Mysteries and My Musings

Review - Endangered

2012-02-02T01:00:00.027-07:00

I was drawn to this book from the blurb on the cover and the wilderness setting in Utah, but I was very surprised by what I found. Join me for a trip to Utah's beautiful wilds for a suspenseful tale.

Author: Pamela Beason

Copyright: December 2011 (Berkley) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Summer Westin Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Suspense

Main Characters: Summer Westin, Wildlife biologist for Save the Wilderness Fund

Setting: Modern day, Utah's Heritage National Monument

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Summer (Sam) Westin, aka Wilderness Westin to her "Save the Wilderness Fund" website followers, is in Utah's Heritage National Monument to do a follow-up on a previous story. A cougar had been shot and SWF had rescued the cougar and her cubs, treated the wounds and released them back to the park. Sam is hoping to get some photos of the cougars now to report their progress to SWF website. She had worked at the park in the past and still knows some of the park rangers. She is about to set off from the Ranger HQ to hike into the off-trail back country when she sees a little blond haired boy who wandered away from his camp. Sam can hear the mother calling for Zack and she is about to take the boy to his mother when Zack goes toddling off to a man approaching. Everything appears as though this is Zack's father and she thinks nothing of it until she has set up camp hours later and calls into her park ranger friend Kent to find out everyone is searching for Zack. Sam treks back into the Ranger HQ to join the search, feeling responsible not ensuring the little boy was really with his father. It seems like a simple premise, but this book grabs the reader and won't let go until the last page.

There are several elements at play in this story. Sam and the SWF are getting stabbed in the back by an opportunist reporter who turns Zack's disappearance into a sensationalized tale of Cougars versus unsuspecting campers. It doesn't help that Sam was dating said reporter. This begins a chain reaction of "kill the cougars" frenzy spurred on by a local who resents not getting to hunt in the park. Then the FBI join the mix which brings more exposure to the situation when it sorely needed less distractions from the search efforts. There is a clock ticking to find Zack before the autumn temperatures get too cold at night, or a human slips out of the park with him, and before the cougars get hunters using helicopters to hunt and kill them.

Sam is a great character with a good mix of independent outdoors woman who is vulnerable yet daring and smart but headstrong. She is passionate about the wilderness and animals while she dials her satellite phone to upload her story from a laptop complete with digital photos. She is a modern woman who is very capable in the wilderness by herself but not afraid to show her softer side. Chase (Starchaser) Perez, half Lakota FBI agent is a fascinating character too. His cool FBI demeanor only hints at much deeper waters occasionally. He enlists Sam to be his guide for checking spots in the park that are prime for hiding Zack and finds himself trying to keep up. Repelling for the first time down slot canyons is but one challenge that Sam throws his way. These two characters play well off each other in a natural believable way.

The setting of Utah's wilderness and wildlife becomes a character in itself. The author brings the coyotes yipping at night, the crisp autumn air, the wonder of ancient Anasazi ruins, and the magnificence of slot canyons vividly to the readers mind. The cougars that Sam is following up on become a part of the story as you want the mother and her grown cubs to be innocent of any involvement with Zack's disappearance and ultimately left to live their lives. I felt like I had been trekking the trails experiencing the sights and sounds with Sam.

The plot is very believable and gripping as it unfolds. The pacing keeps the reader turning pages always wanting to read just a little further to find out the next thing. This book is hard to put down even to eat a meal. I warn you now.

The climax is white knuckle-edge-of-your-seat ride that has me holding my breath. The wrap up is a resounding success that ensured my checking to see when the next book would be released. Bear Bait is the next book and it is "coming soon" - not soon enough for me.

If it seems like I am gushing, I just can't help it. This was a fantastic suspense story with a plausible plot filled with suspense, characters who are compelling and exciting in their mission, with a luscious setting and a gripping climax.

I love big cats and since the book is about rescued cougars, thought this video about Big Cat Rescue might interest some readers, particularly the first seven minutes.

Blog Tour - The Silent Oligarch

2012-01-30T01:00:00.010-07:00

I reviewed Chris Morgan Jones' debut novel, The Silent Oligarch, Saturday but today is my day for his blog book tour. I wanted to share more about Chris himself.

Chris was born in Bromsgrove, a town in Worcestershire, England, and studied English Language and Literature at St. Catherine's College, Oxford. He worked about eleven years for Kroll, the world's largest investigations company, where he specialized in Russian projects and disputes. He has advised Middle Eastern governments, Russian oligarchs, New York banks, London hedge funds, and African mining companies. He currently lives in London with his wife and children.

What made him uniquely qualified to write a novel about a Russian oligarch who uses a front man to help with a money laundering network of shell companies?

"For most of my career I made a living hearing other people's stories and being trusted to keep them secret; I now find myself making up my own and hoping to find them an audience. I was a spy, or sorts - not a proper one, because I could everyone what I was, if not the details of what I did - but part detective, part spy, perhaps, working for the largest private intelligence business in the world.

We worked for companies, bankers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, governments, the odd celebrity, and because we tended to work for them when they had much to lose they would reveal more to us than they might to other advisers or even colleagues. Each new project meant a new target and a new world, at its center a Ukrainian coal mine or an Albanian crime organization or a Middle Eastern bank, that I would get to occupy for a while, hoping to understand its particular character and dynamics.

In many of those worlds we would come across a distinctive breed of modern criminal: frontmen, or sorts, who hid money for others in their own name. I was always fascinated by their predicament: how they ever found themselves in that position, what their lives had once been, what it might feel like to sell your identity to someone else. I particular I wondered how they might react to their complicated fictions being unpicked and to the shame and ruin, or worse, the result." source: authors website.

You may read an extract from his book here (click here)

Chris' Tour Stops

Tuesday, January 17th: Jen’s Book Thoughts

Thursday, January 19th: Man of La Book

Friday, January 20th: My Two Blessings

Monday, January 30th: Mysteries and My Musings

Wednesday, February 1st: Life in Review

Wednesday, February 8th: Ted Lehmann’s Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms

Thursday, February 9th: Mrs. Q: Book Addict

Monday, February 13th: Walking With Nora

Tuesday, February 14th: The Year in Books

Wednesday, February 15th: Mary’s Cup of Tea

Thursday, February 16th: nomadreader

Here is a video of Chris discussing his book.

Review - The Silent Oligarch

2012-01-28T14:20:00.002-07:00

Monday M&MM is hosting the book blog tour for Chris Morgan Jones who has his debut novel out this month. Please be sure to stop by on Monday and find out more about the author. His first book takes us inside Russia and corporate money laundering networks. Below is the review and it is surprising this is Mr. Jones' first novel. Don't forget Monday's blog tour!

Author: Chris Morgan Jones

Copyright: January 2012 (Penguin Press) 336 pgs

Series: Debut novel, stand alone?

Sensuality: some violence, not graphic

Mystery Sub-genre: Suspense, Intrigue

Main Characters: Richard Lock, money launderer and Benjamin Webster, Corporate Intelligence Investigator

Setting: Modern day, England & Russia

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

The book opens with Richard Lock in Monte Carlo enjoying his wealth with the beautiful and easily bored Oksana. The reader is introduced to his easy and pampered life just before it starts to fall apart. Lock is a lawyer who has created a complex web of fake businesses to shuffle money around for the Russian Minister of Natural Resources, Konstantin Malin. Lock had even married Malin's daughter although they are divorced now and Marina lives in London raising their only child. Lock's world begins to fall apart piece by piece because another wealthy and vindictive operator feels he was cheated in a deal with Malin and hires Benjamin Webster to ruin Malin. Lock's position has always been that he would be the front man and be the face to take any blame if the web of money laundering oil companies came under suspicion. Lock has been paid well to maintain the shifting web of shell companies and the risk with it.

But what happens in Russia when you really are under scrutiny by world courts? Lock begins to experience real fear when a good friend dies under very suspicious circumstances and he has goons restricting his every move. Webster instinctively feels that Lock is the linchpin and if they can get him to cooperate with their side and expose Konstantin Malin for the business crook he is the world would be better off. Webster manipulates press and FBI contacts to raise the heat on Lock. Webster becomes personally involved when the decade old murder of his dear journalist friend Inessa may have been at Malin's hand. The line between doing his job and getting a personal payback for Inessa blur at times for Webster. Is Webster too personally involved to be effective?

This book is for the patient reader who enjoys letting the story unfold and the tension slowly rise without car chases or explosions. If you want a glimpse of the shadowy world of wealthy chess players using humans as pieces to be maneuvered in a bigger strategy, this book is your armchair vantage point. The focus is on Lock and Webster and how these two will exit on the other side of this crucible. The viewpoint shifts between the two characters and the reader becomes invested in both men. Lock is reduced to the man he once was before taking the easy big payout and Webster is dealing with the dangerous people who slaughtered Inessa and who haunt his dreams and now threaten his wife and peaceful home life.

I had many distractions as I was reading this book and that didn't help. This book simmers on low while setting the stage. This book should be read when you have blocks of time to devote to its reading. Despite my scattered attention, the book is clearly a fine story. The premise is sound and couldn't be more "ripped from the headlines" as wealthy corporate interests manipulate everything around them with impunity. The plot is solid and realistic. The character development is golden in this book, they are both flawed and make mistakes. The pacing reminds me of Hitchcock's 1946 movie Notorious with layers of danger built up slowly as the story progresses. The climax is as real world as I have read in a book but left one thread unanswered. In real life we rarely get every question neatly answered, and perhaps this leaves the possibility of another Benjamin Webster novel to follow that thread.

Remember Chris Morgan Jones' Book Blog Tour. Don't miss it.

Review - Pleating For Mercy

2012-01-19T21:02:00.001-07:00

Let's combat the winter cold and snow with a book set in the sweltering heat of Texas. This week we review a book in small town Texas to spent some time with a mulch-generational family that will bring a smile to your face and lift you out of the winter doldrums.

Author: Melissa Bourbon

Copyright: August 2011 (JSignet) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Magical Dressmaking Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy paranormal mystery

Main Character: Harlow Jane Cassidy, Manhattan fashion design

Setting: modern day, Bliss Texas

Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review

Harlow is a descendent from Butch Cassidy and all the Cassidy women have possessed a special gift of some sort. Harlow is returning to her hometown because her great grandmother passed and left Harlow her farmhouse. Harlow quickly turns into her own custom dressmaking boutique on the main floor. Her first customer is her childhood friend Josie who needs bridal and bridesmaids dresses all completed lickety-split. Josie is marrying into the wealthy family Harlow almost did, until the groom dumped her just before the wedding. Returning home drags up some old hurts such as that back which Harlow never wanted to face again. One of the bridesmaids is found murdered in Harlow's front yard. The murder is committed too close for comfor which makes Harlow motivated to figure who did it.

It becomes clear that Harlow has a genius for dress designing - and that Harlow's great-grandmother haunts the house. The pipes will groan or other noises will happen to make gran's opinions clear. Harlow's mother and grandmother are just eccentric enough to make the story a delight to read. Harlow's character just flows from the pages. She is an easy character to warm up to. The teen girl that Harlow gets roped into apprenticing as a seamstress and designer was a great touch.

The plot has enough suspects and the investigation takes place naturally as Harlow questions the bridesmaids during fittings. The killer is not obvious and the revealing of the killer was handled in a seemingly natural way. This book seemed so natural - that seems silly to say but the book never seemed contrived or forced and that made the book a pleasure to read. All the elements meshed. The characters, dialog, plot, pacing, suspects, climax, and wrap-up all came together for a balanced blending that had humor, a touch of romance, danger lurking, and even some old wounds to heal. Miss Bourbon makes this cozy mystery look so effortless. But we know it took skill and finesse to make it look so easy.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I have been burned out on books set in small southern towns lately but this one is my exception. If you don't care for paranormal books, this book is primarily a cozy with only slight paranormal touches applied carefully.

Self publishing, What do you think?

2012-01-16T01:00:00.006-07:00

Self publishing has had a bad reputation and I wonder if it is fully warranted. The standard idea is that if a traditional publisher doesn't want a person it must be because they just aren't that good. Yet we all know that the publishing houses have been hit hard, retail book stores have been closing so the publisher today wants a sure bet. Thus we get a glut of vampire books because they are hot sellers right now.

I believe this is why every reader out there has read a book where they have said "whatever possessed the publisher to sign on for this book?" I don't think I am the only one who has come across that situation. It would seem that poorly plotted, terrible characterizations, disastrous dialog, and atrocious writing in general have been accepted by those traditional publishing houses. If they have made bad judgements in their seeking the next big seller why is it that a self published book is looked down upon?

I found the Self-Publishing Hall of Fame which lists the multitude of successful self-published books which I have taken some highlights from and listed below. I bet some of these will surprise you and perhaps challenge the notion of self published automatically equates to poorly written.

Spartacus by Howard Fast was a best seller and a blockbuster movie was self published.

Bestselling Canadian author Margaret Atwood self-published her first volume of poetry Double Persephone in 1961.

Richard N. Bolles originally self-published What Color Is Your Parachute

Before selling rights to Putnam, Julia Cameron self-published her bestselling The Artist's Way. The book has sold more than a million copies now.

Deepak Chopra vanity published his first book and then sold the rights to Crown Publishing. The book went on to become the first of many New York Times bestsellers for this author.

British journalist Stephen Clarke originally self-published in France his travel adventures, A Year in the Merde.

American poet e.e. cummings self-published No Thanks, a volume of poetry financed by his mother. On the half-title page, he listed the thirteen publishers who had rejected the book, which became one of his classics.

In 1933, Charles Darrow invented the game of Monopoly. Parker Brothers had originally rejected the game because of “52 design flaws,” so Darrow produced the game himself and quickly sold 5,000 games to a Philadelphia department store. Okay, it is not a book but I thought it was interesting.

Mary Janice Davidson began by publishing her romance novels as e-books at www.ellorascave.com. A friend of hers brought her novels to the attention of an editor at Berkley, who liked one of them enough (Undead and Unwed) to offer a three-book deal.

French novelist Alexandre Dumas, author of such swashbuckling romances as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, self-published some of his first books.

Nobel Prize-winning poet T.S. Eliot, author of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and The Waste Land, paid for the publication of his first book.

At the age of 26, Ben Franklin, using the pen name of Richard Saunders, self-published his Poor Richard's Almanack in 1732 and continued to produce the almanac for another 26 years.

Greg Godek sold more than 750,000 copies of his 1001 Ways to Be Romantic before selling the rights to Sourcebooks Trade.

Zane Grey, the father of the adult western novel, originally self-published. His first successful novel, The Heritage of the Desert, earned enough money that he was able to move his family to California from Ohio.

British novelist Thomas Hardy, author of such classics as Far from the Madding Crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge, and Tess of the d'Urbervilles, paid for the publication of his first book.

Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway, author of such classics as The Sun Also Rises, The Old Man and the Sea, and For Whom the Bell Tolls, paid for the publication of his first book.

In 1958, Clifton Hillegass borrowed $4,000 to self-publish a guide for Shakespeare's Hamlet. He sold 58,000 copies of the first Cliff Notes in that year. He went on to publish hundreds of Cliff Notes booklets that high school and college students came to rely on for helping them to study and write reports. He eventually sold his company to John Wiley for millions of dollars.

In 1968, after taking eight years to write his novel about the Korean War and after getting more than a dozen rejection letters, Capt. Richard Hornberger chose to self-publish M*A*S*H under his pen name of Richard Hooker. In 1970, his novel was made into a movie, with a screenplay by Ring Lardner Jr. and directed by Robert Altman. The movie was the third highest-grossing film of 1970.

