Cora Buhlert

Publisher info

Cora Buhlert was born and bred in Bremen, North Germany, where she still lives today – after time spent in London, Singapore, Rotterdam and Mississippi. Cora holds an MA degree in English from the University of Bremen.

Cora has been writing, since she was a teenager, and has published stories, articles and poetry in various international magazines. She is the author of the Silencer series of pulp style thrillers, the Shattered Empire space opera series, the In Love and War science fiction romance series, the Thurvok and Kurval sword and sorcery series, the Helen Shepherd Mysteries and plenty of standalone stories in multiple genres.

Cora is a two-time Hugo finalist for Best Fan Writer and the winner of the 2021 Space Cowboy Award. When Cora is not writing, she works as a translator and teacher.

Visit her on the web at www.corabuhlert.com or follow her on Twitter under @CoraBuhlert.

Smashwords Interview

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a semi-rural suburb of Bremen in North West Germany. However, I had a Dad whose job required a lot of travel, so I spent a year in Biloxi, Mississippi, and a couple of months in Singapore as a child. As a teenager, I also spent a lot of time in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
How did this influence me? On the one hand, I grew up in a very traditional and conservative area, which was also rather isolated. The last bus from the city went at 8 PM and you couldn't get anywhere without a car. On the other hand, by the time I turned ten, I'd also seen a lot more of the world than most people in my semi-rural neighbourhood and lived in countries that were very different from each other and from my home. As a result, I never really fit in, which is probably a part of the reason why I started writing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
My Mom read bedtime stories to me and told me fairy tales long before I could read. Did they have an impact on me? Well, the fairy tales my Mom read to me and sometimes told me were Grimm's fairy tales in their original bloody versions as well as Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, which aren't exactly happy stories either. So I was exposed to some harsh stories at an early age. Maybe that's why I occasionally write bloody and violent tales.
One childhood favourite I remember is a German picture book called "Mecki on the Moon" which chronicled the beautifully illustrated adventures of a hedgehog and his cat friend on the moon. I loved this book to bits and even had a plush toy of Mecki, the heroic hedgehog. I guess it contributed to the fact that I grew up to write science fiction.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Cora Buhlert online

Videos

The Life and Times of Cora Buhlert, Writer
A short video introducing me and my books

The Shattered Empire Series
A short trailer for the Shattered Empire space opera series

The Adventures of the Silencer
A short video trailer for the Silencer series of pulp style thrillers.

In Love and War
A trailer for the "In Love and War" series.

