Book Chain 15: Double Jack (The Crime Files of Katy Green #1) by Gene O'Neill

Book Chain Campaign: BookChain15: Tracking Log for:

Double Jack (The Crime Files of Katy Green #1) by Gene O'Neill:

i. Bought from Dark Moon Books, September, 2024

ii. Given from Eric J. Guignard to Marielle Horst, January 21, 2025

iii. Where to next...? Only chance and the last reader involved may determine! #BookChainChallenge

###

NOTES:

Book back copy: Book #1 in the series, THE CRIME FILES OF KATY GREEN

The novella that started it all!

It’s night, Sacramento, and single female drivers who break down on the side of Interstate-5 are relieved to see the highway safety CalTrans truck arrive to give assistance… until they realize that’s not what the 400-pound ex-boxer who gets out has in mind…

Such is the M.O. of serial killer, Jack Malenko, who preys on women in distress in full sight of passing traffic. Assigned to the notorious case are homicide detectives Katy Green and Johnny Cato, dubbed by the press as Sacramento’s “Green Hornet and Cato.” However, from the beginning of this case, the two detectives seem to continually be one step behind their huge killer… and each day that passes brings worse news and fresh victims.

How fast can they track down the predatory monster to save further lives, and if they do find him, can they save their own lives in the violent encounter?

With Introduction by John Palisano

and Interior Illustrations by Greg Chapman

Discover why readers have been applauding this stark, fast-paced noir series by multiple-award-winning author Gene O’Neill! Read each volume and then continue with the other shocking case files of Sacramento’s “Green Hornet and Cato”!

·         THE CRIME FILES OF KATY GREEN #1: DOUBLE JACK (a novella)

·         THE CRIME FILES OF KATY GREEN #2: SHADOW OF THE DARK ANGEL
·         THE CRIME FILES OF KATY GREEN #3: DEATHFLASH

·         THE CRIME FILES OF KATY GREEN #4: A STICK OF DOUBLEMINT.

(pub. Dark Moon Books, October 1, 2017)

Available here: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/double_jack.html

And reviewed on:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Double-Jack-Crime-Files-Green/dp/194949120X

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-jack-gene-oneill/1127136395?ean=9781949491203

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36387441-double-jack

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AND READ WHAT #BOOKCHAIN IS ABOUT HERE!  

https://ericjguignard.blogspot.com/2024/06/book-chain.html

Release Day for: EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #7: A PRIMER TO GEMMA FILES

New release today by Dark Moon Books!!

EXPLORING DARK SHORT FICTION #7: A PRIMER TO GEMMA FILES

Named “One of the genre's most original and innovative voices” (L.A. Review of Books) and “An expert at terrifying prose” (LitReactor), Canadian author Gemma Files has been penning gritty and macabre fiction since 1993, earning industry awards and critical acclaim from sources such as National Public Radio, Publishers Weekly, and The National Post. Files imbues her cross-genre work with layers like dark stratum: heartbreak upon horror, built over the vignettes of life we may find ourselves in, but for one slight turn of reality.

Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to her work, the seventh in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover—or learn more of—the evocative voice of Gemma Files, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich.

Included within these pages are:

• Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book

• Author interview

• Biography and bibliography

• Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)

•  … and more!

Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Gemma Files.

###

Title: Exploring Dark Short Fiction #7: A Primer to Gemma Files

By: Edited by Eric J. Guignard (including Short Fiction authored by Gemma Files), with academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD, and illustrations by Michelle Prebich

Price: $24.95 for hardback; $14.95 for print and $4.99 for electronic

Publisher: Dark Moon Books (Los Angeles, CA)

Format: Available in HARDBACK, TRADE PAPERBACK and ELECTRONIC media

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-949491-47-0 (hardback); 978-1-949491-45-6 (trade paperback) 978-1-949491-46-3 (e-book)

Number of pages: 220

Date of publication: February 4, 2025 

Praise for the Exploring Dark Short Books series:

“A fascinating study for fans seeking new reads and for librarians developing wide-ranging collections.” —Library Journal

“Refreshing and much-needed... Addresses significant themes and figures within the horror field.” —Locus Magazine

"An insightful look at the working methods and underlying concerns of some of the foremost exponents of the short story form, appealing to both intellect and the emotions.” —Black Static Magazine

###

Publisher’s Page: http://www.darkmoonbooks.com/Primer_7.html

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Dark-Short-Fiction-Primer/dp/1949491471/

Also available on all other online distribution sites, including B&N, Bookshop.org, Kobo, etc. 

