Michael Bracken is at it Again!

Michael Bracken cranks out one story after another to a variety of markets and makes sales. Posted earlier today to several lists is word of how he made a recent submission a success....

Today I discuss how I came to mix three genres when I wrote "Big Guns" for the anthology High Octane Heroes in my guest post here:

http://highoctaneheroes.delilahscollections.com/2013/08/27/254/

Drop by, say hi, learn a few tidbits about my writing background.

Michael Bracken
http://www.CrimeFictionWriter.com

More on SUSPECT by Robert Crais

Having recently read my review of the book, author Dennis Palumbo sent me the link to his review in the Los Angeles Review of Books. His review titled "Heal, Dog, Heal!: Robert Crais's "Suspect"" can be found here.

Dallas MWA Meeting--- Saturday, September 7, 2013

From James Gaskin and with his permission.....
  

I know you're anxious, but it's two weeks before the next meeting on September 7, 2013, at 9:30 AM. Our speaker in September is Tommy Le Noir:

Now a criminal investigator for the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, Tommy Le Noir spent thirty years in the Arlington Police Department in Narcotics, Major Cases, Homicide, and Cold Case Homicide. He's appeared on multiple national television shows and hosted Spike TV's "Murder" series. He was the lead detective featured prominently in Pat Springer's Mail Order Murder true crime book.

 

The Dallas MWASW group meets the first Saturday of each month at Texas Land & Cattle, 812 South Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080. Meeting time is 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.There is a $5.00 door fee, cash only. All who attend are invited to remain for lunch. Contact info: james@gaskin.com

--
James E. Gaskin
http://www.gaskin.com
Writer / Consultant / Speaker
Latest book: Texas Hysterical Society

 

 

More info at the website  http://www.dallasmysterywriters.com/ 

That Amazon Crime Conference Thing

If you are like me (and god help you if you are as you are so doomed) you saw bits and pieces in recent days about some conference deal that Amazon was holding. Details and specifics were sketchy when you came across them and you weren't sure what was going on.

J. Kingston Pierce was invited to attend and has all the recap details here On The Rap Sheet.

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Poem at The 5-2

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Poem at The 5-2: The 5-2, Gerald So, Editor : Alan Catlin CRIME STORY

Review: "The 50 Greatest Players in New York Yankees History" by Robert W. Cohen

The 50 Greatest Players in New York Yankees History is a 300 page book that opens with “Introduction: The Yankee Pedigree” before covering the top 50 players. The introduction covers the Yankee beginnings in Baltimore, the move to New York in 1905, the move to the Polo Grounds in 1915, and the storied success in the following decades. That history is brought forward to the super stars of today in an overview format before covering the author's decision making process in ranking players.

Three factors weighed into the author's decision making process. He considered the “Level of Dominance” a player achieved with the team such as batting tiles, pitching awards, or some other offensive or pitching statistic. That same type of information was considered internally to determine how a player ranked among his other Yankee players when factoring in the era the player performed in as clearly, over time, baseball is a very fluid sport with numerous changes in the players and the game itself over the years. Also important was how much the player impacted the team on and off the field and what impact his presence had on the Yankee legacy. It is worth noting that only the period a player was with the Yankees was considered for the above determinations.

By author Robert W. Cohen’s standards he determined that Number one is Babe Ruth with Dave Righetti coming in at number 50. In between are Yankee's such as Derek Jeter (number 6), Alex Rodriguez (number 12), Rich Gossage (number 36), Sparky Lyle (number 41) and many more. Each chapter covers the players biography while a Yankee as well as informative about the context of the player in history. Each chapter has a career highlights section that covers “Best Season” and “Memorable Moments/Greatest Performances” as well as “Notable Achievements.” The “Notable Achievements” section is in bullet point format and especially suitable for settling trivia arguments.

Starting on page 263 after the top 50 players, the author designates a starting team and pitching staff as well as a second team. Author Robert W. Cohen than goes on to list the next 50 players deserving of honorable mention. That includes such notables as Wally Pipp (number 52), Lou Piniella (Number 60), C.C. Sabathia (number 61), Tommy John (number 76), and Garry Sheffield (number 100). While not as comprehensive in detail as the main part of the book, each player has a listing of their stats with the team under the heading of  “Yankee Numbers” as well as their “Notable Achievements.”

