The Story Behind Jury Duty is Murder by Kate Damon

 

 

 

 

The Story Behind Jury Duty is Murder

By Kate Damon

Jury Duty is Murder is quite a change for me.  While I have published multiple works under the name of Margaret Brownley, primarily focusing on romance novels set in the Old West, this marks my first foray into the mystery genre.

All of my stories begin with a question. In this instance, the question arose after I read about the Bill Cosby case and the decision to sequester jurors. This led me to contemplate how prolonged sequestering might impact the mental and emotional well-being of jurors, particularly in a high-profile trial.

My initial idea was to write a courtroom story, set in the 1800s, similar to my previous works. However, I encountered a significant issue: the Henry Thaw trial in 1907 marked the first instance of a sequestered jury trial. This event occurred too late for an authentic Old West setting, leading me to abandon the concept.

Then two things occurred at the same time.  One, I lost my husband to cancer and two, Covid struck, and the nation was on lockdown. This prevented me from getting the emotional support from friends and family that I would have normally gotten.

So there I was, all alone with a whole lot of time on my hands. You could say that’s when my thoughts turned to murder—figuratively speaking, of course! It’s not like I was plotting an actual crime; more like brainstorming ways to creatively express my frustration with the universe

The initial question regarding the emotional and mental effects of jury sequestering evolved into a more personal reflection as I confronted my own mental and emotional challenges. Much to my delight, the story suddenly began taking shape, not as a romance novel, but a mystery.  Who knew that grief and global pandemics could lead the way to new ideas?

Excited about my new idea, I submitted a proposal to my publishers. However, they were skeptical about a romance writer transitioning to a different genre, resulting in no interest from them. Despite this setback, the story continued to resonate with me, prompting me to work on it alongside my other novels. Eventually, I decided to send it to a small press, where the editor graciously recommended that I submit my work to The Wild Rose Press. Following this advice, I reached out to them and am pleased to share that they accepted my manuscript right away.

 

 

 

 

The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives. But after being sequestered for four months, life as some knew it no longer exists.

HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed by a careless driver. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.

Then things take a turn for the worse. When former jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find him before he kills them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.

Jury Duty is Murder is available at Amazon.

 

 

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.

Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.

Website ➜http://margaret-brownley.com/

Twitter ➜https://www.x.com/katejuryduty

Facebook ➜https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Kate-Damon-61565155275435/

Instagram ➜https://www.instagram.com/katedamonbooks

BookBub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-damon

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4072660.Kate_Damon and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/163681.Margaret_Brownley

 

The Story Behind Summertime Sprinkler by Pam Kumpe

 

The Story Behind Summertime Sprinkler

Many years ago in high school, I endured domestic violence when a boyfriend used my face as his punching bag. His yells echo like a monster-of-hate even now when I think of that season. 

One night, he left me unconscious on the road, and his fists left many bruises. One day at school, he left my lips bleeding and my eyes bruised. One afternoon, he shoved me down a flight of stairs. Another night my head cracked a window when he slammed me against it.

Looking back, I wonder how I stayed in that relationship for more than two years. And I wonder how I lived through it. Now, I can’t imagine today, the person I am, that I would allow myself to remain in such abuse. But that boyfriend tried to run over me in my car at school one day, yet I still forgave him.

Today, many people get trapped in such relationships. And life unravels and remains broken and tragic. So, this novel is filled with a victory lap of first steps for women or anyone caught in such a horrible cycle of abuse. 

Moving out of those situations doesn’t always come easy. So, the pages of the novel are laced with the challenge to get help, move, or run away with all your might. It’s a life and death matter, one worth pursuing.

And for those not caught in abuse, may that reader make a difference and pay attention to those who give off clues of needing help. Let’s be a voice of hope. You could save a life! You could be the reason someone finds their way to freedom today! 

So, this novel is close to my heart as I long to come alongside those trapped by emotional or physical abuse.  And yes, the book also explores life with juvenile diabetes and kidney failure.

My grown son is currently waiting for a pancreas transplant and kidney transplant; he’s 36, and he has juvenile diabetes. His eight-year-old son was also diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at six.

So, I’ve witnessed many of the scenes in the pages of this book, and I know how easy it is to become weary. So, my journey in writing this novel is to bring light into a dark world when everything is heavy, and we need to find a way to take the next step to live in victory.

Beth Bender, a weary traveler, and radio talk show host, receives the annual email from Hudson Hinkle. It’s been twenty years, and this time, Beth plans to ignore the notification. However, the flashbacks flood her mind like a sprinkler that won’t turn off.

Despite the turmoil, Beth will discover light shining into her future through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy who moves into the neighborhood. And yet, a collision of the heart is inevitable. Will Beth open the email and confront Hudson? Is it time for Beth’s untold story to make a difference in the lives of other women and children who endure domestic violence?

Book Information

Release Date: April 7, 2022

Publisher:  Independent

Soft Cover: ISBN:979-8985590319; 195 pages; $14.99; Free with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NZD7JX 

You can purchase your book also at the author’s website at www.pamkumpe.com. 

Pam Kumpe struggled with confidence due to physical and verbal abuse as a child, and from repeated abuse during high school and college. As she grew older, she hid from the world and didn’t talk to many people. She stayed to herself. 

Pam didn’t know the Lord could use brokenness and turn it into a way to help others. Her books are designed to add strength to your life. To help you find your way. She hopes to remind you that you’re fearfully and wonderfully created in Christ.

Thankfully, God opened her eyes and heart to fight for freedom and to stand for truth, and He gave Pam beauty for ashes, the joy of a new day with peace. She credits the Lord with giving her a voice to encourage others who are broken.

As an author and speaker, she loves to laugh. To read. To write. To talk. Not necessarily in that order. But always in each day.

Pam writes mysteries, devotionals, ministry books, and children’s books. Each book she’s written gives way to hope, and peace, and reminds you to persevere. Her stories will take you on a road trip of the heart as she challenges you to make today count.

Pam has written an inspirational column for newspapers spanning 25 years and she’s volunteered for 11 years, teaching/holding a church service for ladies in drug/alcohol rehab. Before that, Pam served 24 years as a children’s church teacher, where her love for others grew with each lesson she’s taught. And Pam is involved in street ministry with the homeless when she’s not playing with her schnauzer, Shelby, or her grandson, Kade. 

Her latest book is the cozy mystery, Summertime Sprinkler.

You can visit her website at www.PamKumpe.com or connect with her at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.