Blog Archives
The Daughter Between Them
Leslie Graham, an accomplished news editor, leads a fulfilling life in California with her two daughters, Jillian and Rhonda. Despite her contentment, the shadows of her past still loom over her. As Leslie pursues a promotion and her daughters gain independence, their lives are suddenly jeopardized when the girls are involved in a hit-and-run incident. Leslie starts to believe that their past is not entirely behind them and is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her daughters, even if it means confronting old ghosts.
The Daughter Between Them by Alretha Thomas is a fast-paced crime thriller that captivates from the first page to the last. Spanning just over 300 pages, the novel reads quickly, thanks to Thomas’s skillful establishment of the central mystery and the escalating drama that leads to an exhilarating reveal and a satisfying conclusion. From the outset, Leslie is portrayed as a driven and capable mother and professional, yet she harbors a palpable fear rooted in her past. Her anxieties are validated when Jillian and Rhonda are targeted in a hit-and-run.
As Leslie grapples with the enigma of their attacker, readers are introduced to Barbara’s narrative from ten years earlier. Barbara, who initially appears to be a protective mother to her daughter Nancy, gradually reveals herself to be less sympathetic than she seems. The stories of Leslie and Barbara intertwine and eventually converge seamlessly. The dual perspectives and timelines are handled adeptly, enhancing the narrative’s depth and engagement. While mostly clear, the settings add an element of surprise and discovery. For example, a late excursion to a theme park starts with the intrigue of a mountain campground before the appearance of rides, and the eventual naming of the park clarifies the scene.
The Daughter Between Them is a compelling thriller that maintains its intrigue and excitement throughout. Thomas has crafted a convincing and consistently enjoyable read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0D1JR9N8W
Love and Protest
Love and Protest intertwines the lives of two young women, Harper and Libby, separated by time but united by their struggles for independence and identity. Harper, a modern teen from Hickory Springs, finds solace and inspiration in the 1960s diary of Libby, a girl who embarked on a daring journey to San Francisco during the height of the counterculture movement. As Harper delves into Libby’s past, she gains the courage to confront her own challenges and the oppressive circumstances of her life.
Author Nancy Klann-Moren’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and authentic character voices. The opening scene, where Harper stumbles upon the Second Chance Thrift Shop, is particularly evocative. The humidity of a Georgia day, the dusty nightstand with the diary, and the quaint charm of the shopkeeper all create a richly textured world. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Harper’s present-day struggles and Libby’s historical journey, maintaining a compelling pace that keeps the reader engaged.
One of the most poignant aspects of the book is its exploration of generational struggles and the quest for personal freedom. Harper’s discovery of Libby’s diary acts as a catalyst for her own transformation. The entries dated January 1 and January 4, 1967, reveal Libby’s determination to break free from her repressive environment. This historical perspective, I think, adds depth to Harper’s contemporary story, highlighting the universal desire for self-determination and the courage it takes to pursue one’s dreams.
The themes of addiction and recovery are handled with sensitivity and realism. Harper’s mother’s battle with opioids following a debilitating injury is portrayed with stark honesty. The emotional turmoil and the impact on Harper’s life are palpable. This subplot is not just a backdrop but a significant part of Harper’s growth. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, making Harper’s journey toward finding hope and strength all the more impactful.
While the story excels in its character development and vivid descriptions, one area that I think could be improved is the pacing in the book’s middle sections. I feel that the transitions between Harper’s and Libby’s narratives can sometimes feel abrupt, and the detailed exploration of certain subplots, like Harper’s interactions with secondary characters, occasionally slows the momentum.
Love and Protest is a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven stories with rich historical contexts. Nancy Klann-Moren’s ability to weave together the past and present through the lives of two resilient young women is engaging and thought-provoking. This book is particularly well-suited for readers interested in historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and narratives that tackle social issues with a heartfelt touch.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0D2VMQGJT
Fire-Fight
Forgery by Deception follows a rebellious and ambitious banker who orchestrates a complex operation to smuggle drugs disguised as legitimate products and counterfeit currency. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first thought about the counterfeit aspect many years ago when I watched an old Sherlock Holmes film, Dressed to Kill, starring Basil Rathbone. He is tasked with finding the hiding place of the Bank of England’s five-pound note plates before the criminals find it. The drugs were based on a friend’s job years ago. She was the Country Manager for a very large pharmaceutical firm producing drugs in a third-world country. It was only after I wrote my first novel Unfaithful, that I felt it was time for Forgery by Deception.
Richard Brock is a well-developed character that is believable and relatable. Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
Only one part of Richard Brock’s character was based on a fellow I met many years ago. He was working for a New York Bank, setting up banks in Latin America. All of the other character traits were invented as I started writing the book.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Actually, all the scenes between Cynthia Blane and John Paxton, I really enjoyed writing. I wanted to show their byplay as their relationship developed. I guess the fire-fight against Murray was the most intricate in terms of how to set up that scenario.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a World War II spy story. It’s just in the research stage. I’m a student of WWII history, especially the espionage missions and deceptions that were carried out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
First, they were going to create economic chaos in the United States economy, by producing currency that is both genuine and untraceable. By using an informant in the Treasury Department with a Top-Secret clearance, he was able to pull off the ‘Heist of the Century.’ A robbery so sensitive, that only a few select senior officials were informed. The result was that Security Chief, Thomas Ryan found it necessary to secure an independent agent outside of the Treasury Department, but with a department background.
