Blog Archives
The Composer’s Legacy
The Composer’s Legacy by Michael DeStefano is a captivating exploration of music, creativity, and discovery through the lives of two central characters: Dr. David C. Whealy and James Burton West. David, a musician and assistant to the Dean at a university, appears at first to be the focus of a straightforward tale about a man’s immersion in music. However, the plot soon takes an unexpected turn. Early in the story, David learns he has become a beneficiary of the will of James Burton West, a man he has never met.
DeStefano skillfully guides David—and the reader—on a journey to uncover the enigmatic James Burton West’s legacy. James was a prolific artist and composer, and as David delves deeper into James’s life and work, the reader is invited to join in this exploration. Through David’s discoveries, the narrative vividly brings to life James’s artistic and musical creations. The author’s passion for creativity shines through, offering insights into the minds of musicians like David and his colleague Carla. DeStefano adeptly balances explanations for both musical novices and seasoned musicians, making the book accessible and enriching for a broad audience. In addition to the rich musical and creative themes, the author interweaves historical facts, adding depth and context to the story. This blend of history and creativity makes David’s journey all the more engaging and multifaceted.
The Composer’s Legacy is an intriguing and beautifully crafted novel that celebrates creativity and history. It is highly recommended for readers who appreciate stories that delve into the arts and stimulate curiosity.
Pages: 331 | ASIN : B08NFNJ7LT
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5, by Mac Fortner, is an engaging blend of mystery, adventure, and historical intrigue. The story follows Alex Stone, who wakes up in Cuba with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he struggles to piece together his identity, he becomes entangled in a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and a quest for a hidden treasure linked to Ernest Hemingway himself. The narrative takes readers from the gritty streets of Cuba to the sun-soaked locales of Key West, weaving a tale that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in suspense.
Fortner’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place. The portrayal of Cuba, in particular, stands out with its vibrant and sometimes harsh realities. The author’s ability to create such a vivid sense of place makes the book a visual and sensory experience, drawing readers into the heart of the story. The character development is another highlight. Alex Stone’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling, and his interactions with Ernesto Cabrera and Liliana add depth to the narrative. Ernesto’s revelation about his past with Hemingway and the hidden treasure adds a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the plot.
The relationship dynamics are well-crafted, particularly the bond between Alex and the enigmatic Liliana, which evolves with a mix of tension and tenderness. The pacing of the novel is dynamic, with the initial chapters setting a gripping tone that captivates the reader. The author provides extensive background details that enrich the story and add depth to the plot, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. Fortner’s knack for cliffhangers and unexpected twists keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5 is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and adventure novels. Fortner successfully combines a compelling storyline with rich character development and evocative settings. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy unraveling intricate plots and exploring historical connections. Whether you are a Hemingway aficionado or simply looking for an engrossing mystery, this book is a treasure trove of literary enjoyment.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B07Z5GXVPY
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.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Amazon
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.
Unrelenting Optimism
Stolen Lives follows a journalist who uses her intuitive gifts to draw a connection between endangered children during the Spanish Civil War and babies missing in present-day Spain. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
In 2019, I made my second trip to Spain to research settings and story ideas for Stolen Lives, the sequel to Zahara and the Lost Books of Light. I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to meet María Bueno, who at the time was President of SOS Bebés Robados (SOS Stolen Babies). María shared her personal story with me in the same openly emotional way that, in the book, Fabiana Carrasco tells Alienor about the kidnapping of her own baby. I admired María’s honesty and courage and promised her I would bring as much of the story of Spain’s stolen babies to light as I could in my next work of fiction.
Back in Seattle, I started to write while continuing to do background research—and that’s when found what I immediately recognized as an important story thread—the shipping of children by their parents to the USSR for “safe-keeping” during the Spanish Civil War. Hadn’t their lives been stolen too, when Stalin refused to let them return to Spain for more than twenty years? What if one of the Niños de Rusia was recruited by the KGB and had conflicting loyalties? Finally, I had enough “what ifs” to get down to serious storytelling.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I’d say that humankind is constantly evolving, moving forward into the unknown no matter how much we pretend to control our lives. Hence our fascination with history, our way of trying to cope with events that were overwhelming at the time they happened. This is one reason that Alienor, the protagonist of the Zahara Series, has the gift of second sight – Vijitas. She sees through the eyes of her female ancestors and this allows the reader to do the same—to feel and touch the past. Although a seasoned journalist, Ally also believes that if we preserve knowledge we just might start to learn from our mistakes. This unrelenting optimism is one of the things I find most interesting about the human condition.
