Odd Tidbits

Holy Moly! Is it the end of March already? Where have the first three months of this year gone? I'm starting to grow antsy because my Southern California trip for fun is coming up soon - I leave in less than three weeks. I've been chatting with my friend Michael out in SoCal who's been incredibly awesome to me, giving me all the lowdown on the LA Times Festival of Books. The authors and panels have been posted on their website and I've already picked out the three I want to attend. They're all on Saturday. First I'm going to see CRAIG JOHNSON! Woo hoo! Yes, it is so! Then in the afternoon, Michael Koryta. Kinda funny going to the other side of the country to see an author who lives a few hours from me! And after Michael's panel then...oh yeah! The man himself! I will FINALLY get to see RC! Takin' extra batteries for the camera.

Anyway! I still have to wait more than two weeks to leave, and the FOB isn't until the end of my stay in SoCal, so I have to try to keep the excitement contained a bit. So, I'm focusing on what's exciting here on the blog. April will finally bring about a new batch of interviews. We'll be giving the ladies some love in April. I have three exciting interviews lined up with the first to be this Friday. I'll also be hosting another guest blogger in April. But, the fun isn't going to stop in April. There are a few fun things lined up for May already and hopefully we'll find a few more before May finds it way here.

Today I came home to find a copy of THE PROSECUTION RESTS from the fine folks at Hachette. This is a collection of short stories, edited by Linda Fairstein, and as the title indicates, they are courtroom-related stories. This is the third collection like this. Last year Michael Connelly edited THE BLUE RELIGION, which is a fantastic collection of police procedural short stories. I loved that collection, so I'm definitely looking forward to THE PROSECUTION RESTS.

Today was the release date for Harlan Coben's long awaited new Myron Bolitar novel, Long Lost. Harlan was interviewed by Al Roker on the Today show this morning. You can see the interview here. Coben's a funny guy! I love to read his tweets on Twitter. I get a chuckle out of every one.

Alrighty kids. I want to get some extra reading time in with Libby Hellmann's EASY INNOCENCE because by golly, I'm lovin' this book. Can't wait to tell you all about it. Until then...I'm still looking for more comments on what you like in a book review, be sure to share your two cents in my previous post. And happy reading!!

What Do You Want to Read In a Review?

Not long ago, Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'? pointed me to this post about book reviews and their purposes. The author has five elements she feels should be included in a valuable book review. They include:

1. A brief, accurate, and unbiased precis of the setting and plot of the story without giving away what the rabbit in the hat looks like.
2. A specific evaluation of the author's writing ability, including which writers the author's style resembles, and, as the exalted John Updike recommends in his Six Rules for Book Reviewing, a taste out of the author's pot with a few moderately lengthy and representative quotes.
3. Which works this particular book most resembles in both plot and feel.
4. How the book compares to the author's previous works (if any) and to other books cut from a similar cloth.
5. A final verdict on the book stated clearly and unequivocally and with the particular reviewer's caveats laid out for consideration.
   

I personally wondered about all the references to other authors and styles. On occasion I might mention that if a person likes "such and such" a subgenre, they might enjoy this book. I will also on occasion say, "this book brought to might 'so and so.'" But I also only do that when it hits me while I'm reading - and we're talking hit-over-the-head-with-a-frying-pan-type hits me. I tend to value the unique, so I'm often looking for the elements that make a book unique, not the elements that make it like others. I will compare a book to others the author has written if I've experienced anything else the author has written.

But, what's even more important to me, is what characteristics make a review GREAT in your eyes? What makes you interested enough to finish reading a review? What are the elements that help you decide whether or not you're interested in a book that's being reviewed? And on the flip side, what are elements you wish people would leave out of their reviews?

So, let 'er rip! Tell us what you think!

Get Your Votes In

Yes, you too can vote for the Spinetingler awards. All nominations are up and ready for votes to be taken here. If you read Naomi's story and thought it a real winner, you can vote for her in the short story category. I didn't vote in every category; only those categories I felt I had some knowledge of. However, I think most people who read my blog regularly could pick out who my votes for were for!

So, what are you waiting for? Get over there and vote!

Introducing Guest Blogger Kristin Callendar!

As I mentioned around New Year's resolution time, I'd like to give face time on the blog to new authors, and maybe some that aren't necessarily new but haven't gotten the attention they deserve. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my blog with a brand new author. So, if you would, please give a nice welcome to Kristin Callendar, author of The Truth Lies in the Dark:





Hi fans of Jen's Book Thoughts and fellow readers. I am Kristin Callender, author of new mystery, The Truth Lies in the Dark. Thank you for stopping by to learn a little about me and my book. And of course, thank you Jen for having me as a guest.

The Truth Lies in the Dark is a mystery about a woman who finds out that she is not who she thinks. There are dark secrets locked in her past and her only clues to them lie in her reoccurring nightmares of an unknown girl; or are they her only clues? As Amanda gets closer to finding her true identity she also finds that her grandparents, and even her loving husband, may know more than they admit. Who is there to help her and who is there to make sure the truth remains...in the dark?

In addition to being a new author, I am also a mom of four and a substitute teacher. I have always wanted to write a book, but my busy life and self doubt kept me thinking that it could not be done. I am so glad that I finally made myself do it anyway. It is something I really enjoy and it amazes me how many stories are floating around in my head. When I stopped saying I didn't have time and I can't do it all of those stories came to life. I still have a hard time finding time to get them down on paper, but at least I know I can.

