Magus of Stonewylde by Kit Berry Review and Interview

When I received this book in the mail I was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to read a book described by the author as "Not thriller, nor fantasy, nor romance. Yet all of these and so much more." All I can say is WOW!

From the first page I was sucked into a world that at first I was envious of, but ultimately grew to question how much I would really love living there, all things considered. The story opens with Sylvie and her mother Miranda. Sylvie has been suffering with horrific allergies and skin conditions that have caused her to loose her will to live. So, when she is hospitalized and a Doctor broaches the subject of how much Sylvie looks like the Hallfolk of Stonewylde, both mother and daughters interests are piqued. After being introduced to the Magus, who is the head of Stonewylde, it is decided that even though they are outsiders, they will be allowed to come to Stonewylde to see if something can be done to help poor Sylvie get well.

All truth told, Magus is enchanted with her and her mother both. Once in Stonewylde, Sylvie receives a magical gift from Magus - a gift that causes her ailments to recede, and allows her to start living the life that seems on the surface to be every girls dream. Her mother to, although at first skeptical, grows quickly to love the life they lead in Stonewylde, and becomes quite fond of Magus as well.

Even though Sylvie and her mother are considered Hallfolk, Sylvie is drawn to Yul, an unruly Villager who is constantly being punished by either his father Alwyn, or Magus himself. Even though they have been forbidden to see each other, they are unable to stay away - it is much more than a physical connection between the two and in the end they both need what the other doesn't have to try and right all of the wrongs that are taking place.

Let me just say that there was one thing about the book that I did not enjoy, the fact that I need to wait until the next book to pick up where this fantastic book leaves off. Wonderfully written, well thought out and developed characters and storyline, this book certainly left me wanting more. Kudos to Kit Berry!

Questions for the author:

Where did you get the idea to create a community such as Stonewylde?

I lived in Dorset for many years, the place where Stonewylde is set. It's a beautiful and mystical part of England, and there are many standing stones and sacred sites there. I've always felt the power and magic of nature when out walking in the hills and woods. There's a huge country estate which is walled off and completely private, and when I used to drive past it, I started to imagine what could be behind the boundary walls. Once the idea had taken hold, there was no stopping it!

Were you familiar with the rituals you wrote about, or was research necessary in order to write the book?

I have some knowledge of earth-based magic and was always empathetic to the concepts of paganism. I did do a great deal of research on rituals and customs, and the rituals and ceremonies described in Stonewylde are a hybrid of modern celebration, ancient customs and beliefs, and pure imagination. The point with paganism is that there's no definitive creed or dogma, so in creating Stonewylde is was possible to use artistic license. I was concerned that some of my ideas may offend practicing pagans but in fact I've had nothing but praise and support from everyone who's written to me - and there are lots of them! When I received very favorable reviews from Professor Ronald Hutton, the UK's leading authority on modern paganism and British folklore, I realized my fears had been unfounded.

Who/what was your inspiration for this series of books?

I was initially inspired to reconnect with the earth by an encounter in some woods with a great hare. Apparently these type of encounters with a creature from nature are not uncommon, and the hare in particular is seen in folklore as an animal of transformation. This rekindled in me a great interest in finding out more about the natural world and earth-based religion. Then I had a very profound and mystical experience a couple of years later in a labyrinth, and this epiphany inspired me to actually start writing rather than just dreaming about it.

What can we look forward to in the future?

There will be five books in the Stonewylde Series. In the UK, the first three are now published and proving very successful. I have written the fourth and am currently working on it, and the fifth is yet to be written, although I know exactly what's going to happen. At present only the first title in the series has been published in the USA. Depending on the success of that, the others will follow but there are no immediate plans for this right now. The US edition of Magus of Stonewylde is available on amazon.com and also through our US wholesaler, Magus Books (visit www.magusbooks.com for more details). The name is pure coincidence! I see that on amazon.com it's also possible to buy the UK editions of the second and third book, if anyone is interested. We've also had enquiries about film rights as the books would make fantastic movies. Reviews of all three books can be found on www.amazon.co.uk . Readers can visit my website too on www.stonewylde.com and also join our forum, leave entries in the guest book, and subscribe to the Stonewylde newsletter.

Bad Girls Club by Judy Gregorson

With mental health issues being so prevelant in society I was very intrigued by the premise of this book. Let me tell you that as hard as it was I read it in one sitting - it grabbed hold and would not let go.