Irish author James Joyce, author of Ulysses, Finnegans Wake, and many other novels, paid for the printing of Ulysses in 1922 with the help of bookseller Sylvia Beach of Shakespeare & Company in Paris, France, and some of their friends (this is called patronage or subscription publishing). Beach contacted writers and arts patrons throughout Europe pre-selling copies of the novel. When they collected enough money, they published the book.

Robert Kiyosaki sold more than a million copies of his self-published Rich Dad, Poor Dad in less than three years.

Todd McFarlane formed Image Comics with six fellow artists and proceeded to self-publish the Spawn comic book in 1992. The first issue sold 1.7 million copies!

Tim O'Reilly, president of O'Reilly & Associates, started out as a self-publisher of books on UNIX. He now runs the fourth largest trade computer book publisher, which grew out of his self-publishing efforts.

In 1776, Thomas Paine self-published Common Sense, a 46-page pamphlet that sold over 500,000 copies and helped to draw more people to fight for the American Revolution.

18-year-old Christopher Paolini self-published the first book of his fantasy trilogy, Eragon, with the aid of his parents in February 2002. He spent a year hawking the book at various festivals, schools, and bookstores, often selling 100 or more copies. When the book began attracting a lot of attention, Paolini sold rights to the entire trilogy to Knopf Books for Young Readers in a major deal worth half a million dollars. These books are intricate and amazing high fantasy so I was blown away to read he had self-published the first book!

Business consultant Tom Peters self-published In Search of Excellence and sold more than 25,000 copies directly to consumers in the first year. He then sold the rights to Warner, whose edition has gone on to sell more than 10 million copies.

When publisher Frederick Warne rejected The Tale of Peter Rabbit because of the costs of printing the illustrations, Beatrix Potter self-published a limited edition of 250 copies in 1901.

James Redfield sold over 80,000 copies of his self-published book, The Celestine Prophecy, from the trunk of his Honda and then sold the reprint rights to Warner Books for $800,000! The book, the #1 bestseller in 1996, has gone on to sell 5.5 million copies.

Irma Rombauer used $3,000 from her husband's estate to self-publish The Joy of Cooking in 1931. Since then, this cookbook has sold millions of copies.

M.J. Rose self-published an erotic thriller called Lip Service. Within three months, it became Amazon.com's highest ranked self-published novel. In 1999, it became the first self-published novel acquired by the Literary Guild book club. A few weeks later, after a heated auction, the hardcover rights were bought by Simon & Schuster for its Pocket Books imprint.

Several of those really surprised me, how about you? The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry is a classic example of self publishing a book and once it had proven itself then the traditional publishing houses had a bidding war over it.

In this day and age of ebooks and print-on-demand technology self publishing is more accessible than ever. What do you think about this? Do you shy away from self-published books? Are you more cautious when considering a self published book? Please share your thoughts on this growing trend and how you see it impacting you? The future of publishing? Can it perhaps save the printed book and encourage reading in general?

Review - A Killing in Antiques

2012-01-11T20:23:00.004-07:00

Do you enjoy the Antiques Road Show or like to stop in antiques stores? This week we review a new cozy with the owner of an antiques show as the sleuth and a massive outdoor antiques show with crowds of hundreds of thousands of people as the setting.

Author: Mary Moody

Copyright: July 2011 (Signet) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Lucy St. Elmo Antiques Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Lucy St. Elmo, antiques shop owner

Setting: Modern day, Cape Cod and Brimfield Antiques Show

Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review

Lucy St. Elmo is a middle-aged woman who runs St. Elmo Fine Antiques in Cape Cod. She has been married to Hamp since college and has five grown children. Her passion is antiques and she is attending the huge Brimfield Antiques Show which brings thousands of sellers in one spot. It is a multi-day event and dealers come from everywhere. Entire "fields" opening their gates at staggered times which produces hundreds of people in line to rush in and scout a field to be the first to snatch up the great buys. It is in the intense atmosphere of thousands of people that a well known antiques person is murdered in the early morning hours of the first day of Brimfield.

Lucy knew Monty for several years. He was a bit unusual but Lucy figures that he was killed for the wad of money he always had at Brimfield to pay for a treasure on the spot. Two things happen that get Lucy involved: first she finds out the police are building the case against Monty's gentle and skittish partner "Silent Billy", and second that Monty's money was not taken. She is still going through her treasure hunting for her business but it doesn't hurt to get a lawyer for Billy and ask the network of dealers some questions.

I had a hard time getting really hooked by this character. She is okay and that didn't spark anything for me. I find antiques interesting, although I know very little about them and I really wanted to fall in love with this book. Lucy is drawn well and I could reasonably see her in my mind, she just didn't grab me. That is not to say other readers will not enjoy her. The best parts for me are when Lucy is interacting with her new daughter-in-law Monica. I really liked Monica and I am looking forward to her character being developed more in future books. This series has the potential for many eccentric characters to populate the stories, only one of them being Lucy's friend Natalie.

The mystery is dolled out in small little bits hidden among all the Brimfield Antique Show information and tips. The pacing seemed to maintain a steady pace until the last twenty pages when it raced to the conclusion. I had fingered the killer and some of the motive but that part was still enjoyable. The confrontation with the killer was tense with some harrowing moments which I always enjoy.

The massive event in the book, the Brimfield Antiques Show, is real and I found this video that gives a good introduction to the backdrop for the novel.

Review - The Bitter Truth

2012-01-05T01:00:00.007-07:00

It is a brand new year and the endless stacks of books to read have not gone down any. I found this book offered for review on LibraryThing and have finally gotten to it. This is a historical mystery set during WWI with the story developing in both England and even France's battlegrounds.

Author: Charles Todd

Copyright: August 2011 (William Morrow) 352 pgs

Series: 3rd in The Bess Crawford Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: historical amateur sleuth

Main Character: Bess Crawford, English military nurse during war

Setting: WWI, England and France

Obtained Through: Library Thing

This was my first Bess Crawford book and it stands alone fine. Bess is given holiday leave from her nursing duties and finds a women huddled at the door to her apartment building soaked to the bone and her face bruised. Although Bess doesn't want to get involved in Lydia's Domestic situation, she is talked into going with the women to her home to help her face her husband since Bess feels she has a concussion and wants to see she is cared for. Bess becomes enmeshed in a dysfunctional family in their bleak mansion. During the dinner party Lydia's husband Roger and his longstanding friend are distinctly heard in a lull in the dinner conversation talking about a suspected illegitimate child of Roger's in France. Naturally the friend is found dead the next day. Lydia asks Bess to locate the child in France and when Bess returns to the battlegrounds of France for her duties she enlists the help of an Australian officer to locate the orphanages so she can begin her search. Her search to find the child sets events tumbling out of control.

Bess as a character is fine as far as she goes. I found her motivations hard to understand through most of the book. Emotionally Bess was distant for me. She explains emotions but they didn't resonate with me. Always in the background is a family friend named Simon who I felt had more potential in any number of ways, but remains as a convenient chess piece to have assist Bess. The dysfunctional family and their bleak home called Vixen Hill provide a creepy atmosphere, giving this tale a Gothic touch. The Australian officer was an brilliant touch that I can only hope will be a return character in the next book.

The plot was nicely complex and the reader is along for the ride. It isn't until the last eighty or so pages that the final pieces to this puzzle are revealed and the story is suddenly racing along. There are many improbable parts to this tale, which would not have been too bad if I could have related a bit more with Bess, which I think is the main reason why this book took so long to get me interested. I felt no emotional connection and thus no immediacy from the tale. The Gothic touches and seemingly sinister family members make up for the down sides. As for the killer, there was not enough information to have figured out who it was so that added to the suspense in the final pages as things spun out of control. Without giving up too much, I would have liked the killer to have been a more central character rather than an almost sideline player.

This book offers an atmospheric historical tale which does lead the reader on a twisted path with a rather harrowing climax.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - January 2012

2012-01-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

It is the first Monday of the month - time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival. Click on the title or author's name to go to that link. Last month we skipped having a carnival due to few entries. Please pass the word of this blog carnival along so it is a win-win for all blogs to get more exposure for their reviews.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review

In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel reviewed The Ice Princess by Camille Lackberg, a Scandanavian crime fiction novel.

Booking Mama reviewed The Cut by George Pelecanos

In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel reviewed Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed India Black and the Widow of Windsor by Carol Carr

The Mystery Librarian reviewed Zero Day by David Baldacci

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem reviewed Hurt Machine by Reed Farrel Coleman

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Troubled Bones by Jeri Westerson

Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review

Booking Mama reviewed V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed I am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

Pudgy Penguin Perusals reviewed The Last Word by Ellery Adams

The Mystery Librarian reviewed Peril at Somner House by Joanna Challis

Booking Mama reviewed the Gingerbread Bump-off by Livia Washburn

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Uneasy Spirits by M. Louise Locke

Pudgy Penguin Perusals reviewed Threadbare by Monica Ferris

Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review

Booking Mama reviewed Hell and Gone by Duane Swierczynski

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Cocoa Conspiracy by Andrea Penrose

Mysteries and More from Saskatchewan reviewed The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva featuring Gabriel Allon

Thank you to all the wonderful bloggers out there who contributed to the carnival.

Let's make next month's Carnival even better. For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here. Submit your blog entry for next month's Carnival here: (http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_8796.html)
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Review - Cocoa Conspiracy

2011-12-29T19:14:00.002-07:00

Thanks for all the participants in the Mid Winter's Blog Hop. Here are the winners for the book giveaway: Kara D, kswederski, Jenna C, SHartl, Mona, Michelle @ The True Book Addict. You will be notified by email to supply me with your mailing address.

Today I review one of the books in that was available in the giveaway. I reviewed the first in the series (click here) and I interviewed the author (click here). This was the second book in the new series and often the second book is difficult to match or top the debut book. Read on to find out how well this second venture in this new historical mystery series faired after my rave review of the first novel.

Author: Andrea Penrose

Copyright: December 2011 (Signet) 336 pgs

Series: 2nd Lady Arianna Regency Mysteries

Sensuality: mild period innuendo

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Lady Arianna, newly married to Alessandro de Quincy, Earl Saybrook

Setting: 1814 London, English countryside and Vienna

Obtained Through: publisher for an honest review

Arianna is purchasing a special book on Chocolate for her husband Saybrook when she is accosted by a man insisting he must have the book. Arianna doesn't shrink from the man even when he pulls a knife, but manages to come away unscathed and with the book. When wrapping the present she finds papers have been secreted in the book that appear to involve treason. This discovery propels Arianna and Saybrook to the Congress of Vienna that brings together dignitaries from around the world. Their mission is to prevent an assassination attempt that could upset the power structure of Europe.

There is plenty of suspense and intrigue in this book as Arianna even goes undercover at one point. I literally could not put the book down. There is the political tension and suspense of spying added to the suspense of Saybrook and Arianna learning to really trust one another's motives which doesn't come easy to either. I love both of these characters. Saybrook is dark and dangerous, closed off and Arianna is used to living by her wits on her own.

Will they stop the assassination and learn to trust each other fully? Will the enemy they crossed paths with in the first book finally be identified and brought to justice? With their personal enemy in the government finally leave them alone? While this book stands on its own fine, there are some threads from the prior book that are woven into this one to allow a running subplot (think something along the lines of Sherlock's nemesis Moriarty.)

The final confrontation is exciting and the wrap-up sets up another adventure to tease the reader. I am already anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.

Again I say that this book is a higher caliber than is hinted at by the artwork and blurbs. The period detail is seamlessly woven to paint a vivid backdrop. The characters effortlessly draw the reader into their world and drama. The plots are nicely crafted for maximum effective.

I truly believe this series is one of those undiscovered gems that will steadily garner a large fan base with each new addition to the series.

Review - I am Half-Sick of Shadows

2011-12-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

There is snow here in the Rocky Mountains. Hot cocoa with a fun book is the perfect mix. I am jumping into the Flavia de Luce momentum with the holiday offering. Join me and a rascally eleven year old chemist for a 1950s English Estate murder mystery. The Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop is below this entry, just scroll down.

Author: Alan Bradley

Copyright: November 2011 (Delacorte Press) 320 pgs

Series: 4th in Flavia de Luce Mysteries

Sensuality: N/A

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Flavia de Luce, eleven year old budding chemist

Setting: 1950s at Bishop’s Lacey at the family English Estate, Buckshaw

Obtained Through: Library

This was my first Flavia book and it stood on its own just fine with only hints at previous Flavia outings. Eleven year old Flavia believes in Santa and her older sisters Ophelia and Daphne try to spoil that vision for her. So Flavia sets out a scientific experiment to prove he "does so" exist. In her eleven year old clinical mind, she only needs to capture Father Christmas as he tries to slide down the chimney. Flavia is mixing up buckets of industrial strength-bird lime based-sticky substance that she will line the chimneys with to capture St. Nick. She is also mixing up some fireworks that she plans as a surprise for the Bishop's Lacey townspeople.

In the midst of Flavia's bird-lime-glue and fireworks preparations, her father Colonel de Luce has let Buchshaw Estate to a film company during the holiday for some much needed cash to maintain the estate. This brings a movie company and silver screen star Phyllis Wyvern to Buchshaw over the holiday. The town's Vicar convinces the star to do a scene from Romeo and Juliet to help raise money for the crumbling church building. Half of Bishop's Lacey ends up in Buchshaw for this charity performance, and subsequently is snowed in overnight as well. While the house has multitudes camped out on the floors a murder is committed, thus providing scores of suspects. Flavia is first on the scene to discover the murder and she is determined to figure out the killer before the police who trudge in and further cloister the townspeople to Buckshaw.

Flavia's character is brilliant and laugh out loud funny. You believe that there just might be such an intelligent child who still maintains innocence while looking at death with a clinical eye. She is tormented by her sisters and fantasizes revenge with various poisons to make them ill. She misses her deceased mother and nurturing but makes the most of life with a distant father. This character is what all the fuss surrounding the books is about. She is a mischievous gem. A secondary character that shines is Dogger, the family's jack-of-all-trades who served with Colonel de Luce in WWII and was a prisoner of war. There is more to this character and I want to read more in the series just to figure out the mystery of his background. Dogger is the hidden gem in these books.

The plot takes a back seat in honesty to Flavia and her schemes. The premise is sound since many of the family estates in England did suffer financial hardships and ended up selling off parcels of land etc to survive. To rent out the estate to a film company is likely. The less likely part is the charity performance which seemed slightly contrived although not a show-stopper. The working out of the killer seems quickly done since the murder takes place so late in the book. I felt the sleuthing was a little rushed and would have liked the clues and investigation to have given the reader more.

The confrontation with the killer is quite dramatic for an eleven year old and places Flavia in true danger. The wrap up was satisfying and gave a heartwarming touch for the holiday. In spite of the main character being a child, this is definitely an adult book. The reader is looking through an eleven year old's eyes but without her innocent interpretations which builds the suspense. I do have to say that the first half of the book seemed slow as the pieces are lined up for the murder (much like a Christie book would do.)

I enjoyed my introduction to Flavia and the Buchshaw estate and will certainly visit again, mostly for the mystery of Dogger and partially for the humor of Flavia herself.

Here is my all time favorite holiday special - Peter, Paul and Mary from 1988 and my favorite song from it - my gift to you.

This is just for the quirky fun of it :-)

Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop

2011-12-20T22:01:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for the Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop, you are in the correct place and thank you for stopping by. We celebrate everything mystery and suspense here - no doubt you can find something of interest!

We have six individual books available to win, with four of them having a holiday theme, one harvest and one chocolate (which is an all season subject!).

Christmas Vigil by Anne Perry

This book contains two stories in the one: A Christmas Promise and A Christmas Odyssey

The latest in the series, A Christmas Homecoming by Anne Perry which I reviewed (click here.)

