Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
Now I Know Where Kinsey GETS It | Marcia Muller Pushes Through! PART TWO
So let’s get into those quotes/passages I mentioned in my previous post on Marcia Muller’s Edwin of the Iron Shoes. But if you haven’t followed me to this post, these are the stand-out lines I loved. They're the lines where I received a flood of realization on how Muller’s protagonist, Sharon McCone, gave roots to women investigators in hard-boiled in crime fiction. Particularly roots for Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone and Sara Paretsky’s V. I. Warshawski characters. For more information, please refer to the previous post. I’m going to have to try to reduce this down to a few, though. If not, I’d probably serve up the entire book.
So let’s go!
“He was pushing too hard. I kept my voice level. ‘I’m not on my own; I’m an employee of All Souls. I joined them after the detective agency fired me for refusing to jump at a special assignment that would have humiliated me and set up an innocent man for a very messy and expensive divorce. And I don’t know about being what you call a “super-sleuth.” I’m competent. I’d say my strong point is knowing how to ask the right questions. Without trying to cram my words into other people’s mouths.’”
Four chapters in and I already love McCone. She has morals. She has limits. She has genuine concern for the individuals involved in her profession. Most of all, she’s humble. Yet brassy in a subtle way.
“On my way out of the kitchen, I grabbed a handful of cookies from the big jar that was always full of chocolate chips. They would be my dinner. Hank grinned and led me down the central hall to the second office on the right.”
This screamed Kinsey Millhone to me. Anyone familiar with the character knows she’s obsessed with cheese/peanut butter and pickled sandwiches. As well as Quarter Pounders. (For a good while, I actually ate a few myself. Didn't like them, but since Kinsey did....) However, just the fluidity of McCone’s voice and actions in this scene stole me.
I would say between the three, Warshawski has the best appetite. Though she drinks too much.
I would say between the three, Warshawski has the best appetite. Though she drinks too much.
Now I Know Where Kinsey GETS It | Marcia Muller Pushes Through! PART ONE
I would not have believed it until seen. Actually, that’s not the case. I believed it! Intrigued it! Embraced it! Ran with it on my Amazon wishlist for about two and a half years (pitiful of me). Put it on my Kindle for over a year (double pitiful of me). And just this past February finally received it! You’re probably wondering what in the world am I talking about. So let me just get to the point: I finally read the first book in Marcia Muller’s Sharon McCone hard-boiled private-eye series, Edwin of the Iron Shoes. I know. I know. Big deal, right? Well for me–a female-controlled crime fiction junkie–it most certainly is a big deal! Though I'm awfully late about it...Most of you guys know I LIVE for Sue Grafton’s California private-eye, Kinsey Millhone. ("LIVE" is an extreme, extreme understatement). And you’re also familiar with my apathetic, strange off/on relationship with Sara Paretsky tough ‘n’ tumble Chicago-based woman of the same profession, V. I. Warshawski. But here’s the thing. The ticket. The point of this erratic and fervent post–beginning with a little history lesson.
In the early 80’s, Grafton and Paretsky transformed the voice of crime fiction. Through, respectively, their characters Millhone and Warshawski; the authors released the female private-eye alone into the playgrounds of her male counterparts. And their leading ladies came in just as hard-hitting, proficient, and uncompromising as the male investigators. But, thankfully, their characteristics weren’t channeled through the virility associated with men.
Millhone and Warshawski utilized a certain degree of wiles, ingenuity, and vocal consensus to turn a given case in her favor. Though also dogged at times for answers, they would see cases to the end with just as much profession and dedication as men. Yet, when push came to shove, they were sometimes afraid to shove back. They had concerns about the use of violence, as it was first considered a defense and hardly a course of action. So as level-headed and determined as they could be, force and violence always seemed a final recourse. Neither were always necessary in the end–as the ladies were likely to have already outsmarted a criminal. Nevertheless, what I described is precisely why I love the female detective. She’s afforded an unassuming element that serves as a lethal surprise that never gets old when it's called upon. Basically, I love a calculating bad-ass woman.
