It Adds Up to Murder, DA Featherling

 

It seems oxymoronic to characterize a crime novel as "fun."  But, getting past that, I've got a fun crime novel for you.  But first, the background.

I had the joy of chatting with Dorothy Featherling at a writers' event last month.  Then I had the added joy of buying and reading one of her books, It Adds Up to Murder, first in the "It's Murder at the Office" series.  Simply recapped, I wish I could write a tale like this.  Envy aside, however, here's the story.

Recently laid off from her university job, middle-aged Abigail Newhouse now contracts out through the Evanston Agency as a temp.  Anything to make ends meet.  The story opens with her first day on the job as a bookkeeper at Holt, Inc., a high-powered accounting and property management firm.  Abby's surprised--and little intimidated--to find herself assigned to the senior accountant, a shallow one step below the chief financial officer.  Okay, no problem; she can do this.

In fact, she could probably do it very well, but for the mild distraction of people being murdered around her.

Enter distraction number two.  Lt. Nick Vaughn, the investigating homicide detective, is an equally mature--and coincidentally equally available--Irishman with the looks to go with it:  blue eyes, dark hair, trim physique, subtle Irish brogue that peaks with his dry humor.  You know the kind.  Abby, put off at first by the Lt's brusque manner, and Nick, equally standoffish by the more-than-level chance that this Ms. Newhouse may somehow be involved in the murders, raises barriers to any chance of a connection.  As the investigation progresses, though, impressions and suspicions mellow, and chemistry takes over.  Abby enlists herself in the effort to find the murderer as much for her own desire for justice as for her desire to keep as close to the good Lt, and as frequently, as possible.

Sometimes that self-enlistment works out; sometimes it doesn't.  What it does do consistently, though, is provide a very entertaining story written in a very entertaining way.  Ms Featherling's delightful writing voice had me chuckling aloud on more than one occasion, but not at the expense of her story's underlying tension.  I see where Nick gets his dry wit.

If you want a good mystery tale that glides along on a well-lubricated path of accomplished storytelling, you really need to try this one.  You really do.

Now having had my say, let me introduce you to the author of this most entertaining story:  DA Featherling.

Dorothy, this was thoroughly enjoyable.  Thanks for writing it, but especially, thanks for being willing to field a few questions about it.

Thanks for having me, Bruce. I love to talk about books and am always happy to answer questions. You’ll understand, of course, if I feel a need to invoke the Fifth Amendment.

Hopefully, the pleading the Fifth won't be a issue--but maybe you better read the fine print in the questions really closely before answer.  :-)

First, what inspired you to write a crime novel? Is this a favorite genre?  And with that, you've introduced such a unique main character:  a temporary office worker feeling a little out of her element.  Is Ms Newhouse a vestige of something in Dorothy Featherling's background, or was Abby contrived on a whim?

Actually, mysteries and suspense are my two favorite genres to read. I didn’t really start out to write mysteries…my first book was a romance (well, everybody else was writing one and what did I know?). I write in multiple genres – mystery, romantic comedy, futuristic suspense, and romance – so I decided one day to see if I could write a mystery. Found out I could and there’s been no stopping me since.

There are so many mysteries on the market that I realized I needed to have something unique to offer readers. Having come from a ‘secure state job’ background, I thought…what if a woman who’d held that kind of job suddenly lost it and couldn’t find a similar replacement position? If she became a temporary…what possibilities did that open for her to get involved in a new crime every time she changes jobs?

The other unique aspect to the series is the fact that either an office machine or office procedure will be the means or reason for the crime in each book in the series.

Hopefully, this will give readers something new to enjoy that hasn’t been done to death (no pun intended).

Okay, well that tidbit about office machines cleared up a curiosity.  :-)  I've already alluded to your great writing voice.  Although I didn't mention it in my review, you handled the first-person point of view really well.  Why did you decide on this style and how did you develop it?  Do you have a writing role model or two who influence you?

I’ve got seven (almost eight) books under my belt. Three of those are third person. But when I wrote my first 1^st person novel, I felt like I’d come home. The new mystery series I’m working on (book 1 of “Staged for Murder” series’ first draft is complete) was a toss-up as to whether it would be first or third person. I actually wrote a couple of chapters both ways and queried some of my critique partners as to their preference. They were equally split. So I went with my own choice and went back to first person. It feels most comfortable for me.

There are so many great writers out there (you being one…seriously!) that I’m sure their writing has had an influence on me. As much as I’ve read over the years I suspect I may have picked up things from them without realizing it, but I can’t say I really have a writing role model.

It wouldn't surprise me if you *were* one, though, even unbeknown to you.  You mentioned to me once that you read a book a day.  (Wow!)  How does this leave you time to write your own books?  Do you have a set schedule, or write when you can?  And do you have a consistent setting in which you write, or do you vary it; e.g., a quiet nook, a bustling Starbucks--sometimes both?

For one thing, I read very fast. Secondly, the books I read are fiction…for enjoyment…not weighty tomes I have to think about. They are an escape for me to relax for a bit and let my conscious mind rest.

I’ve actually had to recently develop a very set schedule…or timetable for my writing. Some of my health issues keep me from being able to stay on the computer for long stretches without intense pain (which I’d prefer not to have happen)…so I spend some time each day (and it varies a bit) writing a new book, other time editing one to be published, I’m also editing for another writer so that gets a segment, and then I need time to read a bit and relax. Mix that with time on social media and marketing stuff and it’s a pretty full day.

I have an extra bedroom that I use as an office, and I write there and only there. Sometimes if I get an idea while I’m elsewhere I may scribble a note or something, but basically, I sit down at the computer, pray, and get going. I write without music or other distractions…I don’t find silence at all intimidating.

Neither do I; I can't have distractions, either, when I'm trying to write. Okay, this question is more for me, probably, than most readers, but I'm curious (and, since it's my blog, I get to ask the questions), are you a seat-of-the-pants writer, or do you outline your stories?

LOL. Actually a bit of both. I’m a little weird (well, more than a little, probably). I begin with a premise…’what if….whatever’. Then…I HAVE to have a title. I cannot start a book without a title. Don’t know why. It’s just the way I’m wired. Once I have those two things, I’m ready to write.

The story may go along for several chapters, but at some point (and also depending on the complexity of the story – like my futuristic suspense) I have to come up with plot points for a few scenes or chapters ahead. Once I’ve used those, then it’s probably back to SOTP. So it’s kind of back and forth throughout.

We're on the same page (so to speak).  I write SOTP too, but eventually I've got to scope out at least a timeline or I easily write myself into a corner.  Let's switch gears now more to readers.  Do you have a niche readership you specifically write to--or whom think of while you're designing a story?  Or do you aim your appeal to a wide audience?  What do you want your readers to walk away with after finishing one of your books?

I’d like to think anyone could read my books and enjoy them. So I guess that’s a wide appeal audience. I try to keep them contemporary for the younger set, but the mature reader will find things to like about them, too, I hope. I’d like to hope both men and women would read them.

When a reader finishes one of my books, closes the cover…if they’re smiling…then I’ve done a very good thing and that’s what motivates me to keep writing.

Well, It Adds Up to Murder certainly appealed to me--and I was definitely smiling at the end. So, let me pose the final two questions, and I'll let you get back to your writing.  (1)  What's next?  Will we see more of Abby Newhouse in sequels, or do you have other plans for your writing?  Will crime novels dominate the landscape, or are there other treats in store?

Oh, yes. You will see Abby in sequels. Second one is just barely started and I hope to begin working on it more when I get some of the editing on my other books done. I’m publishing four or five of the romantic comedies…haven’t yet decided whether to continue on with them or not, and the futuristic suspense novel (hopefully out the first of the year) was written as the first book in a series of four.

I had someone recently ask me after a talk I did if I planned to write any Westerns. I’m not planning it…but I love the genre…so who knows? Anything is possible. Plus I have couple of ideas for some fantasies….

Anything is indeed possible.  :-)  (2)  Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?  Words of wisdom or of wit--or both?

There is so much good fiction out there today. Plus a lot of poor fiction, as well. I hope both other writers and readers will produce and find the good stuff because reading is a key ingredient to learning and to enjoying life.

Amen!  Thanks so much for your time, Dorothy.  I've enjoyed prying...er, delving into your writing mind.  I hope it's been fun for you too.

Thanks, Bruce. It’s been great!

Dorothy Featherling's work, and further thoughts on writing and life, appear here on her website.  Drop by and visit, when you get a chance.

And thanks to everyone for dropping by here!  If you leave a comment with a question for Dorothy--her writing, personality, anything (within reason, of course  :-) )--you'll be entered into a drawing for a copy of It Adds Up to Murder (Sorry, US- and Canada-based readers, please.  Overseas postage is nasty.  Thanks)

Cheers! Bruce

Awake Again!

 

After over seven months of silence--mostly due to a household move and sundry other excuses--I'm ready to pick back up on book reviews.  (Yea!)  There will be something different from this point on, though.  I'll be including short interviews with as many authors as who have the time and schedule to participate.  There may even be a giveaway or two, who knows?

Hope you haven't permanently given up on me.  There's a lot more fun to be had!

The next post will appear soon with a review of DA Featherling's crime novel, It Adds Up to Murder, and an interview with Dorothy.  Keep watching this space!

And, as always, thanks for dropping by.

Cheers! Bruce

The Leaving, by Ruth Crews (OakTara)

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This is one of those books you know you're going to finish before you have any idea where the plot is going.  The writing is that fun.

The second in the "Gatekeeper" series, The Leaving picks up where Gatekeeper leaves off, with our heroine, Anna Merritt, a senior at Hope College, facing graduation and a highly uncertain future.  Having returned from England the term before--correction, most of her returned from England the term before.  Her heart remained behind.  And therein lies her conundrum.  Faced with the typical English-Lit major's fears of how on earth to market her vanilla degree, she does what many of us do: cling to the past, the known, the familiar and attractive.  In Anna's case, that's England.  But moreover, she clings to the hope of getting back to the UK as soon as possible. But how?  (the conundrum)

Each chapter begins alternately with a letter from Anna to her erstwhile companion in adventure at Oxford, Eddie, and his responses to her.  She bares her soul and its dreams to him, and he returns his wit and wisdom concerning where Anna might should be focusing her efforts; that is, where she is and the life she's living now, lest she at best miss it, at worst screw it up.  Undeterred, Anna presses on, barely tolerating her studies and her fellow students in her fixation on the isle across the Atlantic.  And she gets a littl annoying in that fixation, quite honestly.  But ya still gotta love her.

This is a tale of an inner journey, one that is so believably delivered that you wonder how much of it is autobiographical.  (Ruth...?)  So, if you're looking for jeeps blowing up, blood-dripping knives, or Lancaster County intrigue, read no more of this.  But if you enjoy an incredibly fresh, young, witty voice learning life and how it should be approached, well, click the above hyperlink and settle in for a chuckle and a shake of the head.

While it would be helpful to read Gatekeeper first for background character identification, it's not vital to enjoying The Leaving. The joy is in the present, not the past.

Oh, and if you are, like I am, an unabashed Anglophile, you'll get even more out of the matchless repartee between Anna and Eddie.  Cheers to Ms. Crews for quite a lovely read.
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Neat Stuff!

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This is brand-spanking new for me, so please be patient.  I've been invited to be part of a author "blog-hop."  For those of you who are old enough, like I am, to remember "sock hops"...well, this is nothing like that.

Dr. Barbara Lavi contacted me on Author Central in FaceBook and asked if I'd like to participate in a blog hop. I replied, "Sure!...What is it?"  (Note to self:  it's usually better to reverse the order of those two clauses.)  Anyway, I discovered through Barbara's patient tutelage that it's an opportunity for readers to meet new authors of all different genres--fiction and non-fiction alike--by linking information on our work to each other's blogs in kind of a serial fashion.  Right.

Actually, it looks like fun to me, but maybe you can leave a comment telling me how far off the deep end I've gone after the dust settles on this.

