Book review: Tapestry of Tears by Michele Drier

Interest in reading mystery novels began in my preteens. Fascination with stained glass, however, predates memory - at a time when I was surrounded each week by sun streaming through stained glass windows during Sunday mass. Over the years, my experience of viewing stained glass has ranged from daily exposure to church-lined walls during mass in grade school; to the Rose Window of the Notre Dame in Paris; to the front window of Waikiki’s St. Augustine Church by the Sea, which has greeted sailors as their ships approached Honolulu since the late 1800s.

Imagine my delight, as an enthusiast of stained glass and mysteries, in reading the novel Tapestry of Tears, a story about a stained glass expert traveling to England and France to research the Bayeux Tapestry then becoming involved in a murder investigation and a baffling theft.

'TAPESTRY OF TEARS' by Michele Drier

Author Michele Drier's novel suggests an enormous amount of research, which she has condensed into an entertaining and fast-paced mystery. 

As the plot unfolds, along with characters’ relevant back stories, protagonist and stained glass artist Roz Duke prepares to examine the Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth and unique 11th century artifact/artefact representing numerous historical events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. 

Her self-proclaimed sabbatical from home life in Oregon, intended as a quiet research project, soon turns complicated when Roz happens upon a dead body in a dark corner of a church in England.

Expecting Tapestry of Tears to be a cozy mystery, I was surprised to discover a thriller unfolding. As a Scotland Yard type of investigation unfolds, Roz becomes more deeply involved in not only a homicide case, but theft of priceless property and possibly even seedier activities with even more dangerous suspects. 

Who to trust, and how to remain alive, become her focus - when all she wanted was to immerse herself in the task of transferring historical details from a tapestry to stained glass.

* * * * *

Upcoming post - Wednesday July 21: “Tapestry of Tears” interview with Michele Drier. Get to know more about the author and her process of weaving a well-researched tale about stained glass - and murder.

* * * * *

Tapestry of Tears is available at Amazon.com in paperback and ebook.

Tapestry of Tears: A Stained Glass Mystery - Kindle edition by Drier, Michele. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

PIPE DREAMS by John Madinger: Book Review

How do you write a murder mystery when history has already disclosed the climax? In the case of John Madinger’s Pipe Dreams: The Dark Secret Behind Hawaii’s Most Notorious Crime, this involves a different point-of-view narrator, in depth research that supplies new information, and an eye to well-developed characters acting in good faith on a paradise island overrun with military personnel. Also a challenge offered to the reader regarding the meaning of justice.

Newly-minted Narcotics Officer Jack Mather arrives at police headquarters in Honolulu eager to begin his first assignment – clean out the opium dens in Chinatown. Jack knows better than to stick his nose into the blistering rape case involving a white woman and, allegedly, five local boys. At least, until he doesn’t heed his own warning.

Tendrils of smoke drift through Waikiki amidst a nightlife crowded with sailors on weekend leave. Against a backdrop of underworld drug trafficking, and simmering animosity among the Hawaiian population, repeated lies lead to murder. No one is left unscathed, including Jack Mather. After all the chips have fallen and the dead are buried, he must face the consequences of his own actions. Along with the reader, he must decide what price of justice is too high.

John Madinger is the author of Death on Diamond Head, a Kimo Rigg mystery. He also authored Money Laundering: A Guide for Criminal Investigators (not a “how-to” book, but about anti-money laundering). He is a Special Agent- Retired – with the United States Department of the Treasury. His resume also includes Anti-Money Laundering Consultant at United States Department of Justice OPDAT, and work with the Deauville Partnership and US DOJ on stolen asset recovery issues in the Middle East and North Africa - Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and other countries. 

Along with publications available on Amazon, John’s latest book, The Opium Kings of Old Hawaii: America's first drug traffickers, will be published by The History Press in the Fall of 2021. 

