Sunday, January 05, 2025

Night People Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gary Pittenger

Email: wilderinok@yahoo.com

 

Uncover the secrets of the French Quarter with Eric Wilder's Thrilling New Mystery.

Night People, the 14th book in Eric Wilder’s acclaimed French Quarter Mystery Series, will be released on February 16, 2025, drawing readers into another gripping tale of intrigue, voodoo, and supernatural suspense. Published by Gondwana Press, this 334-page novel (ISBN 978-1-946576-22-4) continues the adventures of French Quarter private investigator Wyatt Thomas as he delves into the heart of New Orleans' most enigmatic mysteries.

 

In Night People, Wyatt Thomas is approached by his longtime friend Eddie Toledo with a desperate plea to find his missing niece, Eliza. The only clue Wyatt has is a canceled one-way AMTRAK ticket to New Orleans with the name of a French Quarter botanica—La Porte Mystique—scribbled on it.

 

As Wyatt begins his search, he is plunged into a labyrinth of danger and dark secrets. Along the way, he encounters:

 

Voodoo rituals that blur the line between life and death.

A disappearing house on Bourbon Street.

A sinister group of 300-year-old vampires exiled from Louis XIV’s court.

A mysterious alternate realm known as the In-Between, a parallel French Quarter where the rules of reality don’t apply.

Wyatt learns shocking revelations about his past in La Grotte de la Vérité (The Grotto of Truth).

Eric Wilder masterfully weaves the vibrant culture and rich history of New Orleans with supernatural elements, creating a story that is as atmospheric as it is thrilling. Fans of his previous novels will relish the return to the French Quarter’s smoky bars, haunted streets, and shadowy secrets. New readers will be hooked by Wilder’s signature blend of mystery, action, and the mystical.

 

About the Author:

Eric Wilder is a veteran author whose French Quarter Mystery Series has captivated readers with its unique mix of noir storytelling, supernatural intrigue, and the lush backdrop of New Orleans. Known for his evocative prose and unforgettable characters, Wilder brings the city to life in all its haunting beauty.

 

Availability:

Night People will be available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats on February 16, 2025.

 

Publisher:

Gondwana Press

1802 Canyon Park Cir, Ste C

Edmond, OK 73013

 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Eric Wilder, please contact Gary Pittenger at wilderinok@yahoo.com.

 

Discover the secrets of the French Quarter in Night People. Pre-order your copy today and join Wyatt Thomas in his most chilling adventure yet!


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Born near Black Bayou in the little Louisiana town of Vivian, Eric Wilder grew up listening to his grandmother’s tales of politics, corruption, and ghosts that haunt the night. He now lives in Oklahoma, where he continues to pen mysteries and short stories with a southern accent. He authored the French Quarter Mystery Series set in New Orleans, the Paranormal Cowboy Series, and the Oyster Bay Mystery Series. Please check it out on his Amazon author page. You can also check out his Facebook page


Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Happy New Year 2025!

 
















Happy New Year, everyone! Stay safe and enjoy yourselves.




Born near Black Bayou in the little Louisiana town of Vivian, Eric Wilder grew up listening to his grandmother’s tales of politics, corruption, and ghosts that haunt the night. He now lives in Oklahoma, where he continues to pen mysteries and short stories with a southern accent. He authored the French Quarter Mystery Series set in New Orleans, the Paranormal Cowboy Series, and the Oyster Bay Mystery Series. Please check it out on his Amazon author page. You can also check out his Facebook page




Friday, December 20, 2024

Wishing You a Magical Winter Solstice


Tonight marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year and a celestial event celebrated by civilizations throughout history. The solstice occurs when the Earth's axial tilt positions the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the sun and has long been a time for reflection, reverence, and renewal.

The winter solstice represented a profound moment of balance and hope for the ancients. Though longest tonight, the darkness was not feared but embraced as a prelude to light’s return. In Stonehenge, England, and Newgrange, Ireland, ancient monuments were precisely aligned with the solstice sun, underscoring its significance as a harbinger of new beginnings. Across cultures, from the Yule celebrations of Northern Europe to the Inti Raymi festivals of the Andes, people lit fires, shared feasts, and performed rituals to honor the cycles of nature.

