Watch for a new Indie Author in the Spotlight this Sunday

This week I will be featuring Paul Wornham and his latest book. Be sure to drop by this Sunday and check it out.

Looking for Indie Authors to Spotlight

The well has run dry and I'm looking for my next Indie Author to spotlight on the Indie Authors in the Spotlight page. Leave a comment if you would like to be spotlighted or DM me on Twitter with your contact information. I usually post a new featured author and their work every Sunday and would need your information, including links, no later than Saturday afternoon.

Reviews of Storm Rising from Smashwords

Review by: John Poindexter on July 16, 2011 :
Storm Rising, a Kelli Storm Novel written by Kenneth Hoss, is a detective novel that displays great knowledge of police procedures.

This is a book that will draw you into the world of Kelli Storm and make you want to run out and find the next installment to learn more about this female detective.

A highly recommended read for all of those that like detective stories.

Review by: Carolyn Arnold on July 04, 2011 :
Kenneth Hoss has a well-rounded character in Kelli Storm. Although, a tough and determined Detective, she has a vulnerability to her. His research and knowledge of police work show through in the pages of Storm Rising. A must read for those who love police procedural mysteries.

Review by: Todd Bush on June 14, 2011 :
Ken has written a fabulous book with a tremendous main character. Kelli Storm is one of those characters you want to follow through several books just to see how deep Kenneth Hoss will take you inside her life and her story. I highly recommend this book!

Sample Sunday - Excerpt from Chapter Ten

Wednesday August 26th, 4:06 P.M. Washington Heights

 33rd Precinct Detective Unit

    As soon as Kelli and Bill walked into the squad room, the lieutenant waved them into his office. He didn’t look happy.

    “Close the door,” he said, and plopped back into his chair. “Before you say anything, let me tell you what I know.”

    Kelli and Bill sat down opposite the lieutenant, giving him their full attention.

    “I know you’re both pissed off at what happened today and I can’t blame you. I’m pissed off myself. Agent Farnsworth called me at three-twenty to inform me they were taking this case. When I asked him why, he told me to call One Police Plaza.”

    He paused and picked up a sheet of paper and passed it to Kelli. She took it from him, read it over and looked back up.

    “Just what the hell does this mean? They want us to cease our investigation. They don’t even give an explanation. What the hell boss?”

    “That came direct from One PP. It seems this case is directly connected to Carlos Rodriguez. And since he’s working with the DEA, they don’t want us mucking around and blowing the case they have going against this drug ring they’re investigating.”

    “And just how the hell did they figure that out? Shit, we don’t even know who killed Maria Gonzalez or attacked Pamela Dawkins,” Bill said, a puzzled look on his face.

    Kelli shook her head and laid the paper back on desk. “Are we going to let them do this? We’ve already put a lot of time into this case, and I have a feeling our witness may be ready to talk. And these sons of bitches don’t even give a shit that she almost died today!”

    “Well she didn’t, and that’s all that matters. Nevertheless, as far as we’re concerned, this case is closed. If the DEA finds out you two are still investigating it, heads will roll, I guarantee.”

    Kelli looked at Bill and he nodded. She turned back to the lieutenant and sighed. “Yeah, okay, we’re done. It’s a bunch of crap and you know it, but we’ll back off.”

    The lieutenant leaned back in his chair and looked from Kelli to Bill and back. “Okay, I’m going to hold you to it. If I hear that you’re still looking into this, I’ll have both your badges. Now get out of here.”

Sample Sunday - from chapter seventeen

    She explained her plan. Kevin would go to the other end and wait. Once he was in position, she would move to the next row of cars and create a distraction. Kevin would then move up from behind and with luck, disarm the men.

    Kevin looked at her, his brow furrowed. “And what if they both go to check out the noise? What then?”

    She sighed and lowered her head. “You watch them. If they both move to check it out, come back this way and signal me. If only one of them moves, I’ll take him and you take the other guy. Look, this is going to work. It has to work.”

    “Okay, but don’t go taking any unnecessary risk. These guys aren’t going to play nice.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, turned and made his way to the other end.

    Kelli felt her face flush. It had been a long time since she had felt the touch of his lips. She composed herself and peered around the front of the old Dodge. The two men were standing in front of the building, facing each other.