Herald of Death by Kate Kingsbury (A Special Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery) I reviewed the prior book in the series (click here)

Mrs Jeffries and the Mistletoe Mix-up by Emily Brightwell, which I reviewed a prior book in the series (click here)

Bitter Harvest by Sheila Connolly

The Cocoa Conspiracy by Andrea Penrose which I reviewed the first in the series (click here)

Entry for giveaway lasts until December 27 6:00 p.m. (MST).

I will be shipping the books to the winners. U.S. and Canadian residents only please.

How to enter:

*** First, you must be a member (follower) of this blog.***

All entries are to be in the comments for this post. Please supply your email address and consider yourself entered. If you want to spread the word about this blog that is appreciated, but not a requirement of this giveaway.

I will accept entries for this giveaway Wednesday December 21 beginning at midnight (MST) through to 6:00 p.m (MST) on Tuesday December 27.

I shall notify the winner via the email address you provide to get your mailing address and have the prize sent directly to you.

IF you are a member of this blog, you only need to leave a comment with your correct email.

BECOME a member of this blog if you aren't already and enjoy the celebration of all things mystery and suspense.

At the end of this post you will find the blog hop listing to go to the next blog on the list.

Here is some music for the mid-winter feel.

Holiday Mysteries

2011-12-19T01:00:00.012-07:00

If you like to read books that coincide with the season or holiday I wanted to help with offering up some holiday reads. I am hoping that readers will add other holiday mysteries in the comments.

Fleece Navidad by Maggie Sefton

Holiday Grind by Cleo Coyle

The Christmas Thief by Mary Higgins Clark

Dashing Through the Snow Mary and Carol Higgins Clark

Candy Cane Murder by Joanne Fluke

Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Anne Perry Holiday mysteries

A Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton

Murder with all the trimmings by Elaine Viets

Death, Snow, and Mistletoe by Valerie Malmont

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves

A Holiday Yarn by Sally Goldenbaum

Crewel Yule by Monica Ferris

Mrs. Jeffries and the Mistletoe Mixup

Herald of Death by Kate Kingbury

and the one I am reading now: I am Half-sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

Join in and add to this list...what holiday mystery books do you know of?

Now for the holiday music!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Wizards In Winter" music and computerized holiday lights

Review - At The End Of The Road

2011-12-15T01:00:00.001-07:00

My neighbor Ken is back with another book review for us. This time we look at a psychological thriller that has been described as creepy. Let's see what Ken thought of it.

Author: Grant Jenkins

Copyright: Nov 2011; Berkley; 300 pages

Sensuality: Violence, Language, May be disturbing to some readers

Mystery sub-genre: Psychological Thriller

Main Character: Kyle Edwards, a 10-year-old boy

Setting: Summer of 1976, rural North Georgia

Obtained book through: Publisher for an honest review

Kyle Edwards is joyously riding his bicycle on a dusty, red dirt road named Eden Road. Daddy and Mama had intended for the family to live a good life here, just like the Garden of Eden. Only a few things scared Kyle, like the neighboring bullies, and Buddy the bull that lived in the pasture by the cornfield. His two older brothers were caught up in their own world as teenagers do, and Kyle was more and less saddled with his younger sister, Grace.

Then the 1972 powder blue Chevy Chevelle SS comes speeding around the curve. Kyle knows he is about to die. The car, driven by Melodie Godwin, swerves, barely missing him, and rolls. She emerges bloodied, gruesomely injured, yet mobile. Melodie, a stranger to Kyle, pleads for his help. Totally scared out of his wits, Kyle high-tails it for home instead. He just knows she’s following him. Hours later, he returns to the crash scene and discovers both the driver and car have disappeared.

Kyle tries to resume his normal life. Playing treasure hunt and hide-and-go-seek in the cornfield with Grace, or following and spying on his brothers. But deep within he senses that his and his family’s life is changing, and it’s creeping in like a cold, stark reality. The normal childhood pranks and antics soon spiral out of control. Among these nightmarish adventures, there is the bad encounter with the local bullies, the “play with fire” incident with Grace that gets out of hand and becomes a 100 foot wall of fire that burns 75 acres of trees, and his brothers dare him into an encounter with Buddy the bull that almost gets him nailed into the hereafter. Mama and Daddy also have their problems.

Lurking throughout this summer is the presence of Sheriff’s Deputy Officer Dana Turpin who is investigating the disappearance of Melodie Godwin. She’s a lady cop whose “black skin was so dark as to appear almost purple.” She’s also tenacious and dedicated. Then there’s the creepy, sinister man, “that man who lives across the road,” Kenny Ahearn. He knows what Kyle and Grace have been up to. Darkness and evil seem to surround him. He uses threats, blackmail, and seeming entrancement to ensnare Kyle to do his cruel bidding.

Kyle has done his best to hide many of these dark events from his family and protect himself and Grace in the process. He feels the underlying burdens of fear, guilt, and shame. Their lives seem to be on the skids and sliding straight into Hell.

Will there ever be an end to the turmoil and mental traumas they suffer? Will Officer Turpin find Melodie or recover her remains? Can Ahearn’s evil be stopped? Will the Edwards be able to escape the dark pall encompassing them? Can they hold onto the Garden of Eden or will it be lost to them, too? Regardless, that loss-of-innocence summer will definitely have a solid and far-reaching impact on many lives. Perhaps they have reached or will reach the end of the road.

Readers who like horror, drama, and dark mysteries will enjoy this book. Grant Jenkins has written a cunning, scary thriller. It is chilling, somber, brooding, haunting, and disturbing. He has a very colorful and vividly descriptive way of writing. The characters, events, and action are well developed and cleverly portrayed.

The one challenge I encountered involved what I would describe as the flow and rhythm of the story. Mr. Jenkins jumped us from present, past, and future time frames in ways that seemed, to me, to be choppy, disjointed, and sometimes confusing.

At The End Of The Road definitely leaves a psychological impact that remains long after the book has ended. I am willing to bet that is what the author intended….and he has accomplished it well!

Here is the book trailer for the book.

Here is a little something to lighten the mood and get into the holiday mood. This can be a fun thing to do with kids as well and a nice present to give.

Scented Applesauce-Cinnamon Ornaments

Ingredients
3 cups applesauce
3 cups ground cinnamon

Directions

Mix applesauce and cinnamon together until it is thick enough to hold a form when cut into cookie cutter shapes. Flatten the mixture on a flat surface and cut into cookie cutter shapes. 1 1/2 cups applesauce to 2 cups cinnamon works for me to get a clay-like consistency.

Dust hands with cinnamon for handling. You can add a teaspoon of cloves, ginger and allspice to round out the fragrance.

Place cookie shapes on a cookie sheet to dry for 3 to 4 days depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. If using as a hanging ornament, make hole with toothpick or a straw before drying.

Use as ornaments, placeholders for a party, or as gifts.

I understand you can bake in a slow oven (350) for 2 to 3 hours, and it definitely makes your home smell delicious!

Holiday Cookies for Charity

2011-12-12T01:00:00.005-07:00

The holidays mean different things to different people and there are scores of holiday traditions. For many, baking is a cherished memory associated with this time of year. Cookies seem to be high on the list for a baking tradition. Also part of this time of year is to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. How about combining baking cookies tradition and helping others!

I found this great idea called "Drop In And Decorate" (click here for website). You pick a charity that is "serving basic human needs (food or shelter) in your community, without discrimination," enlist cookie bakers, invite friends over to decorate the cookies and then donate them to the charity. If the shelter or food pantry can't take home made food, then sell those decorated cookies and give the proceeds. I thought this was a fantastic idea that even children can join in on the fun and it spreads the holiday giving theme and encourages a holiday tradition that brings people together.

The website has free offers to aid you and provides a "How to Host," food safety, and even decorating guidelines. Here is a short video about the Drop In & Decorate idea featuring three different events across America.

If you want to send the something to service members actively serving then check out this informative site to find out how, but they specify letters or postcards now rather than care packages. (click here for website.) Or consider the Fisher House Project which provides housing for families of wounded service-members at VA facilities (click here for website.) You could pick a Fisher House and send a care package to a family with a wounded soldier receiving treatment.

Here is a great video about the first cookie cutters I came across and wanted to share. Whatever your holiday traditions, enjoy.

Review - A Christmas Homecoming

2011-12-08T01:00:00.016-07:00

The holiday season is upon us and I wanted to review a few seasonal mysteries to help get us in the singing and decorating mood. I took this opportunity to read my first Anne Perry holiday novel. Let's go to Whitby England and an isolated mansion.

Author: Anne Perry

Copyright: October 2011 (Ballantine Books) 224 pgs

Series: 9th in Victorian Holiday Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Sleuth

Main Character: From the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels: Charlotte’s mother, and her young actor husband, Joshua Fielding

Setting: 1897 Whitby England, isolated mansion

Obtained Through: Library

I suspect that writing a holiday murder mystery is a delicate balancing act. A murder doesn't bring visions of sugarplums dancing and nutcracker ballet dancers. But to write a murder mystery where a troupe of snow bound actors are rehearsing to perform a play of Dracula is a tremendous challenge. You must not bring too much of the horror out, emphasis the human touch and magic of relationships, and still have an interesting murder to solve. This is the challenge in Anne Perry's newest holiday release, A Christmas Homecoming.

Anne Perry's popular characters of Charlotte and Thomas Pitt lend us Charlotte's mother Caroline and her younger actor husband Joshua for this story. The acting troupe agrees to spend the holiday with a wealthy philanthropist helping his daughter polish her play adaptation of the wildly popular novel Dracula. The troupe is sacrificing their holiday to work on the play and present to the local folks to ensure financial support from the family in the new year. The snow starts piling up. And a mysterious man, Anton Ballin, claims his carriage has broken down and seeks shelter with them. The snow gets worse and roads are blocked by downed trees and deep snow drifts.

They continue to refine the script and rehearse it. During this process the new guest, Anton Ballin, seems to know a lot about the the themes of Stoker's book and has an amazing ability to suggest changes that bring the script and acting alive. Yet nobody knows who this man is. Caroline stumbles over Ballin's body late one night, with a wooden stake through his heart. Then the body disappears over night. But where could it have gone?

This book is an interesting story but other than knowing one of the people in the mansion is the killer, the reader does not have the final piece to the puzzle until the very end when Caroline figures it out as well. Why was Anton killed? It has to do with who he really was - and that is not obvious.

This book is stronger on the character interplay than a taught mystery which keeps it a holiday story. I like the characters of Caroline and Joshua and would love to know them even better. This was my first Anne Perry mystery and I am interested in reading the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mysteries after reading this.

The one wish I have is that working out the mystery and the killer confrontation with the killer would have had more time dedicated to them. It feelt like a rushed wrap up to the mystery. Otherwise I did enjoy the writing and the story. The insights provided by Anton Ballin about the themes of Stoker's Dracula has brought the classic to life once again for me.

If you are looking for a light mystery that won't be too heavy for the season, this might be the ticket.

For your holiday baking here is a Cherry Chocolate Cobbler

Ingredients
    1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup white sugar
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 cup butter
    1 cup chocolate chips
    1 egg
    1/4 cup milk
    1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling add a little almond extract flavoring

Directions
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 2 quart casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray. Melt chocolate chips in a measuring cup in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Let stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
    In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until the dough is a uniform crumbly texture. Beat the egg into the melted chocolate chips, then stir the milk in. Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, and stir until well blended.
    Pour the cherry pie filling in an even layer in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate batter over the cherries in a random pattern. Optional: Sprinkle the topping on now.
    Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until top crust is not doughy when lifted. Serve warm.

Topping
a little flour,
some brown sugar,
oats,
sliced almonds,
butter and
a little almond and vanilla extract.
Mix together and sprinkled over the cherry filling then bake it.

Review - Uneasy Spirits

2011-12-01T01:00:00.006-07:00

Today we go to San Francisco to delve into the thriving Spiritualism community which often contained con artists and rigged shows. I reviewed the first in this series Maids of Misfortune (click here) and interviewed the author (click here). Take a break from the shopping madness and travel to Victorian San Francisco with me.

Author: M. Louisa Locke

Copyright: Oct 2011 (CreateSpace) 388 pgs

Series: 2nd in Victorian San Francisco Mysteries

Sensuality: Victorian mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy

Main Character: Annie Fuller, runs a boarding house and moonlights as Madam Sibyl

Setting: 1879 San Francisco

Obtained Through: author for an honest review

Annie Fuller's father taught her everything he knew about finance and investing, now that Annie is on her own nobody wants financial advice from a woman, so she pretends to be Madam Sibyl and has a thriving side business. This is why one of her boarders comes to her for help to prove a seance group that has gotten control of her sister is fraudulent. Annie begins to attend the seances and clearly sees many tricks but when a young girl is used on some clients, Annie is stumped as to how this girl does what she does.

The more Annie attends, the more she suspects something truly sinister is going on. Annie must be onto something because she starts receiving threats. The more Annie figures out the more she is in danger and the tension mounts. The young lawyer Nate Dawson who Annie met in the previous book is back and their relationship is going through some rocky spots.

Annie continues to delight as a character. In this novel Annie faces some of her personal past ghosts and shows her inner strength. Nate is struggling to find his place so he can make enough money to start a family. There are missteps in the relationship and we see him grow in how he comes to understand such a liberated woman.

Victorian San Francisco is effortlessly portrayed transporting the reader. Each chapter begins with an advertisement from the papers for seances and psychics adding to the period feel. The politics surrounding the city is woven in as well. This series has brought out the character of the city in this era and it is infectious.

The plot seemed to be going in one direction yet takes off in another for a twist. I had not anticipated the direction the plot took and was pleasantly surprised. The young girl used by the con artists is quite a mystery in herself and I wanted to find out what her story was. The resolution was suspenseful and harrowing. This cozy has great characters, interesting plot, period detail, and suspense sprinkled with romance for a great mystery. If you like the Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson, you will most likely enjoy this series.

Do you give books for gifts?

2011-11-28T01:00:00.009-07:00

For cyber-Monday I was looking for the "I'm Buying Books for the Holidays" blog that ran in 2008 and 2009, but alas, it is no more. I really liked the idea of promoting book buying which helped the publishing industry, authors, and artists while giving a great gift of reading. I love giving books for gifts, maybe as part of a gift basket with teas or along with another present. The gift of reading is something that keeps giving lifelong.

What I did find was this fantastic idea from LibraryThing called SantaThing (click here). If you aren't familiar with LibraryThing, a reader's social networking site, it is free to sign up and fill your library with what you have read, join groups, write book reviews, and join this book swap. The folks at LibraryThing have made it very easy.

You pay into the SantaThing system—this year $10, $15, $20, $25 or $30. You play Santa to a LibraryThing member they pick for you, and choose books for who you get, based on their LibraryThing library and a short description. Someone else (secret!) does the same for you. If you pay $20 you will get the same amount in return so the processes is equitable.

LibraryThing does the ordering, and you get the joy of giving AND receiving books! LibraryThing makes no money from this even though they are facilitating the administering of the program.

You can sign up as many times as you like. You can sign up for yourself or for someone else, like a child. If you sign up for someone without a LibraryThing account, make sure to mention what kinds of books they’d like, so their Secret Santa can choose wisely.

Deadline to sign up: December 1

Ordering books: December 4 - 9

I jumped on board, signed up, paid what fit my budget, and filled out my interests in reading for whoever will be my Secret Santa. I am actually excited to pick books for whoever I get.

In all the holiday sales and rushing, this is simple and easy with that touch of mystery since you don't know who is buying for you. I guess little things tickle me.

Review - Wicked Autumn

2011-11-24T01:00:00.004-07:00

It is time to give thanks and among many of the blessings in my life, I am thankful for all the readers who find this blog of service.