Enter John Paxton, an old friend, and ex-Navy Seal, now retired who was a top Treasury Agent. Paxton, now 53 retired after having been seriously injured in a fire-fight during his last assignment. John is living on his sailboat the ‘PEGGY SUE,’ somewhere in the Florida Keys.
The Second part of Richard’s plan is to devise a one-hundred percent foolproof method of importing drugs into the United States. A method so complex, and a method so clever, that the DEA, The Coast Guard, and any other drug enforcement agencies, will be completely baffled.
Now for the last year, cut cocaine from Columbian drug lord Enrico Sanchez, has been successfully smuggled into New York City undetected.
Besides the law enforcement agents working on this case, a sharp and creative investigative reporter for The National magazine has been tirelessly concentrating on this one particular story, a petite 45-year-old Cynthia Blane.
Frustrated by lack of substantial leads and clues, Cynthia formulates an almost absurd theory as to how the drugs are being brought in. What if the drugs are coming in legally? If so, they would have to be different. They would have to be in an innocuous form. Some everyday product. Something we take for granted.
John Paxton now looking for any anomalies in recent unsolved crimes, is directed by Sean London of the DEA to contact Cynthia about her theory. After they meet on his sailboat anchored in the harbor of the Bahama Island, San Salvador, they exchange information about both their cases. They concluded that there is strong evidence that both of their cases are related in some fashion. The decision is that they join forces to solve both anomalies.
Forgery by Deception
Forgery by Deception. by Gene Piotrowsky, is a gripping novel that intertwines the high-stakes world of drug trafficking with an ingenious scheme to defraud the U.S. Treasury. The story follows Richard Brock, a rebellious and ambitious banker turned mastermind, as he orchestrates a complex operation to smuggle drugs disguised as legitimate products and counterfeit currency. The plot takes readers from the luxurious haciendas of Colombia to the gritty streets of New York City, weaving a tale of deception, betrayal, and relentless pursuit.
Gene Piotrowsky’s writing is detailed and immersive, drawing readers into the intricacies of the operation and the psychological nuances of the characters. The author excels in crafting a vivid sense of place, particularly in the scenes set in Latin America and New York City. The narrative is paced well, maintaining a balance between action and exposition, which keeps the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the plot. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its portrayal of Richard Brock. His transformation from a dissatisfied banker to a cunning criminal mastermind is both believable and compelling. The author provides a thorough backstory that explains Brock’s motivations and his gradual descent into the world of crime. This character development is crucial in making the reader understand and even empathize with Brock, despite his morally ambiguous actions. The supporting characters, particularly Brock’s associates and the law enforcement officers on his trail, are also well-developed, adding layers to the narrative. There are moments where I feel the technical details, especially regarding the counterfeiting operation and the logistics of drug smuggling, can become dense and somewhat overwhelming. While these details add authenticity to the story, I believe they may slow down the narrative for readers who are less interested in the minutiae of the criminal enterprise. Additionally, the book occasionally dips into predictable tropes of the crime genre, which can detract from the otherwise original plot.
Forgery by Deception is a meticulously crafted crime thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy intricate plots and well-developed characters. Gene Piotrowsky has created a believable and immersive world where deception reigns supreme, and the line between good and evil is blurred. This book is highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and those interested in the mechanics of high-stakes criminal operations. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of the genre or new to crime thrillers, this book offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience.
Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0D3C53RVH
A Special Character
Gargoyle’s Spring follows a lonely witch banished for her misguided magic who schemes with her best friend to transform a gargoyle into her boyfriend. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The idea came to me one evening while I was completing a paint-by-number canvas of a witch and a cat while listening to Taylor Swift. The scenes of a clumsy witch and her familiars came to mind instantly. It took me a little longer to figure out the MMC. I kept juggling between a Gargoyle or Reaper. I finally decided on both, but they would each get their own novel.
Ibis is such a relatable character. Is there anything from your own experiences reflected in her storyline?
Oh, I’ve been known to be clumsy, but I can honestly say that I have never unleashed havoc in a library. Final answer. However, Ibis is a special character. My aunt’s name was Ibis and my great-grandfather’s name was Heliodoro. It was my way of honoring them and a few others in the book.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a paranormal Ghost stand-alone. I am hoping to have it done for May and the second installment of The Veil’s series following Gargoyle’s Spring will come out this Summer. I also have the second Martini Girl Bar book, Forever Luna, coming out July 17, 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
He is a Gargoyle. One without a past. One with an unknown future. One with a bestowed name. Oliver. What kind of name is this? After being summoned by witches and brought into a strange world, he is cursed by those same witches. What kind of curse, some may ask? A stone-sleep curse. One that sends a Gargoyle into total darkness that is beyond sleep. Beyond reality, until he hears her voice. A voice calling him forward, bringing him back into the bizarre world surrounded by scriptures, scrolls and unusual animals. His fate lies in the hands of the enchanting clumsy witch, who breaks his curse.