Also included is a two page index of common baseball terms, a biography of the source material used in the book and a six page index. An author bio page detailing the author's baseball credentials and other accomplishments close the book.

While surprisingly void of any photographs at all, there is a wealth of information on the profiled players in The 50 Greatest Players in New York Yankees History. The book is a comprehensive educational resource for fans and non-fans of the Yankees. Those looking for scandalous details won’t find much, if any, in this book. Those looking to find more about the accomplishments of various players and the context of the time they played will find much to savor in this excellently done reference style book.

It should be noted that this is a reprint edition of a book released previously last year through another division of the same publisher. This 2013 edition of the book was done before the recent news regarding Alex Rodriguez came out regarding his use of performance enhancing drugs and other issues.

The 50 Greatest Players in New York Yankees History

Robert W. Cohen

Taylor Trade Publishing (The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.)

http://wwwrowman.com

2013

ISBN# 978-1-58979-815-1

Paperback (also available as an e-book)

300 Pages

$19.95

I received an ARC of this title due to my participation in the “LibraryThing Early Reviewers” group for my use in an objective review.  As such, my above review appeared there first before appearing here on the blog.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

Men's Journal Interview--Mel Brooks

Thanks to Barry Ergang who sent me the link yesterday, you can read a far reaching interview with Mel Brooks here. And much to Sandi's expressed annoyance when I read a piece of the interview to her, I do agree with his comment about the explosive dangers of short women.

Market Call-- KRL is looking for Halloween related mystery short stories & mystery flash fiction

From Lorie Ham earlier today.....
 

Kings River Life is looking for Halloween related short stories--we would
like to run several in October and would like to start receiving
submissions any time now. We cannot pay, but you do get a mini bio where
you can promote your website/blog, etc. Also, we do take reprints.

We are also looking for mystery flash fiction for a special promotion we
are planning.

You can find us at http://KingsRiverLife.com

Thanks
Lorie Ham

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Why I Won't Be at WorldCon

 We know, unfortunately, quite a bit about what they are are going through. It is an experience we could have very easily done without and I am sure Bill and Judy feel the same way. Thoughts and prayers from here....

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Why I Won't Be at WorldCon: A couple of people have e-mailed to ask why my name is no longer on the guest list for San Antonio WorldCon.  Don't worry.  I didn't...

Review: "Robert B. Parker's Damned If You Do: A Jesse Stone Novel" by Michael Brandman

Paradise Police Chief Jesse has a feeling he knows the dead woman from somewhere. Found in a bungalow at the Surf and Sand motel the dead woman might be 20 or a little younger. Whether the name she used on the motel register is correct or not is any one's guess. Naked and dead with no identification makes things hard with identifying her. Then there is the compounding fact she drove a car with stolen plates.  Finding out who she was is going to be a huge problem and a definite hindrance to the homicide investigation.

What is clear from the get go that based on where she had been found and her recent short stays at the run down motel Jesse Stone has quickly determined that she was making money the old fashioned way. Apparently she was an independent contractor, despite the serious efforts of two different pimps, who both wanted her in their respective stables. She was a young and attractive pawn in their turf battle for power and her death has escalated the tensions involved in that situation. Jesse will deal with that later---right now he wants to identify her for her parents and then find her killer.

Robert B. Parker's Damned If You Do: A Jesse Stone Novel written by Michael Brandman continues the series in a good way. Both the primary storyline of the above homicide case as well as a secondary one involving possible abuse of the elderly at a local retirement home move forward at a rapid pace. Along the way there are plenty of opportunities for Jesse to crack wise, chat with Dix his therapist, and do what he does best to irritate those in power and seek justice.

Scheduled to be released in September this latest in the series is another good one. It breaks no new ground in terms of the continuing characters and none is expected by faithful readers. It continues the late Robert B. Parker's writing style of short chapters, very little description of settings, and snappy dialogue used to move the action forward. The book comes together well and provides another entertaining fast read with Jesse Stone.

