Category: Thriller

Golden Chapter: And No Birds Shall Sing by E.A. Clark

Jena braves the ghouls to tell us about a spooky new release. Where is her golden handbag?

Beneath the moonlight, I heard whispers of a haunting new release for Halloween.  Shh!  A familiar voice hovered on the silence and thawed the chill a little.

Hello, hello – it’s Jena C Henry.  It’s time to tell you about the latest book in my golden handbag.  Don’t be afraid!

I’ve got a golden handbag
And with a golden handbag…
it’s a golden day…
to read…

I peeked into my golden handbag and glimpsed an intriguing cover. I saw an evening sky showing that mysterious, elusive time between day and night, with a harvest moon rising over an old cottage and the tagline “There’s nothing like a good ghost story…” I gasped and pushed the chapter to the bottom of my handbag and snapped my bag shut. I’m one of those people who always runs up the basement stairs, afraid of what’s behind me in the dark. “Silly, it’s just a book and it looks hauntingly beautiful.” I grabbed the book again and without overthinking, I began to read the first chapter. What’s that chill in the air?

We begin in England, the year is 1725, and the day is “a pleasant one, with the hope of an early spring. Lambing was well underway…”

Soon, we are in the year 1953, again on a tranquil mid-summer evening, with balmy air and a setting sun that had blessed the day. See, this is a charming story, what was I afraid of?

And then we move forward to April 2013, still in England. But, by this time the mood has changed. I begin to read phrases, “harrowing events”, “malevolent”, “something evil”.

Whether the year is 1725 or 2013, something odd is happening at the old Partlowe place. Why are healthy babies dying in their sleep? Why are unborn babies lost? What is this evil face in the mirror, the “distinctly icy…cold, terrible dread”?

As my frisson of fear grew, so did my affection for the characters. We are introduced to a mother and her somewhat unusual daughter in 1725, and to a young teenage couple in 1953. The author was able to make them immediately likable. I truly cared for the husband Sam, and his daughter Cass, that we meet in 2013. They are experiencing a crisis with the wife/mother, Grace, when Chapter One ends in a sad and shocking way.

Jena C Henry

Jena C. Henry

And now I see a problem with my Golden Chapter reviews. I want to know what happens next! Readers, please give us some hints in the comments. Here are some questions to get our discussion going.

  1. The title is compelling. Is it an incantation, a warning, a promise or a threat? What do you think?
  2. The young, precocious girl Cass is blind. I think she may hold the key to solving the mystery of the evil presence at Partlowe cottage. Do you agree?
  3. Do you like ghost stories? Do you scamper up your basement steps when its dark?

Thanks! We look forward to chatting about And No Birds Shall Sing by E. A. Clark in the comments. If you’ve read the book, please leave a link to your review.

A spellbinding paranormal thriller from the best-selling author of Lay Me To Rest. You may want to keep the lights on…

More about And No Birds Shall Sing:

Not all spirits rest in peace… 
Following a personal tragedy, a recovering Grace Clements relocates with her husband and daughter to an old cottage in idyllic rural Oxfordshire. As the family integrate into the seemingly benign local community, they learn unsettling facts about the cottage’s dark past. Grace quickly becomes uncomfortably aware of a menacing presence within their new home.

Stumbling upon a neglected cemetery, Grace and her daughter discover the graves of the house’s previous inhabitants, including those of nine babies. Dismayed to find herself pregnant, Grace suspects she has awoken something truly evil in her new residence. She develops a creeping sense of unease as she unravels the disturbing truth about the history of the cottage and the fate of its occupants.

Who is the sinister boy watching Grace and her family? Are there malevolent forces at work? Or is the mentally fragile Grace heading for another breakdown?

A spellbinding paranormal thriller from the best-selling author of Lay Me To Rest. You may want to keep the lights on…

E A Clark

About the author

E. A. Clark lives in the UK, in the Midlands, with her husband and son, plus a rather temperamental cat, a rabbit and a chinchilla. She has three (now grown-up) children and five grandchildren. She is particularly partial to Italian food, decent red wine (or any coloured wine come to that …) and cake – and has been known to over-indulge in each on occasions.

She has a penchant for visiting old graveyards and speculating on the demise of those entombed beneath.

Whilst she has written short stories and poetry for many years, a lifelong fascination with all things paranormal has culminated in her first novel for adults, Lay Me to Rest. The setting is inspired by her love of Wales, owing to her father’s Celtic roots.

In her second novel, And No Birds Shall Sing, set near the historic city of Oxford, she delves once more into the realms of the supernatural.

You can follow her on Twitter @EAClarkAuthor

 

Please see all the Golden Chapters and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A book from another world in my handbag

It is great to challenge ourselves with new genres, and ‘We Other’ is a dark fairy thriller. According to reviewers, ‘We Other’ is a magical novel to inspire the imagination. ‘In the book you will meet faeries you would never want to meet on a dark night,’ explained, the author, Sue Bentley. Intrigued, I asked Sue to address her readers, and tell us more about her novel.

 

 

Dear Readers – I am delighted to present We Other.

In this extract we meet Jess Morgan, a loner who doesn’t fit in and has few friends. Her life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined.

I chose this extract to introduce Jess, whose story this is. She’s feisty, difficult and street-wise – with good reason – but she’s vulnerable too, with a good heart.

The reader should be tempted to place my book in their handbag because it’s a complex and rewarding read, with many twists and turns which will keep them guessing.  I’m rooting for Jess and I hope you will too, once you get to know her.

Best wishes and I hope you enjoy the extract. Happy reading!

