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Political Mystery Thriller
In The Old Corsair, a naval intelligence officer finds herself at the heart of a mystery originating in the late 1700s after being assigned to safeguard artifacts at an excavation site. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the brief mentions of a Captain Tunney by a tertiary character in my previous novel, The Composer’s Legacy, we learn of Captain Vernon Tunney, his relationship with one of the dead composer’s forbears, and what Tunney is capable of doing:
“After a British Frigate destroyed his home during the bombardment of Lewes, Delaware on April 7, 1813, Robert West . . . hired a privateer named Vernon Tunney, to hunt down and destroy the British frigate that destroyed his home and killed his parents . . . A subsequent broadside reported that the British ship went down with all hands six weeks later.”
It was from this tantalizing tidbit about Captain Tunney that I wanted to expound upon. Exactly how did he manage to take out a British Vengeur-class third-rate with 74 guns? To answer that question, I created an Easter egg that linked the two independent stories. The fun part was crafting such an enigmatic character based on this brief account. As the possibilities for the character grew, I knew I had to come up with an equally tenacious firebrand of a present-day character, and her name is Terrie (my sister’s name) Murphy (my mother’s maiden name).
I introduce Tunney in the opening chapter, and in his time, to give the reader a taste of his personality and what’s to come. However, from the second chapter on, it’s 2013 and Terrie Murphy is looking to exact justice upon those who murdered her sister. Unfortunately, the Navy derailed that mission with one of their own. Lieutenant Terrie Murphy is detailed to Badger Island to locate and seize artifacts from what was alleged to have been the nation’s first intelligence office. When she realizes the evidence didn’t agree with the cover story, she decides to investigate on her own.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines the main character Terrie Murphy?
I introduced the reader to the courageous, but socially inept Terrie Murphy with a sort of literary slap in the face. As the scene opens, she’s enduring another nightmare about her murdered sister. At present, the imagery is sketched in metaphors so we really don’t know all the particulars as to what’s actually happening or why. However, the defining moment arrives when another episode of this gruesome nightmare returns. Only this time, the nightmare is described in all its ghastly detail. She awakens screaming, rousing her neighbor from across the hall. As he attempts to comfort her, she accedes to her Aunt Barbara’s advice about opening up to other people. Since the only person she’d ever confided in was her murdered sister, it took over 10 years, and her aunt’s cajoling, to open up to anyone else. As it turned out, it was her neighbor. She shares with him, and also the reader, the true meaning of each part of her nightmare and what those bloody numbers actually stood for on the bottom of those Polaroid photos.
I likened this scene to the way Quint from Jaws opened up about his “removed” tattoo. We already knew he was a bit off, but through his monologue about his experience aboard the USS Indianapolis, the tenor for the rest of the movie and the characters’ relationships took on a whole new meaning.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I hate to admit this, but I was never fond of academics in school, but I always had a penchant for music, mysteries, and history. In seeking out the appropriate levels of historical documentation that could dovetail into my story, I actually fell in love again with the library again (along with the many museums, archives, and online historical newspapers I visited). The more I read about any specific topic relevant to the story, I was enthralled with my deep dive into history.
Legacy, it was simple. With my extensive musical background (writing, reading composing, and performing), it gave me the confidence to write a meticulous mystery surrounding the death of a composer whose music could stand alongside the greatest composers in history. However, The Old Corsair was quite another matter. Authenticity in this straight-up political mystery thriller was very important. In order to be as convincing as possible, I sought out sources as close to the events as possible. I actually visited all the locations discussed in the book so I could be reliably accurate when describing each scene. I also visited Mystic Sea Port in Connecticut, the American Antiquarian Society, and the Springfield Library and Archives in Massachusetts.
At my Author Events, I bring along a binder of highlighted historical newspapers to show the public exactly how I managed to incorporate their information while “planting” my own “articles”.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
As a matter of fact, I’m toying with the idea of two distinct series that could come from this one novel; the first being the continuation of Terrie Murphy’s arc. I’m currently outlining the next book, The Crimson Corsair, a sequel to Terrie Murphy’s current story. I also plan to close out her arc in the third installment, The Last Corsair, set many years into the future and after Terrie’s retirement from the Navy.
Meanwhile, there’s gold in actually looking back and having a new character discover the 88-year-old Captain Tunney, alive and well on an uncharted island in the Pacific. I’ll use this character in the same vein as Dr. Watson, relaying his experiences with the elusive captain and the stories the octogenarian shared about his life. The inaugural first meeting will happen about one year after Tunney is believed to have died at 87. In a series of short novels or novellas, Tunney will relay to this character accounts that had occurred during his lifetime. There are many stories pertaining to this nautical enigma whose, “tactical and strategic savvy managed to elude even today’s best efforts to locate him or the vessel he captained to his alleged demise in 1850, the Neptune’s Trident.”
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In 2004, a seventeen-year-old Terrie receives a package containing chilling evidence of her sister’s brutal murder by unseen enemies. Her pleas for justice fall on deaf ears, both within the government and the media. Nine years later, as a newly promoted Naval Intelligence Officer, Terrie is assigned to monitor the demolition of an old marina, supposedly the site of the nation’s first intelligence office. Instead, she stumbles upon a trail of hidden history leading back to 1788, a captured and refitted pirate vessel renamed, Neptune’s Trident, and her enigmatic captain, Vernon Tunney.
As she delves deeper into the clues unearthed from colonial-era newspapers, classified Navy archives, and a discovered logbook to a missing merchant vessel, Terrie becomes entwined in a spiraling mystery. She faces obstacles thrown in her path by a dogged federal agent, keen on concealing a secret guarded by the government for centuries. This secret also draws the attention of a traitor hidden within government ranks, one who has personal ties to Terrie’s own tragedy.
It’s Not Work, It’s Fun
Child of Secrets From Afar follows a couple looking to grow their family. They adopt two Vietnamese girls, one of whom has an enigmatic past and goes missing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I remember hearing that some of the Vietnamese orphans rescued during Operation Babylift in 1975 weren’t really orphans at all. Some of the older children had intact families back in Vietnam and wanted to return home. That always intrigued me. I wondered if their parents had deliberately sent them away from the war zone for safety reasons, or if they’d been accidentally swept up, which is what happened to some children I’d seen profiled on a documentary, or what. There’s an element of the unknown in an adoption, where the new parents just don’t know everything about the former life of their adopted child. I figured that might make a good basis for a mystery, especially one involving a child from the days when South Vietnam was falling and the place was in utter chaos.
When writing a new novel, what comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
The plot. Definitely the plot! I get an idea for a story, choose the time and place, and I start building on that. The characters just start to pop into my head once I’ve settled on the story premise. I can easily visualize them as I start to write about them.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I always loved books as a child, especially mysteries. Nancy Drew, The Bobbsey Twins, The Happy Hollisters – I loved them all. Mysteries are still my favorite genre. I must have literally hundreds of books on my Kindle. Besides, I wholeheartedly enjoy putting a story together. It’s not like work for me. It’s fun!
Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?
I work on several at a time, believe it or not. I came up with an idea for one recently, a mystery set right here in New York City, where I live, and have been working on it. I also think a few of my previous books, like BACKSTABBED ON BROADWAY and A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN, could be turned into series. Both of those have characters that it would be fun to put into new situations with new mysteries to solve.
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When a strange Vietnamese man Belinda doesn’t know takes such an interest in Liana that he tracks her to the O’Malley’s Indiana hometown, Belinda has to wonder what is going on. The stakes are raised higher when their new daughter, who isn’t forthcoming about her past, goes missing not long after this odd guy shows up.
Who is this man? What does he want with her child? And what, for that matter, went on with eight-year-old Liana, back in Vietnam, to have sparked this whole dilemma in the first place?
