A Minute for Mystery

BARK-COUNTER BARK

2012-01-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Max: Remember last summer when we had fleas?

Bubba: (Biting at her paw) Yeah, it was horrible all that itching and scratching. And every time I got comfortable, Mom came after me with the flea comb.

Max: Or Dad vacuumed the rugs and I had to bark at the vacuum. That thing’s like a dog-sucking monster.

Bubba: I have nightmares. And then Mom washed our beds.

Max: And Dad vacuumed the sofa cushions and I had to bark.

Bubba: And Mom gave us baths.

Max: Dad vacuumed behind the dresser and I had to bark.

Bubba: (Shuddering) And Mom slathered more flea stuff on us.

Max: Yeah. I hate that stuff. It burns. Plus all the little fleas are scurrying around screaming “Help me, Help me.”

Bubba: I thought that was you.

Max: Nope, I’m way too manly for that. But you know what I figured out?

Bubba: That the house was cleaner than it had ever been?

Max: No. (Runs in a tight circle, then jumps in and lays a full lick tongue on Bubba’s nose) I figured out that Mom and Dad do a lot of stuff for us. They buy food and walk us and brush us and put those drops in your eye, and brush our teeth.

Bubba: And clean up after us. Like the other night when you ralphed on the bed.

Max: (Looking innocent) Must have been that carrot.

Bubba: That’s the ticket. Blame the carrot.

Max: Don’t get me started on what you did behind the chair.

Bubba: I got caught short. The sun was in my eyes. My rising sign was sinking into Venus. I—

Max: Try the carrot excuse, it worked for me. The point is, we should get them a present or something.

Bubba: With what? (growls accusingly) Have you been banking your biscuits?

Max. No, you’d find them and eat them, anyway. Besides, dog biscuits aren’t recognized as monetary units by financial institutions.

Bubba: (Sitting down and scratching forehead with her paw.) Whoa! Big words from a dog who hasn’t figured out what ‘Max come here’ or ‘Max get off Daddy’s chest’ means.

Max: Like you have room to talk, Miss Sits-In-The-Window-and-Barks-Her-Brains-Out-Even-After-Mom-Tells-Her-To-Stop.

Bubba: Hell-oh oh. It was a cat! On our lawn!

Max: Oh. A cat on the lawn. Well, excuuuse me.

Bubba: (turning and mumbling an aside) Secret cat sympathizer.

Max: (Running to get in front of her) But, see, the point is that Mom and Dad get all stressed out sometimes and sometimes we’re kind of not helping that, so we should do something nice for them or they might start thinking that we’re not worth the effort.

Bubba: (Gulps.) Much as I hate to admit you have a good idea, it might pay off to do something to distract them.

Max: I can dance.

Bubba: Not special. You do that all the time now.

Max: Jump through the hoop?

Bubba: (Yawning) Old hat.

Max: Look adorable?

Bubba: (Gagging) Been there, done that.

Max: Load the dishwasher.

Bubba: (Holding out paw) Really? Really? No opposable thumbs, remember, dufus?

Max: Oh, yeah. The thumb thing. Oooh. Oooh. Oooh. I know what!

Bubba: What?

Max: It’s perfect. It distracts me every time.

Bubba: Not—?

Max: Yeah. It takes my mind off of everything. See next time Mom and Dad are stressed out I’ll just point to the back yard and yell—

Bubba: Squirrel!

Max: (Slams into glass sliding door) Where? Where?

GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY Now in Audio, EBook, and Print

2011-12-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY is bestselling teen ghost and haunted house mystery by R. Barri Flowers, author of DANGER IN TIME and CHRISTMAS WISHES: Laura's Story. Now in audio through Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Also in eBook in Kindle, Nook, Google, iTunes, and Smashwords; and in Print.

Three years after her father was killed, sixteen-year-old Peyton Delaney, her mother, Melody, and new stepfather, Vance McIntyre, relocate to Shadow Bay, Minnesota and move into an old Victorian.

When Peyton begins to have nightmares about the house's dark history and finds herself haunted by a ghostly girl named Caitlyn, she begins to investigate with help of caretaker's cute son, Bryant.

Will they survive a vengeful spirit? Or will Peyton and Bryant be cursed for all time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x95a96FxJIg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6VsHbwMfiA

http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Girl-in-Shadow-Bay/dp/B005GKCMVO/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312919009&sr=1-2

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B005GGGONU&qid=1312919094&sr=1-1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ghost-Girl-in-Shadow-Bay/R-Barri-Flowers/e/2940011956164/?itm=1&USRI=ghost+girl+in+shadow+bay

http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Girl-Shadow-Bay-ebook/dp/B004HO5ZSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1300373483&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Girl-in-Shadow-Bay/dp/B004HO5ZSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301764538&sr=1-1-catcorr

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72563

http://books.google.com/ebooks?id=U9UDGrHamh0C&dq=inauthor:%22R.+Barri+Flowers%22&ei=7jG3TZyaNITyM-eUibMJ

New Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Library-Thing/16422303963?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/pages/Ghost-Girl-in-Shadow-Bay/229922377065025

KILLER IN THE WOODS Now an Audio Book

2011-12-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

From the author of bestselling thrillers MURDER IN MAUI and STATE'S EVIDENCE comes the psychological thriller, KILLER IN THE WOODS, now in audio (Audible, Amazon, and iTunes). Killer dubbed "The Woods Strangler" targets beautiful women in an affluent community called The Woods. A neighborhood watch group is formed with everyone a suspect.

http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Woods-Psychological-Thriller/dp/B005UVLRQU/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1318601678&sr=1-1

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_3?asin=B005UQLM92&qid=1318436808&sr=1-3

Also in eBook in Kindle, Nook, iTunes, and Smashwords.

http://www.amazon.com/Killer-in-The-Woods-ebook/dp/B0050K1GVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1305295587&sr=1-1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Killer-in-The-Woods/R-Barri-Flowers/e/2940012496997/?itm=1&USRI=killer+in+the+woods

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95099

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sQ8Ih-llvU

EDGE OF SUSPENSE: Thrilling Tales of Mystery & Murder Now in Kindle, Nook, and iTunes

2011-12-28T11:46:00.002-08:00

EDGE OF SUSPENSE: Thrilling Tales of Mystery & Murder is a collection of mystery, suspense, and thriller short stories from bestselling crime writer R. Barri Flowers. Tales include "Dinner Crashers," where FBI and Secret Service agents try to stop an attempted political assassination; a noir mystery, "The Wrong End of a Gun Barrel," where a beautiful blonde turns out to be more than a man bargained for; "Vandals," where two teenagers find themselves running for their lives after vandalizing a car; "The Ripper's Rage," where a serial killer of prostitutes in 1888 NYC has been captured only to escape; and "The Phone Call," in which a woman must confront her fears when she receives an unlikely phone call; along with five other page-turning mystery shorts.

http://www.amazon.com/EDGE-SUSPENSE-Thrilling-Mystery-ebook/dp/B006KTI0Z2/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323711195&sr=1-3

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1107953828?ean=2940013833135&itm=1&usri=edge+of+suspense+r.+barri+flowers

PRAISE FOR R. BARRI FLOWERS:

"Gripping, tightly woven tale you won't want to put down. Author neatly contrasts natural beauty of tropical paradise with ugliness of murder and aftermath. " -- John Lutz, Edgar winner and bestselling author of Mister X on MURDER IN MAUI

"A police procedural of the highest order, mixing equal parts Sue Grafton and Jeffrey Deaver with a sprinkling of Patricia Cornwell." -- Jon Land, bestselling author of Strong Justice on MURDER IN MAUI

"Flowers once again has written a page-turner legal thriller that begins with a bang and rapidly moves along to its final page. He has filled the novel with believable characters and situations." -- Midwest Book Review on STATE'S EVIDENCE

"A model of crime fiction... Flowers may be a new voice in modern mystery writing, but he is already one of its best voices." -- Statesman Journal on JUSTICE SERVED

"An excellent look at the jurisprudence system...will appeal to fans of John Grisham and Linda Fairstein." -- Harriet Klausner on PERSUASIVE EVIDENCE

"An interesting blend of classic film noir and rough, modern cinema... Quick action and tight dialogue make it a jolting thriller, but it's also got the psychological tightness of a good mystery puzzle." -- Robert A. Sloan, author of Raven Dance on DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY

MURDER IN MAUI: A Leila Kahana Mystery Now in Audio

2011-12-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

MURDER IN MAUI: A Leila Kahana Mystery, a medical thriller and police procedural by bestselling author R. Barri Flowers, now in audio (Audible, Amazon, and iTunes), as well as eBook in Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Google, and Smashwords.

"MURDER IN MAUI by R. Barri Flowers is a masterful thriller set in the dark underbelly of Maui, with lots of fine action, down and dirty characters, and the vivid details of police procedure one would expect from an author who is also a top criminologist. This is a gripping novel in what promises to be a outstanding series, featuring a truly unforgettable detective in the character of Leila Kahana. A terrific read!" -- Douglas Preston, Co-creator of the Bestselling PENDERGAST series of novels.

"MURDER IN MAUI is a gripping and tightly woven tale you won't want to put down. Author Flowers neatly contrasts the natural beauty of a tropical paradise with the ugliness of murder and its aftermath. Treat yourself to a vacation in Hawaii. You'll want to return again and again." -- John Lutz, Edgar Winner and Bestselling Author of MISTER X

"MURDER IN MAUI is a terrific. Gripping writing, wonderfully rounded characters you really care about, and vivid locations - this novel is a real and rare treat." -- Peter James, Internationally Bestselling Author of DEAD SIMPLE

"MURDER IN MAUI, R. Barri Flowers' debut Leila Kahana mystery, is even hotter than its exotic Hawaiian setting. This is a police procedure of the highest order, mixing equal parts Sue Grafton and Jeffrey Deaver with a sprinkling of Patricia Cornwell at her best Sure to make both Kahana and Flowers household names, MURDER IN MAUI is Hawaii 5-0 sharpened to a dark edge beneath the brilliant sunshine." -- Jon Land, Author of STRONG JUSTICE

Now in audio in Audible, Amazon, iTunes, as well as eBook.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Maui-Leila-Kahana-Mystery/dp/B006ORKD9G/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_aud?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324757180&sr=1-1

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_12?asin=B006O008XY&qid=1324515270&sr=1-12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-asuQ4QdWk

http://www.amazon.com/MURDER-Leila-Kahana-Mystery-ebook/dp/B004LGS7EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1300369002&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MURDER-MAUI-Leila-Kahana-Mystery/dp/B004LGS7EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3TVV12T0I6NSM&qid=1300998166&sr=1-1

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72373

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/MURDER-IN-MAUI/R-Barri-Flowers/e/2940012606358/?itm=1&USRI=murder+in+maui

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MURDER-MAUI-Leila-Kahana-Mystery/dp/B004LGS7EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3TVV12T0I6NSM&qid=1300998166&sr=1-1

http://books.google.com/ebooks?id=C34tllWZfuIC&dq=murder+in+maui&as_brr=5

DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL Now in Audio

2011-12-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL (A Jack the Ripper Mystery), bestselling historical thriller by R. Barri Flowers, now in audio (Audible, Amazon, and iTunes) and eBook. NYC detective pursues deranged serial killer across the Atlantic to London in 1888.

