A Selection Of New Cozy Murder Mysteries

Each month Berkley Prime Crime/Obsidian has a wonderful array of new cozy murder mysteries to offer its readers.

These books have a theme for just about anything you can think of. While the books are all very diverse, they do have one or two things in common. They are all fun, interesting reads and you can’t help but love the amazing book covers.

Today I’d like to share some of this month’s delightful releases for your enjoyment.

HOW TO PARTY WITH A KILLER VAMPIRE 

by Penny Warner

Party planner Presley Parker is busy once again preparing for an all-out bash. This time she’s planning the wrap party for a vampire film and the party location is a real cemetery.

Things take a different turn when a young man is found dead in the cemetery prior to the party. At first it was thought to be an accident, then it appears the man was murdered. As the police take their time investigating, Presley can’t help but pursue her own investigation into the matter. Can she unmask the killer before another body is added to the cemetery?

Author Penny Warner brings back a cast of zany and lovable characters to help Presley uncover the truth. The story is a quick read filled with humor, bits of romance, and of course, mystery. Presley is a fun protagonist with her realistic charm and concern.

HOW TO PARTY WITH A KILLER VAMPIRE is a perfect read for this time of year. In addition, Warner has included party-planning tips throughout the book to help readers have their own vampire-theme party just in time for Halloween.

This is the fourth installment in the Party-Planning Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The other books in the series include: HOW TO HOST A KILLER PARTY, HOW TO CRASH A KILLER BASH, and HOW TO SURVIVE A KILLER SÉANCE. 

Author Penny Warner’s website is http://www.pennywarner.com

How to Party With a Killer Vampire by Penny Warner, A Party-Planning Mystery, Obsidian, @2011, ISBN: 9780451235015, Paperback, 320 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.

DEATH BY THE DOZEN by Jenn McKinlay

 

It’s time for the annual Scottsdale Food Festival and this year the owners of the Fairy Tale Cupcake Bakery are determined to win. Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura have their hands full trying to bet the competition even though Mel’s mentor, celebrity chef Vic Mazzotta, is a judge.

When Vic’s murdered body is found inside a freezer truck, Mel and Angie set out to find the cold-blooded killer, while still trying to win the competition. They have to be careful or they could lose more than the competition when they get to close to the killer.

Author Jenn McKinlay has created an intriguing tale combining murder and a mysterious ingredient bake-off. Her cast of characters will have you guessing who the murderer is until the end. In addition, her vivid descriptions of the location will have the reader transported to Scottsdale and wishing for a cupcake as they read. 

DEATH BY THE DOZEN also includes some yummy cupcake recipes and an excerpt of the next installment in the series, RED VELVET REVENGE.

This is the third installment in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, but is a stand alone story. The other books in the series include: SPRINKLE WITH MURDER and BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF.

Author Jenn McKinlay’s website is http://www.jennmckinlay.com

Death by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlay, A Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425244050, 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.

THE MORE THE TERRIER by Linda O. Johnston

Animal shelter manager Lauren Vancouver is shocked to learn that her mentor, Mamie Spelling, is an animal hoarder. Lauren comes to the animals rescue and helps find new housing for them, as well as help for Mamie. 

Mamie, however, becomes the prime suspect when the CEO of a pet shelter network is found dead. Lauren is determined to find the real killer and clear her friend’s name despite what it might cost her.

Author Linda O. Johnston does a wonderful job combining a cozy murder mystery with real issues facing animals. She includes helpful information on the real-life issue of animal hoarding, while providing an entertaining story. Lauren is a delightful protagonist you will pull for in all her endeavors.

THE MORE THE TERRIER is the second installment in the Pet Rescue Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. The other book in the series is BEAGLEMANIA.

Author Linda O. Johnston’s website is http://www.lindaojohnston.com

The More The Terrier by Linda O. Johnston, A Pet Rescue Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425243794, 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.

LIVER LET DIE by Liz Lipperman

 

Jordan McAllister wants to be a sports columnist but decides to try her hand as a culinary reporter in hopes of furthering her career. Her only problem, she can’t cook. When her first assignment sends her to review the new steakhouse in town, she runs into a another problem - she doesn’t like red meat.

She asks her waiter for assistance in selecting something that doesn’t include red meat. The waiter asked to talk with her later, but never shows up. The next morning when the police knock on her door, Jordan discovers the waiter has been murdered outside her door. With her name and number on him, Jordan becomes the prime suspect in his murder. It’s up to her to find the real killer before she’s served up as the murderer.