My wonderful neighbor Ken is reviewing another book for us. As soon as I read "former MI5 agent turned Anglican priest" for the sleuth by G. M. Malliet I suspected this would be a great mystery, so I asked Ken to read and review it. A nice tie in to this novel is the review I did of the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. (click here.) Let's see if debut book in a new series meets the promise suggested by the description of the sleuth.

Author: G. M. Malliet

Copyright: 2011; Minotaur Books; 297 pages

Series: #1 in the Max Tudor mysteries

Sensuality: Mild Violence

Mystery sub-genre: English cozy mystery, Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Max Tudor, Anglican priest and former MI5 agent

Setting: Modern Day, Nether Monkslip, a Southern English village

Obtained book through: Publisher for an honest review

Nether Monkslip is described as the traditional, quaint, and idyllic English village. Yet now it is inhabited by modernistic owners of cottage industries who practice yoga, raise sheep for knitting wool, are chefs, artists, and New Agers. They even utilize the internet for marketing.

A moving and organizing force in this contemporary community is the Women’s Institute headed by the formidable, controlling, and unpopular Wanda Batton-Smythe. With her patrician attitude, this curmudgeon upset, intimidated, or irritated most of the citizenry. The preparations for the upcoming annual and very important celebration, the Harvest Fayre, only served to magnify these traits. Then Wanda’s sudden death throws a monkey wrench into the shindig. It seems she died from a severe allergic reaction by eating a cookie containing peanuts; something everybody knew she was fatally allergic to.

Max Tudor is unmarried and a former “Spook” for MI5 now turned Anglican priest. In Nether Monkslip he’s found a new home, a new vocation, new friends, and some peace for his mind, body, and soul. The village is a welcome respite from his dangerous and discordant past. Based upon his previous knowledge and skills, Max begins to question the supposed accidental death of Wanda. Apparently the high-handed Wanda was just asking for it-and she got it! So who spiked the cookie? Practically every villager is suspect, and they definitely had motive and opportunity. He enters into the investigation by assisting the experienced and competent Detective Chief Inspector Cotton. It will take their combined abilities to expose the killer or killers.

The investigation brings twists and turns and a few curve balls. Max faces the difficulty of providing spiritual succor to his flock while suspecting them of murder. Is there a single perpetrator or a conspiracy? Will there be a surprise resolution to this investigation?

I must, once again, thank Ariel for providing me the opportunity of expanding my exposure to cozy mysteries, in this case an English cozy. G.M. Malliet is well known in the world of mystery writers. She is a winner of the Agatha Award for her Death of a Cozy Writer. She has a graduate degree from the University of Cambridge which was the setting for her other series, the St. Just mysteries.

In this story, she has provided us with a most enjoyable read. I will go so far as to use a descriptive term atypical of me- delightful. It was delightful to read this book. Ms. Malliet’s words painted a colorful tapestry of characterizations of the people and the village. All of the players were well developed in their personalities and mannerisms. The book is laced with humor through satire, wit, and tongue-in-cheek descriptions and vocabulary. The reader’s interest is maintained throughout the entire book. I am looking forward to the next book in the Max Tudor series.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes -

Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes Recipe

For your holiday meal

Ingredients:

4 1/4 pounds russet potatoes

salt and pepper to taste

cayenne to taste

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

3/4 cup milk

1 egg yolk

Fill in the Blank - Mystery Game

2011-11-21T01:00:00.026-07:00

This is a busy week for many readers with the Thanksgiving holiday. So I thought a game would be good about now. Have a great holiday and make it as simple as possible.

The idea is to try and fill in the blank of each of these mystery book titles. Some are classics and some are more current. I have to admit - I think these are challenging!!

In a few days I will provide the answers and you can share how well you did.

Let's give this a try.

1) Bury Your Dead

2) A Beautiful Blue Death

3) Dark Road to Darjeeling

4) Sentenced to Death

5) Finger Lickin' Dead

6) A Trick of the Light

7) A Dead Red Cadillac

8) Death and the Lit Chick

9) The House of Silk

10) A Crimson Death

I hope you enjoyed this mystery game. Please leave a comment and let me know how well you did. Are they too easy?

If you are looking for something a little different or special this year, try a homemade cranberry sauce.

Tangerine Cherry Cranberry Sauce

1 (12-oz) bag fresh cranberries
1 cup small dried cherries (larger ones can be chopped a bit)
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated tangerine or orange zest
1 cup tangerine or orange, plus water as needed
1 whole star anise
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick

Review - India Black and the Widow of Windsor

2011-11-17T01:00:00.004-07:00

Today we review the second in a new historical mystery series. I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it, for it has a uniques premise for a heroine. We will be in 1870s Scotland with Queen Victoria for the holidays, pack for cold weather and treason.

Author: Carol K. Carr

Copyright: October 2011 (Berkley Trade) 320 pgs

Series: 2nd in Madam of Espionage Mystery

Sensuality: Some adult conversation and innuendo (period euphemisms)

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: India Black, madam of the London brothel, Lotus House, catering to gentlemen

Setting: 1876, London and Scottland

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

The story opens with a rigged seance for Queen Victoria in which the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, literally insists that she spend christmas in their Scottish castle Balmoral. Balmoral was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 (twenty four years before this story) and they would regularly spend the holidays there. But there is growing discontent among Scottish loyalists who resent the British rule. Prime Minister Disraeli is suspicious that Scottish nationalists are planning to assassinate the Queen while she is at the castle. Disraeli decides to enlist the British spy named French (yeah, that gets a little confusing) and his protegee India Black who was utulized as a spy in the previous book. India is a spy in training but normally is an owner and director of a whore house.

French is looking for the Scottish nationalist agent among the guests passing himself off as a womanizer while India is disguised as a servant to investigate the castle staff. India ends up being a lady's maid to the cantankerous Marchioness of Tullibardine with cateracts who mistakes most anything (pepper, salt, sugar etc) for her snuff and sprays everyone in the vicinity with her explosive sneezes. India must dodge the Prince of Wales who will drag any maid into a closet to have his way, while she divides her time attending the Marchioness (including reading to her at all hours of the night) and her investigating. Ultimately India and French are to prevent any assasination attempt and discover who the leader of the Scottish nationalists is. Two accidents appear to French and India as failed attempts and they must work faster before it is too late for the Queen.

The story is told from India's viewpoint and she has snarky humor and is a touch self absorbed. She is unashamed of her business as a madam which she often references - nothing explicit but be forewarned. She finds the spy business exhilarating. She feels that her profession has allowed her to be more liberated and have more freedom and control over her life. Although French acts as though her place is his to command, such as who will join them for a meal. In that situation I really expected India to throw him out, but she lets him get away with such high-handed behavior.

French, is supposed to be a romantic swashbuckling type, but doesn't really come across that way until later in the book. He doesn't recognize that India is working herself to the bone with hardly a few hours sleep while he plays pool and drinks scotch with the guests. That did rather irk me. India shows loyalty to the Marchioness even though it is just a temporary role and shows how she has a heart even though she works hard to keep it hidden. I liked India but French needs an attitude adjustment in my mind.

It is hard to portray historical figures since history can be unkind. Queen Victoria (current Queen Elizabeth's great grandmother I think) was the longest reigning British monarch up to that time and she had nine children with Prince Albert. It is true that when Albert died she was reported as plunging into deep mourning (she wore black for the rest of her life) and avoided public appearances which earned her the nickname "The Widow of Windsor" which accounts for the book's title. The book emphasizes her ongoing mourning for Albert. This book also highlights the reported close relationship Queen Victoria developed with a Scottish manservant named John Brown and the real controversy that surrounded them as to the manner of their relationship. As the Empress of India, she had several Indian servants who are present but only in the background. Also, there is no getting around it, Queen Victoria was a big woman and the book makes reference to it in the rather blunt somewhat unflattering manner of the day. It was an interesting peek at Queen Victoria to be sure.

The Marchioness of Tullibardine is more than she appears and is an interesting character that I enjoyed in-spite her snuff-and-violent-sneeze habit and blunt manners. The plot is not so much a mystery to discover who had done something, but who is involved with the Scottish nationalists and may try to assassinate the Queen. The tartan drenched castle Balmoral is a great location for an espionage novel since it is remote, the castle cold and foreboding, and the land is harsh. The suspects that line up as the book progresses are interesting even though I suspected the main Scottish nationalist agent by thinking "wouldn't it be interesting if it were ____" but did not guess the leader of the group at all. That was a nice twist. I found the wrap up well done and left me with a mystery regarding The Marchioness.

Overall it is a good historical amateur sleuth with a truly unique heroine thrown into political intrigue that brings history alive and holds a promise of romantic tension to come. It may not be for everyone, but is mild compared to many contemporary novels.

Here is a video featuring the castle Balmoral and Victoria.

Author Interview: Andrea Penrose

2011-11-14T01:00:00.013-07:00

Andrea started writing westerns at the astonishing age of five, complete with crayon drawings to illustrate them. So it is no surprise that she got a Masters in Graphic Design at the Yale School of Art and worked in publication design plus she is an established author of romance novels under the name Cara Elliott.

I reviewed her fist book in A Lady Arianna Regency Mystery series here (click here.) I love this new series and a copy of her debut and her second book will be part of the Mid Winters Eve Giveaway. Please give a big welcome to Andrea Penrose.

Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

The plot (however vague) is always the key starting point with me. Everything else grows out from that seed . . . rather organically, I must admit.

Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc) before sitting down and writing?

Alas, I have to confess that I am a total “pantser. I would love to be totally organized and have the book plotted out chapter by chapter, but my brain simply doesn’t work that way. Things are going best when at the end of the day I push back from the computer and say, “Hmmm. I didn’t know they were going to do that.”

Arianna and Saybrook are great characters. What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write?

I do have an image of a character in my head from the very beginning. I come from an art background, so I am a very visual person and like to picture both the people and surroundings of my books. From there, they “flesh” themselves out as the story progresses. Subtle nuances of character come from the interaction of all the people involved in the story. And sometimes, one of them may come to have a personality I never expected when I started. For me, that’s part of the magic of the creative process.

Why Regency England? What drew you to that time and place? How much research do you have to do?

I love the Regency because it was a fabulously interesting time and place—a world a swirl in silks, seduction and the intrigue of the Napoleonic Wars. Radical new ideas were clashing with the conventional thinking of the past, and as a result, people were challenging and changing the fundamentals of their society. For example, you had Beethoven composing emotional symphonies, Byron composing wildly romantic poetry about individual angst, J.M.W. Turner dabbling in impressionistic watercolors and Mary Wollstonecraft writing the first feminist manifestos. It’s considered the birth of the Modern Era, and there are so many intriguing parallels with the issue we face today. So I find it a perfect setting for mystery and intrigue!

I’ve done extensive reading on the era, so feel very comfortable in its world. Then, for each book, I delve deeper in specific topics of research to craft the plot, which I love doing. It’s great fun learning all the little esoteric details about a subject.

I loved the chocolate history and unusual recipes. Was it the plan to have a chocolate theme or did that just happen?

I had done the chocolate research intending to use it for something different. But as I began to think about Arianna and Saybrook, it suddenly seemed a “sweet” combination. I wanted them both to be unconventional, and intrigued by usual ideas. They are creative and imaginative—and cooking is all about having a willingness to try offbeat combinations.

In a sense, I see chocolate as the perfect metaphor for Arianna and Saybrook—I wanted them to be dark and a little mysterious, with a complex mix of flavors and textures.

Do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

I’m not one of those lucky souls who can dash off a chapter while waiting in line at a grocery store. I need peace and quiet to write, so I do have a room with all my favorite books, and reference material, along with a great old pine desk and various funky collectibles that I’ve picked up during my travels. Among those familiar things I can buckle down to work.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

I consider myself a slow writer, so I need to work long stretches at a time to get things moving. Days when I can work pretty much uninterrupted are great—but of course that doesn’t happen all that often! As for how long it takes, that’s hard to answer. Every book is different.

What in your background prepared you to write not just mystery novels but historical mystery?

I’ve always been fascinated by history. As a child I was always reading about the past—knights in armor, swashbuckling cavaliers, natty Victorian adventurers . . .and still am! My career path took a twist into art (I have a Master’s degree in Graphic Design) , but as an undergrad at Yale, I took enough history courses to have majored in the subject. So I feel I bring a quirky left brain-right brain mix to writing historical mystery.

Who is your favorite Mystery character?

I adore Peter Wimsey (Who doesn’t!)

Which author has influenced or inspired you the most?

Oh, that’s such a hard question! I’m a voracious reader and have so many favorites. That said, I love Jane Austen’s sharp insight into human nature and her sly wit as she observes the strengths and weaknesses of her characters.

How did you get your first break to getting published? Was it at a writer's conference or mailing a query letter?

It was one of those lucky little moments that happen in life. I mentioned to a friend that I had written a book (it was a modern thriller, which is still buried in a desk drawer) and he set up a meeting with an agent he knew. The fellow listened to my pitch, made polite noises about be willing to take a look. Then, as we got up, I happened to mention that I had also written a Regency romance. At that he perked up and said that he knew an editor who might be interested . . . three days later he called and said he had sold it!

What are you currently reading?

I always have a couple of books going . . . right now I’m reading A Burial at Sea by Charles Finch, The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell.

If your Lady Arianna Hadley mysteries were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in your character's roles?

I think Johnny Depp in his darker persona would make a great Saybrook. And Keira Knightley in her “Pirates of the Caribbean” role would make an interesting Arianna.

Do you have anything you would like to share about your next book in the series?

In the next book, Arianna and Saybrook will be journeying to St. Andrews, Scotland, and then back to London, where the prestigious scientific societies of the day draw them into a world of scholarly intrigue . . . and the daredevil exploits of the early aeronauts who experimented with manned balloon flights. So hold on to your hats—it’s going to be a wild ride!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THANK You Andrea for that wonderful interview. It is great to meet another who was enthralled with history as a child. I played Cleopatra with my Barbies and made up grand adventures on the Nile. I already loved your book, but imagining Johnny Depp as Alessandro De Quincy, the Earl of Saybrook really adds some punch to that visual. I look forward to reviewing your newest book. Readers, please leave your comments or questions for Ms. Penrose.

Review - The Perfect Suspect

2011-11-10T01:00:00.033-07:00

My dear neighbor Ken is back with another review of the latest novel from the accomplished Margaret Coel. This book is not part of her Wind River Reservation series, but the second to feature journalist Catherine McLeod (after Blood Memory.) Let's see what Ken thought of this book.

Author: Margaret Coel

Copyright: September 2011; The Penguin Group; 293 pages

Sensuality: Violence

Mystery sub-genre: Police Procedural

Main Character: Catherine McLeod, intrepid reporter & Ryan Beckman, police detective

Setting: Modern day, Denver, CO

Obtained book through: Publisher for an honest review

A killer body, a killer face, a killer mind, and a killer cop. She kills her lover, the very popular David Mathews who was expected to win the Colorado governor’s race. Was it accidental or accidentally-on-purpose? Detective Ryan Beckman must hide her crime. Then she catches the highest profile homicide case of the year as the lead investigator.

Beckman knows she must use her twisted and cunning mind to devise the perfect cover-up. Who gets the blame? Of course, the one closest to the victim, the perfect suspect, the estranged wife. She must do all she can to frame the wife, keep blame from herself, and pull off the perfect murder. Beckman will use all means necessary to protect herself, including false leads, planting evidence, and killing anyone who gets in her way.

Catherine McLeod is covering the story for the Journal, a major Denver newspaper. Following leads and suspicions, including a call from an anonymous witness to the crime, McLeod risks her career and her life to bring the killer to justice.

Blam! First page! We know the victim, and we know the killer. Yet the mysteries and intrigue remain to be divulged. Clever…verrry clever! A whale of a tale of a story. One of the best murder mysteries I have ever read.

