Debra Lee

The Fay Cunningham Mysteries

2011-12-11T19:39:00.000-05:00

Two full novels in one book. A Dangerous Woman and Deadly Arrows are available for purchase in one download. Purchase for the NookPurchase for the KindlePurchase at SmashwordsEnjoy,Debra

A Dangerous Woman-FREE

2011-12-05T20:54:00.001-05:00

That's right. Amazon has A Dangerous Woman listed as FREE for the kindle. Click here to get your free copy.

REDEMPTION-New Cover

2011-10-17T00:32:00.003-04:00

You can look inside the book and read sample chapters over at Amazon.

Deadly Arrows (A Fay Cunningham Mystery-Book 2)

2011-09-02T22:54:00.000-04:00

A large number of readers recently purchased my first Fay Cunningham Mystery, A Dangerous Woman, making a very nice bump in Amazon's sales rank. Actually, the book made a few bestseller ranks. So, as a thank you to readers, the second book in the series, Deadly Arrows went on sale for 99 cents. This sale won't last long. Now is the time to get your copy.Purchase for Kindle

Dangerous Bedfellows-FREE

2011-08-12T00:21:00.003-04:00

For a limited time you can download a FREE copy of my novel, Dangerous Bedfellows over at Smashwords.

Just give a Click Here to get your FREE copy.

YA Book I'm writing-excerpt

2011-07-08T02:48:00.002-04:00

Here's the deal. I'm working on a YA book and need reader input. I'm going to post a rough draft from the opening. Does this intrigue you? Would you like to read more? Should I set the book aside and write something else? I'd appreciate feedback. So here goes.

On my sixteenthbirthday Mom drove to the local bakery to pick up a cake and never came home.The minister from church told me she died instantly when the train slammed intoher stalled car and exploded on the railroad tracks.

I never knew mydad. Around my sixth birthday Mom mentioned she didn’t know him either. Shewoke one day on a deserted beach and had no idea how she had gotten there orwho she was. She couldn’t remember anything about her life prior to thatmoment. Come to find out she was two months pregnant with me, too.

After Mom’sfuneral I was ordered to live with a woman who’d sent documentation to thelocal authorities claiming to be Mom’s sister and my only living relative.

I spent days andnights on buses traveling from the town I grew up in on the west coast toanother hick town in the mountains of Pennsylvania.Ironically, the Greyhound bumped over railroad tracks and stopped in front of arundown wooden building so the only two remaining passengers could get off. Istepped into the night mist ahead of the scruffy looking old guy.

“Gabriella.”

The womanreminded me of a bag lady I’d seen in a movie once as she stood from the benchshe was sitting on in front of the dimly lit two-story.

“Gabriella Raines,”she said, adding my last name this time.

I nodded. “Ella.I go by Ella. Are you my aunt Betty?”

“The girl travelslight like her mother,” came from the guy who’d followed me off the bus.

In the shorttime the woman and I exchanged words, the bus driver had pulled my suitcasefrom the outside storage compartment and put it down on the broken sidewalk andwas already back on the bus driving away.

The old guyclearly had spoken to the bag lady, not to me. Eighty degrees on this humidsummer night and an icy chill crawled up my spine. I stood tall in an attemptto stop shivering. “Who are you people?”

“Why this here’syour aunt Betty.”

Instead ofanother chill, a surge of heat shot through my veins when his beady dark eyessteadied on mine. “Suppose you’re my uncle.”

“Get hersuitcase, Clarence. The car’s ‘round back.”

“I’m not goinganywhere with you two.”

Bag lady whirledaround and glared straight into my eyes. “If you don’t want to end up like yourmother, you’ll do as I say. Now let’s go.”

My mouth openedto protest, then closed. Bag lady lowered her piercing gaze and swung away fromme.

I followed herto the rear of the building.

Clarence tossedmy suitcase into the back of a shiny black Escalade and climbed in behind thewheel. Aunt Betty opened the rear door and motioned for me to get in. I onlyhesitated long enough for her eyes to fix on mine.

I ducked insideand glanced back at her. “My mom was a hottie. You don’t look anything likeher.”

Good I have superfast reflexes. Otherwise the toe of my sneaker would’ve gotten smashed when sheslammed the door shut.

She hopped ontothe front passenger seat and pulled on her seatbelt. I barely had mine fastenedwhen the vehicle shot into the quiet street, door locks automatically snappingdown.

The luxuryvehicle glided over the railroad tracks and sped out of town into the night.“Either of you want to tell me where you’re taking me?”

Clarence glancedover the seat. His creepy smile brought back the shivers. “It’s a surprise.”

A set ofheadlights suddenly lit up his face and he shifted around in his seat. “We gotcompany.”

He barely hadthe words out and I was thrown back against the seat when he floored the gaspedal.

I looked over myshoulder, squinting against the glare of headlights closing in on us. “Who’safter us?”

Neither gave mean answer as the sleek automobile picked up speed rounding a sharp curve in thecountry road. Another glance over my shoulder into the bright headlights beforeshifting back around to see we were headed straight for the side of a mountain.I screamed and closed my eyes the instant before impact. No impact. I opened myeyes and we were traveling at the same high speed. Only we were inside themountain, going downhill fast.

Blinding red lightsshot at us from the road up ahead. My eyes wide open this time when I screamedon impact.

Deadly Arrows-50% off at Smashwords

2011-07-07T23:06:00.001-04:00

Smashwords is having a sale and Deadly Arrows is 50% off the regular price of $2.99. Time to go shopping before the sale ends.

Here's a little description of the book. The second in my Fay Cunningham Series.

Fay Cunningham, publisher of a small-town Pennsylvania newspaper, is in big trouble again. She's thrown into the investigation of an archery murder and must convince a young whippersnapper police officer, the arrow that smacked into a tree next to her didn't come from a hunter who mistook her for a deer. Fay must prove it with lightning speed before the next arrow lands her six feet under.

Purchase at Smashwords

Dangerous Bedfellow-Limited Price Reduction

2011-06-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

For a limited time Dangerous Bedfellows is on sale for 99 cents at Amazon for the Kindle here. At Barnes & Noble for the Nook here.

Time to go shopping before the sale ends.

Dangerous Bedfellows-New Cover

2011-05-31T03:24:00.001-04:00

I have a new cover for Dangerous Bedfellows. Care to comment? I grew to dislike the previous cover. Another big advantage for self-publishing. Get tired of one cover and an easy upload gets you a new one.

Available for download to your kindle right here.

For the nook click here Although, the last I checked the new cover still wasn't showing up.

Until Next Time...Debra

Holiday Weekend

2011-05-27T17:37:00.000-04:00

I'm wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. If you need a good book to read over the weekend you might want to give one of mine a try. You can download one to your Kindle by clicking here.

Or, you can pick up a copy for your Nook by clicking Here.

Have a great weekend.

Until Next Time...Debra

Humorous Mysteries

2011-05-07T22:22:00.001-04:00

Are you looking for a humorous mystery to read? Well look no further. I found a few you might want to check out that are reasonably priced as well.

Just give a click here to check them out.

Until Next Time...Debra

Heartbeat-99 cents

2011-04-19T20:21:00.000-04:00

Heartbeat is now available and ready for your e-reader at the introductory price of 99 cents.

Purchase for Kindle

Purchase for Nook

Purchase at Smashwords

Until Next Time...Debra

Giovanni's- 5 Star Review

2011-04-10T18:59:00.000-04:00

Giovanni gave A Dangerous Woman a five star review. You can read the full review at Gelati's Scoop.

I also did a guest post for him on Tuesday. If you'd like to read the post and learn more about my writing journey, click here.

Until Next Time...Debra

HEARTBEAT-Coming Soon

2011-03-29T23:58:00.000-04:00

Heartbeat is the story of two young lovers compelled by fate to live apart, yet destined to love each other forever. Moving from Pennsylvania to California and finally war-torn Lebanon, this is a genuine love story.

Anyone can enjoy this love story, especially young adults. But be warned, you will not find fairies, trolls, vampires, zombies or werewolves in this romance. They aren’t necessary to embrace this love story. You also won’t find the happily ever after fairytale ending as you turn to the last page of Heartbeat. Read the book and you will see the ending fits the story that was told.