Author Liz Lipperman adds humor and suspense to this delightful cozy mystery. Her cast of unique and lovable characters will draw readers back for more. The story flows smoothly and is a quick read. Delicious recipes are included as an added bonus. LIVER LET DIE is the start to a wonderful new series.

This is the first installment in the new Clueless Cook Mystery series.

Author Liz Lipperman’s website is http://www.lizlipperman.com

Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman, A Clueless Cook Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425244043, Paperback, 288 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.

I hope I’ve tempted you with at least one of these charming new cozy mysteries. Have you read any of these yet? Are any on your wish list or already in your TBR stack? Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday.

Author Deborah Barnes: How Does One Become An Author

I am always amazed at the intriguing people you can meet while blogging. I have meet one such person in author Deborah Barnes, whom I meet through another wonderful friend, Ingrid King at The Conscious Cat.

Please join me in welcoming Deborah. She is the author of THE CHRONICLES OF ZEE & ZOEY - A JOURNEY OF THE EXTRAORDINARILY ORDINARY, a nonfiction book that combines a warm, humorous, and conversational style of writing with stunning photos and charming artwork. Readers are immediately immersed into the world of Zee, her lovable male Maine Coon cat, and Zoey, her high-spirited female Bengal cat, as they share their amazing relationship and bond that formed between the two of them. What makes this story so compelling, is that Deborah narrates the journey of the cats through the personal trials and tribulations of her own life and how they ultimately taught her to be a better person during a very difficult time in her life. Readers will easily be able to relate to the many moments she share with the cats – from moving, to divorce, to single parenting, to unemployment, as the story is wrapped into the general context of everyday life.

Deborah is here today to share her take on ‘How Does One Become An Author?

For as long as I can remember, I have been a writer. It was not until now, with the completion of my first book, THE CHRONICLES OF ZEE & ZOEY -- A JOURNEY OF THE EXTRAORDINARILY ORDINARY, that I could claim I was an author. My writing began in typical fashion – scribbling with lipstick on the bathroom mirror as a toddler that  elevated to a career as an Executive Assistant for over 25 years, whereby brilliant business letter after brilliant letter were crafted, only to have the credit taken by the manager in charge who signed his or her name to my words. I was also always assigned with the task in my family of writing the perfect verse for a greeting card or a signature for gifts and flowers. Granted, I was honored to be asked, but the task hardly had publishers knocking at my door.

Zee

Although I had always wanted to write a book and was encouraged many times throughout the years to do so, like so many others with dreams, I put it off thinking, “Yeah, maybe one day I’ll get to it,” without actually believing it. Well, completely unplanned, one day did come in the form of two major events – Zee, my lovable male Maine Coon cat, and Zoey, my high-spirited female Bengal cat fell madly in love and subsequentlyy had a litter of kittens together. The other event – I was unexpectedly laid off and had a lot more free time on my hands.

The birth of the Chronicles began unsuspectingly as a weekly series of emails that I sent to various family members and friends documenting the growth process of Zee and Zoey’s kittens with a humorous narrative that was complimented by photographs taken by my fiancé, Dan. These emails were sent out religiously every Friday morning and soon became a sensation, as many recipients clamored for a book. All seemed well and good, but literally seconds after I hit the “send” button on week 7, I was called into my supervisor’s office and life forevermore changed as I was out of a job. 

Zoey

The process that followed was a long and difficult road, filled with many deep, dark holes, uncertainty, and severe depression. I knew I wanted to write a story about my cats, but emotionally, I was not capable of being an author with any authority or talent. Being unemployed in my late 40’s was a lesson in humility and I found it difficult to function. I had envisioned a cute and sweet story filled with adorable kittens and humorous antidotes – being that I couldn’t even muster the energy to smile, this was a task too large for me to tackle. As it turns out, my cats and kittens were far wiser than me and were about to teach me some invaluable life lessons.

It was through them, that I began to see life through their minds eye and the personal revelation was profound. Cats live without judgment and in the moment. They do not dwell on circumstances, and, as long as they are loved, fed, have clean litter and a lap to nap one, then life is good. It was then that I realized I had a story to tell and a message to teach – I wanted to use my cats as more than a cute story about kittens climbing up a curtain. I wanted to use an honest, conversational, warm, and humorous style of writing to share a story that really explored the very real core of being a cat – how they express feelings and emotions, not just with one another, but with the world at large. I felt whether you were a “cat person” or not, that the journey of the chronicle itself, is something we all can relate to in one way or another and I became convinced I needed to share my positive feelings as they did, i.e., to “embrace the ordinary in life and dare to make it extraordinary.” 

