Blog Archives
Out of Balance
The Teetotaler’s Bar follows a woman who inherits her aunt’s fortune, her New City apartment, complete with a puppy, and the bar on the first floor, which also happens to be a murder scene. What inspired the setup of your story?
It just came to me one day out of the blue. I like to create stories using situations that don’t add up. So I was thinking, what could be more out of balance than a young girl who lives healthy and doesn’t drink but suddenly inherits a bar? She inherited plenty more besides, from a relative she hardly knew, and I was off and running with another mystery!
Jazz is a fascinating character that has an overwhelming amount of things happen all at once. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I liked writing the scenes in the beginning that started to establish who Jazz is, and the ones that gave her an idea of who the estranged relative who got murdered was, too. The aunt who left her the bar is her mother’s half-sister, and she was one of those know-it-alls who runs around telling everybody else what to think, how to feel, and who to be. Ha, I based that on the worst co-worker I ever had! It raises the question, did the woman’s big mouth cause her to be murdered, or was it, perhaps, something else? And if it was something else, what?
There is a lot of time and care spent with descriptions and building the setting and tone of the story. Was this out of necessity to develop the depth of the story, or was it something that happened naturally while you were writing?
It was a little of both. I wanted to make the bar that Jazz initially is reluctant to inherit to be a whole lot nicer than she feared it would be. There’s an unsolved murder hanging over it like a cloud, but she slowly starts to like the idea of owning the place. She’s also immediately enchanted with owning the Art Deco apartment building where the bar occupies the first floor, but when she enters the stairwell, finds it’s neglected and rather grungy, so that gives something of a shadowy atmosphere to it. Yes, it’s gorgeous on the outside, but it’s certainly not perfect all the way around, and neither is the whole situation.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve got two more mysteries in the works at the moment! One deals with bumbling animal traffickers. The other one is set during the American homefront in World War II, where two young brothers find an abandoned baby. I think they should be available around the holidays. I’m having a wonderful time working on them both!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A Toxic Friend
There’s No Cure for Impossible follows a young woman working in the news industry who finds herself increasingly entangled in a former friend’s web of dangerous lies that threaten her career. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I had heard that when a baby is abducted from a hospital setting it’s usually done by a woman who is not a career criminal at all. It’s by a gal whose motivation is needing a child to try and bind herself to a man, and to pass the baby off as “theirs,” when it isn’t. She doesn’t want her man to get away. Well, that intrigued me no end! It’s bizarre, and so extreme, and I was off and running with creating a story around the idea of a woman who would be crazy enough to try to pull off that sort of a kidnapping. This one doesn’t happen in a hospital setting, though, the baby is snatched at a store, yet it’s done for the same wacky reason. The character of Mila has recently miscarried and takes an infant because she wants to hold on to her boyfriend. He’s gotten fed up with her, as just about everyone in her life eventually does…
What was the inspiration for the relationship between Selena and Mila?
I think everybody has had a situation or two where they have a toxic friend, and are pushed to the point that, for their own sake, they have no choice but to go their own separate way. You can only take so much. Decades ago I had a friend at an entertainment industry job, one who turned out to be a pathological liar and was prone to throwing spectacular tantrums if she didn’t get her way. It was unreal and it had to be seen to be believed. After I left that job, I put a stop to any further contact with that one. Enough! So that’s where Selena is at the start of this story. She’s written Mila off because she just can’t take all the drama and craziness that Mila generates any longer. She wants out of the friendship, and she gets out, but when Mila’s latest stunt of grabbing a baby makes headlines, Selena is working for a television news station and accidentally lands in the middle of another Mila mess…
What was your favorite scene in this story?
All of it was fun to write. I think the part where Selena meets with an FBI agent and finds out a few tidbits she hadn’t known before is my absolute favorite part of this one. That throws everything in disarray and for quite a loop besides. And while I don’t want to add any spoilers here, I’ll say this. I also really like the way I ended this story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Believe it or not, this past winter and spring I worked on three books at a time! UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN, a historical novel about the Kindertransport and World War II, has already been released and it’s doing well. Then there was this one, THERE’S NO CURE FOR IMPOSSIBLE, and finally the third, THE TEETOTALER’S BAR. All of them were enjoyable to write. THE TEETOTALER’S BAR is about a young woman whose distant relative is murdered and leaves her a fortune, a puppy, a whole apartment building filled with tenants she has to contend with, and a bar and grill. But the girl is a healthy-living teetotaler. She initially isn’t thrilled with owning a bar, and she also wants to figure out the reason behind the murder. It’s going to be available soon! I’m also already hard at work on yet another one, a mystery involving exotic animal traffickers.
