Blog Archives
Animal Traffickers
Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry follows a writer living in the Florida Keys who is researching a cold case from her childhood when she discovers a baby chimpanzee locked in a crate on her dock. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setting had to be somewhere on the water, a place where a boat could drop off a delivery, so I chose the Florida Keys, which are beautiful. The main character has just bought a house that was idle for several years. She doesn’t know her dock has been used as a drop-off point for animal traffickers. Ha, surprise, surprise!
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Nola. What was your process to bring that character to life?
That was easy. Nola is a lot like me. She’s intrigued by a cold case from her past, where she witnessed some very suspicious behavior from one of her neighbors. He was in it up to his neck. I once saw some very unusual activities, possibly criminal, though probably not, taking place as I rode past the home of one of my family’s acquaintances, so I know what it’s like to have a strange situation kind of take hold of you and not really let you go. It’s always fun to wonder just what the heck was going on there!
I found the title of this book interesting and not at all what I was expecting for a cozy mystery. How did you decide on the title of this novel?
The title just came to me one day after I saw a documentary on how animal traffickers smuggle these poor baby chimpanzees in crates. It showed this tiny, tiny creature, crawling around and making little “eek eek” noises like it was crying or whimpering. I thought, what if the box with the chimp is left in the wrong place, for the wrong person to find, and she hears it crying? That’s when it came to me: Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve got two more books in the works at the moment, both cozy mysteries. Well, maybe one of them is a little less cozy than the other. One is set during World War II in my parents’ old hometown, Elizabeth, New Jersey. The other I actually just started writing just this afternoon. I’m not sure where I’ll set it yet, but it’s going to involve a murder at a wedding and a lot of wacky relatives.
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Who is responsible for smuggling the poor chimp into Florida? How will these elusive criminals get caught? And on top of all else, can Nola solve that old cold case from when she was a kid that’s been haunting her for fifty solid years?
Robin’s Way
Robin’s Way offers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative centered on 28-year-old Reverend Robin Topham. As a female clergy member in contemporary UK society, Robin faces a maze of challenges that push her to the limits of her faith and personal values. With courage and determination, she defies scrutiny from those who question her evolving sexuality while dedicating herself to the perilous mission of helping women trapped in human trafficking. Robin’s unwavering resolve drives her to risk her own safety time and again, fiercely protecting and rescuing those in need. At the same time, she navigates the internal struggles of maintaining celibacy and virtue, adding a deeply human layer to her complex character.
Kate Robins and Artemis Taylor have penned an eye-opening story. It sheds light on the double standards imposed on women and the unique struggles faced by queer individuals, especially when intersected with religious expectations. The authors don’t shy away from hard truths, providing a critical lens on the societal norms that still challenge gender and sexual identity today.
The writing is exceptional and gripped me from the first page. The narrative dives deep into Robin’s world, blending action with introspection. I initially anticipated the book would delve more extensively into the harrowing stories of the women Robin is dedicated to saving from human trafficking. While these themes are present, they often take a backseat to Robin’s journey of self-discovery and sexual identity. The focus on this exploration is both meaningful and essential but, at times, I think it felt overemphasized. I felt the intensity of these discussions overshadowed other aspects of the story, though that could come down to personal preference.
The characters are brilliantly crafted. Robin Topham stands out as an intelligent, perceptive, and fiercely determined protagonist. Her resilience and willingness to confront her inner turmoil make her both admirable and relatable. The supporting cast adds vibrancy to the narrative with each character uniquely contributing to Robin’s world and her ongoing struggles.