Pipe Dreams on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2LpODmT

Read John’s advice to aspiring writers: John Madinger (Author of Money Laundering) Goodreads

*****

Heart of the Matter and Memories

Scene #1: The autopsy report states the victim has multiple stab wounds, and photographs reveal several jagged cuts below the woman's abdomen. The location of the bloodless wounds suggests a crime of passion. A reporter asks, "Why did the killer wait until after the victim died to target certain areas?" to which the coroner replies, "He went for the heart right after he hit the jugular, does that count?"  The reporter shakes his head. "It’s not the same, the heart is symbolic of love."

The heart is also a symbol of Valentine’s Day. While my thoughts immediately go to the heart of the murder, someone who recently endured a medical exam might picture a stethoscope monitoring an anxious heart beat. Newly-weds have vastly different thoughts.

Valentine’s Day hearts conjure up memories of love. One heart with two wedding rings brings a smile to a couple wed on Valentine’s Day. A cross-stitch of red hearts reminds a daughter of a mother’s gift; a royal flush to the Ace of Hearts has a Vegas winner beaming. Others get all fuzzy over a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a grinning cupid, or a pair of cooing love birds. Hearts on Fire can only mean young love, and boys naturally love heart-shaped balloons.

A heart surrounding a globe brings a tear to the eyes of grandparents whose families live far away. The mantle holds a framed purple heart of a loved one lost in battle. Flowers and an arrow-pierced heart represent a lifetime spent with a childhood sweetheart, the memories bittersweet. The Sacred Heart means salvation for many, and bright lockets remind one of a young girl’s special day.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and wishes for a wonderful day: Especially for You and Your Loved Ones!

What special memories do you have of this holiday?

My #Goodreads Read and Review Challenge Week-47

This week, I have chose three diverse selections. One is a short book loaded with fascinating information about celebrities, the second is a mystery novel with an unusual setting, and the third is a Kindle World novella set on Valley Isle of Maui.

LETTUCE READ WILLS by Una Tiers 

 

This is a short book, but it is packed with fun and interesting information about famous people and the contents of their wills. Attorney Una Tiers also gives sound advice to us lesser, or at least less wealthy, mortals about having a will and updating it in a timely fashion.

I was quite surprised to learn of certain wealthy people who died without a will.

The author also includes excerpts from her mystery novels. 

 

* * * * *

                

BREAKING MEASURES by Emma Raveling

 

 

The setting for this mystery is a refreshing change from the streets of overpopulated cities or back alley bars where many murder mystery bad guys can be found on a Saturday night. Raveling gives the reader a front row seat to piano concerts after the grueling practice sessions of Leila Cates in her youth. Then comes center stage spotlight performances in Paris, and on Broadway. Her talent is unparalleled and her star rises ever higher as she leaves audiences awestruck. Or does she?

 

When the lifeless body of a performer is discovered and Leila is considered a person of interest in the police investigation, for good reason, she must confront the lies that led to her heady and headlining career. This coming of age novel, for all its rich musical scores and hard fought fame, lays bare the unavoidable ache of reality in most every life.    

 

 

* * * * *

 

DARK DAWN The Lei Crime Series (Kindle World Novella)

by Fiona Manning

 

If you haven't had an opportunity to read any Kindle World novellas yet, why not begin with The Lei Crime Series? I've read several, including Hoaka Moonshine by Laurie Hanan. Now Fiona Manning has submitted a novella that features Lei Texeira's partner Pono and his wife Tiare. What Lei doesn't realize is that wedding planner and eager matchmaker Tiare has Lei in her sights as a future bride. 

 

Tiare is less eager to deal with the schoolyard bullying that her nine-year-old daughter is experiencing. That the school was situated on the slopes of Haleakala on the paradise island of Maui didn't make it any easier to accept. Even worse, now her Auntie Keke is missing. Tiare, prepared to do anything to find the woman who raised her, prays through streaming tears that her favorite auntie isn't dead.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

Next up: 

BONES NEVER LIE by Kathy Reichs

 

WEAKEST LINK by Fiona Quinn

THE BLESSED EVENT by Frankie Bow

 

 

* * * * *

 

4 BOOK REVIEWS FOR AUGUST #FridayReads

The goal I set for myself was to read and review 71 books between Oct., 2015 and Oct. 2016. Including the four books reviewed below, I've read 46 books, 65%, and submitted the reviews to my Goodreads "My Books" page. With 25 more books to read before October 22, 2016, I'd better get cracking!

