A Review of “Poisoned by the Pier” by Ellen Jacobson

Amateur sleuth Mollie McGhie is back! This third cozy mystery installment by Ellen Jacobson delighted me yet again. I thank her for a free e-book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

While our plucky Mollie stumbles upon another dead body, she continues trying the patience of Coconut Cove’s Chief of Police with her intrepid investigations. Their interactions might be my favorite among all the quirky characters. And I appreciated how his persona gained a new dimension.

Add in the feline antics of Mrs. Moto, Mollie’s adoring husband Scooter with his little eccentricities, plus all her other inventive personalities from the first two books, and it’s an amusing read.

Ms. Jacobson draws from some personal nautical experiences I’ve read on her blog, The Cynical Sailor &His Salty Sidekick. Knowing this, as well as that she injects her brilliant sense of humor into Mollie’s personality, multiplies the fun. Household chores got neglected the day I started reading, and bedtime that night was delayed, as well.

It’s not often contemporary stories hold my attention to that degree, supplanting my own writing time. And Ms. Jacobson’s are among the best edited one can find today, with nary a typographical error. That is always appreciated.

Well done, Ellen!

You, dear reader, can find her book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, as well as most anywhere quality titles are sold.

What would you do if a significant other gifted you a boat as an anniversary present?

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A Review of Corruption by Nick Wilford

“Corruption” is the second book in Nick Wilford’s Black and White series. As in any good second act, the success of our heroes comes into question. The apt title alludes to that.

My favorite part of this story is the bold adventure our intrepid trio undertakes. More timid with every passing year, it seems, I enjoy the heroism of others.

Their motive is both clear and laudable. The teenagers’ scientist friend George promised to update Wellesbury Noon and Ezmerelda Dontible, along with Welles’ long lost twin brother, on his group’s quest to cure the insidious disease killing the Loritanian populace, crippling their society. When the kids hear nothing, they don’t sit on their laurels in the relative safety of Whitopolis. They take action.

What they find at the end of their ocean voyage is staggering. One can only imagine how they will make restitution for the evils perpetrated upon this continent. And I look forward to reading just what Mr. Wilford’s mind has conjured.

My only complaint is how unabashed is the evil here. Of course, the series is called “Black and White”. And much younger readers are the target audience, not that I’m anywhere near the most sophisticated person on the planet.

As with the first book, this manuscript is exceptionally clean. That’s important to me, as typographical errors yank me out of a tale faster and with more jarring impact than just about anything else.

Well done, Mr. Wilford. Thank you again for this opportunity to read an advanced, gratis copy. My apologies for the delay in repaying your kindness with a fair review.

If you, dear reader, are interested in dystopian fantasy stories, I hope you will check out this series.

*** Warning – this book contains themes that some sensitive readers may find upsetting. ***

Purchase Links:

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

Add it on Goodreads

Is there any sort of adventure or act of bravery that would lure you out of your comfort zone?

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Hurray, Nick Wilford's Newest Book is Out!

Title: Corruption

Author: Nick Wilford

Genre: YA dystopian Series: Black & White Series #: 2 of 3

Release date: 11th February 2019

Publisher: Superstar Peanut Publishing

Blurb:

Wellesbury Noon and Ezmerelda Dontible have found themselves in a position where they can make their native land somewhere that lives up to its name: Harmonia. However, they’re setting their sights further afield for their number one task: eradicating the disease that has plagued the neighbouring country of Loretania for generations and allowed the privileged Harmonians to live in a sterile environment.

After dispatching a team of scientists to Loretania, armed with cratefuls of an antidote and vaccine and headed up by their friend, Dr George Tindleson, Welles, Ez, and Welles’s brother Mal – who grew up in that benighted nation – start to worry when they hear nothing back, despite what they had agreed. Commandeering a fishing boat to follow the science team over the sea, they soon find that, while the disease may be on the way out, a new kind of infection has set in – the corruption they thought they had stamped out in Harmonia.

