Guest Post: Cozies and Me by mystery author Benni Chisholm

I meet Benni Chisholm through the Crime Writers of Canada and it is my pleasure to introduce her to you today. Take it away, Benni...

COZIES AND ME

A cozy is a specific type of mystery novel. The term is not well known, so here is a simple definition—a cozy is a true Who-Dun-It mystery.

In Agatha Christie fashion, cozies give the reader a chance to match wits with the author. The reader and the protagonist—detective or amateur sleuth—make use of clues provided by the author to try and solve the puzzle. The solution comes when the red herrings are set aside and the real antagonist is unearthed.

Cozies avoid bad language, explicit sex, and hardcore violence. Good writing and proper grammar are the norm which makes a cozy easy to read and easy to understand. If violence or sadomasochism is part of the actual story, creepy things often occur off page.

Cozies contain Murder and Mayhem, but they also include a great deal about Family, Friendship, and Community.

The Me in the title of this article is Benni Chisholm, author of four cozies. The protagonist in my cozies is Philomela Nightingale. Her name is derived from a Greek myth in which two sisters commit a murder and are later turned by the gods into a nightingale and a swallow. My two sisters do not commit murder, in fact, Philomela helps solve them. A dubious psychic is a neighbour and two police officers appreciate Philomela’s keen observations and flashes of intuition.

So you see, the two sisters represent family. The neighbour epitomizes friendship. The police and other residents of the seaside town of Saltaire comprise community.

A narcissist, sociopath, or psychopath may dominate the action in a cozy, yet goodness prevails and justice is eventually served. Readers, after experiencing armchair fears and thrills, paradoxically finish each cozy with feelings of satisfied relief, optimistic hope, and perhaps even joy.

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book review: Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens (thriller)

I meet Chevy Stevens (pen name-- "Chevy" after her favourite comedian Chevy Chase; "Stevens" after her father Steven) at a Crime Writers of Canada event. She was introduced to me as a rising star. And I made a mental note to buy her book--Still Missing (thriller). I did buy it and loved it. And apparently everyone else did too. Still Missing became a New York Times best seller. So when I saw more of Chevy Stevens' books in my local bookstore I bought them all.

Book:  Never Knowing
Publisher:  St. Martin's Griffin
Published:  2011
Book blurb:  After months of research, Sara locates her birth mother -- only to be met with horror and rejection. The she discovers the devastating truth: Her mother was the only victim ever to escape a killer who has been hunting women every summer for decades. But Sara soon realizes the only thing worse than finding out about her father is him finding out about her.
Author bio:  Chevy Stevens grew up on a ranch on Vancouver Island and still calls the island home. When she's not working on her next book, she's camping and canoeing with her husband in the local mountains. 
Author web site:  www.chevystevens.com

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My review...

Feedback from a writer...

Chevy Stevens writes in the first person and the reader -- addressed as 'you' -- is also a character -- Nadina, a psychiatrist. This format allows Sara (the main character) to make personal comments about how the story is unfolding. 
The book opens with Sara's address to the reader. It's like she's saying:  Welcome, make yourself at home. This is my story.
The first chapter closes with Sara once again addressing the reader:  Are you still there? Are you still interested? I hope so.

Stevens has a good grasp of when to show and when to tell. She seamlessly slips backstory into the story.

Favourite quotes...

'Like a metal to magnet I was sitting at my computer again.' (p. 34)

'[P]ulling his words over me like a soothing blanket.' (p. 41)

Character development of a minor character...

'Lauren is one of those rare people who are as nice as they look -- the kind of person who remembers what brand of shampoo you like and save the coupon for you.' (p. 24)

Good use of suspense...

'But I have a feeling something worse is waiting for me.' (p. 60)

A reader's comments...

Steven's comment on and invisible disability rang true for me (I have dyslexia and suffer from anxiety)...

'My entire life people have looked at me like I was faking it when I had a migraine. But I know how they hurt, how the pain almost makes you insane.' (p. 335)

For some reason, I didn't trust Sara's boyfriend. I thought he knew more than he let on.

I like how resourceful Sara was--she used small details she remembered about the man who was threatening her to outwit him. 

