Hey, There's A Dead Guy in the Living Room

Hail and Farewell

Jeff Cohen

So that was it. We hope you liked it.

This is the 3464th post on HEY THERE'S A DEAD GUY IN THE LIVING ROOM, and unless someone else parachutes in and decides to add some thoughts, it is the last. We've had quite a good run here but it's time to shut off the lights and lock the doors before we stop saying anything anyone wants to hear.

For me DEAD GUY has been any number of things. It started when Deni Dietz and I defected from Murderati a long, long time ago and thought we'd start our own blog, but we didn't want to examine crime fiction strictly from an author's point of view. So we recruited editors, publishers, readers, librarians, reviewers, agents and booksellers, among others, to provide perspective we as writers couldn't offer. 

I'll continue to post blogs every now and again (look next Tuesday for sure) and hope you'll look for those moments, but as for DEAD GUY, this is the end of the line, and that's because we have all agreed it's better to go out while we're still wanted and not overstay our welcome.

But it wasn't all about publishing. The rule among us at DEAD GUY was that there were no rules. If you wanted to post about your section of the crime fiction world, great. If not, go for it. I have personally posted about digitizing my vinyl record collection, interviewed my daughter, had my dog write a guest post, talked about my health issues (ad nauseam), ranted about having to master barre chords, introduced a pseudonym, shamelessly promoted my work, bragged about blurbs, discussed the importance of making attractive letters when filling in a crossword puzzle, mentioned comedians I especially admire and occasionally made dives into such popular subjects as religion and politics. I recall once explaining how to deal with the atheist on your Christmas card list.

This blog has been more than a simple repository for my random thoughts. I've made good friends here. I've managed to blow off steam or express emotional truths when I had to. It served as a steam valve when I needed it. And a couple of times it served to let me write silly song lyrics. 

The most gratifying part of the weekly post was to connect with those who decided to visit us here. Hearing from readers and other writers, among many others, was a great comfort and sometimes an ego stroke when it was most needed. Writers write because we want to communicate something. Knowing that people were taking notice was a very large help at times.

For me the schedule forced me to write whether I had a great idea in mind or not. Some of my favorite posts were those that came when I was backed against a deadline wall. 

Everyone who has ever posted here will tell you that coming up with a post every week could be a trial. It's not easy to keep going and not repeat oneself. There have been nights that I've sat here looking at a blank screen for an hour wondering what would appear on the blog page at 12:00 a.m. that Monday. The closest I've ever come to believing in "Writer's Block" has been related to these posts. But I still don't believe.

The people with whom I've been part of DEAD GUY are amazing, smart, funny, warm and dedicated. I am grateful and honored to have been associated with each and all of them. I won't mention all the names here because I'm certain to forget some and that would bother me deeply even if it wouldn't rankle those I failed to cite. But assume if you've read a post here and it wasn't one of mine that it was written by someone I admire greatly, someone who inspires awe in me. I thank each of them. 

For those who have chosen to check in here every day or every week or once a year, we can't possibly thank you enough. It has been wonderful being part of your lives. Don't mourn the DEAD GUY. We stopped because we didn't want to disappoint you. You deserve our best. We hope we've given it to you. Thanks for everything.

 

 

Oh. And pitchers and catchers report in 44 days.

Don't Be Sad... It's Just a Blog

First: Our most fervent hopes that everyone in the path of the recent terrible storms is okay and that life will return to normal soon.

But now a bittersweet announcement: Every day here at DEAD GUY we try to bring you something that can add to your day. Most often that something has to do with crime fiction publishing, as our lineup of bloggers has been constructed to know about that category. And over the past 10 we have done our best to provide every possible viewpoint on the subject.

But, as they say, whoever they are, all good things (and the rotten ones too, truth be known) must come to an end. 

As much as we've all loved being DEAD GUY bloggers, we've agreed it's time to close the proverbial doors around here. Coming up with useful, entertaining content every day has gotten to be a little too much after all this time and we want to go out while we're still at the top of our game. 

So the December 31 post will be the last one here at DEAD GUY. While it's a little sad to think this is coming to a close, we prefer to focus on the idea that we've done good work here, people have enjoyed it, and we've kept it going since January 2007, which ain't bad. 

The cast of characters has changed over the years, but never the mission: To provide perspective on writing, publishing, reading, editing, promoting and enjoying books, mostly in the crime fiction area. We're all still committed to that concept and we'll keep expressing our opinions when we feel they're relevant. Just not here at DEAD GUY after 2017 becomes 2018. 

In the ensuing months, please know we'll keep posting as we have before, so don't tune us out of your daily web scan just yet. And along the way, we'll be hearing from some DEAD GUY alums who have graciously agreed to come back for one more visit before the lights are put out and we group-hug our way to the end of the Mary Tyler Moore Show. 

Keep reading. That's what this has always been about.

Let's talk about... mavericks

The crime fiction world seems to have a large population of maverick cops. In fact, the kind of cop who follows the rules, abides by procedure, fills in the paperwork and has a stable marriage to an understanding partner to go home to is so unusual that s/he probably qualifies as a maverick now, too.