"It gets no better than this! R. Barri Flowers has written another thriller guaranteed to hold onto its readers! It was so gripping that I forgot to breathe a couple of times!" -- Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews

"A compelling and powerful account of Jack the Ripper.... Flowers has captured the sights and sounds of New York City and London's East End in 1888....The action is fast paced; the suspense building to a peak to the finale." -- Barbara Buhrer of MysteryAbout.com

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Streets-Whitechapel-Ripper-Mystery/dp/B006O496W4/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_aud?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324413787&sr=1-1

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_11?asin=B006MY80WI&qid=1324396938&sr=sr_1_11

http://iTunes.com/iBookstore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9lcsp7Vi84

JUSTICE SERVED, My Bestselling Legal Thriller, Now In Kindle and Nook

2011-04-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

From the bestselling author of STATE'S EVIDENCE comes the hit legal thriller and police procedural eBook, JUSTICE SERVED, in Kindle and Nook. Cops go after bat wielding deadly female vigilante with a beautiful judge the chief suspect.

“A clever mystery with many suspects.... Vividly written, this book holds the reader’s attention and speeds along.”--Romantic Times

“An A+ suspense/mystery with a touch of heartfelt romance.... Is not just simply compelling, it also activates reader’s consciousness.... Powerful legal suspense is riveting.”--Fresh Fiction

“This author weaves a magical web, as well as, a tangled one [and] wraps up the mystery thriller beautifully .... Will be recommending this title to many!”--Huntress’ Book Reviews

“Justice Served is a model of crime fiction .... Flowers may be a new voice in modern mystery writing, but he is already one of its best voices.”--Statesman Journal

“The magic behind R. Barri Flowers’ terrific suspense thriller is that the serial killer is in plain sight as the clues are laid out for the audience to determine .... Fans of police procedural serial killer thrillers will want to read this fine tale while anxiously waiting to follow the next investigation.”--Harriet Klausner

“R. Barri Flowers has created a superb mystery .... There’s just enough romance and romantic triangles to keep the interest going. It’s a great book that any mystery lover will adore.”--RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

“This novel has lots of twists and turns and is a very fast read with believable characters and a very tense setting.”--Midwest Book Review

http://www.amazon.com/Justice-Served-ebook/dp/B004RR1RCW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1300367555&sr=1-3

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Justice-Served/dp/B004RR1RCW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3TVV12T0I6NSM&qid=1301321491&sr=1-2

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Justice-Served/R-Barri-Flowers/e/2940012214478/?itm=2&USRI=justice+served

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf5610sG8Zs

My Much Anticipated Tropical Police Procedural and Medical Mystery eBook, MURDER IN MAUI, is Now in Kindle and Nook

2011-02-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

To all my fans, I invite you to check out red hot new tropical police procedural and medical mystery eBook now in Kindle and Nook, MURDER IN MAUI: A Leila Kahana Mystery.

MURDER IN MAUI is sure to captivate you from start to finish as paradise and murder mixes with paradise in Hawaii.

Maui County homicide detective and composite sketch artist Leila Kahana is the protagonist. A Hawaiian native, Leila follows in the footsteps of her grandfather who was the County of Maui police chief. She is tough, smart, sexy, and outspoken.

Leila’s partner is Detective Sergeant Blake Seymour, separated from his wife and pushing to make lieutenant.

Leila and Seymour investigate the execution-style murder of two prominent doctors in an upscale condominium. Larry Nagasaka and Elizabeth Racine are found lying naked in bed in a pool of their own blood. It is learned that they are married, but not to each other, and that the doctors belong to a prestigious medical association.

Assisting the detectives in the case are fellow members of the homicide squad, Detectives Trent Ferguson and Rachel Lancaster, run by Lieutenant Paul Ortega who is contemplating retirement. As they interview suspects and collect evidence, more doctors belonging to the medical association are murdered, making it clear to all that they have a ruthless and determined serial killer on their hands.

Leila, attempting to step out of the shadow of her grandfather and prove her worth to a skeptical Polynesian mother, is determined to solve this case, made more difficult as all the victims have skeletons in their closets.

In the process, Leila's romantic involvement with Seymour, in spite of her conservative upbringing and the fact he still pines for his soon-to-be ex-wife, complicates matters.

What sets this series apart--aside from the lush setting of Maui and its distinct areas that are prominent in the book such as Wailuku, Lahaina, Kihei and Napili--are the colorful, main characters themselves as they painstakingly go through the process of stopping a killer, with everyone a suspect.

The highest form of flattery comes from one's peers.

Some quotes on MURDER IN MAUI from some of the bestselling, award winning mystery and thriller writers in the business:

"A police procedure of the highest order, mixing equal parts Sue Grafton and Jeffrey Deaver with a sprinkling of Patricia Cornwall at her best MURDER IN MAUI is Hawaii 5-0 sharpened to a dark edge beneath the brilliant sunshine." -- Jon Land, Internationally Acclaimed, Bestselling Author of STRONG JUSTICE and STRONG ENOUGH TO DIE

"A masterful thriller set in the dark underbelly of Maui, with lots of fine action, down and dirty characters, and the vivid details of police procedure one would expect from an author who is also a top criminologist. A terrific read!" -- Douglas Preston, New York Times Bestselling Author and Co-Creator of the PENDERGAST series of novels.

"A gripping and tightly woven tale you won't want to put down. Flowers neatly contrasts the natural beauty of a tropical paradise with the ugliness of murder and its aftermath. Treat yourself to a vacation in Hawaii. You'll want to return again and again." -- John Lutz, Edgar Winner and Bestselling Author of MISTER X and NIGHT VICTIMS

"Flowers delivers the goods. An exotic setting, winning characters, and realistic procedural details make MURDER IN MAUI a sure hit with crime-fiction readers." -- Bill Crider, Edgar Award Winner and Author of MURDER IN THE AIR and MURDER IN FOUR PARTS

"MURDER IN MAUI is a terrific. Gripping writing, wonderfully rounded characters you really care about, and vivid locations - this novel is a real and rare treat." -- Peter James, Internationally Bestselling Author of DEAD SIMPLE and DEAD LIKE YOU

"MURDER IN MAUI launches a series detective in a beautiful setting with a thoroughly puzzling mystery to solve. If you love Hawaii or a good head-scratching mystery, you'll enjoy this book. Very entertaining." -- William Bernhardt, Bestselling Author of CAPITOL BETRAYAL and CAPITOL OFFENSE

MURDER IN MAUI: A Leila Kahana Mystery, now in Kindle and Nook!

My Hot New YA Time Travel Mystery, DANGER IN TIME, Now In Nook and Kindle

2011-02-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

DANGER IN TIME is an original young adult eBook time travel mystery, now in Kindle and Nook.

Rachel Crane was just six when her older sister, Brooke, died in a car accident ten years ago at the age of sixteen. Rachel often wishes Brooke were still alive and there for her. That fantasy has to take a back seat to the reality of being sent to stay with her grandmother for the summer, leaving Rachel’s boyfriend, Duncan, behind.

But just before she is to leave, Rachel runs up to the attic where she often goes for some down time. A mysterious antique musical clockwatch literally appears at her feet. She picks it up, feels slightly dizzy, and finds herself transported back in time to the day her sister died.

Before Rachel can prevent the tragedy from happening, she must convince Brooke and herself that she is not losing her mind or caught up in a dream. After saving saves Brooke from her fate, Rachel finds herself back in the future, where it appears as though the whole thing was merely a dream while suffering a mild concussion.

Then Rachel realizes that she truly did travel back in time and that, as a result, changed her sister’s destiny to something even more ominous. Brooke is now killed one week later by an unknown perpetrator. While trying to understand the mysterious clockwatch and its origin, Rachel uses it to go back again to try and save Brooke.

Through the power of the watch, both girls end up in the present with more changes as a consequence. Rachel’s father does not recognize Brooke as having ever existed. However, strangely enough, her Nana does recognize Brooke, but that is dismissed by others due to her age and the early stages of senility.

Rachel has an ally in her boyfriend, Duncan, a science student, who somehow believes her incredible story and wants to help in any way he can. But first they must discover the origins of the clockwatch and the Sisters of Time that it belongs to.

Meanwhile, Rachel, Brooke, and Duncan face danger as the person who tried to kill Brooke ten years ago has targeted her again in the present.

The girls must identify him before he succeeds, while adjusting to life together as unlikely sixteen-year-old sisters.

Fans of Caroline Cooney, Madeleine L'Engle's, Carolyn MacCullough, Gena Showalter, Imogene Rose, Meg Cabot, Ted Bell, Alexandra Monir will love DANGER IN TIME.

Now available in Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook.

My Bestselling Legal Thriller, STATE'S EVIDENCE, is Now in Kindle and Nook

2011-01-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

My bestselling legal thriller, STATE'S EVIDENCE, is now in Kindle and Nook. A must for fans of Grisham, Rosenberg, Fairstein, Scottoline, Bell, and other great legal novelists.

Assistant District Attorney Beverly Mendoza appears to have an open and shut case when she prosecutes Rafael Santiago for the murder of a judge and the sexual assault of his wife in Eagles Landing, a town in Northern California. Santiago was recently released from prison and had a grudge against the judge. But her case against the suspect is put in jeopardy when career criminal Manuel Gonzalez, arrested for the murder of a young woman, also confesses to killing the judge.

As Beverly and Wilameta County Sheriff’s Homicide Detective Stone Palmer try to sort out fact from fiction, a case of mistaken identity becomes a real possibility. Or is it more likely that two violent men with close ties are trying to beat the system?