The Black Knight
Series: Kurval, Book 8. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 36,360. Language: English. Published: June 19, 2021 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Dark, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
The Lords of Angilbert have long refused to accept the authority of the throne. Kurval, King of Azakoria, inherited the conflict with the Black Knight of Angilbert from his predecessor. But when Kurval faces with the Black Knight, he's in for a shock. The law demands that the Black Knight be executed. Can Kurval find a peaceful find a peaceful solution or must the conflict end in bloodshed?
The Wolf of Rajala
Series: Kurval, Book 2. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,580. Language: English. Published: February 23, 2021 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Dark, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Before Kurval became King of Azakoria, he was a wandering mercenary and monster slayer for hire. One day, Kurval is hired to take out the monstrous wolves that have been besetting the village of Rajala. However, he quickly finds that the wolves are not what they seem. He also realises that the wolves have a very good reason for attacking the villagers… 8700 words
Worm Fodder
Series: Kurval, Book 7. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 12,470. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2021 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
After a hunt, King Kurval of Azakoria and his entourage make camp at a village. However, the villagers are afraid of something. Kurval learns that the villagers are planning to sacrifice the young Celisa to the dread worm Thibunoth. Kurval is furious, for he outlawed human sacrifice in Azakoria. So he sets out to save Celisa, kill the monster and punish those who ignore his decree…
The Plains of Shadow
Series: Kurval, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 12,760. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2021 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
King Talgat orders Guard Captain Kurval to escort the condemned witch Aelisia to the Plains of Shadow and behead her, so her blood may feed the dark gods who dwell there. Kurval does not want to behead Aelisia, once he learns she is innocent. But if he lets Aelisia go free, he will not only have to face the wrath of Talgat, but also the fury of the dark gods who dwell upon the Plains of Shadow.
King's Justice
Series: Kurval, Book 6. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 12,000. Language: English. Published: September 19, 2020 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Kurval came from beyond the sea, slew King Orkol and became King of Azakoria. But the people despise him and the nobles plot against him. One day, a hooded assassin tries to stab him. The assassin is revealed to be Nelaira, daughter of a minor noble. But what are her reasons? As Kurval investigates her motives, he finds that he does not want to hang her. But a king has to do his duty. Or does he?
The Beast from the Sea of Blood
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,710. Language: English. Published: June 23, 2020 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
They seek a treasure and find a monster… Thurvok, the sellsword, and his friends Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, the sorceress Sharenna and Meldom’s sweetheart Lysha are on the hunt for a legendary pirate treasure, when they find themselves marooned on a desolate isle. To add insult to injury, there is no treasure on the island. There are, however, monsters…
The Tentacled Terror
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,690. Language: English. Published: May 8, 2020 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Dark, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Thurvok, the sellsword, and his friends Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, the sorceress Sharenna and Meldom’s sweetheart Lysha set sail for the sunken city of Nhom’zonac, looking for the lost treasure of the Sea Kings. But they have to get past the Lovecraftian horror guarding the city first. Short story of 5300 words in the Thurvok sword and sorcery series.
The Thing From the Dread Swamp
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,620. Language: English. Published: April 30, 2020 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Dark, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
While travelling through the Dread Swamp, Thurvok and his friends Meldom, Lysha and Sharenna come across an overturned wagon and the terrified merchant Polyxo who babbles that a monster has taken his daughter Cerissa. Because they are heroes – and because Polyxo has offered them a sizeable reward – the quartet of adventurers offer to rescue Cerissa from the thing that lives in the Dread Swamp.
The Temple of the Snake God
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,410. Language: English. Published: November 12, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
It was supposed to be an easy job. Go in, grab the eye of the idol and get out. But the Temple of the Snake God Tseghirun is unexpectedly busy, when Thurvok, Meldom, Sharenna and Lysha attempt to steal the eye. What started out as a simple heist turns into a rescue mission, for not only is there a ceremony in progress, no, the cultists are also about to sacrifice several young girls to Tseghirun.
The Night Court
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,150. Language: English. Published: August 6, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
The city of Vanadur suffers under the Night Court, whose masked judges know only one verdict: guilty. Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, is put on trial by the Night Court. The accusation: murder. But while Meldom did many questionable things, he did not commit this murder. But the Night Court does not believe him and so Thurvok, Sharenna and Lysha must save him from the gallows.
The Cave of the Dragon
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,600. Language: English. Published: April 26, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Thurvok, the sellsword, is enjoying a meal with his friends, the thief Meldom, his sweetheart Lysha and the sorceresss Sharenna, when a peasant woman asks them for help. Her young daughter Thali has been chosen to be sacrificed to the dragon that terrorises the area. Thurvok and his friends want to help her and save Thali. But slaying a dragon is a lot more difficult and dangerous than expected.
The Bleak Heath
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 13,670. Language: English. Published: April 17, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Thurvok the sellsword and his companions Meldom, thief and occasional assassin, and the sorceress Sharenna are fleeing across the Bleak Heath after saving Meldom's childhood sweetheart Lysha from the gallows. Weary and exhausted, they are relieved to come upon a hut on the heath. But what they find inside that hut may well be more dangerous than the heath itself.
The Forest of the Hanged
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,610. Language: English. Published: March 6, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Whenever one of the Rhadur is killed in a city they have conquered, 12 citizens chosen at random must die in turn. The Rhadur governor of Greyvault has been murdered and 12 maidens shall hang. One of those to be hanged is Lysha, childhood sweetheart of Meldom, thief, cutpurse and assassin. Meldom sets off to rescue her, together with his friends Thurvok, the sellsword, and the sorceress Sharenna…
The Road of Skeletons
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,610. Language: English. Published: February 20, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
On their way to Khon Orzad, Thurvok, the sellsword, and his friend Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, travel along a road lined with the skeletons of executed heretics. But then Thurvok and Meldom come upon a blindfolded woman who is still alive tied to a stake by the roadside. Should they continue on their journey or rescue the woman and risk the wrath of the priest kings…
The Tomb of the Undead Slaves
Series: Thurvok, Book 2. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,220. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Adventure » Action
The sellsword Thurvok and his friend and companion Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, venture into the Rusted Desert to seek the tomb of the ancient king Chagurdai and the legendary treasure supposedly hidden there. But once Thurvok and Meldom venture into the tomb, they find that a treasure is not all that's buried there. This is a short story of 4100 words in the Thurvok series
The Valley of the Man Vultures
Series: Thurvok, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,480. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Adventure » Action
(5.00 from 1 review)
Thurvok, the sellsword, must pass through the Valley of the Accursed Blood. Travellers make offerings at a temple in exchange for protection on their journey. But Thurvok scoffs at this and decides to continue his journey without protection. This infuriates the priest Alberon who curses Thurvok. Thurvok is not bothered – he does not believe in curses. But the valley holds unexpected dangers…