Even though Sara did appear childish, at times, she was a  devoted mother and a cunning advisory--unaware of her own strength.

Like another book I've reviewed--Wicked--Never Knowing explores the nature of evil.

'Knowing he wasn't all bad is a whole lot harder than believing he was pure evil.' (p. 439)

Even though I couldn't put the book down--even to the last page, I did find the ending drawn out.

There is a list of discussion questions at the end of this book. I found question 5 especially interesting.

'Do you believe in pure evil? Do you believe Sara's father was pure evil or was there any sense of humanity in him? Why or why not?'

Story lesson:  If a person seems too good to be true, they are.

A Tribute to Lou Allin by Leanne Dyck

On Friday, July 11th, I held my friend in my arms and spoke softly, “I have bad news. Lou Allin passed away.” It was hard news to share—hard for me to say, hard for her to hear.

A few minutes later, my friend found a magazine and flipped to an article she'd written. “Without Lou's gentle nudge I won't have submitted this; without her gentle nudge I won't have been published in this magazine.”

I wonder how many authors can credit Lou's gentle nudge for helping to develop their careers? My guess: many, including the organization Crime Writers of Canada.  Including me.

How did I meet Lou?

Lou Allin was an award-winning mystery author. And so, appropriately, how I met her is a bit of a mystery.

Back in 2009, I had newly self-published a mystery. I wanted to learn more about the publishing industry and thought finding a writers' association would help. A search engine delivered me to the Mystery Writers of America website. I emailed them asking if I could join and explaining that I was Canadian. Their polite reply directed me to the Crime Writers of Canada. And I made a mental note to learn more about this association. A few months later, I received an email from Lou Allin (then membership chair) informing me that the Crime Writers of Canada was holding a free mini-conference. How she found me will remain a mystery. But I'm very glad she did.

During that first conference, I participated in a one-on-one blue-pencil session with Lou. (Learn more about how that went here.) And I invited her to visit me on Mayne Island. She accepted my offer, and we became friends. Like a good friend, Lou was always there to offer me opportunities like sitting on panels, giving me feedback on my writing, and writing articles for this blog.

Bloody Words by Lou Allin (12/28/10)

Interview with Lou Allin (8/26/11)

Lou Allin takes us to the Crime Writes of Canada award night (6/21/12)

Belle or Holly?:  The Old Order Changeth, Yielding Place to New

(7/12/13)

Lou will live on not only in her writing but also in the authors she gently nudged.

Writing tips from a writers conference notes by Leanne Dyck

A generous publisher, a knowledgeable panel and an inspiring author were the magic ingredients that made this Crime Writers of Canada (B.C. branch) mini conference a 'must attend' event.

Ruth Linka

Associate Publisher

Rapid Reads

Orca Publishing

Ruth Linka spoke candidly about a diverse list of topics--what she expects from authors, the steps after your manuscript is accepted, and what type of work her publishing house (Rapid Reads imprint of Orca Publishing) is seeking.

Here is what I heard her say (which might be slightly different from what she actually said)...

-stressed that it's important for authors to connect with their (potential) readers through social networking

-when a publisher sends you a personalized rejection letter it's because they want to see more of your work and that they hope you will continue to submit your work

-after the manuscript is accepted the contract is signed, editing starts, book cover ideas are discussed as well as how to promote the book. This usually takes about a year. Although some publishers may reduce the time to six months.

-Rapid Reads is looking for short work (15 to 20k words) and are focusing on mysteries 

-Ideally the author would have the next book in the series ready so that when the first book of the series is published the first chapter of the second book can be included at the back (Louise Penny does this)

-Ruth likes to see good writing, an interesting plot and characters--and for the protagonist to have a side kick

-most Canadian publishers take a manuscript without an agent

-search title to make sure it isn't being used

-catch the publisher's interest in the cover letter

Conference organizer Phyllis Smallman introduces the panel

Left to right:  Lou Allin, Benni Chisholm, Kay Stewart (moniator) and Stanley Evans

When writing a mystery what should the author focus on?

Lou Allin:  Is the crime going to be solved? What other problems will be encountered?

Stanley:  Think in terms of 'must' and 'cannot'--as in, the protagonist must solve the crime because... but cannot solve it because...

