Friday, December 18, 2015

What Christmas means to me


A holiday classic, A Christmas Story, reminds me of how my family and I celebrated Christmas, except for the pink bunny suit that poor Ralphie had to put on that morning. Well, and the dogs getting the turkey. Christmas growing up was always an anxious time for me, mostly because I never knew from one year to the next where we would be living, or if Santa would stop at our house. They were thin times, but my dad always managed somehow to get us something for Christmas.

So what does Christmas mean to me? It's not about the presents, though most think it is. Christmas to me is being with friends and family, giving, not taking. My last few Christmas' have been different, especially since I've been single. When I was married and had my kids and grandchildren, it was a special time. Watching them tear off the wrapping paper and the look in their eyes once the gift was unwrapped. Seeing the joy in their eyes gave me joy too. I miss that. But just because I no longer have that in my life doesn't mean I can't enjoy Christmas. I still have friends and family, and most importantly, I still have my health.

A Merry Christmas to you and yours, and wishing you a joyous New Year.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Fan Pic of the Day - J Bayliss

 

Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale

The first three books in the Kelli Storm series are on sale through Monday the 30th. Get the complete series at a great price!



Links on the sidebar.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Book launch for Eye of the Storm - Join the party.

Book launch party on Facebook November 24th from 6 to 9 P.M. CST. Prizes and giveaways! See the event page for details and rules.


Prizes include:

$25.00 Amazon gift cards

Canvas book tote (A $20 value)






Saturday, November 14, 2015

Sneak Peek Saturday - Excerpt from the upcoming Eye of the Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 4)

Sneak Peek from the soon to be released Eye of the Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 4), coming November 24th. (Pre-order available November 17th, $2.99)


Thursday September 19th – 10:15 A.M. – New York, New York
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Jack Hastings sat at his desk with his back to the door when Kelli and Greg entered. Kelli cleared her throat and he spun around in his chair. He stood, his eyes wide and a smile on his face. “I wasn’t expecting you until later this afternoon.”

“What can I say? It’s been a slow morning, Jack.” She scanned the room. “So what have you got for me?”

“Oddest thing.” He walked over to one of the autopsy tables. “I didn’t catch it at first, but I was getting Mr. Ritacca ready for his family and I found something.” He stepped up next to the table and pulled the sheet down. “COD was definitely caused by the ice pick that was pushed into his brain. However, he was already a walking dead man.”

Kelli stepped up next to the table and stared down at the body. “What are you talking about?”


 

Friday, November 13, 2015

Eye of the Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 4) coming November 24th

The fourth book in the Kelli Storm series is due for release November 24th and will go on pre-sale via Amazon, Kobo, iTunes, Google Play and OmniLit the 17th. Pre-sale price of just $2.99.






A Russian prostitute’s body is dumped in a Washington Heights park and Detectives Kelli Storm and Eric Ryder catch the case. A note found on the woman’s body with Kelli’s name alongside that of a former Russian mobster lead the detectives to an old nemesis.
When they confront a Russian Diplomat and members of the Russian Brotherhood with little success, they seek the help of an FBI contact who aids them in establishing a connection between the Diplomat and a corrupt FSB Agent, Vladimir Andropov. They uncover a criminal conspiracy between the Russians, a dangerous Mexican cartel and a notorious New York crime family.
When her FBI contact disappears and is later found floating in the East River, other witnesses start disappearing and Kelli is left scrambling to save her case.
As she peels away the layers of death and corruption, she soon finds herself targeted by these organizations, all wanting to eliminate the threat to themselves and their livelihoods and not get caught in the Eye of the Storm.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Storm Rising and Storm Warning trailer

Kelli Storm series trailer.

New Website

I finally broke down and got a website, domain name and all. It's still in the early stages, but coming together. Drop on by and have a look, let me know what you think.


http://authorkenhoss.com/

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Sneak Peek Saturday - Excerpt from Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3)

Go to my Facebook Author page for a sneak peek from the latest Kelli Storm novel, Deadly Storm. Eye of the Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 4) comes out later this month, so catch up now.


Facebook Fan Page




Friday, October 30, 2015

Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3) is LIVE

When Detective Kelli Storm and her partner, Eric Ryder, are called to the scene of an apparent suicide they discover the victim was a Russian hit man and Kelli was his next target.
 

The trail from the body leads the detectives to the underbelly of Brighton Beach, and the Russian Brotherhood that rule there. During the course of their investigation, Kelli discovers a link between the Russians and a powerful Colombian cartel, the same cartel she believed shut down with the death of its leader, Miguel Garcia.
 

With the FBI and DEA taking an interest in the case, they join with Kelli to forge a plan to break up the international drug ring. As they delve deeper, the Cartel and Brotherhood become bolder and they both want Kelli dead.
 

