Quick. First glance. Don’t think about it too long. Give me real feedback by hitting reply or pressing the comments button. When you see this cover, what are your initial thoughts?
Your feedback matters to me. Thank you for the favor.
While I didn’t publish on Substack in the month of August, I was busy in a good way.
Published on Amazon - Two Short Stories
Charlie Had a Dinosaur - $0.99
Cal Brink’s origin story. Most people apply for a job. In 1986, Cal found himself involved in a robbery, that turned out to be a job interview. In order to fully understand the forty year arc of Cal Brink, it helps to know where he came from.
The Golden Rule - Free on Kindle Unlimited, otherwise $0.99
By 1997, Cal had left the world of private investigation. What looks good on television takes a personal toll in real life. But when a friend needs your help, you help. Join Cal as he chases down a missing national treasure. His adventure starts just blocks from our nation’s capitol building and takes him to the residential streets of suburban Maryland.
Notice of Assignment Is Back From the Editor
All of the sudden, I was back in eighth grade at Broadmoor Junior High, Overland Park, Kansas, circa 1978, as Mrs. Sanders approached me with her smile, and her red pen. She was great English, and Social Studies, teacher. She pushed me. Hard. In many ways she was one of the first teachers in my life that encouraged me to be better than how I had been showing up.
I’ll always respect her for that.
When Valerie K sent me back my manuscript with her suggested edits, it felt like eighth grade all over again. Different teacher. Both just looking to make me better. In short, helping me to deliver to you a better product. A more enjoyable read.
Book Reviews
Over the month of August I got to have a little fun reading, rather than just writing. Here are two of my favorite books from the month.
Pacific Reaper by Carmen Amato - You can find Carmen here on Substack. Her Emily Cruz series is fun, and informative. Her detective live and works the streets of Acapulco. Real world news in weaved into every story. This is my second read from Carmen. I’ve enjoyed both immensely. Well, this one was a listen. You can find it on Audible.
The Last to Drown by Noelle Ihli - One of the best compliments I can pay to an author is that they keep me up late at night because I just keep turning the pages. Noelle had me right there.
Next Week
Everyone Is an Investigator These Days - Why you are, or should be, digging deeper than ever.
A Chris Writes, LLC Publication
Not legal advice / not professional guidance / do not imitate tactics
Fictionalized/composite/altered details + no identification intended
© 2026 Chris Writes, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I think it's consistent with your "brand" but if someone is looking at it and not familiar with your writing/brand/style then it's not particularly appealing & kind of confounding/confusing.
I like it.