The books I read in August are:

JUST ADD WATER Jinx Schwartz

Jinx has written an entire series of "JUST" novels that I look forward to reading. I don't think she's finished with the series yet, so I can rest easy, knowing it will be some time before I reach the end.

In JUST ADD WATER, I met and sailed with Hetta Coffee as she edged her way into a new life of living on the water. How many times have you wished you could make a clean slate of your life and start over, with you in the driver's seat? Expectations of independence are much more lax now for women. But it wasn't that many (decades) ago that men did most of the driving. That's why it can be so much fun for readers of a certain age to immerse themselves into the story.

Just imagine the wind in your hair as you take control of the wheel of your very own yacht. That's independence!

Can't wait to dive into JUST ADD SALT!

*****     *****     *****

THE IMMACULATE by Marian McMahon Stanley

I was lucky to win a copy of THE IMMACULATE in a blogsite contest giveaway earlier this year. After receiving the book in the mail, it took some time for me to add it to my schedule. When I found a few days open, I sat to read the book and finished in less than two days. To me, that is a sign of a well-written novel. The story line is straightforward and the characters are delightfully fleshed out and likeable. Even the villains are 3-dimensional in their un-likeability.

What I especially appreciated about the story was how the protagonist related to the other characters, on a unique and individual basis. As the main character, Rosaria O'Reilly had an emotional connection to every situation and the sensitivity she portrayed in each scene grounded the story in reality.

*****     *****     *****

THE LIFE WE BURY by Allen Eskens

This book was recommended to me by my sister. It deals with a grittier topic than I was expecting, that of a man convicted of the crime of rape and murder who has been released from prison during his last months before dying. The Netflex series Making of a Murderer comes to mind while reading the story. But the project assigned to the protagonist, Joe Talbert, is to interview this stranger and write a short biography of the man. Of course, the plot thickens as Joe does his research and interviews the man.

Ultimately, the story gives readers an opportunity for inner debate on where they stand concerning certain issues arising in today's society. Granted, during an election year, we have no lack of issues to consider, but this one is more hypothetical and therefore more of an
exercise. Without being personally invested in the final decision, the story can also be entertaining for the reader.

*****     *****     *****

and

THE CITY & YTIC EHT by China Mieville

This is a book club choice for the group that meets at Coffee Talk in Kaimuki on the first Saturday of each month. This book, chosen by David Jones, helps to illustrate just how diverse our selections are from month to month.

I'm not sure I could have made it through this novel without the help of an online chapter-by-chapter synopsis. I certainly recommend that a reader consult an in depth synopsis before tackling the story unless you are already a great fan of eccentric world building and appreciate learning all the intricate details as the story unfolds.

In the world of THE CITY & YTIC EHT, best-selling author China Mieville takes us on a tour of two cities which overlap one other. These are not two dimensions, existing side by side, but two cities existing simultaneously on the same spot with residents of each expected to ignore the other. This is, of course, a simplistic explanation of a world that grows increasingly complicated as the story evolves.

This story presented many unusual twists. The mystery aspect of the plot is almost incidental as the reader is given ongoing updates of how these particular worlds work, or in some cases don't work. Big Brother is definitely involved, regardless how the story unfolds. One thing is certain, the book club choice will make for interesting discussion.

*****     *****     *****

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4756053.Gail_M_Baugniet



THE PEARL HARBOR MURDERS #FridayReads

The Pearl Harbor Murders by Max Allan Collins is a novel set in the last few days preceding the Pearl Harbor attack on O‘ahu. Much of the story’s action takes place in Waikiki. The fictionalized protagonists are the world-famous (real life) Edgar Rice Burroughs of Tarzan fame and his son, Hully, who share narrative and investigative roles within this murder mystery.

One of the central figures is a popular singer at a local night club. Her name, Pearl Harada, couldn’t be more apt for this tale leading up to a day that “lives in infamy.”

