Hey, Readers. Everyone knows how much I enjoy good music – especially classic rock. Today’s guest author, C. S. Boyack does as well. He’s no stranger to this site, having been a guest several times. It’s always a pleasure to host him. Craig is not only a friend but also a contributor at Story Empire.
He has a new release, another in the Lizzie and The Hat series. These books are always fun and highly entertaining, so if you haven’t already done so, you should pick up a copy of not only the latest release but all the books in the series.
And now, let’s welcome back Craig.
It means a lot to me, Joan, that you’d lend me your space today. This is one of my favorite things about the indie community, and I hope you’ll allow me to return the favor one day.
Seems like Joan always gets the musical post, but her love of music is why I earmarked this one for her.
The new book is called The Midnight Rambler, and it’s just in time for the Halloween season. Grab something pumpkin flavored, or a hot cider, then dig in for a fun afternoon. I’ll let the cover and blurb finish whetting your appetite for more.
Today, I want to talk about music. A big part of this series is the small cover band, Lizzie and the Pythons. They originated back in the first volume, creatively titled The Hat. I needed Lizzie and the hat to get out at night if they were going to amount to much as monster hunters. This kind of meant Lizzie was either a barfly or a performer in my mind, and here we are.
The band gets her out at night, and after her gig work, that’s when the fun begins. I try to pepper the stories with music of a certain style. The band has a bluesy feel that dives into rock, country, and a few eclectic styles as long as they fit the mold.
I also try to make the music fit the story being told. I had them play “Run Run Rudolph” at Christmas time. They played “Bad Things” when chasing vampires and “Clap for the Wolfman” when hunting a werewolf.
There really isn’t much that’s spot on for The Midnight Rambler, (Well, except for one song.) but the whole thing goes down during a major flood event. The Pythons finally get to play a much anticipated venue and their final set is all about floods. It’s amazing how many songs are about rain or floods, and I really enjoyed the research.
I include fun graphics in the stories as section breaks. Sean Harrington prepares these for me, along with that awesome cover and a few Lisa Burton promo posters for each publication. This time I even had Sean complete the lyrics in one of his graphics. Lizzie starts off singing, then the graphic pops up and concludes the lyric. I thought it was kind of fun.
Check out the book, and if you have to pause to update your playlist after reading some of the titles, I don’t mind. Fun is what we’re after here. I’ve added so many songs from this series to mine, that I had to make a special playlist for Lizzie and the Pythons.
Blurb
Something evil is after the hat. The ageless enemies have battled many times, but this time Lizzie is wearing the hat. She’s also up against a ticking clock, in that if she can’t find the maker of her new friend’s medicine he will die.
The Rambler has kidnapped the only witch capable of making Ray’s medicine in an attempt to make the hat sloppy in his efforts. He’s also flooded the streets with deadly minions to impede any progress our heroes might make.
As if that weren’t enough, Lizzie is facing more of life’s struggles, both financially and mechanically. This all goes down in the middle of a huge flood event that she’s ill-equipped to handle.
Join Lizzie and the hat as they battle the elements, the paranormal, and a being of pure evil. Lizzie might be battling some personal demons along the way as she and Ray grow closer.
70 Responses
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie.
Thanks for sharing!
You’re so welcome, Joan…
Thanks for the reblog. That stuff really helps both Joan and I.
You’re very welcome, both of you!
Thanks for having me over, Joan. I’ll surf through for comments as often as I can today.
You’re always welcome here. And I understand about being able to get to the comments.
My days are long and demanding lately, but I’ll check tomorrow, too.
Sounds good. I know how those long and demanding days can be.
Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I’m visiting with Joan Hall today and the topic is the music in Midnight Rambler. Joan is a long-time friend and one of my Story Empire partners. While you’re there please check out her site and stories. She has some cool unsolved mystery posts and writes a compelling mystery herself.
This sounds like such a fun read. Lizzie and the Hat make a great team. The lyrics pop-up in the graphics sounds great. Wishing you all the best with your new book, Craig. Thanks for sharing, Joan 💕🙂
This is the series where I get to try all the crazy things. That graphic turned out well and provides a key element to the story. Thanks for the comment, Harmony.
Lizzie and the Hat are always fun. Thanks, Harmony.
