The Cerebral  Writer
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FRINGE: Back with a Bang

9/28/2012

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I wasn’t sure what to think when I first learned the final season of Fringe was to be set in the year 2036, with a new supporting cast and the Observers serving as the main antagonists, but after having watched the first episode, I’m excited to see where this new story arc will lead.  The episode begins with an interesting teaser comprised of both nightmare and flashback that sets the tone for the rest of the hour.  The opening credits, altered to match the new setting, are both timely and provocative, set in grayscale to match a colorless and bleak future.  The key words represent themes of oppression versus liberty, and images of a wall of people behind a wall topped with barbed wire encasing the word “Freedom” offer a dystopian glimpse of what is to come.
The use of imagery throughout the episode creates a comparison between the Observers and the atrocities of Nazi Germany.  The costumes, the tattooed humans, and military vehicles at every turn create an unmistakable effect.  Moreover, the hairless Observers take on a Neo-Nazi appearance that meshes past with present, to create a future of what might be, should complacency allow the wrong people to take control.  The Observer’s statement, “Resistance is futile,” represents an oppression over a broken and helpless people.  Just as interesting is the black market in which “Amber Gypsies” sell frozen people as commodities, turning human beings into items both disposable and priceless.

On a character level, the back story presented between Olivia and Peter is both subtle and well done, and Olivia’s reunion with daughter Etta is heartfelt.  It creates a beautiful contrast to the high level of action and fast pace seen through the majority of the rest of the episode.  Walter’s role, however, proves to be the most profound, the strength of character he exhibits while interrogated by the Observer playing as a stark contrast to the crazy, erratic person he has proven himself to be in the previous seasons.  Most poignant is his imagining of music while confronted with questions of which the answers mean the difference between freedom and enslavement of the human race.  When asked why he chooses music to fill his thoughts, he explains the importance it has in perspective and clarity of mind.  Music represents hope.

As the Observer attempts to break Walter, who suffers massive trauma in his endeavors to keep his thoughts secret, the Observer alludes to a dead Earth no longer of any use to modern humans.  He explains that nothing can grow from “scorched earth,” entreating Walter to abandon all hope and give up the information asked of him.  Still, Walter holds his silence, bleeding from the nose and eyes, sobbing for the future of humanity.

The final scene, which moves full circle from the teaser intro in which Etta blows dandelion seeds into the wind, shows a disoriented and broken Walter stumbling across a music CD amongst rubble.  As he sits in an abandoned taxi and delights in the realization that the music still plays, he spots a single dandelion growing in the scorched earth.  The scene fades out over a city in shambles—but in which hope is clearly not yet lost.

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Character Interview from Dan O'Brien's THE PATH OF THE FALLEN

9/22/2012

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Please welcome author Dan O'Brien, who is here today to share some of insight behind his new release, The Path of the Fallen, as told from the points of view of some of his characters.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  Take it away, Dan!

As I sit down at my computer, I am struck by the eerie presence of someone behind me. Leaving behind the blinking cursor, I realize that the cast of my latest novel, The Path of the Fallen, are standing behind me. E’Malkai, sullen and burdened by the weight of the pilgrimage he has undertaken, stands behind the immovable figure of his Umordoc guardian, Elcites. Arms crossed over his chest, his gaze unsettles me despite how much time I have spent in his company whilst writing The Path of the Fallen. Arile, proud hunter of the north, leans against his spear and inspects the wall with a carefree look upon his face. Fe’rein, shrouded in the darkness that complements him so well, seethes with a dark mix of irritation and confidence. 

E’Malkai: I heard that you wanted to speak to us.

Me: (clearing my throat) In a manner of speaking, yes. 

Fe’rein: (glowering) What do you want? We have business left unfinished.

Me: I am releasing The Path of the Fallen, after nearly a decade hiatus, and wanted to let potential readers know a little more about it. Instead of giving them a dry summary or an adjective-laden exposition, I thought getting to know the characters might be a fun exercise.  

Arile: (not making eye contact and looking away with a bored look on his face) What precisely would these potential readers want to know about us? We are an open book (snickers).

Me: Let’s start with something simple: Describe yourself to the readers.

Fe’rein: Darkness. Death. There is little else to know. 

E’Malkai: (shifting uncomfortably behind his guardian) I do not know what to say about myself. I thought I knew what I supposed to do with my life, but there was always something missing. When I learned about the history of the Fallen and the journey my father began, I realized that I had to find out more, learn about where I came from.  

Elcites: (grunting) I am no more than what is expected of me. I guard E’Malkai. That is all that matters.

Arile: I am the last of my people. We once could hear all the voices of the earth. The world has been broken. I can no longer hear what I once could. My people have been scattered into the winds, but I can still hear their distant voices. They speak of a new age, and of a final war.

Me: That all sounds quite dire. You make it seem like there is only darkness and sadness. Are there no happy moments in your life, memories that give you pause and hope when you consider them?

Elcites: The day I was given my charge, when I first met young E’Malkai, was the greatest and saddest day of my life.

E’Malkai: (looking up at the stoic look on his guardian’s face) I recall playing with my uncle once upon a time. (Pausing) The world changed, and so too did those memories. I cannot seem to look back upon the strained moments of my life and see happiness.

(Fe’rein scoffs and crosses his arms over his chest. He clearly is not going to answer the question.)

Arile: Each day is full of happiness and sadness, joy and terror. I find grace and importance in the simplest of tasks. This day is a gift. We must not look upon it with sorrow.

(I start to speak, but Fe’rein interrupts me, his power crawling over his skin like a swarm of frightening insects.)

Fe’rein: What makes this story any different than any of the other drivel available?

Me: That is a bit strong, isn’t it? I would like to think that my writing offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy and science fiction genre. I always try and include elements of ethics and philosophical assumptions in my novels, and this one is no different. I love to explore the elements of good and evil, as well as the murky gray area that is exposed when decisions and choices and are no longer easy. I think it captures the essence of the monomyth, or the hero’s journey, as well as being a rousing adventure tale that a reader of any age can enjoy.

E’Malkai: How is it doing so far?

Me: It is a bit early in the game to really say much about it. I released it almost a decade ago and it was well received, but it was in desperate need of a strong editing session. Now, I feel like it accurately reflects my growth as a writer and that it has a strong chance of being pretty successful, perhaps my most successful work yet.  Let’s put the focus back on you: What do you want from life?

E’Malkai: I want to set things right…

(Fe’rein stands suddenly. Elcites turns, interceding between the Dark Creator and the youth. Arile moves soundlessly behind the mion.)

Fe’rein: There is nothing to set right. I did what was necessary. They took Summer away from me. They had to pay.

Me: (standing) It seems as though I have struck a nerve. Let’s try something a bit easier, shall we? What’s the most important thing in your life? What do you value most?

Arile: (lowering his weapon) The search for truth, questioning my place in this world. Complacency weakens the mind. I value knowledge, intelligence, and logic.

Fe’rein: (sitting once more with a huff) Solitude. The power to do what I must to keep what I have claimed. Once, I valued family and love, but those times have passed.

Elcites: My charge, my mission.

E’Malkai: My family, the people who depend on and believe in me, even if that faith is misplaced.

Me: Speaking of family, did you turn out the way you expected? The way your parents predicted?

(Elcites maintains his ambivalent stare and Arile inspects something deeper in the darkness of the room.)

Fe’rein: I did not know my mother and father well. I have memories of them, brief glimpses of who they were, moments in time frozen and exaggerated. I used to wonder how they would judge me, but that doesn’t matter to me any longer. I turned out the way I did because of the choices I made. My father could not have known what would fall into my path. His plan for me is irrelevant.

E’Malkai: (looking at his uncle, Fe’rein, with sorrow) I did not know my father, but as I traveled north I learned much about the man he was and who he wanted me to be. My mother was secretive of my past, but I do not blame her. I realize now that she did not want me to die as my father had.

Me: That is quite sad. The path of the fallen began when Seth, your father, was cast from the Fallen and then ends when you return. Were you afraid of traveling north by yourself, E’Malkai? What is your greatest fear?

E’Malkai: Not being able to do what is necessary. Turnabout is fair play: At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Me: A meaningful question indeed. I think I always knew I wanted to be a writer. When I was about six, I designed an entire play for my cousin’s birthday: sets, script, and little figures on Popsicle sticks. As the years went by, I found that the notion of storytelling was very attractive. This pursuit led me to writing my first novel in high school, a space opera that I published in 2002. Since then I have published ten novels and plan on telling stories until someone spreads my ashes over the sea. (Turning to Fe’rein) Fe’rein, what is your greatest regret?

Fe’rein: Beyond being summoned to this ridiculous farce, I would imagine the content of my life was the result of walking down a path to darkness. It was not sudden or abrasive, but instead incremental and engrossing. My greatest regret is taking my brother’s life. It was too late for me by then. I could only see darkness, despair.

Elcites: (clearing his throat) What was your intent with writing The Path of the Fallen? Why did you set us down this path?

Me: I wanted to tell a very particular story: one in which the line between good and evil become blurred and the consequences of a hero’s actions mean much more than defeating the bad guy. I liked the notion of a family saga wrapped up in an epic science fiction/fantasy novel. The hero’s cycle makes for a powerful story and often answers fundamental questions about the human condition. Hopefully, my book is successful to that end. (Taking a step forward and gesturing to Arile) Arile, how do you decide if you can trust someone? Do you test the person somehow? Or are you just generally disposed to trust or not to trust?

Arile: Trust, like respect, is earned. When I first met E’Malkai, it was his naivety and simple manner that let me know that I could trust him. Generally, the test of whether or not a person is trustworthy is created by the environment, selected for by pressures that challenge a person. The idea of being predisposed to trust, or not to trust, is born of not trusting oneself. Have you written many more stories? Are we to carry on, storyteller?

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Me: As the book closes, the story does not end. The path has ended, at least metaphorically, but the journey is far from over. Book of Seth returns to the beginning, giving us a glimpse of the life of Seth Armen, as well as Ryan Armen before he was corrupted. The sequel, which takes place after The Path of the Fallen, is called Breath of the Creator and weighs in on what comes next. There are several other novels with transient beings not of your dimension: a supernatural detective solving murders in San Francisco; a young man who discovers what it takes to be responsible as the world falls apart; a love story set in an epic fantasy world. (Spreading my hands wide, acknowledging all of them) This question is for all of you, what is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?

Arile: I will never forget when I returned home from a hunt and found my village decimated, wiped from this earth by Umordoc. I took the long walk into the tundra, to die, but found peace and a new home. The winds have been my companion ever since. 

Fe’rein: Your question is foolish, storyteller. My childhood was a lifetime ago. I am no longer that frail boy who walked beside his brother on the tundra. 

Elcites: I do not recall my childhood. I was born on Terra and raised in Culouth. My youth was devoted to learning everything I could about human beings and their ways so that I might one day protect E’Malkai.

E’Malkai: Once I had fond memories, but now they all seem like lies meant to obscure my path. Storyteller, do you read other stories? Are you reading anything right now, or have you read anything recently that is worth mentioning? 

Me: I have been reading A Dance of Dragons by George R. R. Martin. I have become very invested in that world, though I will admit that the pace of the narrative has slowed dramatically. I find myself undulating between being surprised and intrigued by the story and then suddenly being quite bored.

Elcites: How did we come into being? 

Me: I am assuming you are asking me about my writing process. For The Path of the Fallen I wrote it for four months straight, including Book of Seth. Generally, I like to create a living outline that evolves as the characters come to life and begin to guide the narrative. It is dependent on the world I am invested in at any given time. 

E’Malkai: Are our names meaningful?  

Me: They are not derived from other lore, if that is what you meant. E’Malkai was named as homage to the naming scheme of the tundra people. It really depends on what I am writing. For instance, The Journey has names that are quite significant in terms of their meaning. Otherwise, I like to invent names for a particular world. 

Arile: How do you define success as a writer? Have you been successful?

Me: Success is elusive once you define it. It becomes something that you aspire for regardless of the process and the craft. I would like to think that success is writing stories that people in enjoy and connect with, even if it is negatively. I think I have been successful in a very limited way: people have read my books and enjoyed them. 

E’Malkai: Do you have words of wisdom about writing that you want to pass on to novelists and writers out there who are starting out?

Me: Write what you love and learn from criticism. The publishing world has changed. I have been writing for nearly a decade and I find that every year there seems to be a new opinion on which way the wind is blowing for fiction. Stay the course and do what you love. If writing novels and telling stories is what you want to do, then do that. 

Fe’rein: I have noticed that you ask this ridiculous question of other storytellers: What is your End of the World Playlist? Why do you ask this question?

Me: I like hearing what people think about the notion of an end-of-the-world scenario. Also, I have a zombie novella of the same name and I like having the vibes out there for it. Do you guys have anything specific that you want to say to the readers?

Arile: E’Malkai of the South will do what he must to set the world right. His story will be passed on for generations.

Elcites: The path of the fallen is filled with both adventure and sadness. Follow E’Malkai and be transformed. 

Fe’rein: I will have my day, in this life or the next. I am not evil, nor is E’Malkai good. We are merely opposite perspectives. You decide who visited more harm upon the world. 

E’Malkai: I would like to think that I have done the right thing, taken the right path. The storyteller will not give away his secrets, but he might give you a glimpse. The greater question is: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers, storyteller? 

Me: I am honored for anyone to read my novel. I hope that it will foster and appreciation of reading and the arts that is slowly disappearing among children and adults alike. I love to hear back from readers, so if you would like to get in touch with me, please be sure to check out my links below. This weekend all of my other novels will be free to download on Kindle in celebration of the release of The Path of the Fallen. It is a great opportunity to sample my other books.


About the Author:

A psychologist, author, philosopher, freelance editor, and skeptic, Dan O’Brien has published several novels and currently has many in print, including: The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, The Journey, The Ocean and the Hourglass, Deviance of Time, The Portent, The Twins of Devonshire and the Curse of the Widow, and Cerulean Dreams. Follow him on Twitter (@AuthorDanOBrien) or visit his blog at http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com. 

He also works as an editor at Empirical, a national magazine with a strong West Coast vibe. Find out more about the magazine at www.empiricalmagazine.com.


Links:

Path of the Fallen (US): http://www.amazon.com/The-Path-Fallen-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B009D2PNIU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348005293&sr=8-1&keywords=the+path+of+the+fallen+dan+obrien 

Path of the Fallen (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Path-Fallen-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B009D2PNIU/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348194299&sr=1-2 

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

Bitten (US):  http://www.amazon.com/Bitten-Lauren-Westlake-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B005METJLU/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328663974&sr=1-1  

End of the World Playlist (US): http://www.amazon.com/End-World-Playlist-ebook/dp/B0072KE9EO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328663887&sr=1-1  

Cerulean Dreams (US): http://www.amazon.com/Cerulean-Dreams-ebook/dp/B005S9ZKLM/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328664085&sr=1-1  

The Journey (US):  http://www.amazon.com/The-Journey-ebook/dp/B005MEND1M/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328664146&sr=1-1  

The Twins of Devonshire and the Curse of the Widow (US):  http://www.amazon.com/Twins-Devonshire-Bearer-Truths-ebook/dp/B007XOAGKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335561053&sr=8-1  

The End of the World Playlist (UK):  http://www.amazon.co.uk/End-World-Playlist-ebook/dp/B0072KE9EO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328664608&sr=1-1  

Bitten (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bitten-Lauren-Westlake-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B005METJLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328664631&sr=1-1  

Cerulean Dreams (UK):  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cerulean-Dreams-ebook/dp/B005S9ZKLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328664681&sr=1-1   

The Journey (UK):  http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Journey-ebook/dp/B005MEND1M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328664706&sr=1-1  

Blog: http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorDanOBrien 

Empirical: http://www.empiricalmagazine.com/  
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Review: EXCUSE ME, MY BRAINS HAVE STEPPED OUT by Pandora Poikilos

9/13/2012

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This review is part of a blog tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Excuse Me, My Brains have Stepped Out is an epistolary novel written from the point of view of Anya, a woman seeking solace from her estranged father.  It is never made clear where he went or why, but Anya writes regularly to him, expressing her fears and frustrations about her illness and a world of which she struggles to make sense.

Although the story lacks a cohesive structure and seems to ramble at times, it does contain gems of wisdom hidden through the rough.  Being seriously ill when I read this (actually requiring my husband to read the majority of it to me), I couldn’t help but relate to much of Anya’s turmoil, although I do believe the story could have been much richer if the author had taken the time to step back and write from a less angry, more balanced perspective.


About the novel:

Anya Michaels is having the time of her life. She has the man of her dreams by her side. She has graduated at the top of her class. She has the job others were lining up for. Between late night drinks at her favourite bar and fancy dinners at the most expensive restaurants, she has a string of adoring friends. Everything changes when she hears the dreaded words, "You are sick."

Being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, her world starts to fall apart, one piece at a time. Now dumped, her four year relationship is nothing but a memory filled with pictures, thoughts and a very broken heart. Her job becomes an even further challenge as she tries to hide her condition. Her friends suddenly have more important things to do, what is a party without a party girl? Perfect could not crumble any faster.

Soon, caught between situations, people and pieces of life that she never dreamed of planning for herself, Anya begins to wonder if her brain condition is all that bad. As she absorbs the changes in her life and realization sets in, she begins to wonder if she is the only one saying: Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out.