Unsurprising, I suppose. Who wants to read about ordinary, after all? Or even live it? In real life as in fiction, the slightly off-centre people, the black sheep, the unconventional and nonconformist, are the most interesting; likewise, procedure and paperwork aren't ever going to make gripping fiction, however important they are to solving real crimes.

I've encountered more than a few mavericks in my extensive reading – and whaddya know, some of them aren't even cops. Here are a few recent ones you may like to sample, if you haven't already.

I first discovered Grace MacBride, Harley Davidson and the rest of the Monkeewrench crew a few years ago, when Patricia Lambrecht and her daughter Traci joined forces to become P J Tracy. There's now a whole series based around Minneapolis, featuring a pair of cops who (mostly) keep the rules, alongside the most talented bunch of IT geeks the bad guys are ever likely to bump up against. And like a lot of talented geeks (allegedly), they know where to find the back doors into the information the cops need, as well as the ways to make it all stand up in court. Each member of Monkeewrench is a larger than life personality with a Past. And that's all I'm saying. If you've already discovered the books, I don't need to say any more. If you haven't – why not?

And then there was... Brigid Quinn. So far Brigid's creator, Becky Masterman, has only run to three books, but the first won awards, and the others deserved to. Brigid is a woman after my own heart; she doesn't know the meaning of retirement, much less growing old gracefully. Like many Americans, so I understand, she has moved to Arizona to wind down in later life. Unlike most of them, Brigid used to be an FBI agent. And when trouble comes knocking as it does in fiction, when most sensible retirees would bar the door and call the cops, Brigid... deals with the situation. If like me you're past youth's second or even third blush but certainly haven't given up living, you'll love her. If you're not – well, you will be some day; read the books and take heart!

There's just one book, so far, about William Benson, maverick lawyer. It's called Summary Justice, and the author is John Fairfax, except it isn't really; it's a pen name for a rather better known author called William Brodrick. The backstory gave me a distinct impression that more books were planned; I hope they are, because William Benson is one of the most interesting lawyers I've ever encountered, in fiction or elsewhere, and if I'm ever up on a murder charge I want him to defend me. As well as the best at his job, Benson, you see, is a convicted murderer himself. Whether or not he was guilty... Naturally, we're supposed to believe he wasn't, but there's just a hint of a hint that things may not be exactly as they seem. Watch this space. And beg, borrow or preferably buy the book.

Which leaves us where we started: maverick cops. It's a subject on which I could keep going all day and still hardly scratch the surface, and we both have other things to do – read some books, for one. So I'll just mention two names.

Tom Thorne. He's made Mark Billingham deservedly famous on both sides of the Atlantic, and you gotta love him! He's the cop who has so much regard for putting bad guys away,and so little for keeping the rules while he does it, that rumour says there's a whole filing cabinet with his name on it at Professional Standards, the department with the thankless task of looking into cops who, well, don't keep the rules. The difference between Tom and most of their victims, sorry, cases, is that he is on the side of the angels. Very firmly.

And then there's Fiona Griffiths. Maverickest cop I've ever encountered. We can thank Harry Bingham for Fiona. I won't even attempt to sum her up, in a sentence or otherwise. Fiona is unique, in all six books. Find them, if you haven't already. You won't regret it. Or any of the above.

Everything

The meaning of “eve·ry·thing”

1. all things; all the things of a group or class.
2. The current situation; life in general.

With so much hatred, crime, and vilence going on in the world today, everything becomes of importance; a great deal. Personally I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of support, loving parents, and friends if given the choice I would have chosen them all as a family member.

In the past few days I’ve seen young children bullying each other, teens treat elders with no respect, children tell their parents to shut up and so on, and listened to a parent encourage their 9 or 10 year old child to make fun of another. 

Then my thoughts turn to Donald Trump with his last few outbursts and news channel 6 just reported there is a person looking to kidnap “Bo” the president’s dog-really?, it's all enough!  Disappointment has set in, as I have always BELIEVED living in the USA was EVERYTHING. 

Let's take it a day at a time and start with RESPECT & KINDNESS towards others.

 

Happy Holidays

Christmas Day has past and after spending a day filled with family and friends engrossed in conversations and sharing good food, it's time for the New Year's resolutions to unfold. Besides DIET placed at the top of the list I pledge to keep my blog post up to date.

Best wishes for a happy and healthly New Year!

TV, Movies and the NYTimes Book Review

Jeff Cohen

I should just stop reading the Crime column in the New York Times Book Review.

This week's, as always written by Marilyn Stasio, included a view of a book that features "the most original amateur sleuth I've come across all year." The character has Asperger's syndrome. He's not named Samuel Hoenig. I'm asking you.

Yes, there is envy in crime fiction, as in every other aspect of life. Now, I haven't read the book in question and don't doubt for a minute that it is very worthy of praise. It might, for all I know, be brilliant. I'm not denying the author anything. But "the most original amateur sleuth" of the year? With Asperger's? Yeah, I'm envious. It's hard not to feel just a little overlooked.

