To Read, or Not To Read

The True Detective: A Literary Classic Disguised as a Classic Mystery Thriller Theodore Weesner Pens Page-Turner with Literary Depth Literary fiction author Theodore Weesner is back, following up his acclaimed “modern American classic” (The Car Thief) with a thrilling page-turner of a mystery, The True Detective.  Described as “a compulsively readable thriller” by the Chicago Tribune, The True Detective delivers a plot that reads like a suspense script, but in depth of insight, uniquely rises to the level of great literature. In the spirit of Truman Capote’s, In Cold Blood, Weesner takes the reader deep into the conflicting desires and motivations of a broken family, a sexually confused perpetrator, and a complex investigating detective to create a sensational, powerful and heartbreakingly realistic literary thriller. ABOUT THE BOOK In the sleepy confines of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Gil Dulac, a small town investigator, broods over a deteriorating city he’s grown to adopt

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Big Sky Mountain excerpt: The next hour was taken up with getting ready, coming and going, table-setting and a lot of companionable, lighthearted chatter. Slade returned from the barn as he’d promised and, after washing up in a downstairs bathroom, made the whole crew promise not to pester Hutch with questions about the interrupted wedding. As if, Kendra thought. She probably wouldn’t say more than a few polite words to the man. If she spoke to him at all. She felt strong, confident, ready for anything. Until he actually walked into the ranch house kitchen, that is. Seeing her, he tightened his jaw and shot an accusatory glance in his half-brother’s direction. “Didn’t I mention that Kendra’s here?” Slade asked, breaking the brief, pulsing silence. There was a smile in his voice, though his blue eyes conveyed nothing but innocent concern. Would you ever revisit some of the other genres you have written (paranormal, thriller, contemporary, historical)?  I would definitely re

Title: Dreaming Anastasia Author: Joy Preble Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire Published: September 1, 2009 paperback, 312 pages ISBN-13: 978-1-4022-1817-0 Genre: Young Adult Souce: Own Summary: In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college--until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams... My thoughts: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble is the first book in the Dreaming Anastasia series. The book takes place in modern day, but has some interesting historical elements woven into it. Anna Michaelson is an average girl who just happens to dream of Anastasia Romanov. She doesn't just dream about her

Title: Grace Doll Author: Jennifer Laurens Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing Published: August 20, 2012 ebook ISBN: 978-1-933963-10-5 Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Source: Author Summary: Grace Doll had everything a girl could want: Fame. Fortune. Beauty. Everything except, of course, her freedom. So when a powerful movie producer forces an experimental treatment on Grace--one that's purported to make beauty immortal--she stages her own death to escape him. With the help of trusted friends, Grace slips into hiding. She's forever flawless, forever young and forever pursued by her past. But when a stranger arrives on her doorstep, holding the key to a life she thought she'd left behind, Grace must decide between the safety she's known... and embracing the role she was born to play My thoughts: Everything I've read by Jennifer Laurens I have really liked. Grace Doll is no exception. From the first page I was sucked into the story. Grace Doll is a y

Thank you, Marcie, for having me back on To Read or Not To Read with my new sci-fi fantasy, The Beach . There’s nothing I enjoy more than meeting new people. Sometimes it happens while I’m waiting in the checkout line at the supermarket. Other times I find a friendly face—and a willing ear–at the gym. I’ve even started up a conversation with the people at the next table while having dinner at my favorite restaurant. Depending on the circumstances and the situation, the subject can vary from the superficial to the serious. During these impromptu exchanges, the question is often asked, “What do you do for a living?” My answer usually spurs another in the form of a challenge. “What would you write about me?” I suppose it’s a common fantasy, wanting to cast ourselves in the imaginary role of hero or heroine. And why not?  I do it all the time, often jumping headlong into the lives of my characters, vicariously enjoying a rush of joy and passion one moment, then resigning myself to w

