Topsy Turvy Tuesday and Wicked Wednesday – Special Guest Blogger Lisa Jackson!

LEFT TO DIE August 2008 from Lisa JacksonTODAY’S THE DAY, Tuesday the 26th and not Wednesday, the 26th hence why it’s a Topsy Turvy Tuesday and Wicked Wednesday combined! Since I got the dates wrong, we will be taking comments and having the contest for these next two days so more time for you to win!

Please give a big WELCOME to Lisa Jackson who is providing us with an excerpt from her latest LEFT TO DIE. I’ll be picking TWO-Two-two lucky winners to receive a copy of LEFT TO DIE, Lisa Jackson T-Shirt and notepad from everyone who leaves a comment on the blog before midnight EST on Wednesday, August 27th. The two lucky winners will also receive a box of books and a CALLING vampire novel t-shirt.

Plus — if you’re one of the first 25 who leaves the name of my next release (hint — it’s in December) as part of their blog comment, you will also get an autographed copy of HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE. I will contact you for a postal address if you’re one of the 25 lucky HOLIDAY winners.

Without further ado . . . here’s your free excerpt from Lisa Jackson! Please note this is for Mature Audiences only.

Naked, I stand at the window.
Alone.
Waiting.
While sand slips oh, so slowly through the hour glass.
The coming night was near, shadows playing darkly. A hollow wind, keening and savage, cuts through the canyons with the promise of death upon its breath. I hear its plaintive cry from deep in the cabin.
It wants me, I thought. It wants her.
It’s as hungry as I am.
Good!
Feeling the ache, the low, insistent pulse, I peer through the window panes glazed in ice, frosted with blowing snow.
Naked branches of the lonely trees rattle and dance, like skeletal arms raised in supplication to the heavens.
As if God were interested.
I feel the urge to step outside, the tug of the cold tempting me to languish in the caress of frigid gusts upon my bare skin.
But it is too soon.
I’m not going to let myself fall victim to that easy enticement. The timing just isn’t right. Not yet.
I have to be patient.
Because she is coming.
Unfailingly and without any inkling as to her fate, she is drawing near. I feel it.
And everything has to be perfect.
“Come on,” I whisper quietly and feel that sensual twitch deep inside at the thought of her: lightly tanned skin, some freckles, wide hazel eyes and untamed hair a deep brown that shines red in the fire-light. “Come the fuck on.”
The knowledge that she will soon appear causes my blood to race, my mind to fire with images of what is to come. I can almost taste her, feel the texture of her skin as she quivers at my touch. In my mind’s eye I watch her pupils dilate until her eyes are nearly black with fear and a dark, unwelcome desire.
Oh, she will want me.
She will beg for more of me.
And I’ll give her what she wants: what she fears.
Her last conscious thoughts will be of me.
But not yet . . . I have to hold back.
Tamping down those vibrant, exhilarating fantasies, I decide to savor them later. When the timing is right.
With one last glance at the window, I walk to the table near the fire, sit in the smooth wooden chair and feel the varnish against my bare skin. When my body is unfettered by clothes my mind is sharper. Clearer.
I study my maps carefully. Using a magnifying glass, charting my course. The worn, marked pages are spread upon the plank table near the kerosene lantern glowing softly. Scattered upon the scarred planks are the astrological charts, birth certificates and recent clippings of the deaths that no one will ever trace to me. In the articles those beautiful releases of souls are described as brutal slayings, the work of a psychopath.
Reporters, like the police, are idiots.
I can’t help but smile at all their wasted efforts.
The authorities are morons.
Cretins.
Fools who are so easily toyed with.
Burning wood crackled in the grate, anxious flames devouring the mossy chunks of oak and pine, the scent of wood smoke heavy in my nostrils as I reread the stories about the “victims”, tales that have been carefully construed by the stupid cops to ensure that no details they want to keep from the public have slipped into the articles. They have worked diligently to make certain a few clues as to what really happened up on the ridge won’t be available to the general populace for fear a nutcase will claim to be the killer.
Then, the short-staffed Sheriff’s Department will have to sort it all out and spend valuable hours dealing with the fraud. Officers will have to expose him or her to be just some whack job trying to get his or her fifteen minutes of fame or infamy. The department will lose a lot of time uncovering the false murderer, a lunatic pretender who in no way can understand the divinity nor the complexity of the painstakingly executed sacrifices.
Sorry, imbeciles.
You’ll have to find some other killer to emulate.
“Killer.” The word tastes bitter. As did “criminal” or “psycho”. Because what I do isn’t a crime, not just a “killing”, not some psychotic whim, but a necessity . . . a calling. However those who are unenlightened will never understand. What I’ve done, what I will do again, is misunderstood.
So be it.
A window rattles against a gust of wind and I feel a sudden chill slithering down my spine. Glancing up from my work to the icy panes, I see fluttering flakes of snow in the steely day beyond.
Feeling the storm seeping through the cracks in the walls, the cold air kissing my skin, I envision her again.
Beautiful bitch.
Soon you will be mine.
God and the Fates are on my side.
I lick my lips as a thrill steals through my bloodstream. Turning back to the table, I see her picture. In black and white, the surroundings out of focus, her features clear and crisp.
In the glossy photograph, she appears happy, though, of course, her smile is a frail facade. She looks almost flirtatious.
A lie.
As I stare deeply into her eyes, I detect a shadow, a small frisson of darkness that betrays her fear.
In that fragile moment when the camera captures her, she senses that her life is far from what it seems.
And yet she can’t possibly comprehend the truth. Little does she know what is about to happen; that her fate
has already been sealed, that she will soon join the others . . .
Carefully I read the charts once more. The stars are in the right position, the groundwork has been done and December with its cold, stinging kiss will soon be here.
As will she.
She will arrive before the turn of the calendar’s page.
Closing my eyes I imagine our meeting.
Her chilled flesh will press against mine. Her skin will have the salty taste of fear, her cheeks even more so with the tracks of tears.
A frisson of expectation sizzles through my blood.
I glance down at the photograph again.
So clear.
So sharp.
So ready.
“Soon,” I whisper, not saying her name aloud, not wanting to hear it echo through the rafters. “Very soon.”
My groin tightens in expectancy.
Winter and Death are about to meet.

