PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'The Copper Scroll' Nicholas Teeguarden⭐ #interview

 

 

 

Nicholas Teeguarden is the award-winning author of Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll, a biblical-archaeological thriller blending international suspense, ancient mystery, and faith-driven storytelling. His debut novel is a ChristLit Book of the Year Finalist, a Titan Gold Medal Winner, and has earned praise from readers for its gripping pace and moral depth. Nicholas hosts Teeguarden’s Writing Room, a weekly series chronicling his creative process and the ongoing development of the Masa Chronicles. He resides in Oklahoma and is currently working on the next book.

╰┈➤Visit Nick’s website at www.nickteeguarden.com. 

Connect with him at the following social networks:

╰┈➤ X: https://twitter.com/nickteeguarden 

╰┈➤ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579248636306 

╰┈➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickteeguarden

╰┈➤ BookBub: The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles (The Masa Chronicles Book 1) by Nicholas Teeguarden – BookBub

╰┈➤ Goodreads: Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll by Nicholas Teeguarden | Goodreads

╰┈➤ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_TUwTK0lQI0eu6_6QEyYQ/

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Are you a full-time author?

I’m a husband, dad, and U.S. Army veteran who now writes faith‑infused thrillers from small‑town Oklahoma.

I’m not a full‑time author yet, but writing takes up a big part of my life alongside family and church; it’s where I process faith, questions, and some of what I carried home from deployment.

Can you tell us about The Copper Scroll?

The Copper Scroll is an archaeological thriller about Joshua “Masa” Bennett, an American veteran and grad student who travels to Jordan to study the most mysterious of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

What starts as a quest for academic glory turns into a dangerous chase from Qumran to Masada to Capernaum, as Joshua’s team uncovers artifacts that could reshape how people understand Jesus — and draws the attention of ISIS, modern Templars, Mossad, and church power brokers who all have something to lose.

Can you tell us a little about the characters?

Joshua “Masa” Bennett is driven by faith, trauma from his Army years, and his grandfather’s old stories about hidden treasures and scrolls; he’s brave, curious, and sometimes reckless.

Alongside him are Noa, a sharp and guarded Israeli researcher, and Amina, a determined Palestinian journalist; together with figures like Father Nance and Rabbi Cohen, they’re forced into fragile alliances across deep historical divides as the danger escalates.

Where is this book set and why did you choose that location?

The Copper Scroll is set in the modern Middle East — Amman and the Jordan Museum, then into the Judean desert at Qumran, Masada, the Dead Sea, and Capernaum — anchored by Joshua’s start at the University of Arkansas.

I chose those locations because they’re the real landscapes of the Copper Scroll, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Gospels, and I wanted readers to feel like they were walking those sites themselves as the mystery unfolds.

How can people benefit from reading The Copper Scroll?

On the surface, readers get a fast‑paced treasure‑hunt thriller, but beneath that they’re invited to wrestle with the tension between faith and proof: what we do when new evidence presses on old beliefs.

I also hope it nudges people to see the Middle East — and the believers, skeptics, Israelis, Palestinians, and local communities who live there — as real neighbors with complex stories, not just as background to the nightly news.

Is The Copper Scroll your only book?

So far. The Copper Scroll is the first book in The Masa Chronicles, and I’m currently about halfway through book two.

What’s next for you?

Next up is the release of my new novel, The Boy from the Vines, planned for next month.

At the same time, I’m drafting the second Masa Chronicles novel, continuing Joshua’s journey as he deals with the fallout from The Copper Scroll and stumbles into a new set of historical and spiritual fault lines.

Where to purchase the book

You can pick up The Copper Scroll here:

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-copper-scroll-nicholas-teeguarden/1148003400​

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-copper-scroll-masa-chronicles-nicholas-teeguarden/001ca6b309301d61​

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Copper-Scroll-Masa-Chronicles-Paperback-9798999106025/17490255545​

Surprise Castle: https://surprisecastle.com/products/the-copper-scroll-masa-chronicles-9798999106025​

And you can request it through libraries that carry the print edition.​

Where to find Nicholas:

Readers can find and follow me here:

Website: https://www.nickteeguarden.com​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickteeguarden/​

X: https://x.com/nickteeguarden​

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nicholas-Teeguarden/61579248636306/

Inside the Book

The Copper Scroll follows historian Joshua “Masa” Bennett as he journeys into the heart of the Middle East in an attempt to unlock the secrets hidden within the legendary Copper Scroll. Just as he begins making progress, disturbing warnings and shadowy sightings reveal that other powerful forces are also closing in: Templars, ISIS operatives, and government intelligence groups, each hiding their own motives for uncovering what the scroll may reveal.

