Deals in Kindle Books : Mystery, Thriller & Suspense : Mystery

Cold Betrayal: An Ali Reynolds NovelMar 10, 2015 | Kindle eBook
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A Dangerous Place: A Maisie Dobbs Novel (Maisie Dobbs Mysteries Series Book 11)Mar 17, 2015 | Kindle eBook
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Never Smile at Strangers (Strangers Series)Jan 27, 2015 | Kindle eBook
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Vanished (Callahan & McLane Book 1)Jun 17, 2014 | Kindle eBook
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The Mysterious Case of Medieval Dance Mania

St. John’s Dance, known historically as St. Vitus Dance, was a social phenomenon involving a type of dance mania that gripped mainland Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.

One of the most well-known major outbreaks took place in Aachen, Germany, on the 24th of June 1374, just several decades after the Black Death swept across Europe. During the outbreak, afflicted individuals would dance hysterically through the streets for hours, days, and apparently even months, until they collapsed due to exhaustion or died from heart attack or stroke.

The number of participants at any one outbreak could reach into the thousands. In modern literature, women are often portrayed as being victims of the St. John’s Dance, although medieval accounts record that men, women and children were equally likely to be affected.

It was initially considered that the dancing mania was a curse sent by a saint, commonly thought to be St. John the Baptist or St. Vitus, hence the name of the condition. Therefore, people suffering from this condition would proceed to places dedicated to the said saint in order to pray for deliverance. The association of this phenomenon with St. Vitus can be traced to an incident that happened in Germany in 1278. During that year, a group of 200 people were dancing so vigorously on a bridge over the Maas River that the bridge collapsed, killing many of the dancers. Those who survived were taken to a nearby chapel dedicated to St. Vitus, and many of them were reported to have been restored to full health.

Interestingly, these were not isolated events, but occurred numerous times throughout Medieval Europe. Outbreaks occurred in Italy, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Holland, and Switzerland over the following three centuries.

An engraving of participants in a dancing mania. Photo source: Wikipedia.

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon.

For instance, ergot poisoning has been blamed by some for the hallucinations and convulsions that accompanied the St. John’s Dance. This form of poisoning coincided with floods and wet growing seasons, as the damp condition was suitable for the growth of the fungus claviceps purpura, which contains toxic and psychoactive chemicals, including lysergic acid and ergotamine (used in modern times as a precursor in the synthesis of LSD). This fungus is usually found on cultivated grain such as rye, and may induce certain symptoms of the St. John’s Dance including nervous spasms, psychotic delusions, and convulsions. Nevertheless, it has been argued that the outbreaks usually do not happen during the floods or wet seasons. Furthermore, not all the symptoms of the St. John’s Dance can be attributed to ergot poisoning.

Another explanation for the St. John’s Dance is that those participating in it were followers of deviant religious sects. As these people made pilgrimages throughout Europe during the years following the Black Death in order to gain divine favor, they grew in numbers. As they were involved in prolonged dancing, fasting, and emotional worship, such symptoms as hallucinating, fainting, and trembling uncontrollably would have been common.

Although it is highly plausible that some of the participants of the St. John’s Dance were genuinely affected by mental illnesses, it has been argued that the majority of those engaged in the dance did not actually suffered from any of the symptoms. Instead of looking at the St. John’s Dance as a form of mental disorder, it may be considered as a social phenomenon, sometimes referred to as ‘mass psychogenic illness’. This involves the occurrence of similar physical symptoms, with no known cause, which affect a large group of people as a form of social influence. Perhaps it may be suggested that some of those engaged in the St. John’s Dance did so out of fear, while others danced in order to fit in with the crowd.

While this form of mass hysteria may seem to belong to the history books, it is in fact just as common in modern times. The Tanganyika laughter epidemic of 1962, for example, was an outbreak of mass hysteria in Tanzania in which uncontrollable laughter, accompanied by fainting, respiratory problems, and crying, spread from a group of school girls, to the entire school, neighboring schools, and entire villages. Thousands of people were affected to some degree. The phenomenon was not completely eradicated for some eighteen months!

Such occurrences of mass hysteria have continued to confound the medical community and while it is easy to laugh off as ridiculous and bizarre behavior, research has shown that there are a number of complex factors that can contribute to the formation and spread of collective hysteria, including rumors, extraordinary anxiety or excitement, cultural beliefs, social and political context, reinforcing actions by authority figures, and stress. Cases of mass hysteria have been reported all over the world for centuries and provide a fascinating insight into the complex nature of human psychology!