I have finished a contemporary romance, which is under consideration at a New York publisher. Hopefully I will have more news about that soon. I am also working on another mystery. Right now the writing is going slow, because I have been very involved in the marketing and promoting of The Truth Lies in the Dark.

In honor of Jen's blog I have created my own 1 Word Resolution to describe The Truth Lies in the Dark, at least from the main character Amanda's point of view. Not to mislead any horror lovers out there. Amanda's horrors are more emotional than graphic.

Trusting
Requires
Uncovering
True
Horrors

Thanks again for your interest in me and my work. If you would like to learn more or see where my Book Blog Tour has been you can go to my website:



http://sites.google.com/site/kristincallenderbooks.

Happy Reading and Writing,
Kristin Callender

The Truth Lies in the Dark by Kristin Callender is available on www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-Dark-Kristin-Callender/dp/1604520140 and is the 'Featured Book of the Month' on http://www.bluewaterpress.com/.

A Spur Award - Yes, It Is So!

I have to start out today's post with a huge congratulations to Craig Johnson who has won the Western Writers of America's Spur Award for Another Man's Moccasins! I'm excited because I will be able to see Craig on a panel at the L.A. Times Festival of Books AND I'm going to this event to see him in June! Yes! It is so! I will finally get to meet the man himself!

Also discovered today that Gregg Hurwitz will be releasing his new book in June. It is called Trust No One. If it is half as good as The Crime Writer, I'll be in heaven! You can see details at his website here. He is also going to be at the L.A. Times FOB, so maybe I can see him as well. It would be GREAT!

Yesterday was the anniversary of Raymond Chandler's death 50 years ago. In honor, Dave Rosenthal over at the Read Street blog has a little Chandler trivia game. You can try your hand for a chance at some free mysteries.

So that's all for other sites. Now I'm going to announce that the fun is just gettin' started around here folks. I have great stuff lined up for April, but we'll get an early start with a guest blogger tomorrow. In April I have a handful of interviews lined up, and I'm very excited about them. I also have at least one more guest blogger in April. Then of course will be the Festival of Books so I'll have LOTS of fun to share about that!

But, for tonight, I'm off to continue EASY INNOCENCE that I started today during my lunch break and then became thoroughly irritated when I had to stop! It hooked me on page 1; I'm looking forward to this book! Make sure you check out Naomi's award-nominated short story, and Happy Reading!!

My Friend, the Nominee

If you remember a short while back, I shared a link for a short story that my friend Naomi had published online. It was incredible! That story was called "The Winter of My Discontent."

Wellllllllll, I'm thrilled to share with you the fact that Naomi has received a short story award nomination for another incredible story that she's written. The new story is called "Sisters Under the Skin" and you can read the story here. Then you can see her nomination here. Their link to her story isn't working for some reason, so use the links I have for the story itself.

"Sisters Under the Skin" is outstanding, and I'm not just saying that because she is my friend. I was riveted by this plot. I'm reading, thinking, "o.k., yeah, and..." then WHAM! The twist knocks ya for a loop. I understand why this story is nominated!

"Sisters Under the Skin" - CHECK IT OUT!!

Completely Humbled - The Final Chapter

Whew! Are you totally sick of me being humbled yet? Well, you have to make it threw one more award. I'm really not trying to be a snob, I simply wanted to recognize each person who gave me awards because I want each of them to know how much they mean to me. So, thank you so much for tolerating me through the last three days of this business.

The final award I get to receive and pass on tickles me pink, absolutely brilliant bubble gum pink. Actually that's the color I turn whenever Corey pays me a compliment. He says the kindest things, and I'm the goofball looking all around going, "he's talking about me?!?" It warms my heart to accept this Premio Dardos award from Corey at The Drowning Machine. According to Corey, "Jen's blog is the essence of the power of positive writing. And she scores some terrific author interviews, too." Wow!

Backtracking a bit, I found this little tidbit about the Premio Dardos:

"The Dardos Awards is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web."

I'm so excited that someone actually thinks I add value to the web! I am one of those people who doesn't know what to say or do when others pay me compliments. I usually end up stuttering something absurd, but please know that every one of the compliments you all have been paying me these last few days are stored in special places in my mind and heart. I value each and every one. Now before I pull a Sally Field on you all, I'll just get to passing this award along!

1. The first blog to pop in my mind for this award is definitely Meanderings and Musings hosted by my friend Kaye Barley. She adds such spunk and pizazz to this blog world. If her blog ever went away, I'd feel a major loss. But not only that, her blog is supportive and encouraging to all those around her.

2. Tim Hallinan's blog is a shoe-in for a Premio Dardos. His promotion of creativity is incredible. If I'm not sharing in his writing process through the blog posts, then I'm reading about other folks who are creative and talented and sharing their ideas with others. Tim's blog is a haven for the creative folks in this wild cyber space.

3. My last nomination is going to the blog of someone I don't know personally, but do admire tremendously, and that's Off the Page: On Books and Culture. Oline Cogdill is the co-host of this blog and she has a great blog that promotes mystery and crime fiction. I've learned about new writers and new titles through the Off the Page blog and look forward to those e-mails that pop up to say a new post is available. Off the Page definitely adds a great deal to my blog world.