Once I grasped that simple but profound concept, from that point on, I really truly understood how simple the message was and how rewarding, limitless, and fulfilling the possibility could be and I tried to look for those silver-lining moments all the time to help me appreciate my life all the more, despite how it seemed on the surface sometimes. If an explanation is in order – just imagine a bug walks across the floor – for a cat, in a split second, life magically transforms from “ordinary to extraordinary” as they spend endless minutes in fascinated pursuit of this non-descript moment in their lives. It’s all in how you perceive the moment. As people – take a rainy day for example. Rather than find it to be a hindrance, perhaps it is a stolen moment for a much needed nap or a chance to snuggle on the couch to watch an old movie. 

The writing began to flow with abandon after that point and I knew I wanted to immerse my readers into that simple concept. I felt by creating a heartfelt and inspirational story that was narrated through everyday events that anyone could relate to, coupled with stunning photos and exquisite artwork, that the reader would experience the very concept of “from ordinary to extraordinary.” I wanted this book to be an experience for my readers and I truly think I have achieved that goal.

I cannot wait to share this story – I know it has made me a better person today and I hope it will give people a few laughs and inspire them to think in a different way about their lives as well.
 
Authors Note: I am thrilled to announce that November 1st, 2011, is the official launch date of the book release and the unveiling of my new website and book trailer. Please mark your calendars to stop by www.zeezoey.com for a visit – I can guarantee you that I continue my vision of “from ordinary to extraordinary” as you are treated to a visual masterpiece from the moment you enter the site! I will also be on tour with “Pump Up Your Book Promotions” from November 14 to December 16, 2011 and you can find all the details at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/10/12/the-chronicles-of-zee-zoey-virtual-book-publicity-tour-novemberdecember-2011/

Deborah, thanks so much for guest blogging today and sharing your journey to writing your book. It is truly awesome what our furry friends can teach us if we just take time to learn.

Now let me share a bit of background on Deborah. Born in Lansing, Michigan, and moving dozens of times in her life, Deborah currently resides in the tropical paradise of Coral Springs, Florida, with her fiancé Dan, and their seven beautiful cats that were the inspiration for THE CHRONICLES OF ZEE AND ZOEY. She has two sons - Chris, 26, and Joe, 21, - who have long since moved out on their own. She has worked as an executive/marketing administrator for over 25 years in various fields, but has always found writing to be her primary passion and true calling.

Have you learn lessons of life from your animals? If you’re a writer, do you include animals in your stories? If you’re a reader, do you enjoy stories that include pets? I hope you enjoy the photos of Zee, Zoey and their kittens. I couldn’t pick just one so I decided to share all.

Books, Books, Books, Books

Boy, do I have diversity for you today!

I have sang the praises of audio books before and continue to say they are a great way to ‘read’ while you’re busy doing other things. Today I have 4 very interesting audio books to share with you, including my first review of a YA novel.

Author Josi S. Kilpack was scheduled to post today on her blog tour, but was unable to so I thought I’d share some reviews. Sorry for the long post, but I’m trying to share as many reviews as I can in a few slots this month. Now for the reviews.

SHATNER RULES by William Shatner with Chris Regan

 

If you’re a fan of Captain James T. Kirk or savvy lawyer Denny Crane, you’ll love SHATNER RULES.

This is a collection of rules explaining why and how Shatner is Shatner and we know there can be only one. Witty and entertaining, Shatner talks about his four decades in show business and how saying ‘yes’ has lead him in so many different directions.

SHATNER RULES is a very candid look at some of Shatner’s accomplishments, the lessons he has learned in life, and even old feuds with former cast members. A mix of hilarious and tender moments, SHATNER RULES will have you laughing one minute and warming your heart the next. Shatner talks about such things as his trouble with Facebook and selling a kidney stone for charity. There’s a house in New Orleans that Bill’s kidney built.

There are Rules, Fun Factners, and William Flashbackners throughout the story. By the end you will realize there is a difference between Shatner and Bill. While Shatner may seem to have a bit of an attitude to have made it where he has, Bill still has a good heart with compassion for his fellow humans and the earth.