Can they get to the root of the problem and eliminate it before even more damage is done to an innocent people?

*** Warning – this book contains themes that some sensitive readers may find upsetting. ***

Purchase Links:

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

Add it on Goodreads

Meet the author:

Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those early morning times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction, with a little freelance editing and formatting thrown in. When not working he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also the editor of Overcoming Adversity: An Anthology for Andrew. Visit him at his blog or connect with him on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, or Amazon.

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I hope to post a review of the book soon. Nick Wilford is a gifted writer.

Doesn’t he have an award winning smile?

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Pimping My Boys

It’s been a while since I shared anything about Palaye Royale. This post’s title is how my husband phrases my proclivity for mentioning them to pretty much everyone, including complete strangers.

As I type this, my new PR shirt is out for delivery. It promotes the single “Dying in a Hot Tub” off their newest “Boom Boom Room (Side B)” album. The font, colors, and overall design are pretty.

I like that the back sports their name and cool logo. Strangers are not likely to read the front of a woman’s shirt. If I do, and like the design and/or statement, I make a point to express appreciation.

Meanwhile, the video is good, too. Folks speculate that the ending symbolizes fans saving the band from giving up on their dream.

Do you read what is printed on other peoples’ garments?

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Author Spotlight - Nick Wilford's "Black & White" Trilogy

Today I am delighted to announce the upcoming release of the second book in Nick Wilford’s ‘Black & White’ trilogy. 'Corruption' will be available February 11, 2019. I reviewed the first tale here, and now I’m happy to announce that book #1 has a new cover and is now available as permafree.

Blurb: Wellesbury Noon and Ezmerelda Dontible have found themselves in a position where they can make their native land somewhere that lives up to its name: Harmonia. However, they’re setting their sights further afield for their number one task: eradicating the disease that has plagued the neighbouring country of Loretania for generations and allowed the privileged Harmonians to live in a sterile environment.

After dispatching a team of scientists to Loretania, armed with cratefuls of an antidote and vaccine and headed up by their friend, Dr George Tindleson, Welles, Ez, and Welles’s brother Mal – who grew up in that benighted nation – start to worry when they hear nothing back, despite what they had agreed. Commandeering a fishing boat to follow the science team over the sea, they soon find that, while the disease may be on the way out, a new kind of infection has set in – the corruption they thought they had stamped out in Harmonia.

Can they get to the root of the problem and eradicate it before even more damage is done to an innocent people?

*** Warning – this book contains themes that some sensitive readers may find upsetting. ***
Pre-order links: Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords / Barnes & Noble / Kobo  

Add it on Goodreads

Black & White (Black & White #1)

Cover Design: Germancreative

Blurb: What is the price paid for the creation of a perfect society?

In Whitopolis, a gleamingly white city of the future where illness has been eradicated, shock waves run through the populace when a bedraggled, dirt-stricken boy materialises in the main street. Led by government propaganda, most citizens shun him as a demon, except for Wellesbury Noon – a high school student the same age as the boy.

Upon befriending the boy, Wellesbury feels a connection that he can’t explain – as well as discovering that his new friend comes from a land that is stricken by disease and only has two weeks to live. Why do he and a girl named Ezmerelda Dontible appear to be the only ones who want to help?

As they dig deeper, everything they know is turned on its head – and a race to save one boy becomes a struggle to redeem humanity.
Buy links: Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

Add it on Goodreads

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Have you read any good books lately?

PS My apologies to Nick Wilford as I made a mistake and didn't post yesterday as planned.

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Author Spotlight - Tina Holland's "Finding Your Path to Publishing"

The Lovely Tina Holland

Today I am honored to spotlight a book by the delightful Tina Holland. She is a talented writer, dear friend, and active supporter of her fellow artists. Take for example her latest publication, “Finding Your Path to Publishing”. Without further ado, I present this helpful guide in Tina’s (and fellow author A. Catherine Noon’s) own words.

