Debut Novel – Lit World Interviews

Entitled by Leonard H. Orr, a Review.

Amazon Synopsis:
To protect their lavish allowances, four charismatic sisters in their thirties try to seduce, cajole, and mislead their less well-off neighbor Benjamin, who their father has hired to investigate an attempt to smother him while he was in the hospital recovering from a car crash. Their feckless brother responds by threatening Benjamin with a shotgun, while their socialite mother falsely confesses to the crime. Trying to dominate everyone is their father, a wheeling, dealing, helicopter-flying entrepreneur who is afraid he might have hallucinated the smothering, even more afraid that it might have been real, and terrified that he might be losing control of his family and fortune. Desperate, he implements a devious and dastardly scheme . . .

Played out on the fashionable Connecticut shore and Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the shenanigans of the entitled rich don’t prevent Benjamin from finding the truth, and maybe even love.

Benjamin Gould is not anyone’s idea of a private investigator, nor is he one. Then why does his wealthy, and somewhat obnoxious neighbor force him into such a role without a way out? Benjamin grew up next door to the Cantling family. Yes, an entitled family. The obnoxious neighbor Charlie Cantling’s family of a wife, four daughters and a son to be exact. And entitled fits their behaviors with perhaps the exception of Ann, the middle of the pack, and the girl Benjamin’s been in love with for forever.

Many questions come to mind while reading Entitled, the literary debut of author Leonard H. Orr. is it a mystery? A suspense? A headache for Charlie of… entitled… wealthy brats? Or is it just one big confusion-fest for our man Benjamin Gould, who works for a cyber security company, in the office, and likes it that way?

The answer, as you will likely have determined, simply by my asking the questions, is yes. To which of the above? Just, yes.

As you read the first pages of chapter one of Entitled, the actual first question that comes to mind is… Is Charlie Cantling crazy? The second questions is… is Jody Gould crazy? The first encounter we see is between Charlie and the Gould brothers, Benjamin and Jody. A helicopter versus flare gun face-off in a backyard. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

Some of what shaped my opinion about Entitled:

The following comes back to those beginning questions.

Mystery- Who tried to murder Charlie Cantling, the patriarch of a wealthy family? Was it out of malice or mercy? Did it happen at all?

Headache- What will Benjamin find out when he begins asking questions of the Cantling family and which one will make the sacrifice to sleep with him to get the real reason he’s asking those questions? Will one of them try to murder him before he finds out too much?

Suspense- And what happens at the end? Who gets the gold mine and who gets the shaft? Which does our man Benjamin get? After all, he’s promised a nice paycheck for his services that will save him from selling his family home.

For me, with Entitled, it’s basically about the questions and wanting the answers.

The Book Format:

We see the story through the first person view point. Mainly through Benjamin Gould but also on occasion through Ann and her sister Melanie and even their mother Tessa. This format doesn’t really take away from the mystery aspect of the story.

What do I like about Entitled?

It’s different. The plot twist is definitely new. Did I see it coming? That ending? Yeah, no I didn’t see that coming. But should I have? You know, in a way, yes, I should have. At least part of it. I told you… headaches for Benjamin.

And I really wanted to see what happened to Benjamin. A good guy who deserves a break, something good to happen to him. And that is a sign of good writing. If you care about a character, then the writer succeeded.

What could have been better… for me?

You quickly come to know who Benjamin is as a person. Based on that impression,I felt some of his responses/reactions were out of character. Do what I personally see as odd responses impact the book and the plot? No. Not really. There are a couple that you just let go and move on. But maybe I have a problem because I really like Benjamin and that says a lot.

One other thing I thought could have been a little better was character development or maybe some added layers. Benjamin has some. But the others? I can see them wanting to come out but some just don’t make it or what does make it kind of misses for me. An example would be the only Cantling son, Theo. His layers are like a thick two layer cake, but with nothing between the layers to make it appetizing.

Ann’s character and her depth seems to come out, and comes close, but could be more. Of the Cantling sisters, Ann’s the one I would like to see more of, and maybe learn more about. It would’ve been interesting to know about Nicole, the eldest who lives in Santa Fe. Perhaps another book? Each character fulfills their role in the story so perhaps my looking for more depth in the characters is just me. But with the added development mentioned, I believe the story would have been even stronger.

Why would I recommend this book?

It’s a quick and easy read with some twists that will have you thinking of whodunit or what’s going to happen next. Even when Benjamin’s assignment is over, you still have a question. Do you get the answer? Does good triumph over evil/ego? Does it triumph completely?