When the dangers of her professional life become entangled with her personal relationship with DEA Special Agent Greg Larsen, she soon finds herself caught in a Deadly Storm.


Now available for Kindle, Nook, iBook, Kobo, and Google Play

Don't forget the first two books in the Kelli Storm series, Storm Rising and Storm Warning. Coming soon, Eye of the Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 4).





Amazon

Barnes & Noble


iTunes

Kobo

Google Play

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Sneak Peek from the soon to be released Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3)

She might be a tough as nails NYPD detective, but Kelli has a softer side...

Kelli walked into the bar and paused at the door. She stood just inside for several moments, taking in the scene. Keep it together, three years sober, and you really don’t want to let yourself or Janet down. She’d never forgive me. Hell, I’d never forgive myself.

She looked for Larsen and almost didn’t recognize him at first glance. Instead of his usual meticulously tailored suit, he had on a dark blue polo shirt and khaki slacks. Feeling a little overdressed, still in her pants suit, she made her way to the table. “I wish I had known this was a casual meeting. I might have gone home and slipped into something less, well, business like.”

He stood and smiled at her. “You look just fine. I just live a few blocks from here and had time to stop off and change. Have a seat.” He pulled a chair out for her.

She glanced from the chair to him, then smiled. “Well, I haven’t had this kind of treatment in a long time.” She sat and inched forward as he pushed.

“What can I say? My mother raised me to be a gentleman.”

“It’s just a nice surprise. So, what is it you wanted to talk about?” Heat crawled up her neck as his hand brushed her shoulder. Why did I accept his invitation? Oh God he smells so good, and that shirt really brings out his eyes.


Available for pre-order now on Amazon $2.99

Release October 29th - $4.99

 

Pre-Order Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3)

You can pre-order your copy of Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3) now from Amazon and OmniLit for the special price of $2.99. ($4.99 on launch date, 29 October)

OmniLit


 

Halloween Book Hop

Hop on over to my Facebook Author Fan Page and check out the Halloween Book Hop. 130 talented authors, tricks, treats and giveaways! (Pinned Post)

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKenHoss


Thursday, October 15, 2015

Cover Reveal for Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3)

Follow the link to my publishers page to see the latest cover.

Cover reveal! Thanks to Patti Dunn Roberts​ at Paradox Book Cover Designs​ for this great cover. (All of them.)

http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/2015/10/15/its-a-cover-reveal-thursday/

Launch Party for book three in the Kelli Storm series, Deadly Storm

Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3) is set to release October 29th. I am having a launch party on Facebook and there will be prizes and giveaways. Check the page for further details. I will be posting the prizes and giveaways this Sunday. Open to the public. Invite your friends and family. Also, book 2 will be available in print on the 29th.

Launch Party Link


Cover reveal soon!



Now Available from all eBook Retailers


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Sneak peek from the soon to be released Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3)

Sneak peek from the soon to be released Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3)

Out of fifteen rounds, she only put nine in the ten ring, and she knew for certain it wasn’t the Glock. She hated to admit it, but Kevin may have hit on the problem, even though she didn’t want to believe it. Why am I letting this get to me? Shit, I’ve been through a lot worse in the last year or two, so why should this case be any different? Maybe it’s not just the case. I went through so much with mom between the Alzheimer’s, the kidnapping and watching her die. And this thing with Kevin…whatever it is…it’s a miracle I haven’t crawled back into the bottle.

As she and Kevin made their way to his Expedition, the sound of an engine revving and the squeal of tires caught her attention. She turned her head in time to see a black Chevy Tahoe coming toward them. She yelled at Kevin and they both ran, taking cover in front the Expedition as the Tahoe closed on them, its passenger side windows down.

The Tahoe screeched to a stop as automatic gunfire erupted from the open windows, pelting the Expedition, shattered glass flying in all directions. Just as quickly as it started, it stopped. The Tahoe sped out of the parking lot and onto the street, its tires screeching as it sped away, headed west toward the Major Deegan Expressway.

Kelli watched as it as it sped out of sight. “How in the hell did they know we were here?” Kevin sat hunched over on the ground, blood pooling on the asphalt. She reached out for him, her vision clouding with tears. “You’ve been hit.”

He stared up at her, his face pale. “Caught me in the left side, not sure if the bullet is still in there or not.” He moaned and fell toward her.

With her left hand free, she fumbled for her cell, punched in 911 and waited.

Deadly Storm (A Kelli Storm Novel 3) release announcement


Thursday, October 1, 2015

My review of Run Between the Raindrops by Dale Dye (Capt. USMC, Retired)

Great book by Dale Dye (Captain, USMC, Retired) I just got through reading it today and here is my review. If you love historical military fiction, you will love this book. But judge for yourself. It's set in Vietnam during the battle of Hue City.

