Haunted by a twenty-year old murder of a beautiful young painter, Lucian Glass keeps his demons at bay through his fascinating work as a Special Agent with the FBI's Art Crime Team. Currently investigating a crazed art collector who has begun destroying prized masterworks, Glass is thrust into a bizarre hostage negotiation that takes him undercover at the Phoenix Foundation—dedicated to the science of past life study—where, in order to maintain his cover, he agrees to submit to the treatment of a hypnotist.

Under hypnosis, Glass travels from ancient Greece to 19th century Persia, while the case takes him from New York to Paris and the movie capital of world. These journeys will change his very understanding of reality, lead him to question his own sanity and land him at the center of perhaps the most audacious art heist in history: the theft of a 1,500 year old sculpture from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

International bestselling author M. J. Rose's The Hynpotist is her most mesmerizing novel yet. An adventure, a love story, a clash of cultures, a spiritual quest, it is above all a thrilling capstone to her unique Reincarnation novels, The Reincarnationist and The Memorist. - FROM THE BOOK JACKET

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...M.J. Rose, is the international bestselling author of 11 novels and f two nonfiction marketing books. Her suspense novel The Reincarnationist inspired the TV series Past Life, which can be seen on FOX Broadcasting. A founding board member of International Thriller Writers, Rose is also founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz.com. She runs two popular blogs: Buzz, Balls & Hype and Backstory. - FROM THE BOOK JACKET

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...The Hypnotist is the 3rd (and my first) book in Rose's Reincarnation series. The first chapter had me sucked in, then the 2nd two had me a little confused. However, once I got past a couple chapters, the book re-grabbed my interest with the past life concept thrown in with the thrill of solving a crime in the "present". For those interested in suspense, detective stories, and reincarnation, grab the series. I think I now need to do some detective work on my end to find the previous two books in the series.

One of these days I'd definitely love to be hypnotized to look into my past lives (I'm thinking I must have multiple ones!). How interesting that would be...

NOW THE GIVEAWAY...Thanks to TLC Books and M.J. Rose, I get to give away ONE copy to of The Hypnotist to a lucky Book Faery Reviews reader (US/Canada addresses only). This giveaway will last til the end of August 2010.

To enter (please leave a comment for EACH entry as I use a # randomizer):

1. MANDATORY - Become an e-mail or RSS subscriber of The Book Faery Reviews (See top right sidebar).
2. MANDATORY - Leave a comment telling me what you think you would be / where you'd live in a past life. (I'd be from the Medieval time as a healer/protector!)
3. Tweet about this giveaway - "@farrah1230 from #tbfr is giving away a copy of The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose here: http://bit.ly/9c3eHo"
4. Share this giveaway on your blog or social media profile page (Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, etc).

This book was provided for review for one of the TLC Book Tours.

Related posts:

1. Still The One, Robin Wells – Review & Giveaway After Katie Charmaine's husband is killed in Iraq, all she...
2. One Dance with a Duke, Tessa Dare – Review In One Dance with a Duke—the first novel in Tessa...
3. The Land of Expression, David & Mutiya Vision – Review & Giveaway Welcome to the Land of Expression, a place where colors...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

**It's been some time since I last posted (7/12 to be exact) so I thought I'd do a bit of catch up as well as share some of the books I've picked up from others or purchased myself. You'd think with all the books I receive for free I'd keep myself from buying more books (or so my husband would hope) but on occasion I just can't help myself! This list is lengthier than usual so this round there won't be summaries but I did include links for more book information.**

Chic-Lit

Holly Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Dunham

Home

Paula Deen's Savannah Style by Paula Deen (Upcoming tour this month)

Contemporary Fiction

The Book of Eli by Sam Moffie

Classic (Buy)

The Arabian Nights (Barnes & Nobles Collection; I just LOVE their collection of leather bound books! Beautiful artwork on each.)

