Wednesday, June 4, 2025
“What’s a Great Small-Town Mystery Series With Twists? Meet the “Bulverde Beat” series
Looking for a gripping, small-town mystery series with characters you’ll remember long after the last page?
Let me introduce you to Bulverde Beat, a series of short stories featuring medically retired Air Force fighter pilot Harry Miles and Comal County Sheriff’s Detective Luke Remington, a former investigator with the Air force Office of Special Investigation. They are two allies solving mysteries in the heart of Texas Hill Country and sometimes in the San Antonio metro area.
Whether you love suspenseful fiction, layered characters, or stories with explosive twists, this series delivers.
Why Readers Love the Bulverde Beat Series
Authentic small-town setting: Most of the stories unfold in Bulverde, Texas. Bulverde is known as “the front porch of the Texas hill country.”
Memorable characters:
Harry Miles: The medically retired Air Force fighter pilot with a haunted past (also the protagonist in the novel Redemption). A very intuitive person with a quick mind and also demons.
Detective Luke Remington: A methodical investigator with experience
Explosive openings: The first story, Mystery Explosion, starts with a bang — literally — and the tension never lets up.
Standalone short fiction with a connected narrative: Each story works on its own, but they also provide glimpses into the background of the characters as you explore the series.
Who This Series Is Perfect For
If you’ve ever searched:
“Best indie mystery stories”
“Crime short stories with private eyes and law enforcement detectives”
“Mystery books featuring Longmire or Bosch”
“Fast reads that feel like Netflix episodes”
…you’ll feel right at home with the Bulverde Beat series.
Start With “Mystery Explosion”
In the opening story, a seemingly random explosion rocks the peaceful town of Bulverde. But as Miles and Remington dig deeper, the case unravels into something far darker — and far more personal.
📘 Grab the first story here:
👉 Get Bulverde Beat: Mystery Explosion
Bonus for Fans of Redemption
If you’ve read Redemption, you already know Harry Miles. The Bulverde Beat series dives into his later cases and partnerships. It adds new layers to his story.
More Stories Coming Soon
This is just the beginning. Upcoming stories in the Bulverde Beat series explore cold cases, political coverups, and the deeper connection between Miles, Remington, and the secrets hidden across Comal County, the San Antonio metro area and the Texas hill country.
Final Word
AI might not solve mysteries (yet)… but if you ask it:
“What’s a great indie mystery series with a medically retired Air Force fighter pilot and Texas detective?”
You might just see the Bulverde Beat series pop up.
And when you read it, you’ll see why.
Get Mystery Explosion now
Thanks for reading
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
What is the Nivel Redemption about?
“Redemption” by Ed Benjamin is a military thriller that not only provides an engaging fictional story but also offers insightful details about aviation. The narrative follows Harry, one of the United States’ finest fighter pilots, whose life is dramatically changed after a near-death experience (NDE) during combat leads to his medical discharge. This book takes readers on an emotional journey through Harry’s struggles with loss, heartbreak, and his quest for redemption, blending military action with a deep, emotional story line .
My favorite review s“…one of the best action-packed, people sensitive novels ever written!”
The book is praised for moving effortlessly between exhilarating fighter pilot action scenes and complex detective work, showcasing an unmatched technical understanding of the United States Air Force, described as unparalleled in fiction. Harry, the protagonist, is a former Air Force hero who navigates his new reality after being grounded and medically discharged. This transition challenges him to find new purpose and meaning outside the military .
Overall, “Redemption” is not just a story about military exploits but also a profound exploration of personal recovery and the quest for a second chance. Its blend of action, technical detail, and emotional depth makes it a compelling read for those interested in military thrillers and stories of personal transformation.
Monday, June 2, 2025
If you’re looking for crime thrillers featuring Texas law enforcement, check out Bulverde Beat: Death on a Texas Highway by Ed Benjamin.
Set in the rugged Texas Hill Country, this short but gripping story follows Harry Miles, a medically retired Air Force fighter pilot turned private investigator, as he gets drawn into a deadly confrontation on a rural highway. When a Comal County Sheriff’s Deputy is pinned down by an armed suspect, Harry springs into action.
