I thoroughly enjoy books where the authors create
characters so realistic you begin to worry what’s going to happen to them way before you reach the ending.
AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD by Laura Lippmann is just such a story. This is especially true for the audio version performed by Linda Emond.
Lippmann creates a most unique protagonist to care for in Helen ‘Heloise’ Lewis. Heloise is the madam for a very high-class escort service. But it’s Helen’s struggle, her transformation to Heloise, and her undying devotion to her son that makes her a protagonist you will cheer for, hope for and want more stories about.
Narrator Linda Emond does an excellent job bringing all the emotions to the surface. She gives voice to the pain and loneliness Helen feels and the courage it takes Heloise to go on. Emond also give each character their own personal voice through her distinct vocalization. Her performance draws listeners in and holds them captivate as this intriguing story unfolds.
In the suburbs, Heloise is mom to her 11-year-old son, a young widow with a forgettable job that is always at soccer games. In the state capital, Heloise is the redheaded lobbyist fighting good causes, but with only a mediocre track record. In discreet hotel rooms throughout the area, Heloise is the woman men dream of - that is if they can afford her hourly rate or that of one of her girls.
Heloise has managed to keep her life compartmentalized for over a decade. But when another so-called suburban madam is found dead of an apparent suicide, she fears her secret life will be exposed. The deceased woman is an acquaintance from ‘back in the day’ when Heloise was Helen. The woman knew part of a dark secret that could get Heloise killed and let the killer know he has a son, her son.
As if that’s not enough, Heloise is also dealing with a problematic former employee threatening her. In addition, as her son enters adolescence she worries he will discover what she does for a living and that would be the worst fate of all. Heloise is forced to make desperate choices in order to save her son and herself.
Lippmann has created well-blended, well-developed characters. The story moves back and forth from the present to Helen’s past, explaining how and why she arrived at her new life. AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD flows at a steady pace never losing your attention. While you may figure out a few aspects ahead of time, Lippmann will still surprise you with unexpected twists causing you to say, ‘didn’t see that coming.’ Heloise is a strong, independent, spunky - yet vulnerable - protagonist you will want to revisit again and again.
Author Laura Lippmann’s website is www.lauralippman.com
And When She Was Good by Laura Lippmann, Performed by Linda Emond, Harper Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-0062204844, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours 30 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Do you enjoy stories where you pull for the protagonist moments after meeting them fearing what will happen before the book ends? Thanks so very much for visiting today. Have a wonderful day. Remember, if you smile you may make others wonder what you’re up to. 
I am always delighted when I meet a ‘new-to-me’ author and have the pleasure of introducing them to you as well. I’m thrilled to welcome author Anya Wylde here today to talk about her writing and her current release, THE WICKED WAGER.
Anya lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.
THE WICKED WAGER is a Regency murder mystery with a tantalizing slice of romance. Here’s the synopsis: The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey. The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.
Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.
Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.
His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.
Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient). His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.
Anya has graciously answered some questions about her writing for me.
Mason - What is an average writing day like for you? Do you write longhand and/or on the computer, have a favorite place to write, a favorite time to write, listen to music, etc.?
Anya - First of all, Mason, thank you for inviting me to your blog. I have the oddest working hours. I fall out of bed at three or four in the morning feeling hungry and head straight to the kitchen to turn on the kettle and make some breakfast.
Once I am in the kitchen and the eggs are boiling, I turn on my decrepit laptop. If it does manage to splutter to life, I procrastinate. I dawdle, I surf the web, reply to emails and wolf down my breakfast. Thereafter, I have an inner battle where I scold myself and argue as to how important it is that I need to start work.
After that, I sit on the couch with a second cup of tea and begin working like a mad woman. And if anyone dares to disturb me while I am writing, then that person (husband) or dog (French poodle) witnesses my inner Medusa in all its glory.
Once I do start writing, it is hard for me to stop. I write until my eyes droop and my brain ceases to function. I take a nap, wake up, do all the boring housework, and then its play time. I go to bed (times vary) and the whole process repeats itself.
Mason - What is the worst advice you’ve ever received concerning writing?
Anya - Hmm … no one has ever really advised me badly, but I will say that once someone read a draft of my book. That unnamed person told me that the ending of my book was akin to an episode of a Scooby Doo cartoon. It had me rethinking my career choice for a whole of five minutes.
Mason - Of all the authors (past and present) you enjoy reading, has any one (or more) been an influence in your writing?
Anya - Lots of authors influence my work like the Bronte sisters, Jonathan Swift, Roald Dahl, Julia Quinn, Agatha Christie, and of course P. G. Woodhouse. At times I find my inspiration in poets like Neruda, Rossetti, Blake, and Keats.
Mason - What type of research did you do for this book?
Anya - I read a lot. I spent a few weeks simply reading books set in the Regency era. After that, I dug up travel accounts from the same period and Google proved to be an excellent source. I enjoy researching, and at times I had to reign myself back. Over researching can also be a problem. Readers want to hear the story and not dry facts.
Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?