All Destiny wants is to get a job and try to have a semblance of a normal life. Instead she is burdened with the responsibilty of taking care of her mentally ill mother and trying to protect her younger sister Cassidy from the violent rages and outbursts that have become more common than not. Destiny's life has never been anything but that of a constant caregiver and mediator...especially since the incident at Crater Lake. She loves her mother, and even though she knows that this is not a normal family life she is willing to do what her father asks and help keep her mother in their home, for better or worse.

As this book unfolds you watch this family go on such a downward spiral that my heart was literally breaking. As much as I hated to turn to the next page for fear of what was going to happen next, I was compelled to do so in hopes that a ray of light would be found and something positive would happen to change some of the bad to good. At first I was unsure if this could really happen - how could both parents let their children go through this living hell? I then thought of my own life, and the lengths I may go to keep my family in tact. Love is a very powerful emotion, and nothing is more powerful than the love between a parent and their children. As Ms. Gregerson points out in her Author's Note, children that come from abusive families are even more loyal to their parents than children who don't. They seem to constantly be searching for a way to gain acceptance and love from the parent(s) who neglects or abuses them.

This book is a true eye opener, although it is fiction we can't turn a blind eye to the fact that there are families like this in every town in America. I am hopeful that this book will give some of these families the strength they need to get the help so desperately needed before it is too late and the children are damaged to a point of no return. It will hopefully also make people think closely about some people they know and maybe will give them the strength to intervene in situations they know are not healthy for the family involved. The author has done a true service by writing about an issue that should not be ignored.

Questions for the author:

What made you decide to write the story from the perspective of the oldest daughter?
Well, it was personal really. I was a parentified child, meaning that I was one of those kids who took care of my mother and my older sister when my family was spiraling out of control. I was the one who felt responsible to hold everything together because no one else would. And I believed that multitudes of people all around the world experience that same thing -- they become the savior of their families because no one else will. I wanted to shine a spotlight on that problem and what it does to a kid. And on another level, this is a cautionary tale: beware what you do to your children. When 5 children a day die in this country because their mother, a family member, or someone who knows their parent kills them, we're in deep trouble. We are allowing the ruin of our children and then we wonder why these kids can't learn in school or why they turn to crime, or why they're depressed. This book tells why, in some cases, our children are lost.

What was your inspiration for the story?
There were several things that inspired me. And in some sense, it was reaching critical mass and feeling that I had to say something about this problem. I tell everyone the story about meeting a man whose mother set their house on fire after locking him and his little brother in. There was Susan Smith and Andrea Yates. I thought they were anomalies, but I found out that they aren't. I started studying this issue and realized that 500 mothers a year kill their children. I started wondering what it would be like to live in a family like that. What if every day, your little sister's life was on the line and you couldn't do anything except be the one who stood between her and your mother? What if you knew your life was on the line and you had to live with one eye open so you could survive? These are the things I thought about, they're the questions that horrified me, as I wrote this book.

Do you have any books currently in the works?
I currently have one book in the works about a girl whose mother deserts her at the local grocery store, leaving the girl with her eccentric extended family and the question, "Why did she leave me?" I'm about a third through that and may get back to it soon. I also have another book finished about a girl in a trailer park who's the underdog and can't seem to find her way.

What hobbies do you enjoy?
Oh, I'm an odd one. I love to research. That is really relaxing to me. I pick a topic and then I search it out. I travel a little. We have a summer place on a beautiful glacier fed lake and I love going there. I hang with my daughters who are almost 18 and 21. They're my greatest joy. I read some, mostly nonfiction. I have a few favorite TV shows like CSI and Ugly Betty. Other than that, I just hang and try to find things to laugh at. The absurdity of life amuses me.

The Ghost Under Third Base by Fran Orenstein

We all know a kid like Willie. Smarter than all of the other kids, and due to this he has trouble making friends. Perhaps other students are threatened by him. After all, he is 2 years younger than all of them, and still surpasses most of them when it comes to intelligence. He even has a hard time at home due to his brother and sister and their constant razzing. The only place he can go to escape and feel comfortable is an abandonded cellar just next to his property.

