Blog Archives
Where’s Jackson Pollock?
Jim Davidson’s Where’s Jackson Pollock? is a vivid blend of art, crime, and human frailty that moves from the smoky streets of 1960s Brussels to the humid shores of modern-day Florida and Virginia. It begins with an art thief named Henri who steals two priceless paintings, a Pollock and a Rothko, and then follows their strange afterlife through decades of greed, betrayal, and reinvention. By the time the paintings resurface, they’ve become more than works of art, they’re ghosts of guilt and ambition that haunt every character who touches them. The book stitches together these timelines with sharp pacing and a film-like rhythm that makes the mystery feel alive and personal.
I found the writing punchy and cinematic. Davidson has a knack for giving even the quiet moments a pulse, a sense that something is about to go wrong. His characters feel flawed; greedy, desperate, and self-justifying, but never cartoonish. The dialogue sounds natural, almost overheard, and the detail in the settings makes every scene easy to picture. There’s an undercurrent of sadness beneath all the clever plotting, a recognition that beauty and corruption often share the same frame. That mix of tension and melancholy made me care more about the people than the paintings.
The story can linger inside a moment or a minor side story, but I forgave that because the author writes with conviction. The characters talk and act like real people, selfish, hopeful, scared, and funny. The theme that money distorts art and love both feels timeless and painfully true. I caught myself grinning at his dry humor one minute and shaking my head in frustration the next. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you sit with what greed and loss do to a person’s soul.
I’d recommend Where’s Jackson Pollock? to anyone who loves a good art-world mystery or character-driven crime story. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy novels where the moral lines blur and everyone has something to hide. If you liked The Goldfinch or The Thomas Crown Affair, this one will hit the same nerve. It’s smart, layered, and surprisingly emotional.
Pages: 324 | ASIN : B0FVBL15J3
Gritty Environments
Hessman’s Necklace is a gritty noir thriller set in 1950s America, where a reckless fixer hunts a legendary necklace through a smoky maze of lust, lies, and moral ruin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was reading a lot of crime stories from the period when I first began Hessman’s Necklace, adhering to the conventions of noir. I focused on seedy settings, grim circumstances, and deeply flawed characters with dubious pasts and unsavory motivations. The very first scene I penned was a visceral torture sequence, featuring Ray wielding a blade while the Reverend, bound to a harsh wooden chair, pleaded for his life, fervently asserting his innocence. Initially conceived as a short story, it was rejected by a magazine due to its graphic and violent nature. Through numerous revisions, I softened the scene to make it more palatable. Eventually, I expanded it from a short story into a novelette, and then into a full-fledged novel, yet that pivotal scene continued to serve as the heart of the book. It encapsulates a moment where the central character, Ray, is pushed to the brink of barbarity as pressure and ambition drive him further into darkness.
The prose in Hessman’s Necklace is bold and stylized. How did you develop that voice?
I drew inspiration from the works of writers such as Dashiell Hammett, John D. MacDonald, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Hammett, in particular, possessed a remarkable talent for crafting memorable characters, each defined by their actions, appearance, and dialogue. In Hessman’s Necklace, my intention was to honor this style by bringing my characters to life through their distinct voices and the authenticity of their interactions. Like Hammett’s dialogue, which flows organically, I aimed to make my characters’ exchanges engaging and meaningful, propelling the narrative forward while revealing their complexities and motivations. John D. MacDonald’s mastery of detail and sensory richness played a crucial role in shaping my narrative choices. I carefully wove my characters into gritty environments, ensuring that readers could not only follow the unfolding drama but also feel the weight of their surroundings. I embraced sharp, raw language to convey tension and captured the visceral sensations of key moments. At the same time, I drew from Fitzgerald’s lyrical prose, employing vivid imagery and striking metaphors to enhance the depth of the narrative.
The book leans into noir tropes but still feels fresh. How did you strike that balance between homage and originality?
