My friends at Smith Publicity offered me a mobi of this new crime/mystery novel and I’m reading it now. As you know, I love anything to do with theater (going to it, being in it, on stage or off) so this is a fun one for me!

Here’s the overview:

Description

A darkly humorous and edgy crime novel set in New York City in the late ‘80s, Blood Will Have Blood will appeal to fans of Elmore Leonard, the Coen Brothers, and Lawrence Block.

Seven years in New York, and that big break has yet to materialize for struggling actor and inveterate pothead Scott Russo. Performing in terrible, barely attended Off-Off Broadway productions, hopping from one soul-crushing job to the next, Scott slacks away in a pot-fueled haze and contemplates throwing in the towel on his anemic career. The only thing that keeps him going is the humiliation of returning home to Baltimore. That and his current theatrical gig: an idiotically bad production of Macbeth.

Broke and out of a job, Scott jumps at his friend’s offer to work for a pot delivery service, only to get caught in a web of brutal Irish gangsters, a charismatic psychopath, ruthless prosecutors, and clueless actors. As his theatrical and criminal worlds collide in mayhem, murder, and betrayal, Scott finds himself morphing into a bumbling and blood-stained Macbeth, on stage and off.

If he can just make it to opening night…

Bio:

Thomas H. Carry’s previous novel, Privilege (Koehler Books, 2020), was an Amazon bestseller in satire fiction and named one of the best 100 indie novels of 2020 by Kirkus Review. Carry holds a doctorate in literature and has worked as a professional actor, educator, consultant, and bouncer. He lives in Manhattan with his wife.

Look for Blood Will Have Blood online or at an indie bookstore near you!

Thank you for my copy!

Today I’m dishing about this really fascinating book about an author that I adored when I was a kid: Louise Fitzhugh. I loved Harriet the Spy, which I read in fifth grade. I remember finding it on a bookshelf at my sister’s house one summer. I wanted Harriet as my friend. My own friend and I started carrying notebooks around that summer so that we could take notes on people. We spent time “spying” and communicating our opinions on the adults in our world, often by leaving messages for each other in a small hole in the ground between our houses.

Needless to say, I was interested to join this tour and to find out about this author.

First, let me say that Louise Fitzhugh had a life quite different that I had imagined. She was progressive, unique, and totally her own person. She came from great wealth. However, her story left me a feeling sad. (No spoilers, I promise). By understanding Louise’s childhood and life, you can see how Harriet emerged.

This book is technically a biography and non-fiction, but it reads very easily. It is not dense or hard to get through. You will not use it as a doorstop (as I look fondly on my biographical tome of Ben Franklin).

Thank you so much for making me part of the tour and for my e-copy!

Here’s the scoop from Over the River PR:

Harriet the Spy, first published in 1964, has mesmerized generations of readers and launched a million diarists. Its beloved antiheroine, Harriet, is erratic, unsentimental, and endearing—very much like the woman who created her, Louise Fitzhugh. In SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LIE, Brody shares the lively story of the beloved children’s book author who was a progressive, anti-racist, transgressive, smoking and drinking lesbian who believed in the radical power of art.

Born in 1928, Fitzhugh was raised in segregated Memphis, a rebellious daughter of Southern socialites who fled to New York at the first opportunity. There, she discovered the lesbian bars of Greenwich Village and the art world of postwar Europe; her circle of friends included members of the avant-garde like Maurice Sendak and Lorraine Hansberry. Above all else, Fitzhugh valued creativity and honesty. Her novels, written in an era of political defiance, are full of resistance: to liars, to authority, to conformity, and even—radically, for a children’s author—to make-believe. Fitzhugh herself lived her life as a dissenter—a friend to underdogs, outsiders, and artists—and her masterpiece remains long after her death to influence and provoke new generations of readers. As a children’s author and a lesbian, Fitzhugh was often pressured to disguise her true nature. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LIE tells the story of her hidden life and of the creation of her masterpiece, which remains long after her death as a testament to the complicated relationship between truth and secrecy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Leslie Brody is a creative writing professor and well-regarded biographer. The San Francisco Chronicle praised Irrepressible (Counterpoint Press, 2010)—her biography of Jessica Mitford—saying, “Brody has made the world a better place by telling her saga so skillfully.” And Maya Angelou stated, “Leslie Brody reintroduced me to a friend I loved so dearly; told me stories about events I did not participate in, and it makes me jealous. Thank you for the book.” Since 1998, she has taught Creative Nonfiction in the Creative Writing Department at the University of Redlands.