The novel ends with an excellent setup for future books, and I’m already eager to follow Robin’s continuing journey. The groundwork for further installments is laid beautifully, and I’m curious to see the challenges she will face next and the strength she will draw upon. Robin’s Way is a thought-provoking and well-crafted story that leaves readers invested in Robin’s path and eager for more.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0DJ1R17HM
Starving For Some Excitement
The Devil’s Den—A Phoenix Thriller Vol. 1 follows a young woman looking for a fresh start in New York who gets herself into danger with a serial killer as she seeks revenge for her missing roommate. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m an avid reader whose favorite genres are mysteries and thrillers. However, after a while, the concepts and plots of the books I read became redundant. I started craving for something new and realized I couldn’t have been the only one who felt this way. After fantasizing about the kind of story I’d love to read, I grabbed my laptop and started writing it instead.
Phoenix is a complex character who keeps readers in suspense, unable to anticipate her next move. What inspired the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Phoenix’s character is a fusion of some of my favorite heroines – fictional and literal. She needed to be fiery and fearless, but also vulnerable. She needed to be extraordinary in some traits yet fractured in others so as to connect with the reader. These qualities often reveal themselves in her internal dialogue, as well as her external dialogue. Phoenix’s attributes are what makes her, and other heroines, unforgettable.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Starving for some excitement, I wanted this novel to explore two themes I felt I hadn’t come across in a while: the fine line between madness and genius, and the price of revenge. However, I am curious to know if the readers’ interpretations of the book’s themes differ from what I intended.
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 most certainly the beginning of a greater story. The next novel will be released in early-to-mid 2025. I intend for this particular series to be a trilogy; however, throughout my creative process, the number of books this series has could change. Nonetheless, the readers can expect major character development and shocking revelations. As they continue this journey with me, they’ll be grinding their teeth and ceaselessly turning the pages.
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The Devil’s Den – A Phoenix Thriller Vol. 1
The Devil’s Den – A Phoenix Thriller Vol. 1 is a psychological thriller novel that follows Phoenix Gerard, who is on a mission to find her roommate, Charlotte Cooper, after she goes missing. Phoenix does not suspect that Charlotte has been kidnapped by the Courtship Killer, who recently began targeting women. Instead, Phoenix is determined to stop the killing spree of the serial murderer, and she does it through an obsessive and reckless pursuit that pushes her mental fragility to its limits. Navigating a dark path of revenge, Phoenix finds herself at acute risk of facing a gruesome fate at the hands of her very target. It is a story that grips the reader where it matters the most: in the mind!
D E Nelson has written an amazing novel that is impossible to put down. She taps into the minds of her characters as she expertly weaves the story together. She clearly describes their feelings of hurt, jealousy, and joy through her writing and suspenseful plot. This book provides countless examples of the intense emotions that compel people to do and say things. You will see great examples of descriptions and imagery in the way Nelson writes. She truly allows her characters to come to life in this book. One aspect that makes this story so fantastic is the suspense that buzzes through the entire plot. D E Nelson does an incredible job keeping the tension up and the questions in your mind. She sets things up exactly as they should be before another element is introduced.
D E Nelson’s psychological thriller is a tour de force. Skilfully crafted, it weaves a tight web of complex characters and a gripping plot. Phoenix Gerard’s fight for justice is as much an inner battle with demons as it is an outer quest for truth – a dynamic nature that Nelson captures perfectly. The storytelling zigs and zags and speeds, compelling readers to turn the page. This book is a must-read for psychological suspense fans.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0D1RMVM4G
The Teetotaler’s Bar
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s The Teetotaler’s Bar is a delightful, quirky mystery that blends humor, intrigue, and a bit of heartfelt reflection. The story follows Jazz Kenneally, a young, health-conscious teetotaler who unexpectedly inherits a bar and a fortune from her estranged, half-aunt Lysandra Somersby. However, this isn’t just any bar; it’s a murder scene. Lysandra was shot in cold blood, and Jazz finds herself in the middle of a puzzling whodunit, surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters who each add their own flair to the unfolding mystery.