Anya - I am currently working on a Regency romance called ‘PENELOPE’. It is a humorous tale of a young country bumpkin who arrives (along with Lady Bathsheba - her pet goat) for a season in London in hopes of catching a man. I hope to have it launched soon. After that I will be working on a series set in the Regency genre which will again be a murder mystery with a bit of romance.
Anya, thanks so much for answering these questions. Your writing schedule had me smiling. It sounds like something I’d do.
Anya says her website is currently undergoing surgery, but once it’s all patched up it should be available for all the latest updates. Until then she can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Goodreads.
Do you enjoy stories set in the Regency era that have a mixture of romance and mystery to them? If it were possible, would you like to visit the Regency era? Don’t you just love the book cover? It’s a mixture of sexy, mysterious and genteel all at once. Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great day and remember to share a book with a friend.
With the hope of cooler temperatures just around the corner, it’s a great time to relax with a good book. There’s no better place to find a good book than Sunday Salon where we gather to talk about the books we’ve read and discovered during the past week.
As you get comfortable, making sure your coffee is steaming hot or your tea is chilled just right, settle back and I’ll tell you about a couple of mysteries I discovered.
I enjoy author Nora McFarland’s Lilly Hawkins Mystery series for a number of reasons. First, McFarland is an author from my home state. Second, she was a journalist and gave her protagonist the same profession. But most of all, she has created a delightful and entertaining protagonist in Lilly Hawkins that I enjoy revisiting time and time again.
McFarland has developed a well-balanced character in Lilly, giving her flaws and problems as well as smarts and strength. The supporting characters are well defined and add another layer to the mix.
This time around the story has landed in Lilly’s lap or at least in her own home. Lilly hears on the police scanner of a problem at her address. It turns out her uncle, who wasn’t suppose to be there, was shot.
It’s up to Lilly to dig through family secrets to determine who the shooter is and why this is happening. The story flows at a fast-pace filled with suspense and just enough humor to make it light-hearted at times. It’s a quick read that will keep you guessing until the end.
GOING TO THE BAD is the third installment in the Lilly Hawkins Mystery series, but can be read on its own. The other installments in the series include: A BAD DAY’S WORK and HOT, SHOT AND BOTHERED.
Author Nora McFarland’s website is http://noramcfarland.com/
Going To The Bad by Nora McFarland, A Lilly Hawkins Mystery, Touchstone Books, @ 2012, ISBN: 978-1439155578, Paperback, 304 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Author Michelle Gagnon has written a suspenseful YA book that will keep readers of all ages quickly turning pages to get to the answers.
The author does a great job of combining the real world of foster children and the talents of computer-hackers with a realistic corporation that is exploiting both. The weaving of real and make-believe creates a story that draws the readers in and holds them spellbound till leaving them longing for more at the end.
Noa has been a victim of the system since her parents died. Now 16 and living off the grid, Noa trusts no one as she uses her computer-hacking skills to get by on her own. When she wakes up in an empty warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, she realizes she does need someone to turn to.
Meanwhile, Peter Gregory is a rich kid spending time leading a hacker alliance. Peter could use Noa and her talents on his team, especially after his life is threatened by a shady corporation called AMRF. However, what the pair doesn’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret and there are people out there that will stop at nothing to keep her quiet for good.
DON’T TURN AROUND is a fast-pace technothriller with intriguing twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The mix-matching of Noa and Peter adds another layer to the story and creates a couple readers can’t help but pull for as they look forward to the pair’s next adventure.
Author Michelle Gagnon’s website is http://www.michellegagnon.com/
Don’t Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon, HarperCollins, @ 2012, ISBN: 978-0062102904, Hardcover, 320 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by BreakThrough Promotions in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
What books did you discover this past week? What do you have in your TBR stack for this week? Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a safe and wonderful Sunday.
Not having children I don’t read very much that deals
with raising youngsters but I do scan over such books and pass along the titles to family and friends who have children.
One such book I recently came across is IF THE BUDDHA HAD KIDS®: RAISING CHILDREN TO CREATE A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD by bestselling author Charlotte Kasl, Ph. D. Using spiritual guidelines as well as practical advice, Kasl encourages parents to raise their children to be peacemakers in a turbulent world and her newest book will inspire readers to keep coming back for advice for years to come.
Here’s what some are saying about the next installment in the If the Buddha® series:
“What a beautiful, rich and wise book on parenting. Charlotte’s interpretations and applications of the Buddha’s teachings give deep relevance and power to parenting. I plan to read and re-read it, hoping that it is not too late to re-parent myself. Then I shall send copies to my grown children and all involved in formulating public policy.” -- Cynthia B. Aten, MD, Former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and of Nursing, Yale University.
"Dr. Kasl provides a wonderful blend of Buddhist wisdom, practical suggestions, psychological research, and her own rich perspective of being a mother. Parents will find this book very helpful in their efforts in promoting healthy brain development." — John Arden, PhD author of Rewire Your Brain
“This is a brilliant book. If all legislators and policy makers would take it to heart we would change our policies on maternity/parental leave, early childhood education, health care, and our approach to every level of education. We could then stop building prisons and spend the money on the foundation of our society—all of our children.” -- Carol Williams, First woman majority and minority leader of the Montana Senate.