Still going strong at 80, there is no telling what Shatner will tackle next. SHATNER RULES will open your eyes to the world of Shatner where there is much more than just Kirk, Crane and the Priceline Negotiator.  I would recommend the audio version of this book as it is read by Shatner himself.

Author William Shatner’s website is www.williamshatner.com

Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large by William Shatner with Chris Regan, Read by William Shatner, Penguin Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611760231, Unabridged, 4 Discs, Listening Time: 5 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.

THE APOTHECARY by Maile Meloy

 

I don’t think I’ve read a YA novel since I was a YA. Back then we didn’t refer to them as YAs, they were just books.

Reading THE APOTHECARY will give you the sense of youth and dreams while also fueling the adult need for a great story. This is a wonderful book to share with your children.

The protagonist is 14-year-old Janie Scot. Her family moves to London from Los Angeles in 1952. Janie finds herself in a strange town attending school with no friends. Then she meets Benjamin Burrows, a mysterious classmate who defies school authorities about bomb drills. He is also the son of the apothecary down the street from Janie’s home.

Soon Janie learns Benjamin dreams of being a spy as she helps him with a project one afternoon. Little do they know they are about to be involved in one of the greatest spy adventures ever. When Benjamin’s father is kidnapped, it’s up to the teens to help find him as they uncover secrets from his sacred book, The Pharmacopoeia. In addition, they have to keep the book safe from Russian spies.

They discover transforming elixirs and various magical potions, meet some entertaining new friends along the way, all while helping stop impending nuclear disaster. While some of their methods may sound like a fairy tale, author Maile Meloy will have you believing in the impossible before you know it.

The wonderful accent of Narrator Cristin Milioti is a delight. She gives depth to the characters and brings the action to life.

I highly recommend this tale of friendship, loyalty and love for mankind. It includes a big dose of humor and magic for a well-rounded story.

Author Maile Meloy’s website is www.mailemeloy.com and there is also a site for the book at www.theapothecarybook.com

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy, Read by Cristin Milioti, Penguin Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611760095, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 7 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.

CHAOS IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

 

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is back on the job after her last case in NEW YORK TO DALLAS. This time around the killer has her doing a double take.

In CHAOS IN DEATH, Dallas is investigating the murder of three people in an abandoned building. The trio, all recovering addicts, are friends and seem to have no enemies. 

When a witness comes forward to describe what she saw the night of the killings, Dallas isn’t sure what to make of it at first. The suspect has green skin, big red eyes, a dislocated jaw, and danced in the street twirling his cape.

The investigation leads Dallas and her team to a medical facility where testing is being done to help addicts. The more they learn, the more the suspect list grows.

Author J.D. Robb will keep you guessing who the murderer is and why right until the end. The usual cast of great supporting characters are included in this tale of a twisted killer.

CHAOS IN DEATH is shorter than most of the In Death installments, but lacks nothing in suspense and intrigue. This is a stand alone story but might make you a bit curious if you haven’t read NEW YORK TO DALLAS.

Narrator Susan Ericksen does a marvelous job bringing these characters to life. She gives each their own unique voice.

Author J.D. Robb’s website is www.jdrobb.com

Chaos in Death by J.D. Robb, An In Death Novel, Read by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455818471, Unabridged, 3 Discs, Listening Time: 3 Hours 41 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.

CHRISTMAS AT TIMBERWOODS by Fern Michaels

 

Christmas brings to mind crowded malls filled with busy shoppers, noisy children, and colorful decorations. Add in a possible explosion and you have the action-packed novel, CHRISTMAS AT TIMBERWOODS.

It’s the busiest time of the year at Timberwoods Mall keeping security manager Heather Andrews on her toes. When the young woman who designed the mall’s holiday displays comes to see her, Heather’s not sure what to make of it. Angela Steinhart has premonitions and this time she’s seen an explosion at the mall during the height of the shopping season.

As Heather and her boss, Lex, check into the matter, the more convinced they become the vision may come true. Meanwhile, a mall employee has had more than he can take of his co-workers treatment and decides on a fatal course of action.

Author Fern Michaels weaves the lives of her characters into an intriguing plot of suspense, action, and bits of romance. New friendships are forged and lives change forever. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you count down the hours till the deadline with Heather, Lex and the rest of the security team.

Tanya Eby does a wonderful job in her narration giving voice to these interesting chracters.