O.k. all, that's it. I'm finally caught up! I'm going to go bask in my awards a little more while I read before bed. I plan to be back tomorrow to share some odds and ends that I've stumbled across in the course of getting caught up. Thank you to everyone who bestowed awards on me, as well as all the tremendously kind folks who left congrats in the comments. I'm so happy to share my reading experiences with you all. Come back and visit me often. I love to talk books with you! :) Happy Reading!

Complete Humbled - Part 2

O.k., here's blog award number two. This award was bestowed on me by PK the Bookeemonster - isn't that name great? My title is so uncreative and I'm always jealous of these great blog names. But, anyway, if you haven't been to Bookeemonster's site and you like what you see on my blog, definitely take a peek over at hers. She's a crime fiction junkie, too.

Bookeemonster awarded me the Sisterhood Award, and here's what I'm supposed to do:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!

3. Link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

I'm going to keep my nominations to five again, mostly because I'm just so darned tired today - and I'm dying to get back to KILLER KEEPSAKES. So, here are my nominees:

1. Tina at Just a Moment of My Time. Tina is not a book blogger (but she is an avid reader); she blogs about scrapbooking and family-related topics, but she's just one of the most creative people I know. Plus, she has attitude to spare! Stop by and give her suggestions for things to read; she has a 50-book goal for the year and is always open to suggestions!

2. Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'? I'm sure she's already been given this award at one time or another because talk about attitude; I do think Trish wrote the book! And that's what makes her blog so great. Plus, Trish has been another mentor for me as a blogger. She's always got time to offer a suggestion and pass along a kind word - while she's kicking my but in Scramble on Facebook! An awesome friend to have in the blog-o-sphere.

3. Patti at Patti's Pens and Picks. Patti's a pioneer! Honest I'm not trying to get you to spit on your monitors. I admire Patti; she moved from Michigan out to Arizona, went through the drudgery of job hunting. Moved again while in Arizona. And through all that chaos, change and unrest, just managed to be one of the most positive people I know. I'm in awe of her. I'm also envious of the lucky community that has the benefit of her as their young adult librarian.

4. Jennifer at Literate Housewife. Jennifer is my friend on Facebook, Twitter and in the blog world. She is so creative and that shines through in her blog. I'm often lurking on her blog to get good ideas! So, I owe her much gratitude!

5. And I know for a fact that Serena has already received this award, but I want to include her on my list too. Serena hosts Savvy Verse and Wit. And besides having a great blog, she has been a cheerleader to me. All her comments make me smile. It's so nice to know someone out there is reading what I write!

So my sisters, pass along the award if you so desire, but please don't feel obligated to. I simply wanted to take an opportunity to recognize each of you for the roll you play in my blog-life. I'm happy to have as blog sisters!

Happy Reading!

Completely Humbled

In the last week, I was surprised to find that three people who host blogs I absolutely love and admire, recognized ME with blog awards. I can't even begin to tell you how humbled I am by this showering of attention. Kaye, PK and Corey, your recognition means more than I can possibly say. I am so flattered. Thank you...from the bottom of my heart.

So, I will share these wonderful blog awards with you one at a time. I'm going to highlight them in the order that I received them, so today with be the Fabulous Blog Award from Kaye Barley at Meanderings and Musings. If you haven't had a chance to check out Kaye's blog, I highly recommend doing so. Not only does she host some absolutely wonderful guest bloggers from the world of crime fiction writing, but she just has fun with her posts and so you can't help but have fun reading them. I've chatted about everything from crafts to hats with Kaye. And I simply can't not love someone who adores her dog as much as Kaye does; a woman after my own heart! I know that many people in the mystery writing world admire Kaye, and I count myself among them, so it is with great honor that I accept from her the Fabulous Blog Award.

And like Miss America has duties to fulfil with her crown, so does the Fabulous Blog Award winner! LOL I have to share with you five fabulous addictions. O.k., hello, you're reading the blog of Miss OCD, I have many addictions. Some not so fabulous, but luckily, none life-threatening either. So, I don't use up all the addictions with my pets names, I'll just list addiction number one as my babies: two beautiful, goofy, rambunctious chocolate labs: Hershey and Nestle; and four little terror cats: Bailey, Forrest, Amelia and Isabelle. Mostly it's the twin kittens (Amelia and Isabelle) who are the terrors, but I still adore each of them.

Addiction number two I share with Kaye: reading. I read before bed; I read during lunch breaks at work; I read on planes, trains...not automobiles, though, I get car sick if I try to read then. Anyway, as soon as I finish one book I have another one to start. And when I'm not reading an ink and paper book, chances are good that I'm listening to an audio book. I keep one going in my car at all times and I have one on my mp3 player for when I exercise or do yard work. I guess I should add into this addiction buying books, too. Even though I have over 100 books...in my house...that have not been read yet...I STILL buy more. I need Genie to do that little head-nod thing and stop the world so I can catch up on my reading. So many writers keep putting out great new books and I simply can't keep up. But, you know what? I love trying!

Addiction number three: social media. I blog, have a Facebook page and a Twitter account. If I'm away from any of them for too long I start showing withdrawal symptoms. Stay away from me, I get grouchy if I can't have my social media! :)

Fourth on my list of addictions: photos and scrapbooking. I'm the family photo fanatic. I've been slacking on my scrapping of the photos lately...probably due in large part to addiction number 3. But, I have this amazing friend who hosts crops fairly regularly and I try to attend those so I can get some work done on my projects. I've put a ban on myself for buying anything for new projects until I finish more of the projects I already have! Oh and at the author events, I'm the crazy woman taking all the pictures!

