Thursday, October 31, 2013

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: James Hayman author of Darkness First

About the Author:
 
Like the hero of The Cutting, James Hayman is a transplanted New Yorker. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Manhattan, he spent more than twenty years on Madison Avenue writing TV advertising for clients like The U.S. Army, Lincoln-Mercury and Procter & Gamble. He moved to Maine in 2001 and decided to scratch a lifelong itch to write fiction and began work on The Cutting. He is currently at work on the second McCabe novel."
 
 
Interview:

What inspired you to start writing?


It was the one thing I enjoyed doing that I was also genuinely good at.  There was really nothing else that filled that niche. I enjoyed skiing and tennis but I really sucked at both of them.  I can’t sing on tune. Or play the guitar.  The idea of being a corporate lawyer makes me break out in a cold sweat.  I do enjoy cooking and am also pretty good at that so being a world class chef might have been fun.  But when I left college I was offered a job writing copy for one of the world’s best and biggest ad agencies.  I took it and had a ball writing and producing big budget television commercials for more than 25 years.


But all that time I always had an itch to try writing fiction.  So I finally did. And it worked.


What inspired the setting and plot in this particular book in this series?


I set my first two books, The Cutting and The Chill of Night, in Portland and wanted to try something different.  


I’d read a couple of newspaper articles about the horrendous levels of addiction to prescription painkillers, particularly oxycontin (AKA hillbilly heroin), in Washington County, Maine. It’s the poorest county in the state with a 2010 average per capita income of only $9,000 per year.  I read one estimate suggested nearly half the teenagers in the county had had problems with the drug.


When an agent with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency told me one of his worst nightmare scenarios would be the smuggling of a large amount of the drug by boat from Canada into Maine, I had my premise.


How if any does Darkness First relate to any aspects of your life?


It doesn’t really, except in the very broad sense that the attitudes and experiences of many of the characters reflect my own attitudes and experiences. That’s what makes the characters in the book seem like real, multi-dimensional people instead of cardboard cutouts.  A number of reviewers have called Darkness First a character driven thriller. I take that as a compliment.


What made you want to write crime and mystery novels as appose to other genres?

Mysteries and crime stories are what I mostly read for pleasure. My favorite authors include writers like James Lee Burke, Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Harlan Coben and Ian Rankin.  So when I decided to try my hand at fiction it seemed only natural to go that route.

 
I loved the characters in this book, especially your leads. Do you have a character that you relate to most in this series?


I like them too. I have a huge crush on Maggie and I think it shows in the writing.  I also like Tabitha.  It was fun trying to capture the voice of a very nerdy, but very determined eleven-year-old girl.  Finally, there’s McCabe. He’s my alter-ego. We’re alike in very many ways.  


How long did it take you to write Darkness First?What inspired you to start writing?


It was the one thing I enjoyed doing that I was also genuinely good at.  There was really nothing else that filled that niche. I enjoyed skiing and tennis but I really sucked at both of them.  I can’t sing on tune. Or play the guitar.  The idea of being a corporate lawyer makes me break out in a cold sweat.  I do enjoy cooking and am also pretty good at that so being a world class chef might have been fun.  But when I left college I was offered a job writing copy for one of the world’s best and biggest ad agencies.  I took it and had a ball writing and producing big budget television commercials for more than 25 years.


But all that time I always had an itch to try writing fiction.  So I finally did. And it worked.


What inspired the setting and plot in this particular book in this series?


I set my first two books, The Cutting and The Chill of Night, in Portland and wanted to try something different.  


I’d read a couple of newspaper articles about the horrendous levels of addiction to prescription painkillers, particularly oxycontin (AKA hillbilly heroin), in Washington County, Maine. It’s the poorest county in the state with a 2010 average per capita income of only $9,000 per year.  I read one estimate suggested nearly half the teenagers in the county had had problems with the drug.


When an agent with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency told me one of his worst nightmare scenarios would be the smuggling of a large amount of the drug by boat from Canada into Maine, I had my premise.


