Why I Write Murder Mysteries by Athol Dickson

I'm a big fan of author Athol Dickson's novel River Rising, a lyrical, riveting, inspiring story that stunned me with both its style and unique twist, and made me really want to write. Yes, all that from one book. 

And now, Athol has branched out into murder mysteries? More on that in a minute...

Bio:
Dickson's mystery, suspense, and literary novels have won three Christy Awards and an Audie Award. Suspense fans who enjoyed Athol's They Shall See God will love his latest novel, January Justice, the first installment in a new mystery series called "The Malcolm Cutter Memoirs." The second and third novels in the series, Free Fall in February, and A March Murder, are coming in 2013.

Critics have favorably compared Athol's work to such diverse authors as Octavia Butler (Publisher's Weekly), Hermann Hesse (The New York Journal of Books) and Flannery O'Connor (The New York Times). 

So...if you've read Athol's previous works, you may be asking: So why murder mysteries? Here's his reply:

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Why I Write Murder Mysteries by Athol Dickson

Recently I read a fascinating article in The New York Times about what may well be the first true murder mystery novel ever written. Conventional wisdom holds that the honor belongs to Wilkie Collins, who published The Moonstone in 1868, but the author of the Times piece discovered a novel written six years earlier called The Notting Hill Mystery, which he claims has all the ingredients of a modern murder mystery, and deserves the credit as Whodunit Number One.

The novel was published in serial fashion in a periodical, as was common in those days, and the author used a pseudonym. But apparently there’s good reason to believe The Notting Hill Mystery was written by Charles Warren Adams, one of the publishers of the periodical. Hopefully, Adams will one day receive the full credit for his invention of my favorite genre. It was a monumental achievement.

But intriguing though this is to a mystery aficionado like myself, the real meat of the article for me come almost as an aside near the end, where the Times piece says, “Adams was also notably religious, which points to an unexpected characteristic of the first detective novel: it’s profoundly moral. It asks not just how evil exists, but what is to be done about it. Detective novels, like sermons, can offer gratifyingly simple answers to those questions, or thoughtful and troubling ones.”

It seems to me we love a good murder mystery because in the end they’re the stories which touch most directly on death and justice. Death is the ultimate mystery of real life. What is it, exactly? Why must it exist? What should we do about it? Even the best of murder mysteries can’t answer those questions completely, but the best murder mysteries all explore the possibilities.

And when we start exploring death, something in us cries out that it isn’t right. We all long for justice, don’t we? That’s the other thing a good murder mystery delivers: a little imitation justice. The bad guy gets his in the end, or else someone has the guts to stand and rage against the second greatest mystery of all, which is why injustice exists in the first place.

I love that about murder mysteries. It’s why I’ve read, oh, about a thousand of them. And it’s why I’m writing “The Malcolm Cutter Memoirs.”

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January Justice, the first book in Athol's "Malcom Cutter Memoirs" Series, is now available, and I am looking forward to reading it. I'll be back soon with a review, so watch for that. -C

Middle-Grade Mystery: Wholesome Fun, Sun & Surf

Author Cheryl Linn Martin releases Pineapples In Peril, the first of her 3-book middle grade mystery series The Hawaiian Island Detective Club this month (October 2012) from Comfort Publishing.

I have long followed Cheryl’s writing and path to publication, so it is a special treat to see and read this book as a published work. Though the HIDC series is aimed at middle-grade & young teens, it is a refreshing, interesting read for all ages, woven with suspense, fun, friends, family, and a wholesome Christian worldview.

While solving their first real case, long-time friends Leilani, Maile and Sam deal with typical eighth-grade frustrations and fears, the ups and downs of family life, and the awesome adventure of growing up in a tropical paradise. The story offers fun, interesting facts about Hawaii young readers will soak up right along with the sun and surf.

A note to parents, grandparents and teachers - this book would make a great Christmas gift for your 8-13 yr old readers.

About Pineapples In Peril:

Thirteen-year-old Leilani Akamai and her two best friends, Maile and Sam, have been the only official members of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club for years. Until this summer, they've only been solving pretend mysteries. But when vandalism starts taking place in the pineapple fields near their homes, they finally get their chance to solve a real crime. Unless Kimo, Leilani’s annoying ten-year-old brother, ruins everything . . .  And then there’s Maile’s 16-year-old brother, the love of Leilani’s life . . .

Hawaiian Island Detective Club Series release dates:

Pineapples In Peril – October 2012

Menehunes Missing - Spring 2013

Ukuleles Undercover – Fall 2013

About the Author:

Cheryl Linn Martin lives in Washington State with her husband and Lilly, their Persian cat, and is mom to 3 amazing adult kids. After graduating from The University of Oregon and pursuing a successful Parks and Recreation career, she now focuses on her passion--writing mystery novels. The Hawaiian Island Detective Club (ages 8-12) combines her love of all things Hawaiian and her fascination with intrigue. 