O.k., my fifth addiction is sunshine. And this explains why I'm such a grouch for much of the year here in NE Ohio. I don't get enough of it! If anyone figures out how to bottle it so I can have it year-round, please let me know. And I'm not talking about one of those fake lamp things. I want the real gosh-darn thing! :) I love my sunshine!

So, those are my top five addictions. Now, I here's the part I like the best. I get to bestow this award on five blogs I think are fabulous. So, you already know that I think Kaye's blog is fabulous, but here are five other blogs that I'm excited to share this award with:

1.) Corey's THE DROWNING MACHINE. I'm always in awe whenever I read a post over at The Drowning Machine. Sometimes in the evenings if I'm tired I'll put off checking new blog posts, but never when I see a new post is up at The Drowning Machine. If I could be half as gifted at articulation as Corey, I'd be over the moon. And of course, he's always reading the greatest books over there! The Drowning Machine definitely is a FABULOUS BLOG!

2.) Alafair Burke's blog. Since I can't stalk Alafair in person, she's been kind enough to provide a blog so I can follow her there! ;) I love reading about Duffer, her writing progress and author events and even some of her experiences with her "other job"! I'd love to know how she finds all those great YouTube videos she posts. A fabulous person can't help but have a FABULOUS BLOG!

3.) Michael's Lazy Thoughts from a Boomer. The title of this blog is so misleading. There is truly nothing lazy about this blog. Michael, my fellow Craisie, either has me thinking about politics or laughing about the little details of everyday life. He graciously shares moments with his children that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard and nodding, "ah yes, from the mouths of babes!" And let's talk about someone who's knowledgeable about the entertainment industry. This guy knows his movies. It's a blast to chat movies with Michael. He's simply one of the nicest, most generous people I've met in cyberspace. It is my honor not only to call him "friend" but to bestow upon him a FABULOUS BLOG award.

4.) Lesa's Book Critiques. Here's another very generous blogger. I've kinda forced the role of mentor on Lesa because I admire her blog so much. As I have been working to build my blog and make improvements I am forever pestering Lesa. And she's always willing to help and make great recommendations. Lesa's love of everything in the book world shines through in all of her posts. And she has the greatest weekly book contests. Even though I have the above mentioned ridiculous number of unread books, I still can't help but enter Lesa's contests because the books she includes are soooo tempting! I will also be forever indebted to Lesa for opening up my eyes to Chris Grabenstein and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I'm sure the list of things she opens my eyes to will grow ever longer, but the Grabenstein one alone is enough to ensure her a spot in my will! :) Lesa, your blog is truly fabulous! And it is my honor to recognize it as so.

5.) The Read Street Blog. This is a literary blog hosted by the Baltimore Sun and the bloggers include Nancy Johnston and Dave Rosenthal. I discovered this blog during the Baltimore Bouchercon. They hosted guest posts from a number of mystery writers who were there at B'Con. And ever since I've been a devoted reader. This blogging team definitely has a FABULOUS BLOG!

And there you have it. Again, many thanks to Kaye. I'm still reeling from this honor. Think I'll just tiptoe off and find somewhere to bask in my happiness!

Happy Reading!

Island of the Naked Women - Inger Frimansson

Tobias is a writer. He started out writing poetry, but determined that writing poetry simply wouldn't pay the bills. So he turned to novel writing, his most recent being a mystery novel. When his father falls from the hayloft on his farm and is incapacitated, Tobias returns to help his father's partner, Sabina, take care of the farm and bring in the cattle from Shame Island (a.k.a. Island of the Naked Women).

Tobias and his father have a very strained relationship for no reason other than male pride. Carl Sigvard is a farmer; he works hard with his hands. He's proud of his son but doesn't know how to express that pride. Tobias' mother took him off the farm when he was young so he is a city boy and doesn't have interest in the farm. He feels that his father is ashamed of him and the work that he does. However, Tobias is attracted to Sabina and when the sparks fly, problems spring up like weeds.

Island of the Naked Women is classified as a mystery, but there is not really a mystery for the reader. He/she knows what has transpired at all points in the book. This book deals more with the mind and is thus a psychological thriller. At many points I was reminded of Edgar Allen Poe as I read. Guilt and paranoia abound.

The characters are not characters that I really found myself connecting with, but they were characters that intrigued me and made me think. Again, the mental aspect of the book coming into play, and that alone kept me turning pages and wondering just where the plot was going.

In many ways Island of the Naked Women is a modern-day tragedy. But regardless of what classification or genre it falls into, it's a book that will challenge the reader's perceptions.

Island of the Naked Women is a book that was originally published in Sweden by Inger Frimansson. This is the first book I've read by Frimansson, but she does have other books in translation available in the United States. She's also the only female writer to be awarded the Swedish Academy of Crime Writers' Award twice. I believe that Island of the Naked Women will be released in the United States in April. I have not had much luck locating it for pre-order options (perhaps closer to its U.S. release date), but it will be published in the U.S. by Caravel Mystery Books (http://www.pleasureboatstudio.com/). And I'm sure additional information could be found on Inger Frimansson's website: http://www.frimansson.se/

Body Copy - Michael Craven

Donald Tremaine is a former champion surfer...no wait, don't tune out...he's a former champion surfer turned private eye. Nina Aldeen is the niece of murdered advertising big wig, Roger Gale. A year after Roger's murder, Nina hires Tremaine to try to find out who killed her uncle since the police were unable to solve the crime. The only problem is...the police didn't solve the crime for a reason; there are no clues, especially a full year after the crime. But, that doesn't keep Tremaine from trying. He takes the case!