Further complicating matters is Beverly’s romantic involvement with criminal lawyer turned judge, Grant Nunez, in an apparent conflict of interest. She also battles personal crises, including a father with Alzheimer’s disease.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

R. Barri Flowers is an award-winning criminologist, bestselling crime writer, and the author of more than forty books, including the thrillers Dead in the Rose City, Justice Served, Persuasive Evidence, and State’s Evidence; as well as the bestselling true crime classic, The Sex Slave Murders. His criminology titles include Prostitution in the Digital Age, Street Kids, College Crime, and Male Crime and Deviance.

Visit www.rbarriflowers.com to learn more about the author’s upcoming titles. Connect with R. Barri Flowers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, and CrimeSpace. The author resides in the Pacific Northwest and is busy at work on his next mystery novels: Murder in Maui and Dark Streets of Whitechapel.

REVIEWS OF STATE'S EVIDENCE

“Flowers once again has written a page-turner legal thriller that begins with a bang and rapidly moves along to its final page. He has filled the novel with believable characters and situations.” — Midwest Book Review

“This legal thriller will have you on the edge of your seats. The courtroom scenes are unforgettable and very believable.... State’s Evidence is a must have for any fan of suspense books.” — Shades of Romance Magazine

“An electrifying and enthralling legal thriller that will appeal to readers of Nancy Taylor Rosenberg and Barbara Parker. The courtroom scenes are very realistic and the heroine is someone readers will empathize with and admire as a role model for minorities and women.” — Harriet Klausner

“A well-written thriller with an opening scene that would cause anyone to keep turning the pages.... It’s fast-paced, intriguing, satisfying, and I highly recommend it to you.” — Romance Reader At Heart

“A mixture of murder, mystery, madness and mayhem. The story was well-written and believable, and at times erotic. Flowers inflicted the characters with human flaws, among them the desire for love and revenge.” — RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

“Just when you think you have figured the plot out, R. Barri Flowers throws another curve.... It was well worth the time taken to read it.” — Roundtable Reviews

“Has a varied, multicultural cast of interesting characters, both good and evil.... Plot is clever and intriguing with unusual twists, with the suspense escalating rapidly.” — Romance Reviews Today

“An intriguing story of murder, madness and mayhem, with a slight blend of mystery. Flowers depicts believable characters in this suspenseful legal thriller.” — Romantic Times

My Jack the Ripper Thriller, DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL, Now in Kindle and Nook

2011-01-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

My Jack the Ripper eBook thriller, DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL, is now in Kindle and Nook.

In 1888 in New York City, the search for a killer of prostitutes comes to an end with the capture of Doctor Jack Lewiston, a respected surgeon and madman. But before he can go to trial, Jack escapes from custody and flees the country to London, England.

Brought out of retirement to track him down is ex-NYC homicide detective-criminologist, Henry Marboro. In charge of the original investigation in the “Ripper Murders,” Henry lost his objectivity when his younger sister was one of Jack’s victims. Ultimately his obsession to find the killer cost him his career, his wife, and some time in a hospital for alcohol treatment.

Now on a renewed mission, Henry must find Jack Lewiston and bring him back to America—dead or alive—hopefully before more prostitutes become the victims of the multiple sexual killer.

In the process, Henry develops an attraction for a mysterious and beautiful American nurse, Loraine Broderick, who lives in London. Unfortunately, Jack also has his sights set on her as a target of his madness—in addition to ladies of the night streetwalking in Whitechapel in London’s East End.

Reviews of DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL:

"It gets no better than this! R. Barri Flowers has written another thriller guaranteed to hold onto its readers! It was so gripping that I forgot to breathe a couple of times!" -- Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews

"A compelling and powerful account of Jack the Ripper.... Flowers has captured the sights and sounds of New York City and London's East End in 1888....The action is fast paced; the suspense building to a peak to the finale." -- Barbara Buhrer of MysteryAbout.com

As a criminologist and Ripperologist, it was fascinating to dive into history and a fictional take on arguably the most infamous serial killer of them all!

DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL on sale in Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's Nook.

Happy reading!

R. Barri Flowers

My New YA Ghost Mystery, GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY, Now in Kindle and Nook

2011-01-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

My original YA ghost and haunted house mystery, GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY, is now in Kindle and Nook.

Three years after her father was killed, sixteen-year-old Peyton Delaney, her mother, Melody, and new stepfather, Vance McIntyre, relocate to Shadow Bay, Minnesota and move into an old Victorian.

They are unaware of the house's dark history--fifty years ago, jealous husband snapped, murdering his wife, her lover, and sixteen-year-old daughter, before killing himself.

But when Peyton begins to have nightmares of the crime and is haunted by a ghostly girl named Caitlyn, she begins to investigate with help of caretaker's cute son, Bryant.

As the two delve into the supernatural mystery surrounding the house, they discover that the events that led to the tragedy of fifty years ago are somehow intertwined with the present.

Or, in other words, history is repeating itself and Peyton, Bryant, and their parents are being drawn into a disturbing case of jealousy, possession, revenge, and murder, while seemingly powerless to prevent the inevitable from taking place all over again.

Caitlyn is a sixteen-year old ghost who has had to relive the nightmare of being murdered by her father for half a century. When Peyton and her family arrive at the house where Caitlyn's spirit has remained trapped, she feels a connection to Peyton and knows instinctively that it will take the two of them together to not only free Caitlyn at long last, but to prevent her tragedy from becoming one that Peyton too must endure.

Fans of Meg Cabot, R. L. Stine, Stephenie Meyer, Lois Duncan, Elizabeth Chandler, Francine Pascal, Marley Gibson, Scott Westerfeld, Rachel Vincent, and Caroline Cooney will love GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY!

Now on sale in Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's Nook, and soon to be in print.

Happy reading!

R. Barri Flowers

My First eBook PI Mystery, DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY, is Now on Kindle and Nook

2010-12-01T09:31:00.001-08:00

Hello, all:

I am excited to announce that my very first eBook mystery, DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY, is now up on Kindle and Nook.

A cross between Body Heat and Mike Hammer, DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY is a taut, hardboiled detective novel where nothing is quite what it seems. Dean Jeremy Drake, nicknamed D.J., is a Jamaican-Italian private investigator and ex-homicide detective for the Portland Police Bureau. He is six-five, hip, tough, armed with a .40 caliber Glock, and courts danger and romance with equal abandon. These qualities are put to the test when Drake is framed for murder in the midst of two seemingly unrelated cases. The more he investigates, the more he realizes they are intricately and dangerously connected. It literally becomes a life and death issue as Drake has to use all his detective skills and then some to fit all the pieces together in a deadly, high stakes whodunit and why.

Here's what one reviewer has to say about DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY:

"Rose City is an interesting blend of classic film noir and rough, modern black cinema.... Quick action and tight dialogue make it a jolting thriller, but it's also got the psychological tightness of a good mystery puzzle.... The clues are there and Flowers played fair, giving you a shot at your own observations.... Good book to put on some slow jazz with and relax, letting your brain work on some problems that are nothing like your own." -- Robert A. Sloan, author of Raven Dance

DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY is also in print in Amazon and elsewhere.

Connect with me on Facebook, Twiiter, LinkedIn, MySpace, and CrimeSpace.

Happy Reading,

R. Barri Flowers

www.rbarriflowers.com

Severance Packages

2009-08-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

Severance Packages is the second book in my Jane Doe Mystery / paranormal series.
It's set in Sunbury, Victoria, Australia where I lived for 30 years. I'm now starting the third book in this series, Haunted Heart, which I'm setting in Roxburgh Park, where we now live in a retirement estate. Life is busier here, and it's hard to find a quiet time at home to write! Please check out my website for more information about my books at
http://wendylaing.com and see my featured book Severance Packages at Mystery Authors site. cheers Wendy Laing

Interview with Mystery Author April Star

2009-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author April Star with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, THE LAST RESORT.

A.S.: The Last Resort is book two in my wanderlust mystery series and continues to take us on the RV trip of a lifetime, this time with "Newlyweds" Laura and David. Set in a historical town in Florida, where more than just waves crash up on the shores. A mysterious bottle pulls Laura and David into a twisted honeymoon adventure.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

A.S.: I would have to say it was the trial of the murderer. I enjoyed the research, the way the character’s all seemed to come alive in the courtroom. Justice prevails and I discovered how much I enjoyed being a part of the world of forensics, truth and justice.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

A.S.: I’ve always loved mysteries. Not just in the reading sense, but also in real life. To uncover the mysteries of why and what causes this or that; whether it be something of nature or humankind, I just love to try and unravel anything that just doesn’t quite make sense or that might be mysterious. I also enjoy the adventure, the endless “what ifs” that occur when plotting, and setting up all the twists and turns and red herrings.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

A.S.: Yes. I have written romance, non-fiction personal essays, poetry, and children’s books.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

A.S.: Probably when my mother and I walked in three hours late for a writer’s conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A flat tire detained us, that and the fact that as we waited for a tow truck, my mother insisted on becoming a hub cap collector. By the time we arrived at the conference, we were greasy, sweaty, and the main speaker, children’s author Jane Yolen, was long gone!

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

A.S.: Of course! I’m actually working on two projects. I’m finishing up book three in the wanderlust mysteries, It’s Check Out Time, and I’m half way through Murder in Paradise, first title in my new Paradise by the Sea Mysteries.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

A.S.: Absolutely! They can, of course, visit me at www.authoraprilstar.com, Mystery Writer’s of America, International Thriller Writer’s. I’m also at MySpace and Facebook.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Make a Free Book Trailer!

2009-05-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this nifty(if I do say so myself) preview of Patricia Harrington's mystery novel, DEATH COMES TOO SOON? Trailers like these are gaining a lot of popularity, and can be done easily with little or no money. I've made quite a few trailers like these using Windows Movie Maker...and have created a how-to in order to share the secret with others.

Interested in learning more? Take my free online workshop on how to make your own trailer! In this step by step tutorial, you work at your own pace using Windows Movie Maker to put together a book preview with images, music, voice over, and even live video. Learn how to add text subtitles, fancy special effects, and more--even if you've never made anything like it.

So give it a try! You might be surprised how fun and easy it is to create your own promotional trailers--fun enough to become quite addicting! Good luck.

DIY BOOK TRAILER WORKSHOP

Interview with Mystery Author Steve Haberman

2009-02-02T10:42:00.001-08:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author STEVE HABERMAN with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, MURDER WITHOUT PITY.