What happens when a magic spell goes wrong in all the right ways?
To Give the Victim a Voice
Dear Gosei: A young man confronting his past follows a young man who was sexually abused as a teenager as he goes on a journey of self-discovery and a search for answers from those who did nothing to protect him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The novel is based on a true fact that was revealed to me by accident, and I had to keep it a secret. I couldn’t comfort the victim, who was an acquaintance of mine so I grew a bit obsessed with the event. Also, it was during the worst part of Covid, and I spent many hours alone at home in isolation. I ended up writing about this to calm my anxiety. I wrote the story as a way to process my thoughts and feelings about the incident. It was my way of trying to make sense of what had happened and to give the victim a voice that they couldn’t give themselves. I hope my novel will be a source of comfort for those who have been through similar experiences.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
There is no direct reference in my debut novel to anything that happened in my life but definitely, I share many points of view with the protagonist. Family dynamics, the college years away from home, the teenage dreams to become an independent, dependable person, the path to self-discovery are also aspects with which I identify myself. Some of the characters in the novel are composites of my past and present, and their stories come from my own life experiences.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In order to properly describe the harrowing experience of suffering sexual abuse I read a lot about it, trying always to understand why it happens and what are the consequences. I found, to my astonishment, that sexual abuse is not a thing of the past. On the contrary, it is an ever-present damage in modern societies, affecting all over the world. It is a heartbreaking reality that has serious consequences for those who suffer it. We must take urgent steps to prevent and combat it and to provide the necessary support to survivors. This is the only way to make our society a safer place for all. It is also a delicate issue, particularly when it happens among families, and there is no real magic solution to it. Many sexual abuse crimes go unreported precisely for that reason because it can destroy the future of the victim, the abuser, and the entire family.
I read a lot, too, about Asian immigration to the USA during the last century, particularly Japanese immigration. That is how I learned about WWII internment camps for Japanese families on the West Coast, such as Manzanar in California. It was so shocking to me that I decided to put it in the story. It was a powerful reminder of the racism and injustice that was faced by Japanese-Americans during the war, and of the strength and courage of those who survived the camps. I wanted to include it to show that even in the darkest of times, we can still find hope and resilience.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on the prequel which will give a perspective on the traumatic events happening in DEAR GOSEI. It goes back four generations of the Forrester Hattori family. The prequel will explore the family’s history and how they came to be where they are today. It will also provide more insight into the characters and their motivations. Finally, it will provide the necessary context to understand DEAR GOSEI. It is at a very early stage, so I can’t say when it will be finished.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
After a tragic teenage trauma, a young man fights to respect himself and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing his family to get the answers he has been searching for for the last 12 years.
John, a good-looking, and athletic 14-year-old from an affluent family in the suburbs of Los Angeles, is a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of his uncle. Family interests will prevail above all else. The mother decides to keep the incident secret to avoid scandal and the bad reputation of the family. The boy’s life is forever changed by this tragic experience which destroys his hopes of becoming a competitive swimmer and leaves him feeling helpless and alone.
Over time, however, thanks to his resilient and tenacious spirit, he overcomes his obstacles and returns to his former academic and athletic success. John and his girlfriend Val, who seem to have a rock-solid relationship, become the most popular couple at school. In reality, he doesn’t live like his friends because of his tragic past, insecurity, sexual confusion, and toxic family. Although everything appears normal, neither the family behaves naturally nor does John shake off the weight of his past.
His uncle considers John his favorite nephew but ignores the harm inflicted on the boy. His mother wishes to keep the secret. His father and brother, devoutly religious, make him feel like an outsider at all times, dictating family life with an iron fist and a handful of obsolete rules.
To reclaim his self-respect, he will confront his past, demanding explanations from his uncle and mother, each guilty of having a great impact on his harrowing youth. In this journey of self-discovery, he will explore his priorities, career, friendships, and dysfunctional family. John knows that he must face the future head-on to be at peace with himself.
DEAR GOSEI is the debut novel of Jorge Bosch, born and educated in Barcelona, Spain, now a resident of Los Angeles, California. The book hopes to captivate the reader with its well-grounded and vividly portrayed characters, and participants in a story that will keep you interested until the end. The story takes place at two points in the protagonist’s life: firstly when John is molested as a young boy and then again when he finally decides to take charge of his life and confront his family 12 years later. Two central themes steer the narrative: sexual abuse, as real as life itself, and a controversial subject treated with sensitivity and empathy, and John’s personal development, as he seeks to deal with the truth about what happened to him. He struggles to find his place in the world by accepting his homosexuality and the person he loves. DEAR GOSEI, a romantic drama with touches of a psychological novel, fast-paced and minimalist, is set in the capital of Southern California and takes a critical view of the traditional and old-fashioned family it portrays.
