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Sunday, March 17, 2024

Spotlight: Excerpt from Day Tripper by James Goodhand

 


Author:
James Goodhand
Publication Date: March 19, 2024
ISBN: 978-0778369646
Hardcover 
Publisher: MIRA
Price $28.99
 
Buy Links:
HarperCollins  
BookShop.org
Barnes & Noble 
Amazon
 
What if you lived your days out of order?
 
It’s 1995, and twenty-year-old Alex Dean has it all: a spot at Cambridge University next year, the love of an amazing woman named Holly and all the time in the world ahead of him. That is until a brutal encounter with a ghost from his past sees him beaten, battered and almost drowning in the Thames.
He wakes the next day to find he’s in a messy, derelict room he’s never seen before, in grimy clothes he doesn’t recognize, with no idea of how he got there. A glimpse in the mirror tells him he’s older—much older—and has been living a hard life, his features ravaged by time and poor decisions. He snatches a newspaper and finds it’s 2010—fifteen years since the fight.

After finally drifting off to sleep, Alex wakes the following morning to find it’s now 2019, another nine years later. But the next day, it’s 1999. Never knowing which day is coming, he begins to piece together what happens in his life after that fateful night by the river.

Why does his life look nothing like he thought it would? What about Cambridge, and Holly? In this page-turning adventure, Alex must navigate his way through the years to learn that small actions have untold impact, even in a life lived out of order. And that might be all he needs to save the people he loves and, equally importantly, himself.

 
 Excerpt:



SEPTEMBER 6, 1995 | AGE 20


It’s three-deep at the bar, and I get my order in seconds before they ring for time. I double up: a JD and Coke each and two beers to take with us. The lights are up and the music’s gone quiet as I weave the tray through the punters. Standing in the doorway out to the terrace, I am disorientated. There must be fifty tables outside between here and the river and it’s still packed out, darker and smokier than ever. I search the crowd but can’t see Holly.

I negotiate my way down to the water’s edge. She’s maybe ten tables away, oblivious, a ciggie poised skyward in her fingers like she’s posing for Vettriano. I smirk, enjoy my good fortune again.

“Excuse me, good gentlemen,” I say to a group of four in my path, voice cocky with booze and lust. They shuffle over, not breaking from their conversation. The resulting gap between their circle and the edge of the path isn’t wide enough—a careless elbow would send the tray of drinks into the river, possibly me with them.


“If you don’t mind, guys?” I lay a palm on the forearm of the bloke with his back to me. Their circle opens out and he turns side-on, ushering me past. “Nice one,” I say, glancing at him as I pass.

I look back at the ground. There’s a delay in my brain processing who it is I’m walking past. There’s a moment in which it seems that we’ll just carry on, pretend like we don’t know each other.

The air thickens. Time slows. I stop, a step past him. Look again. Razor-sharp short back and sides, hooded eyes, lopsided mouth. Preppy. It’s a face I catch myself imagining sometimes, never for long. A waking nightmare. Not that my imagination does it justice. Not even close, I now realize.

His recognition of me unfolds in slow motion. Perhaps like me, alcohol has dulled his synapses, delayed the inevitable shift of mode.

Blake Benfield. There have been times in the past when just hearing that name in my head has stopped me dead, left me incapable.

How long since we last ran into each other? I was sixteen—best part of four years, then. Feels so recent. Our paths crossing has always been inevitable; we grew up barely a mile apart. He spat at me that last time, called me faggot cunt. The many times before that I’d just legged it, hidden from his fury and his hatred. But you get too old to do that.

This crowded place seems so quiet now. Like there’s cotton wool stuffed in my ears. The two bottles tip over on my trembling tray, foam splattering to the ground. One rolls over the edge and shatters on the concrete. People turn.

How long have we stood here, him glaring at me, me unable to hold his stare? Saying nothing. A few seconds? Feels longer.

There’s the smell of burned-out house in my nose. The sound of his whisper in my ears that I try to drown out.

Don’t think about it. Do not think about that day. 