About the Book

Finding Your Path to Publishing is a book designed to help authors find a home for their work.   Whether that is to find an agent and get a New York Contract or to Indie Publish your works, every path is different.  This book will help you find the right path for you. 

Questions about your process and style will guide you to help make the best decision for your project and you as a writer.

Acknowledgement

The first time I met author Tina Holland, she asked me what I was doing as an author. She shared a genuine interest in my success and gave me several suggestions that I incorporated into my plans, which ultimately resulted in Rachel Wilder and I being offered our first publishing contract.

Tina’s passion for writing is second only to her passion for helping other writers succeed, to truly pay it forward in the writing world in a way that enriches and lifts up the people who come in contact with her. I first took her FEARS workshop, which stands for Finish, Edit, Analyze, Research, and Submit, several years ago and loved every minute of it. She makes what can be a bewildering array of options and tasks seem doable. She creates a clear path forward, whatever the writer’s ultimate goal – to land a “New York contract,” find an agent, publish with a small press, “Indie pub,” or blog.

I’m as excited about Finding Your Path to Publishing as I was when I first met Tina, because it does exactly what the title promises: guides you, teaches you, inspires you, to find your path.

~ A. Catherine Noon, Author

www.noonandwilder.com

Founder of Writer Zen Garden


Buy Links:

Books2read

Tina Holland on Amazon
Excerpt

Hello, my fellow writer!  Congratulations on writing your first book, or maybe even your fifth.  

My name is Tina Holland.  I’ve written over ten books, am published with two houses and have been nominated for awards.   I write Contemporary, Paranormal and Fantasy Romance, and now I can add Non-fiction to the list.

Writing is a journey for many of us, myself included.  Very few of us navigate the sea of words without discovering more about our characters, the subject matter, or even ourselves.

This book is intended to help you navigate the publishing world to find the best home for your book, even if that home isn’t quite finished.

While I am not an expert on everything, I do have a very healthy knowledge of the publishing industry, simply because it fascinates me.  I probably should’ve been an agent, but I love writing too much.   The business is changing rapidly and some of the material within will be dated within months of publication.  However, I hope to provide you with the basic principles and etiquette of the industry. 

Tina Holland  

Author Social Links:

Website       http://www.tinaholland.com/

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/author.tina.holland/

Twitter        https://twitter.com/haveubeenaughty

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/tina_holland

Pinterest     https://www.pinterest.com/haveubeenaughty/

In the classic words of Ms. Holland, have you been naughty lately?

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A Review of ‘Bodies in the Boatyard’ by Ellen Jacobson

I am honored to have been gifted the second Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery in grateful exchange of a fair review. Thank you, Ellen, for this opportunity. Free reads are awesome, as is the opportunity to support other authors.

Again, Ms. Jacobson’s delightful and quirky sense of humor shines as Mollie fumbles her way toward solving another murder case. In fact, as the title implies, there are two. And the plot includes way more suspects than stiffs.

Favorite characters return, such as Ben the poor dressing wannabe pirate who does odd jobs around the marina and pines for his elusive lady friend. Readers are also given further glimpses into the protagonist’s loving marriage. Exchanges between Mollie and Scooter never fail to make me smile.

I get the distinct impression there is a good deal of Mr. Jacobson in Mollie’s protective, chocolate and Cap’n Crunch loving partner. Please let Mollie’s propensity for finding dead people remain fiction. ~grin~ The light romantic elements woven through the various relationships, meanwhile, provides a fun and realistic touch.

It’s not beach season here in my northern hemisphere neck of the Midwestern woods, but curling up with this e-book in the light of my Christmas tree almost made up for the grey and chilly venue. If you like demanding kitties, especially those worming their way into aspiring sailors’ hearts while helping her intrepid human find clues, you’ll enjoy this book.