Featured image: ‘The Saint John’s Dancers in Molenbeeck’ (1592) by Pieter Brueghel II.

By Ḏḥwty

References

• Bartholomew, R. E., 2000. Rethinking the Dancing Mania. [Online] Available at: http://www.csicop.org/si/show/rethinking_the_dancing_mania
• Gilbert, S., 2011. St. John's Dance. [Online] Available at: http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/St.+John's+Dance
• Hecker, J., 1832. The Black Death and The Dancing Mania by J. F. C. Hecker. [Online] Available at: http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/Books/hecker/Death_c.htm
• Hiskey, D., 2012. This Day in History, 1374: Thousands of People on the Streets of Aachen, Germany Suddenly Suffer from the “Forgotten Plague”, Dance Mania. [Online] Available here.
• Wikipedia, 2014. Dancing mania. [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_mania
• Wikipedia, 2014. Mass hysteria. [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_hysteria

Timeless Mystery: How did a Swiss Ring Watch End up in a Sealed Ming Dynasty Tomb?

A mystery continues to surround the curious excavation of a strange artifact and those who recovered it from the depths of an ancient tomb in China. When archaeologists reportedly recovered a modern-looking, mud-encrusted artifact from a 400-year-old sealed tomb, their astonishment was apparent. For some, this type of discovery could have only meant one thing—it was evidence of time travel. Was the discovery real? Was it a hoax? Could the find have been an intriguing artifact out of place and time?

In 2008 it was reported by several news outlets that a team of archaeologists had made a puzzling discovery. Reports described the team as comprised of archaeologists and journalists filming a documentary at a dig at a sealed tomb dating to the Ming Dynasty in Shangsi, southern China. As one of the coffins was being cleared of soil before being opened, a strange thing happened.

Interior of the Dingling Tomb, a part of the Ming Dynasty Tombs, collection of mausoleums built by the Chinese Ming dynasty emperors. Representational image only. Wikimedia Commons

“When we tried to remove the soil wrapped around the coffin, suddenly a piece of rock dropped off and hit the ground with metallic sound,” said Jiang Yanyu, a former curator of the Guangxi Autonomous Region Museum, according to reports. “We picked up the object, and found it was a ring. After removing the covering soil and examining it further, we were shocked to see it was a watch.”

The strange metallic object was said to be a small golden ring, with a watch face on its front, approximately two millimeters thick. Tiny hands on the watch showed time had frozen at 10:06. Most astonishing of all, the back of the diminutive watch was said to have the word “Swiss” or “Switzerland” written in English.

The enigmatic ring-watch found in a 400-year-old sealed tomb in China. Where did the ring come from? How did it get in the tomb? (Image Source)

“Swiss Made” is the term used in recent decades to show that product has originated in Switzerland, especially relating to watches.

How was it possible that a tomb sealed for 400 years and dating to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) had come to hold an artifact that could only have been created after the establishment of the present state of Switzerland, (in 1848; previous to then it was known as The Old Swiss Confederacy) and the ring-watch is said to date back only a century?

“This is the earliest dated watch known. It is engraved on the bottom: Philip Melanchthon, to God alone the glory, 1530. There are very few watches existing today that predate 1550; only two dated examples are known--this one from 1530 and another from 1548. The perforations in the case permitted one to see the time without opening the watch.” Public Domain

How could such an artifact have been discovered so out of place and out of time?

OOPArts are “out-of-place-artifacts,” a description of unique and little-understood objects from the archaeological record which fall into the ‘anomalous’ category. To some, these objects have been found when and where they should not be (such as the Antikythera mechanism, the Maine Penny, and even the Nazca Lines), and thus challenge the conventional understanding of history, and may even reveal that humanity (or otherworldly beings) had a different degree of civilization or sophistication than described and understood by officials and academia.
Theories

There are many theories as to how a modern-looking Swiss ring with a watch face might have been discovered by Chinese archaeologists from a 400-year-old sealed tomb.

Some researchers cite the possibility of time travelers who came from the future and who dropped a modern ring in an ancient location, accidentally leaving their anachronistic possession behind. The evidence for this is scant, but it is an intriguing idea.

However, it is also within the realm of possibility that the so-called ‘sealed’ tomb was not as secure as the Chinese officials and archaeologists had presumed. Early tomb-raiders or explorers gaining access to the tombs secretly cannot be ruled out, although there are no reports on any of the ancient Chinese artifacts having suffered damage or theft—something which might be expected if the tomb was entered.

