New Release NIGHTMARE!
(Rain of Terror, A Reason to Kill, and Anguish are also available in AUDIO BOOK on Amazon, audible.com, and iTunes narrated by the dramatic actor TONY VATSULA.)
After the success of Donna Cummins’ debut Mystery/Thriller RAIN OF TERROR, Book 1 in The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series and named to “Best Kindle Books of 2015” by Digital Book Today, came A REASON TO KILL, ANGUISH, DEADLY SECRETS, and now NIGHTMARE, the final book in the series. All of her books have consistently maintained ratings of 4.5 to 5.0 Stars and have reached Amazon’s TOP 100 in the Mystery or Romantic Suspense genres. The twists and turns in plot, the questions, the clues, the suspense, the final revelations, and the challenge of bringing it all together captivate her because often she’s not certain where her characters will take her. Her mystery series is set in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania where she was born and raised. After graduating cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Cummins spent many years as an educator and business owner until, finally, she was able to engage in her first love—writing. She now lives in Tampa, Florida, and devotes her time when not writing to her family and her little dogs Toby and Katie.
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NEW RELEASE, BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL!!! Now available in print and eBook on Amazon.com!
Just a short note to let you know that I have released my newest book, "BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL, Tall Tales and Random Reflections" on October 25, 2016. The book--as are my Blacklick Valley Mysteries--is available on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats and at Barnes & Noble Online in paperback.
BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL represents a step outside my usual genres of Mystery Thrillers/Romantic Suspense. Instead, it is a powerful, eclectic collection of writings that runs the gamut from flash fiction to short stories to personal—and often intimate—musings and reflections. My penchant for suspense and intrigue echoes throughout many of the fictional storylines while my reflective pieces are emotionally-driven—sometimes poignant, sometimes strongly-opinionated—and always message-oriented. BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL explores both the darker side of humanity as well as the strength and virtue of the human spirit. This versatile, thought-provoking collection of narratives combines passion, intrigue, suspense, humor, heartbreak, revenge, and sorrow; and whether the reader is brought to laughter or to tears, you will not come away untouched.
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CONTENTS
Part One: Short, Short Stories
The Surprise - An unexpected twist to a bright May morning
The Decision – A heartrending choice with no ‘right’ answer
Stop Signs – Delving into the mind of a psychopath
Choices – Domestic violence in unsuspected places
On a Night Wind – A breathtaking visitor, a haunting event
Friends – Friendship for a lonely heart
Part Two: Short Stories
Release – Letting go is sometimes the hardest thing you’ll do.
A Night to Remember – When terror fills the night; when there is no escape
Niko – Vengeance and justice in the wild
Part Three: Random Reflections
The Essence of Beauty – The absolute, universal beauty of God’s Creation
Once Upon a Time – Pensively looking back at another world
Carousels and Question Marks – A whimsical journey through life
I Remember – Painful, poignant memories of love
Virtue, You Say? – A failing society: Where is America headed?
A Tear Fell – When sadness strikes
Top of the Heap – America: Democracy or oligarchy?
Dark Thoughts – A satirical, existential perspective
Good, Better, or Best? – Who’s teaching your children?
Love Lost: Thoughts at Christmas – When sorrow seems too much to bear
Leaving - It’s hard to say goodbye
I hope you will enjoy this change of pace and will give BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL a read. I’ll very much look forward to your comments, feedback, and reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Thank you and happy reading!
Donna
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New Release DEADLY SECRETS - MARCH 2016!!!
(Book 4, The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series, in print and eBook on Amazon)
From the author of RAIN OF TERROR, named to “Best Kindle Books of 2015” by Digital Book Today, DEADLY SECRETS is a fast-moving, edge-of-your-seat Mystery/Romantic Suspense sure to keep you up at night as the tension ratchets up and sweeps you along on a nail-biting roller coast ride. Come along as dark and deadly secrets explode across the pages; and find out if love does, in fact, conquer all.
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Also in March, A REASON TO KILL in AUDIO FORMAT performed by the dynamic and talented TONY VATSULA on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes!
A REASON TO KILL is a powerful, emotionally-charged Mystery/Romantic Suspense that targets domestic violence and the victimization of women in vivid and graphic detail—a psychological tale of revenge, retribution, and justice.
(Book 2, The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series)
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A REASON TO KILL BRINGS ATTENTION TO THE CRIME OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!