Series

Kurval
This pulpy sword and sorcery series chronicles the adventures of Kurval, barbarian turned King of Azakoria, and his struggles to be a good and just king to his people. So follow Kurval as he deals with treason, assassination attempts, monsters and the day to day troubles of kinghood.
The Plains of Shadow
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Wolf of Rajala
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Frozen Citadel
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Tear of Chronos
Price: $0.99 USD.
Twelve Nooses
Price: $0.99 USD.
King's Justice
Price: $0.99 USD.
Witchfinders
Massachusetts in the Year of the Lord 1695: Gideon Jacobs and Caine Hopkins are the most feared witchfinders in all of New England. Accompanied by Fear-God Moody, former pirate turned torture master and executioner, they travel from town to town to hunt down witches and fight evil, armed with rapier, pistols and unwavering faith. Their most elusive quarry is eighteen-year-old Matthew Goodson, their erstwhile apprentice, who eloped with the condemned witch Grace Pankhurst. In their mad flight across New England, Matthew and Grace face down menaces both human and supernatural, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the witchfinders and the gallows.
The Solstice Horror
Price: $0.99 USD.
Christmas at Hickory Ridge Mall
Just before Christmas, Hickory Ridge Mall is bustling with shoppers making last minute purchases. But even amidst the holiday shopping chaos, love can bloom...
In Love and War
For eighty-eight years, the galaxy had been torn apart by the endless war between the Republic of United Planets and the Empire of Worlds. Anjali Patel and Mikhail Grikov are soldiers on opposing sides of that war. They meet, fall in love and decide to go on the run together. Pursued by both the Empire and the Republic, they struggle to stay alive and free and prove that their love is stronger than the war…
Evacuation Order
Price: $0.99 USD.
Dreaming of the Stars
Price: $0.99 USD.
Baptism of Fire
Price: $0.99 USD.
Graveyard Shift
Price: $2.99 USD.
Neutral Ground
Price: $0.99 USD.
Collision Course
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Day the Saucers Came...
June 9th, 1956, known all over the world as "the day the saucers came". Now, for the first time in print, read these sensational eyewitness accounts from people who were there and lived to tell the tale. Prepare to be shocked and horrified, as you read what it was truly like - on the day the saucers came... A series of first person accounts narrated from the POV of the survivors of a 1950s B-movie type alien invasion.
Acacia Crescent
Price: $0.99 USD.
Azalea Avenue
Price: $2.99 USD.
Appletree Court
Price: $0.99 USD.
Lovers' Lane
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Double Feature
Price: $2.99 USD.
Willowbrook Farm
Price: $0.99 USD.
Helen Shepherd Mysteries
Detective Inspector Helen Shepherd of the Metropolitan Police has never been one to accept things at face value. And ten years on the force have taught her that few cases are as cut and dry as they seem at first glance. Together with her assistant Police Constable Kevin Walker and the medical examiner Dr. Rajiv, Helen follows up every clue to resolve even the most complicated of cases.
The Cork and the Bottle
Price: $0.99 USD.
Overdose
Price: $0.99 USD.
Bank Job
Price: $2.99 USD.
Open Season
Price: $0.99 USD.
Paris Green
Price: $2.99 USD.
Thurvok
This pulpy sword and sorcery series chronicles the adventures of Thurvok, the sellsword, and his companions: Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, the sorceress Sharenna and Lysha, Meldom’s childhood sweetheart whom the adventurers saved from the gallows. Follow Thurvok and his friends as they travel the world, looking for loot and treasure and fighting demons, dragons and monsters.
The Road of Skeletons
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Forest of the Hanged
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Bleak Heath
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Cave of the Dragon
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Silencer
Hardworking pulp writer by day and steel-masked vigilante by night, the Silencer fights criminal low-lives and larger-than-life master villains in the streets of Depression era New York City. Together with his beautiful fiancé Constance Allen and pickpocket turned butler Neal Cassidy, Richard Blakemore a.k.a. the Silencer keeps the city safe from those criminals the law cannot catch. This series of high octane adventure novelettes is an homage to the heroic pulp crimefighters of the 1930s such as the.Shadow, the Spider and Doc Savage as well as the writers who brought them to life.
Countdown to Death
Price: $2.99 USD.
Flying Bombs
Price: $2.99 USD.
The Spiked Death
Price: $2.99 USD.
Elevator of Doom
Price: $2.99 USD.
The Great Fraud
Price: $0.99 USD.
Hallowind Cove
Strange things keep happening in the permanently fog shrouded seaside town of Hallowind Cove, earning it the nickname “Harbour of the Weird”. This series chronicles some of those strange things and recounts the stories of Hallowind Cove and its inhabitants.
Two-Fisted Todd Adventures
A man with a mysterious past, "two-fisted" Todd Donovan now works as a freelance troubleshooter for whoever is willing to pay for his services, locating missing persons, rescuing hostages, repossessing stolen goods and tangling with drug lords, dictators, criminals and other lowlives all over the globe. These high octane action stories are an homage to the men’s adventure magazines of the 1960s with their lurid covers and breathless prose. So buckle up, step back in time and enjoy an adventure with "two-fisted" Todd Donovan.
The Crawling Death
Price: $0.99 USD.
Flesh Trade
Price: $2.99 USD.
View more series...

