Holiday Sale

Now through New Year’s, four classic Tamara Thorne novels are on sale for only $2.99 a piece on eBook.

Haunted is the tale of horror writer David Masters who buys Baudey House, the most haunted  mansion in California. He and his equally skeptical daughter, Amber, are in for the ride of their lives when ghosts of mass murder victims from the 1800s and 1900s begin haunting them, and the succubus, Christabel, takes a very special interest in David. Click the pic to buy.

Moonfall is a murderous tale of witchcraft and mystery in a small apple-growing community famous for its Halloween celebrations and apple pies. But there is also St. Gertrude’s School for Girls, haunted and horrific, run by a mother superior with a Ph.D in discipline and keeping minors in bondage. Click the pic to buy.

Eternity is a thrilling whodunit that takes place in the northern California mountain town of Eternity. Newly transplanted sheriff, Zach Tully, finds himself in a snowy hell full of townsfolk as crazy as the residents of Shady Pines Sanitarium. There are two Elvises, Ambrose Bierce is the mayor, and the postmistress looks an awful lot like Amelia Earhart. And there’s a serial killer in town who claims to be Jack the Ripper… Click the pic to buy.

Candle Bay is the story of the vampiric Darling Family, who run the Candle Bay Inn nestled on the foggy California coast. The Darlings take what sustenance they need from sleeping guests and fine bottles of very red “wine.” Then trueborn vampire Julian Valentyn shows up with a bottle of addictive Elixir that allows the vamps to come out in the daylight … and plays havoc with their hungers. Click the pic to buy.

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THE CRIMSON CORSET is Now Available in Paper

At long last, THE CRIMSON CORSET is available in paperback. You can also get it on Kindle.

“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” – a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.”
– Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING DEAD: INVASION and LUCID

“This drop-deadly tale of seduction and terror will leave you begging to be fanged … ”
– Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and MOONFALL

“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s got more hooks than a day boat out of San Pedro Harbor!”
– QL Pearce, bestselling author of SCARY STORIES FOR SLEEP-OVERS

“Alistair Cross’ new novel THE CRIMSON CORSET … is taut and elegantly written taking us into the realms where the erotic and the horrific meet. Reminiscent of the work of Sheridan Le Fanu (CARMILLA, UNCLE SILAS) in its hothouse, almost Victorian intensity, it tells a multi-leveled story of misalliance and mixed motives. The language is darkly lyrical, and the tale is compelling. Read it; you’ll be glad you did.”

–Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, author of the SAINT-GERMAIN CYCLE and the CHESTERTON HOLT MYSTERIES

“THE CRIMSON CORSET is a good read. There is a colorful cast of characters, a clever plot, and an intricate structure … there are surprises and jumps and starts, sex and death, beauty and gore, something for everyone … if you are looking for set-up and pay-off, this novel will not disappoint.”

-HELLNOTES

“This was an awesome read. Mainly because it kept me entertained and excited for the entire book. THE CRIMSON CORSET isn’t every other vampire book.”

-FANG-FREAKIN-TASTIC REVIEWS

“Falling somewhere between paranormal romance and vintage horror, THE CRIMSON CORSET is a tale of small towns, family ties, and vampires. Alistair Cross puts just enough of a spin on vampire mythology to distinguish his tale from the competition, and tells it with a slow-burning, subtle sort of flair that really pays off in the end …THE CRIMSON CORSET is one of those rare novels that manages to succeed across the board.”

-BEAUTY IN RUINS

“Do yourself a HUGE favour – if you only read ONE horror/vampire themed book this year then be sure to make it THE CRIMSON CORSET by Alistair Cross. Horror lovers will adore its unashamed gore and graveyard humour and it has plenty of romance to satisfy paranormal romance fans who fancy a darker, Gothic inspired read … a tale that not only has a lot of bite but also plays with the readers’ emotions, in one scary, bloody and lust-filled ride!”

-A READER’S REVIEW BLOG

THE CRIMSON CORSET: Foreword

As THE CRIMSON CORSET nears availability as a paperback, I’d like to share the foreword, written by my friend, my collaborator, my favorite author, Tamara Thorne, whose books I’ve adored since my teen years when I never could have imagined I would ever meet her, let alone one day write books with her.