Sue Bentley

 

Words from the book…

And then looking through the opening into the final gallery, Jess caught sight of a large painting hanging by itself. Her breath quickening with excitement, she walked rapidly towards it.

There was a small crowd of people in front of the painting. She could only glimpse details through the shifting bodies, but she knew it was the one. She hung back, wanting to prolong the moment when she stood face to face with that figure wrought from shadows. Leave me alone with it, she thought. Go away. All of you.

Oblivious to the air around her tingling and shimmering, in a way that was beginning to feel familiar, she stared at the painting. As she moved forward, time seemed to shift into slow motion. A slew of sound echoed hollow and discordant in her ears as every person standing in front of the painting turned in a single movement. They looked at Jess with glazed eyes, before drifting sideways in a single body, moving as if in the steps of some tightly choreographed dance, and melting from the gallery.

Everyone else had somehow left too, she realised. She could see people strolling around the other galleries through the archways. But here, she was alone. In the sudden stillness Jess caught her breath. The painting was revealed to her in its entirety. Or as she thought oddly, it revealed itself to her.

She was not disappointed by what she saw.

More about the book…

Jess Morgan’s life has always been chaotic. When a startling new reality cannot be denied, it’s clear that everything she believed about herself is a lie. She is linked to a world where humans – ‘hot-bloods’ – are disposable entertainment. Life on a run-down estate – her single mum’s alcoholism and violent boyfriend – become the least of her worries. Drawn into a new world of rich darkness, she finds herself torn between love, family and a growing sense of a new, powerful identity.

Strapline for the book – Fairies you never want to meet on a dark night.

What the reviewers say…

‘Darkly delicious. Lights the blue touch paper and runs away.’ Peter J Goodchild

‘Absolutely magical. Compelling story and gorgeous writing.’  Freda Warrington – award winning author of 21 fantasy novels

‘Give yourself time. You won’t want to put this down.’ Ruth Webster

More about Sue…

Sue Bentley is fascinated by English Folklore, the extraordinary in the everyday and the darkness that hovers at the edges of the light.

Sue says…

Louis Armstrong says it best – ‘the bright blessed day and the dark sacred night’ You can’t have one without the other.

I always enjoyed ‘real’ fairy tales – not the sanitised Disney versions. For example, in some versions of Cinderella – the ugly sisters snip off their toes to be able to cram their feet into the glass slipper.

I was that kid in a class of pink tutus who was dressed as a vampire bat. I never wanted high-heeled dancing shoes, I wanted sturdy boots to go tramping around forests looking for the shapes of goblins in the trees.

As for characters – Goody, Goody is all very well, but it can get boring. We all love the ‘bad’ characters who do doubtful things – they’re much more fun to write about.

I am intrigued by Sue’s exploration of the ‘darkness that hovers on the edge of light’ and wonder what she presents to the reader in ‘We Other’.  The extract evoked my imagination, and I wanted to know why Jess ‘wasn’t disappointed’.  This novel sounds as if it will challenge the boundaries of the imagination, as it has done for the reviewers.

 

Please see all my extracts at Book Extracts and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

Golden Chapter: Roger Bray’s Blood Ribbon

During this golden season in the UK, I bring you Jena’s latest Golden Chapter from Roger Bray.

During this golden season in the UK, I bring you Jena’s latest Golden Chapter.  She reached down under the table for her handbag and found a thriller by Roger Bray. Roger was born in the UK but lives far, far away on the Gold Coast, Australia.  I am delighted to present a truly golden collaboration across three continents.  It’s time to hand over this feature to Jena, a supportive American author and blogger.

I peered in to my golden handbag to see the first chapter of this Thriller/Suspense Crime Fiction. I want to note that the author included thanks to bloggers and reviewers by name in his dedication section at the beginning of the book. Nice touch!

I’ve got a golden handbag
And with a golden handbag…
it’s a golden day…
to read…

The first chapter is short but packs a punch. The author sets the table which made me want to stay for the main course.

The story is told in the third person. The words are simple and low-key, as they set the tone that something out of the ordinary is happening. We learn that it is near midnight, and an unnamed person is driving across the Nestucca River Bridge. This person is referred to as “he”.

We are not given any physical details about this person, but we do learn that he is precise and careful. He drives slowly, with headlights off, on a trail to the river. He uses a military-style shovel to dig a hole in the sand seven feet deep. He believes he is an expert at covering his tracks. He pulls on disposable latex gloves.

It’s time to hand over this feature to Jena, a supportive American author.

A body is in the trunk of his car, wrapped in a metallic lined thermal blanket. He checks the pockets on the body’s clothing, to make sure they are zipped so nothing can fall out. (Note to Handbag lovers doing mysterious things at night- make sure things don’t fall out of your bag!)

But he does forget about something, although he does his best to fix his mistake. After placing the body in the hole he dug, he is careful to smooth and cover the disturbed sand. These unsettling acts contrast with the description of the gentle breeze blowing off the Pacific.

He appears to be cool and composed. Yet, he thinks several thoughts that are peculiar. As he views the body, he pictures what we assume is his victim as “serene, happy, lovely.” He uses a ribbon to tie the hair of the deceased, making sure the ends are of equal length.

Gold Coast Hinterland

The chapter ends with man examining a “mini constellation of his own making.”

And yes, we must stop here! Ready for some questions?

  1. I’m sure you have many questions based on this first chapter. Who is the man? Did he kill someone? Has he done it before? Who is the victim? Does this first chapter make you want to find out more? What other questions do you have?
  2. What does the title Blood Ribbon mean to you, now that you’ve been introduced to the first chapter?
  3. From the cover blurb, we learn that a young woman is found alive, bleeding and injured. Is she the Chapter One victim or another victim?

