The Ice Diamond by CB Wilson

               Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature author CB Wilson and The Ice Diamond, book 3 in her Gem Hunters series. Up first is diamond hunter, Taylor Hunter.

Good morning, Hunter. Thank you for spending time with us today. Let’s begin with you telling us about The Ice Diamond. Imagine stealing a fifteen-carat flawless diamond from a locked room made entirely of ice. No windows. High-tech security. Cameras everywhere. Impossible, right? Welcome to my latest diamond recovery.

I was sent to Québec City expecting to recover a stolen diamond from the legendary Hôtel de Glace. Instead, I found myself knee-deep in murder, Olympic secrets, and a mystery that hit way too close to home. Did I mention it was twenty-six degrees inside the crime scene? I'm an Arizona girl. I don't do cold.

Fortunately, I brought Glimmer, my diamond-sniffing dachshund, along. Unfortunately, she views snow as a personal insult. Oh, and my father? One of the world's most notorious jewel thieves. Let's just say his fingerprints aren't always the kind you can dust for.

What made you choose diamond hunting as a profession? Diamonds are in my DNA. Literally, considering my father's profession. I trained at the Gemological Institute of America and worked for De Beers before I discovered that recovering stolen diamonds was more exciting than grading them. Every diamond has a history, and sometimes that history includes theft, betrayal, and a body or two. Now I work with insurance companies tracking down missing gems. Think Indiana Jones meets Stephanie Plum, only with better jewelry, a Glock, and a dachshund who can sniff out diamonds faster than I can find my car keys.

Knowing what you know now, would you stick with the family business or do something different? Depends. Are we talking about my side of the family business or Dad's? My father steals diamonds. I recover them. Same industry, opposite sides of the law. Family reunions could get awkward. Assuming he ever showed up for one. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I love the thrill of the hunt, the challenge of solving the impossible, and the satisfaction of returning something precious to its rightful owner.

What is your biggest fear? Heights. Definitely heights. Put me on a rooftop or the edge of a cliff, and, well, not pretty. Give me a gun-wielding jewel thief, and I'm perfectly capable of defending myself. After Québec City, however, I'm seriously considering adding freezing to death to the list.

But if you want the answer I don't usually admit out loud? Losing someone I love. Especially Hope, my twin sister. We've already lost too much time with our father. I couldn't bear losing her, too. And Glimmer? That little dog owns my heart. Don't tell her. She's already a diva.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Lara Croft. No contest. She's smart, fearless, and can handle a weapon without breaking a nail. What's not to admire? We share a passion for priceless treasures, impossible puzzles, and bringing down bad guys. The difference? Lara raids tombs. I hunt diamonds. And I have Glimmer, my four-legged secret weapon. Bet Lara’s high-tech gadgets can’t sniff out a flawless diamond hidden in a snowbank?

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My grandmother once told me, “A diamond's true value isn't what someone will pay for it. It's what someone is willing to do to possess it.” At the time, I thought she meant jewelry. Now I know better.

I've seen people lie, cheat, betray their families, and kill for a stone smaller than a pebble. The diamond is rarely the real story. It's the secrets buried beneath it. And if I've learned anything from my latest adventure, it's this: Never underestimate a thief, never trust a locked door, and never take a dachshund to an ice hotel without earmuffs.

Thanks for this, Taylor. Now, we’d like to chat with CB beginning with which writer or characters, from books or movies, have had a major impact on your writing? I've always loved strong, clever women who can think their way out of trouble—preferably while delivering a great one-liner. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum is a favorite for her humor and ability to attract trouble. Add a little Lara Croft adventure, a dash of James Bond intrigue, and a mystery that keeps readers guessing, and you've got the inspiration behind my Gem Hunters series.

I wanted to create a heroine who was smart, resourceful, and fearless. Hunter has a serious problem with heights and an even bigger problem with cold weather. And because I believe every good mystery needs a dog, I gave her Glimmer, a diamond-sniffing dachshund with a talent for stealing scenes.