If I may add this, I’d like to encourage anyone out there who hasn’t already done so to go for it if they have a creative idea they’d like to put into action and pursue. It has worked so beautifully for me! Just give it a shot. And as the old adage goes, “No guts, no glory!”
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Blog | Amazon
There’s No Cure for Impossible
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s There’s No Cure for Impossible presents a captivating tale centered around Selena Lawrence, a news industry professional grappling with the fallout of her past relationships. The story kicks off with Selena discovering that her former boyfriend-loving, drama-prone friend Mila is embroiled in scandalous headlines. Anticipating a plea for help from Mila, Selena tries to distance herself from the impending chaos. However, her attempts to stay away are futile, as she finds herself increasingly entangled in Mila’s web of complications. The pressing question becomes whether Selena can break free from Mila’s toxic influence before it’s too late.
Quinn excels in creating detailed and unique characters, each with their own compelling narrative. Selena, the protagonist, is vividly portrayed, eliciting empathy from the reader as she navigates her dilemma. The portrayal of Mila, a magnet for drama, adds layers of tension, while the dynamic news crew injects further intrigue and excitement into the plot. The novel’s tone strikes a perfect balance between upbeat and suspenseful, maintaining a pace that keeps readers fully engaged. Quinn’s storytelling shines through in memorable scenes—from Selena’s desperate hideout in a hotel to the riveting moments when the news crew uncovers her connection to Mila. The book is packed with drama and surprises, culminating in a shocking conclusion that defies expectations.
There’s No Cure for Impossible is a thoroughly enjoyable read, with no shortage of excitement or twists. Quinn’s adept character development and gripping narrative make this novel a standout. I eagerly anticipate more works from this talented author.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0D8KJJRMB
Laugh to Keep From Crying
In a Pickle follows a man trying to find his way out of a business deal gone wrong and a reverend determined to help solve the mystery that surrounds his fate. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup for the story is found in one of the quotes from the book: The Reverend Sweetie Bird Charles declares, “…it taught me one lesson for sure. It sure enough drilled into my noggin not to count my chickens before they hatched, even when I could see them eggs in the nest what seemed to be tucked away safe and sound. Yes, sir, someone comed to rob the henhouse, and I didn’t hear a cluck or a cock-a-doodle-do or nothing.”
Your story is a wonderful blend of mystery and humor. How do you manage to create a successful blend of drama and levity?
I think it’s probably the sarcasm and the absurdity of the situations that The Reverend Sweetie Bird Charles finds herself in that make for the levity. I write from my experiences (not necessarily those of The Reverend) and have learned through a lot of livin’ that life can throw crazy things anybody’s way. Sometimes we laugh to keep from crying… and sometimes it’s just damned funny.
Do you have a favorite among your colorful cast of characters?
Do I have a favorite? Not really. Do other people have a favorite? Most definitely. And the winner is: Agnes! People have shared with me that they love Agnes because she says what they have always thought but were afraid to say out loud. Agnes becomes their spokesperson, as it were. I think that a lot of people have an ‘Agnes’ in their mind—sometimes they acknowledge that entity and give her space, but most of the time they don’t due to societal constraints. The fact that she tends to lay things out clearly and minces no words makes her a popular gal.
Is this the first book in a series? What are you currently working on?
The next book in the series is available on Amazon and is titled The Church of Unrealized Fantasies—it’s the continuing story of The Reverend Sweetie Bird Charles, Agnes, Mama, and assorted characters we’ve met in In a Pickle and a host of new friends as she stumbles upon Destiny. Yes, I meant to capitalize the word…Destiny. Read the book and find out.
I am currently working on Book 3 in The Reverend Sweetie Bird series… but I never tell what I’m working on until I’m finished. Suffice it to say, the adventure continues.
Author links: Website
Charles Madison Montgomery Washington finds himself in a mess of trouble after his business dealings lead him to the Gray Bar Hotel. As events unfold, his fate becomes shrouded in mystery, leaving questions about the whereabouts of valuable diamonds. Shorty and Bruno are on the hunt for answers, while Dick E. has his version of events, and Father Murphy, seated in the confessional, only wants to keep his wayward flock together. What sets the Reverend apart is her keen insight into slick-talking folks.