Did I solve the initial mystery before the end?

Yes. The clues are right there. It was the only answer that made sense. But it might take a while to be certain.

Would I read this book a second time?

No. I don’t need to. But, I wouldn’t mind seeing Benjamin Gould take on another case. I would read that.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NxnESy

Author bio:

Leonard H. Orr has written for The Village Voice, The New York Times, and other publications. A graduate of Swarthmore College, he has also been an editor and investment manager, where he’s been a witness to the ambition and entitlement and sorrow his novel portrays.

Website: https://www.leonard-orr.com/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NxnESy

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218456153-entitled

11 Questions with Joanne Howard, author of Sleeping in the Sun.

Synopsis from Amazon

When two visitors arrive to the boarding house in India where an American boy is coming of age during the British Raj, truths unravel, disrupting his life and challenging the family’s sense of home. A unique historical angle ideal for fans of The Poisonwood Bible and The Inheritance of Loss.

In the last years of the British Raj, an American missionary family stays on in Midnapore, India. Though the Hintons enjoy white privileges, they have never been accepted by British society and instead run a boarding house on the outskirts of town where wayward native Indians come to find relief.

Young Gene Hinton can’t get out from under the thumb of his three older brothers, and the only person he can really relate to is Arthur, his family’s Indian servant. But when Uncle Ellis, a high-ranking British judge, suddenly arrives and announces he’ll be staying indefinitely in their humble house, far from his prestigious post in Himalayan foothills, life as Gene knows it is interrupted. While his brothers are excited at the judge’s arrival, he is skeptical as to why this important man is hiding out with them in the backwaters of Bengal.

Also skeptical is Arthur. Then an Indian woman appears on their doorstep—and, after growing close to her, he learns the sinister truth about the judge. Torn between a family that has provided him shelter, work, and purpose his whole life and the escalating outrage of his countrymen, Arthur must decide where his loyalties lie—and the Hintons must decide if they can still call India home.

“Sleeping in the Sun is a novel impossible to put down. A cinematic study of imperialism and the scars it has left. An outstanding debut.”—Willy Vlautin, author of The Night Always Comes and The Motel Life

“This is at once a gripping page-turner and book to savor and admire. It will light up your imagination and endure in your mind alongside all the memories from your real life. I was sad to see it end but delighted to welcome this impressive new voice into American literature. Joanne Howard is a writer to watch.”—Valerie Laken, author of Dream House and Separate Kingdoms

You can get Sleeping in the Sun at Amazon.

Imagine you have only a brief minute to tell someone what your book is about. Can you tell us, in two sentences, what your book is about and make us want to read it?

An American boy comes of age in the last years of the British Raj⁠. Little does he know in this turbulent time that his family’s long-standing Indian servant may have ambitions to serve himself for once⁠—for better or worse.

Why did you need to write this story?

I would like to see more historical novels set in non-western countries. I have never seen a novel about Americans in India, so I wanted to explore what a story about that would mean. And of course, I like to think of it as a nice tribute to my grandfather.

Where is the setting for Sleeping in the Sun?

1930s Midnapore, India. Midnapore is a small city outside of Calcutta.

How did the Hinton’s purpose as Christian missionaries determine their place in the white society of British India?

As American missionaries, the Hintons occupy an unusual space in society. They are not well off, as can be seen by their humble living standards, and they aren’t particularly interested in climbing the ranks of British society. The boys are rowdy and rough around the edges, and the house is a bit out of town so they aren’t really included in social circles. The boys also go away to boarding school, which is yet another way they are considered outsiders in Midnapore. The book doesn’t show them interact with many British characters except of course for Judge Ellis, who takes an unusual liking to them.

How do the actual people of India see Christian missionaries in their society and culture during the time of Sleeping in the Sun?

It varied. In my family’s experience, they actually didn’t have much luck converting many people. Often times, if an Indian person converted on their own, they were ostracized by their community. So missionaries had more success if they converted an entire tribe or village. For this reason, my family mainly worked with indigenous tribes. In large urban areas like Calcutta, the attitude toward missionaries and white foreigners in general was less favorable. The Indian people had already pressured the Raj to move their capital out of Calcutta to New Delhi, and that anti-Raj sentiment carried over to missionaries too. However, my family was generally well liked and respected by Indian people in Midnapore, whether they were part of their church or not. Unlike the Hintons who stick to themselves through much of the novel, my family was very involved and did a lot of business with Indian people in the community.

If you were to be one character in your book, who would you choose and why?