I’m here to write about a new YA book out this month that was a fantastic read — One of the Good Ones. This story, told in several different voices and across time, centers on three sisters and the ties that bind them. Middle sister Kezi is a social media influencer and social activist when she is arrested during a protest. Her family is told that she has died in police custody when a fire breaks out at the jail where she is held. Happi, the youngest, is striving to be an actress and her tensions run hot with her sisters and her family. She is self-centered and strong and determined to succeed. Reeling from Kezi’s death, the remaining two sisters decide to head out on a road trip that Kezi had planned using the “Green Book” for Black motorists published in the first half of the 20th century. This book provided a guide to “safe stops” for Black motorist and their families seeking gas, food, and lodging while driving through America (on Route 66) in the days of segregation and sundown towns. I found this fascinating as this was based in fact – a fact that I did not know. This story has peaks and valleys and subplots and also some twists and suspense. I can’t say more without spoilers, but I’d highly recommend it to high schoolers and adults who enjoy YA (like me!). There is so much to talk about regarding racism, prejudice, and the overarching issues of how we blame the victim or turn them into a martyr. This was a thoughtful and provoking read.

Thank you for having me be part of the tour and for my review e-copy!

ONE OF THE GOOD ONES

By Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

On Sale: January 5, 2021

INKYARD PRESS

Teen & Young Adult; Prejudice & Racism; Siblings; Self-esteem & Reliance 

978-1335145802; 133514580X

$18.99 USD

352 pages

About the Book

A shockingly powerful exploration of the lasting impact of prejudice and the indomitable spirit of sisterhood that will have readers questioning what it truly means to be an ally, from sister-writer duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, authors of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine.

ISN’T BEING HUMAN ENOUGH?

When teen social activist and history buff Kezi Smith is killed under mysterious circumstances after attending a social justice rally, her devastated sister Happi and their family are left reeling in the aftermath. As Kezi becomes another immortalized victim in the fight against police brutality, Happi begins to question the idealized way her sister is remembered. Perfect. Angelic.

One of the good ones.

Even as the phrase rings wrong in her mind—why are only certain people deemed worthy to be missed?—Happi and her sister Genny embark on a journey to honor Kezi in their own way, using an heirloom copy of The Negro Motorist Green Book as their guide. But there’s a twist to Kezi’s story that no one could’ve ever expected—one that will change everything all over again.

About the Authors

MAIKA MOULITE is a Miami native and the daughter of Haitian immigrants. She earned a bachelor’s in marketing from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Miami. When she’s not using her digital prowess to help nonprofits and major organizations tell their stories online, she’s sharpening her skills as a PhD student at Howard University’s Communication, Culture and Media Studies program. Her research focuses on representation in media and its impact on marginalized groups. She’s the eldest of four sisters and loves young adult novels, fierce female leads, and laughing.

MARITZA MOULITE graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in women’s studies and the University of Southern California with a master’s in journalism. She’s worked in various capacities for NBC News, CNN, and USA TODAY. Maritza is a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania exploring ways to improve literacy in under-resourced communities after being inspired to study education from her time as a literacy tutor and pre-k teacher assistant. Her favorite song is “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.maikaandmaritza.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maikamoulite

Tweets by MaritzaMoulite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maikamoulite/ 

https://www.instagram.com/maritzamoulite/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maikaandmaritza 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/46189861-one-of-the-good-ones 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17790105.Maika_Moulite

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17790106.Maritza_Moulite

Buy Links: Not affiliated with BBNB

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Good-Ones-Maika-Moulite/dp/133514580X 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-of-the-good-ones-maika-moulite/1137186269 

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335145802 

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/One-Good-Ones/Maika-Moulite/Q889553084?id=7863851088953 

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/one-of-the-good-ones/id1518801789 

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/One_of_the_Good_Ones?id=AQAAAEDsWWUZmM&hl=en_US 

BOOK SUMMARY: 

When an earthquake strikes San Francisco, forensics expert Jessie Teska faces her biggest threat yet in this explosive new mystery from the New York Times bestselling authors of Working Stiff and First Cut.

At first glance, the death appears to be an accident. The body is located on a construction site under what looks like a collapse beam. But when Dr. Jessie Teska arrives on the scene, she notices the tell-tale signs of a staged death. The victim has been murdered. A rising star in the San Francisco forensics world, Jessie is ready to unravel the case, help bring the murderer to justice, and prevent him from potentially striking again.

But when a major earthquake strikes San Francisco right at Halloween, Jessie and the rest of the city are left reeling. And even if she emerges from the rubble, there’s no guaranteeing she’ll make it out alive.

With their trademark blend of propulsive prose, deft plotting and mordant humor, this electrifying new installment in the Jessie Teska Mystery series offers the highest stakes yet.

I’m so excited to take part in the blog tour for Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell’s new mystery: Aftershock. This was a fast-paced and interesting mystery, taking place in one of my favorite locations: San Francisco! This is part of a series but is easily a stand-alone title.

I really liked the intelligent and scrappy Jessie. There were lots of things added to give her character dimension — her Polish background, her early life in Lynn, MA, her family, her lovelife, her dog. I felt I got to know her. I also liked the mystery (even though I figured it out!).

I can’t wait to hear about the rest of the series from this husband and wife team! Thank you for making me part of the tour and for my review e-copy!