I’ve always had a fondness for the 1950s noir and crime fiction paperback originals from publishers like Gold Medal Books, as well as others such as Signet, Dell, Lion, and Ace. While many of these works adhere closely to established formulas, the sheer demand and profitability urged writers to produce quickly. It’s impressive how prolific authors like Erle Stanley Gardner maintained quality while churning out massive quantities; he produced twenty-eight novels in a single decade. Gil Brewer could wrap up an entire novel in mere days: So Rich, So Dead was completed in just five days, while Flight to Darkness took only three. I aimed to create a 1950s-style noir with a more deliberate approach and a creative twist on conventions. I challenged myself to tell the story from Ray’s perspective, ensuring he was present in every scene, and sought to add a literary flair that elevated the prose without slipping into artificiality or pretentiousness. Underrated crime writer John Flagg, whose novel The Persian Cat was the inaugural release from Gold Medal, excels at high drama—his stories are typically enriched by thrilling scenes, well-imagined locations, and engaging characters. His lush descriptions and sharply sarcastic personas inspired me to keep Hessman’s Necklace both fast-paced and suspenseful while emphasizing wit. I incorporated factual historical details, references to topical news, literature, and art world trivia to capture the essence of that period, all while addressing modern themes that echoed those times. Alas, unlike Gardner and Brewer, it took me years rather than days to finally consider the story complete.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve started and paused half a dozen novels since finishing Hessman’s Necklace. There’s always a deadline looming that sidelines my creative writing projects, making it a real challenge to find the motivation to complete one before moving on to the next. But I’m determined to get there. Currently, I’m polishing the final chapters of a family drama set in Rhode Island. It leans more towards a beach novel than a crime story, infused with plenty of humor, tension, and personal struggles. Once that’s wrapped up, I plan to revisit the office-based mystery I began last year, and with any luck, both of these novels will finally be ready for publication by early next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Ray’s captivating looks and distinction as a ladies’ man persuade Walter to assign him the unusual task of getting romantically close to Merriam Woolcroft, a pretty church secretary. Apparently, Merriam is the mistress of Reverend Arnold Sinclair, a shady South Boston clergyman whose community activities have identified him as a powerful trafficker of stolen antiques.
Although mildly curious if Sinclair’s vestry is stocked with priceless art, one solitary object occupies Walter’s interest: a famed emerald-studded 22-karat gold necklace purloined from a museum thirty years earlier. Convinced that the reverend has this long-lost relic, Walter maintains that Ray should focus on stealing Merriam’s heart to locate the necklace, unaware that manipulating a woman is far more complex and dangerous than manipulating locks.
Escalating tension and unexpected twists turn the stealthy treasure hunt into a ruthless fight for survival.
The Case of the Amorous Assailant (Beachtown Detective Agency Book 1)
Terry Ambrose launches his Beachtown Detective Agency series with The Case of the Amorous Assailant, a sharp and spirited mystery that introduces readers to Jade Cavendish, a rookie private investigator stepping into her father’s shoes. Determined to prove herself, Jade accepts her very first case, one that directly defies her father’s explicit warnings. But desperate to keep the fledgling agency afloat, she takes the risk.
Her client, Gina Rose, suspects her husband of draining their finances and possibly worse. Despite Jade’s personal relationship complications and her father’s advice still echoing in her mind, she follows the money and her instincts. What begins as a straightforward case of infidelity morphs into a far more tangled mystery, one that leads Jade toward the elusive figure known only as the Amorous Assailant. Or at least, that’s what she believes.
Jade Cavendish stands out as a compelling protagonist, smart, composed, and willing to face down challenges that would rattle a more seasoned detective. Her independence is admirable, though her reluctance to lean on her father for guidance occasionally frustrates. In moments of real trouble, that pride edges close to recklessness. Still, her strength as a lead character is undeniable.
Gina Rose remains a mystery in her own right. Her motivations often seem murky, making it difficult to trust her entirely. That constant uncertainty kept me guessing. Then there’s Zoey, the fiery blogger and chaotic ally. She’s unpredictable, occasionally reckless, and often difficult to work with. While her impulsiveness grated on my nerves, her presence raised the stakes in several scenes. At times, I genuinely feared for her safety. I only wish we had seen more from the other women in Jade’s self-defense class; they were introduced with promise but faded too quickly.
Ambrose’s writing is smooth and accessible, perfect for audiobook listeners and cozy mystery fans alike. The plot moves at a satisfying pace, with just enough misdirection to keep the reader guessing. I found myself constantly questioning: Can Gina be trusted? Is her husband hiding something darker than an affair? By the final pages, all those questions find their answers, but getting there is half the fun.