From The Author

Heartbeat was written over twenty years ago after the tragic October 23, 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon. My heart went out to all family members and friends to those servicemen who had lost their lives. In turn, the writer in me began thinking of the young widows left behind. They had barely begun their lives with their husbands when in an instant it was over. Each woman had a story to tell of how she had met and fallen in love with her husband, making it impossible for me not to want to write about one of those love stories I had imagined.

This young adult novel will be available for the Kindle and Nook early April. So mark your calendar.

Until Next Time...Debra

Dangerous Bedfellows-excerpt

2011-03-24T22:30:00.001-04:00

Damaged goods. That's one way to describe Jackie Bertoni. Survivor is another after the traumatic childhood she endured at the hands of her father in Italy. With the help of the American filmmaker her boyfriend sold her to for a week of sexual pleasure, she is able to fulfill her lifelong dream to escape to America. Life is good to her in the land of the free. She becomes a successful movie producer. Sixteen years slip by before the big betrayal when Jackie knows she'll never be free-never whole-able to trust another man until she gets even with the three who shattered her heart.

Excerpt:

Jackie’s gaze wandered from headstones to somber faces. But not to the casket that held the body of her only true friend Desmond Sinclair. She recognized the people standing around her. Except for…

Now she knew she hadn’t worn the black net veil because it matched her black suit. She’d worn the veil to hide her eyes. She continued to stare at the man. The handsome stranger looked familiar even though she was positive she’d never met him. She searched her memory until it came to her. Andrew Michaels. His picture appeared in her Los Angeles newspaper a lot. The last time he’d posed on the courthouse steps, relief radiated from his eyes when he smiled for the cameras after achieving a guilty verdict on a high profile murder case.

How dare he show up here? Thanks to her Desmond couldn’t harm anyone anymore. A cold chill rolled through her. Perhaps the district attorney had come for her. Undecided if she should bolt or approach the man, Jackie was suddenly frozen in a time past when Marcus DeMario stepped into view.

The sight of him took her breath away just like the first time she saw him all those years ago. He stepped away from the limousine and weaved around headstones in her direction. As he neared, she saw his features had changed little. What had changed was the hardness in his composure, a coldness that sent another chill through her.

With her chin tucked into her chest, she watched him step up to the casket to pay last respects. Once or twice his steely eyes glanced her way. He showed no signs of recognizing her.

Of course he wouldn’t recognize you, she reminded herself. You were a disposable piece of property to the man.

But Marcus did recognize her. Not the first time he glanced in her direction. The second time his gaze traveled up her black nylons he knew of only one pair of legs so perfect. But what was Jackie Bertoni doing at Desmond Sinclair’s funeral? What was she doing in America?

Purchase for the Kindle

Purchase for the Nook

Purchase at Smashwords

Until Next Time...Debra

Deadly Arrows (A Fay Cunningham Mystery-Book 2)-$2.99

2011-03-22T20:10:00.000-04:00

Fay Cunningham, publisher of a small-town Pennsylvania newspaper, is in big trouble again. She's thrown into the investigation of an archery murder and must convince a young whippersnapper police officer the arrow that smacked into a tree next to her didn't come from a hunter who mistook her for a deer. Fay must prove it with lightning speed before the next arrow lands her six feet under.

Here's an excerpt:

The Kill

My boots dug into the crusted snow as I swung my bow forward. A twig snapped nearby and I jerked my head around fearing a hunter. I listened. Silence. I ordered myself to remain focused.
The postal truck rounded the curve and slid to a stop alongside a rotted two-by-four supporting the mailbox. The driver reached out the window and stuffed a bundle of envelopes into the rusty box. Then the vehicle’s rear tires spun on a patch of ice before it launched forward and disappeared around the bend in the road.
Just like clockwork, she appeared at the cabin door. Wearing only a tee shirt and jeans, she dashed for the mailbox. As she came around to the front of the box, I pulled back on the string, hesitated, then released.
The arrow hurtled between the trees. The direct hit sent a spine-tingling thud through the forest. I sucked in a breath of frigid air as I watched her crumple to the ground.
It was done. Time to go.

Chapter One

Something moved across my back.
Shoving the quilt off my head, I not only heard Kitty’s angry meow and hiss, but a persistent buzzing. When I reached for the alarm clock on the nightstand, my cherished calico sprang off the bed, obviously peeved. As my fingers fumbled for the off button, my eyes focused on the red glow of the numbers. It read a little after three in the morning. Then it dawned on me, the annoying buzz was coming from my front door.
Sliding out of bed, I shivered from the cold and shrugged into my furry robe and slid my feet into my slippers. I made my way out into the hallway and down the open staircase.
What sensible person calls at such an ungodly hour? It had to be Mitch.
I flipped on the porch light, but my fingers fumbled with the door lock.
“Open the door, Fay. It’s cold out here.”
When I swung the door open, Mitch, a gentleman when it suits him, took off his Stetson, exposing a mass of graying waves. However, the gentleman didn’t bother to wipe the snow from his cowboy boots before entering my house.
I followed him toward the kitchen, deciding which question to ask first. When he opened the upper cupboard door, where I keep the hard liquor, I gritted my teeth.
“Don’t do it, Mitch.”
An invisible line of tension stretched between us for a long minute. His fingers pressed into the cupboard door handle.
“I’ll make coffee.” I padded around him and my shoulder lightly brushed the arm of his sheepskin coat. “Take a load off till it’s ready.” While running water into the pot, I heard him scoot out a chair. As I turned around, he slumped in the seat. His hat fell from his fingers and landed on the floor under the table.
Our eyes met.
“I want you to stay out of this, Fay.”
I sat down at the table across from him. “So you got my message?”
“Climbed back into my truck as soon as I heard it on the answerin’ machine.” He stared into my eyes. “Fay, I’m serious. I don’t have a problem with you checkin’ with the police on the progress of the case for your newspaper. But that’s as far as it’s gonna go.”
Because I believed the man heartbroken by the news of his niece’s murder hours earlier, I nodded in agreement, closing my lips tightly so the words I wanted to say wouldn’t come barreling out.

Purchase for Kindle

Purchase for Nook

Purchase at Smashwords

Enjoy...Debra

A Dangerous Woman (A Fay Cunningham Mystery- Book 1)99 cent sale

2011-03-21T02:17:00.000-04:00

The 99 cent sale won't last long. Here's the story.

Fay Cunningham, publisher of a small-town Pennsylvania newspaper, is having a well-deserved midlife crisis. Both nicotine-and calorie-deprived, she stays busy delivering the paper she publishes in order to get closer to her customer base, craving inspiration, a smoke, and a cheeseburger. But she discovers something odd going on behind the closed doors of her trusted friend Joe Wise. Like, where is he and who is the mysterious blonde rudely blocking Fay’s entry to his house?

Adding to the puzzle, Fay learns that Joe’s brother and biggest rival, Thomas, has just died under strange circumstances. Joe was Fay’s professional benefactor and her journalistic instincts kick into overdrive. But first, she has to get past Angel, Joe’s hostile and secretive new companion. And when Fay’s questions get too personal, a killer makes lethal plans to send Fay into permanent retirement….

99 cents to Purchase for Kindle.

99 cents to Purchase for Nook.

99 cents to Purchase at Smashwords.

Enjoy the read. Debra

Taken-99 cent sale

2011-03-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

Today the $2.99 price for Taken was reduced to 99 cents. This sale won't last long. Now is the time to get your copy. Here's a little description.

Welcome to the fictitious little town of Watery, Pennsylvania where the district attorney’s personal secretary, Mary Murray never planned to become a single mom or a suspect in her infant’s disappearance, but she plans to find Jena before she suffers the same fate Mary’s younger brother had when he was taken twelve years earlier.

Available for purchase at Amazon for Kindle.

Available for purchase at Barnes & Noble for the Nook.

Available for purchase at Smashwords.