One day, just after he has come out of the cellar and is laying in the grass, he meets Huby. Huby seemingly appeared out of nowhere, but they develop a wonderful friendship, and Huby helps Willie gain the confidence he so desperately needs. Having this new confidence even gains him a few friends at school. But there is something not quite right about Huby. Like the fact that he seems to just disappear and appear out of thin air. And the fact that his parents have yet to see him.

The real problem, though, is that something is in the cellar. Not something menacing, just the spirit of a boy who died tragically years earlier. So, when Willie proposes the field where the cellar is located be turned into a baseball field, they need to make sure that "Daniel" finds his way home.

This book was totally engaging and even though it is geared towards tweens, it held my interest the whole way through. I am thankful that I have books like this to review, as they really open my eyes as to the fantastic stories available for the younger crowd. There were only a few authors like this when I was growing up.Hopefully this is not the last we hear from Fran Orenstein!

Questions for the author:

Any chance of a sequel to this book?
A first draft of the sequel, at the request of the publisher, is complete. This will be the second in a Huby series, as he is the continuing character. This next book, called The Goblin Murder Mystery, is a Halloween based story which will come out next fall, in time for, guess what, Halloween (also my birthday).

In March, the next book to be published, will be the first in a fantasy series. It is called The Book of Mysteries, The Wizard of Balalac. It's about 2 boys in New York City who are sent to a mysterious, disappearing bookstore to find The Book of Mysteries. The Wizard of Balalac will be first, then next year it will be followed by The Gargoyles of Blackthorne (working title).

What are you currently working on?
I am currently doing a final draft read through on The Fat Girls From Outer Space, expected out by July. It is a contemporary Tween story of pre-teen obesity and the intolerant and cruel culture we live in. Don't worry, though, the girls get their revenge in the end and come out shining stars.

What is your favorite book, or character?
My favorite Tween book is Holes by L. Sachar. My favorite Tween characters are Harry Potter and the gang, expecially Hermione, who reminds me of me.

Black Dove by Bridgette Cassese

When Emma decides to pack up her lucrative job after a failed engagement to get a fresh start and do something that she really enjoys her sister tells her, "No one is really free, and there is no such thing as 'free will'. We all have responsibilities." Emma has decided to move to Cornwall with it's beautiful beaches, interesting history and a place to start over. She finds a place to start her new dream - The Black Dove Inn. She can't believe her good luck when she finds out that it is for sale, and at a very reasonable price. Rumor has it that it is haunted, but this is more intriguing that scary for her.

She has also met some new friends, among them Anton, a local artist and somewhat of a mystery himself. Although there is an immediate attraction he seems to be involved in a relationship and she needs to put some work in to make the Inn exactly what she wants it to be - an art gallery, wine bar, and a great place to just sit and socialize while appreciating the finer things.

After moving in she does experience some "hauntings", and when she comes across a painting that resemles Anton she does some digging. She finds out that the history around the Inn involves seances, pirates, and smuggling gone bad. This is extremely enchanting to her, and when she meets Anton again their chemistry is impossible to resist. After all, this is the same man she has seen in her dreams, and some of her nightmares as well.

This story really makes me want to visit England and see some of the historical sites. The author really draws you in and evokes many different emotions as you are reading.

Black Dove is a collection of 4 Novellas including Black Dove, The River Tale, Castle of Dreams, and Dark Goddess. Each focus on mystery, intrigue and romance. Each story is set in a new location that matches the atmosphere of the tale.

Bridgette Cassese, in her late thirties currently resides in Sennen in Cornwall. She studied Social Anthropology and Psychology, at Sussex and London Universities and enjoys Jungian analytical, Rogerian and humanisitc psychology, from which she has taken many of her themes. She is also a contributor to the magazine Dark Nights. She has taught psychology at Norwich city college and as a private tutor.

Questions for the author:

Do you miss teaching?
I still teach occasionally - the psychology of creativity - I dip in and out.

Do you have any books in the works currently?
I am currently working on another historical novel with supernatural themes and featuring local legends - 'The Lost Isle of Lyonesse - a flight of doves', for which I am seeking a publisher and agent.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
Hobbies - Surfing - body surfing mostly, but can use the big boards but not standing up yet. Walking and exploring rugged and wild terrains. Swimming horse riding, computers, desktop publishing, psychology and art. Creative writing, short story writing. Visiting art exhibitions - the romantics. Music.