Drawn deeper into a world of danger, deception, and spiritual tension, Masa must navigate hostile territory, shifting alliances, and a truth far more explosive than he ever imagined. As past and present violently intersect, he realizes the stakes extend far beyond archaeology, the secrets of the Copper Scroll could alter geopolitical power and shake the foundations of faith itself.

A blend of international suspense, ancient mystery, and truths long buried beneath history, The Copper Scroll delivers a gripping thriller for fans of Joel Rosenberg, Dan Brown, and archaeological adventure stories rooted in real-world intrigue.

╰┈➤Book Details

• Genre: Archaeological Thriller/Suspense/Action Adventure
• Sub-genre: International Mystery & Crime
• Pages: 230
• Paperback ISBN: ‎ 978-1509264681 
• Kindle ISBN: 979-8999106025
• Publisher: Independent
• Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook & Kindle Unlimited

⤷Read sample here.

⤷The Copper Scroll is available at Amazon.

*****

╰┈➤Here’s What Readers Have To Say!

“The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles, authored by Nicholas Teeguarden, is extraordinary piece of literature that has made a significant impact on me. The last time I felt this level of excitement about a book was while reading the Bible for the first time, a bold comparison, but one that underscores the author’s exceptional God given talent!” – Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Award

“The Copper Scroll is more of a quest for truth than a treasure hunt. I recommend this book to lovers of historical books with a bit of danger, and it put me in the mood to find out about Qumran myself.” – Mary Clarke for Readers Favorite

I’d recommend The Copper Scroll to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries wrapped in modern storytelling. If you like a blend of Indiana Jones energy with a more thoughtful, personal core, this book will hit the right notes. It would appeal to readers curious about archaeology, faith, or just a good chase story where the stakes feel both grand and intimate. It left me thoughtful, a little breathless, and eager to see where Masa’s journey goes next. -Literary Titan

 

 

PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'Evan's Gift' Karen Charles⭐ #interview

 

 

 

Karen Charles grew up in West Africa and traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Her rich background and lifetime experiences are reflected in the depth of her writing. In her stories, she transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of two children’s books, “Freeman Earns a Bike” and “Evan’s Gifts,” and three thrillers based on true stories. “Fateful Connections” takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and “Blazing Upheaval” takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. “A Glimpse Too Far” offers all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller and is based on a true story.

Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband. 

Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com. 

Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Are you a full-time author?

I wear a few different hats. I’m a part-time author, but storytelling has always been part of who I am. My primary work is training teachers internationally to teach American English, which allows me to connect with people and cultures around the world. I also run an Airbnb year-round, which keeps me grounded in hospitality and human connection. Writing fits naturally alongside these roles because all of them, in one way or another, are about people, empathy, and communication.

Can you tell us about Evan’s Gift?

Evan’s Gift is a story about a young boy who faces a simple yet powerful choice. Evan dreams of getting a new bike, but when he sees a greater need, he makes a decision that changes not only someone else’s life, but his own. The story gently shows children that kindness, compassion, and generosity often come at a cost, but the rewards are far greater than anything we can buy.

Can you tell us a little about the characters?

Evan is a thoughtful, kind-hearted boy who represents the best of what children are capable of when they listen to their hearts. The supporting characters, his family, dorm parents, roommates, classmates, and friends, help shape his understanding of empathy and responsibility. Each character plays a role in showing that even small actions can create meaningful change.

Where is this book set, and why did you choose that location?

The story is set in Africa, which is very close to my heart. I grew up at an American boarding school in Nigeria, and those early experiences deeply shaped how I see the world. I wanted the setting to reflect a place where community, generosity, and human connection are essential to daily life. Africa felt like the perfect backdrop for a story about compassion, awareness, and seeing beyond oneself.

How can people benefit from reading Evan’s Gift?

