A guest post from Mitchell S. Karnes
They say, “Time flies,” well my writing career is in orbit, traveling faster than the speed of light. Just one year ago, the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series launched with book one, Water Grave, where a young pastor is found dead in the bottom of the church baptistry, forcing Homicide Detective Abbey Rhodes to investigate the one place she swore never to return…the church.
During the release event for Water Grave, I gave a general synopsis of the book, elaborated on the series to follow, and took some time for Q & A. It was a wonderful time of engagement with my readers. Near the end of the discussion, a woman raised her hand and asked, “When’s the movie coming out?” She’d downloaded the ebook the night before and finished it in one sitting. She was eager for more.
I laughed it off and said, “In my dreams.” Little did I know my publisher attended the event and was taking it all in. As the people passed by in line for comments and autographs, I turned and saw Mike Parker of WordCrafts, my publishing house. He shook my hand, congratulated me on my poise and connection to the audience. Then he said something that jolted me in my seat. “Hum…the movie. Let’s talk about that.” One year later, I signed the movie rights, negotiated a part I wrote with myself in mind, and met the principal cast for the streaming series of Water Grave.
I’m on pace for two books a year, and book three, The Cleansing, released January 2026. Unbelievable! It’s my childhood dream (not to mention two items off of my bucket list). Saturday, February 7, I met with readers at Landmark Booksellers in Franklin, TN, to sell and sign copies of the first three books in the Abbey Rhodes series. It was a wonderful time of engagement and interaction. Two weeks later, I will be at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Johnson City, TN, and two weeks after that in Carterville, IL.
If you are unfamiliar with the series, I encourage you to pick up book one, Water Grave. It’s available in hardback, paperback, ebook, and audiobook. Follow Abbey’s journey of reconciliation as each case triggers another part of her hidden past. You can visit my website, www.mitchellskarnesauthor.com, or reach out via email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you.
Mitchell S. Karnes
More about Mitchell:
Mitchell is first and foremost, a Christian. He is also a husband, father, grandfather, author, minister, teacher, administrative assistant, counselor, etc. In other words, the proverbial Jack of All Trades.
Through his years of various career and life experiences, as well as four degrees (BA, MA, MACE, and MEd), he has become an astute observer of life and people. The more he learns, the more he realizes he doesn’t know, but he’s determined to continue to pursue knowledge and wisdom all the days of his life.
He hopes his work inspires you to think, to pray, to stand, and to engage life.