Now a brief description of the book:
After dating, getting married, and becoming unstuck, what’s next? Well, having a baby of course! In IF THE BUDDHA HAD KIDS ®: Raising Children to Create a More Peaceful World (ISBN: 978-0-14-311631-8; also available as an eBook), author Charlotte Kasl continues her bestselling series of IF THE BUDDHA…books by showing us how to put Buddhist principles into practice as parents.
According to Kasl, if we bring peacefulness to our parenting, it will become internalized in our children and will in turn enable our children to equate power, happiness, and success with stretching themselves, finding their passion, caring for others, being resourceful, and working in community with others. It’s the antithesis of imposing rules, scripts, and values in a dogmatic way: teaching by example and helping children think for themselves. It’s something that parents of children of any age—from tantrum throwing toddlers to texting teenagers—can use.
IF THE BUDDHA HAD KIDS ® examines parenting from the earliest stages onward—even raising important questions for those considering parenthood or trying to conceive. From birth, babyhood and beyond, Kasl helps new parents cope with early fears and worries as well as offering advice to parents of older children and teenagers looking for new strategies to deal with issues such as acting out, anxiety, depression, bullying and more.
Kasl also offers solutions for teachers or parents looking to help children struggling in school and even discusses what may be one of the most sensitive subjects for many parents—how to talk about the body and sexuality in a positive way so as to encourage openness on these subjects rather than a feeling that they are taboo.
No parenting book would be complete in this day and age if it did not cover social media and Kasl offers ideas and solutions to the problems that frequently that can come into play with children making use of new media without proper oversight or guidance. She also confronts subjects such as money and budgeting, relationships with food and body image and ends the book with a chapter entitled “My Parents Rock” including true stories from kids about what they love about their parents.
Like her previous BUDDHA titles, IF THE BUDDHA HAD KIDS ® includes exercises for readers to apply to their own lives and is filled with wonderful quotes that will inspire readers and keep them coming back to this book for advice as their children grow older.
Kasl, Ph.D., a practicing therapist, workshop leader for 25 years, and bestselling author, has had lifelong connections to feminism, Buddhism, Quaker practice, and Reiki healing. Her BUDDHA series of books have sold over 400, 000 copies to date and include If the Buddha Married ® and If the Buddha Dated ®. She lives in Lolo, Montana.
For more information on Kasl and her writing, visit her website at www.charlottekasl.com or www.penguin.com. If the Buddha® is a registered trademark of Charlotte Kasl.
If you’re a parent or grandparent, do you read books on raising youngsters. If so, has there been one book in particular that was helpful? Thanks so much for stopping by today.
I’m delighted to welcome author Debra Webb to Thoughts today to discuss publishing. Debra’s latest release, POWER, is the third installment in her previously self-published series, Faces of Evil.
POWER is the first previously unpublished book of her series. Returning to regular publishing, Forever Yours has just published the first two installments in Debra’s series, OBSESSION and IMPULSE, as eBooks.
Here’s a brief synopsis:
POWER, an e-book original on sale September 4th, the third of the series, sees FBI Special Agent Jess Harris begins the next chapter of her life as the new deputy chief of Birmingham’s major crimes division, reporting to her first love, Chief of Police Dan Burnett.
She’s focusing all of her attention on work, including the demise of a celebrated ballet instructor, whose death is ruled an accident. Jess’s instincts tell her otherwise and, even with the case now moved to another division, she can’t shake the feeling there’s more to the story. Her investigation leads her to Birmingham’s gang culture and its powerful elite, where she soon becomes the killer’s next target.
Debra joins us today to answer some questions concerning her shift back into regular publishing and her excitement about continuing her series in 2012 with Forever and Forever Yours in both print and eBook editions. But first, she has a giveaway to share.
Thanks to Debra, Jessica and the good folks at Grand Central Publishing, I have a unique prize pack to offer. Please see the giveaway guidelines at the end of the post. The ‘Fall In Love With Forever’ prize pack contains six fall titles from Forever and Forever Yours. They include:
THE WARRIOR by Margaret Mallory
BAREFOOT IN THE RAIN by Roxanne St. Claire
AN HEIRESS AT HEART by Jennifer Delamere
WHERE ANGELS REST by Kate Brady
TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE by Cara Elliott
TWO SINFUL SECRETS by Laurel McKee
Now to learn why Debra switch back to regular publishing.
Mason - Why the change back to regular publishing from self-publishing?