S.H.: MURDER WITHOUT PITY occurs in contemporary Paris rife with Extreme Right demagogues. Within this setting is dogged state criminal investigator Stanislas Cassel, grandson of a French propagandist for the Germans during their WWII Occupation. Ashamed of his family’s infamy, Monsieur Cassel avoids anything political. Instead, he buries himself solving small crimes, which he calls his Little Miseries. One Little Misery case is the murder of a pensioner.

Enter a beautiful Jewish woman, acutely aware of the Extreme Right’s present day menace because French Nazis killed her parents during the Second World War. Monsieur Cassel retorts she exaggerates their menace. Only when tragedy strikes does he awake to his blindness and understand a truth: a larger evil beyond his Little Miseries, as the Occupation portended, lurks. This newly found wisdom, tragically earned, propels him on to solving who killed that pensioner.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

S.H.: No special lines. But there are several chapters I especially like…the one where protagonist Cassel discovers a cache of documents vital to solving the case of who murdered the pensioner and a pivotal Paris metro scene. Also the first chapter.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

S.H.: I really prefer thrillers because I like worldly people (journalists, spies, and hoteliers, for instance) and because of the tension a well written stories can generate, i. e. John Le Carre’s Spy Who Came in From the Cold or Alan Furst’s Second World War novels or what I’m now reading, Fall From Grace by the late Larry Collins. Also like some Eric Ambler because he came up with the idea, I believe, of the innocent, caught up in something beyond his experience.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

S.H.: Don’t write in any other genre. Just stick to the thriller genre. That type will keep me busy till the end of my days.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

S.H.: One fault-finding reviewer commented some dialogue sounds like that spoken by the late Peter Lorrie. Not quite sure how that person arrived at that since I can’t remember when I last saw that late character actor in a film. Sometimes reviewers are spot on; other times their comments reflect more about them than about the subject reviewed.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

S.H.: You betcha. I’m working on a second thriller about a contemporary topic, terrorism. Part I takes place mostly in San Diego where the protagonist, a relatively inexperienced CIA agent, teams up with a very experienced local FBI agent, to investigate a double murder in London. Part II takes place mostly in London, Paris, Brussels, and beyond, cities I’ve visited in past travels.

Have the final title plus the beginning, middle, and ending sections. Now I’m working over and over the rough spots.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

S.H.: My own website, parismurdermysteries.com, which is dedicated to mysteries set in or around the City of Light.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Eleanor Sullivan

2009-01-16T01:59:00.000-08:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author Eleanor Sullivan with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, ASSUMED DEAD.

E.S.: After a John Doe arrives unconscious to the intensive care unit of St. Teresa’s Hospital, head nurse Monika Everhardt learns he might be a man thought killed in NYC on 9/11. At the same time a recently remarried widow is in a coma following a vicious beating, and her husband is suspected of attempting to murder her for her money. As complications develop and both patients hover near death, Monika struggles to uncover the truth before her patients die.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

E.S.: I love it when Monika figures it out, her “ah ha” moment. I feel just like it’s happening to me!

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

E.S.: I was a scientist, used to putting together research projects, and every piece had to fit, be accounted for to be sure that no extraneous variables could contaminate the results. Mysteries are the same. I love teasing out all the pieces, making sure they all fit together in the end. And I think everyone likes to see that justice prevails in mysteries, even if it doesn’t in real life.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

E.S.: I write textbooks for Prentice Hall, but mysteries are my love.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

E.S.: Planning to set several scenes in a corner bar in South St. Louis (not the most savory of neighborhoods), I asked my son-in-law to accompany me. Then my grandson wanted to go along. So there sat a middle-age woman, a much younger man, and a child (two of us had soft drinks), watching people pass money to the bartender for their illegal bets when a drunk fell off a barstool. What had I gotten myself in for, I wondered.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

E.S.: Yes, but it’s a historical mystery, the first of a new series set in a strict, religious society in 1830s rural Ohio. In Cover Her Body, a 16-year old girl is murdered because she’s pregnant but the only person who suspects it wasn’t an accident is Adelaide, a young midwife, who puts her own life in danger when she tries to find the killer.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

E.S.: Be sure to check out my website: www.EleanorSullivan.com

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Deborah Shlian

2009-01-03T23:35:00.000-08:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have mystery author Deborah Shlian with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, Rabbit in the Moon.

Deborah Shlian: Rabbit in the Moon is the third novel I have co-written with my husband and also our most ambitious book. It’s an international suspense/thriller that takes place in China, Macao, Hong Kong, Korea, Los Angeles and Washington, DC – all places we’ve either lived in or traveled to many times. Rabbit in the Moon contains at least three main stories:

First, it is the story of Dr. Ni-Fu Cheng, a Chinese physician who has spent his entire career searching for the secret of longevity only to finally face the fact that not only may his discovery NOT save the world, but it could possibly destroy it.

Second it is the story Ni-Fu’s grand daughter- strong-willed Dr. Lili Quan, American born Chinese and medical resident in Los Angeles, who has spent her 28 years fighting against her Chinese identity. When the story begins, her life seems to be coming apart – her mother has terminal cancer; she’s challenged her chief of medicine whose recommendation she needs for a coveted geriatrics fellowship. On impulse, she accepts an invitation to study in China - ostensibly to fulfill her mother's dying wish. But in fact, she’s been lured there. Little does she know that she will become a pawn in a deadly international scheme as greedy and ambitious men vie to gain control of her grandfather's discovery.

And third, it is the story of Chi-Wen Zhou, a young man close in age to Lili, but worlds apart in terms of culture and how they each view the world.

Within the novel, Lili and Ni-Fu and Chi-Wen meet and ultimately change each other’s lives.

Our story is set against what we feel is probably the most tumultuous seven weeks in recent Chinese history: from the rise of the democracy movement on April 15th, 1989 to its fall with the June 4th massacre at Tiananmen Square.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

Deborah Shlian: : One of my favorites is the scene in which Lili returns to her childhood home in San Francisco just after her mother’s death. Her relationship with her mother has always been rocky, but while going through the apartment Lili finds evidence in a memory box her mother kept of a young woman not terribly unlike herself. It is a revelation that makes Lili decide to visit China and learn more about her roots.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

Deborah Shlian: The mystery genre requires a certain discipline in terms of how you tell your story i.e. how and when you reveal clues to solve whatever puzzle you’ve created for the reader and/or your characters to solve. At the same time, a good mystery should have interesting characters that are every bit as compelling as those you might find in a more “literary” novel.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

Deborah Shlian: My very first book was a romance novel that I wrote under a pen name and that was fun. My other published novels, Double Illusion and Wednesday’s Child have been called psychological suspense/thrillers.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

Deborah Shlian: It’s not really funny, but sometimes characters become so “independent” that they almost tell you what they would do in a particular situation. I have written a scene that I thought was fine and then days later, it’s as if the character is talking to me (in my head of course), telling me that the lines he or she is supposed to be speaking aren’t true or the situation just doesn’t work for them! It’s quite weird.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

Deborah Shlian: I am currently finishing the second novel in a soon to be published series featuring Sammy Greene, a 20-something radio talk show host who becomes an amateur sleuth. The first book, Dead Air will be out December, 09. The one I am just finishing is called Devil Winds, date of publication to be determined by our publisher. This series I am co writing with a physician friend in Los Angeles named Linda Reid. Once that is done, Joel and I would like to start a sequel for Rabbit in the Moon.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

Deborah Shlian: My books can be ordered through any bookstore or online. Most are now on Kindle and e-book as well. Check out my website at: http://www.shlian.com

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Jeff Sherratt

2008-11-21T12:56:00.001-08:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author JEFF SHERRATT with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, THE BRIMSTONE MURDERS.

J.S.: THE BRIMSTONE MURDERS is my latest novel in the Jimmy O’Brien mystery series. My books are set in the early 1970s. Jimmy O’Brien, the protagonist, is a fledgling criminal defense lawyer with an office located in Southern California. He’s always short on cash and clients rarely walk through his door. The only cases he’s able to get are those assigned by the courts, cases where Jimmy would have to pull off a miracle to win. He’s ordered by the judge to interview the accused, and at the arraignment bring in a guilty plea. He’ll pick up a fast fifty bucks for his trouble. Of Course, it doesn’t always work out that way.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

J.S.: Jimmy in his past life had been known to tip a few, but had cleaned up his act when he became a lawyer. Now, when out on the town with his friend and mentor, Sol Silverman, he often has to explain why he’s not drinking. From the book:

Now when Sol and I are out somewhere having fun and there is a lot of drinking going on, someone invariably asks why I'm not imbibing. And when that happens, Sol always says, "Jimmy quit. He wasn't a drunk or anything. It's just that when he went out for a cool one, he'd be gone for days at a time. He'd pass out, and maybe wake up in Mexico…at a dogfight." Sol would laugh, then continue, "…in the ring on all fours, snarling at a pit bull."

"I rarely won," I always added.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

J.S.: Throughout the years, I read all of Raymond Chandler’s novels several times and thought how great it would be to write a mystery novel myself one day. After selling my business I wrote one, then wrote another one. But when the publishing bug hit and I decided to get serious about writing I took an extension course at UCLA, wrote THE BRIMSTONE MURDERS, and with this novel I hired a writing couch, Mike Sirota. The MS was picked up almost immediately by the first publisher who saw it.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

J.S.: Other than a few articles here and there, I stick to mysteries.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

J.S.: Like most authors, I often laugh out loud while sitting at the computer pounding out humorous passages. The first time it happened, my wife, Judy, stuck her head in door and saw me all alone laughing like a nut. She wondered if I’d flipped out or something. Soon she started to laugh along with me. She stopped when she read the material I’d just typed out. “What’s so funny about this?” she asked.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

J.S.: I have a new book coming out in late January, 2009 called GUILTY OR ELSE. As I said, I only write mysteries and I’m presently working on another untitled Jimmy O’Brien novel scheduled to be released in 2010.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

J.S.: Of course. www.jeffsherratt.com

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Courtney Mroch

2008-11-07T01:27:00.000-08:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author Courtney Mroch with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, Beneath the Morvan Moon.

