Short and Sweet Review: Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got No Body by Jennie Marts

Jennie Marts has written a delightful romantic mystery that left this reader hoping there might be a sequel! In Another Saturday Night And I Ain't Got No Body, Cassie's dating life is in the dumps and, while there's a gorgeous new guy, Jake, just next door, she can't get past the idea that he might have murdered her good friend, Walter!

That sort of thing puts a damper on desire, so Cassie gives in to her friends' plans to set up a series of blind dates for her. Only problem is most of them fall very flat and afterward she inevitably ends up telling the tale of her terrible date to the sympathetic and increasingly desirable Jake.

Following Cassie's adventures date by date, along with the comings and goings of her well-meaning friends, is great fun. Following the growing romance while trying to solve a who-done-it...or even IF they done-it!...is even more fun!

Obviously, this was a fun summer read, and I look forward to Ms. Mart's next book!

Short and Sweet Review: Beyond the Wood by Michael J. Roueche

Beyond the Wood by Michael J. Roueche

I’m not normally a fan of the Civil War era, either in fiction or ‘non’. So, though I’d heard this was a good read, I only dug into it recently. Imagine my delight that is was such an engaging story!

A word of advice to readers--persist through the first, short introductory pages set in contemporary times; this is not your story. It’s coming, and you won’t return to the present for more than a few pages from this point on.

My hesitation with tales of this particular time often centers around the endless litany of battles and fields and body counts; it can be mind-numbing. The good news, however, is that this author gives us just enough information to aBeyond the Wood by Michael J. Rouecheppreciate the time and the circumstances, then wisely focuses on the people and their stories. I’ve no doubt that fans of the era will value such details more than I, but for the rest of us, these passages serve to progress the story rather than bog it down in educational seminars. In short, Mr. Roueche has done a fabulous job of giving us just enough.

At just over 500 pages it’s a lengthy book, but the pace moves well and the time you invest in the people within its pages pays off. There’s much for these people to endure and learn from, but learn they--mostly--do. The details of war support a great cast of characters with flaws and blessings enough to keep readers turning the pages.  Hank, the proud but heartsick protagonist, tries to lose himself on the battlefield. But in the aftermath, he makes a promise to a dying soldier that will compel him back down a road he thought he’d left behind.

Betsy is the girl who broke his heart. She, along with finely drawn secondary characters both on the battlefield and in the drawing rooms of the South, put flesh and sinew on the bones of this well told story. Mr. Roueche has an ear for the voices of the period, from slaves and soldiers to speculators and southern belles, and his prose is a pleasure to read and re-read...if you’re inclined to that sort of thing. A series of letters, interspersed throughout, progress the plot, fill in the details of the war and serve to advance a growing relationship between Hank and a widow he seeks to someday console.    

The contemporary beginning had left me with a sense of foreboding that followed me throughout the book. I was never quite certain where we were headed, the characters and I. When the final page was turned I’d grown very fond of the story and its people, regretting I would not see their tomorrows any more, but very happy I’d known them for a while. And isn’t that the sign of a great tale told! 

The Next Big Thing!

So, today I’m talking about the Next Big Thing blog campaign. This campaign began in Australia and went international, showcasing new authors and/or new books. Each author answers the same set of questions about a recently published book and/or those that are slated to be released. Then that author “tags” a few other authors who do the same thing. Because my work-in-progress isn’t ready for prime time, I’ll be talking about my latest mystery. I’m tagging two of my favorite fellow authors:

What is the working title of your next book?

My next book is still in process, so I thought I’d talk about Framed, a book that came out last year. Framed is the first in the Kay Conroy Mystery Series.
Where did the idea come from for the book?

Well, to begin with, I love reading mysteries. Especially the cozy-style with non-professional sleuths and a little humor. I had two inspirations for this book. First, I have been a General Contractor and built custom homes. It’s both a fun and stressful profession with many variables all at the mercy of fussy clients and our often unpredictable Colorado weather. I thought the fictional possibilities were abundant. I’d also been a soccer parent, and if ever there were an area where tempers might run high, that was it-particularly where parents and coaches were concerned. I thought the collision of those two worlds might be a place so combustible it could lead to murder!

What genre does your book fall under?

Framed is a humorous, cozy-style murder mystery.

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

This is always a hard question for me because I never think of my characters in terms of contemporary (or otherwise!) actors. They are born and live in my mind’s eye, so I seldom put the two worlds together. However, there is one character that actually did pull some of his inspirations from an actor, and that’s Sam. Sam is a local landscape contractor that our protagonist, Kay, hires to landscape the grounds of a custom home she’s building. He’s an easy-going, world-wise, extremely affable and intuitive man with an educated country-boy feel to him. Sam instantly reminded me of the actor Sam Shepard, who I always thought had a comfortably rugged and yet intelectual air about him.

I’d love to hear who my readers would cast as the other characters in the book-particularly Kay’s very capable, extremely loyal and yet slightly ditzy best friend, Maddey. (who I confess was inspired by a very dear and old friend of mine named Shelly).

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

I hate once sentence descriptions-they are always forced and never informational enough-that’s unfair to me and my potential readers! However, if I can add a couple more sentences, I’ve got a great blurb that says it all:

When housing contractor Kay Conroy finds her son’s soccer coach dead on his kitchen floor, her well known dislike for the man soon turns into a motive for murder.