The object of the game?  Well, I answer ten questions about my most recent book, and I ask a few other authors with blogs to do the same on their most recent books.  I post my answers--along with other pithy stuff like this concise and coherent introduction--answer the questions, and then provide links to the other authors at the bottom of the page.  As the reader, once you've become enraptured by my clever answers and simply can't imagine yourself not reading onward, buying thousands of copies of my book, and then clicking the links to the other authors' blogs and do the same for them.  Well, okay, maybe not thousands, but you get the idea.

Sound easy?  Sure, easy for you.  But now I've got to find other author-bloggers who are either naive enough to dive in like I did, or astute enough to know that things like this can really be fun.  For your sake, I'll try to find more of the latter than the former.

So, here are the questions and here are my answers:

What is the working title of your book?

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here:
 

Where did the idea come from for the book?

 For Maria is the sequel to Katia.  It follows to minor characters from that story, characters who are really only briefly mentioned, but are very important.  For those of you who have not yet read Katia, click this link (if you like video trailers, here's one for Katia).  It automatically orders a copy from Amazon, so feel free to click it several times.  I'm kidding, I'm kidding!  It only takes you to the page on my website where you can read a synopsis of the book and see some great photos of scenes that are included in the story.  To read more about For Maria, click this link.  Go ahead.  I dare you.  :-)

What genre does your book fall under?

For Maria is actually a hybrid contemporary-20th-century historical.  There are parallel storylines in both settings.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

There is no question that Amy Adams has to play Madeline, the main character from the contemporary storyline.  That's my only prerequisite to the many Hollywood producers who I'm sure are on their way here this very moment to line up at my front door.  (Note to all:  Steven Spielberg gets first dibs).  As far as the main character from the historical period, Rosa Dudek, I'd have to say...hold on a minute, let me ask my wife...................okay, Jodie Foster; excellent actress and the eye color is perfect.  What do you say, Jodie?

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Madeline Sommers, a young journalist, makes it her single-focused mission to find her grandmother's long-lost twin girls, who disappeared in WWII, before it's too late.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

My book was recently released by OakTara, LLC, a small traditional publisher.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Interestingly, it only took me 30 days to write the first draft of teh prequel Katia, but it took me nearly a year and a half to get For Maria down.  The subject matter was very research-intensive and, frankly, emotionally exhausting.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I'd have to say that Sarah's Key is closest, but For Maria is far more uplifting.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

As noted, For Maria is a sequel, so events from Katia inspired the idea.  However, the impetus to involve the Kindertransport in the historical storyline was due to research, which included making some wonderful friends of some of the people who lived through the events I portray in the book.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

If you like stories with a great balance of drama, romance, action, and humor, then you'll enjoy both Katia and For Maria.  Historically accurate, poignant, and honest, you'll remember these characters long after you turn the last page.

There!  That's me, now let me introduce you to three more authors whose work may interest you.  I cncourage you to visit their blogs by clicking their names.

Mr. Markus Heinze, non-fiction, who has written a must-read for parents on the controversial topic of infant immunizations and serious side-effects.

Mr. Bernie Dowling, from Down Under, who blogs to introduce readers to different styles and genres of books.

Mr. Tommy Ufert, a 46-year-old quadriplegic who writes and speaks inspirational messages has self-published a book, Adversity Builds Character.
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Disaster Status, by Candace Calvert (Tyndale)

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I recently found myself in the unenviable position of being way behind on my Calvert reading.  Quickly remedied by downloading Disaster Status to my Kindle, I was shortly on the mend.  And what better mend to be on than with this story?

Second in the "Mercy Hospital" series, Disaster Status steps away from its prequel, Critical Care, in theme and intensity, but not in quality.  Okay, maybe in quality, too, for as the theme and the tension wratchet up, so does Ms. Calvert's storytelling.

The story follows Erin Quinn home to California where she resumes her career as an ER charge nurse and her life as a care-giver for her widowed grandmother.  Erin carries family baggage that encases her heart and her mind away from all, including herself.  Her job and her grandmother are all the life she needs.  At least she thinks so...

