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The Fall
In The Fall, Albert Jaskula invites us into a world shrouded in shadows, where private investigator Ariel Fall, burdened by his own past, embarks on a relentless pursuit of redemption. The narrative launches with a missing girl case, paving the way for an intricate maze of harrowing adventures. As Ariel threads through each case, he uncovers layers of corruption and crime, challenging societal norms and risking it all on a precarious path to absolution.
Jaskula masterfully constructs the dark, adrenaline-fueled universe of Ariel Fall, crafting a protagonist whose complex psyche resonates with readers. He is a character wrought with depth and intricacies, making him not only relatable but deeply intriguing. His internal battles and haunted past are portrayed with such finesse that I found myself completely absorbed in his journey. However, the narrative’s focus remains predominantly on Ariel, leaving other characters in the backdrop with limited opportunity for development. The book’s structure, segmented into various investigations, maintains a brisk and captivating tempo. Jaskula’s writing style, characterized by its brevity and directness, aligns well with the detective genre’s tone. While the use of concise sentences and fragmented thoughts effectively builds a sense of urgency, the integration of longer, more elaborate sentences could further enrich the narrative, lending a dynamic flow and rhythm to the reading experience.
The Fall is an immersive novel, skillfully intertwining action and intrigue with memories and mysteries. It’s a compelling read, especially for those who appreciate a detective story with a complex plot and a deep dive into the protagonist’s psyche. Jaskula’s creation is a testament to the allure of the detective genre, and The Fall stands as a notable addition to this thrilling literary field.
Pages: 653 | ASIN : B0CNZH88F2
Humanity of Homeless People
Baja Silver follows a detective on vacation in Mexico who winds up helping an old friend rescue women from a sex trafficking cartel. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I had a 35 year career as a clinical social worker and manager of mental health and homeless programs in Sacramento. For 7 years, I was the Director of Loaves & Fishes in Sacramento. And my series of novels is based on my time there 1999-2006. My main character, Sam White, is a semi auto-biographical character, and I have a number of homeless characters that are composites of folks I’ve known, and many homeless situations are based on true experiences.
Part 2 of Baja Silver was inspired by my interest in California history and the 12 years my wife and I had a vacation home in Loreto, Baja California, after our retirement. Sam White’s reunion with his childhood friend, Jesus (Juice) Fierro was based on a childhood friend that I parted ways with in 1975 and have never seen again, nor been able to locate.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Themes I highlight in the book are sexual preferences and the discrimination, abuse, and homelessness LGBTQ young and older people suffer from. The humanity of homeless people and their resilience and the political/social causes of homelessness are also important themes.
Where can readers find more of Sam White and his mysteries?
Lastly, Baja Silver is my 2nd book in the series, and Squatter’s Gold, was my first book.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
A 2022 American Writing Awards Finalist in the Fiction:Thriller/Adventure Category.
In a race against a Mexican cartel, Sam White is on a mission to find two young fugitives from Sacramento. Dani and TommyLynn are sex workers, but not fugitives from the law. They’re a young woman who is abducted into a sex trafficking cartel, and her friend, an intersex person who is trying to find and rescue her. They are on the run for their lives and their freedom.
Sam, director of St. Frances Village, is a man who believes in finding the good where you least expect it. On vacation in Mexico for a reunion with an old friend and a scuba diving trip, off the coast of Loreto, Baja, they find a cave which could hold ancient treasure. TommyLynn suddenly reappears in his life, begging for help.
When Sam and TommyLynn take on a vicious sex-trafficking cartel, they soon realize this rescue plan could turn fatal.
If you like high-stakes action, jaw-dropping twists, unflinching discussion of sexual identity and California history, then you’ll love this dark, but hopeful tale.
Plus, there’s more adventure to come! Baja Silver is part of the gritty Sam White crime adventure series, including Squatter’s Gold and more. Dive into Sam White’s adventures today!
I Love Creating & Solving Mysteries
Justified Malice follows a private detective working with the FBI to hunt down a crime boss and seeks help from the Mexican cartel. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In my previous novel (Human Collateral), the crime boss escapes at the end. Finding a unique set of circumstances to track him down was the initial motivation as well as a way to string together the first two novels in the thriller series. Having spent considerable time in Mexico gave me many very romantic locales to draw upon and an opportunity to introduce the cartel into the mix which added a ton of intrigue and suspense.
Is there anything about Miles Darien that came from yourself or your life experiences?
My interest in detective thrillers dates back to my childhood love of Sherlock Holmes stories. It helped me fashion Miles’ professional attributes. The various places visited in these novels are places I know intimately so there is that element. Also, Miles’ views on the world at large mirror my own.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Actually, creating and solving the mysteries is what keeps me writing. For me, it’s nourishment. Each book has several cases which lead to the main one which allows me to create and build interest while authenticating Miles’ credentials as a sleuth.
What do you have planned for Miles Darien in the future? When can your fans expect his next mystery?