Woven throughout the story are details of first and second generation (issei and nisei) Japanese immigrants and citizens living in Hawaii, and how their lives were affected by incidents leading up to December 7, 1941. Some of the characters are either composites or pure fiction. Others, along with Edgar Rice Burroughs, are based on persons who played prominently in the making of history.

The author is noted for his historical fiction novels such as Saving Private Ryan, In the Line of Fire, and Air Force One; and his syndicated comic strip, Dick Tracy from 1977 through 1993. His research for this novel fills the narrative with titillating information about O‘ahu in 1941, focusing on A‘ala Market in Chinatown; Fort DeRussy; Aloha Tower; and Kewalo Basin. Also of note are the Halekulani Hotel (the location of the famous ‘House Without a Key’ Restaurant named for the eponymous Charlie Chan novel) and the War Memorial Natatorium.

The story may have fascinated me more as a guided tour of the area, but I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery within the tour, and was pleasantly surprised with the solution. 

Next up for review is:

Speaking In Bones by Kathy Reichs

 

 

A VISIBLE DARKNESS by Michael Gregorio A Baltic #Thriller

A Visible Darkness by Michael Gregorio is likely to remain one of my favorite reads in 2015-2016.

Described as a “gothic historical thriller,” this novel offers interesting insight into the history of Prussia’s Baltic coast. I read it as part of my research for a genealogical novel I’m writing (and worked on during 2015 NaNoWriMo.) I discovered the title while searching for fact-based material on Prussia. Although I chose the book as an addition to the bibliography of source material for my project, its entertainment value was an added and pleasantly surprising bonus.

In the vein of a Hercule Poiret-type detective, Hanno Stiffenias is like a dog with a marrow-rich bone. He won’t let go until every last clue is sucked out of the murder case he is investigating. The colorful background information woven throughout enhances but doesn't distract from the story 

The plot includes an occupying French Army and a young woman’s mutilated body found near the Baltic seashore; and a subplot about Baltic amber. Murder, intrigue, and a luscious color keep the story moving forward at a fast pace, dragging the reader quite willingly to a final solution.

 

Next up for review:

 

Damned In Paradise-A Nathan Heller Novel by Max Allan Collins

and

The Massie Case by Peter Packer and Bob Thomas

 

 

FLASH AND BONES #FridayReviews

This week advances my quest to read 71 books between October 2015 and October 2016. I am posting my reviews here to keep myself honest!

 

Today’s review is for one of Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan mysteries:

FLASH AND BONES

 

Over the years, I have read many of Kathy Reichs “bone” novels. With the recent heavy rains here in Honolulu a match for the weather in this novel, Flash and Bones seemed a perfect fit for my next read. The story opens with a thunderstorm, and forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan is digging up a corpse. 

Obvious from the opening is that there are no wasted scenes. Something is always happening, either to Tempe or with her current assignment. The backdrop of the NASCAR world gave this story a twist that I enjoyed, having followed stock car racing in my younger years along with Indy car racing in the 70s. 

The interaction between Tempe and Detective Slidell entertained me throughout with subtle bits of humor and sarcasm as they worked the investigation. Several funny lines came from Tempe’s soon-to-be ex-husband’s soon-to-be wife, the bridezilla character named Summer. Although the scenes featuring Summer were short, I found the comic relief a bit distracting. Overall, though, Kathy Reichs’ novels remain a fast and fun read.

 

Next up for review:

LOVE Beyond Measure

&

PRISM POISON

two books by D.V. Whytes

 

 

 

WITH FIERY VENGEANCE Kindle Countdown $0.99 Today

The third novel in my Pepper Bibeau mystery series, WITH FIERY VENGEANCE Anger Burns Deep, was published on December 7th, the date that would become Pearl Harbor Day. It seemed fitting that my protagonist, born in a Honolulu hospital in 1941, have that birth date. 

WITH FIERY VENGEANCE has Pepper up to her Hawaiian lei in trouble, not only on the Big Island, but in Honolulu’s Chinatown. My research for the novel was done over a period of years, beginning in 2003 while lodging at a spa in North Kohala on the Big Island. When the spa and surrounding property went up for sale some years later, the owners actually contacted me as a potential buyer. (Oh, if only!) 

