Review - Listen to the Dead

We are well into autumn now, but let's take a trip to Massachusetts for springtime in this atmospheric tale of a cold case that dredges up a lot of buried secrets.   I somehow got wind of this book and it sounded intriguing - so I just had to check it out.  It is a police procedural, and true to this type of novel it is a bit rougher in attitude by nature.  See what you think from the review. 

Author: Randall Peffer

Copyright: August 2010 (Tyrus Books) 350 pgs

Series: # 5 in Cape Island Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult Material, language

Mystery sub-genre: Police Procedural

Main Character:  Single mon and Detective Yemanja Colon

Setting: Modern day Cape Island Massachusetts

Obtained book through: Publisher for an honest review

Bird Island is just beginning to thaw from the piles of snow and ice which subsequently uncover the corpse of a 1980s murder.  Is this young girl, shackled and buried alive another of the New Bedford serial killings that took place back in the 80s or unrelated?  Who was this girl with the flowing long red hair?  Detective Yemanja Colon is put in charge of the investigation of this very cold case.  Even the harbormaster who tends the lighthouse on Bird Island has something to hide and nobody is coming forward with information.  Yemanja likens it to a dentist literally strapping a patient down and having to pull teeth.

"Corby Church is waiting for you with his boar.  And Hank Cabot from the archeological society.  They think this is some kind of old grave that the ice floes have opened up."

He tells her to go on out there to Bird Island.  Do her thing with Corby's bones.  Get something that will help to figure out who's buried out there.  But try to be back here by mid-afternoon.  Chi Chi needs her working on the B&E they had out on Neck Road yesterday.  Property owners are bat shit.

"Just cover your bases.  Leave the rest for the archeologist types." 

"He said there were maybe handcuffs, manacles, he called them, on the body.  What's with that?  Probably not death by natural causes.  You think I'm going to  give a soft touch to a murder investigation?"  She tilts her head back, uses a hand to flick her long, dark hair out of her eyes, continues to hold her boss in her sights.  Never blinking.  She's thirty-five, but looks ten years younger.  A babe in cheap charcoal pants suit.  A whole heap of attitude.

Yemanja's grandmother practices Santeria and is apprenticing Yemanja into the ways, which adds plenty of atmosphere.  The murdered girl, "Princess" starts to literally haunt Yemanja and intrude on her thoughts, providing flashes of what led up to her murder, all sketchy and laced with promiscuity and drugs.  Princess was a tragically lost soul who fights to regain her dream of ice skating competitions but seems unable to overcome her cocaine habit and her resulting willingness to do pretty much anything to fund the habit.  Yemanja is also haunted by her own demons throughout the story from her past.

It doesn't help when Yemanja gets personally involved with the harbormaster hiding his own secrets.  As the story unfolds even influential and connected attorneys and wealthy socialites are dragged into the investigation.  Is Princess's murder connected to a 1980s several-month-long drug run from the Bahamas to New England that Princess was the cook for (and other locals including the harbormaster were part of) or was she simply one of the victim's of the New Bedford serial killer?   The New Bedford Serial Killings are a true crime case (nine women's bodies were found alongside Southeastern Massachusetts highways between July 1988 and April 1989) that remains unsolved and an open investigation to this day. 

This is definitely for mature readers, but don't take that to mean it contains "R" rated scenes just for sensationalism without a point.  Everything is pertinent to this tragic girl's life and murder.  If anything it brings compassion to just how sad these lost-souls-to-drugs are and puts a pathetic face to the murder victim.  It is interesting to note that Bird Island and Buzzard Bay (as well as New Bedford) where this novel takes place do really exist and the book seems to faithfully portray them.  These locations provide a lush atmospheric setting for this tale.

Character development is done very well.  The character of Yemanja is complex and even a touch volatile.  She is not the sort of character most will want to become friends with or hang out with, but she is compelling as she attempts to wade through the quagmire of the case.  The character of the harbormaster (Corby Church) is prominent in the story with many scenes from his point of view and flashbacks of his recollections of the drug run from Bahamas to New England and the deceased girl.  His character is only slightly easier to relate to as his own shortcomings become evident.  He has a reputation as a "player" and did the crazy scene plenty, but how much has he grown up from all that is doled out in small doses leaving the reader always wondering about him.  Yemanja's boss is the kind of boss you love to hate, sexist and prejudice.  Yemanja gets assigned a partner that is a good leveling influence on her .  The character of "Princess", the murder victim, is expertly drawn as well.