The story hits the ground running with a major disaster involving a chemical spill.  The emergency situation is eventually resolved, but it leaves an undetected undercurrent in its wake that will resurface in a most unexpected way.  During the course of the incident, Erin collides repeatedly with fire Capt. Scott McKenna, a by-the-book, self-driven, overachiever who also carries family baggage:  living in the shadows of a herioc father and with the shadows of a self-perceived failure to protect those he loved the most.  His job and...well, his job is all he needs.  At least, he thinks so...

Thrown together whether they like it or not, oil and water seem better suited to each other than Erin and Scott, at least at first.  But as concern for others around them force their attention away from their own hang-ups, a curious bond begins to develop that neither of them wants or understands.  It isn't until a shocking crisis explodes onto the scene do they see themselves and each other for who they really are.

Ms. Calvert doesn't skim the surface of our sensibilities as so many romances do.  She dares to bring in a dark element, something sinister, that threatens everyone in the story either directly or indirectly.  There is an evil afoot that you're not quite sure what to make of throughout the tale, something you even find yourself pondering after closing of the novel's back cover.

Tightly written, heartwarming, inspiring, and thought provoking, Disaster Status is a great read.  Something a little different, something a little daring.  Bravo to Ms. Calvert for daring to be different, and for doing it so well.
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Harvest of Rubies, by Tessa Afshar (River North)

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Ancient history with a modern heart.

For some reason, I expected Biblical fiction when I downloaded Harvest of Rubies.  And sure, it touches an ancient Biblical figure (nope, you have to read it to find out who), but only as a minor character.  Instead, I found myself immersed in a tale of ancient Mesopotamia, complete with intrigue, action, and romance--in short, everything a novel like this should have.

With her love of Persian history and culture evident on every page, Ms Afshar has crafted yet another delightful story that brings to life the spirit and soul of an era long dead.  What's so great about this book, though, is that she's done so through the eyes of an unforgettable character, Sarah.  The thing about Sarah is...how do I put this?...well, you love her to death, but you're not quite sure whether you love her as you would a wife, a daughter, a best friend, or a sister.  Yeah, I know.  Maybe it's because Ms Afshar portrays her so well in all of those roles.

Sarah is a gifted linguist and scribe, something unheard of in a woman of ancient Persia.  Her cousin (the unnamed Biblical character) gets her an interview with the queen, who just happens to be in need of a senior scribe.  Introverted, plain-looking, and self-deprecating, Sarah immerses herself in her work.  She performs very well...too well, in fact.  To thank her for a particularly insightful service, the queen arranges a marriage for Sarah to a very upstanding and promising nobleman.  Sarah passes out when the queen announces the engagement, but not out of joyful surprise as the court interprets her reaction, but out of horror as her entire world--quiet, peaceful, solitary, and intellectually fulfilling--hits the floor as hard as she does.

The description of the disastrous wedding ceremony Ms Afshar delivers is priceless; the cover price of the book is worth that scene alone.  But it's the ensuing story, after Sarah bottoms out, that she begins her journey of personal restoration and true fulfillment--not in abandoning who she is and what she loves for the sake of tradition--but in perfecting that tradition through who she is and what she loves.  Traveling with a solid cast of supporting characters, Harvest of Rubies takes us on a journey framed around a character who will live in your heart on far beyond the turn of the last page.

Captivating story, skillfully crafted, delivered with great finesse.  This is a sure bet for lovers of ancient history and personal triumph.
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At Last!

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After a four-month delay, For Maria is finally scheduled for release on 15 September!  It can be ordered directly through www.oaktara.com (click on the Store tab to go to the book store) on that date, from me directly through my website at www.brucejudisch.com/for-maria.htm (use the Contact Me button at the bottom of the page) anytime now, or, after a couple of weeks for the online outlets to catch up, from Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, Barnesandnoble.com, etc.

It'll start out being available in hardcopy (paperback), but will eventually appear for Kindle, too.

Thanks for your patience.  I hope you'll find the wait to have been worthwhile.
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