I’ve already begun writing the next installment of the series. Look for a murder mystery this time around. Also, expect Miles’ relationship with his FBI partner Ken to make a dramatic shift.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Miles and the FBI had set up an elaborate sting to bring down Reese’s operation. The sting was successful except Reese had evaded the trap Miles and the FBI had set up to capture him.
Months later on another case, the FBI learns that Reese has set up shop in Mexico. Miles jumps at the chance to finally bring Reese to justice. When he and his journalist friend Ryan come up empty in their search, Miles makes a risky and dangerous choice. He asks the local Mexican cartel for help. He explains to them that taking over Reese’s operation would be a most fair bounty for helping to locate him. When the cartel finally agrees to assist, they provide an unexpected location, Reese is operating out of a villa in Havana.
The FBI organizes a raid only to find the hideout abandoned. Miles once again makes the risky decision to turn to the cartel. They provide him with a one word update, Chicago.
Justified Malice (A Miles Darien Detective Thriller Book 2)
In Justified Malice, Miles is once again catapulted into a high-stakes mission, this time journeying through the vivid terrains of Mexico. Tasked with an undercover assignment for PG Parts—a company ensnared in an embezzlement whirlwind—Miles is driven by a dual ambition: to resolve the case promptly and to relish a vacation alongside his cherished partner, Ken. But destiny has other plans. The re-emergence of the elusive Jonathan Reese in the heart of Southern Mexico sets the stage for a riveting confrontation. Miles, grappling with bygones and lamenting his past oversight with Reese, is galvanized with renewed resolve to corner his nemesis, even if it necessitates allying with local cartels.
Justified Malice boasts a mesmerizing mystery, well-conceived and laden with intricate layers. The meticulous design of the plot is evident, pulling readers into a vortex of suspense with each unfolding chapter. While Miles may initially seem like a conventional lead, it’s his steadfastness and professional fervor that underscore his significance. Ryan, however, emerges as the novel’s unexpected heart, propelled by personal loss and a pursuit for closure amidst chaos. While I enjoyed the story, I felt the narrative’s reserved approach to early suspense, notably during the bomb episode, could have been improved. Heightening the immediacy and tension of such moments might have heightened the immersive thrill for readers. But this is a minor point in an otherwise riveting novel.
Justified Malice is an exhilarating read, blending crime, suspense, and deep-seated grudges into a compelling tale. It showcases an intricate plot, unforeseen deviations, and characters that linger in memory. For fans of detective mystery novels, this is an indispensable addition to their collection. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of mystery and suspense that keeps you riveted until the closing page.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0C2ZSPYR8
I Love Mysteries
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues is a collection of engaging mysteries for children featuring Natty and her invisible friend Doggy Dale. What was the inspiration behind this children’s book?
My inspiration for writing this mystery book series was my love of mysteries. I have always loved reading mysteries from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie and enjoyed reading mystery books with my kids. These books included Cam Jansen, Encyclopedia Brown, and The Baby-Sitters Club. Scooby-Doo has always been a favorite of mine and makes an appearance in one of the mini mystery books. As I worked through the various iterations of the book the idea of a ghost dog and how he helped Detective Natty’s famous great-grandparents solve mysteries.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues?
I have always loved reading and writing and have been writing for most of my life. Throughout the years I have taken many writing courses and belong to several writing groups to continue to develop my skills as a writer. I have published several award-winning children’s books in addition to four nursing books.
The art in this book really meshes well with the storyline and adds to each mystery. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
Ashleigh Heyns (illustrator) is a talented and creative illustrator. We collaborated on one of my picture books No Dinosaurs Allowed and she was a delight to work with. The illustration process for Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues was a collaborative effort between Ashleigh, Callie (Editor and Publisher from Clear Fork Press) and me. I shared my vision for the book and then Ashleigh did her magic and we all reviewed and agreed upon the illustrations. I am blessed to be a part of this “Dream Team” and look forward to creating the future books in this fun new mystery series.
Can you give readers a hint as to what Natty and Doggy Dale will be up to in book two of the series?
I am excited to share some hints about the next book in the series. Readers will also find some clues
about the next book at the back of the current book.
Book two takes place at the amusement park and will include the main characters and a cast of diverse supporting characters. Detective Natty and Doggy Dale will be on the case as they follow the clues to help their friends find their missing items.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Inspiration Comes From All Over
Love Put Me In – Love Got Me Out tells the story of a man wrongly convicted of murder who asks his detective grandson to find the real killer and clear his name. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The country and western song Ol Red, originally sung by George Jones, then re-released by Blake Shelton in 2001
Trey just wants to help his grandfather out but winds up discovering more than he expected and testing his skills as a detective. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
The characters in the song Ol Red gave me the idea for the main characters. With over 40 years traveling to all the counties in Oklahoma as well as several in the surrounding states and Utah, Wyoming, and Alabama for oil and gas companies, I listened to hundreds of books on tape and CD, which gave me a good insight and ideas. I made notes to myself about how I would write if I ever decided to write a book. In the years of listening to the books, I realized that it is best to limit the characters in the story to make it easier for the reader to keep track of the characters and not overload the reader with numerous characters. Also, I tried to establish a character’s personality early on and maintain the personality throughout the store.