    The men appeared to be in a heated discussion, both of them gesturing wildly with their hands. She eased around the front of the car and moved to the next row of wrecked cars. There was a panel van at the end of the row, and she ducked in beside it.

    She looked around for something to throw and found a rusted fan blade. This should do it. She picked it up and tossed it at the sheet metal fence. The fan hit the fence, causing it to vibrate down its length. Kelli peered around the rear of the van and saw the two men look in her direction.

    They looked at each and the larger of the two moved in her direction. At least one of them took the bait. I just hope Kevin is ready. She had intended to move back to where she and Kevin had been waiting earlier, but the man moved faster than his size indicated. She listened as the man got closer.

    She couldn’t see Kevin, and hoped he was ready to take the other man. As she waited, she heard a voice call out.

    “Hey, Tony! You find out what made that noise?”

    She heard the second man shout back. “Naw, I ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

    “Then get your fat ass back over here.”

    The man called Tony was closer now, and she could hear the gravel crunching under his shoes. “Yeah, yeah, give me a minute. I just want to check these last couple of rows.”

    The large man stopped a few feet from where Kelli was hiding and she could hear him turn around. “Hey, Vinny, what’s the matter with you?” There was a pause and he called out again. “Hey, what the fuck, Vinny? I’m talkin’ to you. Answer me you stupid shit.”

    Kelli peered around the corner of the van and saw the man standing just a few feet away, his back to her. It’s now or never, Kelli. She stood up and eased around the back of the van, her Ruger LCP aimed at the man’s back. She crept up on the man and stuck the muzzle into his back.

    She could see the man tense up. “What the fuck? Is this some kinda joke?”

    “No joke asshole, drop the gun and kick it away,” she said, pushing the muzzle harder into his side.

    The man raised his arms and dropped his Beretta, kicking it toward the fence. “You’re that bitch cop. The old lady’s daughter, right?”

    “Yeah, I’m a bitch and I’m a cop. And you’re the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever seen.” She pushed the Ruger harder into his ribs. “Move it asshole, you’re going to take me to my mother.”

Guest Interview

Check out my interview at: http://www.salgado-reyes.com/forums/showthread.php?2456-Shining-the-SPOTLIGHT-on-Kenneth-Hoss

Another Teaser from Storm Warning - excerpt from chapter two

Thursday October 14^th 8:17 A.M. Washington Heights

West 174^th Street – Apartment of Jorge Gonzales

    Kelli approached the dingy five-story tenement and pushed the front door open. Some security. No wonder this guy got robbed. She walked over to the stairs and looked up.  Gonzalez lived on the top floor, and of course this building had no elevator. Not like I couldn’t use the exercise, though I did get plenty last night. A grin crept onto her face at the thought of Kevin and the previous nights events.

    She started up the stairs and as she neared the second floor, gunshots rang out from one of the higher floors, followed by several screams and shouts.  She drew her Glock, moved to the outside of the stairwell for better cover, and slowly edged up the stairs. By the time she reached the second floor landing, the screaming and shouting had stopped.

    Kelli moved quicker now, taking the steps two at a time. When she reached the third floor, she heard a familiar voice shout “Clear” from somewhere above. That was Williams. At least I know he’s okay, but what about Dickerson? “Derrick, this is Kelli. You guys okay up there?”

    “Yeah, both of us are good. What the hell you doing here anyway?”

    “The boss sent me over after you guys left, figured you would appreciate having an extra set of hands,” she shouted, not reacting to the annoyance in his voice. “What the hell happened up there?”

    “Some dumbass punk had to take a shot at Jon and me. It’s all clear now, you can come on up.”

Kelli holstered her Glock and bounded up the stairs. When she topped the landing of the fifth floor, Williams and Dickerson were waiting for her. She looked from Williams to Dickerson and back. “You guys okay?”

    Williams nodded. “Sure, stupid fuck missed. Jon here took him down with the first shot,” he said, slapping Dickerson on the back.

    “Yeah, dumb motherfucker came out of an apartment down the hall just as we were leaving. Guess he saw mine or Derrick’s badge and lost it,” Dickerson said, shaking his head.

    “Hey, it was a good shoot, Jon,” Kelli said, seeing that it was bothering him. “It’s not like he gave you a choice.”

    He nodded and pulled out his cell phone. “I guess I’d better get this called in,” he said, as he punched in some numbers.