Envy is not an irrelevant thing. It exists in the best of us, and as long as we control it and don't let it govern our actions, I don't really see much wrong with that. Yeah, it's one of the deadly sins or something, but as a practicing atheist that's not one of the dozens of things keeping me awake at night. I think envy helps drive us. Ask a writer which books "inspired" him or her to pick up the word processor, and you're asking which authors they envied. Don't think otherwise. 

Does that mean I begrudge any other author any praise, award, contract or reward of any kind? No. I know how hard it is just to be published; anyone who got to that level deserves what they get. But do I see myself in that area, getting those awards or that praise? You bet your butt I do. That might be delusional, but it's a motivator for sure.

On other topics:

Saw the latest James Bond movie, Spectre, over the weekend, and it disappointed badly. Holes in the plot you could pilot a battleship through. Scenes that make no sense at all (lots of people in the dining car at the beginning of the scene, NOBODY there when the fight starts a minute and a half later?). Dialogue that actually embarrasses. "Surprises" that aren't least bit surprising. People surviving things it's not possible to survive. And a score that invites headaches, including a truly dreadful theme song. This after Skyfall, the first in the series I'd liked for a long time. Very disappointing. Hope they shake things up again before the next one.

Also been watching Jessica Jones because our household includes a person who absolutely can't not watch something based on a Marvel comic. This is a 13-episode series with maybe eight episodes of story to tell. Slow moving, most episodes having not much going on until the last 10 minutes. It's getting all sorts of acclaim. It's not bad, but I don't see what the big deal is. No doubt Season 2 is in the works. Hope there's better pacing.

But Spotlight, the story of the reporting at the Boston Globe's reporting on the pedophilia scandal in the Catholic Church, is really good. Great ensemble acting without anyone trying to hog the spotlight (as it were) except Mark Ruffalo just a little. Emphasis on process without melodrama. Very All the President's Men, and well done. My early favorite for Oscar consideration.

And I'm seeing nothing but ads for the new Star Wars because apparently there are three or four people on the planet who don't know it's on its way. My bet: it's going to be annoying. But that's not based on much of anything except guesswork.

By the way: I'll be seeing our very own Cathy Genna tomorrow night at a mystery book club meeting that I totally don't understand at all, but I guarantee it'll be tons of fun! If you're in the central Jersey area and want to join a mystery book club, you might want to ask Cathy about that.

I'll be discussing GHOST IN THE WIND, the book that inspired a review on Amazon reading (I am not making this up) "Haven't read yet." You can't buy that kind of publicity.

If you felt this week's post was a disappointment, you should have read the one I wrote and discarded about guns. Written because I feel deeply about it and discarded because I'm not going to change your mind and you're not going to change mine.

We're Really Not Kidding. Help!

Josh Getzler

I'm away from my desk today, so I asked Jeff to put up again his post looking for support for our fellow Dead Guy, Erin Mitchell. It's plenty important enough that you can wait a week to hear about why you shouldn't write in the passive voice or curse in middle grade books, or whatever else I was coming up with today. Back next week. Go Mets (Yes, I said that--maybe my next post will be defending my right to say that after having worked with the Yankees for 9 years--or maybe it's obvious from that!)

We here at DEAD GUY are taking today to urge you to donate to what we believe is the worthiest cause on the planet.

Our very own Erin Mitchell.

As she has documented quite eloquently, Erin's been having some pretty serious health issues, and as anyone in the United States knows about such things, it has not been inexpensive. She is self-insured, so the bills are mounting pretty staggeringly. We believe Erin should not have to shoulder the burden alone while she's dealing with so much at the same time.

So there is a grassroots (that is to say, crowdsourcing) movement to try and help, which was set up by Ellen Clair Lamb. Many have contributed (including some on this blog), and if you are able to do so, we'd urge you to send what you can.

Anyone who has read Erin's posts here or encountered her elsewhere know she is an amazing woman, one whose wit and general good humor coexist with strong views and a sense of right and justice. She is being dealt a hand she doesn't deserve, and the overwhelming cost of health care in America should not be something she has to contend with when she's fighting a much more important fight. 

If you can spare a few bucks, we'd appreciate it if you would take a look. If you can't, why not comment below and let Erin know how much you like reading her here on DEAD GUY or elsewhere. In fact, why not do both?

She's already overwhelmed with a situation. Let's overwhelm her with how much people care.

We do. You get well soon, Erin. We want you back here on Fridays.

October has gone to the dogs

The month of October in my family is known as "It's All About Nomi".  Today we will be at the Historic Towne of Smithville New Jersey taking part in the annual Pet Halloween Costume Parade.     
Yes, I am THAT pet parent who dresses her dog in costume and travels near and far to events.  

Nomi as Annie Oakley, is wearing her own authenic fitted cowgirl hat with a sterling silver concha with turquoise on the front and a suede and leather fringe handmade dress from San Fransciso.  Chosen as a winner in Lambertville, NJ a couple years ago. The events raise money for non-profit animal rescue groups all the while the dogs and their owners have a day oudoors to enjoy.