Until Next Time...Debra

Redemption-Excerpt #2

2011-03-15T21:28:00.000-04:00

The President and First Lady were having breakfast together on one of those rare occasions when their schedules had them at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue at the same time.
Virginia Clark sipped sweetened hot tea as she read her favorite morning newspaper.
Paul opted to enjoy his breakfast before taking a look at what the journalists were saying about him today. He quickly polished off the bowl of fresh fruit and was about to dig into the good stuff spread out on the table in front of him, when his wife’s comment killed his appetite.
“It must be true what the Speaker has been quoted saying about Asa.”
Paul Clark would have preferred being thrown in front of the press corps without any preparation than to get into a conversation with his wife about the legendary book publisher, Asa King. He didn’t mind chatting with her about Cole Anderson, the conservative black man who was Speaker of the House and second in line for the Presidency. But Paul knew the discussion would then end up including Dane Williams, Paul’s vice-president, the man poised to take over his job as President. And Paul especially didn’t want to go there today. But Virginia was waiting for a response from him.
“Just what is it Cole was to have said about old Asa?”
Virginia gave Paul one of her mean looks she had used on their two daughters when they were small and had misbehaved. It had been difficult for Paul to keep a straight face back then when he saw the way his wife’s forehead wrinkled up and her pretty green eyes narrowed. But it was simply impossible now, after living with the woman all these years and seeing she didn’t have a mean bone in her petite body.
“Asa must have more money than brains,” Virginia said. Then her eyes returned to the newspaper, a signal to Paul she was letting him off the hook this time for playing dumb with her.
“I mean, why else would he give an unknown author an estimated five million dollars for a first book?”
“Her first published book after writing ten.” Before Paul finished his sentence, he realized the terrible mistake he had made.
“How do you know how many books she wrote? For that matter, how do you know anything about her when the paper only refers to her as the anonymous author?”
“Did I mention that Dane’s playing golf with Asa this afternoon?”
This time when Paul dared a glance across the table, he saw something in his wife’s eyes, in her entire expression, he had never seen before.
“What does their playing golf together have to do with this author, Paul?”
Paul had no idea where to begin. But he knew the time had come to tell Virginia. She deserved to know before the rest of the world. He just hoped he hadn’t misread her all these years in believing she didn’t have a nasty streak in her. If he had, her reaction could very well mean the end.

Want to read the whole novel?

99 cent special at Amazon for Kindle

99 cent special at Barnes & Noble for Nook

Until Next Time...Debra

Redemption-Excerpt

2011-03-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

“Ouch!”
“You told me to pinch you.”
Kay Diggs rolled over in bed and went nose to nose with her husband. “I’m not dreaming, am I?” She giggled. “I really pulled it off this time, didn’t I?”
“You did. And probably broke the record for advances on a first book.”
Kay flung herself onto her back and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of another rush of adrenaline that made her tingle from head to toe.
Once the exhilarating sensation settled down, she flipped back toward her husband. “Just how many zeroes are behind that five?”
Bill Diggs chuckled. Then he wrapped his powerful arms around his wife and eased her close to him.
They cuddled and kissed for the next thirty seconds before the alarm clock buzzed and Bill reached over to the night stand and tapped the button to shut off the annoying sound.
“We can play hooky today,” Kay suggested.
Sky blue eyes looked down into darker ones. “You can. You deserve to. But this old man has a house to get under roof.”
A short kiss and Bill tossed back the sheet with the intention of getting up. That is until Kay’s fingers tiptoed along his firm, tanned chest, then downward, getting the response twenty-five years of marriage had taught her to expect.
This round of lovemaking was without the foreplay the earlier one had, but the result was just as sweet.
Kay lingered in bed, watching and admiring her husband as he pulled on faded jeans and a tee shirt. When he sat on the edge of the bed to pull on his work boots, she ran her hand up and down his spine.
Bill twisted around and gave her a quick kiss. “Gotta go, babe. We’ll celebrate some more tonight.”
Kay waited until he was through the bedroom doorway to call out to him. “One more thing.”
Bill poked his head inside. “I’m listening.”
“You’re not an old man, lover boy.” She winked and sent him off with a smile.
Once Kay heard Bill’s pickup engine groan before kicking on, she flung off the sheet and got to her feet.
If she was going to cram everything she wanted to accomplish into the day, there wasn’t time to lie around thinking about what she was going to do with all that money.
* * *
They were listening for the truck to start too, and watching. It wouldn’t be long now. After they saw the beat-up truck back out of the driveway and rattle down the street, they made contact.
* * *
Approximately ten miles northeast of their stake out, inside an unoccupied barn, their boss was getting things ready for her arrival when his cellular phone rang.
He waited for the third ring before unfolding the pocket-sized portable.
“She should be leaving the house in twenty minutes.”
“Bring her to me.”

99 cents gets you the full novel. Purchase Kindle edition.

Purchase Nook Edition

Until Next Time...Debra

Read an Ebook Week

2011-03-05T23:46:00.000-05:00

My books, Deadly Arrows and Taken are 50% off March 6th through March 12th as part of Smashwords Read an Ebook Week. If you click here it will take you to my page at smashwords. Or you can just give a click on the titles.

Deadly Arrows (A Fay Cunningham Mystery-Book 2)

Taken

Dangerous Bedfellows-Updated Cover/Price

2011-03-03T01:37:00.000-05:00

Dangerous Bedfellows has an updated cover and price. For a limited time the price has dropped to 99 cents. To purchase the Kindle edition CLICK HERE.

Should be available at Barnes and Noble for the Nook at the same price by tomorrow.

Until Next Time...Debra

Redemption-Kindle

2011-03-01T22:02:00.000-05:00

Redemption went live on Amazon today for the Kindle at the incredibly low introductory price of 99 cents. Here's the book's description.

Kay Diggs thought selling her novel would make her life easier. She soon learns she couldn't have been more wrong when she is kidnapped, interrogated, and given a subtle threat about her daughter's life. All she has to do to keep her daughter safe is uncover what happened to the missing young girl during the President's college days in the town where Kay lives.

The Book's Opening

Over the years, that horrible vision of her, staring up at him from the freshly dug grave had faded. But in recent months, every time he closed his eyes to try and sleep, all he would see were those blue-green eyes of hers, staring up at him, like when he last saw her that night . . .

You can get your copy by Clicking Here. Love to hear your thoughts on the book.

Until Next Time...Debra

Redemption-99 cents

2011-02-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

Redemption is available over at Smashwords to download to your e-reader for only 99 cents.

Over the years, that horrible vision of her, staring up at him from the freshly dug grave had faded. But in recent months, every time he closed his eyes to try and sleep, all he would see were those blue-green eyes of hers, staring up at him, like when he last saw her that night . . .

You can go read sample chapters for FREE or download the entire book for only 99 cents. Just Click Here.

Enjoy,
Debra

Deadly Arrows (A Fay Cunningham Mystery-Book 2)

2011-02-18T23:52:00.000-05:00

Amazon has the book ready for your kindle. Just give a Click Here. Download the FREE sample chapters, then I hope you will decide to purchase the book because Fay's in big trouble again.

Until Next Time...Debra

A Dangerous Woman-Kindle

2011-02-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited. My first Fay Cunningham Mystery, A Dangerous Woman (A Fay Cunningham Mystery) just went live on Amazon for the kindle. The introductory price is only $.99. You read that right. Ninety-nine cents. Here's a little description.

Fay Cunningham, publisher of a small-town Pennsylvania newspaper, is having a well-deserved midlife crisis. Both nicotine-and calorie-deprived, she stays busy delivering the paper she publishes in order to get closer to her customer base, craving inspiration, a smoke, and a cheeseburger. But she discovers something odd going on behind the closed doors of her trusted friend Joe Wise. Like, where is he and who is the mysterious blonde rudely blocking Fay's entry to his house?

Adding to the puzzle, Fay learns that Joe's brother and biggest rival, Thomas, has just died under strange circumstances. Joe was Fay's professional benefactor and her journalistic instincts kick into overdrive. But first, she has to get past Angel, Joe's hostile and secretive new companion. And when Fay's questions get too personal, a killer makes lethal plans to send Fay into permanent retirement....