The Case of the Amorous Assailant delivers a clever blend of mystery, character-driven drama, and small-town intrigue. With Jade Cavendish at the helm, Terry Ambrose sets the stage for a promising series full of grit, heart, and just enough danger to keep readers hooked. It’s an entertaining start that balances suspense with humor and emotional depth.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0B8TQVFZ5
The Plight of the Homeless
Busted Flat follows a veteran of the Afghanistan wars with PTSD who takes in a homeless, orphaned teenager, and together, they travel the U.S., surviving by stealth and theft. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m not sure if there was a specific inspiration – a specific flashpoint that ignited the story. I’ll see or hear something that stays in my head and rolls around until my subconscious molds it into shape and sends it up to me to consider as a possibility. For some time, I have been thinking about how this sort of potentially violent, lawless underclass is more proof of the decline of American society thanks to unfettered capitalism. I’d written one or two of the chapter flash stories as standalone work and they were published and so I had the idea to write a novella told in flash fiction.
What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
Once I was sold on the idea of a flash fiction novella structure, I liked the growing contrast between the two – Hap and Shiner. They come from different worlds and are different generations, but there is a crossroads where they come together as fellow lost travelers at the margins of society.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The plight of the homeless stands out. In this case, they are willfully homeless. I made Shiner a veteran because I wanted to explore the life of someone summoned to war and then left damaged on his own. America gives lip service to veterans – “Thanks for your service.” – but largely turns a blind eye once they are back.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Earlier in 2024, my novella Donovan’s Revolution came out. It’s set during the 1980s revolution in Haiti. In January my novella Night Hawks will be released. It’s the story of how four people’s paths in a small town keep crossing and their lives become intertwined.
I just finished writing a new novel, I Just Don’t Get Karaoke, and another novella, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. I’m shopping them to publishers.
And I recently reached a milestone – 50 published short stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Busted Flat
Busted Flat follows the harrowing journey of Hap, an orphaned teenager with no home or family, and Shriner, a troubled Afghanistan war veteran. Together, they traverse the United States, surviving through petty crime and theft, their lives steeped in chaos and uncertainty. Shriner, haunted by the scars of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, spirals into deeper turmoil, dragging Hap into an endless cycle of desperation and danger.
This is not just a story of survival but one of profound struggle. Busted Flat vividly portrays the bleak realities faced by Hap and Shriner, shedding light on homelessness, mental health, and the heavy toll of life on the fringes of society. The story’s raw intensity resonated deeply with me, particularly as someone familiar with the immense challenges of homelessness. The psychological burden, the loss of direction, and the constant fight to persevere felt strikingly authentic.
Hap’s character stood out as the emotional anchor of the story. His innocence and vulnerability were palpable, a stark contrast to the hardened circumstances he endures. His naivety and lack of purpose manifested through his descent into cellphone theft paint a poignant picture of the struggles faced by runaway, orphaned teens. Hap’s portrayal is not just genuine but heart-wrenching, offering an unflinching look at the emotional scars of abandonment and aimlessness.
Gray’s storytelling excels in capturing the bleakness of homelessness in America. The characters are painted with depth and nuance, making their pain and hardships achingly real. The depiction of Shriner’s PTSD adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It showcases how trauma compounds the already immense challenges of survival.
For readers seeking an intense and thought-provoking crime thriller, Busted Flat delivers. It is a gripping, page-turning exploration of broken lives, raw emotions, and the relentless fight for survival. Highly recommended for those who crave a story that is as heart-pounding as it is deeply moving.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0DG9Z879R
The Killing Ground
In the storm-swept deserts of Arizona, FBI agent Brad Hanley stumbles upon a chilling crime scene: a body half-buried in the sand, an arm jutting from the earth, and a mouth stuffed with soil. The grim discovery sends shockwaves through him when he identifies the victim as his former colleague and friend, Agent Dan Ortiz. As Brad reels from the loss, he enlists the help of Lance Tallbear to track down the killer, believing a mole within his task force could be behind the gruesome act. Together, they plunge into a high-stakes world of cartel warfare and deceit, where the price of truth may be their lives.
The Killing Ground by L.D. Lauritzen grips readers from the start, enveloping them in the raw atmosphere of the desert and the unforgiving reality of a murder investigation. Lauritzen’s vivid descriptions bring the crime scene and its desolate surroundings to life, while a steady, suspenseful pace propels the story forward. The tension simmers as Brad wrestles with both his grief and the urgency to bring his friend’s killer to justice, all while navigating treacherous alliances. With each twist, Lauritzen pulls readers deeper into the mystery, making the sense of urgency as palpable as the intense Arizona heat. Lauritzen’s writing style is taut and relentless, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense. His precise pacing builds layer upon layer of tension, drawing readers into a labyrinth of danger and deception. The Killing Ground masterfully balances action with introspection, giving insight into Brad’s inner struggles even as the stakes around him escalate. Lauritzen’s skillful control over pace and plot twists makes this novel a standout in the crime thriller genre, leaving readers guessing—and holding their breath—until the final reveal.
