Blog Archives
Running Toward Danger
Cram Down follows a Kansas City attorney who takes on a case involving a couple who had their business funding cut off, only to get mixed up with the mob and a missing bank president. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many times, the story just seems to be inside of me waiting to come out. For Cram Down, there were several components in play: (a) the inspiration for a community bank came first, (b) followed by the notion that 3J would have to force a plan of reorganization on the bank over its objection, and (c) I’ve always been fascinated with Kansas City history, and I’d been reading books about the Kansas City mob in particular. In each book in the series, there’s always Jazz, and BBQ, and history as well.
3J is an amazing character that readers can be invested in. Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
When I started working on the series, I wanted to create a strong, admirable protagonist who would give me a chance to comment on social issues in each book. 3J is a Black, female bankruptcy lawyer in a large Kansas City law firm, which, until recently, was dominated by white men. I am neither black nor female. So, while her character gives me the chance to address social issues (haters, mental illness, when does the ends justify the means, redlining), and have my characters reflect the diversity in our country, I also need to respect that I can never actually know what it’s like to be Black, and a woman, and their struggles to make it up the law firm ladder.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
In Cram Down, I wanted to kick the action scenes up a notch. In the prior book – Unfair Discrimination – 3J must battle a White nationalist who becomes unhappy that he won’t get paid back all that the debtors owe him, and he takes his rage out on 3J and a Jewish attorney. My readers liked the action in UD, so I wanted to create an action-packed story in Cram Down as well.
3J also has a habit of running toward danger, at great personal risk, which continues in Cram Down, and through flashback chapters, we begin to learn more of her bad habit, and where it may come from as she grew up in the Lower Ninth Ward and Tréme neighborhoods in New Orleans.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. I have begun to research my next 3J thriller – tentatively named For Cause. It will involve a Deep Fake video that 3J must contend with and save her client from its impact, while trying to prove in court that the video is not her client’s message to the world. She will also continue her habit of running toward danger.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Linkedin | Amazon | YouTube
Cram Down
Cram Down, follows the compelling narrative of the astute lawyer Josephina Jillian Jones – affectionately termed 3J by her friends – and the intricately woven lives of brothers Amadi and Jordan Browne.
Embarking on a journey from a shadowed past, 3J plunges herself into the legal maelstrom encompassing a non-profit organization, Abode. The atmosphere tenses as her involvement quickly spirals into a vortex of unpredictability and peril. The reader is left poised on a razor’s edge, contemplating: will 3J’s legal prowess and emotional resilience be enough to navigate this treacherous case?
Contrastingly, Amadi Browne, rooted in his banking pedigree and a connoisseur of charitable endeavors, grapples with the bittersweet legacy of a bank inherited from his parents. His appreciation for the institution’s history teeters on the brink of melancholy as he yearns for his brother to peer into the depth of its legacy with equivalent reverence. The complexities of family ties and inherited responsibility are palpable, keeping the reader bound to Amadi’s internal and external struggles.
Jordan Browne, embroiled in his ambitious visions, stealthily assumes control of the bank through the strategic acquisition of his brother’s shares. His clandestine maneuvers and stark contrast in visions for the bank’s trajectory pose a poignant question: Will the brothers’ divergent paths weave a future of success or sow seeds of familial discord?
Cram Down boasts an impeccably crafted ensemble of characters. From 3J – whose intelligence and occasional recklessness converge to form a profoundly relatable protagonist – to the dichotomy of the cultured Amadi and the precarious Jordan, Shaiken masterfully molds characters that resonate with vibrancy and depth. The secondary characters, such as the enigmatic Robert McFadden, the eccentric investigator Moses Aaronson, and sagacious William Pascale, are not merely supporting cast but vital cogs in this intricate narrative wheel, each contributing their distinct flavor to the unfolding drama.
The narrative navigates through light and shadow with a suspenseful undertow, encapsulating the reader in a setting richly steeped in engaging history and meticulously tailored to envelop the story. The pacing is unyieldingly brisk, propelling the reader through its pages with a magnetizing allure. Amidst the dynamic world-building and a potently character-driven narrative, Shaiken crafts a tale imbued with non-stop action, gripping suspense, and an emotional complexity that beckons readers into its depths.
Cram Down emanates flawless narrative charisma, effortlessly earning its commendation to aficionados of the legal thriller genre. This book gracefully interweaves tension, drama, and emotional depth, ensuring that readers will want more.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0CJ1QJDQV
The Final Steps
In The Final Steps, Mark M. Bello crafts a riveting legal thriller that stands out in the vast expanse of the mystery genre. The plot pivots around Judge Rosaline Maxwell, who finds herself embroiled in a tantalizing murder mystery when her friend and college president, Tyler Guthrie, becomes a prime suspect in Professor Kevin Johnstone’s murder.
The story unfurls when Rosaline receives an urgent call from Tyler, imploring her to use her legal insight to establish his innocence. Her previous role as a defense attorney and her growing fascination with the American justice system position her as an ideal character to dissect the intricate narrative that ensues. The plot thickens as she grapples with enigmatic clues, constant death threats, and the ever-evolving identities of potential culprits.