Please help me launch this book and purchase your copy today.

Thank you,
Debra

A Dangerous Woman-A Fay Cunningham Mystery (Book#1)

2011-02-09T22:43:00.000-05:00

New cover and newly formatted book is now published over at Smashwords. And get this. For a limited time you can purchase the complete novel for the extremely low price of $.99. That's right, ninety-nine cents. If you're not ready to purchase a copy you can read a few chapters for FREE. All you have to do is Click Here.

Also, the book will be available at Amazon for your kindle in a day or two. So stay tuned.

Until Next Time...Debra

Dangerous Bedfellows-Kindle

2011-02-04T21:52:00.001-05:00

Released today at Amazon for the kindle. The book is so fresh on the site Amazon hasn't even loaded the description yet so I'll post it here.

Dangerous Bedfellows is the disturbing and rewarding story of Jackie. Betrayed by every man she ever trusted, beginning with her father, the beautiful movie producer Jacqueline Bertoni, dubbed The Ice Lady, exacts her revenge on all before the quick thaw when she gives her trust to the one man who will help her become whole again.

You can read three chapters for FREE or download the full novel for $2.99. All you have to do is Click Here.

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book.
Debra

Dangerous Bedfellows

2011-01-31T23:31:00.000-05:00

What do you think of the cover? Anyway, Dangerous Bedfellows is available over at smashwords. You can read sample chapters for FREE or purchase the full novel for only $2.99. When you have a minute I'd appreciate it if you would go check it out. Just give a click here.

Give me another day and the book will also be available at Amazon to download to your kindle.

Until Next Time...Debra

Taken-$.99

2011-01-11T21:24:00.001-05:00

For a very limited time my suspense novel Taken is available at Smashwords for $.99. I'm guessing in a few days the book will also be available at Amazon for the same low price of ninety-nine cents. So if you haven't gotten your copy yet, now is the time to get it before the price goes back up.

Click here and the link will take you to smashwords.

Until Next Time...Debra

Deadly Arrows

2010-10-14T22:13:00.001-04:00

I'm jumping for joy! My second Fay Cunningham Mystery, Deadly Arrows is finally available in trade paperback. Amazon has the book listed at $9.95. Go have a look.

Spending the week between Christmas and New Year's separated from her family for the first time in fifty years, Fay Cunningham barely has time for a good cry before she finds herself thrown into the investigation of an archery murder. Now she must convince a young whippersnapper police officer the arrow that smacked into a tree next to her didn't come from a hunter who mistook her for a deer. And Fay must prove it with lightning speed before the next arrow lands her six feet under.

Until Next Time...Debra

Taken-Amazon

2010-09-27T00:13:00.000-04:00

For all those not interested in the e-edition of my suspense novel Taken the print edition is now available at Amazon. Here's the direct link to purchase the trade paperback edition.

Enjoy!

Debra

A Dangerous Woman

2010-09-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

My first Fay Cunningham mystery, A Dangerous Woman is only $1.99 for the Kindle today. Go have a look before the price goes back up. Click Here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Taken-Review

2010-09-19T16:46:00.000-04:00

I got my first review for my newly released novel Taken over at Amazon. Here's the link

I also found another review for the book over at Smashwords. Here's that link

Thanks for letting me share. Debra

Taken-News

2010-09-06T00:42:00.000-04:00

For those readers who still want a print edition of a book I have great news. Taken will soon be available in trade paperback. The trade edition has a different cover than the E-edition. I put the cover image up on my website if you want to run over and have a look. Just give a click here.

Until next time...Debra

Taken at Smashwords

2010-08-28T00:44:00.000-04:00

Sample 25% of "Taken" for FREE from Smashwords.com. Welcome to the fictitious little town of Watery, Pennsylvania where the district attorney's personal secretary Mary Murray never planned to become a single mom or a suspect in her infant's disappearance, but she plans to find Jena before she suffers the same fate Mary's younger brother had when he was taken twelve years earlier.

Just give a click here to begin reading.

Enjoy...Debra

Taken

2010-08-26T00:25:00.000-04:00

Following in Joe Konrath's footsteps my romantic suspense novel Taken is now available at Amazon for the Kindle. Go have a look by clicking here.

For all Kindle owners you can download the first several chapters for free. If you must keep reading for a limited time you get the entire novel for $2.99.

Enjoy....Debra

Analyze your prose

2010-07-13T20:20:00.001-04:00

New site that analyzes your prose and tells you which famous author you write like:

Click here for site.

According to it, I write like J.D. Salinger!

A Dangerous Woman-New Review

2010-04-07T14:07:00.000-04:00

I'm smiling!!!! I just received a wonderful review for A Dangerous Woman. Give a click here if you'd like to see why I'm smiling.

Until Next Time...Debra

New Background

2010-03-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

Anyone care to comment on the new background I put up? Come on now. Do you like it or hate it? I appreciate honesty. Debra

READ AN EBOOK WEEK

2010-03-07T16:20:00.002-05:00

For those who still haven't had a chance to read my first Fay Cunningham Mystery A Dangerous Woman, now is your chance to get your copy for FREE. For a short time my publisher has a free download of the book in honor of read an ebook week.
So let's celebrate READ AN EBOOK WEEK by visiting SynergEbooks to get your 4 new FREE EBOOKS! Just give a click here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Kindle

2010-01-26T19:58:00.003-05:00

This is for all you lucky Kindle owners. Did you know my books are available? Here's the link.

Also, you can download a Kindle for FREE right to your computer. So you don't even need to own the hand held reading device. Here's the direct link.

Until Next Time...Debra

A Dangerous Woman-Review

2009-12-11T23:38:00.002-05:00

Danielle posted a review of A Dangerous Woman over at Coffee Time Romance. Here's a snippet. A Dangerous Woman is about Fay; an overweight, divorced, recently nicotine free woman on a six-month hiatus from the newspaper she owns. Debra Lee tells the story of how Mitch and Fay become embroiled in a murder investigation. There is a certain tension between the two main characters that hints of more storylines to come. The up and down struggle that Fay has with certain characters made for some unique twists and turns that I found enjoyable. It will be interesting to see where Fay and Mitch go from here.

Read the full review here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Deadly Arrows-Review

2009-11-24T19:35:00.002-05:00

Newest eBook Review - Deadly Arrows
by Debra Lee (Mystery)
Book Two in the Fay Cunningham Mystery Series

The small town of Pennsylvania has a problem – someone is killing with arrows. Could it just be a hunting accident, a kill that no one knew even happened, or is something more sinister brewing in this hamlet? To make matters worse, it is the former police chief's niece that has been killed. Mitch didn't want any help from his girlfriend, Fay Cunningham, publisher of a successful newspaper, but she was going to give it anyway. Now her life is in danger, but why?

Deadly Arrows is a book that is filled with mystery, adventure and romance. Our author, Debra Lee gives us two very likable main characters, Fay and Mitch, and intertwines their personal life, romantic, and other avenues, nicely into the meat of the mystery. She then layers other characters and situations building upon her story. Nice job. The story is well paced, not too fast as to lose some of the heart of the characters, but moving along keeping the readers attention gently building suspense and bringing all to the final conclusion.

I enjoyed this read from the characters to the locals that were well described within the story.

It was suspenseful and entertaining at the same time. Well done.

~ Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer

MidWest Book Review

Purchase your copy today!

To those who celebrate have a wonderful Thanksgiving...Debra

New Cover

2009-10-17T00:45:00.003-04:00

I think the cover is awesome. Now if you want to read an excerpt or purchase the mass-market paperback, give a click right here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Happy Dance

2009-10-01T02:28:00.002-04:00

I'm dancing all over the place. Harlequin Worldwide Mystery just released the reprint of my first Fay Cunningham mystery, A DANGEROUS WOMAN. For those who want to read an excerpt-maybe purchase a copy just give a click here.

I love the new cover they put on the book. I'm curious to have your comments on the cover and anything else you might want to say.

Until Next Time...Debra

A Dangerous Woman

2009-09-27T19:15:00.002-04:00

Will be available from Harlequin Worldwide Mystery on October 1st. So on Oct. 1st. just give a click here to read an excerpt and order your copy.