C.M.: Beneath the Morvan Moon is a romantic suspense set in the Burgundy region of France. The French have a saying that goes “No good wind and no good people ever came out of the Morvan.” (The Morvan’s located in the Burgundy region.) Basically, my main character, Gretchen Lauterbach, has kin from the Morvan. Her grandmother grew up in Brevard, then fled when the people of her village murdered her fiancé because they believed him to be a werewolf. They buried his head separately from his body to make sure he would not come back to life. On her deathbed, Gretchen’s grandmother gives her a map marking the locations of her fiancé’s graves and asks her to set this wrong right by burying his head with his body. But there are a lot of other people with shady motivations in Brevard at the same time, and Gretchen suddenly finds herself trying to separate more than one fact from fiction in order to keep her life.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

C.M.: I love when Gretchen and Zach, her love interest in the book, are arguing. Zach suspects she’s trying to claim a cloak with the powers of transforming a person into a werewolf and ends up searching her room and creating a big brew haha even though Gretchen keeps proclaiming her innocence. (And getting mighty irked that he won’t believe her.) At one point she tells him, “Believe it or not, Ripley.” It cracked me up when I wrote it because at that point she was speaking through me. That was totally the character talking and the first time that had ever really happened to me. I got a huge kick out of it.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

C.M.: I am not the most avid mystery lover. I fully admit it. I went through a Nancy Drew phase pretty hard growing up, but when it fizzled I leaned more towards horror. But my mom always loved mysteries, and so did my dad, and I felt like I should attempt mysteries for them. Why, I don’t know. I guess because they always admired the writers who could craft such clever plots, and more than anything I wanted my parents to consider me clever, too. For me mysteries don’t come naturally and are very hard to write, but I hope to one day craft one that could be considered clever. Not only by my parents but by the reading community, too.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

C.M.: Yes, I write in horror, romance, and fantasy as well.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

C.M.: I can’t think of anything funny that’s ever happened to me while writing. I have a lot of funny stuff that happens to me that I write about, but I’ve never been privy to a funny writing-related incident. Never been asked to sign someone else’s book at a signing or anything like that. Darn.

M.A.: So, what’s your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

C.M.: I finished a manuscript called The Ghost of Laurie Floyd over a year ago. It’s kind of a romantic mystery too, but like I did with Beneath the Morvan Moon I mixed too many genres together. (In addition to mystery and romance, there’s light horror, fantasy and paranormal intertwined in BTMM.) Or, rather, the mystery doesn’t dominate, nor does the romance or paranormal aspect so no publisher wants it. I’ve had interest but all have walked because it’s not paranormal enough for one place, not mystery enough for another, etc. So I put that aside and am trying to finish a couple others I have started. Both are definitely single genre works, one a horror and the other a romance, so I’m hoping for better luck.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

C.M.: Well, when I’m not writing fiction I am a Senior Blogger for Families.com where I write about the harmony and strife of married life in the Marriage Blog, and about animals big and small in the Pets Blog. For a listing of my articles I encourage people to visit this link http://members.families.com/petscribe/blog. And there’s always my website at www.courtneymroch.com.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Carla Dietz Fortier

2008-10-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author CARLA DIETZ FORTIER with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, SECRETS.

CDF: Everyone has secrets. When Clea Reilly finds a photo among her mother's belongings which hints of a family secret, curiosity gets the better of her. Because her mother's dementia prevents Clea from simply asking for an explanation, she takes it upon herself to delve into the past, where she uncovers secrets both life-changing and dangerous.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

CDF: I would have to say I can't point to a particular moment or scene in the novel that's a favorite, but the setting in general was one I especially enjoyed calling to mind and writing about. Secrets takes place on the west coast of Oregon where I spent two pleasant summers during my college years. Grounding the story in a setting that had personal meaning to me not only gave the story life but evoked a lot of good memories.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

CDF: I've always loved reading mysteries and suspense, so writing in that genre was a natural for me. What could be better than the challenge of trying to figure out "whodunit" before the author actually reveals the culprit? In Secrets, I hope I've kept my readers guessing until the last possible moment.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

CDF: Secrets is my first published novel. Before tackling a novel-length project, I wrote a number of short stories. They've run the gamut from literary to western to romance, mystery and even other-worldly.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

CDF: I was writing a story not long ago and needed a rather vulgar word to fit a character, but couldn't come up with just the right term, so I called my daughter to brainstorm. I didn't realize she would put out word of my dilemma to the guys at the Army base where her husband was stationed. I was embarrassed. My daughter found it hilarious. And, by the way, I got my word.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

CDF: Right now I'm working on Sister Peaks, a contemporary mystery/suspense that has its genesis in a 19th century stagecoach heist during the height of the Colorado Gold Rush. An unsuspecting history professor, trying to fulfill a requirement to secure tenure at her university, finds herself in the mountains of Colorado with a 150-year-old mystery on her hands and modern-day outlaws in pursuit.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

CDF: Presently I have no personal website, but am listed with my publisher at www.authorhouse.com.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Always a pleasure.

Interview with Mystery Author Beverly J. Scott

2008-10-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author BEVERLY J. SCOTT with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, JENA’S CHOICE.

BJS: Jena’s older brother, Jared, was murdered leaving her in charge of the family ranch. When the power hungry next-door neighbor demands Jena sell him the ranch or marry one of his sons. Jena must save the ranch, protect her younger brother and solve Jared’s murder without giving in to her neighbor’s ultimatum. In an attempt to thwart her neighbor, Jena advertises for a husband, hoping to turn marriage into a business deal. Can she shove grief aside long enough to solve her dilemma? Travel back in time to Texas in 1869 to discover Jena’s solution.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

BJS: Moses loaded the rifle. He started to climb in the back of the wagon.

“There’s room up here Moses.” Jena indicated that she expected him to ride up front with her and Randy. Although her friendliness discomfited him, he obeyed, climbing into the seat beside Randy. The wagon created a back draft of dust and an unusual amount of attention as it rolled through the town. Most of the men in this community had fought against the north. Fathers and sons had died. Many still carried a deep hatred for Blacks.

Jena felt their astonished stares, their contempt. She lifted her head and ignored each and every one of them. She thought about acknowledging each of them with a wave or a nod but did not want to inflame more ire by flaunting her views. She already regretted her earlier actions at the restaurant but her stubborn will kept her from withdrawing the advertisement.

Moses balanced the rifle across his lap; he kept his head bowed to hide the gleam in his eye for the outrageous behavior and open courage of his new lady boss.

M.A.: That's awesome! So, why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

BJS: All of life is a mystery and for me that makes it a natural part of any story.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

BJS: JENA’S CHOICE is a historical romantic mystery. RUTH FEVER is a romance with a touch of mystery and my first novel, RIGHTEOUS REVENGE is a mystery with a touch of romance. I just finished my fourth book and it is a contemporary tale of bigotry and difficult to put into a genre.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

BJS: I had just signed a contract for the publication of RUTH FEVER when I discovered that Nicholas Sparks new novel had the same plot line. The stories are different but the plot line is similar. The funniest scene I’ve written is the mock shot-gun wedding in RUTH FEVER.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

BJS: The novel I just finished is contemporary but there is mystery built into the subplot. Eleven-year-old River Rose is living with a black man and her mixed race sister and brother.( Her mother has run off once again ) Because of her living arrangement she is heckled by the school bully. In the midst of this turmoil, River is adjusting to the idea of Ivan as her father. I am actively searching for an agent now. I am a good storyteller and representation will help me make that known. I have started book 5 and am pondering a sequel to Righteous Revenge.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

BJS: http://www.beverlyjscott.com
http://www.authorsden.com/beverlyjscott
http://bookadz.com/
http://mysteryauthors.com
Interviews
http://www.pageonelit.com/interviews/BScott.html
http://www.booksandauthors.net/Interviews/BJScott.html
http://www.bookadz.com/intscott.htm

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Rabbit in the Moon: The Moon Festival

2008-09-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 14th is date for this year’s the Moon Festival (also known as The Mooncake or Mid-Autumn Festival) In Catonese, this mid-autumn festival is "zhong qiu jie” in Mandarin and “Chung Chiu” in Cantonese..

What is it? According to Chinese tradition, it falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar when the moon is at its fullest and brightest for the entire year, an ideal time to celebrate the abundance of the summer harvest. It corresponds to the harvest festivals observed in Western cultures (In Hong Kong, it is held in conjunction with the annual Lantern festival)

In many ways, though, this holiday typifies Chinese Taoist philosophy- the union of man’s spirit with nature in order to achieve harmony.

Although many legends surround the origin of the Moon Festival, most involve the "Lady living in the moon" whom the Chinese refer to as Chang Er.

According to one version, Chang Er lived during the Hsia dynasty (2205-1766BC. One day ten suns appeared at once in the sky, creating havoc. The Emperor ordered her husband, General Hou Yi of the Imperial Guard, a famous archer to shoot down nine of them. As a reward, the Emperor gave Hou Yi great wealth. But the people were worried that the suns might reappear and dry up the planet so they prayed to Wang Mu, the Goddess of Western Heaven to make Hou Yi live forever. That way he could always protect the country.
Their prayers were answered and the Goddess rewarded Hou Yi with a pill or herb (depending on which version you read) of immortality. However, his wife, Chang Er grabbed it herself, put it in her mouth and either disappeared or was banished to the moon. When she got there she found a friendly rabbit under a tree. Because the moon is cold, she began coughing, expelling the pill from her throat. She decided to pound the pill into tiny pieces and scatter them on earth so everyone could be immortal. That’s why it is said there is a rabbit in the moon (referred to in Chinese mythology as the Jade Hare), pounding on the elixir of life. Chang Er built a crystal palace for herself and remained on the moon. During the Mooncake festival, her beauty is said to be greatest. Children are taught that she dances on the shadowed surface oft the moon.
The Chinese have a saying that marriages are made in heaven and prepared on the moon by an old man. According to another legend, this old man (Yueh Lao Yeh) keeps a written record of all the names of happy couples fated to marry and live happily ever after. During the Mooncake festival, people in China try to view the moon in the hope their happy futures are written there. In Hong Kong thousands of red candlelit lanterns made in all kinds of traditional shapes including rabbits, and butterflies, light up Victoria Peak and Morse Park in Kowloon. In Chinese mythology, the butterfly, like the rabbit is another symbol of longevity

Perhaps the most famous legend surrounding the Moon festival concerns its possible role in Chinese history. Overrun by the Mongols in the thirteenth century, the Chinese threw off their oppressors in 1368 AD. Chu Yuen-chang, and his senior deputy, Liu Po-wen, supposedly devised a strategy to take a certain walled city held by the Mongol enemy. Dressed as a Taoist priest, Liu entered the besieged city bearing moon cake, which the Mongols did not eat. He distributed these to the Chinese, advising not to eat them until the Moon Festival When the people finally opened their cakes, their found hidden plans for a rebellion. Thus, the emperor-to-be ingeniously took the city and his throne. As a result the Moon cake became an integral part of the Moon festival. Whether this Chinese version of ancient Europe's "Trojan Horse" story is true, no one really knows. 
What is a Mooncake:

 Mooncake is a special kind of sweet cake (yueh ping) the size of a human palm and prepared in the shape of the moon. They are quite filling and meant to be cut diagonally in quarters and passed around. Traditional moon cakes are filled with sesame seeds, ground lotus seeds and duck eggs. The salty yolk in the middle represents the full moon,
Because of the rabbit and the lady in the moon’s legendary importance, you will often find images of Chang-Er and the Jade Hare stamped on every mooncake. mooncake box, and Moon Cake Festival poster -. 
Although mooncakes used to take as much as four weeks of preparation, today with automation, the process is much faster. Also, today’s creators of mooncakes may part with tradition by adding new ingredients like nits, dates, fruits- even Chinese sausages, A Southeast Asian variation known as “ping pei” or snowskin mooncake is cooked with glutinous rice flour. In some Asia markets you can find a line of ice cream mooncakes from Hagen Daz.
Because they are difficult to make, most people buy then from Asian bakeries beginning around mid-August.

