If you like an adventure story, you’ll love The Boys in the Boat” #amreading #review Click To Tweet Brown chronicles the story of the 9 American crew members and their quest for Olympic Gold during the Berlin Olympics. The story is true and quite riveting. Brown didn’t just create suspense while describing crew races, he […]
What Qualifies as a Great Read?
As a writer, I’m interested in hearing from readers. What qualifies as a great read. I recently listened to the NY Times book reviewers talking about their picks for the best reads of 2014. They mentioned books that were “surprising.” Something we don’t expect to find. They like books that are deep but also funny. […]
The Cat’s Meow–Cozy Mystery for Cat Lovers–Mew is for Murder
Recently I read a delightful cozy mystery by Clea Simon. The book, Mew is for Murder #mystery #books #cozy Click To Tweet This is the first in the Theda Krakow series. Theda is a freelance journalist. She’s also a cat lover and owner. The story is about Theda’s discovery of the body of a “cat” lady. […]
The Brothers’ Keepers–A Must Read!!
The Brother’s Keepers is a great adventure that won’t let you do anything but read @matthewpeters65 Click To Tweet I enjoyed every moment I lost in this book. Here are just a few of the reasons I’m telling you to waste not one second and order The Brothers’ Keepers. The writing is excellent @matthewpeters65 TheBrothersKeepers […]
Welcome–Authors Heather Brainerd and David Fraser
Writing as a brother sister team! What an interesting collaboration. Heather and David have published two mysteries in the Jose Picada PI series #deceptionaldente #thesoundofsirens #museitup Click To Tweet Let’s find out how these two talented writers work together. Heather: Thanks for having us, Joan! JC: You are welcome. Tell me how long have you two […]
A Surprisingly Fun Read–Deception Al Dente
I picked up Deception Al Dente because I liked the way the reviews sounded, not to mention the cool name. People called it a great mystery with a twist. But, what I liked most about the reviews was the description of the PI. Most said she was likable if not a bit flawed. Who could […]
Guests on Earth–A Review
Lee Smith is one of my favorite Southern authors. Her book Fair and Tender Ladies ranks up there with a book I’d read over and over. Recently she released her latest, Guests on Earth. I must say, I don’t like the title. I understand the reason for it, but that doesn’t make it any better. […]
The Clock Strikes Midnight– Hear Two Chapters Read
As part of the work to prepare for the launch of the mystery/suspense novel The Clock Strikes Midnight that will happen this fall, I asked Sandy Weaver Carman to record the first two chapters on an MP3. Sandy is a professional reader of audiobooks and has a wonderful voice. She read the first two chapters with a […]
Why I Love Lee Smith
If you haven’t read Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith, you are in for a real treat. It is one of my all-time favorite books. Lee Smith is an incredible storyteller. She writes with the beauty of a poet. But, she creates memorable characters and a complete sense of place. In Fair and Tender […]
Joan’s Must-Read: Room
When a book haunts me the way Room did, I put it on my must-read list and recommend it to all of you. Let me tell you why this book haunted me. First, it is told from the point of view of a 5-year-old child. What that child sees, perceives, witnesses and feels is contrary […]