What wisdom can we take from these ancient observances? The winter solstice invites us to pause and honor the stillness. The long night provides a canvas for introspection—a time to acknowledge our struggles, celebrate our endurance, and plant the seeds of intention for brighter days ahead.

In a modern world dominated by constant motion and artificial light, the solstice reminds us that darkness, too, has its purpose. Ideas take root in the quiet and the shadow, dreams are born, and resilience is forged.

As the solstice passes, the days will begin to grow longer. Let this be a reminder that even in the depths of winter, the promise of spring is not far behind. Tonight, take a moment to step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and marvel at the ancient rhythms of our planet. Embrace the dark, for it is the cradle of light and renewal.

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Born near Black Bayou in the little Louisiana town of Vivian, Eric Wilder grew up listening to his grandmother’s tales of politics, corruption, and ghosts that haunt the night. He now lives in Oklahoma, where he continues to pen mysteries and short stories with a southern accent. He authored the French Quarter Mystery Series set in New Orleans, the Paranormal Cowboy Series, and the Oyster Bay Mystery Series. Please check it out on his Amazon author page. You can also check out his Facebook page.





Wednesday, October 02, 2024

Press Release - Wild Magnolias

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Uncover the Mysteries of the French Quarter with Eric Wilder’s Latest Thriller, "Wild Magnolias"

New Orleans, LA – October 2, 2024 – Prepare to be captivated by the latest installment in Eric Wilder's beloved French Quarter Mystery Series. "Wild Magnolias," Book 13 in the series, will be available in e-book, audiobook, and paperback formats starting October 5, 2024.


Since the series debut in 2010 with "Big Easy," readers have been enchanted by the adventures of French Quarter P.I. Wyatt Thomas. Known for its richly woven tapestry of New Orleans culture and its array of quirky characters, the series continues to deliver thrilling and atmospheric mysteries. In "Wild Magnolias," Wyatt Thomas returns, ready to dive into a new case amid the bustling energy of French Quarter Fest.

About "Wild Magnolias":

In this latest installment, Wyatt Thomas is hired by New Orleans socialite Evelyn DuPont to recover a stolen treasure: her special first edition of William Faulkner’s "Mosquitoes." This rare edition is valuable and irreplaceable, containing the full version of Faulkner’s manuscript, including three chapters removed by the publisher before the novel's original release. As Wyatt navigates the vibrant, chaotic streets of the French Quarter, he encounters many memorable characters, from bartender Bertram Picou to the enigmatic voodoo mambo and Tulane English lit professor Mama Mulate.

Eric Wilder's French Quarter Mysteries:

Eric Wilder's series has consistently delighted fans with its immersive portrayal of New Orleans, blending mystery, history, and the supernatural. "Wild Magnolias" promises to uphold this tradition, drawing readers into a world where the past and present intertwine and where every street and shadow hides a story.

Praise for the Series:

Readers and critics alike have praised the French Quarter Mystery Series for its authentic depiction of New Orleans and engaging, suspenseful plots. Each book is a testament to Wilder’s talent for creating stories as complex and captivating as the city itself.

Release Details:

"Wild Magnolias" will be available for purchase on October 5, 2024, in e-book, audiobook, and paperback formats. Fans of the series and new readers alike can look forward to another enthralling journey through the heart of the French Quarter.

For more information, review copies, or to schedule an interview with Eric Wilder, please contact:

[Gary Pittenger]

[wilderinok@yahoo.com]

[405-590-4415]

[Gondwana Press]

[1802 Canyon Park Cir Ste C]

[Edmond, OK 73013]

Stay connected:

Visit [https://bit.ly/47Rueg6] for updates and exclusive content. Follow Eric Wilder on Facebook: [https://facebook.com/louisianamysterywriter], and on X: [https://twitter.com/ericwilderok]

Dive into the mystery and magic of New Orleans with "Wild Magnolias," and join Wyatt Thomas on his latest adventure in the French Quarter.