So now you know why we titled our latest thriller, Rabbit in the Moon (by Deborah & Joel Shlian) !!

Interview with Mystery Author R. Barri Flowers

2008-09-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have bestselling mystery author R. Barri Flowers with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, STATE’S EVIDENCE.

R.B.F.: STATE'S EVIDENCE is a spine tingling legal mystery where nothing is what it seems and no one is safe!

In Eagles Landing, California, Assistant District Attorney Beverly Mendoza is assigned the case of prosecuting a man charged with murdering a local judge, Sheldon Crawford, and sexually assaulting the judge's wife, Maxine. The suspect, Rafael Santiago -- who once vowed revenge against the judge for sending him to prison -- is picked out of a lineup by Maxine Crawford.

At the same time Wilmeta County Sheriff's Department homicide detective Stone Palmer is investigating the rape and strangulation of a local young woman, Adrienne Murray. A suspect, Manual González , is taken into custody.

What seems to be an open and shut case for Beverly and Stone is suddenly challenged when González, a career criminal, claims he murdered the judge. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Or two desperate and violent men looking to manipulate the system for their own self interests?

As Beverly grapples with her case, she must balance this with being a single mother of a headstrong 12-year-old boy and the daughter of an elderly father suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Her lover is handsome attorney-turned-judge, Grant Nunez, who has some jarring secrets of his own.

Beverly and Stone are put to the test as the plot thickens in ways neither could have imagined.

The dramatic and deadly conclusion will put both their lives in jeopardy and leave the reader hanging on every word!

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

R.B.F.: My favorite moment in book is when Beverly Mendoza and Stone Palmer meet outside a supermarket on Thanksgiving Day in what is literally a matter of life or death.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

R.B.F.: I love writing mystery and suspense novels because I love reading these types of books. I enjoy the page turning thrills of mysteries and the unfolding drama of investigating the crime and solving the case. I also like getting into the head of the villain as he or she seeks to outwit the authorities in games of cat and mouse where only one side can win.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

R.B.F.: Yes, under a pseudonym, I write contemporary romance novels. As a fan of male romance authors such as Richard Paul Evans, Nicholas Sparks, and Robert Waller, I enjoy a break from the crime fiction by crafting passionate love stories that touch the heart.

I also write true crime books and criminology books, both of which lend credence to my mystery and thriller fiction.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

R.B.F.: My funniest writing related moment was a time when at a writers conference a female reader I was talking to told me excitedly how much she looked forward to meeting R. Barri Flowers and getting her copy of STATE’S EVIDENCE signed to show off to her friends. She didn’t realize at the time that I was the author, in fact.

Once I revealed my identity, we both had a good laugh and I signed her book!

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

R.B.F.: I am currently working on two mystery novels, DEATH CRIES and A KILLER IN PARADISE.

DEATH CRIES is a thriller.

FBI profiler Heather Augustine is assigned to work on a serial killer case with Homicide Inspector Jefferson Talbot in the town of Leopard Lake, Oregon.
The sadistic perpetrator known as “The Foot Fetish Killer,” has murdered three young women thus far, all seemingly at random but with something in common: they are beautiful, single, and recently moved to town.
The victims were raped, tortured, and mutilated--including bite marks on their feet and cutting off toes. The killer’s calling card is a single silver heeled stiletto left by the bodies dumped alongside the road.
Five years earlier, Heather’s FBI agent brother, Simon Augustine, vanished during a serial killer case, was found wandering around naked and in a daze, institutionalized, and eventually committed suicide.
When Heather freaks out after seeing the remains of the latest victim, bringing back old memories, she requests and is given a couple of days off to get her head together. But when she doesn’t show up for work afterward, her superiors believe she let the stress get to her and went AWOL following in her brother’s footsteps.
Heather’s replacement and best friend, Special Agent Diane Valdez, is convinced that she would never have run off and may have been abducted by the serial killer Heather was pursuing.

An expert on serial killers, Diane is determined to step in and finish the job Heather left behind, hoping to find her friend still alive; in spite of the initial resistance she encounters from Jefferson in having another FBI agent looking over his shoulder.

The last thing Jefferson Talbot needed was another FBI agent flaking out on him under pressure. But it wasn’t his choice to have Heather or Diane on the case. Nor did Talbot want to find himself attracted to Diane just six months after breaking up with a woman he’d thought was the love of his life. But he couldn’t help it or the hot romance that soon develops between them in the midst of their investigation.
Grace Marlow is a death specialist who assists families and law enforcement with grief counseling. Grace's latest mission is trying to figure why she happens to know each victim and what, if any, connection there may be to her.

The police are just as interested in whether or not Grace's role in the scheme of things is strictly professional or more personal than even she may realize.

As more women are murdered, Jefferson and Diane must pull out all the stops to try and stop a vicious killer in his tracks.
But they find a killer who is more than their match and determined to continue his reign of terror, while holding captive a pretty and tough to break FBI profiler.

A KILLER IN PARADISE is a police procedural.

In the first of a Hawaii based procedural mystery series, Maui County homicide detective and composite sketch artist Leila Kahana and her partner, Blake Seymour, investigate the execution-style murder of two prominent doctors who were having an affair.

After more doctors belonging to a medical association are shot to death, it becomes clear they have a serial killer on their hands. Assisting with the investigation are detectives Rachel Lancaster and Trent Ferguson.

Leila, a Hawaiian native, becomes romantically involved with Seymour, who still pines for his ex wife; even as Leila tries to help nab a thief, capture a parental abductor, and deal with a home burglary.

Other characters are also shown as three-dimensional, such as Detective Lancaster, who pours herself into work and alcohol to cope with the death of her husband two years ago in Iraq; and Detective Ferguson, who neglects his wife in favor of prostitutes.

By the time the killer is identified, Leila and Seymour must race against the clock to apprehend them before another person becomes a victim.

Additionally, I am the editor of a first mystery anthology from the American Crime Writers League, MURDER PAST, MURDER PRESENT (Twilight Times, Summer 2009). The collection will include stories from bestselling, award-winning mystery authors.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

R.B.F.: My homepage is: http://www.rbarriflowers.com

I am also a member of the American Crime Writers League, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Kiss of Death, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America writing organizations. Information on me and my writings can be found through any of their websites.

Additional info can be found on my Crimespace and MySpace pages as follows:

http://www.myspace.com/crimewriter_rbarriflowers

http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/RBarri

http://www.myspace.com/devonvaughnarcher

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Lynda Hilburn

2008-08-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have Lynda Hilburn with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, The Vampire Shrink.

L.H.: The Vampire Shrink is the first book in a series about Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight’s discovery of a hidden underworld of vampires and vampire wannabes. Her story definitely falls under the heading of, “be careful what you ask for, because you might get it.” Her desire to have more excitement in her life – to take more risks – even to have a little fame and fortune in her field, causes her to open a paranormal Pandora’s box which pulls her into a world of nocturnal creatures, mystical experiences, professional chaos and emotional madness. Finding herself attracted to a self-proclaimed, gorgeous, 800-year-old vampire and an irreverent FBI profiler definitely thrusts her out of her relationship comfort zone. On top of all that, someone – or something – is leaving a trail of blood-drained bodies. Yikes!

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

L.H.: My favorite moment is when Devereux first comes to Kismet’s psychology office. Meeting him opens up a Pandora’s box of trouble and changes her life forever. Kismet struggles with the mystery of the vampires through most of the book. She simply refuses to face what’s right in front of her.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

L.H.: I like to add a mystery element to everything I write. The Vampire Shrink is a paranormal with mystery elements. I read a lot of mysteries. It always fascinates me how authors can create such wonderful puzzles and keep readers from figuring out the answers until the end. I especially love unexpected endings! Ones that sneak up on me.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

L.H.: All my work falls under the heading of “paranormal.” I like writing about unusual and extraordinary beings. Maybe because of my work in my “real” life (psychotherapist), I enjoy creating characters who aren’t normal – who don’t have mundane problems. Vampires are a personal favorite. There’s just something exciting about those immortal nightwalkers.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

L.H.: I’m writing a vampire romance for an anthology called The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. And I’m plugging away on book three in my Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series. My psychologist heroine always gets pulled into whatever paranormal mystery is afoot. At some point I hope to write about a hypnotherapist who helps solve crimes.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

L.H.: Absolutely. Thanks for asking! My website is a good source of info: http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com and I update my publishing experiences regularly on my blog: http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com

M.A.: Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

L.H.: Thanks so much for interviewing me and for giving me a chance to share my work!

An Interview With Mike Nettleton and Carolyn Rose

2008-08-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have Carolyn J. Rose and Michael A. Nettleton with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, The Crushed Velvet Miasma.