You'll also be able to check out the new cover on that date.

Until Next Time...Debra

A WONDERFUL SURPRISE

2009-09-14T20:02:00.002-04:00

I saw the UPS truck pulling into my driveway today and thought the computer I ordered had arrived. To my surprise, the delivery man carried two boxes of books to my door. I had no idea the books were being sent. Well I knew I would be receiving author copies, but thought it would be months from now. I'm talking about the mass-market reprint of my first Fay Cunningham mystery, A DANGEROUS WOMAN. I love the new cover and can't wait for everyone to see it. As soon as I have the digital cover I'll post it here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Author Page

2009-09-01T01:10:00.002-04:00

I'm happy! I now have an author page on the Harlequin website. Go have a look when you have a spare minute. Just give a click right here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Redemption-Excerpt

2009-08-02T23:17:00.002-04:00

“Ouch!”

“You told me to pinch you.”

Kay Diggs rolled over in bed and went nose to nose with her husband. “I’m not dreaming, am I?” She giggled. “I really pulled it off this time, didn’t I?”

“You did. And probably broke the record for advances on a first book.”

Kay flung herself onto her back and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of another rush of adrenaline that made her tingle from head to toe.

Once the exhilarating sensation settled down, she flipped back toward her husband. “Just how many zeroes are behind that five?”

Bill Diggs’ answer was an amused chuckle. Then he wrapped his powerful arms around his wife and eased her close to him.

They cuddled and kissed for the next thirty seconds before the alarm clock buzzed and Bill reached over to the night stand and tapped the button to shut off the annoying sound.

“We can play hooky today,” Kay suggested.

Sky blue eyes looked down into darker ones. “You can. You deserve to. But this old man has a house to get under roof.”

A short kiss and Bill tossed back the sheet with the intention of getting up. That is until Kay’s fingers tiptoed along his firm, tanned chest, then downward, getting the response twenty-five years of marriage had taught her to expect.

This round of lovemaking was without the foreplay the earlier one had, but the result was just as sweet.

Kay lingered in bed, watching and admiring her husband as he pulled on faded jeans and a tee shirt. When he sat on the edge of the bed to pull on his work boots, she ran her hand up and down his spine.

Bill twisted around and gave her a quick kiss. “Gotta go, babe. We’ll celebrate some more tonight.”

Kay waited until he was through the bedroom doorway to call out to him. “One more thing.”

Bill poked his head inside. “I’m listening.”

“You’re not an old man, lover boy.” She winked and sent him off with a smile.

Once Kay heard Bill’s pickup engine groan before kicking on, she flung off the sheet and got to her feet.

If she was going to cram everything she wanted to accomplish into the day, there wasn’t time to lie around thinking about what she was going to do with all that money.

Purchase Book Here

Deadly Arrows-Excerpt

2009-08-02T23:07:00.003-04:00

Something moved across my back.

Shoving the quilt off my head, I not
only heard Kitty's angry meow and
hiss, but a persistent buzzing. When
I reached for the alarm clock on the
nightstand, my cherished calico sprang
off the bed, obviously peeved. As my
fingers fumbled for the off button,
my eyes focused on the red glow
of the numbers. It read a little
after three in the morning. Then
it dawned on me, the annoying
buzz was coming from my front door.

Sliding out of bed, I shivered from the cold and shrugged
into my furry robe and slid my feet into my slippers. I made
my way out into the hallway and down the open staircase.
What sensible person calls at such an ungodly hour? It had
to be Mitch.

I flipped on the porch light, but my fingers fumbled with
the door lock.

"Open the door, Fay. It's cold out here."

When I swung the door open, Mitch, a gentleman when it
suits him, took off his Stetson, exposing a mass of graying
waves. However, the gentleman didn't bother to wipe the
snow from his cowboy boots before entering my house.

I followed him toward the kitchen, deciding which question
to ask first. When he opened the upper cupboard door, where
I keep the hard liquor, I gritted my teeth.

"Don't do it, Mitch."

Purchase Book Here

Dangerous Bedfellows-Excerpt

2009-08-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

Jackie’s gaze wandered from headstones to somber faces. But not to the casket that held the body of her only true friend Desmond Sinclair. She recognized all of the people standing around her. Except for…

Now she knew she hadn’t worn the black net veil because it matched her black suit. She’d worn it to hide her eyes. She continued to stare at the man. The handsome stranger who looked familiar even though she was positive she’d never met him. She searched her memory until it came to her. Andrew Michaels. She saw his picture in her Los Angeles newspaper a lot. The last time he’d posed on the courthouse steps, relief radiated from his eyes as he smiled for the cameras after achieving a guilty verdict on a high profile murder case.

How dare he show up here? Thanks to her Desmond couldn’t harm anyone anymore. A cold chill rolled through her. Perhaps the district attorney had come for her.

Undecided if she should bolt or approach the man, Jackie was suddenly frozen in a time past when Marcus DeMario stepped into view.

The sight of him took her breath away just like the first time she saw him all those years ago. She watched him step away from the limousine and weave around headstones in her direction. As he neared, she saw his features had changed little. What had changed was the hardness in his composure, a coldness that sent another chill through her.

With her chin tucked into her chest, she watched him step up to the casket to pay last respects. Once or twice his steely eyes glanced her way. But he showed no signs of recognizing her.

Of course he wouldn’t recognize you, she reminded herself. You were just a disposable piece of property to the man.

But Marcus did recognize her. Not the first time he glanced in her direction. The second time his gaze traveled up her black nylons he knew of only one pair of legs so perfect. But what was Jackie Bertoni doing at Desmond Sinclair’s funeral? What was she doing in America?

Purchase Book Here

Twitter

2009-05-07T03:04:00.004-04:00

Since twitter appears to be the new social network place to be, I thought I'd give it a try. It seems pretty simple to figure out. Now if only I remember to post there. Anyone who wants to follow my tweets you can get there here.

The other news is I updated my website. Go have a look see when you have a spare minute.
My Website

Until Next Time...Debra

My Books

2009-02-08T20:08:00.001-05:00

I Got My Wish

2008-12-20T00:49:00.002-05:00

for a coating of snow for Christmas that is. The beautiful white stuff covered everything in sight earlier today. Another show of the white flakes is due to hit Sunday. Enough with the weather. Are you ready for that exciting news I have to share? Here goes:

Harlequin offered to buy the mass-market reprint rights to my novel, A Dangerous Woman for their World Wide Mystery line. A wonderful Christmas present don't you think? I can't wait for this edition of the book. I don't have a publication date yet. But you can be sure I'll share as soon as I do.

Wishing all a wonderful holiday season.

Until Next Time...Debra

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-14T02:19:00.003-05:00

The shopping is finished, gifts almost wrapped. Next up is the baking and cooking. Then all that's needed is a coating of snow for the big day.

Be back with you soon with that news I have to share. Debra

Exciting News

2008-11-15T19:28:00.002-05:00

I received news the other day that still has me wondering if it's real. I know it is, but until the deal is closed I'm not celebrating too much. All I can say for now is I will have exciting news to share soon. So stay tuned. Yes, this has to do with one of my books.

On a personal note, I'm excited about some recent contacts. Must be something in the air because I've had three old friends I haven't spoken to in years contact me. These are friends from way back in high school and that was a long, long time ago.

For now, I'm going to enjoy the exciting news and old friends because you never know what tomorrow might bring.

Until Next Time...Debra

My return, finally

2008-11-02T00:54:00.002-04:00

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since late June. Not good for my readers so I do apologize. It was a busy summer and fall is about as hectic.

Did I tell you I'm working on a new book. It's the first in a new series. I'm really excited about it. I love the characters. Though I get a bit tired of the sleepless nights a few are causing me.

I'm also trying to finish the third book in my Fay Cunningham Mystery Series. This book has some real big surprises. I must warn that it's a lot darker than A DANGEROUS WOMAN and DEADLY ARROWS.

I'll post a brief synopsis and possible excerpt of both soon.

