#NewBook: The Midnight Rambler … wonderful #DarkHumour from author C. S. Boyack @virgilante @storyempire #LizzieandtheHat #series
Hi everyone. Today, it gives me great pleasure to have Craig Boyack, fellow author, Story Empire contributor, and friend, over to visit. Craig has a new book coming out, and it’s in one of my favourite series of his, Lizzie and the Hat. If you haven’t read any of these fun books yet, I urge you to give them a read! You’ll find them full of dark humour and puns. Here’s my review for The Hat, the first book of the series. If you haven’t discovered Craig’s Pinterest collection, it’s a must-see! He’s curated some fantastic images on there. You can find the links to all his social media at the bottom of this blog page. Without further ado, I’ll let Craig tell you all about his latest release …
I appreciate you loaning me your space today, Harmony. If I can ever return the favor, I’d be honored.
I’m here to talk about The Midnight Rambler, but we’ll let the cover and blurb give you some specific details for that. I like to keep these posts unique, and today’s topic is dark humor.
There’s no doubt these stories are corny. I go out of my way to make them so. I put my main character, Lizzie, through a lot. She’s been shot, had to kill a friend, and more. People die in these stories, and it’s not often peaceful. That’s pretty descriptive of the dark. That’s why I try to include some light.
I’m a big lover of adding humor to tales like this. It might be a whistling in the graveyard approach, but I think it keeps them fresh. There are a lot of vampire stories out there, but only one Kevin with his speech impediment and fear of virtually everything. These stories all have a certain pull-my-finger quality to them.
This is the series where I add silly little graphics as section breaks. Lizzie and the hat have a certain kind of buddy-humor between the two of them. Things happen to Lizzie that are more mortifying than life threatening. One example from a previous tale is how her witch costume was compared to blackface when she showed up at the local witches coven after a comic book convention.
I like to include characters like Kevin, but also Lizzie’s mother, Star St. Laurent. She’s an old hippy and makes no bones about it. When I use her she always brings a certain something to the stories. I’ve added magical creatures like Noodles the Rottweiler/snapping turtle thing, who’s manic happy all the time to the point of craziness.
I intend to keep torturing Lizzie in absurd and painful ways, but I also intend to fill these tales with a bit of humor. If you think this sounds like Halloween fun, come on the hunt for The Midnight Rambler. There’s no prequisite reading, and you might decide to check out the back catalog once you finish.
About the Book:
Something evil is after the hat. The ageless enemies have battled many times, but this time Lizzie is wearing the hat. She’s also up against a ticking clock, in that if she can’t find the maker of her new friend’s medicine he will die.
The Rambler has kidnapped the only witch capable of making Ray’s medicine in an attempt to make the hat sloppy in his efforts. He’s also flooded the streets with deadly minions to impede any progress our heroes might make.
As if that weren’t enough, Lizzie is facing more of life’s struggles, both financially and mechanically. This all goes down in the middle of a huge flood event that she’s ill equipped to handle.
Join Lizzie and the hat as they battle the elements, the paranormal, and a being of pure evil. Lizzie might be battling some personal demons along the way as she and Ray grow closer.
Get your copy here: https://mybook.to/TheMidnightRambler
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Congrats to Craig on his newest book. Another hit no doubt for the Lizzie series. <3
I’m sure it will be! Thanks, Debby

Thank you, Debbie.
Congratulations to Craig on your new book – lovely to see you here and good luck with your launch. Toni x
Thanks for supporting Craig with his new book, Toni x

Thank you, Toni. Luck is always accepted.
Great release for Halloween.
For sure!
Thank you, Michelle.
Hi Harmony, this is a lovely post. I have bought this book already as I like The Hat and this one sounds really intriguing to me.
Fantastic! Thanks, Robbie

Thanks for your faith in this one. Have fun chasing monsters.
I love the concept of horror mixed with humor.
Yup! And Craig does it so well. Thanks, Molly