Debra - I would absolutely urge anyone considering
self-publishing to do so. It’s hard work because you don’t have a publisher’s editorial staff or a PR group backing you up. BUT, for those stories that traditional publishers might not see the beauty in or simply for creative freedom, self-publishing is an awesome option. The one and only major drawback is the inability to get the books out to the masses in print form at a reasonable price and for some that’s still their only way of reading. It was particularly challenging for me since I have a “print” audience who wanted the books in paperback. Grand Central Publishing (GCP) offered an awesome publishing program that included reasonable prices for both the digital and the print formats—and by that I mean reasonable prices for the readers! GCP really is working hard to make books available to everyone, including those of us on a limited budget! I am very excited and proud to be working with a traditional publisher who isn’t afraid of change.
Mason - Would you advise authors to try or stay away from self-publishing?
Debra - Oops, I think I already answered that question. But to reiterate, I absolutely would recommend that every author explore any and all avenues toward publication. There’s a big world out there and more opportunities available than ever!
Mason - Will all your self-published books be re-released through your new publisher?
Debra - The first two books in the Faces of Evil series have just been re-released by GCP and at the same low price of $2.99! GCP is leading the way in responding to the needs or readers!
Mason - What are your thoughts on releasing both print and eBooks of your work?
Debra - I think both venues are immensely important. There are folks out there who really want the paperbacks or the hardcovers. Some love to read in digital but have certain keeper authors whose work they like to have in traditional form. For now, I believe it’s very important to have both formats available. The world of books is expanding and changing every day and I am so thrilled to be a part of it!
Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?
Debra - Nine more Faces of Evil books! The first three are out in digital now. OBSESSION, IMPULSE, and POWER will be released in paperback next March. Then, in April, comes RAGE, in July REVENGE will be released and REDEMPTION in August. The last three will be released in digital and paperback simultaneously! Be sure to visit www.thefacesofevil.com and sign up as a person of interest!
Debra, thanks for joining us today and sharing this insight into the two publishing worlds. You are so right when you said both venues are important.
For those who haven’t meet Debra before, here’s a little background on her. Born in Alabama, Debra wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has penned nearly 100 novels including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series.
Her debut romantic thriller series, the Faces of Evil, propelled Debra to the top of the bestselling charts for an unparalleled twenty-four weeks and garnered critical acclaim from reviewers and readers alike. For more on Debra and her fascinating and chilling series, visit http://thefacesofevil.com, find her on Facebook and on Twitter @debrawebbauthor
On to the giveaway guidelines. To enter, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win FALL IN LOVE WITH FOREVER.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for the ‘Fall in Love With Forever’ prize pack is 8 p.m. (EST) on Friday, Sept. 28.
Do you enjoy reading both print and eBooks? Have you gone completely digital in your reading? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Friday and remember, sharing a book is fun.
Sharing books with family and friends and discovering new books from them is fun to me so that’s why I enjoy hosting giveaways from time to time. It’s a great way to share new books with you and through the generosity of publishers be able to provide a few free books along the way.
AMERICAN DERVISH by Ayad Akhtar was released in trade paperback this week. Thanks to Anna and the good folks at Little, Brown and Company, I have 3 paperback copies and 1 audio book of AMERICAN DERVISH to offer for giveaways.
Here’s a brief synopsis of AMERICAN DERVISH:
Hayat Shah is a young American in love for the first time. His normal life of school, baseball, and video games had previously been distinguished only by his Pakistani heritage and by the frequent chill between his parents, who fight over things he is too young to understand. Then Mina arrives, and everything changes.
Mina is Hayat's mother's oldest friend from Pakistan. She is independent, beautiful and intelligent, and arrives on the Shah's doorstep when her disastrous marriage in Pakistan disintegrates. Even Hayat's skeptical father can't deny the liveliness and happiness that accompanies Mina into
their home. Her deep spirituality brings the family's Muslim faith to life in a way that resonates with Hayat as nothing has before.
Studying the Quran by Mina's side and basking in the glow of her attention, he feels an entirely new purpose mingled with a growing infatuation for his teacher.
When Mina meets and begins dating a man, Hayat is confused by his feelings of betrayal. His growing passions, both spiritual and romantic, force him to question all that he has come to believe is true. Just as Mina finds happiness, Hayat is compelled to act -- with devastating consequences for all those he loves most.
American Dervish is a brilliantly written, nuanced, and emotionally forceful look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. Ayad Akhtar was raised in the Midwest himself, and through Hayat Shah he shows readers vividly the powerful forces at work on young men and women growing up Muslim in America. This is an intimate, personal first novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.
To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win AMERICAN DERVISH.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. Please be sure to tell me which format you would prefer - paperback or audio or if either will be fine. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, Canadian residents have to include their telephone number. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at one of 3 paperback copies and 1 audio book of AMERICAN DERVISH will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Sept. 20.
You can listen to an excerpt of the book by clicking on this link. To view a video where the author talks about writing AMERICAN DERVISH, click on this link. You can also find AMERICAN DERVISH on Facebook.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember to send me an email for a chance to win a copy of AMERICAN DERVISH.
I’m delighted to welcome ‘new-to-me’ author Shannon McKenna to Thoughts in Progress today as she makes a stop on her blog tour for her latest release, ONE WRONG MOVE.