“Bodies in the Boatyard” is available both as an eBook at Amazon and paperback both on Amazon and Barnesand Noble. I hope you’ll give it a read and perhaps visit Ellen’s humorous and interesting blog, The Cynical Sailor andHis Salty Sidekick. Other places to find Ellen Jacobson include Facebook and her author page.

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Do You Like Science Fiction? Own a Kindle e-Reader?

I wasn’t very imaginative with this blog post title. But this is me promoting a friend, author Daniel Coldspring. The first novel of his three book science fiction series “After Terra” is available as a Kindle e-book now for FREE on Amazon.com.

It’s a really exciting time. Daniel moved to Ireland with his lovely new bride this past mid summer. I miss write-ins with just the two of us, but seeing the happy couple in August warmed my heart. His second book, complete with his autograph, is on my nightstand.

~grin~

My favorite part of his debut “Year 200” are the characters. There is a lot of depth to each person. The story is like icing on the cake. You can read my review here.

Did you know today is the tail end of Irish Book Week?

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A Review of “Murder at the Marina” by Ellen Jacobson

Let me just start by saying once again that blogger Ellen Jacobson is a hoot. Her posts on The Cynical Sailor and His Salty Sidekick make me laugh out loud on a regular basis.

When I learned she offered ARCs her new cozy mystery, I jumped at the chance and volunteered to review and promote her book. I don’t regret the decision.

Mollie McGhie could almost be Ms. Jacobson from all I’ve read, though thank heaven without having found a murder victim on her and her husband’s boat. In fact, I hope Mr. Jacobson is a model for Scooter McGhie.

Mollie’s husband dotes on his amateur sleuth of a wife with tenderness and patience, while the local constabulary is less than impressed. In short, the story contains everything one would hope for in a cozy mystery.

And more.

I found myself invested in the wellbeing of this wide cast of (often eccentric) characters, one of them four footed. At the very least, I wanted to restock everyone’s chocolate supply (or kitty kibble, as the case may be). ~grin~ So if you’re ready for a light, fun read, especially for the beach, pick up a hard or digital copy of “Murder at the Marina”.

BLURB

Murder at the Marina is the first in the new lighthearted and humorous Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery series.

A dilapidated sailboat for your anniversary—not very romantic. A dead body on board—even worse.

Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her husband presents her with a dilapidated sailboat. Just one problem—she doesn’t know anything about boats, nor does she want to.

When Mollie discovers someone murdered on board, she hopes it will convince her husband that owning a boat is a bad idea. Unfortunately, he’s more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set out to sea.

Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, investigates an alien abduction, eats way too many chocolate bars, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.

Can Mollie discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?

BUY LINKS

You can get a copy of “Murder at the Marina” at:

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHXQ29Y
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-at-the-marina
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-the-marina-ellen-jacobson/1128516692
Apple iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1373848719
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ellen_Jacobson_Murder_at_the_Marina


ABOUT ELLEN

Ellen Jacobson writes mystery and scifi/fantasy stories. She is the author of the “Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery” series. She lives on a sailboat with her husband, exploring the world from the water. When she isn't working on boat projects or seeking out deserted islands, she blogs about their adventures at The Cynical Sailor.

You can connect with Ellen on:

Author Website - https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/
Author Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/EllenJacobsonAuthor/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17395138.Ellen_Jacobson
The Cynical Sailor Blog - http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/
The Cynical Sailor Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheCynicalSailor/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ellen__Jacobson
Newsletter Sign-up - http://eepurl.com/dpy5sv

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Please Help Me Welcome the Lovely Ellen Jacobson, a Darla Discovery if There Ever Was One!

While this doesn’t include my usual Thursday home care tip, I ‘discovered’ the delightful Ms. Jacobson through her blog The Cynical Sailor and His Salty Sidekick. Dear Ellen is a hoot, and her comedic styling shines in her new book, “Murder at the Marina”, which I was privileged to read early in exchange for a fair review. I’ll be sharing that in a few days. Now, as I requested a story for today’s book promotion, I’ll let her take it away. Enjoy, dear readers.

