• A gripping small-town crime story reminiscent of authors like Karin Slaughter and Greg Iles.

• A cast of complex characters, each grappling with secrets, vengeance, or redemption.

• The blend of psychological insight and suspense keeps readers hooked from the first page.

• Themes of rumor, justice, and community upheaval create rich book club discussions.

• A uniquely Southern atmosphere that brings readers right into Harper’s streets and homes.

Playlist for Harper’s Bizarre

• Every Breath You Take – The Police (echoing the novel’s themes of surveillance and obsession).

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (a haunting 80s vibe fitting Brad’s hallucinations).

• In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins (perfectly mirroring tension before a showdown).

• Don’t Stop Believin – Journey (a reminder of resilience amidst chaos).

• With or Without You – U2 (channeling heartbreak and fractured relationships).

Meet the Characters

• Chief Grady Noland – A steady leader, but one whose health and sanity are tested by Harper’s bizarre crimes.

• Brad Childers – A troubled young man whose hallucinations spiral into deadly consequences.

• Jesse – A manipulative influence who pushes Brad into horrific choices.

• Bone Ludlow – A vengeful ex-husband driven to destructive extremes.

• Nancy and Danny Dewberry – Caught in the fallout of violence and revenge.

Author’s Book Club Picks

If you enjoyed the layered psychological suspense of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, you’ll be hooked by the complex characters and dark secrets in Harper’s Bizarre.

If you were drawn into the Southern setting and hidden crimes of Natchez Burning by Greg Iles, you’ll feel right at home in the college town of Harper.

If you loved the twisty domestic thrills of The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, you’ll find similar shocking turns and betrayals in Harper’s Bizarre.

If Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger resonated with you for its community drama and moral questions, you’ll appreciate how Harper’s Bizarre explores the ripple effects of rumor and tragedy.

If Murder in Memory by Mike Thorne intrigued you with its psychological depth, Harper’s Bizarre continues that legacy with even greater suspense and intensity.

Bookish Fun Facts

• The author, Mike Thorne, spent nearly four decades as a psychology professor—giving his characters rare depth.

• He has published over 1,000 articles in numismatic magazines, proving his range of interests beyond fiction.

• His short story Worms placed ninth in a Writer s Digest competition with over 2,000 entries.

• Thorne loves British TV mysteries, which influence the tone and pacing of his crime novels.

• The fictional town of Harper was inspired by the charm and gossip-filled dynamics of real Southern college towns.

Where to Find It

Harper’s Bizarre is available in paperback and hardback with worldwide distribution through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major booksellers. Readers can also learn more and purchase directly for a 10% discount at: https://outskirtspress.com/harpersbizarre

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We’re excited to feature John D. Houck, author of Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers, a powerful historical novel steeped in the drama, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of America’s fight for independence.

Meet the Author

John D. Houck is an author, college professor, and economist with a PhD in Education, an MSM in Business Management, and a BS in Economics and History. With a lifelong dedication to teaching and scholarship, Houck combines his love of history and storytelling to create engaging narratives that connect readers to America’s past. His academic background allows him to blend historical accuracy with compelling fiction, making his stories both educational and inspirational.

About the Book

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers is a historical fiction novel that follows the Casey family through the tumultuous years of the Revolutionary War. Through the fictional conscience narrator, Phil Peepers, readers witness how the Caseys endure sacrifice, hardship, and courage while fighting for liberty and preserving their family legacy. Interwoven with factual accounts of events such as the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the novel gives readers a vivid portrait of how ordinary families were affected by extraordinary times.

Inspiration Behind the Book

Houck was inspired to write this book out of a desire to honor the sacrifices of America’s founding families and to encourage readers to reflect on the values of liberty, faith, and perseverance. His passion for Revolutionary War history and his belief in the power of education come together in this novel, designed to inspire readers to learn more about America’s roots and the principles that shaped its republic.

Why Readers Love It

Readers are drawn to Houck’s ability to combine heartfelt family drama with historically rich detail. The novel’s mix of personal narratives, action-filled battles, and reflective commentary offers both entertainment and insight. Readers appreciate the way the book encourages them to think critically about freedom, government, and the sacrifices required to secure independence.

Who Should Read It

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers is ideal for fans of historical fiction, educators seeking supplemental reading for U.S. history lessons, book clubs interested in Revolutionary-era America, and anyone who enjoys novels that combine fact with dramatic storytelling. It also appeals to readers who value patriotism, faith, and family-centered narratives.

