Blog Archives
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?Â
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? Â
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? Â
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?
Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit
In Carolyn Summer Quinn’s poignant novel, Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit, we are introduced to August La May, a dedicated Vaudeville performer and loving father of two enchanting girls, Florabelle and April. The story unfolds when August thinks he sees his long-lost partner and the mother of his children, Violetta, after four years of abandonment at a Nebraska theater. August grapples with whether or not it was Violetta and, if so, what will it mean to him and his daughters.
Set in the backdrop of 1920s America, the novel follows August’s relentless quest to find his missing daughter, praying for an elusive reunion. However, the journey is fraught with challenges as August, and his family face societal prejudices against performers like them, viewed with suspicion and mistrust. The reader is left pondering, along with August, how will he ever locate them.
Quinn skillfully crafts a close-knit family dynamic between August and April La May, a father-daughter duo whose unwavering support for one another sustains their hope even in the bleakest circumstances. The resolute spirit of the La Mays united against a world seemingly against them evokes a heartfelt emotional response from any reader. Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit succeeds in gripping its audience with a compelling plot. The narrative, primarily told through August La May’s perspective, is filled with slang from the 1920s, adding to the book’s authentic feel. The book’s central themes of family bonds, heartache, and determination remain powerful and engaging, urging readers to accompany August and April La May on their poignant journey to find the elusive Florabelle, whose disappearance has left a void in their vaudeville world.
Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit by Carolyn Summer Quinn contains emotional depth and a captivating plot making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a tale of perseverance and the unbreakable ties of family.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0C7MLMV26
The Palace of the Stars
The Palace of the Stars is an absolutely captivating and brilliantly written novel that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. Set across two distinct time periods, the story follows the journey of a young and inexperienced police officer named Mike, who awakens from a coma to find himself in the care of an elderly bookstore owner named Mari. As he navigates his new reality, he discovers an enchanted portal within the bookstore that transports him back to the early 1900s, where he is suddenly thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery.
What sets The Palace of the Stars apart from other historical romance or time travel books is its perfect balance of magic, mystery, and historical fiction. The transitions between timelines are seamless and easy to follow, and the charismatic characters are so richly drawn that readers will find themselves deeply invested in their fates. Mari, in particular, is an absolutely delightful character, and her courage and empathy toward Mike are genuinely inspiring.
This extraordinary novel gradually unfurls, meticulously weaving the reader into the intricate tapestry of its characters’ world. As one grows to deeply understand these characters, a subtle but steady momentum builds. This gradually simmering action culminates in a climax that is both electrifying and fulfilling, making the initial slow-burn progression not only justified but rewarding. The twists and turns near the end of the book are absolutely thrilling, and the chemistry between the characters, especially Mike and Mae, is electric.
Overall, The Palace of the Stars is a truly fantastic book that will indeed become a classic in the genre of historical mystery and romance. It is a great starting point for what promises to be an exciting and thrilling series, and readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment from this talented author.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B01HH2OHZ2
Drowning in Deception
In the wake of the unanticipated demise of journalist Sondra “Sonny” Girard, Sam Flanagan, a private investigator, is engaged in unraveling the mystifying conditions surrounding her death. The case comes to him from Senator Victor Girard, Sonny’s former husband, who harbors suspicions of foul play. While Detective Flanagan initially anticipates a straightforward case, an unexpected dismissal by Senator Girard leaves him grappling with dwindling resources yet an abundance of leads to explore. As he ventures deeper into the investigation, a labyrinth of conflicting testimonies, enigmatic clues, and a myriad of suspects awaits him, all potentially hinting at a grander narrative against the backdrop of World War II.
Drowning in Deception, penned by Judith White, is a compelling detective noir novella chronicling the investigative journey of Sam Flanagan, an ex-cop from Detroit who has transitioned into a private investigator. Set amidst the global tumult of World War II, Flanagan must rely on his keen intellect and intuition to delve into a death initially presumed accidental but soon unveils its deceptive layers. Thrown into the milieu of journalists and high-brow politicians, Sam discerns that Sonny’s demise is far from a simple drowning, and uncovering the motive becomes pivotal to cracking the case.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, driven by succinct and punchy sentences that complement the high-octane plot. White masterfully orchestrates the narrative such that readers become active participants in the unfolding mystery, formulating theories and conjectures as new characters and details are introduced.
