Here's How To Win! (It's Easy!)

Jeff Cohen

Contest announcement: You can win one of 10 FREE copies of the new Haunted Guesthouse novel GHOST IN THE WIND!  Here's all you need to do:

First, read the post below, because I took the time to write it. Once you're done with that, post a comment here at DEAD GUY on the topic: Why I should have a FREE copy of GHOST IN THE WIND. This is a completely arbitrary and subjective contest, so don't expect fairness. I will promise not to give away copies just because someone is a pal. 

Comments will be judged in three criteria, and you don't have to score in all three to win: 1. Sincerity. Don't just say, "I really really really want it." Consider WHY you want it and let us know.

2. Originality. Let's see some interesting responses. "I'm a great person" might or might not be true, but is it really going to grab the judge's (that is, my) eye?

3. Is it funny? 

Keep in mind that this contest is open to all readers except those who already have a free copy of GHOST IN THE WIND and are just piling on. It doesn't matter if you've never read a Guesthouse book before because the premise is explained in every book. You'll catch up in no time flat. 

Winners will be announced at noon on Tuesday, December 1 so Josh can't use this as an excuse not to post tomorrow. Those who win copies will have to email me directly with a snail mail address to get the book.

That's it! 10 copies of GHOST IN THE WIND await! Get commenting!

 

On p. 107 of GHOST IN THE WIND, the seventh novel in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series (which, as it turns out, will be published TOMORROW), there begins a scene that has only a tangential effect on the plot overall. But it is probably my favorite of any in the book from beginning to end. 

The scene, whose context I won't trouble you with because the book comes out tomorrow and I want you to read the whole thing, concerns itself with an impromptu concert performed at Alison Kerby's Jersey Shore guesthouse. The musicians are all incredibly accomplished, very famous, charismatic and dead.

They're all ghosts.

For the uninitiated, the conceit of the Guesthouse series is that Alison bought herself a large Victorian in her childhood hometown on the Jersey Shore to turn into a guesthouse. Through a series of circumstances that began with NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEED (lately a USA Today bestseller, only five years after its release!) Alison gains the ability to see and hear ghosts, two of whom have taken up residence in the house she shares with her guests and her daughter Melissa. Hilarity, one hopes, ensues.

In GHOST IN THE WIND, the theme is literally musical. Alison is approached by Vance McTernan, a ghost who wants to know exactly how his daughter Vanessa died, not believing the medical examiner's conclusion that the cause was an allergic reaction. Alison, who never wants to start an investigation (that's the thing that usually appeals to her in-house ghost investigator Paul Harrison) dives at the chance for personal reasons. Vance is--was--the leader of the Jingles, one of Alison's favorite bands from the 60s (she's an oldies freak) and she's starstruck. Paul is skeptical and tries to steer her clear.

When their disagreement is discussed, Alison is inclined to listen to Paul (who after all is named after two Beatles) and stay away from the dangerous investigation. And then comes the concert, which Vance arranges in Alison's house.

Let's just say that all your favorite dead musicians--or at least many of mine--show up.

Writing the scene, it was necessary to choose not only the performers but the songs they would play, and believe me, none of those choices was easy. Vance, of course, would be involved, but I'd made him up so he was relegated to a back-up role playing percussion. Bigger names stood closer to the microphones, if there were microphones. It didn't matter, since most of the living people in the room couldn't hear anything but the instruments anyway.

In the logic of the series, it was necessary to keep the band fairly local. That is, the musicians were to be those who had died in the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania tristate area. Yes, it would be possible for ghosts to travel long distances (they can, for example, hop a plane or train without most living people knowing about it), but it's less likely and I didn't want to have to explain where everyone came from.

You won't find names here because THE BOOK COMES OUT TOMORROW but suffice it to say I stacked the deck as well as I could, put in a front man to end all front men and I gave them two songs to play that appealed to the strengths of the band I assembled. I had a great deal of fun writing it and hope the reader finds the same pleasure in it.

But you might never hear Baker Street the same way again.

 

P.S. I have not consulted with my DEAD GUY colleagues, but again this week I am forced to offer sympathies and outrage to the families and community of the victims in Colorado Springs. I don't care what your religious or political convictions are. You don't get to shoot people. Ever. 

Comments

[KnyttWytch]

I already have the book on pre-order, I need to catch up with my reading lists I think!

[Kathleen Hickey]

I've already got it ordered for my Kindle. With all of your loyal fans panting for this publication, you may have a problem finding anyone who hasn't already committed to the purchase! PS: I love your books under all your identities. THE CASE OF THE UNFAMILIAR HUSBAND got my through my last surgery and hospital stay.

[Patty Batalden]

A ghost in the wind will be so much more appreciated than a fart in the wind. Love your books!

[Emily Goehner]

I would love to win a copy from you because I have not yet ordered it, shame on me. I figured I would wait until I got a coupon from my usual retailer and order it then. I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty. The more I save on books, the more books I can buy. Logical, right? If I win this one, I promise to pay full retail for the next one. (I'm trying, I really am, work with me here). Thanks for this wonderful series and please keep them coming!!

[Karen Kenyon]

I cannot wait for this book. A great premise that fits the characters and series well.
To say I need to read this soon would be an understatement! I have now been put in the position of anticipating the release and wanting to relish and savour every page.
And to receive a copy from the author himself? What could be better?

[Shery Booth]

I love reading about the paranormal weather it is fixtion or non fiction. I watch Ghost Hunters with my kids because we love atories of the unexplained. It's neat that there might be things going on around us we might be aware of. I would love toread Ghost in thw Wind to see another authors take in ghosts. Most that write about the paranormal have had experiences or are REALLY into it. Have you EJ? Is that why you write these?

