Tuesday, March 29, 2011
HEARTBEAT-Coming Soon
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
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Dangerous Bedfellows-excerpt
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
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Deadly Arrows (A Fay Cunningham Mystery-Book 2)-$2.99
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
Monday, March 21, 2011
A Dangerous Woman (A Fay Cunningham Mystery- Book 1)99 cent sale
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
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Taken-99 cent sale
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
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Redemption-Excerpt #2
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
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Redemption-Excerpt
“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
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Read an Ebook Week
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
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Dangerous Bedfellows-Updated Cover/Price
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
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Redemption-Kindle
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
Friday, February 25, 2011
Redemption-99 cents
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
Friday, February 18, 2011
Deadly Arrows (A Fay Cunningham Mystery-Book 2)
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
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Dangerous Woman-Kindle
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
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
A Dangerous Woman-A Fay Cunningham Mystery (Book#1)
Also, the book will be available at Amazon for your kindle in a day or two. So stay tuned.
Until Next Time...Debra
Friday, February 04, 2011
Dangerous Bedfellows-Kindle
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 $2.99. All you have to do is Click Here.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book.
Debra
Monday, January 31, 2011
Dangerous Bedfellows
Give me another day and the book will also be available at Amazon to download to your kindle.
Until Next Time...Debra
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Taken-$.99
Click here and the link will take you to smashwords.
Until Next Time...Debra
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Deadly Arrows
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
Monday, September 27, 2010
Taken-Amazon
Enjoy!
Debra
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Dangerous Woman
Until Next Time...Debra
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Taken-Review
Monday, September 06, 2010
Taken-News
Until next time...Debra
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Taken at Smashwords
Just give a click here to begin reading.
Enjoy...Debra
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Taken
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
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Analyze your prose
Click here for site.
According to it, I write like J.D. Salinger!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
A Dangerous Woman-New Review
Until Next Time...Debra
Saturday, March 27, 2010
New Background
Sunday, March 07, 2010
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
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
A Dangerous Woman-Review

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
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Deadly Arrows-Review

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
Saturday, October 17, 2009
New Cover

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
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Happy Dance
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
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Dangerous Woman
Monday, September 14, 2009
A WONDERFUL SURPRISE
Until Next Time...Debra
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Author Page
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Redemption-Excerpt

“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

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
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
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
Purchase Book Here
Thursday, May 07, 2009
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
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I Got My Wish
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
Sunday, December 14, 2008
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Be back with you soon with that news I have to share. Debra
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Exciting News
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
Sunday, November 02, 2008
My return, finally
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
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Dangerous Bedfellows-Released
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Dangerous Bedfellows-Cover

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.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
New Contract-New Book
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
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
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
It Snowed Today
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
Friday, November 02, 2007
Halloween/New Mystery Series
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
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Yuwie
If you want to see the page I have there, click here.
Until Next Time...Debra
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Not Dead
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
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Cooling Off
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...
Forgetting
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
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Illegal Drug Questions
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
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
The Pounds Are Finally Coming Off!
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
Monday, March 19, 2007
It's Not Snowing, but
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
Saturday, March 17, 2007
More Snow
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
Saturday, February 24, 2007
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
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Sidney Sheldon
Sunday, January 28, 2007
New Blog Look
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
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy New Year To All!
See you all soon...Debra
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
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
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Organic Farming
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
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Interview
Comments would be appreciated. Until Next Time...Debra
Friday, October 13, 2006
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Deadly Arrows by Debra Lee
| A NOVEL trailer for Debra Lee's new Fay Cunningham's mystery, Deadly Arrows | |
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
My Publisher Works Fast
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
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Deadly Arrows-Cover Art
Monday, August 21, 2006
Great News!!!!
Be back with you the minute I have more news to report. Until then...Debra
Friday, July 21, 2006
War-torn Lebanon

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
Monday, June 12, 2006
What I've Been Doing

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.
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
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Knee Surgery
Until Next Time...Debra
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Another One!
The next time I'm reminded my blog needs an update, I hope to report a successful surgery and murder. Until next time...Debra
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Update You Say!
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
Friday, December 16, 2005
Happy Holidays
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Giving Thanks
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
I'm Back
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