I can think of no better way to be introduced into the world of writing than by horror-lit royalty like Tamara Thorne. She has published so many books that I love, and have loved, for so many years, and to hear her praise my work is, in itself, a dream come true.

THE CRIMSON CORSET
FOREWORD
by Tamara Thorne

“Alistair Cross is a hell of a good writer, and I’m not just saying that because he’s the collaborator of my dreams. It’s because I’ve read the novel you now hold in your hands half a dozen times – from first draft through final edit – and with each read, it just kept getting better, addicting me more and more to its gripping – and at times, eye-popping – plot.

The characters are lucid and sublimely alive as they take Alistair’s story and run with it, delivering strong doses of excitement, terror, humor, and sexuality. His dialogue shines; I can hear his characters so clearly it’s as if I’m eavesdropping … and it’s a juicy conversation.

The Colter Brothers, Cade and Brooks, are hunky, hilarious, and a pleasure to get to know. They could be your next door neighbors (if you’re lucky!) but as they face their demons, they teach us so much about growth, about confronting adversity, and about the nature of the human spirit that it would be impossible to write them off as mere entertainers. Watching these brothers develop, watching how they argue, joke, and then work together is not only delightful, it’s inspiring. Theirs is a bromance worthy of Sam and Dean Winchester’s and this adds a fascinating layer to an already riveting piece of fiction.

And then there’s the sheriff, Ethan Hunter. While so many of his kind are stereotypical, Ethan has strengths, weaknesses, amusing quirks – and some very interesting hobbies – that deliver him from the trenches of mediocrity and place him under a spotlight of his own. Ethan is more than a means of moving the plot forward and relaying information – he’s a man with a story. And it’s the kind of story that will keep you up at night.

At Eudemonia, a pricey and beautiful health spa, lives the messianic Michael, leader of the peaceful faction of vampires. Michael is in equal parts magnetic and mysterious – a thoroughly fascinating figure even without Reaper, the movie-quoting raven on his shoulder. Through Michael’s eyes, we see a world that is never sullied, never without hope – a world in which we’d all love to spend some time. Perhaps less blinded by idealism is Winter, his second-in-command, and slightly medieval buddy. This guy is the kind of fearless grinning sidekick any leader would be glad to have, and together, Michael and Winter are a compelling force capable of making any villain flinch.

Which brings us to the bad guys – the vampires of the Crimson Corset, a notorious nightclub at the other end of town. Its inhabitants are complete well-rounded characters with intrigues of their own. There’s my personal favorite, the psychotic and beautiful little leader, Gretchen VanTreese, who’s never met a man she didn’t want to dominate. We are also treated to her lieutenant, Jazminka of the thigh-high boots, questionable sexuality, and thick Slavic accent she hasn’t lost in 200 years. Then there’s Aidan and Ambrose, the beautiful twin boys that Gretchen keeps as pets – but these guys have nothing on her favorite plaything of all, her bodyguard Scythe, whose anatomy is so impressive she calls it Vlad the Impaler.

As an added treat, there are several cameos by vampires from my own novel, Candle Bay. When Alistair asked if they could stop by The Crimson Corset, I was surprised and pleased. And he wrote them like a boss. He understood my guys completely and put exactly the right words in their mouths. I was so impressed I asked him to collaborate on my sequel to Candle Bay. He agreed, and we intend to release it sometime in 2016, so you’ll get another dose of the Crimson Cove vamps as they join the fanged ones of Candle Bay on a very special road trip.

As for Mr. Cross, the writer: He always delivers. Failure is not an option. Writing with him – or watching him write a solo in our virtual office – is a study in inspiration. He meets every deadline and makes sure we reach our individual and collaborative goals. He takes his job seriously, makes no excuses, and has the grit and determination to make things happen. And his prose is absolutely beautiful. What a combination!

This is a man who is going places, I guarantee it. He’ll write many more solos and I’ll read and love them all. I also look forward to our future collaborations. I don’t take Alistair for granted, and I never will. Neither should you. It’s my pleasure to introduce this outstanding new author and his remarkable debut novel – so unsheathe your claws, sharpen your fangs and step on in to The Crimson Corset. I’m confident that you’ll enjoy your stay – and look forward to his future works – every bit as much as I do.”