If you’ve read and reviewed the book, please share a link to your review in the comments. Thanks!

Happy Reading and Stay Golden!

Jena C. Henry

Roger Bray’s Blood Ribbon

About the Book

When a psychology student survives a brutal encounter, a series of unsolved murders may be her only clue to stop the next attack…

Orphan Brooke Adams has reinvented herself after a troubled past. Now a confident psychology student, she surrounds herself with a close-knit group of friends who won’t let their past traumas ruin their big plans for the future. But when a weekend getaway ends with a bloody, savage attack that nearly leaves her dead on the beach, she’s determined not to let the traumatic experience define her.

When she’s approached by a retired cop turned PI, Brooke is shocked to learn there’s a striking similarity between her incident and a series of killings from 35 years ago. Will Brooke piece together the unsolved beach murders and reclaim her future, or will a clever killer put her six feet under the dunes?

Blood Ribbon is a tightly-woven standalone thriller. If you like dark mysteries, chilling suspense, and survivors battling incredible odds, then you’ll love Roger Bray’s gripping page-turner.

Roger Bray

About Roger:

I served in the Royal Navy, and as a Police officer in Australia. Seriously injured and medically retired I enrolled in university which relit my passion for writing.  Three books published and another on track.  If my writing brings some pleasure into people’s lives, then I consider it a success.

I have always loved writing; putting words onto a page and bringing characters to life. I can almost feel myself becoming immersed into their lives, living with their fears and triumphs. Thus, my writing process becomes an endless series of questions. What would she or he do, how would they react, is this in keeping with their character? Strange as it sounds, I don’t like leaving characters in cliffhanging situations without giving them an ending, whichever way it develops.

My life to date is what compels me to seek a just outcome, the good will overcome and the bad will be punished. More though, I tend to see my characters as everyday people in extraordinary circumstances, but in which we may all find ourselves if the planets align wrongly or for whatever reason you might consider.

Contacts:
Twitter: @rogerbray22
https://rogerbraybooks.com/

 

Please see all the chapters at Jena’s Golden Chapters and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Body in the library and thriller in handbag

Karl Holton

 

 

 

 

From a darkened corner of the room a figure appeared. ‘The Weight of Shadows’ is all he said, before collapsing at my feet; an ornate handled knife buried in his back. What could the victim’s last words possibly mean? 

Greenway House

I met with author, Karl Holton, at Greenway House, and he had staged a dramatic introduction to his new book.  He is an Agatha Christie fan and it seemed fitting to visit her holiday home.  The house is deemed ‘the loveliest place in the world’, on the website, and it certainly lived up to expectation. I marvelled at the glorious view of the River Dart. Appropriately, Karl wanted to conduct the interview in the library. I inspected the library for a body, again, but it was safe.  The light and airy library seemed a fitting place to inspire the great Agatha Christie.  Karl waxed lyrical about the house and gave me some interesting facts about the great author. 

Karl:  Did you know that this house inspired Dead Man’s Folly? It’s one of the Poirot novels and it was the last ever ‘Poirot’ made by David Suchet playing the role of the great detective. They made it right here in the house and this was what she did so well; she adapted what she knew directly into the narrative.

Jessie:  No, I wasn’t aware of that. I love the Poirot novels – they are great fun.  My husband can watch Poirot programmes all day. Who is your favourite TV Poirot? I like Albert Finney. I’m not sure if that was TV or film.

Karl: For me, David Suchet is the quintessential ‘Poirot’.

Jessie:  Of course, yes he was brilliant – he was Poirot.  We digress, can you tell me about ‘The Weight of the Shadows’?

Karl delved into his rucksack.  Strangely enough, his rucksack was full of his favourite Agatha Christie novels, and he proceeded to display some of the novel on the table.  Finally, the actor, who had performed earlier, reappeared with a copy of Karl’s novel. The cover of ‘The Weight of the Shadows’ is modern and suggests a fast-paced plot set in London. 

Karl: At one level ‘The Weight of the Shadows’ is an entertaining crime thriller mystery with plot twists and turns. At another level it is the first six days at the beginning of a series that introduces some interesting characters and a narrative that has subtle and, I hope, thought provoking subjects.

Jessie:  Crime thrillers are always popular.  It’s a great genre to establish a fanbase. What have the reviewers said about your new book?

Smiling, Karl started to recall some of the reviews. 

Karl: “an intriguing plot, thoughtful, profound themes, complex troubling characters, and language that make us shudder for its honesty, clarity, and confidence” – Piaras O Cionnaoith

“irresistible book, impossible to put down” – Bookgirl Sulagna

“a story that is intense and heart-pounding!” – Elaine Emmerick

Jessie:  I’m impressed that you have already commenced your second book. We are in an ideal place to read.  Can you read an extract from the book to tempt the reader?

Karl:  It’s a real privilege to read here in Agatha Christie’s library.

Benedict was motionless with one thought. Never give up.

She pushed the tip of the blade in and under the skin on his chest, near his heart.

Karl: This extract is only a few words, but the importance of these at the start of the narrative is significant.

Jessie: A great choice – you certainly hook the reader into the narrative.  I can tell that you enjoyed constructing the narrative and the characters.  How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?

Karl: The euphoria of finishing was quickly met by the realisation that as an indie author the work had just started. Apart from the marketing, reviews, social media etc. I remembered that I needed to start working on the second book in the series.

