Blog Archives
The Plight of the Homeless
Busted Flat follows a veteran of the Afghanistan wars with PTSD who takes in a homeless, orphaned teenager, and together, they travel the U.S., surviving by stealth and theft. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m not sure if there was a specific inspiration – a specific flashpoint that ignited the story. I’ll see or hear something that stays in my head and rolls around until my subconscious molds it into shape and sends it up to me to consider as a possibility. For some time, I have been thinking about how this sort of potentially violent, lawless underclass is more proof of the decline of American society thanks to unfettered capitalism. I’d written one or two of the chapter flash stories as standalone work and they were published and so I had the idea to write a novella told in flash fiction.
What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
Once I was sold on the idea of a flash fiction novella structure, I liked the growing contrast between the two – Hap and Shiner. They come from different worlds and are different generations, but there is a crossroads where they come together as fellow lost travelers at the margins of society.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The plight of the homeless stands out. In this case, they are willfully homeless. I made Shiner a veteran because I wanted to explore the life of someone summoned to war and then left damaged on his own. America gives lip service to veterans – “Thanks for your service.” – but largely turns a blind eye once they are back.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Earlier in 2024, my novella Donovan’s Revolution came out. It’s set during the 1980s revolution in Haiti. In January my novella Night Hawks will be released. It’s the story of how four people’s paths in a small town keep crossing and their lives become intertwined.
I just finished writing a new novel, I Just Don’t Get Karaoke, and another novella, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. I’m shopping them to publishers.
And I recently reached a milestone – 50 published short stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Busted Flat
Busted Flat follows the harrowing journey of Hap, an orphaned teenager with no home or family, and Shriner, a troubled Afghanistan war veteran. Together, they traverse the United States, surviving through petty crime and theft, their lives steeped in chaos and uncertainty. Shriner, haunted by the scars of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, spirals into deeper turmoil, dragging Hap into an endless cycle of desperation and danger.
This is not just a story of survival but one of profound struggle. Busted Flat vividly portrays the bleak realities faced by Hap and Shriner, shedding light on homelessness, mental health, and the heavy toll of life on the fringes of society. The story’s raw intensity resonated deeply with me, particularly as someone familiar with the immense challenges of homelessness. The psychological burden, the loss of direction, and the constant fight to persevere felt strikingly authentic.
Hap’s character stood out as the emotional anchor of the story. His innocence and vulnerability were palpable, a stark contrast to the hardened circumstances he endures. His naivety and lack of purpose manifested through his descent into cellphone theft paint a poignant picture of the struggles faced by runaway, orphaned teens. Hap’s portrayal is not just genuine but heart-wrenching, offering an unflinching look at the emotional scars of abandonment and aimlessness.
Gray’s storytelling excels in capturing the bleakness of homelessness in America. The characters are painted with depth and nuance, making their pain and hardships achingly real. The depiction of Shriner’s PTSD adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It showcases how trauma compounds the already immense challenges of survival.
For readers seeking an intense and thought-provoking crime thriller, Busted Flat delivers. It is a gripping, page-turning exploration of broken lives, raw emotions, and the relentless fight for survival. Highly recommended for those who crave a story that is as heart-pounding as it is deeply moving.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0DG9Z879R
A Perilous Premiere
Gail Meath’s Perilous Premiere masterfully captures the glitz and grit of the 1930s Hollywood film industry, blending a spellbinding murder mystery with a rich historical backdrop. The story begins with a heart-stopping tragedy: Vivian, a fashion designer and boutique owner, witnesses her husband’s shocking murder just days before their first anniversary. Six months later, as she finally starts to believe justice has been served, fresh evidence shatters her fragile peace, revealing that the real killer still roams free. Determined to find the truth, Vivian follows a trail of elusive leads. As shocking revelations come to light, Vivian uncovers her husband’s shadowy secrets, including a link to a set of stolen, highly coveted coins that have painted a target on her back. Now, ruthless killers will stop at nothing to retrieve the coins.
Meath’s narrative flows with relentless pace and captivating tension. Her portrayal of 1930s Hollywood is vibrant yet sinister, highlighting the industry’s glamorous facade and the murky underbelly of power and deception. The plot, intricately woven and fast-moving, grips the reader from start to finish. While I believe the character development could have been more nuanced, it does not detract from the novel’s intense and thrilling storyline. Vivian and Preston’s evolving dynamic leaves much to anticipate in future installments, and there is plenty of promise for richer character arcs in upcoming books.
Meath deftly weaves historical facts into the fiction, making the story both enlightening and immersive. Her commitment to historical accuracy is underscored in a thoughtful disclaimer, enhancing the novel’s appeal to history enthusiasts.