The thoughts, feelings, and actions of the characters are so definitive, believable, and logical (and sometimes demented). The fears, worries, and concerns of Sydney, the estranged and framed wife, and Kim Gregory, the witness, are palpable.

The deviousness by Ryan Beckman as she plots and acts on her plans to “solve the crime” while insulating herself from blame is most interesting. Catherine McLeod is tenacious, personable, intelligent, compassionate, and a skilled investigative reporter. We, the readers, are right there, on edge, wondering and watching as this story plays out.

The whole story is so well laid out with plenty of suspense, drama, and action. A great read and one you can’t put down. Margaret Coel has very well demonstrated why she is top-notch and one of the best writers. It will be interesting to see what she can write next to top this book. It would be a challenge…but then, she is the imaginative and prolific Margaret Coel.

Now for a recipe that sounds amazing.

Ingredients:

For the sweet potatoes:

2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes

salt to taste

2 tbsp butter

2 large eggs

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

pinch of allspice

pinch of cayenne

For the pistachio crust:

1/2 cup chopped pistachios (I used roasted, salted)

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

4 tbsp melted butter

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - November 2011

2011-11-07T01:00:00.018-07:00

It is the first Monday of the month - time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival. We have had our first good snow, but it quickly melted. Thoughts are turning to Thanksgiving here in little old Colorado. I am considering my traditional favorites, the green bean casserole and the usual round up. Anyway, back to the carnival, below is the line-up. Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review

Mysteries in Paradise reviewed Stagestruck by Peter Lovesey. "My pick of the month from the books I read in October. Peter Diamond investigates a murder mystery set in Bath's Royal theatre."

The Book Nook reviewed Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton and shares "I loved this book because G. K. Chesterton looked at the human side of each case."

How Mysterious! reviewed The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen, a cold case investigation in Denmark.

Mysteries in Paradise reviewed The Dead Hand of History by Sally Spencer. "If you haven't read any Sally Spencer crime fiction, here is a good one to start with, the beginning of the Monika Paniatowski series. Do we ever escape history?"

Mean Streets reviewed A Drop Of The Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block.

Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed A Hard Day's Fright by Casey Daniels

The Book Nook reviewed The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie. "A collection of short stories featuring the connoisseur of art and drama Mr. Satterthwaite and his friend, the mysterious Mr. Quin."

Book of Secrets reviewed Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed DeadBold by Juliet Blackwell

How Mysterious! reviewed Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers and shares "I selected this book in the Harriet Vane/Lord Peter Wimsey series because it is set in an advertising agency, where Wimsey goes undercover, posing as Mr. Death Bredon, to solve a murder mystery."

Book of Secrets reviewed Sleight of Paw by Sophie Kelly

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed The Divine Circle of Ladies Painting the Town by Dolores Stewart Riccio

Booking Mama reviewed The Chocolate Castle Clue by JoAnna Carl and shares "The latest in the Chocoholic Mystery series, she finds herself investigating an unsolved murder from her aunt's past.

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed A Taste of the Nightlife by Sarah Zettel

Booking Mama reviewed How to Party with a Killer Vampire by Penny Warner and shares "If you are looking for a cute read that's perfect for this time of year, then I recommend this."

Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review

Mean Streets reviewed Secrets of the Dead by Tom Harper and shares "This is a thoughtful, intelligent thriller, and – oh, joy of joys! – impeccably written."

At Home With Books reviewed Reamde by Neal Stephenson and shares "Reading Reamde was like watching an action movie – a really long action movie."

Booking Mama reviewed The Lost Angel by Javier Sierra and shares it "is a most unusual religious thriller."

Author Interview

Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Casey Daniels

Dorothy Parker Mysteries blog gives us a Discussion in Three Parts: Part Two--Me and My Muse "A series discussing how I write my humorous mystery novels."

Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Sharon Pape

Augie's Book Reviews interviewed Bonnie Hearn Hill and shares "I loved interviewing Bonnie Hearn Hill and her lastest Mystery Thriller "Ghost Island"

Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Justin Gustainis

Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Sarah Zettel

For the Writer

Forensics4Fiction gives us a post on Knots and Killers

Thank you to all the wonderful bloggers out there who contributed to the carnival.

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Review - Troubled Bones

2011-11-03T01:00:00.007-06:00

It is November already, can you believe it? I hope you enjoyed the interviews and paranormal book reviews throughout October. I want to thank all the participants in the Spooktacular Giveaway. I ended up with 2 copies of one book so there will be a total of 4 winners. The winners are Chris, Jennifer Mathis, Astroqueen67, and Wanda F. Winners, you should have received an email asking for your addresses.

This week I review the newest in a medieval private investigator series. I previously reviewed the second book in this series, Serpent in the Thorns (click here) and Ms. Westerson provided a great guest blog (click here.)

Author: Jeri Westerson

Copyright: October 2011 (Minotaur) 304 pgs

Series: 4th in Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mystery

Sensuality: some adult situations, nothing explicit

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical private investigator

Main Character: Crispin Guest, disgraced knight of England making a living as an investigator.

Setting: 1385,Canterbury England

Obtained Through: from library

Crispin's reputation as "The Tracker" has grown and he is required by the Archbishop of Canterbury to protect the bones of martyred Saint Thomas Beckett. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket had been murdered in the cathedral that now holds his bones, but there is suspicion that the bones are going to be stolen by a group that is looking to undermine the Catholic church. Crispin is to protect the bones which bring in money from pilgrims and find if one of the heretics is actually part of the monastery. This job requires Crispin to face people who remember him being disgraced as a traitor and even his old friend Geoffery Chaucer.

The very first night on duty, a prioress is murdered in one of the chapels in the Cathedral, the exact same place Beckett was slain, and Crispin is knocked unconscious. A young nun was present in the chapel with the Prioress at the time of the murder and is traumatized. Crispin's young apprentice gets his first crush on the young nun complicating matters.

Another murder occurs that seems completely unrelated which throws a curve that keeps the reader guessing. Of course, it could be the curse that Jack learns about during his undercover stint in the monastery. But the clock is ticking when Chaucer is unexpectedly jailed by the archbishop for the murders and Crispin only has hours to clear his name.

Crispin has his hands full and confronting his past is an added challenge. The Archbishop and Chaucer are catalysts in Crispin's internal struggles with his past that demonstrate what kind of man he has become since he was stripped of his knighthood. He has changed a lot and the reader suspects, for the better.

Young Jack is growing up and we get a chapter from his perspective as he goes undercover at the monastery. This was a great touch and I appreciate Jack's character even more now. Chaucer was unpredictable and added a touch of mystery. There is a woman that catches Crispin's fancy as well. Some moments of humor lighten an intense plot.

The plot has a few twists and the connection between the two murders is not obvious. The attention to period detail is integrated smoothly and immerses you. The confrontation with the killer is suspenseful and the wrap up was quite satisfying with an added surprise. Crispin continues to develop and grow. This series keeps improving and the character of Crispin transcends time with the motivations and political intrigue that are no less in play today. Excellent series that makes history exciting and even cool and this book is a stellar addition.

Author Interview: Sarah Zettel

2011-10-31T01:00:00.014-06:00

Sarah Zettel is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author. She has written eighteen novels and multiple short stories over the past seventeen years. She has begun a new paranormal cozy mystery series called the Vampire Chef Mysteries - my review of "A Taste of the Nightlife" is here (click here). We are offering a copy of her new book in the Spooktacular Blog Hop giveaway (posted last Monday). I am ecstatic to interview her. Please give a warm welcome to this accomplished author (the crowd goes wild, whistles and howls reverberate.)

- Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

Generally, I start with a scene. It can be anywhere in the plot; an opening, something from the middle, or even the very end. Then I'll fill in around it, asking myself; how did these people get here? Where are they going next?

- Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc) before sitting down and writing?

I am not one of those tidy writers, even when it comes to mysteries. When I embark on a new project, I do have an outline, in part because my editor usually asks for one, and also because it does help me solidify a starting point and a kind of flight plan for the book. By about page 100, though, that outline is generally completely gone, except for the broadest details and I'm making things up as I go. Along the way, I'll sketch new outlines, taking into account the new turns I've given the plot. These are more to help me to keep track of what I'm doing and ask myself questions than anything else.

- What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write?

I've never been able to use the worksheet method. I know people who do it, and it works very well for them, But because my books change so much while I'm writing them (see above), I have to give the characters the freedom to evolve with it. If I tried to work them up before hand, those sheets would most likely end up out the window with the outline.

- There have been chefs, ghosts, even pets as sleuths, but as far as I know this is the first Vampire chef as a sleuth. What drew you to such an unusual combination?

I so wish I could take credit for the idea, but it wasn't mine. What happened was one day the late, great editor and publisher Marty Greenburg walked into his office and said "Vampire Chef, why has nobody done this?" And everybody in the office looked at each other, and said "Why has nobody done this?!" And started looking around for an author who was willing to try to take the idea and run with it. I hurry to point out this is NOT the way these things usually happen. They first offered the project to humorist/fantasy/YA author Esther Friesner, but she had a deadline at the time, and referred them to me.

- Were you a big vampire fan all along (fan of Brom Stoker and devoured The Historian) and what research did you do?

I have always been sort of lukewarm on vampires. I was a teenager when Anne Rice hit, but never liked them, and so I sort of sat out the many, many romantic vampires that followed. When Buffy the Vampire Slayer came out, however, I was a huge fan of the series, and I've never lost my sentimental fondness for the original Bela Legosi "Dracula." So, I found it a little odd to be immersed in the middle of a vampire series, but I'm having a lot of fun with my vampires out of the coffin in NYC.

- Do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

I can write just about anywhere, and I've been known to do it, too. This is part habit, part luck. Most days, however, find me at a "co-working" space in Ann Arbor. Co-working is a concept where a group of freelancers go in together on office space, internet, etc. so they have a dedicated work and meeting place, instead of having to work out of the isolation of the home, or the chaos of the coffee shop. I go in each morning, grab a desk, set up my table and lap top, grab the day's hot caffeinated beverage, and get down to work.

- What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

I keep office hours, more or less. For someone whose creative process is fairly chaotic, I like to have a defined schedule where my main focus is getting the heavy lifting of the writing work done.

- What in your background prepared you to write mystery novels?

Well, I was always a reader, and more than a bit of a nerd. That meant I got to Sherlock Holmes and Poe, et. al. early. From there, my grandmother introduced me to Agatha Christie. My father was a huge science fiction fan, and I read mountains of the genre growing up. There is a very strong mystery component to a lot of science fiction and a lot of cross-over between the two genres.

- Who is your favorite Mystery character? Who is your favorite paranormal character?

Wow. That's a tough one because there is such a range of possible answers. I love Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee, I love Smila in Smila's Sense of Snow. I love Hercule Poirot, Lord Peter Whimsey, Sherlock Holmes, Nick and Nora Charles, and Richard Castle. As for "paranormal" characters...wow. I'd almost have to go with Buffy Summers, at least in the first 3 seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

- Which author has influenced or inspired you the most?

Oh, boy. There are a lot of answers to that. Ray Bradbury tops the list most days. Ursula K. LeGuin, Georgette Heyer, Terry Prachett, Tony Hillerman, Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, Charlotte Bronte... how much more room have you got?

- How did you get your first break to getting published? Was it at a writer's conference or mailing a query letter?

I decided I was going to be a writer fairly young, and once I made the decision I didn't seriously consider doing anything else. I got very lucky in high school, where I was able to take a class called "Writing for Publication," where I learned how to research markets, format a manuscript, keep a submission record for the stories, etc. I got my first rejection in that class. After that, however, it became a matter of slogging through; write a piece, finish it, send it out, start the next piece, rinse and repeat. Eventually, I started selling to small magazines (and I do mean _really_ small), and worked my way up the chain.

- What are you currently reading?

Lemme check the pile. The Art of the Heist, by Myles J. Connor; Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, by Daniel Okrent; The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam, by Chris Ewan, Chicago, a Biography by Dominic A Pacyga. I think that's all, currently.

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My most interesting quirk is that I'm pretty non-quirky. Like I said, I deliberately set out to be a writer, and as I worked the problem at some point decided that quirks were going to hold me back from being able to make a serious living at it. So, I practiced writing steadily, daily, finishing what i start, and cultivating new ideas on a regular basis. I've got the usual run of problems; imposter syndrome, self-confidence, etc., but nothing truly special, unless you count never seriously wanting to be anything but a fiction writer as a quirk.

- If your Vampire Chef Mysteries were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in your character's roles?

That's always a tough one to answer, because I don't know that there are a lot of actors out there who actually look like Charlotte, at least famous ones. She's short, she's solid and she's curvy, the kind of build that hasn't been in fashion in Hollywood since Mae West. [I thought of Kate Winslet potentially here] I'd almost have to use time travel to really do it; Anatole would be a young Robert Redford, Brendan a young Christopher Reeves, or possibly Pierce Brosnan, Chet, a young, skinny Leo DeCaprio, and Charlotte...a young Janeane Garafalo, if she would die her hair.

- Do you have anything you would like to share about your next book in the series?

In Vampire Chef #2; LET THEM EAT STAKE, Charlotte is brought in as an emergency pinch hitter to cater a problematic high-society wedding -- as her friend the wedding planner puts it "witches. vs. vampires to the tune of five hundred thousand dollars." What she doesn't know is the witches are the Maddox family, the vampires are a set of undead con artists, and the original celebrity-chef caterer is about to turn up dead.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
THANK You Ms. Zettel for that great interview! It is always great to meet other Buffy fans :-) The Mae West image was great and I just had to throw in a picture. Whoever came up with the idea for the series, I like what you have done with it. Perhaps because you have not been enmeshed in the Vampire genre you were able to bring a fresh take on the idea. I am fascinated by the co-working space concept too.

It wouldn't be Halloween without The Monster Mash! Have a safe one.

Review - A Taste of the Nightlife

2011-10-27T01:00:00.020-06:00

If you are looking for the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, you are in the correct place and thank you for stopping by. Please scroll down to the post before this one for the giveaway.

Today we continue with our paranormal mystery book reviews with a paranormal cozy featuring vampires. I know, cozy and vampire just doesn't seem to go together. But check out the review, it might surprise you.

Author: Sarah Zettel

Copyright: July 2011 (Signet) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Vampire Chef Mysteries

Sensuality: Romantic tension

Mystery Sub-genre: paranormal cozy

Main Character: Charlotte Caine, Chef to Vampires and other "paranormals"

Setting: Modern Day, New York

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

Chef Charlotte is co-owner of Nightlife Restaurant with her vampire brother Chet. When a drunk customer who made a scene (in the presence of influential restaurant critic Anatole) is found dead the next morning, Charlotte's brother Chet comes under suspicion. The victim was a member of a powerful Maddox Witch family known for their Vampire hunting. Brenden Maddox, brother to the victim comes to the restaurant to ask questions at the same time as Anatole the critic (and a vampire) is there seeking answers too.

Charlotte starts working with both men to find out what is happening and why a man was killed in her place. The more she digs into the case, the more her brother looks suspicious. Both Anatole and Brenden seem personally interested in Charlotte which fuels their rivalry inspite of the fragile truce to work together.

There are several things about this book that are a pleasant surprise. Firstly it is definitely a cozy mystery in-spite of the vampires or romantic tension. The world building is simple with the least amount of fuss. The paranormal is out in the open now and the night life crowd enjoys a good meal (no human blood - that's illegal.) Charlotte is a bona-fide Chef and big sister, always taking care of her younger vampire brother Chet who the rest of the family has disowned.

Charlotte herself is a great character. The old saying never trust a skinny cook is employed here with Charlotte who has some curves and meat on her bones, which I always like rather than the same-old perfectly thin heroine. She is a bit feisty without being bull headed. She also doesn't get much sleep but a few short hours here and there. I really wanted to make her get some sleep after a while!

