Parker Francis

When PI Quint Mitchell volunteered to help with an archaeological survey in St. Augustine, he didn't count on digging up a murder victim. In the nation's oldest city, Mitchell discovers links to ancient sins, comes face to face with his own past, and unleashes powerful forces that will do anything to keep their secrets-even if it means taking his life. In this award-winning debut mystery, author Parker Francis taps into an undercurrent of violence hidden behind the sleepy facade of the historic town. When Mitchell's friend, the City Archaeologist, is charged with a brutal murder, he must find the true killer while fighting inner demons and the corrosive residue of racial violence dating back to the Civil Rights Movement. As he learns, St. Augustine was birthed in blood-Matanzas means "place of slaughter" in Spanish-and violence is never far from the surface.

Matanzas Bay

A text message from beyond the grave? Is it a case of supernatural technology or a cruel hoax? A flat tire in the middle of the night on a deserted road is only the beginning of a fateful journey. Writing in her journal, Mary Shelley recounts a series of perplexing events during her visit with Lord Byron--a visit that resulted in the creation of her famous Frankenstein novel, but also uncovered a remarkable mystery. And a case of severe tinnitus turns a rock musician's life upside down. But when the ringing in his ears stops, he learns the alternative can be both a bless­ing and a curse. These and other haunting tales are brought to life in this gripping collection of stories by novelist Parker Francis.

Ghostly Whispers, Secret Voices

Michael Sears

Jade Kerrion

William Burton McCormick

Robert Rotstein

Daco Auffenorde

Elle Andrews Patt

Bria Burton

Charles A. Cornell

Ken Pelham

Melanie Terry Griffey

John Hope

M.J. Carlson

The twelve stories comprising In Shadows Written: An Anthology of Modern Horror takes us into the hearts and minds of thirteen award-winning authors. Explore the wide reach of horror fiction of the early 21st century. “Familiar” by Ken Pelham. Is it research or witchcraft? Science or magic? A young Bostonian discovers the connection between her disintegrating marriage and a mysterious accident on the dark wet highway to Salem. “The Legend of Johnny Bell” by Elle Andrews Patt. Ah, Johnny Bell. His heart is in the right place, but he’s not the sharpest machete in the zombie apocalypse. Finally, an author has found a good use for Pomeranians. “The Antiquary’s Wife” by William Burton McCormick. Folk legend, prejudice, and suspicion haunt a young American couple traveling the Ukrainian countryside of the 19th century. This novelette was a Finalist for the prestigious Derringer Award. “Kev” by Michael Sears. Two boys out on a late-night lark, looking for thrills, a little breaking and entering. You take into account the things that could go wrong but forget that the world has real-life flesh and blood monsters among its vast web of living things. “Insecurity Complex” by Jade Kerrion. What’s a self-respecting ghost to do when everyone is so over-entertained with their gadgets and personal electronics? Short, sweet, and funny. Winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award. “A Dream Within A Dream” by Bria Burton. Our memories and realities are shaped by that which we need to be true. A young girl struggles through family tragedy in this haunting story inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. “Texting April” by Parker Francis. Consumer electronics puts a horrifying spin on the traditional ghost story. Text messages will never be the same. Winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award. “Gabriel” by Melanie Terry Griffey. We’ve all brought home a stray at one time or another, and loved that poor beast as if it were family. Not all strays are what they seem. Winner of the 2010 Flights of Fantasy award. “The Alexandrite Necklace” by Daco Auffenorde and Robert Rotstein. Vanity, jealousy, and jewelry to die for steer a Hollywood actress on an upward career arc. But every arc must ultimately reach a zenith. A modern retelling of Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace.” “Beating Cats” by John Hope. Addiction preys upon innocence in this dark, disturbing tour of the human psyche, the monsters within us, and the slide into depravity. “Three Two One, Wake Up” by M.J. Carlson. Science fiction in the tradition of Philip K. Dick meets horror in the tradition of Jack Finney and H.P. Lovecraft. Are your friends and neighbors really who you think? Are you better off not knowing? “Die Fabrik (The Factory)” by Charles A. Cornell. In a dieselpunk vision of Nazi Germany, weapons research and genocide become one in a nightmarish, secret factory in this novella.

An Anthology of Modern Horror

In Shadows Written

Antonio Simon, Jr.

Bard Constantine

MJ Carlson

Doug Dandridge 

Kay Kendall

We are not alone. The Prometheus Probe is a human by design and sent by an advanced alien civilization. Prometheus's mission is to report on the development of intelligent life on Earth. It looks human. It walks among us, watches us, and learns from us, without exposing its secret. Through the ages, Prometheus's artificial eyes have observed humanity at its best and its worst. It has seen us rise to challenges and fall into hubris, risk all for the sake of others, and commit unspeakable atrocities. The Probe observes the human condition and reports its findings to its creator. And sometimes, it acts. THE PROMETHEUS SAGA is an anthology, thirteen speculative stories that explore what it means to be human. Florida Writers Association's Royal Palm Literary Awards: "Lilith," by Antonio Simon, Jr., won 1st Place for Published Short Story. "The Pisces Affair," by Daco Auffenorde, won 3rd Place for Published Short Story. "Manteo," by Elle Andrews Patt, won 3rd Place for Published Novella. "The Strange Case of Lord Byron's Lover," by Parker Francis, won 1st Place in General Category, and was also 1st Runnerup for Published Book of the Year.

A Science Fiction Anthology

The Prometheus Saga

Parker Francis

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