Blog Archives
A Rising Tide
A Rising Tide by Iona Morrison is a wonderfully crafted novel that seamlessly blends suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Set in the picturesque yet mysterious town of Blue Cove, the story revolves around Jessie, a bookstore owner with a deep connection to her ancestral gifts. As she becomes enmeshed in enigmatic events, haunting dreams, and escalating threats, Jessie is propelled into a journey of self-discovery and courage. With the steadfast support of her boyfriend Matt and a close-knit circle of family and friends, she must navigate the delicate interplay between supernatural forces and tangible dangers, ultimately confronting her destiny amidst a rising tide of darkness.
Morrison’s storytelling shines in her ability to intricately weave together diverse elements—romance, heritage, mystical abilities, and societal challenges—into a cohesive and riveting narrative. Jessie emerges as a compelling protagonist and her personal growth was both inspiring and relatable. Her relationship with Matt provides a heartwarming counterbalance to the tension and peril that drive the story.
The vividly depicted setting of Blue Cove, with its serene exterior concealing deeper undercurrents of unrest, mirrors Jessie’s own struggles with precision and depth. The novel’s ambition is undeniable, offering a rich tapestry of plotlines that range from the discovery of ancient family scrolls to the unraveling of contemporary crimes. This expansive scope occasionally felt overwhelming to me. Certain intriguing aspects, such as the mystical artifacts and the concept of influencers shaping events, I think would benefit from deeper development. Nevertheless, these minor critiques do little to detract from the novel’s overall impact.
A Rising Tide is both a thrilling and heartwarming tale, deftly combining paranormal elements with themes of resilience, love, and community. Morrison’s ability to create a story that is at once captivating and deeply human ensures an engaging experience for readers. Fans of paranormal fiction infused with romance and mystery will find themselves thoroughly enchanted by this remarkable work.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0DCZTD26N
Old-Fashioned Country-House Murder Mystery
The Chesterfield Clue follows a former school teacher and his wife who come into a large inheritance and purchase a vineyard in the Finger Lakes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had introduced Chesterfield, Carrie, their very vivid parents, and even the baroque French barrister Alaistre (“Swifty”) Treves-Alsace in THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS, a pure romantic comedy that earned a starred review from Kirkus and was ultimately named to their Best of 2012 and LOL lists. With the supernatural provenance of the Ffoulkes Fortune, I saw a chance to move them up in the world, to a beautiful Finger Lakes wine estate, where I could essay a good old-fashioned country-house murder mystery.
Your characters are richly developed and complex, really allowing readers to get to know them. Do you incorporate any emotions or memories from your own life into your characters’ lives?
Well, I had a Shakespeare-loving mother of Welsh parentage, for a start. The dad was a veteran, though not of the ferocious exploits of Captain Jack Chesterfield. Beyond that, I fell in love with the idea of making Carrie a girl next door type, and her 50 yr. old mother Barbara a seductress of almost terrifying erotic power. I also love writing master scenes for Swifty, and hope readers indulge me to their profitable enjoyment. Finally, it was only with two Chesterfield novels completed that I realized something mysterious and unconscious about character creation. Two “minor” characters — Jeanine the Gym Chick in THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS, and Deputy Dibberly in THE CHESTERFIELD CLUE — each became in the end sort of working-class, underdog heroes: conceived to fill a function, they took on such life that they were fully in the arena at the climax. Somehow I found justice in that, and wonderment.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
A good question, as slow cooking works for me. I do have a title, and a bit of scribbling. It’s THE CHESTERFIELD NIECES, and those nieces will be quite a contrast and quite a handful together. One will be rich and spoiled (Barbara’s), the other a daughter of Juanita’s brother Johnny, a border sheriff in Texas. And she’s also, sharp readers of The Clue will surmise, cousin to the late Miguel. At least one character from The Clue is going to get killed, and though it won’t be at the hands of either niece, their misadventures won’t be a bit of help in solving anything!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
It is always an organism with me, not schematic. Characters come first, like Adam and Eve. I have to clearly see and hear them or they are not there. They have not only their own voices but their own drives, upon which they act for good or evil. OK then. For a shocking plot twist I will cite the decision, quite late in the game, to write a second murder. The primary murder follows country-house tradition: a wealthy, rather disagreeable older family member has cruelly treated many, and created motive all around. A second murder, I felt, would really turn the screw and open up new dimensions, yet be almost traumatically painful. I went on and wrote it, and feel right about it. So that was a battlefield decision, more than halfway through, and so were some character creations made spontaneously: Fauncebroke (“Fancy Boy”) Mountjoy IV, Hannes the winemaker, Mrs. DeChambeau. They made their impact, and I like to think the two judges, one male one female, registered as distinct personalities with distinct bench styles.
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Mother knows best, eh what? At least while mainly sober. Thus when the “mythical” Ffoulkes Fortune actually comes through – and to the only pair who didn’t scheme for it – the ghost of Daphne Ffoulkes Chesterfield instructs her son to “put a bit of it back into the land.” This advice he dutifully follows by purchasing the Finger Lakes wine estate of Carrie’s father, a “reformed” Brooklyn gangster. Ensuing are roomsful of lust, triumph and scandal in the vineyards, humour bone-dry as a fine Cab Sauv, classic country-house murder, and masterly courtroom chessplay from the anciently wise French avocat Alaistre (“Swifty”) Treves-Alsace.
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.
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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
