

Follow B.C. Brady on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content and stay tuned–I’ll be interviewing B.C. Brady soon to learn even more about his fantasy world and creative process. Get your copy today on Amazon today!!

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Echoes of Harmony by B.C. Brady first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>