One of the most engaging aspects of Quinn’s writing is her ability to create a vivid, immersive atmosphere. From the bright, airy bar that defies Jazz’s expectations to the Art Deco elegance of the inherited apartment, every setting is described with such detail that it feels like a character in its own right. The juxtaposition of Jazz’s distaste for alcohol with her new role as a bar owner adds a layer of irony and humor that keeps the narrative lively. Jazz is a relatable protagonist, navigating the unexpected inheritance with a mix of pragmatism and bewilderment. The supporting characters, from the loyal but quirky bar staff to the eccentric tenants of the inherited building, are well-drawn and contribute significantly to the story’s charm. Quinn’s exploration of themes like family estrangement, responsibility, and the dangers of assumptions gives the book a thoughtful edge. Jazz’s reflections on her relationship with her late aunt and the moral dilemmas she faces as a sudden heiress add depth to what could easily have been a light, breezy mystery.
The Teetotaler’s Bar is a charming, offbeat mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor and suspense. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a cozy mystery with a modern twist, where the protagonist’s journey is as important as the mystery itself. This is a delightful read for a relaxed afternoon, offering both laughs and a few thoughtful moments along the way.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0DBFYD5LD
A Toxic Friend
There’s No Cure for Impossible follows a young woman working in the news industry who finds herself increasingly entangled in a former friend’s web of dangerous lies that threaten her career. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I had heard that when a baby is abducted from a hospital setting it’s usually done by a woman who is not a career criminal at all. It’s by a gal whose motivation is needing a child to try and bind herself to a man, and to pass the baby off as “theirs,” when it isn’t. She doesn’t want her man to get away. Well, that intrigued me no end! It’s bizarre, and so extreme, and I was off and running with creating a story around the idea of a woman who would be crazy enough to try to pull off that sort of a kidnapping. This one doesn’t happen in a hospital setting, though, the baby is snatched at a store, yet it’s done for the same wacky reason. The character of Mila has recently miscarried and takes an infant because she wants to hold on to her boyfriend. He’s gotten fed up with her, as just about everyone in her life eventually does…
What was the inspiration for the relationship between Selena and Mila?
I think everybody has had a situation or two where they have a toxic friend, and are pushed to the point that, for their own sake, they have no choice but to go their own separate way. You can only take so much. Decades ago I had a friend at an entertainment industry job, one who turned out to be a pathological liar and was prone to throwing spectacular tantrums if she didn’t get her way. It was unreal and it had to be seen to be believed. After I left that job, I put a stop to any further contact with that one. Enough! So that’s where Selena is at the start of this story. She’s written Mila off because she just can’t take all the drama and craziness that Mila generates any longer. She wants out of the friendship, and she gets out, but when Mila’s latest stunt of grabbing a baby makes headlines, Selena is working for a television news station and accidentally lands in the middle of another Mila mess…
What was your favorite scene in this story?
All of it was fun to write. I think the part where Selena meets with an FBI agent and finds out a few tidbits she hadn’t known before is my absolute favorite part of this one. That throws everything in disarray and for quite a loop besides. And while I don’t want to add any spoilers here, I’ll say this. I also really like the way I ended this story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Believe it or not, this past winter and spring I worked on three books at a time! UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN, a historical novel about the Kindertransport and World War II, has already been released and it’s doing well. Then there was this one, THERE’S NO CURE FOR IMPOSSIBLE, and finally the third, THE TEETOTALER’S BAR. All of them were enjoyable to write. THE TEETOTALER’S BAR is about a young woman whose distant relative is murdered and leaves her a fortune, a puppy, a whole apartment building filled with tenants she has to contend with, and a bar and grill. But the girl is a healthy-living teetotaler. She initially isn’t thrilled with owning a bar, and she also wants to figure out the reason behind the murder. It’s going to be available soon! I’m also already hard at work on yet another one, a mystery involving exotic animal traffickers.
If I may add this, I’d like to encourage anyone out there who hasn’t already done so to go for it if they have a creative idea they’d like to put into action and pursue. It has worked so beautifully for me! Just give it a shot. And as the old adage goes, “No guts, no glory!”
