So, You Need an Escape
Right about now—ten long months into this pandemic, still not able to do much—could you use a getaway? The vaccine is coming to you and yours soon, but in the meantime could you use a getaway? Couldn’t you just picture yourself on a sun-drenched beach, toes in the warm sand, and a frosty drink on your hand? Or maybe sailing across blue-green waters, waves lapping peacefully at the sides of your sailboat with the shoreline around you exploding with color?
I’m right there with you.
That’s why, when I decided to write my new series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, I decided to set each story in a great getaway location. But not just any getaway. I mean, everyone knows about places like Hilton Head or Malibu or Daytona Beach. For my stories, I was searching for unique, unforgettable locations that I could introduce readers to, places that would leave a lasting impression.
For me, my first choice was obvious since it’s been a favorite destination of ours for years. The setting for BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE is, well, the Chesapeake Bay. Or to be more precise, the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, which I believe is one of the undiscovered gems in the country. Thousands of miles of undulating shoreline, some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat, and sunsets over the water that would melt your sheltered, hardened heart. Not to mention the scene of variegated foliage covering she shores that can match even peak autumn in New Hampshire. If you close your eyes, you might be able to picture yourself in the middle of the Bay aboard a two-masted sailboat, rocking gently on the waters. Or you could just let my novel take you there. Here’s a brief excerpt from BLOOD.
A
few stray clouds chased each other across an azure sky which turned the water
to an aquamarine. A light breeze filled the two white and gold sails and
stirred the water, creating only small waves which rocked the sloop gently.
Across the horizon, a few white sails punctured the beautiful blue that wrapped
around them. Gusts of wind filled the two triangle sails and flapped the
four-square Maryland flag at the rear. Along the rock-strewn shoreline,
charming Cap Cods with Adirondack chairs in front competed with two-story
Colonials wearing their white clapboard siding and green sloped roofs like
their Sunday best.
Don’t you wish you were standing on the deck of that sailboat right now? Well, you can almost.
For the second
entry in my series, I went for something quite different, but just as intriguing
in its own way. CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY is set in a quintessential resort town,
with expansive white sand beaches for the sun-worshipper, a famous getaway for
more than 150 years. With over a hundred unique Victorian houses and
mansions—think “the painted ladies”—lining the shore and filling the streets of
this quaint town and you have a setting and a sight unmatched anywhere in the
U.S.
And, the fact that the town is the most haunted seaport on the Eastern Seacoast made it a no-brainer for the setting for my second narrative. A few pages into this novel and I promise you’ll forget the present doldrums of Covid-19 and find yourself in another place and time, one you’ll enjoy. Here’s just a sample.
They
crossed at the light, and Darrell took in the sight ahead of them—a near
perfect, expansive sandy beach edged by crystal blue water that seemed to
stretch on forever, merging with a perfect azure sky. Smudges of white dotted
the heavenly canvas, and small curls of white-topped breakers were sprinkled
along the waters farther out. Quiet waves gurgled up upon the sand before
leaking back into the watery expanse. Throw in the meticulous architecture of
all those Victorian mansions and B & B’s and you have resort few places
could match.
Of course, my novels are far more than mere escape reads. Both include a cold-case murder mystery, a haunting ghost story and a bit of romance, all with some unforgettable characters.
“Was your vacation canceled this year? I know ours was put on the back burner, but I can recommend a great get-away that won't cost much. Read the book Blood on the Chesapeake: A Cold Case Murder Mystery. It's a vacation to a beautiful seashore with characters you'll love and some you'll hate. Of course, everyone wants a vacation with a happy ending, and I won't spoil the book for you, but you'll smile about the ending after you put it down.”—Tami A, an Amazon reviewer
Here are just a few things reviewers and readers are
saying about these ★★★★★ and
award winning novels.
· “So engrossing it had me hooked from the very first
page.” ★★★★★—Nana’s
Reviews, Greece
·
“Overbeck’s pace is spot on
and makes for a thoroughly engaging and quick read… A Gold Award Winner!” ★★★★★—Literary Titan
· “An absolutely chilling ghost story wrapped around an even scarier piece of history - or perhaps it’s the other way around. Recommended. BEST BOOK!” ★★★★★—Chanticleer Reviews and Media
·
“This book was riveting and full of mystery, romance, and
suspense. I could not put this book down once I was past the first chapter. I
would find myself reading late into the night telling myself "just one
more chapter"- just one more chapter would turn into 50 or 60 pages.
Excellent book with a hint of history lessons to enrich our lives.”—An Amazon
reviewer
·
“Thrilling! Haunting! Convincing! Loved it as much, if not
more, than “Blood on the Chesapeake!” Began reading the book on Monday and
finished it at midnight on Tuesday!”—an Amazon reviewer
Purchase Links
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crimson-at-cape-may-randy-overbeck/1137088608?ean=9781509231638
https://www.bookbub.com/books/crimson-at-cape-may-by-randy-overbeck
Randy Overbeck
randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com
@OverbeckRandy
FB: Author Randy Overbeck
BIO:
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, writer and speaker who has earned recognition in the Midwest and beyond. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9nWiaGO-KM
You've picked two great places to escape to, Randy. We spent a long weekend at Cape May with friends and it was delightful. Best of luck with your books!
ReplyDeleteFantastic reviews, Sandra! I'm currently reading "Blood On The Chesapeake" and loving it! The pacing keeps me turning page after page! Thank you for sharing, and congrats to Randy!
ReplyDelete