the Author
March
28
24 Comments

CAST IN BLOOD preview chapters

Posted in writing.

First: I want to apol­o­gize. I normally post the full cover (front, spine, back), but… I missed the window to down­load that from the publisher =/.

Second, someone in comments asked about sample chap­ters — and I real­ized that it is, in fact, the end of March, and Cast in Blood is coming out on the 28th of April. So: I have sample chap­ters, and the regular front-only cover.

Much of my day is focused on my youngest at the moment, but as he gets used to being at home, he is much, much happier than he was during his long hospital stay — and that makes things easier for me. It gives me more of my brain-space back; it gives me room to think about things other than my youngest. Meals and showers and etc., are not actu­ally stressful. They’re part of normal life.

But…I actu­ally read a book this week. I could not read a word from November 8th on. I am hoping, in the next couple of weeks, to head back for my book­store shifts — but we’ll see; at the moment, two people have to be at home, but as my youngest gets stronger, we’re hoping that that will drop to one person.

Otoh, next week starts with a stroke/neurology appoint­ment (at orig­inal hospital), an outpa­tient OT appoint­ment, a cardi­ology appoint­ment (at orig­inal hospital), an appoint­ment with our family doctor to remove 30+ staples, etc. >.< All appoint­ments take about 3 – 3.5 hours of time because of travel and the neces­sity of getting down the inte­rior stairs and then down the exte­rior stairs, and then into the car with the collapsed wheelchair.

But that’s not really why you’re here :).

Read the preview of Cast in Blood here: CastInBlood_Sample

 

 

24 Responses to CAST IN BLOOD preview chapters

  1. Lindsay D says:
    March 28, 2026 at 11:36 am

    So happy to hear that things with your son are getting slightly better. One’s health is so impor­tant, and frame of mind makes a big differ­ence. Hopes and prayers that progres­sion only continues to get better! For all of you. And appre­ciate you have the head space to give us this little treat. This is forever one of my favourite series and the only one I follow so closely!

  2. Sally says:
    March 28, 2026 at 11:46 am

    Some­times it helps relieve stress just to talk about it… We’re here not just for your books… Thanks for sharing

  3. Jennifer B says:
    March 28, 2026 at 11:52 am

    I’m so glad to hear things are getting better! Before my youngest (15 at the time) went into the hospital for 6 months, I regu­larly would read a novel in a day or two. Once she got out and life was supposed to get back to normal, I couldn’t do it any longer. It took me over a year to be able to read a couple of para­graphs in a sitting, and two years to be able to read an entire novel. It’s 7 years later, she’s doing really well, and I’m in the middle of re-reading Cast in Wisdom. I started last night, and am about a quarter of the way through! Thank you so much for the update, the books, just everything!

  4. starrperry says:
    March 28, 2026 at 12:10 pm

    Love the first chapter, still my favorite series. Prayers for your son, you and your family and steady progress continue.

  5. Jo-Ann Pieber says:
    March 28, 2026 at 12:16 pm

    Yes — gods — and goddesses — so happy to feel you a Bit back — but dear­heart of Ours — do not rush things for our sake or yours. Realize that Yes — we Will be here for you when you’re ready. And Yes we Will Under­stand and so on that these things Take Time. You Must realize by now that all of us, your loyal readers/fans are here for the long-haul? What­ever you need to do — for son, family and what­ever — that is what drew us to you in the first place? The sense that you had Prior­i­tized the People in your life.. You prior­i­tize them in your work. And I suppose — hope — that we as your readers under­stand and support when you prior­i­tize Your people in your life. 

    Just hoping you have enough time to breathe, take a breather, connect with loved ones, and just get out and feel joy and release after all these months of diffi­culty. Still — medical appoint­ments and other care commit­ments are going to domi­nate for the next few months? Let it Be — we are Not Going Anywhere. Having said that — it’s so good to hear that you’ve been able to read a book!! That’s progress right? But do tell — what book? (I’m shame­less when it comes to asking for book referrals…) 

    And best of love and regards to young-son and his recovery — and of course older son and husband and all the extended family. I’m sending love to you all!
    But Still I’m Damn happy that your book is in the pipe…can’t wait.

  6. Donna Davis says:
    March 28, 2026 at 12:37 pm

    Glad to hear things are improving. Sending healing energy to your son.