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Murder At Monterey
Ellen Read’s Murder at Monterey is a quintessential traditional murder mystery that transports readers into a world reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s iconic tales. The story revolves around two devoted sisters, Alexandra and Edith, who are invited to a grand party by Prudence, the enigmatic hostess. Their initial reluctance to attend, due to past encounters with the guest of honor, is overridden by the allure of a weekend getaway. Upon arrival, the sisters and their entourage mingle with the eclectic mix of guests, setting the stage for a suspenseful and tragic turn of events.
The narrative takes a dark twist when a guest is found dead, and another is discovered standing over the body, leading to a classic “whodunit” scenario. This homage to Christie’s masterpieces, such as the Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, grips the reader from the opening line, “Alexandra felt the loss…” The story is laced with foreshadowing, as exemplified by the line, “I, for one, hope we don’t have any murders while we’re there,” which expertly builds tension leading up to the murderous climax. Ellen Read’s adept use of dialogue enhances the suspense and character development, although the story takes its time to dive into the core action. This deliberate pacing allows readers to become intimately acquainted with the characters and their possible motives, enriching the overall narrative. As the sixth book in the series, Murder at Monterey showcases Read’s ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots.
Murder at Monterey by Ellen Read is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that pays homage to the classic works of Agatha Christie. Through meticulous character development and a well-paced narrative, Read weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a long-time fan of traditional murder mysteries or new to the genre, this book is a must-read that promises a thoroughly engaging experience. I eagerly await the next adventure in this series.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0D48RQQFL
The Psychology That Unconsciously Drives Us
The Mountain Mystic follows a detective investigating the disappearance of an old family friend who gains information from a psychic on where the body is hidden. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A lot of this series is inspired by stories my family has told me about what it was like growing up in a coal town. This particular book was inspired by two of those stories. One involves my Aunt Rita, who had a prescient dream as a child about a neighbor being murdered. The other involved my Aunt Connie, who visited a psychic in her youth that accurately predicted she would be a young widow. Those stories had been bouncing around inside my head forever. Then one day, I was reading an article about a cold case investigation where the police were so desperate for clues they engaged the services of a psychic and everything came together after that.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
Past is not only prologue, it’s often the B plot of a good story. Our personal histories determine much of the psychology that unconsciously drives us. So I like stories where, to resolve the surface-level A-plot, the character needs to work out some aspect of their psyche, a toxic trait or mental block, that allows them to achieve the results they’ve been seeking. It’s like the external and internal plots are two disparate lines on a graph that finally converge at the climax of the story.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
I consider myself a hybrid plotter/pantser. Before I begin writing a book, I usually know how the story will begin and end, as well as what the major plot twist will be in the middle. Everything else I make up as I go along. Writing it that way gives me the feeling of discovering the story, rather than dictating it. Also, it allows me to come up with tons of ideas throughout the process that I never would have thought of if I’d committed to a detailed plot outline from the outset.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Marybeth Cain and the direction of the next book?
There will be one more book in this series to wrap up the lingering tensions in Mary Beth’s life, as the larger unsolved mysteries in her past. One thing that makes Mary Beth different from most police protagonists is that she was raised by criminals and thinks like they do. That can be an asset when solving crimes, but it also means she really toes the line between enforcing the law versus her own vigilante sense of justice. That recklessness has caused her a lot of problems that so far she’s been able to sidestep, but in the third book, she’ll need to fully come to terms with it. Also, after driving her family’s criminal operation out of West Virginia, she finds that she may have created a bigger problem than she solved. At the same time, her old nemesis, attorney Alexander Pomfried, takes advantage of his new position as district attorney to come after her. For that reason, the third book is written more in the style of a legal thriller than a police procedural.
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But the case that haunts Mary Beth most is one that went cold before she was even on the force: the long-ago disappearance of a family friend, named Maria Ruiz. So when a country psychic’s vision leads to the discovery of Maria’s body, Mary Beth isn’t willing to chalk it up as genuine clairvoyance and goes all in on an investigation that cuts close to home.
LITERARY TITAN 