Hello 'Unputdownables!'

One of my favorite scenes in the Lust, Money & Murder series is in the first trilogy, when Giorgio Cattoretti takes Elaine Brogan to the opera in Milan, Italy.

At that time, The Cat is still in the business of creating and selling fake designer clothing, and several of the top designers he replicates are present in the elegant La Scala opera house. To Elaine's astonishment, most of these iconic fashion artists seem amicable towards him even though they all know exactly what he's doing.

Giorgio explains that the knockoffs he creates help sell their products, and that every time someone buys one, it is a free advertisement for the genuine article. "My customers cannot afford the real thing...yet.” He raised his hands. “I do not sell knockoffs, Elaine—I sell dreams.”

I've always wondered if this is true. Do the knockoffs actually hurt sales of the genuine items, or do they help? What do you think?

Giveaway

Which brings me to this week's giveaway: one high quality Lust, Money & Murder 'untakeoffable' T-shirt, available in several different colors and the size of your choice. These babies are the real thing. (Giorgio, if you're reading this, don't even think of copying them or I'll knock you off in the next book!)

To enter the giveaway, please click on one of the responses below (by the way, clicking on more than one won't raise your chances of winning--duplicate emails are eliminated before the drawing by Random.org)

Knockoff designer products help sales of the originals

Knockoff designer products hurt sales of the originals

Knockoff designer products have little effect on sales of the originals

If you want to add a comment, please reply to this newsletter email. I'll share the results in next week's newsletter.

Outback Diamonds Now in Audio

Those of you who enjoy audiobooks can now listen to my newest addition to the 'unputdownable' Lust, Money & Murder series, Outback Diamonds (LM&M #16).

This audiobook is narrated using Amazon's AI voice narration. I've listened to it, and it strikes a decent balance between cost and quality - using this approach, I can offer the audiobook at the relatively low price of $3.99 on Amazon and Audible. (Price may vary depending on your location)

Of course Outback Diamonds is available in both eBook and print formats as well. Join Elaine Brogan as she delves into the dangerous world of diamond smuggling in Australia. This latest addition to the "Lust, Money & Murder" series delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense and my trademark unpredictable plot twists. Whether you prefer the tactile feel of a book or the convenience of an eBook, don’t miss out on this thrilling installment, which is a full-length, self-contained novel (not a trilogy).

READER SPOTLIGHT

Time for our Reader Spotlight, where I give a shout-out to one of my amazing readers and offer you the chance to enjoy your 'moment in the spotlight.' All you have to do is answer six simple questions. Here's this week's edition!

First name: Kitty
Where you're from/hometown: Oceano, California, USA
Favorite book of all time: Can't honestly answer, so many
Favorite Mike Wells book: On Russian Soil (LM&M #4)
Favorite author: Mike Wells, Harlan Coben and Danielle Steel
Last book read: T. Grant County series - Karin Slaughter
Favorite reading place/time: Deck 4pm-7pm Kindle
Fun fact: Retired from Quaker Oats at 55 and I have 4 torties

Thank you, Kitty, for letting us peek into your literary world from the deck of your retirement! Keep enjoying those sunset reads!

In closing, if you’ve enjoyed this glance into Giorgio Cattoretti’s world of high-stakes and high-style, why not pass it along? Sharing this newsletter gives my books a chance and brings more readers into fold. Thanks for being a part of this journey.

Happy reading and I hope you're enjoying the summer!

Mike