JoAnne Myers
JoAnne has been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of her life. Besides having seven novels under her belt, JoAnne canvas paints. When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, JoAnne spends time with relatives, her dog Jasmine, and volunteers her time within the community.
JoAnne is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center.
JoAnne believes in family values and following your dreams. Her original canvas paintings, can be found at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
NEVER GIVE UP: by JoAnne
Myers
For as long as I can
remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting,
sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing
came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother
and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told
me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not
take her advise and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind
went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and
family of my own. I put my love for writing and painting on hold for
years. I unfortunately married a man who
like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children
were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first
love-art. I got a late start, but always
encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors. I now have six books under contract with two
publishing houses. So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you
choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from
enjoying your natural talents. You might
need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up.
Blurbs for “Flagitious” a
four crime/mystery anthology
“Too Solve His Mother’s
Murder”
After his Air Force career
was interrupted by his mother’s untimely murder, Steven Moore, returned home.
Met with a cold reception of lies, secrets, and threats, he is determined too
find Wanda’s killer, even at the cost of his own life. Was Wanda a victim of the legendary Hatchet
Man? Was this loving and devoted mother killed because of her shady past, or
for her inheritance? Between finding the
truth and falling in love, Steven stops at nothing, too solve his mother’s
murder.
“The Other Couple’s Child”
Charlotte had it all. A
loving and devoted husband. Supportive family and friends, and a house full of
beautiful children. Everything was perfect for this Super Mom, until a medical
procedure turns her life upside down, and spirals into a child abduction case. Time
is running out. Will police arrive in time to save Charlotte and the other
couple’s child?
“3381 Market Street”
Katherine Sims, a young widow
working for a brokerage firm in a small southeastern town, is tired of the
excuses concerning Charlie’s absence. She knows something terrible must have
happened to her favorite nephew with the sad blue-eyes. After exposing the
killer, Katherine’s life is turned upside down and she finds herself fighting
for her life. Filled with maniacal suspects, a Satanic Cult, and danger around
each corner, this story depicts one woman’s courage too avenge a child’s
murder, while finding unexpected love.
“The Tarot Card Murders”
New Detective, and ex-navel
man, twenty-six-year-old Nick Difozzio, returns to his small county determined
too abolish crime. Not until death knocked on his door, did he know the face of
evil. Will the decorated veteran destroy the Lycanthropes, or will he succumb
to their murderess desires and become one of them? He took an oath too protect,
honor, and uphold the law, but can he defy the lust, riches, and power offered,
or are the ‘dark forces’ stronger than his will?
Excerpt from “The Tarot Card
Murders”
The Scene: Detective Nick Difozzio has been called to
another bizarre murder scene, located in the abandoned industrial section of
town.
An abrupt silence you could cut with a
knife filled the room. “Shape-shifters?” said one from the group. “You mean like a Yeti turns
into a deer to avoid those who track it. Or the Lock Ness monster turns into a
log.”
After Ted and the others poked fun at
his fantastic idea, Nick laid it out, “Not exactly. But certain
creatures are believed to have shape-shifting powers of one sort or another,
and what other possibility is there to explain these bizarre murders?”
“Well, we could have a
psychopath lurkin’ around. Or a nutty drifter or
escaped convict,” Ted said. “But it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to
understand that, if shape-shifters do exit, they would be very elusive
creatures, nearly impossible to detect and capture. What does take a lot of
imagination, is believing in shape-shifters.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll see ya tomorrow,” Nick said. Once outside, he noticed the full moon, and wondered, who
will die tonight? On reaching his vehicle, he discovered a surprise in his
passenger seat.
“Denise, what’s going on?” he asked via the driver’s window.
With teeth white as snow, she said, “Well, sugar, I was thinkin’ about the last time you were
at my house. You remember, when you cabbaged my safe contents so foolishly?”
With a chuckle, he nodded. “Honey, the only foolish thing I did that night was fail to realize the
money in the safe was counterfeit. But I bet it’s all
gone now.”
“And I bet you’re right,” she smiled. Just then, Denise’ partner in crime, twenty-two-year-old Wendy Goss zapped the lawman with
a stun gun from behind, dropping him like a hot potato.
Jumping from the vehicle, Denise
removed Nick’s gun and cell phone, placing
them under the seat. Afterward, both women placed him in the backseat. Getting
behind the steering wheel of Nick’s car, Denise drove his
Mustang, while Wendy followed in her Firebird.
Halfway to the destination spot, Nick
regained consciousness. With his gun gone, he played dead, hoping to find the
gang’s hangout. Soon both vehicles stopped. Denise exited
the Ford then helped Wendy search the Firebird’s trunk,
for items needed for Nick’s demise.
“Someone better keep an eye on
the cop,” Wendy said.
“Don’t worry, that pig’s out cold,” Denise said, finding rope. Peering out the back window, Nick realized
he was on an abandoned farm. Searching for landmarks, he memorized a
foreclosure sign reading Stonewall Realty.
Uncertain if the girls were armed, Nick
made the decision to strike now or never. Disabling his car’s dome light, he cautiously retreated from the backseat. As quiet as a
mouse, he snuck up on the chattering women foraging for items to gag and bind
him.
As soon as the murdering beauties were
finished gathering their supplies, Denise slammed the trunk shut. Immediately
Nick punched her between her baby blues, knocking her to the ground before
turning on Wendy.
Struggling with the yellow-haired lady,
who, like her partner, was trained in Judo, Nick swapped blows with the tall
slender gal and encountered a high degree of skill. Then, recovering, Denise
attacked him from behind with a blow to his ribs, bringing him to his knees.
Both women struck like tigers from all sides.
Doing his best to avoid their most
deadly kicks, Nick used every device not nailed down as a weapon against the
feisty felines. First, his leather belt with the sterling silver buckle, then,
a stray piece of firewood left behind by the homeowners. Across the parking
area, the trio fought. Nick matched his street skills against the trained
martial artists as each one fought for their own reasons.
The gallant cop battled for his life
and self-respect, while the women fought for control over the detective
representing the authority they loathed. Or perhaps, Denise and Wendy’s desire for domination extended to include the entire county, not just
the town, thought Nick. Whatever the reason, they’re
formidable.
Bruised and bleeding, the women fought
until Nick broke Wendy’s arm. Seizing the opportunity
to get away, she escaped in her vehicle leaving her comrade helpless and easily
overpowered.
“Get off me, you bastard!” Denise screamed as Nick slammed her to the ground, cuffing her.
“You’re under arrest.” Wiping the blood from his
lip, he threw her into his vehicle then drove to the local hospital. On the way
there, Nick phoned headquarters, “I got one of the blood
members. We’re on our way to the ER.”
Other books by JoAnne:
"WICKED INTENTIONS"
a paranormal/mystery anthology
"LOVES', MYTHS' AND
MONSTERS'," a fantasy anthology
"THE CRIME OF THE
CENTURY," a biography true-crime
“POEMS ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN”
"TWISTED LOVE," a
true-crime anthology
“MURDER MOST FOUL,” a
detective/mystery
Contact JoAnne:
Email:
authorjoannemyers@yahoo.com
Buy link:
