Sid Stark, Suspense Author

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I'm Sid Stark, the author of the Doctor Rowena Halley academic suspense series. This is a podcast of my stories and novels.

Suspense Stories by Sid Stark


    • Apr 30, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 38 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Sid Stark, Suspense Author

    Foreign Exchange: A Doctor Rowena Halley Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 117:58


    In post-Soviet Russia, crime fights you. Rowena Halley has spent all her money and her last winter break before her dissertation defense to visit her fiancé Dima in Moscow. But instead of planning the wedding, he’s focused on fighting crime. An opposition journalist, Dima is used to attracting trouble. This time around, though, he may not be the only target. In the Wild, Wild East, crime fights back, and Rowena may be its next victim. Set against the backdrop of the Euromaidan revolution and the turbulence of the North Caucasus, “Foreign Exchange” tells a story of the clash between love, honor, and international politics. This 20,000-word novelette is a prequel to the Doctor Rowena Halley series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone work. Content warning: adult language.

    Honor Court Episode 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 79:40


    Episode 11. Rowena faces a potentially deadly confrontation in the final episode. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt​​​​​ #Mystery​​​​​ #WomenSleuths​​​​​ #Thriller​​​​​ #Suspense​​​​​ #RomanticSuspense​​​​​ #Humor​​​​​ #BlackComedy​​​​​ #HigherEd​​​​​ #Academia​​​​​ Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 49:38


    Episode 10. Jamal and Aishat go to the police. An unfortunate incident disrupts the Lamb Chop Trot. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt​ #Mystery​ #WomenSleuths​ #Thriller​ #Suspense​ #RomanticSuspense​ #Humor​ #BlackComedy​ #HigherEd​ #Academia​ Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 62:28


    Episode 9. Rowena and Alex discuss the future of their relationship. Then Rowena finally meet's Aishat's family, and sees the video of the fateful frat party. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt​​​ #Mystery​​​ #WomenSleuths​​​ #Thriller​​​ #Suspense​​​ #RomanticSuspense​​​ #Humor​​​ #BlackComedy​​​ #HigherEd​​​ #Academia​​​ Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 58:18


    Episode 8. Rowena gets two job prospects in California--but her relationship with Alex is on the outs. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt​​ #Mystery​​ #WomenSleuths​​ #Thriller​​ #Suspense​​ #RomanticSuspense​​ #Humor​​ #BlackComedy​​ #HigherEd​​ #Academia​​ Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 51:20


    Episode 7. Rowena finally has her dreaded teaching observation. Then she goes to California to visit Alex, but things don't go as smoothly as she'd hoped. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt​ #Mystery​ #WomenSleuths​ #Thriller​ #Suspense​ #RomanticSuspense​ #Humor​ #BlackComedy​ #HigherEd​ #Academia​ Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Podcast Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 46:53


    Episode 6. Rowena talks to Irene about the situation at Crimson, and Mel has a scary health issue. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt #Mystery #WomenSleuths #Thriller #Suspense #RomanticSuspense #Humor #BlackComedy #HigherEd #Academia Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 56:13


    Episode 5. Hell Week has arrived and Rowena tries to survive an interview and a college hearing. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt #Mystery #WomenSleuths #Thriller #Suspense #RomanticSuspense #Humor #BlackComedy #HigherEd #Academia Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 55:07


    Episode 4. Alicia comes to Rowena with a difficult request. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt #Mystery #WomenSleuths #Thriller #Suspense #RomanticSuspense #Humor #BlackComedy #HigherEd #Academia Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Podcast Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 44:30


    Episode 3: Rowena goes to the Frat Dash and meets Jamal. "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt #Mystery #WomenSleuths #Thriller #Suspense #RomanticSuspense #Humor #BlackComedy #HigherEd #Academia Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 56:16


    "Honor Court" is a satirical mystery or academic thriller, whichever you prefer, set on a modern American college campus. It's got mystery, dark humor, and a touch of romance! It's currently available for preorder on all major online retailers at https://books2read.com/HonorCourt #Mystery #WomenSleuths #Thriller #Suspense #RomanticSuspense #Humor #BlackComedy #HigherEd #Academia Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Honor Court Podcast Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 58:40


    "Honor Court" is currently available for preorder on all major online retailers. Link here: https://books2read.com/u/38Mvra Doctor Rowena Halley signed up to be a professor, not a cop. Now she may have to be judge, jury, and executioner as well. When a student with a hijab and a strong Chechen accent confides in Rowena about a tricky sexual assault case and asks for her help, Rowena can’t say no—again. Being the only Russian professor on campus, as well as the faculty member students go to for help, has its advantages. But the disadvantages can be deadly. After a tragic incident last semester, Rowena is trying to get her career back on track, not to mention her love life. With her Russian ex-fiancé Dima supposedly out of the picture, Rowena is hoping to build a future across the country in California with her American boyfriend Alex. But the past has a nasty habit of coming back to haunt you. When Aishat Aslanbekova comes to Rowena with her suspicions that she was drugged and assaulted at a frat party, Rowena finds herself forced to confront her own demons as well as Aishat’s. With Aishat making accusations against the college’s star quarterback and posterchild for diversity, Rowena doesn’t know which will be more heartbreaking: finding out that Aishat is lying, or finding out she’s telling the truth. Either way, both Aishat and the men she says assaulted her are in danger of an honor killing at the hands of Aishat’s family. Rowena believes in non-violence. Non-violence may not believe in her. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of racism, Islamophobia, economic injustice, PTSD, and sexual assault. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Audiobook Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 67:15