"A beautiful dame walked into my office..." Body Copy is definitely a book in the style of classic private eye fiction but with a modern twist. A beautiful woman DOES walk into Tremaine's office, only Tremaine's office happens to be his home, a trailer in Southern California. Tremaine's a good-looking guy who totes around some emotional baggage, but it doesn't come from alcoholism or a war experience.

Of course, every PI needs a good friend in the police department, and Tremaine's friend is John Lopez. Tremaine also has a hysterical, part-time side-kick, Marvin. Marvin isn't a PI, he's Tremaine's helpful, struggling actor neighbor. And finally, Tremaine has an aged English bulldog, Lyle. Poor Lyle, he just wants to lay around and be left alone. I ask you, "What more could your star PI need"?

In following with the classic style, Craven makes use of humor, although at times it tends to be a bit rough around the edges. I'm sure he'll smooth out with more experience. I can hear echos of other writers in his humor; I'd love to see him find his own, unique style in that respect.

Overall I enjoyed Craven's debut, but I have to admit that I kind of wrinkled up my nose at the conclusion. I don't want to include any spoilers but suffice it to say, I had a bit of a hard time buying into it. That disappointed me because I liked Tremaine, Marvin, Lyle, Nina, and the plot was fun. I really wanted Body Copy to go out with a bang. It is a very good book for Craven's first time out, though.

So, if you're a fan of the traditional private eye novel, Body Copy may be one you want to pick up.

Crusader's Cross - James Lee Burke

In the fourteenth Dave Robicheaux novel, a face from the past that has haunted Dave since he was 20 re-emerges. Dave and his brother Jimmie had long since thought Ida Durbin was dead. But when some odd events start occurring, Ida's death becomes more and more suspect, and all signs lead back to the wealthy Chalons family.

Meanwhile, someone is on the loose killing women in Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge serial killer hits close to home when he kills a young woman Dave interviewed and then dumps one of his victims in New Iberia Perish.

Dave, Clete, Helen, and Molly, Dave's new love interest, all find themselves wrapped up in murder and mayhem as Dave tries to unravel all the mysteries.

Once again, James Lee Burke has created a poetic masterpiece. While Crusader's Cross probably doesn't rank among my favorite Robicheaux novels, it's still among the elite in the world of crime fiction. Burke is known for his exquisite setting development and how accurately it reflects the Louisiana Bayou. His development also mimics the slow, easy pace of the Deep South. Crusader's Cross stays true to this form.

Valentine Chalons is a repulsive antagonist coming from an extremely dysfunctional, wealthy, southern family. Lou Cale/Coin is equally repulsive. Yet, I still feel sorry for them when Dave "loses it" and sinks to their levels. Dave Robicheaux is one of the most unique characters in crime fiction in the sense that you don't always cheer him on. He has such realistic human qualities, and those qualities include a side that isn't always lovable or endearing. Robicheaux is constantly battling evil and sometimes that evil just drags him right down with it. Helen does her best to keep Dave out of the slime, but sometimes even that isn't enough. In Crusader's Cross, Helen gives Dave his shield back only to have to park him on desk duty almost immediately afterward.

Clete is Clete. There is no comparison to Clete, a walking contradiction. He's as devoted a friend as any fictional character will find, but as usual the lengths he'll go to prove that devotion are often frightening.

Dave is on wife number four with Molly. I worry for her safety. His previous wives haven't had such a good go of things! But, Molly fits Dave's type. She's a rebel; she's down-to-earth; and she's a scrapper.

The dynamics of the characters as well as the relationships between them is pure gold and pure Burke.

I listened to this book on audio, and I'm afraid it's going to be my last Dave Robicheaux audio book. Will Patton was the reader, and while I truly enjoy Patton's work in films, I did not enjoy his reading of Dave Robicheaux. I know the major factor is because I've mentally established Mark Hammer's voice as Dave Robicheaux's voice. However, I do have some particular details in addition to my preference for Hammer. Patton was very dramatic, and this novel is told from the perspective of Robicheaux who would never, in my interpretation, be dramatic. And he certainly wouldn't have a breathlessly dramatic sound. Even though Burke's descriptions are often breath-taking for the reader, it's common place for Dave; he lives in it every day. In addition, the man who corrects his adopted daughter on her speech would not say "da" in place of "the" or use a hard "t" sound on a th consonant blend.

As with all Dave Robicheaux novels, there were many French-derived names present. Patton didn't seem to pronounce them as fluidly as Hammer always did. The accents, the stresses, the pronunciations just flowed in Hammer's readings and Patton has a more jerky style when he stresses certain syllables in those French pronunciations. It sounds almost like he's having difficulty pronouncing them.

Then there's the role of Clete Purcell. Never in a million years would I have imagined Clete to sound the way Patton read his role. There simply are not words. However, I do believe he missed a significant amount of the sarcasm that is essential to Clete's character. I didn't laugh anywhere near as much with Clete as when I've read a book myself or listened to Hammer's reading.