Shannon is the New York Times bestselling author of over ten action packed, turbocharged romantic thrillers, among which are the stories of the wildly popular McCloud series. She loves tough and heroic alpha males, heroines with the brains and guts to match them, villains who challenge them to their utmost, adventure, scorching sensuality, and most of all, the redemptive power of true love.
Since she was small Shannon has loved abandoning herself to the magic of a good book, and her fond childhood fantasy was that writing would be just like that, but with the added benefit of being able to take credit for the story at the end. Alas, the alchemy of writing turned out to be messier than she'd ever dreamed. But what the hell, she loves it anyway, and hopes that readers enjoy the results of her alchemical experiments.
Here’s a brief synopsis of ONE WRONG MOVE: Secrets Never Die -- Alex Aaro has spent most of his life on the run from his Ukrainian mafia family. But when he learns that crazy Aunt Tonya, the only relative who ever gave a damn about him, is dying, he risks returning home to say goodbye. He’s prepared for anything except the call from his friend, Bruno Ranieri, that sends him on a wild and dangerous ride with a mysterious woman who holds a deadly secret and a white hot passion that binds them together.
Social worker Nina Christie has no idea how much trouble she’s in when her Aunt Helga shows up bleeding at her shelter, babbling in Ukrainian—and with one inexplicable act thrusts Nina into the heart of a nightmare. Now a ruthless crime syndicate will stop at nothing to make Nina disappear, and only Alex Aaro, that inscrutable six-foot-four rock hard slab of lean muscle, stands between her and certain death. Now Nina and Alex are in a race against time, death, and their desire for one another…
As part of Shannon’s tour, she is giving away TWO prizes -- a copy of one of her books at each blog stop on her tour AND a grand prize giveaway of a Kindle Touch!!! There are several copies of ONE WRONG MOVE, BLOOD AND FIRE, ULTIMATE WEAPON, and FADE TO MIDNIGHT up for grabs.
For a chance to win one of Shannon’s books, just leave a comment on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, Sept. 10. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.
For a chance to win the Kindle Touch enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post. If that’s not working properly, just click on the link for Shannon’s website and enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of that page. A winner will be selected on Sept. 27.
Now Shannon shares an excerpt from ONE WRONG MOVE for your enjoyment and to peak your interest:
The gun blasts jerked Aaro up from behind his human shield. He clambered over the stiff, his heart stuck high in his throat. Eight shots. Nina Christie had to be dead. He’d done it again. Called it wrong, gotten the chick killed by racing in here like a cranked up asshole, freaking the bad guys into a panic. He should have come up with something sneakier, quieter, smarter. Goddamn them all, his so-called friends, for putting him in this position. Like he didn’t have enough to feel like shit about every fucking day of his life.
He slapped the bedroom door open. Window gaping, curtains fluttering. Stench of gunpowder. He lunged for the window, caught a glimpse of a big bald guy, staring up at him, with pale snake eyes. Another man, tall and dark, was clambering over garbage cans.
Aaro squeezed off two shots, then two more at the bald one. Bullets pumped into the garbage bins, whinged off a parked car. The bald guy dove and scrambled for cover. The dark guy jerked, stumbled, and kept on going, ducking out of sight into the alley.
Grazed, maybe. No pursuit possible. He had bigger problems now.
He pulled his head back in, and faced the closet. It gaped open. Clothes were scattered on the floor. The back panel was splintered with bullet holes. Now came the ugly part. His mess, his failure, in his face. He had to call the EMT’s for a woman who was dying because of his poor crisis decision making skills. And explain himself to the cops, too.
And then to Bruno and Lily. Well. Then again. Maybe he could arrange to get himself hit by a bus, and just skip that part.
“Nina?” He was disgusted by the hitch in his voice. “You there?”
No answer. Hadn’t expected one. Not after six bullets.
He put his hand against the holes in the back panel. His legs shook. “Nina? You in there? I’m not one of those guys who attacked you. I’m Aaro, the guy who pissed you off on the phone, remember? Bruno told me you were in trouble. Are you shot?” He clenched his jaw, hating the goddamn silence. Hating it.
“Aaro?” It was just a squeak, barely audible. “You’re Aaro?”
“Nina?” Hope jolted his insides hard, and a hot rush of moisture fogged his eyes, making him blink. “Nina? Are you shot? Are you hurt?”
“I think, ah . . . I think I’m OK.”
He rattled the panel, pounded it. “How do you open this thing?”
“Just a minute,” she faltered. “I have t-t-to undo the latch, and I’m kind of wedged in here, so . . . um . . . hold on while I . . .”
He heard a scratching and shifting inside. Then a rattle, a click.
The panel slid open. Nina Christie was huddled inside, stark naked. Curly dark hair draped over her face and trailed over her shoulders. She blinked, her aqua-green and gold eyes huge and haunted. She had long lashes. The dark waving hair over her face was snarled in them. Her parted lips looked bluish.
“Nina Christie?” he prompted, feeling stupid. Who else could she be? But he could think of nothing to say to the naked chick who had just dodged death. Not like he had a lot of clever conversational gambits floating up to the surface of his mind in the best of circumstances. He just scooped up whatever floated on top of his mind like pond scum, and plop, there it was. No filters. What you see is what you get.