Given the second book in the series starts the day after the end of this first book I’ve not really had the opportunity to miss the characters.

Jessie: Who would you like to read your book and why?  This could be another author, someone famous, a friend or a member of your family.  

Karl: If I were choosing an author it would be Agatha Christie. We could discuss the pace of the plot and sub-plots.

If it were someone famous (and alive) I’d ask Stephen Fry to review the book. Within the series I’m going to try to examine and compare some cognitive and emotive subjects through the plot, characters and narrative. I’d really like to discuss these with him.

Karl Holton

Jessie: Why should I keep your book in my handbag?

Karl: Well I hope it has a plot that keeps you guessing and is enjoyable as it begins to reveal itself. If you read some of the reviews you will notice that it’s not clear what the connections are at the start and then the plot arcs entwine; that’s very deliberate.

Jessie: What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?

Karl: ‘Nice nails’ – you’ll have to read the book to see why I might have written that down.

Jessie: What is the biggest challenge for an author?

Karl: This is a really interesting question because it will very much depend upon what type of author you want to be. A full-time author who wants a publisher to do everything for them will have a very different set of challenges compared to an indie with a job who is happy selling a few books a month. I’m going to give you my answer based upon what I am, which is an indie who is trying to make this my full-time job.

My single biggest challenge is becoming known enough so that people take a chance and buy, read and review the book. As an indie author, you have no one to help this happen so you need to do it and this takes a significant amount of both time and commitment. In a world where we have over 200k books published in the UK per year and possibly 1 million in the US, just being seen is a challenge that any aspiring author should not understate.

I have discussed this issue with other authors, both published and indie. Personally, I think many really talented authors will either give up or just never be seen because they get lost in this ‘jungle’.

Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?

Karl: Get an editor.

About Karl

Karl is a chartered accountant who previously worked in financial markets for over thirty years. He has collected books his whole life with a focus on London and crime fiction. He is married with two children and lives in Surrey.

Karl is very animated when talking about his book. It is clear he is dedicated to his writing and is very industrious.  Many reviews say that the book is ‘spine tingling’ and ‘irresistible’   I do hope that Karl’s debut novel is successful and wish him the best of luck with his novel.

Contacts:

Blog = http://karlholton.com

Twitter = @KarlHolton

Facebook = @KarlHoltonAuthor

Email = info@thuja.co

 

Please see all my interviews at My Guests and my blog at jessiecahalin.com

An English Country Cottage and Simple Pleasures

Helen Christmas posting the letter

Folks, I am suffering from cottage envy.  Author, Helen Christmas sent me pictures of her chocolate box cottage, with an English country garden. She has an enviable writing room, with a view.  The colours of her summer garden will lift your spirits. Indeed, Helen’s sunny letter provided me with the desire to write and the need to purchase a new home.  I invite you to retreat to Helen’s life, in the country, via her blog post.  Let’s dream about the idyllic writer’s life…

17th century thatched cottage passed down through five generations

My husband, Peter and I are blessed to live in a 17th century thatched cottage passed down through five generations. We not only love our home but live near close to Bognor seafront. I escaped the rat race in 1999 by which time we had set up a small website design business at home. In summer we spend time maintaining our walled back garden, growing vegetables whilst sharing our home with a beautiful white cat, named Theo (after Peter’s Great Great Grandfather) and doting border collie, Barney.

In summer we spend time maintaining our walled back garden

In the time I have lived here, I’ve become fascinated with the conservation of period property as we endeavoured to protect our cottage. We did come up against the might of our local council who purposefully made planning applications difficult. In fact there was one planning officer in particular whose underlying duplicity astounded me and was perhaps the inspiration behind some of the scenes in my book series, ‘Same Face Different Place,’ a mystery thriller which spans 4 decades.

Working from home gave me the freedom to reflect on life, especially when walking Barney along the beach

I began my writing journey in 2011. Working from home gave me the freedom to reflect on life, especially when walking Barney along the beach; such musings included the various social changes I’d observed. I remember the 70s when Labour were in government and despite the power of the trade unions and strikes, there was more camaraderie. People looked out for each other. Next came the 80s. As a student, it was an exciting time, the clothes, the outrageous styles and the music; a time when everyone craved more money but sadly, it turned into an era of greed. With less compassion in society, it makes me wonder if people forgot life’s simple pleasures, something that our home has made us appreciate. It made me want to write a novel that embraced all these different decades.

I have always loved reading and cannot deny the influence of certain authors: Leslie Pearse for her loveable characters and unforgettable stories; Martina Cole who opened my eyes to a world of psychopathic gangsters. But most poignant of all was Ken Follet’s ‘Pillars of the Earth’ a saga which explored the conflict of Medieval times and the impact wielded by men in power.

Going back to my own writing, once started, I began to get up at dawn to get at least a couple of hours in before work. Much of my writing takes place in our peaceful office with Barney curled up at my feet and nothing but the cry of gulls on the beach.

Whilst thinking about my writing space, there is just one more thing I would like to mention; there is a very special picture in the office of Peter’s ancestors, all of whom lived in this cottage. In fact this inspired a particular scene in my second book ‘Visions.’

In fact this inspired a particular scene in my second book ‘Visions.’

The misty faces of three generations (including their father, just a baby at the time) added an element of comfort to the atmosphere and even though the sepia-toned picture contained an eerie quality, it emitted the sense that someone was watching over them.

I definitely feel something when I gaze at that picture; it breathes a sense of nostalgia into my world and feels very reassuring, which is wonderful for a writer…

Helen is certainly blessed with inspiration, and it is wonderful she appreciates her life.  Helen writes romantic suspense.  She has written a saga spanning decades.  Her work sounds fascinating.  Interesting, how the environment and experiences make us and inspire us.  Many thanks to Helen for writing to my blog.