Author Fern Michael’s website is www.fernmichaels.com

Christmas At Timberwoods by Fern Michaels, Read by Tanya Eby, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455841448, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 8 Hours 28 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.

Hope you find something here to listen to or read as all of these novels are also available in print editions. Have you read any of these yet? Are any already on your TBR stack or on your wish list? Thanks so much for stopping by.

PUMPKIN ROLL by Josi S. Kilpack & A Contest

What could be better than being in New England for Halloween and baking?

Sadie Hoffmiller can’t think of a thing, especially since she’s with her boyfriend, Pete Cunningham. They are babysitting Pete’s three grandsons for a few days while his son and daughter-in-law go to Texas for work-related matters. The town of Jamaica Plain, a suburb of Boston, is decorated for the season and Sadie is in her element baking and cooking for the boys and Pete.

When the boys call the woman across the street a witch, Sadie gets a little curious. They claim even their mother calls her that. Armed with a plate of cookies, Sadie decides to find out more. A newly licensed private investigator, Sadie can’t help herself.

The more she checks, the more mysterious it gets. When the ‘witch’ is attacked in her own home, Sadie puts herself in danger to uncover the truth. An acquaintance from her past may give Sadie more assistance than she wants. The intrigue will keep you guessing what or who is behind all of the mysterious happenings.

PUMPKIN ROLL is the sixth installment in author Josi S. Kilpack’s Culinary Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. There are references to prior events Sadie has encountered, but not so that readers are lost in this new adventure. The series continues to keep readers in suspense, while tempting them with mouth-watering recipes throughout the story.

Sadie is a strong, independent protagonist who can show her soft and vulnerable side while still being believable. The author has also included a number of lovable supporting characters. The book’s New England setting and Halloween theme make it a perfect read for this time of year. However, a Culinary Mystery by Kilpack is always an enjoyable read no matter the season.

ADDED BONUS…..
**In conjunction with the release of PUMPKIN ROLL, the author, Josi S. Kilpack, and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, are sponsoring a contest for a new iPad2. To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of this blog before November 1, 2011. Winners will be announced and notified November 3, 2011.

For additional ways to enter, go to www.josiskilpack.com **

Author Josi S. Kilpack’s website is www.josiskilpack.com

Pumpkin Roll by Josi S. Kilpack, A Culinary Mystery, Shadow Mountain, @2011, ISBN: 9781609087456, Paperback, 368 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a blog tour and it was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Author Patty Friedmann: ‘I’ve Been Everything But Dead’

Discovering new authors is part of the fun of blogging so it’s my pleasure to welcome ‘new-to-me’ author Patty Friedmann as she makes a stop on her virtual blog tour with Pump Up Your Book!

Patty’s two latest books are a YA novel entitled TAKEN AWAY and a literary e-novel entitled TOO JEWISH.

Patty’s here to talk about ‘I’ve been everything but dead.’

I was doing a radio interview once in Madison, Wisconsin. Not bad for a girl from New Orleans. Unfortunately, I was actually in Madison, and it was a cold, gray autumn day, and I'd taken a long time walking to the studio, underdressed, chilled to the bone, and I wasn't in the right frame of mind to say the right things. I was promoting a book in which one of the three first-person narrators was a young black male. The interviewer lobbed a good one at me, asking if I thought I could succeed at authenticity with a different race and gender. "Well," I said, still shivering and not having much blood going to my brain, "Alice Sebold wrote from the point of view of a dead person, and she's never been dead."

The interview ground to a complete halt. He didn't like me. I could tell he wasn't going to air my interview. He asked me where I'd be appearing in Wisconsin, and then he said a polite thank-you-goodbye. I'd blown it. In retrospect, I think he was too, too serious. I think it was a funny line. He should have laughed. He should have liked me. But it was a university town, a public station. I don't play well in somber places.

I can't say I've done a lot of thinking since then about what a writer's boundaries are when it comes to getting inside characters' heads. I feel that I've been everything but dead.

Black?
Male?
Black male?

Why not? Writers have an empathy gene, and that means an innate capacity to relate what goes on in other people to one's own experience. I've lived in New Orleans long enough to have been in situations for long stretches when I'm the only white person. Everybody around me might see my color, but I can't see me. I pick up at least tiny fragments of shared experience--gender aside. I have no clue what it's like a hundred percent to be black, but I have enough puzzle pieces to build a character. The same is true of being male. I've been around enough of them. I've married far too many, reared and step-parented some I've wanted and some I haven't, and I've seen what's male in me and what's male in them.