    This is the first hour of the audiobook of "Trigger Warning." The complete audiobook is available at most major online retailers and subscription services, and can be requested through your local library. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, "Trigger Warning" is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Summer Session Audiobook Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 29:57


    This is the first half hour of the audiobook of "Summer Session." The complete audiobook is available at most major online retailers and subscription services, and can also be requested through your local library. Sometimes summer flings turn deadly serious. Russian professor Rowena Halley’s life finally seems to be taking a turn for the better. She has a job for the summer AND the fall, her family dramas of the past spring have settled down, and she’s got a promising romance going with Alex, a fellow academic and actual American. But the course of true love rarely runs smooth. Rowena’s weekend of fun and good times with Alex is disrupted when one of her students goes missing, in a town that’s already had more than its fair share of missing young women. Simple flakiness, or something more sinister? Rowena teams up with the student’s annoying new boyfriend to try to track her down, even as she wonders if he’s really the culprit behind her disappearance. Rowena’s research skills are finely honed. Hopefully her survival skills are too. *Content warning: Adult language. Soooooo much adult language.*

    Permanent Position Audiobook Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 58:54


    This is the first hour of the audiobook of "Permanent Position," Book 2 in the Doctor Rowena Halley series. The complete audiobook is available at most major online retailers and subscription services, and can be requested through your local library. “Stark remains a brilliant observer of the academia scene”—The Prairies Book Review Love Stephanie Plum’s wit, Kinsey Millhone’s grit, or Spenser’s wry take on academia? Try the Doctor Rowena Halley series! Loves hurts. Sometimes it kills. After the tumultuous events of the previous semester, Russian professor Rowena Halley has found a new job. This time it’s a one-semester adjunct position in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not ideal, but better than no job at all. At least that’s what she’s telling herself. Rowena loves what she does, but love isn’t always kind. Her job is keeping her broke AND three states away from her best candidate for serious boyfriend material, her ex is sending her cryptic messages from the war zone in Ukraine, and her brother has come back from Afghanistan even more messed up than before. And if that isn’t enough, students are trying to draw her into their family dramas—with dangerous consequences. Everyone knows that “publish or perish” is the rule in academia, but if Rowena isn’t careful, she may perish before she gets the chance to publish. Combining humor, romance, and suspense, "Permanent Position" gives an insider’s view of the gritty backstage of higher education, where words do more than cut and all the testing is high-stakes. *Content warning: We've got angsty adjunct professors, mouthy undergrads, a cynical Navy vet, and a career Marine all mixing it up in here. The level of adult language is significant.*

    Campus Confidential Audiobook Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 59:09


    This is a preview of the first hour of the audiobook of "Campus Confidential." The complete audiobook is available for purchase at most major online retailers and subscription services, and can also be requested through your local library. Love Kinsey Millhone's grit, Stephanie Plum's humor, or Spenser's wry take on academia? Check out the Doctor Rowena Halley series! "Brilliantly-written and highly entertaining, a must read..." The Prairies Book Review "A charming blend of academic inspection and social commentary that weaves an engrossing personal perspective into a blend of social observation and evolving romance." D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review During one of the worst years on record in the academic job market, newly-minted PhD Rowena Halley has, against all odds, gotten a job. For one semester. At poverty wages. In New Jersey. But with so many of her fellow PhDs bagging groceries--or worse--instead of teaching Russian, this is the best chance she has. New jobs come with a lot of stress, everyone knows that. But Rowena has more problems than just learning her way around a new campus and convincing all these Yankees that yes, she really is from Georgia. Tensions in the department are high, her family wants to know when she’s going to get a decent job and a decent man, and her ex-boyfriend is as usual persona non grata with the Russian government. It’s when students start coming to her for help that she really gets into trouble, though. Rowena got where she is because she wants to help people and save the world, but if she’s not careful, her idealism may get her killed. Witty and suspenseful, "Campus Confidential" is an insider’s look at the gritty underbelly of academia, where the struggles are so vicious because the stakes are so small. Only sometimes, they’re a matter of life and death. *Content warning: We've got angsty adjunct professors, mouthy undergrads, a cynical Navy vet, and a career Marine all mixing it up in here. The level of adult language is significant.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2020 37:47


    Episode 19. The explosive finale of "Trigger Warning." When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 18

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2020 33:44


    Episode 18. Major revelations come out after Miriam Chen's talk. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 17

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 41:07


    Episode 17. Things get edgy when Miriam Chen arrives on campus. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 16

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 34:57


    Episode 16. Rowena and Alex's relationship has some rocky moments. Meanwhile, help with the Miriam Chen comes from an unexpected quarter. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 15

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2020 32:28


    Episode 15. Alex's arrival leads to some unexpected revelations. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 31:34


