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A Storyteller at Heart
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders follows a police force in Nova Scotia who would rather do anything other than solve the mystery surrounding a serial killer terrorizing the town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I lived in Nova Scotia for seven years and was a police officer/investigator. The small town I lived in had many quirky and inspirational characters that I could use in the story. Moreover, a few of my police officer colleagues were so terrible at their jobs that they became rousing characters in the book. I like to use absurdist humour, and the serial killer Saul, a cat-loving psychopath, became a perfect antagonist for me.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
I knew a guy who had (what seemed like) a million cats in his home, whom he called “cat.” My daughters encouraged me to write about a cat-loving killer, as they were convinced that the guy was a tad “odd.” He was a nice guy in real life; however, writing a character into the story was easy based on his idiosyncrasies.
I found this novel to be a cutting piece of satire. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your novel?
I am a storyteller at heart. Give me a topic, and I’ll make up a silly or slapstick story in the blink of an eye. I have held a few very serious jobs in my life, like policing and child protection—dark humour has helped me to maintain my sanity. Joseph Heller inspired me (Catch-22 and Something Happened!). I loved how he drew me into his narratives and colourful characters, making me laugh out loud. Few authors have been able to do this. Carl Hiaasen is one, and David Sedaris is another. The Monty Python team and their work NEVER get old for me, and laughter has been a considerable medicine in my life. In fact, satirical books saved my life in my teens. I wrote about this in my memoir, The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence (by Gary Trew). Literary Titan also reviewed the memoir. I hope readers enjoy the story’s absurdity, knowing that the location, scenarios, and some of the characters were a very real part of my life experience.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I wear two hats (or sombreros). I write humorous crime fiction and nonfiction (memoirs and other challenging topics like generational trauma). I want to write a sequel to The Man with the Pink Sombrero AND An Eye for an Eye. Two very different books—both absurdist fiction, yet with a commonality of humour. In An Eye for an Eye (the mallet murders), I have a sequel as the end of the story leaves the reader with many questions about the antagonist. Saul and his paramour escape the prison, obviously) and relocate. This time, his “partner” finds herself in a situation where she and the antagonist find joy and justification in their new “venture,” leading to more killings. The sequel may be called “Hello, Mr Pillow.” Enough said.
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Chaos unfolds in Yeovilton County as a doctor is found dead, one eye chillingly missing. While the authorities turn a blind eye to the mayhem, former detective Daryl Smith is determined to uncover the truth behind the gruesome killings. He joins forces with Yvonne Sparks, a brilliant profiler sidelined by her colleagues, and the pair begin the strangest homicide investigation of their lives. As events unfold, a twisted cat-loving serial killer emerges, brandishing a mallet and leaving a trail of chilling clues: a missing eyeball, dismembered fingers, half-eaten cans of tuna, messages written in blood and vanishing purebred felines.
In this thrilling story, a quirky cast of characters takes center stage: a one-eyed Chartreux cat, a scandalous mayor, a book club-obsessed police chief, a seductive cult leader, and a detective who prioritizes bias over his badge. At the core of it all is a cold-hearted killer who puts the well-being of his cats above everything else.
An Eye for an Eye is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a wild and darkly comedic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The outrageous characters will shock you and have you laughing out loud.
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders
An Eye for an Eye: The Mallet Murders masterfully exposes the dysfunction, mediocrity, and deep-seated corruption within law enforcement. Set against the grim backdrop of Nova Scotia, a serial killer lurks while the police department, rife with apathy, treats the escalating murders as mere inconveniences. Chief Kennedy, preoccupied with his book club and personal escapades, displays a staggering lack of leadership, swiftly declaring homicides as suicides and shelving cases as cold. Yet, amidst this chaos, the narrative reassures readers that not all officers have succumbed to this moral decay; a few still hold onto their integrity.
One of the novel’s standout qualities is its suspense. While employing dramatic irony, the author skillfully builds tension by weaving a web of mystery around the characters’ connections. For instance, Chapter 19 introduces Bobby Bobbit, and Chapter 21 shifts focus to the Poskett family. These characters vanish from prominence for much of the story, reappearing only briefly. This subtle threading leaves the reader pondering their significance and questioning how they tie into Saul or the broader case. The author expertly sustains this intrigue until the final pages, making the resolution deeply satisfying.