With the assistance of Mama and Agnes, the voices that some consider madness, the Reverend might be the only one capable of piecing together this convoluted tale. Can she untangle the threads of this crazy quilt and shed light on the truth?
“A Microcosm of Eccentricity”
A Charm Without a Chain follows a teacher and his daughter as they stumble upon a gruesome murder, driving him to solve the mystery and protect his community amidst a web of suspicion and secrets. Could you share the initial idea that motivated you to write this novel?
I always wanted to write a mystery set in a high school. I attended the grammar school where my mother taught and the high school where my father taught, which was unusual for a kid, to say the least. In both cases, I was privy to all kinds of behind-the-scenes information about what was going on in the schools and also at the two respective Boards of Education. Both were excellent, wonderful schools. However, at the one where my dad taught, I used to say the faculty was like “a microcosm of eccentricity” because of all the various personalities on the staff. All of it provided inspiration for A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN.
The book is filled with unexpected twists and intriguing characters. Can you share your process for crafting a complex plot and maintaining suspense throughout the story?
I start writing with an initial idea and just keep on going with it. Monty is called to the school in the summertime by the principal that no one can stand, his daughter goes along because she’s about to start attending it and wants to get the lay of the land regarding where each of her classes will be held, and kaboom! They find the principal’s dead body. It takes off from there. And here’s a little secret: whenever I start to write a mystery, I have some idea of who is going to be the one “whodunit,” but don’t strictly hold to that if a better possibility comes to mind.
Monty is a unique character with an interesting background. How did you develop his character, and what made you decide to give him aspirations of becoming a detective?
Easy question! I should have become one myself! I had a grandfather who was a Federal Postal Inspector and my mind seems to work a whole lot like his did. So I created Monty as this terrific teacher, but one who had regrets about not becoming a cop, which would have been his first choice of a profession until his mother put a stop to it. He’s a good teacher and a good man, but finding this body is finally giving him his chance to do what he’s always wanted. He wants to not only solve this case but prove he can do it. I may write a sequel and give him another one to solve.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
It’s called THE HOLLYWOOD BACKLASH MOON and it’s available as of right now, January 2024. A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN was set in a calm lakeside community in Colorado, but THE HOLLYWOOD BACKLASH MOON takes place in Los Angeles in 1964. A nice girl from Brooklyn lives with her wacky aunt and uncle, who just happen to be television actors. It’s a murder mystery set within the culture clash of Brooklyn sensibilities – I live there, and the people are so wonderfully down to earth and blunt – and the whole Hollywood competitive “notice me” nonsense. I once worked for a motion picture company so I have a good handle on both Brooklyn and Hollywood. It was so much fun to write!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
It’s bad enough that Monty and his daughter Jessica are the ones to find the principal’s dead body, but the next thing they hear is that a beloved teacher, Naomi Sutherland, was done in a day earlier as well. Why were two school staff members killed within two days? Who could possibly be behind this? And what is the significance of the silver rose charm that Jessica found near the murder scene?
Figuring out the solution to the two murders may initially seem impossible, but look out, Lake Covington, because Monty’s on the case!
In a Pickle
In a Pickle, by Marilyn Whitehorse, emerges as a novel that deftly balances humor with gravitas, intertwining the life of Charles Madison Montgomery Washington with that of the enigmatic reverend. Whitehorse crafts a narrative that is both engaging and poignant, offering a window into the complexities of human existence. The story navigates the reverend’s journey alongside characters such as Mama and Agnes, delving into a labyrinthine mystery that she alone seems poised to unravel.
Whitehorse’s narrative technique is noteworthy for its originality, maintaining the reader’s engagement with a well-paced plot and relatable themes. The book thoughtfully addresses subjects such as mental health and homelessness, striking a chord with readers through its authentic portrayal of universal human challenges. The reverend, as the central narrator, brings a unique perspective to the tale, her voice threading through the narrative and guiding the reader through a series of entangled events. Her pretense as a reverend to unearth the mystery adds an intriguing layer to the storyline, blending elements of intrigue and personal struggle.