I have to be careful with my characters because I want them to be real. I want them to speak the way they would and to think the way they would. I have eight novels under my belt, and so far I haven't heard one complaint--not from reviewers, not from readers. 

So when it came to the challenge presented by the novel TAKEN AWAY, I had no fears. At least as far as the characters went. This was my first foray into YA fiction, and I was going to speak in the voice of a 15-year-old. Hey, I've been a 15-year-old. ("You were a 15-year-old on the ark," some are thinking.) I've reared two children intensely, one a girl, one a boy. I know everything, I say to myself. Actually, as far as I'm concerned, we're all versions of our 15-year-old selves; I just have to slice off any wisdom I may have accumulated along the way. 

The character I created, Sumbie, was in a few ways like my now-35 daughter Esme, at least biographically. Esme was a deeply creative, sensitive, smart girl from a not-rich family who went to a private school for the insanely rich. That's where the similarity ends: Esme had an adopted baby brother she mothered like crazy; Sumbie is jealous of a baby sister who is lost in Hurricane Katrina, and her parents suspect her of having a role in the disappearance. Mixing Esme and myself up, as every mother does, I could put myself in Sumbie's place with no help. Emotionally. But when it came to creating a contemporary Sumbie, I needed Esme and her then-25-year-old brother as consultants. Not for character questions, but for technology issues. Not a big deal. Otherwise, I speak and feel 15.

I've done young. I've done male. I'm old enough to do old--if I thought anyone would be interested. I could go to another culture and immerse myself in it for a long time if I wanted to try to create a character from there. Though I would never presume to set a novel elsewhere. I'm a New Orleans writer, and I see too many people coming to New Orleans getting it wrong in novels, nonfiction, film, photography. 

I can be anyone.

I even can be dead.

But as Bartleby said, I would prefer not to.

Patty, thanks so much for guest blogging today. You do make a good point about being careful with your characters because you want them to be real. From a reader’s view point, that’s an added bonus in a story.

Here’s a synopsis of TAKEN AWAY: When Summer Elmwood’s hot, bedraggled, exhausted family arrives unannounced at the door of her aunt’s elegant Houston house, her mother explains. “We’ve had a disaster. Not the hurricane, a real disaster.” 

It is one week after Katrina laid waste to the Elmwoods’ hometown of New Orleans, and like most residents, they were too close to the tragedy to see its scope. Besides, they were coping with a possible tragedy of their own, and only because their city has closed down have they evacuated. Summer’s baby sister disappeared the day the storm hit. 

Two-year-old Amalia Elmwood had open-heart surgery three days before the storm, and in the chaos—breaking windows, loss of power, rising water, departure of doctors and nurses—Amalia has disappeared from Intensive Care. The Elmwoods find themselves helpless to find her in an abandoned city. 

When her parents start to suspect Summer—who aches for some positive attention—might be the culprit, Summer musters all her resources to track her sister down. With parents who don’t like technology, she must sneak to use computers and cell phones, but with the help of a friend, Haydn Glade, who also is exiled in Texas, she picks up clues that the FBI ignores and eventually figures out what happened. Haydn, whom she “would be in love with if I didn’t love him so much,” seems a much more romantic boy in Texas. Summer has to decide how much. 

Now a bit of background on Patty. She is the author of six darkly comic literary novels set in New Orleans: The Exact Image of Mother (Viking Penguin 1991); Eleanor Rushing (1998), Odds (2000), Secondhand Smoke (2002), Side Effects (2006), and A Little Bit Ruined (2007) - all hardback and paperback from Counterpoint except paper edition of Secondhand Smoke from Berkley Penguin -; as well as the humor book Too Smart to Be Rich (New Chapter Press 1988). 

Her novels have been chosen as Discover Great New Writers, Original Voices, and Book Sense 76 selections, and her humor book was syndicated by the New York Times. She has published reviews, essays, and short stories in Publishers Weekly, Newsweek, Oxford American, Speakeasy, Horn Gallery, Short Story, LA LIT, Brightleaf, New Orleans Review, and The Times-Picayune; and in anthologies The Great New American Writers Cookbook, Above Ground, Christmas Stories from Louisiana, My New Orleans, New Orleans Noir, and Life in the Wake. Her stage pieces have been part of Native Tongues. In a special 2009 edition, Oxford American listed Secondhand Smoke with 29 titles that included Gone with the Wind, Deliverance, and A Lesson Before Dying as the greatest ‘Underrated Southern Books.’ With slight interruptions for education and natural disasters, she always has lived in New Orleans.