I have a soft spot in my heart for Lee, the third Hinton brother. He acts as the voice of reason in the book. He has an easygoing, gentle demeanor and guides Gene as they try to make sense of the events that happen in the novel.

As a former history teacher and historian, I’m always interested in how an author researches to ensure the accuracy of culture and period. What was your process like?

My family is incredible at preserving everything, so I had a lot of firsthand accounts to inform me. My grandfather’s childhood diary, my great grandfather’s autobiography, and stacks of vintage photographs were of huge help, but of course it was up to me to imagine the characters in the way I wanted to and that would best serve the story. But for Arthur’s character, who is an Indian man and therefore outside my own lived experience or personal connection, I just tried to absorb as many works of Indian literature that matched his background and the time period, and two books especially inspired his character: The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian by Nirad C. Chaudhuri and Pather Panchali by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. For setting, I traveled to India in 2018 for three weeks. I got to visit the street where my family lived, their mission’s church that is still standing, and other places that appear in the novel like Howrah Station and the Maidan in Calcutta. Lastly, I had a sensitivity reader who checked for blind spots.

What will connect the reader to the story and make them want to keep reading the story?

The multicultural and international aspect of the characters I hope will appeal to a variety of readers. My favorite historical novels are very immersive and escapist, so I hope that I have also brought the time and place to life well enough. I think I have because in fact, one of my early readers really asked me if this novel was based on my own life. I said, “Do you mean did I live in India in the 1930s?” And then lastly, I think that the novel explores the different definitions of identity, belonging, and spirituality. There is no one right way to be, and the novel offers many answers that can appeal to different readers.

What did you learn about yourself by the end of the book?

Early in my MFA program, a professor said that the story will take you where it wants to go. At first I sort of laughed at that idea, because surely as the author I’m in control of everything, right? But I really did experience the story going in different directions than I intended. I would just get this spark of an idea that was totally different than the outline I had so carefully plotted. So I learned that I’m not as in control as I thought.

Many first-time authors of a book have a problem letting their work enter the world for others to read. I know I did. Did you have difficulty deciding your book was ready to publish?

Not really. Although I did work on it for at least 6 years, I think I was always aware of some kind of finish line that I would come to eventually if I just checked off all these things. Every round of editing was correcting for a different fault, whether it was eliminating passive voice or clarifying character movements, so it did always feel like I had a plan. I guess I was very objective in that sense.

What’s your next project idea?

A contemporary novel that’s a bit closer to home.

You can get Sleeping in the Sun at Amazon.

Author Bio:

Joanne Howard is an Asian American writer from California. She holds an MFA in writing from Pacific University. Her poetry received an honorable mention from Stanford University’s 2019 Paul Kalanithi Writing Award. Her fiction has been published in The Catalyst by UC Santa Barbara, The Metaworker Literary Magazine and the Marin Independent Journal and her nonfiction has been published in Another New Calligraphy and The Santa Barbara Independent. She lives in Santa Rosa, CA. Find out more at her website.

Find out more: https://www.joannehowardwrites.com/

Facebook: @joanne-howard

Instagram: @joannesbooks

SPOTLIGHT: The Longitude of Grief by Matthew Daddona.

Henry Manero wants to grow up. But growing up is seldom the same as moving on. In this poetic and at times philosophical coming-of-age novel, Henry must learn to navigate his inherited guilt and trauma alongside several generations of dispirited loners-among them his absent father, suffering mother, three wild cousins, and bumbling stepfather. When Henry befriends an elderly man, Josef, whose sagaciousness presents new possibilities in life, he wonders if he can escape the trappings of his small town, and of his own mind. Will Henry achieve a newfound sense of self with the help of Josef, or is Josef yet another false star in a constellation of malevolent men with which Henry is surrounded?

Combining the lyricism of Justin Torres’ We the Animals with the kaleidoscopic visions of boyhood in David Mitchell’s Black Swan Green, Matthew Daddona’s debut novel The Longitude of Grief is a tender rumination on the familial bonds that entangle and entrance us all.