Books

Invasion of the Robot Santas
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,430. Language: English. Published: December 22, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic, Fiction » Holiday » Christmas
No one ever expected the robot apocalypse to begin in the little town of Brighthaven. And no one ever expected it to involve murderous robot turkeys and their even more terrifying brethren, robot Santas that fire laserbeams from their eyes. However, Brighthaven's finest are ready to tackle any robotic holiday menace that might come their way. Two holiday stories by Hugo winner Cora Buhlert
Roadside Horrors
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,330. Language: English. Published: October 30, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Ghost, Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction
Roads are interstitial spaces, which take you from one place to another. Most roads only connect places in the real world, but some roads cross the borderline into the unknown. That’s when things can come through, terrible things that lurk for the unwary traveller. So buckle up and meet the horrors that lurk by the side of the road. But be careful, because every encounter might be your last…
The Tear of Chronos
Series: Kurval, Book 4. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 16,310. Language: English. Published: February 25, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
On his coronation day, King Kurval of Azakoria he consults the oracle of Ashvarya to gaze into a magical jewel called the Tear of Chronos. Before Kurval can receive a vision of the future, a woman named Stella appears. Stella is a deadringer for the goddess and wears the Tear of Chronos around her neck. Can Stella help Kurval retain the throne? And is she a goddess or just an imposter?
Twelve Nooses
Series: Kurval, Book 5. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 17,000. Language: English. Published: February 25, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Before Kurval became King of Azakoria, he was commander of a mercenary company in service to his predecessor King Orkol. While helping to suppress a rebellion in the northern provinces, Kurval is ordered to hang twelve innocent young women as an example to the rebels. Kurval is disgusted by this cruelty. Can he find a way to save the twelve young women from the gallows? And dare he defy King Orkol
The Solstice Horror
Series: Witchfinders. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 13,180. Language: English. Published: December 21, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Holiday » Christmas
Massachusetts 1695: Former witchfinder Matthew Goodson and condemned witch Grace Pankhurst are on the run. Shortly before Christmas, they find shelter in the town of Cold Hollow. But the witchfinders are on their trail, so Matthew and Grace have to flee again. Many dangers lurk in the woods. But which is the greater threat, the witchfinders or the thing from beyond that hunts in the woods?
The Witchfinder's Apprentice
Series: Witchfinders. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,350. Language: English. Published: October 19, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Crime, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Historical
Massachusetts 1695: Matthew Goodson is apprenticed to a team of witchfinders. When a wave of mysterious deaths hits Redemption, the witchfinders are called in and arrest a suspect, Grace Pankhurst. Matthew has been having doubts about the witchfinders’ mission. The interrogation of Grace brings those doubts to a flashpoint. But is Grace truly innocent or has Matthew fallen under her spell?
The Frozen Citadel
Series: Kurval, Book 3. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,720. Language: English. Published: August 30, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Dark, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Before Kurval became King of Azakoria, he plied his trade as a wandering mercenary and sword for hire. Kurval and his friend and fellow mercenary Tsabo are planning to take up service at the citadel of Harjula in the frozen north of the kingdom of Simola. But when they finally reach the citadel, they find it deserted, its inhabitants in the thrall of dark magic…This is a short story of 5900 words
Tales of the Silencer: The Complete Series
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 112,140. Language: English. Published: May 24, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Men’s adventure, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense
Hardworking pulp writer by day and steel-masked crimefighter by night, the Silencer fights criminal low-lives and larger-than-life villains in the streets of Depression era New York City. This series by two-time Hugo finalist Cora Buhlert is an homage to the heroic pulp crimefighters of the 1930s and the writers who brought them to life. Complete omnibus edition, collects the entire series.
Spelunkers
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,110. Language: English. Published: March 21, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction
During a holiday in Belgium, college students Evan and Matt decide to explore an uncharted cave in the Ardennes. Also along for the ride is Evan’s sister Kate, who has been tasked with looking out for her brother since childhood. Inside the cave, Kate, Evan and Matt stumble upon a portal to another world. But does this portal represent the greatest adventure of their lives or a terrible danger?
Revolt at the North Pole