Brenden is the reasonable member of the Maddox witch family and is willing, up to a point, to investigate his brother's murder with Charlotte and Anatole rather than solo. Anatole is an old vampire who enjoys having a secure life and really doesn't want to live in the closet (or is that the coffin?) any more so solving the murder is critical to him. Charlotte just wants to clear Chet and maybe even herself from the police's list. Both Brenden and Anatole are classic dangerous charmers. Brenden is dark and human, Anatole is blond with old-world romantic ideas and fangs. This sets up a competition between the two for her which could be interesting in future books. I found it interesting that usually I clearly like one "potential love interest" more than the other in these setups, but I thought both had their good points in this case. If you have read the book, perhaps you could chime in with your thoughts on that.

There is occasional humor without feeling forced. I like humor in my books, but only when it sounds natural and this did to me. The plot has enough developments to keep the reader interested without moving into the urban fantasy dark mode. It was paced well without any dragging middle. It is a solid cozy mystery, just with vampires and witches. The climatic confrontation with the killer is satisfactory and I had developed my ideas of the whodunit and why as the story progressed. The wrap up leaves enough open for the next book to have both Brenden and Anatole as recurring characters which I liked both of the characters so that worked.

As far as I am aware this is a unique book. It has the standard vampires, werewolves and the usual cast of creatures but in true cozy format - not the dark "gritty" or "sexy" urban fantasy world. The heroine does not wield a sword or have any abilities past the kitchen. It has all the ingredients for a successful cozy: a murder mystery, a likable heroine, interesting supporting characters, pinches of magic and danger mixed with sprinkles of romantic tension served up with a paranormal world that is integrated smoothly. I wonder why nobody has thought to do this vampire lite before. Likely because not just any author could pull this off as well as Ms. Zettel has. I will certainly be anxiously awaiting the next book to be released.

For you viewing pleasure, here are some videos for carving pumpkins that provide tips and inspiration. Some of these are amazing.

In this next video you learn how to pick a design and transfer it to a pumpkin then carve it out. Part one explained to look for a pumpkin that is 1) big and 2) has a flatter side for the design.

Author Interview: Justin Gustainis & Blog Hop

2011-10-23T22:01:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, you are in the correct place and thank you for stopping by. We are #29 on blog hop list. We celebrate everything mystery and suspense here - no doubt you can find something of interest! This month we have been spotlighting paranormal mysteries and authors. We have three individual books available to win, all of them are paranormal mystery/crime fiction.

Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis - his interview is below. The review for the book is here (click here.) Warning: R rating on this one. Note in comments if you don't want this.

A Taste of the Nightlife by Sarah Zettel, the review coming later this week and her interview next Monday.

A Hard Day's Fright by Casey Daniels. Read the review I did (click here) or the author interview (click here.)

Entry for giveaway lasts until October 31 6:00 p.m. (MST).

I will be shipping the books to the winners except for Hard Spell which the author shall ship. U.S. residents only please.

How to enter:

*** First, you must be a member (follower) of this blog.***

All entries are to be in the comments for this post.

I will accept entries for this giveaway Monday October 24 beginning at midnight (MST) through to 6:00 p.m (MST) on Monday October 31.

I shall notify the winner via the email address you provide to get your mailing address and have the prize sent directly to you.

IF you are a member of this blog, you only need to leave a comment with your correct email.

BECOME a member of this blog if you aren't already and enjoy the celebration of all things mystery and suspense.

At the end of this post you will find the blog hop listing to go to the next blog on the list.

Now to the interview with Hard Spell author, Justin Gustainis!

- Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

Since the next book is the second in a series, I started with the plot: someone is making and distributing supernatural "snuff films," and the most recent one suggests a link to Scranton (where the series is set). The first book in the series started with a premise (the supernatural exists, and everyone knows it) and a character (Detective Sgt. Stan markowski of the Occult Crimes Unit).

- Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc) before sitting down and writing?

I usually start with a premise, then decide how I want the tale to end. After that, it's just a matter of getting from Point A to Point B in a way that makes sense and that, I hope, the reader will find entertaining.

- What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write?

I listen for the character's voice in my head. Either he/she is talking to me, or to another character. That's how I "find out" what the character is like, and what he/she wants.

- Were you always interested in vampires, werewolves, and witches (an old Kolchak perhaps?) The Joe Friday/Dragnet style is unique in paranormal books, did that voice come naturally to you or did you have to work on it?

I loved that stuff as a kid, and when I was twelve, I found a copy of Dracula at my local library. At my last estimate, I owe $3,441.75 in fines on that book. Although I liked Kolchak (the two made-for-TV movies, not the series, which even Darren McGavin hated), what really turned me on to the "occult detective" genre was another made-for-TV movie, Spectre, starring Robert Culp. It was a pilot written by Gene Roddenberry after Star Trek finished its run; the series, alas, was never picked up.

Stan Markowski's voice is an amalgam of Joe Friday, Mike Hammer, and Robert B. Parker's Spenser. Oh, and two guys I knew growing up.

- Do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

I do most of my writing in my office at home, which is decorated with a lot of occult detective memorabilia. I have posters from movies (Hellboy, Constantine) and TV shows (The X-Files, Supernatural, Blood Ties), action figures (Mulder, Scully, Buffy, Frank Black), mugs, keychains, magnets, you name it.

I don't always listen to music when I write, but when I do it's something like Mark Snow's soundtracks for The X-Files and Millennium.

- What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

I have a day job committing higher education, so most of my writing is done in the evening. It takes me about a year to complete a book, but I should mention that about half of that is spent procrastinating. So the actual writing probably takes six months.

- What in your background prepared you to write mystery novels and particularly paranormal mysteries?

Only the fact that I've read a gazillion of them. I've got a Masters in English, but you'd be surprised how little those courses on Victorian Poetry and Samuel Johnson help in describing a werewolf's death throes. I attended the wonderful Odyssey Writing Workshop in 2008, but I'd already published two novels by that time.

- Who is your favorite mystery character? Who is your favorite paranormal character?

Oddly (perhaps) enough, my favorite mystery character is a woman: Jane Whitefield, from the series by Thomas Perry. My favorite paranormal character would have to be Harry Dresden (from Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files" novels). [read my review of the first in the Dresden Files here.]

- Which author has influenced or inspired you the most?

I don't know if this qualifies as "influenced or inspired," but Jim Butcher (mentioned above) was very kind to me when I was starting out. Even though he didn't know me, he agreed to look at the manuscript of my first novel, The Hades Project. He gave me some very encouraging feedback, and even wrote a nice blurb for the cover when I found a publisher. Jim is a guy whose immense talent as a writer is matched by his generosity of spirit.

- How did you get your first break to getting published? Was it at a writer's conference or mailing a query letter?

It was a contest. A small independent publisher was holding a novel contest; first prize was publication. I sent the manuscript for The Hades Project, along with the entry fee. A month later, a got a letter refunding my entry fee, because the contest had not received enough entries to make it viable. However, the publisher liked the book so much, they decided to publish it, anyway.

- What are you currently reading?

To Kill the Dead, by Richard Kadry. It's the second book in his "Sandman Slim" series, and it totally rocks.

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can't live, let alone write, without copious amounts of Cherry Diet Pepsi.

- If your Occult Crimes Unit Investigations were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in your character's roles?

Twenty years ago, either Roy Schneider or Peter Coyote would have been perfect for Stan. These days, maybe Jeff Bridges would be good. For Stan's partner Karl, Edward Norton. For Stan's daughter, Christine, Ellen Page would be very good, I think.

- Do you have anything you would like to share about your next book in the series?

Well, it's more than a month overdue.... and [someone is making and distributing supernatural "snuff films,"]

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THANK You Mr. Gustainis for that interview and for the giveaway copy of Hard Spell to a lucky winner. Thanks for the tip on the Jane Whitefield series, I am getting the debut book from the library to learn more about it. I had not read any of that series before.

Below you will find the Blog Hop listing. Thank you for stopping by!

Review - Divine Circle of Ladies Painting the Town

2011-10-20T01:00:00.037-06:00

I have reviewed the last few books in the series before this one, Divine Circle of Ladies Playing with Fire (click here), Divine Circle of Ladies Rocking the Boat (click here), and the Divine Circle of Ladies Tipping the Scales (click here). The author gave me an interview as well (click here). I must provide a disclaimer right up front - this is my favorite paranormal mystery series. I think of it as the genre trailblazer since series started long before a paranormal mystery was the "in" thing.

Author: Dolores Stewart Riccio

Copyright: August 2011 (CreateSpace) 299 pgs

Series: 8th in Divine Circle Mysteries

Sensuality: married romance, occasional adult references

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Cassandra Shipton, Herbalist and Clairvoyant

Setting: modern day Plymouth, Massachusetts and Rome Italy

Obtained Through: personal purchase

Let me introduce you to the five phenomenal women who are the Divine Circle:

Cassandra, the viewpoint character, is an herbalist and reluctant clairvoyant.

Phillipa, a cookbook author and poet who reads the Tarot a little too accurately.

Heather, an heiress and animal lover. She makes magical candles and runs the local pet rescue.

Deidre, young widow who crafts dolls and magical amulets for sale in her boutique besides being a mother of four young children, she now communicates with the dead.

Fiona, the eccentric librarian who dowses with a crystal and is a fount of information - the wise woman of the group with a hippie side. Don't let her "mature" age fool you!

The story begins with Cass trying to help a disturbed ex-model, Ada, to control her pyro-kenitic ability mingled with her desire for revenge against her "Don Juan" husband who is a cut-throat divorce lawyer. Ada's husband is conniving and dirty handed, planning to commit her to a mental institution to get some property in her name.

But before Cass can see Ada and her situation through, Deidre is on a romantic holiday in Rome when her National Geographic photographer boyfriend is kidnapped by the Calabrian Mafia. The rest of the circle arrive in Rome and Fiona contacts her Italian penpal of the Strega witch heritage. They travel into the rural area to work powerful magic for the return of Deidre's boyfriend with the Strega and then join Deidre again. Even Joe manages to join Cass after his last Greenpeace job. The adventure in Italy takes them to Venice and Pompeii as well with plenty of exciting escapades.

With everyone finally safe and sound, they return home. Cass finds that while they were away Ada has been accused of murdering her conniving husband. The ladies focus on finding the true killer and clearing Ada's name. This brings them close to danger yet again.

As usual the five women are the showcase of the story. Cass has always been reluctant to have her psychic visions, but she is learning to induce them and somewhat embrace her ability. Although this series illustrates how the gifts are not always perfect and spells may not work the way you expect.

While in Rome it is more a thriller but in Plymouth it is more a mystery, so you get a little of both in this book. The parts in Italy really did transport me for a whirlwind tour of Rome, Venice and Pompeii that I really want to duplicate for real. The descriptions were effective in providing a feel of another country's vibe, sights, foods, and sounds. The sense of danger lurking was infused throughout. I have missed Freddie though who is now Cass's daughter-in-law but initially came to Cass to learn to control her own gifts. The last few books there has not been much with Freddie.

The mystery surrounding Ada and who killed her husband, with fire no less, had a good solid mystery to it. The entire book has thrilling moments so the confrontation with the killer of Ada's husband is no different. This series has developed and this book is a great addition giving adventure, excitement, a few good spells, some twists, and a murder to solve. This may be the eighth book in the series but it shows no signs of wavering and consistently delivers a quality paranormal mystery with phenomenal characters. Thank you again Ms. Riccio.

For your Halloween enjoyment, here is a classic music video with a monster twist from Huey Lewis and the News! Enjoy :-)

Author Interview: Sharon Pape

2011-10-17T01:00:00.024-06:00

This week we interview the author of the portrait of crime mysteries that mixes a former police sketch artist with a wild west Marshal's ghost. I reviewed the first book in the series, Sketch Me If You Can (click here) and the second To Sketch a Thief (click here.)

Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

For me, the plot idea generally comes first. I guess somewhere in my subconscious little gremlins are busy thinking up mayhem 24/7.

Do you outline the plot or some variation of that before sitting down to write?

I don't like outlining too much. I prefer being able to stretch out in any direction that feels right as the story moves along. Having said that though, I always know how I want the story to end before I begin. I also create a detailed bio of both the victim and the murderer. And although I think I know the protagonist inside out, she still often manages to surprise me. No doubt the work of those gremlins again.

What is your process for developing a character?

It depends on which character we're talking about. For the main character, after I decide what kind of person I need for the book or series, I develop a detailed back story for her that explains how she came to be who she is at the point in her life where the reader meets her. I find that the more minor characters seem to pop to life in great detail when they enter a scene and I can focus specifically on them.

Were you always interested in ghosts, the old west and sketch artists? What sort of research do you do with these differing aspects?

That's a huge question -- let me break it down a bit.

Ghosts: I've always been fascinated by subjects that don't have definitive answers, so I'm immediately drawn to anything paranormal.

Old West: I've traveled throughout Arizona and love all the different and distinctive landscapes to be found there, as well as the amazing ruins left by the ancient Anasazi, Hohokum and Sinagua.

Sketch Artists: I'm not much of an artist myself, but I love art and admire people capable of creating it in any medium.

Research: The internet is a fabulous tool for researching just about anything you can imagine, but there's nothing better than actually visiting a place you're writing about. I've lived on Long Island nearly all my life and have spent a great deal of time in Arizona over the past twenty years. The museums and historical societies in both places are a great help in researching the past.

Do you have anything special you do before writing that helps you get in the zone and write?

The best thing I can do to get the creative juices flowing is to reread the last pages I wrote. I always write in my study where the computer resides. It's a very book-oriented room with a floor to ceiling bookcase that my husband built when we first moved into the house. We're both avid readers with a ridiculous number of books we can't seem to part with. I know some writers like to have music playing while they write, but peace and quiet work better for me. Of course those are two commodities that aren't always easy to come by, so I've learned to tune out a certain amount of commotion.

What is your schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

Unfortunately my work schedule is dictated by the frequent migraines I get. I generally work for a few hours in the morning, then take a break to rest my eyes while I run errands, go to the gym, etc. I write again in the afternoon for as long as my head allows and for a while after dinner. Since I'm also pretty compulsive about polishing each chapter before I move on, it generally takes me close to nine months to finish a book.

What in your background prepared you to write mystery novels and particularly paranormal mysteries?

Reading is the best preparation anyone can have for writing. I doubt there's a writer out there who isn't also an avid reader. In other words, to be a writer you have to start with loving books.

Since I'm drawn to all things mysterious and supernatural, I've always read a lot of books in those genres. It would probably have helped if I'd lived with a ghost, been abducted by aliens, or had an affair with a vampire, but I've had to rely solely on my overactive imagination.

Who is your favorite mystery character? Paranormal character?

When I was a kid, the teenage sisters in "The Dana Girls" were my favorite mystery characters.

As an adult, I'd have to say that Joanna Brady in Jance's series edges out a pack of contenders, possibly because of the Arizona connection. When it comes to paranormal characters, my absolute favorite is Einstein, the golden retriever. He's one of the subjects of an experiment gone wrong in the fabulous book Watchers by the master of the paranormal, Dean Koontz. To be honest, I have to admit that Vampire Bill from the Sookie books is also up there on my list of favorite paranormal characters, but for entirely different reasons.

Which author has influenced or inspired you the most?

Dean Koontz and Stephen King are right at the top of the list, not only because of the paranormal subject matter, but also because of their masterful use of the English language. But since I enjoy nearly every type of book ever written, a complete list of authors who have influenced me would be endless.

How did you get your first break to getting published?

Another unpublished writer I knew went to a writing conference where she met a new literary agent from an established agency. Since my friend wasn't yet finished working on her book, she gave me the agent's number. I sent the agent my manuscript, she signed me to a contract and went on to sell the book to PocketBooks.