What stands out in Whitehorse’s writing is the way it resonates with the reader, creating a narrative that feels grounded in reality. The blend of humor, mystery, and social commentary is handled with finesse, inviting readers to engage deeply with the characters and their journeys. The book’s exploration of significant topics like mental health and homelessness is handled with sensitivity, enhancing the story’s impact. These themes, combined with a dose of humor and a compelling mystery, create a rich tapestry that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In a Pickle, by Marilyn Whitehorse, is a novel that captivates readers with its unique style and heartfelt storytelling. It’s a story that invites reflection, laughter, and a deeper understanding of the human condition, making it a meaningful read for those who appreciate a narrative that weaves humor with the more profound aspects of life.
Pages : 284 | ASIN : B0CPTKFKFH
Vulnerable at Our Very Core
In A Deadly Game, a mother finds herself helping search for her son’s missing friend while also fighting to clear her son’s name. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
After watching the show, Your Honor, starring Brian Cranston on Showtime, I asked myself the question, “How far would I be willing to go to protect my son?” My son was a senior in high school at the time, and I thought with him going off to college, so many things can go wrong. After all, the front cerebral cortex isn’t fully developed until they’re twenty-five. Mix in alcohol, peer pressure, and college shenanigans, and who knows what can go wrong?
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I think we are vulnerable at our very core, and although we have rules to follow, deep down, at times, we wish we could act against our morals in order to achieve a particular outcome. It’s almost like the angel and devil on our shoulders. We know what we should do, but we know what we want to do, and sometimes, they are not the same. And as a parent loving their child unconditionally, this fine line becomes even blurrier.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I wanted the characters to struggle with what they wanted to do and with what they knew they should do, putting them in moral quandaries. For the characters I want the reader to have empathy with, I played on this a little bit more. For the antagonists, I didn’t adhere to moral guidelines as much. This way, the reader won’t have as much empathy and sympathy for them.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
Ironically, I’ve switched gears and am working on the first book in a series about a teacher turned professional bridesmaid (yes, that’s a thing––a very lucrative thing if you do a good job!). While running from her problems at home, she gets her first break at a wedding in Vegas, but when she wakes up in an unfamiliar place, unable to recall what happened to her, one thing after another falls apart with the wedding plans spiraling out of control. Now, it’s up to Avery to fix everything, while keeping it from the bride and determining who is sabotoging the plans. It’s a comedy mixed with some suspense and mystery. The working title is (Un)lucky in Las Vegas––An Avery Montgomery, Bridesmaid for Hire Novel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Combing through the wooded area, Nicole unearths her son Kyle’s license and withholds this potential piece of evidence. She trusts him, but a sliver of doubt festers below the surface, thanks to one unresolved incident from middle school and his shady pastime. After he is officially named a person of interest, she must decide what to do next. Unsettled but determined to protect him, Nicole searches for the answers on her own.
While probing deeper, surprised by her unethical actions interfering with the investigation, Nicole realizes she’s being followed. As the situation deteriorates, she is blindsided by the truth, suddenly shattering her trust in people as well as her entire belief system. Now, unsure who to believe and running out of time, Nicole faces her most challenging moral dilemma: With someone’s fate resting in her hands, will she reveal what she’s learned or keep it to herself?
A Deadly Game is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller raising the question, “How far is a mother willing to go to protect her child?” The constant guessing and unexpected, riveting twists will keep you turning the pages. Don’t miss out! Buy your copy today.
A Deadly Game
A Deadly Game, by Gayle Brown, is a gripping thriller that consistently maintains a high level of intrigue and suspense. The story revolves around Nicole and Craig, a seemingly ideal couple, whose lives are disrupted when their son Kyle’s friend, Jaden, mysteriously disappears during a fraternity game. Nicole finds herself embroiled in a complex web of uncertainty as she seeks the truth behind Jaden’s fate.
Brown’s novel excels in its portrayal of believable characters and a well-structured plot. The narrative, rich with unforeseen developments, keeps readers on their toes. The maternal bond Nicole shares with Kyle adds depth to the story, making it more relatable and emotionally resonant. Brown’s meticulous attention to detail in describing police procedures adds a fantastic layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Gayle Brown’s accessible writing style and the book’s rapid pacing make it an enjoyable read for a wide audience, particularly those who appreciate thrillers with nuanced character perspectives. The final twist is cleverly executed, adding to the overall appeal of the narrative.
A Deadly Game is a compelling read, particularly recommended for fans of the thriller genre seeking a story that combines emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling. Brown’s skillfully delivered narrative makes it a worthwhile addition to any thriller enthusiast’s collection.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0CLKZ6W92