Title: Imperative: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice Volume 1 Author: Linda Wells Published: 2012 ebook, 791 pages ISBN-13: 9781468058208 Genre: Historical Fiction Source: Author Summary (from Amazon): Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man with a great many secrets to keep, one involves his sister, and the other involves his heart. The problem is, he cannot just keep the secrets. They demand attention, and action, and in hopeless times, a good man does not always think things through, even when he is desperately trying to do the right thing for the two most important women in his life. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy arrived in Ramsgate before his sister could leave with George Wickham. Things are not so easily remedied in this two-volume variation. This story contains scenes of a mature nature between a happily married couple. My thoughts: Imperative by Linda Wells in the first volume in a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Brace yourself. This vo

1.  Andiriel is a strong female lead. Is she based on or influenced by someone from your life?  No. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental. 2.  Are any of your characters based on real people? When I started writing the series I knew only two characters: Andiriel and Sandi. The rest appeared as I wrote, and sometimes surprised me as their personalities developed. When writing the Imperial diplomat, Lord Vardistana, I have in mind such figures as Otto von Bismarck, Cavour, Metternich, and Talleyrand. Otherwise the series is not a roman à clef. 3.  How has your history background helped in your writing, specifically in the Mercenaries series? I could not write the series were I not a historian (with a concentration in European military and diplomatic history). The New Empire is organized somewhat like the Holy Roman Empire; I believe that diplomacy is handled more authentically than in many novels; military operations involve realistically small forces,

Title: Between You and Me Author: Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus Read by: Susan Bennett Publisher: Simon and Schuster Audio Published: June 12, 2012 Length: 9.5 hours Genre: Contemporary Source: Publisher Summary (From Goodreads): Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have proven again and again that they are masters at exploring the subtle nuances of family relationships—as they intersect with the most current trends in the culture at large.     In Between You and Me, twenty-seven-year-old Logan Wade has built a life for herself in New York City, far from her unhappy childhood in Oklahoma. But when she gets the call that her famous cousin needs a new assistant, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. Logan hasn’t seen Kelsey since they were separated as kids; in the meantime, Kelsey Wade has become one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful celebrities and carrion for the paparazzi.  But the joy at their reunion is overshadowed by the toxic dynamic between Kelsey and her controlling parent

Title: The Age of Desire Author: Jennie Fields Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books Published: August 2, 2012 paperback, arc, 352 pages ISBN: 978-0-670-02368-4 Genre: Historical Fiction Source: Publisher Summary: When at the age of forty-five, Edith falls passionately in love with a dashing younger journalist, Morton Fullerton, and is at last opened to the world of the sensual, it threatens everything certain in her life but especially her abiding friendship with Anna. As Edith’s marriage crumbles and Anna’s disapproval threatens to shatter their lifelong bond, the women must face the fragility at the heart of all friendships. My thoughts: Edith Wharton is known for her classic books such as The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence. She lived in the Gilded Age where money and public status went hand in hand. Jennie Fields takes us back to that day and age through the eyes of Edith Wharton and her long time companion, Anna Bahlmann.  The book covers the middle of Edith'

No Vampires or Werewolves Allowed The moment I started writing my Urban Fantasy novel Mad Moral I made the decision not to include any vampires or werewolves. I know vampires and werewolves play huge roles in many Urban Fantasy novels and many other genres and that’s the main reason I didn’t want to include them in Mad Moral. I’m a big fan of vampires and werewolves, but I didn’t want to travel down a road that had been explored so many times. I decided to give a new set of beings time to shine in more humanizing roles, horror movie characters. I’m aware the word “horror” instantly causes many to lose interest. My novel isn’t a horror, just inspired by the many elements and characters of horror movies.  Imagine as I did, horror movie villain Michael Myers dropping his children off at his parents’ house for the weekend and heading out on his first date post-divorce. After a disaster date, to blow off some steam he decides to head to the nearest college campus and slash some

