Celebrate Women in Horror Month with The Route 9 Stalker - A New Release!

 Hi everyone!

February is “Women in Horror” month, and to celebrate, I’m sharing a look at my new release, The Route 9 Stalker. It’s technically a mystery/thriller, but it has a strong horror element built into the plot. And how could a story about a serial killer not be scary?

The Route 9 Stalker is a follow-up (of sorts) to The Route 9 Killer and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Although the books share two main characters, each stands alone as an individual read, and you can read them in any order.

Here are the book summary and links:  

The Route 9 Stalker

(A Mystery/Thriller)

It started with a body in the woods — and turned into a hunt for a deranged stalker.

Late one evening, Megan Graystone enters a police station and reports that she witnessed a man dumping a woman’s body in the woods.

But with no concrete proof and no sign of foul play, Detective Jim Rourke dismisses her story — until a woman’s mutilated body is found close by. As Rourke investigates the victim’s past, he learns that she was being stalked by a mysterious stranger — and so were several other murdered women.

Rourke discovers that the elusive stalker is playing a twisted game; changing identities and vanishing after each murder. With no other option, Rourke enlists Megan Graystone’s help to trap the stalker — although it means putting her in grave danger.

Can Rourke stop the stalker before he kills and disappears again?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GGTTNPXG

Other Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bxll2P

Want more? Meet Detective Jim Rourke for the first time in The Route 9 Killer. Read the book summary and reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/the-route-9-killer

***

When I wrote The Route 9 Killer, I didn’t know I would eventually write another book featuring Detective Rourke. But one day I was looking through my folder of ideas for stories I might write “someday” and came across a simple premise: A woman sees a man dumping a body in the woods, and the killer comes after her. I thought about it for a while and began to toy with ways to expand the idea.

I started wondering: What if this wasn’t this guy’s first kill? Who are the women he has killed? Why is he killing them? How does he find his victims? I started piecing the story together in my head and thought of ways I could bring Detective Rourke onto the case.

Three years after the events that took place in The Route 9 Killer, Detective Jim Rourke has finally put the unwanted publicity from that case behind him, and he never wants to hear about serial killers again.

However, fate has delivered him a woman’s mutilated body—the same body Megan claimed to have seen in the woods. When Rourke’s fellow Detective Ed Dolenz uncovers similar cold cases, Rourke finds himself hunting another serial killer. He learns that a man is stalking and viciously murdering women he meets on dating sites. Rourke and Dolenz are able to link the killings to a mysterious man who switches identities and vanishes after each murder.

Is the man Megan saw in the woods connected to the murders? Rourke thinks he might be, and he needs Megan’s help catching him. But Dolenz theorizes that there might be more than one killer…

When I plotted the book, I decided Megan would be a focal point of the story, and she plays a central role in helping Rourke catch the killer. Right from the start, readers see that Megan isn’t a big fan of the police, and she’s cautious when dealing with strangers. Although she knows she’s potentially the target of a serial killer, she isn’t frightened off. Why? Because she’s a lifelong horror movie fan and she follows “the rules” of staying alive and defending herself against predators.

I intentionally played up the theme of “protecting yourself” in the book. As a single woman living alone, Megan fits the profile of the killer’s victims, but she’s smart and has a no-nonsense attitude when it comes to her personal safety and boundaries. Some of that comes from mocking horror movie heroines who make bad choices, but a lot of it comes from her relationship with her best friend, Lori.

Throughout the book, whenever something disturbing or strange happens, Megan talks to her friend Lori. This gives readers a break from Rourke’s investigation, and readers can see what seemingly innocent interactions Megan has with people turn out to be vital to the case.

Lori acts as a sounding board for Megan’s concerns (or lack thereof) and Lori cautions her to be careful since “Rourke is using her as bait for a serial killer.” Megan keeps reassuring everyone that she’ll be okay and she can handle things. But can she?

Everyone isn’t who (or what) they seem in this story, and without giving away any plot details or spoilers, I can say that Rourke, Megan, and the killer come together in the end, and the story packs a great twist ending.