Congratulations to Craig! Midnight Rambler looks like a fun read, and it’s perfect for the season. Thank you, Joan, for spotlighting Craig today. 🎃
Thank you, Gwen.
Hard to believe it’s already that season. Thanks, Gwen.
All the best to Craig on his latest “Lizzie & The Hat” release! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thanks for sharing. Means a lot to me.
You’re welcome, Craig.
Thanks so much, Liz.
You’re welcome, Joan.
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. Wishing you all the best, Craig.
Joan, thanks for hosting.
So glad you had fun with it.
Thanks for stopping by, Staci.
Congratulations to Craig on this latest release! Off to check it out!
Thanks, Priscilla.
Thank you, Priscilla.
I love that music is a vital part of this series, Craig. And you cleverly choose the right music for each mood or theme. I hope you are having great success with the launch! Thank you, Joan, for hosting!
You and I share a love for music, Jan. As I told Denise, I think it just adds to a story.
Hope I don’t disappoint you. This bad guy was almost called Helter Skelter.
And now I have an earworm. 😉
I’ve done so much musical research for this series. I have songs I haven’t even used yet. I’ll have to give you a musical post for the next book. I think it does give them a nice soundtrack.
I’m 80% through the book now, and it’s a fun read! Never thought I’d find a Frankenstein type hero romantic, but I’m hooked on Ray–all six parts of him:) I’m feeling pretty sorry for the Professor. Can’t be fun spending time with the Rambler. You’ve made one heck of a villain this time, Craig! Thanks for hosting him, Joan.
Thanks for visiting, Judi, and for sharing your thoughts.
So glad you’re enjoying the story, Judi. Thanks for your fun comments.
I enjoy how the band and music is such a strong part of the story, that I couldn’t put down:)
Thanks for hosting, Joan!
I think music almost always adds to a story. Thanks, Denize.
I do too. Really sets mood.
Thanks for your kind recommendations, Denise. I must have had the Midnight Rambler on auto play for a month while drafting this one.
I could hear while I was reading!
Ha! That’s awesome. Too bad they got interrupted.
Good to see Craig here, Joan. Looks like a great read. Congratulations, Craig
Thanks for stopping by, John.
😊
Thanks for keeping up with the tour, John.
There’s free drinks right?
🙂
😁
Yes.
😂
It’s always fun to see which songs Lizzie and the Pythons perform in each of these novellas.
I have to side with Judi about Ray. He’s such a great addition to your Hat universe, Craig. He tugged more than one of my heartstrings.
The Midnight Rambler is a fun read. Wishing you all the best with it.
Thanks for hosting Craig today, Joan!
Thanks for stopping by, Mae, and for supporting Craig.
Thanks for your recommendation, Mae. I’m toying with an idea that might allow Ray to return one day. Could add some interesting moments when he’s reunited with Lizzie. If that happens it will be years in the future.
Congratulations Craig.. looks great and I have emailed you.. thanks for hosting Joan..
Thanks, Sally. I found your email and sent a response back.
Thanks for stopping by, Sally!
Always enjoy your song selections, Craig. Now I have Run, Run Rudolph playing in my head, lol. Thanks for hosting, Joan!
🙂 Now, I’m think of that song.
That’s awesome, Teri. Chuck Berry is always on Lizzies list.
Got my copy and it’s on the TBR list.
Thanks for stopping by, Michele!
Have fun chasing monsters.
This was a wonderful look into Craig’s new book, Joan, thank you. I am a big fan of Lizzie and the Hat and really look forward to this new release. I bought it and am all queued up to read about the Midnight Rambler. And now I have the lyrics to the Rolling Stones song in my head. I liked reading here how Lizzie and the Hat came to be, and always enjoy the music elements and research that goes into it. Also love the graphics. Many thanks and best wishes to you both.
Thank you, Jet. Hope you have a good time with it.
Thanks for stopping by, Jet. It’s always good to have an earworm. 🙂 I’ve enjoyed this series.
These books remind me a bit of the Scooby Doo gang and that sounds like fun! Count me in!
Hadn’t thought of that, Traci. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m honored to count you in, Traci. Thanks for sharing the post, too.
Just picked up Midnight Rambler! Enjoy your day!
[…] Hand Boyack https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2022/10/06/guest-author-c-s-boyack-new-release/ Joan Hall Hey, Readers. Everyone knows how much I enjoy good music – especially classic rock. Today’s […]