Connect with Cheryl at:

her WEBSITE  

her fun Hawaii blog, LIFE IN FLIP FLOPS

FACEBOOK

Pineapples In Peril TRAILER

Some Wildflower In My Heart, a novel by Jamie Langston Turner

Some Wildflower In My Heart is the story of Margaret, a deeply wounded woman who has spent decades closed off to love, relationships, and especially God. She ensures distance from others by being cold and unapproachable. Yet In spite of her brusque demeanor, she finds herself the recipient of the persistently kind, friendly attentions of a woman named Birdie with an inexhaustible capacity for love.

In the real world, anyone behaving like Margaret is sure to go to their grave friendless. But because one woman’s love for Jesus flows like an underground spring and touches everyone she meets, there may be hope for Margaret.

Some Wildflower In My Heart is quietly deep, beautifully written; rich in word, touching in story. The kind of book I love to read (and write, I pray). Not everyone would enjoy spending time with an "unlikable character" such as Margaret. But some of us have a soft spot for those who wear an unlikable demeanor to disguise something heartbreaking. 

So what's intriguing about this story is that it is told in Margaret’s point of view. If I were only able to observe Margaret’s outward behavior, I wouldn't be interested in her story. But her thoughts tell a very different tale. What Margaret is only telling the reader is that she was inexplicably drawn to this kind woman. And that drawing rattled her. She tells how Birdie’s gentle, persist love eventually broke past Margaret’s cold shell and brought warmth to the painful, neglected places in her heart.

I love both the rich writing and the realistic-ness of the characters -- though I have not personally met a lot of people quite like Birdie. And yet, I have met the same gracious spirit of God in people and can recognize the way of grace that God shows to us, if we receive it. 

Lovely, touching story. I highly recommend.

I blogged a little more about how this story makes me think of the phrase in 1 Corinthians: "Love keeps no record of wrongs." Visit Along the Banks & Love See No Wrong

UNRAVELED, A Novel - by Sharon K. Souza

Unraveled: Masterfully Woven, Powerfully Tender

“Heart-of-the-matter Fiction with a good dose of humor” is a spot-on description of Sharon K. Souza’s latest work, an intelligent, engaging style of storytelling I thoroughly enjoyed. The writing is stylish and masterful, full of wit and fresh turns of phrase. The story is thought provoking yet entertaining, and full of endearing characters. I rarely find a story so hard to put down as I did this.

Eager and idealistic, Aria Winters sets out on a mission to be the “hands and feet of God” to those in need. It’s a great goal, especially for a young woman of privilege. She sees this year-long mission trip as a way to shed some self-absorbed attitudes as well as to get some distance from the safety-net of her family. Unfortunately, Aria has no idea how much shedding of her self, her presumptuous ideals, and the very basis of her faith she will face before her time is up.

The people of Moldova open Aria’s eyes to life and people outside the status and shelter of her comfortable sphere. Yet in Aria’s endearing, self-deprecating way, she determines to adjust and works hard to fit in, hopeful she might do some good, in spite of poor preparation and the handsome but terse co-worker who seems to see straight through her. Soon, this beautiful place, these people, and the eager children in her tutelage erase any lingering doubts she has about her purpose here.

 . . . Until a devastating tragedy occurs.

When the girl Aria has formed a special bond with becomes a victim of the worst kind of human-trafficking, Aria’s world is shaken. She is forced to face the horror of her own carelessness, the truth about her ideals, and her serious doubts about God. How can he allow such unspeakable horror? How can Aria “work for” someone who won’t protect the innocent?

And how can Aria make right the secret sins in her own life if God won’t listen to her prayers?

Unraveled is a powerful yet tender story full of wisdom and grace. Its sorrows and joys will move you, leave you feeling as though you’ve knelt alongside Aria and unpacked some difficult to grasp truths gently wrapped in layers of God’s grace and compassion. So gentle but direct, so straight to the “heart of the matter.” So like Jesus.

I was touched and encouraged by this beautifully woven story, one I sincerely hope won’t be Souza’s last.

++++++++++++++++++++

Author Website:
Sharon K. Souza

UNRAVELED
is available HERE on Amazon

Read a Sample Chapter

Love Under Construction, a Short Romance

Just for fun, I thought I'd share super short romance I wrote recently. A complete story in about the time it takes to savor your favorite cup of coffee. Enjoy!

~c

by Camille Eide

Veronica Wells was a construction site safety hazard.

Doyle arrived at work early that day, hoping the extra time would be enough to get his head on straight. Forgetting to wear a hardhat or strap on tools before hitting the roof wasn’t healthy.

Plus... he didn’t need to get caught staring at the boss's daughter again.

When Ronie was hired on as interior designer, Doyle wasn’t prepared to find his oldest friend's little sister so grown up and so . . . breathtaking. And so aloof.