                                                                    Minnie Nomi

A Huge Victory for Domestic Rabbits

Whole Foods announces that it will stop selling rabbit meat.  Rabbits in my home are hippity hoppitying!

A year ago Whole Foods started a pilot program offering rabbit meat at selected stores across the country, citing customer demand, but this move did not go over so well with consumers and organizations including the House Rabbit Society, SaveABunny and the Rabbit Advocacy Network, who all came together to put a stop to it.

The domestic rabbit is a pet and companion to thousands of people that love them, owners banned together to help save the bunnies!  As a rabbit Momma and rescuer myself I found Whole Foods choice repulsive and not a necessity for their growth or survival. 

The main argument against Whole Foods' program is this marked the first time a major retailer in the U.S. put an animal most of us consider pets on its shelves in an attempt to make widely popular.
Whole Foods stated they spent four years to develop humane standards for raising meat rabbits, however evidence to the contrary showed the way these rabbits were raised and killed.  Meat rabbits are classified as poultry and are excluded from the basic protection other livestock animals are afforded under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, which means they get no federal protection from abuse and are subject to any state laws that may or may not exist to protect them from inhumane slaughter practices, which where left out of the store's guidelines.  

Pictured above are Sam and Priscilla, pretty Priscilla is celebrating her 12th birthday! Her prior owner set her and her siblings free on a major highway Route 46 in Wayne, New Jersey. This may sound easy and fast however it took hours while crawling along the muddy grass while being pelted with rain.  Oh and the lightning was comforting-hah!  I am thankful for the large net and length of the handle that allowed me to get close enough without spooking Priscilla and causing her harm or worse having her dart into traffic to get away.  A happy ending for Priscilla and one of her brothers....only.

There is a lot of documentation that can be obtained on this argument against Whole Foods.  Documents under the Freedom of Information Act by the Rabbit Advocacy Network, and an investigation by NBC Bay Area uncovering low demand, false labeling cruelty and unsanitary conditions, all showed pretty clearly that Whole Foods couldn't back up its humane claims.

Thank you Whole Foods for listening to your customers and pet lovers across the country! 

 

Murder, Mayhem, and the Madame Sleuths Bookclub Continues to Grow

Whatcha doin on Tuesday night at 7:00pm?   Why not experience Murder, Mayhem, and the Madame Sleuths  bookclub discuss the monthly mystery pick "The Tempest" by James Lilliefors.

We are a live bookclub community of steadfast mystery readers. Feed them and they will come is not what will get these readers coming.  Our attendance and growth are impressive, however what keeps it fresh and exciting is our author support.  I wanted a unique benefit for the reader to choose this mystery bookclub and continue on with enthusiasm.  Personally author participation is like meeting a rock star!   Once the book title is chosen, I contact the author, introduce myself and ask if they wouldn’t mind providing me with 10-12 reader questions.   I believe this our key to success and a unique tradition that continues on.

 
James Lilliefors’s unlikely detective duo, Pastor Luke Bowers and homicide investigator Amy Hunter, return in a new  murder mystery set in Maryland’s picturesque Tidewater County.

Tourists like Susan Champlain pass though the Chesapeake Bay region every year.  But when Susan pays Pastor Luke a visit, he’s disturbed by what she shares with him.  Her husband has a short temper, she says, and recently threatened to make her “disappear” because of a photo Susan took on her phone.

Luke is concerned enough to tip off Tidewater County’s chief homicide investigator, Amy Hunter.  That night Susan’s body is found at the foot of the Widow’s Point bluff.  Hunter soon discovers Susan left behind clues that may connect her fate to a series of killings in the Northeast, powerful criminal enterprise, and to a missing Rembrandt masterpiece, The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.

Whoever is behind the killings has created a storm of deception and betrayal, a deliberate “tempest” designed to obscure the truth.  Now Hunter and Bowers must join forces to trace the dangerous secret glimpsed in Susan’s photo.   But will they be the targets                                    on a killer’s deadly agenda….? 

                                         

 

                                                                   THE PSALMIST    Book 1

Luke Bowers is in the good and evil business. On a cold, late-winter morning in the Chesapeake Bay community of Tidewater County, Bowers discovers a dead woman seated in a pew at the church where he is pastor--her eyes open, her hands clasped as if in prayer. Nothing at the scene identifies the woman or explains why she was at the church. And when state police homicide investigator Amy Hunter comes to town to head up the case, not everyone is pleased that a young, female outsider has the job. The only lead in solving the crime is a sequence of numbers that has been carved into the victim's right hand, which Bowers suspects may be a reference to the Book of Psalms. With Bowers's help, Hunter follows a chain of seemingly innocuous clues to track down a deranged serial killer and unravel an elusive criminal enterprise that is more powerful than they ever could have imagined. 