1. How did you come up with the idea for Twelve Months? I had just finished a novel, entitled, The Rockin’ Chair (out in 2013) and was happy to take some time off. Two days later, I was in the shower when it hit me! I need to write this book. 2. Tell us a little bit about the main character, Don DiMarco? Don DiMarco is an ordinary man faced with extraordinary circumstances—having to face his death long before he thought he would have to. He is madly in love with his wife, adores his daughter and spoils his two grandchildren. Don is a good man; the salt of the earth, and must find the courage to truly live. 3. What is your favorite scene in Twelve Months and why? I have two (sorry): My One of my favorite scenes is when Don makes dinner for his wife—and fails. There’s a lot of lead-up to this and—within his actions—he proves the incredible love that he feels for her. The second scene is actually a chapter that takes place in Martha’s Vineyard. If you read the book, you’ll s

My name is Christy Sloat and I am the author of the newly published, The Brown House. The Brown House follows my character Brylee Branson as she moves from California to New Jersey. Her and her family move into a creepy old house that everyone in the town claims is haunted. For this guest post today I have decided to interview Brylee and ask her all about her experiences in the house. Christy: Hello Brylee. Tell me a little bit about yourself. Brylee: Well I am 16 and I hate interviews. They make me seriously nervous. Christy: That is completely understandable. I was shy at 16 too. Just tell me what you like to do in your spare time. Brylee: I like to draw. I like to look at my boyfriend Ephraim and capture his face in detail on paper. I also like hanging with my best friend Lynley. Christy: What was your first impression of New Jersey when you first arrived here? Brylee: I thought the people talked very weird. But all in all it was pretty. We moved here in the Fall so I en

Title: Thriller 3: Love is Murder Author: Various Publisher: Mira Published: May 29, 2012 ebook, arc ISBN-13: 978-0-7783-1344-1 Genre: Suspense, Romance Source: NetGalley Summary (from Goodreads): Prepare for heart-racing suspense in this original collection by thirty of the hottest bestselling authors and new voices writing romance suspense today. My thoughts: Love is Murder is a collection of romantic suspense short stories. It contains a variety of authors including, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Heather Graham, Andrea Kane, Allison Brennan, and the list goes on and on. The stories in this book are all short, thrilling tales set in the suspenseful situations. They range from police investigations to stories with a paranormal twists. I like the variety that this book offers. Every story is different. I think any reader could find something that they'd like in this book. I also discovered some 'new to me' authors in this book as well. The only thing I don't like abo

Blurb: When her brother’s sickness forces Kit to accept the title of heir to her kingdom’s crown, she is outcast by the others and treated as inferior; but when she is forced along with the other heirs on a dangerous journey, her differences turn into strengths that may save their lives. Kit is tested both mentally and physically as she faces odds both on the battlefield and within the royal social circles. She soon realizes that her greatest challenge may be to return home with her heart in one piece. Thief Prince is a story of courage in the face of fear, and of love despite overwhelming odds. Whether you are looking for an adventure or the chance to see kingdoms beyond your world, Thief Prince is the story to sweep you away. Check out Cheree Alsop's website  | blog  | Goodreads The Thief Prince is available on  Amazon  and Barnes and Noble

“She remembered when Hemingway had planted a banyan at his house and told her its parasitic roots were like human desire. At the time she’d thought it romantic. She hadn’t understood his warning.” In Depression-era Key West, Mariella Bennet, the daughter of an American fisherman and a Cuban woman, knows hunger. Her struggle to support her family following her father’s death leads her to a bar and bordello, where she bets on a risky boxing match...and attracts the interest of two men: world-famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, and Gavin Murray, one of the WWI veterans who are laboring to build the Overseas Highway. When Mariella is hired as a maid by Hemingway’s second wife, Pauline, she enters a rarified world of lavish, celebrity-filled dinner parties and elaborate off-island excursions. As she becomes caught up in the tensions and excesses of the Hemingway household, the attentions of the larger-than-life writer become a dangerous temptation...even as the reliable Gavin Murray dra