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers that explore the dark underbelly of cartel conflicts and betrayal, The Killing Ground will not disappoint. With its intricate plot, haunting setting, and complex characters, Lauritzen’s novel is a compelling dive into the ruthless world of cartel violence and justice. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates a gritty, suspenseful mystery that keeps you on edge right to the very last page.
Pages: 540 | ASIN : B0DHR11LDT
Breaking Silence
In Breaking Silence, by Alan Brenham, sisters Claire and Megan Deveraux initially dismiss a mysterious message from “AMZ” as a scam. However, as evidence suggesting the existence of a forgotten sibling mounts, Claire begins to question their skepticism. Their pursuit of the truth leads them into a dangerous chase involving a relentless blackmailer and a secretive victim determined to protect his hidden past. Spanning from the charm of Paris to the tranquility of a Texas suburb, this intense thriller uncovers a decades-old enigma with global ramifications.
This book is a riveting thriller that expertly blends intrigue with deep, character-driven storytelling. One of its most compelling aspects is the authenticity of its characters, particularly Claire and Megan Deveraux. Brenham depicts these sisters with remarkable nuance and depth, making them feel like real individuals ensnared in a gripping mystery. Their vividly portrayed personalities and emotionally resonant interactions make their journey both captivating and relatable, enhancing overall engagement with the story.
Brenham’s writing style further elevates the narrative. His prose is sharp and evocative, skillfully capturing the tension and urgency of the plot while also providing lush, detailed descriptions that bring the settings to life. The contrast between the glamorous, bustling streets of Paris and the tranquil, subdued Texan suburbia is vividly rendered, adding layers of atmosphere to the story. This dichotomy enhances the reader’s immersion in both the high-stakes action and the quieter, more intimate moments. The plot is intricately woven, with each twist and turn contributing to a larger, suspenseful puzzle. Brenham’s methodical revelation of information keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making the stakes feel incredibly high. The suspense builds effectively, maintaining a strong sense of momentum throughout. I do feel there are moments where the pacing slows slightly. These sections, while rich in character development and plot detail, seem to lack the brisk rhythm of the rest of the narrative–a pace that keeps readers on their toes.
Breaking Silence, by Alan Brenham, is a compelling thriller that masterfully combines intricate plotting with rich, character-driven storytelling. Despite occasional pacing issues, its authentic characters, evocative writing, and high-stakes suspense make it a memorable and engaging read. Fans of intense, well-crafted mysteries will find much to appreciate in this gripping novel.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0D8G3T6YD
For What It’s Worth
For What It’s Worth follows the adventurous escapades of high school senior Jon Ryan and his friends Hernandez, Fonz, and Weasel. Set in the twilight of their school years, these young individuals are united by a shared aspiration to execute pranks that will secure their legacy as unforgettable characters within their community. They embark on a journey of pranks, guided by a unique set of rules. However, their path is fraught with unpredictability, and not everything unfolds as they expect.
Simultaneously, there is a parallel narrative involving a group of friends who, too, find that their well-laid plans unravel unexpectedly. The story intriguingly juxtaposes these seemingly unrelated events and leads to a compelling climax that leaves the reader questioning whether Jon Ryan and his friends will even make it to graduation.
Pettijohn has created a vivid cast that’s appealing, grounded, and relatable. Jon Ryan, despite his flaws, such as being slightly overweight, indulging in alcohol, and dabbling in recreational drugs, emerges as an engaging protagonist. His friends—Hernandez, Fonz, and Weasel—are well-fleshed-out characters, their antics providing consistent entertainment. The chemistry between these characters and their perfect balance adds depth and texture to the narrative.
The pace is quick, while the setting is artfully described, evoking curiosity about the surroundings and the people in them. The action sequences are meticulous, punctuated with heart-stopping moments that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Pettijohn’s willingness to explore flawed characters confronted with daunting challenges enriches the tale, encompassing all the components for an exhilarating read. Taking place over a matter of days, I think the narrative’s continual leaps between timelines can, at times, hinder the reading experience, causing a slight disconnect.
For What It’s Worth is a novel bursting with originality, fun, and excitement. The blend of humor, suspense, and character-driven storytelling makes for a compelling read. Although the story’s structure may be a point of contention for some, it doesn’t diminish the overall enjoyment. I recommend this book to anyone in search of a fresh and lively literary adventure.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0CC11QDNX
LITERARY TITAN 