The plot is well thought out and executed with precision.  This novel many not be for everyone with its "mature audience" rating, but it is actually a well done story that keeps you puzzling and wanting to figure out who the killer really is.  The subject matter of "Princess's" life and death is dark but overall I didn't feel the story dragged me down into the pit with Princess - which I feel is an important point.  The climax is suspenseful and the wrap-up I appreciated.  If I had one thing I would have changed would be the mingling of Yemanja's personal demons with the case.  In those instances I began to feel bogged down with hopelessness.  Thankfully those moments weren't prevalent.

If you like well written grittier police procedurals, this book should be to your liking.   

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) CLICK HERE and also as best Hobby Blog CLICK HERE. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * *

Banned Book Week - Celebrating the Freedom to Read

This week is Banned Book Week.  The folks at the American Library Association say "Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.  Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States."

Heard on over to the American Library Association's website (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm) to find all sorts of resources, ideas and events for taking part in this week's celebration of our freedom to read.

If this is a passion of yours, consider joining the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association; American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the American Library Association; American Society of Journalists and Authors; Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores.  It is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. 

Enjoy your freedom to read!!

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) CLICK HERE and also as best Hobby Blog CLICK HERE. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * *

Review - Night of the Living Deed

Fall is creeping up on us and that means Halloween can't be far behind.  I have been waiting for this season to read all my paranormal mysteries!  So here is the first in my line-up, a new mystery series by a kinda-sorta new author.

Author: E.J. Copperman

Copyright:  June, 2010 (Berkley) 336 pages

Series: #1  in the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries

Sensuality: N/A

Mystery sub-genre: Cozy (Paranormal) 

Main Character: Alison Kerby, recently divorced mother of nine year old Melissa 

Setting: Modern day New Jersey Shore

Obtained book through:  Publisher for an honest review

Alison Kerby moves back to her hometown to start over after divorcing "the swine".  She acquires an old Victorian fixer-upper mansion with the express mission of restoring it and turning it into a guesthouse to support herself and her daughter, Melissa.  She quickly finds out this Victorian has "lots of character" in the form of two resident ghosts, the former owner and the private investigator she hired to protect her and find out who was threatening her.   Alison is soon pressured to help the ghosts uncover who killed them - particularly when she begins getting death threats herself.

Alison is a truly likable character with a sense of humor and a touch of sass.   She is handy with power tools and knows her way around a saw horse and Spackle.  She has a "can-do" attitude and doesn't shy away from a lot of hard work. I enjoyed her quirky way of looking at things which made the story a pleasant ride.

The interactions with the two ghosts can be either humorous interchanges or frustrating situations - for both Alison and them.  Imagine having a ghost chiming in on your design/decoration plans or being a conflicting influence for your child!  The ghosts, Maxie and Paul, are wonderful characters who appear to be permanent fixtures in the house and possibly the series.  Alison's mother adores her daughter, which is a pleasant change from so many cozies that have obnoxious mothers.  But as we get to know her, mom has a bit more spunk than even Alison realized.  Some nice touches there!

"We heard something fall, and we thought someone might be hurt," Paul told me.

I experimented with standing up, but my head was not pleased with the attempt..."No, that's not what happened," I told Paul.  "Paul, right?  I remember, you were yelling at her."  I indicated Maxie.  "You said she might have killed me."

Paul's eyes widened in an "uh-oh" sort of way for a flash, and he clearly avoided the urge to look quickly at Maxie.  "I wasn't talking about you.  I was talking about our dog."

"Your dog."

Paul nodded.  "Yes, Maxie left our dog in the car with the windows closed.  In this heat..."

"Heat?" I asked.  "It's October.  It's maybe sixty degrees out.  What heat?"

His stammering got worse.  "Dogs feel the heat more than we do," he said.  "All that fur..."

"I got hit on the head," I told Paul.  "It hurt, but it didn't make me stupid."

Maxie laughed.  "Good one," she said.

I turned to Maxie.  "Don't look at Paul," I said.  "What kind of dog do you have?"

She wasn't chewing gum, but she should have been.  "We don't have a dog," she answered.

"Then what's going on?"

"We're dead."  She cocked her head defiantly.

Paul looked aghast.  "Maxie!"

I opened and closed my mouth a few times.  It was worse than I thought.  I wasn't just woozy - I was hallucinating.  I decided to lie down and close my eyes for a moment.

