Guest Post by Carol Pouliot Author of Murder At The Moulin Rouge (A Time Travel Mystery)(#Contests- Enter to Win a Gift Card.)

MURDER AT THE MOULIN ROUGE

by Carol Pouliot

November 3 - 28, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mystery

 

Paris, 1895. When a cancan dancer at the Moulin Rouge falls to her death from the top of one of Montmartre’s highest staircases, the police dismiss it as an accident. But, Madeleine was one of Toulouse-Lautrec’s favorite models, and the artist is certain she was murdered. Enter Depression-era detective Steven Blackwell and 21^st-century journalist Olivia Watson who travel back in time to Paris to hunt down the killer. Before long, they learn that a second dancer—a ballerina and favorite model of painter Edgar Degas—has died. Two dancers dead in two weeks. Two artists grieving. Is the killer targeting young dancers, or, does this case involve the enigmatic Paris art world?

From the moment Steven and Olivia arrive, Steven is out of his element. The small-town cop has no idea what techniques the French police use in 1895. Worse, he has no official status to investigate murder in one of the world’s largest cities. The sleuths soon discover disturbing secrets at the Paris Ballet. And when Olivia insists on going undercover to visit a suspect’s house alone, Steven fears he’s made the biggest mistake of his life.

Travel back in time with Steven and Olivia, as they enter the back-stabbing world of dance in one of the world’s greatest cities. Murder at the Moulin Rouge is their most daring and dangerous case to date.

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional Police Procedural with a Time-Travel Twist; Historical Mystery.
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Number of Pages: 325
Series: The Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mysteries, #5
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Level Best Books

The Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mystery Series

Doorway to Murder Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

Threshold of Deceit Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

Death Rang the Bell Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

RSVP to Murder Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

 GUEST POST:

  The Orient Express

Glamor. Luxury. Murder. What do you think of when you think of the Orient Express?

The first time I read Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, I was immediately pulled in by the mystique and the exoticism. A legendary, luxurious train traveling across multiple countries in Europe. The intriguing city of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) that I longed to visit. A fascinating cast of international characters—an Italian, a Hungarian count, a Russian princess, a French conductor, and, of course, the little Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. Agatha had me on page one.

The Blue Mosque. I eventually had a chance to visit Istanbul. I loved it!

But, a strange thing happened. Two years ago, I taught several workshops called “What’s So Great about Agatha? Learn the tricks of the trade by the bestselling author of all time.” When I reread the book, looking for the devices I would use and appropriate quotes, I discovered very little description about the Orient Express itself in the novel. I was stunned. Where were all the velvet seats and sparkling chandeliers? The fancy wooden inlays and crystal goblets? I realized my memories of the train must have come from the movies.

Peter Ustinov, Albert Finney, Kenneth Branagh, and David Suchet each brought something different to the character of Hercule Poirot in the various film iterations of the story. However, the constant for me was the train itself. I absolutely love train travel. An overnight trip on the Orient Express went to the top of my bucket list. When I told a close friend, I was thrilled to learn she also wanted to take that trip.

The Venice Simplon Orient Express

Last year when I was writing Murder at the Moulin Rouge, I wanted to go to Paris to do some research. In the book, I had decided to send my characters Detective Steven Blackwell and journalist Olivia Watson on the Orient Express to interview some suspects in their murder investigation. Our plan was made!!

A car picked us up at our Paris hotel and took us to the Gare de l’Est train station for our exciting journey. Two young men wearing white, cotton gloves and in Venice Simplon Orient Express livery met us at the curb. We weren’t allowed to lift a finger. We followed them to the platform where a small band played to welcome us as we were checked in. Our suitcases were stored in a luggage car, the small overnight bags were taken to our compartment. As I stepped on the red carpet to board the gorgeous dark blue and gold carriage, I mentally pinched myself. Is this really happening?

Boarding the Orient Express on the red carpet.

Our compartment was tiny but beautifully appointed. Since dinner was hours away, there was a snack waiting to hold us over. After enjoying our champagne and sandwiches, Anna wanted to relax in the compartment and look out the window. I wanted to go exploring.

The luxurious bar car.