I loved writing this book, and I incorporated a bit of myself into the plot. As a lifelong horror movie fan (and someone who loves Halloween), I decided to have the entire story take place the week before Halloween. It added an element of surprise to the ending and helped build suspense. (And yes, my best friend is named Lori. She thought the book was great, by the way!)

I hope you will add both Route 9 books to your 2026 reading list. Readers have asked me if I’m going to give Detective Rourke one more case to solve and complete a trilogy. I’ve been considering it… What do you think?

If you love horror and are celebrating all things scary this month, visit the Horror, Mystery & More page on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror to read about all of my spooky stories!

Until next time…

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Her latest book, The Route 9 Stalker, was published in January 2026. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli’s 24th romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

Just Released! The Route 9 Stalker - A Mystery/Thriller

 

Hi everyone!

I hope 2026 is off to a great start for you. If you’re looking for something new to read in the new year, you’ve come to the right blog.

I’m pleased to announce the release of my latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Stalker. It’s a follow-up (of sorts) to The Route 9 Killer and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case.

Here are the book summary and links:  

The Route 9 Stalker

(A Mystery/Thriller)

It started with a body in the woods — and turned into a hunt for a deranged stalker.

Late one evening, Megan Graystone enters a police station and reports that she witnessed a man dumping a woman’s body in the woods.

But with no concrete proof and no sign of foul play, Detective Jim Rourke dismisses her story — until a woman’s mutilated body is found close by. As Rourke investigates the victim’s past, he learns that she was being stalked by a mysterious stranger — and so were several other murdered women.

Rourke discovers that the elusive stalker is playing a twisted game; changing identities and vanishing after each murder. With no other option, Rourke enlists Megan Graystone’s help to trap the stalker — although it means putting her in grave danger.

Can Rourke stop the stalker before he kills and disappears again?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GGTTNPXG

Other Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bxll2P

Want more? Meet Detective Jim Rourke for the first time in The Route 9 Killer. Read the book summary and reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/the-route-9-killer

I hope you will add both books to your 2026 reading list.

I’ll be blogging more about the new book soon. Until then…

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9 mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.

Her latest book, The Route 9 Stalker, was published in January 2026. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.

Kelli's 24th romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.

In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.

 

 

 

Can you solve the mystery of The Route 9 Killer?

Hi everyone!

It’s October, and that means Halloween will be here before we know it. Sometimes horror stories don’t feature “traditional monsters” like vampires or werewolves… sometimes human beings are capable of terrifying us more than any ghost ever could.

The Route 9 Killer is one of those stories. It’s a bit dark… but then again, how could a story about a serial killer not be?

Years ago I had an idea for a serial killer/thriller story that was sparked by something simple: I was driving somewhere and saw a woman’s shoe lying in the road.

Immediately, my writer brain started asking questions: Whose shoe was it? What happened to the woman? Where was the other shoe? Why was this shoe in the road? Strange? Yes. But writers think that way. Anything that catches our attention can spark a flurry of questions and develop into a story idea.

I started wondering about the shoe and then an idea hit me. It was a simple “What if…” premise: What if a woman was abducted and the only evidence left behind was her shoe in the road? I bounced this idea off of a few people, and they scoffed. “Who cares about a shoe? Why would anything think someone was abducted based on a shoe?” But, when I explained my story idea, they were intrigued.

I wrote an outline for the story and filed it in my “someday I’ll write this” folder and moved on to other projects. (At the time, I was writing romances and not focusing on horror/mysteries.) Then “someday” arrived and I wrote the story.

As the title implies, the book is a mystery/thriller involving a serial killer. The hero, Detective Jim Rourke, thinks he’s discovered a serial killer operating in Central New Jersey. The only problem is, nobody believes him. The women are abducted from different towns in the same county, and their bodies are dumped in different towns in another county. This makes it hard for the police to connect the crimes or even see a pattern. To them, the killings are random.