***

#ericjguignard #ericguignard #Booksofericjguignard #bookstagram #horror #horrorstories #horrorshortstories #darkfiction #darkfantasy #shortstories #primers #exploringdarkshortfiction #darkmoonbooks #collection #michaelarnzen #mikearnzen #michelleprebich #batinyourbelfry #Gemma Files

Cover Reveal for my second collection: A GRAVESIDE GALLERY: TALES OF GHOSTS AND DARK MATTERS

Behold: #coverreveal for my second collection coming out through Cemetery Dance !!

A GRAVESIDE GALLERY: TALES OF GHOSTS AND DARK MATTERS

(art by Alexander Nazolkin)

So absolutely in love with this, and cannot wait for April 22 release date!

Kindle preorders here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVJ2XDXH

Paperback preorders here: https://www.cemeterydance.com/AGravesideGallery.html

More about the book here: http://ericjguignard.com/a_graveside_gallery.html

***

#ericjguignard #GravesideGallery #ericguignard #Booksofericjguignard #horror #bookstagram #cemeterydance #cemeterydancepublications #horrorstories #horrorshortstories #shortstories #collection #darkfiction #booklover #fantasy #darkfantasy #bookworm #horrorlife #horrorcommunity #horrorfanatics #horrorlovers #horrorgeeks #promotebooks #horrorfans #readmorebooks #amreading #amreadinghorror

February, 2025 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets

HWA L.A.: For February, 2025
New or Reopening Market Listings/ Notes
At Minimum Pro-Paying (5 cents+ per word)

Modern Mummies (anthology, Cat Eye Press)

https://www.cateyepress.com/submissions

Payment: 5 cents a word (1 cent/word for reprints)

Story Length: 1,500–5,000 words

Deadline: Open February 1 through February 28, 2025

Reprints?: Yes

Response: unknown

Description: Looking to update the “mummy genre.” Diverse stories about “Modern mummies,” which could also mean a modern-day person being mummified and its ramifications. We’d like you to think about how social media or our politics might react to a “new wave” of mummification. And what does that say about death in the modern era?

Merganzer Magazine

https://mergansermagazine.com/about.html

Payment: 8 cents a word (poetry at $1 USD per line)

Story Length: up to 2,000 words

Deadline: Currently open (no ending date listed)

Reprints?: No

Response: unknown

Description:

Story Length: up to 2,000 words

Deadline: Currently open (no ending date listed)

Reprints?: No

Response: unknown

Description: Strong prose and poetry covering a wide range of material, whose work transcends disciplines and genres.

The Cosmic Background

https://www.thecosmicbackground.com/guidelines

Payment: 10 cents a word (3 cents/word for reprints)

Story Length: up to 1,000 words (soft range/ a bit over is okay)

Deadline: Currently open (no ending date listed)

Reprints?: Yes

Response: unknown

Description: Slipstream/ speculative flash fiction stories: character-focused writing, with an emphasis on voice.

Elder Things Expeditions (anthology)

https://www.hiraethsffh.com/elder-things-expeditions

Payment: 8 cents a word for the 1^st 3,000 words and 3 cents a word thereafter

Story Length: 3,000–6,000 words

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Reprints?: No

Response: 90 days

Description: Short horror Lovecraftian-esque stories relating to exploration of Antarctica, and leading to revelations about the nature of the denizens, normal and paranormal, residing there.

Wrath Month (Bona Books)

https://www.bona-books.com/submissions

Payment: 8 cents a word

Story Length: up to 6,000 words

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Reprints?: No

Response: July 31, 2025

Description: Fantasy, science-fiction, and horror short stories that embrace punk and queer rage: Wrath lies at the heart of queer liberation—it can be a spur to action and the only righteous response to a world that would prefer we didn’t exist. So crash mainframes, collapse empires, and break normativity. Pride month is over. It’s time for—Wrath Month!

Assemble Artifacts Magazine (Assemble Media)

https://www.assemblemedia.com/artifacts

Payment: 8–10 cents a word

Story Length: “at least” 5,000 words (soft range)

Deadline: ongoing

Reprints?: No

Response: Responses only for acceptance. Assume rejection if no response after 90 days.

Description: Stories of wonder and suspense that also reflect contemporary issues and incite meaningful conversation. (*NOTE: Submitters, double-check the rights that are being sold with work).