A riveting mystery about a well-intentioned American family and their adopted child of secrets.
Child of Secrets From Afar
In Child of Secrets From Afar, the author weaves a gripping narrative that explores the complex dynamics of an American family completing its circle through adoption. Belinda and Jonathan, after years of yearning for a sibling for their daughter, adopt two Vietnamese girls; one who has spent her whole life in an orphanage and the other with an enigmatic past. The story unfolds as the family encounters unforeseen challenges and secrets, particularly concerning the girls’ adjustment to their new life.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in the author’s nuanced portrayal of family and adoption. Quinn’s detailed narrative vividly depicts the character’s emotions and experiences, drawing readers into the heart of the family’s journey. The mystery element is skillfully interwoven, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the truths hidden in the girls’ pasts. The character development, especially of Belinda, is a highlight. Her determination to protect and understand her daughters adds a layer of depth to the story, offering a resonant depiction of familial love and commitment.
The narrative style is immersive, allowing readers to envision the unfolding events and feel an integral part of the story. The novel presents a unique plot with well-crafted characters and an engaging mystery at its core. Quinn’s descriptive storytelling not only maintains the reader’s interest but also thoroughly examines what it means to be a family.
As the story reaches its conclusion, the intricacies of the family’s journey are revealed with a deft touch, providing a satisfying resolution to the mysteries that have been so central to the narrative. Quinn’s skillful storytelling ensures that the themes of family, belonging, and the enduring power of love resonate long after the final page is turned.
Child of Secrets From Afar offers a compelling tale and invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of adoption and the unbreakable bonds that can form within a family, regardless of its origins. It’s a poignant reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love, making it a memorable and impactful read.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0CVNBXZ98
In the Shadow of the Sun
Poli Flores JR’s In The Shadow Of The Sun is an insightful exploration of the human condition, delving deep into the complexities of war, grief, love, and familial bonds. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Samuel Medoza, the youngest member of his family, artfully capturing the Medoza family’s journey as they navigate the aftermath of Curt, Samuel’s brother, returning from Vietnam with enduring mental and physical wounds.
Set in Allen County, once a barren dust-filled expanse transformed into prosperous farmland, the story introduces a rich tapestry of characters, ranging from Samuel’s childhood friends to Big Bob, the county’s unscrupulous sheriff. The author skillfully intertwines various story arcs, crafting a dynamic and suspenseful narrative. The plot is replete with unexpected twists and intense moments, maintaining a gripping tension that ensures the reader’s engagement from start to finish.
Flores JR’s writing is both compelling and authentic, confronting the harsh realities of life without reservation. The novel poignantly captures the depth of human emotions and the far-reaching impact of war across generations. The author’s narrative style is immersive, characterized by vivid, well-crafted descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of the story. The novel is particularly notable for its use of diverse narrative forms, including radio broadcast transcripts, poems, and even letters to a higher power, which add layers of depth and perspective to the storytelling. The book’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of history and loss, particularly in the context of young lives cut short. The concluding epilogue effectively ties up the narrative, leaving the reader with a sense of closure.
In The Shadow Of The Sun is a compelling read, marked by its rich storytelling and emotional depth. It’s a book that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the enduring effects of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0BXZRJ68T
The Hollywood Backlash Moon
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Hollywood, an era synonymous with surface glamour, The Hollywood Backlash Moon by Carolyn Summer Quinn presents an engaging juxtaposition of the dazzling façade of this iconic period and its underlying tumult. The novel invites readers into the world of Katie Hathaway, an orphan who, after her parents’ tragic demise, finds herself amidst the glitz of California, living with her famous relatives. Quinn skillfully peels back the layers of Hollywood’s glittering exterior through Katie’s eyes, revealing a realm rife with pretension, strife, and an unquenchable thirst for fame—a place where ambitions can even lead to murder.
The plot thickens with the mysterious murder of Katie’s cousin, Clover Carmody, following a fiery argument with her mother, Floriana Fairmount—a renowned yet self-absorbed actress. Clover’s untimely death, under perplexing circumstances, sets the stage for a gripping mystery. Quinn elevates the narrative with an intriguing subplot involving sightings of a supposed Nazi in Hollywood, further intensifying the suspense. Quinn’s narrative prowess is evident in her creation of a multi-layered story that is both brisk and engaging. She skillfully weaves intricate details into the plot, enriching the suspense and offering a well-rounded backdrop to the unfolding drama. The novel excels in its character portrayal, particularly with the array of suspects. Each character is introduced with enough conviction to momentarily persuade readers of their guilt, only to be replaced by another suspect as the story progresses, maintaining a high level of intrigue. Central to the narrative is Katie Hathaway, whose character emerges as a beacon of insight and authenticity. As an outsider from Brooklyn, her observations of the Hollywood lifestyle lend a unique and critical perspective to the story. Katie’s ability to discern the true nature of those around her—beyond their glamorous veneer—adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
The Hollywood Backlash Moon is a novel that artfully balances the allure of Hollywood’s golden age with the darker undercurrents of ambition and rivalry, making it a must-read for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery set against a rich historical backdrop.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CRCC2K79
“A Microcosm of Eccentricity”
A Charm Without a Chain follows a teacher and his daughter as they stumble upon a gruesome murder, driving him to solve the mystery and protect his community amidst a web of suspicion and secrets. Could you share the initial idea that motivated you to write this novel?
I always wanted to write a mystery set in a high school. I attended the grammar school where my mother taught and the high school where my father taught, which was unusual for a kid, to say the least. In both cases, I was privy to all kinds of behind-the-scenes information about what was going on in the schools and also at the two respective Boards of Education. Both were excellent, wonderful schools. However, at the one where my dad taught, I used to say the faculty was like “a microcosm of eccentricity” because of all the various personalities on the staff. All of it provided inspiration for A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN.
The book is filled with unexpected twists and intriguing characters. Can you share your process for crafting a complex plot and maintaining suspense throughout the story?
I start writing with an initial idea and just keep on going with it. Monty is called to the school in the summertime by the principal that no one can stand, his daughter goes along because she’s about to start attending it and wants to get the lay of the land regarding where each of her classes will be held, and kaboom! They find the principal’s dead body. It takes off from there. And here’s a little secret: whenever I start to write a mystery, I have some idea of who is going to be the one “whodunit,” but don’t strictly hold to that if a better possibility comes to mind.
Monty is a unique character with an interesting background. How did you develop his character, and what made you decide to give him aspirations of becoming a detective?
Easy question! I should have become one myself! I had a grandfather who was a Federal Postal Inspector and my mind seems to work a whole lot like his did. So I created Monty as this terrific teacher, but one who had regrets about not becoming a cop, which would have been his first choice of a profession until his mother put a stop to it. He’s a good teacher and a good man, but finding this body is finally giving him his chance to do what he’s always wanted. He wants to not only solve this case but prove he can do it. I may write a sequel and give him another one to solve.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
It’s called THE HOLLYWOOD BACKLASH MOON and it’s available as of right now, January 2024. A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN was set in a calm lakeside community in Colorado, but THE HOLLYWOOD BACKLASH MOON takes place in Los Angeles in 1964. A nice girl from Brooklyn lives with her wacky aunt and uncle, who just happen to be television actors. It’s a murder mystery set within the culture clash of Brooklyn sensibilities – I live there, and the people are so wonderfully down to earth and blunt – and the whole Hollywood competitive “notice me” nonsense. I once worked for a motion picture company so I have a good handle on both Brooklyn and Hollywood. It was so much fun to write!