About Helen

Helen Christmas enjoying her life

Helen J. Christmas lives on the south coast of Sussex in a very old thatched cottage with her husband. With a love of writing since childhood, she started her decade spanning thriller series ‘Same Face Different Place‘ in 2011. Her first book ‘Beginnings,’ set in 1970s London, combines romantic suspense with a hard-hitting conspiracy thriller.

Writing is something she juggles around family and social life. Helen is self employed and enjoys running a web design company from home with her husband, accompanied by their faithful border collie and a fluffy white cat.

We have busy lives and among my many hats, I am a writer, a blogger, photographer and website designer. I love networking with other authors and readers and when I’m not engrossed in work, I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading books, films and fine wines.

The Series: Same Face Different Place

Same Face Different Place is a mystery suspense thriller, set across 4 decades. The first book ‘Beginnings’ is based in 1970s London against a backdrop of organised crime and police cover-ups. Part thriller and part romance, it has been likened to books by Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers and received some pleasing reviews.

The next part of the saga, ‘Visions’ resonates through the 80s, packed with nostalgia from the music and fashion to the politics under Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Book 3 ‘Pleasures’ continues where ‘Visions’ left off, a thrilling coming of age story, where the younger generation are drawn to designer drugs and raves. This book ends with a dramatic trial at the Old Bailey, where pieces of the mystery are unpicked and justice is served…

But nothing is straight forward with this complex cast of characters; as the main heroine, Eleanor, must once again protect her family from the evils of her enemies. The final episode, ‘Retribution’ concludes with a terrifying campaign of revenge and is published in 2 parts, ‘Retribution – Phase 1’ and ‘Retribution – End Game.’ With the characters reunited in an epilogue in 2012, I am pleased to say, the series was completed in summer 2017.

 

Please see all my guests’ posts at Mail from the Creative Community and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Veronica Cline Barton’s Golden Chapter

Golden Chapter Review

Do you like my new crown? I thought I’d wear it for this royal celebration.

It’s time for an almost royal welcome for Veronica Cline Barton.  Having found a gold tiara to accessorize with Jena’s latest addition to her Golden Chapter, I’m ready to meet Veronica Cline Barton’s characters and offer a genteel curtsey.  On second thoughts, I think I’ll sit back and listen from the comfort of my throne.  Has anyone seen Jena?  Ah. I see her walking along the red carpet. Is she wearing a crown?

Sorry I’m late.  I’ve been searching for the next chapter in our Golden Chapter story. Do you like my new crown? I thought I’d wear it for this royal celebration. I’ve recently made friends with many of you in the UK, so I chose The Crown for Castlewood Manor for my Golden Chapter Review. A charming heroine with American and English roots, a stately home, a titled gentleman, and a cozy mystery- sounds Golden to me!

The Crown for Castlewood Manor

The blurb for Castlewood Manor begins, “The English ancestral manor of Cherrywood Hall is ready to compete for selection in an upcoming British TV period drama series.” I know what you are thinking- sounds like Downton Abbey! Yes it does, but I was put in mind of a different TV show, The Patty Duke Show which was an American sitcom that aired from 1963 to 1966.

The premise of the show involved the hijinks of Patty, a rambunctious American teen, and her refined identical cousin from the UK, Cathy. Both girls were played by Patty Duke and as they say, hilarity ensued. The bouncy theme song included these memorable lines,

“They laugh alike, they walk alike,
At times they even talk alike –
You can lose your mind,
When cousins are two of a kind. “
source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/thepattydukeshowlyrics.html

You can see the opening here.

Veronica Cline Barton

OK, I will now close my “golden age of tv handbag” and get to the First Chapter Review of The Crown for Castlewood Manor by Veronica Cline Barton.

The first chapter, Beaches of Malibu, August, is fun and well-written as we meet the heroine of the book, Gemma. She gives us a succinct summary of her life:

“My name is Gemma Alexandra Lancaster Phillips, and I’m a twenty-seven-year-old California girl, born and bred. I was newly awarded my PhD. I have an American Lancaster family and an English Lancaster family.”

Aha! And as we soon learn, the British side of the family needs Gemma’s help. A Marquess and a stately home, Castlewood Manor are involved. (In addition to almost-royalty on the English side, Gemma’s Ma-ma is a successful American film star.)

The latest book in the series; The Crown for Castlewood Manor – Deadly Receptions

We are also treated to an intro to the California nature of our girl Gemma. Whether she is dining at an upscale Malibu bistro, confronting a misbehaving boyfriend, or howling at the moon, Gemma wants to make her own mark. But does she really know what awaits her at Castlewood Manor?

Sounds like a golden beginning to an intriguing cozy mystery. (Or cosy, for my British friends.) Gemma is smart, beautiful and lively, with a tinge of self-doubt. Get to know Gemma and her English cousins!

Victoria Cline Barton’s Golden Handbag

Many thanks to Jessie Cahalin for letting me browse her Handbag Gallery. If you have read The Crown for Castlewood Manor, we’d love to hear from you in the comments. Haven’t read the book? Then let’s discuss it! Here are some questions to get us started.

  1. Have you visited a stately home in America or the UK? Do you have a favorite?
  2. Are you good at solving cozy mysteries as you read them?
  3. I liked Gemma’s attributes. What makes a good protagonist?

Jena C. Henry, Jan. 2, 2019

 

Please see all my Golden Chapters and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

Does the Camera Lie?