How if any does Darkness First relate to any aspects of your life?


It doesn’t really, except in the very broad sense that the attitudes and experiences of many of the characters reflect my own attitudes and experiences. That’s what makes the characters in the book seem like real, multi-dimensional people instead of cardboard cutouts.  A number of reviewers have called Darkness First a character driven thriller. I take that as a compliment.


What made you want to write crime and mystery novels as appose to other genres?


Mysteries and crime stories are what I mostly read for pleasure. My favorite authors include writers like James Lee Burke, Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Harlan Coben and Ian Rankin.  So when I decided to try my hand at fiction it seemed only natural to go that route.



Longer than it should have because I basically wrote it twice. First time out, after about 150 pages, I realized I was making Emily Kaplan the key protagonist of the book. Since I knew it had to be Maggie, I went back and essentially started over.  All in all it took about eighteen months.


Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?


Read a lot.  Write every day.  And silence your inner critic (all writers have one) who keeps telling you that what you’re writing is crap.  If it really is crap you can depend on agents and editors to let you know.


When will your next novel come out?

    If all goes well, in about a year.




LISA'S REVIEW: The Murder Wall (Mari Hannah) DCI Kate Daniels #1

Title: The Murder Wall

Author: Mari Hannah

Series: DCI Kate Daniels

Format: ARC

ISBN13: 9780062323507

Published October 15th 2013 by Witness Impulse

Source of copy: HarperCollins Witness Impulse

Summary:

The Murder Wall: It's where you look death in the face.

Months after discovering a double homicide in a sleepy village, detective Kate Daniels is still haunted by her failure to solve the crime. When a new murder gives Daniels her first case as officer in charge, she jumps at another chance to get it right.

But even more shocking than the brutal killing is the fact that Daniels recognizes the corpse. Eager to prove herself, she decides to keep her connection to the dead man a secret from her team, putting her career in jeopardy as her personal and professional lives threaten to collide.

As the killer continues to claim his victims, Daniels unearths baffling clues in her search for connections among the murders . . . and while she draws closer to finding the culprit, he is watching her.


About the Author:
born
Westminster, The United Kingdom    
website


twitter username mariwriter       

About this author

When an injury on duty ended my career as Probation Officer, I began writing. I am the author of the Kate Daniels series published by Pan Macmillan. My debut, The Murder Wall, was written as a TV pilot for a BBC Drama Development Scheme - before the adaption. The novel has recently been nominated for the Polari First Book Prize. Before becoming an author, I fell in love with scriptwriting and submitted speculative original dramas to the BBC Writersroom. I've also written a romantic comedy feature film that I hope will find a producer one day. In 2010, I won the Northern Writers' Award for my second novel, Settled Blood. I'm represented by AM Heath literary agent, Oli Munson, and live in Northumberland with my partner, a former murder detective.
 

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)



Review:

This was a great crime book. I was so into this book. On the edge of my seat hoping Daniels and her team solved the case before Jo went to jail. I love the relationship between Daniels and Gormley. They were great partners. It made both characters more relatable.

I was so caught hoping for Daniels and Bright to have a chance together. I was completely shocked to find out about Jo. When I did though, so much made since, but I hated the way all of it came between them. Then when Bright found out I was heartbroken for him all over again.

I love a book where I get lost and caught up in the story. If you do too this is the book for you. I loved all the characters and hope to read more by Hannah. Murder Wall is a definite must read.
Rating:

 

 

Check this book out on
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

LEANN'S REVIEW: Twin Souls (DelSheree Gladden) Twin Souls Saga #1

Title: Twin Souls

Author: DelSheree Gladden

Series: Twin Souls Saga

Format: Ebook

ASIN: B004C43HI2

Published November 12th 2010 by createspace

Summary:


He avoids her because of the strange physical pain he feels when they touch. She avoids him because the way everyone seems to do what he says scares her. But when Claire needs to escape a bad situation Uriah is the first person she thinks of, and he is eager to rescue her. Faced with each other for the first time, both Uriah and Claire find it impossible to listen to their fears and stay away from one another. They soon find out, though, that there is more than they ever thought possible trying to keep them apart.