Robert B. Parker's Damned If You Do: A Jesse Stone Novel

Michael Brandman

G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Group USA)

http://www.penguingroup.com

September 10, 2013

ISBN#978-0-399-15950-3

Hardback (also available in e-book and audio formats)

288 Pages

$26.95

I received an ARC of this title due to my participation in the “LibraryThing Early Reviewers” group for my use in an objective review.  As such, my above review appeared there first last Saturday before appearing here on the blog.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

Something Incredibly Worthwhile....

 You seriously need to go check this out.....

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: PimPage: An Occasional Feature in Which I Call Att...: Celebrations in the Ossuary: Kyle J. Knapp: 9780983377573: Amazon.com: Books : Kyle J. Knapp (September 1, 1989 – June 18, 2013) was a poet,...

Patti Abbott also references the book here and showcases a powerful example.

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Story at Beat to a Pulp

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Story at Beat to a Pulp: BEAT to a PULP :: Pulp of the Week : Stringtown Road Richard Prosch

The Rap Sheet Tribute to Elmore Leonard

Nobody does it better than The Rap Sheet and J. Kingston Pierce has done it again with his comprehensive two part tribute to Elmore Leonard. I never met the man nor did I have the privilege of exchanging e-mails with him. I certainly have barely scratched the surface in my reading of his books. But, after reading what Mr. Pierce has put together I feel I have some idea of, not only his writing, but the huge personal impact he had on so many people.

Part one posted last Thursday is here.

Part two posted yesterday is here.

This effort is exceptionally well done and contains a ton of information as well as references and links. Click on the links and settle in as the piece is very much well worth your time.

Feeling the Fiction: The Power of Thirteen: The Vanilla Heart Saga Con...

Feeling the Fiction: The Power of Thirteen: The Vanilla Heart Saga Con...: To say the last two weeks have been difficult is putting it lightly.   I have sobbed at my computer more than once, and not just over wh...

"By The Light Of The Moon...." in Carpathian Shadows, Volume II ---Sample Sunday

Deep in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, in Transylvania, lies an castle once home to a nobleman who warred with the church, bound his servants with a curse of silence, and ruled his lands with a grip of iron. Lord John Erdely has been dead for centuries and his castle now a haven for tourists. Or so, at least, is the claim. Under the editorial direction of Lea Schizas, six authors tell what happens to these tourists.

 As one of the six authors, my story "By The Light Of The Moon...." combines elements of mystery and fantasy fiction to give readers something very different from the traditional type tale. Published by Booksforabuck.Com the book is available in print and e-book forms at the publisher, Amazon, and elsewhere. While supplies last you can order an autographed print copy of Carpathian Shadows Volume 2 direct from me for the low price of ten dollars. That includes the media rate postage.
 

---

“By The Light Of The Moon....”

"Is he here?"

"Yes, Commander."

"How is he?"

What he was asking was whether or not the suspect had made it alive into his station. He should have but sometimes accidents happened in the field. The young officer stepped a little ways into the room. New to his job, he was working hard to impress, which is why the Commander had chosen him. Things had to be contained, and he knew he could keep the man, more like a boy at twenty, in line.

"Typical American." The young officer couldn't keep the scorn out of his voice, "Very emotional. Fits of screaming and crying when we placed the cuffs on him. He's sitting quietly in Interrogation 4 now."

"Good. That will be all."

The young man saluted, swiveled in his black spit-polished boots, and strode confidently out of the office. The Commander sat back and smiled to himself while he listened to the pleasurable sound of the boots striking the floor fade away down the long hall. To be young again and so sure of righteousness, of purpose. Not that it really mattered, as fate ordained everything.  His die was cast long ago, as was my own, he thought, and the idea depressed him as it had the last few months.

He stood and stretched, feeling his spine pop before he walked down the same hall. Unlike the young man before him who had turned right so that he could pass the front desk and go back out on patrol, the Commander turned left and, with a few steps, began to feel like the walls were closing in on him. The truth was, they were as he journeyed deeper into the old section of the garrison. This part had been built into the mountain long ago, and the Commander secretly suspected that there had to be a tunnel from here up to the castle far above. He suspected it but had never tried to find out because he knew that in such matters, a lack of knowledge was safer than knowing the truth….

KRL This Week--- "Mysterious Galaxy, Leslie Budewitz, food mystery giveaways & more in KRL"

As posted earlier today.....
 