SciFi/Fantasy/Paranormal (All Buys)

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell Hamilton (wanted to start the Anita Blake series)

Swallowing Darkness by Laurell Hamilton (re-read but I need my own to go with my Meredith Gentry series)

Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell Hamilton

Violin by Anne Rice (re-read but I had to get the hardback copy)

Historical Romance (Buy)

The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries

Suspense (Buy)

Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell

And today I leave a special treat...the book trailer for Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell...

Related posts:

1. Mailbox Monday…11.23.09 Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books...
2. Mailbox Monday…11.30.09 Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books...
3. Mailbox Monday 2.22.10 Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Play the creepy Think of a Numb3r game here:

http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/features/think-of-a-number/.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...John Verdon has held several executive positions with Manhattan advertising firms, but like his protagonist, he recently relocated with his wife to rural upstate New York. Think of a Number is his first novel.

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...I really enjoyed this thriller. Verdon had me turning the pages and on the edge. I enjoyed "being" the character, David Gurney in my head and hope he comes back to solve another murder mystery. Think of a Numb3r is definitely a book worthy of hard copy on my shelves.

Join the tour and read what others thought of Verdon's Think of a Numb3r...

I received a copy of this book for review for the TLC Book Tour. Receiving a copy in no way altered my opinion of the book.

Related posts:

1. The Killing of Mindi Quintana, Jeffrey A. Cohen – Review Freddy Builder is certain he is meant for more. More...
2. My Sister’s Voice, Mary Carter – Review At twenty-eight, Lacey Gears is exactly where she wants to...
3. Mailbox Monday…06.14.10 Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

More than fifty cats roamed Hemingway’s grounds and writing studio; however, most writer’s cat households are more modest in size. Regardless of the number though, the real question of why some writers prefer cats remains unanswered.

As the head of my own Cat Army, Oedipus, Electra, Abra, and Mooshy, I have given the question of why writers go cat great consideration—usually while cleaning up hairballs.

1) Generally quiet. This is critical since most writers alternate between broke and destitute and therefore must rent their abode. A quiet cat makes for a happier landlord. Since cats sleep roughly 65 percent to 95 percent of the workday, depending on the make, model, and age they don’t have many opportunities to make noise.

2) Legal reasons. Plenty of housing complexes restrict dog ownership, but allow cats. Irony is such a cunning mistress.

3) Self-regulating by nature. As long their human provides clean water, food, and checks on the litter box periodically, the cat usually takes care of the rest. No need to rush home to walk them. Going away for the weekend isn’t a problem either. That’s just more bed for them.

4) Cats communicate directly. For instance, when the cat wants his person to start writing so he can claim his bed again, he might gnaw pages left on the night stand. After going a few rounds with an editor, this might seem refreshing but can make the rewrite fun and it generally achieves the desired result of a now writer-free bed.

5) Superior memory. While the writer can’t remember where he put his favorite pen, the cat does. It’s hidden in their lair behind the couch, right where they dragged it.

6) Esoteric taste in people food. Pork rinds, beef jerky, pork lo mien and uncooked pasta are just some of things I’ve caught my cats nibbling.

Hopefully this sheds some light on one of the most pressing questions in contemporary fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK....The Last Track: A Mike Brody Novel

Imagine if being late meant a child disappeared forever. That is the fear that drives Mike Brody--the man you want, when the one you love is missing. Mike is more than just a master tracker. An ex-Special Forces operative, smoke jumper, and now extreme adventure tour guide, he also possesses a unique ability to tap into the memory and emotional state of those he pursues. In The Last Track, a police detective recruits Mike to help find an asthmatic boy lost in the dense woods surrounding a dude ranch in Montana. An unwitting murder witness, the boy burrows ever deeper into the rugged terrain, fearful of being found. As Mike and a local officer search for the boy, the killer follows them. While the investigation expands, Mike's ex-wife, a well-connected journalist, uses her contacts to unravel the truth behind the murder. Her discoveries threaten to snare them all in a treacherous conspiracy . . .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Sam resides outside New York City with his girlfriend, and an army of four cats—one feline under the legal limit. His first book, The Last Track: A Mike Brody Novel, a mystery/thriller, released this Spring. When Sam’s not writing, he's the Director of IT at an all-girl boarding school where he gets a chance to observe world-class drama firsthand. It’s also the reason he studies Krav Maga and Tai Chi.