Detective Rourke is also investigating the disappearance of a woman named Allison Kendrick. When the book opens, her boyfriend is at the police station, reporting her missing. Are the two cases related? Rourke thinks they might be.

The book then switches to the point-of-view of a young woman who wakes up in a strange place, handcuffed to a bed. When I wrote her character, I knew didn’t want to make her a helpless victim. Yes, she’s hurting, scared, and in a really, really bad situation, but she’s smart and a fighter—and determined to escape. She knows she’s responsible for her own fate. Nobody is coming to rescue her.

No thriller would be complete without a peek into the life (and mind) of the antagonist. Our not-so-nice killer has a few scenes of his own where we get inside his mind, see what makes him lose control, and gives a hint at why he does what he does.

Without giving away any plot details or spoilers, I can say that our three main characters come together in the end, and the story packs a great twist ending. (If you’ve read the book and loved it, please post a positive review online (no spoilers, please!).

But then… there’s the Epilogue, where we get a little more info on Rourke’s case—and another shocker.

Although the story has a very serious/dark subject matter, I stayed away from overt sexual violence toward our heroine. I didn’t want to write anything too dark, too graphic, and nothing along the lines of “torture porn” or an unsettling episode of “Criminal Minds.” I concentrated on Rourke and his investigation. The other characters are there to pull the reader into the story through their points-of-view, and increase the drama and tension. I think it worked.

And, I’m working on a new story featuring Detective Jim Rourke. I set that mystery (when else?) around Halloween.

Here’s the book summary and order links:

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

Read reviews here:

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/the-route-9-killer

Want more horror stories for Halloween? Visit the Horror, Mystery & More page on my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Or

Visit my Amazon page for links, a full title list, and more!

www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

 

Happy Haunting!

Kelli 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her twenty-fourth romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.

In August 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Kelli also released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in 2023. Look for a follow-up story coming in 2026!

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins 

and visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

Love Paranormal Romances? Don’t miss In Another World

 

Hi everyone,

Happy September! We’re fast approaching my favorite holiday, Halloween. I’ve decided to blog about my paranormal romances in September and focus on my horror stories for October.

Today I’m sharing a look at the making of In Another World. This contemporary romance novel blends a murder mystery with the world of the paranormal. Here’s the book summary and links…

In Another World

A Paranormal Mystery/Romance Novel

Disgraced psychic medium Julie Kershaw has finally met her soul mate. The problem is he’s dead… and his spirit haunts the car she just bought.

The spirit of Detective Eddie Mahoney is determined to find his killer and needs Julie’s help. At first, she refuses. She’s tired of being called crazy and swore she’d never use her abilities to speak to the dead again—even if Eddie is handsome and charming.

Eddie persuades Julie to contact his former partner, Lou Kaplonski, to ask him to reopen his case. Skeptical, Lou dismisses Julie as a fake—until she proves she can communicate with the dead—and he finds out Eddie has a lot to say.

Julie channels Eddie’s spirit and together with Lou, the unusual trio tracks down leads and follows clues to solve Eddie’s murder. The case takes them down a dark and dangerous path filled with secrets, where nobody can be trusted.

As they work to find his killer, Julie falls for Eddie. Funny, smart, and sexy, Eddie is the guy of her dreams—and he doesn’t look or act the least bit dead. To her surprise, Eddie discovers a clever way they can be together, and they begin an ethereal romance.

When Lou’s investigation brings him too close to the killer, his life and Julie’s are put in danger—and Eddie may be the only one who can save them.

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R11STRN

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bpw16g

In Another World has been a labor of love for many years. I’m thrilled that I finally finished the book, and now readers can enjoy the story and meet these very unusual characters I’ve created.

The book opens with Detective Eddie Mahoney, an undercover police officer, in a jam. His cover has been blown and he’s in the middle of nowhere with two criminals. Things don’t end well for Eddie, and although he doesn’t make it out of his predicament alive, his role in the book is just beginning.