How do you make a book suspenseful?

Benni Chisholm:  wrote one of her books in the first person that way the reader only knows what the protagonist knows. She wrote another book in the third person and she wrote it in such a way that the reader knew who the antagonist was. This made the reader worry.

Lou Allin advised against starting chapters with the character getting up or end with the character going to bed.

Lou Allin advised sharing the same thought on every page.

Writing tips?

Stanley:  no outline--writes a detailed synopsis, instead

-all crime books begin with a murder

 -more challenging to write a novel in the lst person so he recommended that beginners write in the 3rd person

Benni:  likes to end each chapter with a cliff hanger. 

Lou:  it's okay to have an unreliable narrator, it's okay to lie to your reader. Even though, the reader has been educated to trust the narrator.

Kay:  get me on the first chapter and flow forward

Phyllis Smallman

Phyllis Smallman began her talk about how to write a best-seller by saying, in order to be a great author you need to be a great reader--learn form the masters.

She recommend that we read best-sellers and study them to determine why they are best-sellers.

Start with a great opening paragraph

Vary the length of your sentences

Recommended writing craft books:

Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass

Write Away by Elizabeth George

A Passion for Narrative by Jack Hodgins

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose

For Writers Only by Sophy Burnham

An Exaltation of Larks by James Lipton

The Describer's Dictionary by David Grambs

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown & Dave King

The Art of Fiction:  Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner

Much thanks to the organizers and presenters. (Oh, yes, and to my friend Amber and her husband for making room in their van for me.) I for one, and I know I'm not alone, was brimming over with information and inspiration. And I can't wait until next year...

Sharing my author journey...

I've been giving a lot of thought to what I want to accomplish this summer. 

Guest Post Sharon Rowse (historical mystery)

How/why did you start to write?

I love to read and I’ve always written, ever since I can remember. I majored in English and History, because of that love of reading and because I’m fascinated by history. Those early influences are showing up in everything I write now. I also love to paint—though it too often takes a back seat to my writing—and that has definitely influenced the way I see the world and what I choose to write.

How did you become an author?

I had an idea for an historical mystery, featuring the fourth son of an English Baron, who goes to the Klondike to strike it rich, and winds up in Vancouver hungry and broke. While I was researching, I came across the silk trains, and was intrigued. I had never heard about the sleek steam liners that carried a fortune in silk from the Orient to Vancouver at the turn of the last century. The costly silk, insured by the day, was rushed to New York in specially designed trains, which became the target of every crook across the continent. My main character gets a job guarding the silk trains, and I was off.

John Lansdowne Granville proved to be an engaging character to write, and I loved researching the history of the Klondike Gold Rush, silk trains and Vancouver in 1899. That book became The Silk Train Murder.

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What was your first published piece?

I pitched The Silk Train Murder to an editor from New York at the Surrey Writer’s Conference. He liked the manuscript, and it was published by Carroll and Graf in 2007. The Silk Train Murder received starred reviews from Booklist and Quill & Quire was nominated for an Arthur Ellis award for Best First Novel.

The second book in that series—The Lost Mine Murders (because I was intrigued by a legendary lost mine outside Vancouver)—came out in 2011 and the third book—The Missing Heir Murders (because I was intrigued by the black sheep sons of the English nobility, who came to the Canadian frontier as Remittance Men)—will be published in 2014.

I’ve also published four books in a contemporary mystery series—the Barbara O’Grady books—which are also set in Vancouver. Barbara too is a fun character to write. She’s a P.I. with a love of art and history, and her cases draw her back into the past and into the nastier corners of the art world. The fourth book in that series—A Shadowed Death—was published in December. (The other Barbara books are Death of a Secret, Death of a Threat and Death of a Lover.)

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What did you do before embarking on your writing career? Was it an asset to your writing? How?

I spent most of my non-writing career in offices of one kind or another, working in everything from the mailroom to budget planning to human resources. The variety of jobs I’ve held was and is an asset to my writing, because all of it was about people and people’s interactions with each other. I learned a bit about business along the way, and that pops up in my writing, too.

What inspires you?