FIND THE AUTHOR ON...

@Twitter: http://twitter.com/samhilliard
@Facebook: http://facebook.com/thelasttrack
@GoodReads http://goodreads.com/samhilliard

Related posts:

1. Excuse me, Does this Cake Make My Ass Look Big? – Diane Sweeney: Author Guest Post I have a question.  How many times have you walked...
2. My Sister’s Voice, Mary Carter – Author Guest Post TITLE: My Sister's Voice AUTHOR: Mary Carter PUBLISHER:  Kensington PUBLICATION...
3. Hot and Irresistible, Dianne Castell – Author Guest Post In a city of history, mystery, and more than a...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

And now that occasion is murder - of Mindi Quintana, an old college flame wanting simply to stay in his past.

Freddy's crime is major news from the start. Mindi is the beautiful daughter of a renowned Philadelphia businessman whose dramatic fall a few years back captivated the city. A televised trial for Freddy is in the offing. Meanwhile, he is writing the book about his relationship with Mindi -  a remorseless rewrite of her life, his own, and their miserable thin involvement.

As excerpts of his book are published to acclaim, he gives articulate, sympathetic jailhouse interviews, publishes ghostwritten articles on prison issues, and coverage goes national. A new celebrity murderer is taking the stage - a killer with a book, a jailhouse literary sensation.

Freddy's defense attorney, Phillip, watches as his client builds his fame with the bones of his victim. As a career public defender, Phillip thought he'd seen evil in all its incarnations. He'd lost his outrage, his passion for the law, and his marriage along the way. But as Freddy's case is a turning point for him - the public's sympathy for the poet-murderer, the rebel, the killer as greater soul - stirs something dormant in Phillip.

To stop Freddy, and to vindicate Mindi, Phillip will have to violate his oath, even break the law. But with the help of Mindi's best friend Lisa, he gives Mindi back the truth of her life and death. And he'll deliver a comeuppance to a killer with a book. - FROM THE BOOK BACK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Debut novelist, Jeff Cohen, author of The Killing of Mindi Quintana, is a quintessential Philadelphian, a successful attorney, and a prominent business entrepreneur. In an age of endless fascination with celebrity murderers, his novel delivers what all too often is lost: justice.

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR...Twitter - Website - Facebook

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...It took me some "speed reading" to get through the first 100 or so pages but once past the the novel got more engaging and had me turning page after page. Cohen's main character Freddy reminded me of some creepy guy us females try to avoid. You know the ones who seem nice and appear everywhere you go  or keep doing things that make you uncomfortable? Then the moment comes and he snaps (figuratively and literally)...that would be Freddy. For a moment I felt like I needed a bath from the disgust I felt towards Freddy a moment after killing her. Throughout The Killing of Mindi Quintana, you watch the main character Freddy change from an "unnoticeable" man to this viscous fame seeking killer who get's blind sighted in the end.

NOTE to sensitive readers: This novel does contain cursing and some graphic details of the murder.

A copy of the book was provided to me for review. Receiving a copy didn't persuade my opinions one way or the other.

Related posts:

1. Shanghai Girls, Lisa See – Review Title: Shanghai Girls Author: Lisa See Publisher: The Random House...
2. Rebecca’s Tale, Sally Beauman – Review TITLE: Rebecca's Tale AUTHOR: Sally Beauman PUBLICATION DATE: January 30,...
3. Mailbox Monday 02.15.10 Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

