mystery thriller novel | Emily Crewse Kalka 1

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Emily Crewse Kalka

A black and white pig in a pen

A black and white pig in a pen

Of New Jobs and New Books

What I've been working on both at the paper and on novels.

Feb 175 min read

A Fabulous Writing Update

A Fabulous Writing Update

A Fabulous Writing Update

An update on what I'm currently writing!

Oct 14, 20243 min read

It's Raining Puppies and Other Updates

It's Raining Puppies and Other Updates

It's Raining Puppies and Other Updates

A lot's been going on, folks. Checking in with a writing and life update.

Feb 15, 20246 min read

A Birthday Surprise for Everyone

A Birthday Surprise for Everyone

A Birthday Surprise for Everyone

I've finished "Queen of the Wood."

Dec 4, 20231 min read

Wattys Shortlist: In the Days Before

Wattys Shortlist: In the Days Before

Wattys Shortlist: In the Days Before

Hello, folks! I’m back with yet another review of a book on the Wattys 2023 Shortlist (Completed). I must say, the stories on the list...

Oct 25, 20232 min read

I started writing last night and this is where I am. Chapter 3 isn’t complete, but dang. I need to go back to the Ozarks more often.

I started writing last night and this is where I am. Chapter 3 isn�’t complete, but dang. I need to go back to the Ozarks more often.

So, I know this is in all likelihood just someone else from the tour (or my younger sister) who was standing behind us and I didn’t realize, but dang. For all of 30 seconds, I thought I caught a photo of a ghostie. 😂

So, I know this is in all likelihood just someone else from the tour (or my younger sister) who was standing behind us and I didn’t realize, but dang. For all of 30 seconds, I thought I caught a photo of a ghostie. 😂

Never have I been tempted to walk up to a perfect stranger’s door and ask to see their house. But boy do I ever wish I could see the inside of this one. Definitely using this as inspiration for Isabel’s house in “No One Can Hear You Holler.”

Never have I been tempted to walk up to a perfect stranger’s door and ask to see their house. But boy do I ever wish I could see the inside of this one. Definitely using this as inspiration for Isabel’s house in “No One Can Hear You Holler.”

Finally got to spend time with my youngest sister!!

Finally got to spend time with my youngest sister!!

So, when I post about running off to live in the woods, I mean Eureka Springs. Got so much inspiration this weekend and I’m super excited to dive into “No You Can Hear You Holler”. I have worked out some kinks and I think it could be good. 😁

So, when I post about running off to live in the woods, I mean Eureka Springs. Got so much inspiration this weekend and I’m super excited to dive into “No You Can Hear You Holler”. I have worked out some kinks and I think it could be good. 😁

Fresh cut and color before my vacation next weekend!! #newhairwhodis

Fresh cut and color before my vacation next weekend!! #newhairwhodis

Sometimes a costume comes together better the second time around. Brought Manon out for my friend’s Summerween birthday party. #manonblackbeak #throneofglass #throneofglasscosplay #queenofthewitches

Sometimes a costume comes together better the second time around. Brought Manon out for my friend’s Summerween birthday party. #manonblackbeak #throneofglass #throneofglasscosplay #queenofthewitches

Had a fun time at the Oklahoma Press Association Awards tonight. And ended up walking away with three awards! The in-depth reporting one surprised me… #smalltownnew #smalltownreporter #oklahomalife

Had a fun time at the Oklahoma Press Association Awards tonight. And ended up walking away with three awards! The in-depth reporting one surprised me… #smalltownnew #smalltownreporter #oklahomalife

Decided to start journaling again. So of course I had to get a pretty journal… #writer #journaling #healing

Decided to start journaling again. So of course I had to get a pretty journal… #writer #journaling #healing

I call these “Spring Court Before Tamlin Became Tampon” nails… 😂 #acotar #nails #bookgirlie

I call these “Spring Court Before Tamlin Became Tampon” nails… 😂 #acotar #nails #bookgirlie

Probably one of my favorite book clubs. Bedazzling one of my favorite books/series. Now to re-read them all for the 20th time. @melissamarrwriting #bookclub #bedazzledbooks #newhobby

