“Nothing in Bradley’s absorbing novel is simple; indeed, the plot is as complex and as unpredictable as life itself, though it never feels convoluted. Instead, the author renders the mystery, and the everyday lives that surround it, with admirable clarity.”— Kirkus Reviews
"...full of twists and turns. The author did an excellent job of building the characters in the book…great for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. I felt like I was visualizing my favorite crime show series. This story will have you guessing till the end.” — Ashley Meyer, Goodreads reviewer
“Great read!! I loved reading about Kentucky princesses! It had great suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, a fantastic who done it…crazy twists and turns! I highly recommend reading this book!” —Debbie Brogan, NetGalley reviewer
“...a fresh, dynamic take on Southern noir that offers readers both a riveting murder mystery and a sharply observed commentary on small-town dynamics, gender roles, and the struggles of queer life in conservative settings. Bradley’s novel crackles with tension and wit, diving into the duality of Kentucky’s charm with an equal mix of affection and critique, crafting a story that’s as suspenseful as it is socially insightful.” —Hina Kempen
"Really liked the story & the
characterizations - well done!"
"The author is very good at her craft - I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book."
“Easy to get invested in the characters – they seem all too real.”
Brandi Bradley: Indie Author
Discover the adventures, inspirations, and stories of the lifestyle of an indie author and blogger.
Join the cowgirl bookworm community and explore the all the latest works, thoughts, and advice on living the lifestyle of a writer and indie author.
Blog highlights
Explore insightful posts on indie publishing, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at writing workshops.
Most Popular Posts
Indie Author
Brandi Bradley is an accomplished indie author with a talent for weaving captivating stories that explore the themes of crime, family drama, and the complexities of cowboy culture. Her novel Mothers of the Missing Mermaid as well as her short stories and memoir essays showcase her storytelling prowess and ability to create immersive worlds that captivate readers.
Lifestyle of an Indie Blogger
Brandi Bradley shares insights and personal experiences with her readers. Her blog features a variety of topics: everything from attending writing conferences, book reviews, writing tips, organizing her home, time-management, and reflections of being an indie author, an educator, and a parent. Readers can find inspiration and practical advice in her engaging and relatable posts. Check out Brandi's blog.
Writing Workshops and Coaching
Brandi offers writing workshops and personalized coaching services that provide aspiring authors with the tools and guidance they need to develop their craft. These workshops cover various aspects of writing, such as idea generation, drafting, mindset, motivation, editing, and preparing a draft for publishing. Participants can expect a supportive and collaborative environment where they can develop their skills and gain confidence in their writing abilities.
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FAQ's with the author
Are all your novels crime novels?
Yes, even the memoir essays are crime stories on one level or another. I like exploring how victims and family members are impacted by the acts of others. Often, I will write about fraud, scams, and domestic interference as well as murder mysteries.
What is the lifestyle of an indie author that you blog about?
I have to be mindful of what gets my time and attention. I must make time to write, because those are my short stories and novels. It's most important. But I also teach writing, which means I am always thinking about how I can streamline and simplify the writing process for students. And then, I am an indie author, so I am in charge of all the decisions about what I publish: I pick the editors, the artwork, the release dates, the promotions, as well as attend writing conferences and meet up with other authors. Not to mention, I'm a parent, so often I am writing around kid obligations like football practice, packing for camp, driving tests, and making birthday cakes.
I also love to share things that I love and things happening in my life. Sometimes I like to write about those things. What am I watching? What am I eating or cooking? What am I buying for the holidays?
Do you offer online courses?
If you go to the Writing Workshops tab at the top of the page, you will see that I have an excellent introductory course called, "This is What a Writer Looks Like". It's a self-paced course which explores the blocks that keep people from taking the leap into the publishing world: imposter syndrome, time management, and locating a writing community.
When you purchase the course, you'll have access to four different module recordings that you can review in your own time.
If I want a more personalized experience, do you offer private classes?
Absolutely. I offer one-on-one coaching services in three different packages. We would talk once a month and I would provide personalized feedback. Many of my students enjoy the opportunity to chat in a more specific way and receive specific direction on their creative writing projects.
How can I stay updated on new releases, offers, or new content?
Join the Books and Boots Community Newsletter! Once a month I send out a detailed newsletter with news, updates, and a rundown of everything I am loving that month: everything I'm reading, watching, and streaming. Sign up here!
Do you have a new novel coming out soon?
Yes! I am so excited about my upcoming murder mystery novel, Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder.
Detective Lindy D’Arnaud--along with her partner Boggs--investigates the murder of a young entrepreneur, Ethan Moll, and everyone in town is pointing fingers at his New Age, neo-hippie, miracle-manifesting, smokeshow of an ex-girlfriend, Gabby – particularly the victim’s best friend Jenna. Was it a case of jealousy turning violent, or was the victim involved in business dealings that put him in danger?
While this is happening, Lindy is also competing for the affection of her wife, when April’s former boyfriend and sperm donor to their baby decides to move back to town, leaving Lindy with concerns about what it means when her child’s biological daddy enters the picture full-time. Can they be postmodern in Western Kentucky where living as a queer person is a daily tenuous situation?