Still others comment that if the strange timepiece/jewelry had been dropped in the last century or so, a rodent might have taken it and burrowed into the tomb.

The Great Unknowns

There is still much that is unknown about the story of the Swiss watch in China.

Was the tiny artifact an actual working mechanism with gears, and moving hands? Or was it simply a mold or pressing of a watch face into metal?

Ring-watches, fashionable jewelry pieces, are not unheard of but they were not popular until after 1780 in Europe. In 1588 Queen Elizabeth I is reputed to have worn a special ring-watch with a protrusion which would scratch her finger as a clever “alarm”. Additionally, in 1755 Caron, a Parisian watchmaker created a ring-watch that was wound with a key. However, this is all academic, as the ring-watches were not known to be in vogue during the Ming Dynasty, and in its reported condition the ring doesn’t seem to have been a protected grave-good. Indeed, it is said the ring was on the outside of the coffin, and seemed to fall away with a light touch.

A locket ring which belonged to England’s Queen Elizabeth I. Representational image. Wikimedia Commons

Finally, there is a lack of background evidence surrounding the entire episode. Though the story has been reported and widely circulated by media outlets, there seems to be little information on the background of the archaeologists and journalists involved in the story. It has never been revealed which tomb in particular was being excavated, by whom, nor any additional information on the coffin itself.

Could it be that this whole incident is a hoax; disinformation from start to finish?

The strange mystery of the tiny metal ring-watch has remained thus far unsolved. There is no clear evidence to prove it as a definite OOPArt, nor enough facts to condemn it as a mere hoax. What is certain, however, is that it is a story which ignites the imagination and urges us to reconsider how it might have come to be nestled in a Ming Dynasty tomb before its time.

Featured image: The ring or watch said to have been found by Chinese archaeologists in 2008 at a centuries-old, sealed tomb. (Image Source)

By Liz Leafloor

References

Thornhill, C. 2008. Mystery as century-old Swiss watch discovered in ancient tomb sealed for 400 years. Mail Online[Online] Available here.

Ancient Code, 2015. The mystery of the Swiss watch from the Ming Dynasty. [Online] Available here.

Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, 2015. History of Watchmaking [Online] Available here.

Garnham, E. 2008. Tomb raiders baffled by Swiss watch found in ancient tomb. Express[Online] Available here.

Read more: http://www.ancient-origins.net/unexplained-phenomena/timeless-mystery-how-did-swiss-ring-watch-end-sealed-ming-dynasty-tomb-003312#ixzz3haYXabIB
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Humorous Chick lit Book Tour & Giveaway: Murder, Mystery & Dating Mayhem by D.E. Haggerty 3/2/15 – 3/16/15

 Genres: Humorous Chick lit with a dash of mystery and murder
Content Warning: Reference to sexual situations, but no explicit scenes, Some swearing.
Tour Promo: Life Discarded and Buried Appearances will be available for 99 cents. Unforeseen Consequences is free.

Murder, Mystery & Dating Mayhem
Goodreads rating: 4.50 (2 ratings)

Blurb:

My name is Izzy. I drink too much, am clumsier than a newborn foal, and my brain-to-mouth filter often malfunctions. My daredevil husband killed himself in a parachuting accident five years ago and my best friend Jack has decided it’s time I jump back in the dating pool. He’s perfectly happy to throw me in if I don’t listen. Just when things in the dating world start to heat up, my grandma dies. Only her knitting group of Jessica Fletcher wannabes is sure it’s murder. I’m not convinced but I’m always up for a bit of excitement as long as it doesn’t lead to a night in jail. Well, more than one night anyway. Will I miss my chance at love because I’m chasing imaginary killers? Did someone really kill grandma or am I and my merry band of geriatric thieves imagining things?

Excerpt:

The first ‘date’ starts off well. His name is Ed. He’s not drooling or anything, is talking to me and not my boobs, and seems to be interested in my graphic design work. Maybe Jack was right after all. I need to get myself back into the dating game.

“So,” Ed says after we’ve exchanged the usual pleasantries and some small talk. He leans forward and starts to whisper. “How do you feel about whips and chains?”

Not the appropriate moment to be sipping my wine, but how could I have expected that! I choke and spit a bit of wine into Ed’s face, which seems to excite him. He wiggles his eyebrows. “I take it that’s a yes?” He asks eagerly.