What are you currently reading?

I'm reading the Plains of Passage, the fourth book in Jean Auel's series that began with Clan of the Cave Bear. I had read the first three books many years ago when they first came out, but after attending an interview she did recently, my interest in the series was reignited. As soon as I finish it, I'll be running out to get the latest Sookie Stackhouse book by Charlaine Harris. Then maybe the new one by Anita Shreve or the fifth Frankenstein book by Dean Koontz or....so many books, so little time.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think writing itself is a quirk. Writers sit by themselves all day writing down what the characters in their heads are saying and thinking. In some cultures that might well qualify as the definition of "crazy." More specifically, I think my quirk is how I cure writer's block or resolve difficult plot points -- I go to the gym. Working my body energizes my mind. For me it's like a hefty shot of adrenalin straight into the creative process.

If your "A Portrait of Crime Mystery" series were made into a movie, whom would you cast in your characters' roles?

Marshal Zeke Drummond would be a young Sam Elliot type. Since Elliot's too old for the part, maybe Josh Holloway. I think Alexis Bledel from Gilmore Girls would be a great Rory McCain.

Is there anything you'd like to share about the next book in your series?

Rory's free-spirited and slightly whacky aunt Helene plays a larger role in the third book, Sketch a Falling Star(to be released March 2012), since the murder victim is a member of her amateur acting group. Rory and Zeke discover how hard it is to single out a killer when everyone who knew the victim had a different reason for hating him, but the same opportunity to kill him. Rory will also be meeting her strange, new neighbor who seems to know all about Zeke.

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THANK You Ms Pape for that interview. I had long forgotten the name of the Dana Girls mysteries. I read everything of theirs I could get a hold of as a girl. I liked those better than Nancy Drew even. So glad to have the name of the series again. Since I am a fan of Sam Elliot that gives me quite a visual for when I read the next book.

Readers, what do you think?

Review - Dead Bolt

2011-10-13T01:00:00.021-06:00

Our second entry for the paranormal mystery books features a badly haunted house! I reviewed the first in this new series, "If Walls Could Talk" (click here) and I couldn't wait for the next book to be released. Ms Blackwell was also one of the first authors to give me an interview (see that here.)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Series: 2nd in Haunted Home Renovation Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal Cozy

Main Character: Melanie Turner, owner/operator of Construction Company

Setting: Modern day, San Francisco California

Obtained Through: Publisher -ARC-for an honest review

Melanie is renovating a historic Queen Anne Victorian in San Francisco but she has some resident ghosts sabotaging the work and a cranky neighbor complaining about the noise. The couple who owns the house insists on living there in the midst of the massive refurbishing. The wife is from Russia and is petrified of the ghosts, she thinks perhaps stopping work would let the ghosts rest.

Melanie tries to research the past of the house but the records at city hall are missing. Something went on in that house and from what she has seen, it was not pretty. Then the cranky neighbor, Emile Blunt, is murdered. Melanie thinks his death is connected to the home she is renovating. Then just to throw some more on her plate, an old flame is consulting on how to make the home more environmentally friendly, his new green gig since he left code enforcement.

Melanie shines in this addition to the series and I like her more and more. She has a lot of compassion and seems to have a lot of responsibility even though she keeps dreaming of hiding away in Paris. I like that she isn't a super thin perfectly dressed woman. Rather, she has a few extra pounds and wears outlandish clothes all with her construction steel-toed-boots (except when she slips her coveralls on to get serious on the job site.) The romantic interest is looking better in this book as well. I was non-commital about him in the first, but in this book he is shaping up to have some potential.

I really like Melanie's dad and disabled friend who are a "hoot." I want to see them developed more and perhaps even get involved in investigating. I could see them become investigative junkies easily.

This is a great ghost book. The mystery is interesting, for it seems there was no clear reason to kill the neighbor, except he has a connection to the house and its previous owner. Melanie is even threatened by a very live person to butt-out so her theory that the ghosts were somehow responsible is likely wrong. Equally a mystery is the ghosts in the house, why women especially infuriate the ghosts, and why the attic is particularly bad. This book provides some good spooky ghostly shapes and strange occurances with danger around every corner. The family history of the ghosts is revealed eventually and the confrontation with the killer works well.

The wrap up provides some clues to the next book and I already can't wait. This is a strong second entry that is developing the characters and laying a solid foundation for a strong series. If you enjoy some spooky with your cozy this will delight you and have you anxious for more.

Here is a special report on high-tech Halloween Haunted Houses to help get you into the spirit of the season.

Author Interview: Casey Daniels

2011-10-10T01:00:00.016-06:00

This week we have the author of the popular Pepper Martin series joining us for an interview. I have reviewed the two most recent books in the series, Tomb with a View (click here) and A Hard Day's Fright (click here). A Hard Day's Fright will be up for give away at the end of the month during the Blog Hop Giveaway.

Casey Daniels learned to love mysteries early thanks to her dad, a Cleveland Police detective who enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories. Later, she read her way through every mystery story she could get her hands on. Now on to the interview!

- Do you start your next mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

For me, every book starts in a different place. For "A Hard Day's Fright," it started because I was wondering how those left behind deal and feel when someone close to them goes missing. For book #8 in Pepper Martin mystery series, "Wild, Wild Death" (it will be out on January 3), the story came about because I was visiting New Mexico. I never know where a story idea will come from. That's one of the reasons it's great to be a writer, it's fun to look for story ideas lurking all about!

- Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc) before sitting down and writing?

Yes, I am an outliner and I sometimes take weeks to do it. I start with basic ideas (i.e., this needs to happen, then this, then this), then I go back over it, fill in more info, then over it again and again, adding anything I can think of. Eventually, I start breaking down that list into chapters. By the end of the process, I know what's going to happen in a chapter, but not always how it's going to happen. So that still leaves room for a lot of creativity. The outlining process itself, of course, is all about brainstorming and flights of fancy. It's one of my favorite parts of writing.

- What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write?

I don't use pictures or a worksheet, but I do spend plenty of time thinking about a character. Of course with something like a mystery series, I've got lots and lots of words to play with, so plenty of time to develop a character. The book that's coming out in January ("Wild, Wild Death") is the 8th in the Pepper Martin series. Times roughly 80,000 words a book, that means I've had about 640,000 words to play with and develop character. That's one advantage a series writer has over an author who is writing a single-title, free standing book. Lots of room to work with, and lots of possibilities!

- Were you always interested in ghosts? If not what drew you to a ghost communicator for an amateur sleuth? What sort of research do you do?

I think the whole world of ghosts and the paranormal is incredibly interesting and I suppose that's what initially drew me to the idea of a cemetery worker who can communicate with the dead. Do I believe in ghosts? Absolutely. I think there's too much evidence to ignore. As for research, I've done lots, including participating in paranormal investigations. One was at a cemetery the night after Halloween. Got some great photos of mists that were there in one picture, gone in the next. Also heard some knocking from a plexiglass box that held a statue--the knocking was coming from inside the box!

In addition to all that, having Pepper communicate with the dead is just plain fun, and great for plotting. It opens up all sorts of possibilities. So from a purely writing standpoint, it's a real plus.

- Do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

No music while I write, I find it too distracting. I do have a home office and I do all my writing in here.

- What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?

Theoretically, I write all day, 5 days a week. Of course, there are many times life gets in the way and I can't keep to that schedule. But for me, writing is a full time job. I have this little trick: I set a clock for 45 minutes and in that time, all I'm allowed to do is write (no checking email, no playing Spider Solitaire!). At the end of the 45 minutes, I get 15 minutes to do whatever I want. Since I've started keeping this schedule, I write many more pages than I used to.

As for how long it takes me to write a book, about 3-4 months. Depends on how many deadlines I have breathing down my neck!

- What in your background prepared you to write mystery novels and particularly paranormal mysteries?

Well, I majored in English in college and before I wrote mysteries, I wrote romance, both historical and contemporary. I wrote those under the names Constance Laux and Connie Lane. I've also written YA horror and even a children's book. All writing prepares you for what you'll write later, so I think all that was great experience. Also, my dad was a Cleveland Police detective. When I was a kid, he'd put me in the car and on his days off, we'd go look for stolen cars. So that was my first experience with solving mysteries! As for the paranormal elements, my interesting in paranormal fuels that. And of course, as with all writing, reading, reading, reading. I love the old classic mysteries. I love the intricacy of mysteries, the plotting and the twisting and the turning and being clever so that readers are always surprised.

- Who is your favorite mystery character? Who is your favorite paranormal character?

In my mysteries? Or others? In others, absolutely my favorite mystery character is Sherlock Holmes, bar none. In paranormal characters, I can't say I have a favorite. Of my own characters, I love Pepper. She's got attitude!

- Which author has influenced or inspired you the most?

So many of my writing friends inspire me every day with their talent and their determination. The classic writers, too, Conan Doyle, Christie, and I love the mysteries of Elizabeth Peters. She was the first who showed me that mysteries could be intricate, interesting, and fun, too!

- How did you get your first break to getting published? Was it at a writer's conference or mailing a query letter?

My first sale was a historical romance called "Twilight Secrets" and it came after I queried an agent. She represented the book for that first sale. That was back in '92 and since then, I've published 40 books.

- What are you currently reading?

Truth be told, nothing! I generally don't read fiction while I'm in the middle of writing it, though I will sometimes read nonfiction. I save my fiction reading for the time between books.

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Sorry to say, I don't think I have one. Writing to me is a business and I handle it in a very straightforward fashion. It's not like I have to use a pink pen, or that I can only write on Wednesdays after three! My background is in journalism and if there's one thing you learn there, it's that you need to learn to write on demand. That's still how I approach my work.

- If your Pepper Martin Mysteries were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in your character's roles?

It's a fabulous thought. Unfortunately, I'm not all that familiar with the crop of new actors out there, so I have no idea who might be cast. It sure would be fun, though. If anyone out there knows any producers, send them my way!

<<< May I suggest Rose McGowan as a possibility?>>>

- Do you have anything you would like to share about your next book in the series?

I'm currently working on book #9 in the Pepper Martin mystery series. After a trip to New Mexico, Pepper's back in Cleveland where she meets a ghost who needs her help in order to keep someone else from dying. Trouble is, the ghost was bound and gagged before he was drowned--so he can't talk to tell her who she needs to protect. No official pub date on that book yet, but I think it's going to be fall of 2012.

In addition, I have a new mystery series out that I've written as Kylie Logan. The first book is "Button Holed," part of the Button Box mystery series. No paranormal elements, just a woman named Josie who is one of the country's leading experts in antique and historical buttons. Great fun to write. Talk about research!

Thanks for having me visit, Ariel. I enjoyed chatting with your readers.

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Thank You Casey! Great interview and how interesting your quality time with your dad was ;-) Wow, taking part in paranormal investigations must have been fascinating. I enjoyed thinking of actresses to play Pepper. Readers, do you have any thoughts of who could portray Pepper if it ever got to the big or small screen?

Review - A Hard Day's Fright

2011-10-06T01:00:00.108-06:00

Today we kick off our month of paranormal mysteries with the newest Pepper Martin book. I reviewed the book just prior to this one in the series (click here.) Also this book will be part of the giveaway hop at the end of October, so if you haven't read this one yet, you will have a chance to win it.

Paranormal mysteries are somewhat new in the mystery genre, but they have already garnered a solid fan base. So let's take a look at several this month, starting with an old murder from the sixties for our ghost-whispering sleuth (remember mini-shirts, go-go boots, the British invasion and "free love.")

Author: Casey Daniels

Copyright: April 2011 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 7th in Pepper Martin Mystery

Sensuality: Some adult conversation with "mature" topics

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal Cozy

Main Character: Red-head Pepper Martin, cemetery tour guide and ghost whisperer who is the daughter of a prominent surgeon father imprisoned for insurance fraud, and a society mother. She must make her own way financially now.

Setting: Modern Day, Cleveland Ohio

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

Pepper's car is broke so she is riding on the Rapid Transit when Lucy Pasternak, dead since 1966 after a Beatles concert, approaches Pepper. But rather than asking Pepper to help find her killer she asks Pepper to simply find her body. Nobody knows the fifteen year old and popular Lucy is dead because the body was never found. Pepper was tempted to turn down the case since there just was no starting point, until her boss, Ella, turns out to have been Lucy's best friend and still mourns the loss of Lucy.

Several friends were riding home together after the Beatles concert where Lucy kept retelling to her friends how she ran onto the stage and kissed Paul McCartney. The other friends in the group got of early, but Ella and Lucy stayed on the bus until Ella's stop. Ella's last memory is of Lucy waving good by from the back of the bus. Poof, she was never heard from again, like the intro of a "Lost Without a Trace" episode.

That was forty-five years ago. Of course Pepper can't share what Lucy tells her happened that night. How she got off at her stop and was jumped, blindfolded, tied up, and thrown in the back of a car. When the trunk door opened again she was smothered with a blanket. She has no clue where she was taken or who grabbed her. Not much to go on for Pepper.

The last thing Pepper needs is Ella's fifteen year old rebellious girl, Ariel, spending time with Pepper as a favor to Ella. Ariel is a subplot that runs throughout the story and I found it a good touch with their interactions.

Another subplot is the serial killer in the city that Pepper follows in the news because her ex-boyfriend is in the thick of capturing the man. Each news story opens her fresh wounds from the break-up. You see, he couldn't accept that she talks to the dead, he feels she is either emotional disturbed or playing games for attention.

The suspects range from one of Lucy's former teacher who is now a semi-famous poet, Lucy's ex-boyfriend, the girl who snatched up Lucy's ex, two other guys that went to the concert, one of which had a crush on Ella. Of all these suspects, one of the guys was killed in Nam with rumors he committed suicide by jumping into gunfire, the other guy is a long standing drunk who seems haunted by his past. Lucy's old boyfriend is an influential business man and the girlfriend who once snatched him up is a successful real estate broker. As Pepper starts asking questions, a murder occurs among one of the suspects and Pepper knows the killer doesn't want Lucy's body, nor the past, dug up.

I enjoyed this book more than I did the previous one. Perhaps part of that is the absence of her annoying boyfriend. Granted I only met him in "Tomb With a View" and they had already broke up, so my opinion of him is probably tainted. I related to Pepper even more in this book than the previous. She seemed less spoiled and a bit more sensible.

I really loved the drawing on the sixties culture for this mystery, it was richly portrayed. The two teenagers in the book, the ghost Lucy and Ella's daughter Ariel, both were great depictions of dramatic and moody teenage girls while showing some innocence and growing pains.

The plot was good, although I had my strong suspicion of who the killer was and a rough idea of how it was done, the motive was slowly revealed. I enjoyed the plot and the storytelling which did its job of entertaining. The climatic revealing of the killer was good and tense. The wrap up had an interesting twist that left the book with a cliff hanger and I am waiting to see how that is resolved in the next book. This setups a turning point in the series with this book's ending.

The Pepper Martin series is a solid bet for anybody wanting an enjoyable cozy mystery with just enough paranormal to make it interesting. The murders and investigation consistently deliver an entertaining ride and this seventh in the series shows it is still a strong go-to series.

A central event to the book is the infamous Beatles concert in Cleveland where the stage is rushed and police are overwhelmed. This historical fact is used in the book. The victim, Lucy, is supposed to be one of the girls who got on stage. I found this news clip that shows some of what happened at that concert.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - October 2011

2011-10-03T01:00:00.011-06:00

It is the first Monday of the month - time for another highly anticipated Blog Carnival. Autumn is definitely in the air. Do you notice the Autumn first from how the air feels and smells different? I love that. Anyway, back to the carnival, below is the line-up. Click on the title or author's name to go to that link.