Probably one of my favorite book clubs. Bedazzling one of my favorite books/series. Now to re-read them all for the 20th time. @melissamarrwriting #bookclub #bedazzledbooks #newhobby

Have I got a murder mystery for you. It’s got a prickly protagonist who starts falling for the school quarterback, who’s shy but sweet. A jealous best friend. Dead bodies. Problematic frats getting their just desserts. Stalkers. And a killer that you won’t see coming. Pick up my book today! #murdermysterybook #mysterythrillerbooks #collegemurdermysterybook #indieauthor #indiebookstore #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter

Have I got a murder mystery for you. It’s got a prickly protagonist who starts falling for the school quarterback, who’s shy but sweet. A jealous best friend. Dead bodies. Problematic frats getting their just desserts. Stalkers. And a killer that you won’t see coming. Pick up my book today! #murdermysterybook #mysterythrillerbooks #collegemurdermysterybook #indieauthor #indiebookstore #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter

Absolutely adored getting to meet @ashleygreene and the rest of the Twilight cast. Friendliest people all around and she was lovely to chat with. #twilight #galaxyconokc

Absolutely adored getting to meet @ashleygreene and the rest of the Twilight cast. Friendliest people all around and she was lovely to chat with. #twilight #galaxyconokc

This guy and his team were my favorite people the whole week. Seriously enjoyed getting to chat with the photo op folks. They recognized us every time even with my many costume changes.

This guy and his team were my favorite people the whole week. Seriously enjoyed getting to chat with the photo op folks. They recognized us every time even with my many costume changes.

So… I made Helen Hunt laugh. And then she squeezed my utters. Best reaction ever to one of my many costumes this weekend. #twister #helenhunt #galaxyconokc2025

So… I made Helen Hunt laugh. And then she squeezed my utters. Best reaction ever to one of my many costumes this weekend. #twister #helenhunt #galaxyconokc2025

And the last costume change… Gonna ask my husband if he’s seen Piper… #whitelotus #parkerposey #galaxyconokc #jasonissacs

And the last costume change… Gonna ask my husband if he’s seen Piper… #whitelotus #parkerposey #galaxyconokc #jasonissacs

Love this look but it’s a pain to wear for long. #booktok #manonblackbeak #kingdomofash #sarahjmaasbooks

Love this look but it’s a pain to wear for long. #booktok #manonblackbeak #kingdomofash #sarahjmaasbooks

The entire cast was flipping amazing to talk to. My little Twilight fan heart is bursting. I should have looked at the photo before we walked away and told him “Anytime.” 🤣🤣🤣

The entire cast was flipping amazing to talk to. My little Twilight fan heart is bursting. I should have looked at the photo before we walked away and told him “Anytime.” 🤣🤣🤣

Ok. I knew he was tall. I didn’t know he was that tall. Also flirty. 🤣 #twilight #galaxyconokc2025 #kellanlutz

Ok. I knew he was tall. I didn’t know he was that tall. Also flirty. 🤣 #twilight #galaxyconokc2025 #kellanlutz

My Twilight dreams come true… #galaxyconokc2025 #twilight

My Twilight dreams come true… #galaxyconokc2025 #twilight

Gonna take some Twilight photos today. #twilight #alicecullen #galaxyconokc

Gonna take some Twilight photos today. #twilight #alicecullen #galaxyconokc

Well, this happened. 😂😂😂😂 #reno911 #thomaslennon #galaxyconokc2025

Well, this happened. 😂😂😂😂 #reno911 #thomaslennon #galaxyconokc2025

Managed to make it out today to get Mom and Trey looking nice and summery before Memorial Day.

Managed to make it out today to get Mom and Trey looking nice and summery before Memorial Day.

