I’m thrilled to have fellow Story Empire author, C. S. Boyack, here today to celebrate his latest release, Good Liniment. I have read all The Hat stories and was eagerly looking forward to this one. I wasn’t disappointed. Here is my review: Link
So thankful you loaned me your space today to talk about my newest book. This one is part of The Hat Series, and is called Good Liniment. These are short novels, designed to take no more than an afternoon to read. They can also be read as stand-alone titles, so readers don’t feel like they have to be read in order.
Good Liniment expands the world of Lizzie and the hat exponentially. It not only expanded on witchcraft, but introduced a lot of new elements to the story.
There’s a reason for this. Lizzie has done some pretty off-color things as a fledgling monster hunter. Remember her first adventure involved exacting some justice on a ring of human kidnappers. This increases the need for a secret double-life. That works just fine… for a while.
Eventually, there’s nobody for Lizzie to talk with about whatever is eating at her psyche. The hat is always there for her, but isn’t quite someone to understand the emotional toll things could take on her. Her best friend is her drummer, Tanith, but she hasn’t got a clue about the supernatural world.
In Good Liniment, Lizzie meets most of a coven of witches. They understand the need of keeping secrets. While they aren’t exactly friends, they get some of it.
This led me to other things in this world. Some of the witches have familiars, one of which is a small demon. Something new to add to the mix.
There are a married couple who both have goblin blood and work for the coven to operate a special tavern named Good Liniment.
I introduced a headless horseman who drives a Bronco these days and is a contractor for the coven. I’ve been mapping out a specific story for him somewhere down the line.
I even went so far as to introduce a pair of godlings; Castor & Pollux, Attorney’s at Law. While they don’t make an appearance, they will in the very next volume. Those of you into Zodiac things will understand some of their build.
I’m excited to have Good Liniment out in the world now. I hope some of you will give it a shot. A bit of dark humor with an expansive world to let your imaginations roam. I’ll be out there imagining with you as I tailor subsequent volumes.
Someone is murdering members of the local witches coven. They turn to Lizzie and the hat for their unique skills that might help eliminate the killers.
A religious zealot might be a monster, but is still a human being. This task isn’t the same as staking vampires or shooting zombies. It isn’t the usual project Lizzie takes on for her night work.
This all takes place during a recovery period for Lizzie. She needs to keep her cover band together and find a new way of getting them gigs. More bands and less venues are making finances tight. The hat didn’t make things easier during her absence, by spreading rumors about why she took her sabbatical.
Someone killing others over a point of view insults Lizzie’s sensibilities. She has secrets to keep. Her employers have secrets, too. It doesn’t make for a comfortable working environment, but she agrees to do what she can.
Convincing her strong willed employers to stay indoors during all this poses another problem. Can she keep them alive long enough to finish her task?
Good Liniment is full of magic, magical creatures, and an entire underground community living amongst us.
The Hat Series consists of short novels that can be read in a single afternoon. They’re full of snarky dark humor and can be easily read out of order.
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This book looks like so much fun, and I’ve enjoyed the two in this series I’ve read. I really must get caught up! Wishing Craig all the best with his newest release! Thanks for sharing, Denise 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony.
I think you’ve made every stop, Harmony. Means a lot to me.
💖😁
It’s another great addition to the series, Harmony 🙂 Thank you for dropping by!
I had a chance to read Good Liniment. Fun characters, fun story!
Thanks for saying that here.
It was a fun story and I always enjoy Craig’s characters, Priscilla 🙂 Thank for coming by!
Castor and Pollux. I like that. Good luck, Craig. Thanks for hosting today, Denise.
They even get a small scene in the next story.
I look forward to learning more about them in the future, Joan 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
It’s good to see Craig here today with Good Liniment. I really enjoyed the story. It’s another fun and imaginative addition to the world of Lizzie and The Hat.
Thanks for hosting, Denise!
Thanks for all your support, Mae.
It was a great addition to The Hat series, Mae, I agree 🙂 Happy you stopped by!
Thank you, Denise. The Good Liniment sounds like another great Boyack story. I’m looking forward to the read. Congratulations, Craig!
Thanks for following the tour, Gwen.
It is a another great addition to the Hat family, Gwen. Thanks for dropping by!
I had to rush out the door this morning after I faked my reblog. Just wanted to say thanks for lending me your space and I hope I can drive some traffic this way today.
I’m happy to have you here today, Craig. I’m a fan of The Hat series and wish you much success with it!