This book also sounds nifty because it concerns musicians. I met my husband in college marching band and he now continues to play guitar. We are a very music-loving family. Speaking other-worldly, does that mean the music never dies?

So, I awaye to see the winner and hope that if by chance I win, that someone from the spirit relm will join me in the loo for a bit of light reading. What? That's the only place I can read and escape the living entities haunting my house.

[Linda Kuzminczuk]

I love this series for two reasons. First, because I love cozies with a touch of the paranormal in it and the ghosts in this series keep things interesting. The second and main reason is that I am a resident of the Jersey Shore. It is such a thrill to read a book and actually recognize the the places and cities mentioned in the store. It makes the story more real to me (not that I can't figure out geography in other books, but this one is just more fun). And of course, who doesn't like stories with musicians and music in them to stimulate the audio senses as well. So here's hoping that I can be a winner! Thanks for the giveaway.

[Jill Tool]

I should win a copy of this book, because I'm just so dang cute! Actually, I'm not just cute I'm awesome. I'm foxing awesome! Another reason I should win a copy is that I don't have this book :(, and I do need it because it would go with the rest of the series!

I do enjoy this series and love reading stories with ghost in them. It seems many authors don't want to do fun series with the dead. I like a cozy that is different from what others are doing. Plus I've been waiting for this installment since I finished the last book. Thank you so much for this giveaway.

[bree breckenridge]

This is definitely a must read to continue my enjoyment of the intriguing Haunted Guest House series. I plan to order, but a free copy would be especially nice since I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Copperman's witty and brilliant writing. He is such a delightful, cute, and inventive author.

[Karlene]

Is Elvis in the building? I sincerely hope so!

[Angie Caldwell]

Of course I love the series & have read every book by E.J. Copperman, but that's not the only reason I would enjoy a free copy. My secret reason is that I write my own stories & really want to bring my writing to life as I place this book into my story, being read, sitting on my main character's nightstand (my nightstand), similar to another one of my favorite authors, Jeff Cohen.

[Rick Ollerman]

First, winning the book would give me an opportunity to discover a new author and a new series I otherwise might not take the time to find. Time is always at a premium and I've heard there are a lot of books out there. Also, and this is key, it is eleven o'clock at night right now on a cold but snowless night in New Hampshire and my wife is out in the garage putting a coat of urethane on the new bookshelves I built a few weeks ago. She's going to be really pissed if I don't have enough books to fill them up.

[QueenBee Debbie]

I'm usually blowing hot air or left hanging.. And one assumes hanging is indeed hanging in the wind that I've created with all that hot air!

Seriously though Jeff, I love this series and have purchased them all in Audiobook format. My Sweetheart loves the feel of a book in his hands, whereas I listen to audiobooks while driving, cooking, cleaning house... Anytime is good!

Mel, the aforementioned Sweetheart, has patiently listened with me even though he prefers hard copy. He also greatly enjoys your stories and has listened to them while working at his printing/binding job of 35 years. I'd LOVE to win a copy of one of your books to give him, simply because he's so freely been a good sport with my love of audiobooks. It would be so much fun to give him an unexpected gift that combines his love of hard copy along with his enjoyment of your stories.

Also, thanks for speaking so freely about Asbergers in your family, as well as writing the Asbergers Mystery series. I have a son born with a syndrome that has some similarities to Autism. He's now 35 and an Elvis impersonator, but is currently in thrall to a female Nigerian scammer (seriously). As I'm trying to educate him on the reality of this person, his differently thinking brain means he believes her story (I'm not a scammer and would never do such a thing to you!).

With your writing out there, I believe it can help others understand more about dealing with those who have a different 'normal'. Right now I'm trying to locate someone who works with helping those who have been scammed, but who will also understand my sons different way of seeing the world and not make him wrong because of it.

Whether or not I win a book, I've already won by having the opportunity to tell you thanks. You are making a difference!

[Lawrence Croft]

I lived on the Jersey shore for 40 years and never heard of Harbour Haven! I picked up this book series originally because It sounded like a fun title " Haunted Guesthouse" or as many would call it A "Haunted Bed and Breakfast" I was fascinated that the series took place in NJ and I knew a lot of the places where EJ spoke of (towns mostly, I didn't get out much). I don't read many series , but this one had we longing for home ( live in NC , now)Now I can go back every time I pick up one of EJ's books- I am ready to go back on Dec 1 at noon...YES?

[Kathy Whitmore]

Hmm .. I think I need a copy because I work at a library and it's so much easier to recommend a book you've already read and loved! :_)

[Elaine Roberson]

I was in the eighth grade when the Beatles hit our shores, so I would love to read a book by a character named Paul Harrison. I haven't yet read this series, but it sounds great. I love music of all types and ghosts are always fun. I'm sure some of my favorite musicians are in there. It will be fun to find out how they're doing on the other side.

[Nora-Adrienne]

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for doing a giveaway.

I own Night and Uninvited. I prefer to own books because I can't count on the Brooklyn or Queens County Library systems to order them (they buy based on previous titles turn numbers). I love the series but my budget does not even rate the word pittance.

Yes I'd be thrilled to win a copy but I've never begged an author for a book yet (as far as my memory tells me).

[Erin Sigler]

I would love a copy because I have all the others in paperback and would love to add it to my collection. Also, I have the last 3 on kindle, in addition to paperback. I received your name from Victoria Laurie and couldn't be more pleased. Thank you for all your hard work!
Erin Sigler.

[Jeff Cohen]

Hi, Erin.

Sorry, but the deadline has passed and I can’t accept any more entries. I’m really glad you’re enjoying the books and hope you continue to do so. Maybe next time!