On the tropical island of Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the United States has gathered together its most talented geneticists to work on the top-secret Lemuria Project. These secret experiments create a revolutionary new warrior so strong and so valiant that the age of casualties of war would become only a sad and distant memory. Haunted by a dark and dangerous past, Colonel Link McGraw is the officer chosen to train these new soldiers. He understands the rules of engagement and agrees to serve his country, reestablish his professional reputation, and secure his freedom in the process. As a trained and commissioned officer in the United States Armed Forces, McGraw knows what constitutes the perfect soldier: following orders without question. When Egyptian beauty Fala al Shodaha and Israeli Joshua Krantz, scientists in their own right, stumble across the top-secret project, they are determined to uncover its true nature and pursue their quest to Diego Garcia. Tensions mount as Krantz and McGraw clash over the project—and vie for the affection of the lovely Fala. When they discover they aren’t the only ones on the island competing for her attention, shocking truths are revealed that beg the question, Is it too late to save themselves—and the entire human race—from almost certain annihilation? - FROM AMAZON.COM

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...For my first political thriller, this was an excellent one. Fascinating read with science, history, and politics. Enjoyed it and recommend it to others looking for a good scientific military thriller. Since it's a keeper for my shelves, I give it a 4.

If you're interested in my sentence tease from the book, read it here. And while you're here, check out Barry Pollack's author guest post.

This book was provided to me through the Pump Up Your Book virtual book tour.
Receiving a copy to review did not persuade my opinions of the author's book.

Related posts:

1. Sins of the Flesh, Caridad Pineiro – Review & Author Guest Post Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival...
2. Sunday Salon…03.21.10 EEK!! Is it REALLY Sunday and I haven't posted a...
3. Mailbox Monday 3.22.10 Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

With her son Shawn at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers. It’s been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the library fundraising committee, who invited him to speak, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade Devil’s Food Cake she made herself. Murder, however, was not on the menu.

When Thom’s manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie does what any woman with a history of solving murders does–jumps right in to offer her guidance and expertise. The police, however, are not very appreciative. In fact, they’d rather she just go home. But can Sadie help it if she keeps stumbling over information? Can she help it if the people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? The more she learns, the broader the spectrum becomes and when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to sidestep them altogether in the pursuit of justice.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW...Thanks to Pump Up Your Book Promotion I was given the opportunity to interview Josi Kilpack.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No. I never even thought about being a writer until a few weeks before I sent in my first book. I had been a voracious reader for several years and then written a book while on bedrest—but although it was fun, I didn’t write it intending to get it published; I didn’t know anything about publishing. I just had a good time. After friends encouraged me, however, I did find out how to submit and only then did I imagine what it would be like to be an actual author. It was a strange thing to contemplate . . . it still is, really.

Tell us a little bit about your new book.

Devil’s Food Cake is the 3rd book my Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. Sadie has helped coordinate a fundraising dinner for the library, only to have it come to a horrifying end when a man is killed on stage. This is the third murder she’s been involved with in six months so she, of course, considers herself an expert. However, the police don’t agree but even when she tries to step out, aspects of the case seem to come to her. So, she ends up all wrapped up in things.

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

I just love the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that in my small way I am trying to make the world a better place—at least for those people who, like me, love to get lost in a good book. I enjoy the challenge of stretching in new ways as well.

Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your writing? Do you have a writing mentor?

I don’t really have a writing mentor, but I have many writers who inspire me either with their writing or with their struggle too write. Mary Higgins Clark is a writer who inspires me on both ends—she worked very, very hard to become a writer, but not at the expense of her family. I also love her writing style and the sheer grace of who she is. I admire CS Lewis for both his words, and his passion in writing them. I’m lucky enough have some fellow writers as my best friends and they inspire the heck out of me because of their individual strengths that pull them through hard times. They are likely the closest I have to mentors because they encourage and applaud me all along the way.

Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in your writing. Tell us about where you grew up and a little about where you live now - city? Suburb? Country? Farm? If you could live anywhere you want to live, where would that be?