Following tradition the pair approaches the Elders of their Tewa tribe to ask permission to marry. Everyone is shocked when the shaman refuses them, claiming they are not Twin Souls. Confused and angry Uriah refuses to listen, and promises them that he will never abandon Claire. When Claire is poisoned by her vindictive father his resolve is tested. Ancient Native American myths and legends spring into reality, doing everything they can to keep Uriah from saving Claire’s life, while beginning to reveal the truth behind the lies he has been told all his life.

(Image and information courtesy of 
Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)
Review:

I bought this book with the thought that it might be about twins. I was disappointed in that sense... However I loved the story! The characters were well thought of and written beautifully. I really enjoyed this book.

I have now bought the next two books so that I can continue the love that I had for this first book. Hopefully I will pick them up soon. I loved the idea behind this story. It was very unique. I found myself completely wrapped up in the story line.

Uriah and Claire are great characters. I wanted them to fight beyond all means to be together. I am also very curious to see where Uriah's story leads next. I really liked the background and depth to this book. Looking forward to reading on.

Rating:
 
 
 

LISA'S REVIEW: Hush, Hush (Becca Fitzpatrick) Hush, Hush #1

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush

Format: Hardcover

ISBN13: 9781416989417

Published October 13th 2009 by Simon & Schuster BFYR

Summary:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE


Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.


(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

A YA dream come true. To me the perfect YA fantasy. The mystery and drama make it a fun read. keeping you on edge and wanting to turn pages faster to find out more.

I love the back and forth between Nora and Patch. Vee is the crazy  best friend we all have. The book is relatable to most, but an escape to all. And who wouldn't want to escape into the world with the sexy and irresistible Patch Cipriano. I love the ending and how it leaves us wanting to find out what's next.

Fitzpatrick did a beautiful job setting up this world of Fallen Angels. This is one of my favorite books. A must read for any YA fan.

Rating:
 
 
 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

LISA'S REVIEW: As Twilight Falls (Amanda Ashley)

Title: As Twilight Falls

Author: Amanda Ashley

Format: paperback

ISBN13: 9781420130393

Published April 30th 2013 by Zebra

Summary:

Photographing ghost towns across the American West, Kadie Andrews takes a wrong turn and ends up in Morgan Creek—a spot that isn’t on the map. It’s a quaint little place, but there’s something off about its complacent residents. And when twilight falls, it takes on a truly sinister air…

Unable to run or to find any way out, Kadie finds herself a prisoner, hunted for her blood. Still more disturbing, her spirit and beauty have captured the attention of the town’s leader—the mysterious Rylan Saintcrow. When he looks into her eyes, she can see his hunger. When he takes her in his arms, she can feel his power. When he presses his lips against hers, she can taste his need. Saintcrow may be the most powerful creature she’s ever imagined, but Kadie knows in her heart that he is also a man. A man who needs a woman. To want him, desire him, crave him. To be his willing prisoner—for all eternity…


"A classic vampire tale of sensual, spine-tingling suspense." --Christine Feehan on "Desire After Dark"

"A master of her craft." --Maggie Shayne

"Ashley is a master storyteller." --"Romantic Times"


(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

I had never read Amanda Ashley before. This is yet another book my wonderful husband picked up for me. I love that he knows just the type of book that will entertain me.

This book was a little predictable but a great read. I loved the idea of the whole town as captives. It was a great twist. this whole book was very entertaining and kept me turning page after page.

I could not put this sexy read down. This is a definite must read vampire tale. Master Vampire Rylan is a sexy man who commands all he encounters including Kadie his town's newest captive.

I love the background on the characters and the twist that make this story such a great page turner. Ashley gives us a wonderful vampire read.

Rating: