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My guest today is mystery author Yolanda Renee with her prequel to her Detective Quaid mystery series. You can find information about the other three books in the series below this post.
The Snowman by Yolanda Renee
I asked Yolanda,” Where do your ideas for this type of writing come from, the inspiration and the research?”
It may sound cheesy, but the first inspiration for the mysteries I write is life in general. It’s true. And while I don’t see my life as any more extraordinary than any other person’s, I do think that being on my own by the age of 17 put me in situations that definitely gave me the background and circumstance for my stories.
The second and most significant influence are my adventures in Alaska. I instantly fell in love. I called it home for four years. My entire stay was an education both in self-discovery and survival. It’s exotic, mysterious, dangerous, and the most beautiful place on earth … there was no other choice for the setting of my mystery series.
My personal experience and research of known crimes are woven into the base of each story. Even the most beautiful place on earth has known the cruel reality of multiple murders.
The Snowman was inspired by a notorious serial killer, Robert C. Hansen, AKA, the ‘Butcher Baker.’ Records reveal he may have abducted, raped and murdered, over thirty women in Anchorage, Alaska from 1971 to 1983.
He’d fly them to remote locations, then hunt them down with a high-powered rifle. His story has spawned several books and a movie.
Although I reference this famous case in the Snowman, my story is all fiction. Stowy Jenkins is a conglomerate of many serial killers. A very twisted and damaged individual, who is caught by the fictional rookie detective, Steven Quaid.
Stowy Jenkins’s childhood influences are also revealed. And when I researched deeper, the task was both eye-opening and disheartening because such brutality goes on daily, even hourly in our country.
And this truth gave me a bit of empathy for Stowy, as I’m sure it will the readers. Familia damage so profound, it was impossible for him to escape it.
Because of this, my book comes with a warning for the explicit violence and sexual situations. Some readers may think I have pushed the limits, and perhaps I have, but the Snowman wouldn’t be the Snowman without these details.
Thank you for hosting me for the Snowman tour.
Yolanda Renée
It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renée’s
THE SNOWMAN Blog Tour through
MC Book Tours today.
This is a prequel to the author’s Detective Steven Quaid Mysteries. This story tells of Steven’s first case as a rookie detective. It takes place 10 years before the events in MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, the first book in the series.
The author is offering a tour-wide giveaway featuring both print and eBook copies from her series. More information on the giveaway is listed below.
◊ THE SNOWMAN
◊ by Yolanda Renée
◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: TRACE Enterprises
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mystery
◊ Novella
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ Contains explicit sex & violence
It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium.
Stowy Jenkins, aka, Stone, and as Alaskans refer to him, the Snowman, is a true artist. His muse, Gigi, is the ultimate inspiration for his painting. Her rejection inspires him to use a very unusual medium…blood.
While art may be his passion, the taste for blood is his obsession, and multiple murders, the result.
Rookie, Detective Steven Quaid, is no fan of the Snowman’s murderous exhibitions. A twisted and deadly relationship bond the two men and neither knows who will come out of it alive.
At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!
You can connect with me here:
The other books in the Detective Quaid Series include:
A killer plays cat and mouse with a young widow against the snowy backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Branded a black widow after the suspicious death of her millionaire husband, Sarah Palmer flees Seattle for Anchorage. However, the peace and quiet she hoped to enjoy in her hometown is soon shattered. A killer is murdering Sarah look-alikes on the 14th of each month, taunting Sarah with a valentine of evidence. After her experiences in Seattle, Sarah is slow to go to the police. When she finally does, she finds Detective Steven Quaid—Anchorage P D’s hotshot investigator—has not only heard the rumors, he believes them. Worse, her aloofness and composure only confirm his suspicions. Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?
World damnation is a psychotic man’s goal, but two obstacles stand in his way, greed and a dedicated detective.
Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with the victim of his last case tarnishes that status. While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.
Flames burn between a hardboiled cop and a gifted artist, but soon extinguish as another man’s obsession ignites into an inferno of desire, driving him to destroy the object of his madness.
Detective Steven Quaid is ready for new challenges as Anchorage’s top detective, but not until he marries the woman of his dreams on New Year’s Eve. Determined to give Sarah the wilderness honeymoon she desires, he turns his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat. After the final details are complete, Steven treks into the mountains to hunt. On his return to the cottage, instead of Sarah, he is greeted by several police officers and a bloody crime scene. Accusations fly, and Stephen flees into the wilderness, his heart racing and thoughts etching into his soul. The wilderness is unforgiving, but Steven faces it head on: Caught between a massive grizzly and a black bear in a deadly tug of war, he is barely saved from death’s door by the fortuitous appearance of his uncle. Despite surviving multiple injuries, Steven continues his investigation as he recovers, but answers don’t come quick or easy. Having enlisted the aid of his number one suspect, Steven faces a struggle that has become more than personal. This one just may cost him his heart.
You can find out more about the books and the author by following the tour HERE. You can also include your chances of winning in the giveaway.
This tour-wide giveaway features both print and eBook copies of the four books in the Detective Quaid Series. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, June 6.
The prizes include:
* Grand prize – Winner receives a print copy of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series (U.S. and Canada only).
* First place – Winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
* Second place – Winner will receive eBook copies of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series.
* There will be 3 runner-up winners and each will win an eBook copy of THE SNOWMAN or one of the other books in the series (winner’s choice).
To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour. You never know what you might find out.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!
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Great post, ladies. So informative. Can’t wait to host you at mine, Yolanda.
Thanks, Denise!
It’s a great tour! Mason has outdone herself! And all the hosts! Amazing!
This sounds perfect. I love detective series. I’m crossing my fingers.
Hi, Jacqui!
Now, so am I! 🙂
Let me know!
Congratulations to Yolanda! Her books are fantastic. One day I’ll get up to Alaska. 🙂
Thanks, Christine!
Your latest series set in Alaska is one of my favorites. You must, you simply must, A trip you’ll never regret.
I understand how you fell in love with Alaska. It is one amazing state. Congrats on your book. It looks amazing, too.
Hi, Lee!
It is, and I was young enough to enjoy and appreciate every moment! Thanks!
And sadly brutality breeds brutality.
Congratulations, Yolanda!
Thanks, Alex!
It’s so true, brutality is a harsh influence!
Thanks, Juneta!
Your question was the perfect introduction to Stowy, The Snowman, and the tour. Thank you for hosting me!
Your Welcome, thank you for being in my Spotlight.
Enjoyed your interview with the author, Juneta. It’s always interesting to learn where a plot like this comes from. Thanks for being a part of Yolanda’s tour.
MC Book Tours
Hey, Mason!
Thank you for organizing this amazing tour! You ROCK!
Thank you for letting be part of the M C Tours. You do a great job.
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