30 June, 2017

#BookReview :: 3 and a Half Murders by Salil Desai

Two corpses . . . a woman lying dead on her bed, a man hanging from the ceiling fan. 
A suicide note cum murder confession. 
And a name . . . Shaunak Sodhi.

When the case comes their way, Senior Inspector Saralkar has just been diagnosed with hypertension and PSI Motkar is busy with rehearsals of an amateur play.

What appears at first to be a commonplace crime by a debt-ridden, cuckolded husband, who has killed his unfaithful wife and then hung himself, soon begins to unfold as a baffling mystery.

As clues point to a seven-year-old unsolved murder in Bangalore and other leads emerge closer home, Saralkar and Motkar find themselves investigating shady secrets, bitter grudges, fishy land deals, carnal desires, the dead woman Anushka Doshi’s sinister obsession with past life regression and her husband’s links to a suspicious, small-time god-man, Rangdev Baba. And then, suddenly, the murderer resurfaces and yet another life is in grave danger . . . 

Can Saralkar and Motkar get to the bottom of an unimaginably shocking motive and stop the malevolent killer from committing the fourth murder . . .?



I quite enjoyed the previous two Inspector Saralkar mysteries. As such when this book released, I bought it promptly with much expectations. And I must say, the book met with each of my expectations.

Inspector Saralkar and Motkar are back. This time they are investigating what seems to be an open and shut case of a man murdering his cheating wife and then hanging himself complete with a suicide note with the murder confession. Trust Inspector Saralkar to look closely even in such a case, and what he digs up is a lot of trouble including an unsolved murder.

I like this series as it seamlessly combines mystery with drama. There’s a lot of drama in the book, whether it be in Saralkar and Motkar’s personal life or whether be it in the case. And the comic relief with Saralkar’s sarcastic one liners is always a welcome thing in a book. In this instalment, we see the protagonist grow a bit as he ties up all the loops in the mystery. What is interesting is the way the author builds up each scene… from police station to the crime scene, the settings are always detailed. The dialogues in the book are mostly sharp and crisp. By the time the climax comes in, everything is neatly set up for Saralkar to tie up. Not a single plot hole.

Overall, this is one of the best IWE mystery books that I have read in recent times. I recommend it to all mystery and whodunnit lovers.

 

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29 June, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: #CharacterInterview - Rebecca Throckmorton from Crossing the Street


*** Special Feature - June 2017 ***


Molly writes from her pantry, often in pajamas. She exercises regularly, despite the fact that she has sustained numerous injuries involving barbells and exercise balls. She successfully raised two gorgeous daughters, who both pay their own bills. 

Molly has few interests other than reading books and writing, although she and her husband did attempt clog dancing with disastrous results.

A huge fan of HGTV, Molly has been known to watch marathon sessions of “Househunters” while leafing through magazines and snacking.

Molly’s husband has an accordion band. The neighbors have started a collection to fund soundproofing for the Campbell’s basement.

Molly can be found at: Website * Blog * Twitter


Character Interview - Rebecca Throckmorton from Crossing the Street


What do you like most about yourself?
That’s a tough question! I am not pretty. I wish I had more gumption. Not big on exercise, and I am not a fan of kids. Wait, I have it: I am a good writer. I need to branch out from erotica, but I think I have The Great American novel inside me somewhere.

What do you care about most in the world?
I love my cat Simpson. He is very soft behind his ears, and I rub them when I get worried. I am also very fond of my friend Ella, who is 83. She and I have the best times watching old Lawrence Welk reruns and gossiping. Ella “gets” me.

What do you carry in your purse?
I hate purses. Usually, I just cram everything into my wallet. I put lip balm and Kleenex in my pocket. Of course, I have washed at least twenty-two tubes of lip balm, and my lint filter is full of Kleenex. But I need to be hands-free at all times. In case I need to grab somebody or hold a Popsicle.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
So many. Here is a short list:
  • I called my new boss at Starbucks, whose name was Mr. Drabble, Mr. Dribble. I did this for ONE MONTH before being corrected by another barista. From then on, I didn’t call him anything. I just tried to act as if the whole thing had never happened.
  • I once wore my top inside out on a date to a fancy French restaurant. 
  • I shouted out HOLY SHIT from the audience in the middle of a surprising turn of events during a play. 
  • I stood my mother up for Mother’s Day brunch once because I got engrossed in watching Downton Abbey reruns and you know, Mr. Bates was almost a murderer!
  • I vomited in a taxi.

That’s enough humiliation for now, right?

What is your idea of a good marriage?
My God, do those exist? I am not big on commitment. But if I had to describe the perfect marriage in one of my books, it would be steamy sex (I write erotica, by the way), a husband with a sense of humor, a wife who never tires of that same joke about the short guy who goes into a bar, and lots of forgiveness.

What would you like it to say on your tombstone?
“She was cremated, by the way.”