For more on Patty and her writing, visit her website at www.pattyfriedmann.com.

If you’re a writer, what are your thoughts on creating characters? If you’re a reader, do you enjoy books where the characters seem believable and even remind you of someone you know?

THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING by James Patterson & Richard DiLallo

What’s a woman to do with three marriage proposals while planning for Christmas?

If you’re Gaby Summerhill, you turn the decision into a mystery and throw a Christmas wedding sure to bring all your children home for the holiday.

It’s been three years since Gaby’s husband, Peter, died. Their four children have drifted away focusing on the ups and downs of their own lives. Gaby decides the best way to get them all home for Christmas once again is to have her wedding on Christmas and keep the groom’s identity a secret.

The grooms-to-be include: Jacob Coleman, rabbi at Am Shalom Temple; Tom Hayden, local farmer and former professional hockey player; and Marty Summerhill, Peter’s younger brother.

Gaby sends video messages to her children to keep the suspense building. Meanwhile, each of her children are coming to terms with major issues in their own lives before heading home for the big day.

Even though the story is told mainly from Gaby’s point of view, there are chapters featuring the views of each of her children. This is done in a smooth transition from one family member to the each making it a well-balanced story.

While I often think of Patterson as one of the masters of great suspense and thrillers, he also tells a good romance tale from time to time. THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING is a heartwarming story of family and love with Christmas cheer as an added bonus. This is a quick storyline that will delight readers with bits of humor and tender moments. A good book to brighten any day.  

Author James Patterson’s website is www.jamespatterson.com. The author has also launched a special website to help get youngsters excited about reading at http://readkiddoread.com/

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo, Little, Brown and Company, @2011, ISBN: 9780316097390, Hardback, 288 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 Kathryn Handley: Writing From A Certain Perspective

It’s my pleasure to welcome author Kathryn Handley here today as the special guest blogger as she makes a stop on her WOW (Women on Writing) virtual blog tour with her current release, BIRDS OF PARADISE.

Kathryn has joined us to talk about ‘Writing…from a certain perspective.’

Wow, this is a broader subject than I perceived when I chose it. I’d like to start with a couple of questions.

Do you know what your perspective is … in life, in spiritual matters, in the dreaded subject of politics, in parenting, in love and caring? Do you know what has influenced you over the years (7 decades in my case)? How has your perspective changed and what people and events have contributed to these changes? 

Now that I’ve got you thinking about your own perspective, I’d like to share my points of view on a writer’s perspective. 

A writer consciously or subconsciously uses his/her perspective in the choice of subject, fiction, non-fiction or poetry. The choice means that the writer has something to say on the subject. The wonderful expansion of blogs speaks to the importance of an individual’s perspective. Entering a writer’s blog can educate you in so many areas and it can provide a window into his/her soul. Readers gain insight into a myriad of subjects, people, and passions.

First, when considering writing from a certain perspective, I thought about my  age - writing as a senior lady. Then I realized that my perspective has resulted from experiences, reading and changing attitudes and has been influenced by present younger perspectives, such as those from my children and grandchildren. An individual may keep eyes and ears open to nuances in family and our society in general. 

My perspective had been greatly influenced by my grandson, Eric, who has cerebral palsy. Every day I learn about his challenges and express gratitude for his parents, nurses, teachers and friends. 

Older women who have something to say have many venues besides simple conversation. I’m interested in all sorts of communication through classes, meetings, and the Internet that broach all aspects of womanhood, and therefore, humanity. Our heroines challenge us to grow. Mine include my mother, my daughters, the Virgin Mary, Hillary Clinton, Maya Angelo, and closer to home, moms of special needs children.

Many young women have older and wiser women, who help them through the complexities in life. A favorite of mine is Sandra. She is a beautiful, caring woman, older than my daughter and younger than me and a role model. We “ask Sandra” when perplexed with a problem, as small as a stain on silk and large as financial planning or a rift in the family situation. 

There you have it – a few thoughts on perspective. Think about yours and have a lovely day. Warmly, Kathy.

Kathy, thanks so much for guest blogging and sharing your perspective on writing. Sometimes I think we would be surprised if we just stopped and really thought about who does influence daily.