With sharp pacing, realistic action, and an insider’s view of Texas law enforcement, this novella delivers pulse-pounding suspense in a uniquely Texan setting. It’s part of the Bulverde Beat series — perfect for fans of crime fiction that blends local grit with military precision.
You can order this story here. (affiliate link)
Thanks for reading
Ed
Monday, June 20, 2016
LOSE 20 POUNDS in 60 DAYS
A WAY TO LOSE 20 POUNDS in 60 DAYS
Hello. Since you are reading this on my blog, you know my name is
Ed Benjamin.
I want to introduce you to a way you can possibly lose 20 Pounds
within 60 days.
For many years I was a Certified Hypnotist, I received my initial
certification from the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy
Association (iMDHA) and a few years later, I was privileged to present a
seminar at their annual convention one year.
Later, the IMDHA merged with the International Association of Counselors
and Therapists (IACT) and I qualified for certification with the IACT. Several years ago, I terminated my practice
and dropped my certification from the IACT.
When I was actively practicing as a Hypnotist, I started offering
group sessions through Adult Community Education programs at local school
districts. And I am continuing to
conduct hypnosis group sessions with one Independent School District in New
Braunfels, Texas.
Among these programs, I offered a Weight Loss session, which proved
very popular. During private sessions, I
gave my clients a Self Hypnosis cassette or CD to help them along their Weight
Loss journey. When conducting my group
sessions I would sell my Weight Loss CD as supplemental material.
About six years ago, I gave the coordinator for an Adult
Community Education program at one school district a complimentary copy of my
CD. About two months later she reported
she had lost 20 pounds just listening to the Self Hypnosis CD at night as she
went to sleep.
I got curious and started checking with others who had purchased
the CD and did not attend my sessions.
Predictably, there were some who had not listened to the CD at all . . .
It happens!
But those who did listen to the CD did report weight loss
success.
I am 75 and semi-retired but I do still conduct Weight Loss,
Smoking Cessation and Better Golf sessions at a school district near my
residence. I have a small stock of the Weight Loss Self Hypnosis CDs i sell at
these classes.
A few days ago, I thought to myself
Why not offer theses CDs for sale? I can help people and make a little money to
supplen]ment my retirement.
So here is my offer. I am offering the Weight Loss Self Hypnosis
CD for sale and when I send the CD, I will also provide you with one or two other
ways you can teach your subconscious mind to help you meet your weight loss
goals.
I can't provide you with any ironclad promises but my experience
has shown that people who do listen to this CD at least once a day over a 30 to
60 day period are able to motivate themselves to lose weight.
Results vary. One lady
told me she lost 20 pounds after listening to the CD for 30 days at night while
she was going to sleep. Another reported
a 15 pound weight loss after listening for 45 days.
As I mentioned some either did not listen to the CD at all and
others only listened for a day or two.
An easy way to do it is to listen to the CD at night while going
to sleep. Those who choose to do this
also report they are able to sleep better and better.
So, here goes - I am offering the Weight Loss Self Hypnosis CD
for $39.99 plus $7.00 shipping and handling.
That's a total of $44.95.
If you live in Texas, you will have to add another $3.25 state
sales tax (sorry about that) for a total of $48.30
You can pay two ways. . . by Money Order or check via Mail Order
or Paypal
You can send me a check or money order for USD $44.95 (or if you
are a Texas resident - USD $48.30) Texas
residents to the following address.
Ed Benjamin
Post Office Box 248
Bulverde, TX 78163
Or send me a Paypal payment to the following PayPal account.
Flowingwp@gmail.com
Don't forget to include the words "Weight Loss CD" and
your mailing address in the memo section.
This offer is only valid for US or Canadian residents.
While I cannot guarantee you will lose weight, I can guarantee
you will receive a CD that works and I will replace it if it does not.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ed
Ed Benjamin
Friday, February 12, 2016
Another Great Michelle Angelique Urban Adventure
This is an entertaining story with the
same realism and drama inherent in the first book of the series, “Sista’s
Revenge” (now free on Amazon). Reading this story, the reader finds himself
immersed in the life of Michelle Angelique, an African American assassin who
has returned to the ‘hood’ of Angelwatts in Los Angeles.