Thanks for having me. 


About the Book
This wasn't the way Beck Throckmorton had planned it. She wasn't expecting to find herself in her thirties writing erotica and making flat whites for a living while she stewed over that fact that her ex had wound up with her sister. She never saw herself living in a small suburban Ohio town with an octogenarian neighbor best friend. And she definitely wouldn't have imagined the eight-year-old great-granddaughter of that friend turning her world upside down. 

As summer comes around, Beck's life is unsettled in every way. And that's before the crazy stuff starts: the sister taunting her with her pregnancy, the infuriatingly perfect boyfriend, the multiple trips to the emergency room. The needy, wise-beyond-her-years little girl finding places in her heart that Beck didn't even know existed. 

Beck has found herself at an emotional intersection she never anticipated. And now it's time to cross the street.

CROSSING THE STREET is a funny, touching novel that brims life's complexities. Filled with characters both distinctive and welcomingly familiar, it is a story that will entertain and enlighten.


Giveaway
1 eBook of Crossing the Street
a Rafflecopter giveaway

#BookReview :: Breathing Two Worlds by Ruchira Khanna

Neena Arya, a Delhi-born goes abroad for further studies and decides to settle down there. Determined to be a 'somebody' from a 'nobody' she blends with the Americans via the accent and their mannerisms while having a live-in relationship with her European boyfriend, Adan Somoza. 

When illness hits home, Neena rushes to meet her ailing dad. Tragedy strikes and amidst the mingling with relatives and friends, she finds herself suffocated with the two different cultures that she has been breathing since she moved to the United States. How will she strike a balance between both the cultures as she continues to support her widowed mother? Will she be able to do justice to her personal and professional life after the loss? 

Amidst the adjusting she bonds with an ally and learns about ties beyond blood. On what grounds will she be able to form an invisible thread that she has longed for since childhood?

Breathing Two Worlds ventures into cultures and ethnicity allowing Neena to ponder upon her foundation and priorities.


Breathing Two Worlds is a straightforward story of Neena, a Delhi girl. She ventures out into the world by going abroad for her higher studies and then decides to settle down there. When her father’s health deteriorates, she comes back to India. 

Neena is a modern age girl with values. As she sees the more and more of the world around her, she adjusts accordingly. She is a strong girl with mostly a pragmatic approach to life. As we see her in different settings, we see her struggling to maintain a balance on all aspects of her life. I know that it is difficult to go to a foreign country and to accept and settle in to their ways of life. Then to come back after a while to the culture that she was born to but something so different from what she was trying to settle in… It is a huge step. From balancing out the different cultures to balancing her personal and professional life – one needs a great amount of strength and will power for it. The question is whether Neena will manage it or not. Well you will have to read the book to find out.

It is noticeable that I am only talking about Neena and not any other character from the book. It is because thought there are quite a few characters in the book, none of them are in the spotlight. They are there to provide some depth to Neena’s life and that is all. This book is essentially about Neena alone. The book is well narrated and properly paced. The ending seemed slightly rushed. 

Over all, it is an interesting read for contemporary lovers.


Review Copy received from the Author



28 June, 2017

#BookReview :: The Book of Whispers by Kimberley Starr

Tuscany, 1096 AD. Luca, young heir to the title of Conte de Falconi, sees demons. Since no one else can see them, Luca must keep quiet about what he sees.

Luca also has dreams—dreams that sometimes predict the future. Luca sees his father murdered in one such dream and vows to stop it coming true. Even if he has to go against his father’s wishes and follow him on the great pilgrimage to capture the Holy Lands.

When Luca is given an ancient book that holds some inscrutable power, he knows he’s been thrown into an adventure that will lead to places beyond his understanding. But with the help of Suzan, the beautiful girl he rescues from the desert, he will realise his true quest: to defeat the forces of man and demon that wish to destroy the world.


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Set in the early 1900s, The Book of Whispers is the story of Luca and Suzan. Luca can see demons and that is fact that he keeps well-hidden after a childhood experience. His dreams are like premonitions and so when he sees his father getting murdered, he decides to follow his father on a journey in order to be able to prevent it. That is where he meets Suzan, a girl raised in the convent and on the run after a close call at the convent. The thing is that Suzan too can see the demons. So together they work towards stopping the demons from taking over with a little help from the Book of Whispers.

The Book of Whispers is something that Luca inherited. It is surprising to see a book with almost as many secrets and as much character as a person in the plot. Both Luca and Suzan make for interesting protagonists. There is just enough details given about them to make a reader get acquainted with their characters. I loved the setting quite a bit and how the author has sprinkled little details throughout the book.

The romance in the book adds another element to the plot though I am not very sure of it. It felt kind of instantaneous and then builds on it. It wasn’t really the kind of romance I enjoy, but then again, the romance is not the main focus of the book so it is pretty easy to look beyond it. The book has a slow start, but once all the elements are in place the pace does not lag at all. So, readers need be patient towards the beginning.

Overall, it is a YA Fantasy that will appeal to many.


Review Copy received via NetGalley



27 June, 2017

#Interview with Ruchira Khanna, #Author of Breathing Two Worlds


About the Book:
Neena Arya, a Delhi-born goes abroad for further studies and decides to settle down there. Determined to be a 'somebody' from a 'nobody' she blends with the Americans via the accent and their mannerisms while having a live-in relationship with her European boyfriend, Adan Somoza.

When illness hits home, Neena rushes to meet her ailing dad. Tragedy strikes and amidst the mingling with relatives and friends, she finds herself suffocated with the two different cultures that she has been breathing since she moved to the United States. How will she strike a balance between both the cultures as she continues to support her widowed mother? Will she be able to do justice to her personal and professional life after the loss?

Amidst the adjusting she bonds with an ally and learns about ties beyond blood. On what grounds will she be able to form an invisible thread that she has longed for since childhood?

Breathing Two Worlds ventures into cultures and ethnicity allowing Neena to ponder upon her foundation and priorities.

Available on Amazon

An Interview:

What inspires you to write?
The norms of the society! 

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
These days most of the population has been immigrating to different countries due to work thus, making most of us breathe two worlds as we try to juggle between two cultures and try to prioritize things in our life. 

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
There are a handful of them that are incomplete. Need a home or just left unedited. 

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
The Airplane scene when the couple is returning home from their India trip. 

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I enjoyed penning down a character called Carl for my book titled, “Voyagers into the unknown” 

I have portrayed him as an irritable, antisocial workaholic who has burned all of his bridges. It was a challenge to bring him gradually to terms towards the end of the book.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Write from your heart! 

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
Books, Paper, Pencil

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
Honestly, I don’t have a bucket list. Since they just lead to desperation, and uneasiness if not fulfilled. I take life in its stride and plan things there and then. 

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
- Love to Laugh.
- Have a quirky laughter that makes other people also laugh when I laugh
- Face gets all RED when I laugh

What do you have in store next for your readers?
Currently working on another novel that encircles ambitions and agony.



Book Trailer:

Excerpt:

"Oh!" the Mom answered, but could not contain her curiosity with one hand holding the hyper toddler and the other on her hip she could not resist, "You two don't look like brother-sister, hmmm. So, what is your relationship?" she inquired with a slight smile in a soft voice but without any inhibition. A handful of seniors sitting in the same room observed all the drama and nodded to each other while their fingers were moving on the Tulsi neck beads.

Neena rolled her eyes and thought to herself, "Jeez! We Indians are always darn inquisitive."
Nikhil immediately got up and started walking towards the dining area. This was happening to them for the umpteenth time, and he was now tired of clarifying things. He had lived in this country for half a decade now and still he could never understand the fascination Indians had for marriage and children. 

Neena was confused at first because it was unlike Nikhil to be so rude. On the contrary, sometimes Neena referred to him on lessons in patience but today it was different. But then she didn’t have a choice; she felt it was rude to walk away from the young mother leaving the conversation unanswered. Moreover given Indian mentality in all possibility, she might even follow them till she had a convincing answer to her question. 


About the Author:
Ruchira Khanna, a biochemist turned writer, left her homeland of India to study in America, where she obtained her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from SJSU and a degree in Technical Writing from UC Berkeley.

After finishing her studies, Ruchira worked as a biochemist at a Silicon Valley startup for five years. After the birth of her son, Ruchira took a job as a technical writer, so that she could work from home. Soon, she began doing freelance writing work as well.

Her love of writing grew and she started working on her own books. After four years of freelancing, Ruchira published her first book, a fiction novel for adults called Choices.

Then came the children’s book The Adventures of Alex and Angelo: The Mystery of the Missing Iguana. She got a thumb’s up review from Kirkus Reviews.

In January 2016, she has published her second fictional novel Voyagers into the Unknown. It talks about the quest for happiness as the heavy hearted tourists travel miles from different parts of the world to Raj Touristry in Agra, India. Return to their respective home with a healed heart. This book talks about their journey!

In Breathing Two Worlds, Ruchira talks about ethnicity and cultures, and helps to strike a balance via a fiction-drama novel as her characters breathe two worlds.

In addition to writing books, she is a holistic healer associated with Stanford Healing Partners and also maintains a blog of daily mantras on Blogspot, called Abracabadra. Ruchira currently resides in California with her family.



Find her on: Website Blog



26 June, 2017

#BookReview :: Spanky by Christopher Fowler




Martyn Ross had a miserable life until he met Spanky, a tuxedoed chamer who's diabolically handsome, successful and ruthless. He's willing to share his wild world of wine, women and wealth - but at a price. And it has nothing to do with Martyn surrendering his soul.

Quite the reverse...



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Set in the late eighties/ early nineties, the story revolves around Martyn & Spanky and their relationship. Martyn Ross is a regular guy with a mundane job and life. There is not much going on for him and for most parts he considers himself to be a loser. When Martyn meets Spanky, who insists that he is a daemon and offers to be his muse…  Slowly Spanky becomes his friend and helps Martyn achieve his dreams and desire and change his life for good. However, Martyn soon realizes that this wasn’t a one-way deal and he has to pay Spanky for it soon.

The first thing that attracts the reader to this book is the element of Faustian Pact but with a twist. The second thing that stands out in the book is its dark humour. Together they give the book a solid base for the plot to play out with its characters. Martyn is partly naïve as is clear from his entering into the pact with no idea of what he must pay for it. However, it is quite easy to feel kindly towards him. Spanky on the other hand is the star of the story. He is devilishly charming and has a cunning mind.

There are moments in the book when you just cannot help but draw a parallel to our reality. For instance, the fact that nothing in life comes for free. It was a surprise to me as I picked up this book expecting it to be just another story. But the book turned out to be much more than that.

An entertaining read for a rainy evening.


Review Copy received via NetGalley



25 June, 2017

#Interview with J.G.Dow, #Author of Jane in Manchester

About the Author:
 I was born in Huddersfield and went to University in Manchester and wrote poetry before I got onto novels and have written a sci fi book and a few others in the past. I also like music and play guitar.
Amazon Link - Mybook.to/JaneofM


An Interview with the Author:

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?
It was after I started writing poetry and then I decided to try writing a novel and it went from there really.

What inspires you to write?
I just like doing it and its a fun way to keep busy in life.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
I went to Manchester during University and so I knew about the place a bit and found it a good setting for the book.

Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
Not really- maybe something really basic that I did when I was thirteen perhaps.

Tell us about your writing process.
I try and do about an hour or so a day, usually in the evening until tired.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
The hen-do in Blackpool because there are a good few funny scenes.

Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
I don’t know really- I hope not!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I don’t think I have any to be honest - I just get on with it!

Do you read? Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your writing style?
Yes. Richard Brautigan is good and Evelyn Waugh along with many others but I don’t think they influence my style so much.

What is the best piece of advice you have received, as a writer, till date?
I don’t think I’ve ever had any advice to be honest.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Make sure you really enjoy doing it and it’s not a grind.

What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
I haven’t a clue but I suppose a load of English actors because of the setting.

If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
Maybe a guitar, a dictionary and a frying pan.

How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
I go out to the pub socialising sometimes and read in my room quite a bit.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.
I can juggle, play the guitar and cook a good spicy bowl of noodles!

What do you have in store next for your readers?
Hopefully more fun and games from my Jane character

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers?
I like listening to music…can’t think of anything else!

About the Book:
Jane's life on the face of it isn't really too bad...she has great friends like party girl Natasha who's always up for a laugh and her close pal Polly, always there for her and of course her loving parents, but things could still be better... 

Most people she knows are either married or have kids and she has been single a while now and wonders if a good man is ever to be encountered again. The single life is far from a quiet one for Jane however, as she is constantly getting dragged to night clubs and bars by Natasha and the crew as well as enduring a particularly boozy weekend away at the seaside! 

Jane loves a lot about her life, disregarding rude plumbers in her flat and dealing with annoying superiors and a smug sister, but as a certain someone takes her eye, is everything about to change and get a whole lot more serious or is the single life determined to keep her captive a while longer yet... 

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24 June, 2017

#BookReview :: Renee's Treasure by Indrani Sinha



Renee lives in a Railway Colony in Varanasi with her family. She has been promised a birthday gift by her Dadaji. In a sudden turn of events, she has to hunt for it through the lanes and by lanes of Varanasi, helped by her friends Anita and Sacchu. It must be kept a secret from the adults as Renee chases her dream in a race against time. Will Renee and Sacchu, venturing out for their secret 
exploits from the safe precincts of their Colony, ultimately find the treasure?




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It is Renee’s eleventh birthday and her grandfather has promised her a fantastic surprise. But there’s a clause to it… Renee must keep it a secret from her parents and she has to go on a treasure hunt to find it. With unfortunate turn of events, her grandfather expires before giving her the first clue. Soon, Renee’s parents move to a new locality where she makes friends with Anita and Sacchu. With her friends by her side and having her back, Renee decides to try and find the treasure on her own. What follows is an adventure of a lifetime.

I loved the book even though the book is clearly meant for a much younger audience. The language is dainty and the narrative is entertaining. But the best part of the book is the way it has captured the innocence of a child. Be it Renee or Anita or Sacchu, they have a certain charm and air of innocence about them that is lost in today’s world. Their camaraderie reminded me of my own childhood and the trust I had in my friends. It is hard to find it these days. The well-paced and interesting plot also has a few twists to offer giving the readers even more reasons to continue reading.

I am not one to judge a book by its cover, but this book has a beautiful and pleasing cover which is a bonus for cover fanatics.


Review Copy received from Leadstart Publishing






23 June, 2017

#BookReview :: Abhaya by Saiswaroopa Iyer



A tale set in the times of Mahabharata. An assertive and idealistic Princess Abhaya meets the enigmatic Krishna Vaasudeva. A bereaved Dhatri, hounded by her own family is saved by Lord Bhauma. When subverted religion becomes a tool in the hands of power thirsty and strikes Bharatavarsha, the land of Aryas, Abhaya finds herself face to face with the impending doom. 

“Can we combat the fear with faith? Can we keep our faith undeterred when the last traces of hope melt away? Can we receive blame and adulation, accept them and yet not give in to them?” 






‘Abhaya’ by Saiswaroopa Iyer tell us the story of Abhaya, daughter of King Dharmasena and the princess Anagha. King Dharmasena has brought up his daughter with great care and as such Abhaya believes in honour and duty. Now there are two parallel stories being told in the book. On one hand, we have Bhauma, the lord of Kamarupa, who is the leader of the Shakta Cult and his exploits. And on the other hand, we have the kingdom Avanti attacking the Anagha. When the king is killed, Abhaya leads her people to safety. At a point, these two parallel stories merge and become one. From then on, we follow Abhaya and her journey.

There is something to be said for strong female characters. I absolutely love them and any book that offers a strong female character leading from the front always has my full attention. Abhaya shows her strength and honour time and again as she is tested through a set of difficult times. Of course, she has Krishna by her side to counsel her, but it is also a sign of strength to know when to seek counsel from more experienced or wiser people. She goes from strength to strength and stick to what she believes is her ‘dharma’. Bhauma represents almost everything that Abhaya is not. Deception and misguidance are his tools. In a way, he is a worthy opponent for Abhaya as their personalities and characters clash on almost everything.

Though it is a mythological novel, I can’t help but relate to it in many ways. Especially Bhauma represents the enemy that we still face today – misguided people claiming superiority and killing innocents in the name of religion. We also need more people (both men and women) like Abhaya who will stand up for what is right and fight for those who are oppressed or misguided.

Saiswaroopa has woven a wonderful story with beautiful and strong characters and an interesting plot which is only further complemented by her delicate language and smooth narrative. 



22 June, 2017

#SpecialFeature :: #GuestPost - One Sliver of Truth by Molly D. Campbell


*** Special Feature - June 2017 ***

About the Author

Molly writes from her pantry, often in pajamas. She exercises regularly, despite the fact that she has sustained numerous injuries involving barbells and exercise balls. She successfully raised two gorgeous daughters, who both pay their own bills. 

Molly has few interests other than reading books and writing, although she and her husband did attempt clog dancing with disastrous results.

A huge fan of HGTV, Molly has been known to watch marathon sessions of “Househunters” while leafing through magazines and snacking.

Molly’s husband has an accordion band. The neighbors have started a collection to fund soundproofing for the Campbell’s basement.

Molly can be found at: Website * Blog * Twitter


ONE SLIVER OF TRUTH


I am not a “trained” writer. That is, I have not belonged to any writer’s groups, attended any lengthy seminars about the craft, and I have not submitted to hundreds of publishers only to be rejected. I have written two books. But my approach to writing has always been to begin with something I can almost hold in my hand.

My goal before I sit down to write anything, be it an essay, a humor piece, a character sketch, or a longer work of fiction, is to decide beforehand what one small truth I want to reveal in the piece. Some might call that a “theme,” but I don’t necessarily think that my writing is thematic. A theme runs throughout a work—it becomes more obvious as the reader delves into the text: it is repeated in metaphors and similes, landscapes are drawn to illustrate the theme, etc.

For me, it is much simpler. For instance, in my novel Crossing the Street, I latched unto a realization that most of us never actually know what “forgiveness” means. So we blunder through life holding onto some sort of semblance of a definition of the word, resenting the idea that we might someday actually have to forgive somebody for something. But the true essence of forgiveness seeps into our lives through the experiencing of various crises. We learn about forgiveness when people do awful things to us. I also realized that maturity doesn’t necessarily bring wisdom. With these two ideas in mind, these two small truths, I built a book.

Too many writers spend a great deal of time structuring, thinking about plots and subplots, time frames and organizational charts. I find reading those books somewhat formulaic. Other writers are absolute spot-on plotters, and the story is just so damn good, that there really isn’t time for doing much other than moving the story along until the big crescendo, with readers scratching their heads in wonder at the genius who thought this whole thing up. The genius plotters can just go right on coming up with blockbusters—I could read a new Gone Girl every week.

Of course, there are the puzzle builders. Mystery writers. I haven’t a clue how they do it. But I am sure decks of index cards, spread sheets, and the “cut and paste” feature come in handy.

Then there are the hacks. Not to mention any names or books, but we all have read one or another runaway bestseller that we wonder how the author got past an editor. Then there are the indie books, some of which, again, make it huge, and we scratch our heads after finding four grammatical errors in the first paragraph.

There is something readers want. A book must resonate at some level. We as authors have our choice of approach. We can write the Great American novel, which I know I am not capable of. We can become that writer who writes well enough and quickly enough to put out multiple books a year, ones that have thrills and chills and develop loyal readers who look forward to the next “knock your socks off” installment. There are the poets, who write a novel so full of either gorgeous or hideous imagery and descriptions that you want to tattoo them on your_____.

There are writers who create characters who are so real that the reader feels he knows them. Characterizations that click are great fun for the reader. We love those characters that are so completely self-centered that we want to slap them. Those husbands married to their jobs? I would like to kick them where the sun doesn’t shine. Writers who create these vibrant characters can write a great book around those characters alone, without throwing in the “plotline of the century.”

So I bring this all back to me. My level of writing. I like to think that my characters are vibrant. How did I do this? I wrote one character sketch a day for a year.  I like people, I like quirks, and I like character names.

This is certainly not a tutorial. But for me, here is the formula: Choose a name. Envision what that person looks like. Write a character sketch of three thousand words or less. Then choose the characters in that person’s family and immediate circle. Write those character sketches. Pick an outsider. Do the same for that person. You need at least one outsider to stir the pot when the time comes.

Choose one small truth: for instance—your mother did a lot more for you than make your lunch every day.  But you never thought about her as a real person, did you? No. She just was that person who kept you clean and fed. No depth to her! Then build a book around that truth and those characters you created, above.

This is my method. Unusual? Maybe. But it is the only way I know how to write stories.

About the Book
This wasn't the way Beck Throckmorton had planned it. She wasn't expecting to find herself in her thirties writing erotica and making flat whites for a living while she stewed over that fact that her ex had wound up with her sister. She never saw herself living in a small suburban Ohio town with an octogenarian neighbor best friend. And she definitely wouldn't have imagined the eight-year-old great-granddaughter of that friend turning her world upside down. 

As summer comes around, Beck's life is unsettled in every way. And that's before the crazy stuff starts: the sister taunting her with her pregnancy, the infuriatingly perfect boyfriend, the multiple trips to the emergency room. The needy, wise-beyond-her-years little girl finding places in her heart that Beck didn't even know existed. 

Beck has found herself at an emotional intersection she never anticipated. And now it's time to cross the street.

CROSSING THE STREET is a funny, touching novel that brims life's complexities. Filled with characters both distinctive and welcomingly familiar, it is a story that will entertain and enlighten.


Giveaway
1 eBook of Crossing the Street
a Rafflecopter giveaway

21 June, 2017

#BookReview :: Daughter of the Sun (Cult of the Cat #1) by Zoe Kalo

Sixteen-year-old Trinity was born during a solar eclipse and left at the doorsteps of a convent along with a torn piece of papyrus covered with ancient symbols. Raised by nuns in the English countryside, she leads a quiet life until she’s whisked away to the Island of Cats and a grandmother she never knew.

But before they can get to know each other, her grandmother dies. All that Trinity has left is a mysterious eye-shaped ring. And a thousand grieving cats. As Trinity tries to solve the enigma of the torn papyrus, she discovers a world of bloody sacrifices and evil curses, and a prophecy that points to her and her new feline abilities.

Unwilling to believe that any of the Egyptian gods could still be alive, Trinity turns to eighteen-year-old Seth and is instantly pulled into a vortex of sensations that forces her to confront her true self—and a horrifying destiny. 

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Trinity was born on a solar eclipse and left at an orphanage door with nothing but a mysterious papyrus to her name. She is then raised by the nuns in a quiet countryside till she discovers that her grandmother is alive and living on an island. At sixteen she is shipped off to live with her grandmother on an island of the cats. Unfortunately, the reunion did not last long as her grandmother dies and she is left to fend for herself while discovering her own truth.

Trinity as a character is quite loveable. Growing up in an orphanage by the nuns, she is sheltered and naïve, but only to a point. As she is thrown into an adventure of her own, she learns to ask the right questions and look out for herself. Her temper is the only thing standing in her way. Seth on the other hand is just as loveable because he is hot and sweet. There is a plethora of other characters in the book, some of who played an important part but there were a couple without whom the plot would still go on. The starting of the book is a bit slow as the author builds up the world and the character, but few chapters into the book the pace picks up and maintains a steady flow. 

What I loved most about the book is how it weaves in Egyptian Mythology. I have read a lot of Indian and Greek mythology, but this is only the second book I have read on Egyptian Mythology. The author does a beautiful job with it too. Though this book mainly deals with the Feline Goddess, I couldn’t help but feel curious about the rest of the Gods. I will surely look up more about it. The language used is easy but in no way simple. It was another highlight of the book.

Overall, this book was a complete entertainer and I cannot wait for the second book in the series.


Review Copy received from the Author



20 June, 2017

#Spotlight :: ICED: A Resort to Murder Mystery Avery Daniels

ICED: A Resort to Murder Mystery

Avery Daniels

June 20, 2017 Book Blast

Synopsis:

Iced by Avery Daniels
Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.
She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who know what's best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn't understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.
Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to her widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

Book Details:

Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Published by: Blazing Sword Publishing, Ltd
Publication Date: May 31st 2017
Number of Pages: 296
ASIN: B071LFD6JV
Series: A Resort to Murder Mystery, 1
Purchase Links: Amazon | Kindle Unlimited | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Today everything in my life changed.
I’m the events coordinator and membership manager, in training that is, at a five star resort in Colorado. Some days, like today, it feels like I was sacrificed to some sadistic little idol somewhere. Coordination of conferences and meetings of all sizes in the resort’s convention center facility was part of my training. But this particular event, a Leadership Luncheon that brought together the town’s community leaders to network, was a challenge from the first minutes this morning.
"Julienne, this event must be executed with precision and perfection." Those are the favorite words of my boss, Chad. This particular event is a daylong exercise in patience.
Every job has its great parts and it’s not so great. Today encompassed one of the more unpleasant aspects of my job. Occasionally, okay usually, the hardest part of my job is the customer relations and today was particularly difficult. Some customers just can’t be satisfied and some events are riddled with issues.
We were only serving a modest seventy-five attendees, but I had already been assailed with special requests and numerous complaints. Picky doesn’t begin to cover it.
“How hard would it be to setup for a video presentation with a large screen and surround sound?”
“There are windows. It’s too distracting, people will be watching the hotel guests walking around.”
“Can we change the setup of room C from an L configuration to a U shape? But only for that one session, then move it back.”
“Can we get the Lobster for the buffet flown in that morning? Scallops are out….Can we have the scallops after all?”
“Music piped in during the breaks?”
“No music piped in at all.”
“Red tablecloths with white napkins.”
“Royal blue tablecloths with white napkins.”
“White tablecloths with yellow napkins.”
“Candles on mirrors for lunch centerpieces.”
“Fresh flowers for centerpieces.”
The changes continued even after the event started.
The Convention Center, with its classic European décor had a small lobby area with a few potted trees and plants on column stands. The rest extended down a hallway with two large areas on each side that could be divided into smaller rooms via partitions that extend from the walls as needed. The space could be up to eight small rooms, four on each side, or any combination from one to four rooms per side of the hallway.
The hallway was wide with several half-circle console tables including marble tops holding large dried floral arrangements and a few elegant chairs. The walls displayed large paintings of the Italian countryside and vineyards with carved gold gilt frames.
I was in a partitioned room overseeing the set up of the lunch buffet. The Italian Renaissance architecture was accentuated with interior details and décor that created a European elegance, all lit with the warm glow of a massive amber glass chandelier.
The room was a rectangle with the entrance from the hallway to one end and the door to the catering staging area at the opposite end. The buffet table was along the wall next to the staging door so wait staff could easy restock food items. The six-person round tables covered in rich golden linens were scattered strategically throughout the room to allow easy traffic flow. The thick carpet felt plush and cloud-like under foot.
I was surveying the buffet table with a critical eye. The five foot long ice sculpture of a swordfish occupied the center of the table and looked as though it was caught in mid leap, frolicking in a wave and ready to dive back into an unseen ocean. My stomach growled as the succulent smells of seafood teased my nose. The attendees would be returning to this room for their lunch and keynote speaker shortly.
"Brad, where are the crab leg metal crackers and little forks? Can you grab a few dozen and bring them right away?" Brad, slim and serious, had joined the team only two months ago and was picking up extra hours at every opportunity. He had asked to work this event as soon as I blocked out the time on the schedule. This would give him a good paycheck. He was lanky and took off with an easy loping stride to the staging area through the back door.
The door to the staging area had barely closed when I felt a hand grab hold of my derriere with an iron hard grip.
"This is more like it honey. I haven't had any fun today."
I whirled around and stumbled back. "Don’t touch the staff. That includes me Pastor Tom." I practically shouted. Pastor Tom Drake was well known around town, and getting national attention lately with his mega church. He was included in the luncheon due to his influence, but he was just Pastor Tom since he was a local guy who started his church and radio ministry from his garage.
I had contended with bad behavior before, but never this grabby. I think I was going to have a bruise left from his vicious hand.
"You’re not being very fri…friendly." I noticed his eyes were droopy and then I caught a whiff of the scotch he must have gotten at the Gilded Hornet pub next to the convention center building.
I decided to alert security we needed a person to monitor the rest of the event and turned to go. His iron hand grabbed hold of my arm and yanked me to him. Without a thought I took my knee to his groin and enjoyed watching his mouth form an "O" as his breath whooshed out. I broke free and backed away. I wasn’t turning my back on him again.
"I will see you fired for that you bitch." He whispered with a jagged voice.
He couldn’t do that, at least I was pretty sure he couldn’t. I guess I’d find out. I rubbed my still smarting arm where he grabbed it. Brad would be back or the event participants would start to wander in so he couldn’t do much more, but I didn’t want to stay and find out. I backed out the door to the hallway toward the lobby and took my cell phone from my pants pocket.
"Hey Ron, we have a person under the influence at the luncheon in Convention Center. Can you spare someone for the afternoon?"
"I’ll make sure somebody’s there immediately Julienne. How bad is this guy?"
"Well, I’ll probably have a black-and-blue handprint on my arm and …my backside." I took a deep breath.
"Son of a … I’ll be right there. You stay away from him." Like I would go near that Neanderthal again, pastor or not.
The other participants were starting to exit the smaller break out session rooms and meander to the banquet room and bathrooms. The noise level began to creep upward from multiple conversations competing to be heard.
There was a loud crash of metal from the banquet room and a participant jerked open the door and froze in place. "Oh sh…" The participant’s mouth gaped and his eyes were large circles.
I ran over to the open door and saw Pastor Tom impaled through the chest with the sharp end of the Swordfish ice sculpture, from his back right through to the front. His head was forward against his chest. Blood, running down the swordfish tip that jutted from his chest, dripping to the carpet. Drip, drip, drip in a macabre but surreal scene.

***
Excerpt from Iced by Avery Daniels. Copyright © 2017 by Avery Daniels. Reproduced with permission from Avery Daniels. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Avery Daniels Avery Daniels was born and raised in Colorado, graduated from college with a degree in business administration and has worked in fortune 500 companies and Department of Defense her entire life. Her most eventful job was apartment management for 352 units. She still resides in Colorado with two brother black cats as her spirited companions. She volunteers for a cat shelter, enjoys scrapbooking and card making, photography, and painting in watercolor and acrylic. She inherited a love for reading from her mother and grandmother and grew up talking about books at the dinner table.

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19 June, 2017

#BookReview :: The Women of Baker Street (A Mrs Hudson and Mary Watson Investigation #2) by Michelle Birkby

As Sherlock and Watson return from the famous Hound of the Baskervilles case, Mrs Hudson and Mary must face their own Hound, in the swirling fog of Victorian London . . .

When Mrs Hudson falls ill, she is taken into a private ward at St Barts hospital. Perhaps it is her over-active imagination, or her penchant for sniffing out secrets, but as she lies in her bed, slowly recovering, she finds herself surrounded by patients who all have some skeletons in their closets. A higher number of deaths than usual seem to occur on this ward. On her very first night, Mrs Hudson believes she witnesses a murder. But was it real, or just smoke and mirrors?

Mary Watson meanwhile has heard about young boys disappearing across London, and is determined to find them and reunite them with their families. As the women's investigations collide in unexpected ways, a gruesome discovery in Regent's Park leads them on to a new, terrifying case.

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I have not read ‘The House at Baker Street’ which is the first book in this series. Though this book can be read as a standalone, there were places where certain references made me feel like I was missing something – something that I ought to know about Mary and Mrs. Hudson’s first adventure. I would straightaway suggest people to pick up the books in the series in order.

Mrs.Hudson has been taken in ill and has been admitted to the hospital where she shares a ward with various other quirky characters. But Mrs.Hudson soon notices some very uncommon things which seem to be coincidental; yet they feel like anything but coincidental. With the number of deaths involved mounting up, Mrs.Hudson knows she is the only one who has noticed and hence needs to do something about it. With the help of Mary Watson, she delves deep into the case… Only, is what she seeing real or her medicines are causing her to hallucinate?

The highlight of the book is its characters and their dynamics. The characters of Mary Watson and Martha Hudson have been well fleshed out in the most believable ways. While in the Sherlock Holmes stories they are more or less in the background, here when you read about them, you have no trouble believing that they are one and the same. Sherlock and John Watson have been added to the story in ways that they add something to the story without ever taking the limelight off Mary and Mrs.Hudson. their dynamics is something that I really enjoyed, whether it is between Mary and John Watson or it is between Sherlock and Mrs.Hudson. The plot can stand on its own. Several seemingly unrelated incidences are strung together to build up the plot. This could be almost categorized as a cozy mystery; the kind you read to brighten up a dull day. 

All in all, this book is a complete entertainer as Michelle Birkby weaves a wonderful story with her pleasurable narrative with strong characters and a classic whodunnit mystery.


Review Copy received from Pan Macmillan India