I grew up in Salt Lake City Utah, and currently live less than 50 miles from the home I grew up in. I was the third of nine children—my dad was a teacher and my mom stayed home. I grew up very independent and industrious; two things that I think have been huge factors in my writing. I’ve always been headstrong, a little cynical, and felt . . . different. Maybe that’s why I make up characters, because I sometimes feel like I don’t fit very well in real life. About 11 years ago we (my husband Lee and my kids) moved to Willard, which is a tiny little town on the east side of Willard Bay, in between Brigham City and Ogden. We’re both city-folk, so it took some adjustment but we can’t imagine living anywhere else. We have chickens, a dog, 5 acres of land we lease to a local farmer, and plenty of yard work to keep us and the kids busy.  Honestly, if I could live anywhere in the world I’d live right where I am. I’m not here by accident—I’m here because of hard work and intent decisions that resulted in this. That said, I think I could be happy living anywhere so long as my family was with me. My husband and I sometimes fantasize about living in a down town area, or a condo with landscapers, or back in a suburb—we like the adventure and challenge of the idea. And yet we are both very content right where we are.

Bring us into your home and set the scene for us when you are writing. What does it look like? On the couch, laptop, desk? Music? Lighting, handwriting?

It’s 4:30 in the morning and my laptop is open on the kitchen table. There are piles of schoolwork, dishes from last night, and some coats flung over the chairs. My daughter is practicing piano in the other room and other than the light above the table, the house is dark. I’m nursing a mug of Pero, I’m wearing warm socks, and hunching over the computer in a way that my chiropractor continually reminds me not to do. The dirty dishes are calling to me, but I’ll do those after I wake the kids up for school at 6:00 and I’m trying very hard to just keep my To Do List fuzzy in my brain while I focus on my “vacation” which is whatever book I’m working on. I’ve got an hour and a half until my day explodes, after which my writing will come in little bubbles of time I steal from something else. But right now, this minute, I’m without any other obligation. Let’s hope I can use the time wisely.

Do you watch television or movies? If so, what are your favorites? Do they inspire your writing?

I adore TV and movies and the TV is almost always on when I’m home. I know people say it’s bad for you, but, well, if I have to have a vice, there are worse things. I like criminal Justice TV, so I watch a lot of City Confidential, American Justice, Cold Case, and Law & Order. I also like shows like I Survived and How Clean is Your House, and a Toddlers & Tiaras reminds me there are lots of “characters” in the world. If I can’t find a show that interests me, I love to watch movies—The Scarlet Pimpernel, Lord of the Rings, Return me. I get all kinds of inspiration from things I watch. Everything from character ideas, to setting, to plot twists—I love borrowing from other people’s brilliance, then making it my own.

How has being published changed your life?

Publishing has changed my life in every possible way. I’ve met people I’d have never met before, researched and learned about topics I would never have known about. I’ve learned to speak in public, I’ve learned to really listen when people talk to me. I’ve learned the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish a book I’ve worked hard on. For me, publishing has opened a world I’d have never known existed—but it’s not really “Publishing” that made the change—it’s developing the gifts God gave me into the talents I’ve used to take me there. That’s the amazing thing about gifts, abilities, and opportunities that come our way—if we grab onto those things and add our work and determination, life blossoms. Publishing is one way in which that has happened for me, and I marvel at that all the time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Josi Kilpack’s first LDS novel was published in 2000 and has since been followed by 6 additional LDS titles. Her seventh novel, Sheep’s Clothing, won The Whitney Award for Mystery and Suspense in 2007. LEMON TART, the first book in Josi’s new Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery series released January 2009; book two, ENGLISH TRIFLE was released in August 2009 and the third book, DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE will be out in Spring 2010. In addition to her writing, Josi enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and snuggling with her sweetheart, Lee. They now live in Willard, Utah with their four kids, a dog, and a varying number of chickens.