 

My first surprise was a tuxedoed man playing a baby grand piano in the bar car. What? On a train? Yes. And it was fabulous. The bar car was awash in blue velvet. Every wooden surface was polished to within an inch of its life. I walked through the train and found three dining cars, each decorated in a different color—dark blue, gold, moss green. Sensuous, sculpted Lalique glass panels hung in carriages and intricate wooden marquetry designs forming bouquets of flowers were inlaid in the walls. The plush carpets were beautifully designed.

One of three dining cars.

At six-thirty, we dressed in evening gowns and went to our dining car—the gold one. Neither of us was crazy about the food, but, it was fine. We were serenaded by a guitarist and singer while we drank champagne and wine, and ate. After dessert and coffee, we joined the celebration in the bar car. We found a settee across from a lovely couple from Ireland, and spent the rest of the evening with them. The pianist played, a singer sang, and we enjoyed glasses of wine and interesting conversation.

At dinner

 

The following day, we oohed and aahed as the train took us through the snow-capped Alps. We pulled into the train station in Venice in late afternoon, where a boat waited to take us to our hotel.

Snow-covered Alps Mountains

 

Our trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express was a dream come true...even if we didn’t get to meet Hercule Poirot.

Author Bio:

A former language teacher and business owner, Carol Pouliot writes the acclaimed Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mysteries, traditional police procedurals with a seemingly impossible relationship between a Depression-era cop and a 21^st-century journalist. With their fast pace and unexpected twists and turns, the books have earned praise from readers and mystery authors. Carol is a founding member of Sleuths and Sidekicks, 4 mystery writers who have banded together to share their love of mysteries, immediate Past President and Program Chair of her Sisters in Crime chapter, and Co-Chair of Murderous March, an online mystery conference. When not writing, Carol can be found packing her suitcase and reaching for her passport for her next travel adventure.

Catch Up With Our Author:

www.carolpouliot.com
Sleuths and Sidekicks
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @cpouliot13
Instagram - @carolpouliotmysterywriter
Pinterest - @cpouliot13
Facebook - @WriterCarolPouliot

 Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

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This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Carol Pouliot. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

MURDER AT THE MOULIN ROUGE by Carol Pouliot [Gift Cards]

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

@partnersincr1me,

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Spotlight of On The Edge Of Trust by Patricia Bradley. Book Released today (#Contest- Enter to win a copy of the book and a gift card.)

ON THE EDGE OF TRUST

by Patricia Bradley

Released Today Nov 4th 

November 3 - 28, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

 

A LOGAN POINT NOVEL

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

Book Details:

Genre: Christian, Mystery, Suspense, Romance
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: November 4th 2025
Number of Pages: 336 (pbk)
ISBN: 9780800747008 (pbk)
Series: A Logan Point Novel
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Baker Book House

Read an excerpt:

 

 

Author Bio:

Patricia Bradley is the author of multiple romantic suspense novels including the popular Pearl River and Logan Point series. She is the winner of an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. Bradley was selected as a Carol Award finalist, and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She makes her home in Mississippi.

Catch Up With Patricia Bradley:

PTBradley.com
Amazon Author Profile
BookBub - @PatriciaBradley
Instagram - @PTBradley1
Threads - @PTBradley1
X - @PTBradley1
Facebook - @patriciabradleyauthor
LinkedIn
Pinterest - @PTBradley
YouTube - @patriciabradley2013

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Revell & Patricia Bradley. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

ON THE EDGE OF TRUST by Patricia Bradley

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

@partnersincr1me,

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Cover Reveal of Jingled by Evan J. Corbin

Jingled
Evan J. Corbin
Publication date: November 7th 2025 

Genres: LGBTQ+, Satire, Speculative Fiction

 

Matt Daughtry has always felt like he and his parents live in separate worlds—his shaped by the urbane, Northeastern 

liberal elite, theirs by Southern conservatism, homespun “common sense,” and talk show-fueled conspiracies. His homosexuality remains an open secret, something they sidestep rather than confront, much less accept. When he and his sister return for Christmas, the wrong sibling brings home a boyfriend for the first time.

What starts as a tense but routine holiday gathering takes a surreal turn the next morning. Flights are canceled, pilots and flight attendants mysteriously take time off, and by the following day, an estimated seventy-eight million Americans fail to return to work. Their explanation? They just want to spend more time with their families. Christmas can be every day when you’re with family.