5.0 out of 5 stars
 

Semper Fi - Great book by Dale Dye
 

By Kennhoss on October 1, 2015

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

From the time I started reading this amazing book by Dale Dye, I was immersed in the battle for Hue and right in the thick of it with the Marine combat correspondent telling the story. I especially liked Dale's use of the Code of the Grunt throughout the book. I would quote one of my favorites, but Amazon might delete my review due to language content. Great book! Semper Fi, Marine!

***************************

The blood-drenched Navy Corpsman had it right as he labored to keep yet another Marine alive on the mean street of Hue City: “Getting out of Hue alive is like trying to run between raindrops without getting wet.” 



Monday, September 28, 2015

Stop Bullying - To the Top and Flowers in the Snow

TO THE TOP, the docudrama feature film that promotes the main feature FLOWERS IN THE SNOW, both produced by Jennifer Dawn Anderson-Bounds and directed by Rick Bounds.

Check out their Facebook page for Flowers in the Snow, coming the last week of October keep checking back on the Flowers in the Snow page for updates. Let's put an end to bullying in schools.

I am honored to be included in this as a photo-cast member.



From Betty Dravis:

And another great writer, Kenneth Hoss, joins the photo-cast of TO THE TOP, the docudrama feature film that promotes the main feature FLOWERS IN THE SNOW, both produced by Jennifer Dawn Anderson-Bounds and directed by Rick Bounds. I am casting director and co-producer, can you believe? Clap along with me to welcome Ken, author of a trilogy of Kelli Storm mysteries/police procedurals. He's a thrill-a-minute writer. It's a pleasure to have him standing up against bullying. 

Sunday, September 27, 2015

A Brief Biography of Detective 3rd Grade Kelli Storm



Kelli Storm, Detective, NYPD



Kelli is intelligent and tough, yet feminine. She has the tenacity of a pit bull and doesn’t let go of a case until it’s solved.


About Kelli


Her father’s name was Robert and her mother is Catherine. Robert’s parents were Scandinavian descent and he grew up in Jamestown, New York. Her mother is Irish and her maiden name is Murphy. Her mother was born in Ireland in 1951 and immigrated to U.S. in 1965 with her parents and grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. She met Robert through a friend in 1975 and Kelli was born on June 24th 1978.



Kelli has shoulder-length brown hair, tied back most of the time because it's in her face, brown eyes, and pretty. She wears little or no makeup. She doesn't need it. With it she'd be a knockout. Without it she's girl-next-door pretty, especially when she smiles. She stands 5’5”, but her small stature doesn't keep her from kicking ass.


Her father joined NYPD 1972, at the age of 22 and spent 16 years on the job until his murder. He married her mother in 1977. Kelli also joined the NYPD at age 22 after graduating from Saint John’s University in Queens with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. Her father was shot on August 15th, 1988, on McLean Avenue in Yonkers, a block from the Saint Paul the Apostle Church.



As a child of 10, she witnessed her father’s murder, gunned down on in their quite little neighborhood in Yonkers, New York. They were on their way to church on a sunny Sunday afternoon in August. An unknown man in a black sedan with tinted windows drove by and shot her father. He had been holding her hand and suddenly let go. All she had been able to do was kneel at his side, crying, tears rolling down her cheeks, shaking him and begging him to wake up. She still has nightmares about it.



Now she is a detective on the NYPD and looking for her father’s killer or killers. He had been working on a murder case involving drug kingpin Santiago Luis Polanco-Rodriguez, also known as Yayo.



Kelli started her career working out of 9th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit in the East Village. She is now at the 33rd Precinct in Washington Heights.



In her second year on the job, she received the NYPD Medal of Honor for saving her first partners life during a liquor store robbery while on patrol. Putting herself at risk, she drew fire from the suspect so her partner could drag himself to cover. He was seriously wounded, but survived with three rounds in his lower torso, and one in his right leg. The suspect kept firing using a 9mm and Kelli returned fire, killing the suspect. She received the medal three months later. The Police Commissioner presented it to her at a ceremony attended by her mother.

Her first partner, Jim Wallace took early retirement at the age of 55. Her second partner was Ron Phillips, in Robbery/Homicide at the 9th Precinct. Ron was killed during the bust of a robbery suspect, shot in the back by the man’s girlfriend. Shortly after his death, and the subsequent death of the suspect, Kelli transferred to the 33rd Precinct and was promoted to Detective 3rd Grade where Lieutenant Frank Cummins took her under his wing and made her the detective she is today.
  
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