I love story-telling, and it’s the lure of a good story that gets me every time. People, “what if?” and “but why?” questions inspire me, as do quirky ideas, and forgotten bits of history and research. The challenge of bringing the past to life—in edgy historicals and contemporary mysteries with roots deep in the past—is one of the things that keeps me writing.

Please share one of your successful marketing techniques

I’m something of a reluctant marketer, though I do keep my website up-to-date. Beyond that, I think writing books I’m passionate about—with characters who come alive for me, and I hope will for my readers—is really critical, because it gives me something I feel good about sharing.

Once the book is done, though, writing a series and having more than one book available in that series seems to have been my most successful marketing strategy so far.

Parting words

Writing is a solitary pursuit, and you have to love it for its own sake, but it’s sharing the writing world with readers and with other writers that makes it real.

Author Links

website: www.sharonrowse.com

Word Vancouver notes by Leanne Dyck

This year, Word on the Street became Word Vancouver and I was blissfully unaware until I arrived home and read the brochure. 
Um... Yeah... Is my face red? Yup.
Anyway...
Here's what I did notice...

Because I wanted to attend an early morning lecture (11 a.m.) I sailed over to the mainland on Saturday evening. There were weather warnings. So I made plans to stay an extra day, if necessary.
I arrived at the Vancouver Public Library, Main Branch early Sunday morning (10 a.m. -ish) and watched the Word Vancouver crew tearing down tents. Due to the weather forecast, the outside market was brought inside. The Vancouver Public Library was stuffed full. Already, narrow aisles were made even narrower due to display tables occupying both sides.

The first display I saw was by the Alcuin Society. I feasted my eyes. The books displayed were works of art. All had won awards for book design. 

I descended the stairs to the Alma Van Dusen room.

Pauline Johnson -- A Vancouver Legend with Shelia Johnston

Shelia Johnston spoke eloquently about Pauline Johnson -- a dynamic poet and true Canadian. Pauline was born into an ethnically diverse family -- Aboriginal father and white more 

In a time when the dominate white culture looked down on Aboriginals, Pauline used her gift for poetry to attract and inform her mainly white audience about the proud Aboriginal traditions. 

"She caused revolutionary thinking," Shelia Johnston told us.

(sorry, this is what you get when you don't hire a professional photographer)

Shelia treated us by reading from Pauline Johnson's collection of poetry. I listened, captivated as Shelia brought Pauline's lovely words to life.

Audience members informed us that Margaret Atwood and Tobin Stokes have created an Opera called Pauline. 

Buckskin and Broadcloth by Shelia Johnston

Then. I walked next door to the Peter Kaye Room.

Get Published with Janet Love Morrison
Janet Love Morrison used her personal experience to help us navigate our way through the publishing process.

First decision, self-publish or traditionally publishing?

Janet offered us a series of questions to help direct us into one camp or the other.

Questions:
-What was the purpose or intent behind writing the manuscript?
-Who is your target market?
-What are your story's unique selling points?

Before submitting our manuscripts to a publisher, Janet advised us to do our homework.

Questions to answer...
-what genre does the publisher publish?
-what are the publisher's submission guidelines?
-how many books does the publisher publish a year?
-what is the size of the publisher's print run?
-what awards has the publisher won?
-how long has the publisher been in business?
(Janet told us not to shy away from new publishers. She simply wanted us to be informed.)
-where are the publisher's books reviewed?
-does the publisher support their newly published authors?
(Janet told us that generally a publisher will help market a new book for three months)

Once we've found our publisher and are ready to make a submission...

Send...
-cover letter
(Janet told us that if we could find someone (organization) to endorse our manuscript send that along with your submission.)
-synopsis
-sample chapters or pages
-state if this is a multiply submission

When a publisher is interested in publishing our books, they will ask us to sign a contract. Janet advised us not to sign anything until you completely understand it. In fact, she suggested hiring a literary lawyer to help explain the contract.

For those in the audience who decided to self-publish, Janet walked us through that process as well.

I shuffled back over to the Alma VanDusen Room

New Directions in Creative Writing
Presented by UBC Creative Writing

UBC professors discussed the creative writing program; the developments they've seen with respect to combining literary projects with new media and the professors also talked about their own writing.

I remained in this room for...