Click to Visit the Amazon Page

Simon the Time Traveling Cat Goes for a Visit

Simon opened his eyes, yawned, and stretched his front paws, sinking his claws into the couch.

“Wait a minute, where are we?” he asked, peering around the room. “This doesn't look like where I fell asleep.”

“Oh, we're at Darla's,” I explained.

Simon sniffed the throw cushions, then growled. “Who the heck is Darla?”

“Darla has a lovely blog and offered to host us to celebrate the release of my cozy mystery, Murder at the Marina.”

“You're not still going on about that stupid book of yours, are you?” Simon jumped on the coffee table and pushed a pen onto the floor. He turned and glared at me. “Listen, lady, no one cares that you wrote a book. All they care about are your stories about me.”

I sighed. “Simon, for the last time, I'm not going to write a book about you. You'll have to be content with the occasional story on my blog.”

Simon's tail swished back and forth. “If you keep it up, lady, I might just stay at Darla's permanently.”

“I'm not sure she'd have you,” I said. “Now just be quiet for a few minutes while I tell everyone about Murder at the Marina and then I'll get you a saucer of full-fat milk.”

BLURB

Murder at the Marina is the first in the new lighthearted and humorous Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery series.

A dilapidated sailboat for your anniversary—not very romantic. A dead body on board—even worse.

Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her husband presents her with a dilapidated sailboat. Just one problem—she doesn’t know anything about boats, nor does she want to.

When Mollie discovers someone murdered on board, she hopes it will convince her husband that owning a boat is a bad idea. Unfortunately, he’s more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set out to sea.

Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, investigates an alien abduction, eats way too many chocolate bars, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.

Can Mollie discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?

BUY LINKS

You can get a copy of “Murder at the Marina” at:

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHXQ29Y

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-at-the-marina

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-the-marina-ellen-jacobson/1128516692

Apple iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1373848719

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ellen_Jacobson_Murder_at_the_Marina

ABOUT ELLEN

Ellen Jacobson writes mystery and scifi/fantasy stories. She is the author of the “Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery” series. She lives on a sailboat with her husband, exploring the world from the water. When she isn't working on boat projects or seeking out deserted islands, she blogs about their adventures at The Cynical Sailor.

You can connect with Ellen on:

Author Website - https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

Author Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/EllenJacobsonAuthor/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17395138.Ellen_Jacobson

The Cynical Sailor Blog - http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/

The Cynical Sailor Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheCynicalSailor/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ellen__Jacobson

Newsletter Sign-up - http://eepurl.com/dpy5sv

Doesn't this delightful cover just scream 'beach read'?

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Promoting Palaye Royale – or – Pimping My Boys as SO Likes to Say

Yesterday I received my “Rock Sound” magazine from the United Kingdom. I’m so tickled!

It Includes a Poster!

As I type this I’m listening to a Palaye Royale interview. They are so hardworking, smart, and nice. I hope to meet them at the end of March.

Do you like old fashioned rock and roll? Check this out…

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Fear and Fervor

For someone reticent about publishing, especially amid the industry’s current craziness, I sure woke at 4am obsessed about the topic. Not surprisingly, I focused on artistic elements like writing a logo for my series and the thankful aspect, writing a dedication.

Even less of a shock, I found choosing the correct font the most enjoyable. At first I wanted something that looked like cursive, but the flowery results didn’t fit in with my angst laden erotic tales of treachery and torment. By 6:15am I came up with the following (not sure if the words are unique, but this is just for fun, after all):

Love.

It Isn’t for

the Faint of

Heart.

Despite my having failed to work in the series title (~shakes head~), what do you think?

 

Cover Created for NaNoWriMo

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