Police Procedural / PI Book Review

Reactions to Reading reviewed Detective Inspector Huss by Helene Tursten and say it is a thoughtful and engaging book which really does set a high bench mark for novels in the police procedural sub-genre.

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis and says it is a rather hard boiled Mike Hammer meets Dragnet mixed with the paranormal.

How Mysterious reviewed A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny and check out her reviews of several other Louise Penny mysteries.

The BookShop Blog reviewed The January Corpse by Neil Albert as part of her best 100 mystery books series.

Rundpinne reviewed Claim of Innocence by Laura Caldwell and shares it is a fast-paced legal thriller.

Thoughts in Progress reviewed New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb and says it is another pulse-pounding, catch-your-breath case for homicide detective Eve Dallas.

Amateur Sleuth / Cozy book Review

How Mysterious reviewed Bless the Bride by Rhys Bowen the latest in the Molly Murphy series.

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Ghost Ship by P.J. Alderman and says it is an entertaining lite read with a clever concept of mixing past and present, and where the ghosts are mostly the comic relief.

Booking Mama reviewed Sentenced to Death by Lorna Barrett

Book of Secrets reviewed Button Holed by Kylie Logan and says it was a fresh and enjoyable mystery.

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen and shares "I don't think I have ever referred to a murder mystery as a rollicking fun romp before, but this book fits that description plus some."

How Mysterious reviewed A Bitter Truth by Charles Todd

Book of Secrets reviewed Mind Over Murder by Allison Kingsley and shares it is an enjoyable start to The Raven's Nest Bookstore series.

Booking Mama reviewed The Diva Haunts the House by Krista Davis

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Sweet Revenge by Andrea Penrose and shares "I found this novel easily rivaled the Sebastion St. Cyr series and for me may (may) have even out done it."

Book of Secrets reviewed Thread Reckoning by Amanda Lee

Booking Mama reviewed Dial Me for Murder by Amanda Matetsky

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed The Broadway Murders by Agata Standford and shares "it captured the excitement of New York and the wild twenties with humor, a solid plot, never dull characters, mixed with large dashes of danger and adventure."

Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review

Reactions To Reading reviewed A Walk in the Dark by Gianrico Carofiglio and says it is a beautifully translated and outstandingly good story pitting an honest lawyer against a corrupt system to achieve justice for an abused woman

Fair Dinkum Crime reviewed The Donor by Helen Fitzgerald and shares "What is a father to do when his twin daughters each need a kidney to save their lives? Great characters and a dark sense of humour make this an above average read. How far would a man go to save his children?"

Book of Secrets reviewed Ghost on Black Mountain by Ann Hite and says it is a spellbinding Southern Gothic about dark secrets, murder, ghosts and revenge.

Booking Mama reviewed Spycatcher by Matthew Dunn

Shelf Love reviewed Black Water Rising by Attica Locke and says the book toppled her expectations from the very opening pages.

Rundpinne reviewed Snapped by Laura Griffin and says it is a brilliant suspense novel about a highly specialized forensics team.

Booking Mama reviewed The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams and says it encompassed everything she has come to expect from a quality thriller

Author Interview

Book of Secrets interviewed Amanda Lee

Thank you to all the wonderful bloggers out there who contributed to the carnival.

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Review - Ghost Ship: A Port Chatham Mystery

2011-09-29T01:00:00.000-06:00

This week we make a trip to Port Chatham Washington for a murder in the current and in 1893 that are somehow connected.

Author: P. J. Alderman

Series: 2nd in Port Chatham Mysteries

Sensuality: historical brothel and mention of occurrences, sprinkled cursing

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal cozy

Main Character: Jordan Marsh, a psychologist recently relocated from Los Angeles who sees ghosts everywhere.

Setting: both 1893 and Modern day Port Chatham, Washington

Obtained Through: Library Find

Jordan is on a strenuous walk (read forced march) on the Dungeness Spit with police chief Darcy Moran. Not only does she find Holt Stillwell, the town Don Juan, dead but she finds that her abilities to see ghosts now extends to seeing the "spirits" of downed ships. Interestingly Jordan sees the ghost ship of the Henrietta Dale that ran aground very close to that area and Holt Stillwell was descended from the ship's notorious owner Michael Seavey. The scuttlebutt over the ages claims that a false light imitating the lighthouse purposely led the luxury ship to its death.

By the time Jordan makes it home she finds Michael Seavey's spirit in her house trying to court Hattie, one of her resident ghosts. Hattie must decided between two suitors, both dead. Hattie insists that Jordan find out the circumstances to Michael's death to make up for having said bad things about his character. Jordan is very reluctant to investigate, but having shanghaier Seavey's ghost around makes her uneasy, no matter how suave he is. Thus she starts looking into old records to unravel who led the ship to its watery grave and who murdered Seavey even after he survived the wreck. She becomes convinced that Holt Stillwell's death was connected with the sunken ship and begins unearthing the details of Seavey's last months alive. But her investigation is angering the living and she gets threats and even a break in.

Jordan was an okay character for me. I am rather neutral about her, she wasn't great and yet she wasn't terrible either. I thought it was interesting that Jordan has a hard time walking or driving because she doesn't want to hit the spirits she sees - of course townspeople are known to dress in period clothing which doesn't help her distinguish the living from the dead. For a psychologist she did not come across as having much polish that I would have expected from such a serious and educated professional. I will concede that she had moved recently so she was out of her element, she was recovering from the last story in which her ex-husband was murdered and she is doubting her abilities as a psychologist. I get all that was happening for her, but she still came across a touch immature like a college kid caught breaking dorm rules and explaining herself.

The romantic interest in the story is Jase, a former high profile celebrity who lives next door and owns the local watering hole. The story makes it clear that they are not even dating yet, just mutual interest that Jase is willing to take to the next level. I was starting to warm up to Jase's character, until he starts demanding Jordan not get involved because it could be dangerous. If you have followed this blog much you know I can't stand the main character getting harassed over sleuthing when that is the entire point to the whole story.

With the first pet peeve down let me get the second one out of my system. I grew tired of "when are you just going to sleep with him and get it over with" attitude that occurred several times in the story. Speaking for myself, that isn't "romantic", that is just hormones on a page. This would be one of those instances where, as a psychologist I would have expected more maturity from Jordan and the others. I felt there were several missed opportunities for romantic moments that could have occurred between Jordan and Jase that just didn't. It is as if there is no spark because it is so expected they will hook up so why bother with any of the heart pounding stolen moments or romance.

I did like how some of the story was told from Michael Seavey's perspective in 1893. It brought the mystery of who among many people would have wanted the charming Opium smuggler dead. I found I liked those scenes because I was looking for clues to add to what Jordan was finding.

The plot itself mixed the past and present for two murders to solve that had a connection in the present. I enjoyed guessing who I thought did it and why in both instances, and I was mostly correct. This is an entertaining lite read with a clever concept of mixing past and present, and where the ghosts are mostly the comic relief. The combination is a pleasant beach read that cozy fans should enjoy.

Here is a short video of the Dungeness spit where the mystery starts. It is an excellent location to imagine ghost ships and a body washing up.

Banned Book Week

2011-09-26T01:00:00.031-06:00

This year's Banned Book Week has a great idea that I hope takes off. It is called the Virtual Read-out and it encourages participation during the week virtually.

I love incorporating video with the blog and this idea of a virtual community exercising their freedom to read joins people from all corners. What a great way to get involved and feel a part of a movement. There are already several videos loaded, several by young adults and children.

I included information from the website http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/ website for your convenience:

Join the Virtual Read-out! The centerpiece of this year’s Banned Books Week celebration (Sept. 24-Oct. 1) is a virtual read-out.

Since the inception of Banned Books Week in 1982, libraries and bookstores throughout the country have staged local read-outs as part of their activities. This year, for the first time, readers from around the world will be able to participate virtually in Banned Books Week, Sept. 24 – Oct.1. During this year’s celebration of Banned Books Week, readers will be able to proclaim the virtues of their favorite banned books by posting videos of themselves reading excerpts to a dedicated YouTube channel.

Everyone is invited to create a video of themselves reading from their favorite banned or challenged book and upload it to a special Banned Books Week channel. Videos of challenged authors and other celebrities will be posted on both YouTube and our Videos page in coming days. More information about the read-out is available here

You have two video options for the Banned Books Virtual Read-Out:

1) You can submit a video no more than two minutes long of a reading from a banned or challenged book. Here is a list of banned literary classics as well as a list of frequently challenged books throughout the years. You should also check out Mapping Censorship and Robert P. Doyle's Banned Books: Challenging Our Freedom to Read for more ideas. Banned Books: Challenging our Freedom to Read is available for purchase at the ALA Store or can be found at your local public library.

2) A video of an eyewitness account of local challenges can be submitted. This video should be no longer than three minutes long.

How to upload your videos

You will need a YouTube or Google account in order to participate. Once you have one, please sign into YouTube and follow their instructions on how to upload a video. A video tutorial on how to upload onto YouTube can be found here.

As the video downloads, you will need to update the Title, Description, and Tag fields with the following information to help ensure that your video will be featured on the Banned Books Week Read-Out channel:

Title

The title of your video should include "Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out." A good example is "A reading from The Perks of Being a Wallflower for the Banned Books Week Virtual Read-out" or "Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out: A reading from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Description

You may use the description to explain why the book you chose to read an excerpt from is your favorite banned/challenged book or offer more details about an eyewitness account of local challenges.

Tag

The most important part of the download is the tag. Please tag your video with "virtualreadout" to ensure that the video will be featured on the Banned Books Week You Tube Channel.

Final Step

Once you have posted your video, please send e-mail with the subject heading "Link for the BBW Virtual Read-Out!" to bbw@ala.org with the link to your video. The video will then be featured on the Banned Books Week YouTube channel. Please allow a couple days for your video to be featured on the channel.

Review - Naughty in Nice

2011-09-22T01:00:00.047-06:00

This week I review the newest book in the Royal Spyness series set on the French Riviera complete with a French Marquis and Coco Chanel thrown into the mix. I was looking forward to reading this addition to the series and it does not disappoint. I don't think I have ever referred to a murder mystery as a rollicking fun romp before, but this book fits that description plus some.

Author: Rhys Bowen

Copyright: September 2011; Berkley Hardcover; 336 pages

Series: # 5 in Royal Spyness Mysteries

Sensuality: Innuendo and some mild adult references

Mystery sub-genre: Historical Cozy/Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: 22 year old Lady Georgiana Rannoch, thirty-fourth in line to the throne of England

Setting: 1933 French Riviera

Obtained book through: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Lady Georgia is miserable in London in the middle of a bone-chilling winter, with her tightwad brother "Binky" and his pregnant bully-wife "Fig" taking residence at Rannoch Hall. Georgie is nearly starving but stands out in the cold to volunteer at the soup line rather than stay at the house with her belittling sister-in-law. Eventually the cold dreary weather gets to Fig and she manages a trip to the Nice on the French Riviera, expecting Georgiana to stay behind and close up Rannoch house - leaving her without a place to live as well as no money or food.

Fortunately the Queen calls upon Georgie and decides she must re-acquire an expensive diamond studded snuff box that a guest stole during a royal function. The Queen knows the man who did it and he is staying in Nice as well. While Georgie is there, maybe she can keep an eye on her cousin, the Prince as he is running around with that American married woman. The Queen pays for Georgie's train fare and she is off with her inept maid. On the train she makes friends with an old acquaintance of the family, Vera Bate Lombardi and her good friend Coco Chanel. Yes, that Chanel!

Once in Nice, she finds that she is not welcome at all with her brother. They expect her to tutor their children and be a full time baby sitter for them. Georgie can't get back that snuff box at this rate. She is out for a walk and encounters Vera and Coco who insist she must come stay where they are because there will be room for her. Georgie discovers her mother owns the Villa that Vera and Coco are staying at. Her mother is escaping the cold winter in Germany and the rising political tensions. The best thing, her mother's villa is next door to Sir Toby Gropper - the man who stole the Queens snuff box.

When Coco Chanel insists that Georgie model her final piece in a fashion show that will be graced with the Queen's diamond and pearl necklace, the reader just knows disaster is going to strike. Georgie falls off the cat walk and the Queen's necklace is stolen in the confusion. Georgie has to find the necklace in addition to retrieving the Queen's snuff box. Of course there is a murder that the french police suspect Georgie for. Oh, and then there is the smoking hot French Marquis, Jean Paul de Ronchard, who is persuing Georgie to keep things hot and interesting.

Georgie was sparkling in this addition to the series and hillariously funny. She never gives up no matter how bleak or impossible the situation, which can make for some outrageously crazy situations. I have only read one other book in this series and I had not been introduced to her mother before who is the opposite of Georgie, breezy, self-centered and a party girl who likes rich men. I loved the character of Coco Chanel who was avaunt-garde, yes, but unexpected in other ways. Jean Paul was a great character and I have to wonder if he will show up in another book to give Darcy more of a challenge for Georgie's affections. Darcy was not as present in this book which will be hard for the Darcy fans, but Jean Paul spices things up.

The plot was good and I was surprised by a revelation that Georgie uncovers in her investigation. The murderer and thief I only partially figured out, and did not get the motive for the murder right at all. I think this book will be a turning point in the series from the way some things were left. Will Georgie still live at Rannoch House or will she have to find someplace else to live? Will Darcy be more serious toward Georgie and so on? And the Queen's snuff box? You will have to read it to find out about that. I will say one of the scenes that had me crying from laughing so hard had to do with that expensive little collectable.

When you are having a really bad week and things are getting you down, turn to this book and it will have a smile on your face in no time. This is the book you want to read when you need to laugh so hard you are snorting! If laughter is the best medicine then this book should be prescribed for everybody's better health. I don't think I have ever laughed so much over a book. This book has a solid murder mystery to solve, a thief to unveil and enchanting characters to delight and entertain.

Libraries and Hurricane Irene

2011-09-19T01:00:00.019-06:00

Today I am spreading the word of a situation that blogger Kate Messner alerted her readers to. This news has even made it to NPR. Hurricane Irene did a lot of damage and has left many families worse for the experience. Irene also caused severe damage to small rural libraries - the children's sections specifically.

I know that everybody has tightened their belts and libraries have been hit hard. During a crisis like hurricanes, books often bring comfort momentary escape from the situation to children, which makes this loss even worse. If you can help, even be sharing this with friends or family, please do.

From Kate's blog:

Quick How-to-Help Info: Several libraries have lost their entire children’s sections due to flooding in Hurricane Irene, and we’re teaming up with independent bookstores to help them rebuild. Want to help? Either send a check to the library OR call the bookstores. They’ll help you choose a book based on the library’s needs and will store it for them until they’re ready, or you can donate to a gift card for the library.

To help the West Hartford Public Library in Vermont

Send a check to:

West Hartford Public Library

P.O. Box 26

West Hartford, VT 05084

Contact local independent bookseller The Norwich Bookstore at 802-649-1114. to purchase books and/or contribute to a library gift card.

To help Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay, NY

Send a check to:

Wells Memorial Library

P.O. Box 57

Upper Jay, NY 12987

Contact local independent bookseller The Bookstore Plus at 518-523-2950 to purchase books and/or contribute to a library gift card.

On October 22nd, they’re going to host an evening reception where book lovers of all ages and members of Lake Placid’s vibrant arts community can come purchase books for the library. It’ll include author/illustrator appearances and (we hope) a silent auction of original art from children’s book illustrators.

Authors and Illustrators may also donate signed books and original art for an October fundraiser. Send an email to kmessner at kate messner dot com.

Authors: If you’d like to donate a signed book, that would also be most welcome! Please mark clearly on the envelope “FOR SILENT AUCTION”

Here’s the bookstore address:

The Bookstore Plus

2491 Main St

Lake Placid, NY 12946

Thanks!!

Here is the link to the original post (Click Here).