Why do I shake? I’m a fucking grown man. Why am I shaking?

He takes a half step closer to me.

I once told him I was sorry. It was years ago—when I was still a kid. I was sorry. Does he remember?

I spin around. Where’s Holly? She must be watching this.

There’s no more delay. There is, of course, nothing for me and this bloke to say to each other. We have ventured into each other’s space, and that brings with it a remembering. And, as we always have, we must deal with that in our own way.

His knuckles graze my chin. I stumble backward and the tray falls to the ground. His swing is off, though; there is no pain. Not even surprise. We definitely have an audience now.

My response is pure instinct: palms raised, lean away. Easy now.

I don’t want to fight this man. I want to go back thirty seconds, walk a different route, have this night back for myself.

Blake closes the gap, my weakness an invitation. His second punch crashes into my ear like a swinging girder. My brain slaps side to side in my skull. Vision sways. My head boils, a cool trickle from my eardrum.

Where is Holly? Panic grips. I can’t just stand here and take this.

My eyes flit to our audience. He swings again, this time with his left. But I see it coming, dodge. He stumbles.

I drive my weight, shoulder first, into his ribs. He goes over, sprawled among the spilled drinks and shattered glass.

On all fours, he stares up at me. I’m perfectly positioned. I could kick him square in the face. End this right now. Why don’t I do it? Why can’t I bring myself to do it? I’d rather turn my back and cry than kick his head in.

He glares up at me. Why do I pity him? Why am I so uncomfortable towering over him like this? It’s like the positions we’ve always held have been reversed. The power is mine.

I let him find his feet.


He’s up and level with me again. He glares like a bloodthirsty dog, wipes his nose on the sleeve of his polo shirt. If we were alone, maybe I’d run. But with people watching, with Holly watching, that’s no option.

My punch lands perfectly. His jaws scissor against each other. For a second his head floats, eyes rolling.

I realize my error too late. I should’ve followed up when I had the chance. One punch is only enough in the movies, everyone knows that. His hands are on the collar of my shirt, cloth tearing as he holds firm. His forehead slams into the bridge of my nose like a sledgehammer. My face is suddenly and totally numb. I drop to the ground. A ruby-red stain spreads fast through the jewels of broken glass around me.

He shouts above me. Every filthy word I’ve long come to expect. Something soft disperses against my head. Spit.

The neck of the Stella bottle I dropped lies on the ground. Inches away. Blood gurgles in my mouth as I take a deep breath. I launch like a sprinter. Leading with the dagger of green glass, I’m aiming straight at his face and closing fast.

Blake backs into a table, stumbles, hands slow to cover his face. His eyes widen, abject fear. But this is no time to be derailed.

I see it too late. No time to react. One of Blake’s friends windmilling a table ashtray. The side of my skull cracks like thunder.

The ground feels like a cushion, drawing me in and bouncing me back. My vision finds enough order in time to see the sole of boot accelerating toward me, like a cartoon piano from the sky.

There is no pain. Just a sense of floating in space.

Time passes. More blows land.

The surface of the Thames billows like a black satin sheet as it rises toward me. There’s no fear. Is that Holly I can hear calling my name? It’s so distant, so hard to tell.

The river gathers me in like it’s here to take care of me.


Cool water spears my lungs like sharpened icicles. I sink forever.

A low hum builds in my ears. Lights fades to nothing.

And I sleep.



NOVEMBER 30, 2010 | AGE 35



My head throbs. It doesn’t matter if I open or close my eyes, the pain worsens either way. My mouth is like dust. Joints and muscles lie seized.

Last night is a blank. I hate that. I look above me. Focusing is excruciating. The ceiling is browny cream, textured in spikes like a Christmas cake. An unshaded bulb swings in the draft, the filament shivering. It’s really cold in here.

Where the fucking hell am I?




Excerpted from THE DAY TRIPPER by James Goodhand. Copyright © 2024 by James Goodhand. Published by MIRA Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.