MN/CR: This is the sequel to The Hard Karma Shuffle and it continues the adventures of Paladin, a tie-dyed Portland bike messenger who never got over the 60s. In this mystery he’s recruited to help a rock band reunite. The Velvet Miasma had a series of hits in the early 70s, but one member died in a pyrotechnic mishap and others went their separate ways after an on-stage blowup. Thor, the band’s egocentric leader, bribes Paladin to track down a missing musician and lead singer Maggie Thunder. All have good reasons to hate Thor and it’s not long before he’s found beaten to death with an electric guitar. Paladin’s son, Eugene Springfield, is accused of the crime and forced to hide out with a troupe of cross dressing performers while Paladin attempts to clear his name.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

MN/CR: We’ve always enjoyed Paladin’s efforts to reason things through. He lost a lot of brain cells in the 60’s and it’s a challenge. Plus, he doesn’t get a lot of help from his friends. Here he is, backstage with his son and a group of female impersonators, trying to make sense of a clue:

. . . So why did the inside of my head sound like a bell solo by that hunchback dude from Notre Dame?
“Whassup? You okay, Dad?” Eugene put his hands on my shoulders.
“Maybe he’s dizzy,” Fannie suggested. “Sit him down, Eugene . Get his head between his knees. Ladies, find me a bag.”
“I’m fine,” I insisted, but Eugene guided me toward a low stool in front of a vanity loaded with cosmetics.
A man in an ermine stole handed me a rhinestone-studded evening bag. Fannie snatched it back. “A paper bag, you ninnies, not an evening bag. I want him to breathe into it, not accessorize with it.”
“I’m okay!” I raised my voice and uncovered my ears. “I was trying to think.”
Crystal smothered a snicker . . .

And then there’s that bizarre hostage situation at the end of the book. But telling you about that would be giving too much away.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

MN/CR: As a writer you can exact revenge by killing off a villain and you can see justice is done in a way that may be more satisfying than what would happen in real life. We love to read mysteries and follow clues and enjoy crafting them and trying to keep readers guessing.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

MN/CR: We’ve co-written a fantasy for young adults: The Hermit of Humbug Mountain.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

MN/CR: Probably back in 1991 or 1992 when we were in a critique group chaired by writing coach and author Elizabeth Lyon. After several sessions she asked us to stay on after the others left. We imagined she intended to compliment our work. Instead she told us that one of us would have to move to another group. It seems that others thought our critiquing of each other’s work was too vicious; they feared our marriage would disintegrate in Elizabeth ’s living room and didn’t want to be seated nearby in case we threw things. Since then we’ve written five books together (two not yet published) and managed to stay together. And our critiques of each other are still in the “what the heck were you thinking when you wrote that?” vein. We’re both extremely sarcastic and we’ve developed thick skins.

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

MN/CR: Right now Mike is working on a memoir about his radio career called I Might Be Naked for All You Know. Carolyn has recently completed a suspense novel called The Refuge and is now working on a young adult novel set in 1966.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

MN/CR: www.deadlyduomysteries.com
Come and meet our dogs, Bubba (she’s the one in the biker outfit) and Dudley.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Patricia Harrington

2008-07-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have Patricia Harrington with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured coming mystery, MURDER VISITS ANTIGUA.

P.H.: The year is 1934 and Amelia Winthrope—Aunt Amelia—is visiting her nephew Winston on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Winston’s London law firm has sent him to find out whether the overseer of the Dunhill Sugar Plantation is “cooking the books”. When the plantation’s foreman is poisoned and dies, Amelia becomes embroiled in finding his murderer. She also uncovers the murderous secrets of some fellow tourists—and oh yes—she helps locate a rare and hidden stash of rum left by Lord Admiral Nelson when he was stationed on the island.

Really, it’s a very busy time for Aunt Amelia who expected to play the lazy tourist while on the lush tropical island. But no matter, she loves the riddle of a good mystery.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

P.H.: As an author it probably was when a ghost—the spirit—of a young woman showed up. I was typing away, when suddenly up pops one Redonda Dunhill, 19-year-old daughter of an earlier plantation owner. I found out that the poor thing had jumped to her death off Devils Bridge on the island, after learning that she was being sent to England to enter into a pre-arranged marriage—and post-haste. It seems she had disgraced her family by falling in love with a mixed-race young man. Now her ghost wanders about the plantation, grieving. Fortunately, Aunt Amelia is not upset when she first encounters the wan Redonda, who ends up helping Amelia—as best as a ghost can do—as love and murder play out their themes in the novel.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

P.H.: I love mysteries of the traditional—or old-fashioned kind. Ones in which justice is served in the end and where the reader has the opportunity and the challenge of figuring out “whodunit”. I also think that mysteries sit on a three-legged stool. The legs are plot, character and setting. For me setting is very important. I believe that “land” or our physical and natural environment shapes people and creates a culture. This is certainly true in the Caribbean with its turbulent history. Mysteries in that setting enable the reader to be both entertained and enlightened about a place they might not typically know about or have the chance to visit—but would like to one day.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

P.H.: I have non-fiction work that has appeared in Teacher Miracles and Teacher Laughs. I have articles about writing that have appeared in various publications. One of the works is From Hollywood Experts and Published Authors: Words of Wisdom for Starving Artists. The book received a Silver Award: 2007 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award. Most of my non-fiction work has been grantwriting, and over the years I have written over fifty million in funded grants. I think grant writing and writing mysteries are parallel universes, and teach a workshop using that model.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

P.H.: I have two—humorous—maybe not fall-down funny. I have four cats, and didn’t intend to have any in recent years. They were strays, persisted in hanging out in my yard and all had sad stories. They found a sucker in me and also a good home. The cats quickly provided fodder for stories—the nice heart-warming kind. But then, I realized after a few incidents that cats could serve as good villains in stories. In fact, one such fictional creature helped me to win a Derringer award from the Short Mystery Fiction Society.

A different funny writing-related moment happened as I was typing a scene with my amateur sleuth, Bridget O’Hern in it. Bridget, 48, recovering from the divorce, remarriage and sudden death of her ex-husband is not looking for love. In the scene, Bridget’s friend has taken a deadly fall and the small town’s chief of police is there, investigating. He is walking toward Bridget, intending to question her. As I typed, he had a potbelly, jowly face and bloodshot eyes from after-hours boozing. To my surprise, as he moved toward Bridget, my fingers tapped out his features: aquiline nose, broad shoulders, good looking . . . definitely, no potbelly. I sat back in my chair and mumbled, “Darn, Bridget’s hormones must be perking up!” I hadn’t planned to write about love while solving a murder.

Hate it when my characters run out and do something I didn’t expect!

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

P.H.: Yes, I’m finishing a short story with a homeless, ex-cop, who’s an alkie, but with a keen sense of justice. He busts up bad guys and solves crimes in the homeless camp where he’s been made unofficial mayor. The camp, set in rainy Tacoma is called Mudflat Manor. And I’m plotting out Death Tours in Ireland with my sleuth Bridget O’Hern. That must mean another trip for research—oh woe! How difficult the life of an author.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

P.H.: Please zip over to www.patriciaharrington.com And I hope you’ll sign up for my newsletter. You won’t be inundated with e-mail, I assure you. Just the occasional update on writing and upcoming books.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Wendy Laing

2008-07-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have WENDY LAING with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us.

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, SEVERANCE PACKAGES.

W.L.: “Severance packages” is the second book in my Jane Doe series. It is set in a local township of Sunbury, Victoria, Australia, where my husband & I lived for 30 years, before moving to a retirement village in nearby Roxburgh Park. Jane Doe is faced with the prospect of dealing with a serial killer after the grizzly discovery of a dismembered body at a local winery – then another at the tip. Who knows how many more “Severance Packages’ will be found? The book blends in the paranormal, as Jane has the ability to communicate with victims’ ghosts!

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

W.L.: Doctor Harvey walked up the path from the creek towards them, “Ah, glad you’ve noticed.” He stood on the opposite side of the stretcher. “Wrong head, isn’t it?”
“The ginger hair on the head doesn’t seem to match the hair on the rest of the body parts,” said Jane.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

W.L.: I’ve always liked the genre. I enjoy creating the mystery for readers so that like me they can participate in the experience of solving the puzzle confronting the protagonist. I’ve deliberately added tension and conflict with Jane Doe’s paranormal powers, as head of homicide, which could, if discovered by police hierarchy, lead to her being pensioned out of the force for medical reasons.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

W.L.: I’ve also had two children’s books published, both of which are stories about friendly ghosts. I’ve also had two poetry books published, one being normal/straight poetry and the other Australian bush poetry (as in the mould of Banjo Patterson’s– “The Man from Snowy River” – full of Aussie laconic humour, fund and sometimes bawdy – great fun to write! I also like to write short stories, which help me hone my writing skills. I won the local ‘Sisters in Crime’ competition last November for the funniest crime short story in their ‘Scarlet Stiletto awards.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

W.L.: Writing “Risqué Retirement” for the Scarlet Stiletto award last year, was written before we moved into our new home in this retirement estate. After we moved in, the president of the residents committee proudly told everyone at “happy hour” of my award. He handed out copies of the short story. It was well received, BUT I did get several of the residents telling me that they marveled how well I had described some of the residents! I then had to announce to all present that I merely based the story on the estate itself, after a couple of quick visits, before we actually bought the house, and moved in. I simply imagined what mayhem could evolve from two spunky octogenarians, on the loose in the mystery, and my story was not based on anyone present, as we didn’t know anyone at the time I wrote it! When my hubby & I returned home, we laughed ourselves silly – there were two residents who fitted my characters perfectly!

M.A.: So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

W.L.: I’m currently organizing the plot of “Haunted heart” the third book in the Jane Doe series. Yes, another mystery/paranormal book. I guess I can’t help myself!

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

W.L.: As well as my page at mysteryauthors.com, I have my own website, my page at my publisher’s site (E-books/Print books) my Amazon Astore page and a webpage at Authorsden, which features some of my short stories. The links are below.

Virtual home: http://wendylaing.com
E-books/Print books: http://tinyurl.com/25zuby
aStore: http://astore.amazon.com/wendave-20
Authorsden page http://www.authorsden.com/wendylaing
Mysteryauthors site http://www.mysteryauthors.com/laingw.html
Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Interview with Mystery Author Frank Megna

2008-06-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

MysteryAuthors.com is proud to have Frank Megna with us for an interview today. Thank you for joining us!

M.A.: Tell us a little about your featured mystery, The Long Count.

Frank: It’s an old fashioned detective story featuring an over-the-hill boxer as a P.I. Actually, it’s a story of redemption and healing masquerading as a mystery.

M.A.: Can you share with us (without giving anything away, of course!) a personal favorite moment or line in your book?

Frank: Not really. I suppose I was most emotionally affected by the ending, when my lead character returns to the ring hoping somehow to recover something that’s been lost forever, his dead wife.

M.A.: Why mysteries? What makes them so compelling for you to write?

Frank: A mystery is the perfect structure to test-–challenge is a better word—-your characters. The outer journey of finding the truth behind some crime compels my central character prove who he is, to stand by his values and to ultimately stand for some kind of justice in a morally ambiguous world.

M.A.: What about other work? Do you write in any genres other than mystery?