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It’s bad enough that Monty and his daughter Jessica are the ones to find the principal’s dead body, but the next thing they hear is that a beloved teacher, Naomi Sutherland, was done in a day earlier as well. Why were two school staff members killed within two days? Who could possibly be behind this? And what is the significance of the silver rose charm that Jessica found near the murder scene?
Figuring out the solution to the two murders may initially seem impossible, but look out, Lake Covington, because Monty’s on the case!
JFK FYI
JFK FYI, by Gary B. Haley, offers a meticulously researched exploration into one of America’s most enduring mysteries: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Haley delves deep into the intricate details of this historic event, examining a variety of suspects and their potential motives, supported by a wealth of evidence.
This book stands out for its commitment to uncovering lesser-known aspects of the assassination. Haley’s approach includes sifting through early evidence, witness accounts, and documents, adding a fresh dimension to the well-trodden narrative of this pivotal moment in history.
While firmly rooted in historical analysis, JFK FYI transcends the typical boundaries of the genre. Haley skillfully weaves a narrative that is both informative and engaging, appealing to readers beyond just history enthusiasts. His ability to inject a sense of adventure into the recounting of these events speaks to his notable storytelling prowess. One of the book’s strengths lies in Haley’s extensive research, which is evident in the depth and detail of the information presented. He doesn’t just rely on well-known facts and evidence; instead, he delves into the pre-assassination events, uncovering new suspects and angles that have previously been overlooked. This thorough approach offers readers a comprehensive view of the assassination, encompassing both well-known and obscure details.
In JFK FYI, Haley not only shines a new light on a significant historical event but also engages readers with his compelling narrative style. The book stands as a testament to Haley’s dedication and expertise, making it a valuable contribution to the field of historical literature.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0CJ6HJ54H
I Love Vaudeville
Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit follows a Vaudeville performer whose 7-year-old daughter goes missing one night and his search for her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was interested in the world of vaudeville and its traveling entertainers, almost vagabonds, since I first read the book GYPSY by Gypsy Rose Lee as a child. Gypsy and her little sister grew up in vaudeville. It was intriguing to learn that there were children who had been free of going to school and spent their childhoods entertaining, and I wanted to write about a father who was on the road with his daughters. It’s the 1920s, so I made the father, Avram, who changed his name to August, the child of immigrants, with all the resilient bravado that those who came to this country brought with them. The premise for this book popped into my head one day as I was outside drinking a coffee by the rose bushes in my backyard, and I ran right inside to start the book.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story? What do you find so fascinating about the Roaring 1920s?
As I said, I love the whole idea of the world of vaudeville, and the 1920s always struck me as a wonderful time. It was my grandparents’ era. I grew up listening to show tunes and also the bouncy, optimistic songs of the 1920s, loved them then and love them yet. World War I had ended. The members of the armed forces who survived returned home wanting to forget it and have a good time. It’s just an amazing decade, or it was until it ended with a crash and burn in 1929, and I put the story right in the middle of it, 1925. I also had to put the story during a time when vaudeville was still alive and well. It was in 1925, but its demise was coming.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Oh, definitely, yes! August La May kind of “wakes up” when his younger child goes missing. Up until then, he’s not naive or anything, but he’s a lot more trusting of the world around him until that happens. After that, as we say in Brooklyn, “Forget about it!” He’s older and wiser, fast.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I work on several at a time. At the moment, I’m not sure which one I’ll finish next, but there’s a bunch of them in the works. The genre I love the most is cozy mysteries like this one!
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But four years after Violetta left, all might not be well. August is sure he sees Violetta on the theater ticket line in Chicago. Later that day, seven-year-old Florabelle goes missing on the way to the stage from her dressing room. Is this a coincidence? Has Violetta really returned for only one of her daughters, or has someone else in vaudeville taken the talented child? Who, among the many rather irregular folks in show business, might have done this? August and his other daughter, savvy little April, keep touring the theaters of America, determined to find out. Where then, in the space of the entire country, could Florabelle possibly be?
LITERARY TITAN 