Author Bio: 


James Goodhand has written two YA novels. His YA debut, Last Lesson, was called "a powerfully charged study in empathy," by the Financial Times. THE DAY TRIPPER is his adult debut. He lives in England with his wife and young son. 

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Spotlight: Fiona's Fury by Roxy Blue

Fiona’s Fury
Roxy Blue
Publication date: March 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

This chilling but hysterically sardonic thrill-ride is hard to put down. Smart, sexy, and deeply revelatory, it will send you on an enthralling emotional journey you won’t forget.

Fiona Turner, CEO of Fiona’s Flowers floral shop, hasn’t the time nor inclination to bother with men until she finally meets the face on the other end of the phone. Having remained friends, she never suspected her ex-husband, Quade, would morph into a terrifying, controlling, law-bending monster. When Fiona exhibits the first signs of wanting to move on in life, he threatens to take everything from her. A long weekend at a conference answers all of Fiona’s questions about floral supplier, Bo Thompson, except how she can possibly have him. She’ll never know what she’s missing unless she risks everything for love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo


Author Bio:

Raised in the South and transplanted to a midwestern New Age community, Roxy Blue writes about the types of down-to-earth characters that dispel the notion of romance being rubbish. After thirteen years as an exotic dancer, she developed a rare autoimmune arthritis that gave her an excuse to settle down and focus more on writing, although she still hoopdances and hikes on the good days. Roxy lives in Asheville, NC with the kind of hunk she likes to read about, and their two ridiculous cats.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook


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Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Review: Lines Worth Crossing by Tori Wilde

Author: Tori Wilde
Publication Date:  March 2024

Crashing into Arturo Nunez's life wasn't part of my plan—keeping him alive was. Arturo is a masterpiece with his raven hair and espresso eyes. His imposing muscular frame and broad shoulders. A laugh that disarms and a smile that promises sin. He's the epitome of success and charm with a soul touched by loss. Born into Britain's underworld, constrained by my father's criminal empire. I've mastered the art of deception.

Thirty years ago, Arturo's father put mine in jail, igniting a feud that now endangers the man I'm growing too fond of. Protecting him from a hit ordered by my own blood, our fake relationship becomes a dangerous game of love and loyalty. The lines between pretense and reality blur, challenging my resolve to keep him safe without losing my heart.

Embraced by the unconditional love of his family, I discover a truth I can't falling for Arturo might be the most genuine thing I've ever done. But as danger encroaches I'm faced with a choice. Can the love of a man I was never supposed to fall for be my ultimate redemption, or will my reality destroy the only peace I've ever known? Being with Arturo crosses so many lines . . . Maybe those are lines worth crossing.

Lines Worth Crossing finds children's author, Arturo being rescued by a beautiful woman.  It sems that there has been a hit put out on him.  Poppy has found out that her father has a vendetta against Arturo and his family.  Only she can save his life.  When they head to his family estate to hide out, they must fake a romance to avoid his family from knowing anything is wrong.

I thought this was an enjoyable fake dating romance.  Poppy and Arturo have amazing chemistry.  I was definitely rooting for them.  One of the things that I really liked about this book was the characters.  Arturo shows a fierce protective side, but is also able to admit to being anxious about his situation.  Poppy is a tough woman, but she also can show her vulnerable side.  They just came across as more real and less stereotype.  I also loved Arturo's big family.  They really added a lot to the book.  I hope his siblings get their own stories.  I highly recommend this one.



Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Review: This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer

Author: Jenny Kiefer
Publisher: Quirk Books
Publication Date: January 2024

 Four ambitious climbers hike into the Kentucky wilderness. Seven months later, three mangled bodies are discovered. Were their deaths simple accidents or the result of something more sinister?

This nail-biting, bone-chilling survival horror novel is inspired by the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident, and is perfect for fans of Alma Katsu and Showtime's Yellowjackets.