    Episode 14. Mel and Rowena's plan to wear their turkey costumes to campus is derailed by a scary event. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 28:57


    Episode 13. The Pre-Turkey Trot is more exciting than expected. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 12

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2020 43:25


    Episode 12. The threats from the Men's Protection Alliance become even nastier. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2020 30:31


    Episode 11. Rowena tries to figure out what to do about the threats aimed at Miriam Chen, and discovers her own fate following her teaching observation. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 35:20


    Episode 10. Rowena meets Miriam Chen, and starts investigating the Men's Protection Alliance. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 33:50


    Episode 9. Chloe's dreaded observation takes place, and Rowena joins the committee to bring a controversial speaker to campus. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 38:14


    Episode 8. Rowena gets involved in bringing a controversial speaker to campus, and has a heart-to-heart with Alex. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 38:57


    Episode 7. Rowena's dreaded lesson observation finally happens. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2020 37:26


    Episode 6. Rowena discovers her job is not as secure as she would have hoped. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 26:17


    Episode 5. Rowena's first day of class has some surprises. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2020 29:02


    Episode 4. Rowena hears some suspicious rumors about a student, while Chloe has to undergo a humiliating hazing ritual at the pre-semester picnic. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 44:38


    Episode 3. Rowena, Mel, and Chloe help out with the super-humiliating Harry Potter move-in day. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2020 49:29


    Episode 2. Rowena finds out more about Crimson College's dark side at her first faculty meetings. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Trigger Warning Podcast Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 37:26


    Episode 1. Rowena attends faculty orientation and discovers her new campus may not be as idyllic as it seems. When does freedom go too far? Doctor Rowena Halley has finally found a job that pays enough to live on. Too bad it’s a continent away from one of the men in her life, and an ocean away from the other. Plus, the campus she’s teaching at is not the idyllic haven it seems. There are the usual problems of academia: busywork, embarrassing extracurricular activities, a difficult department chair. And then there’s real danger. A Gamergate activist has been invited to speak at the college, and a campus Men’s Rights group has threatened to protest the event. Are the rumors of violence swirling around the speaker “just talk,” or are they going to become action? When Rowena gets drawn into organizing the event, she is called on to find out before something tragic happens. Her dive into the campus’s incel culture just threatens to stir the pot, though. Rowena is worried that she’s going to lose her job. With tensions on campus running this high, however, it may be more than her contract that is terminated. The college is concerned about freedom of speech. Rowena is concerned about the freedom to stay alive. Combining suspense, dark humor, and a touch of romance, Trigger Warning is a sharply satirical examination of modern higher ed reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s investigations into the dark side of contemporary college life, written by someone with years of experience in the trenches of academia. *Content warning: Along with the kind of adult language you should expect from mouthy undergrads and battle-scarred Iraq vets, this book also contains a serious discussion of bullying, incel culture, and gun violence. You’ve been warned.*

    Foreign Exchange Podcast Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 43:42


    In post-Soviet Russia, crime fights you. Rowena Halley has spent all her money and her last winter break before her dissertation defense to visit her fiancé Dima in Moscow. But instead of planning the wedding, he’s focused on fighting crime. An opposition journalist, Dima is used to attracting trouble. This time around, though, he may not be the only target. In the Wild, Wild East, crime fights back, and Rowena may be its next victim. Set against the backdrop of the Euromaidan revolution and the turbulence of the North Caucasus, “Foreign Exchange” tells a story of the clash between love, honor, and international politics. This 20,000-word novelette is a prequel to the Doctor Rowena Halley series, but can be read as a standalone work. Content warning: adult language.

    Foreign Exchange Podcast Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2019 33:23


    Episode two of "Foreign Exchange" In post-Soviet Russia, crime fights you. Rowena Halley has spent all her money and her last winter break before her dissertation defense to visit her fiancé Dima in Moscow. But instead of planning the wedding, he’s focused on fighting crime. An opposition journalist, Dima is used to attracting trouble. This time around, though, he may not be the only target. In the Wild, Wild East, crime fights back, and Rowena may be its next victim. Set against the backdrop of the Euromaidan revolution and the turbulence of the North Caucasus, “Foreign Exchange” tells a story of the clash between love, honor, and international politics. This 20,000-word novelette is a prequel to the Doctor Rowena Halley series, but can be read as a standalone work. Content warning: adult language.

    Foreign Exchange Podcast Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2019 34:54


    In post-Soviet Russia, crime fights you. Rowena Halley has spent all her money and her last winter break before her dissertation defense to visit her fiancé Dima in Moscow. But instead of planning the wedding, he’s focused on fighting crime. An opposition journalist, Dima is used to attracting trouble. This time around, though, he may not be the only target. In the Wild, Wild East, crime fights back, and Rowena may be its next victim. Set against the backdrop of the Euromaidan revolution and the turbulence of the North Caucasus, “Foreign Exchange” tells a story of the clash between love, honor, and international politics. This 20,000-word novelette is a prequel to the Doctor Rowena Halley series. Episode 1 of this podcast covers the first four chapters of the story. Content warning: adult language.

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