When everyone stops you for a photo because your dog looks cute but the one photo you manage to find, he looks like he’s plotting murder… 😂

When everyone stops you for a photo because your dog looks cute but the one photo you manage to find, he looks like he’s plotting murder… 😂

When the storm hits during the alumni party, everyone pulls their cars into the pavilion and keeps on partying. Only in Oklahoma. 😂 #smalltownlife #alumniweekend

When the storm hits during the alumni party, everyone pulls their cars into the pavilion and keeps on partying. Only in Oklahoma. 😂 #smalltownlife #alumniweekend

No writing this weekend. Too busy helping out at, working at and enjoying the craziness that is Alumni weekend. I have never heard or seen a town go all out on grad/alumni weekend like we do. Probably why I snuck a sneak peak of it in at the end of “Everyone Talks.” #smalltownfestivities #oncealionalwaysalion #alumniweekend2025

No writing this weekend. Too busy helping out at, working at and enjoying the craziness that is Alumni weekend. I have never heard or seen a town go all out on grad/alumni weekend like we do. Probably why I snuck a sneak peak of it in at the end of “Everyone Talks.” #smalltownfestivities #oncealionalwaysalion #alumniweekend2025

No one does gossip like a small town.

Nellie Castle is more than ready to leave Shadow Creek, Oklahoma, and its ever-churning rumor mill far behind. She’ll finally escape her overprotective father and friend-turned-enemy Sophia McCracken.

All she wants to do is get into her dream school and become an investigative journalist - finish the journey her mother started and never got to finish. And maybe while she’s at it, take down CreekTalk, the self-regenerating gossip app that won’t seem to die.

But life has different plans.

First, CreekTalk releases a rumor targeting Sophia that has everyone wondering if Nellie’s behind it.

Then, Sophia goes missing.

Then, Sophia turns up dead.

On the one hand, it’s the story of a lifetime for an aspiring journalist and one that is sure to get her into Mizzou. On the other hand, Nellie discovers that Sophia was uncovering things that someone is desperate to keep hidden.

So desperate… that they would kill.
#yanovel #yamysterythriller #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovelist #oklahomastory #highschoolnovel #murdermysterybook

No one does gossip like a small town.

Nellie Castle is more than ready to leave Shadow Creek, Oklahoma, and its ever-churning rumor mill far behind. She’ll finally escape her overprotective father and friend-turned-enemy Sophia McCracken.

All she wants to do is get into her dream school and become an investigative journalist - finish the journey her mother started and never got to finish. And maybe while she’s at it, take down CreekTalk, the self-regenerating gossip app that won’t seem to die.

But life has different plans.

First, CreekTalk releases a rumor targeting Sophia that has everyone wondering if Nellie’s behind it.

Then, Sophia goes missing.

Then, Sophia turns up dead.

On the one hand, it’s the story of a lifetime for an aspiring journalist and one that is sure to get her into Mizzou. On the other hand, Nellie discovers that Sophia was uncovering things that someone is desperate to keep hidden.

So desperate… that they would kill.
#yanovel #yamysterythriller #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovelist #oklahomastory #highschoolnovel #murdermysterybook

The mystery of what dogs do I have is now solved. And very surprising. We were convinced they were Anatolian Pyrenees. Turns out they’re Black Mouth Cur Pyrenees. Oh, and Violet got a sprinkle of Belgian Malinois. #rescuepups #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #ilovemyrescuedog

The mystery of what dogs do I have is now solved. And very surprising. We were convinced they were Anatolian Pyrenees. Turns out they’re Black Mouth Cur Pyrenees. Oh, and Violet got a sprinkle of Belgian Malinois. #rescuepups #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #ilovemyrescuedog

I swear, I was searching for grave decorations for Memorial Day, and this just randomly popped up. But I won't lie... it's kind of tempting. I think my brother would find it hilarious if I put these on his grave to spook all the so-called ghost hunters that like to prowl around the old cemetery at night... #death #darkhumor

I swear, I was searching for grave decorations for Memorial Day, and this just randomly popped up. But I won't lie... it's kind of tempting. I think my brother would find it hilarious if I put these on his grave to spook all the so-called ghost hunters that like to prowl around the old cemetery at night... #death #darkhumor

Excited for the show!!

Excited for the show!!