I know that it isn't fair to compare the two readers; each is his own person with his own style. And I've heard many people who loved Patton's reading. But I've created an image of Robicheaux in my mind, my imagination, and Hammer nailed that image (pun intended - ha!). This reading simply didn't measure up to the perfection of Hammer as Robicheaux.

Wrapping Up My Trip In...

Griffith Park!

When my sister asked me if I'd like to visit Griffith Park while I was in California, I very enthusiastically said, "YES!" But, I didn't want to tell her WHY I wanted to visit Griffith Park; she would roll her eyes and be one step closer to convinced I had a screw loose. She guessed I wanted to see it because of the Hollywood sign...well, I did want to see the sign, but "no, that's not the reason." When I finally told her that it just so happens that Griffith Park is an important setting in my favorite book (L.A. Requiem) by one of my favorite authors (well, duh)...she was convinced I had a screw loose! She pointed out that Griffith Park is huge - and huge it is at 4,467 acres! But that doesn't matter, just take me there!

We had a beautiful day to spend in the park. We started off at the dog park because she brought along my nephew...Riley!


Riley made some friends...


And for Alafair, please note the Frenchie, Emma, in this picture who was cracking me up :


I think RC should include this dog park in the next book. Do you think he could take Cat there? From the dog park we drove past the L.A. Zoo and the Autry National Center, drove around the outside of the park where we could see the Disney Studios, NBC Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, and Universal Studios, then back into the park to Lake Hollywood Park where we indeed saw the Hollywood sign:


Here's Lake Hollywood Park looking down from above:


And Lake Hollywood Park while standing IN Lake Hollywood Park:


And Lake Hollywood:

The plant life is magnificent. I just loved all the green. Such a delightful change from all the white I've been experiencing for that last several months! The architecture of the homes is fabulous - how they almost sculpt the house to sit on the jagged hillsides. I see why this makes such a great setting for any book.




Sadly the Merry-Go-Round was closed. We couldn't even see the carousel horses because it was all closed up. We also didn't make it to the Griffith Observatory. Guess we'll have to save those for another trip! However, Mother Nature and Joe Pike were conspiring on my part. A coyote crossed the road in front of our car while we were driving! Too cool!

My sister snagged me a map from the Visitor's Center, so now I can consult it whenever I'm reading and come across a scene from Griffith park.

This was the perfect way to top off my fabulous weekend. Thanks Little Sis!

Next Up...Breakfast with Mitch Albom

If all the excitement of Saturday's author panel wasn't enough, Sunday brought a breakfast and presentation by Mitch Albom, the author of Tuesdays With Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and For One More Day.

The topic of Mitch's speech was how he got to the point where he was speaking in front of the NACS members, and the theme was affecting those around you. While I knew WHO Mitch Albom was, I didn't know a lot about him, so I found the presentation fascinating. He spoke about having a t-shirt company at one time. He sold t-shirts to college stores as a matter of fact. He spoke a little about his sports journalism, but he focused mostly on the three books he wrote and how someone in his life, someone who had a special influence on him, was the impetus for each book. Obviously, Morrie, his college professor who died of Lou Gerig's disease, was the motivating factor for Tuesday's With Morrie. Mitch's uncle was the motivation for him to write The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and For One More Day came to fruition because of his mother. Mitch's mother and father both happened to be in the audience with us, so Mitch felt compelled to inform us that the rotten fathers in his books in no way reflect his own father. But each of these three people have impacted Mitch Albom's life, and his message was don't spend your time worrying about things that don't matter - if you spend all your time working out in a gym and you have a buff body but no relationships with others, you're going to end up in the ground...just like the fat person you're buried next to. But if you build those relationships with others, you continue to exist in their minds, thoughts, dreams etc., long after your physical body has ceased to exist. Very inspirational.

HOWEVER, he wasn't just solumn and inspirational. He was also quite funny. I enjoyed his stories, especially when he told of his experience on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He described her furniture as being Gulliver's furniture. When they "threw" him in his seat at the desk, his feet...did not...touch...the floor. I turned to my supervisor, Candace, and said, "I know that feeling!"

Mitch Albom's presentation was an outstanding way for me to wrap up my first CAMEX experience. Ah, but don't despair. I'm not finished yet! Tomorrow I have my last fun experience in SoCal to share with you. This one doesn't involve interaction with an author, but rather a setting from one of my very favorite books by one of my very favorite authors. Stay tuned!

The Book and Author Breakfast

Ah, now for Saturday. As I mentioned, part of the CAMEX trade show festivities is a book and author breakfast. This year's event included five very talented writers: Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love; Gary Moore, author of Playing With the Enemy; Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food; Jim Sheeler, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author of The Final Salute; and Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.

We met up with all five authors in the lobby of the hotel, where I pestered a couple for autographs and photos:

And then we walked over to the convention center for the event. Breakfast was served before the authors began speaking and Gary Moore took that opportunity to "work the crowd." He was asked if he was running for office or something and he replied that "no, [he was] the least known author of the bunch," so he was out building a fan base before they got started.

Elizabeth Gilbert led the speakers and was very funny, a definite hit with the audience. She shared her story of how, after publishing Eat, Pray, Love, people were asking her for relationship advice...she being the person who failed miserably in her own relationship. One fan even asked her at a book signing if she (the fan) should get a divorce.

Next up was Gary Moore. He followed Elizabeth's lead and kept the audience laughing as well. In addition, he shared a moving story of a federal judge who contacted Gary to share how Playing With the Enemy changed the way he saw himself in the mirror every day. And I think that story brought to light for a great many people the fact that they do focus on their failures and often neglect to see their greatest accomplishments.