43 Replies to “Topsy Turvy Tuesday and Wicked Wednesday – Special Guest Blogger Lisa Jackson!”

  1. Hi Linda Im looking forward to reading your book as well as Caridad’s Fury Calls thanks for the the peek.

  2. I am really looking forward to A Soldier’s Child.I agree So many books and So little time!!!

  3. I posted the widget on my blog. Very nice BTW. lol *wink*

    I love that excerpt Lisa and will be adding that to my TBR pile soon. I also will add A Soliders Secret Child.

    So many books so little time!

  4. Thanks for the great teaser excerpt. I work at a small county library (as a children’s librarian) and put Lisa on the shelf a little over a year ago, and recommend her to those patrons I know like good suspense. My boss now makes certain we have all your new books, Lisa, and you are becoming more popular every day. Caridad, I look forward to your new book, A Soldier’s Child, this December. There are so many excellent authors out there it is hard to read them all. Both of you keep up the good work. I look forward to your future books and introducing you to more of our patrons. Thanks!

  5. I enjoyed reading the comments and the excerpt. I have added this book to my TBR list. It sounds really intriguing.
    And like all of Lisa’s books that I have read, I know it will be one I can’t put down.

  6. Caridad, Thank you for having Lisa Jackson as a guest on your blog. She writes wonderfully, suspenseful stories. Lisa, thank you for sharing the excerpt from your latest release. As all of your other books, I cannot wait to read this one too!

  7. Hi, I am an avid book lover and love to find new books to read. I am excited to be in the midst of all these book lovers! Can’t wait for A Soldier’s Secret Child as well.

  8. Wow, the excerpts I’ve read from Left to Die are leaving me chilled. Very creepy — and I gather it’s got a bit of a cliffhanger ending! What a mean, cruel author you are, Lisa!! I’m sure it is a riveting read, as long as all the lights are on and someone’s at home with me.

    Caridad, the except from “A Soldier’s Secret Child” sounds really good, too. What great conflicts you’ve set up, just in the first few paragraphs!

  9. Soldier’s Child is on the monster tbb list and so is Left to Die both stories sound fantastic

  10. Hi Lisa,
    I have to say that you are one of my favorite authors. I have never been disappointed in any of your books and can’t wait to read Left to Die!

    Caridad, I’m adding Soldier’s Secret Child to my TBB list.

  11. That was really a terrific excerpt! I enjoy romantic suspense and look forward to reading this book!

  12. I read “Lost Souls” a month ago and I really enjoyed it. I checked out Lisa’s backlist and picked up “Almost Dead.” Beej is so adorable. I’m looking forward to reading “Left to Die” and meeting the new detectives.

    I’m also looking forward to “A Soldier’s Secret Child.”

  13. I’m really excited at having a chance to read Holiday with a Vampire and after Lisa’s excerpt, I can’t wait to read Left to Die!

  14. Hi, Lisa 🙂 Great excerpt you’ve chosen to share, thanks… I love the feel of this story and will adding it to my Amazon cart *bg*

    Caridad, A Soldier’s Secret Child is on my tbb list *bg*

  15. Hey Lisa! I have Left to Die and I have to say I loved it and I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out. And is the next book almost done and ready to be sent to the editor?

    I hope I’m one of those TWO-Two-two lucky winners to receive a copy of LEFT TO DIE, Lisa Jackson T-Shirt and notepad and will also receive a box of books and a CALLING vampire novel t-shirt.

  16. awesome!!!!! Lisa Jackson you are the greatest and one of my favorite authors. I have Left To Die on order and will get it soon i can’t wait.
    This sounds like it will be at the top of my favorites list.
    I am also looking forward to december when i can get A Soldier’s Secret Child.