A REASON TO KILL, sizzles with passion and drama as the horrendous and graphic details of domestic violence is exposed in this page-turning Mystery/Romantic Suspense.
No wonder it has maintained a CONSISTENT 4.8-STAR RATING on Amazon since its publication.
Available on Amazon in paperback and eBook at:
http://www.amazon.com/Reason-To-Kill-Blacklick-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00NQHDOPW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_img_top?ie=UTF8
AND in Audio Book format, narrated by the talented actor, TONY VATSULA, on audible.com at:
http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_hp_tseft?advsearchKeywords=a+reason+to+kill+cummins&filterby=field-keywords&x=6&y=11
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SEE WHAT ALL THE BUZZ IS ABOUT!
"It was amazing....This was one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time... I'll be looking for more of her work. Right from the start I was sucked into the plot and enjoyed getting involved with the characters and was surprised by it not ending the way I thought it would. Great read!"
---Wayne Behm, Goodreads Reviewer
"Best mystery novel I have read in years. I wish I could rate it more than 5 stars."
----Rich Chenoga, Ohio, Goodreads Reviewer
"Wow! This book was definitely thrilling and the ending dear lord was very shocking. This is my first book read by this author and I have to say she is quite a wordsmith and is good at crafting characters that seem so real to life."
---J. Kahele, Goodreads Reviewer
"This book came as a surprise... it's even better than the first book in this series and I thought that one was terrific! The characters and the situations in which they find themselves are so believable. Five stars from me!"
---Linda Strong, Goodreads Reviewer
"... some of the most poetic and descriptive language that [the reader] is ever likely to find in modern literature ....Cummins has an almost Wordsworthian love of nature, an exceptionally keen eye for the delights nature has to offer, and an ability to present what she sees in imaginative and innovative ways. Most of all, she has a hugely extensive vocabulary that allows her to capture the very depths of what she sees and present it to her readers in writing that is rich in imagery, bursting with colour and laced with vivid detail."
----Dr. Brian O'Hare, Ireland, professor and author of A Spiritual Odyssey, The Doom Murders, Fallen Men, Murder at Loftus House, Murder at the Roadside Café
"Spellbinding! ...I had to finish it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down."
----Donna C. Dunsmore, Amazon Reviewer
"It was the BEST! Kept you guessing until the very last paragraph. Recommended reading if you like a good mystery."
----Rita Hoover, Amazon Reviewer
"Another great book from Donna Cummins. This thought provoking book is not only a great mystery but also deals with domestic violence in an effective and sometimes graphic way. I...could not put it down."
----Jane Rager, Virginia, Goodreads Reviewer
"(Cummins) is a superb writer. (Her) writing style and descriptions of characters and background continue to impress me. It gave me a greater appreciation for domestic violence. The picture (Cummins) painted was frightening because it happens every day. Thank you for helping to expose this terrible reality that needs to stop."
----James Davis, author of The Dearest and Best
"Another must read!!! This is a great book! Amazing detail and thought."
----April Showers, Florida, Amazon Reviewer
"Holy Moly! I sure wasn't expecting (the books) to be such fantastic mysteries. I can usually guess "whodunit" long before the end, but Ms. Cummins really fooled me. I look forward to more from her."
----Mary J. Kunkle, Pennsylvania, Amazon Reviewer
"This is a great book for mystery lovers."
----Ruthz SB, author of children's books including The Turtle and Ocean Princess
"Had to keep going to find out who the killer was and never in a million years did I see the ending that way. Can't wait to read another of your books."
----Nora Jenney, Pennsylvania, Goodreads Reviewer
"The subject of domestic violence is quite sensitive...and kudos to the author for bringing up the topic and weaving an entertaining story out of it. While reading, you also notice the author's love for nature; and as she describes the change of scenes, the settings visually appear in front of your eyes. Nicely written book and the one you can't leave in between."
----Kshitij, author of Agony and Goodbye John
"Lost a lot of sleep reading this! Another great story in a richly worded and well crafted mystery series. The suspense...draws the reader in, while painting a vivid world... Cummins' narrative style harkens back to the classic adult mysteries of yesteryear and drives the reader, forcing the next page to be turned long after the phrase "one more chapter" slips into your head. Bravo!"
----S.L. Shelton, author of The Scott Wolfe Thriller Series
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DONNA CUMMINS' Interview
with reporter Gina DelFavero
Blairsville Dispatch/Greensburg Tribune-Review/Pennsylvania
1.) Let's start off with a bit about yourself: where you were born/where did you grow up, your schooling (in particular at IUP), major field of study, etc.