The other human quality that fascinates me is the duality built into the human psyche. As a novelist, I am sworn to endowing each character I create with enough flaws and illusions to balance their occasional heroism or selfless acts. This constant tension from dueling energies serves to soften the clay, allowing me to populate the page with humans who readers can identify with and care about.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight in main character Alienor?
Alienor is an investigative reporter with lots of heart, which in her case means being willing to take sides when she can make a difference rather than merely observe, write, and email her copy to the Seattle Courier. In Zahara and the Lost Books of Light, she literally swears allegiance to the librarians who are guarding precious books saved from the Inquisition. In Stolen Lives, she is cunningly pulled into a decades-old struggle over ownership of a crate of stolen gold coins. Although she always emerges with words on paper, the stories she ends up writing are much more complex, exciting, and dangerous than expected. Her love affair with Mico also challenges her to learn how to compromise, a skill she’s never successfully practiced.
Can fans of the Zahara series look forward to a third installment? What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am enjoying playing simple classical guitar pieces as I let my subconscious cook up some ideas for Book Three.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Stolen Lives begins during World War II on the Island of Rhodes and takes the reader on a suspense-filled journey through the decades to present day Spain.
Healthy Dose of Fiction and Fantasy
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs follows three friends from Manhattan in the 1950s who are contacted by Houdini through a set of handcuffs and asked to go on a mission to find his hidden journal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Perhaps oddly, the first inspiration for the novel came from our father’s obituary in the New York Times. Douglas Martin wrote about a third of a page about our family, its magic, and related interests as well as the connection to Houdini. Upon reading that, it was perhaps the first time I realized I grew up in an unusual family.
I began writing what was essentially a memoir. I was aware that my high school English teacher had gone on to become Editor-in-Chief at Random House (Daniel Menaker), I sent it off to him asking for his thoughts…even though I was now about 50 years old. He was kind enough to send it back with a critique, handwritten, on company letterhead. Ultimately with that, and having inherited from my father the last handcuffs to leave the brothers Houdini and Hardeen’s estate, my imagination began turning a memoir into a historical fiction. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs was born.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable drawing in readers of all ages. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Absolutely, as the characters are reflections of ourselves, events we were involved in, and family and family friends, we wanted our characters to be true to ourselves, even as we delved into areas of fiction wherein we wanted them to respond how we might have responded. Most of the events, places, and people are drawn from the crucible of our memories along with a healthy dose of fiction and fantasy.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
We both “lived” with the characters in our minds as we wrote about them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
We are in the process of writing a sequel. The expected release date is October 31, 2026, the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Trailer | Website | Amazon
While the adults attempt to reach Houdini in a Séance at his former residence, the children unknowingly call upon the great magician, not through the Ouija board or séance but via an enigmatic pair of handcuffs from their father’s magic collection.
Houdini, in dire need of their aid, reveals a hidden notebook filled with scientific formulas coveted by both benevolent and malevolent secret circles. This notebook is a puzzle, locked behind Houdini’s cryptic code.
The unexpected unfolds, setting off a thrilling chase, where the pursuit of Houdini’s notebook holds the key to secrets, mystique, and adventure. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs is a riveting journey into a world where magic meets science, tantalizing readers with every twist and turn.
In Silence Cries the Heart
In Silence Cries the Heart transports readers to the atmospheric landscapes of Scotland, where the past and the present are blended in a historical fiction novel that is rich with emotional depth and lyrical storytelling. The narrative weaves between the poignant tale of 17th-century lovers Mary Grant and Domhnull Donn and the contemporary journey of Caitlyn, a woman whose discovery of their story changes her life. The setting goes from the hauntingly beautiful Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, remnants of a turbulent history, to the modern world, capturing the essence of a Scotland that is as mystical as it is grounded in reality.
The author’s writing shines with a passion for Scottish history and culture, encapsulated through detailed descriptions and compelling characters. The vivid portrayal of the highland landscapes serves as a character in its own right, imbuing the narrative with a sense of place that is both enchanting and haunting. The parallel storylines are skillfully interwoven, maintaining a balance that enhances the book’s thematic depth. While the narrative excels in its atmospheric setting and rich historical details, I feel that it can occasionally linger on descriptive passages that slow the pace.
The exploration of themes such as love, destiny, and the power of history is poignant and thought-provoking. Author Catherine Hughes delves into the human condition with sensitivity, examining how the past influences the present and the timeless nature of certain human experiences. The heartache of Mary and Domhnull’s doomed love is mirrored in Caitlyn’s own journey of self-discovery and liberation from societal norms.