It wouldn't be a cozy without the ensemble of interesting town's people.  The mayor who was a prior beautician, the "perfect" mother who works for Alison (and coincidentally Maxie's) real estate agent, the developer wanting to snatch up Alison's house and Melissa's history teacher who is over-eager to explore the house in spite of repairs being done.  A stand out minor character is the local newspaper's one-and-only staffer, Phyllis who has been around long enough to know the goings on.

The plot is solid without being overdone.  The story moves along easily and before you know it the story is wrapping up.  The writing is smooth and flows expertly.  Told from Alison's viewpoint, it is easy reading and funny.  I enjoyed the wrap up which set up the next works to be equally as enjoyable.  As a cozy it is spot-on and entertaining and as a debut novel it foretells a delightful series I am looking forward to reading each addition to.

For added mystery, this prior-published author is apparently assuming a pen-name to keep his/her identity quiet.  Hmmmmm, who could it be???

 I liked how the title is a tip-of-the hat to "Night of the Living Dead" with zombies....so here is a zombie cat for you.

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) CLICK HERE and also as best Hobby Blog CLICK HERE. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * *

Author Interview - Suzanne Arruda

WELCOME to all the new members!  Our anniversary giveaway and participation in Blogmania brought us many new members.  I hope you enjoy this little spot in the blogosphere.   So grab your cup of coffee and enjoy today's post.

We have a great interview with author Suzanne Arruda today!  Read the review I did of her latest novel here.  A little background information on her first.

She grew up in Greensburg, Indiana, attended Purdue University, worked part time at the local zoo, then became a laboratory technician at the University after graduation. She then moved to Kansas and received a masters degree in wildlife ecology and worked for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in their Pratt museum, then as a research assistant on the Konza Prairie at Kansas State University. She also managed a job as a Biology instructor at Kansas State University. As if that weren't enough for a lifetime, she earned a Master’s in Education and taught middle and high school science.

But through it all she has been an explorer at heart.  She was profoundly touched by Elsa the lioness in "Born Free" and she read the semi-autobiographical stories of African bush pilot Beryl Markham and explorers and cinematographers Osa and Martin Johnson. She then graduated into museum collector Roy Chapman Andrews whose exploits became the basis for Indiana Jones, Amazon explorer Col. Fawcett, African coffee farmer Isak Dinesen, and finally Peter Capstick, a modern big game hunter. (I did not know these authors before this - OH MY!)  She has a lot squeezed into her life - now a great mystery series fueled by her explorer passion to crown it all.

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


Yes! (or 'D' All of the above.) Actually, I have started with a location (Kilimanjaro) and in the research come up with a plot based on a legend, I've started with a villain, a crime, and also a plot based on a 1920 Nairobi newspaper notice. One takes inspiration where it comes and if it doesn't come, you go beating around the thicket until you scare it and it runs out in front of you.


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 do outline mainly because my publisher wishes to see a 12+ page synopsis before making a contract. And while I long for that "wander through the manuscript and just write" experience, that's actually harder than it sounds and I find the synopsis helps. BUT, I do digress from it, especially in the middle act (which is the hard part). Then, I do let scenes and characters suggest alternatives to my original plan. I still stick to the original ending (more or less)

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 begin with a skeletal construct of a character - age, appearance, attitude, gender, and then stick them in a scene and see how they interact with others. Some end up 'running with scissors' and not playing well with others. Others turn out to have more interior fortitude than I'd originally thought. It's great fun to let the characters take hold and grow. It's much the same as when we were kids and invented characters in our role-playing games.

How do you find time for writing, what works for you - and 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?

Writing, at present, IS my job (and I'm a lousy housekeeper so I never let that interfere) so I have a lot of time for writing. I tend NOT to write with music. I can't hear my characters talk then. In fact, I find it distracting when anyone is home. My location is possibly not the best - the computer is in the front room right by the door, but I do like hearing the birds outside.

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

I try to keep a 9-4 work day and treat this professionally like any job. When I was teaching as well, I always had time set aside, devoted to writing. If you're serious about this, you have to plan and schedule the time. Of course, like any job, there are break periods which for me means feeding the kitty and checking on the flower beds briefly.

What in your background prepared you to write mystery novels?

READING! Writers should read read read read. Otherwise, I'm trained as a biologist and perhaps that analytical turn (problem solving - scientific method sort of thing) helps in thinking of crime solving.