Now here’s a brief synopsis of Kathy’s book: When trucker Joe-Mack picks up a runaway in Vegas and drops him in Hollywood, he leaves him with a phone number—just in case. When the call comes, Joe becomes embroiled in Freddie’s life and the search for Starlet, the homeless girl who desires stardom. The three share a common search for love and for a place to belong.
 
With vivid imagery Handley tells a tale of dreams lost and found, of broken hearts and edgy situations. This is a story of life on the street. Handley’s characters meet life head on, taking risks and maintaining thin threads of dignity amidst troubling situations with surprising twists along the way. 

A bit of background on Kathy. Her grandfather entertained his family with stories and dancing, her father quoted Shakespeare and her mother was known as “Mary the Poet” so naturally she would become a writer…eventually! Now a published novelist at age 71, Kathy’s short fiction has appeared in many literary magazines. She recently won Word Hustler’s Page-to-Screen Contest (2011) and currently serves as Prose Poetry Judge for the National League of American Pen Women Soul-Making Contest. A collection of her work will soon be released under the title A World of Love and Envy (short fiction, flash-fiction, and poetry). 

For more on Kathy and her writing, check out her website at www.kathyhandley.com.

Who influences you daily? Have you ever considered that your actions influence others? Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and thanks so much for stopping by.

Spotlight on LAGAN LOVE by Peter Murphy

“If you know something about passion, and desire, and giving everything to live your dreams then leave your world behind for a while. Come with Janice to Dublin, in the mid-1980s when a better future beckoned and the past was restless, whispering in the shadows for the Old Ways.”

 

Thus begins the synopsis for author Peter Murphy’s latest fiction novel, LAGAN LOVE. The author is touring blogdom through Nov. 23 on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book! featuring his 328-page literary release. 

Thanks to Peter and Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book!, I have 1 copy of LAGAN LOVE to giveaway to a lucky visitor who comments on this post between now and 8 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, Oct. 22. Be sure to include your e-mail address in your comment, if it’s not included in your profile. 

Here’s the rest of the synopsis for LAGAN LOVE (Fiction Studio): “Janice has grown tired of her sheltered existence in Toronto and when Aidan leads her through the veils of the Celtic Twilight, she doesn’t hesitate. In their love, Aidan, Dublin’s rising poet, sees a chance for redemption and Janice sees a chance for recognition.

Sinead tells her that it is all nonsense as she keeps her head down and her eyes fixed on her own prize – a place in Ireland’s prospering future. She used to go out with Aidan, before he met Janice, so there is little she can say. And besides, she has enough to do as her parents are torn apart by the rumours of church scandals. 

But after a few nights in Grogan’s, where Dublin’s bohemians gather, or a day in Clonmacnoise among the ruins of Celtic Crosses, it won’t matter as the ghosts of Aidan’s mythologies take form and prey on the friends until everything is at risk. LAGAN LOVE is a sensuous story of love, lust and loss that will bring into question the cost we pay for our dreams.” 

Author Peter Murphy was born in Killarney where he spent his first three years before his family was deported to Dublin, the Strumpet City. Growing up in the verdant braes of Templeogue, Peter was schooled by the De La Salle brothers in Churchtown where he played rugby for ‘The Wine and Gold’. He also played football (soccer) in secret! 

After that, Peter graduated and studied the Humanities in Grogan’s under the guidance of Scot’s corner and the bar staff; Paddy, Tommy and Sean. He financed his education by working summers on the buildings sites of London in such places as Cricklewood, Camden Town and Kilburn. 

Peter also tramped the roads of Europe playing music and living without a care in the world. But his move to Canada changed all of that. He only came over for awhile – 30 years ago. He took a day job and played music in the bars at night until the demands of family life intervened. 

Having raised his children and packed them off to University, Peter answered the long ignored internal voice and began to write. He has no plans to make plans for the future and is happy to let things unfold as they do anyway. LAGAN LOVE is his first novel. 

For more on Peter and his writing, visit his website at www.peterdamienmurphy.com or his blog at www.peterdamienmurphy.blogspot.com. You can also connect with him at Twitter at www.twitter.com/PeeloMurphy and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LaganLove. 

Here’s a delightful book trailer about LAGAN LOVE for your enjoyment. 

What are your thoughts on books that feature distant lands and folklore? Thanks so much for stopping by today.