Regarding research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? My research for The Ice Diamond started with one irresistible question: Could someone steal a priceless diamond from a room made entirely of ice? That led me to Québec City's spectacular Hôtel de Glace. Naturally, I had to see it for myself. So this Arizona girl packed her warmest clothes and headed to Canada in March. What was I thinking?

The ice hotel was literally the coolest place I'd ever visited! I explored the frozen rooms, learned how the hotel is constructed each winter, and discovered fascinating security challenges. Then I wandered the historic streets of Old Québec, explored the magnificent Château Frontenac, and uncovered Canada's remarkable diamond-mining history. That's when the story took an unexpected turn. Research into Canada's diamond industry introduced possibilities involving old secrets, disputed discoveries, and fortunes worth killing for. Suddenly, my simple jewel heist had become something much bigger.

That's my favorite part of writing. I never know what I'll discover—or how many perfectly good plot ideas I'll have to abandon when reality hands me something better.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. I'm an independently published author, and I love the freedom it gives me to tell the stories I believe need telling. I don't have to convince a publisher that readers will enjoy a diamond mystery set in an ice hotel in Québec City—or that a diamond-sniffing dachshund deserves a starring role!

Independent publishing allows me to follow my curiosity, explore unusual historical connections, and create stories that teach readers something new. I also have the flexibility to incorporate real destinations and interactive experiences like Glimmer's Trails, where readers can follow the clues themselves. Of course, being an indie author also means I do a lot more than just write. I’m head researcher, marketing director, and publicity planner. But I wouldn't trade my creative freedom. And the best part? I get to decide when a story is ready to share with readers. No query letters or years of waiting for a publisher!

What are you reading right now? I'm currently reading Michael Crichton's Catalina series. I'm always drawn to mysteries that combine intriguing locations, adventure, and unexpected twists. With The Water Diamond set on Catalina Island, I especially enjoy seeing another author bring a familiar destination to life. It's fascinating how two writers can explore the same place and uncover completely different stories.

Of course, I can't help but analyze the clues and wonder what I would have done differently. It's an occupational hazard! And my reading pile? Let's just say it rivals my collection of unfinished research notes.

What's next for you? Hunter and Glimmer aren't getting a breather at all. Following The Ice Diamond, you all can join them in The Christmas Diamond, a holiday mystery novella set during the magical Christmas Traditions celebration in historic St. Charles, Missouri. Think Victorian Christmas charm, a rare green chameleon diamond, a murder, and enough holiday mischief to land Glimmer on Santa's naughty list. You’ll find the story as a part of the Christmas Traditions & Wagging Tails collaboration with Joanna Campbell Slan.

Next, I'm taking Hunter to Las Vegas for The Desert Diamond, where a missing yellow diamond, a legendary casino owner, and a diamond theft with roots in the French Riviera promise plenty of trouble. I'm also developing The Star Diamond, an international adventure inspired by Australia and the world of luxury cruising.

And because apparently, I don't have enough mysteries in my life, I'm creating a new cozy mystery puzzle series featuring four amateur sleuths who solve crimes using American Mah Jongg clues.

One thing's certain: Every diamond has a story… and I'm nowhere near finished telling them!

Here’s a bit more about CB Wilson: Award-winning author C.B. Wilson writes the Gem Hunters and the Barkview Mysteries—two series that blend intrigue, heart, and unforgettable animal companions. A GIA-trained gemologist, she brings authenticity and insider detail to her fast-paced stories of stolen jewels, hidden histories, and high-stakes recovery.

Her Gem Hunters series follows diamond recovery specialist Taylor “Hunter” and her diamond-sniffing dachshund, Glimmer, as they unravel mysteries spanning generations. The series includes The Fire Diamond, The Water Diamond, The Ice Diamond, and The Christmas Diamond. (Part of the Christmas Traditions & Wagging Tails collection)

CB’s Barkview Mysteries offer a Hallmark-style escape to the dog-friendliest town in America, where mysteries and canine companions go paw in paw.