 

Murder, Mayhem, and the Madame Sleuths Bookclub Meeting Place, Barnes & Noble, 753 Route 18 South, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.  Any questions please email me [email protected]

 

 

Social Media

Last week The Romance Writers of America held their annual conference in New York City at the Marriott, Times Square. During the week there are educational seminars, librarian & bookseller luncheons, and their prestigious RITA Awards ceremony. Winning a RITA is like receiving an Emmy. RWA supports literacy with A book signing open to the public one night.

Continuing talk- Marketing on Social Media platforms is still a high priority with publishers. So much so it is being written into some of the contracts. For myself I jump on Facebook when I have a few moments available and realize I spend 20-30 minutes responding to a few posts, etc. I image as an author to post a preorder reminder, book photo with script, or offer a giveaway that you'll be spending much time maintaining all the Social Media sites. Taking away valuable time from your writing....are they proving to be successful and profitable?

Pinterest, Twitter, Google and Goodreads are other platform sites requested to be maintained. I would think that would eat up 10 hours of your week? Though it is said to be the best free marketing tool out there.

Reader Book Review

Goodreads is simply one website for you to post a personalized book review. It is one of the few websites that permit a review to be posted prior to the release of an upcoming book. In theory the positive reviews help increase preorders and create new readers to the book author.

Goodreads lets you make friends and see what books they are reading. Track the books you’re reading, have read, and want to read. Explore a fun section of book trivia, quizzes and quotes. Author blogs, book group, browse books by genres and so much more.

Back to readers book review, I fully understand the importance of the reader taking the time to post a review and please don’t stop! I went through a period recently where I was unable to focus on reading little lone write an intelligent review. On my road to catch up I took notice to the amount of reader book reviews, their lengths and what the content stated. One author in particular had a six book series with 24, 340 reviews. Who really reads them all? I found the majority were undeniably too long that I did not want to tackle reading them and most of the others were retelling the author’s story. (Which I am guilty of too!)

I diligently perused the reviews and their corresponding star ratings. One title had 5 out of 430 book reviews that were extremely brief, descriptive and enthusiastic with 4 helpful checks by others. Sadly those book reviews were buried 40 pages back and dated the week of the books' original release.

After spending so much time researching book reviews, I know I want to be a positive force-a voice that draws the reader to the author and his story. For me personally I want to get it right.

What expectations do you as an author expect in a book review?
Short or long?
Is there a format for the perfect book review?
Do you as an author read your reviews? Does your editor or publicist read the reviews?

Independence Day

Today we celebrate the Adoption of the Declaration of INDEPENDENCE DAY.
Happy 4th of July everyone!

Whether you are partying at the beach with your family and friends, taking in a baseball game eating hot dogs and drinking a beer, or enjoying an old fashion barbecue. Take a moment to thank our country's military for protecting our constitution.

I thought you all would like a bit of history. Here is The Story of the Fourth of July compliments of constitutionfacts.com
The Declaration of Independence

We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.

But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776).

It wasn’t the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775).

And it wasn't the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn't happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

So what did happen on July 4, 1776?

The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They'd been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes.

July 4, 1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) It’s also the date that was printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were circulated throughout the new nation. So when people thought of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 was the date they remembered.

In contrast, we celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th of each year, the anniversary of the date the Constitution was signed, not the anniversary of the date it was approved. If we’d followed this same approach for the Declaration of Independence we’d being celebrating Independence Day on August 2nd of each year, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed!

How did the Fourth of July become a national holiday?

For the first 15 or 20 years after the Declaration was written, people didn’t celebrate it much on any date. It was too new and too much else was happening in the young nation. By the 1790s, a time of bitter partisan conflicts, the Declaration had become controversial. One party, the Democratic-Republicans, admired Jefferson and the Declaration. But the other party, the Federalists, thought the Declaration was too French and too anti-British, which went against their current policies.

By 1817, John Adams complained in a letter that America seemed uninterested in its past. But that would soon change.

After the War of 1812, the Federalist party began to come apart and the new parties of the 1820s and 1830s all considered themselves inheritors of Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. Printed copies of the Declaration began to circulate again, all with the date July 4, 1776, listed at the top. The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826, may even have helped to promote the idea of July 4 as an important date to be celebrated.

Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1939 and 1941.

Enjoy your day!

Amish mystery

My Bookclub is reading Laura Bradford's "Suspendered Sentence" this month. Personally I am growing fond of how the Amish live their life.
Most are very hard working, eat what they grow, take care of each other, and do without electric and things that aren't necessary. They live a simple peaceful lifestyle.

I am having a delightful time in Heavenly, Pennsylvania where a human skeleton's remains are found in the Stoltzfus's Barn. Detective Jakob Fisher-once a member of the Amish community himself, is determined to solve the young woman's murder with the help of Claire Weatherly a shop owner. They must dig into the past to bring to light long buried secrets -secrets that someone is willing to kill to protect......

If you'd like to join our group discussion Tuesday June 9th at 7:00pm comment below. Ms Bradford kindly wrote reader questions just for us!