Children learn that kindness matters and that their choices, even small ones, can make a difference. For parents and educators, the book opens the door to meaningful conversations about empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility. It’s especially useful in classrooms and homes as a gentle introduction to social-emotional learning.

Is Evan’s Gift your only book?

No, I’ve written books for both children and adults. My adult novels are psychological thrillers based on true events, while Evan’s Gift reflects my lifelong work with children, education, and cross-cultural experiences. Although the genres differ, all my writing explores human behavior, compassion, and the choices we make.

Thank you so much for this interview, Karen. What’s next for you?

Thank you, it’s been a pleasure. I plan to continue training teachers internationally while sharing Evan’s Gift with schools, libraries, and families. I’m also always writing, sometimes children’s stories, sometimes novels for adults, because storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways we connect and learn from one another.

Inside the Book

 

When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others. Perfect for classrooms and families, “Evan’s Gift” celebrates empathy, courage, and the beauty of giving in a warm, uplifting story about generosity and the power of choosing kindness.

╰┈➤Book Details

• Genre:children’s fiction
• Sub-genre:Social Themes / Friendship
• Age Range (years):5 – 12
• Language:English
• Pages: 48
• Paperback ISBN:9798317824341
• Publisher: BookBaby

Ethan’s Gift is available at BookBaby.

╰┈➤Here’s What Readers Have To Say!

“What a lovely story! This is a life lesson wrapped in an engaging and beautifully illustrated package geared toward readers 5 – 12. Charles opted to provide an abundance of sensory details for her readers, so the younger ages might need assistance from a parent if they are not fluent readers. Middle-grade readers ages 8 – 12 will appreciate the additional details. Knowing this is inspired by a true story makes it extra special. With stunning artwork by Roger Feldman, Evan’s Gift is sure to delight readers with its touching story and expressive illustrations.” – The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

“Even’s Gift is a story that your youngster is able to relate to the characters. The message will stick with your youngster for a longtime after they’ve read the story. This story can be used by teachers or parents to help open conversations. The words are perfect for emerging and middle grade readers. Kids and adults will love this book. I love the discussion questions and activity guide at the end of the book.  If you are looking for a book with the following themes then this would be a good book to read” – The Blended Blog

╰┈➤Read if you love…

Adventure

Empathy

Courage

Friendship

Generosity

Kindness

 

PUYB Author Talks: ⭐A Bookish Conversation with 'The Welcome Sign' Barbara Jean Weber⭐ #interview

 

 

 

Barbara Jean Weber lives in Skagit County with her husband and two daughters, where she works as a speech and language therapist. Her novel, The Welcome Sign, was inspired when she was gifted a mermaid welcome sign. The more she studied the sign, the more her story evolved. She is currently an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Visit her website at https://www.barbarajeanweber.com/. 

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Are you a full time author?

Sure, my (writers) name is Barbara Jean Weber. I’m 55 years old and love writing. I’m married, this year will be 29 years with my wonderful husband. We met in college and currently live in beautiful Skagit County, Washington with our two lovely daughters, a cat and 2 grand cats. I’m a full time Speech Language Pathologist since 2001 and enjoy writing in my spare time. Some of my hobbies include spending time with friends and family, reading, writing and being a pen-pal. I enjoy water aerobics, rubberstamping and any craft that involves a glue gun. We LOVE THE SEA and try to get to the Oregon or Washington coast at least once a year. When I was young my family lived in New Zealand. We lived there for six years and that’s where I gained a great love for mermaids and seashells. I am the youngest of three kids, having an older brother and older sister.

Can you tell us about The Welcome Sign?

The Welcome Sign’s creation began when I received a beautiful Mermaid Welcome Sign as a gift. I love mermaids and my parents had found a lovely sign with a Mermaid on it. The store was going out of business so they purchased the sign for me. After I received it as a gift, I had a series of incredible dreams that became the basis for the story “The Welcome Sign.” The Welcome Sign was written as the first book in a series of three. The second book is written but not published and the third book is still being developed and is in outline form.