The Scene of the Crime
Presented by the Crime Writers of Canada
Moderator:  Cathy Ace
Panel members:  Debra Purdy Kong, David Russell, Robin Spano, Kay Stewart and Chris Bullock

I am a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and it was nice to re-connect with some of the members.

At the beginning of the discussion, each writer was given seven minutes to talk generally about their writing, their book(s) and to do a brief reading.
Then the audience was invited to ask questions. These were many and varied.
Some were...
Question:  Do you use beta readers?
Answer:  All of the authors did. One as many as 12.

Question:  Do you contact the police for a research resource for your book?
Answer:  Yes, the public relations office. Sometimes, through social media, the resource person contacts the author.

Question:  How do you come to your story?
Answer:  One author picks a place (location) where she wants to spend time and then develops a story around the place.
Others are haunted by an image or inspired by news headlines and current issues.

Back into the hall...
Think I'm done?
Think again.
I ascended the stairs to the Canada Writes Tent which was brought inside, into a coffee shop.
I kicked myself because I caught the tail end of Sexy Sick Chick Lit (Kim Clark and Robyn Michele Levy). I would have loved to hear it all and speak with them later. But then I would have missed... And I couldn't have split myself in two--or even cloned myself. So... Next year, perhaps.

I enjoyed listen to...
Mark Letheren-Young read from Free Magic Secrets Revealed:  A Memoir
Carellin Brooks read from her soon-to-be released book Fresh Hell
Shaena Lambert read from her short story collection Oh, My Darling
Janie Chang read from Three Souls

Okay, I'm not sure how but I had an opportunity to visit the book market. I met so many interesting people and I invited them to visit this blog. I'm hoping they'll accept my offer. Because I know you'll enjoy meeting them as well.

Oh, yes, and in case you're wondering, Mother Nature did throw a hissy fit--and I was stuck on the mainland. Oh, poor, me. I got to go out to eat with my in-laws--a rare and savoured treat.
I arrived home a day late and just in time to attend a meeting of my writing circle.
I thought I'd be drained -- and I was, a little. But mostly I was super-charged. And now I'm dreaming of flying off to literary events in T.O., New York, London. Okay... Okay... I know, don't get carried away...

***
Literary festival... 
Some day I will attend...
Some day I will attend as a participating author...
The stuff of dreams...

Sidney Writers' Festival

Whistler Readers and Writers Festival

Learn more here

Surrey International Writers' Conference
Learn more here

Crime Writers of Canada mini writing conference report by Leanne Dyck

The morning of Saturday, May 25^th I woke before my alarm. By 6:30 a.m., I was in the truck headed for the ferry. I was excited—but not nervous. This surprised me. I’m used to talking to one or two people at a time, in a few hours I would be talking to a room full. But the day wasn’t all about me—there were other panels, other panellists.

Here’s what I heard…

Panel 1:  Moving from Idea to Draft

E.R. Brown, Benni Chisholm, Ken Merkley, Kay Stewart(moderator)

-When conducting research, experts (such as police officers) are helpful—especially if you send them an introductory letter stating what information you want to collect.

An attendee asked:  If your story is based on a true event, how do you avoid being legible?

Answer:  Mask the facts and consult with a lawyer.

There was discussion about plotter or panster. Most present did some type of outlining before writing.

Advice:  -Write the first draft then fix it.

There was discussion about how to make the outlining process easier.

-mind mapping

-mind mapping using Post-it notes

-mind mapping using a whiteboard

-mind mapping using the computer program Scribner

Editors have said that…

-readers want to be in a place

-readers want to learn something

While researching, the Internet provides only a broad overview; therefore, consider purchasing books and consulting experts.

An attendee asked:  Should an author be able to play with the facts?

Answer:  The author should ask herself, “Could this happen?”

If the answer is yes—go for it.

-In writing scenes, instead of trying to account for every minute only write the important scenes.

-You should start the scene with one set of feelings and end it with a different set.

-Beware of sagging middles.

-Each scene should move the story forward.

Food for thought:  An eight-year-old said, “I like this book. I just think the author told too much of it.”