Related posts:

1. That’s My Story!, G.H. Monroe: Review, Author Interview, & Giveaway A collection of short stories, from the wildly bizarre to...
2. Breakfast In Bed, Robin Kaye – Author Interview & Book Giveaway Rich, the epitome of "anti-domestic," can't cook to save his...
3. The Highlander’s Sword, Amanda Forester – Author Interview TITLE: The Highlander's Sword AUTHOR: Amanda Forester PUBLISHER: SourceBooks Casablanca...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

On the tropical island of Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the United States has gathered together its most talented geneticists to work on the top-secret Lemuria Project. These secret experiments create a revolutionary new warrior so strong and so valiant that the age of casualties of war would become only a sad and distant memory. Haunted by a dark and dangerous past, Colonel Link McGraw is the officer chosen to train these new soldiers. He understands the rules of engagement and agrees to serve his country, reestablish his professional reputation, and secure his freedom in the process. As a trained and commissioned officer in the United States Armed Forces, McGraw knows what constitutes the perfect soldier: following orders without question. When Egyptian beauty Fala al Shodaha and Israeli Joshua Krantz, scientists in their own right, stumble across the top-secret project, they are determined to uncover its true nature and pursue their quest to Diego Garcia. Tensions mount as Krantz and McGraw clash over the project—and vie for the affection of the lovely Fala. When they discover they aren’t the only ones on the island competing for her attention, shocking truths are revealed that beg the question, Is it too late to save themselves—and the entire human race—from almost certain annihilation? - FROM AMAZON.COM

AUTHOR GUEST POST...I've been writing for forty years and have made it a habit to clip articles or record notes about interesting things I read or hear about. They sit about like dormant seeds, ready to germinate if you fertilize them with good characters and plot. One such story I saved was an obituary of Robert Graham who died in 1997. Graham was an American entrepreneur who made millions designing the first plastic eyeglass lenses. He was also a eugenicist, an out of favor theory that suggests that "nature is more important than nurture," that it is our genes that make us predominantly who we are, not our upbringing. Graham became most famous perhaps for creating what was colloquially called "the genius sperm bank," a repository of sperm provided by Nobel prize winners. His life story led me to do more research on eugenics, then genetics in general. And, with daily headlines describing a world entangled in an apparent never ending battle with terrorism, I wondered why we couldn't use genetic engineering to create a chimera, a soldier part animal, part human, to fight our battles and put an end to the atavistic process of bloodying our our best and brightest young people on battlefields. It's science fiction but not so much a fantasy that it couldn't soon fall into the realm of science fact. And, then the story unfolded.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Barry Pollack, who still works in the frontline trenches of medicine as an ER doctor, has a creative life that spans a variety of venues. After a master’s degree in film from Stanford and a fellowship at the American Film Institute, he began as a documentary filmmaker and went on to write and direct two feature films — MGM’s Cool Breeze in 1972 and the Fanfare release This is a Hijack in 1973. In 1980, Pollack graduated from the University of Oklahoma Medical School and began a new career as an emergency physician. However, he never stopped writing. Pollack’s subsequent work includes several prime time television dramas, such as Trapper John, M.D. and Hotel, magazine short stories, several screenplays, and ten years of newspaper columns for the Ventura County STAR in California. Forty-Eight X, his debut novel, was published by Medallion Press in December 2009.

For more information visit www.barrypollack.net

Related posts:

1. The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth, James Burns – Author Guest Post The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth is the book that...
2. DUST, Susan Berliner – Author Guest Post While unloading groceries in her Rock Haven condo, Karen McKay...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

With her son Shawn at her side, her reputation on the line, and a full cast of suspicious characters, Sadie Hoffmiller is once again cooking her way through a case that offers far more questions than answers. It's been years since author Thom Mortenson has been back to Garrison, Colorado. As part of the library fundraising committee, who invited him to speak, Sadie Hoffmiller wants everything to be perfect—right down to the homemade Devil’s Food Cake she made herself. Murder, however, was not on the menu.

