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The Counterattack: The Sequel that Vocal Inspired

Dick Winchester Book 2 (of 3) is now live!

By Stephen A. RoddewigPublished 10 months ago 4 min read
All credit to my amazing cover designer Brigitte Criqui Wild

Dick Winchester is back and reloaded.

Yes, Book 1 The Opening Salvo introduced the hyperbolized setting of Arlington, Virginia and the neo-noir archetype who is battling for dominance over the food delivery business in a modern take on 1930s gangland Chicago.

Now, after wiping app-based competitor Foodhub off the chess board in Book 1, Dick turns his eyes to his other two opponents: Öber Eats and FloorDash. However, there are more forces arrayed against him than it might seem, from a shadowy benefactor in local real estate to a shadowy monarchy at the very heart of the U.S. Government.

Given Arlington’s proximity to Washington, D.C., it is only natural that Dick is swept into the clandestine world of political intrigue. As he hunts for the Deepest State, he will shoot his way across iconic landmarks of the D.C. area, from the Pentagon to the Watergate Hotel.

Will Dick be able to stop the King of America and his horde of lizardmen before they turn their ire on Winchester Delivery Services?

Or will Dick meet his end beneath the non-descript pizza parlor?

Find out when you grab your copy of The Counterattack, Dick Winchester Book 2. But first, a word from tonight’s sponsor Sherman-Williams. Yes, when you need a fine quality paint, turn to none other than the meticulously crafted lead-based hues offered by Sherman-Williams.

Now, some of our competitors decry our commitment to tradition. Perhaps you heard we proudly use lead and had a similar short-sighted reaction. We challenge you to keep an open mind. Pick up a can, crack open the lid, dip a finger, and give it a lick. Ask yourself: does this taste dangerous?

Still not convinced? Give it another taste. Your anxiety is a whole lot quieter now, isn’t it?

That calming of your overactive mind is just one of many benefits our fine paints can offer. So grab a can and paint a brighter future.

Sherman-Williams: Your family and generations beyond will never be the same.

The Background

Like every other book I’ve published to date, this protagonist was born of a Vocal challenge but stayed with me long after the results came out.

Unlike every other book I’ve published to date, The Counterattack is a sequel to that first book and that first doomed challenge entry. How fitting that I should then pen the opening chapter of this book for another Vocal challenge…

And have that one fall flat as well.

Yes, Dick Winchester has never been one for the intellectuals, so it seems. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

But he has picked up a few diehard supporters from the Vocal community along the way. Plus, “The Box with No Name” (Chapter 1 of Book 1) even fought its way to a top spot in Donna Fox’s Graveyard Challenge. However, since the co-winning story is no longer on Vocal and their profile now deleted, I take this moment to declare myself de facto Winner. Long may I reign.

Also, I know of no other series that got their start on Vocal. Plenty of one-off novels, novellas, and collections, for sure. But no one else has yet written two books for the same character whose origins tie directly into this site. And here I am going the extra mile by committing to three books.

So What Now?

If the world of Dick Winchester is new to you, I can think of no more perfect intro than the lightning-paced opening chapter of the entire series. A complete encapsulation of the humor, action, and satire in store for those brave enough to take the plunge.

And it will cost you nothing because it’s right here on Vocal. It even includes audio narration 😎

If you want to read more, you can follow the link at the end of that chapter or the link here to pick up a copy of The Opening Salvo (Book 1).

If you’re one of my favorite people and have already read Book 1, then you’re all set to jump into The Counterattack (Book 2).

Another gracious thank you to the amazing talents of Brigitte Criqui Wild

Though I should note that you do not need to have read Book 1 to enjoy Book 2. I do recommend it, however. Plus, Book 1 is shorter and thus cheaper than Book 2, so lower barrier to entry.

And if you find yourself in a similar situation as myself where you’re pulling back on spending given all the uncertainty we’re facing this year, I completely understand. There are ways that I may be able to help, whether that’s a free audiobook or a free e-book (for Book 1 or Book 2). Just reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook so I can deliver your code/link where it won’t risk being nabbed.

Plus, all my books are on Kindle Unlimited, which you can sign up for with a 30-day free trial. You get to read my books and any others in the library, I get royalties for each page you read, and so long as you cancel before the 30 days expire, it doesn’t cost you a dime. Everyone wins!

And for each and every one of you: thank you. It’s a rough road ahead, but it’s the readers who keep me going. You know who you are.

AchievementsPublishingVocal

About the Creator

Stephen A. Roddewig

Author of A Bloody Business and the Dick Winchester series. Proud member of the Horror Writers Association 🐦‍⬛

Also a reprint mercenary. And humorist. And road warrior. And Felix Salten devotee.

And a narcissist:

StephenARoddewig.com

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

Top insights

  1. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  2. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

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Comments (7)

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  • Randy Wayne Jellison-Knock10 months ago

    Bravo! I had to look through my library to realize that all I had was "A Bloody Business", which means that all I've read of "The Opening Salvo" was what you had published on Vocal. Now I have all three, if I can just find the time to savor them.

  • Test10 months ago

    I'm really excited, my copy arrived today!! (tagged you in the insta post, again!) This was great marketing for it though, if I wasn't already fan-girling too hard, I would be now!

  • Lamar Wiggins10 months ago

    🤩🤩🤩 Sounds awesome, Stephen! Way to keep things going and the cover looks amazing!

  • Mother Combs10 months ago

    🌹this is great!

  • Matthew J. Fromm10 months ago

    I appreciate the reminder to turn on my WiFi in my shoebox Parisian hotel before I get on my flight 🫡 very excited for this one.

  • Paul Stewart10 months ago

    Yay, baby! A definite motivator for me to finish the first book - audiobook form (though will be buying the paperback and The Counterattack too so I have them in my grubby mits, the way Winchester would love me for!) Also, shat myself when I saw The Counterattack, as I had no idea I had technically marketed your new book in my poem "The Art of The CounterAttack" which has nothing to do with Winchester mind, but funny bit of synchronicity again between us lol. I am excited for this for you bud and applauding and cheering you on.

  • Thanks for letting us know where Dick is at and I will investigate properly when life permits

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