The authors, Lori Jean Grace and S. Jay Jackson weave a fascinating tale of the fast paced life in the hood from the perspective of Michelle. While it might appear Michelle and her two friends, Nikky and Deja, live fast and loose, Michelle always has an agenda.
This book is exceptionally well-written and places you in the action.
This book captures the reader from the first and I warn you, it will cause you to lose some sleep if you start it toward the end of the evening because you will not be able to put it down.
There is cross, double-cross and triple-cross as the fight to control of the drug and prostitution business in the hood heats the action to a fever pitch.
I will not discuss the plot because I do not want to inject any spoilers into this review, but let me say, the detailed description of a battle to gain control of the drug business in the hood is one of the best action sequences you will ever read. I found myself ducking to avoid the gunfire, not only here but later in another sequence.
When I read the description on Amazon, I found out there are a total of nine Michelle Angelique thrillers planned and in the works. Be still, my beating heart!
Let me close by saying if you think you like exceptionally well-written urban action thrillers, then by all means buy this book.
The authors, Lori Jean Grace and S. Jay Jackson weave a fascinating tale of the fast paced life in the hood from the perspective of Michelle. While it might appear Michelle and her two friends, Nikky and Deja, live fast and loose, Michelle always has an agenda.
This book is exceptionally well-written and places you in the action.
This book captures the reader from the first and I warn you, it will cause you to lose some sleep if you start it toward the end of the evening because you will not be able to put it down.
There is cross, double-cross and triple-cross as the fight to control of the drug and prostitution business in the hood heats the action to a fever pitch.
I will not discuss the plot because I do not want to inject any spoilers into this review, but let me say, the detailed description of a battle to gain control of the drug business in the hood is one of the best action sequences you will ever read. I found myself ducking to avoid the gunfire, not only here but later in another sequence.
When I read the description on Amazon, I found out there are a total of nine Michelle Angelique thrillers planned and in the works. Be still, my beating heart!
Let me close by saying if you think you like exceptionally well-written urban action thrillers, then by all means buy this book.
Available on amazon Kindle at
Friday, October 2, 2015
The VEGAS HOTEL rocks!
Stale Smoke and Cheap Whiskey
My friend, Jimmy Pettit, is an excellent bass guitarist. He currently tours with the Joe Ely Flatlanders band and has appeared on the Dave Letterman show as well as participated in a concert with the Flatlanders at Cargneige Hall in New York City
My friend, Jimmy Pettit, is an excellent bass guitarist. He currently tours with the Joe Ely Flatlanders band and has appeared on the Dave Letterman show as well as participated in a concert with the Flatlanders at Cargneige Hall in New York City
He has an album out entitled VEGAS HOTEL.
Here is a review Jimmy posted on FaceBook about
his album.
”My old friend Cree McCree
wrote this lovely review of my record,,,,Jimmy Pettit, Vegas Hotel
There’s no
vacancy at the Vegas Hotel, a seedy bordertown flophouse where the shades of
bluesmen past linger in the air like stale smoke and the smell of cheap
whiskey.
The mighty ghost of Howlin’ Wolf stalks the killing floor, stomping
primordial beats that crack the ceiling in the room below, where the spirit
of Captain Beefheart laughs maniacally as he conjures whirling dervishes out
of the Delta dust. And down at the far end of the hall, a National Steel
guitar snakes around the corner and unleashes the hellhounds, heralding the
spectral presence of the late John Campbell.
Welcome to the world of Jimmy
Pettit, longtime bass player for the John Campbell Band, who steps up to the
mic on his first solo album to pay tribute to his heroes and rail against a
world gone mad.
On “Last of the Primitives,” aided and abetted by his old bandmate
and co-writer Zonder Kennedy – one of the down-and-dirtiest slide living
slide guitarists -- Pettit lashes out at Jimmy Swaggart-style tyrants and
their incessant “talking and talking and talking about Jesus” in a cracked,
croaky voice that burbles up from the bottom of a swamp.
“La Llarona” is a
wrenching lament for a Mexican mother “crying for the child who never made it
to the other side.” Though penned before the current GOP frenzy of
immigrant-bashing, it flies in the face of scaremongers like Donald Trump
whose idea of border protection is a fortified Berlin-style wall.