Praise

“A mesmerizing read. In The Longitude of Grief, Matthew Daddona traces the complex connections among a boy, his family, and his community. This dark coming-of-age tale explores the ebb and flow of intimacies and betrayals in a small town over the course of the years. A debut rich with melancholy beauty and emotional acumen.”
–Helen Phillips, author of The Need

“A multi-generational coming-of-age story beautifully crafted with language and setting that evoke Tom Drury or Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead. The poetry pulls us in and the finely drawn array of characters keeps us glued to the page until the very end.”
—Bethany Ball, author of The Pessimists

“A lush, sweeping, intergenerational novel that fearlessly takes you into the many conflicting rooms of the human soul.”
—Simon Van Booy, bestselling author of Sipsworth

A Bit More

Matthew discusses the differents of Point of View within the book, along with other topics on the WhatIsThatBookAbout.com site. Q&A with Matthew Daddona, The Longitude of Grief

Want something that will help your really get into the mood of the book? Go to LargeHeartedBoy.com for Matthew Daddona’s playlist for his novel “The Longitude of Grief”.

Visit the Floyd Memorial Library Podcast Youtube channel for Episode 64 with Matthew Daddona, Ghostwriter and Author of the novel The Longitude of Grief.

About Matthew Daddona

Matthew Daddona is a writer and editor from New York whose fiction, poetry, and nonfiction have been published in outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, Fast Company, UPROXX, Amtrak’s The National, Guernica, Tin House, Slice Magazine, and Grammy. His debut poetry collection, House of Sound, was published by Trail to Table Press in 2020. Matthew is the recipient of an Academy of American Poets prize for poetry, was a runner-up in The Blue Earth Review’s 2017 flash fiction contest, and was longlisted in River Styx’ 2021 flash fiction contest. His debut novel, The Longitude of Grief, will be published by Wandering Aengus Press in 2024. He has received grants and fellowships from Craigardan (Elizabethtown, NY), NES (Skagaströnd, Iceland) and the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts (Nebraska City, NE). He is currently working on his second novel and a collection of short stories. For EVEN MORE visit MatthewDaddon.com/about-Matthew.

6 Questions with Gary Born, author of The File.

Leaning into his experience as a preeminent international lawyer, Born weaves an exciting tale that spans Africa, the Middle East and Europe in a relentless pursuit of WWII Nazi intel that will enthrall the reader from the first page.

The File

Enter Sara West, a tenacious botany graduate student on a scientific expedition in the heart of the African jungle. During her research, she stumbles upon a cache of WWII Nazi files in the wreck of a German bomber hidden deep within the jungle. Those hidden files reveal the location of a multibillion-dollar war chest, secretly deposited by the Nazis in numbered Swiss bank accounts at the end of WWII.

But Sara isn’t the only one interested in the war chest. Former KGB agent Ivan Petronov and Franklin Kerrington III, deputy director of the CIA, both have deeply personal reasons for acquiring the files Sara has found.

With two dangerous men — and their teams of hit men — on her trail, will Sara be able to escape the jungle alive?

The File by Gary Born Release date March 28, 2323

6 QUESTIONS WITH GARY BORN

How did having a background in international law shape the planning and execution of this novel?

One of the central themes of the novel involves secret Swiss bank accounts, holding Nazi deposits from World War II. My practice in international law has involved both Swiss bank accounts and WWII assets, which provided vital background for this aspect of the thriller.

You tackle a lot of settings throughout the book, how do you do research to write about different settings and countries? Do you pull from your own personal travel experiences?

I have traveled almost everywhere in the world, for both work and pleasure. I drew on hikes in Uganda and Congo, on road trips in the Sahara, travels in Italy and many weeks in Zurich for the settings in the book. It is never easy to capture the heart and soul of a place in a few sentences, but these travels helped me along the way.

“A thoroughly enjoyable, engrossing thriller with a captivating young, beautiful American botanist at the center of the fast paced action.  Rooting for Sara West as she evades a Russian assassination team through the dense jungles of central Africa – her expedition experience and wits her only weapons in a race to safety - will keep you up past your bedtime.  Can Sara trust CIA operative Jeb Fisher or will the likable, attractive American also betray her trust?  This well written adventure will take Sara from the rainforests of central Africa to the shores of north Africa and on to the cobbled streets of Europe as she struggles to identify friend from foe.  Is it all a trap?  The suspense will keep you guessing and eagerly awaiting a sequel…..”  

– Gina Haspel, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

Sara is a 28 year old graduate student, why did you decide to write a main character with significantly different life experiences then your own?

Sara’s experience isn’t that different from mine, in some important ways. I spent time in the Ruwenzori mountains — without killers on my trail, to be sure — when I was Sara’s age. And I have a daughter who is also from Sara’s generation. I think the character has some of both my daughter and myself in her.

Did you conduct any kind of research to help write the book?