White triumphs in crafting a credible period mystery rife with unexpected twists and red herrings that will undoubtedly captivate mystery aficionados. I recommend Drowning in Deception to readers who enjoy intriguing murder mystery stories.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B073FM2KC6
A Lesson in Woo-Woo and Murder
In A Lesson in Woo-Woo and Murder, author David Unger introduces us to David, an unconventional therapist who accompanies his clients on offbeat adventures. Invited by Eve and Sheridan to attend The Whole Life Expo—a diverse gathering of vendors specializing in the new age, natural health, metaphysical, and even extraterrestrial subjects. While not David’s usual interests, he finds himself being drawn into this world and starting to believe. Soon, however, he finds himself embroiled in a mysterious death that may not be an accident.
Unger’s writing style is both witty and direct, immediately drawing the reader into the world of the quirky protagonist, David. By telling the story from David’s perspective, the reader gains an intimate understanding of his thoughts and outlook on events. Unger masterfully sets up the murder mystery at the New Age convention and builds tension throughout the narrative, keeping readers on their toes with unexpected twists. Unger adds some romance in with a psychic foretelling that romance is in his future, though David is skeptical at best when receiving this news.
The novel’s exploration of New Age topics adds a refreshing and engaging dimension to the story, which many readers may find relatable and intriguing. In addition, the diverse cast of characters, such as aura-reading Eve and fortune-telling Madame Vadama, further contribute to the story’s mystique. Initially skeptical of their abilities, David begins to question the reality of their supernatural talents, and readers are drawn deeper into the story’s enigmatic atmosphere.
A Lesson in Woo-Woo and Murder is a distinctive and entertaining amateur sleuths mystery. This engaging novel is highly recommended for those seeking a satisfying and open-minded literary experience.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0BSRKGD37
The Butterfly’s Cocoon
Thornton Park, set on a vast estate shrouded in mystery and hidden secrets, provides an ideal backdrop for a conference on immortality. Intended to highlight cultural similarities and differences in beliefs, the conference takes an unexpected turn even before it begins. Alexandra and her family soon find themselves entangled in a paranormal quest to uncover the secrets of eternal life. To add complications to the quest, people are being murdered. As the family’s detective, Alexandra is determined to unravel the mystery and apprehend the culprit. While uncovering clues, she finds herself discovering dark tales and myths that could place her unborn child and herself at risk. Are they unfounded, or are Alexandra and her baby in danger?
Amidst the unfolding enigma, romance blossoms as Edith falls for the enigmatic James. Author Ellen Read masterfully crafts an engaging narrative that effortlessly blends critical plot points with an immersive scene setting. Readers are transported to Thornton Park, as if joining Alexandra and the conference speakers in their pursuit of eternal life’s elusive secret. The novel boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with a unique story to share. While keeping track of each conference attendee’s origins may prove challenging, their individual theories and backgrounds enrich the overall narrative. Readers will be drawn into each character’s backstory and get to know them, seeing how they fit into the story’s overall plot. Ellen’s skillful storytelling breathes life into the world of the Thornton Mysteries, leaving readers eagerly anticipating future installments.
The Butterfly’s Cocoon is a captivating read that combines mystery, romance, and a touch of the paranormal. The author’s deft handling of the plot and setting creates an immersive experience that transports readers back in time. With its intriguing cast of characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of the Thornton Mysteries series.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0BV3CNBNC
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case is a captivating tale that transports readers to 1932 Los Angeles. This engrossing story follows the journey of an 11-year-old girl named Sparky, a street-smart and resolute young girl who unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a young blonde girl she found dead on a bench. The story begins on her birthday when she had saved up a box of sweets to celebrate her special day. However, her birthday takes a drastic turn when she finds herself accused of a crime she did not commit.
Author Rosalind Barden’s writing had me hooked from the first page, and Sparky’s character immediately drew me in. The author has done an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the buildings and characters, making them easy to visualize. Tootsie’s character adds an interesting layer to the story, and her home is described in such detail that it feels like a character itself. The food Sparky is offered at Tootsie’s house is also beautifully described, making the reader’s mouth water. Sparky’s character is tough and independent, but the author has also demonstrated that she has a kind heart that she tries to keep hidden. This makes her a lovable character, and the reader cannot help but root for her as she tries to solve the case and live her life without fear. The mystery in this story is expertly crafted, pulling the reader in and keeping them gripped until the very end. The suspense is palpable, making it difficult to put the book down. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how the story would unfold.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written, suspenseful mystery. Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case is a page-turner that will leave readers eager for more.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B07H49P46T