ISBN#978-0425273029

Fun in Milwaukee Wisconsin

Today the sun is shinning and there are a lot of happy faces here in Milwaukee Wisconsin.   This morning I am headed to the Hotel's convention room to enjoy keynote speaker, author Tess Gerristsen.  Tess's novels featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles inspired one of my favorite TNT TV series "Rizzoli and Isles".

On my To Do List today states Relax, talk BOOKS, mingle with authors, enjoy good conversation, more BOOKS, food, and drink with...Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kristan Higgins, Terri Brisbin, Deeanne Gist, Heather Graham, Nancy Naigle, Jane Porter, Sharon Sala, Donna MacMeans, Linda Howard, Elosia James and there are 50 more authors too! 

Since Milwaukee is best known for it's famous breweries and baseball that is what's slated for tomorrow's To Do List. 

Wishing you all a day a great as mine.

 

 

 

Mystery Bookclub on the rise!

I chair a mystery bookclub that meets once a month.  The group was started last November 2014 and has increased in size each month!  I started the mystery bookclub because I personally enjoy mysteries and I felt there are more readers that read the mystery genre only than you are aware of.  

We just reviewed THE PSALMIST by James Lilliefors and what a great conversation came of it.  It has become a tradition that the author supplies me with 12 readers group questions that has really made the review process special!

I took great pleasure in watching the group show up with pages of questions and notes and better yet a few with their bibles too.  THE PSALMIST references psalms that supply clues to the murders and the meanings that help to link the murders to each other and more! 

This month's pick is a legal thriller by Adam Mitzner the CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

Are you a part of a bookclub and why do you enjoy it?

Decluttering, reorganizing all those BOOKS!

Everywhere you look you will find a book close at hand.  In my car’s trunk, under car seats, car glove box, bookshelves, closets, tote bags, the bathroom, coffee tables, nightstands, in dressers under clothes, and that’s not including the 700 books on my NOOK and Kindle devices!  I am not even sure where to start!

I said to myself I would take all duplicates and pass them on to others for their reading enjoyment.  HaHaHa this did not work, I just could not do it.   Instead I purchase copies for my friends.  Even when I have the ARC, HC release, MM release and e-Book version of a title.  When I really like a story and/or author I purchase their audiobooks in addition. 

I am starting to think this may not be a good thing?  In my defense I do read my books more than once.  I take the best care with each and everyone to not break a spine or damage even one page.  My feeling is the story is a gift from the writer that brings me pleasure.  So when an author takes the time to visit with me and personalize a book I consider it priceless!

How many of you feel this way?   Do you only read a physical book or use an eReader.  I am also curious to know if you follow an author do you preorder their books?

Let’s talk SNOW…. a growing dislike.

SNOW , used as a noun it is atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falls in light white flakes or is lying on the ground as a white layer (that continues to get higher).  When used as verb reference this past THURSDAY, SNOW FALLS AND FALLS AND FALLS.

Chionophobia is what I feel for the beautiful white snow that has fallen and attached itself to the trees, my driveway, car, home, eyes and hair!  Chionophobia originates from Greek chion meaning extreme dislike, aversion and dread.  My dear friend Jeff Cohen may agree with me-? 

Being single and the only go to person in my household the job of shoveling snow is all mine.  I looked over my shoulder at my dog Nomi snuggled together with her bunny rabbit brothers and sisters looking cozy and warm, as questions were going through my mind.  What is wrong with this picture?  Why didn’t I have kids? This would be a good time to have a husband.  Maybe it’s time to look for one!  Reality set in fast, I picked up my trusty snow shovel and enter the winter cold.

It was NOT fun in the least but I am sure you are happy my outburst is over.

Do you like, love or dislike snow? 

Young children and rabbits don't mix

For those of you who know don’t know me, besides my passion for reading my other passion in life is domestic rabbits.  I share my home and daily life with them and pride myself in being the voice they do not have.  The topic for today’s blog is important and close to my heart and the actions of others affect me in as little as three months after Easter is over…..Young Children and Rabbits Don’t Mix.

If you're thinking about buying your kids a cute little bunny for Easter, PLEASE don't.  If your family is not prepared for the long-term commitment and expense of a rabbit, please give your child a rabbit stuffed toy or candy chocolate bunny.  

Young children are naturally energetic, exuberant and a pet rabbit may seem like a good idea, but contrary to common belief, rabbits generally aren't good pets for kids. 

There are numerous reasons why not?  Many children want a pet they can hold and cuddle like a doll.  Most rabbits are not going to be happy with that.  Domestic rabbits are physically delicate animals and require safe, gentle handling and a quite environment.  They have a lifespan of 10 years, which means a commitment to their care, and expense that is the same or more than that of a dog or cat.   Rabbits must be spayed and neutered for a number of reasons one is it will help prevent cancer another is they will mark your house with feces and urine if not.

The myth that certain rabbit breeds make better pets is just that: a myth!