I spent time researching Nazi warplanes and Tempelhof; walked the streets of Zurich, imagining chase scenes; spent a few days in Lucca and the surrounding area, developing Jeb and Sara’s time there. I also researched what FSS and FSB operatives would and wouldn’t have been good at — thoughts that I passed along to Sara for her use.

What do you hope the readers take away from your book?

Many things, but especially Sara’s determination and resilience, even when nothing seemed possible. Her objectivity and resourcefulness. The complexity of Sara and Jeb’s relationship, as it unfolds. Sara’s reactions to her father’s death and fiance’s betrayal. The different forms of malice and evil that Petronov and Kerrington personified, and Sara’s responses to that.

“A taut globe-trotting thriller, as American and Russian intelligence operatives race to hunt down the discoverer of a long-buried secret, told with eloquence and ruthless efficiency.”  

– George Nolfi, screenwriter, “The Bourne Ultimatum”

What projects are you working on next?

Another thriller — “The Priest” — a former Mafia enforcer is posted abroad after giving up his life of mayhem and becoming a priest; by chance, he befriends a former high-ranking general, whose deathbed confession and will sends the priest in search of documents that would reshape the map of Asia, while chased by intelligence services intent on stopping the priest in his tracks.

The File by Gary Born will be available March 28, 2323.

Author Bio:

About the Author

Gary Born is widely regarded as the world’s preeminent authority on international commercial arbitration and international litigation. He has been ranked for more than 20 years as one of the world’s leading international arbitration advocates and authors. “The File” is his debut novel.

Connect with Gary Born on LinkedIn

Interview with John Nicholl

What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?

I wrote ‘White is the coldest colour’ primarily as an entertaining dark psychological thriller, but I also hoped it would play a small part in increasing public awareness of the heinous risks posed by sexual predators.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

The book draws heavily on my working life. Some years have now passed, and that time sometimes feels like a different life; but, with that said, writing the book brought back some memories of real events that were perhaps better left in the past.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Writing some aspects of the book proved cathartic, in that you can control events in books a lot more easily than in real life.

Are there misconceptions that people have about your book? If so, explain.

I think the vast majority of reviewers understood what I was trying to achieve. I have had to accept, however, that you can’t please everyone. The book addresses an emotive subject, and was always going to engender strong emotions.

What do you like to read in your free time?

I read an eclectic range of books, from historical biographies to modern thrillers. I find books written by people who have experienced extraordinary events particularly interesting.

How long have you been a police officer and child protection social worker? Is there anything you can tell us about that?

About 21 years in total. I finally retired from a post heading up child protection services for the county of Carmarthenshire in Wales.

When did you decide to write this series?

The first book tells the story from the perspective of the offender, his intended victim, and the boy’s family. The sequel tells the story in the words of the perpetrator’s wife, and explores issues of domestic violence and manipulation. It answers some of the questions readers are left with after book one.

What is the biggest thing that people THINK they know about your subject, that isn’t so?

When I first worked in child protection it was extremely difficult to convince other professionals, let alone the general public, that a significant number of adults, most of whom were male, posed a significant risk to children. This lack of knowledge was one of the reasons men like Jimmy Saville avoided arrest for as long as they did. That’s changed now, and I think the public have a much better awareness of the activities of this group of deviant criminals. That has to be a good thing from a protective perspective.

What makes your book stand out from the crowd?

While fictional, my books are influenced by real experiences. Readers tell me that that shows in the writing.

Aside from writing, what are your hobbies?

I used to run a Taekwondo club and play squash, but these days it’s yoga, swimming and travel.

Do you have a ritual you use while writing? (During commercials, certain music, etc)

I tend to write until lunchtime, with weekends off; always with music playing.

Are you working on anything presently?

Yes, I’m working on a serial killer thriller, which I hope to finish by September 2016.

What is your writing space like?

I only wish I had one! I write at the dining room table with family life going on around me. Such is life.

Making Dreams Come True

As most of you know, I’ve been working toward publishing my book. As I said in my last post, I’m starting with independent publishing. Here is a tidbit of my debut novel, The Murder of Manny Grimes:

When three young boys stumble into Lieutenant Jim DeLong’s life one night during a winter storm, they claim they’ve seen a dead body by the swing sets of the Columbia County Elementary School. After he investigates, DeLong sees no evidence, not even a body.

But were the boys telling the truth?

With the help of his oldest friend and mentor, former Naval investigator Russ Calhoun, DeLong sets out to find whether Manny Grimes is alive or dead. The further away he gets to the bottom of the mystery, the closer he comes to realize that his own marriage is falling apart.

