Well goodness—our latest contest didn’t quite go as planned! We did have three people comment who are eligible for a free e-book, though, so congratulations to @felt.buzz, @balticbadger, and @pennsif. We know how to reach felt.buzz and pennsif on Discord, but balticbadger, you’ll have to let us know the best way to get a copy of this novel to you, and in what format you prefer: PDF, ePub, or MOBI. You guys won by default of highest upvote and comment. Whatever the case, we're happy it's you!
The great news Steemhouse has to report is that we recently obtained two stellar endorsements for High Kill, one from Gillian Deegan, a leading prosecutor of animal cruelty cases in Virginia where the novel is set, and one from Terry Anderson, former war correspondent and hostage, and author of Den of Lions. Such “blurbs” are critical when it comes to marketing and selling books. They provide credibility, fuel interest, and show that the author/publisher has done the work to provide the kind of quality readers expect.
The author has captured the culture and realities of so many communities in Appalachia. As I read chapter to chapter, I could picture the cases I have prosecuted over the years and the faces of the animals from these cases. Though disturbing at times, this book will keep the reader engaged and wanting more.
--------Gillian Deegan
Another exciting development is that the producer of a 20/20 documentary about Appalachia that aired several years ago has asked that we send four copies of the novel to her office at ABC Studios in New York. She feels that the people who worked on that documentary will be very interested in this book. Communication with her was facilitated by Terry Anderson, who spoke to her recently at an event they both attended.
”High Kill” is all the things you expect in a good mystery novel - and much, much more. It's also a look at a major problem in Southwest Virginia - rampant animal abuse, often aided and sometimes committed by the very Animal Control Officers who are paid to investigate it. And a look at the heart of Appalachia, with its Mountain Mafia of corrupt local officials, poverty and drugs. The journalist heroine chasing a serial murderer runs smack into the nexus of animal and human abuse. Fast-paced and well-written, it echoes all-too-common headlines in today's papers.
--------------Terry Anderson
Our next step is....
Wait. Nope. Not going to reveal that just yet. Let's just say the Steemhouse partners are really up to something, and it's going to be good! So stay tuned to our blog and we'll let you know about upcoming plans. You never know...those plans might involve you.