Torn Roots, my first Kindle World title, publishes July 31. For you, my faithful readers, here is a preview:
“They’re after me.”
Sam rubbed his eyes and looked again. No, I’m not dreaming. “Rowan?”
The tall woman pushed past him and shut the door. “Geez, will you ever clue in. What do you think it means when someone says ‘They’re after me’? Think they want to stand on your doorstep?”
“Who’s after you?”
“I didn’t see their ID, but obviously, the government or the corporation. What difference does it make?”
“What are you talking about?”
Instead of answering, she went into Sam’s kitchen, where his dinner, just prepared, sat on the table. She picked up his big glass of ice water and drained it in one long drink. “So thirsty. I’ve been running all day. Do you have any wine?”
“Not since you left, no. Do you want a beer?”
Rowan made a face, but when Sam handed her a bottle from the refrigerator, she cracked the cap and downed half the bottle in three fast swallows. Then, still standing, she picked up Sam’s fork and began eating the vegetables on his plate.
“Hungry?” Sam asked.
“I haven’t eaten all day. I’ve been running for hours. It makes a girl hungry. You got anything else to eat? What am I saying, of course you do. You’re a foodie.” She looked in the fridge and pulled out a plastic container. “What’s in here?”
“Leftover kalua pig from last week. It’s still good, but maybe a little dry.”
Sam smiled as he anticipated pushing Rowan’s buttons. “Pigs are an invasive species and a bit of a problem here. I killed, butchered and cooked that one myself. Go ahead, eat it up. I’ve got plenty more in the freezer.”
“You know I don’t eat meat.” She practically threw the container back into the refrigerator and brought out a head of lettuce and a mango. She bit into the mango. Juice ran down her chin and onto her shirt. “Damn. Do you have a clean shirt I could borrow? My clothes are soaked with sweat.”
“They might be kind of big for you. But what are you doing here, Rowan? I mean, it’s nice to see you again, but …”
“What were you doing at the marina construction site this morning?” she interrupted.
“I came to complain about their workers joy-riding in the national park yesterday. They started a forest fire. What are you even doing on Maui? I thought you went home months ago.”
Rowan shrugged and took another bite of mango. “There’s important work to do here, protecting the environment for the Hawaiian people.”
“I thought you were out of money.”
“We got a donation.”
Sam didn’t know which of the hundred questions swirling in his head he should ask next, but then he heard a clattering, chopping roar accompanied by rapid clicking. A sudden wind blew dust and stones against the windows and walls of his house. “What’s going on?”
Outside the window, a small, black helicopter settled onto his front lawn.
Like that? Torn Roots will join nine other top authors in the Lei Crime Kindle World at the end of the month. You can find it on .
Permalink
Well, you definitely piqued my curiosity. Reads good, thanks for sharing.
Permalink
It’s always great to read excerpts from a new novel. This one sounds interesting and makes the reader want to know more. Good job.
Permalink
I look forward to reading more, and I really hope Rowan gets a chance to eat. OMG I could feel her hunger. I need a cookie.
Permalink
So thrilled with the final version of this novella! Nothing beats coming to Maui for research, right, Scott?
Much aloha and thanks for joining the Lei Crime KW, I know it will do well!
Permalink
I am working on writing more projects that require this kind of research.
Permalink
looking forward to Pono and Hana.
Permalink
Enjoyed the first shirt Lei Crimewirld series. Looking forward to more! Ma’halo
Toni
Permalink
I would love a copy. I am really enjoying The Kindle World.
Permalink
Can’t wait to read!
Permalink
Very intriguing! I like that you have included some of the same themes that I love in Toby’s writing; Hawaiian culture and cuisine in particular. Looking forward to reading more.
Permalink
I’m intrigued. Looking forward to reading this and other Lei Crime World books.
Permalink
This series is fabulous. Always great to read new-to-me authors about my favorite characters. Looking forward to this one!
Permalink
Enjoyed the excerpt would love to read more. I think the Kindle World Series is a great idea.
Permalink
That sounds really good, looking forward to reading this!!!!
Permalink
I’m really enjoying all these extras to the Lei Crime World. It is so interesting to not only meet the familiar characters again, but to find out more about their history/background. Good luck with this one.
Permalink
I’d love to read this book.
Permalink
Can’t wait to add to my mental picture of Pono! He’s been a calming hero to Lei.
Permalink
Thanks for this excerpt, Scott. Looks interesting. Are you doing like a series on your blog that people will follow on an ongoing basis? I love action in a preview.
Permalink
I am looking forward to reading this book. It looks very interesting.
Permalink
Can’t wait to read TORN ROOTS.I am such a fan of the Lei Crime Series and any novels taking place in Hawaii.
I am so glad authors are writing he related novellas.
Permalink
Oh, that was exciting! First you had me at the name Rowan, then that Sam was a foodie… The kuala pig – I wanted to try it! LOL – great excerpt and good luck on the launch!
Permalink
Sounds great! Can’t wait to read the whole thing. AND love the cover!
Kim