‘Alex made the images look like big cartwheels bursting with droplets of fresh juice’

Determined to confuse my senses, Susan Willis has sent me her take on a foodie extract. The fruit is alive with colour but isn’t as delicious as it seems.  Let Susan tempt you another cheeky extract from The Girl in the Dark.  Find out if all is well and whether the kitchen is too hot.

 

‘Kim sliced large Jaffa oranges and bright, full Sicilian lemons’

Kim sliced large Jaffa oranges and bright, full Sicilian lemons while Alex made the images look like big cartwheels bursting with droplets of fresh juice. He’s such a clever guy, she thought.

She began to peel a kiwi fruit while Alex watched. He grinned at her. ‘I haven’t had this much fun for ages,’ he teased. ‘What do you think about this, Kim?’    

‘Hmm, not a shade of lipstick I’ve ever used before, but, I suppose there’s always a first time for everything?’

Kim giggled. ‘Hmm, not a shade of lipstick I’ve ever used before, but, I suppose there’s always a first time for everything?’

Alex stared into at her mouth. ‘Maybe not, but you do have those big kissable lips!’

She felt her cheeks flush and touched her bottom lip. It feels as though I’m in some type of trance, she thought, and knew for certain that she was falling for this guy in a big way.

‘Let’s see what this pineapple looks like when sliced?’

Kim shook herself. ‘Let’s see what this pineapple looks like when sliced?’                        

Alex danced a little jig from one of his big loafers to another. ‘God, I love it when a plan comes together.’

Kim laughed at the sight of his huge feet skipping lightly.

Alex placed three apples together, but Kim frowned knowing the image didn’t look original compared to the rest of the work.

Touching his arm, she suggested, ‘How about if we make long rows of the apples?’

‘But maybe the first one could be cut in half to show the white crispness inside, or, I could always take a bite out of one of them?’

He nodded as she placed the fruit. ‘Fab.’ he said. ‘But maybe the first one could be cut in half to show the white crispness inside, or, I could always take a bite out of one of them?’

‘What a marvellous team we are,’ Kim cried.

Alex agreed and came up close to her. He bent down to her ear. ‘Not just a pretty face, then,’ he whispered. ‘But more of a very clever lady, methinks.’

‘Oh, I think any stylist can come up with new ideas,’ she said gently shaking her head.

Alex smiled. ‘Aah, but you’re my food stylist and nobody else comes close.’

End of Extract

The Girl in the Dark

About the Novel

The Girl in the Dark is the latest Grip Lit novel from Susan Willis. A thrilling romantic suspense story that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

When Kim goes to old friend, Sidney’s, photography studio to start a new food styling contract she meets his new assistant, Alex. Kim is catapulted from her mournful existence into an explosive romantic relationship with Alex. Sidney, however, is wary. He thinks, there’s something not quite right about Alex, and urges caution.

Will Kim look back and wish she’d listened…

Susan Willis

Susan Willis is a published author of three novels, and five novellas’. She lives in the North East of England surrounded by family and friends. Following publication of a love story about a chef and her boyfriend, she wrote more foodie-based love stories and wove them into her first novel, ‘Yes Chef, No Chef’.

Now Susan has ventured into romantic suspense with her latest novel, The Girl In The Dark.

Set in her home town of Durham City, this storyline is not a who done it thriller, but, a psychological page-turner which she loved writing. We can only hope the heroine hasn’t put her trust in the wrong man?

Best of luck to Susan with this novel.

The heat is certainly on with this great summer read set in a photography studio in Durham. Kim is styling fruit for the new photographer, Alex, but it’s not only the July sunshine that is making her sizzle with anticipation. 

Follow Susan on:
Twitter:           @SusanWillis69
Email:              williseliz7@aol.com

 

Please see all my extracts and excerpts at Book Extracts and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com. 

Raising a Glass to Readers with Lynda Stacey

I received a warm welcome from Lynda at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, York

It was worth negotiating the perilous, narrow streets of York, in my oversized car, to meet with lovely Lynda Stacey.  At the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Lynda greeted me with a warm smile.  When I mentioned Books in my Handbag, she beamed at me.  We stood next to the glowing warm fire to chat about Lynda’s new novel.  Lynda has a special place in my heart, as she is one of the very first authors to present a book in a handbag at the beginning of my journey.

Jessie:  What a pleasure to finally meet with you, Lynda.  Your dress looks stunning.  Thanks so much for inviting me, a humble blogger and indie author, to the RNA Tea. 

Lynda: Jessie you’re so very welcome, and I hope you’ll feel at home.  We started this event three years ago to ensure there was an RNA event in the North.  I really wanted to create a friendly, informal event where everyone could get together, catch up and have some lovely food.   Before we begin, here’s a glass of wine.  I’d like to raise a toast to my lovely readers.

Lynda Stacey’s The Fake Date

Jessie:  A little tweet tells me you just released your new novel, Fake Date.  It’s a dramatic title.  What’s the novel about?

Lynda: Ella finds herself beaten and broken, yet somehow, she finds the strength to survive. Determined to put the past behind her, she vows to find the person responsible for hurting her, no matter how difficult that might be, but during the novel she meets Will Taylor, an editor for a rival newspaper. He’s moved into the house next door and Ella finds herself becoming more and more attached to her cheeky neighbour, while all the time searching for the person who attacked her.

Jessie:  It sounds like a gripping and powerful novel. Your books are grip lit and seem to be love with a gritty edge.  Why do you write in this genre?

