Skip to content
  • Home
  • Review Policy
  • Linktree
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Menu Item
  • Menu Item
  • Menu Item
  • Menu Item

Westveil Publishing

Jenna Rideout | Illustrator, Book Reviewer, Author

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Jenna
    • Review Policy
    • Linktree
    • Spam Concerns
  • Blog
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews & Guest Posts
    • Book Promos
    • Book Talk, Tags & YouTube
  • Contact
  • Toggle search form
  • Book Review: Abandon Station by V.G. Harrison Book Promos
  • The Lost Sentinel – 5 Star Bok Review Book Reviews
  • Jati’s Wager by Jonathan Nevair – 5 Star Book Review Book Reviews
  • The Sand Pounder by M. J. Evans – 4 Star Book Review Book Reviews
  • The Lost Apothecary – 5 Star Book Review Book Reviews
  • Big Shot by Kirsten Weiss – 4 Star Review Book Reviews
  • Print or Digital? The ARC and Review Reader’s Conundrum Book Talk, Tags & YouTube
  • Becoming Human – 5 Star Book Review Book Reviews

Author Guest Post with Randy Overbeck: Cruel Lessons

Posted on September 26, 2023 By Jenna Rideout 18 Comments on Author Guest Post with Randy Overbeck: Cruel Lessons

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town.

Welcome to the September 26th stop on the blog tour for Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck with Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, reviews, more guest posts, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means there is no additional cost to you if you shop using my links, but I will earn a small percentage in commission. A program-specific disclaimer is at the bottom of this post.

Author Guest Post

In my bestselling Haunted Shores Mysteries series, the tales are as much about the location as the murder mystery. For example, I chose the Eastern Shore for the first entry, Blood on the Chesapeake, because the location itself evokes the split personality of the area, on the one hand current and modern and on the other stuck in the past of racial injustice. Likewise for Scarlet at Crystal River, I selected a quaint small town on Florida’s Gulf coast because of its charm and manatees, of course. Readers of the series have shared how much they felt my settings enhanced the tales and have even written to say they have added the locations to their “must travel” list.

These earlier choices then beg the question: why did I decide to make the setting of my newest work, Cruel Lessons, an anonymous, fictional midwestern town?

Cruel Lesson is an atmospheric, amateur sleuth mystery,the first in a new series set in schools called “Lessons in Peril.” The story involves a rogue, hallucinogenic drug being pushed in a middle school and, after it results in the death of four students, the rush to stop the drug pusher before more children die.

According to early reviewers, Cruel Lessons is “Brilliant from start to finish…Impressive storytelling left me with a racing heart and shivers. One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.” ★★★★★+++—N.N. Light’s Bookheaven.

ReaderViews called the novel “a thrilling murder mystery…with an immersive plot, steady pace and stellar character development…one of the best mysteries of 2023.” ★★★★★

Literary Titan wrote “Cruel Lessons is “masterfully written…Each new revelation adds to the suspense and keeps the reader on edge, eagerly anticipating what further secrets the story holds…a gripping crime thriller and amateur sleuth mystery.”

But the novel is far more than a gripping mystery and thriller. The underlying theme of the story confronts the plague of drug abuse by children. Although the narrative takes place in fall, 1994, the central story about children experimenting with drugs—however fictional in my tale—is hauntingly close to what’s happening in small towns across the country right now. In fact, this plague of drug experimentation by students is so widespread, I could have chosen most any small town, midwestern or not. Most schools and school districts have dealt with this problem on some scale, whether or not they’ve chosen to acknowledge it.

But the story of Cruel Lessons is so damning of a place and a school, I did not wish to level even a fictional accusation at any particular town or school system. I chose to keep the setting anonymous, so readers could picture their own town—or city—in the place of Foster Middle School in Shakerville. What I hope is readers of my novel will gain a new insight into this problem and will ask the pertinent question: could this happen here?

Cruel Lessons will be released October 11 by the Wild Rose Press and will be available everywhere you buy your books. But you don’t have to wait. You can preorder my newest—and I think—best work right now. Check out all the details on my website.

About the Book

Cruel Lessons
Lessons in Peril Book One
by Randy Overbeck

Publishing 11 October 2023
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Genre: Amateur Sleuth Mystery
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

Excerpt

Struggling desperately to force her mind to think, Amanda tried to consider her options. It was all happening too quickly. The next treacherous turn came at her fast. She had no way to slow down. White knuckles gripped the steering wheel.

The bend ahead showed a hard curve to the right, not quite as tight as the last one, but steeper. And she felt the car accelerating, though she hadn’t touched the gas pedal. Right before the car hit the curve, Amanda spun the steering wheel. The car lurched around the bend. The driver side of the car lifted up. Halfway through the long bend, Amanda watched the hood tilt in the turn until it was almost vertical. No seat belt on, she was catapulted down the leather seat, crashing into the passenger door. 

“Hell!” she cried, reaching to grab her bruised shoulder.

She froze as the two wheels still on the ground shuddered in the gravel, sliding off the small road. Slammed against the side door, she heard the tall weeds and low branches whip against the body. But the car didn’t slow. Blood streamed from a gash on her forehead. For an instant she lay there stretched across the passenger door, holding her breath.

Then she sensed the car teetering. The front tire bumped something hard. Amanda stared, unbelieving, as the car began to flip. As the Regal made the first revolution, she screamed.

About the Author

Dr. Randy Overbeck is a best-selling author of the award-winning series, The Haunted Shores Mysteries, the three entries earning such national awards as the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews, Best Book from Chanticleer and Crowned Heart of Excellence from InD’tale Magazine. He hosts a new podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations, “Thanks Still Go Bump in the Night”  and “A Few Favorite Haunts” with audiences all over the country. More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Podcast | Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway Alert!

Randy Overbeck will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sept 25Hope. Dreams. Life… LoveSept 25Literary Gold
Sept 26Westveil PublishingSept 27Kit ‘n Kabookle
Sept 27Readers RoostSept 28Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Sept 29Read Your Writes Book ReviewsOct 2Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
Oct 3The Mystery SectionOct 4Gina Rae Mitchell
Oct 5Fabulous and BrunetteOct 6Two Ends of the Pen
Oct 9travel the agesOct 10It’s Raining Books
Oct 11The Avid ReaderOct 12Our Town Book Reviews
Oct 13Novels AliveOct 13Sandra’s Book Club

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
  • Mastodon

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Author Interviews & Guest Posts, Book Promos Tags:Cruel Lessons, goddess fish promotions, Lessons in Peril, mystery, Randy Overbeck, The Wild Rose Press

Post navigation

Previous Post: Author Guest Post with Evy Journey: The Golden Manuscripts
Next Post: Series Spotlight: Ty Dawson Mysteries by Baron R. Birtcher

Related Posts

  • Cover Reveal: The Ghost of Forlorn Lane Book Promos
  • Author Guest Post with E.B. Brooks: Emissary Author Interviews & Guest Posts
  • Walk-Ins Welcome by Sue C Dugan Book Promos
  • Crimson Soul by Lyra Winters [Book Blitz] Book Promos
  • Sea of Souls by N. C. Scrimgeour Book Promos
  • Author Interview with Roxy Eloise, Discovering Puracordis Author Interviews & Guest Posts

Comments (18) on “Author Guest Post with Randy Overbeck: Cruel Lessons”

  1. Goddess Fish Promotions says:
    September 26, 2023 at 8:58 AM

    Thanks for hosting today!

    Loading...
    Reply
  2. Tracie M Cooper says:
    September 26, 2023 at 7:32 PM

    What’s your most interesting writing quirk?

    Loading...
    Reply
    1. Randy Overbeck says:
      September 26, 2023 at 10:48 PM

      Not sure if I have any real writing quirks. Perhaps the only characteristic that’s a little different is I can and do write just about anywhere. This novel was written at the doctor’s office waiting room, waiting for my car to be worked on, sitting while my wife completes her PT, eating at a restaurant alone. And of course at my incredible desk and home office.