While discussing a delivery with Mr. Wells, Doyle glanced up. Ronie was headed straight for him.

Breathe. She’s not coming for you, idiot.

“Hey.” Smiling, Ronie pecked her dad’s cheek. Beneath her hardhat, Ronie's hair fell in shiny, caramel waves. Her warm smile squeezed something in his chest. Desperate for cover, Doyle glanced away. Checked his watch. Realized it was on upside down. 

While Ronie took her dad to a nearby table to see her newest designs, knuckles rapped on Doyle’s hardhat.

“Hey—you remembered your gear.” Jered grinned, then nodded toward his sister. “Come on, do us a favor and ask her out.”

“I can't, not yet. She’ll just think I’m a shallow jerk who only cares about how amazing she looks.”

“Right." Jered nodded, his expression full of mock seriousness. "Girls hate to be found attractive.”

“You know what I mean. She comes back from design school grown up and gorgeous and suddenly I’m interested? No. I’m not hitting on her. Not like that.”

Jered muttered something about the hazards of construction site romances and left.

Maybe Jered had forgotten how, as teens, he and Doyle ridiculed Ronie so she’d stop tagging along. Unfortunately, it had worked. She vanished whenever Doyle visited the Wells home after that. Her behavior when she took this job confirmed his suspicions. The first time she saw Doyle, she spun on her heel and disappeared.

Just before lunch, Doyle passed the drawing table where Ronie worked. When he heard her singing softly, he slowed his steps.

Don’t stop . . .

Doyle stopped, tuning out everything but the smoky caress of her voice. Soulful, like a distant lover’s summons. Tilting her head to examine her work, Ronie smiled.

You’re twisting my heart.

Don’t stop.

Ronie looked up, met his eyes, and froze.

Doyle pivoted, grabbed the nearest toolbox, and went outside. It wasn't until he reached his truck that he realized he’d grabbed his boss’s lunch.

* * *

Stunned, Ronie stared after Doyle. It wasn’t the first time she’d caught him staring. Was it her singing? Her cheeks burned at the memory of how he and Jered used to call her “Fatsy Cline.”

No. That was past. With Christ's help, she’d learned to let go of past offenses and to forgive. 

But what a strange coincidence, running into Doyle now. No longer a dreamy brown-eyed older boy, but a man.

Yes. Definitely a man.

A man who acted reserved around her now, yet so polite. Gentlemanly, even. Opening doors for her, going out of his way to get her bottled water. Staring---on several occasions. But never speaking to her directly.

Did he still see her as Jered’s annoying little sister?

With a sigh, she printed the new specs and took them outside to her dad's office. As he skimmed her revised lobby design, Ronie watched the workers buzz around the site like bees.

All but one. Doyle sat in his truck, forehead pressed to the steering wheel. Had he been sitting there all this time? Was he irritated that she was here, still “tagging along”?

No. Doyle had been nothing but kind and respectful toward her. And strangely uncomfortable. Why?

Could be the way I’ve been avoiding him . . .

As Ronie studied his slumped frame, a warm truth dawned. If not for her gigantic crush on him as a girl, his teenage taunts wouldn’t have hurt so much. But the truth was, she’d forgiven all that.

So why did she still avoid Doyle?

Maybe it was because he still made her heart flip.

What am I, twelve?

An apology was in order. Praying for an extra measure of grace, she headed for Doyle’s truck.

He scrambled out as she approached, then exhaled in a rush and met her eyes. “Ronie, listen. I should have said this a long time ago. I’m really sorry about all the rotten things I said back when—”

“No, Doyle. That’s all forgotten.”

He stared, confused. "It is?"

Ronie nodded.

He studied her in a way that sent her pulse racing, like he was allowing himself to see into her in a way he hadn't before. He frowned. “Then why—ah. Okay, I get it.” He nodded, then looked away. His face flushed. “Jered told you.” He heaved a heavy sigh. “I’m not a safety hazard. I just . . . can’t think straight when you’re around.”

She pressed a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart.

Doyle looked at her, alarm cinching his brow. “Are you okay? What do you need—water?” He searched his truck cab, shoving piles off the seat, then held up something flat. “Snickers?”

Ronie bit back a smile. Sweet Doyle. She tried to laugh at his attempts to treat her “emergency,” but his concern somehow made her teary.

Stepping closer, he searched her eyes. “Ronie?” The way he whispered her name felt like a gentle caress.“Talk to me.”

She couldn’t. The truth hit her like a boom truck, stealing her air. Pulse racing, she leaned close and placed a soft kiss beside his mouth. When she pulled back, his eyes remained closed.

“Uhh, could you . . . repeat that?” He opened his eyes and smiled, then took a swaying step and staggered back against his truck.

“Careful, Doyle,” Jered hollered from a few yards away. “Told you construction romances were hazardous.”