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,850. Language: English. Published: December 21, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Holiday » Christmas, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Rebellion is brewing at Santa's compound at the North Pole. The elves and the reindeer both are overworked, underpaid and angry, so they unite to take down Santa. However, there's still Santa's most fearsome enforcer, the horned, clawed and fanged holiday monster known only as Krampus…This is a short holiday horror story of 3900 words by Hugo finalist Cora Buhlert.
The Christmas Collection
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 137,540. Language: English. Published: December 15, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Holiday » Christmas, Fiction » Romance » New adult
Sixteen tales of Christmas by Hugo winner Cora Buhlert. Romance, cozy fantasy, murder mysteries, police procedurals, pulp thrillers, science fiction, horror and humor – we have all that and more. Enjoy twelve novellas, novelettes and short stories in five genres. This is a collection of 136000 words.
The Crappiest Christmas Ever
Series: Christmas at Hickory Ridge Mall. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 13,950. Language: English. Published: December 13, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Holiday » Christmas, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(2.00 from 1 review)
Two days before Christmas, Jessica’s parents announce that they are getting a divorce. Stuck on her own, Jessica sets out to buy a Christmas tree for herself and meets Matt, who’s having an awful Christmas himself. Matt and Jessica bond over their problems. So maybe, this won't be the worst Christmas ever after all...
Driving Home for Christmas
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,260. Language: English. Published: December 2, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » New adult, Fiction » Holiday » Christmas
When her car breaks down after midnight on Christmas Eve, Laura thinks she’ll never make it home for the holidays. But then fate sends Laura her very own Christmas angel in the form of hunky truck driver Jonas… This is a short and sweet holiday romance of 8400 words.
Ballroom Blitz
Series: In Love and War, Book 10. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 26,020. Language: English. Published: November 10, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, trying to stay under the radar. Their romantic Valentine’s Day dinner is rudely interrupted, when they find themselves caught in the crossfire of a turf war between two rival gangsters.
Neutral Ground
Series: In Love and War, Book 5. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 12,710. Language: English. Published: November 10, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Science fiction » Military
Though their governments have been at war for eighty-eight years now, Colonel Brian Mayhew of the Republican Special Commando Forces, meets with his Imperial General Roderick Crawford to discuss an embarrassing incident. For two of their elite soldiers fell in love and ran away together. However, this secret meeting is not so secret. And so Mayhew and Crawford are soon fighting for their lives...
Demon Summoning for Beginnners
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,660. Language: English. Published: October 18, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Occult
When observing a magical ritual in the woods, make sure to take precautions… If you try to summon a demon to grant you your heart's desire, you'd better get your Latin right… When studying grimoires, it's never a good idea to read the contents out loud or you might just cause the end of the world… Following your grandma's family recipe might just conjure up something other than marinara sauce…
Puncture Wounds
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,880. Language: English. Published: October 12, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
Every morning, Brett finds blood on his sheets and puncture wounds on his body. But as he tries to trap the "night pricker", as he calls his assailant, he's in for a surprise. The house at Green Corner has been standing there for fifty years. Bats flutter around the garden and no one has ever seen the owner. Paper girl Maddie decides to venture beyond the tall hedges and finds something unexpected
Letters from the Dark Side
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,900. Language: English. Published: October 12, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Ghost
Where do you turn if your boyfriend suddenly starts howling at the full moon? Where does a teen vampire go, when his hunger starts messing up his love life? How can a reanimated corpse find friends? What would you do if you were the victim of a zombie attack? How can a ghost find her murderer? Where do you go if you're a demon sick of sending souls to hell? A collection of short epistolary tales
The Ghosts of Doodenbos
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,600. Language: English. Published: October 7, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Horror » Ghost
The Netherlands in the year of the Lord 1571: The young widow Ann lives alone with her little son Florentijn in a house at the edge of the woods. From childhood on, Ann has been told to never go alone into the woods. But when her son runs away, Ann has no choice. She must venture into the forest to save Florentijn from the creatures that live in the woods surrounding the village of Doodenbos.
Willowbrook Farm
Series: The Day the Saucers Came.... Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,290. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
1956: The elderly farmer couple Bob and Mary Graham are crushed by debt and about to lose the family farm to a greedy developer. But on the day they are supposed to be evicted, a flying saucer from outer space appears in the sky above Willowbrook Farm…
Appletree Court
Series: The Day the Saucers Came.... Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,180. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Crime thriller