Until Next Time...Debra

2008-06-23T17:59:00.002-04:00

Video-Dangerous Bedfellows

2008-05-18T18:32:00.003-04:00

Dangerous Bedfellows-Released

2008-03-01T03:06:00.004-05:00

Hurray! Dangerous Bedfellows is now available as an e-book. A combination of terror and excitement is settling in. Will readers like it? Will they hate it? Will they get it? Now you see why the emotional roller coaster. Anyway, for those eager to give the book a shot, just give a click here.

Dangerous Bedfellows-Cover

2008-02-26T20:29:00.007-05:00

I'm thrilled with the cover for my upcoming release Dangerous Bedfellows.

The e-book will be available for purchase soon. So all interested, please keep checking back.

Here's an unedited version of the opening paragraph:

Jackie's gaze wandered from headstones to somber faces. But not to the casket that held the body of her only true friend Desmond Sinclair. She recognized all of the people standing around her. Except for...

A longer excerpt is posted here.

New Contract-New Book

2008-01-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

I'm back with great news. I just signed a contract for a new book. Dangerous Bedfellows will be available soon as an e-book. This book is a stand alone and quite different from my Fay Cunningham series. Yes, there's mystery and murder. But Jackie, my main character isn't anything at all like Fay. She's a much darker character. I'm not even sure readers will like her. I guess you'll need to read the book and let me know.

Dangerous Bedfellows is the disturbing and rewarding story of Jackie. Damaged goods. That's one way to describe Ms. Bertoni. Survivor is another after the traumatic childhood she endured at the hands of her father in Italy. With the help of the American filmmaker her boyfriend sold her to for a week of sexual pleasure, she is able to fulfill her lifelong dream to escape to America. Life is good to her in the land of the free. She becomes a successful movie producer. Sixteen years slip by before the big betrayal when Jackie knows she'll never be free-never whole-able to trust another man until she gets even with the three who stole her life.

Sound interesting? To those who answered yes, check back often for the release date and purchase information. I promise it will be soon.

Until Next Time...Debra

That Magical Time Of The Year Is Here

2007-12-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

It Snowed Today

2007-11-19T00:26:00.000-05:00

and the upcoming holiday isn't Christmas. I love the white stuff once a year. On Christmas day. So I'm hopeful the weatherman is right and the snow will be history before Thanksgiving.

For all in this country who celebrate the holiday, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm cooking and looking forward to enjoying the feast. Actually, it's the leftovers I crave. Nothing like a hot turkey sandwich smothered with gravy. Yum.

Now I'm off to kill someone. For anyone just tuning in, I write murder mysteries. So that will be one of my characters dying tonight.

Until Next Time...Debra

Halloween/New Mystery Series

2007-11-02T00:18:00.000-04:00

Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays. But for some reason I just couldn't get into it this year. Am I getting old? Or probably more accurate, I don't scare that easily anymore. Which brings me to one of the problems I'm facing.

I've been trying to get back to work on my third Fay Cunningham mystery, but continue to hit a snag. It's not that the story isn't working. It's Fay. She's a changing and I'm not sure I like where she's headed. So I'm thinking it's time to work on the new series I've been contemplating. Next problem, I can't seem to find a lead character I'm going to enjoy spending weeks, months, and hopefully years with. I've almost decided to just take this new character and make her as different as night and day to Fay. Then when I become frustrated with her, I'll return to Fay and have some fun. I guess that's the real problem here. As Fay grows as a character, I'm having trouble letting it happen. I want her to stay the same. I guess my earlier statement that I don't scare that easily anymore wasn't true because my indecision about Fay and creating a new character I want to spend countless hours with is scaring the heck out of me.

The thing is I know I'm going to have one of those moment's when it will hit me and I'll know exactly what to do. I'm not sure when this will happen. But it will. The sleepless nights will be history and my fingers will be flying across the keyboard as I spin a web of lies for readers.

Until Next Time...Debra

Yuwie

2007-09-09T19:09:00.000-04:00

For everyone who enjoys myspace, I wanted to let you know about a new site that is similar. The big difference is you get paid to do all that networking. Go have a look and check it out. Click on Yuwie.

If you want to see the page I have there, click here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Not Dead

2007-08-16T02:11:00.000-04:00

Or on Summer Vacation. Yes, I've been way bad by not adding to my blog. Will it help if I tell you I've been a busy little beaver working on a book? It's true. When I'm drafting a book I tend to get lost in my make believe world. Sorry, but there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all I'd like. If only I didn't have to take time to sleep. I know I'd be able to accomplish most of my to-do-list.

I will confess I don't spend 24/7 working. What fun would that be? Although I will admit I love my work most of the time. When the words are flowing, it's heaven. When they're not...well, let's not go there.

It's been a productive summer for me and I'm not in any hurry for it to come to a close. But, fall is my favorite season. So with any luck, I'll finish my manuscript by the time the leaves change and I have more time to chat.

Until Next Time....Be Well And Take Time To Read A Good Book....One Of Mine Will Do Just Fine....Debra

In Celebration...

2007-06-30T00:18:00.000-04:00

Of Independence Day in the good old USA I invite all to visit this site.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2007-06-15T19:15:00.000-04:00

Okay, Dads, time to kick back and enjoy the day.

Cooling Off

2007-06-05T19:34:00.001-04:00

I thought the cover of DEADLY ARROWS might help cool off those experiencing a heatwave in their neck of the woods. Reading an excerpt might also help. So here goes.

My boots dug into the crusted snow as I swung my bow forward. A twig snapped nearby and I jerked my head around fearing a hunter. I listened. Silence. I ordered myself to remain focused.

The postal truck rounded the curve and slid to a stop alongside a rotted two-by-four supporting the mailbox. The driver reached out the window and stuffed a bundle of envelopes into the rusty box. Then the vehicle’s rear tires spun on a patch of ice before it launched forward and disappeared around the bend in the road.

Just like clockwork, she appeared at the cabin door. Wearing only a tee shirt and jeans, she dashed for the mailbox. As she came around to the front of the box, I pulled back on the string, hesitated, then released.

The arrow hurtled between the trees. The direct hit sent a spine-tingling thud through the forest. I sucked in a breath of frigid air as I watched her stagger backward then crumple to the ground.

It was done. Time to go. Read more...

Purchase the book

Forgetting

2007-06-05T18:53:00.001-04:00

No, I haven't forgotten to blog. I just haven't had much of anything I wanted to say. For those following my post about attempting to bring down my cholesterol, that's where the forgetting comes into play. I keep forgetting to get on the scales to see if I've dropped any weight. I think this is an intentional lapse of memory since I haven't been on the treadmill for a while. I could say I've been too busy, but that wouldn't be the honest to God truth. I could make the time. The good news is, I haven't become a couch potato either. I've been filling my flower beds with an assortment of summer beauties. Add pulling weeds to this along with other yard work and I figure I'm getting a good amount of physical exercise. It's certainly a lot less boring than walking on a treadmill. Oh and I've been trying to add more fruits and veggies to my daily intake of food.

My third Fay Cunningham mystery is going slow. Things are becoming more complicated than I'd planned. A few characters refuse to do or say what I think they should. Even as I write this blog, one of my characters is talking to me--interrupting my train of thought. She's insisting I give the manuscript another subplot. I don't see it happening. At least not in the first draft of the work. Then again, it might not be such a bad idea. It would certainly add more conflict to the pages. And conflict on the page is a good thing. My character is on the verge of winning here. Time to go do some serious thinking--outlining.

Until Next Time...Debra

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2007-05-13T21:18:00.000-04:00

Wishing Mom's around the world a Mother's Day they will cherish forever! Debra

Illegal Drug Questions

2007-04-27T18:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, here's the deal. I'm working on my third Fay Cunningham mystery and have some questions. In this book, young people are dying. I don't have the story line all worked out. But, the book opens with the suspicious death of a recovering heroin addict. There are two reasons why my first victim in this new book is a heroin addict in recovery. One, there have been a large number of deaths in my neck of the woods due to heroin overdose in the past several years. Arrest are being made, but that hasn't stopped the growing number of overdose deaths. Two, I have a family member struggling with this devastating addiction. So here are my questions that I'd like your answers to.
1. Do you believe someone should be put in jail for using an illegal drug? Before you answer, remember that I'm only asking about if they should be jailed for using the drug.
2. Do you believe the billions of dollars the US government spends annually on the war on drugs is working?
I'm asking the second question because I'm having a hard time believing it is. In my quest for answers, I've run across an interesting organization. LEAP(Law Enforcement Against Prohibition).
So I guess my third question for all to ponder is, do you think it's time to listen to what these folks at LEAP are saying?

