Dead and Not So Buried (A Gideon Kincaid Hollywood Thriller)

by James L. Conway

Hollywood is rocked after the remains of one of the most idolized movie stars of the ’60s are stolen. The thief chooses Gideon Kincaid to deliver the ransom, forcing the PI and ex-cop to set about unraveling a master plan that will include extortion, blackmail and murder. While trying to stay one step ahead of his nemesis, Gideon is led on a harrowing roller coaster ride through sun and sin-drenched Hollywood. The dead beauty is not Gideon’s only concern; he must also contend with a few live ones. First there’s the tough-as-nails cop assigned to the case—Gideon’s bitter ex-wife. Then there’s the gorgeous starlet he must protect. Unfortunately they have a history that puts her in jeopardy. Finally there’s Gideon’s assistant, the adorable and adoring Hillary, whose involvement in the case endangers them both.  As the body count mounts and the madman’s crimes grow ever more audacious, Gideon finds himself in a desperate race against time.  Can he put a stop to this crime spree before Gideon himself ends up dead and very buried?

Magic of Impromptu Speaking is a comprehensive, step-by-step system for creating highly effective speeches in under 30 seconds. It is based on research of the most powerful techniques used by winners of impromptu speaking contests, politicians, actors and successful presenters. The book is entertaining to read, has plenty of examples and covers the most effective tools not only from the world of impromptu speaking but also from acting, stand-up comedy, applied psychology and creative thinking.

Beneath the peaceful exterior of the leafy town of Tall Tree, the brutal baby gangster underworld is simmering to a hard boil.  Squeezy the Cheeks, undisputed leader of the long ruling North Wood crew, is facing the toughest challenge of his career: his archnemesis Harry the Rash, who rules the Poopypants Gang with an iron rattle, is making a play for Squeezy’s territory.  Mama’s Boy, the freshest recruit into Squeezy’s mob of infant thugs, is unwittingly thrust into the middle of the massive heist Squeezy must pull off to keep himself and his crew in their seat of power. Everything is at stake for the North Wood Gang.  But can Mama’s Boy keep it together to make the score, or will the mysterious redhead he encounters at Story Time distract him at his most important hour? Join Mama’s Boy as he journeys into the dark underbelly of the baby hoodlum wars and is forced to change his worldview forever.

Other Lives presents a new genre: an illustrated short story for adults. In it, a child leads her mother on a journey into a magical and terrifying past. Touching and sensitive, Other Lives sustains dreams and fears while the collage images encourage enchantment and the remembrance of childhood moments.