Yes, you read that right. I killed off my main character—and the hero of the book—in the first few pages. Why? Because this isn’t your typical romance. Eddie is dead right from the start, but that doesn’t mean he can’t fall in love.

Next, readers are introduced to a headstrong woman named Julie Kershaw. She’s arguing with an unscrupulous used car dealer named Big Al. He sells her a car for cheap, and Julie is suspicious. Naturally, she wonders if there’s a catch, and there is. The car is haunted by… you guessed it—Eddie.

Eddie has been trying to communicate with the car’s previous owners, but never had any luck until Julie bought the car. At first, Eddie doesn’t realize that Julie is a psychic medium and can communicate with spirits. Once he knows she can see and hear him, Eddie uses his charms and persuades her to help him find his killer.

And so begins this unusual romance.

Most people would think this is a bit absurd. And maybe some readers will. But once you get drawn into the story and see that Eddie is pretty much like any other romantic hero (he just happens to be dead), the story flows along.

Eddie and Julie visit Eddie’s former partner, Lou Kaplonski, to persuade him to reopen Eddie’s case. Lou thinks Julie is crazy and can’t possibly be talking to Eddie. When Julie tells Lou things only Eddie knows, Lou is convinced Julie is telling the truth. Lou and Eddie start working the case just like old times. (Sorta.)

Lou is a great guy, and I loved writing for him. On the outside he appears to be a tough, no-nonsense detective who takes his job seriously. When he first meets (and interrogates) Julie, he acts like a typical “bad cop” and is very rough with her.

Lou doesn’t believe in ghosts and thinks all psychics are fakes. He’s also taken Eddie’s death personally. He feels like a failure because he couldn’t find his partner’s killer, and he is still working through his grief. Once Lou starts investigating with Eddie and Julie, his true personality comes out, and he’s more determined than ever to catch Eddie’s killer.

When I wrote the book, I had to make sure readers were able to follow the investigation along with Lou, even when Julie and Eddie weren’t present. I’ve never written a full-fledged mystery or detective story before, but I’ve watched enough mysteries and police dramas, so I think I got it right. 

I also had the good fortune to be related to a police captain and was able to ask his advice on the “police stuff” in the story. The book is a hybrid of romance and mystery. Sometimes it takes on more of a police procedural/mystery feel than a romance, and then in other scenes with Eddie and Julie, it’s a traditional romance.

I hope mystery, romance, and paranormal readers will enjoy this unique novel. It’s got something for everyone: danger, humor, love, ghosts, and quirky characters. I had fun writing this book and stepping into another world, blending the living and the dead.

I’m also happy to report that the book has received several excellent reviews. You can read some of them here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/in-another-world

Until next time,

Kelli

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her twenty-fourth romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.

In August 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Kelli also released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in 2023. Look for a follow-up story coming in 2026!

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website

www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

 

Celebrating Women in Horror Month (Part 1)

 

Hi everyone,

People usually associate February with Valentine’s Day and romance… but did you know February is “Women in Horror” month? To celebrate, I’m blogging about my two ghost stories, Dead ‘Til Dawn and Kropsy’s Curse and two short reads, Silent Sentinel and More Than I Bargained For.

First, let’s spend a night in the land of the dead with Dead ‘Til Dawn…

Dead ‘Til Dawn

Disturbing the dead doesn’t prove you’re brave – it proves you’re stupid.

After touring Gettysburg battlefield, Jessica, Tim, and Steve decide to sneak out to the Devil’s Den for some late-night fun. Jessica’s friend Kathy objects, and warns them about trespassing where they’re not wanted.

Undaunted by ghost stories and fueled by his own arrogance, Tim races toward the Devil’s Den. When the group drives through mysterious battlefield fog, they find themselves surrounded by Civil War soldiers looking for a little fun of their own.

Kathy leaves the others to fend for themselves and flees to Little Round Top. Although she’s rescued by a kindhearted Union solider named Charlie, she refuses to believe what she’s experiencing is real. As the nighttime battle rages on, Charlie introduces Kathy to other weary soldiers, and she quickly realizes she’s trapped in the land of the dead until dawn.