Gary was followed by Michael Pollan who shared with the audience his story of how he came to write about food. He didn't start out writing about food, but instead found it so integrally connected that food is where he ended up. Michael also pointed out that choosing what we eat is essentially our first "voting" experience. We vote with our forks. An interesting tidbit from Michael's presentation was the fact that almost universally, everyone has the same head shake to indicate "no" and it likely comes from infancy where babies close their mouths and shake their heads to indicate they don't want to eat something.

Jim Sheeler stepped to the podium next and his topic couldn't help but leave the audience in tears. He shared slides and audio of people he followed and interviewed for his book, The Final Salute. Jim followed along with a Marine whose job it was to inform family members of the loss of their military loved ones. What an incredible tribute this young man has written in an effort to make sure people stop, look, and don't forget the sacrifices these military men and women have made for all Americans.

While the audience were drying their eyes, Michael Chabon found his way to the podium to end the program. This versatile, dynamic writer is the winner of not only a Pulitzer Prize, but also an O.Henry, a Hugo, and a Nebula Award. He shared a little about how his first work of non-fiction, Maps and Legends, came to fruition and how the proceeds from Maps and Legends are going to a great organization called 826 International. THEN he read an essay from Maps and Legends. Most of the time, an author reading his/her work results in a scary product. Not with Michael Chabon. His reading was amazing. I was enraptured and could have listened to him read for hours. Of course it helped that the essay was phenomenal, but I think he could enthrall people reading the phone book - his voice, his energy, his charisma. Now I will hear that any time I read his work, and I will be reading quite a bit of it!

As I hope you can tell from my summary here, the event was a great success. All five authors did a tremendous job, and I for one was over the moon to have been able to experience it.

Dinner with the Authors

So, I've returned from my work trip to Anaheim, California. For those that don't know, I attended the National Association of College Stores (NACS) yearly trade show convention, CAMEX this past weekend. Each year as part of this convention, we host a "Book and Author Breakfast." This is my first year attending with NACS, so my first year at the convention.

I'm not sure how I got so lucky as to find a job that not only provided me with a trip to Southern California but also enabled me to meet some fantastic writers. I feel blessed. I was also feeling a little warmer since the temperatures there were in the 60s!

I mentioned a short while back that I would be attending the Friday night dinner with our guest speaking authors. Those authors included Gary Moore who wrote Playing With the Enemy; Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Eat, Pray, Love; Michael Pollan who wrote In Defense of Food; Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jim Sheeler who wrote The Final Salute, and Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon who most recently published The Yiddish Policeman's Union and Maps and Legends. Unfortunately, Michael Chabon wasn't able to join us for dinner, but all four other authors were present as was the editor-in-chief of Shelf Awareness, John Mutter, several Penguin Books representatives, and a handful of NACS book seller members.


At the dinner, I had the pleasure of also meeting Gary Moore's wife, Arlene, and his son Toby. Toby, incidentally, will be playing the part of his grandfather in the movie version of Playing With the Enemy that is set to start filming this summer. Toby is also the reader for the audio version of Playing With the Enemy.

We walked from the Anaheim Hilton hotel to a very nice restaurant called Roy's at the Garden Walk. Along that walk, I chatted with Gary Moore and learned that he is working on two new books. The first should be published next year and is the story of a fighter pilot from World War II. Sadly, this war hero passed away recently and won't be able to see his story in print. But luckily, the story will live on thanks to Gary's efforts on the book. His second book is a fascinating story about Italian immigrants who formed a soccer team in a tiny town in Illinois and through a strange series of events, ended up playing the world champion soccer team.

The evening was magical. I thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of it. So, I have to send another special shout-out to Cindy Thompson who made it possible for me to join this shin dig on Friday night. Thanks Cindy!

Tune in tomorrow so I can share with you about all of the authors' presentations during the conference breakfast the following morning!



Pictured above: Editor-in-chief of Shelf Awareness John Mutter and author of Playing With the Enemy Gary Moore.

I'm Ba-ack!

Yes, I have returned from the great state of California. I had a blast and came home with blisters on my feet - so much running around. I'm still readjusting to East Coast time and trying to catch up, but I'll be back soon - and often - with details, pictures and commentary on all the fun I had, people I met, and places I saw. And somewhere along the line I'll also review the book I finished while I was gone. There's always so much to catch up on when you've been gone even for a few days.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend with lots of great reading! Ta-ta for now.

Why's It So Quiet?

Hi all! Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by. I'll be quiet for a few days while I'm away for business. Hopefully when I return I'll have many fun things to share with you, so make sure you come back next week. Have a great weekend and as always,

Happy Reading!

The Big Dirt Nap - Rosemary Harris

The Big Dirt Nap is the second book in Rosemary Harris' "A Dirty Business Mystery" series. Paula Holliday is a landscaper/gardener, a woman with a love for plants. So when her friend Lucy tempts her out to a swanky resort for some relaxation and a look at their rare corpse flower, Paula agrees.

While Paula is waiting in the hotel bar for Lucy to arrive, a handsome man with terrible pick-up lines starts putting the moves on her. She chats with him long enough to find out he can connect her with the hotel owners, who she wants to speak with about the corpse flower. So, Paula (dun-da-dun-dun) gives him her business card. When he winds up dead in an alley that night, the police come calling on Paula because the human corpse has her card in his pocket. And that's when the fun begins.