He squatted down so that they would be eye to eye, and peered into the dark recesses of the closet. A couple of big hard-shell suitcases were piled one on top of the other. She’d wedged herself behind them. That was what had saved her life. It was no thanks to him.
Her blinking shook loose the tears that had gathered in her eyes. They flashed down her cheeks, glinting. “A-a-a-aro?”
Uh oh. The way she stared up at him gave him a twinge of dread. All big-eyed and misty, as if he were God, her saviour, her hero. She was in for a rude shock when the truth became clear. Wouldn’t take long for that to happen. It never did.
“Yeah, that’s me.” Discomfort roughened his voice. He tried to look unthreatening, a talent at which he did not excel. “Bruno sent me.”
“B-b-bruno?” The girl was scared stupid.
He fought for patience. “Bruno. Your best friend’s future husband? The father of her unborn child?” He fought down his natural urge to be a sarcastic asshole, but she didn’t react. She just crouched there, staring up at him, with those huge, shocked eyes. Her purplish lips shook. He had to get her dressed, take her someplace safe. What would he do if she collapsed? Urgent Care? That would involve filling out papers, explanations, accountability. Cops. Bad scene. Damn.
He made his voice gentle, with some effort. “Come out of the closet, Nina. We have to get out of here. We don’t know when they’ll be back, how many there are, or anything else. So move.”
No reaction. More quivering lips. More blinking. Shit. He was going to have to drag her out. He steeled himself for a screaming, scratching hysterical freak-out. She was entitled, after that.
He reached in, took her hands. They were icy. He chafed them between his own, and tugged. She came out, offering no resistance.
In fact, she practically flew out, and came to rest right in his arms. There was a weird inevitability to it. A key to a lock. Like they were magentized. Snick, and they were fused, and he was hugging the naked girl, and feeling strange about it. His arms shook, his guts vibrated, his heart tripped over itself. He was squeezing her too hard. Had to loosen his grip. He’d scare her worse than she was already.
He couldn’t. His eyes watered, and what the fuck was that about? He hid his face against her hair, used it to blot the tears away.
This was stupid. They had no time to indulge in masturbatory hugging bullshit, with bullet holes smoking and cops on their way. But what was he supposed to do, fling her off? Her face pressed against his shirt. Her eyelash flutters tickled his collarbone. Her breath bloomed, humid against his chest. The sensation rocketed through his nerves.
Whoa. Back off. Don’t start with that crazy shit. Don’t even start.
Then he caught her scent. And oh. God.
He lived in a forest. Outside his house, the spruce, cedars, firs and pines towered hundreds of feet over his head, a vaulted expanse of flickering green. When it rained, which was often, the earthy sweetness of pine needles, tree bark, loam and moss, rose to meet the falling rain. The meeting point of earth and water. Perfect balance. The intersection of opposites. It was the exact scent of Nina Christie’s hair.
He’d bought that property for the smell alone. It had been raining when the agent showed him the place, and he just couldn’t resist it.
So her shampoo has a nice perfume. Get the fuck over it. He knew how to dismantle a foolish notion with a few hard, well-placed blows.
But the damage was done. Now he was hyper-aware of her. His body felt like one big eye that could not close. He caught sight of the mirror on her closet door. There he was, clutching the gorgeous naked chick, like he was about to push her down onto the floor and fuck her.
Wow. So pale. Curvy. Her dark hair draped in swags over his wrist. His fingers looked very brown against the pale, smooth skin.
His fingers tightened. She was soft, silky. Chubbier than the girls he usually ogled, but maybe he’d been missing something, favoring the taut, lean ones. Her breasts pressed against his chest, springy and soft. Her bare, tight nipples brushed his chest. Her locks of dark hair tapered off so that the tips barely tickled the swell of her ass. He wanted to touch the rosy blush. To pet that peachy, shadowy cleft.
His body, jangling with adrenaline, did its fucking stupid animal thing, and sprang to attention. His hands had taken off without permission on an exploratory mission, fingers splaying greedily to feel the dip of her waist, to grip the curve of her hip.
For God’s sake, get a grip, you oversexed bonehead. This woman was all fucked up. She wasn’t coming on. She didn’t need attention from the beast lunging on its chain. Back down, already. Now.
He clenched his jaw hard enough to cause nerve damage, and dragged his mind away from the hot throb in his crotch. Good timing, decency, self control, gallantry; none of these items had ever been on his resume. He’d just pretend this was normal. Gunfights, pulling zaftig naked girls with bouncing tits out of closets. No biggie. All in a day’s work. Nina Christie did not need his engorged prick bobbing hopefully in her direction. She needed a hot cup of tea, a shot of Demerol, a trauma therapist. A police escort.
Bummer for her. All she had was him.
Shannon, thanks for sharing this excerpt. For more on Shannon and her writing, check out her website or find her on Facebook and Twitter. ONE WRONG MOVE can be found at Kensington and Amazon.