***Non-PRO-Paying Market, but Eric J. Guignard’s “Pick of the Month”

Myths Reborn: Modern Tales of Cryptids & Dark Folklore

https://octobernightspress.bigcartel.com/open-calls

Payment: 1 cent a word

Story Length: 3,000–5,500 words
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Reprints?: No
Response: unknown
Description: Horror stories of cryptids, folk characters, and legends; seeking to breathe new life into aged stories. So, ax re-telling, and focus on re-envisioning.


Flash Point Science Fiction
https://flashpointsf.com/submissions/
Payment: 2 cents a word
Story Length: 100–1,000 words
Deadline: Open February 1 through March 31, 2025
Reprints?: No
Response: 30 days
Description: Original speculative fiction short stories (may include science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, holiday, but NO Horror).

Book Chain 14: California Bear by Duane Swierczynski

Book Chain Campaign: BookChain14: Tracking Log for:

California Bear by Duane Swierczynski:

i. Given from Duane Swierczynski to Eric J. Guignard at StokerCon, May 31, 2024

ii. Given from Eric J. Guignard to Rebeca Gonzalez, January 21, 2025

iii. Where to next...? Only chance and the last reader involved may determine! #BookChainChallenge

###

NOTES:

Book back copy: “KILLER”: Jack Queen has been exonerated and freed from prison thanks to retired LAPD officer Cato Hightower. But when guilt gnaws at Jack, he admits: “I actually did it.” To which Hightower responds: “Yeah, no kidding.” You see, the ex-cop has a special job in mind for the ex-con…

THE GIRL DETECTIVE: Fifteen-year-old Matilda Finnerty has been handed a potential death sentence in the form of a leukemia diagnosis. But that’s not going to stop her from tackling the most important mystery of her life: Is her father guilty of murder?

GENE JEANIE: Jeanie Hightower mends family trees for a living, but the genealogist is unable to repair her own marriage. And her soon-to-be ex may have entangled her in a scheme that has drawn the bloody wrath of…

THE BEAR: A prolific serial killer who disappeared forty years ago, who is only now emerging from hibernation when the conditions are just right. And this time, the California Bear is not content to hunt in the shadows…

From two-time Edgar nominee Duane Swierczynski, California Bear is clever, moving, and surprising as it takes aim at the true crime industry, Hollywood, justice, and the killers inside us all.

(pub. Mulholland Books, August, 2023)

Available here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/duane-swierczynski/california-bear/9780316382977/?lens=mulholland-books

And reviewed on:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/California-Bear-Novel-Duane-Swierczynski/dp/0316382973

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/california-bear-duane-swierczynski/1142902652

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75593495-california-bear

###

AND READ WHAT #BOOKCHAIN IS ABOUT HERE!  

https://ericjguignard.blogspot.com/2024/06/book-chain.html

January, 2025 Dark Fiction Short Story Markets

HWA L.A.: For January, 2025
New or Reopening Market Listings/ Notes
At Minimum Pro-Paying (5 cents+ per word)

Witch Craft: A New Collection of Folk Tales and Horror Stories
https://blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-gothic/witch-craft-submissions
Payment: 8 cents a word
Story Length: 2,000–4,000 words
Deadline: January 19, 2025
Reprints?: No
Response: by May 19, 2025
Description: We expect the stories to deal with what it means to be ‘witch’, and the rediscovery and reclaiming of that power, its links to nature – and the exploration of whether a witch is drawn to 'good' or 'bad', and why. Stories should be in the horror and folk horror veins, and we’d like to see as wide a range as possible – the history, stigma and varying interpretations from around the world that feed into this concept should yield some exciting results.


Three-Lobed Burning Eye
https://www.3lobedmag.com/submissions.html
Payment: 8 cents a word
Story Length: 1,000–7,500 words
Deadline: Ongoing
Reprints?: No
Response Time: within two months
Description: Non-themed, original speculative fiction: horror, fantasy, and science fiction.


Flash Fiction Online
https://ffo.submittable.com/submit
Payment: $100 flat
Story Length: 500 to 1,000 words
Deadline: Open from the 1st to 21st of each month (or until reaching the cap of 1,000 submissions) (only)
Reprints?: Yes (payment at 2 cents/ word)
Response: Within eight weeks
Description: A very short but complete story of flash fiction. Strong, interesting characters.