                           –  Tamara Thorne, July 15, 2015

And the Winner Is …

A while back, I had the honor of being invited by Vincent Salera to be on the panel of judges for the 2015 World’s Best Story book contest. It was down to the top ten finalists and I was a little stressed about having to read so many books in such a short time – I can spend weeks on a single book! – but my worry proved to be unfounded. These were all great books, and I found myself plowing through them with the maniacal glee of a hungry hound at an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

My fellow judges included Warren Adler, author of the blockbuster novel – and movie – The War of the Roses, multiple award winning author, Samreen Ahsan, Critically acclaimed award-winning author and producer, Brooke Burgess, award-winning President of FriesenPress, Tammara Kennelly, award-winning author and reporter, Victor Malarek, and author/editor at FriesenPress, Rhonda Hayter. So I was in some pretty good company.

Today, the winner was chosen, and I would like to congratulate  JW Lawson, for taking first place with Mummy’s Little Angel. This book riveted me and I recommend it to readers who enjoy thrills, mystery, and contemporary chillers of the best kind.

Also, thank you to everyone at World’s Best Story, for the opportunity to be part of this. I also highly recommend the other titles that made it into the finals.

SACRED MOUNTAIN by Paige Robbins

SHATTERED by Jeannie Palmer

SHE NEVER GOT TO SAY GOODBYE by Ica Iova

CLONES DRONES by RC and JP Carter

HAVEN by Katherine Bogle

WRATH OF GOD by Kylen Coetzee

THERMALS by Cleigh Currie

IMAGINARY FRIEND by Kristina Garlick

and

THE MAN WHO SET FIRE TO THE BIBLE by Carl Daoust

These were all damned good books and I enjoyed every minute of every one of them.

Here’s a little more about the winner, Mummy’s Little Angel:

Joanne didn’t believe that her life could become worse than it already was. She had lost everybody and everything she had loved. She was alone. Surely she had suffered enough? The press had called her identical twins psychopaths. Her Maggie. Her Annie. But she still loved them, even though one of them had killed her husband, Jeff. Joanne believed that his murder had been an accident. How could one of her girls be a murderer? She knew them better than anybody else. They were good girls really. She just had to prove it. The brutal murder of her god-daughter Laura had never been solved. Items had been missing when Laura’s remains had been discovered: clues that could lead to the capture of her killer. One of them was Laura’s doll … the doll that Joanne later discovered in her home. Joanne is facing the most horrific dilemma of her life. Has the wrong woman been imprisoned? Could her child have used such brutality against her best friend? Or could both women be innocent after all? She needs to find somebody for her daughter to confide in; somebody she will trust. She needs a miracle. There is only one person who can help. He is compassionate and caring, with an amazing ability to gain the trust of the most difficult patients. He is Joanne’s only hope. He is Jonathan Davies.

Congratulations, JW Lawson!

The Crimson Corset is on its way … in paper!

In just a few days, THE CRIMSON CORSET will be available in paperback. For now, you can buy it in ebook format at Amazon.

“Alistair Cross’ new novel THE CRIMSON CORSET … is taut and elegantly written taking us into the realms where the erotic and the horrific meet. Reminiscent of the work of Sheridan Le Fanu (CARMILLA, UNCLE SILAS) in its hothouse, almost Victorian intensity, it tells a multi-leveled story of misalliance and mixed motives. The language is darkly lyrical, and the tale is compelling. Read it; you’ll be glad you did.”

–Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, author of the SAINT-GERMAIN CYCLE and the CHESTERTON HOLT MYSTERIES

“THE CRIMSON CORSET is a good read. There is a colorful cast of characters, a clever plot, and an intricate structure … there are surprises and jumps and starts, sex and death, beauty and gore, something for everyone … if you are looking for set-up and pay-off, this novel will not disappoint.”

-HELLNOTES

“This was an awesome read. Mainly because it kept me entertained and excited for the entire book. THE CRIMSON CORSET isn’t every other vampire book.”