Lynda : I love the gritty side of things. I really don’t think that everyone has a straight forward, lovely life and I’m positive that there’s always someone out there trying to ruin your day…. And okay, I don’t think most people live with serial killers, or people who are trying to murder them, but I do think it happens and I do think it gives the book the gritty edge that I love.

Linda raises a glass to all the lovely people who have bought her book. Cheers!

Jessie:  How have the reviewers responded to your latest book?

Lynda:  I have been absolutely blown away with the reviews.  Anne has just stopped me to tell me she liked the book, I could seriously bounce around the room with happiness.  Reviews like this mean so much to me – she is such a well-respected blogger and her opinion means such a lot.

‘I’ve read and enjoyed all the books Lynda Stacey has written, but this really is the one I’ve been waiting for – the one I always believed she could write.’
Welsh Annie

‘This is a great psychological thriller and one where I thought I knew what was going on and then the plot thickens, and I started doubting myself! I would thoroughly recommend this book as it certainly keeps you on your toes from start to finish!’ Boons Book Case

‘From the start to the end I was gripped, in fact I couldn’t put the book down and read it in a day.’ Mrs C Isle

Jessie:  What great reviews, Lynda.  Now, I’m intrigued.  Can you read me an extract?

Lynda: 
Nine hours and eleven minutes …

That’s how long it’s been since Ella Hope was beaten and left for dead. She lies, unable to move and praying for somebody to find her, as she counts down the minutes and wonders who could have hated her so much to have hurt her so badly.

 Jessie: How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?

I always go through a roller-coaster of emotions. I’m relieved that I finally got to the end, and albeit they’ll always be with me, I get a little disappointed that my characters won’t be a part of my daily life anymore.

Jessie:  I know exactly what you mean.  I missed my characters, but they’ve started to hassle me with other tales. I’m ignoring them for now.  Who would you like to read your book and why?  This could be another author, someone famous, a friend or a member of your family.

Lynda: I’d love for my mum to read my books. We lost her quite several years ago, but I’m just certain that she’d have been my biggest fan.

Jessie: It’s such a shame your mum didn’t get to enjoy your books.  Did she know you intended to write them, and what do you think she’d say about your books?

Lynda: She’d always been aware that becoming an author was a dream for me. She was the one that had to sit and listen to the sound of my typewriter tapping away for hours and hours and now that I am published, she’d most probably drive everyone nuts by continually talking about the books.

Jessie: Why should I keep your book in my handbag?

Because it has a really pretty cover lol..! Besides, I’d like to think that you’d need to keep it close by, purely because you wanted to keep reading until it was finished.

Jessie:  That’s a great response and you know how to tempt me with a book. What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?

I don’t tend to keep a notebook. But if I did, it would probably say, ‘Go back to the beginning of the story and double check all your research’

Jessie:  Have you started to write the next book?  If yes, are there any words you can share with us.  I won’t tell anyone.

Lynda: My next novel is based in my home town of Doncaster and has the backdrop of the famous Sand House. A house that had been carved out of sandstone in the late 1800’s. But it wasn’t the house that people were most interested in, it was the catacombs that were carved and led off from the house. The tunnels were vast and had the most intricate of carvings which are now ‘in reality’ lost forever. But being a Doncaster girl, I want to preserve their memory, bring them back… and allow the world to see The Elephant and his Mahout, the most famous of the carvings.

This is the office that I insisted on having. I needed one. I had to have one and I got one at considerable expense. And now… now I still sit outside in the sun, or on the corner of the settee with the laptop on my knee. Ooops x

Jessie: What is the biggest challenge for an author?

Lynda: My biggest challenge is to make the next book better than the last. I’m always striving to do better, to get more 5 star reviews and to ensure that the reader takes a great journey.

Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?

Lynda: To never give up writing. To keep going, even when times are tough and to believe in yourself. There are a lot of days when you could easily stop. But then, something happens, something lovely like an unexpected email from a reader, or just a lovely comment from another author. It’s on those days that you sit back, you smile, you take the advice, and you get to work.

Jessie:  How do you feel about being an author?

I’ve always loved getting lost in a story, my childhood was spent in libraries. So, to find myself writing my own books and getting consumed by my own stories, is like a dream come true. I never, ever thought I’d be in a position to call myself an author and still look at, stroke and smell my books with a look of disbelief all over my face.

Here’s Millie, (the puppy that Ella’s parents bring for her as a gift) In real-life she’s the puppy that belongs to my friend, Kathy. It was her cottage became the back drop to Ella’s home.

I received a warm welcome from Lynda and her modesty charmed me to download her novel.  The invitation to the RNA York Tea made me fall in love with the Romantic Novelists Association.  Like Lynda, the people I met were kind, generous and fun.

More about the Author:

Lynda grew up in the mining village of Bentley, Doncaster, in South Yorkshire. Her own chaotic life story, along with varied career choices helps Lynda to create stories of romantic suspense, with challenging and unpredictable plots, along with (as in all romances) very happy endings.  She now lives in a small hamlet, near Doncaster with her hero at home husband, Haydn.

Lynda’s contact details:
Twitter: @Lyndastacey
Facebook: Lynda Stacey Author
Web: www.Lyndastacey.co.uk

 

Please see all my authors’ interviews at My Guests and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

Spy for a Day

KT Lee, the author

I appeared in KT Lee’s fictitious Indiana Polytechnic campus. KT greeted me on the steps of the foreboding redbrick building.  KT wore her hair in a messy bun and her handbag was jet black with a cheerful purple stripe. We went straight to a coffee shop, but I noticed that I had morphed into an animated character, just like the characters on her book covers – yikes! I was ready for my mission to spy on the world in KT’s novel.