(20% of royalties will be donated to the National Organisation of Rare Disorders)  



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Excerpt:

On another occasion, when I felt I could grab brain surgery by the horns, he has gently pointed out to me, ‘Sweetheart, it is a bit naive to think that you can bounce back just like that two weeks after brain surgery when people with broken legs take longer to heal, isn’t it?’ I won’t be jumping for joy every time I hear a ‘no’ from him but I also realise that he understands me enough to have a grasp of my limitations and when to reel me in from fantasy land.

There is only so much you can control in your own life, let alone someone else’s. Let it go. We are different for a reason. I think it is important to remember that we are individuals who have fallen in love, whose peculiar differences will make for a more interesting journey. After all, you can either be a pea or a carrot. You just cannot be both. Or in the spirit of one of the most memorable lines ever, ‘You complete me’ simply be the other half.

And there you have it, Dad. Obviously we have lots more to learn, loads more to laugh about and tons more for our journey. And no, I cannot make any guarantee that this will be a journey with blue skies, sunshine and flower strewn pathways. I am certain we will have our autumn days and winter moments. There will be minor irritations on days when I write ‘cake’ and he reads ‘biscuits’ or when he goes out to do something he will call fun and I will scream recklessness. 

There will be many days and ways, boys will be boys. But there will also be those numerous, uncountable moments, when he will be a man, hold me close, give me kisses of hope and show me why him, me and ‘us’ are all worth fighting for. 


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About the author:


International best-selling author, Pandora Poikilos has been writing for more than 10 years for various media which include newspapers, radio, television and various websites.


You can read more about Pandora Poikilos and her works at her blog and website, or connect with her through Twitter or Facebook.

Pandora Poikilos will be giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one random commenter, so make sure to leave a message for your chance to win!


Happy reading!

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Coming in October: SCARE PACKAGE

9/13/2012

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For The Benefit of Rockcastle Regional Hospital & Respiratory Care Center: Book Summit, in association with EFW Publishing Proudly Present 14 Tales of Terror.

Featuring (in order of appearance)

Jeffrey Kosh 
Tonia Brown
Stephen A. North 
Jo-Anne Russell
Joseph M. Monks
Jacki Wildman Wales
Christopher Fulbright
Leigh M. Lane 
Jerry W. McKinney
Jaime Johnesee
David Hayes
Lori R. Lopez 
Eric S. Brown
Billie Sue Mosiman

 

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On BREAKING BAD

9/10/2012

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For the Breaking Bad fans out there, I had the pleasure of writing for the Breaking Bad Fan Page, offering brief recaps with short analyses on the characters, plot, and structural devices included in the first half of this final season.  In case you missed them, here they are (be warned that some of these contain spoilers):

Breaking Bad: Defining the Bad Guy
Breaking Down: Skyler's Plight 
Breaking Bad: The Value of One Life 
A Bad Future
Breaking Bad: Out of Line
Breaking Bad: Gliding over All


For more Breaking Bad fun, be sure to like the Breaking Bad Fans page on Facebook.
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Have You Seen MIRAGES Yet?

9/7/2012

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Recently released by Black Curtain Press, this anthology is dark and creepy at its finest.  Edited by Trent Zelazny.

About Mirages: Tales from Authors of the Macabre

Something illusory, without substance or reality. The sticky threads that communicate the meaningless in a thousand different ways. Collected here are 17 tales of darkness and dread, teetering on the edge of reality and unreality, nightmares and dreams, brought to you by some of the best voices in dark fiction:

Tom Piccirilli
Jeffrey Thomas
Barb Lien-Cooper & Park Cooper 
Lee Allen Howard
Tina Swain
Joseph S. Pulver, Sr.
Gerald Hausman
Billie Sue Mosiman
Scott Bradley & Peter Giglio
Kealan Patrick Burke
Lori R. Lopez
ason S. Ridler
Leigh M. Lane
Joe R. Lansdale
Curt Jarrell, E. A. Black
Edward Morris 

If you like insanity, murder, and mayhem, you don't want to miss this one!
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Caroline Mickelson's FROM MANGIA TO  MURDER Blog Hop!

9/5/2012

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It's Five Days Free for book one of Caroline Mickelson's, Sophia Mancini Mysteries!

Download your free copy today!


The Book
Little Italy, 1946 - Sophia Mancini would have enjoyed the grand opening celebration of her family’s private detective agency if the volatile chef at Vincenzo’s Ristorante had actually survived the meal. But before Sophia’s chilled spoon hit the spumoni, someone plunged a knife into Vincenzo’s back and the word on everyone’s lips went from mangia to murder.