As I was drafting an outline for my main characters and how I could make them more interesting to the reader, I began to think of actors and the characters they portrayed. For my book character Billy, especially in his older years, I thought of the character Gus McCrae, played by Robert Duvall in Lonesome Dove. I tried to use his mannerisms and humorous comments to bring him to real life for the reader. For my character of Trey, the retired detective and Billy’s grandson, I thought of Tom Selleck and the character Jesse Stone, with his laid-back approach and calm demeanor. Thinking of these actors and their characters made it easier for me to develop my characters in a way that would keep the reader intrigued and looking forward to the next chapter of my book.
Some events in the book were chillingly similar to real-life events. Did you take any inspiration from real life when developing this book?
Yes, I have done a lot of fishing for various types of fish, which made it somewhat easy to relate my fishing experience with the reader. Also, with my traveling experience, I would use maps to find the shortest route to my destination; therefore, it was fairly easy for me to use this experience in my story when Billy was mapping out his trip to Idaho.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I am working on another story based on another old country and western song, Long Black Vail. In this story, Trey, the retired detective, is trying to solve another murder back in the 1930s. Just like the song, an innocent man is convicted and hung.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
After many years of worrying about being caught and wondering who had committed the murder, he told his grandson, Trey, a retired detective, about his past and how he had escaped from prison with the help of Ole Red. Even though the murder had been committed in the 1930s, Trey told his grandfather Bill he would go to Georgia and try to find out who committed the murder. Trey got more than he bargained for when during his investigation of the old murder, he uncovered crime and corruption that had been going on for decades in his grandfather’s old hometown of Harwood, Georgia. Trey’s investigation brought to light the person who murdered Luke Hampton so many years earlier and was a shock and total surprise to him and his grandfather Bill.
Love Put Me In – Love Got Me Out
In Love Put Me In – Love Got Me Out, author James Blurton weaves a captivating tale of suspense and mystery centered around a protagonist unjustly punished for a crime he did not commit. After Luke Hampton is mysteriously murdered, Billy, who has just lost his wife at the hands of Luke, becomes the prime suspect. Despite his innocence, Billy is sentenced to 99 years to life in prison. Following a daring escape, he spends decades living off the grid, eventually revealing his secret to his grandson, Trey, a retired detective. Thus, begins a thrilling journey to uncover the true killer, unearthing a web of startling secrets about the county and its residents.
Blurton creates vivid, memorable characters, each ingrained with unique habits and mannerisms that bring them to life. For example, Billy is a coffee addict with a penchant for old-fashioned brewing methods. The novel deftly transitions through various moods and themes, ensuring there is never a dull moment. The story maintains a gripping pace, from the tender romantic atmosphere at the outset to shocking criminal acts and the gritty realities of prison life. Much of the narrative is dedicated to Trey’s complex investigation, featuring dramatic interviews and complex, puzzle-like analysis of clues.
This exciting novel is fast-paced, giving readers one thrilling moment after another. The author has put so much action into this story that it will be hard to put down as each clue expertly leads to the next. In addition, there are memorable characters that facilitate a strong connection with readers.
This unpredictable book offers an engaging blend of themes that will resonate with a diverse range of readers, including fishing enthusiasts, mystery buffs, dog lovers, fans of detective fiction, and Christian audiences. In addition, the novel maintains a strong sense of intrigue, keeping readers eager to solve its mysteries and rewarding them with a jaw-dropping, climactic conclusion.
Love Put Me In – Love Got Me Out is a riveting private investigator crime novel. If you are searching for a thrilling, suspense-filled mystery, this book is worth a read.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0BFBPGGMX
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues
Natty and her friend Doggy Dale are skilled detectives. The duo has been practicing solving mysteries for quite some time now, and they have a new case on their hands. Harry’s shoe has gone missing. If he doesn’t find it soon, his mom won’t allow him to go to football practice. Natty and Dale soon get to work, finding clues and taking notes. Natty is eager and Doggy Dale, who learned his detective skills from Natty’s great-grandparents, is right by her side. Will they be able to solve the case in time?
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues, by Deborah Hunt, is an engaging children’s book featuring Natty and her invisible friend, Doggy Dale. Natty and Doggy Dale make a wonderful pair. Natty pays attention to details and takes her work seriously, while Doggy Dale is good at finding clues. The book is filled with exciting adventures, and each mystery is its own unique story. This easy-to-read book is ideal for younger readers. The illustrations throughout Natty and Doggy Dale’s story are expressive and detailed, drawing readers further into each mystery. I like that the author includes a summary following each mystery. This aspect of the book enhances comprehension for young readers.
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues, by Deborah Hunt, is a fantastic gift for any child. Teachers in elementary grades will find Hunt’s book to be the perfect length for a fun read-aloud. I recommend it to all parents, guardians, and teachers who are looking for interesting children’s books to add to their libraries.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0CCR9V6T4