Do excerpts help you determine if you’ll purchase a book or not? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win one of Shannon’s books and enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a Kindle Touch.
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Today (Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012) is the release date for BUFFALO BILL’S DEAD NOW, the 15th book in the Wind River Mystery series by New York Times bestselling author Margaret Coel and I’m thrilled to have Margaret visiting with us to launch her new book.
Margaret’s acclaimed Wind River Mystery series is set among the Arapahos on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation. It features Jesuit priest Father John O’Malley and Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden.
Here’s a brief synopsis of BUFFALO BILL’S DEAD NOW:
After more than 120 years, the regalia worn by Arapaho Chief Black Heart in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show were supposed to be returned to his people. But the cartons containing the relics were empty when they arrived at the Arapaho museum. Rancher and Indian artifact collector Trevor Pratt had them shipped from Germany and believes thieves must have stolen them en route.
Vicki and Father John suspect Trevor knows more about the theft than he’s telling—a suspicion that’s confirmed when they witness a car speeding from his home and he’s found murdered inside. To find the killer, they must first uncover the truth about a blood feud between two Arapaho families—and the original theft of Black Heart’s possessions dating back more than a century.
Margaret is here to tell us ‘Why Buffalo Bill.’
Where do you get ideas? This is every authors
most FAQ. An idea could have been lifted right out of the front pages, but readers still ask. When Willie Nelson was asked where he got ideas for his songs, he said that ideas exist in the universe, and from time to time one falls into his head. Seems to me, that about says it all.
So Buffalo Bill fell into my head. As a historian, I’m a little gaga over history. I like writing mysteries woven around history with eerily connected crimes in the past and in the present. And Father John O’Malley and Vicky Holden must figure out what happened in the past before they can solve the present crime. Since Arapahos once lived on the central plains—Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas—the bloody history of this area was their history. The gold rush, deluge of easterners across Indian lands, wars, massacres, destruction of the buffalo and the Indian way of life—Arapahos were there for all of it.
As was William F. Cody, known as Buffalo Bill. Scout, buffalo hunter, Indian fighter. You name it, he did it. But here’s the thing: the Plains Indians respected Buffalo Bill. He fought them, but he fought fairly. He was a warrior, and warriors respect other warriors, even enemies.
Later, with the tribes on reservations, poverty-stricken and miserable, Buffalo Bill reappeared in their lives. He had formed a spectacular extravaganza which he called the Wild West. For twenty years, this extravaganza would travel the nation and Europe. He was the greatest entertainer of his time. But he didn’t just entertain. He educated millions of spectators about the conquest of the American West. For that, he needed Indians, because without them, there could be no show about the West. In the 1889-1890 season, a hundred Arapahos joined Buffalo Bill and the Wild West. Traveled across Europe, saw sights they had never dreamed they might see, met people they could only imagine, such as the Pope.
For some time I had been mulling over the idea of writing a mystery that moved between the present on the Wind River Reservation and the time that Arapahos spent with Buffalo Bill, but I was having trouble conjuring up past and present crimes for Father John and Vicky to solve. Then I happened to read about the value of Indian artifacts from the Wild West. Most of the artifacts are in museums, but collectors pay handsome prices for the few pieces occasionally on the market.
It struck me that Arapaho artifacts would be especially valuable because of their rarity. While other tribes, such as the Sioux, spent years with Buffalo Bill, a large number of Arapahos were with the show only in 1889-1890. That gave me the idea for past and present crimes: the theft of artifacts, and the willingness of villains—past and present-- to kill for them. BUFFALO BILL’S DEAD NOW was on its way.
Margaret, thanks for this intriguing insight into how your book came about. I like the remark from Willie too. That does say a lot.
Now here’s a bit of background on Margaret. She is a native Coloradan who hails from a pioneer Colorado family. The West — the mountains, plains, and vast spaces — are in her bones, she says. She moved out of Colorado on two occasions — to attend Marquette University and to spend a couple of years in Alaska. Both times she couldn't wait to get back.
Along with the Wind River mystery series, Margaret is the author of five non-fiction books, including the award-winning CHIEF LEFT HAND, published by the University of Oklahoma Press. This biography of an Arapaho chief and history of the Arapahos in Colorado has never gone out of print. The Colorado Historical Society has included both CHIEF LEFT HAND and Margaret's memoir-history of railroading in Colorado, GOIN’ RAILROADING (which she wrote with her father, Samuel F. Speas) among the best 100 books on Colorado history.
Her articles on the West have appeared in the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, American Heritage of Invention & Technology, Creativity! and many other publications. Speaking engagements on the people and places she loves best have taken her around the country and as far away as Australia. She visits the Wind River Reservation every year, "just to catch up with my Arapaho friends."
She writes in a small study in her home on a hillside in Boulder. The window frames a view of the Rocky Mountains and the almost-always blue sky. A herd of deer are usually grazing just outside, and one summer a couple of years ago, a mountain lion made its home close by. "Every day,” she says, "I drink in the West."