-FANG-FREAKIN-TASTIC REVIEWS

“Falling somewhere between paranormal romance and vintage horror, THE CRIMSON CORSET is a tale of small towns, family ties, and vampires. Alistair Cross puts just enough of a spin on vampire mythology to distinguish his tale from the competition, and tells it with a slow-burning, subtle sort of flair that really pays off in the end …THE CRIMSON CORSET is one of those rare novels that manages to succeed across the board.”

-BEAUTY IN RUINS

“Put Bram Stoker in a giant cocktail shaker, add a pinch of Laurell K. Hamilton, a shot of John Carpenter, and a healthy jigger of absinthe, and you’ll end up with Alistair Cross’s modern Gothic chiller, “The Crimson Corset” – a deliciously terrifying tale that will sink its teeth into you from page one.”

– Jay Bonansinga, New York Times Bestselling author of THE WALKING DEAD: INVASION and LUCID

“This drop-deadly tale of seduction and terror will leave you begging to be fanged … ”

– Tamara Thorne, international bestselling author of HAUNTED and MOONFALL

“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s got more hooks than a day boat out of San Pedro Harbor!”

– QL Pearce, bestselling author of SCARY STORIES FOR SLEEP-OVERS

“Do yourself a HUGE favour – if you only read ONE horror/vampire themed book this year then be sure to make it THE CRIMSON CORSET by Alistair Cross. Horror lovers will adore its unashamed gore and graveyard humour and it has plenty of romance to satisfy paranormal romance fans who fancy a darker, Gothic inspired read … a tale that not only has a lot of bite but also plays with the readers’ emotions, in one scary, bloody and lust-filled ride!”

-A READER’S REVIEW BLOG

Dean Koontz on Haunted Nights LIVE!

Today I received the as-yet-unpublished copy of Dean Koontz’s new novel, Ashley Bell, which will make for some very enjoyable homework for Mr. Koontz’s appearance on our show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which happens this Friday.

Here I am with the new book, looking as about as excited as is possible given the mass amounts of Botox injections which I indulge in regularly. Just kidding. But I am excited. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a damned good book to read. Catch a full hour of Dean Koontz at Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!

Ashley Bell will be released tomorrow, December 8th, 2015.

From #1 bestselling author Dean Koontz—the must-read thriller of the year, for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure.
 
The girl who said no to death.
 
Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live.

She replies, “We’ll see.”

Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science.

An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell.

But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she?

Bibi’s obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions.

Here is an eloquent, riveting, brilliantly paced story with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious plot filled with staggering surprises. Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master.

Dashes of Dark Fiction

Today, I completed the first act of my current work-in-progress,”TAA,” which places me close to the halfway point, give or take a few thousand words. This deeply in, I can state with relative certainty that this is not a horror novel. Not exactly, anyway.

Because “TAA” is all about temptation, greed, and the battle between the saintly and the sinister, strong elements of horror are a given. But there are also components of romance and urban fantasy … with paranormal highlights and dashes of dark fiction.

It isn’t that I tried to keep it from being a horror story – it’s that this book simply doesn’t require the degree of darkness my other works have. The irony of this is that the theme of “TAA” is loftier than any I’ve previously undertaken.

That said, this story retains the familiar atmosphere of my solo and collaborative Thorne & Cross novels, with references to our other fictional locales, a cameo from Ethan Hunter of my last release,THE CRIMSON CORSET and, of course, sporadic guest appearances by Tamara’s conspiracy-driven radio deejay, Coastal Eddie, down in CANDLE BAY, who always seems to know a little more than he lets on.

In short, this novel is of the same twisted DNA that spawned THE CLIFFHOUSE HAUNTING and THE GHOSTS OF RAVENCREST. As a matter of fact, one of “TAA’s” main players is Nick Grayson, a deputy from Crimson Cove who has taken a new job as chief of police in the neighboring town of Prominence, where “TAA” takes place. And he’s just in time for some mind-bending phenomena, a few soul-shattering revelations, and some very, very nasty weather.

Barring any unavoidable, unforeseen catastrophes, “TAA” will be out next year – but not before the next Thorne & Cross collaboration, due out in a matter of months now – which dives into the blackest, iciest depths of psychological thrills and stay-at-home horror.

But that’s another blog post.