I am delighted toĀ share an extract today ~ thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for organizing.
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Genre ~ Women’s Crime Fiction
Publication date ~ April 7, 2024
Get your copy on ~ Amazon
Add to your never ending TBRĀ ~ goodreads
Iād love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it.
Extract:
Chapter 3
Stepping into the room was like entering a maelstrom of creative chaos. Scattered energies and pent-up frustrations whirled dizzily around me. The space itself seemed indelibly imprinted with disarray and impulsivity, residual echoes of creative mania seeming to shimmer in the stifling air.
Canvases leaned haphazardly against the walls, brushes and crusted paint tubes littering every surface, while crumpled sketches blanketed the floor. It was as if a riotous tempest had torn through, leaving this unruly wake of frenzied inspiration and raw emotion trapped between the four walls.
I moved with cautious steps, the aged floor creaking underfoot, wary of disrupting any lingering spirits still resonating in the restive atmosphere. The living essence of the former inhabitant permeated every object and surface. I could almost glimpse her phantom dashing about, a white and purple-haired dervish channeling her wild muse.
This had unquestionably been the sanctum of an uninhibited soul who pursued creativity with unbridled passion.
āIām no Sherlock Holmes, but somethingā¦ Could someone have been attempting to copy this painting? Forge it?ā
He furrowed his brow in consideration. āAn intriguing theory, one we should certainly explore further.ā
I scanned the chaotic room again with fresh eyes, fragments coalescing as I traced the frenzied trails of energy that seemed burned into the walls and floor. Her desperation was almost
palpable. She seemed to have been driven to the brink, straining to recreate some hidden, tormented vision. My gaze landed on the sheet-draped easel as Detective Lancaster gestured toward it with a solemn nod. An unmistakable vibration emanated from beneath the fabric, confirming my intuition about a crucial object hidden there. Yet the detective appeared oblivious to the deeper undercurrents swirling through this haunted space.
āThereās the painting in question,ā he stated. āBut for now, I must insist you refrain from touching or disturbing anything. The forensics team needs to fully process all potential evidence first.ā
āOf course, I fully understand the importance of preserving the integrity of the scene. Right now, my focus is purely observational. But for a complete authentication, weāll need to go deeper later. That means taking samples, using imaging techniques to peek beneath the surface layers, and so on.ā
As Detective Lancaster unveiled the concealed painting, an insidious unease slithered through me. I felt an invisible force constricting my body, starting as icy tendrils around my fingertips and rapidly ensnaring me until I was utterly paralyzed. My breath seized in my throat as disbelief crashed over me in waves. Impossible. Irrational. Yet there it manifested – an ethereal power rendering me immobile.
A surge of primal fear lanced down my spine, swiftly entwining with the rising tide of panic. Internally, I waged a frantic battle, silently imploring my muscles to defy the unseen bonds that imprisoned me. The air seemed to thicken and congeal as each strained inhalation contested against the oppressive force the painting exerted. A captive, helplessly ensnared within the
treacherous confines of my own traitorous flesh.
Book blurb:
Murder… Across The Fractured Corridors of Time.
Plunged into a centuries-old conspiracy, unconventional art historian Rowan Southeil must race against time to stop an ancient evil from rewriting history. When a young artist is murdered in a chilling echo of medieval violence, Rowan finds herself drawn to a seemingly unrelated clue – a 16th-century painting drenched in arcane symbols. Aided by the victim’s haunting presence, Rowan delves into the painting’s mysterious past, uncovering a dark conspiracy that stretches back generations.
Teaming up with the pragmatic Detective Lancaster, the intuitive Rowan follows a daring journey through time, from the storied halls of 16th-century Tudor London to the secretive 17th-century Vatican. As she awakens powerful elemental forces within herself, Rowan must decipher the painting’s secrets – and the connection to the medieval-style murder – before Lev Rubilov, a dark centuries-old occultist, can harness its magic to rewrite history and restore a twisted vision of the past.
For fans of genre-blending thrillers like A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, this captivating novel weaves together mystery, the supernatural, and high-stakes time travel in a race against the clock to stop an ancient evil. Whispers Through The Canvas is a crime story, filled with action and adventure, within a historical fantasy milieu. If you love kick-ass heroines who have a bit of life experience and walk on the wild side of magic, this book is for you.
Purchase Links
Author Bio ā
From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick’s life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.
Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.
But Kathleen’s story doesn’t end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published eleven legal thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.
And when she’s not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.
To delve deeper into Kathleen’s world and explore her captivating legal thrillers, visit her website at kjmcgillick.com.
Social Media Links ā kjmcgillick.com
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