Order Dead ‘Til Dawn here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Til-Dawn-Civil-Horror-ebook/dp/B015LHI08A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/4X9aLb

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/dead-til-dawn

So how did this story come about? Well, I love writing psychological/creepy/spooky horror stories. And I also love traveling to historic places—especially if they’re haunted.

This novella was inspired by actual events that happened to me in Gettysburg, PA. I had a very unusual experience with battlefield fog and I wanted to use it in a story. 

Although I don’t consider myself a “paranormal investigator” I love exploring haunted places and taking ghost tours. Historic houses and “anything old and creepy” appeal to my imagination. Is it any surprise that I love Halloween?

And because Halloween is my favorite holiday, I wrote this Halloween-themed horror story…

Kropsy’s Curse

Late one Halloween night, two young boys venture into a secluded graveyard in the hopes of conjuring up a spirit. Although Kyle is skeptical and would rather be home eating candy and watching horror movies, he reluctantly goes along with Jerry’s plan. He doesn’t believe Ouija boards work—until this one starts spelling out a message…

Kropsy’s Curse is only $.99! Get spooked here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kropsys-Curse-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B014IAH848

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kMYj

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/kropsy-s-curse

This piece of flash fiction came to me when I was mulling over horror ideas. I actually came up with the (strange) ending first, then built the rest of the story around it. I can’t give away any more without spoiling the story, so you’ll have to read it for yourself.

If you’re looking for a quick read that’s more mystery than horror (but still has paranormal elements) check out Silent Sentinel. This 4,100 word mini-thriller blends a crime story with the unusual.

Silent Sentinel - A Mini-Thriller

One afternoon, Valerie visits a flea market and meets a peculiar man who tries to sell her an ancient statue of Anubis—the Egyptian god of the dead. Despite her protests, the man insists that she must have the statue. Valerie gives in and brings her new “guardian” home.

Later that night, Valerie awakens to discover an intruder has broken into her house. She’s forced to fight for her life and relies on Anubis to save her.

When the police investigate, they make a shocking discovery about her attacker and his motive. Only then does Valerie realize how lucky she was— the statue was the last thing she wanted, but exactly what she needed.

Order Silent Sentinel here:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB57751

All other platforms:  https://books2read.com/u/mgExB0

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/silent-sentinel

More Than I Bargained For is a lighthearted mini-mystery that blends offbeat humor with the paranormal.

More Than I Bargained For - A Paranormal Mini-Mystery

Katie doesn’t like going to estate sales. Why? Because she sees dead people.

When Katie reluctantly attends an estate sale with her friend Diane, she gets more than she bargained for. The deceased former owner of the house, Grace, realizes that Katie can communicate with her, and she has a lot to say.

As Katie pretends to shop, Grace tells her the story of how she was murdered—and reveals that her killer is still in the house.

It’s up to Katie to uncover the murder weapon and get it to the police… before time runs out.

Order More Than I Bargained For here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG4J8B2

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/me9jzl

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/more-than-i-bargained-for

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Women in Horror blog. Until then, you can visit the “Horror, Mystery & More” section of my site https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror to read about my other spooky stories.

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

 

Kelli's Quill Newsletter - 2023 Recap Issue!

 

Welcome to the 2023 Recap issue of the Quill!

I know I’ve been away for a while, but now I’m back. What’s new? Well, over the summer I wrote two new romances. One is a contemporary gay romance and the other is a historical/fantasy. The gay romance will be released sometime in early/mid 2024. The other one… well, we’ll see!

In addition to writing new books, I’ve been submitting my horror/mystery/suspense short stories (no acceptances yet), and blogging.

I took a break from social media, too. I posted just before Halloween (naturally) and then went into hibernation for November. But stay tuned to my Facebook pages and Blogs - I’ll be sharing links and more there in 2024.

This issue features info on The Route 9 Killer (my mystery/thriller) links to my Still Moments articles, and I share links to my favorite books.