It is difficult to say which of the Pepper Bibeau novels I enjoyed researching the most. The first two are set in Chicago and Green Bay, respectively, so it is safe to say my research for number three was the warmest, especially considering the Central States’ snow forecast for this month. 

If you live in a snow state, consider burrowing into WITH FIERY VENGEANCE, a mystery set in Hawaii not far from Kilauea’s fiery volcanic activity. Fix yourself a Mai Tai (decorated with one of those paper umbrellas - just keep it away from the molten lava), turn up the dial on the thermostat, and stay toasty-warm with Pepper as she tries to remain one step ahead of danger in paradise.

 

Kindle countdown April 18 to 25, 2015 at Amazon.com
$0.99 - $1.99 - $2.99

WITH FIERY VENGEANCE Anger Burns Deep

WITH FIERY VENGEANCE e-Book

 

 

 

 

A SLICE OF LIFE - Chicago's Auditorium Theater: ResearchingANovel

Research for a novel can be an enjoyable task or a drudgery. In my case, research is always fun. While writing my first Pepper Bibeau mystery, set in Chicago, I walked the streets in and around the Loop for four days re-familiarizing myself with the area.

Auditorium Theater is the setting for one scene between my protagonist and her friend, Ursula. During intermission at a concert they attend, featuring Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin, their discussion becomes a source of evidence in a murder investigation.

My experience with Auditorium Theater dates back to 1968 when I attended my first performance there, although it wasn’t to witness Janis Joplin launch a career. Then, in 2003, I returned for the aforementioned research and viewed a stage play from a beautifully renovated balcony.

Looking down at the Auditorium Theater stage.
The scene is so wide, I had to piece two pictures together! 

Constructed in the late 1800s, Auditorium Theater opened in 1889 and has hosted not only ballets, musicals, and concerts, but the likes of President Theodore Roosevelt and President William McKinley who gave speeches there.

An article in Friday’s newspaper (10/3/2014) prompted me to write about this topic today. The National Football League has decided to hold the 2015 NFL draft in Chicago, holding the event at the Auditorium Theater. The future of NFL football teams will be decided here.

As a Wisconsin-born football fan, I like football, lived and worked in Green Bay for over ten years (first in the early 70s and then at the turn of the century.) I don’t plan to attend the NFL draft in 2015, however.

If I do return to Auditorium Theater, it will be to see . . . oh, let’s say, Mikhail Baryshnikov reviving dance numbers from White Nights, or Liza Minnelli performing musical scenes from Cabaret. Suddenly, I’m compelled to compile a list of “What Ifs” performances I would love to attend at Auditorium Theater. I’m sure Janis Joplin would be at the top, along with the Beatles.

What is at the top of your “What If” list?

A Slice of Life: Excerpt from FOR EVERY ACTION 

The rain started just as we reached the Auditorium Building and we ducked into the lobby entrance on Congress Street. Marbled walls mirrored the light of chandeliers that hung from the narrow box-office ceiling. Ursula handed our tickets to an usher, who led the way to the second tier of the concert hall. Quickly settled, I was half-asleep when Ursula nudged my shoulder.

       “Tired?” she asked.

       “All the walking,” I said, yawning. “Sorry I made us miss the cab.”

She gave a short chuckle. “It’s okay, I was almost late myself. E.J. called just before I left the office.”

That opened my eyes. I wasn’t sure what to make of the statement and offered my question with some trepidation. “Are you two dating again?”

“Not quite.” Her voice held a hint of optimism. “He says he’s not sure our relationship is worth all the effort. I think he’s just scared to make a commitment right now.”

“Then why did he call?”

“He wants me to meet him after the concert, said maybe we could talk things over.” She tapped her thighs with closed fists. “I really want things to work out between us.”

I couldn’t understand why Ursula thought she needed E.J. Maybe a lifetime of independence hampered my ability to appreciate such a one-sided relationship. The lights dimmed and saved me from giving an inappropriate response.