Up in Kings River Life Magazine this morning a 2 wonderful California mystery/fantasy bookstores- Mysterious Galaxy and Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/mysterious-galaxy-mystery-bookstore-profile/

Also up this morning another mystery short story--this one a P.I. story by Guy Belleranti http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/the-desert-p-i-a-mystery-short-story/

We also have a review & giveaway of the first book in a new series by mystery writer Leslie Budewitz-"Death al Dente", and a fun food guest post from Leslie http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/death-al-dente-by-leslie-budewitz/

For more food fun we have reviews & giveaways of some more fun food mysteries from Penguin-"If Bread Could Rise to the Occasion" By Paige Shelton, "Do or Diner": A Comfort Food Mystery By Christine Wenger, "One Dead Cookie": A Cookie Cutter Shop Mystery By Virginia Lowell and "Rubbed Out": A Memphis BBQ Mystery By Riley Adams aka Elizabeth Spann Craig http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/more-food-mysteries-from-penguin/

For our fantasy/mystery lovers we have a review & giveaway of "Wicked Bronze": A Garrett P.I. novel by Glen Cook http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/wicked-bronze-ambition-a-garrett-p-i-novel-by-glen-cook/

And over on KRL Lite we have a review & giveaway of mystery/fantasy novel "Death Takes A Holiday" by Jennifer Harlow http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2013/08/death-takes-holiday-freaks-squad.html

Happy reading,
Lorie Ham

James Lee Burke Interview

Men's Journal has a very good interview with the noted author here. The interview is short and well worth your time.

BOOK SALE ALERT FROM BARRY ERGANG

Barry just sent me this and asked that I put it up on my blog. Barry is putting his house on the market and in coming days I will post information on that as well.

BOOK SALE PRICE REDUCTION

 

As anyone who reads Kevin's blog regularly is aware, for the past couple of years or so I've been selling some of the books I've accumulated over many years because I'm running out of space in my home, and will in the near future be looking to move to even smaller quarters.

 

Today I spent a few hours at http://www.barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/ reducing prices on a majority of the offerings.

 

I also recently added two new categories: Humor and Collage Novels. What's a "collage novel," you ask? I don't know either. But visit the site, click on the Collage Novels category, and look at the scans for a visual explanation that surpasses any verbal one I can offer.  

 

Thank you.

 

--Barry Ergang

 

 

FREE Book Alert--- "How To Choose A Sweetheart (Romantic Comedy)

How To Choose A Sweetheart by Nigel Bird is currently listed as free here on Amazon. The book is listed as 222 pages.

Amazon Synopisis:

'“She came into the bookshop. That was it. That was the beginning.”

This isn’t the first romantic story to feature a balcony, nor is it likely to be the last. Even so, what takes place in ‘How To Choose A Sweetheart’ is a modern, fresh take on an old-fashioned tale. Max is a bookseller. Since his relationship with Jazz ended, he’s struggling to find purpose in life. That all changes when a beautiful woman, Cath, walks into his shop and pins up and advert asking for a piano teacher for her daughter, Alice. It’s almost perfect. Max takes down the details and gets in touch immediately. Within a short space of time he manages to secure the position as Alice’s piano teacher and establish that Cath’s a single mother. What could be better?

Well, he might be able to play the piano for a start.

Or his newly acquired piano teacher might not be an old, alcoholic wreck.

Or he might be completely over his ex-girlfriend.

And he might not be forced into a position where he needs to come up with a composition of his own to woo the new lady in his life. It’s a tangled web we weave and Max seems to be sticking in the threads like a spider in a web. A topsy-turvy romantic comedy that will warm your cockles and split your sides."

Don't Like A Review?

Don't like what somebody said about you in a blog? Wish something could be done because it has to be hurting your book sales? Now you can! You too can go sign a petition at the White House.

From the actual petition:

"Due to the unprecedented number of online personal attacks on indie authors we petition the Whitehouse to direct the Attorney General to investigate the wide spread problem of stalking, bullying , harassment, intimidation, criminal defamation and libel originating from the websites goodreads.com and Amazon.com. There resides on these sites a gang of serial criminals who endlessly attack writers with the express intent to damage, reputations, careers and trade. These criminals terrorize writers on a regular basis and we, the victims, want it stopped."

Created: Aug 22, 2013

 

You can sign it here.