Enjoy!

Spooky October Spotlight on… Nightmare in the North

 

Hi everyone,

Happy October! Today I’m sharing a look at my horror novella, Nightmare in the North. Think of it as a pre-Halloween treat!

Some of you may know me as a romance author, but I also write short horror fiction. I originally started out as a horror author, and nowadays I divide my time between romance, horror, and mysteries. (My latest mystery is The Route 9 Killer.)

Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about traveling alone in the winter and trusting strangers. Travel takes a deadly turn in this story!

So… how did this novella come about? Believe it or not, I wrote a version of this story for my eighth grade English class. The assignment was to write a short story – and boy, did I! The original version was much shorter and less detailed, but the basic premise was there. I’m not sure what my English teacher thought when she read it, but I got an A.

I grew up in upstate New York where winters can be brutal and last a long time. It can be an isolated place, and sometimes you could be snowed in for days. I used that as the backdrop to the story, threw in some strange characters, and added a little mystery. After I submitted the story for my English class, I pretty much forgot about it.

Then, one January I drove to Vermont in a snowstorm. I was in the car for 12 hours, and naturally, my mind started to wander… I wanted to write a horror story, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write. As I was driving, I thought back to that original story and decided to rewrite it – to tell the story the way it needed to be told.

I changed the opening, moved the setting to Vermont, and filled in all the details and backstory that set the tone. The ending of the new version is slightly different from the original, but it’s not off by all that much. I added an epilogue (of sorts) to the end, and spent about twenty minutes getting the last line just right.

After reading Nightmare in the North, my husband said that it was well written and it drew you in, but it was “twisted” and “disturbing” — I consider that high praise!

Here’s the summary and links…

NIGHTMARE IN THE NORTH

Stranded during a violent blizzard, Mark hikes to the only house nearby. George, a well-mannered University professor, welcomes Mark and gives him shelter from the storm.

By morning, Mark suspects that everything isn’t what it seems. George’s adult daughter, Kate, who also lives in the house, shares a disturbing and unsettling tale. When questioned, George insists that Kate has a psychological issue and can’t be trusted to tell the truth.

Mark quickly finds himself caught in a game of cat and mouse. Who should he believe? Is Kate’s desperate plea for help sincere? Should he be suspicious of George? Or are both of them plotting something together?

Isolated from everyone, Mark is forced to wait out the storm—and find a way to escape—if he hopes to make it out alive.

Order it here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9QD45X 

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/m2vqOk 

I hope you’ll check it out. If you like horror fiction, visit the Horror, Mystery & More section of my site: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Happy Reading,

Kelli

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 6 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her latest release, The Route 9 Killer, was published in May 2023. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ.

Kelli’s paranormal/mystery romance, In Another World, was released in 2022. She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

Chatting About New Releases and More with Author Kelli A. Wilkins

 

Today we’re chatting with Kelli A. Wilkins. She answers a few fun questions and shares a look at her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer.

Tell us about your latest release, The Route 9 Killer. How did that come about?

Years ago I had an idea for a serial killer/thriller story that was sparked by something simple: I was driving somewhere and saw a woman’s shoe lying in the road.

I started wondering about the shoe. What if a woman was abducted and the only evidence left behind was her shoe in the road? I bounced this idea off of a few people and they scoffed; but when I explained my story idea, they were intrigued.

As the title implies, the book is a mystery/thriller involving a serial killer. The hero, Detective Jim Rourke, thinks he’s discovered a serial killer operating in Central New Jersey. The only problem is, nobody believes him. The women are abducted from different towns in the same county, and their bodies are dumped in different towns in another county. This makes it hard for the police to connect the crimes or even see a pattern. To them, the killings are random.

Detective Rourke is also investigating the disappearance of a woman named Allison Kendrick. When the book opens, her boyfriend is at the police station, reporting her missing. Are the two cases related? Rourke thinks they might be.

Without giving away any plot details or spoilers, I can say that the main characters come together in the end, and the story packs a great twist ending. (If you’ve read the book, please don’t give away the ending!)