Delving deeper into the murder of Manny Grimes, Lieutenant DeLong begins to unravel, losing his sense of control, falling into old temptations he spent years to overcome.

Will he be able to move past his own demons and untangle the web of lies before it’s too late?

I’m excited to be talking to a publisher already. However, I’m trying to raise money to offset the costs of publishing my book. As of right now, it’s a major risk for me because I’m unemployed and haven’t been able to find a job. At the same time, I want to start shooting for my dreams. During this difficult jobless time, the thought of my dream beginning to come true is what’s keeping me going.

You may not know me, but I would like to ask for your help in making this as easy and worry-free as possible. Any amount of a donation helps. Beginning at $25, you get a copy of my book (I know, I know…$25 is a lot, but it’s for a good cause!). I also have other giveaways, depending on how much you pledge. When you click the link below you will see all of them!

I have a goal, which includes some funds for marketing for my debut novel, but I hope to earn at least $2000 as soon as possible to get what needs to be done now. My publisher is a trusted indie publisher a personal friend has known for years and is involved in the Southeastern Writer’s Association.

Ronovan can vouch for my authenticity, for those of you who are unsure of giving to a complete stranger. You may contact me for more information (and if you’d like, ‘like’ my FB page, Angela Kay’s Books.) Thank you for your support!

Angela Kay

Click Here: The Murder of Manny Grimes Fundraiser

White is the Coldest Colour #BookReview

File Size: 728 KB
Print Length: 286 pages
Publication Date: May 1, 2015
Sold by:Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00VR8X45W
Format: Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Psychological Thriller

From the author:
White is the coldest colour is entirely fictional, but draws on my experiences as a police officer, child protection social worker, manager and trainer. During my career I was faced with case after case that left me incredulous as to the harm sexual predators chose to inflict on their victims. The book reflects that reality.

The story is set in 1992, a more naïve time when many found it extremely difficult to believe that a significant number of adults posed a serious risk to children.

The book includes content that some readers may find upsetting from the start.

It is dedicated to survivors everywhere.

Review:
White is the Coldest Colour is a gripping, disturbing narrative of child abuse. Dr. Galbraith is a child predator and a character that appear so real within the pages of the story, it’s terrifying. The events take place in the early nineties, where, in the author’s words, many find it difficult to believe that children could be put at risk of adults.

A story such as this is one that can both make you want to throw the book across the room, yet can’t let you go. The scenes are welded beautifully, each as strong as the next. John Nicholl terrifyingly describes what’s happening in such vivid detail, it tugs at your heartstrings. The first chapter alone is one that would make you want to put the book down because you’re in the mind of a pedophile. However, it’s an essential part of the story, one that must be included. The next few chapters show the truth of how a sexual predator appears to the general public.

The characters, primary and secondary, stood out and you really feel for them. You get mad at them, but you can’t help but love them. The only one you don’t love are the ones doing the bad things, but they blossomed in the writing.

While reading novels based on child abuse is not my choice of an enjoyable read, I found that reading it helps raise awareness that anyone, even a well-liked child psychologist, married with children, could be a sexual predator. A lot of parents still, even to this day, believe that their children are safe. But the truth is, this is a dark world in which we live. And White is the Coldest Colour does well in reminding us of that.

The author, John Nicholl is a former police officer and child protection social worker, so he knows his stuff. He wrote this book to help his readers realize the pain and suffering children go through by sexual predators.

I recommend White is the Coldest Colour because as hard of a read it was, the story moved forward, the scenes and characters were strong, and it raised important issues, one that people just don’t want to discuss. I can only imagine how hard it is to write a book such as this one, especially when it’s based on the things you’ve seen in your career. I truly look forward to seeing more from Mr. Nicholl.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

John Nicholl’s debut novel: White is the coldest colour, a chilling dark psychological suspense thriller, draws on the author’s experiences as a police officer and child protection social worker. The novel entered the Amazon UK top 100 bestsellers chart after just 15 days, and became one of the 25 most read books on Kindle, reaching # 1 in British Detectives and Vigilante Justice. It also reached # 1 in British Detectives and Psychological Thrillers in France, # 1 in British Detectives and Psychological & Suspense in Spain, and # 1 in British Detectives and International Mysteries and Crime in Australia, where it reached # 10 of all books in the Kindle store. The gripping sequel: When evil calls your name, was published on the 31st of December 2015, and quickly reached # 1 in Biographies and Memoirs of Women in the UK, # 1 in Biographies and Memoirs of Criminals and International Mysteries and Crime in Australia, and # 1 in Violence in Society in the USA.