1956: Bernie Stetson is a burglar, robbing suburban homes while their owners are not at home. Bernie's latest raid takes him to the subdivision of Shady Groves. But things quickly go wrong. First, the house Bernie is robbing turns out to be not as deserted as he thought. And then, a flying saucer from outer space appears in the sky above Shady Groves…
Azalea Avenue
Series: The Day the Saucers Came.... Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 11,990. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Psychological thriller
1956: On the surface, Rosemary is a happily married wife and mother, enjoying a perfect life in the suburbs. But the house on Azalea Avenue harbours a dark secret, for Rosemary's husband Don is an abusive drunk. When Rosemary finally decides to leave Don, her escape plans are interrupted, first by Don coming home unexpectedly and then by the appearance of a flying saucer from outer space…
A Grave Case
Series: Helen Shepherd Mysteries. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,420. Language: English. Published: September 23, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Police Procedural, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Traditional British
When Maureen Pettigrew is found bludgeoned to death on the grave of her late husband, the case seems clear. Maureen is the latest victim of the mugger who has been terrorising Kensal Green cemetery. However, the only suspect – a young man in jeans and a leather jacket – is a phantom no one except the caretaker has ever seen. Can Helen and her team find the young man? And does he even exist?
The Pegasus Pulp Sampler
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 104,790. Language: English. Published: July 26, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense
Get an overview of the works of Hugo finalist Cora Buhlert and her one-woman small press Pegasus Pulp Publishing. Space opera, military science fiction, alien invasions, hostile planets, sword and sorcery, pulp thrillers, men's adventure, murder mysteries, cozy fantasy, historical romance – we have all that and more. Enjoy twelve novellas, novelettes and short stories in five genres.
The Heavy Hand of the Editor
Series: The Silencer. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 13,640. Language: English. Published: January 29, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Men’s adventure, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense
New York City, 1938: Richard Blakemore, pulp writer by day and the masked vigilante only known as the Silencer by night, finds himself faced with a new foe, the blank page, as well as Donald A. Stuart, editor of Stunning Science Stories, and his endless rewrite requests. Richard has enough of this, but Stuart holds his story hostage. And so the Silencer decides to pay Stuart a visit…
Santa's Sticky Fingers
Series: Helen Shepherd Mysteries. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,620. Language: English. Published: December 21, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Traditional British, Fiction » Holiday » Christmas
Detective Inspector Helen Shepherd doesn’t deal with pickpockets. But when Kingston Christmas market is hit by a wave of thefts, Helen is called in. Homeless Harry, who hangs around the market, is the obvious suspect. But there is also a mysterious man in a black leather jacket? Or maybe, the thief can be found much closer to home. Can Helen and her team crack the case in time for Christmas?
Christmas after the End of the World
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,670. Language: English. Published: December 15, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic, Fiction » Holiday » Christmas
It's Christmas - five months after the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted, blacked out the sun and covered most of the western US in ash. 13-year-old Natalie, her younger brother Liam, baby Olivia and family dog Bud are among the few still holding out in the evacuation zone. Survival is hard enough, but Natalie is determined to give the kids an unforgettable Christmas - after the end of the world.
Honourable Enemies
Series: In Love and War, Book 16. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 59,570. Language: English. Published: November 18, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
Brian Mayhew has gone AWOL to take out Rick Santerna, the man who murdered his family. His quest for vengeance brings him to the rim world of Maciste, where he runs into his former protégé Mikhail Grikov, now wanted for eloping with enemy soldier Anjali Patel. It's Mayhew's duty to bring in Mikhail and Anjali. But now he needs their help. Can they set aside their differences and work together?
Mementos and Memories
Series: In Love and War, Book 15. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,180. Language: English. Published: October 27, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, trying to stay under the radar. At a market, Anjali and Mikhail come across a Shakyri dagger for sale. However, no Shakyri would willingly part with their dagger, so Anjali and Mikhail try to trace to lawful owner…
Old Mommark's Tale
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,440. Language: English. Published: October 7, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures
In a tavern on Tortuga, the pirate Old Mommark recalls an adventure of his youth and tells a tale of an uncharted island, a great treasure, the gruesome Captain Scarlet and the even more gruesome monster that dragged him to his doom. But is it a true story or just sailor's yarn, spun under the influence of too much rum? 3800 words
Rites of Passage
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,080. Language: English. Published: September 29, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