Looking Ahead

Houck hopes his work will inspire readers to continue exploring America’s founding era and to reflect on the challenges of preserving freedom in the modern age. He envisions writing more stories that spotlight untold perspectives from America’s history and further connect past lessons to present-day reflections.

Where to Find It

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers is available in paperback and hardback with worldwide distribution through Outskirts Press, Amazon, and major booksellers. Readers can also learn more and purchase directly at: https://outskirtspress.com/RevolutionaryWarandtheAmericanTrailblazers

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When a young person steps into the working world for the first time, the transition can feel both exciting and overwhelming. That’s where Bill’s 5 Rules for Success: What Every Teenager Should Know Before Starting Their First Job comes in. Written by seasoned business leader Bill Leinweber, this accessible, humorous, and highly practical guide gives teens the foundational workplace habits that can carry them through their entire careers.

As part of his virtual book tour, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the book with lists, playlists, fun facts, and more—so you can get to know the man behind the rules and discover why this book is becoming a must-read for teens, parents, and educators alike.

Top 5 Lessons from Bill’s 5 Rules for Success

While the book dives into the details, here’s a quick peek at the core lessons every reader walks away with:

1. Show Up – Being present is the first step to being effective.
2. Be On Time – Reliability earns trust from day one.
3. Be Productive – Balance efficiency with quality.
4. Show That You Care – Pride in your work shows through.
5. Ask, “How Can I Help?” – Teamwork is the secret to long-term success.

Think of these as a “starter kit” for any young worker—simple, powerful, and transferable to any industry or role.

The Soundtrack to Success

If Bill’s 5 Rules for Success had a playlist, it would blend motivation with a touch of fun—just like the book itself. Here’s a sampling of tracks we think match the spirit of each rule:

• “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (Rule #1: Show Up)
• “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (Rule #2: Be On Time—because persistence matters)
• “Workin’ for a Livin’” – Huey Lewis & The News (Rule #3: Be Productive)
• “You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor (Rule #4: Show That You Care)
• “Lean On Me” – Bill Withers (Rule #5: Ask, “How Can I Help?”)

It’s the kind of soundtrack you’d want playing in your earbuds on the way to your first job interview.

Meet “The Rookie” – A Reader’s Stand-In Character

While the book isn’t fiction, readers will easily see themselves in “The Rookie”—the stand-in character that represents every teen entering the workplace for the first time. The Rookie is nervous, eager to learn, and unsure of what to expect, but with each chapter, they gain confidence, skill, and the ability to navigate real-world challenges.

By the final chapter, The Rookie has transformed into a dependable, confident team member—thanks to the five rules that any reader can adopt.

Bill Leinweber spent 40 years in business leadership roles, managing customer service departments and business integration projects. Business leaders have trusted Bill to build effective customer service teams and develop processes that enhance the customer, employee, and stakeholder experience. Bill lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. When he’s not writing, you may find him exploring unusual travel destinations. Or eating ice cream.

Bill Leinweber’s Book Club Picks

If you enjoy Bill’s 5 Rules for Success, you might also find inspiration, motivation, and practical wisdom in these complementary reads:

1. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” – Sean Covey
2. “Grit” – Angela Duckworth
3. “Do Hard Things” – Alex & Brett Harris
4. “The Defining Decade” – Meg Jay
5. “Make Your Bed” – Admiral William H. McRaven

These books, like Bill’s, encourage personal responsibility, resilience, and a proactive mindset—qualities that make all the difference in a young person’s future.

Bookish Fun Facts about Bill’s 5 Rules for Success

• The idea for the book began 35 years ago with a single question from a new employee: “What do I need to do to be successful here?”
• The original advice had only four rules; the fifth was added years later after Bill witnessed the power of teamwork.
• Though aimed at teens, the book’s advice resonates with new employees of any age.
• Bill’s straightforward style comes from his years as both a mentor and a manager—he wanted a tone that young readers could actually enjoy and remember.
• Readers have said they’ve bought the book as a graduation gift to prepare high school and college grads for the next big step.

Why This Book Matters Now

In an age where digital skills often overshadow soft skills, Bill’s 5 Rules for Success is a refreshing reminder of the timeless habits that make employees—and people—stand out. Whether you’re a teen about to start your first job, a parent hoping to guide your child, or an educator looking for a classroom resource, this book offers advice that’s easy to apply, hard to forget, and genuinely life-changing.

Where to Buy: Bill’s 5 Rules for Success is available now in paperback and Kindle on Amazon and at Outskirts Press for a 10% discount at https://outskirtspress.com/bills5rulesforsuccess

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