Did you know that (despite what the pet store clerk may tell you) rabbits are NOT “low-maintenance” pets and it is not all right to keep your bunny confined to a tiny cage.   They need toys to keep their mind stimulated and free of boredom, they require exercise to keep their body fit and GI tract flowing as well as a PROPER diet of unlimited Timothy Hay, fresh greens, water and a small amount of pellets daily.  **Should your pet rabbit be sentenced to a life outdoors you must be responsible to make sure he/she has a spacious shelter that will protect them from predators and extreme weather conditions.  

Most children lose interest in a live bunny after only few weeks.  Many rabbits are accidentally dropped by small children that result in broken legs and backs.  Curious children often poke at a rabbits’ eyes or laugh in delight at a rabbit that is running away in panicked fear…not understanding fear CAN kill a rabbit.  When they are no longer tiny and cute,  kids lose interest and the rabbit has no voice to remind you that they are hungry, or thirsty, or needs their cage cleaned and in turn are then neglected, abandoned at a shelter or set free.  A domesticated rabbit cannot fend for himself or herself as they do not have the instincts to survive on their own and most will fall prey to predators or starve.

This may sound to you that rabbits do not make good pets, quite the contrary!  With the proper caretaker who is ready for that long-term commitment of a companion rabbit, one that will provide the proper environment and diet, they will find out just how inquisitive, intelligent and social their rabbit is; living as a member of the family.

If you remember just one thing let it be this - a pet rabbit is not a child’s toy-he is a real, live commitment. 

Learn more; there is a wealth of information at www.rabbit.org and if you are looking to take a rabbit into your home and family please Save a Life and ADOPT.

Birthdays...

We sing it every  year to the young and old no matter what language we speak the “Happy  Birthday” song.  Ever wonder where the Happy  Birthday song originated from?

Two sisters, who were born in 1868 and later became educators, wrote the music and lyrics together. They  first wrote the song for the classroom entitled “Good Morning to All” and was published in their songbook in 1893 called “Song Stories for the Kindergarten”.  Gradually it changed and became “Happy  Birthday  to You” and was copyrighted by  yet another Hill sister in 1935.

From the time you are a young child parties/celebrations include clowns, games, cake,  family,  classmates, neighbors n’ more.  Each year seems to bring on a larger party  than the last, that also brings with it STRESS.  Why  do we make Birthdays so important? 

 As you age, do you start reflecting on what life really  means to you and what’s important?  In my  family, Birthdays represent the most important celebration of the year above holidays.  It’s a day  to be grateful for living another wonderful year and for others to celebrate having the birthday  person in their life! 

Tomorrow happens to be my birthday and the party  begins today and goes from home to home, Restraunt to Restraunt and so on to Live, Love and Laugh!

Here are some famous people I share my  Birth date with:

1922 - Audrey  Meadows, American actress (The Honeymooners, The Jackie Gleason Show), 1924 - Joe Black, baseball player, 1931 - James Dean, Marion IN, stage/film actor (Giant, Rebel Without a Cause), 1955 - John Grisham, writer (Client, Firm, Pelican Brief),  1966 - Kirk Muller, Kingston, NHL center (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Historical Events on my  Birth date 2/8:

1926 - Disney  Brothers Cartoon Studio becomes Walt Disney Studios, 1930 - "Happy  Days  Are Here Again" by  Benny  Mereoff hits #1, 1965 - Supremes release "Stop In the Name of Love,  1974 - Ringo releases "You're 16, 1983 - Wayne Gretzky sets NHL all star record of 4 goals in 1 period, 1991 - Roger Clemens signs record $5,380,250 per year Red Sox  contract Deaths on 2/8:

1935 - Max Liebermann, Ger impressionist painter/graphic artist, dies at 87

1963 - George Dolenz, Italian actor (Count of Monte Cristo), dies at 55

Does your Birthday  fall on February 8th?

 

 

Meet the writers

What do Laura Bradford, Elizabeth Lynn Casey, Mary McHugh, Adam Mitzner and Wallace Stroby have in common, besides writing mysteries?  Well I will tell you.  Wednesday March 11 at 7:00pm I am so excited to announce our discussion and booksigning in East Brunswick, New Jersey Barnes & Noble.  I surely don’t mind if you spread the world.

Since this is a mystery blog my feeling is this event is appropriate to brag about  here.  For those of you who know me, meeting the author of a book I love is one of the best gifts in the world.  Being introduced to a new book and author is just as exhilarating.  It’s like being a collector of sorts.

When putting together this event Laura Bradford was first on the list.  My mother’s family is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is home to a large Amish community.  Next door to my grandparents land were the Amish.  Their simple way of life is intriguing to me.  Laura’s Amish mysteries take place in Heavenly, PA and new release Suspendered Sentence has secrets that are complicated that leads to murder.