Not letting thunderstorms stop Ladies’ Night at the theater. #ladiesnightout #nightatthetheater #&juliet #besties

Not letting thunderstorms stop Ladies’ Night at the theater. #ladiesnightout #nightatthetheater #&juliet #besties

Didn’t want to be left out of the Twister theme… Not when Cary Elwes AND Helen Hunt are in the lineup. Currently trying to convince my bestie’s other child to dress up as the other cow, Dorothy or a tornado so we’re a complete set. #galaxyconokc #formercosplayer

Didn’t want to be left out of the Twister theme… Not when Cary Elwes AND Helen Hunt are in the lineup. Currently trying to convince my bestie’s other child to dress up as the other cow, Dorothy or a tornado so we’re a complete set. #galaxyconokc #formercosplayer

So... since the YA version of "Queen of the Wood" is such a departure from the original story, I decided to go ahead and give it a fresh title of its own, as well as change some characters' names. I'm still not sure if I'm sold on this one, but we're going with it for now. The first two chapters are back up on Wattpad! #mysterythrillerbooks #yamysterythrillers #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #smalltownnovel #amateursleuth #indieauthor #selfpublishedauthor #writerscommunity

So... since the YA version of "Queen of the Wood" is such a departure from the original story, I decided to go ahead and give it a fresh title of its own, as well as change some characters' names. I'm still not sure if I'm sold on this one, but we're going with it for now. The first two chapters are back up on Wattpad! #mysterythrillerbooks #yamysterythrillers #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #smalltownnovel #amateursleuth #indieauthor #selfpublishedauthor #writerscommunity

Since it’s a rainy night, decided to play with some makeup and practice for GalaxyCon. Sand the lashes and contacts. Waiting to bust those open until closer to the con. Also, I’m pretty sure all I have to do is change out the lip for a deep red and this will work for Manon too. #cosplay #twilight #alicecullen

Since it’s a rainy night, decided to play with some makeup and practice for GalaxyCon. Sand the lashes and contacts. Waiting to bust those open until closer to the con. Also, I’m pretty sure all I have to do is change out the lip for a deep red and this will work for Manon too. #cosplay #twilight #alicecullen

On April 16, 2014, I woke up late. I was on the late shift at The Korea Herald and didn’t have to be at the office until 1:30pm. I had no idea what was going on since I tended to do a media blackout when I wasn’t working. When I first heard about the Sewol, they were already passed mistakenly reporting that everyone was rescued. Even though I knew it was going to be a bad, I still wasn’t prepared. To this day, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work. It’s something that Korea will never forget. I won’t either. #remembersewol

On April 16, 2014, I woke up late. I was on the late shift at The Korea Herald and didn’t have to be at the office until 1:30pm. I had no idea what was going on since I tended to do a media blackout when I wasn’t working. When I first heard about the Sewol, they were already passed mistakenly reporting that everyone was rescued. Even though I knew it was going to be a bad, I still wasn’t prepared. To this day, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work. It’s something that Korea will never forget. I won’t either. #remembersewol

Spent the day at the farm celebrating my grandpa's 88th birthday. While we often have family gatherings out at the farm, it's not often my dad and sister get to be here. Had a great weekend getting to catch up with them. #happybirthday #outatthefarm #oklahoma

Spent the day at the farm celebrating my grandpa's 88th birthday. While we often have family gatherings out at the farm, it's not often my dad and sister get to be here. Had a great weekend getting to catch up with them. #happybirthday #outatthefarm #oklahoma

Feel like I need to incorporate my grandfather and his dog into a book. #oklahoma

Feel like I need to incorporate my grandfather and his dog into a book. #oklahoma

I asked whose idea it was to roll around in the mud… #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepups #rainyday

I asked whose idea it was to roll around in the mud… #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepups #rainyday

I may be 40 but I’m still a cosplayer at heart. Taking a short vacay to GalaxyCon next month and the first of my costume pieces came in today. 😆 Point if you can guess the costumes from the photos. (Checking the guest list isn’t cheating. 😚) #galaxyconokc #cosplay

I may be 40 but I’m still a cosplayer at heart. Taking a short vacay to GalaxyCon next month and the first of my costume pieces came in today. 😆 Point if you can guess the costumes from the photos. (Checking the guest list isn’t cheating. 😚) #galaxyconokc #cosplay