# # #

About Eric Wilder:

Eric Wilder is the acclaimed author of the French Quarter Mystery Series, which has captivated readers since the release of "Big Easy" in 2010. Wilder’s love for New Orleans and its unique culture shines through in his writing, bringing the city and its vibrant characters to life on every page.


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Born near Black Bayou in the little Louisiana town of Vivian, Eric Wilder grew up listening to his grandmother’s tales of politics, corruption, and ghosts that haunt the night. He now lives in Oklahoma, where he continues to pen mysteries and short stories with a southern accent. He authored the French Quarter Mystery Series set in New Orleans, the Paranormal Cowboy Series, and the Oyster Bay Mystery Series. Please check it out on his Amazon author page. You can also check out his Facebook page.









Friday, August 16, 2024

The Day Elvis Died - short story


It's August 16th, and I just saw the headline: The Day Elvis Died. Though it was forty-seven years ago, I vividly remember what I was doing and where I was when I heard the news. I was thirty-one at the time and had recently undergone a divorce from my first wife, Gail.

I was on a lonely east Texas blacktop road about twelve miles from Linden, where Don Henley of the Eagles grew up. On that day in 1977, I was on the run. From a couple of girlfriends and not the law.

I was single, working as a geologist for Texas Oil & Gas, and experiencing freedom for the first time in seven years (the duration of my first marriage.) As an oil and gas geologist, I developed drilling prospects. I thought them up, put my ideas on paper, and Texas Oil & Gas drilled them.

In 1977, Texas Oil & Gas was the most active driller in the U.S. They had offices in several cities, and Oklahoma City was where most of their wells were generated. In Oklahoma City, I was the number one prospect generator and, at least in my mind, was the Prospect King of the World.

I know! I probably did more damage to the earth than any hundred people. I was very good at what I did and didn't know any better. Did I mention it was the height of the Disco Era? Women were burning their bras; I was on what seemed an unlimited expense account, had a company car, and felt invincible. After seven years of marriage, which included a stint in Vietnam, I was still naïve about relationships.

I had a girlfriend named Carol, a gorgeous blond lease broker who smoked marijuana and was familiar with many illegal drugs. She was also the wildest woman I had ever met. I'm talking sex, riding motorcycles at breakneck speeds-anything dangerous. I was in lust for her.

TXO, as Texas Oil & Gas was known, had many good-looking secretaries. Nowadays, fraternization among employees is not a wise idea and probably wasn't even then. It mattered little because an attractive brunette named Gayle had her sights on me. We finally had a dinner date and ended up at her house, where her two small sons precluded us from anything other than heavy petting. She said she would visit my apartment next night and rectify the problem. Her visit didn't disappoint and left me in a quandary.

Too much water under the bridge precludes me from remembering how Gayle and Carol got crosswise, although they somehow did. Being the coward I am, I fled Oklahoma City for the weekend, hoping things would cool while I was away. My parents lived in northwest Louisiana, and I headed there instead of facing the wrath of two beautiful women. It was on my trip south when I heard the news of Elvis's imminent demise.

Forty-seven years have passed, and Carol and Gayle are in my rearview mirror. Memories are almost forgotten notes in a never-ending chord progression, and I still remember them. Carol and Gayle are like unfinished symphonies whose melodies linger forever in the recesses of my brain.

Authors and prospect geologists have one thing in common: they are both paid liars. And me? I'm still at it, though my days as a bedroom Casanova are now largely in my dreams.

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Born near Black Bayou in the little Louisiana town of Vivian, Eric Wilder grew up listening to his grandmother’s tales of politics, corruption, and ghosts that haunt the night. He now lives in Oklahoma, where he continues to pen mysteries and short stories with a southern accent. He authored the French Quarter Mystery Series set in New Orleans, the Paranormal Cowboy Series, and the Oyster Bay Mystery Series. Please check it out on his Amazon author page. You can also check out his Facebook page.