A member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Dog Writers Association of America, and Book Lovers Bench, CB lives in Arizona, where she enjoys horseback riding, pickleball, and spending time with animals. Her stories combine adventure, humor, suspense, and heart—because every diamond has a story.

 

Awards:

CIBA 2026 First Place

Bookfest Gold Medal

Readers' Favorite Award Gold Medal

Silver Falchion Finalist

Dog Writers of America Finalist

 

The Ice Diamond can be found at:

Universal link for all platforms: 

https://books2read.com/theicediamond

Amazon universal link: https://mybook.to/theicediamond

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Ice-Diamond-Hunters-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B0H49R2ZL9

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ice-diamond-cb-wilson/1151383075

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-ice-diamond

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-ice-diamond/id6817933408  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-ice-diamond-gem-hunters-mystery-the-gem-hunters-book-3-by-c-b-wilson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/258224205

 

Tangled Darkness by MM Desch

In a twisted web of lies, she's either the spider or the fly.

Today, Wild Women Authors focus on Tangled Darkness, a psychological thriller written by MM Desch and recently released by Rowan Prose Publishing.

About the Book: When a psychiatric clinic assistant turns up dead, Dr. Leslie Schoen finds herself a suspect in the case—and facing allegations which could destroy her career.

As Detective Davis works the investigation, Leslie launches her own inquiries. She soon uncovers deception and illegal schemes involving stolen prescription opioids. It seems everyone around her is hiding something, and as she gets closer to the truth, the threats against her escalate. She struggles with keeping dangerous information from her pregnant wife, Izzy, and knows she needs to confront traumatic demons from her own past. But as she delves deeper into a web of lies, one thing becomes clear: someone will do anything to keep their criminal plans in the shadows.

With her family and even her life on the line, Leslie must outwit those who want her silenced before it’s too late. No one’s motives are what they seem, and the killer may be closer than anyone thinks.

What others are saying about this book: “. . . Fans of Freida McFadden, Lucinda Berry, and Patricia Cornwell will enjoy "Tangled Darkness" by MM Desch

TANGLED DARKNESS can be found at: https://books2read.com/u/bwgvYO

About our Focus Author: Debut author MM Desch describes her work as storytelling on the edge. She's a proud marginalized voice in the LGBTQ+ community and a former psychiatrist. When not investigating facets of writing, she enjoys hiking, long walks with her wife and their mini schnauzer, Portland food carts, golf, and the WNBA. She resides in Oregon.

MM Desch can be found at: www.marydesch.com

  

Pretty Bird by Hilary Faktor

              She thought she'd escaped . . . 

Today, Wild Women Authors focus is on Pretty Bird, a women’s fiction novel of suspense and danger, written by Hilary Faktor and recently released by Rowan Prose Publishing.

About the Book: Maeve Whitman has come a long way. As a teenage mom who’d escaped an artists’ cult by sacrificing her best friend, she’s created a safe and perfect suburban life.

But when the former cult leader, who is now a renowned photographer and father of her daughter, tracks her down and threatens to force her child back to the farm she escaped from, Maeve is faced with a choice: take her children and flee or stay and fight for the life she’s built for her family.

With her daughter facing the chaotic and slippery monsters who almost destroyed Maeve, she’s pulled back into a web of destruction she thought she’d escaped for good. By confronting her past, she’ll need to find the strength to take back her future and change the path her mother once set for them.

Just how far will the colony go to get her back in their clutches? 

What others are saying about this book: “Fans of “I’ll Never Tell” by Catherine McKenzie, “This Might Hurt” by Stephanie Wrobel, and “An Honest Lie” by Tarryn Fisher will enjoy “Pretty Bird” by Hilary Faktor.”