You’re the rare author who writes across genres. Are you still writing romance and horror? What are you working on now?

Yes, I’m still writing full-length romance novels and short horror fiction, but now I’ve added “mystery/thriller” to my genre list! I just finished writing the first draft of a historical/fantasy romantic adventure. It’s an epic tale in three parts. I hope it will be out sometime in 2024.

I have an outline for another mystery/thriller featuring Detective Rourke from The Route 9 Killer, and I’m working on new horror stories. Readers can visit my social media pages and blog for the latest updates.

How do you come up with the titles for your books?

Titles are tricky! Sometimes I’ll know the title before I start writing the story. That happened with several romances: Four Days with Jack, Beauty & the Bigfoot, Trust with Hearts, and Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover. Usually I’ll have a few ideas for a title, based on the characters, the setting, or theme, then I take a survey of my writing friends and family to see which one they like best. My husband has come up with a few great titles.

How important are the character names in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

Character names are very important to me. Sometimes the characters cooperate with me and tell me their names when I get the idea for the story, but sometimes I have to hunt them down and try to figure out who they are.

I choose names primarily based on the sound and how well the name matches the character’s personality traits. For some reason, many of my romance heroines have strong female names that end in “A” (Elara, Anya, and Odaria). Before I write, I try to match the hero’s name to his personality. Sam (from Lies, Love & Redemption) is easy-going, so his name is “softer.” While Rothgar (from The Viking’s Witch) is a strong warrior.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Fortunately, I don’t get writer’s block. I have folders filled with ideas for short stories and novels, but I don’t have time to write them all. Usually after I finish a book, I’ll take a break from writing for a while and let my mind relax and catch up on my reading. Then, when I’m ready to write something new, I’ll read through my ideas folder and see what inspires me. But sometimes the next story in line jumps into my head and I’m off writing something new the next day!

What authors have inspired you?

I’ve been inspired by many authors throughout the years and probably every book I’ve read has influenced me in some way. I started out reading Stephen King short stories and novels, so I got a feel for good storytelling and world-building at a young age.

Lately I’ve been reading John Sandford and the Preston & Child novels. When I’m reading for fun, I read anything and everything that isn’t in the romance genre. I enjoy a good detective/mystery story, and these authors have created some fantastic and memorable characters.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I’d like to be able to teleport from one place to another in the blink of an eye. Just think about where I’d like to be, snap my fingers, and then I’d be there. It would make traveling a lot easier and faster!

Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?

I want to visit Easter Island. I love the moai and collect them, so I’d love to see the actual statues in person. I’d also like to go to Romania and spend some time at Bran Castle.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes, I welcome questions and comments from readers, so feel free to drop me a line. Let me know which of my books is your favorite, and which characters you love best. I invite everyone to visit me on social media for book updates and more.

Here’s the summary and links to The Route 9 Killer:

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

 

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

 

If you’ve read the book and loved it, please post a positive review online (no spoilers, please!).

Happy Reading,

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 6 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her latest release, The Route 9 Killer, was published in May 2023. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ.

Kelli’s paranormal/mystery romance, In Another World, was released in 2022. She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins 

and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

 

Sharing Reviews for The Route 9 Killer (A Mystery/Thriller)

 

Hi everyone!

Today I’m sharing two reviews for my latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer.

As the title implies, the book is a mystery/thriller involving a serial killer. The hero, Detective Jim Rourke, thinks he has discovered a serial killer operating in Central New Jersey. The only problem is nobody believes him. The women are abducted from different towns in the same county, and their bodies are dumped in different towns in another county. This makes it hard for the police to connect the crimes or even see a pattern. To them, the killings are random.

Detective Rourke is also investigating the disappearance of a woman named Allison Kendrick. When the book opens, her boyfriend is at the police station, reporting her missing. Are the two cases related? Rourke thinks they might be.

