America's Forgotten Roses (Zachary Gagewood Mysteries, Book 12)
Murphy Balfour found it difficult to assimilate back into civilian life after dealing with the horrors of war a few years back, but with the help of his husband and friends, he’s a productive member of society again. Murphy wants to help others from the military to achieve what he has, and as a result, he’s started Operation No Man Left Behind, a daring program being run on a wing and a prayer, but he’s seeing some positive results.
The next big project includes getting the group involved with the big Independence Day parade in Gresham, but things take a turn for the worse when one of the more obstinant participants is found dead. At first, suicide is expected due to the high number of service members who take their own life, but it’s soon discovered that the man died at the hands of someone else.
Operation No Man Left Behind’s resources are already limited, but the potential of participants being hurt or killed threatens to destroy the fledgling program. Murphy’s not about to let the program go without a fight, but he’ll need the help of bookstore owner and resident detective Zachary Gagewood. Can Zachary and Murphy figure out who in the village is demented enough to kill defenders of freedom—America’s forgotten roses?
Fables From the Other Side of the Rainbow (An anthology)
When Dorothy went over the rainbow in The Wizard of Oz, she was whisked away to a magical land where fantastic things awaited her. The Irish believe that, at the end of the rainbow, a pot of gold guarded by a leprechaun awaits those who can find it. There are plenty of standard legends and stories about the rainbow, a symbol that the gay community has embraced, but this anthology showcases ten short stories about members of that community finding love in a variety of ways.
A man reunites with a high school lover years later at a Pride festival, but that lover disappears as quickly as he reappeared. A cat roaming around a radio station on Christmas Eve helps to bring together a disc jockey and a lonely farmer. A gay couple spurned by their families on Thanksgiving go to a church for a community meal and discover a new type of family. A lesbian tending to her late grandfather's affairs discovers that the freedom to be who she wants to be did not come so easily to him after finding his love letters to another man.
These stories and more await folks between the covers, and just like for Dorothy, what awaits just beyond the rainbow are fantasies immeasurable.
Writing in Progress
Here's a look at what is being worked on for future publication...
We Ride at Brunch (The Heart of Chino Valley, Book Four)
Tyge, Aaron and Xavi have been close friends since childhood, bonded by the fact that they’re all gay and were often ostracized and persecuted while growing up. Even into adulthood, the three men keep in close contact, gathering together every Sunday at Tyge’s home in Chino Valley, Arizona, for brunch to catch up on each other’s lives and enjoy each other’s camaraderie.
That bond is tested, however, when their dear friend, Molly, dies suddenly and leaves Xavi as the executor of her will. Most of her affairs are in order, except for her restaurant, The Prickly Pear. There’s nothing in the will specifying the transfer of ownership, and when the deed to the property cannot be found, prompting Molly’s estranged brother, Maclin, to file a claim on the building and vow to destroy it based on his hatred of his sister being a lesbian.
Knowing The Prickly Pear is one of the more popular restaurants in Chino Valley, Tyge, Aaron and Xavi put their own personal problems on hold, resolved to figure out where the deed is and determine who really has ownership, no matter the danger. A journey to Molly’s secluded cabin off the beaten path will reveal much, including how Molly died and how the men’s bond is strong in a way none of them expected.
Rose Red and the Forgotten Fables (A play in two acts)
Everybody knows the tale of Snow White and how she found her prince after some adventures with a band of dwarves, but not many remember her original tale with her sister, Rose Red. While Snow White has become famous, Rose Red has been relegated to a place of obscurity called Forsaken Acres, where life doesn't change much and nobody outside of the wilderness knows the area exists.
However, things turn decidedly frightening when friends start to disappear, and then reappear dead with notes tacked to them saying "Remember Fannie Bright." Fear and panic ensue, with the residents pointing fingers at each other. Rose Red must join forces with Little Boy Blue and Hamlin to find out if Fannie Bright was the victim of a past tragedy or the secret identity of the murderer.