Perilous Premiere is a dazzling opening to the Stone & Steel Mystery series, offering a thrilling dive into a bygone era brimming with suspense, secrets, and high-stakes drama.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0CZS3J93M
A Hush at Midnight
In A Hush at Midnight, Marlene M. Bell crafts a fast-paced and suspenseful murder mystery that plunges celebrity chef Laura Harris into a nightmare. Accused of the brutal murder of her confidant and mentor, Hattie Stenburg, Laura finds her life spiraling out of control. The headlines splash her name and the accusation everywhere, and the question haunts us: how could someone like Laura, admired and celebrated for her culinary genius, end up at the center of such a dark scandal? As everything around her unravels, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Laura Harris is a powerhouse of resilience. Her journey through false accusations and the fight to clear her name is inspiring. Despite the crushing weight of public scrutiny, she pushes forward, showing incredible strength and determination. I found myself rooting for her at every turn. Laura emerges from her ordeal not just stronger but transformed, and it is impossible not to admire her grit. She quickly became my favorite character, a testament to Bell’s skill in crafting a compelling and relatable heroine. The plot had me hooked from the very start. Every twist and revelation pulled me deeper, refusing to let go. I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages, desperate to piece together the mystery. Bell’s narrative keeps the suspense high and the action relentless, making the book nearly impossible to put down. As I read, the story’s rhythm kept me constantly engaged. The way the tension built and unfolded made for an utterly consuming reading experience. But it’s not just the plot that stands out. Bell’s writing style is another highlight. She writes with a vivid and immersive quality that brings every scene to life. Her descriptions are rich and detailed, making the atmosphere almost tangible. As someone who deeply appreciates the craft of writing, I was impressed by her ability to paint such a vivid picture with words. Her prose pulls you right into Laura’s world, and it’s clear that Bell has a gift for creating a setting that feels as real as the characters.
Marlene M. Bell proves herself to be an exceptional novelist. Her storytelling captivates, her characters resonate, and her writing elevates the entire book. I highly recommend A Hush at Midnight to anyone searching for a gripping, well-written mystery. If you’re a fan of thrilling plots and strong, enduring protagonists, this novel will not disappoint. Bell has crafted a story that stays with you long after the final page.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0DFWW9GWF
Spider’s Bait: A Risky Alister Knight Mystery
Alister Knight and Griffin Knight, dubbed “the Knight Chasers,” are renowned for enforcing justice when the law fails. When Seattle Police Sergeant Valentina Romero dies in a suspicious car accident conveniently dismissed, Alister is tasked with thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Seattle is rife with drug trafficking, dangerous gang wars, corrupt officials, and covert illegal transactions. The Webhead gang is quickly gaining control of Seattle’s dark underground drug dealing after defeating other rival gangs. Alister’s investigation uncovers a web of connections between corrupt police officers, dangerous Webheads, and a web of lies. The path to justice is treacherous and serpentine, but he will not stop until the Webheads are no more and Valentina’s case is solved.
From the get-go, Spider’s Bait, by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., grips you with its fast-paced action and complex characters. Hernandez does an excellent job setting the scene in the Prologue, where bullets fly, and gang loyalties are tested. Max’s leadership and ruthless tactics come alive, especially in moments that reveal both his strategic mind and his cold-blooded nature. An especially brutal introduction sets the tone for the relentless pace of the book.
One of the strengths of the novel is its character development. Alister Knight, the other protagonist, brings a contrasting perspective to the chaotic world of the Webheads. His moral ambiguity and relentless pursuit of the truth add layers to the narrative. The scene where Alister navigates the Cyberverse to track illicit financial transactions showcases his intelligence and determination, providing a stark contrast to the raw aggression of the gang members. These dual narratives enrich the story, offering readers multiple angles on the central conflict. I do feel the dialogue in some high-tension scenes is less intense where a natural flow is crucial. I am a fan of raw authenticity when it comes to characters’ conversations. I would like to have seen a bit more from some of the exchanges between the hardened criminals. However, this does not take away from Hernandez’s well-crafted and immersive reading experience.
Hernandez’s ability to weave intricate plots and develop compelling characters makes Spider’s Bait a standout read, especially for fans of gritty, action-packed stories. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy intense, fast-paced narratives with a mix of street-level crime and cyber intrigue.
Pages: 120 | ASIN : B0CTXVR5RV
Romance in Evergreen
Romance in Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is an engaging novel that weaves together elements of family drama and thriller into an intricate tapestry of secrets and suspense. Set against the quaint backdrop of Evergreen, the story unfolds during the Leawood family’s Thanksgiving celebrations, which are abruptly disrupted by the threat of an unknown assassin. As the family contends with unexpected guests and buried secrets, they find themselves ensnared in a web of espionage that challenges their loyalties and threatens to alter their futures irreversibly.