Until Next Time...Debra

The Pounds Are Finally Coming Off!

2007-04-03T01:39:00.000-04:00

I'm back to report that I haven't fallen off the treadmill, though you might of thought I'd fallen off the face of the earth since I haven't posted lately. The weather's been terrific around my neck of the woods lately so I do my walking outdoors, mostly. If I don't get the workout in before the sun goes down, look out treadmill, here I come. Looks like I'll be doing more of the indoor exercising the next several days since the weatherman painted a dreary picture for the days ahead.

The good news is I finally stopped gaining weight(muscle) from all this working out. I've actually lost two whole pounds.

Anybody read any good books lately? I'm having a terrible time finding one that keeps me turning the pages. Usually when this happens, it means I'm about to take the plunge and start writing a new one. I've been seriously thinking about a new mystery series. I'm waiting for a character to begin talking to me. Several keep popping into my thoughts. But that special one has yet to be heard from.

Until Next Time...Debra

It's Not Snowing, but

2007-03-19T00:55:00.000-04:00

I got a treadmill. If you read my last post you know I need to get my cholesterol down before my next doctor visit. I never used a treadmill before. So the other night when I hauled one home and talked my husband into helping me put it together, I stepped aboard. I read somewhere you get a better workout if you don't hold onto the handrails. So I let go, began swinging my arms, then tapped the button on the console to increase the speed. If not for those handrails I grabbed, I would've done a nose dive into the floor. Ouch! Carpet burns on the face would be a bit difficult to explain, don't you think?

The only time I ever stepped onto scales to do a weight check was on my yearly visit to the doctor. Since I decided to exercise and watch my diet, I've been checking my weight. Tonight when I stepped on the scales I know shock radiated from every facial feature. I've now gained a total of six pounds. Wait a minute, I thought diet and exercise made you lose weight. The workouts, added fruits and vegetables to meals doesn't seem to be working. Must need some sweets. A hefty slice of leftover Milky Way cake from a family member's birthday is sitting on the counter waiting for someone do something with it. Need I say more?

Until Next Time...Debra

More Snow

2007-03-17T00:24:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why I haven't posted since our last snow storm. Could it have something to do with the white stuff drifting across the land? I've swept off my front porch a dozen times today. Each time I put the dog out, I get a workout with the broom. I figure if I wait until the storm's over I'll have to do some pretty heavy shoveling. I don't think I'm in shape for that just yet. Although I did take several long walks this week, giving the legs a hefty workout. I couldn't resist the sixty and seventy degree temperatures we had here earlier this week. Then again, there's a good chance the walks had more to do with trying on my swimsuit from last year and taking a look in the mirror.

Here's the real truth behind the walks. I finally decided I was long overdue having my cholesterol checked since I never had. Come to find out it's higher than it should be. I'm not in the danger zone yet. A little exercise and watching what I eat should keep me from needing to go on meds. Okay, the day I get the news, I decide to start exercising and watching what I eat. A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Yum. The exercise is a half hour of weight lifting or a long walk. Three weeks of the oatmeal and exercise and I gain three pounds. When I mention this to a neighbor, he says I'm bulking up from the weights. So that explains the clothes fitting tighter. Wonder what it's doing to my cholesterol numbers? The doctor gave me six months to get the number down. I'm checking into treadmills next.

Until Next Time...Debra

Snow Storm

2007-02-24T23:46:00.000-05:00

Here we go again. On Valentine's Day we got hit pretty hard. The snow's supposed to be coming again tomorrow. Though the weatherman seems determined it won't be as bad as the Valentine's Day storm. Let it snow. The cupboards are stocked and so is the refrigerator. Should the power go out, I'll be okay. I can cook on the grill in the garage and stay warm by throwing wood on the fire. I can read by candlelight and fantasize about being on a sunny beach instead of in Pennsylvania during a winter snow storm.

Even if the weatherman is wrong and we get hammered again, you won't hear me complain too much. After all, once the last storm passed I spent a big part of the afternoon sled riding with my three year old grandson. Haven't had that much fun in ages. The real kicker is I had no trouble getting out of bed the next day when I figured every muscle in my body would retaliate from being overworked. Guess I'm in better shape than I thought.

Update: I'm on myspace and recently revised my page. If anyone wants to run over and have a look click here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Sidney Sheldon

2007-02-01T19:01:00.000-05:00

I was saddened to hear of Sidney Sheldon's passing. He was an incredible writer. The Other Side Of Midnight was the first book I read by him, though not his first. I went on to read all of his books. I don't think another writer affected me or my writing quite like Mr. Sheldon. So, this is a tribute to you, Mr. Sheldon.

New Blog Look

2007-01-28T02:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, I've been neglecting my blog again. Sorry. But you have to give me some credit. I spent the last hour tinkering with a new look for the blog. So what do you think? In my humble opinion it's much easier reading on the eyes. For newcomers, the last blog had a dark blue background with white lettering.

I won't bore anyone on what I've been doing since the new year arrived. But I will say it's been a rip roaring start for 2007. I'm hopeful this means the year will end more peaceful.

I just finished an online writing workshop that has been helpful with tearing apart the manuscript I'm working on. The fun part will be putting it back together without doing damage. So wish me luck!

Until Next Time...Debra

Happy New Year To All!

2006-12-31T01:13:00.000-05:00

I want to begin 2007 with a sincere wish to all for a peaceful, rewarding and wonderful year.
See you all soon...Debra

Another Computer Nightmare

2006-12-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

Another computer nightmare

It seems like just yesterday I had my last computer nightmare. But I know it was probably over a year ago. Only this time my problem wasn't with the hard drive.

My nightmare began a week ago. These annoying sounds began coming from my computer. Bells and whistles going off for no apparent reason. The little arrow my mouse points wouldn't go where I wanted it to go. I couldn't type the letter y. I never realized how many times I use that letter.

Call tech support, this little voice inside my head said. No way. Been there, done that many times before. In most of those incidences I ended up fixing the problem myself. Determined to solve the problem on my own, I went to work. Three days later, the computer is on its way out the window when I caved in.

Two hours on the line with tech support running the same test I'd already done and the tech guy tells me I need a new keyboard. He'd transfer me to hardware so I could order it.

Tech support cost me $41.00. New keyboard, $29.00, shipping included.

Next time I'm going directly to the hardware department.

Today the frustration has passed. My new keyboard arrived. Three days before it was due to ship. Imagine that!

Until Next Time...Debra

Organic Farming

2006-11-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

I just watched a news report on the growing demand for organic food. When I began my Fay Cunningham Mystery Series, you heard little news about organic farming. Over the years I’ve been known to do things before others. Perhaps that’s why Mitch Malone, one of my main characters, retired as police chief to become an organic farmer. Wish I could remember exactly how I came up with Mitch’s new line of work. I’ll have to dig out the original notebook I used for character sketching when I began the series.

It seems agents and editors don’t want a mystery series unless it has that super powerful hook. We have hooks that include, recipes, wineries, hairdressers, house cleaners, veterinarians, and a ton of others.

Dare I say it? Have I been incorrectly marketing my series? After all, I don’t recall a series that teams a retired police chief, turned organic farmer with a menopausal small town newspaper publisher. You have to admit the odd pairing makes creating conflict on the page inevitable. And of course a whole lot of fun for me.

Until Next Time...Debra

Interview

2006-10-14T13:50:00.000-04:00

As promised, Lonnie Cruse posted the interview she did with me on her blog today. For those interested, just give a click here to read it.