World-Mart by @LeighMLane #BookReview

Title: World-Mart
Author: Leigh M. Lane
File Size: 683KB
Print Length: 297
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1514105799
Publisher: Cerebral Books
Publication Date: October 13, 2011
Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B005VTN1OC
Format: Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Dystopian Future, Science Fiction

From the author

I wrote this novel in response to the death of Kurt Vonnegut Jr., determined to create not only a dystopia for modern times, but a payment of homage to the genre. Tucked throughout the work, you’ll find allusions to numerous greats of science fiction past, hints to a future world that could easily come to pass, and subtle references to the death of an important and meaningful literary era.

World-Mart follows the classic dystopian trope, and as such, I recommend it to those who enjoyed Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle, Orwell’s 1984, and similar works.

World-Mart is the first in a trilogy, and a chilling story of class segregation, failing energy supplies, food shortages, antibiotic resistant viruses and governmental control over every action and choice made in life. With the way the world seems to be going these days, World-Mart gives a glimpse of a very possible, and frightening, future. It seemed all too real to me.

It’s slow-moving, however, I didn’t mind it because it was at the same time, a quick read. The scenes were put together beautifully. Each character held their own and was very rounded and believable. I enjoyed getting to know them and emphasized with most.

Before agreeing to read the book for a review, I read a review that stated this novel was just a commentary of the author’s rants on the success of businesses, loathing of America, etcetera. After reading, I disagree with that review. World-Mart brings me to mind of The Hunger Games, but better put together, and more realistic. And I enjoyed World-Mart a hundred percent more. I believe that it would make a good Lifetime series or even a mini-series. At the very least, I wouldn’t be too surprised should high school teachers one day decide to have their class read and study its contents for Literature. I enjoyed the ending, which saddened me, but at the same time left me wanting for more.

Still, although the story itself was five stars, there were some imperfections. There was quite a lot of telling, rather than showing, which at times put me off from reading. There were a few misspells and grammatical errors.

Leigh M. Lane followed up with Aftermath: Beyond World-Mart and its prequel, The Private Sector, both of which I would be eager to read.

Overall rate: 4 out of 5 stars.

Leigh M. Lane

“In addition to writing dark speculative fiction for over twenty-five

years, Leigh M. Lane has dabbled in fine arts, earned a black belt in karate, and sung lead and backup vocals for bands ranging from classic rock to the blues. She currently lives in the dusty outskirts of Sin City with her husband, an editor and educator, and one very spoiled cat.

Her published works include traditional Gothic horror novel Finding Poe; the World-Mart trilogy, a dystopian tribute to Orwell, Serling, and Vonnegut; and the dark allegorical tale, Myths of Gods.

Leigh also writes urban and mainstream horror as Lisa Lane: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Lane/e/B002BMI5S4.”

Connect with Leigh on her website.
http://www.cerebralwriter.com.

The Twins: A Psychological Thriller

Title: The Twins: A Psychological Thriller Book 1
Author: R.G. Miller
File Size: 525KB
Print Length: 227
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1514105799
Publisher: R.G. Miller
Publication Date: November 21, 2015
Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B018BREYFK
Formats: Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Psychological Thriller

From the author:

A Gritty Suspense Thriller about innocence lost and darkness gained…What if two thirteen-year-old sisters, who were identical twins; sisters who’d came from an affluent family; twin sisters whose parents had shielded them from all the ugliness of the world; identical twins who’d shared that unique twin consciousness, were suddenly forced to watch the unthinkable: the torture and murder of their parents? What if three years later, these identical twin sisters go on an unrelenting quest for vengeance? This was the fate of 13-year-old Stacey and Jannifer McHill, identical twins who’d survived a living nightmare, but in doing so…they’ve become a living nightmare.

On their 13th birthday, identical twins Stacey and Jannifer McHill had to witness the worse thing imaginable: the brutal murder of their parents. Stepping into the shoes of the twins, it leaves you haunted by the end of the first chapter. As the story progresses three years later, we find that Detective Isis Williams, who is battling a serious anger problem, is hunting the twins who are on a murderous rampage. This is a story where we already know who did it. We just need to figure out the motive behind the heinous deeds.

The narrative tone throughout the story doesn’t seem as dark as it should be based on the story. The tone leaves one with the feel of a story intended for a slightly younger reader in spite of the sex, language and crime scenes. The twin girls, in the beginning, appear to be younger than 13, but I’m able to look past the youthfulness because on their birthday, they should be excited and happy.

