While August certainly brings the heat, in the Northern Hemisphere at least, it also brings a hint of change. The days get a bit shorter, and autumn wildflowers start to make their appearances.
We're already seeing early goldenrods, Joe Pye weed, and my favorite, the spectacular purple ironweed popping up here in the mountains. I always keep an eye out for critters too, like the amazing caterpillar I caught getting ready for its own transformation featured on this month's bundle header!
Some folks dread these changes, whether that's the beginning of the end of summer or the turn into warmer weather for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere.
We here at Spiral Publishing are very much looking forward to cooler weather ourselves!
And to celebrate all the incoming changes, we've put together a brand-new bunch of Monthly Reads! These six stories are available this month at a special discounted price, and they're perfect for late season quick escapes.
My science fiction story "A Sentient Surprise" leads the way, with Darby waking from a long stretch of hypersleep. Her return to maintenance duties is anything but ordinary when she discovers an unexpected guest onboard.
Jason's tale "Cupids" visits a different flavor of sci fi, with a wealthy and rather odd collector enjoying his latest find. Castros might end up getting more than he bargained for if his angelic discoveries get their way.
The tone shifts a bit with my crime story "Melting Point," part of my series of Dana Sanderson short mysteries. Insurance investigator Dana gets the call about a decidedly unusual murder. With the suspect in custody and refusing to talk, time grows short to save the next victim.
"Mick of Malvern" follows, with Jason's take on a hard-boiled fairy tale. As a private investigator down on his luck, Mick could use a break. But tracking down the missing Princess Ambrosia might turn out to be more than he can handle.
My own leap into fantasy with "Trusting Their Magic" introduces airhorses, the powerful rapid transit system Tonn and his friends have worked long and hard for the chance of riding. But no matter how much the humans wish and hope and dream, the airhorses make their own choices.
Finally Jason's delightful tale "The Dangers of Cat Trees" brings us closer to home, with a well-meaning husband attempting to make a bit of DIY magic. Sometimes spending the money on a professional model is the safest way to go.
We hope you enjoy these quick adventures as much as you enjoy the season. But don't let time run out, because this bundle goes back to its original price as soon as August ends.
And don't forget to check back for a fresh new batch of monthly reads in September!
Happy reading!