When Thom's manager ends up dead on stage, Sadie does what any woman with a history of solving murders does--jumps right in to offer her guidance and expertise. The police, however, are not very appreciative. In fact, they’d rather she just go home. But can Sadie help it if she keeps stumbling over information? Can she help it if the people intricately woven into the deception keep crossing her path? The more she learns, the broader the spectrum becomes and when the police refuse to take her seriously, Sadie has no choice but to sidestep them altogether in the pursuit of justice. - FROM AMAZON.COM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW...Thanks to Pump Up Your Book Promotion I was given the opportunity to have an interview with Josi Kilpack about her life as a writer and her latest book Devil's Food Cake.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No. I never even thought about being a writer until a few weeks before I sent in my first book. I had been a voracious reader for several years and then written a book while on bedrest—but although it was fun, I didn’t write it intending to get it published; I didn’t know anything about publishing. I just had a good time. After friends encouraged me, however, I did find out how to submit and only then did I imagine what it would be like to be an actual author. It was a strange thing to contemplate . . . it still is, really.

Tell us a little bit about your new book.

Devil’s Food Cake is the 3rd book my Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. Sadie has helped coordinate a fundraising dinner for the library, only to have it come to a horrifying end when a man is killed on stage. This is the third murder she’s been involved with in six months so she, of course, considers herself an expert. However, the police don’t agree but even when she tries to step out, aspects of the case seem to come to her. So, she ends up all wrapped up in things.

What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?

I just love the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that in my small way I am trying to make the world a better place—at least for those people who, like me, love to get lost in a good book. I enjoy the challenge of stretching in new ways as well.

Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your writing? Do you have a writing mentor?

I don’t really have a writing mentor, but I have many writers who inspire me either with their writing or with their struggle too write. Mary Higgins Clark is a writer who inspires me on both ends—she worked very, very hard to become a writer, but not at the expense of her family. I also love her writing style and the sheer grace of who she is. I admire CS Lewis for both his words, and his passion in writing them. I’m lucky enough have some fellow writers as my best friends and they inspire the heck out of me because of their individual strengths that pull them through hard times. They are likely the closest I have to mentors because they encourage and applaud me all along the way.

Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in your writing. Tell us about where you grew up and a little about where you live now - city? Suburb? Country? Farm? If you could live anywhere you want to live, where would that be?

I grew up in Salt Lake City Utah, and currently live less than 50 miles from the home I grew up in. I was the third of nine children—my dad was a teacher and my mom stayed home. I grew up very independent and industrious; two things that I think have been huge factors in my writing. I’ve always been headstrong, a little cynical, and felt . . . different. Maybe that’s why I make up characters, because I sometimes feel like I don’t fit very well in real life. About 11 years ago we (my husband Lee and my kids) moved to Willard, which is a tiny little town on the east side of Willard Bay, in between Brigham City and Ogden. We’re both city-folk, so it took some adjustment but we can’t imagine living anywhere else. We have chickens, a dog, 5 acres of land we lease to a local farmer, and plenty of yard work to keep us and the kids busy.  Honestly, if I could live anywhere in the world I’d live right where I am. I’m not here by accident—I’m here because of hard work and intent decisions that resulted in this. That said, I think I could be happy living anywhere so long as my family was with me. My husband and I sometimes fantasize about living in a down town area, or a condo with landscapers, or back in a suburb—we like the adventure and challenge of the idea. And yet we are both very content right where we are.

Bring us into your home and set the scene for us when you are writing. What does it look like? On the couch, laptop, desk? Music? Lighting, handwriting?

It’s 4:30 in the morning and my laptop is open on the kitchen table. There are piles of schoolwork, dishes from last night, and some coats flung over the chairs. My daughter is practicing piano in the other room and other than the light above the table, the house is dark. I’m nursing a mug of Pero, I’m wearing warm socks, and hunching over the computer in a way that my chiropractor continually reminds me not to do. The dirty dishes are calling to me, but I’ll do those after I wake the kids up for school at 6:00 and I’m trying very hard to just keep my To Do List fuzzy in my brain while I focus on my “vacation” which is whatever book I’m working on. I’ve got an hour and a half until my day explodes, after which my writing will come in little bubbles of time I steal from something else. But right now, this minute, I’m without any other obligation. Let’s hope I can use the time wisely.