And fun this book is! Paula is a character with sass and spunk. Her sarcastic wit makes for many humorous situations even though most times she's just pointing out the everyday obvious. I enjoy when people can find the humor in those little facets of life. But, Paula unwittingly finds herself in some rather unique situations as well. And from the outsider's view, they're funny, but I sure wouldn't want to be the one encountering a black bear:

When you're hiking in black bear country and confront a bear, half the guidebooks tell you to drop into a fetal position and cover your head. The other half tell you to wave your arms like a lunatic and make noise...What the guidebooks never tell you to do is throw a Zone bar and a cell phone at the bear, but that's what I did. It wasn't intentional, it was a reflex - they just flew out of my hands. I remember the part about making noise and reached into the Jeep, grabbing two hand weeders and furiously clanking the tines together. Then I thought, Just get in the freaking car!...The black bear is generally harmless and would really prefer eating berries or garbage to human flesh, but when you're on foot and so is he - despite the fact that it's a different animal and you're on a different continent - visions of King Kong pop into your head and that, inevitably, makes you the screaming, writhing Fay Wray.

As absolutely absurd as that whole scene sounds, I can totally see myself doing the same thing! I probably wouldn't be so lucky to have hand weeders in my car, but still, when you have the bejeebers frightened out of you, you see everything in complete distortion. Paula isn't one of the senseless amateur sleuths that so commonly inhabit cozy mysteries. She's a smart cookie who ends up in odd predicaments.

And Paula's supporting cast are equally dynamic. Babe is the former rock and roller turned restaurant owner who has a rather maternal quality to her. Sam is a former shoe factory owner who lost his business and became homeless. Lucy does a great job of filling the ditzy roll. She isn't over the top, but she's just goofy enough to make a perfect foil for Paula.

The great cast is combined with a solid plot; the reader can't help but keep turning the pages, partly to find the solution to the mystery but also to discover what new adventure Paula finds herself in. The poor woman just wants to get some sleep.

The Big Dirt Nap is a quick, fun, thoroughly entertaining novel. When you're ready for a serving of laughs with your who-done-it, I recommend you pick up a copy.

Happy Reading!

Bahama Burnout - Don Bruns

In Don Bruns' fifth outing with music journalist Mick Sever, Mick is visiting Nassau to write a story about Highland Studios, a recording studio that suffered an arson fire killing a person who was never identified. Now rebuilt, some believe the studio is haunted by the ghost of the arson victim. But owners Jonah and Rita Britt are determined to get the studio back up and producing again. They have a shot at doing just that with the band Johnny Run who has returned to Nassau in hopes of re-igniting their music career.

But the problem is strange things are starting to happen around the studio. Someone is managing to get inside the studio and damage furniture and equipment, erase recordings, even steal things. Jonah and Rita have given the keys to no one, so who could possibly be causing these things to happen? The ghost?

When Johnny Run's manager is murdered followed closely by the band's star, Mick starts investigating the evidence. He's determined to find out who is creating all the havoc on Paradise Island.

Bahama Burnout follows in the tradition of Bruns' four previous Mick Sever novels. Mix sun, sand, women, booze, drugs and rock and roll, add some mystery and mayhem, and you have the makings of a story ripe for Mick Sever. This time Sever is sans his ex-wife Ginny, but he still manages to wrap himself up in the ugly side of the music industry for the sake of a good story.

Bahamah Burnout is available now from Oceanview Publishing. But you can win a copy free! Don Bruns is giving away a signed copy of Bahama Burnout to one lucky tour visitor. Go to Don’s book tour page, http://don-bruns.omnimystery.com/, enter your name, e-mail address, and this PIN, 6612, for your chance to win. Entries from Jen's Book Thoughts will be accepted until 12:00 Noon (PT) tomorrow. No purchase is required to enter or to win. The winner (first name only) will be announced on Don’s book tour page next week

Cool Things I Learned on Twitter

So, I'm catching on to this Twitter thing. It's pretty cool. I thought I'd share with you a few things I've learned in the last few days on Twitter:

1. Harlan Coben has an irrational fear: he still thinks no one will show up for his book signings. Don't think you have too much to worry about on that front, Harlan, but I understand irrational fears!

2. Also about Harlan, his wife wrote an op-ed piece for the New York Times on computers in the medical field...or at least how they interfere with patient-doctor relations. It appeared on Thursday and was the most e-mailed article for that day. I wonder how many of those e-mails were Harlan's?

3. 50 years ago this month, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet.

4. Next month, Little Brown releases the next collection of short stories from the Mystery Writers of America. This one is called THE PROSECUTION RESTS and it will be edited by Linda Fairstein.

5. Jimmy Fallon is going to read TWILIGHT on his Kindle. He doesn't think he'll like it, but it must have been the title most recommended to him because he asked for recommendations.

6. Here's a link if you'd like to become a spy for the C.I.A.: https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/view-all-jobs/core-collector.html

7. And this is probably my favorite. Random House posted quotes from female authors in honor of International Women's Day. Here's one they posted from Jane Austen: "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." I would never have guessed Jane Austen would say such a thing, but GO JANE!

You won't be likely to learn things quite as cool as these from me, but if you Twitter, feel free to add me to your "following" list: http://twitter.com/jenforbus

Happy Reading!