The Welcome Sign begins when Molly Parmell’s grandmother mysteriously disappears. She and her mother travel to Cape Cod to take ownership of the house they inherited and begin to discover unusual things about the grandmother’s sudden disappearance. What they discover is more dangerous and life changing than they ever imaged. When Molly and her mother find a beautiful mermaid Welcome Sign in the attic and place it on the front door strange events start to happen and they are flooded with visitors who claim they knew the grandmother. They soon find out that the mysterious Welcome Sign comes with powerful magic and secrets are slowly revealed as Molly learns about her grandmothers involvement with a secret organization working to keep balance between the magical realm and the real world. The magical realms placed an invisible veil of secrecy over the world to hide their true identities from the human world allowing them to live among the humans in secret. An angry rebel group of magical beings, tired of living in hiding is tearing down and destroying the magical cloaking fabric between the two worlds. If they are not stopped the magical realm will be revealed and will no longer be safe from the rest of the world. As Molly and her mom embark on a dangerous and magical adventure throughout the magical realms to help stop the rebels, she learns of her own unique powers and her strong family heritage connected to the Welcome Sign. Along the way, she teams up with new magical friends helping to keep the realm of magic safe from the eyes of the world and discovers that her grandmother was right all along. The world she thought she knew no longer exists, but an amazing world of magic woven into their world has always been hiding in plain sight.

Can you tell us a little about the characters?

Margaret Ellen: Molly’s grandmother who disappears-In her 60’s. Descendent of the special bloodline of the first union of merfolk and humans. Molly and Angela do not know about her magical past. Margaret is a special friend to the magical beings. Worked undercover for the Rebels to find out their secrets. She has been hidden away due to the dangers increasing with the rebels. She has been working with the magical community for many years. Her husband was killed early on in their marriage in a battle with rebels.

Angela Parmell: Mom to Molly- In her late 30’s. Single/widowed mom, reserved, not adventurous at all. Very close to her daughter, very skeptical of the unknown. Angela enjoys a calm, peaceful lifestyle, nothing wild or adventurous. She also has some magical powers but doesn’t know about them. She is a very kind and generous lady. Very likable and encourages Molly to have a relationship with her grandmother.

Molly Parmell : Angela’s 10 year old daughter- adventurous, brown haired girl, always exploring, owns a cat: Cuddles. Dad left when she was 2. Very close to her mom and grandmother. Similar personality to her grandmother. She is always seeking adventure, action. Has powerful magic like her grandmother but doesn’t know it initially.

Michael Parmell (Merman)-had to leave the family due to danger of the rebels hurting them. Angela and Molly don’t know that he’s a merman. He was killed. Michael was a Protector sent to watch over Angela and Molly. Fell in love, asked to be reassigned as Angela’s guardian. When Molly was born, he knew he couldn’t reveal his true identity to them because it could potentially put them both in too much danger. Michael had just made the decision to tell Angela and Molly everything. He had even decided to stop working for the magical realm so they could finally be a real family. Died in a car accident.

Garreth Simmons: Protector of Molly and her mom. Molly and Angela’s landlord, mid 60’s, Owns the rundown house. More like a father figure to Molly and her mom. He has some history with Margaret and was asked to protect and watch over the Parmells.

Trista Deevins: One of the main Magical Guardians to Molly and Angela. She is a mermaid but now lives on land as a guardian. She is one of their neighbors-sent to keep an eye on the Parmells and keep them out of danger. Trista is stunningly beautiful and she has the same piercing green eyes as her son, Taran. Her long black hair is pulled to the side and braided over one shoulder.

Taran Deevins –Trista’s son. One of the magical guardians. He befriends Molly. Taran is very adventurous. He has long, black hair, eyes are green as the grass. He is about 11 years old.

Crystal Perkins — Investigative reporter-works for Warren Tracer. She has short, black curly hair. Crystal is tall and slender. In her early thirties.

Warren Tracer — He is investigating strange and unusual events happening in the city. He is in his mid-late 60’s. Beard, dark brown hair, handsome, rugged, in good shape.

Valis Tar — He becomes the leader of the rebel group. Tall, muscular, long dark hair. Dressed completely in black. He wears a long faded black overcoat that comes to his knees. He wears long, black boots worn and dusty, black, leather gloves.

THE CONCLAVE: Is the main council of the three magical realms (water, sky and land) .