I was born (and raised) in a tiny little village in southern Indiana County, Pennsylvania, called Dilltown. (Yes they did, indeed, grow dill weed there. I think it grew wild because I can still to this day remember the smell of it when I walked to the bus stop in first grade, which I attended at Wehrum Elementary School.)
I graduated from United High School in Armagh, Pennsylvania. Those were some of the best days of my life, and I involved myself in every imaginable activity from being honored to write and present a speech at our graduation ceremony; play the lead female role in our senior play entitled The Perfect Idiot; and represent the state of Pennsylvania in the National FBLA Public Speaking Competition in Dallas, Texas. I was News Editor of my high school newspaper, The Blue and White Star, and a cheerleader for five years at United, Co-Captain my senior year, as well as a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Yearbook Staff, Chorus, and May Day. United High was such a large part of my life and provided a firm foundation for future endeavors.
In senior year I was awarded a partial academic scholarship from the Mack Foundation which paved the way for my attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana. At IUP, for some odd reason, I majored in Business Education, although English, particularly creative writing, was always my first love. My goal at that time was to become a teacher and, in fact, did teach for a number of years. In college I curtailed my social activities somewhat, spending a lot of my time studying (in order to make Dean's List each semester and maintain my scholarship) as well as enjoying my newfound freedom. I did, however, join a sorority--seemed like quite an important thing to do at the time--which allowed me to participate in building floats and riding in Homecoming Parades and wear a SORORITY BLAZER!
2.) Give me a little bit of background on the books you've written so far (without giving too much away, of course).
My books, RAIN OF TERROR and A REASON TO KILL, are both mysteries. Although I have dubbed them The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series, they could each be considered 'stand-alone' books. My first book, RAIN OF TERROR, is a mystery/thriller, and the second, A REASON TO KILL, is a mystery/romantic suspense. Although each is based upon a different set of characters, I consider them a 'series' because they are both set primarily in the area of Indiana County. RAIN OF TERROR was written to emphasize the vulnerability of our children in today's society, and A REASON TO KILL was written to bring attention to the horrific crime of domestic violence and the victimization of women.
3.) What made you decide to base these books in Indiana County?
Have you ever recalled an old love affair and the feelings that linger long after it has gone--feelings that we often romanticize and idealize, perhaps even dramatize into something that wasn't actually so? Well, I guess it's because of something like that. Some of my fondest and saddest, most fearful and most passionate, emotions come from those days of impetuous youth, the commitments of marriage, the responsibilities of parenthood, and the joys and heartaches that result from each. Indiana and Cambria Counties were the settings for all of those life experiences.
Looking back from my current perspective, I think that Indiana County must be one of the most beautiful and intriguing areas in the country. God did not spare His palette of color or design when he painted western Pennsylvania. From the emergence of the first purple crocus through the snow in springtime to the warm and gentle days of summer to the mountainsides painted in shades of red and orange and yellow in autumn to the silent beauty of snowflakes falling on a winter night, I can't imagine a better canvas to paint a story upon.
4.) Can you give any examples of specific places or sites mentioned in the books that people from this area might recognize?
Absolutely! As you can see, all of these places are not necessarily in Indiana County but would be familiar to people who live there.
In RAIN OF TERROR:
Conemaugh Lake, Conemaugh River, Conemaugh Gap, Chesapeake Mountain, Route 22, Johnstown, Pittsburgh, Green Gables Restaurant, Mountain Playhouse, Vintondale, Monongahela River, Allegheny River, Nittany Lions, Penn State, Heinz Field, Allegheny Mountains, Pennsylvania State Police, Greensburg, Latrobe, Squirrel Hill Tunnel, Appalachian Mountains, Juniata River, and Carnegie Tech. Dilltown is fictionalized as 'Hillton' and ; 'Evanstown' is a mix of Ebensburg and Johnstown. I call WJAC-TV, 'WJAK-TV'.