Philon, heir to a pirate empire, wants to take a wife. He has set his eyes on Arianna Delora, only child of his father's mortal enemy. Tonight, Arianna is supposed to undertake the ritual that will turn her into a woman. But Arianna enjoys the life of a pirate and does not want to give it up. Nor is she thrilled when Philon, son of her father's sworn enemy, shows up and wants to make her his wife.
The Cave of the Dragon
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,600. Language: English. Published: April 26, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Thurvok, the sellsword, is enjoying a meal with his friends, the thief Meldom, his sweetheart Lysha and the sorceresss Sharenna, when a peasant woman asks them for help. Her young daughter Thali has been chosen to be sacrificed to the dragon that terrorises the area. Thurvok and his friends want to help her and save Thali. But slaying a dragon is a lot more difficult and dangerous than expected.
The Bleak Heath
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 13,670. Language: English. Published: April 17, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Thurvok the sellsword and his companions Meldom, thief and occasional assassin, and the sorceress Sharenna are fleeing across the Bleak Heath after saving Meldom's childhood sweetheart Lysha from the gallows. Weary and exhausted, they are relieved to come upon a hut on the heath. But what they find inside that hut may well be more dangerous than the heath itself.
The Forest of the Hanged
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,610. Language: English. Published: March 6, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Whenever one of the Rhadur is killed in a city they have conquered, 12 citizens chosen at random must die in turn. The Rhadur governor of Greyvault has been murdered and 12 maidens shall hang. One of those to be hanged is Lysha, childhood sweetheart of Meldom, thief, cutpurse and assassin. Meldom sets off to rescue her, together with his friends Thurvok, the sellsword, and the sorceress Sharenna…
The Road of Skeletons
Series: Thurvok. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,610. Language: English. Published: February 20, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
On their way to Khon Orzad, Thurvok, the sellsword, and his friend Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, travel along a road lined with the skeletons of executed heretics. But then Thurvok and Meldom come upon a blindfolded woman who is still alive tied to a stake by the roadside. Should they continue on their journey or rescue the woman and risk the wrath of the priest kings…
A Valentine for the Silencer
Series: The Silencer. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,060. Language: English. Published: February 11, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense, Fiction » Adventure » Men’s adventure
Valentine's Day 1938: All Richard Blakemore a.k.a. the masked crimefighter known as the Silencer wants is to have a romantic dinner with his fiancée Constance Allen. But on his way to his date, Richard happens upon a mugging in progress. Can he save the victim and make sure that young Thomas Walden has the chance to propose to his girlfriend? And will he make it to dinner with Constance on time?
The Tomb of the Undead Slaves
Series: Thurvok, Book 2. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,220. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Adventure » Action
The sellsword Thurvok and his friend and companion Meldom, thief, cutpurse and occasional assassin, venture into the Rusted Desert to seek the tomb of the ancient king Chagurdai and the legendary treasure supposedly hidden there. But once Thurvok and Meldom venture into the tomb, they find that a treasure is not all that's buried there. This is a short story of 4100 words in the Thurvok series
The Valley of the Man Vultures
Series: Thurvok, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,480. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2019 by Cora Buhlert. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Adventure » Action
(5.00 from 1 review)
Thurvok, the sellsword, must pass through the Valley of the Accursed Blood. Travellers make offerings at a temple in exchange for protection on their journey. But Thurvok scoffs at this and decides to continue his journey without protection. This infuriates the priest Alberon who curses Thurvok. Thurvok is not bothered – he does not believe in curses. But the valley holds unexpected dangers…
The Standarounds of Twilight Gardens
Series: Hallowind Cove. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,920. Language: English. Published: December 16, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy
Strange things keep happening in the seaside town of Hallowind Cove, earning it the nickname Harbour of the Weird. When the Hutchinson family buy the Beauregard mansion, they believe they've made the deal of their lives. But no one told them about the fog that envelops Hallowind Cove for 340 days a year. Or about the mysterious shadows that stand around Twilight Gardens, staring at random houses…
The Mermaid of Foghorn Point
Series: Hallowind Cove. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,970. Language: English. Published: December 15, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy
Strange things keep happening in the permanently fog-shrouded seaside town of Hallowind Cove, earning it the nickname Harbour of the Weird. Paul and Rachel's date at The Croaking Foghorn pub is derailed, when it turns out that local fisherman Eddie Bramwell brought home no fish, but one hell of a story. But Paul has one hell of a story to tell, too, and he's not at all sure how Rachel will react.
The Bakery on Gloomland Street