Thanks for the comment, Molly. I love it, too, and want to keep this series going.
Woohoo, a new Lizzie and The Hat adventure! Love the creepy cover, Craig. Congrats on your new release!
Isn’t it great?! Thanks, Jacquie

Thank you, Jacquie. That cover is getting tons of comments.
Congrats, Craig, on another super entertaining story! I love all the ‘silly’ graphics you scattered throughout the book. And yes, you do put Lizzie through a lot, but the last two books (this one included) show her softer side. Fun stuff! Thank you, Harmony, for hosting!
That’s fantastic. Thanks, Jan

I’m trying to make her a complete character, as long as the individual book allows a reason to delve into some of that.
Thanks for hosting Craig, Harmony! I like this series and just started reading The Midnight Rambler. Blown away by the opening chapter! Wow!
Yay!
Fantastic to see. Thanks, Judi 

Thanks, Judi. So glad you enjoyed that first chapter. I worked it over more times than I usually do.
I’m a huge fan of dark humor, so these books are right up my alley. Got my copy yesterday!
Yay! Thanks,Teri

Thank you, Teri. Hope you get a chuckle or two while you’re hunting monsters.
Congrats on your latest release, Craig. I love the mixture of darkness and humor. I am a fan of the entire Hat Series, including “Midnight Rambler.” Thanks for hosting, Harmony l
Craig blends the two so well. Thanks, Denise

Thanks so much, Denise. Glad you enjoyed it.
Congrats on the start of your tour, Craig. One of the things I’ve loved about The Hat series is the buddy humor between Lizzie and the her headwear. I’m glad you mentioned that. And it was fun to get an inside peek into the way your balance the dark and light. Best of luck with your tour. Thanks for hosting, Harmony. <3
I love the relationship between Lizzie and her head wear! Thanks, Diana

I always enjoy buddy humor. Glad you do, too.
Another book I must read! Thank you, Harmony, for sharing this. And best wishes to Craig.
Yay! Thanks, Kymber

I’m so excited to read this. hope you enjoy it when the time comes.
I love this whole idea so much! Some of the best spooky movies I’ve seen include a little humor. Congrats again on your release, Craig. I still can’t get over the cover!! No matter how many times I see it, it still gives me chills! Thanks so much, Harmony, for sharing your space with us!
That’s so lovely of you to say. Thanks, Mar

Thanks, Mar. This series tries to have some lighter bits included. I still torture my main character, but kind of like the balance here.
Who wouldn’t like Kevin? He’s a favorite of mine. Congrats and best wishes, Craig. Thanks for hosting today, Harmony.
I love the whole idea of a vampire with a lisp! Thanks, Joan

I need to find a way for Kevin to get more page time. Haven’t needed the informant for a while, but he’s about due.
Thanks for having me over, Harmony. Thanks also for pointing out Pinterest. I tend to use it differently than other authors. It’s like my notebooks in many ways. If someone wanted to snoop ahead there is a lot of stuff saved in The Hat board that will be in future tales.
I love your Pinterest boards, Craig! And it’s my pleasure to have you come visit. You’re welcome anytime. Best wishes with everything

This one’s waiting on my Kindle. Wishing you all the best with it, Craig.
Harmony, thanks for hosting.
That’s fantastic. Thanks, Staci

Thank you, Staci.
I just know I will love this book. I start reading it tonight!
Yay! Thanks, Anita

I’m honored. Hope you have fun with it.
Congratulations, Craig. I look forward to reading the latest! Thank you, Harmony, for showcasing Craig. Bravo to both of you!


Thanks so much, Gwen. Happy reading!

Thanks for stopping by, Gwen. Hope you have fun with it when it reaches the top of the pile.
Dark stories with humor are so fun. Congratulations, Craig on the recent release of The Midnight Rambler!
They sure are! Thanks, Priscilla

Thanks for visiting and the comment.
Congratulations on your latest, Craig. Best wishes on the launch. Thanks to Harmony for hosting.
Thanks, John

Thank you, John.