Mark M. Bello’s The Final Steps is far more than a standard ‘whodunnit’ mystery. It’s an engaging exploration of friendship, justice, and the legal system. The deep-rooted bond between Rosaline and Tyler lends an emotional depth to the narrative that transcends the traditional confines of the mystery genre.
Bello’s commendable portrayal of Rosaline as a seasoned legal professional provides an invaluable inside look into the complexities of the legal world. His narrative is a tapestry of compelling storylines intertwined with an adept use of literary devices that serves to hold the reader’s attention throughout.
In this book, Bello adopts a precise and strategic writing style, which manifests in the focused development of characters and surroundings. This deliberate constraint of elements lends a streamlined, fast-paced nature to the narrative, rendering it comprehensive and captivating.
The constant shuffling of potential suspects propels the plot’s momentum, creating an intense aura of suspense. Complementing this is the exhaustive exploration of the legal system, which makes this work intriguing, highly informative, and unique in its approach.
However, despite the book’s brevity, one can’t help but feel that the plot harbors untapped potential. A more expansive narrative could have added an additional layer of depth, and Bello could have further embellished the intriguing facets of the story. Despite this minor criticism, this mystery remains a memorable addition to any mystery enthusiast’s collection.
The Final Steps blends legal thriller and cozy mystery genres together to give readers an action-filled story full of twists and turns. Readers will be drawn into the mystery and feel they know the characters as they sort out the clues. This is a captivating mystery novel to pick up for an afternoon read.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0BXM9XGSR
What If
Crimson Scimitar explores the ‘what if’ questions surrounding Osama bin Laden and how things could have turned out differently. I find the setup of the novel entertaining. How did this idea start and develop as you wrote?
I have always been a fan of authors John Grisham and Scott Turow and their legal thrillers and wondered back in 2010, ‘what if’ Osama bin Laden was captured instead of killed? What would his trial under American jurisprudence look like? In my early draft, the twist, I had him acquitted! Then, I heard on TV bin Laden had been killed. My manuscript was shelved for 10 years, until I rewrote the concept adding new plot lines like: (1) terrorists who are coming into our Southern border and not being caught and (2) bin Laden in court would be a ‘show trial’ and I took that to the extreme. I am now challenging lawyers I visit with: how would you have defended your client, bin Laden? Interesting responses.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
The American public really knows very little about the intertwined politics of the Middle East or even the culture of Moslem family life. And the War on Terrorism since 2000 is not one act but hundreds of incidents that impact on us which we as normal citizens are unaware. Instead of portraying all terrorists as ‘animals’ I sought to take one character to analyze their motivation and reveal how different events might mould and change their jihadist perspective.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme that may be hard to see within the writing are my nuances on how American social media/television culture gives us a numbing view of reality, of the real world versus those who are dedicated to killing us. I use the reality television industry to provide a backdrop in the hunt for bin Laden. But do I paint a positive perspective of our culture or a stilted view? Another theme that I have written into several of my books (like Crimson Scimitar and Lafayette) are the machinations of ‘ambition’ and how it drives and/or perverts a character.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Their reaction on how they must approach the time to devour a lengthy epic novel (600 pages; which is longer than ‘Moby Dick’, but shorter than ‘Game of Thrones’). But like a thriller with multiple stories to tell, I build with chase & capture scenes, then escape & new chase action, and finally, I must tie all story lines into a crescendo of satisfying ends or teasing with new ‘what ifs?. My beta readers and my editor enjoyed the reading. But I leave the satisfaction, or not, to the public, for it is they who must be entertained. (P.S. I believe they will be.) —spg
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The ‘What if?’ epic novelWhat if, in 2011, Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda jihadist terrorist, was captured instead of killed? How would a trial in the U.S. judicial system look like?
And what if the ones who captured him were stars of a reality TV show trying to boost their ratings.
And what if when bin Laden was captured al Qaeda was planning an attack on the United States, worse than 9/11? Who do you think will come to the rescue?
Finally, would you cheer for a young al Qaeda jihadist who might bring peace to the Mideast?
Crimson Scimitar
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of Americans and people worldwide, forever shaking the world to its core. This devastating bombing of the World Trade Centers, commonly known as the 9/11 attack, ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 3,000 individuals in a heinous act of terrorism. Initially, suspicions swirled around the Taliban, but meticulous investigations later implicated the notorious Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda, led by the infamous Osama Bin Laden.
Within the pages of this gripping novel lies a deep exploration of the harrowing experiences endured by witnesses and survivors of the 9/11 bombing, offering intricate details of the events leading up to the attack and its haunting aftermath. The relentless pursuit of Osama bin Laden, the enigmatic mastermind behind the attack, becomes the focal point, as readers are compelled to ponder over the motivations that drove him and ultimately led to his downfall. The author’s meticulous research delves into Osama’s background, life experiences, and objectives while also shedding light on the subsequent legal proceedings surrounding his indictment.
The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable, and this book offers a poignant portrayal of the profound trauma experienced by those directly affected by the 9/11 tragedy. Although primarily a work of fiction, it serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the far-reaching consequences of religious extremism. Moreover, it astutely highlights the imperfections inherent in our political and judicial systems.