Hughes’ choice to intersperse the novel with Gaelic phrases and traditional Scottish folklore enriches the authenticity of the setting. These elements, combined with the lyrical quality of her prose, created a mesmerizing reading experience for me.
In Silence Cries the Heart is a compelling read for those enchanted by Scotland, historical fiction enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a beautifully written tale that bridges time. Its intricate narrative and eloquent prose make it a great book for a wide audience, particularly readers who enjoy stories where history and modernity converge with a touch of romance and mysticism, just like in Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander series.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0CKLXTLXQ
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs by Charlie & Cheryl Young weaves a captivating narrative that intertwines the lives of three friends with the enigmatic legacy of Harry Houdini. Set against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of Houdini’s death, the story takes a thrilling turn while adults are performing a customary séance; the legendary magician himself reaches out to the children Cheryl, David, and Charlie through a pair of handcuffs with a mission to locate his concealed journal. This journal, brimming with secrets of Houdini’s illusions and potent scientific knowledge, becomes the linchpin of the story.
The authors creatively blend fact and fiction, presenting a reimagined scenario where Houdini mystically evades death. This journey into the unknown is marked by a confrontation with a malevolent faction intent on commandeering the journal for their own dark purposes. This novel thoughtfully examines the interplay between science and magic, challenging the reader to reconsider their conventional boundaries. It posits that both realms contribute to our understanding and mastery of the world.
The book demystifies phenomena like levitation and teleportation, attributing them to scientific principles and mathematics rather than solely to the mystical. Charlie & Cheryl Young’s unique storytelling transcends typical genre confines, skillfully merging elements of science fiction and fantasy. This blend affords a rich, diverse reading experience, appealing to a broad audience. The narrative gains a touch of authenticity by drawing on real historical figures, grounding its fantastical elements in a relatable context.
This imaginative foray into the realms of fantasy and historical fiction is well-suited for readers across various age groups, eschewing mature content for a universally enjoyable tale. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs stands out as an inventive exploration of the intersection of history, science, and the mystical, making it a delightful read for enthusiasts of both fantasy and historical narratives.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0CQLTCCY8
In Silence Cries the Heart
Catherine Hughes’ novel, In Silence Cries the Heart, weaves a captivating narrative through a dual-timeline structure. The protagonist, Caitlyn, embarks on a tour of the historic Undlay Castle, where she uncovers the poignant tale of Mary and Donal’s forbidden romance, revealed to her through two profound dreams. The first occurs after she faints at the castle, and the second unfolds as she peers into an adder’s stone. Set in contrasting eras, 2018 and 1665, the novel explores themes of love and autonomy in choosing a life partner. Born into nobility, Mary is pressured by her father to marry within their social class. Defying her father’s wishes, she falls for Donal, a cattle thief, and plans to elope with him, a decision that brings dire consequences.
Hughes skillfully navigates the historical backdrop of Mary and Donal’s story, set in 1665, with Caitlyn’s contemporary journey in 2018, drawing parallels between the past and present in love and choice. The novel delves into the restrictive societal norms of Mary’s time, contrasting them with Caitlyn’s modern perspective. Catherine Hughes’ narrative technique is particularly noteworthy. Rather than presenting Mary and Donal’s story as a mere tale within Caitlyn’s tour, Hughes opts for a more immersive approach, using vivid dreams to draw Caitlyn—and the reader—deeper into the historical romance. This method elevates the story’s impact, especially as the novel concludes with a nod to the tale’s veracity during the tour.
The character of Mary is intriguingly multifaceted. Hughes artfully navigates the complexities of Mary’s persona, balancing her resilience and independence with the profound impact of her love for Donal. This dynamic portrayal showcases Mary’s strength, which is evident in her passionate advocacy for Meggie and her active involvement in the Cameron brothers’ execution. Simultaneously, it explores her vulnerability, particularly in her interactions with Hilda and the decisions driven by her deep love. This nuanced depiction adds depth to Mary’s character, making her relatable and inspiring as she navigates the challenges of love and societal expectations.
In Silence Cries the Heart presents a layered and engaging narrative, offering a fresh take on the romance genre. Hughes’ use of a story within a story, combined with a blend of historical and contemporary elements, creates a rich tapestry that thoughtfully explores themes of love, choice, and societal constraints.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0CKLXTLXQ
LITERARY TITAN 