The portrayal of the police department’s shortcomings is scathing and incisive. More effort is spent scrutinizing Daryl’s clerical error during his application than on investigating the string of murders gripping Nova Scotia. Chief Kennedy’s incompetence reaches absurd levels, as he prioritizes recruiting book enthusiasts over capable officers to bolster his book club. Investigations are laughably perfunctory; if no leads emerge within a mere 22 minutes, cases are abandoned and marked cold. This gross negligence breeds public mistrust, illustrating the chasm between law enforcement and the community they are supposed to protect.
The story evokes a visceral emotional response, ranging from anger and disgust to morbid curiosity. Chief Kennedy’s flippant remarks at Dr. Hussain’s crime scene—where he muses about re-election and lobster sales—cement him as a detestable figure. Scenes such as the brainstorming session about the killer, treated as a light-hearted joke, are equally infuriating. Despite this, the author elicits unexpected empathy for characters like Saul. A poignant example occurs when Saul, seeking justice, approaches the Skank family only to face harsh insults. Moments like these reveal the depth of the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Saul’s plight while simultaneously lamenting the environment he must navigate.
This novel is an excellent recommendation for fans of crime fiction, particularly those who enjoy titles like In a Place of Darkness by Stuart MacBride or The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham. Readers who appreciate dramatic irony and are captivated by protagonists unraveling mysteries will find much to love here. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—anger, pity, and disgust—but be assured the gripping storytelling will keep you hooked until the very end.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0DPZT3KMB
Losing My Breath
In J. Rose Black’s enchanting novel, Losing My Breath, readers are swept away on a delightful and unexpectedly heartwarming journey into the lives of two neighbors who couldn’t be more different. Fate, however, has a clever way of bringing them together. Callan, a stern and disciplined former Marine, is as rigid as they come. When he crosses paths with his spirited new neighbor, Meridian, who couldn’t be more his opposite and full of challenges, sparks fly–both literally and figuratively. What unfolds is a romantic dance of opposites attracting.
Black immerses readers in Callan’s world, allowing us to peek into his thoughts, which is nothing short of entertaining. I couldn’t help but chuckle and roll my eyes as Callan desperately attempted to maintain his tough exterior around the vivacious Meridian. Callan’s character, firmly rooted in the past and grappling with PTSD may, at times, exasperate us due to his stubborn ways. However, as Meridian gradually chips away at Callan’s rough exterior, we come to realize that beneath the tough facade lies a genuinely sweet and caring man. Meridian, in contrast, is charming and remarkably patient as she navigates Callan’s prickly personality with grace. Her persistence and refusal to give up on him make her character endearing, and her chemistry with Callan sizzles in the steamy romantic scenes that are nothing short of electric.
J. Rose Black’s writing is undeniably engaging; she has a knack for keeping readers glued to the pages until the end. Beyond the love story, the novel explores deeper themes of redemption and coming to terms with one’s past. It’s a plot twist that catches you off guard and adds a layer of complexity to the narrative that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
In Losing My Breath, J. Rose Black delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant story that will leave you breathless. It’s a tale of love, sacrifice, and the battle against one’s own demons, ultimately culminating in the discovery of hope and redemption. Whether you’re a fan of romance or suspense, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B0C8HQCFZB
A Man For All Seasons
Author Karina McRoberts brings a unique style of storytelling in her book A Man For All Seasons. This fascinating book is a beautiful work of science fiction and includes an enthralling account of Vidor’s mission to conserve nature from those who want to destroy it for their own benefit. Vidor and his two animal friends work in sync to make a meaningful contribution to saving nature and nature’s creations.
McRoberts is persuasive in her writing. She leads the book in a unique setting with extraordinary characters; for example, a raven who talks and thinks like a human and understands climate change is an interesting character. As a reader, one can appreciate the clarity she presents with her storytelling – the characters’ personalities, how they communicate, the background, and other small details that bring them to life. A Man For All Seasons is filled with relatable dialogue between characters, which adds appeal to readers, allowing them to fall in love with the plot and the setting. Parts of this captivating novel are reminiscent of other sci-fi movies and Disney animated films that are well known in pop culture.
One notable thing about this novel is the length of the chapters. McRoberts keeps the chapters short and sweet. One can move to the next chapter with a breeze and finish the book in one sitting. Overall a quick read and challenging to put down.
The friendship between Vidor and Clarissa is precious, and so are the animal characters. In Vidor’s plan to save nature from destruction at the hands of humanity, he also makes an effort to give dying people dignified death, which is so heart-touching. There are good guys and bad guys in this book, and the ending is justified. This book will appeal to readers across genres with a not-so-usual plot and a fantastic cast of characters.
Pages: 121 | ASIN : B09QVTXS77
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