PRETTY BIRD can be found at: https://books2read.com/u/bzOMRZ

About our Focus Author: Hilary Faktor has a background in public relations with writing published in The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, HuffPost Canada, Cloud Lake Literary, The Sunlight Press, and Broadview Magazine. When she’s not reading or writing, she manages to find herself downhill skiing, dabbling in adult gymnastics, or canoe racing up north—all of which make her incredibly nervous. “Pretty Bird” is her debut book. She resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Death Hits the High Notes

 Today, Wild Women Authors feature author GG Calpo and Death Hits the High Notes, a contemporary cozy mystery, a recent release by the Wild Rose Press. First up is music teacher Stefan Papadopoulos.

Good morning, Stefan. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us. Let’s begin with what made you choose teaching band and choir for a profession. Music is in my bones. Without music, I’d wither like that plant on your desk. You might want to drizzle some water on it. It’s really parched and gasping. Say what? Stick to your questions? I’m just saying…okay, okay. To get back to music, without it, I’d be brown and droopy like your plant. And brown is so not a good look for me.  

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a band teacher or do something different? Well…I might have tried out for America’s Got Talent. It would have been fun to see Simon Cowell’s jaw drop when I belt out my solo. You know I sing solo in Whitman’s Port Choral Society? I’m not bragging when I say my “Ave Maria” brings tears to everyone’s eyes. You should a ticket to the concert. It’s this weekend. I’ve sung in the choir for years now. In fact, the choir is where everything happens in Death Hits the High Notes.

What is your biggest fear? Fear? What is fear but the knowledge that you’re doing or are in something out of your comfort zone? And what is life if you don’t step out of your safe, square box? Boring, that’s what it is. So, with your permission…or without it, actually, I will rephrase your question to “What is the one thing I dread more than death?” Then the answer, my dear, is to be BORING. For an Original like me, boring is the kiss of death.  

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey, of course! Have you seen his tweeds? His monocle? And that British upper-class twang? He’s divine! I just wish Dorothy Sayers wrote more books about him. I’ve read all eleven books and the short story collections so many times, I’ve lost count!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? As a young Greek man, my father—then my uncle when he stood loco parentis when my father died—drilled generosity into me. With family, with friends, with acquaintances, and even with strangers. Everyone, really. At work, with family and friends, in your neighborhood, wherever you find yourself. He said, generosity is never wasted. It creates ripples and returns to you in ways you will not expect. It pays uncounted dividends and enriches your life beyond what it cost you.   

Thank you for spending time with us, Stefan. Now we’d like to chat with GG.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? Another author I love is Lois McMaster Bujold, author of the Vorkosigan Saga, a series of science fiction novels about Miles Vorkosigan, an interstellar double agent for his planet Barrayar. What is most notable about this series—the story spans sixteen books and several shorter novellas—is how Miles perseveres through his physical and character flaws and challenges and becomes more than anyone would have dreamed he would be. When I write, I keep in mind that dynamic for my characters. Which is why each book in the Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series explores the character growth of one of Meg’s friends while driving Meg’s investigation into the deaths of her husband and son, and, of course, solving another murder in the cozy towns of Whitman’s Port, The Village of Codling Bay and Sands Neck Point.    

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I started by researching how choirs work—when and where they would be rehearsing, the role of the conductor, and the dynamics among the members. And as often happens with research, one detail leads to another, then to another, which changed the three M’s of mystery murder books: Motive, Means and Method. But that’s the fun of writing. You never know where the plot and your characters will take you.     

Tell us a bit about your publisher and how you heard about them. I attended the 2025 annual conference of the Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference in New Jersey, and they had an editor/agent pitch session. There I met Melanie Billings of The Wild Rose Press, who generously asked for my full manuscript. She liked my five retired teachers as amateur sleuths and wanted to know more.

What influenced you to submit to them? The Wild Rose Press is a small press, but it is very responsive and supportive. They host a weekly chat forum where you get to talk to other TWRP authors and learn from them. It’s a great tool for a newbie like me.

How is the submission process? Quick, painless, and timely. I knew exactly what to submit and what to expect. There were no unnecessary steps or complications, and the entire process went smoothly from beginning to end. It was a less stressful experience that I had expected.