However, according to the book’s description, the twin’s lives have always been perfect. Without reading the blurb, I see the twins as just being normally happy, and at the most, eight years old, rather than 13. We don’t know until near the end that the twins were shielded from a painful life.

When we meet Detective Williams, we find that she is a brutally angry woman. We even see her fighting a rookie in her first scene, which seems odd for a woman in her rank in a real world setting. I did enjoy the brief banter she and her new partner exchanged when they first met. And as Detective Williams progresses, her brutal anger turns to dedication of finding the killers.

My main issue with the story is that there were very few breaks in the scenes, if any. It could be the twin’s perspective, then Detective Williams, then someone else in one paragraph. This caused me to reread the scenes a few times to grasp which scene I should be focusing on at which time. Especially since the switches were so quick in the paragraph. There were also some editing errors that threw me off.

We quickly see how brutal, how dark, how gritty the crimes are. The crime scenes bring me to mind of CSI, or even Saw. That being said, a few word changes here and there would have made the narrative more intense. There was a lot of telling, rather than showing.

As someone who has been obsessed as of late reading literature about serial killings, and has always loved reading about identical twins, I thought the idea of this book was stellar. A little cleaning up, it would be that. If you enjoy movies like Saw, then you’ll probably want to give R.G. Miller’s debut novel, “The Twins” a try.

Overall Rate: 3 out of 5 stars

About R.G. Miller

“R.G.Miller, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He’s an avid reader. His favorite subject is Abnormal Psychology. He enjoys classic R&B and Rock. He’s the grandfather of three, and he enjoys picking up a mike and singing a tune or two.

R.G.Miller spent three years working on his trilogy.”If you’re a fan of CSI, Criminal Minds, or Law and Order, The Twins: A Psychological suspense thriller is the book for you.”

The Twins: A Psychological Thriller is R.G.Miller’s first novel.”

Connect with R.G. on his Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/r.g.millerthetwins/

Book Review

by Angela Kay.

A @COLLEENCHESEBRO #BOOK #REVIEW “THE MISTREATMENT OF ZORA LANGSTON” by @REBIRTHOFLISA

Title: The Mistreatment of Zora Langston

Author: Lisa W. Tetting

Website: https://rebirthoflisa.wordpress.com/

ASIN: B00URD7AKI

ISBN 13: 9780996142908

Published: 1 edition (March 15, 2015)

Pages: 163 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Drama, Black Fiction, Coming of Age,

*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, which follows.

At the tender age of nine years old, Zora Langston loses the most important person in her life, her father. This one event, sets off a chain of events that is mind-boggling. Zora is left with a mother who despises her, a sister who hates her, and a brother who does not even acknowledge her presence. The death of Zora’s father is further exacerbated when her mother’s boyfriend moves in and takes his place as the head of the household.

Zora struggles to cope with the harsh treatment she receives, as the youngest child in the family. Naïve as she is, Zora is forced to cope with adult situations that propel her into a new path in her life. Through all of this, Zora remembers the love and the many lessons from her father, while relying on her faith to help her survive.

Eventually Zora finds the love and understanding she deserves from her Aunt and Uncle, who embrace her into their family. Haunted by her past, Zora is forced to face old abusers, and new abusers. Nevertheless, life goes on, and through love and trust Zora is lead to the truth of what it means to be part of a family.

Zora Langston tells this story with all the wisdom a nine-year-old girl can share. The reader lives through her, and experiences what the child goes through on a daily basis. I was visually shaken after the confrontation with her mother’s boyfriend. Zora handles her circumstances with the grace and dignity of a true survivor. I was drawn into Zora’s world. I felt her pain and neglect, and her joy and sorrow. All I wanted to do, was grab this child, hug her, and never let her go!

Author, Lisa Tetting

There is sexual abuse and violence portrayed in the book. However, it is my opinion that the author portrays this abuse realistically through the words of young Zora. This is Lisa Tetting’s debut novel, and I believe she achieves her goal of showing how prevalent this type of abuse is in our society.

I was moved beyond words at the treatment Zora endured. However, I found Zora’s courage and motivation to move forward and heal from her wounds, the most important message in the story. If you love family drama, young adult literature, and stories that give you hope about life, look no further. Zora Langston will fill your heart.

RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 5/5
Made Me Think: 5/5
Overall enjoyment: 5/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5

Buy it at: Amazon
Format & Pricing:
Create Space – Paperback: $10.95 US
Kindle: $3.99 US

Goodreads

@ColleenChesebro

www.SilverThreading.com

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