 

      The theater darkened shortly after eight. Curious whispers rippled through the audience until a single spotlight provided illumination and a male voice came over the loudspeaker system. To the heavy background sounds of tuning instruments, he announced the band, “Four gentlemen and one great girl: Big Brother and The Holding Company.” The audience exploded with applause, cheering through a prolonged set of rock music while the one great girl, Janis Joplin, dominated the vocals.

 

During intermission, Ursula leafed through the theater’s concert program, then lingered over an advertisement for wedding rings.

“Do you and E.J. ever talk about marriage?” I asked.

She shrugged and changed the conversation. 

A bell sounded the end of Intermission and lights flooded the stage. The second half of the concert was filled with instrumental tunes and more foot-stomping vocals. The finale with Janis singing “Piece Of My Heart” brought the audience to its feet. Although the group’s music was new to me, I was already a fan.

 

* * * * *

 

The first novel in the Pepper Bibeau Mystery Series, FOR EVERY ACTION, is on sale at

Amazon.com for 99 cents.

http://www.amazon.com/ACTION-Consequences-Pepper-Mystery-ebook/dp/B004VT3QRU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1350893083&sr=1-1

If you have already read and enjoyed one of my novels, I would greatly appreciate your time

and effort in writing a short book review for Amazon and/or Goodreads.

 

Role Models and Writing a Mystery Series



Michael Connelly
author of
detective and crime fiction novels


My penchant for reading mystery novels led me to choosing the mystery genre when I decided to write a novel. The idea of writing a series germinated in the back of my mind, but my focus was on getting the first story on paper and developing my characters. What I knew of my protagonist was included in the first novel. If I liked her enough to keep close, great. Otherwise, there were other options.

As things worked out, Pepper Bibeau became my alter ego. Not that she is a second me, more a trusted friend because what we have in common is friendship. In my first novel, FOR EVERY ACTION, Pepper's physical appearance and heritage were patterned after two of my most trusted friends.

One of my role models is author Michael Connelly, who has some interesting suggestions about writing a series. He says everything you know about your protagonist at the time should go into your current story, not be held back for the next novel.

You can read more of Mr. Connelly's suggestions from his CraftFest session at ThrillerFest “The Series Character: How to Do It Right” here:

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/michael-connelly-on-the-no-1-key-to-writing-a-series 

Some of my favorite Michael Connelly novels:

Michael Connelly ebooks on Amazon

FAST FIVE Author Interview with Bev Robitai

My guest today is Bev Robitai, author of the Theatre Mysteries. Bev currently works as a writer, book coach, and freelance photographer in Auckland, New Zealand. Her first mystery novel Murder in the Second Row was launched in June 2010 in the same historic theatre that was used as the setting. A decade of backstage experience gave her the raw material for a series of theatre-based crime novels.

FAST FIVE: Welcome, Bev. Please share with us some insight into your first novel and the research for Murder in the Second Row?

BEV ROBITAI: Research was easy because the novel is set in a small historic theatre that I practically lived in for ten years. The characters are loosely based on real people, so writing it was like spending time with good friends in a place that I love. I want readers to feel as comfortable in the place as I do, enjoying the location as well as the story. Each book is based around one show – this one is Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death.

FAST FIVE: What a unique concept, basing each book on one of Agatha Christie's works. In your protagonist's line of work, is “the job” the most important part of her life?

BEV ROBITAI: The job is managing the theatre, so Jessica needs a wide variety of strengths and skills. She is passionate about it and it does tend to overshadow her home life. She’s good at handling people, which is essential as theatres are full of egos and emotions. She may have to placate a snooty opera diva or discipline a boisterous teenager so she’s tough but fair, warm-hearted and intelligent, and uses humour as her favourite weapon.

FAST FIVE: The Mystery/Suspense genre is the focus of Fast Five interviews, but what unique twist makes your novel stand out?

BEV ROBITAI: I’m not sure if I should confess this here but the murder is really secondary to the main story, which is the survival of the theatre. Clearly my priorities are somewhat skewed! My unique twist is the world the mystery is set in, with recurring characters that readers will find in later books, and things that will be familiar to theatre people everywhere.