Now, whether this stays as the opening line of my new book remains to be seen, but for now, I’m digging it. #ozarksmystery #workinprogress #murdermystery #thrillerbooks #indieauthor #sellfpublishedauthor

Now, whether this stays as the opening line of my new book remains to be seen, but for now, I’m digging it. #ozarksmystery #workinprogress #murdermystery #thrillerbooks #indieauthor #sellfpublishedauthor

I am having SO MUCH FUN getting this book together. I've started writing and have the prologue and first two chapters done and I'm getting closer to finishing up the chapter outline. I'm hoping I can get to NWA in June (April & May are already too full, bugger) to do a bit of book research and have some fun doing ghosty stuff with my sister, @haley__shook. Guys, this one is going to be a doozy of a ride. And bloody. Very bloody.
#mysterythrillerwriter #ozarksstory #ozarkbook #murderbook #nwarkansas #wip #murdermysterythrillerbook #indieauthor #selfpublishedwriter

I am having SO MUCH FUN getting this book together. I've started writing and have the prologue and first two chapters done and I'm getting closer to finishing up the chapter outline. I'm hoping I can get to NWA in June (April & May are already too full, bugger) to do a bit of book research and have some fun doing ghosty stuff with my sister, @haley__shook. Guys, this one is going to be a doozy of a ride. And bloody. Very bloody.
#mysterythrillerwriter #ozarksstory #ozarkbook #murderbook #nwarkansas #wip #murdermysterythrillerbook #indieauthor #selfpublishedwriter

Needed a nice win to help calm my nerves before my interview today with the Oklahoma governor. We got the results in from the OPA for their Better Newspaper Contest, and I'm up for at least one first-place award and at least one second- or third-place award. I won't find out how many awards I've officially gotten - or for which stories - until the conference and ceremony in June. It's my first time getting first-place, so yea. Feels good.
#smalltownreporter #smalltownjournalism #oklahomapress

Needed a nice win to help calm my nerves before my interview today with the Oklahoma governor. We got the results in from the OPA for their Better Newspaper Contest, and I'm up for at least one first-place award and at least one second- or third-place award. I won't find out how many awards I've officially gotten - or for which stories - until the conference and ceremony in June. It's my first time getting first-place, so yea. Feels good.
#smalltownreporter #smalltownjournalism #oklahomapress

So, the wind was blowing so hard this morning, it took the back half of the roof off one of our historic (and rundown) buildings on main street. The issue now is how to get rid of the debris without the wind picking it up and carrying it off, as well as doing that without completely cutting off electricity and internet for all/most/a good chunk of downtown. The electricity and internet have been flickering in and out all day, to the point that I'm thinking about packing up and working from home for the rest of the day. Last I heard, they had 2-3 internet companies, OG&E, and the gas company all out there, along with public works and the fire department... Do not envy them today. Also, very thankful that they were able to quickly evacuate the animal hospital located right next door to this building (it's my vet). #oklahoma #oklahomawinds #lincolncounty #windyday

So, the wind was blowing so hard this morning, it took the back half of the roof off one of our historic (and rundown) buildings on main street. The issue now is how to get rid of the debris without the wind picking it up and carrying it off, as well as doing that without completely cutting off electricity and internet for all/most/a good chunk of downtown. The electricity and internet have been flickering in and out all day, to the point that I'm thinking about packing up and working from home for the rest of the day. Last I heard, they had 2-3 internet companies, OG&E, and the gas company all out there, along with public works and the fire department... Do not envy them today. Also, very thankful that they were able to quickly evacuate the animal hospital located right next door to this building (it's my vet). #oklahoma #oklahomawinds #lincolncounty #windyday

Move back to Oklahoma, they said. It’ll be fun. At least now I know that I can, indeed, do my makeup in the dark. Now it’s time for a whole bunch of sit around and wait. Half the town is out including my office, meaning there’s not a whole lot of work I can do until the electricity comes back on… #oklahoma