His parents—and millions of Americans—are suffering from a bizarre condition, trapped in an endless holiday loop, determined to celebrate Christmas every day. They make choices that go against their self-interests. Blissfully unbothered by their accumulating debts, economic collapse, or even basic responsibilities, they live in a festive delusion seemingly fueled by an addictive algorithm used by an evangelical shopping app called MerryNet.

At first, Matt sees no reason to get involved. He’s never been able to reach his parents before—why would this be any different? But as the syndrome spreads, paralyzing the country, he stumbles upon evidence linking the outbreak to corporate actors intent on silencing their perceived right-wing enemies. Faced with a choice between complicity and action, Matt realizes that exposing the truth may come at the cost of his career, safety, and sanity. But the country may slide further into a dystopian nightmare if he doesn’t act.

With the help of his boyfriend and sister, Matt must not only uncover the syndrome’s cause and cure but also confront the deeper divisions tearing his family—and the nation—apart.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Author Bio:

Evan resides in Philadelphia, PA. When he's not working or spending time with his friends, he writes a little.

Website

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Book Blitz of The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield (#Contests- Enter to win A $25 Amazon Gift Card.)

The Bridge
Shanna Hatfield
Publication date: October 7th 2025
Genres: Adult, Holiday, Women’s Fiction

One Bridge. Five Strangers. A Christmas Eve That Changes Everything.

On a bridge suspended above the Willamette River, five lives collide for a journey through hope and hardship in a suspenseful, heartwarming tale of courage, connection, and the magic of second chances.

Sergeant Archer Raines has worked every holiday all year for one reason: to finally spend Christmas with his wife. But when a desperate man threatens to jump from Portland’s St. Johns Bridge, Archer’s expert negotiation skills are required to defuse the situation.

Rosalee, a high-powered accountant and mom-to-be, only meant to swing by home for a forgotten phone and client file. Then her car is caught in the chaos on the bridge, she unexpectedly goes into labor, and her carefully planned world begins to unravel amidst the unfolding drama.

Exhausted nurse Nova just wants to make it home for Christmas after too many night shifts. When the pileup halts traffic and Rosalee’s baby is on the way, Nova puts her own plans on hold to help a stranger in need.

Carter, the owner of a busy tow truck business, regrets taking the call to clear the multi-car collision off the bridge. He’d intended to spend the day tackling last-minute holiday errands. Instead, he’s praying the lunatic pointing a gun at him doesn’t pull the trigger.

Fresh out of college and anxious to kick-start his career, Ian’s running late when his car won’t start the morning of his big interview. His rideshare driver turns out to be a captivating girl with a penchant for aggressive driving that narrowly saves them from being part of the wreck on the bridge, sending Ian on an unexpected path of his own.

The Bridge is the perfect uplifting holiday read and a story of how one frozen moment can thaw even the loneliest of hearts.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple Books / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

He’d just stepped outside when he saw a vehicle roaring up the street. The rideshare logo was clearly visible in the passenger-side corner of the windshield. He hoped the maniac drivingthe small SUV wouldn’t kill him in a fiery crash before they even made it out of the neighborhood.

He lifted a hand as he stepped out to the curb, and the SUV came to a precise stop beside him. All he had to do was open the door and slide into the back seat.

“You’re the dude heading to Magra? Ian Alexander?” the driver asked, giving him a glimpse over her shoulder.

Ian nodded, then cleared his throat. “Yes. I’m Ian. Do you have the address?”

“Got it right here,” she said, then blew a big pink bubble and popped her gum.

He was in the process of buckling his seat belt when she hit the gas and zipped into the street, barely slowed at the corner, and picked up speed as she headed toward the highway.

Ian prayed he’d survive the trip and wouldn’t be so rattled by the experience he’d mess up his interview. He drew in a long breath and inhaled a fragrance reminiscent of spiced cider and warm fires. He didn’t see an air freshener hanging up and wondered if it was just the driver. If so, she smelled amazing.

Head in the game.

Now was not the time to check out a girl. Besides, this one certainly wasn’t his type even if she appeared to be close to his age. From the quick glance she’d given him, he’d concluded she was into goth with her thick, black eyeliner and dark eye shadow, a nose ring, blood-red lipstick, and a dragon earring that encircled her entire ear. She had on fingerless gloves with leather cuffs and a black leather jacket sporting silver studs around the collar. He had no idea what color her hair might have been because it was all stuffed up under a slouchy black velvet hat.