Frank: I stated out as an actor in New York. I began writing plays so I could play parts I thought were better than what I was being offered. I was given an opportunity to write for a TV show named CrimeStory and shortly thereafter moved to Los Angeles. I have a small theater in West Hollywood, Working Stage Theater, and sometimes conduct acting and writing workshops. I wrote and directed a low budget independent feature film, The Seekers, which screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival in April.

M.A.: What was your funniest writing-related moment?

Frank: Well, early on one of my plays was given a staged reading by a theater development group in New York. Let’s just say that the lead character was a street guy from Brooklyn and the casting was rather bizarre. The actor reading had a distinctly Southern drawl which made the dialogue very “amusing.” Although, it wasn’t very funny at the time.

M.A.: I'll bet!! So, what's your current writing project? Is it a mystery, too?

Frank: I’m working on a few things. One is for theater: three thematically connected, one-act plays about Boomers. I am working on a screenplay which is a noirish story set in LA and featuring my boxer/P.I., Johnny DeMarco. It was originally intended as a book sequel to The Long Count, but seems more suited to the screen.

M.A.: Other than MysteryAuthors.com, do you have any websites where readers can find out more about you and your work?

Frank: www.workingstage.com is best.

Thanks again for agreeing to take a Minute for Mystery by joining us here today.

Remember: June 4th is the 19th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre

2008-06-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

On the eve of the 19th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre (June 4,1989) the United States urged China to give a full account of what really happened at Tiananmen Square that day and to release prisoners taken during the protests.
A State Department spokesman was quoted as saying: "The time for the Chinesegovernment to provide the fullest possible public accounting of the thousands killed, detained, or missing in the massacre that followed the protests is long overdue."
50 to 200 people are still believed to be behind bars for participating in the nationwide protests 19 years ago. The US spokesman described the killings as "brutal and tragic events,"and called on China to take steps to improve its global image before the Olympic Games in Beijing in August. He urged China to "move forward with a reexamination of Tiananmen, to release all Tiananmen-era prisoners, and to cease harassment of the families of the victims of Tiananmen," the statement said.
"These actions, together with steps to protect the internationally recognized fundamental freedoms of Chinese citizens, will help China achieve its goal of projecting a positive image to the world."
My husband and I spent time in China during the 1980's and on returning to the states had an opportunity to be a host family for several students from the mainland studying at UCLA at the time of the Student Democracy Movement. In fact, we have written a novel called Rabbit in the Moon with this incident as a backdrop. So we are well aware of the fact that the Chinese government has never acknowledged what happened. In fact, recently the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters in Beijing that China has no intention of revising its verdict on the protests despite calls for the Chinese government to stop labeling the student movement a "counterrevolutionary rebellion." "Regarding the political incident that took place at the end of the 1980s, there is already a clear conclusion," he told reporters yesterday (June 3rd) He refused to discuss the subject further, saying the events in 1989 were an internal matter for China. He also brushed aside calls for the improvement of human rights ahead of the Olympic Games in August.
Today we should all remember what did happen: the Chinese government gunned down peaceful pro-democracy protesters on and around Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, leaving hundreds and possibly thousands dead.

Read Rabbit in the Moon by Deborah and Joel Shlian (Oceanview Publishing), a novel set during the most tumultuous seven weeks in recent Chinese history- from the riseof the Student Democracy Movement on April 15th to its fall at Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.
For more information, go to http://www.shlian.com

The Muse Interrogates..er, Interviews the Author

2008-05-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Stock Exchange
The June "Summer Heat" issue of Minute Mystery is now available on MysteryAuthors.com, featuring a real whiz-banger of a lead story. "The Case of the Checkered Murder" pits a cheeky female sleuth against a household of the usual suspects, with wacky results.

Here, the muse takes a potshot, um, I mean a moment, to ask author Walter Giersbach what he was thinking when he pounded out this great Minute of Mystery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giersbach, would you stop scribbling for a moment and explain what you were doing with this story?
W.G.: The detective yarn is ripe for satire. This is a send-up of the clichés found in Dashiell Hammett, Mickey Spillane and Raymond Chandler.

Isn’t that sort of like mocking one of the Little Golden Books?
W.G.: Detective fiction is easy picking for satire because it’s so stylized. Satire indicates the writer feels he/she is superior to the work being satirized.

But your choice of subject doesn’t have the greatness to be poked at.
W.G.: Satirical pulp is a good place to start. I asked whether these writers had a sense of humor, and no one said they did. I could also do a send-up of sci fi (bug-eyed monster at the movie theater) or New Yorker fiction (characters who do nothing, go nowhere, and then wonder just what happened). I also like the inherent irony of the detective genre—the combination of circumstance or a result that’s the opposite of what’s expected or considered appropriate. Besides, I actually have published some detective stories.

Okay, we start with the stereotypical tough Private Investigator with a hangover...
W.G.: …Who’s a woman and not a man, but who still talks in staccato bursts and drinks rye...

...then there are the “usual suspects.” A checkers theme instead of the usual intellectual chess metaphor. An ending right out of The Maltese Falcon.
W.G.: Look, this is humor, not literature. Just check out the crap that passes for drama or humor on TV. Soap opera, for example, is inherently histrionic and two-dimensional. Isn’t there something worth thinking about here?

Don’t be defensive—but that cheese sandwich ploy is rather lame. This little piece took you—what? Five minutes to dash off?
W.G.: More like half an hour—plus rewrite. But I don’t have the patience to write something serious. It all gets rejected.

Writing is such an artificial form of communication, and assumes readers will actually interpret words and ideas in the way you mean them to. Why on earth don’t you get a real job?
W.G.: I truly believe less than a small percentage of personal communication gets through to both parties. She asks, “Do you want to see a movie?” when she really means, “I’m bored to tears.” You say, “I don’t mind seeing that Oscar nominee,” when you’re saying, “Damn, I’d rather sit at the PC and install that new program.”

Having made this somewhat defensive statement, I write because I failed semaphore in Cub Scouts, no one knows Morse Code, and English has the largest number of words in any language. If we can’t communicate—thoughtfully, calculated, precisely—in English, how else can we?

So, you took a shot at satire. What’s the value of writing that never gets read? It’s the old “if-a-tree-falls-in-the-forest” conundrum. And you’re not exactly Michael Crichton or Stephen King.
W.G.: It isn’t a question of why, any more than you ask why a fish swims or a bird flies. I write because pursuing a character or an idea in the formal framework of a short story or an article is cathartic. Moreover, it’s fun. At the very worst, “desk drawer” writing is akin to peeing in a blue serge suit. It gives you a nice warm feeling...and no one notices.

Any more, er, plans to write satire?
W.G.: Well, blogging is a good subject. It’s the new oral tradition—people chatting on a level you’d expect among strangers on an elevator. But they spill their guts about the most amazing things!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out Walter Giersbach's entertaining tale, The Case of the Checkered Murder, and more mystery flash fiction on MysteryAuthors.com. For more about Walter Giersbach,visit http://allotropiclucubrations.blogspot.com.

Rebroadcast of Biography Channel Interview This Week

2008-05-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends:

For those of you who missed my recent TV interview on the Biography Channel's Crime Stories, here's a chance to catch the rebroadcast at the end of this week as follows:

Crime Stories: The Love Slave Murders

Gerald Gallego, son of a convicted killer, and Charlene Gallego, an honor student, paired to become America's first true husband and wife sexual serial killers. Preying mostly on teenage girls and young women to be disposable "sex slaves," they kidnapped, raped, and murdered ten people in counties across the western States between 1978 and 1980 before being brought to justice.

The Biography Channel"The Love Slave Murders":

Friday, May 30th 10:00pm, EST; 7:00pm, PST
Saturday, May 31st 2:00am, EST; 11:00pm, PST
Saturday, May 31st 6:00pm, EST; 3:00pm, PST

The episode is based on my bestselling true crime book, THE SEX SLAVE MURDERS.

Hope you get a chance to catch the rebroadcast.

By the way, my next TV interview will be shown in September on the Investigation Discovery channel new crime series on killer couples, Wicked Attraction.

I will talk about pair serial killers, what motivates, precursors to homicidal violence, and more!

Best,

R. Barri

Contest--win free advertising for your books

2008-05-24T13:10:00.001-07:00

Those Raven Nights!

Raven Radio, as mentioned in Romantic Times Magazine, is moving to nights! Tune in every Wed at 11-12 PM EST and join Authors Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth as they talk about everything, nothing and the paranormal. Guests include NY Times and USA Today Bestselling authors as well as those wonderfully talented authors soon to be there, editors, paranormal tour guides, psychics, ghost hunters, specialists and more!

www.ravenhappyhour.com or http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravenradio

Listeners are welcome to join the live chat or call in to the show to talk to us and our guests. The show will move to its new evening schedule, May 28th where listeners can catch us every Wednesday at 11PM to 12AM EST. We have a lot of authors on the upcoming line up and you can see a full schedule of guests here: http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcast_schedule_of_guests.htm

WANT TO JOIN THE VIRAL CONTEST AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT RAVEN NIGHTS?
Go to Raven's blog to learn how you could win free advertising packages! Contest open to authors, readers and other groups! http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=463

"Itchy" Writing

2008-05-22T01:14:00.000-07:00

Know what one of my favorite things about a good book is? The way it sticks to my fingers, making me flip those pages until far into the night so that I can find out what happens next. Just one more page, I'll think...but before I know it, another hour has passed.

What is it that keeps me flippin' and pages stickin'?

Conflict. Most of us avoid conflict like the plague in real life, but live for it in our fiction. Go figure!

I love to write conflict--and not just those dire moments when the hero's life is in danger or the killer's identity is revealed, either. I revel in the minor niggles, that subtle tension between characters that feels like an itch lingering just out of reach--one that desperately needs to be scratched. Conflict keeps our fingers flipping the pages of a good book, looking for the back scratcher that will let us reach that itchy spot and satisfy it.

What about you? Do you like your books to flow softly, or to feel like a good case of poison oak? Inquiring minds want to know!

Readers: What makes a book "itchy" to you? A tense plot? Quirky characters? A particular sub genre, like paranormal or romantic mystery?
Writers: How do you make your books "itchy?" Body language? Cheeky dialogue? Strategically placed chapter breaks?

Let's grab our back scratchers and toss some itching powder on the discussion!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lisa Logan is the author of A GRAND SEDUCTION, VISIONS, and several anthologies and short stories. She is the editor of MysteryAuthors.com and for Eternal Press, and founded the Green Writing Challenge.