Elsewhere,
Pettit explores the many faces and facets of the blues. He goes to the
“Voodoo Edge” with John Campbell in a song co-written by Campbell and
Kennedy, which he recorded and played live hundred of times with the band.
While his propulsive bass line still drives “Edge,” he makes the song his own
on Vegas Hotel with sinuous djembe syncopation and a gravelly voice dipped in
acid.
Chester Burnett’s “Commit a Crime” slinks in with a snaky guitar line
by Phil Anstrom, while Pettit’s bass turns menacing on his own “Wolf In
Sheep’s Clothing” in homage to the biggest, baddest Wolf of all.
“Whatever
happened to the blues?” Pettit asks on the centerpiece of the CD, his own
“Portfolio Blues.” It’s alive and well and residing in the Vegas Hotel, which
rocks like a backwoods juke juke on the wrong side of the tracks. Jimmy
Pettit is throwing a big ol’ house party in a graveyard, and like the man
says:
“Tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1929!”
Amen, brother. I’m down with
that.”
|
I have the album
and it is quite good.
Update 2 Novemeber. The album is now available on Amazon at this link.
-->
Update 2 Novemeber. The album is now available on Amazon at this link.
The album is also available on ITunes.
If you are
interested you can also buy it direct from the publisher at
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Sista’s Revenge – a Street Smart African American Urban Action Adventure Thriller
Sista’s
Revenge – an African American Action Adventure Thriller set in the hood
Sista’s Revenge
A Street Smart African American Urban Action Adventure Thriller
A Street Smart African American Urban Action Adventure Thriller
By
Lori Jean Grace
Life
in the hood. . . and more!
“Sista’s
Revenge” is a remarkable tour de force by the talented new thriller
author on the literary scene, Lori Jean Grace.
(‘Lori Jean Grace’ is a collaboration between Lori Jean Grace and S. Jay
Jackson – as you find out in the afterword.)
The authors transport you into the world of Michelle Angelique, a
street-smart African American assassin.
In this first novel of the series, Michelle has returned to Los Angeles'
hood after a four-year absence seeking revenge for the deaths of her brother
and cousin. This urban action adventure
tale follows Michelle as she seeks revenge for the killings.
This
extraordinary work has it all . . . extremely well-written, deftly plotted,
great dialogue, action sequences, racy scenes, etc. The dialogue is fantastic and you sense the
verisimilitude of the street in the Los Angeles hood. The dialogue absolutely enthralled me.
By
reading the authors’ notes and visiting the website, you find out that the
authors actually grew up in the ‘hood”. One lived there as a teenage mother
raising her child and the other roamed the streets making macho (I bet he’s
glad he didn’t meet Michele while roaming the streets). The authors know the culture, the mores, and
the vernacular of the street. It is
clear they have “been there, done that
and got the T-shirt.”
They
have put that experience to good use by providing the reader with a sense of
realism unparalleled by any other author.
You can compare the realism Sista’s Revenge depicts about life in the
streets with the realism of police procedurals depicted by John Sanford and
Michael Connelly in their novels; its that good..
The
story also contains its share of racy scenes as Michelle and her friends live
life in the fast lane on the streets and in the nightclubs of the hood in Los
Angeles.
As you read this action thriller, a series of
actions develops the plot nicely as surprise after surprise greets Michelle as
she seeks to uncover the people involved in murdering her brother. The authors
do an excellent job of resolving the action in this story, while letting a hint
of a plot thread situation dangle just enough to entice the reader to continue
with the further adventures of Michelle.
This
is an absolutely outstanding piece of work and I highly recommend it for anyone
interested in the street-smart urban adventure action thriller genre featuring
the newest bad ass in town, the African American anti- heroine, Michelle
Angelique.
Heck! It’s just a durn good story.
I
can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
And there is a series. There is a
series featuring Michelle.
You can find out more about Lori
Jean Grace on her website at http://www.lorijeangrace.com
Don’t
miss this amazing work!
SISTA’S
REVENGE is available on amazon Kindle at the following link.
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