Caylius Aquarus-Empress, Ruler of the Water Realm — Beautiful mermaid but can change to look human. Accompanied by 2 guards on each side of her. Long golden hair with highlights of light brown. Wears strands of pearls draped over her shoulders and entwined in her hair. As a human: Wears a tight fitted bodice shimmering with blue and green with a long flowing skirt of aquamarine. Attached to the back of the dress is a lightweight cape of iridescent, aquamarine colored fabric that trails elegantly behind her. She wears a small pearl covered crown, her hair swept up into a loose bun. The bun is entwined with pearls and seaweed like strands. Ringlets of hair hanging down, giving the Empress a soft, warm look. She wears a clear strand of beads like bubbles around her neck. Kind and elegant.

Atamos Nimbus — Rulers of the Sky Realm (MAN-husband to Cumular Stratus) Fairy (Ethereal figure. Graceful, exquisite and refined. His delicate iridescent wings are barely visible. Dressed in white and silver clothing, almost as if it was made from the very clouds they were traveling in and moved as if carried by the very wind itself. He wears a vest of silver against his white billowy shirt. He wears shimmery white pants and white, knee-high boots complete his royal outfit. Wears a delicate crown of silver and diamonds. He has wisps of airy clouds around them.)

Cumular Stratus Rulers of the Sky Realm — (WOMAN-wife of Atamos Nimbus) Fairy (Ethereal figure. Graceful, exquisite and refined. Her delicate iridescent wings are barely visible. Dressed in white and shimmering, flowing gossamer gown, almost as if it was made from clouds.

ProAsis Geofirma — Ruler of the Land Realm-Centaur (A regal looking centaur clad in a leather vest). heroic figure. An intricately woven crown of vines and twigs intertwined with emerald stones sits lightly on his head. Covering his back is a deep red cape and he carries a longbow over one shoulder with a quiver of red tipped arrows. Around his neck and chest hangs a necklace made from a single piece of curved wood, intricately carved with various charms. He carries a long staff of twisted wood and vines in his hands. He has long dark brown hair.

Where is this book set and why did you choose that location?

At the beginning of the story Molly and her mom are living in Popular Bluff, Missouri but as the story unfolds the location changes to the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts on Cape Cod where the grandmother lives. As I was researching good locations for the book I read about Popular Bluff, Missouri and really liked the description of it being among the Ozark foothills, filled with spring-fed streams, having a national forest, peaceful lakes and lots of farmland. Just seemed like a nice, peaceful location for Molly and Angela’s home. For the main part of the story, I knew I wanted a coastal location since the basis of the story involved mermaids. Also, Ken and I both love the coast and try to visit our Oregon and Washington coasts at least once a year. I visited Cape Cod years ago and loved the area. I had never been to Barnstable, Massachusetts but as I was researching the Cape Cod area, Barnstable sounded like the perfect small town, coastal feel for the grandmother’s beachfront lifestyle.

How can people benefit from reading The Welcome Sign?

The Welcome Sign is a fun, magical story for young-mid teen readers who enjoy realms of magic, magical powers, interesting characters, strong friendships and adventure. The Welcome Sign is full of good versus evil, intrigue and action. This book will delight and entertain readers who enjoy unique and magical characters, secrets to be revealed and discovering amazing new places.

Is The Welcome Sign your only book?

The Welcome Sign is my first book but is written as the 1st book in a series of three. The second book is written but not published and the third book is still being developed and is currently in outline form.

Thank you so much for this interview, Barbara. What’s next for you?

I am continuing to work on and develop the 3rd book in the Welcome Sign series. I am also working on finishing a book I started co-writing with my mom before she passed away. I also have an outline I am working on for another book (not related to The Welcome Sign) called “The Cinderella Effect”

Where to purchase the book:

· Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67CL7XZ

· BookBaby — https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-welcome-sign

· Barnes & Noble — https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-welcome-sign-barbara-jean-weber/1147362361?ean=9798350987294

Where to find Barbara:

For now, you can keep up with me at: https://www.barbarajeanweber.com/

Here you will learn about new books as they come out as well as other ways to keep up with me.