The Talk-Funny Girl: A Novel by Roland Merullo A beautifully written coming-of-age story that is a testament to one young woman's courage and the healing force of love. Marjorie is raised by parents so intentionally isolated from normal human society that they develop their own dialect, a kind of mountain hybrid of English that displays both their ignorance of and disdain for the wider world. As the nearby factory town sinks deeper into economic ruin, Marjorie is rescued from her own private hell in unique fashion: she is hired by a man, himself a victim of abuse, who is building what he calls "a cathedral," right in the center of town. Day by day, Marjorie's skills as a stoneworker increase, and so does her discomfort with the bitter rules of her family life. Slowly, she discovers what is lovable within herself, and this new confidence enables her to break free, start a family of her own, and try to fully heal her wounds without passing the pain on to her own chi

To join or not to join a writers group. Joe woke up and thought, hey it’s Wednesday. No, stroke that out, you were told last week you can’t start like that. Try again! Joe’s weary, bleary, bloodshot eyes, staring back at him from the bathroom mirror, told of another gin sodden evening with him falling asleep on the couch yet again, snoring and dribbling, while his wife, Susan, crept off to her lonely bed! And there lay the problem, had it really happened? John Henry (aka johnmajorspain@gmail.com ) was part of The Torrevieja Writers’ Circle which meets every Wednesday morning in the Olympic Restaurant, Mil Palmeras, just South of Torrevieja in Spain. That information is included in case an editor somewhere sees this, spots the raw talent, and wishes to commission a full length feature film or, better still, just send money, by way of appreciation. Members of the circle are encouraged to read out pieces they have written and are rewarded by the critical acclaim and construct

Title: Born To Blood: Almost Human, The Second Trilogy Author: Melanie Nowak Publisher: Wood Witch Dame Publications Published: May 30, 2010 paperback, 376 pages ISBN: 9780982410233 Genre: paranormal Source: Author Summary (from Goodreads): Alyson used to think vampires were almost human; until she became one. Lovingly turned by her boyfriend Mattie, Allie has come to possess powers previously unknown among vampire kind. Now they seek the help of the elder vampire Cain, to discover not only what she is capable of, but why. Still healing from heartbreak over Cain, Felicity looked forward to a nice, human relationship, but dating the son of a vampire hunter, and having a psychic bond with one of his prey makes life far from normal. How can she discover the truths of love when forced to live with so many secrets? Someone has contrived a diabolical plan to control destiny, and blood may not only be the catalyst for change, but also the master of manipulation behind it. Is re

Paranormal Romances Featuring Aliens   Paranormal romances usually make you think of vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, but aliens don't usually come to mind. Still, there are some pretty great paranormal romances involving aliens from YA books to more adult fiction. The Host by Stephanie Meyer - This one is probably one of the most popular alien paranormal romances right now, coming right after Meyer's super successful Twilight series and it's meant for adults.  I've only just started reading it and it's really fascinating since the main character is basically two characters in one body. I can't wait to check out the movie and see how they do it! In the meantime, here's the premise: The earth has been taken over by aliens who use humans as hosts. In the case of The Wanderer, though, her host's mind, Melanie, refuses to let The Wanderer completely take over. Instead, Melanie fills The Wanderer's mind with memories of her love, Jared... Roswel

The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Has A Crush When asked about the model for Baby Jaimie I've always replied by saying she is me when I was a child. Baby Jaimie replied to that response recently by saying, "Nuh-uh!" At first I thought she was just saying that to be abstinent, but after talking with her for a while I learned Baby Jaimie and I may look a like, but the similarities basically end there. We both love sports, but she is more of a hands on type of a person. I prefer playing too, but I am perfectly content to watch a baseball game on television or in person. Baby Jaimie can't sit still long enough to watch one inning. She also has difficulty sitting through movies and forget about NASCAR. Baby Jaimie can't understand why anyone would watch for hours as cars go in circles. I, on the other hand, can't get enough of NASCAR. Go Kasey Kahne! I have loved books for as long as I can remember. Before I could read by myself story time w