Comments would be appreciated. Until Next Time...Debra

2006-10-13T22:36:00.000-04:00

Redemption

A Book Trailer For My Thriller Redemption

Interview

2006-10-07T23:43:00.000-04:00

Maybe if I post it here, I'll remember-or someone can remind me-Lonnie Cruse will be interviewing me on her blog October 14th. She's interviewed a lot of authors so you might want to go have a look now. Here's the link.

Until Next Time...Debra

Deadly Arrows by Debra Lee

2006-09-25T22:26:00.000-04:00


A NOVEL trailer for Debra Lee's new Fay Cunningham's mystery, Deadly Arrows

My Publisher Works Fast

2006-08-30T19:34:00.000-04:00

And I mean fast. Deadly Arrows just went live on my publisher's website. Now don't forget, this is only available as an ebook. But that shouldn't be a problem. It's not a thick book, just long enough to tell the story I needed to tell. I have an excerpt posted on my website

But if you're ready to make the purchase now, give a run over to my publisher's website.

I'm anxious to hear what readers have to say about Deadly Arrows. If you're one of them, give me your thoughts on the book.

Until Next Time....Debra

Deadly Arrows-The Cover Art

2006-08-25T20:23:00.000-04:00

Deadly Arrows-Cover Art

2006-08-24T22:07:00.000-04:00

My publisher just sent me a copy of the cover art for Deadly Arrows and I had to share. The only problem is blogger won't let me upload the picture. So if you want a look run on over to my website. I love the cover. How about you?

Great News!!!!

2006-08-21T01:57:00.000-04:00

Drumroll please-The great-wonderful-celebratory news is-another drumroll please! Deadly Arrows, the long awaited sequel to A Dangerous Woman is going to be published very soon. I'll update you as soon as I have the release date. In the meantime I've put up an excerpt on my website. So give a run over there, scroll down to where it says read excerpt and click. I hope you'll want to read on to see if Fay stays out of the murder investigation of Mitch's niece, per his request, or if she just can't help herself and does some snooping around.

Be back with you the minute I have more news to report. Until then...Debra

War-torn Lebanon

2006-07-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

My emotions are all over the place again. I wrote my love story, Heartbeat years ago. After the bombing in Beirut when over two hundred of our G.I.'s were killed. At the time, all I could think about was the heartache those dead soldiers families suffered. Eventually, these two characters started to talk to me, telling me to write their story. Hence, Heartbeat.

Heartbeat is the story of two young lovers compelled by fate to live apart, yet destined to love each other forever. Moving from Pennsylvania to California and finally war-torn Lebanon, this is a genuine love story.

I don't want characters who suffer the aftermath of this dreadful violence in Lebanon to start talking to me again. Please stop the killing.....Until next time...Debra

What I've Been Doing

2006-06-12T22:29:00.000-04:00

One thing I've been doing is creating a page at myspace.com. I can't believe the number of authors I'm finding there. Here's the link if you want to go have a look. It took me a while to figure out how to add my book covers. I needed to learn more of that dreaded coding stuff. It's really not that hard.

Something else I've been doing, which is a lot more fun than learning codes, is more research for my next Fay Cunningham book. I can't have Fay trying to outrun a killer on a jet ski without some first hand knowledge on operating one, now can I?

You probably noticed my hair style's differnet in this picture. I thought I'd go long again. Don't tell anyone, but I think it has something to do with turning fifty recently. Maybe that's another reason I'm jetting up and down the Susquehanna River most weekends. If I don't drown or get run over by a speed boat, I'll give a more detailed report on my river adventures soon. Until next time...Debra Lee

Knee Surgery

2006-04-11T13:51:00.000-04:00

Well, I didn't chicken out! Had the surgery and am doing just fine. I have no pain, imagine that! I only had the arthoscopic surgery so I was able to walk on the leg right away. The downside is that I don't get to sit on the butt for as long as I'd planned. Instead of spending hours escaping into other worlds reading the oodles of books I have here, my sitting time will be spent writing. But that's not all bad. I'm sort of anxious to see how Fay solves this next murder. At least I hope that's how it turns out. Now I'm off in search of a clue.

Until Next Time...Debra

Another One!

2006-03-26T14:05:00.000-05:00

Isn't it about time for another update? The question was put to me again. So here goes. I've been taking another look at the sequel to A Dangerous Woman. All finished for now. Next up, knee surgery. Ouch! I've been putting off the necessary repair work. Now I'm about to take the plunge. Though I could chicken out the day of... Provided all goes as planned, I'm about to have loads of free time to write. I mean what else can one do while sitting with leg elevated? This is a great opportunity to plop the butt on my recliner, arrange laptop on lap and peck away at the keyboard. I've already done a sizeable chunk of work on the third Fay Cunningham mystery. So the plan is to move closer to the finish line during the recovery period from knee surgery.

The next time I'm reminded my blog needs an update, I hope to report a successful surgery and murder. Until next time...Debra

Update You Say!

2006-02-23T00:55:00.000-05:00

I've had a few complaints. You must keep your blog updated, a friend said. Okay, how about this for an update. I finally left my slow dial-up connection to the world and now use DSL. Wow! The speed is amazing. Why haven't you done this sooner, you ask? Well, it's only recently become available where I live, sort of in the boon docks. But if truth be told, I dreaded changing my email address at a zillion locations. Not to mention I'll have to reorder business cards and other promotional material containing my email address.

Besides updating my email address everywhere, I'm rewriting a manuscript for the-okay, I'm not mentioning numbers here. Let's just say I'm doing the last draft. One can dream you know.

Until next time...Debra

Happy Holidays

2005-12-16T02:00:00.000-05:00

To those who celebrate I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I know I'm a bit early, but I might not make another appearance before the holiday. I can't believe I have my shopping and wrapping almost finished. I even baked cookies. Of course we're on our second Christmas tree. We've been putting up a real one again. There were a few years we went with artificial, then back to the real McCoy. Over the years I've had kitties climb the tree and I was forever picking balls and lights off the floor. But I can't blame the little furbabies on the need for a second tree. When my husband brought the first one in the house, I had trouble looking at the bean pole. So out the door it went and tree number two entered. This baby is gigantic-takes up half the living room. It's beautiful. Until next time...Debra

Giving Thanks

2005-11-20T23:40:00.000-05:00

Popping in to wish all who celebrate a wonderful Thanksgiving. I keep reminding myself I've much to be thankful for. I know I've been an absent landlord of my blog again. Of course there's no excuse. But will it help if I tell you I've been firming up an old manuscript? I've also suffered some heartbreaking family issues which have taken a tremenduous amount of my time. No, I've no desire to share. But I will once again tell all I've much to be thankful for and will give special thanks on the upcoming holiday I've always shared with my family. Until next time...Debra

I'm Back

2005-10-04T22:33:00.000-04:00

I apologize for being an absent landlord of this blog. Now that I'm approaching the big five O and just celebrated my thirtieth wedding anniversary, time seems to fly by at lightning speed. Never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish all I want. I honestly don't understand when someone tells me they're bored. Who has time for boredom?

Now that fall has arrived, my favorite season, I plan on plunging into the third book in my Fay Cunningham series. I already wrote a large chunk of the story in my head. Next up is getting it on the computer. I'm hoping an agent or editor soon says yes to the sequel of A Dangerous Woman. But is New York interested in a menopausal small town newspaper publisher who is constantly trying to remain one step ahead of landing six feet under? I know readers are waiting for Fay's next adventure because they've told me so. Stay tuned folks because I promise it won't be long before Deadly Arrows will be available. Then after Fay dodges a few deadly arrows she's going to be on the water. I'll tell you more about that adventure a little later. Right now I need to give Fay a few pointers on how to keep a jet ski upright while doing donuts.
Until Next Time...Debra

Link Exchange

2005-08-27T00:54:00.000-04:00

I finally took time to figure out how to add links to this blog. Sometimes I'm not very technology savvy. It took a while to learn how to do the coding. Truthfully, it took hours. Anyway, for those who'd like to exchange blog or website links, just give a holler. But don't wait too long because I can't guarantee I'll remember how to do this next week. Until next time...Debra