Do you watch television or movies? If so, what are your favorites? Do they inspire your writing?

I adore TV and movies and the TV is almost always on when I’m home. I know people say it’s bad for you, but, well, if I have to have a vice, there are worse things. I like criminal Justice TV, so I watch a lot of City Confidential, American Justice, Cold Case, and Law & Order. I also like shows like I Survived and How Clean is Your House, and a Toddlers & Tiaras reminds me there are lots of “characters” in the world. If I can’t find a show that interests me, I love to watch movies—The Scarlet Pimpernel, Lord of the Rings, Return me. I get all kinds of inspiration from things I watch. Everything from character ideas, to setting, to plot twists—I love borrowing from other people’s brilliance, then making it my own.

How has being published changed your life?

Publishing has changed my life in every possible way. I’ve met people I’d have never met before, researched and learned about topics I would never have known about. I’ve learned to speak in public, I’ve learned to really listen when people talk to me. I’ve learned the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish a book I’ve worked hard on. For me, publishing has opened a world I’d have never known existed—but it’s not really “Publishing” that made the change—it’s developing the gifts God gave me into the talents I’ve used to take me there. That’s the amazing thing about gifts, abilities, and opportunities that come our way—if we grab onto those things and add our work and determination, life blossoms. Publishing is one way in which that has happened for me, and I marvel at that all the time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Josi S. Kilpack grew up hating to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing "education" to the many novels she has "studied" since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her seventh novel, Sheep's Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense and her most recent book, Devil's Food Cake, is the third in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, four children, one dog and varying number of chickens. - FROM THE AUTHOR SITE

Related posts:

1. The Highlander’s Sword, Amanda Forester – Author Interview TITLE: The Highlander's Sword AUTHOR: Amanda Forester PUBLISHER: SourceBooks Casablanca...
2. Breakfast In Bed, Robin Kaye – Author Interview & Book Giveaway Rich, the epitome of "anti-domestic," can't cook to save his...
3. That’s My Story!, G.H. Monroe: Review, Author Interview, & Giveaway A collection of short stories, from the wildly bizarre to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

April 1951. It is twenty years since the death of Rebecca, the hauntingly beautiful first wife of Maxim de Winter. Twenty years since the inquest, which passed a verdict of suicide. Twenty years since Manderlay was razed to the ground...but Rebecca's tale is just beginning. Family friend Colonel Julyan receives an anonymous parcel containing a black notebook with two handwritten words on the first page — Rebecca's Tale. A young scholar by the name of Terrence Gray has also appeared in town, looking for clues to Rebecca's life and death. His presence causes a stir in the quiet hamlet, and tongues begin to wag about the close ties Mr. Gray has formed to the Colonel and his single daughter, Ellie.Amid the intrigues of this small coastal town, Ellie, Gray, and the Colonel begin a search for the real Rebecca. Was her death really suicide, or was it murder? - FROM GOODREADS

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Rebecca's Tale was written from the point of view of 4 characters; Colonel Julyan, Terrance Gray, Rebecca, then Ellie. I found this mystery to be slow in the beginning and when it did pick up, I became disappointed. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting but I had hopes of it being better than it was. I kept telling myself, "it will get better, just keep going". I wanted to toss it into the fireplace and use the book to keep me warm from the coldness I felt. I know, harsh sounding, huh? I just expected more...But then I had just recently read The Thirteenth Tale (which was AWESOME!) so perhaps that's why?

Just remember...even though I wasn't thrilled about the book, doesn't mean it's not for you. You just might enjoy it!

Related posts:

1. The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield – Review TITLE: The Thirteenth Tale AUTHOR: Diane Setterfield PUBLISHER: Atria PUBLICATION...
2. 100+ Reading Challenge 2010 J.Kaye Book Blog is hosting the 2010 100+ Reading Challenge.Figured...
3. Escape to another world in surround sound Since going back to work full time, I drive nearly...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.