Panel 2:  Handling Common Problems in Plot, Character, and Style

Chris Bullock (moderator), Joan Donaldson-Yarmey, Debra Purdy Kong, Lou Allin

-Beware of using local places as the setting for negative events.

-If you’re becoming bored with the story bring in a bad boy or girl.

-Read (lots of) books like an author. When you encounter characters ask yourself why you like/dislike them.

-Feel free to build a character that is a composite of real people.

When building a character start by asking yourself:

What do they look like?

How do they act?

Where do they work?

Then go deeper…

What are their hopes, dreams, fears…

-Once you understand your character outside and in you can bring them to life on the page.

-When you’re working on a series develop a character bible for each character—main and minor.

When building a character

-avoid making them too quirky—you want believable characters

-avoid making them too stereotypical

-be careful how you age your character

-ensure that there is continuity

-secondary characters shouldn't overshadow—if they begin to reign them in.

-don’t have too many characters. Ensure that each has a purpose.

-find your own style

-your words should flow naturally

-use your own voice

-aim for rhythm in your writing

-as the writer matures so does her writing

-don’t let your setting take over

(much thanks to Kay Stewart for taking this photo)

Panel 3:  Marketing Your Work

Leanne Dyck, Robin Spano, Phyllis Smallman (moderator)

I sat down feeling confident. I looked out at the attendees and immediately felt nervous. All those old stories about how I couldn’t read began attacking me. I was tired so I tripped and fell over some words. This made me feel embarrassed. Still, I knew I wanted to be there; I wanted to be a panellist. This is an important part of building my author career. It’s just hard for me—that’s all. But it’s been my experience that the more I challenge myself the easier things become.

I plan to share my speech with you—in a future post, so watch for that.

Robin Spano spoke eloquently about Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. She said that Twitter allows participants to interact with one another and, for this reason, Twitter serves as an excellent tool for networking. 

She explained that Goodreads has a blog and is an excellent way to promote the books that you've enjoyed reading.

Since Robin spoke I’ve had an opportunity to become more involved with Facebook. I like it because through it I feel like a member of a community.

Twitter and Facebook are more immediate—brief messages sent quickly—than blogging. But what works best for me is having an opportunity to think before I write. I also like having a home base where I draw readers while engaging with them online. Blogging also helps escape the "time-suck" that other forms of social networking create. Basically, I used my panel time to promote the virtues of blogging.

One of the marketing ideas Phyllis Smallman recommended, which I hope to eventually use, is Skype. Imagine being able to do an interactive presentation to a global audience.

Award winning author, Phyllis Smallman, lives on Salt Spring Island, B.C. but spends the winter months in Florida where her books are set. Her fifth book, Highball Exit, comes out in the fall of 2012.
"Smallman...is at the top of her game in this fast-paced tale."  Globe and Mail

Phyllis Smallman writes...

Marketing Creativity

It doesn’t matter if you paint, knit or write books like I do; you need to be able to sell your product the same as Kraft needs to sell their cheese. How do we go about that? Here are some quick tips that may help you.

    1.You need to be able to speak about your work so go to Toastmasters and learn to be a great public speaker.  You’ll have fun and it’s the quickest way to put yourself at ease in front of an audience. More than that, they will become part of your marketing platform.

      2. Have a good talk with yourself and decide what type of marketing you are most comfortable doing.  For me that means not hand selling books at fairs, festivals or signings, but I’m happy to hand out bookmarks.

    3. Build a platform with a community of like minded people.  Join guilds, art groups and associations to increase your fan base and provide new ideas and marketing opportunities. I belong to Crime Writers of Canada, Mystery Writers of America and Florida Writers Assoc.

     4. Give stuff away.  In my case, I put up free short stories where e-books are sold.  When you download a short story of mine there is a few chapters of one of my books attached at the end. Bitty And The Naked Ladies has been downloaded about 30,000 times. Write articles about the work you do and offer them to on-line magazines. This is a way to get your name out there and gain authenticity.  If you give people information, you create fans and followers. My articles have appeared in Omni magazine and in Spinetingler.