Move back to Oklahoma, they said. It’ll be fun. At least now I know that I can, indeed, do my makeup in the dark. Now it’s time for a whole bunch of sit around and wait. Half the town is out including my office, meaning there’s not a whole lot of work I can do until the electricity comes back on… #oklahoma

For my book fiends that love a good ghost story. “The Whitehall Affair” is a mystery with a paranormal twist. Is Nora really communicating with ghosts from the 1920s, or is it all in her head? If it is in her head, then how is she finding clues for a 100-year-old murder mystery in NYC’s most infamous mansion? #mysterybooks #paranormalmystery #ghoststory #hauntedmansionstory #indieauthor #oklahomawriter

For my book fiends that love a good ghost story. “The Whitehall Affair” is a mystery with a paranormal twist. Is Nora really communicating with ghosts from the 1920s, or is it all in her head? If it is in her head, then how is she finding clues for a 100-year-old murder mystery in NYC’s most infamous mansion? #mysterybooks #paranormalmystery #ghoststory #hauntedmansionstory #indieauthor #oklahomawriter

A few more shots from when I was out covering fires on Friday. We're all hoping and praying that we don't have another day like that tomorrow or Tuesday. Never in Oklahoma history has there been that many fires across the state in one day, according to our local emergency management department. Over 16 fires in Lincoln County alone, with 5 to 6 of those large-scale fires going on at the same time. #OklahomaStrong #oklahomafires

A few more shots from when I was out covering fires on Friday. We're all hoping and praying that we don't have another day like that tomorrow or Tuesday. Never in Oklahoma history has there been that many fires across the state in one day, according to our local emergency management department. Over 16 fires in Lincoln County alone, with 5 to 6 of those large-scale fires going on at the same time. #OklahomaStrong #oklahomafires

Another evening spent chasing fires for the paper. Honestly there were so many popping up around my town that I wasn’t sure where to go. #smalltownreporter

Another evening spent chasing fires for the paper. Honestly there were so many popping up around my town that I wasn’t sure where to go. #smalltownreporter

Love when I get to see my author friends in person and when all my book girlies get together. Went to @ginnymyerssain’s talk tonight about her latest book “When the Bones Sing” right here in my hometown (where Ginny is also from). I love all her books, but this one pulled at my heart strings. It’s set in the Arkansas Ozarks - the land of my birth and my mama’s family - and in a way, it felt like going home. The characters are colorful and real. The book is so vivid that I felt like I was walking the trails of the Ozark Mountains as I read. I’m so grateful that I got to interview Ginny last year. It’s fitting, really. Her mother was one of the big reasons I became a writer and Ginny and her books pushed me into giving YA a try and started me on the latest leg of my writing journey. Tonight was fun and informative. And seriously - go get her books if you love twisty, dark tales. You won’t be disappointed. #mysterythrillerbooks #oklahomaauthors #yanovels #yawriters #smalltownwriters

Love when I get to see my author friends in person and when all my book girlies get together. Went to @ginnymyerssain’s talk tonight about her latest book “When the Bones Sing” right here in my hometown (where Ginny is also from). I love all her books, but this one pulled at my heart strings. It’s set in the Arkansas Ozarks - the land of my birth and my mama’s family - and in a way, it felt like going home. The characters are colorful and real. The book is so vivid that I felt like I was walking the trails of the Ozark Mountains as I read. I’m so grateful that I got to interview Ginny last year. It’s fitting, really. Her mother was one of the big reasons I became a writer and Ginny and her books pushed me into giving YA a try and started me on the latest leg of my writing journey. Tonight was fun and informative. And seriously - go get her books if you love twisty, dark tales. You won’t be disappointed. #mysterythrillerbooks #oklahomaauthors #yanovels #yawriters #smalltownwriters

Hard to believe that Mom would be 59 today. I’m pretty sure she’d still look about 45. Always missing her. Happy Birthday, Mom.

Hard to believe that Mom would be 59 today. I’m pretty sure she’d still look about 45. Always missing her. Happy Birthday, Mom.

Current read. Love a good historical fiction about murder… #bookstagram #murderbook

Current read. Love a good historical fiction about murder… #bookstagram #murderbook

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