Inside the Book

Title: The Welcome Sign

Author: Barbara Jean Weber

Publisher: BookBaby

Publication Date: July 1, 2024

Pages: 218

Genre: Fantasy/Middle Grade/YA

Formats: Paperback, Kindle

When 10-year-old Molly Parnell’s grandmother mysteriously disappears she and her mother travel to Cape Cod to take ownership of the house they inherited and find out answers about the sudden disappearance. But what they discover could be more dangerous and life changing than they ever imaged. Molly and her mother find a beautiful mermaid welcome sign in the attic and place it on the front door. Unusual things start to happen and they are flooded with visitors who claim they knew the grandmother.  The true powers behind the mysterious sign are revealed as Molly learns her grandmother was part of a secret organization working to keep balance between the magical realm and the real world. The magical realms placed an invisible veil of secrecy over the world to hide their true identities from the human world but allowing them to live among them  in secret. An angry rebel group of magical beings, tired of living in hiding is tearing down and destroying the magical cloaking fabric between the two worlds. If they are not stopped the magical realm will no longer be safe from the world.  As Molly and her mom embark on a dangerous and magical adventure throughout the magical realms to help stop  the rebels, she learns of her own magical powers and her strong family heritage connected to the welcome sign. Along the way, she teams up with new magical friends helping to keep the realm of magic safe from the eyes of the world and discovers that her grandmother was right all along. The world she thought she knew no longer exists, but an amazing world of magic woven into their world has always been hiding  in plain sight.

The Welcome Sign is available at Amazon.

⭐Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour Kick Off⭐The Lemon House Murders by Tucker May #Mystery

A string of mysterious deaths . . . A house full of suspects . . . A secret that will change everything . . .

A string of mysterious deaths . . . A house full of suspects . . . A secret that will change everything…

When residents of a live-in drug rehabilitation facility called Lemon House start dying one by one, no one in the outside world seems to care.

Two Lemon House patients, nicknamed Trip and Gobstopper, are the only ones who can see the truth: these are murders.

Their quest to find the killer will push their budding relationship to the brink, cast suspicion on everyone locked in the house with them, and force them to question their most cherished beliefs.

The Lemon House Murders is the rare murder mystery that will have you guessing at the culprit AND thinking deeply about theology, society’s relationship toward the downtrodden, and the importance of self-determination to a fulfilling life.

╰┈➤ Read sample here. 

╰┈➤ The Lemon House Murders is available at Amazon.

╰┈➤Book Details

 Genre: Mystery

 Sub-genre: Contemporary American Fiction

 Language:English

 Pages: 329

 ISBN: 978-1969306099

╰┈➤Here’s What Readers Have To Say!

"The Lemon House Murders explores themes such as theology and atheism, and the harsh judgment cast on society’s fallen. Drug addicts are seen as the scourge of society, and we often forget that there are factors that brought them to that point. Tucker May homes in on the fact that judgment is not reserved for anyone but God, which I loved. I admired how Francis grew into himself; as a teen struggling with low self-esteem, life was not easy. I also enjoyed Francis’s dry wit; he was funny and brought relief to the dark subject matter. Braden Tarano is another character who left a big impression on me, and I found his motives interesting. The novel also tackles controversial topics such as abortion and homophobia head-on, emphasizing that the world lacks empathy and kindness. Unpredictable and inspiring, The Lemon House Murders will have you guessing until the very end." - Readers Favorite, Danielle Peterson

 

"If you’re into stories with lots of twists and red herrings, you won’t be disappointed. Tucker May is great at writing small but meaningful interactions that add depth to the characters and make you more immersed in the Lemon House and its colorful residents. Even the most mundane scenes always have a purpose: fleshing out a character, exploring Trip’s psyche, presenting a different life philosophy, etc. You’ll find quirky folks, bizarre scenarios, witty remarks, and sarcasm, but also drama, social commentary, and dilemmas. At its core, The Lemon House Murders is a humanizing journey through the world of marginalized men, asking deep questions about life and purpose along the way. All with a healthy serving of mystery on the side." - Readers Favorite, Gabriel Santos 

╰┈➤Read if you love…

Rare Murder Mysteries

Whodunnits

Shock Value

Coming of Age

Locked Room Mysteries

Excerpt:

I sit down in what I hope is an unobtrusive manner on the short wall surrounding the lonely tree. I kick at a small rock and send it skittering across the concrete. Then I set about closely inspecting my own hands, a pointless act meant to make it seem like I have something, anything at all, to do. I sit this way for a few minutes until a metal folding chair is placed down right next to me with a loud clang.