      Loading...
      Reply
      1. Tracie M Cooper says:
        October 5, 2023 at 10:55 AM

        I appreciate the insightful response and how flexible you are in regards to where and when you are able to write, definitely a strength in these days and times – much happiness and success to you!

        Loading...
        Reply
  3. Marcy Meyer says:
    September 26, 2023 at 9:22 PM

    I like the cover. Looks great.

    Loading...
    Reply
    1. Randy Overbeck says:
      September 26, 2023 at 10:50 PM

      I’m thrilled with the cover, designed by the professionals at Wild Rose Press. Plus the cover captures the atmospheric sense of the novel. Wait till you read CRUEL LESSONS!

      Loading...
      Reply
  4. Sherry says:
    September 26, 2023 at 10:41 PM

    Looks like a interesting book.

    Loading...
    Reply
  5. Randy Overbeck says:
    September 26, 2023 at 10:52 PM

    One of the early reviews captured the essence of the novel, I think. “A thrilling murder mystery…with an immersive plot, steady pace and stellar character development…one of the best mysteries of 2023.” ★★★★★—ReaderViews

    Loading...
    Reply
  6. Randy Overbeck says:
    September 26, 2023 at 10:53 PM

    One of the early reviews captured the essence of the novel, I think. “Brilliant from start to finish…Impressive storytelling left me with a racing heart and shivers. One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.” ★★★★★+++—N.N. Light’s Bookheaven.

    Loading...
    Reply
  7. Marisela Zuniga says:
    September 27, 2023 at 5:49 PM

    this sounds very interesting

    Loading...
    Reply
    1. Randy Overbeck says:
      October 10, 2023 at 11:52 PM

      I’ll look forward to reading what you think of the novel once you have a chance to read it.

      Loading...
      Reply
  8. Pingback: Author Guest Post with Donna Balon: Sam Time – Westveil Publishing
  9. Nancy says:
    October 1, 2023 at 2:05 AM

    Looks amazing

    Loading...
    Reply
  10. Tracie M Cooper says:
    October 3, 2023 at 8:01 PM

    How many hours a day do you write?

    Loading...
    Reply
    1. Randy Overbeck says:
      October 10, 2023 at 11:55 PM

      My life is very complicated with a good many responsibilities (my wife is handicapped) so I’m not able to set a certain daily time schedule for writing. I write whenever I get the chance but strive for 2-3 hours each day. And that’s in addition to the networking, SM and promoting i do most evenings.

      Loading...
      Reply
  11. Pingback: Cruel Lessons (Lessons In Peril #1) By Randy Overbeck | Book Review ~ Author Guest Post ~ $25 Gift Card | #AmateurSleuth #Mystery | Gina Rae Mitchell
  12. zany4be6fe7bfe8 says:
    February 13, 2025 at 7:58 AM

    Congratulations, Randy Overbeck. I have just finished reading ‘Cruel Lessons’, a suspense-filled read about a huge social problem facing our society and our society’s children. Meryl Brown Tobin

    Loading...
    Reply
  13. Randy Overbeck says:
    February 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks for the kind words.

    Loading...
    Reply

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

We migrated web hosts and we're still working on restoring images. Thank you for your patience!

Badges

Professional Reader
Reviews Published
80%
50 Book Reviews
NetGalley Beta Tester
Frequently Auto-Approved
Intellifluence Trusted Blogger
  • Author Interviews & Guest Posts
  • Blog
  • Book Promos
  • Book Reviews
  • Book Talk, Tags & YouTube
  • Featured
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
  • Friends to the End by C.L. Colyer [Blitz with Excerpt] Book Promos
  • Slightest in the House by Barbara Casey Book Promos
  • BookTube Reboot Book Talk, Tags & YouTube
  • Preserved [Book Tour Spotlight] Book Promos
  • Cover Reveal: Capture the Sky Book Promos
  • Author Guest Post with Melody Johnson: Sight Beyond the Sun Author Interviews & Guest Posts
  • Signed by Tim Burris Book Promos
  • Spectral Paranormal Investigations by S. Peters-Davis Book Promos

Original content © 2021-2024 Westveil Publishing | Submitted content rights remain with the rights holders.

%d