Here’s some info on the authors:

Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell are the New York Times bestselling co-authors of Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making of a Medical Examiner, and the novel First Cut. Dr. Melinek studied at Harvard and UCLA, was a medical examiner in San Francisco for nine years, and today works as a forensic pathologist in Oakland and as CEO of PathologyExpert Inc. T.J. Mitchell, her husband, is a writer with an English degree from Harvard, and worked in the film industry before becoming a full-time stay-at-home dad to their children.

Social and Buy Links (not affiliated with BBNB):

SOCIAL:

TWITTER:

• Judy: @drjudymelinek
• TJ: @TJMitchellWS

FB: @DrWorkingStiff

Insta:

• Judy: @drjudymelinek

Goodreads

• Judy: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382113.Judy_Melinek
• TJ: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1899585.T_J_Mitchell

BUY LINKS:

Harlequin 

Indiebound

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Books-A-Million

Target

Walmart

Google

iBooks

Kobo

Today I’m thrilled to be part of the Harlequin Trade Fall Reads Blog Tour for Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T. A. Willberg. This was a fantastical mystery, with an intelligent and intrepid protagonist, taking place in the heart of London.

Here’s the overview:

Book Summary:

The letter was short. A name, a time, a place.

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder plunges readers into the heart of London, to the secret tunnels that exist far beneath the city streets. There, a mysterious group of detectives recruited for Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquiries use their cunning and gadgets to solve crimes that have stumped Scotland Yard.

Late one night in April 1958, a filing assistant at Miss Brickett’s receives a letter of warning, detailing a name, a time, and a place. She goes to investigate but finds the room empty. At the stroke of midnight, she is murdered by a killer she can’t see―her death the only sign she wasn’t alone. It becomes chillingly clear that the person responsible must also work for Miss Brickett’s, making everyone a suspect.

Marion Lane, a first-year Inquirer-in-training, finds herself drawn ever deeper into the investigation. When her friend and colleague is framed for the crime, to clear his name she must sort through the hidden alliances at Miss Brickett’s and secrets dating back to WWII. Masterful, clever and deliciously suspenseful, Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder is a fresh take on the Agatha Christie-style locked-room murder mystery, with an exciting new heroine detective.

I have to say that this book, in my opinion, would be great for fans of Harry Potter because it has fantasy that is creative and clever — the sort of “everyday places that are really extraordinary” fresh look at typical surroundings. The mystery was well-paced and suspenseful. It would also be a good recommendation for readers of historical mysteries. This was a new author to me — and I see that this is her debut and also the start of a series!

Thank you for making me part of the tour!

Buy Links: (not affiliated with BBNB):

Harlequin 

Indiebound

Bookshop

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Indigo

Books-A-Million

Target

Walmart

Google

iBooks

Libro.Fm

Kobo

Social Links:

Author Website

Twitter: @Tess_Amy_

Facebook: @tawillberg

Instagram: @ta_willberg

Author Bio: T.A. Willberg was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and holds a chiropractic masters degree from Durban University of Technology. MARION LANE AND THE MIDNIGHT MURDER is her debut novel and launch of her detective series. She currently lives in Malta with her partner.

I love this fun YA mystery series, featuring teen Francie and her friends. This is the final installment of the series, and focuses on Francie’s search for the truth about her mother.

Here’s the overview:

THE SILVER BOX: An Enchantment Lake Mystery
By Margi Preus
University of Minnesota Press | 264 pages | October 2020
ISBN 978-1-5179-0959-8 | paperback | $19.95

One ominous clue after another reveal that Francie possesses something so rare and so valuable that some people are willing to do anything to get it. Everything depends on the small, engraved silver box that she now possesses—if only she can follow its cryptic clues to the whereabouts of her missing mother and understand, finally, just maybe, the truth about who she really is.

PRAISE FOR THE SILVER BOX
“Margi Preus shows her deep knowledge of and appreciation for Minnesota while telling an engaging story with puzzles and action and heart. The Silver Box is truly a celebration of our state—from its North Woods to its Twin Cities landmarks.” —Kurtis Scaletta, author of Lukezilla Beats the Game

“This is a great end to what was a really enjoyable YA adventure/mystery series. A fun, entertaining read.” —The Book Lover’s Boudoir

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margi Preus is a New York Times bestselling author of books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor–winning Heart of a Samurai. Among her other novels are Village of Scoundrels, Shadow on the Mountain, West of the Moon, and The Bamboo Sword, as well as the previous two books in the Enchantment Lake series, Enchantment Lake and The Clue in the Trees, which were published by the University of Minnesota Press and received the Midwest Book Award and the Midwest Booksellers Choice Award. She lives in Duluth.

For more information, visit the book’s webpage: https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/the-silver-box

This is a great “clean read” for middle school and up. I find that University of Minnesota Press offers a large selection of great reads for young readers, often taking place in Minnesota with history/heritage woven in.

Thank you for my review e-copy! I’m sorry it’s the final in the series!