Sophia soon finds herself trailing crime boss Frankie Vidoni, chatting with his mouthy mistress Maria, and dodging henchman Mooch DiMuccio. She’s suspicious of Vincenzo’s widow, Stella, and his assistant chef, Eugene, because they don’t appear the least bit dismayed by Vincenzo’s passing. There is no conversation Sophia won’t eavesdrop on, no question she won’t ask, and no danger she won’t face to find the killer.

An Excerpt

“Murder looks like our best option.” Sophia Mancini pushed her plate of cold uneaten pasta away. Murder was on her mind, not marinara. “I’ve been over this in my mind a million times, Angelo. We definitely need to add murder to our list.”
      Her older brother let out a slow sigh and rubbed his eyes. “Murder is so complicated, sis. There are so many details to keep track of and you know it’s going to trip me up.”
     “I’ll be right there with you.” Sophia reached over and squeezed his hand. “I can handle the details and no one will be the wiser.”
     “So you’ll be the brains of the operation? And what does that make me? Just a pretty face?” He pushed away from the table, frustration etched on his.
      Sophia poured more Chianti into her glass and then refilled her brother’s glass. “Don’t sell yourself short. Before the war you were a fine police officer and everyone here in Little Italy knows that.” She took a sip and quickly replaced the glass on the table. The wine tasted bitter but she knew it was just her own gnawing worry that was ruining an otherwise fine bottle of vino. “The Nazis are to blame for your injuries, not you. But you’ll be to blame if you don’t sit down, get serious and help find a way out of the mess we’re in.”
     She waited while her brother settled himself across from her once again. He drained his wine glass and poured another, a sure sign that he was as worried as she was. Her brother wasn’t a drinker.
     “Remind me what we’ve got so far, Sophia.”
     “Theft, burglary, blackmail - the usual. But if we throw murder in I think it will really boost our reputation.” She met her brother’s gaze and winked. “It will give everyone something to talk about anyway.”
     Angelo didn’t respond to her attempt at humor. This serious, sad man across from her was altogether different from the young, happy, confident man who’d shipped out to fight with the Allied forces three years ago. Home four months now, he was struggling with a head injury that had obliterated his short term memory and ability to retain details. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’d shipped out a married man with a beautiful young pregnant wife he loved beyond reason. He’d come home a widower to find that Luciano, his toddler son, didn’t know him from the milk man. Added to the pile of worry and stress, Angelo’s memory problems made returning to work as a police officer impossible. In turn prompted his in-laws, who had never approved of their daughter marrying an Italian-American beat cop, sued for custody of little Luciano.
What little Angelo hadn’t already lost, he now stood to lose. The judge granted them thirty days to prove they could start a viable business.
     “Face it, Sophia, the Burkwaites have more power and more money than we’ll ever have.”
     Tears pooled in Angelo’s eyes.
     Anger burned in Sophia’s heart.
     She grabbed her brother’s arm and shook him, desperate to snap him out of his sad state. His helplessness scared her more than her own rage did.
     “Listen to me, Angelo, Charlotte’s family has all the money and power they need to threaten us. But we can give Luciano all of the love and devotion he needs. He’s your son, Angelo. He needs you to fight for him.”
She held her breath and waited for an answer. A single tear slid down his cheek. The only sound in the room was her brother’s heart breaking.
     “Okay, Sophia, you win.” Angelo squared his shoulders. “I’ll do anything to keep Luciano at home with us.”
He refilled his glass and raised it.
     Sophia grinned and raised hers.
     “A la famigilia,” they toasted in unison. To the family. 
     “You’ll be with me every step of the way, Sophia?”
     She nodded. “Just like always, Angelo. I’ll be right next to you or-” her spirits restored, she couldn’t resist teasing him, “a step ahead.”
    “And with your plan the Burkwaites will never get custody of my son?”
    “If they do, it will be over my dead body.”
    “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” He flashed her a smile that reminded her of the carefree pre-war brother she’d always counted as her best friend. “Now let me hear your plan again from start to end.” He reached for a notebook and pencil. “You talk, I’ll write.”
    Sophia smiled. “You know, Angelo, this murder business could actually be kind of fun if we do it right.”

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The Author

Caroline Mickelson loves her family and loves to write. She also loves a good adventure, among her favorites thus far were attending graduate school in a Scottish castle, riding a camel around the Pyramids in Giza, and taking a best-in-a-lifetime road trip to Graceland. Caroline lives in the American southwest with her husband and their four children, affectionately known as The Miracles.


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