Here’s the book summary and those 5-star reviews:

 

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

Reviews for The Route 9 Killer

“5 Stars! From the opening pages this is a gripping read that just doesn’t let up. Wilkins cleverly builds the tension throughout the story leading to a bite-your-nails climax. The book is dark at times, but excellently written and not too graphic.

It alternates between the POV of the abductee, the detective, and the killer, and the author did a great job of giving each of them their own voice. I was on the edge of my seat towards the end and anyone who enjoys thrillers will appreciate the twists the author incorporated into the story.”  -  NurseyByNature - Vibe Reviewer

 

“5 Stars! Awesome read. I was totally glued to the story until the very end. Great job!” - Natalie C. - Amazon Reader

 ***

I hope you’ll check out the book for yourself. It’s a great summer read!

I welcome comments and questions from readers. Be sure to follow my blog for the latest updates and visit me on social media. You can read more blogs about my writings here: www.KelliWilkins.com/blog

Until next time,

Kelli 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, and 6 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her latest release, The Route 9 Killer, was published in May 2023. This mystery/thriller is set in Central NJ.

Kelli’s paranormal/mystery romance, In Another World, was released in 2022. She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins 

and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

Kelli's Quill Newsletter - Welcome Summer 2023 Issue!

 

Welcome to the summer 2023 issue of the Quill. As most of you may know, I’ve been on hiatus for a while. I’ve been working on a lot of projects and I’m sharing my latest news here.

This issue features info on my new release, links to my Still Moments articles, and includes a “romance rewind” showcasing some of my sizzling summer romances. Enjoy!

 

 

New Release - The Route 9 Killer (A Mystery/Thriller)

Here’s an idea: Start your summer with a new mystery/thriller… The Route 9 Killer!

My latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Killer was just released on ebook platforms. See if you can figure out the mystery…

The Route 9 Killer

(A Mystery/Thriller)

Detective Jim Rourke suspects a serial killer is hunting women in Central New Jersey. The victims are held captive, brutalized, then murdered and dumped along deserted stretches of Route 9.

There’s no physical evidence, no witnesses, and the killer is smart enough to leave no clues.

Rourke is alone on a manhunt, and time is running out. Eight victims have already fallen prey to this madman.

Can Rourke catch the killer and rescue the next victim before it’s too late?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Killer-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0C63NHC51

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/m2qd16

 

Don’t miss… Still Moments Magazine

Kelli has been contributing to Still Moments Magazine, a digital magazine of positive reading and enjoyment. So far in 2023, she has authored articles on setting goals, exploring the writing/gardening connection, and adopting older cats. New articles are posted every other month, so don’t miss an issue!

Read her articles and catch up on back issues here:

https://stillmomentsezine.blogspot.com/

Follow them on social media here:

Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Moments-Magazine/111477208866396

 

Get Ready for Summer with Kelli’s Sizzling Summer Romances

 

All of Kelli’s romances make great beach reads, but these romances are specifically set in the summer months… Follow the links to learn more about each book, read reviews and order you copy today.

 

Love, Lies & Redemption: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/love-lies-and-redemption

Trust with Hearts: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/trust-with-hearts

Loving a Wild Stranger: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/loving-a-wild-stranger

Beauty & the Bigfoot: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/beauty-the-bigfoot

Dangerous Indenture: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/dangerous-indenture

A Deceptive Match: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-deceptive-match

Confession of a Vampire’s Lover: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/confessions-of-a-vampire-s-lover

In Another World: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/in-another-world

See all her romances on her site: www.KelliWilkins.com

 

Celebrating Pride Month with Kelli’s Gay Romances

Kelli has written 3 gay romances (and is working on a new one). Catch up on these spicy reads here:

A Secret Match: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-secret-match

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/killer-in-wolf-s-clothing

Four Days with Jack: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/four-days-with-jack

 

I hope you enjoyed this summer issue of the Quill. Be sure to follow me on social media and check out my blogs to get the latest news. Links to all my social media pages can be found here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/contact

Visit my site for a full title list: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/

Enjoy the summer!

Kelli