Now, anxious to aim the finger of guilt elsewhere, the quick-witted but daydreaming single mom must squeeze her own investigation in between car-pooling her son and overseeing the construction of a home for a local socialite.  The evidence she discovers puts her at the top of the suspect list even though she knows she's being framed. Meanwhile, there’s an attractive landscaper she'd like to know better and an amorous CEO she’d like to lose.

With the aide of her salty-tongued best friend and the sixth sense of her puppy, Kay digs for dirt.  What she finds are broken hearts and bottom lines...not to mention danger!

Who is publishing your book?

Framed is independently published and available paperback or Kindle format on Amazon!
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Forever! Well, at least it seemed that way. First drafts always do-it’s like childbirth. But once I get the first draft down, the tweaking (aka editing) is much more fun. If I had to put a timeline to it, I’d say it takes me about a year to write a book. After all, I do have a day-job…and a family; all very demanding in their own ways.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

If you have read Diane MottDavidson’s Goldy Schulz mysteries, Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy mysteries, or similar authors such as Leighann Dobbs or Elaine Orr, Framed is right up your wheelhouse!
Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I talked earlier about my particular inspirations for this book, but as for writing in general, I think it was a natural offshoot of my love of reading…combined with a vivid imagination and a tendency to daydream. I imagine I am not alone among writers when it comes to those characteristics!
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?

Being a writer is like playing God on a very, very small stage. I have a hand in creating characters who will be friends, lovers, enemies or murderers. Nurturing these relationships is part of the fun-for me at least. And watching a new love bloom or an old friendship deepen is always a pleasure. I’m very much looking forward to writing the sequel to Framed, which will be titled Nailed (don’t you like the construction theme?). And best of all, the setting is my home state of Colorado, someplace I definitely consider ‘God’s Country’!

Framed is available in paperback or Kindle on Amazon! Click HERE to find it! 

Next up on The Next Big Thing, I’ve tagged these two fabulous authors:

On May 9th, go to robonwriting.com to read R.S. Guthrie's blog about his Next Big Thing:

And on May 16th go to http://aaronmritchey.com/the-blog/ to read about  Aaron Michael 

Ritchey's Next Big Thing:

Happy Birthday Maddie!

My writing buddy, Maddie, is six years old today! I know, it's April Fool's Day, but it's kind of a fitting day for her birthday-she takes the curse off the day with her complete sweetness and utter devotion to our family.

I work at home, so during my day, whether I am writing or working at my 'day job', she is by my side. She's ever aware of my movements from room-to-room, and loves nothing more than when I finally settle down in front of my laptop for some intensive 'alternative world creation', i.e., writing!

That's when she nestles into the nearby armchair or curls up at my feet. Of course, occasionally she'll stroll over to rest her head in my lap for a little one-on-one affection. Golden Retrievers are like that-they love attention, giving or receiving!

This evening, we'll head over to the Good Times in our town and get her a 'Frosty Paws' (ice cream, peanut butter and three dog bones!) to celebrate. I hope we have at least six more years with this most loving and affectionate member of our family!

Goodreads Giveaway! Enter to Win a Copy of FRAMED!

Today is the start of a free Giveaway on Goodreads for a copy of my humorous mystery, Framed! Click HERE to go to my Goodreads page, then scroll down to Enter to Win a copy! Good luck and thanks for entering! 

Author Showcase and Book Signing a HUGE Success!

I was delighted to participate in an Author Showcase hosted by the Douglas County Library yesterday, and held at the Highlands Ranch Library. This event was organized by Lisa Casper, Program Branch Liaison. Lisa did a fabulous job and I think everyone truly enjoyed the event!

Twelve authors-including myself-spoke about our books and, afterward, signed and sold copies. We had great turnout-standing room only!

I was delighted to see many friends in the crowd, and to meet new ones. It's always fun to talk with my readers and inscribe my books for them!

This is my local library district and I'm fortunate that they are on the cutting edge of promotion of local authors as well as inclusion of authors e-books in their stacks! My books are available in all Douglas Country Libraries in either paperback or e-books format.

Thanks so much to all who attended!

Sparks of The Imagination

Someone asked me the other day how I went about dreaming up my stories. That's a hard one to answer...I felt like asking her how she breathed? Characters, situations and plot twists come from my imagination and for a writer, I believe, our imaginations are so much a part of everything that makes us tick.

Could I shut down my creativity? Perhaps...but what fun would that be? Do I daydream? You bet! And I dream-yes, occasionally I wake with an idea that can't be ignored. Other times something in the news or something in my life gets the juices going. Even if I tried not to write, life surrounds me with tempting flashes of plotting possibilities that my brain just can't ignore.

No...I don't have personal experiences with murder (thank goodness!) but a good cozy mystery is more than the act. There's the interesting job or the quirky neighbor next door or the creepy Realtor who insinuates that if you don't like the house she's showing you something bad might happen...so you will like it...if you now what is good for you! Okay, I got carried away there, I've never met a creepy Realtor, but wasn't that fun to follow me down that rabbit hole?

I love strong, empowered women in fiction-especially when they don't know their own strength and have a funny bone too! Add in a good friend who wants to help them find a job or find a lover or find the real murderer and now my imagination just gets rolling along with the spark of endless possibility!

For a writer, writing is like having fireworks bursting in your mind-you simply can't ignore it!  


(photo courtesy of www.agefotostock.com )