  17. Lisa, Your book sounds awesome! I can’t wait to read it!

    Caridad, A Soldier’s Secret Child is on my Christmas list!

  18. i love lisa books, she is like cariad;s , you just know, its going to be a good book when you buy it! i look forward to both author books knowing, im going to get a good book that i can climb in and really enjoy
    so keep up the good storys and write faster 🙂

    also the A Soldier’s Secret Child is the name of caridad book for dec! but TAINTED BLOOD sounds really good to!

  19. HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE
    featuring FATE CALLS
    is the answer for Caridad 🙂 Hope you gals are having fun 🙂

    Lisa it is great to see you here, you’re a new author to me, so I hope I get the chance to win your book 🙂

    I’ll drop back in later, and I hope I made Caridad’s cut as one of the 25 as well lol 🙂

    Crystal Adkins
    [email protected]

  20. Wow Lisa that is an interesting snippet… I have not had the pleasure of reading your books yet, but look forward to grabbing one soon!!!
    I am placing A SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD on my x-mas list!!! 😀

  21. Caridad I went back and checked again on your Coming Soon page is Holiday w/ A Vamp., but ha hello stupid me check the date! So I went back and checked out your site and it is definetly A Soldier’s Secret Child that is coming this Dec.

  22. Lisa, I love your books!! I don’t have this one yet, but it is on my TBB list. Caridad thank you for having Lisa here she is one of my most favorite authors.

    Your book coming out in Dec. Holiday With A Vampire: Fate Calls looks great, but now I am not sure if I had the right book most people are putting A Soldier’s Secret Child.

    Oh well, I enjoyed being here today. Have a wonderful day.

  23. I so love you books Lisa. They are all so good that I can’t even pick my favorite.

    I also can’t wait to read A Soldier’s Secret Child. I sounds like a great book.

  24. Lis, what beautiful writing. So much like poetry. What a treat to read the entire book.

    Caridad, A Soldier’s Secret Child is on my to-be-read list!

  25. Caridad, I like the sounds of your new book coming, A Soldier’s Secret Child. I like this kind of hero. Thanks for having Lisa here today.
    Yikes Lisa, I can feel the cold, here the wind, etc. as I read your blurb/excerpt.

  26. Hi all. Glad to be here. For the question. I write from a very detailed synopsis. Always have. The longer the book, the longer the synopsis. And in the case of LEFT TO DIE as there are so many characters, clues and another story hinged closely to it, I keep a detailed “roster” of places, events, people, clues, you name it. A catch-all to jog my memory.

  27. Hi Lisa. Good to see you here. I love your books. Loved the excerpt to Left To Die.

    I am looking forward to Caridad’s A Soldier’s Secret Child.

  28. A Soldier’s Secret Child is on my list and I have Lisa Jackson’s book sitting by me ready to go. I’ve read most of her books and enjoy all of them. I must admit I was confused about the Tuesday and the 26’s mix up. But didn’t want to miss out on the fun. So good talking to you.

  29. Hi Lisa. I read Shiver and really enjoyed that. That last line of Winter and Death are about to meet has me wanting to read more of Left to Die. I’m also wanting to read Caridad’s latest A Soldier’s Secret Child.

  30. I love collecting books and so far have a healthy selection of over 1200! I’m always looking out for new titles to add … my mom and sister just can not keep up with all my reading *lol*

    I’ve got my eye at Caridad’s next release A SOLDIER’S SECRET CHILD… coming out in December!

  31. Greetings Lisa, this is Rita calling from South Africa. It great having the opportunity of meeting you online.

    This gives me an opportunity of meeting authors who I’ve never heard and get into their books. The exercpt has really caught my attention and interest … would be keen to know the outcome of how this story progresses. Guess you got me hook now *grin*

    What made you want to be an author?

  32. Helloooo Caridad … ok I’m back from my vacation and no it wasn’t really a “HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE” … A girl can only dream *lol* but had a really grand time visiting a little island in the Atlantic Ocean called Madeira.

  33. *waves* Hi Lisa, it’s a pleasure to have you here on Caridad’s blog to blog with us. Left To Die sounds great love the cover and great excerpt thank you for sharing with us.

    Lisa, do you outline your stories or do you just write as you go?

    What authors and genres do you enjoy reading?

    Hugssss
    LindaH

  34. Lisa, this will be a winner just like your previous books. I got cold chills just reading the first few sentences. So glad you could visit and share this excerpt with us. I know I will enjoy reading the book just as I will Caridad’s A Soldier’s Secret Child. You are both great authors. Thanks for all you both do tokeep us entertained. Hugs to all.

  35. Lisa, I enjoyed the imagery. I could feel the psycho’s thoughts – even though I don’t think I am going to like that ‘killer’ :>)

  36. First I have to say A Soldier’s Secret Child sounds interesting. Now I have to go back and read what happens when one is left to die :>)

  37. Welcome Lisa, and *thanks* for sharing your excerpt with us! I love reading your books.

    I’m also looking forward to Caridad’s next book, “A Soldier’s Secret Child” 🙂

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