I look up to see a young man. My heart leaps into my throat. His is the sweet, friendly face I’d seen in the window as my parents dropped me off earlier that day.

“Hold still,” he instructs me, adjusting the glasses that have slid partway down his nose. His soft, round face rests atop an equally soft, round body. He is far from tall. In his hands he holds a notepad and a sharp pencil.

“Are you going to draw me?”

“I draw everybody,” he responds as he begins to lay down a few tentatively sketched lines onto the pad. He produces a pack of cigarettes and pulls one out with his lips. He deftly lights it with a small yellow lighter. 

“You want one?”

“No, thank you. I don’t smoke.”

“You will. These things are like gold in here.”

His eyes bounce up and down from the notepad as he works.

“They’re right, you know,” he says after a lengthy pause.

“Who’s right?”

“The guys. They keep saying you’re dressed like you’re going to Sunday School.”

I frown. “This is how I dress.”

He snorts in response. I tug at the sleeves of my plaid button-down. 

“My dad’s a pastor,” I say to fill the silence more than anything else. “He runs a church a few hours east of here. Small town called Elba. We live in the apartment above the nave.”

“What’s a nave?”

“It’s the— like, the area with all the pews. Where people sit during the service.”

“Ah. So you’re a Jesus boy.”

I blink.

“Um. Yeah. I guess so. The church is called Stonewood.” He grunts. I say, “Stonewood Non-Denominational Congregatory Assembly of Worship.”

“Catchy.”

I let that go.

“My grandpa started it way back in the sixties.”

He cocks his head sideways, examining his work. He says, “You don’t ever wonder if it’s all bullshit?”

“If what is?”

“God. Church. The whole thing.”

“Of course not. There’s no higher calling than being of service to your community in God’s name.”

“Sure, I guess. If that’s the service your community needs.”

“Every community needs God.”

“I think mine just needs some decent jobs. Any chance God is planning to open a factory in South Central?”

I shift my weight, rub my upper lip. He goes on.

“Lighten up, it’s a joke. My abuela’s real Catholic. Always struck me as a scam, though. Suffer now to get rewarded after you die? I mean, come on.”

“Hey, you know, if you’re going to . . .”

“Hold still,” he asserts.

I do as he orders, highly aware of his eyes on me. Heat rises in my face.

“They call me Gobs, by the way.” His light tone diffuses the tension a bit. I soften. “Short for Gobstopper. You know, the candy?” My curiosity must show on my face, because he explains, “Tibu picked it. He said it’s because I’m little, round and sweet.” I crack a smile. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. I’m a lot tougher than I look.”

“Who’s Tibu?”

“You’ll find out.”

He focuses on his drawing for a while. 

“So, what’s your poison?” he asks finally. “Wait, let me guess. Laced up guy like you— cocaine?”

I shake my head. “Never even seen the stuff.”

“Ah. Downers, then. Oxy?”

“I’m not an addict.”

He laughs. “Yeah. Came to Lemon House for vacation, huh? For the sandy beaches?”

“My parents brought me. I think because— I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough. But why here?”

“What do you mean?”

“You said you’re from a few hours east. Gotta be treatment facilities closer to home. Why come all the way to LA?”

“My parents. They were worried what people would think. I had to go far enough to make sure no one found out. They told the whole congregation that I’m on a mission trip.”

“Hmm,” he grunts. “Well, at least your family is talking to you.”

“Yours isn’t?”

He rolls his eyes.

“My cousins spent years running drugs through the house but somehow my abuela blames me for getting hooked.” He shrugs. “Who needs ‘em?”

“I don’t know what I’d do without my family.”

Gobs winces. 

“You’re gonna get eaten alive in here.”

– Excerpted from The Lemon House by Tucker May, Tucker May Books, 2026. Reprinted with permission.

About the Author

Tucker May is a writer of mystery novels, whodunit short stories and all kinds of fun, puzzling tales. Murders, crimes, and mysteries abound. He grew up in Missouri then attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He’s a diehard fan of the Los Angeles Rams and Geelong Cats. He lives in Pasadena, CA with his wife Barbara and their cat Principal Spittle. He is the author of The Lemon House Murders and Death of a Billionaire. 

╰┈➤ Visit Tucker’s website at www.tuckermay.com. 

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