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What Makes People Unique
In The Limestone Manor, a retired police detective makes his way back to his hometown only to find himself sharing quarters with six other retirees amid a murder mystery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, it was a handful of things that all came together at the right time. I had recently moved home for a bit and was spending time in St. Marys, and I’d been speaking to our local bookstore owner who had mentioned how fun it would be to have a story set in town. I’ve had the story of older residents all living together in a communal home in my back pocket for a long time. So it just became a matter of finding the right story to tell that would be fun to write. That’s when Clifford Shaw came into the mix, and I thought he was a perfect link for tying a fun story together.
I find all of the characters in your book to be incredibly engaging. Do you have a favourite character to write for?
Not really. I like them all, and I enjoy writing the different characters and understanding their dynamics. I have always been fascinated by how different people respond to different things. It’s what makes people unique. Though I will admit it was really fun to write Jan and Hans, since they are family and of different generations, and despite being very different people they share many similarities, and that family dynamic was really fun to play with.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
Obviously, my hometown was a big one here, it’s a special place for me for sure. I also find our relationship with aging to be an interesting concept. I don’t think it’s something that needs to be feared, since it is an inevitability, and fearing it can often stop us from living, which is a shame. I think the residents in The Limestone Manor embody these ideals to varying degrees and show that you can have fun at any age.
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?
Yes, absolutely! I want to continue to write these characters for as long as I can. I have outlines for at least the next two maybe three books, and I will be starting them soon.
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The Limestone Manor
In The Limestone Manor, author Jonny Thompson invites readers into the quaint town of St. Marys, Ontario, through the eyes of Clifford Shaw, a retired detective who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery. Shaw’s return to his hometown, a place he once vowed to leave behind, is marked by an unexpected stay at Limestone Manor, a residence filled with lively retirees. Thompson skillfully blends suspense and humor, crafting a cozy mystery that navigates the intricate twists of small-town secrets.
Clifford Shaw emerges as a compelling protagonist, whose initial reluctance to embrace change and his introspective musings on life’s journey add depth to his character. As Shaw stumbles upon a murder, his journey takes an intriguing turn with his new, unconventional roommates at Limestone Manor playing a pivotal role.
Thompson’s talent for character development shines as he introduces a diverse cast of supporting characters, each contributing to the novel’s rich tapestry with their distinct quirks and personalities. The narrative’s strength lies in the dynamic between the Manor’s residents as they transform from mere roommates into a cohesive unit, tackling the mystery together. Their interactions create a blend of suspicion and camaraderie, making every character both a potential suspect and a likable ally. This unique dynamic propels the story toward an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion, keeping readers thoroughly engaged.
The Limestone Manor is a multifaceted tale that resonates on multiple levels. It is not only an engrossing mystery but also a poignant reflection on community, aging, and the concept of home. Thompson’s writing transcends generational boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on elder characters that is both entertaining and enlightening. This book is an excellent choice for mystery enthusiasts of all ages, providing a delightful escape into a world where every twist is as surprising as it is enjoyable. Thompson’s work is a testament to his storytelling prowess, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his future literary offerings.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0CMK6FQPH
The Concept of Good vs. Evil
Atlantis follows a Master Sailor who is on a mission to find a weapon suspected to be hidden in the underwater city of Atlantis, and he only has twenty-eight days to find it and stop it from being unleashed on the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The city of Atlantis itself has always been what captured my attention. I like thinking about society, its strengths and weaknesses, and how I would tinker with it. Once I had the world, the fun began by playing around with how I could introduce it to the reader. Clive, and countdown, were born out of that.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
More often than not our hearts will lead us to the ‘right’ decisions, but if we start to ignore it too often we will become numb to what it is trying to say to us.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
For me, it is the concept of good vs evil. I like to tell stories that blend the worlds of people who struggle to figure out where they sit on that line. Not all of the ‘right’ decisions we make are good. More often than not, we find ourselves living in the grey, and we’re all just playing tennis with a particular idea waiting to see where it lands.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This was written as a stand-alone novel. I have other Trilogies and Anthologies I’m working on, and the idea of a one-and-done story was appealing. That said, I never rule out the possibility of building on the world that I respect so much so we will see. Sorry, if that is not the answer people are hoping for.
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Atlantis
Atlantis, by Jonny Thompson, is an enthralling science fiction novel that masterfully intertwines futuristic innovation with profound ethical questions. At the heart of the story is Clive, a protagonist faced with a mission of immense stakes, a complex moral quandary, and a secret with the potential to alter the course of the world. Tasked with evaluating the viability of a self-sustaining society named Atlantis, envisioned by a billionaire philanthropist, Grace, Clive finds himself torn between admiration for the city’s technological marvels and suspicion of its underlying intentions.
Thompson excels in crafting a narrative replete with suspense and intricate conflicts, compelling readers to remain engaged until the final reveal. The juxtaposition of Atlantis’s awe-inspiring advancements with Clive’s growing distrust forms a riveting narrative tension. This tension is a mirror to Clive’s internal conflict, as he oscillates between endorsing Grace’s utopian vision and scrutinizing her true agenda. The reader becomes deeply invested in Clive’s journey, sharing in his vacillating emotions and the tantalizing uncertainty of Grace’s motives. A standout feature of Thompson’s storytelling is the meticulous attention to technological detail. The novel immerses readers in a convincingly realistic future, complete with advanced waste management systems and real-time translation devices. Particularly notable is the innovative depiction of Atlantis utilizing ocean plastics, which are decomposed by bacteria, thus maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
I feel Atlantis appeals to a broad spectrum of readers, encompassing enthusiasts of science fiction, political thrillers, and those intrigued by the ethical ramifications of technological progress. Thompson skillfully weaves an atmosphere of suspense and enigma with thought-provoking themes surrounding power, capitalism, and environmental stewardship. Narrated from a compelling third-person perspective, the book keeps the reader thoroughly engaged with its charismatic lead character. Thompson’s narrative is an exemplary instance of sci-fi writing at its best, offering a fusion of technological foresight, political intrigue, and ethical complexity.
Atlantis is not just a captivating read; it is an intellectually stimulating experience, leaving readers both enlightened and delighted. It is an essential read for those seeking a thoughtfully crafted, immersive sci-fi journey.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B0CJN9RKMV
LITERARY TITAN 