So the opportunities for the lone female private-eye to take stage arrived from Marcia Muller’s 1977 influential debut, Edwin of the Iron Shoes. It's here Muller introduced the world to private detective Sharon McCone. McCone was the first unshackled female detective to toss conventions previous held by women in her profession. She wasn't a side-kick to the male private-eye. She didn't use anything other than her brains and interrogating acrobatics to mine for information. She had a voice–a retort–for societal affairs. She had a heart, though took the zero nonsense approach. She was brave. She also meant business, needed to get paid with as little moral compromising, and was well-adjusted to standing alone. And, well, she had a gun in her purse just in case. You know, for those occasions she just may have to shoot somebody in the face for her own protection.
So Muller opened the doors to this new field of detective fiction. (I'll get into P. D. James' same decade debut of Cordelia Grey at another date.) She employed a modern, realistic, and liberated woman to traverse the minefields of deception and murder. All of which beamed on me as I finally read McCone’s first case.
After the last page, I understood where Kinsey and Warshawski got her voice. And Muller reminded me–so clearly–why it is that I love this genre when led by women. Seriously, I highlighted a bucket of passages as I read the book. Passages that screamed to me, “Kinsey would do/say this.” Or, “This sounds like an argument Warshawski would find herself in.” The revelation was too plain not to acknowledge and recognize.
After the last page, I understood where Kinsey and Warshawski got her voice. And Muller reminded me–so clearly–why it is that I love this genre when led by women. Seriously, I highlighted a bucket of passages as I read the book. Passages that screamed to me, “Kinsey would do/say this.” Or, “This sounds like an argument Warshawski would find herself in.” The revelation was too plain not to acknowledge and recognize.
So yes. I’ve finally gotten down to the root of the modern, free-sprinting, hard-boiled female detective. And clearly, I'm dedicated to moving forward with Muller and McCone. I have a long way to go to catch up but, as of now, I’ve found myself a new place to find radiance for my passions.
Part of me wants to review the book, but the other half of me simply wants to share some of those passages I mentioned. Only because they excited me, and I'm not to hard to please when I've found something special. But just to be clear, I loved Edwin of the Iron Shoes once I got over having to read it on the Kindle (not good with e-readers). It was watery in some areas. Yet, McCone's voice was solid. But what the hell can I say? There's a certain respect and credit due to Muller's first book. To me, that's good enough.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Kwan's Rich Girlfriend
On the eve of her wedding to Nicholas Young, heir to one of the greatest fortunes in Asia, Rachel should be over the moon. She has a flawless Asscher-cut diamond from JAR, a wedding dress she loves more than anything found in the salons of Paris, and a fiancé willing to sacrifice his entire inheritance in order to marry her. But Rachel still mourns the fact that her birthfather, a man she never knew, won’t be able to walk her down the aisle. Until: a shocking revelation draws Rachel into a world of Shanghai splendor beyond anything she has ever imagined. Here we meet Carlton, a Ferrari-crashing bad boy known for Prince Harry-like antics; Colette, a celebrity girlfriend chased by fevered paparazzi; and the man Rachel has spent her entire life waiting to meet: her father. Meanwhile, Singapore’s It Girl, Astrid Leong, is shocked to discover that there is a downside to having a newly minted tech billionaire husband. A romp through Asia’s most exclusive clubs, auction houses, and estates, China Rich Girlfriend brings us into the elite circles of Mainland China, introducing a captivating cast of characters, and offering an inside glimpse at what it’s like to be gloriously, crazily, China-rich."