Series: Hallowind Cove. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,790. Language: English. Published: December 10, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Holiday » Christmas, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy
It's Christmas time in Hallowind Cove, the seaside town known as the "Harbour of the Weird". Rachel is new in town and has taken over the bakery. But no one told Rachel about the yuletide monster Krampus and its taste for pastries baked according to a secret recipe. A recipe Rachel does not know. But with the help of fellow newcomer Paul, Rachel bakes up a storm and saves Christmas...
The Taste of Home
Series: In Love and War, Book 14. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 12,050. Language: English. Published: October 9, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, trying to stay under the radar. On his way home, Mikhail finds himself drawn towards a storefront and comes face to face with his past, Meanwhile, Anjali is waiting with dinner at home.
Collision Course
Series: In Love and War, Book 6. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,860. Language: English. Published: August 29, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, trying to stay under the radar. A bodyguard job goes awry, when the assassin shoots the wrong target. Anjali and Mikhail set off in pursuit and come face to face with a figure from the past who threatens their freedom.
Evacuation Order
Series: In Love and War, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 31,820. Language: English. Published: August 29, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Science fiction » Military
After the test of a planet killer weapon goes awry, the cruiser Fearless Explorer is ordered to the planet Jagellowsk to help with the evacuation. 13-year-old Katya is desperate to get herself and her little brother Misha to safety from the seismic shocks that are rocking the planet. The Fearless Explorer is Katya and Misha's only chance. But Captain Brian Mayhew cannot evacuate everybody…
The Shantytown Robin Hoods
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,950. Language: English. Published: June 7, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Utopias & dystopias, Fiction » Science fiction » Cyberpunk
Latisha, Moses and Tim are the Shantytown Robin Hoods, a street gang in a dystopian future that steals from the rich and gives to – well, themselves. The Hole is the hottest night club in town, where the rich and the famous party and the kids find people to rob. But their latest job is derailed by a mobster with a prize on his head, a pop star and a red-haired assassin. Soon bullets are flying...
Bloody Bananas
Series: Helen Shepherd Mysteries. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 14,890. Language: English. Published: May 15, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Traditional British, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths
When supermarket employee Nelson Grant is found bludgeoned to death next to a half empty crate of bananas, the case seems a complete mystery. For Nelson Grant was well liked by his colleagues, so who could possibly want him dead? But then Detective Inspector Helen Shepherd and her team discover that the crate contained more than just bananas and the case suddenly acquires a whole new dimension.
Hunter and Hunted
Series: In Love and War, Book 13. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 23,930. Language: English. Published: May 11, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera, Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, while trying to stay under the radar. Anjali and Mikhail are ambushed by bounty hunters. Wounded and hunted across a frozen planet, they find shelter in a cabin. The hunters track them and Mikhail must face them alone.
Blasters of Forever
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,010. Language: English. Published: April 30, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Science fiction » Cyberpunk
1984: Screenwriter Simon St. John makes his living writing toy tie-in cartoons and dreams of getting his screenplay produced. When Simon invents the time travelling cops Blasters of Forever, a portal opens inside his living room and none others than the Blasters of Forever hop out. They explain that they are from the future. But the evil Doctor Chronos, their sworn enemy, is real as well...
Double-Cross
Series: In Love and War, Book 12. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,940. Language: English. Published: March 28, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, while trying to stay under the radar. When they are hired to retrieve a shipment bootleg medical nanobots, it seems like a routine job at first. But it turns out their client has an agenda of her own.
Freedom's Horizon
Series: In Love and War, Book 7. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 57,970. Language: English. Published: March 28, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Sci-fi, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
Once, Anjali and Mikhail were soldiers on opposing sides of an intergalactic war. They met, fell in love and went on the run together. Now they eke out a living on the galactic rim, while trying to stay under the radar. When Anjali and Mikhail sign on as security aboard a freighter, the Freedom's Horizon soon finds itself chased by three battlecruisers, commanded by Mikhail’s former superior.
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Cora Buhlert's favorite authors on Smashwords

Smashwords book reviews by Cora Buhlert

  • McEdifice Returns on Dec. 07, 2017

    This is a most excellent book, a true masterwork of science fiction, with just the right amount of manly heroes, dastardly space vampires, talking office equipment, action, romance, heartbreak and of course, nutty nuggets. Accept no substitutes, read "McEdifice Returns" today.