This is going to be Dylan's big break. Her friend Clay, a geology student, has discovered an untouched cliff face in the Kentucky wilderness, and she is going to be the first person to climb it. Together with Clay, his research assistant Sylvia, and Dylan's boyfriend Luke, she is going to document her achievement on Instagram and finally cement her place as the next rising star in rock climbing. 

Seven months later, three bodies are discovered in the trees just off the highway. All are in various states of decay: one body a stark, white skeleton; the second emptied of its organs; and the third a mutilated corpse with the tongue, eyes, ears, and fingers removed.

But Dylan is still missing. Followers of her Instagram account report seeing disturbing livestreams, and some even claim to have caught glimpses of her vanishing into the thick woods, but no trace of her—dead or alive—has been discovered. 

Were the climbers murdered? Did they succumb to cannibalism? Or are their impossible bodies the work of an even more sinister force? Is Dylan still alive, and does she hold the answers? 

This page-turning debut will have you racing towards the inevitable conclusion.

The synopsis says nail biting and chilling.  I have to disagree.  I wasn't a fan of this one.  The book opens with the discovery of three of the bodies of some missing climbers.  The fourth one is nowhere to be found.  So right off the bat, you know the fate of at least three of the climbers.  It's not hard to guess what happened to the fourth.   This is the story of what happened.  

This one was all over the place for me.  I did like the body horror parts of it, but that was about it.  I didn't like one single character except maybe the dog.  I didn't feel like I really cared what happened to any of them.    The ending was very unsatisfying because there are no real answers as to what was really going on.   If you have read The Ruins or watched The Descent, you have read this book. I don't really recommend this one.



Sunday, March 10, 2024

Review: City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita

Author: Iris Yamashita
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 2023

A stranded detective tries to solve a murder in a tiny Alaskan town where everyone lives in a single high-rise building, in this gripping debut by an Academy Award–nominated screenwriter.

When a local teenager discovers a severed hand and foot washed up on the shore of the small town of Point Mettier, Alaska, Cara Kennedy is on the case. A detective from Anchorage, she has her own motives for investigating the possible murder in this isolated place, which can be accessed only by a tunnel.

After a blizzard causes the tunnel to close indefinitely, Cara is stuck among the odd and suspicious residents of the town—all 205 of whom live in the same high-rise building and are as icy as the weather. Cara teams up with Point Mettier police officer Joe Barkowski, but before long the investigation is upended by fearsome gang members from a nearby native village.

Haunted by her past, Cara soon discovers that everyone in this town has something to hide. Will she be able to unravel their secrets before she unravels?"

Finally, I have read an enjoyable thriller in 2024. In City Under One Roof, Detective Cara Kennedy  travels to a small town in Alaska to investigate a potential murder.  There is only one way into the town and when a blizzard blocks the tunnel, Cara finds herself stranded.  People begin to disappear.  Cara must figure out what happened before it's too late.

As I said, I really enjoyed this one.  The mystery was a page turner and kept me guessing.  I didn't guess the ending.  I was also really satisfied with how it ended.  It does leave the door open for a sequel, but it had it's own satisfying ending.    I really like Cara as a character.  She is smart and tough.  She also has a vulnerability about her because of the loss of her family and she has an ulterior motive for being in the town.  The characters of the town are quirky and also full of secrets.  I highly recommend this debut novel.  I look forward to reading the next book.


Friday, March 8, 2024

Blog Tour: Review of A Blessing and A Curse by Anna Campbell

A Blessing and a Curse
Anna Campbell
Publication date: October 31st 2023
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Blessing Savage barely remembers who she was before the unexpected death of her father, Pastor Savage. These days she clings desperately to the party girl persona she’s created for her second year of college, living with a new group of friends, joining their sorority, and partying non-stop. There’s only one thing that can kill her perpetual buzz, and his name is Camden Holbrook, the boy she’s pined for for nearly a decade.

Camden credits Blessing’s father for saving him when he was a child, giving him a place to stay when his mother abandoned him and setting him back on the right track. So when Pastor Savage asked a promise of Camden before dying – to look out for Blessing – he made a vow and meant it. Protecting Blessing has always come easily. Loving her has not. Not for someone who’s learned time and time again that love and loss are intricately interwoven.

After years of Camden keeping her at arm’s length, the last thing Blessing wants is him barging into her life. But new Blessing refuses to let Cam play knight-in-shining-armor, not when she knows – from one starry summer’s night slip-up – how he really feels about her. This time around, Blessing’s intent on pushing Camden’s limits, and she’s got some sexy new tricks up her sleeve to take him past them. Then maybe he’ll admit the truth of his feelings. Maybe the person who’s always known her best can help her find a way back to herself. Maybe she can prove to Camden that love doesn’t always destroy a person. Sometimes, it’s the only thing that can start putting them back together.

Goodreads / Amazon

My thoughts:

A Blessing and A Curse is a friends to lovers slow burn romance.  I wasn't sure if I would like this in the beginning.  But, I was pleasantly surprised and I was sucked into Blessing and Camden's story. I loved the flashbacks to when they first met as kids.  It really added depth to their love story.  In present day, they are both handling grief and trying to feel loved. In the end, they were home for each other.   There is one scene at the vet that had me tearing up.  That was such a gut wrenching scene.   It made me like them as a couple that much more.  I definitely recommend this one.


Author Bio:

Spend more time with Anna Campbell and her stories on Instagram: @annacampbellstories

Anna Campbell has traditionally published several stories for teens over the years under a different pen name. Anna Campbell stories are mature YA/NA angsty stories about beatiful broken people who love hard and still believe in happy endings.

Goodreads / Instagram


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Cover Reveal: Scars on My Heart by S.L. Sterling

 
Title: Scars on my Heart
Series: Willow Valley
Author: S.L. Sterling
Tropes: Single Dad, Single Mom, Friends to Lovers, small town romance, second chance at love, only one bed scene
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design
Release Date: March 28, 2024

Goodreads: https://geni.us/ScarsonmyHeartGR
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/scars-on-my-heart-willow-valley-book-5-by-s-l-sterling
 
Blurb:
Willow Valley had become like home to me and my two boys, Dylan and Noah. Everyone knew everyone in this small town, and they helped us heal from our devastating loss.
 
Once I knew my kids would be okay, I started looking for work. Bluebird Books hired me almost right away. I was to run the new kids program that Trinity was starting. That was where I met Zach and his daughter, Grace.
 
Zach was the new owner of the Willow Valley Inn. He’d come in to return a book his daughter had borrowed from the program. We exchanged pleasantries and that was when the computer had gone down. Zach lost his patience, and that was when our pleasant conversation turned sour. I wasn’t worried about it because I figured I’d never see him again.
 
I was wrong. It turns out in a small town, everyone sees everyone almost daily, if not twice a day. At the grocery store, the gas station, the elementary school and as luck would have it, the bookstore. Soon, our conversations turn pleasant again, and without even trying, I find myself drawn to him. Then he asks me out on a date.
 
Despite my reservations, I decided to take a chance on love again. But just when things start to look up, Zach’s ex-wife suddenly reappears, causing chaos in his life once more. Which somehow causes chaos in mine when my children begin acting out.
 
Leaning on one another for support, we navigate obstacles that life throws at us. As time passes I begin to wonder if another chance at love will bring us closer together or make each one of us run the other way?
 
Buy Links:
Universal: https://geni.us/ScarsonmyHeartWV5
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49NeD1y
Apple Books: https://apple.co/49KaBHc
B&N: https://bit.ly/49EY9Ze
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3v6Minu
Smashwords: https://bit.ly/49Dk2YI
Google Play: https://bit.ly/49WxiY4
 
 
Author Bio:
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.
 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
 
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters.
 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading. 
 
Social Media Links
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SLSterlingGoodreads
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance/
Instagram: http://bit.ly/SLSterlingInstagram
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/SLSterlingBB
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: http://bit.ly/SterlingsSapphires
Amazon: http://bit.ly/SLSterling
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64d6991578891ef5c9a2f474

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Review: The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: January 2024

Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers, bonded by a night they all have no memory of, are dedicated to uncovering the mystery of what really happened to them months ago—an experience that brought out innate psychic abilities in each of them. The women suspect they were test subjects years earlier, and that there are more people like them—all they have to do is find the list. When Talia follows up on a lead from Phoebe, a fan of the trio’s podcast, she discovers that the informant has vanished.
 
Talia isn’t the only one looking for Phoebe, however. Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man who is chasing the same list that Talia is after, also shows up at the meeting place. It’s clear he has his own agenda, and they are instantly suspicious of each other. But when a killer begins to stalk them, they realize they have to join forces to find Phoebe and the list.
 
The rocky investigation leads Talia and Luke to a rustic, remote retreat on Night Island in the Pacific Northwest. The retreat promises to rejuvenate guests with the Unplugged Experience. Upon their arrival, Talia and Luke discover guests are quite literally cut off from the outside world because none of their high-tech devices work on the island. It soon becomes clear that Phoebe is not the first person to disappear into the strange gardens that surround the Unplugged Experience retreat. And then the first mysterious death occurs…

The Night Island is the second book in The Lost Night Files series.  This one is Talia's story.  She is one of the podcasters who who had their lives altered one night and now have enhanced psychic powers.  Talia can find lost things and people.  Luke is a professor who also has had enhanced powers from his own lost night.  

Like the first book, this one was just OK for me.  I really feel  like this book was phoned in and there was not a lot new here.  I will admit the night garden was kind of cool.  However, the romance was kind of meh and again I didn't really feel it.  We also aren't really any closer to getting answers as to what happened to the women on their lost night.  Luke gets his answers in a way.  Overall, I'm just not very excited about this series. 



Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Blog Tour: Guest Review & Excerpt from Fast Time, Big City by Shelly Frome

Fast Times Big City by Shelly FromeFast Times Big City by Shelly Frome

Publisher:  Boutique of Quality Books (Feb 6, 2024) 
Category: Manhattan Mystery 
Tour dates: February 2-29, 2024 
ISBN: ‎ 979-8886330267 
Available in Print and ebook, Approx. 330 pages Fast Times Big City

Description Fast Times Big City by Shelly Frome

In a bind, Bud Palmer finds himself at the crossroads when just about everything was on the verge. Like most people, Bud Palmer felt this was just another day. Though the era was drawing to a close, he assumed his life as a sports columnist in the subtropics, in keeping with the benign fifties itself, would go on as predictable as ever. But that particular autumn morning he was thrust into a caper that was totally beyond him, forced him to leave Miami and take the train to Manhattan, and suddenly found everything in this restless "Big Apple" was up for grabs, on the brink, at a dicey turning point.

We have a guest review from Gud Reader. Enjoy:

Fast Times, Big City- A book review by Gud Reader

Shelly Frome's engrossing mystery book "Fast Times, Big City" transports readers to the turbulent and uncertain late 1950s. The narrative centers on Bud Palmer, a Miami sports columnist whose life unexpectedly changes when he gets entangled in a convoluted scheme. Bud finds himself in a world where everything is up for grabs after being forced to leave his cozy subtropics for the busy streets of Manhattan.

This novel masterfully captures the essence of the era, blending historical authenticity with a gripping narrative. Frome's writing is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the vibrant and sometimes seedy atmosphere of New York City. The characters are well-developed, with Bud's journey of self-discovery and adaptation to his new surroundings forming the heart of the story.

As Bud navigates through the challenges and dangers of the big city, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own agendas and secrets. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Frome's attention to detail and skillful storytelling make "Fast Times, Big City" a must-read for fans of mystery and historical fiction alike. Worth my five stars!!

 


Here is a sneak peek:

 

Stella sipped some more wine and, competing with the group in analysis shouting at one another, raised her voice a bit, saying, “While we’re on the subject, what TV shows do you watch in Miami?”

Raising his voice as well, Bud said, “I hardly ever watch it. But my sister’s got a brand new Philco. She tunes into shows like Father Knows Best, I Love Lucy, Ozzie and Harriet and the Colgate Comedy Hour.”

“Of course. All harmless, avoiding any hint of reality. During the commercial break, housewives are offered frost-free refrigerators, freezers, laundromats and clock radios to keep them sedated. However, when word slipped out about programs like Playhouse 90, Studio One, the U.S. Steel Hour and so forth—live, shot on location in New York . . .”

She paused for a moment and nodded. “Ah yes, New York. Like a lady carnival barker, enticing, promising endless opportunities for the starry-eyed.”

Smiling, pausing once again and then adding, “Seekers get on the buses and trains before they too turn into Ozzie and Harriet. Willing to learn and catch the brass ring.”

 Her words were lively but her tone remained as casual as referring to new ice cream flavors at Howard Johnsons. Then her slender body rose. She peered down on him and said, “Tell you what. I’ve got to go feed Zelda my Persian cat and brush up on a reading for a new play. Where are you staying?”

“Got a room at the New Yorker.”

“Perfect, the hotel that features the most TV sets. As it happens, my friend Constance has the lead on Naked City at nine tonight. Think you can stay awake that long and tune into Channel Four? As I was saying, these shows are live, one shot and they’re gone, vanished into thin air.”

“But why?”

“Then forget it. How can anyone from Miami who knows nothing of live, deep-delving  TV,  rushing up here for some hidden motive, possibly be worth my time?”

She walked away. Bud held still as long as he could, rose up and quickly caught up to her, willing to latch onto any lead. “Okay okay, what’s the deal? Anything within reason.”

Pausing at the front door, taking her sweet time, she turned back to him. “Like everything else . . . ?”

“Bud. Just make it Bud.”

 “Like everything else, Bud, it depends upon the spirit of the moment. The quest for truth apart from all the masks and reaching for the brass ring.”

“I hear you,” Bud said, although this could be all a snag leading him nowhere.

Nodding, she broke into an all-knowing smile.

The upshot was, Bud was to key on the realities, meet her at ten the next morning at the Automat at Times Square which was within easy walking distance from his hotel. She happened to be making the rounds of casting agents in the vicinity after eleven. They’d have coffee. Provided he’d had a glimmering of what she was talking about, she’d provide him with a possible way of getting in touch with the starry-eyed young lady in question as part of her never-ending crusade.

However, if it was all beyond him, if he didn’t appreciate what Constance had to offer, it simply wasn’t worth her time.

He nodded again, still having no idea what the kicker was, followed her out, thanked Carmen who was greeting new revelers, and wished her all the best. Carmen, in turn, gave him a dirty look.

Outside, before parting ways, Stella smiled and said, “Are you sure you want to go ahead with this?”  

“If it gets me on the right wavelength, you bet.”

As she drifted off, he felt emboldened, as if he might be getting somewhere. But as the streetlamps flicked on and he neared the IRT Christopher Street stop in the late autumnal chill, he began to have second thoughts. Stella Parsons might just be playing him for her own amusement. Bud was totally out of his element and despite his track record as a sharp sports reporter was truly unfit for this venture all along no matter how hard he tried to make the best of it.

 

Shelly FromeAbout Shelly Frome

Award winning author, Shelly Frome is a member of Mystery Writers of America, a professor of dramatic arts emeritus at UConn, a former professional actor, and a writer of crime novels and books on theater and film. He also is a features writer for Gannett Publications. His fiction includes Sun Dance for Andy Horn, Lilac Moon, Twilight of the Drifter, Tinseltown Riff, Murder Run, Moon Games, The Secluded Village Murders and Miranda and the D-Day Caper. Among his works of non-fiction are The Actors Studio: A History, a guide to playwriting and one on screenwriting, Shadow of the Gypsy is his latest foray into the world of crime and the amateur sleuth. He lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Website: http://www.shellyfrome.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellyfrome Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellyFrome

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