FAST FIVE: How does your main character’s profession draw her into suspenseful situations, (murder, for instance?)

BEV ROBITAI: Finding a stabbed body in the auditorium makes Jessica’s life VERY complicated. Looking after an elderly theatre that is in danger from predatory developers is fairly suspenseful as well. Will the show succeed in making money? Will the escalating threats turn deadly? Oh yes, Jessica is right in the thick of all kinds of suspense.

FAST FIVE: Is this book part of a series, and are you working on a sequel?

BEV ROBITAI: Yes, it’s the first book in the Theatre Mystery series, and Book Two, Body on the Stage, has just been published. Book Three is in pre-planning. I have the show, a rough plot and some characters, and am just waiting for one of them to put their hand up to demand the lead role. Jessica was secondary in Book Two but she may leap back into the spotlight in Three.

FAST FIVE: This isn’t a Fast Five question, more an “if/then” scenario: If Paris is not an option, then where would you most like to spend your time writing and why.

BEV ROBITAI: If I’m doing the creative side of writing (as opposed to editing and polishing) then a hotel room somewhere dull is ideal. Getting away from the distractions of domestic chores makes staying at the desk so much easier. My best daily word count was achieved in a spartan hotel room in Hamilton (NZ) – a city where not much happens so there was no compulsion to wander the neighbourhood. A desk by the window, coffee on hand, and nothing else – perfect. Paris would be far too tempting a distraction!

Where readers can follow you:

I post most often on my Facebook writer page and welcome any new followers. https://www.facebook.com/BevRobitai

Or you can find me through my website, brobitai@xtra.co.nz

You can find my books in print or as ebooks on Amazon. http://tinyurl.com/Murder2ndRowAmazon

Thanks for the opportunity of completing the Fast Five questions – I enjoyed the process!

Interview with Independent Author Dawson C. Walton

Dawson C. Walton is the independently published author of The Dreams series and other works of art. Today he has agreed to discuss his novel, Dreams: One Man’s Journey. Dawson has combined murder and science fiction in a novel that has been described as “a haunting” story on a path “you may not want to go down.” His protagonist "uses his new-found gift to better the lives of some and for the rest, there is hell to pay."

GAIL: Thank you for visiting today, Dawson. Rather than the abbreviated social media comments we take for granted, can you share with us a detailed description of your protagonist and your novel, Dreams: One Man's Journey?

DAWSON: An everyday man much like you and I, working to survive in a going nowhere job, just living paycheck to paycheck. Then one day unexpectedly he starts to have dreams. However, unlike the ones that we have his do come true.

At first, he did not know how to control them; he could not even understand them, but soon he learns that the dreams could be controlled and steered where and how he wants them to go. The world around him is filled with crime and despair, people living in the street barely having enough to eat and nowhere to call home but a cardboard box while others lived and prospered. He takes it upon himself to help those people that are less fortunate and at the same time helps himself.

While living in a small apartment above a neighborhood store owned by an older woman named Mama, he works for minimum wage as a dishwasher in a local Café. Once he can control his dreams, he uses his new found talent to help others as he sees fit. However, for those like the fat pawnshop owner who laughed at him, to the bullies who make the streets unsafe for everyone, all the way down to the drug pushers who pollute the streets, he helps in the only way he knows: Kill those that offend and help those that are in need, while building a nest egg for himself. However, like most good things, this too ends. After a bizarre mishap during one of the dreams, the Detective who has always seemed to be there arrests him. After a brief trial, he dies in the Gas Chamber, or does he?

GAIL: Is “the job” the most important part of your protagonist’s life?

DAWSON: Not at first, paying his bills and being able to pick up a bottle of bourbon was, but once he learned of his abilities and was able to control it, his job of helping others while helping himself was the most important. Being a common man with the power to help those in need, and wanting to clean up the streets, quickly turned into a priority.

GAIL: What unique twist makes your novel stand out?

DAWSON: Being able to go to bed with certain thoughts in your mind such as a place, weapons and or equipment that you want or need, and as you sleep you go and do whatever you want, see whoever you want and come back with everything you wanted.