What is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? My editor, Melanie Billings of The Wild Rose Press, is fantastic. I submitted Death Hits the High Notes in April this year, and she got it turned for publication by July, with a release date of October 7, 2026.

Let’s talk about what you are reading right now. The Queens of Crime. It’s a historical whodunit by Marie Benedict featuring real-life Golden Age female mystery writers—Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy—solving an actual murder, instead of just writing about one. I’ve just started the book, and it’s very engaging. The author did a great job blending historical facts about the authors and the societal context of the book in the 1930s.

What’s next for you? I’m hard at work on Book 3 of The Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series, which should be out sometime in 2027. The focus of Book 3 shifts to Barbara, the former principal of Post Elementary School, and the self-appointed leader of the group. I also write short stories about a retired Filipino-American detective, Luzviminda Abad—four-feet eleven and walks with a cane. She’s a badass detective who refuses to let her sixty-plus years get in her way. Readers can visit my website, www.ggcalpo.com, and download free copies of the short stories.

To learn more about GG Calpo and the stories she creates go to: https://www.ggcalpo.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/gg.calpo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gg.calpo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62170493.G_G_Calpo

Amazon Author Central: https://amazon.com/author/gg.calpo

To purchase Death Hits the High Notes, go to:

Amazon: https://a.co/d/034m76OT

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-hits-the-high-notes-gg-calpo/1151020222?ean=9781509266845

 

 

Winter's Teeth by R. A. Betzer

Don’t Go Into The Woods

Today, Wild Women Authors are focused on Winter’s Teeth, a contemporary paranormal romance, written by R.A. Betzer, and recently released by Rowan Prose Publishing

About Winter’s Teeth: Rae Bennett, a morally ambiguous college student raised by the local ax-throwing gym, is doing her best to assimilate into adulthood after a tumultuous upbringing set her back in every way. Then, Fox Winter crashes into her life on an ice float in the creek. He’s a frozen corpse when she finds him, only to violently wake and take off into the woods before she can figure out what’s really going on.

She finds him again two weeks later when her sister goes missing at the rustic wedding venue run by the Winter family. Dragging Fox back into her life against his will, Rae enlists him to aid in the search for her sister. He has only one rule for their tentative new relationship—don’t go into the woods—which she flouts liberally to get to the bottom of things. With a reluctant Fox in tow, she discovers the darkest parts of the forest full of centuries-old legends and dangerous secrets surrounding his family.

In the dead of winter, a twisted tradition unfurls with supernatural shifters and their arranged marriages to kidnapped humans—her sister being one of them. Rae fights to rescue her sister before the tradition is complete, all while warring with a traitorous heart that begins to fall for one of the Winter villains. Somewhere along the way, she starts fighting for more than just her sister, hoping to rescue the man she loves, as well.

But, in the end, she may only be able to save one of them.

What others are saying about this book: “Fans of Sarah Beth Durst’s “The Lake House” and Ali Hazelwood’s “Bride” will enjoy “Winter’s Teeth” by R.A. Betzer.

Winter’s Teeth  can be found at: https://books2read.com/u/baXJky

A bit about our Focus Author: By night, R.A. Betzer is an author. By day, she's a scientist. Rory lives in rural PA close to the Appalachian mountains, which inspired much of her debut novel, "Winter's Teeth." When she’s not obsessively writing to the point of dehydration or religiously updating on Ao3, she can be found crocheting, watching anime, or mothering her goblin cat-child.

  

Whispers of a Pale Witch by S.A. Sizemore

              Some secrets just can't stay buried.

          Today, Wild Women Authors focus on Whispers of the Pale Witch, a contemporary paranormal mystery, recently released by Rowan Prose Publishing, and written by S.A. Sizemore.