“Um no. That’s a definite no. N.O.” I lift my glass and down the remainder of my wine. The bell rings and I yell loudly “Next!”

Ed looks disappointed as he walks to the next table, but I’ve got my eyes on the prize. A cocktail waitress is headed my way. I snag another glass of wine before turning to my next date. Oh dear lord! The man is older than grandma. He struggles to lower himself in the chair opposite mine.

There goes that annoying bell again. Time to put my game face on. I smile and decide that I’ll check this guy out for grandma. She could use a date. Although to be perfectly honest, I don’t remember her going out with a man – ever. There’s no time like the present.

The old man’s name is Wilbert and the five minutes pass pleasantly enough. As long as I pretend he’s dating grandma and not trying to pick me up. When the bell rings again, I rush from my chair to help Wilbert stand. I take his elbow and guide him to his next date – a girl that could be his great granddaughter.

I sit back down and gather my courage for my next winner. I try to smile at the guy across from me, really I do. But have you ever tried to smile at a man with the biggest comb over ever? Let me tell you, it’s not easy. I may be grimacing a tiny bit.

Mr. Combover leans over and leers at me. Yes, leers at me! His eyes are surgically attached to my boobs. True, I have good boobs, but maybe pay a bit of attention to the person attached to the boobs?

Finally done leering, he leans back and takes in my face. “You’re not the youngest anymore.” Really? That’s the first thing Mr. Combover is going to say?

“I could say the same about you,” I respond in my nasty voice. This voice I’d perfected from nagging my lazy ass husband.

Mr. Combover clears his throat and leans in again. I bend backwards as far as possible in my chair, but he’s undeterred. “So, I’m just gonna get this out there and not waste my time.” At this point, I should raise one eyebrow, but, as we’ve established, I can’t do that so I just stare at him. “Do you put out? ‘Cuz if not, I ain’t got time for you.”

Oh no, he didn’t. “What,” I sputter and grab for my wine glass, which I down in one go. Never said I was a classy lady.

“Do. You. Put. Out?” Yes, he really enunciates it like I didn’t understand him the first time.

Buy Links:

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About the Author: 

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Ohio, Virginia, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between tennis, running, traveling, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my fifth book.

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Giveaway:
Enter to win a $15 Amazon gift card! Open WW, this giveaway will run 3/2/15 – 3/16/15.

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Book Tour: Water Music by Margie Orford (Mystery/Crime/Thriller)

Title: Water Music 

(Clare Hart Mystery)

Author: Margie Orford

Genre: Crime/Thriller/Mystery/Detective
Publication Date: August 12, 2014
Publisher: Witness Impulse an imprint of HarperCollins

 

~ Book Synopsis ~

There’s nowhere to run... When a little girl is found on an icy hillside, on the brink of starvation, Clare Hart is baffled that nobody has reported her missing In another troubling turn of events, a distraught woman approaches Clare for help locating her granddaughter, a gifted cellist who has abandoned her music scholarship and been seduced by a cultish religious community and its charismatic leader.

As Clare investigates these two cases, she realizes they are connected in ways too horrifying to fathom...

Water Music is a dark and twisting thriller perfect for fans of Deon Meyer and Tess Gerritsen.

Purchase Links

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About the Author

MARGIE ORFORD is an award-winning journalist who has been dubbed the Queen of South African Crime Fiction. Her novels have been translated into nine languages. She was born in London and grew up in Namibia. A Fulbright Scholar,she was educated in South Africa and the United States. She is Executive Vice-President of South African PEN, the patron of Rape Crisis and of the children’s book charity, the Little Hands Trust. She lives in Cape Town. The entire Clare Hart series is forthcoming from Witness.

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• ‘Margie Orford is the queen of South African crime thriller writers ... The energy Margie Orford creates between her characters and the tautness of her plots is attracting new readers and publishers every month.’ Sue Grant-Marshall, The Weekender 

• ‘Margie Orford’s writing is cinematic, powerful and so close to the bone it almost cuts.’ Jenny Crwys-Williams 

• ‘Margie Orford delights in perfectly rendered local colour and lingo, her characters are convincing, the setting is conveyed with unflinching honesty, and she writes with verve and a crackling energy.’ William Saunderson Meyer, The Weekender

Giveaway:

5 individual promo codes for a free download of the book for an entire tour. Winner must have access to Bluefire Reader and have an Adobe account to receive free download.

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