Beneath Ceaseless Skies
http://www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/submissions/
Payment: 8 cents a word
Story Length: Up to 15,000 words
Deadline: None at present. Closes intermittently
Reprints?: No
Response: Two to seven weeks
Description: “Literary adventure fantasy”: stories with a secondary-world setting and some traditional or classic fantasy feel, but written with a literary approach. We want stories set in what Tolkien called a “secondary world”: some other world that is different from our own primary world in some way. It could be different in terms of zoology (non-human creatures), ecology (climate), or physical laws (the presence of magic). It could be set on Earth but an Earth different from our primary world in terms of time (the historical past) or history (alternate history). It could have a “pre-tech” level of technology, or steampunk technology, or magic as technology, or anything else that’s not advanced or modern technology. However, the setting should contain some element that is in some way fantastical.


Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine
https://www.elleryqueenmysterymagazine.com/contact-us/writers-guidelines/
Payment: 5-8 cents a word
Story Length: 2,500–8,000 words soft range (additionally, ‘Minute Mysteries’ of as little as 250 words)
Deadline: Ongoing
Reprints?: No
Response: Three months
Description: (No Horror, but Mystery and Crime) Every kind of mystery short story: the psychological suspense tale, the deductive puzzle, the private eye case—the gamut of crime and detection from the realistic (including the policeman's lot and stories of police procedure) to the more imaginative (including “locked rooms” and “impossible crimes”). We need hard-boiled stories as well as “cozies.”


ESCAPE ARTISTS PodCasts (4 separate markets; different editors, similar guidelines)

All:
Payment: 8 cents a word/ original; $100 flat rate for reprints
Story Length: 1,500–6,000 words (preferred 4,500 words or less)
Deadline: Intermittent (each market opens as needs)
Reprints?: Yes
Response: Up to three months

1. PodCastle (Fantasy Fiction Podcast)
http://podcastle.org/guidelines/
Description: Publishes in both text and audio. Looking for fantasy stories. We’re open to all the sub-genres of fantasy, from magical realism to urban fantasy to slipstream to high fantasy, and everything in between.

2. Cast of Wonders (Y.A. Fantasy Fiction Podcast)
http://www.castofwonders.org/submissions/schedule
Description: Stories that evoke a sense of wonder and have something unreal about them. We aim for a 12-17 age range: that means sophisticated, non-condescending stories with wide appeal, and without explicit sex, violence or pervasive obscene language. Think Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

3. Escape Pod (Science Fiction Podcast)
http://escapepod.org/guidelines/short-fiction
Description: Our mandate is fun. We are fairly flexible on what counts as “science” (as we’ll delve into superheroes or steampunk on occasion) and are interested in exploring the range of the genre, but we are not looking for fantasy, magical realism, or more than a tinge of horror. If your story isn’t centered on science, technology, future projections, alternate history, and how any or all of these things intersect with people, we’re probably not the right market for it.

4. Pseudopod (Horror Fiction Podcast)
http://pseudopod.org/submissions
Description: Horror: dark, weird fiction. We run the spectrum from grim realism or crime drama, to magic-realism, to blatantly supernatural dark fantasy. We publish highly literary stories reminiscent of Poe or Lovecraft as well as vulgar shock-value pulp fiction; strong pacing, well-defined characters, engaging dialogue, and clear action.



***Non-PRO-Paying Market, but Eric J. Guignard’s “Pick of the Month”

The Joining: Scenes of Wedding Terror (Published by Crystal Lake Publishing)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xVEpj9Mg2JebvkDObUIeVYc9VC-vxlVyxrSn-pqGJ-M/edit?tab=t.0
Payment: 2 cents a word
Story Length: 2,500–5,000 words
Deadline: Open between January 1 and March 1, 2025
Reprints?: No
Response: by May 1, 2025
Description: Horror stories relating to weddings: stories submitted to The Joining need not concern only the event itself. They might take place at any time, so long as nuptials are central to the narrative. Imagine it: proposals gone wrong, literal bride-zillas, unsettling in-laws, bachelor parties that end in bloodshed—and of course, trips to destination weddings held just north of Hell itself…


This World of Vile Wonder: Horror Tales of the Scientific Revolution
https://scythianwolf.com/#open-calls
Payment: $75 flat
Story Length: 5,000–10,000 words
Deadline: Open between January 1 and February 28, 2025
Reprints?: No
Response: by April 30, 2025
Description: Horror stories that deal with science during the scientific revolution and must be historically accurate as well aside from the speculative element(s) (Set in the era of years between 1500–1700).