Elizabeth Lynn Casey’s succesful Southern Sewing Circle series is on book eight.  However pictured is Dangerous Alterations book 5 and my personal favorite. I chose this book to read because of the rabbit on the cover.  Domestic rabbits are my other passion in life, one day I’ll share some photos of those rescued with you.   But the best thing while corresponding with Laura Bradford for this event to my delight was finding out she is also Elizabeth Lynn Casey!

 hat sounds like more fun than this series by Mary HcHugh called “The Happy Hoofers Mystery”.  New release Flamenco, Flan & Fatalities has four high-kicking dancer friends that are booked to flaunt their flamenco footwork on a luxury train ride through northern Spain.  But when a blowhard talk show host is found dead with the #1 suspect being one of them, the feisty friends get cracking to protect one of their own.  

For you Crime Fiction Thriller readers Adam Mitzner’s relentless suspenseful novel A Case of Redemption will leave you wanting more.   His character Dan Sorenson was once a high-powered New York City defense attorney until the two people in his life he most cherished were killed.  Dan hits rock bottom and is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to defend an up and coming rapper in a murder trial that is highly publicized.   The stakes are high for his client accused of brutality murdering his girlfriend and bragging about it in a song!  Dan believes his client to be innocent.  This case may give him the hope he needs to put his life back on the right track, achieve redemption for his past sins.  But atonement comes at a very high price…

Wallace Stroby is an award-winning journalist and the author of numerous novels. The latest is a powerful Crissa Stone Novel SHOOT THE WOMAN FIRST.    A half million in drug money is guarded by three men.  For Stroby’s determined heroine, professional thief Crissa Stone and her team, stealing it is the easy part.   Things go badly in a blaze of gunfire and Crissa finds herself on the run with a duffel bag of stolen cash bound by a promise to deliver part of the take to the needy family of one of her slain partners.   In pursuit are the drug kingpin’s lethal lieutenants and a former Detroit cop with his own deadly agenda.

They think the money’s there for the taking, for whoever finds her first.  But Crissa doesn’t plan to give it up without a fight….YOU want more  don’t you!

It is a cold winter Saturday so why don’t you curl up with one of these authors novels.  If you live in New Jersey I expect to see you on March 11^th at 7:00pm.

 

 

 

Teachers deserve appreciation!

We all care about reading and writing, passion, education and dreams.  My employer Barnes & Noble embraces the foundation of our great schools and their dedicated teachers.  In March all Barnes & Noble stores will celebrate their local teachers.

Teachers do more than educate.  They listen and make children feel safe and valued, while inspiring them to discover and develop their talents to influence a world of possibilities.  The “My Favorite Teacher” Contest provides students with an opportunity to tell their community just how much their teachers mean to them.

Do you have children in Middle and/or High School and does your child have a favorite teacher?  Students write an essay, poem, or thank-you letter that explains how a teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire him or her. 

It’s so easy, entries should be about 500 words or less, in English and typed on white paper.  Each entry is submitted with the entry form, just copy and paste this link on the web and print out the entry form. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/my-favorite-teacher/379002376/

**All school and individual entries are to be dropped of to you local Barnes & Noble by MARCH 1.   

Once the winner is selected, then the celebration begins!  The student who wrote the winning essay, poem, or thank-you letter will receive a certificate of recognition and be honored at their local store during a ceremony for the winning teacher. The winning Teacher is recognized and receives a special award acknowledging their achievement.  

Next step for the local winner, the teacher is entered into a BN regional contest where the winners receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.  Then one winner is chosen BN National Teacher of the Year.  Teacher receives $5,000 and is recognized at a special event at a BN store and the winning teachers school will receive $5,000 as well!

My store is located in East Brunswick, New Jersey and teacher Pat Tursi of South River Middle School is a past recipient of this award and was chosen as a Regional winner as well.  We had two ceremony receptions for Pat Tursi. An overwhelming show of support from students, parents, fellow teachers and local community patrons turned out, it was heartwarming!

I am one of the lucky judges who reads all the submissions and I have to tell you that one day I will be reading a published novel written by one of these students!  Did you know that JANET EVANOVICH grew up in South River, New Jersey?!  YES INDEED

I'd like to introduce myself....Cathy Genna

Hello All,

This is a real honor to be taking part in Hey, There’s a Dead Guy in the Living Room blog.  Today I want to introduce myself to you-

I am the Community Relations Manager for the Barnes & Noble Store in East Brunswick, New Jersey.  I LOVE books and I have the highest regard for the authors who write them.  I am proud to have a group of bookclub members who are quite the avid readers and a customer base that increases with each author event and signings.  

Mystery and Romance are the genres I enjoy reading the most.  In 2013 I was awarded RWA’s Bookseller of the Year and I spent a week at their yearly conference and awards ceremony in Atlanta.  An experience I will never forget!  For you mystery readers imagine your excitement spending time with the amazing Nora Roberts daily.

I am also a long time animal advocate, mainly for domestic rabbits.  I work hard to cultivate relationships with pet adopters, and with the veterinarians whom I entrust to care for the rabbits, and most importantly for the individual rabbits that have made a home permanently in my heart.  I must add that I am a slave to an adorable cockapoo dog named Nomie. 

Now that’s out of the way, I look forward to chatting here every other Saturday with you all.