~ China Rich Girlfriend from Goodreads
Hear me out, folks. On everything I love, I wish I had more to say about Kevin Kwan’s China Rich Girlfriend. I really, really do. However, I don’t. Or at least have much to expound on about my minuscule disappointment with the book. A disappointment brewed by the contrived connectivity with each of his characters’ story threads. Including threads developed completely from the core cast (Nick and Rachel). So it's kind of strange when I think about how much I loved his previous book, Crazy Rich Asian. I guess I assumed too much going into his second book.
Nevertheless, after reading China Rich Girlfriend in January, I couldn't find the right words on how I felt about the book. Good or bad! So months later, my resounding complaint is still that contrived connectivity issue. It's like a wall I can't climb. It's all I think when I recall my experience. Which has lead me to this late post.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
The Brotherhood of J. D. Robb
All right! Let’s get into this one. J. D. Robb’s In Death #42, Brotherhood in Death. The book where we finally get into Dennis Mira's story–including more “cuddle” talk about him. Which, to be frank, is annoying sometimes. We get it. Dennis Mira is a dreamy, gentle-hearted and harmless man of a certain age who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Now with that said. I do like how–after all these years–Robb gave us a book unwrapping pieces of his character's past.
But before I get into all that, let’s set the book up.
Like any J. D. Robb book, the premise is pretty simple. In Brotherhood’s case, Dennis and his cousin, Edward, were meeting a real estate agent. It's time to address and settle an agreement on their late grandfather’s West Village brownstone. Having grew up in the home, Dennis wants to keep it. Yet Edward is ready to sell–with his former position as a powerful senator apart of the negotiations. This leaves Dennis preparing a defense.
Like any J. D. Robb book, the premise is pretty simple. In Brotherhood’s case, Dennis and his cousin, Edward, were meeting a real estate agent. It's time to address and settle an agreement on their late grandfather’s West Village brownstone. Having grew up in the home, Dennis wants to keep it. Yet Edward is ready to sell–with his former position as a powerful senator apart of the negotiations. This leaves Dennis preparing a defense.
Edward is calculating and tactful, and it’s those characteristics that left him dead in the brownstone. It may seem random, but the truth is Edward's past came back to snuff him out. Unfortunate for Dennis, he discovers the body upon entering the brownstone. And is swiftly hit over the head by Edward's killer, only to awake with the body of his cousin missing. Lucky for him, in his back pocket resides New York homicide Lieutenant, Eve Dallas.
Sweeping the brownstone leaves little forensic clues for Dallas and her team. Yet, that’s where her billionaire husband Roarke comes in handy. Though through an illegal search, Dallas uncovers some interesting details around Edward’s life. Particularly around his years at Yale University. A time where he formed a pact–a Brotherhood–with a string of other recently missing or murdered powerful men around New York. Of course, this leaves Eve Dallas and her team to draw the connections.
Someone–or many–are knocking these men out one by one. And leaving Dallas to clean up the mess. Yet, what she discovers asks who are the true victims in this case? Corrupt men like Edward Mira? Or the vengeful souls plucking him and his Brotherhood down, spurred by vigilance? Or is it justice?
And that’s how Brotherhood in Death is set up. Now turn away if you haven’t read the book because I’m about to spoil the hell out of it. It’s a blog post, not the New York Times review. So those who’ve read or don’t care, let’s talk about Brotherhood in Death. I only made this choice because writing my thoughts out were just too damn vague. So I had to lay it all out to make sense. It’s sort of like trying to ignore the elephant in the room.
!...SPOILER WARNING...!
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
GUEST POST: No Rest for the Wicked by Dane Cobain
Booktrope Publishing Presents
No Rest for the Wicked by Dane Cobain
Author: Dane Cobain
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Length: 127
Release Date: May 22, 2015
ISBN: 978-1620159026
Imprint: Forsaken
Imprint: Forsaken
Synopsis: Father Montgomery, an elderly priest with a secret past, begins an investigation after his parishioners come under attack by Angels. And with the help of Robert Jones, a young businessman with an estranged child, Montgomery begins to track down the origin of the Angels. Naked and androgynous, the Angels speak in a dreadful harmony with no clear leader. They aren't biblical cherubs, tasked with protecting the righteous person. Instead, these are deadly creatures of light with the power to eradicate the living. When Jones himself is attacked, Father Montgomery knows he has to act fast. He speaks to the Angels and organizes a final showdown where he’s asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.
