Blog Archives
THE CHESTERFIELD CLUE: The First Chesterfield and Carrie Finger Lakes Wine Country Mystery
Gwyn Parry’s The Chesterfield Clue unfolds in the picturesque Finger Lakes wine region, providing a glimpse into the world of Chesterfield, a former schoolteacher turned winemaker, and his vivacious wife, Carrie. Chesterfield navigates complex family dynamics, clashing with his domineering father-in-law, Shemp Hahn, a successful winemaker. Shemp’s wife, Barbara, adds another layer of intrigue with her melancholic demeanor and surprising literary depth.
Parry uses vignettes to introduce characters and build suspense. A lavish party hosted by Shemp serves as a microcosm of the family’s dysfunction, revealing veiled barbs, insecurities, and a shocking altercation involving threats and a gun. Barbara’s unexpected Shakespearean quotes hint at hidden complexity beneath her melancholic facade, further piquing the reader’s curiosity.
The book delves into themes of insecurity, ambition, and the intricate web of familial relationships. Readers will uncover the motivations of each character, revealing hidden resentments and long-held secrets. The Finger Lakes region itself becomes a character, with vivid descriptions capturing the essence of the vineyards, the intricacies of grape varietals, and the art of winemaking. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the immersive exploration of this picturesque region and the insights into viticulture.
Parry excels at creating a compelling array of characters. From the endearingly insecure Chesterfield to the flamboyant Shemp and the enigmatic Barbara, each individual is imbued with depth and personality. Even minor characters, like the housekeeper and Carrie’s brother, pique curiosity, hinting at their potential roles in the unfolding drama. The inclusion of a ghost-like cat named Peevish adds a touch of the unexpected, inviting readers to wonder how it ties into the larger mystery.
With witty dialogue, quirky characters, and a central mystery that keeps you guessing, The Chesterfield Clue is a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0CKXZ9WQP
I’m Undeniably a Pantser
We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story follows three sisters with unique abilities who use their talents to solve cold-case murders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came initially from stories about my Irish ancestors. My Connolly great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland in the Famine Years and panned for gold with his brothers in Alaska during the Alaskan Gold Rush in the Klondike. The three sisters are named for my Irish cousins whom I finally met in person this past year. They were extremely helpful in getting the slang correct.
Did you create an outline for the characters in the story before you started writing or did the character’s personalities grow organically as you were writing?
I’m undeniably a pantser; the story and characters developed as I wrote. I would put the sisters in a scene then listen to what they said to each other and frantically try to write it all down before I lost it. They definitely took on a life of their own!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I write a scene, then let it simmer and stew for a while to see where it will go. Ideas often come in the liminal state before waking each morning. I keep a notebook by my bed to jot down keywords then hope I remember the gist when I’m fully awake and ready to write.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
I traveled to Ireland this past summer and got several ideas for the Gallagher Girls’ continuing adventures. Two of my favorite spots were Brú Na Boínne and the Aran Islands. These locations will be the setting for the next book, which is about half-way written. I hope to get it finished and edited, ready for release in the Spring 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Moira’s ability to talk with the dead gives her detective agency, Gallagher Investigations, an edge in uncovering secrets the past has buried. With the help of her sisters, Nuala and Deirdre, she assists those unsettled spirits in finding peace by righting the wrongs done to them before they found themselves on the Other Side. The past collides with the present as these Irish sisters solve cold-case murders and mayhem through their dreams, paranormal visitations, and spunk.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, ghosts of the friendly and not-so-friendly variety, or anything Irish, you’ll love We Are Shadows.
We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story
We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story by Gail Grant Park delves into the captivating world of three sisters: Moira, Deidre, and Nuala Gallagher. Each sister possesses a unique gift – Moira can see ghosts, Deidre is passionate about herbal healing, and Nuala has a knack for experiencing distinctive dreams. Stemming from a childhood incident where Moira witnessed a tragic event, she, along with her siblings, embarks on investigations into paranormal happenings. As readers journey with them, they encounter eerie entities, mysterious haunted homes, and the eternal struggle of light versus dark.
Moira stands out as an optimistic beacon of courage, while Deidre’s inquisitive nature keeps her intrigued by Moira’s spectral encounters. Nuala, talented in the kitchen, also navigates the intricacies of love with her love interest, Sean. It’s refreshing to see a narrative where sisterly bonds are cherished and not tainted by constant conflict. Grant Park emphasizes the importance of family, a sentiment further bolstered by the role of the sisters’ mother, whose research aids them immensely. The story is painted against the scenic backdrop of Ireland, giving the narrative an added layer of mystique, making one wonder about the secrets concealed within its age-old residences.