Through its powerful narrative, Crimson Scimitar becomes a compelling reminder of the urgent need for unity and the futility of war. Within the expansive tapestry of court proceedings and the enthralling stories that encircle Osama bin Laden, the novel weaves together suspense, intrigue, and action elements that befit a thrilling tale. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the book’s length and intricacies may present challenges for readers. The multitude of characters and their interwoven storylines can be overwhelming, necessitating careful effort to keep track of their names and narratives.
I recommend Crimson Scimitar: Attack on America—2001-2027 to enthusiasts of thrillers, as it offers a captivating and insightful glimpse into the events surrounding the 9/11 attack. Those seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history will undoubtedly find this book compelling and engaging.
Pages: 600 | ASIN : B0BMNVMHX9
In Dante’s Twisted Mind
Miranda Quinn’s life takes a turn from everything going great to everything falling apart. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story in Miranda Nights, and how did that help you create the dramatic ending?
I came up with the opening for the description for Miranda Nights early on…
She has a loving husband and a successful career- who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her best life… until she’s not.
I subscribe to the Whack-a-Mole theory of life. You resolve an issue and just when you think you’re safe… up pops a problem or complication or challenge- something that says ‘not so fast, my friend. Did you forget something?’ And even when you’re facing something really huge, little things still pop up and demand you deal with them. I wanted a happy ending and some closure for Miranda, Eric and their friends and family, but chose to leave a few things up in the air- jobs, health issues, etc.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story and how did it change as you wrote?
I knew upfront that he would be someone from Miranda’s past with a grudge against her, but his background as a police officer and his fanatical views developed over time. The 7 Deadly Sins theme was fun to research and imagine how it would all play out in Dante’s twisted mind.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Much of my story and character development come from how my main characters react to or respond to the plot twists, so for me, they go hand in hand. For me, it’s all part of the fun of writing!
Will there be a third Miranda Quinn story in the future?
Yes- I’ve been busy coming up with new adventures and mishaps for Miranda. The third (and final) installment is in the works!
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Instagram | GoodReads
It’s been two years since her legal advice TV show was canceled, but the former Assistant District Attorney has rebounded with a late-night radio show, Miranda Nights. When her closest friend’s teenaged son gets arrested, Miranda tries to help but the evidence against him is overwhelming. Following a family member’s medical diagnosis, Miranda begins to wonder if her ‘happily ever after’ has been canceled as well.
But the real trouble arrives when a persistent caller, desperate for Miranda’s attention, embarks on an all-out effort to get her to see the error of her ways. Threatening messages and slanderous social media posts escalate to break-ins and arson when a fanatical fan claims to be her only path to salvation.
Miranda Nights is a fast-paced, witty story full of hidden dangers, with a strong and resilient woman at its core.
Miranda Nights
Miranda Nights, by Gail Ward Olmsted, is a fast-paced and engaging novel that effortlessly weaves together elements of women’s fiction and legal thriller genres. Centered around Miranda Quinn, a former Assistant District Attorney turned radio show host, the story takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The narrative unfolds as Miranda’s much anticipated legal advice TV show comes to an abrupt end, only for her to rebound with a late-night radio show. Initially, everything seems to fall into place for Miranda, with a supportive husband and a flourishing career.
However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her friend’s teenage son is arrested, and Miranda finds herself entangled in a case burdened with overwhelming evidence against him. Simultaneously, she grapples with a family member’s medical diagnosis, forcing her to reevaluate her happiness. As tensions rise, Miranda encounters a relentless caller who gradually becomes obsessed with her. This anonymous stalker resorts to increasingly dangerous measures, including threats, stalking, slanderous social media posts, break-ins, and even arson. Gail Ward Olmsted skillfully explores the hidden dangers that permeate Miranda’s life, emphasizing her resilience as she navigates through these harrowing challenges.
Miranda Nights excels in its superb writing style and captivating storytelling. The author deftly builds upon the cast of characters introduced in the first book, introducing fresh problems and dilemmas for them to confront. The interconnected storylines shed light on the difficulties faced in today’s world, particularly the repercussions of “sexting” among teenagers and the legal ramifications that ensue. The primary plotline, focusing on stalking and the violent consequences arising from a misguided sense of moral superiority, creates an intense and adrenaline-filled narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
A notable strength of this novel lies in Gail Ward Olmsted’s exceptional character development and meticulous world-building. The characters share deep, personal connections, illustrating their camaraderie in both mundane daily life and the extraordinary challenges presented within the story. Each character possesses a distinct and authentic voice, but the protagonist, Miranda, truly shines. Her blend of strength, courage, vulnerability, and emotional depth makes her a compelling focal point. Her growth since the first installment adds further dimension and relatability to the story.
Miranda Nights is an unforgettable, enthralling, and thought-provoking novel. The intricate plot, filled with surprises and mystery surrounding Miranda’s stalker, ensures a riveting reading experience. Fans of women’s fiction and legal thrillers will find this book to be an absolute must-read.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0C2ZT5K97
LITERARY TITAN 