Congratulations on the new release, Craig! I saw a review of it over on Sally’s site. Sounds like it’s another great addition to your series. Thanks for sharing it with us today, Denise! 🙂
Thank you, Yvette. That was a great review.
It is a great addition to The Hat series, Yvette 🙂 I’m happy to share Craig’s latest great read! Thank you for stopping by!
I love the expanding cast and magical elements you’re including, Craig. Best wishes!
Thanks for hosting, Denise.
You’re right. Two comments. Haha
You know me and technology! Sorry.
I’m enjoying the same thing, Staci 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
I did like the addition of the familiars in this book, Craig. And let’s not forget Destiny. 🙂 Not sure what to call her, but she was a great character! I loved the story and can give it my recommendation! Best wishes with this one, and thank you, Denise, for hosting!
There are some great characters introduced in Good Liniment, I agree Jan 🙂 I’m happy to be a part of spreading the word on a world Craig created, that I enjoy visiting. Thanks for dropping by!
Thank you, Jan. I call Destiny an elemental. Had fun trying to figure out how she would communicate.
SO looking forward to reading this one, Craig! Another great post today, too! Still wishing you huge success with this one! Thanks for having Craig here today, Denise! Really enjoyed it! 😀
It’s another fun one, Marcia 🙂 I have a feeling you will enjoy it. Happy to have Craig visit today, and so glad you dropped by!
Thanks, Marcia. Hope it grabs a few readers today.
What great background on this series, Craig. It explains a lot. Best of luck on the new book.
I always love to learn the background on a story, Jacqui. It does add that extra layer when reading it. Thank you for stopping by!
It really was time to expand if I wanted to keep them coming. Now I have multiple options.
I enjoy that too, Staci– it’s a lot of fun. I’m happy to share Craig’s latest. Thank you for stopping by!
Many thanks, Staci.
Congratulations to Craig. Thanks for hosting him today, Denise.
I was happy to promote his latest here today! Thanks, John 🙂
Thank you, John.
Congratulations Craig and lovely feature Denise…xx
Thank you, Sally.
Thank you, Sally 🙂 Happy to share Craig’s good news.
Another release! Yay, C.S. Love that cover!
Thank you, Sandra. I’m kind of partial to the cover myself.
I love this cover too, Sandra 🙂 And its a fun read.
It sounds like all kinds of fun.
Have a great weekend.
scoxoxo
“I introduced a headless horseman who drives a Bronco these days and is a contractor for the coven.” Seriously, how cool is this? Nice, Craig! Thanks for hosting, Denise!
A Bronco is a kind of horse. We’ve talked about where he might be headed before. It’s a couple of stories down the road.
It is pretty cool, Teri! What more could a reader ask for? Happy to host, thanks for stopping by!
I’m looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for sharing, Harmony.
Thanks, Beem. Enjoy the craziness.
You have some good reading ahead, Beem 🙂 Happy to share and thanks for stopping by!
HI Denise, I do enjoy Craig’s imaginative The Hat series. A coven of witches sounds like fun. Very Roald Dahl and I adore his books. Thanks for hosting Craig.
They are so imaginative and lots of great characters. I’m a big fan of Roald Dahl too. Happy to hosting thanks for dropping by, Robbie 🙂
Thank you, Robbie. It seems a lot of people like witches.
Okay, I’m feeling a little fuzzy now. I loved Good Liniment but can’t remember a small demon. You’re not talking about Noodles, are you? Because I LOVE him! I read Greek myths for a long time, and I know Castor and Pollux, but can’t remember everything about them either. Doggone! You’re 5 steps ahead of me on these. I need a little clue to remind me of stuff I read a long time ago.
Castor & Pollux were the Gemini twins. One was the son of Zeus, the other of the actual husband. These kind of twins are possible even without godly interference. The small demon was Umbra’s familiar. It appeared when the pretzels were being handed out at Good Liniment.
Thanks for the reminders!
I loved Noodles too:) All these details sure do make a great story. Thanks for dropping by Judi!
What a gorgeous cover! Congratulations on your new release, Criag! The new characters make the story more fun to read.
Hope they enhance the story, and the future of the series. I really like this cover, too.
I think this is my favorite cover of the series, Miriam. Those characters do make the story more fun to read! Thanks for stopping by!
This is next on my TBR list! Congrats on the wonderful reviews you’re receiving, Craig- well deserved.
Then you have some good reading ahead, Jacquie:) Thanks for dropping by xo