The story is engaging with its suspense-laden atmosphere and gripping action sequences. Each chapter beckons readers further into the heart of the tale, with unexpected twists ensuring they remain on their toes.
While I enjoyed the story, I think it would make the narrative more enjoyable if there were stronger adversaries challenging the sisters, providing them with more formidable obstacles to overcome. However, fans of paranormal fiction and family-centered stories will undoubtedly find this book to be a delightful read.
The story serves as a testament to the power of family and the mysteries that lurk in places both familiar and foreign. The book is a memorable journey that any reader with a penchant for the supernatural should not hesitate to embark upon.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0CK57LZJ2
Wash Ashore: A Tale of Cape Cod
Olive remembered, fondly, childhood summers spent on Cape Cod with her aunt. The sense of community, the palpable history, and the slower way of life seemed like another world from what she was used to in Boston. With her aunt’s passing, Olive now found herself in possession of that same house she used to visit, and quickly realized a permanent life there was more than possible- it seemed almost inevitable. In the midst of making new friends, introducing old friends to the Cape, and delving into a centuries old family mystery, Olive realizes that there are many pieces that connect to make a place feel like home.
Wash Ashore: A Tale of Cape Cod is a novel by Mary Petiet that follows Olive as she inherits her aunt’s family home and becomes immersed in all the history and traditions of the sleepy little village. Bringing along a couple of friends from Boston, Johnny, and Ann, the three of them quickly find the charm of Cape Cod irresistible.
Petiet has created an excellent blend of characters and immerses them with a vibrancy that creates a sense of realism regarding their tight-knit group. Never once does it seem odd that a magazine director, a hot shot designer, and a chef would be spending their days with an octogenarian gardener, a land preservationist, and various other people who had always lived right there and never do any of their roles feel forced or unnecessary.
Wash Ashore has a lot going on within its pages and truly offers a little bit of everything- history, mystery, romance, a suitably sleazy villain, ghosts (yes, really!), and even a somewhat strange secondary storyline about trying to create the most perfect clam chowder recipe. All of it combines to make a wonderfully entertaining and charming story that sees all of its parts well balanced. (Much like the decided-upon chowder recipe, which is included at the end!)
The premise of this book is fairly straightforward, and I half expected a very dry narrative that droned on with history and preservation laws, but I was so pleasantly surprised to find so much more! Each new angle that was introduced was better than the last, and while the ending was no shock by any means, it was nonetheless satisfying when you arrived.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0B11R14H5
A Mother’s Torment
A Mother’s Torment, a poignant narrative by Xavier Poe Kane, traces the complex life of its protagonist, June. The narrative initiates in 2018, launching us into a heart-wrenching scene where June stands on the precipice of life and death. This event shatters the lives of her parents, Lillian and Michael, setting the stage for a journey teeming with struggles.
We leap forward in time to 2026, where we encounter June ensnared in the throes of a contentious divorce. She grapples with her new reality as a single mother, juggling the responsibility of raising her young son while battling her own demons. This timeline provides a harrowing yet intriguing exploration of June’s adversities.
Returning to the comforting familiarity of her parental home, June begins the intricate process of piecing her life back together. Here, she reconnects with her family and old friends, prompting a series of nostalgic reunions that weave into the plotline, adding a soothing balm to her open wounds.
Kane’s narrative prowess truly shines in his distinctive writing style, which I found both captivating and unique. The novel is generously peppered with compelling illustrations done by illustrator Corey Galal, a commendable addition that serves to enhance reader engagement. Kane masterfully draws the reader into the story, instilling a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
The initial depiction of June’s suicide attempt is composed with such eloquence that it resonates deeply, immersing the reader in the raw despair that envelops both June and her parents. The author’s dexterity in character creation allows for easy visualization, making them feel real and relatable.
A Mother’s Torment is an emotive composition showcasing the potential struggles people may encounter in their lives with vivid descriptions. It is particularly fascinating when the narrative shifts focus onto Lillian’s struggles, offering a multi-dimensional perspective of the plot.
Kane’s aptitude for addressing sensitive topics with care and sensitivity is commendable. The seamless blend of characterization and plot progression ensures the reader remains engrossed till the end. In conclusion, A Mother’s Torment is an intense, gripping read, providing a window into the tribulations of life that often remain unvoiced, making it a profoundly impactful novel.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0CCK6YNJZ
Run! Katie!
Doris Pariso’s new thriller novel, Run! Katie! is a gripping paranormal mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Peter is a psychic who is discovering he has some new abilities, the ability to hear voices from the dead. When he starts hearing voices and messages from a woman named Sharon, he realizes he needs to find her family and save a young woman in apparent danger.