In A REASON TO KILL:
The primary setting in this book is called 'Waverly' which is based entirely upon the town of Indiana, PA. My 'Waverly College' is based exclusively on IUP. Anyone familiar with those settings will instantly recognize many references from Philadelphia Avenue to South Sixth Street, from The Oak Grove to the Student Union to John Sutton Hall to Phi Mu Sorority and Sig Ep Fraternity on IUP's campus. Other references include Shawnee Lake, Conemaugh Lake, Blairsville, Dubois, Route 119, Jeanette, Greensburg, Armagh, Seward, Blair County, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Mountains, Johnstown, Route 22, Pittsburgh Pirates, Hershey, Allegheny National Forest, Pittsburgh International Airport, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Johnstown, Wolf Furniture, Galleria Mall--even the Hillton (Dilltown) Baptist Church and the Waverly (Indiana) Country Club. Also, my fictional ski resort in Aspen is based upon my personal knowledge of Seven Springs Ski Resort.
5.) How did you end up in Florida?
Like most others here, the climate.
6.) Walk me through the process you used to get your books published.
With the growth of technology and the popularity of digital formatting (better known as eBooks) the world of publishing has changed dramatically. Amazon has tapped into this change in a big way by promoting self-publishing. Although there are a number of sales platforms out there, Amazon is by far the leader of the pack. I chose to use Amazon not only for the sale of my books in digital format but also for my print books through their affiliate Createspace.
7.) When did you first start writing? What is it about writing that draws you to do it?
As I recall, my first piece of writing was a Christmas play I wrote in the third grade and the class presented at Wehrum Elementary School.
Writing is first and foremost an emotional outlet for me. Secondly, I write mysteries, in particular, because of the challenge involved--it's like working a complex puzzle. You have to set up and develop your characters so that they are believable and ones that your reader can relate to; then you must set the stage in a realistic way; ah...the plot--the most difficult part--the questions, the clues, the twists and turns, the suspense, the final revelations, the challenge of bringing it all together. It gives you a rush!
8.) Do you have any other works available?
I am currently working on my third book in The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series which I intend to entitle ANGUISH--another mystery/thriller primarily set in Indiana County.
9.) Do you work in any other capacity or is writing your primary career?
It's all about writing now! My most recent teaching position was at Webster College here in Tampa.
10.) What's next for you as a writer? More in the Blacklick Valley Mystery series?
Definitely! As I said, I am currently working hard on Book 3 in The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series which I plan to entitle ANGUISH. It will be out later this year in both print and eBook on Amazon.
After that, my next project will be a collection of short stories and essays--something with a little different flavor. I also expect to put all three books out in audio format as soon as I can find the time.
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Author's Comments
I have always loved the mystique of the written word. My very earliest memories of books are now merely elusive images lost in the hazy mists of childhood. However, I can clearly mark that space in time when the world of literature opened up to me in a very real and concrete way. I was eight years old, third grade, when my teacher opened a book in class one day entitled THE GHOST OF BLACKWOOD HALL by Carolyn Keene. Yes, it was one of the Nancy Drew amateur sleuth series. As she read, I was suddenly whisked away into a land of adventure and intrigue--a magical, mystical journey into another place and time. That was my first love affair with the written word, and that love continues even now.
For me, creating my own tapestries with words was a natural spin-off from reading the works of others. Writing became a means of expressing all of the thoughts and feelings and dreams and emotions that I harbored within myself--a place where all things were possible and my imagination could run free and wild. I wrote primarily for myself, a source of self-satisfaction, from journals to essays to short stories to finally my first novel, RAIN OF TERROR.
As RAIN OF TERROR, Book 1 in the Blacklick Valley Mystery Series, exemplifies, I have a proclivity toward the mystery genre. The twists and turns in plot, the questions, the clues, the suspense, the final revelations, the challenge of bringing it all together captivate even me because often I'm not certain where my characters will take me. The story is set in the mountains of western Pennsylvania where I was born and raised. I tried to stay true to the authenticity of the scenery, the climate, and the culture of the area--all deeply embedded in my memory and experience.
A REASON TO KILL, Book 2 in the Series, was released in September 2014 in both print and digital (eBook) formats. Of course, the book is another mystery, a gripping tale of suspense and romance which also addresses some important social issues of our time.
I am currently working on Book 3 in The Blacklick Valley Mystery Series, which I intend to entitle ANGUISH. Once again, ANGUISH is a compelling mystery laced with romantic undertones--another 'Whodunit' that should keep you guessing till the end.
On a personal note, I graduated cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Education along with a concentration in the Social Sciences. Although I have taught at various educational levels, my most recent teaching assignment was at Webster College in Tampa, Florida, where I currently live. When I'm not writing or reading, my life revolves around my family, my little dog Toby, my numerous cats, cooking, and gardening--the quiet passions that seem to define me.
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