  7. Tracey says:
    March 28, 2026 at 12:40 pm

    I love the book cover posts, etc, but you have more impor­tant things on your plate. I hope your son’s recovery goes smoothly. I can’t imagine the pain and stress you’re all going through. You’re a human being, not a writing machine. Don’t feel at all guilty if things slip past you at the moment. Take care.

  8. JenniLyne says:
    March 28, 2026 at 12:49 pm

    Always take care of your­self and your family. Kaylin has taught us compas­sion (and plenty of other useful words in multiple languages that I’m not allowed to type), if not patience. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready.

    It’s a beau­tiful cover — I can’t wait to see the rest of it when it’s released.

  9. Elizabeth says:
    March 28, 2026 at 1:03 pm

    Thank you for the note and the reading sample. However, they are not the priority right now, your family is. Hoping all continues to go well and that your son regains his health and mobility.

  10. Paula C MARTINEZ says:
    March 28, 2026 at 1:22 pm

    I believe that a routines settles the mind and am glad that this happening for you. As for me, I can happily wait for you to complete your work as it happens. No pres­sure! Enjoy your family! Hugs!

  11. Joan R. Bennett says:
    March 28, 2026 at 2:06 pm

    Sending your family posi­tive healing energy.

  12. ElizabethElizabeth KW says:
    March 28, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    I was not expecting this little gift of chap­ters to whet my antic­i­pa­tion of
    I live alone, and recently my rheuma­toid arthritis has given me a lot of trouble. I’m using a walker, plus a quad cane for stairs.
    I allow a lot of time to get anywhere. That your son needs two people to get to those appoint­ments is no surprise to me. I’m glad he has people! And a home filled with love.

  13. Chadderdon says:
    March 28, 2026 at 3:12 pm

    Thanks for thinking of your readers, that is so lovely of you!
    I am relieved to hear your child is recov­ering at home well and hope the upcoming appoint­ments go well. Sending out lots of healing thoughts to you all! <3

  14. Anne says:
    March 28, 2026 at 3:12 pm

    Thank you!
    I’m enthralled already. 🌸

    Wishing you and your family all the best, and continued steady recovery.

  15. Katrina says:
    March 28, 2026 at 3:40 pm

    I’m so glad he is doing better at home and I really hope you all get back to a new normal. Take care of your­selves too!

  16. Kacy says:
    March 28, 2026 at 5:02 pm

    Have been sending prayer and healing energy to your whole family. Do the things you need for family. I am a long time fan and love all your books but you ‑as a beau­tiful human, your Son, they are more important.

  17. Lesa says:
    March 28, 2026 at 6:18 pm

    I’m so glad your son is doing better. And it so good to hear from you again.

  18. Pauline Whelan says:
    March 28, 2026 at 7:21 pm

    I’m so glad to hear your son is doing better at home. Take your time; love your work ❤️

  19. Bryan says:
    March 28, 2026 at 9:26 pm

    All wishes and hope for recovery to you and your family, we will be here waiting for you when you can write and craft the stories we so enjoy

  20. Estara Swanberg says:
    March 29, 2026 at 7:28 am

    Reading! *Kermit flail* Chapter! *more Kermit flail* Every­one’s home! *falls over*

  21. Kel says:
    March 29, 2026 at 9:14 am

    It is absolutely why I am here, you and your family matter <3 sending love and light as you journey together. Thank you for the sample!

  22. Mary Allen says:
    March 29, 2026 at 11:23 am

    I am so glad your son is doing a bit better. hope you and your family are also doing better. This has to be a very stressful time for all. I so enjoy your books and will reread Cast in Wisdom before I start Cast In Blood. I ordered the ebook on amazon and the phys­ical book to be shipped to me in Alabama from Barnes and Noble. Thank you again for hours of enjoy­ment. When­ever I need a pick me up I reread Hidden City.

  23. Jb ya says:
    March 29, 2026 at 8:37 pm

    I read the insert for the new book. It is incred­ible. I love your imag­i­na­tion can’t wait to read the rest. Take care of your family. Thank you so much

  24. Karen Hamilton says:
    March 30, 2026 at 11:58 am

    Yes, we are here for the cover and the preview chap­ters (thanks very much) and because we ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD to the new book, but we are also here because we care about you and your family and are grateful for the progress notes. Your family on the other side of the pages wishes you all well and your son a continued, speedy and complete recovery. I am very glad things have progressed so you can get back to the bookstore…chalk up one more towards getting your life back.

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