The novel takes place at the fictional Indiana Polytechnic.

Students milled around as we negotiated the long corridors to a student-run coffee shop at the top of the building. Strangely, my footsteps didn’t make a sound and after three steps were in the coffee shop. Furnished with modern plastic chairs and purple sofas, we settled down in a corner.  The musty smell combined with the disinfectant reminded me of my university days. I relaxed as I observed the students with their feet up on the coffee tables and chairs. The students’ relaxed demeanour reminded me of the carefree student days when all I worried about was my coursework deadlines. 

KT handed me an Americano and a chocolate chip muffin. A woman in a smart business suit winked at KT when she entered. Curious, I watched the woman as she turned away, examining her phone.

Jessie:  Great to meet you at last.  I must say I feel right at home in the world of your novel, yet the woman over there looks like a spy.

K.T:  Don’t worry, she’s with the FBI.  She’s just taking a break during her investigation of my character, Dr Ree Ryland.  I am keeping my eye on them both and have got their stories under control.

K.T’s latest novel: Calculated Deception

Jessie:  I’m intrigued.  Can you tell me more about your novel?

K.T: In Calculated Deception, the FBI traces shipments of weapons components to Dr. Ree Ryland’s lab and she becomes the primary suspect in their investigation. When they realize she’s being used as a pawn by an unseen enemy, she turns down their offer of a protective detail and instead offers to help them find the criminal hiding among her friends and colleagues.

Jessie:  Ah, now that makes sense. The book sounds great.  What do the reviewers say?
K.T:  Here are a few comments I’ve received about Calculated Deception – I’m so thrilled to hear readers are enjoying it!

“The book is well written, keeping the reader interested till the end. A thriller, with a smart scientist protagonist, and a romance makes this an excellent read.” – Goodreads reviewer “This story was captivating and kept you interested throughout the book. It was a good mix of thriller, suspense, possible international terrorism, and a little romance. I loved it and will be reading the next one in the series soon!” -Shannon Waugh, Book Reviewer (via Goodreads)

K.T’s lab puppy whose love for tennis balls regularly gives her breaks from writing at night

Jessie:  I am intrigued by the concept of your novel.  Please can you read an extract?

KT: “I’m in. But I want all the way in. If you are going undercover, I want to help. If you have a team meeting, I want to be there. If this is that important, I want to be a part of it. All of it.”

Jessie: How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?

K.T: Excited and a little surprised! Writing a full-length novel snuck up on me a little bit. Calculated Deception started off as a small story idea that I just had to write down and grew into a full-fledged novel over the course of many months. Then, after finishing the first draft, there was quite a lot of editing and more learning to do. However, even before it was even fully finished, I knew there was more to my character’s stories, which is why I chose to write more books and call it The Calculated Series. I waited until three books were ready and quick-released them late last year (Calculated Deception [Book 1] and Calculated Contagion [Book 2] as well as Calculation Extortion, a prequel novella [currently free]). So I haven’t had to miss the characters at all!

Jessie: Who would you like to read your book and why?  This could be another author, someone famous, a friend or a member of your family. 
K.T: My mom reading Calculated Deception and enjoying it is still just the absolute best thing to me. Many people believe that all moms will love their children’s work no matter what, but they don’t know my mom! She will never tell you something is good when it isn’t for the same reason she will tell you if you have broccoli in your teeth. I was quite nervous to have her read it because I knew I would get the honest truth from her, even if it wasn’t good news. When she read the final version and loved it, it really helped boost my confidence that the book was ready to go.

K.T’s novels in the handbag gallery

Jessie: Why should I keep your book in my handbag?
K.T: Calculated Deception is fun, page-turning suspense featuring women in STEM teaming up with government agents to fight crime. My goal is to let you escape for a little while and hopefully even make you laugh as you’re turning pages. Books in The Calculated Series contain elements from spy thrillers with the focus on characters and small community feel of a cozy mystery. There is a little sweet romance as well. When you are stuck in the middle seat on a four hour flight with strangers on either side of you who have claimed the armrests, this is the book you want to read.

Jessie: What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?
K.T: I do a lot of my writing on my laptop so it can come with me anywhere but I have a copy of “The Man in the Arena” taped to the folder that holds my handwritten character notes. I tend towards perfectionism, which can be absolutely stifling for creative work. This is my reminder that I can be brave enough to write books and put them out there!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

Jessie: What is the biggest challenge for an author?
K.T: For me, it’s the simple act of putting myself out there. I’m an engineer, used to forming answers that can be verified by testing or calculations. To produce something that has no right answer and then ask people to review it is quite intimidating! I only joined Twitter and Instagram last year and wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s been a lot of fun to engage with writers, engineers, scientists, and other interesting people. I’m so glad I went for it!

Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?
K.T: Find other writers you can connect with. Not only have they helped me with the technical issues, my small community of writer friends is empathetic and encouraging and it’s been a joy to get to know such great people. Plus, they understand and can laugh with me about all the craziness that comes with publishing!

K.T. Lee is a writer, mom and engineer who grew up on a steady diet of books from a wide variety of genres. When K.T. began to write the kind of books she wanted to read, she mixed clever women and the sciences with elements from thrillers (and a dash of romance) to create The Calculated Series. I am intrigued by the hybrid of the romance and spy thriller genre – it is great to meet strong heroines.

K.T’s contact details:
Twitter: @ktleewrites
Instagram: @ktleeauthor
Website: www.ktleeauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ktleewrites

 

Please see all my interviews at My Guests and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.