     I send out a newsletter once a year, when I have a new book out, to update readers on what’s happening and to remind them that I’m still writing. I include any new publishing events, awards or books. For instance, I won a bronze medal from Independent Publishers this spring.  That will go in my fall newsletter to announce my new book, Long Gone Man, coming out in Sept from Touch Wood. To receive newsletters, which you can use as a template, go to www.phyllissmallman.com and I’ll add you to the list.

     This is the most important point.  You want people to like you. Don’t annoy them. Don’t over-send things to them, don’t over-invite them to events, don’t over social media them and most importantly, don’t always make it about you. Be nice.

Mystery Mini Chats followed the panel discussions. It was an opportunity for readers and authors to engage in dialogue about books. 

Book Review: Death's Last Run by Robin Spano

I was in the middle of reading an award winner. When...

a friend of this blog Author Robin Spano sent me an advance copy of her new book--Death's Last Run.

I was itching to start reading Robin's book but I was committed to finishing the other book. So, I told myself, Just one page.

Little did I know reading Death's Last Run would be like eating chocolates--one page led to another which led to another which led to a new chapter. Love those short chapters.

Death's Last Run is written in a warm, friendly, uplifting style. I laughed out loud at page 64. 'Flopface'. Love  it!

This book is peopled with good characters who truly care about one another. I especially enjoyed the Richie character. Richie often quotes the business advice he had gleamed from reading The Religion of Success--for example:  'If you know where you're going, you're far more likely to get there.' [An opportunity to visualize future success... An invitation I've accepted.]

Many may poop-poop the power of the mighty blog. But chapter twenty-one reveals the foolishness in such an attitude.

In this chapter, US senator, Martha Westlake is interview by a blogger. When he asks if she'd like to retract a statement, she replies, ' "I don't care... Does anyone even read your blog?" '

Later we learn the answer:  ' "135 people. The post has only been live for an hour." '

Those quotes warm this blogger's heart.

In Death's Last Run Robin Spano explores the topic of charity--who receives it; who offers it; why and the feelings involved.

' "And if a little rich girl had come along and tried to rescue me from my so-called poverty, pretty sure I would have punched her in the mouth before I took her charity." ' (Clare, p. 242)

' "I came to America to get my revenge. I planned to become so wealthy in the Land of Opportunity that I could squish Sacha Westlake with my power, then give her a helping hand. Show her how that felt.

But when I arrived in New York, she was dead.

I instantly hated myself for all those years of rage. Sacha had been kind to me, and I was so self-obsessed I could not see it. 

I wanted to turn back time, to write back even in imperfect English, to say thank you to this sweet girl who shared her allowance, and her world with me in letters." ' (Lorenzo Barilla, p. 247)

' "People like Sacha think they can fix the world's problems by patting their heads and throwing money at them. They consider themselves the ruling class. Like we commoners couldn't possibly know what's good for us." ' (Norris, p. 248)

Blurb:  Clare Vengel hits the slopes in this sassy, sexy, fast-paced mystery.

A young snowboarder is found dead on the Blackcomb Glacier, and Whistler police want to close the case as suicide. The victim's mother, a U.S. senator, says her daughter would not, and did not, kill herself. At her request, the FBI sends in an undercover agent--Clare Vengel--to find out who might have killed Sacha and why. Dropped into a world of partying with ski bums and snow bunnies, Clare soon discovers that Sacha was involved in an LSD smuggling ring. Worse:  the top cop in Whistler is in cahoots with the smugglers, and Clare's cover is too precarious for comfort. As suspicion snowballs, can Clare solve the case before she's buried alive?

For more information about Death's Last Run by Robin Spano, please click this link.

Meet the Author...

Robin and I will be sitting on the same panel at 

the Crime Writers of Canada

free

Mini Conference

***

Sharing my author journey...

A few months ago, I entered WOW Women on Writing's Winter Flash Fiction Contest. This week I received the results...

(Brief summary)

A man doesn't want to leave, but knows he has to

(Overview)

I like this story a lot! It hits home for me because my parents' families were interned in the camps in Poston, Arizona. Such a crazy point in history, and we all hope history never repeats itself. I love his inner conflict and his anxiety, especially when he sees the lights. You did a nice job of showing his dignity--he packed his suitcase, opened the door, and followed them when they arrived on his porch. I also like his patriotism in light of what the country was doing to him. Nice work!