GAIL: How does your main character’s profession draw him into suspenseful situations, (murder, for instance?)

DAWSON: His job as a dish washer in a small local cafe has little to do with his new talent but is the cause for some of his dreams.

GAIL: And those dreams, of course, lead to murder. Is this book part of a series, and are you working on a sequel?

DAWSON: Dreams: One Man's Journey is the first book of the trilogy. Dreams: Border Wars is the second, and the final volume is Dreams: Good Vs. Evil. The first two have the same main character with the third having two main characters both living different lives till the end. And yes, all three are available in e-book format and paperback.

GAIL: This last is an “if/then” scenario: If Paris is not an option, then where would you most like to spend your time writing and why.

DAWSON: The foothills of Arizona or New Mexico away from towns. I grew up in the desert and loved it, how I miss the cactus and rattlesnakes. The evening quiet is unlike any I have ever heard.

Where readers can follow Dawson C. Walton, Author: The Dreams series and other works of art

http://www.facebook.com/authordawson.walton

Https://www.amazon.com/author/dawsonwalton

 and my blogs at:

https://www.dawsonwalton.wordpress.com

and
http://dawsoncwalton.blogspot.com

Week #3 of The Next Big Thing: Genre

Second mystery in the series
featuring the amazing Charlie Chan,
Detective-Sergeant of the Honolulu Police

The Plan:

***Answer the ten questions below about a current Work In Progress.

***Tag five other writers (five awesome writers whose work you want us to watch) and link their blogs so we can all hop over and check them out! It’s that simple.

I’ve chosen to answer one question per week with the best intentions of having my novel published by the time I post the final question.

Question #3 of The Next Big Thing:

TNBT: What genre does your book fall under?

GAIL: I’ve always been a fan of stories that fall under the category of Mysteries and its many subgenres: Detective stories, Crime Fiction, Thrillers, Suspense, Police Procedurals, and the Traditional Cozy. There wasn’t much I didn’t consider “Mystery” at the time. I wouldn’t have made a very good librarian.

The novels I signed out of my home town library, back when, always included murder: on-scene, off-stage, imagined or heart-stopping fact. The characters enthralled me with their colorful personalities. Their authors blessed them with such unique names as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Mrs. Dalloway, Dr. Jekyll, Don Quixote, Jean Valjean, Philip Marlowe, and Charlie Chan.

Later, while the plots still included mystery and murder, the protagonists’ names changed to Kinsey Millhone, Jason Bourne, Anna Pigeon, Lucas Davenport, V.I. Warshawski, Harry Bosch, Irene Kelly, Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli. In recent years, I've added Lei Teixera and Louise Golden and Pepper Bibeau.

My novels are Mysteries, though they don’t necessarily follow all the rules. If you’ve read the rules on writing mystery novels, then you know it is okay to bend them when it comes to setting, sex of hero (no, not the abstinence or practice of), and two-character per scene limit.

The subgenre of the Pepper Bibeau Mysteries, by my definition, is Soft-Core Investigator, as opposed to Hard-Core Detective. Early in the novel Different in Degree, aka WIP, insurance investigator Pepper Bibeau hastily explains to someone asking for her help: “I’m not a detective or a private investigator. My job is to straighten out complications of insurance claims.” Somehow, though, Pepper’s investigations always lead her into the dark recesses of murder.

Next week’s question: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

And now, five awesome writers whose work you want to watch:

Alison Bruce http://alisonebruce.blogspot.com/ @alisonebruce

Stella Atrium http://speakingincommunity.blogspot.com/ @SAtrium

Richard Weatherly http://richweatherly.wordpress.com/ @richweatherly43

Cynthia Meyers-Hanson http://mchanson714.blogspot.com/ http://mchanson714.weebly.com/ @Hanson8046 @mchanson714

J. A. Schneider http://mindi.authormeanders.com/2012/06/author-j-a-schneider-merging-idea-with-character-in-storytelling/ @JoyceSchneider1

Questions for The Next Big Thing Interview

What is the working title of your book?

Where did the idea for the book come from?

What genre does your book fall under?

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

What other books within your genre would you compare this story to?

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?