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

I went to conferences where agents were running around loose. Actually, the first agent I applied to from a conference turned me down. But I discovered that just getting any agent is like going into a store and grabbing the first pair of pants you find. They may not fit in which case, you're no better off. Whether you find an agent via conference or by leg work looking to see who represents books similar to yours, It's important to find one that "fits" and believes in your work.

What are you currently reading?

I'm enjoying SANDI AULT'S "Jamaica WILD" mystery series set in the SW pueblo areas of Colorado. I'm alternaternating them with some very old H. Rider Haggard adventures.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm! This is a tough one. But I've been known to use small stuffed animals to represent characters and have them act out a more troublesome scene. Watching a small stuffed lion knife fight the 'pointy-headed boss' from Dilbert comics while a teddy bear pilot hurries in is ..... very odd - but helpful!

Do you participate in a critique group (or have you in the past?) What are the pros and cons of critique groups?

I don't have a critiquing group at present. I did belong to one when I began writing and was selling articles and kids short fiction but the group sort of disbanded. I have trouble finding a critiquing group where everyone is serious about writing rather than talking about writing. And I found that, often, the critique was more about punctuation rather than plot or construct. I know there are on-line groups, but I've gotten used to talking to the cat or (more usefully) bouncing some ideas off my husband.

If your Jade Del Cameron mysteries were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in your character's roles?

Back when I began writing Jade and my sons were then teenagers, THEY wanted Angelina Jolie to play Jade. Right now, I'm not sure but what I'd prefer an unknown to take her on or any of the other roles. But someone with FIRE for Jade.

Thank You Suzanne, especially for sharing your writing quirk - I love it!

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) CLICK HERE and also as best Hobby Blog CLICK HERE. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * * 

Blog Anniversary Celebration - Blogmania

It Is the One Year Anniversary

of Mysteries and My Musings.

Join the celebration with prizes galore.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated.
Entries for the prizes are now closed.



This would not have been possible without the 
Small store owners donating items.  
Please visit these talented and hardworking people.
Simply click on the photo titles and browse their shops.
They did this hoping to meet all of you!

 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are the prizes and the suppliers

who are on board to make this a memorable event.

Please take a peek at what they are providing to our

Blogoversary event - you might find some early holiday

or gift ideas while you are at it!

Disclaimer:  Prizes are shipping directly from the shops/companies providing them.


The winners are listed below with the photos.
I shall be forwarding email addresses to the shop owners and winners should be notified by them shortly.

Mystery Stone Pendant (Argentium Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Pendant)
Winner:  Smash Bravo Team

Mystery Air Plant by Augury

Winner:  CathyH

Murder on the Idol Stage Dinner Game by FromAfrancess2You
 Winner:  Andrea I

8x12 fine art print by Gary Heller Photography
 Winner:  Heartnsoulcooking

Magnifying Glass Necklace by Marolsha

Winner:  Misscaseylee

Mysterious Kingdom Bookmark by Rustic Goth
 Winner:  Ashley

Mysterious Perfume Oil Blend by Midnight Gypsy Luxe
Winner:  Tree

Clue Mystery Necklace by Clock Work Beetle
 Winner:  Icedream

Sherlock Holmes Pinback Button Set by Poptacular

Winner:  Rebecca Wells

Sherlock Holmes Paperweight by Ephemeralogie

Winner:  I♥thesecrazykids    

Agatha Christie Earrings by Pretentious Jewelry
 Winner:  Elizabeth

Dangle Key Earrings by The Pretty Gypsy
 Winner: Stephy905

Antique Book Locket by Renee Loughlin

Winner:  haydensmommy05

Hitchcock Quote Pin by P Tierney Designs

Winner:  BMom76

"Some of our most exquisite murders have been domestic,

performed with tenderness in simple, homey places like the kitchen table."

Mysterious Art Print by John Clark (5 X 7.5)

Winner:  expogenic

I Read Banned Books Bracelet by Carolyn Forsman

Winner:  k_sunshine1977

Novel Teas by Bag Lady
Winner: Jess

For 48 hours we will be all about celebrating one year of Mystery and Suspense and you have a front row seat.

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 Wednesday September 15 beginning at midnight (EST) through to 11:59 pm on Thursday September 16.  Winners will be announced Saturday Sept 18.

 

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

Prizes will be given away by a lottery system, so you don't know which one of the wonderful prizes you may get.

Check out the other Blogmania participating blogs here:

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) CLICK HERE and also as best Hobby Blog CLICK HERE. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * *