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Monday, March 29, 2010

Author Interview: Wendy Roberts

Winners for The Morning Show Murders book giveaway are: Cherylbaryl and Rubynreba.  Wahoo!  Congratulations.  You should have received an email from me requesting your mailing address to send the book to you.

* * * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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. * * * * * * * *

Today we have the author of the Ghost Dusters Mystery series, Wendy Roberts, visiting with us.  You may read the review I did of her most recent book, Dead and Kicking here.



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


I start with the protagonist/heroine. If I have a handle on her personality, the nugget of a plot will follow in my mind. In the Ghost Dusters series, the idea for Sadie came to me after I’d interviewed a trauma clean worker in Seattle.

- 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 don’t outline or plot during the first draft. In the beginning it’s crucial that I let my characters dictate the story and I can honestly say that I never know whodunit until I’m about three-quarters through writing the story. I like to be surprised! After that epiphany, I go back and start the second draft and that involves some plotting. For my process, I like the ideas to come to the paper fresh without a lot of self-editing during that crucial first stage.

- I enjoy Sadie and Maeva, 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’m glad you enjoyed Sadie and Maeva! For the protagonist I allow her to speak to me throughout the story. With secondary characters, however, I often find pictures will help. I’ll peruse magazines, online articles, or even my own facebook friend list for photos to become the basis of a supporting character and I’ll build their personality attributes around what I feel that face is telling me.

- 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?

I have four kids so my writing time is during school hours out of necessity but I have been known to bring a laptop to baseball and football games when I’m under deadline. If I find the laundry and the dishes calling my name when I should be writing, I’ll pack up my laptop and find a coffee shop. If I want to go for a particularly spooky scene, I’ll pour myself a glass of wine and write late at night with the lights turned down low.

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

Every book comes with its own time frame. I’ve written one complete first drafts in six weeks and one in a year. Usually it takes me six months to complete that first draft and then another couple months of editing and layering to complete the story.

- How much research goes into your work and do you complete that up front or "just enough" as you go?

Most of my research is done before I go beyond the first three chapters of the book. If things come up along the way, I’ll insert a note to myself in the manuscript and I’ll go back to research those questions after the first draft is complete. If I stop and go to do research along the way, I find I get too hung up on details and it slows my process.

- Setting seems as important as the characters in your mysteries, any tips on conveying a sense of place well?

All my books so far have been set in Seattle. I just love that city and I find inspiration around every corner! I find it helpful to include real locals in my stories. I’m an avid coffee fan so it wasn’t a hardship to visit many independent coffee shops in Seattle and then include them in my Ghost Dusters series.

- Can you recommend a fiction book that provides a great example of the writing craft to dissect and learn from?

Any books by Allison Brennan or Tess Gerritsen are great examples if you want to learn how to build strong characters and thread suspense throughout a story. A couple non-fiction craft books in my own library are Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass.

- What are you currently reading?

On my bedside table right now is Jasper Fforde’s Shades of Grey. It’s different and somewhat peculiar but I’m enjoying it immensely. I’ve just finished Allison Brennan’s Original Sin which was a phenomenal read!

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

If I’m writing at home, rather than at a coffee shop, you’ll find me twisted into odd pretzel shapes while I wrap myself around my keyboard. I can’t seem to maintain creativity while sitting up straight and tall. At the moment I have my right leg tucked under and my left foot on the edge of my desk. Weird, I know J

- How did you get your first break towards getting published? Was it sending in a query or meeting an agent at a writing conference etc?

In the beginning I was rejected by every big agent and publisher in New York. My biggest break came at the Surrey International Writers Conference in my own home town. I had a ten minute appointment with published author, Nancy Warren. During those ten minutes she helped me see where the beginning of my story was a bit weak and also told me which publishing house would be looking for my particular style. I reworked the beginning and then submitted to that publisher. They bought my first book, Dating Can Be Deadly, almost immediately. Nancy has also become one of my dearest friends.

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

In the beginning of my writing career I participated in a few critique groups, both online as well as face-to-face. I found the lessons I learned were priceless. Just having the opportunity to have someone read my stuff and give me their opinion on the story was wonderful. It helped me to be stronger and grow a tough skin which is a must in this business. Now my critique group is my agent and editor but I still meet with other published authors for brainstorming sessions.


Thank you Wendy Roberts for such a great interview!



 
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Thursday, March 25, 2010

Review: Dead and Kicking by Wendy Roberts

* * * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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: Wendy Roberts

Copyright: Dec 2009 (Signet); 280 pgs.

Series: #3 in Ghost Buster’s Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery sub-genre: Paranormal Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Sadie Novak, owner of Scene-2-Clean, a cleaning company that specializes in cleaning up death scenes
Setting: Seattle, Washington

Obtained book through: Library Find

Sadie Novak sees and talks to the dead, which makes her job of cleaning up death scenes interesting and occasionally dangerous. This series caught my eye initially because of the unique concept of a psychic trauma clean specialist. This series does mention some oogie things that Sadie must clean up from death scenes. I think that aspect is handled without overdoing or elaborating on gruesome details too much.

In this installment of the series Sadie is now living with what had just been a developing boyfriend from the last book. I felt as though a year or so was missed in Sadie’s life from the last book to this one. The story opens at the wake for Sadie’s father in her folks’ home and – you guessed it – his ghost is there. Sadie has already lost here brother a few years earlier and she finds that what she considers her duty to help dad cross over into the light is hard since she would rather he stay around.

The mystery in this story comes from her now live-in-boyfriend Zack taking a clean-up job from his former girlfriend. The job is to clean out her “horder” mother’s house. Yes, Paula’s mom was a world-class horder so that there are barely pathways through the canyons of boxes and trash. The wrinkle in the job is the aggressive and angry ghost who refuses to allow the upstairs to be cleared.
...She motioned for Sadie to follow but movement at the top of the stairs caught Sadie's eye.

A deep male voice shouted "Get out of here!"

Sadie stared up the stairs to see the furious face of a large middle-aged man standing on a pile of boxes in the hall above.  She froze.

"Get out!" he roared, waving an angry fist.

Sadie realized Paula was talking.  She and Zack had entered the den up ahead and were oblivious to the meaty Neanderthal screaming angrily from the top of the stairs.

Sadie narrowed her eyes at the man who stood shouting and positively snarling at her.  Saliva dripped from his ghoulish grin and his massive hands opened and closed into tight fists.  Even though Sadie was positive he was a ghost, she couldn't help but feel a little intimidated.  The spirit was well over six feet with a barrel of a chest straining against a sweatstained undershirt and long hairy legs protruding from ugly green boxers.  His lips were ruby red cherries against the gray complexion of the dead.
This ghost manages to throw heavy objects and even breaks Zack’s ankle. Among the items being thrown around by the ugly brutish ghost in green boxers is a box containing the 17-year-dead body of a baby. Enter the police.

To complicate Sadie’s life, Zack is up to more with his ex-girlfriend than just lending a helping hand…could he be falling into his old bad habits again?

I have noticed that each book has considerable developments happen between books and I have to say that Zack and Sadie’s relationship mostly developed off the pages. I think readers typically like to get to know the romantic interest over a few books and have some tension there. Thus it seems sudden that their relationship is going through serious problems already.

Wendy Roberts does a great job of bringing you immediately into the middle of Sadie’s world. Sadie is an interesting character who is facing industrial strength stress in this book which seems the major focus rather than the mystery. Will Sadie deal with her grief over her father’s death and finally help him cross-over? Will Zack get his act together or is this the end for them? Will Sadie get rid of the big angry ugly ghost so the police can investigate?

This seems the darkest of the books so far with all Sadie is facing personally. Sadie missed some obvious clues and was totally oblivious to threats and danger closing in. Danger draws closer with each chapter and there is a bit of a nail-biting climax.  It seemed that Sadie was completely distracted with her personal life and the mystery unfolded around her rather than her doing any serious sleuthing. Don’t get me wrong - it is a good story that kept me reading but I would have appreciated more of an emphasis on the mystery. It pulled me into the drama and I felt emotionally involved which is a testament to Ms Robert’s talents.

Maeva (of Madame Maeva’s Psychic Cafe) and Louise are return characters for the paranormal aspect of the story and I enjoy both for the fun and flavor they add. Also returning in this installment is good old detective Petrovich, the recently divorced middle-aged cop who is becoming one of my favorites. A new addition and potential future romantic interest is Detective Floyd Grayson. The supporting cast is strong with these well-drawn characters and I look forward to watching them progress.

What do you think?  Is this the sort of book for you?

For your convenience, you may purchase your copy here.

For your enjoyment, here is a recipe I love.
Pink Lemonade Pie
Prep Time: 10 Min
Ready In:  2 Hrs 10 Min

Original Recipe Yield 2 - 8 inch pies

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (6 ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate (or limeade),thawed
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 (8 inch) prepared graham cracker crusts.

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk and lemonade concentrate.
Fold in whipped topping. Pour into pie crusts. Refrigerate until completely chilled.

Amount Per Serving Calories: 253

Total Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 8mg

Until next Monday, I wish many mysterious moments.
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Monday, March 22, 2010

Book Giveaway: The Morning Show Murders

~ ~ ~ The winner of A WITCH IN TIME BY Madelyn Alt giveaway is Carol M.  CONGRATULATIONS CAROL.

* * * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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. * * * * * *

Delacort Press has graciously provided two hardbound copies of Al Roker's novel THE MORNING SHOW MURDERS for giveaway.
 
I recently reviewed the book and you can read the review here.
 
Similar rules as last time, with one more way to get points.


How to Enter:


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

All entries are to be in the comments for this post (or possibly in an email.)

I will stop taking entries for this giveaway Friday March 26 at midnight and will announce the winner Monday the 29th.

For each point you earn you will have one entry in the random drawing. There is a chance for 7 points total for each contestant and thus 7 entries each.

+1 for leaving a comment with your correct email information. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your email in a comment, please email me your information at: mysterysuspense1 at gmail dot com.

+2 for posting on your blog about this giveaway with a link back, please supply link to your blog post in the comments

+2 for each new member you bring to this blog (you must identify the new member you brought) - NEW

+1 for adding this giveaway to a side bar of your blog with a link back, please supply link in comments

+1 for tweeting about this contest, please post link in comments

Comment/email example:

+1 here is my email address so you can notify me I won _ _ _ _ _ @ _ _ _ .com

+2 here is the link to the post I did on my blog for this giveaway (http://myblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/book giveaway hurry)

+2 for new google member Sadie197 I brought to your blog

+1 for adding this giveaway to my blog sidebar (http://myblog.blogspot.com/)

+1 here is the link to the tweet I did on this giveaway (http://twitter.com/NICKI0162/status/7657117606)

Thank you for participating and good luck!


Here is a short interview with Al Roker on his book for your enjoyment.










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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Review: The Morning Show Murders by Al Roker

- If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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: Al Roker and Dick Lochte

Copyright: Nov 2009 (Delacorte); 312 pgs.
Series: Stand alone or 1st in series – don’t know

Sensuality: Mild. Occasional swearing and a few instances of the “F” word
Mystery sub-genre: Cozy-esque

Main Character: Chef Billy Blessing, morning show personality and celebrity Chef
Setting: New York – Morning Show Wake Up, America!

Obtained book through: Library Find

Al Roker of NBC’s Today Show has written two cookbooks and a non-fiction book, but this is his first foray into mystery fiction. It can be difficult to objectively judge a book by a celebrity since I think subconsciously we immediately expect a bit more from them. So I will do my best to review this as compared to other similar genre-type books.

The basic story line starts out simple enough and quickly gets several layers. The book opens with the main character, Chef Billy Blessing, struggling over a new reality cooking school pilot that his arrogant Executive Producer Rudy Gallagher insisted on. They exchange words over the dismal prospects of the show.
I turned to survey the other nine inhabitants of the soundstage kitchen. They, like Eldon, were dressed in chef coats, with most of their hair tucked under white caps. Also like Eldon, they were all very young, the exception being a beady-eyed fortysomething gent who had the appearance and the odor of a greasy-spoon fry cook.

They’d separated themselves by gender. A male with acne was staring at me with the goofy adoration of a dependent dog. Another was nervously rubbing a mustache that looked like anchovies attacking his upper lip. I spied a brown Mohawk partially tucked under a cap, the oily bottom spikes sticking out over the collar of his coat like the tail of a dirty bird. Yuchhh!

One of the very young women – girls, actually – chomped on gum. A pretty brown-skinned sister who might qualify as a supermodel trainee seemed more interested in protecting her long fingernails than in food preparation. A girl with a sallow complexion had little pieces of metal piercing her brows and ears, and every time she nodded her head, which was often, they caught the light and reflected it into the camera, causing a flare. God help her if she was ever trapped outdoors in a lightning storm.

Breakfast was obviously the most important meal of the day for a fourth girl, judging by the tattoo of a fried egg on her neck. A fifth, another black woman, was showing more attitude than Wanda Sykes but none of the humor.
That evening at Billy’s four-star Bistro a crime boss from his old neighborhood and family friend is in the restaurant and asks Billy if, in his connected position, he has heard of an assassin coming to town from overseas. Two days later news that Rudy is dead from poisoned food from Chef Blessing’s posh Bistro restaurant puts him as the number one suspect and the police close his restaurant simultaneously putting a strain on his morning show appearances.

Billy is assaulted by somebody believing he killed Rudy and searching for what they think he removed from Rudy’s place. Billy begins investigating and becomes convinced that Rudy’s last assignment in Baghdad has something to do with his murder. A mercenary contractor meant to protect the reporters was killed one night at dinner in front of the team. As the other members of that dinner party start to all die off it seems likely, but why is Billy in danger?

The plot has several layers and Chef Blessing doesn’t take himself too seriously with some self effacing humor that made me chuckle. There is a cast of characters including international assassin Felix the Cat, the Morning Show crew including the pushy new Executive Director, Billy’s prior girlfriend who happens to be the daughter of the station owner and Rudy’s fiancĂ©e, Billy’s hard-core-New-Yorker assistant at the Bistro and then security hired to protect him who have ties to the Baghdad mercenaries, and an ex-Mossad agent coming to the show pushing his “tell all” book.

It is a fun “beach” read with a few quirky characters and an adequate storyline to keep you reading. The plot may not be memorable but it wasn’t simple or transparent either and the ending was satisfying. I classified this as a “cozy-esque” mystery because it is on par for a cozy with little graphic violence, breezy writing style and the fun cast of characters. It isn’t full-on cozy since it does involve international aspects. If you are looking for a light read that isn’t award winning high prose but an entertaining story then this book is for you. As a debut novel it wasn’t bad at all, I certainly have read far less deserving fair that had some readers raving.

For your convenience you may purchase your copy here.
 
****A little extra for you ****
 
 




Until next Monday I wish you many mysterious moments.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Book Giveaway: A Witch In Time By Madelyn Alt

-  Winners of THE BOLT FROM THE BLUE by Diane Stuckart are *drumroll please* Kaye (Pudgy Penguin) and Edna!! And the crowd goes wild with deafening applause.  They have been notified and should be sending me their mailing addresses.


- If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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.

-  I have been doing a gradual makeover for the blog.  I hope you like the new banner and sidebar labels.  I haven't figured out how to get a label on my profile or the followers section yet.  I am undecided on the signature though, what do you think?





Now for the next book giveaway - A WITCH IN TIME BY Madelyn Alt that I reviewed just last week.  The publisher has provided one (1) solitary hardback copy to go to a lucky winner.
Same rules as last time.
How to Enter:


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

All entries are to be in the comments for this post (or possibly in an email.)

I will stop taking entries for this giveaway Friday March 19 at midnight and will announce the winner Monday the 22nd.

For each point you earn you will have one entry in the random drawing. There is a chance for 5 points total for each contestant and thus 5 entries each.

+1 for leaving a comment with your correct email information. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your email in a comment, please email me your information at: mysterysuspense1 at gmail dot com.

+2 for posting on your blog about this giveaway with a link back, please supply link to your blog post in the comments

+1 for adding this giveaway to a side bar of your blog with a link back, please supply link in comments

+1 for tweeting about this contest, please post link in comments

Comment/email example:


+1 here is my email address so you can notify me I won _ _ _ _ _ @ _ _ _ .com

+2 here is the link to the post I did on my blog for this giveaway (http://myblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/book giveaway hurry)

+1 for adding this giveaway to my blog sidebar (http://myblog.blogspot.com/)

+1 here is the link to the tweet I did on this giveaway (http://twitter.com/NICKI0162/status/7657117606)


Thank you for participating and good luck!
Thursday we will be back to our normal schedule.



 
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Monday, March 15, 2010

Historical Mystery Reading Challenge



Welcome to the Historical Mystery Reading Challenge




I have recently gotten into historical mysteries and thought I would share the fun in a reading challenge.  So signup with me for the next few months.
* This reading challenge runs March - June 2010


Suspense, amateur sleuth or police procedures and the entire menagerie under the mystery genre are all available for the challenge.

*  In three (3) months read five (5) historical mysteries.


* Cross overs / overlaps to other challenges are okay and the more you can utulize your TBR stack the better.

* Sign up below with Mr Linky, if you like. If you don't have a blog then post your list of books here in the comments and return to share what you finished.

* If you have given the book you chose a good chance and you just can't read/finish it, feel free to pick a new one.

* Those who complete the challenge get a Badge of Completion that can be posted on their blog or website and entered for a random drawing for one of five Challenge winners bookmarks to be given away.  I scrapbook and stamp so they are handmade.

* Prize restrictions - bookmarks will only mailed within the U.S and Canada.

Random drawing of challenge participants who completed the challenge will have 2 weeks from prize notification to provide a mailing address. If a mailing address is not provided then a new person will be drawn and notified.


* The books I am planning to read for the Historical Mystery Reading Challenge are:

-  Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke - DONE

-  The Pendragon Murders by J.M.C. Blair - DONE

-  Murder Has No Class by Rebecca Kent - DONE

-  The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen- DONE

-  Murder on Lexington Avenue by Victoria Thompson  DONE

Extra Credit:
Read Murder on the Cliffs a Daphne du Maurier Mystery set in 1928 Cornwall England.

Read Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson set in 1384 London.

Read Murder in Paradise by Alanna Knight set in Victorian England.

Okay, the Challenge has closed but we have had a great time finding new and exciting historical mysteries to read.  Thank you all for your participation and your comments.
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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Review: A Witch In Time by Madelyn Alt

- If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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: Madelyn Alt

Copyright: April 2010 (Berkley); 304 pgs.
Series: #6 in Bewitching Mysteries
Sensuality: Mild with adult themes
Mystery sub-genre: Paranormal Cozy
Main Character: 29 year old Maggie O’Neill
Setting: The small town of Stony Mill Indiana

Obtained book through: ARC from publisher for honest review

If you are making your way through this series from the first book, the last edition, Where There’s A Witch, ended with a decision concerning which of two guys Maggie goes with. Well, this review will be a bit of a spoiler.

Over the last several months Stony Mill has had an increase in crime. While some might write it off to new people moving in etc, Maggie and her paranormally minded friends know it is something else taking place. A few eyebrows rise over the news of a young man’s death possibly from a drug overdose.

In this book we have much more about Maggie and the dark and dangerous Marcus who turns out to be quite the boyfriend. While Maggie is at the hospital (sister Mel is having some complications in delivering her twins) enduring her mother’s disdain for her new boyfriend, she manages to get stuck in an elevator and overhear a suspicious conversation that filters to her. Later that night as she is trying to sleep in a chair in Mel’s room she overhears an argument from down the hall and the man involved ends up dead the next day. Is this death connected with the suspected drug overdose and how does the suspicious conversation Maggie overheard in the elevator tie in? Through all these developments there are indications that Maggie is developing into a psychic, to her chagrin.
"That would be my eldest daughter and her boyfriend."  My mother's voice came drifting down to us from the general vicinity of the nurse'es station, just down the hall.  "You might know him, actually - in an official capacity?  Tom Fielding.  Of the Police depart...ment."

I could tell by the way her voice went all funny that she had caught sight of me...and more important, of Marcus.

She hurried toward me, her eyes fixed on Marcus the whole way.  I braced myself.

"Maggie?"  She transferred her attention from Marcus's lean good looks to my frazzled form.  Her brows stretched high, an open inquiry that demanded an answer.

"Brought the coffee," I told her, pressing one instantly into her hand.

She ignored the coffee.  I  knew it as a long shot.  "And who might this be?" she asked, inclining her head toward Marcus in a way that was surprisingly regal and demanding for a plain old small-town housewife.
This book is less about the mystery and more about Maggie’s relationships with family and Marcus which I must admit was a disappointment. I missed Felicity, Maggie’s boss, she has a bit part in this one and even with Maggie’s developing powers there is much less about the paranormal than the usual books in the series. For fans this will be a delight of a read for the developing relationship between Maggie and Marcus, but if you are new to the series this is probably not the book to start with nor the one for a good puzzler mystery to solve.

The story is a light entertaining read with a sideline mystery.  It isn't difficult to figure out.  Maggie’s family is spotlighted and her mother is much like Marie Ramono from “Everybody Loves Raymond” and gossip-queen-sister Melanie has her life start to unravel which may result in that character growing a little. I am looking forward to the book where Maggie stands up to her mother's controlling ways, but it isn't this one.  I love Maggie’s grandfather in this one - he is a hoot. So for fans this is a fun addition but if you are new to the series this is not the best book to start with.

For your convenience you may purchase your copy here.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ And for a little something extra ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Graham Cracker Toffee


Ingredients:

About 12 whole (24 squares), (honey) graham crackers (perforated) broken into quarter sections

1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)

3/4 C light brown sugar

3/4 C chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

3/4 C Chocolate chips

Line up the graham crackers  in a jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet with low sides), sides touching so nothing can leak out. Over low heat melt butter. Stir in the sugar – simmer (not boil) about 10 minutes – until it melts. Occasionally stir. Pour mix over crackers – spread evenly. Sprinkle w/nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Take out and sprinkle chocolate chips over them and allow them to soften from the hot crackers.  Then spread the soften chocolate chips with the back of a spoon to cover the the surface.  Regrigerate for a few hours before breaking up into pieces.

Until next time, I wish you many mysterious moments.
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Monday, March 8, 2010

Book Giveaway & Interview with Diane Stuckart

Diane Stuckart is the author of BOLT FROM THE BLUE that I reviewed here.  She also writes several critically acclaimed historical romances as Alexa Smart and Anna Gerard, is a member of that proud breed, the native Texan. She was born in the West Texas town of Lubbock, home to Buddy Holly, prairie dogs, and Texas Tech University, where her mom once taught.  She currently lives in South Florida with her husband, four dogs, and two cats.

Towards the bottom you will find the book giveaway and directions.

Interview with Diane Stuckart

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


Usually, it’s a plot idea...a “what-if” jumping off point that occurs to me, or maybe it’s spurred by something intriguing I read online or in a magazine or newspaper. For example, the plot for my second Leonardo mystery, PORTRAIT OF A LADY, came to me when I learned about a particular deck of 15th century Tarot cards while researching for THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT. While I know the victim beforehand as I’m doing the initial story plotting, I often don’t know the actual killer until partway through the book.

- 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?

My editor always wants an outline in advance of each book, so that’s what I give her. And while I’ve often tried to master the 3-5 page synopsis, most of mine end up being pretty detailed write-ups at 20 or so pages. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t jump off in another direction when I’m actually sitting down to write! For my next project, which will be more thriller-oriented, I’m going to give the “write down your plot points on index cards” idea a try.

- I loved Delfina and how you brought Leonardo to life, 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 start with a few basic decisions about how I want to develop the character—his or her motivations and goals, flaws and virtues—but I tend to learn about the characters at the same pace that the reader eventually does. I do like having a picture as inspiration, either an actual image of the historical character, or else one I’ve found that captures what I feel is that character’s spirit and general appearance. I’ve tried that worksheet thing before, but it just never worked for me. But once I’ve lived with a character awhile, I’m able to answer all those clichĂ© worksheet questions like, what’s his favorite color, or, did she like her mom or dad better.

- 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?

I have a terribly cluttered office filled with all sorts of distractions designed to keep me from writing! I can’t work with music or the TV playing (though I do use music sometimes when I’m driving to help me work through problematic plot issues). As far as finding time or getting in the zone, that’s not an option...I just have to sit down and write, or it doesn’t get done.

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

I can write a book in 6 months, though I do spend some time prior to that playing around with research. I write at night after my day job...anywhere from a couple of hours in the evening to well after midnight when a deadline is looming. I’m always writing something, be it a manuscript or article or blog entry or social network posting (carpal tunnel issues are always threatening!).

- Since you are writing historical fiction and one of your characters is renowned to mythic proportions you must do a lot of research. How much research goes into your work and do you complete that up front or "just enough" as you go?

I read a large portion of Leonardo’s Notebooks plus a couple of biographies and general Renaissance overviews before beginning THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT. My research library featuring all things Leonardo and Renaissance continued to grow throughout the writing of the first three books, with special research spin-offs into chess and Tarot which played large roles in GAMBIT and PORTRAIT OF A LADY, respectively. By the time I started A BOLT FROM THE BLUE, I felt fairly entrenched in the time period, though I was constantly going back and fact-checking, since I have a Swiss cheese memory for things like dates and names.

- I loved how you brought ancient Milan Italy to life. Setting seems as important as the characters in your mysteries, any tips on conveying a sense of place well?

I’ve always found that it’s the little things that add verisimilitude. A mention of the laundry flapping between buildings, the color and texture of a structure’s brick, the pungent smells of cooking and privies...these small details add a realistic layer to the more dramatic descriptions I’ll also employ. If I’m unable to visit my story site, I depend on lots and lots of photos to get a feel for a locale. And let’s not forget accurate costuming and transportation to fill in more of the blanks.

- Can you recommend a fiction book that provides a great example of the writing craft to dissect and learn from?
Wow, that’s a toughie. I can learn something from every book I read. For tight, smart plotting and characters, I recommend the old Barbara Michaels books. For lyrical prose, Sharyn McCrumb’s fiction is wonderful. For grittiness and unsurpassable outdoor settings, anything by Nevada Barr.

The craft book I reread most often is Stephen King’s ON WRITING. It’s part memoir and part look at a writer’s psyche, mixed with some great advice on plot and structure and stick-to-it-tiveness. I just picked up a copy of David Morrell’s THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST and can’t wait to read it.

- What are you currently reading?

Thanks to my Kindle, I’ve got numerous books going at one time, including GOTHIC CHARM SCHOOL, SHUTTER ISLAND, THE SARI SHOP WIDOW, and WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN.

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm. I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

- How did you get your first break towards getting published? Was it sending in a query or meeting an agent at a writing conference etc?

I started out writing historical romance. My first book, MASQUERADE, was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart competition for unpublished writers. It was subsequently bought by the talented Denise Little, who at the time was an editor for Pinnacle.

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

Before I was published, and early in my published career, I was in a critique group which gave me valuable assistance in learning plotting and editing and how to balance dialogue with narrative. These days, I’m pretty much on my own, though I will sometimes send bits and pieces to writer friends to critique, or else bounce ideas off them. I do recommend critique groups to new writers. Some of their greatest value comes, not from having people analyze your work, but from you learning how to analyze other people’s writing. Invariably, you also learn how to apply those same lessons to your own book. But if you want to be more than a hobby writer, be careful in choosing your critique partners. Just as a top-notch group of critiquers can help you make that final leap toward becoming published, an inept or destructive group of fellow writers can hold you back.


Thank you so very much Diane for that great interview.  Readers, what did you find interesting?

Book Giveaway - The Bolt From The Blue
Thanks to Diane and the publisher we have two (2) copies of this book to givaway to lucky winners.  Please join in the fun.

How to Enter:


***  First, you must be a member (follower) of this blog.***
All entries are to be in the comments for this post (or possibly in an email.)

I will stop taking entries for this giveaway Friday March 12 at midnight and will announce the winner Monday the 15th.

For each point you earn you will have one entry in the random drawing. There is a chance for 5 points total for each contestant and thus 5 entries each.

+1 for leaving a comment with your correct email information. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your email in a comment, please email me your information at: mysterysuspense1 at gmail dot com.

+2 for posting on your blog about this giveaway with a link back, please supply link to your blog post in the comments

+1 for adding this giveaway to a side bar of your blog with a link back, please supply link in comments

+1 for tweeting about this contest, please post link in comments

Comment/email example:

+1 here is my email address so you can notify me I won _ _ _ _ _ @ _ _ _ .com

+2 here is the link to the post I did on my blog for this giveaway
(http://myblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/book giveaway hurry)

+1 for adding this giveaway to my blog sidebar
(http://myblog.blogspot.com/)

+1 here is the link to the tweet I did on this giveaway (http://twitter.com/NICKI0162/status/7657117606)


Thank you for participating and good luck!



Until next Thursday and the next book review I wish you many mysterious moments.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Special Announcement: Awards

- This blog has been nominated in the Blogger's Choice Awards in two categories, so PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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 have been behind on passing these awards on - but better late than never.  I have been honored to receive these awards and I am now passing that along. 


Thank you Jo at Books To The Rescue for my first award, the Lovely Blog Award:

Lovely Blog Award (pass along to 15 blogs)

The instructions for this award are as follows:


-  Accept the award.

-  Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

-  Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

-  Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
 
I am giving the "One Lovely Blog" Award to these blogs:
 

Lori's Reading Corner

Parajunkee

A Novel Source

Edifying and Edgy

The Book Jacket

Mysteries In Paradise

Writerly So

Thoughts In Progress 

The Hiding Spot

Book Chick City 

Just Books

Book Journey

Janel's Jumble

Book Crazy

Bookworming in the 21st Century


Thank you Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews for the Prolific Blogger Award.

Prolific Blogger Award (at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers )

-  A Prolific Blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.


-  Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!

-  Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

-  Every Prolific Blogger must link back to this post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.

-  Every Prolific Blogger must visit this post and add his/her name by leaving a comment so that we all can get to know the other winners.


I am awarding the "Prolific Blogger Award" to these blogs:

The Blood Red Pencil 

The Literary Omnivore 

Book Dilettante

The Novel Bookworm

Incurable Disease of Writing

The Neverending Shelf

Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog

Mayhem and Magic

Joy's Blog

I'm Booking It
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Thursday, March 4, 2010

Review: The Night Killer by Beverly Connor

- This blog has been nominated in the Blogger's Choice Awards in two categories, so PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. 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.


Author: Beverly Connor

Copyright: April 2010 (Obsidian); 359 pgs.
Series: #8 in Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation Mysteries
Sensuality: N/A, but sporadic swear words or rough language and adult themes
Mystery sub-genre: Police Procedural
Main Character: Dr. Diane Fallon, Head of crime lab and Museum Director
Setting: Rosewood, Georgia
Winner of any awards: 2004 Romantic Times Book club Career Achievement Award Recipient for Mystery and Suspense to the author
Obtained book through: ARC from publisher for an honest review

Think of Catherine Willows from CSI meets Kate Becket from Castle and you are in the ballpark of what Dr. Diane Fallon is like. Diane Fallon is not Dr. Temperance Brennan from Kathy Reichs’ books or the television show Bones. Dr. Diane Fallon is original and this series of books is different and deserves kudos on their own merit. If you have tried Kathy Reichs’ books and they were just too graphic for you but you liked the premise – this is probably more your style.

Diane is driving through a downpour on a winding backwoods mountain road in the dark after picking up a set of rare Indian artifacts for the museum when a tree suddenly slams across the hood of her car, revealing a human skeleton in its hollowed out trunk. As she starts to investigate, a man suddenly grabs her and clearly is angered she saw the skeleton. Diane runs into the woods and quickly realizes the angry man has rounded up dogs to track her. As she races through strange woods in the growing dark she plans to reach the couple that she had just gotten the Indian artifacts from. She feels she would be safe if she could just navigate her way back to their cabin.

Stumbling around she comes across a stranger out in the rain and dark who claims he was taking night photos, although Diane doesn’t trust him she accepts his help by taking his rain gear and knife and letting him take her coat to lay a false trail for the dogs chasing her. It all seems to be working and she manages to find her way back to the kind couple who gave the museum the artifacts. It is now late at night and she is shocked to find their cabin door ajar – and then to find them murdered in their dinning room. The backwoods Sheriff has a reputation for being stuck in the pre-technology days and Diane butts heads with him repeatedly after the family asks her to personally investigate.
Diane stopped dead still, not breathing.  Burning acid rose up, stinging her throat.  Her gaze darted around for something to use as a weapon.  A stick, a stone, anything.  She should have picked up something earlier.  Damn it.  Diane squeezed the flashlight in her hand.  It was her only weapon.

The man wore a rain poncho and a hat that hid the upper part of his face.  He held a flashlight in his hand, but it was not turned on.   He said nothing; nor did he move.

"You may be able to overpower me, " Diane said, "but I will hurt you really bad in the process."  Weak threat, but is was all she had.

"I believe you," he said.  "Are you lost? Hurt?"
This is how the book opens and it keeps a steady pace from that point on. There is just enough explanation of the technology and science without droning on about it. The tension is maintained throughout the books as more murders occur, clearly committed by the same person. The characters are well defined each with their own distinctive personalities. I liked all of Dr. Fallon’s co-workers and got just enough of them to want more. Character development was just enough since the pace moved along at a steady clip. This was the first book in the series I have read and I was pleased with the plot and the overall style and development – it stood alone fine. I really liked that it wasn’t a “downer”, if you get what I mean…it wasn’t all darkness and gruesomeness; there were definite moments of light and just a puzzle to figure out.

There are two storylines going in this book. Who was the skeleton in the hollowed out tree when there are no missing persons reports to match the apparent age (elderly) of the skeleton? And the most pressing, who is the serial killer loose in the backwoods? Subplots include the nagging question of who the stranger in the woods was – especially when he shows up later and starts dating Diane’s assistant. Lastly why does the sheriff hate Diane so much he banishes her from his county!

I had suspected who the killer turned out to be, but that was a guess and not based on fitting everything together – and it wasn’t until later in the book. I felt the plot was just complex enough since figuring out the motive and how all the various clues fit together as a complete picture was a good puzzle. Ultimately I felt it was a good entertaining story told well, a “page turner” for me. Description was quite good, you feel Diane in the dark rainy woods etc. I enjoyed some of the repartee dialog as well.

For your convenience you may purchase your copy of the book here.

Be sure to come back next Monday for an author interview and another book giveaway.

And a little something extra.  Are you tired of snow and cold in your area?  Enjoy this little video.





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Monday, March 1, 2010

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - March 2010

-  This blog has been nominated in the Blogger's Choice Awards in two categories, so PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog.  Thank you most sincerely.  There are voting buttons on the sidebar.

-  This marks the end ot the Fall Winter Mystery Reading Challenge I hosted, so please go to the original sign-up page to see the winners list posted and get your website badge.

-  The winner for The Fleet Street Murders book is Darcy Bishop.  She was the only one who attempted the treasure hunt and she got all five answers correct.  I shall be giving the other book away to a mystery fan I know.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It is the first Monday of March and time for our fourth blog Carnival.  It is another chocked full directory of mystery and crime fiction reviews across the blogosphere.


Police Procedural Book Review

Blogger News Network reviewed Murders At Crooked Creek by William Francis Burke. Set in 1959 Pennsylvania with a serial killer.

Booksmith reviews The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly.

KerrieS at Mysteries in Paradise presents Review: THE KILLING HANDS, P.D. Martin and says it is #4 in the Sophie Anderson series by an Australin crime fiction author whose popularity is growing all the time. Should be a hot with readers who know anything about martial arts.


One Person's Journey Through a World of Books reviewed I, Alex by James Patterson

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Review: The Pure in Heart by Susan Hill and says "if a tale that unfolds in intricate, captivating layers and provokes much thought about what you would do in the face of modern moral dilemmas sounds like your kind of thing then read The Pure in Heart."

Laura at Booking It reviewed Knots and Croses by Ian Rankin

KerrieS presents THE SUFFOCATING SEA by Pauline Rowson and shares it is "set in Portsmouth, 3rd in Rowson's Andy Horton series. A very intricate level of plot complexity means there is never a slack moment in the building tension."

Joy at Joy's Blog reviewed The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears if you love art history and art crime.  I have this one in my bookshelf and just haven't gotten to it yet.

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Review: Singing to the Dead by Caro Ramsay and shares "a follow-up novel that's interestingly different from the author's debut that cements my belief that Ramsay has superior skills in character development."

You're History! Reviewed the book Girl of His Dreams by Donna Leon


Private Investigator Book Review

Amy at My Overstuffed Bookshelf reviewed Hoodoo Money by Sharon Cupp Pennington

Beth Yarnall reviewed Deeper Than the Dead by Tami Hoag

Sherrie at Just Books reviewed "Dino Vicelli Private Eye" by Lori Weiner

Book Chick City reviewed The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

Julia at  Book News and Reviews gives us a brand new series review Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines

Yvonne at Socrates's Book Reviews gives us Dino Vicelli Private Eye: In A World of Evils By Lori Weiner

Amateur Sleuth book Review

The Red Room reviewed the novel Murder on the Eiffel Tower by Claude Izner

Word Lily reviewed I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason by Susan Kandel

Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews reviewed Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

Shhh I'm Reading reviewed the novel Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander

Sara over at The Hiding Spot reviews the YA mystery Heist Society by Ally Carter

Mysteries and My Musings reviews the historical intrigue book A Bolt From the Blue by Diane Stuckart

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed the historical novel The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed the novel Wild Penance by Sandi Ault

Cozy Mystery Book Review

Mason Canyon over at Thoughts in Progress reviewed The Teaberry Strangler by Laura Childs

Anastasia over at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog reviewed Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs

Julie at Booking Moma reviewed the paranormal cozy Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

Pamela and Terri at Mayhem and Magic reviewed Cooking Up Murder by Miranda Bliss 

Anastasia over at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog reviewed Crewel World by Monica Ferris


Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review

Harvee over at Book Dilettante presents The Trudeau Vector: A Novel by Juris Jurjevics

Mason Canyon over at Thoughts in Progress reviews Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young

KerieS at Mysteries in Paradise presents THE SURGEON by Tess Gerritsen and shares "This is the first in Gerritsen's Jane Rizzoli series, set in Boston. Highly recommended."

Sherrie at Just Books reviewed "The Rook" by Steven James

Laurie at In Laurie's Mind reviewed The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh.

Thoughts About Books reviewed Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

The Literary Omnivore gives us two mini-reviews: The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White and also Napoleon's Pyramid by William Dietrich.

Mark Baker over at at Random Ramblings from Sunny Southern CA presents 8th Confession by James Patterson

Jill at Frugal Plus reviewed The Khan Dilemma by Ron Goodreau

Missy Frye over at Incurable Disease of Writing presents Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer and tells us this suspense novel takes us back to 1945 Germany where the war is officially over but danger still lurks.

Hip Mama's Place reviewed Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon

The Novel Bookworm reviewed The Dragon Factory by Jonathan Maberry


Author Interview

Murderati interviews J Sydney Jones, author of Requiem in Vienna

Deanna over at Writerly So interviews Kate Carlisle, author of If Books Could Kill

Beth Groundwater interviews Agatha Award winner G. M. Malliet

Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Sandi Ault, author of Wild Penance


Writing Tips and Advice

Blood Red Pencil presents Writing as an Art Form — Continuity

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents Lighting up your reader’s brain: Can neuroscience teach you to be a better writer?

Eldon Sarte presents Interview Authorities.  Here's just one idea in a growing and on-going series of posts on Wordpreneur featuring "easier and faster ways to pump out useful, sellable ebooks."

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents 7 Reasons Agents Stop Reading Your First Chapter

The Blood Red Pencil gives us Easy Self Edits
Write Fresh, Write Bold, Write It Sideways gives us 23 Websites That Make Your Writing Stronger

Peta Jinnath Andersen presents Finding Your Voice: Dialogue and says "Writing natural dialogue is hard - these 3 tips might smooth the process."

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents Strong and Memorable Characterization in The Graveyard Book

Anne Valens gives us Top 50 Freelance Writing Blogs at the site "Journalism Degree".

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents How to Pull Off an Amazing Plot Twist


~ ~ ~ ~ ~WOW - what a great carnival this month ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Until Thursday and another book review, I wish you many mysterious moments.
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