About the Book: After the sudden death of her great-aunt, Kylie Beckett lands her dream job as a forensic photographer in the small seaside town where she was born. But once there, a series of murders and the dark truth about her family's past forces Kylie to harness unconscious powers to protect her newfound family from the murderous Pale Witch of Salem, Massachusetts, and keep a dangerous relic from the unstable witch before she unleashes a demon on Salem once again.

Shall we begin?

What others are saying about this book: “. . . Fans of Dan Brown’s “Robert Langdon” series, “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman, and “The Butcher and the Wren” by Alaina Urquhart will enjoy “Whispers of the Pale Witch” by S.A. Sizemore. . .”

Whispers of the Pale Witch can be found at: https://books2read.com/u/4EvXVY

About our Focus Author: Drawn to theater from an early age, S.A. Sizemore began writing professionally while studying theater arts in college. After producing several plays regionally in Southern California, Sizemore pivoted to the themed entertainment industry. "Whispers of the Pale Witch" is the first installment of the Beckett Coven trilogy and her debut. It is partially inspired by Sizemore’s ancestral connection to the Salem Witch Trials. She is a full member of the Dramatists Guild of America. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and resides in California.

 

The Middle of Nowhere by Rita A. Popp

Bethany Jarviss—a smart, beautiful, single New Mexican in her early thirties—works for her family’s charitable foundation. When murder threatens to shake up the lives of people she loves, Bethany uses her sharp mind and engaging personality to solve crimes as an amateur detective.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature author Rita A. Popp and The Middle of Nowhere: book 3 in the Bethany Jarviss Mystery series recently released out of the Wild Rose Press. Up first is Bethany Jarviss.

Tell us a bit about your latest murder investigation in The Middle of Nowhere. I didn’t set out to solve a mystery; I only wanted a romantic reunion with my cowboy boyfriend, Nathan, at the Wyoming guest ranch where he’s a new wrangler. Then, someone is killed with a horseshoe, and Nathan is a prime murder suspect. Before the sheriff arrests my innocent guy, I aim to find the killer hiding in plain sight among the ranch’s owners, staff, and guests.

You’re the grants manager for The Jarviss Family Foundation. What made you choose that career? It’s satisfying work, having a hand in funding worthy projects all over New Mexico, such as daycare and senior centers, a college scholarship, and a pay-what-you-can café.

If you had to do all over again, would you stick with this career or do something different? I’d definitely start out working for the Foundation, which my father directs. But I’m not sure if it will be my lifelong job. Solving mysteries is much more exciting!

What is your biggest fear? Dad’s health is poor, and he’s itching to retire and pass the Foundation’s directorship to me. I’m not sure I could fill his shoes or would want to. I fear I’ll disappoint him if I say no, and if I say yes, I’ll find myself in a cushy position that won’t be very challenging in the long run.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Harriet Vane in the Lord Peter Wimsey novels. She’s a gutsy investigator and a perfect romantic and intellectual match for Lord Peter.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? “Never underestimate the power of a woman.” It’s the slogan of the former Ladies Home Journal magazine that my mom and I used to enjoy reading.

A bit about the author of the Bethany Jarviss Mysteries: Rita A. Popp has never found desiccated human bones while hiking, a murdered professor when she worked as a university writer and editor, or a victim killed by a horseshoe. But she has relished creating those inciting incidents for her Bethany Jarviss Mysteries. Rita writes at home in Colorado and at the New Mexico cabin she shares with her husband and their golden retriever, Agatha. She owns entire crumbling collections of books by Christie, Sayers, Allingham, and Marsh, and most of the Nancy Drews through number forty-three.

For more about Rita, go to https://ritapopp.com and www.facebook.com/rita.popp/.

What others are saying about this book: “There’s no shortage of secrets, hidden connections, red herrings, and fuel for speculation. Overall, The Middle of Nowhere is a treat for armchair detectives looking for some light reading.” -- Gabriel Santos for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

The Middle of Nowhere and the first two Bethany Jarviss Mysteries, The First Fiancée and The End of Promise, are available in paperback and ebook formats from Amazon.com and other retailers.