Schmidt skillfully manages multiple storylines, propelling the narrative with quick twists that maintain the reader’s interest. The incorporation of espionage elements lends a thrilling edge to the familial conflicts, creating a compelling blend of personal stakes and broader intrigue. The novel’s pacing is effectively managed, with tension building steadily towards a climactic resolution. The story, grounded in a rich premise, offers an ambitious narrative style. At times, the prose is intricately crafted with complex sentences and a brisk introduction of new characters, designed to challenge and engage readers more deeply. While this approach might distance some from the emotional core of the story, it adds layers of complexity. Additionally, the transitions between scenes, though occasionally abrupt, contribute to a dynamic and evolving plotline that keeps readers on their toes. The novel shines in its depiction of intimate family dynamics and tense espionage activities. The quieter moments of reflection interspersed throughout provide a welcome respite from the high stakes and help to pace the narrative thoughtfully.
Romance in Evergreen offers a unique blend of suspense and drama that showcases Schmidt’s versatility as a writer. This book will engage readers who enjoy stories where personal and secretive worlds collide.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CZJF3N23
A Compelling Contrast
Fireline follows a resourceful convict who joins a prison firefighting crew to seek out vengeance on the man who got away with murdering his brother. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The real world! Some time ago, I learned that about 30% of the personnel who take on wildfires in California are inmates in a special correctional program. It struck me as a compelling contrast: convicted criminals doing a task we associate with heroes. With this theme at the heart of it, I built a story about brotherhood, revenge, and the possibility of redemption.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing Mark Hallenbeck, Mason’s CalFire captain, because he was inspired by Marines I knew during and after my time in the service. Even though he’s got a gruff exterior, he’s goodhearted and takes care of his people. Josh Ortiz, Mason’s partner in crime, was also a lot of fun to write. He’s a jokester with hidden intellectual and emotional depths. By far the most challenging character to write for was Mason, the protagonist. To create a convict on a revenge kick who was not only sympathetic but also had a strong arc required going deeper than I ever had as a writer.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you! I appreciate that. Action scenes are tough to get right, and I think the key is realizing less is more. I owe much of the success of these scenes to my developmental editor, Carly Hayward of Book Light Editorial, who was a huge help in whittling them down.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first in the series, and the sequel, Outlaw, will be released Fall 2024. I’m excited to share it with readers! Outlaw will continue Mason Jones’s journey with a suspenseful exploration of reckoning and forgiveness, and it’ll do it in a way that I think readers of Fireline won’t expect but will definitely enjoy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Shattered by his brother’s brutal murder, resourceful California convict Mason “Mace” Jones joins an inmate firefighting crew to exact revenge on the man who got away with it. Mace will make him pay, even if it costs his own life.
Danger mounts as he takes on monstrous blazes, crooked correctional officers, and hired killers. But when Mace meets a daring female firefighter, he can’t help but dream of a life beyond his plan.
As he fights to protect a town threatened by a deadly wildfire, he is forced to confront the equally destructive flames that burn within. Can Mace survive the crucible of the fireline?
Anthony DeCapite’s riveting debut packs a serious punch, plunging the reader into an action-packed world where prisoners work alongside heroes. This gripping story combines suspense, romance, and gritty realism in a thriller that breathlessly explores the cost of vengeance and the depths of brotherhood.
Street
Street, authored by A.D. Metcalfe, is a thought-provoking coming-of-age novel imbued with psychological dimensions. Set in the vivid backdrop of 1970s New York City, the narrative unfolds through the experiences of Johnny, a twelve-year-old runaway from Miami. His odyssey through the urban labyrinth of NYC is marked by forming lasting friendships, delving into petty criminality, and a relentless quest to evade capture.
The haunting echoes of Johnny’s past are intricately interwoven into this tale of survival and self-discovery. His ordeal at the hands of an abusive older brother adds layers of complexity, challenging the protagonist’s resilience and mental fortitude. The exploration of these traumas, particularly in scenes where Johnny’s grip on reality wavers, is handled with literary finesse. Metcalfe’s skill in conveying the protagonist’s fractured psyche, even from a third-person perspective, is notably immersive, especially during a pivotal scene that offers deep insight into Johnny’s internal turmoil.
The novel’s setting in the 1970s is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, encompassing the era’s unique cultural tapestry — from the colloquial language and fashion to the prevailing social attitudes and pop culture references. This richly textured portrayal significantly enhances the novel’s atmospheric quality. However, the narrative occasionally lapses into cultural stereotypes, which, while reflective of the period, sometimes seem superfluous to the story’s central themes. A certain level of discomfort arises when portraying a romantic encounter involving Johnny and an older teen. Given the characters’ ages and inexperience, the scene’s depiction may strike some readers as unconvincing or overly idealized. This aspect of the story, though potentially contentious, adds a layer of complexity to the exploration of adolescent experiences.
Street remains a compelling read. Its blend of gritty realism and psychological depth makes it a recommendable choice for readers seeking a coming-of-age novel that navigates the challenging journey from adolescence to maturity amidst a backdrop of urban hardship and complexity.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0CPQW8V3S
LITERARY TITAN 