He wondered what she’d look like if she washed her face and dressed in something less biker chic and more … feminine.

Ian almost face-palmed himself. Good grief! He was starting to sound like his parents. He didn’t care if the woman was dressed as one of Santa’s elves as long as she got him to his interview on time, preferably in one piece.

To distract himself from the fact that goth girl seemed to think she was training for the Indy 500 or perhaps to become a New York City cab driver, he rehearsed what he planned to say at the interview. When it felt as though the SUV went around a corner on two wheels, Ian latched onto the handle above the door and held on for dear life. What kind of crazy person was about to get him killed?

as she barely slowed at a stop sign and took a right onto the highway.

She glanced back at him and smirked. “Only every other day. Unfortunately for you, today is an even day, and I’m practicing.”

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / Bookbub / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!

The Bridge Blitz

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“Ever think about becoming a race car driver?” he asked as

Book Blitz of Behind the Mirror by Bridget Budd (#Contests- Enter to win A $100 Amazon Gift Card

Behind the Mirror
Bridget Budd
Publication date: July 1st 2025
Genres: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction

Behind the Mirror is a powerful, character-driven novel about emotional healing, generational trauma, and the courage it takes to stop performing and start living your truth.

Sometimes, the hardest person to face is the one behind the mirror…

Julie Sloan was shaped by abandonment early in life—left behind by the people who were supposed to love her first. In the absence of emotional safety, she became what the world rewarded: high-achieving, self-sacrificing, and always performing. Through four marriages, she searched for stability while suppressing her deepest fears—that she was unworthy of lasting love, and too broken to be fully seen.

But when her fourth marriage nearly collapsed, something shifted. It wasn’t betrayal that broke her—it was the quiet realization that she had never truly lived for herself.

What followed was a reckoning: with her past, with the roles she had played to survive, and with the parts of herself she had long silenced.

Now, years later, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist named Laura wants to profile Julie’s nonprofit work—an organization devoted to helping women heal from emotional wounds. But what begins as a success story takes a deeper turn as Julie reveals the story behind the story—the one she’s never shared publicly. The one about how she abandoned herself first.

For readers drawn to novels about inner child work, identity, and spiritual awakening, this deeply personal journey will leave you both broken open and quietly restored.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Audible / IngramSpark

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EXCERPT:

Julie Sloan had everything she thought she wanted—success, love, stability—but beneath the perfection was an exhaustion she couldn’t name. In this scene from Behind the Mirror, she begins to see the quiet cost of performing her way through life.

I had and have everything I had dreamed of. This gorgeous house, an indoor pool, a home gym, a massage room, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Plus, I drive a super-fun and sporty Porsche 718 Boxster in Carmine Red … Nothing beats the top down on the glorious sunny days we have here.

But I was perpetually unhappy and had no idea why.

Did you notice that all those things I listed as being everything I dreamed of were external? None of them reflected satisfaction from the inside out. I was living from the outside in. Even as recently as ten years ago, I was stuck in that familiar pattern of thinking that I wasn’t worthy whenever someone did something kind for me.

… I was perpetually chasing the next goal, the next fix, the next thing that might finally make me feel whole. What I couldn’t see then was that the exhaustion I felt wasn’t from doing too much—it was from being someone I wasn’t.

I had mastered the art of performing for love, of polishing every rough edge until there was no “me” left underneath. The burnout wasn’t from my schedule; it was from the story I kept trying to live up to.

It’s strange, really, how easy it is to confuse performing with being alive. But when the performance ends—when the lights go down and the applause fades—what’s left is silence. And in that silence, I finally started to hear something truer than all the noise: myself.

Author Bio:

Bridget Budd is the author of Behind the Mirror, a debut novel that blends literary storytelling with therapeutic insight.

After more than twenty-five years in corporate sales, she stepped away to explore the emotional patterns beneath her success—and the cost of always holding it together.

Her work lives at the intersection of fiction and healing, drawing from her background in trauma-informed coaching, somatics, and holistic health. Bridget writes and speaks about identity, self-worth, and the shift from performing to presence.

Often described as “fiction with emotional teeth,” her stories are crafted for deep feelers, recovering perfectionists, and anyone quietly exhausted from chasing “enough.”

She divides her time between Marco Island, Florida, and Marvin, North Carolina, with her husband and two opinionated dogs.

Website / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

Behind the Mirror Blitz

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