A Brief History of No Rest for the Wicked
Hi, folks! My name’s Dane, and I’m the author of the supernatural thriller, No Rest for the Wicked. Today I’m stopping by to tell you a little bit more about my book–big thanks to Troi for having me here! Let’s get started.
No Rest for the Wicked grew out of a nightmare I had during my first year of university. I woke up in the middle of the night, climbed out of bed, and started to make notes about its key elements; the Angels, characters, and the fact that beings of light were wreaking havoc on the nation and the world.
A couple of months later, I revisited my notes and fleshed them out in more detail. Adding details for each of the chapters and planning out the timeline. In each chapter I allotted a short paragraph of basic notes about what needed to happen. I also worked on a short list of character bios.
Once that was in place, I was able to start writing the book. It's the bit most people think of when they think of what a writer does. It’s also one of the most fun parts. In the case of No Rest for the Wicked, it took me about three months to finish the first draft.
After that, I had to work on my edits. I usually make two passes over my work, so I can give it a conceptual edit and then a copy edit. The difference between the two is a conceptual edit focuses on the actual story line. Whilst a copy edit just ensures the spelling and grammar are correct. Both are necessary, to put out a good book.
And then, I left the book on the shelf for a while. I did actually get a limited run of copies printed for friends and family. But it wasn’t released properly for another five years, when it was picked up by Booktrope Publishing’s Forsaken imprint. That’s another story entirely. The short version is I reviewed some of Booktrope’s releases on my book blog. So when I submitted No Rest for the Wicked for publication, they were already aware of me.
But the hard work didn’t end there. Once accepted for publication, there was still a long road ahead of me. First the book had to be edited, which involved multiple rounds of amends by both myself and my editor, Laura Bartha. Then, it went through a couple of rounds of proofreading with Jennifer Farwell.
While all this was going on, I was working on getting the cover design just right with my designer, Ashley Ruggirello. Ashley did a great job, and really rounded things off. Once the final round of proofing was out of the way, the layout team started building the actual book. Before providing Ashley with the final dimensions of the book so she could finalize the covers.
Even then, the hard work wasn't over. Once all that’s sorted, you need to fill out a form called a publication fact sheet. This sheet provides all the information that retailers need to list the book. Fill that out and then it’s just a waiting game – you need to give it a week or so before the book’s finally online and for sale.
After that I had to start thinking about marketing, which involved an online and offline party; as well as a video teaser, a quiz, and some other promotional material. I could write a whole blog post just about that, but I’m not going to – unless you ask me nicely.
So there you have it – that’s a brief history of No Rest for the Wicked. Thanks a lot for reading, and be sure to check out No Rest for the Wicked on Amazon if you want to find out more. I’m also around on Facebook and Twitter! I’ll see you soon.
Author Information & Links
Dane Cobain is a writer, poet, and musician from a place you've probably never heard of somewhere in England.
When he's not writing books, he's reading and reviewing them on his book blog–SocialBookshelves.com. Or working at his day job in social media marketing.
Find him at Facebook.com/DaneCobainMusic or follow @DaneCobain on Twitter.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
#MarchMysteryMadness | Challenge #8: The Not-So Kid-Gloves Sleuth
It's Challenge #8: The Not-So Kid-Gloves Sleuth. This challenge aims for a classic mystery straight out of just about everyone’s childhood. I chose Nancy Drew; arriving with the first book in her series, The Secret of the Old Clock. I’ve had run-ins with Drew, mainly back in middle school. I fulfilled several English projects on her books in 7th grade. So it’s nice to go back and reacquaint myself with this classic, 1930’s iconic sleuth.
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