Katie has been having nightmares and feeling like something is after her. Then, an unexpected guest arrives at her birthday luncheon with family, shocking them all. Peter brings a message from her mother, who disappeared without a trace twelve years earlier. The message brings the family closure, but Peter continues to receive messages from Sharon. She is trying to warn her daughter that she is in danger of facing the same fate she did. With Peter’s help, Katie and her family must piece together the clues to find out who, what, when, and where the danger is coming from.
Pariso’s skillful storytelling creates an air of mystery and suspense from the beginning of this captivating book. The plot is complex, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged and guessing what the danger is until the reveal. Pariso provides readers with a series of unexpected events and plot twists that will immerse them in the characters’ lives and the story until they reach the last page.
What truly stands out in Run! Katie! is the depth of a mother’s love. Sharon’s love for her daughter transcends time and space as she communicates with Peter from beyond the grave to keep Katie safe. It is a testament to the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and adds a heart-wrenching element to the story.
Run! Katie! is a phenomenal psychic mystery novel that will appeal to readers who love paranormal suspense and thrillers. It is a fascinating read that will leave readers wanting more and waiting to see what Doris Pariso writes next.
Pages: 172 | ISBN : 1646639979
The Ghost on the Beach
The Ghost on the Beach: Who Killed Eleanor Marlowe? by Scarlett Dunn is a compelling mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The gripping story follows Private Investigator Steele Harper as he moves to his new home on the beach in the midst of investigating a case of a missing girl who was abducted from a busy shopping mall a year prior. However, Steele’s plans are derailed when he discovers a mysterious woman walking the beach every night and becomes embroiled in a murder investigation involving a ghost.
Dunn’s character development is exceptional, particularly with Steele Harper, who is a multifaceted character with an obsessive nature that is typical of both ex-cops and private investigators. While this trait may be perceived as unfavorable, it adds depth to his character and makes him relatable to readers. Additionally, Dunn effectively uses the first-person perspective to give readers insight into Eleanor’s perspective and her status as a ghost, which enhances the overall mystery of the story. Steele’s investigation leads him to two seemingly unrelated cases that eventually prove to be intertwined. Hearts play a significant role in both cases, and Dunn cleverly weaves them together to keep readers guessing until the very end. While the story is complex, Dunn’s writing is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow the plot.
Overall, The Ghost on the Beach: Who Killed Eleanor Marlowe? is an outstanding paranormal mystery novel. Scarlett Dunn’s superb character development, well-crafted plot, and skillful intertwining of two mysteries while maintaining a sense of humor and a romantic subplot make for a riveting and engaging read that will leave readers satisfied.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B0BR8NF89H
Bitter Draughts
Bitter Draughts by Yves Fey is book two of the trilogy, The Paris Trilogy, a historical fiction that is quite promising. Paris, France 1898, amidst the Dreyfus affair. Detective Michel Devaux is set to investigate a series of violent crimes occurring all around Paris, seemingly connected to the explosion of hatred and bigotry devouring the city. Of course, Michel has to consider the most probable cause behind these mysterious crimes: the political one, but his expertise will lead him to consider many other possibilities. With diverse characters and an intricate storyline, this book delves into the political climate of France between 1894 and 1906, giving an enjoyable history lesson with many turns and twists.
From the beginning, I was pleasantly surprised by the book. The plot, the characters, the ambiance, the many details… I was simply amazed at how masterfully crafted everything was. On many occasions, while reading, I couldn’t help but be immediately reminded of Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevski. It was that good. The writing style, the story’s pacing, and the various perspectives from different characters presented a carefully and meticulously thought narrative. Because of this, the author created a story based on reality that was tense, mysterious, and compelling.
Each new chapter was as interesting as the previous one. Every unique point of view allowed the reader to see so many unexpected story details from a completely different angle. The plot, including mystery, history, art, and romance, was incredibly well balanced. While reading, one immediately feels immersed in the story, and the epoch described, aided by how the characters speak and conduct themselves, their interests, and their lifestyles. As the story develops, the attachment to the characters inevitably grows, and one gets to see how complex and unexpected they can turn out to be. Like in real life, severe political themes are explored, and the various characters react to them in entirely different ways, making up for a well-rounded description of the period in which the book takes place. By the end, one gets the sense of having read an excellent story that will be worth a few re-reads in the future.
Bitter Draughts by Yves Fey is a hard book to put down. This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction and classic literature. Well thought out and with unexpected beauty and charm, this book made for a gratifying read.
Pages: 407 | ASIN : B09WG99X71
LITERARY TITAN 