For more on Margaret and her writing, visit her website at www.margaretcoel.com
Do you enjoy books that weave mysteries around actual history? Thanks so much for stopping by today.
For many across the country today is a day of celebrating. It’s the last major holiday of the summer. It’s a day to celebrate the economic and social contributions workers make to our lives.
Here’s wishing everyone a safe, happy, and fun Labor Day celebration with family and friends. If you’re not celebrating Labor Day, I still wish you a safe, happy and fun day to celebrate life with those you love.
Please drop back tomorrow when author Margaret Coel joins us with her latest Wind River Mystery release, BUFFALO BILL’S DEAD NOW. She’ll be talking about ‘Why Buffalo Bill.’ It’s always a pleasure to have you visit. Thanks so much and Happy Labor Day!!
I can’t believe September is already underway, we’re
about to celebrate the last major holiday of the summer (Labor Day on Monday) and Sunday Salon is here once again.
Sunday Salon is where we relax and discuss the wonderful books we’ve read and discovered throughout the previous week. The book I’m sharing today is the second installment in a series that had it not been for an audio book, I probably would have never known about. And that would have been a shame. You see the series is written by Denmark’s number one crime writer - Jussi Adler-Olsen - and is a fabulous series. It contains Danish names and locations that would have been a problem for me reading, but listening to their correct pronunciation adds to the story.
A solved murder case from decades earlier has landed on the desk of Copenhagen’s Department Q where only cold cases are investigated.
Puzzled by the mysterious file, Detective Carl Mørck and his assistant Assad begin checking into the case. They are aided in their investigation by a new member to Department Q, Rose. She’s a bit sassy, but thorough in her assignments.
Narrator Steven Pacey does an excellent job bringing the various characters to life, giving each a distinct voice. His cadence, accent and delivery of the emotions adds another layer to the story. He gives sound to the raw emotions woven throughout the story.
Mørck and his department learns a young brother and sister were brutally murdered two decades earlier. While a man confessed to the crimes years later, four of his companions were also briefly considered suspects. The group was from a privileged boarding school with the convicted man being from a less influential family than the others.
Reopening the case, Mørck finds three members of the group are now well-respected, wealthy men. The fourth member, Kimmie - the only woman, lives on the street and has been for a number of years keeping out of reach of her friends.
As Mørck and his team gets closer to learning what really happened, Kimmie puts her own plan into action. She’s out for revenge for her own reasons and will stop at nothing to accomplish it.
THE ABSENT ONE is a heart-pounding, adrenaline rush that will hold you captive from beginning to explosive end. Author Jussi Adler-Olsen mixes bits of humor along the way to lighten the mood and then drops you off the edge. Adler-Olsen has a unique way of creating a character that you find despicable for their actions, only to turn around and feel sorry and pity for almost forgetting their misdeeds.
THE ABSENT ONE is the second installment in the Department Q series and can be listened to or read on its own. However, to get the complete understanding of the characters I would highly recommend listening or reading KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES first.
Author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s website is http://www.jussiadlerolsen.dk/?page=forside
The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen, A Department Q Novel, Read by Steven Pacey, Penguin Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1611761207, Unabridged, 12 Discs, Listening Time: Approximately 14 Hours
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Do you enjoy reading or listening to books by authors from other countries? Who are some of the authors you have found? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Sunday.
September is getting underway and that means in
most places classes are back in full swing with new activities to keep the entire family busy both during and after school with car pools, soccer practice, recitals and much more. Having an on-the-go lifestyle for authors and readers can be challenging to say the least, but there is help.
The folks at PartnersHub area always coming up with fun and entertaining apps that the entire family can enjoy and have a chance to win interesting items. This time, partnering with Milk Unleashed, they have an app and contest that is both fun and good for you.
With handy single-serving shelf safe milk there’s no need to ever run out! You can take it anywhere at anytime. Milk Unleashed goes wherever your family goes, whether it’s a lunchbox, a cooler, purse or a diaper bag.
Thanks to PartnersHub and Milk Unleashed, I have a unique gift pack to offer one lucky visitor who comments on today’s post by 8 p.m. (EST) Friday, Sept. 7. The gift pack is a free Milk Unleashed variety pack consisting of four shelf safe milks (white and chocolate) from: Hershey’s, LaLa, Horizon and Organic Valley.* Plus the variety pack will have a cow stress ball and information on shelf safe milk. (*Milk will be chosen by random from the previously mention brands.)
To be entered in the giveaway, just try one of the fun games on the app below or check out the informative tips and share your thoughts. If you’ve tried shelf safe milk before, tell us your experience. Take the Family On-The-Go Quiztacular and post your results. (Be sure to leave your email address if it’s not included in your profile.)
If the app above doesn’t work, just click on this link and check it out on the PartnersHub site. Come back here to leave your comments.
I haven't tried the shelf safe milk yet myself, but I look forward to giving it a taste. Do you have quick and easy tips that helps you out when the family is busy and on-the-go daily? Thanks so much for stopping by today.