Seeing as how Black Dove focuses on art, do you have any artistic abilities?
Yes, I attended Ravensbourne College of art and design for one year and studied graphic design and did a fine art module. I paint in both watercolours and oils (an average talent). I worked for 18 months as a researcher on the compilation of the Penwith artist's dictionary, at the Hypatia Trust, an academic publisher here in Penzance and like the romantic artists, particularly the Pre Raphaelites - such as Dante gabriel Rossetti and John Waterhouse Collier and F Leighton etc.

Don't be Afraid of Heaven by Clint Adams

Miguel Estes has been born with a rare genetic skin disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa, or E.B. for short. Unsure of how much time he has left to live, his Aunt Shirley has helped him develop a To Do list - a place to keep track of all of the things he is afraid to try. She believes that it is necessary to conquer these fears to lead a more enriched existence. This certainly helps to motivate him and in spite of his daily struggles, keeps him in high spirits, after all, he can't let his aunt down. When his mother chooses to move in with her husband, Hunt, Miguel decides it is best for him to move in with his father, even though this means starting a new school, and changing doctors as well.

Aunt Shirley decides that when school starts, Miguel should start up an afterschool program called F.A.A.T. or Fear Ain't All That. She thinks that this will be a good way for him to get to know new students, and help them realize that life is what you make it, and fears are all relative. Thankfully he already has the support of his new best friend Samantha, his nurse's niece. And there is no one that needs F.A.A.T. or Miguels help more than she does.

This book was a rollercoaster ride, and it was so wonderful to read a book that was sure to inspire children and adults alike. We all fear something, but we need to look past all of that and make a To Do List - I believe it would help us all stay positive, and realize that there really is nothing to fear, anything can be overcome, even death. Thank you Clint for opening my eyes, and I think you will do the same for many people in the future.

Author Questions

How did you come up with the idea for this book, and the F.A.A.T. concept?
Honestly, I wrote DON 'T BE AFRAID OF HEAVEN as a tribute to my cat, Samantha. I named one of the main characters after her. I learned so much from Samantha, her life and the time she chose to die. Since my books all have to do with 'eliminating fear,' I decided to write about eliminating, or trying to help teens eliminate the most common fear of all, the fear of death. I hadn't seen many of these for the teen market (not novels anyway)...so I thought I'd give it a shot. In my mid-thirties, I began to feel certain that fear is something that is completely learned, not natural in any of us. I wanted the themes in all my books to be the same; lives begin to change only when fear is absent.

Do you have any books currently in the works?
Yes, I do. After having published four novels for teens, I've decided to try something different. My newest novel is a suspense thriller for adults titled, THE SEVEN RITUALS. Two plots run consecutively throughout; the two protagonists are the same person, yet one offers an innocent outlook at something rather perverse and dangerous, while the other shows incredible determination to discover the truth that will inevitably set him free.

What made you decide to have Miguel suffer from E.B., as opposed to some other ailment?
Good question. A long while ago I attended a fundraising concert in San Francisco ...not really knowing what the particular cause was. It ended up being a benefit event for kids that live with this rare disease, E.B. Shortly after the concert, I got to meet several of these brave kids. Their courage inspired me incredibly; I learned as much as I could about E.B. and I decided to continue writing about a boy living with E.B. as a tribute to them, those kids that have chosen to live without fear.

Do you have any other hobbies?
I love meeting people from as many countries as possible and learning as much as possible about their lives and their cultures. This is my favorite hobby, as well as being my greatest opportunity to learn.

Summer Dreams by Heather Schultz

We all have been through the teenage years, and some of us are even living through them currently with our own children. The ups and downs can be very trying, and I think we all remember trying to "identify" ourselves in some way. Summer has tried many different activities but usually after a short time she gives up saying they just aren't for her. So when she decides to take up horse riding her parents think this will be just another "fad" and she will soon to be on to something else.

8 months later, Summer is more in love with horses and her riding lessons than ever! She has been pestering her parents about getting her own horse and spends every available second at "the barn" where her lessons take place. When her trainor tells her there are 2 horses for sale at a nearby ranch, Summer jumps at the opportunity to take a look at them.

When Summer lays eyes on Shamu (later to be named Peanut) it is love at first site. It is evident that he has been mistreated by his current owner, but is nothing but gentle and calm with Summer, it is like they were made for each other. With a little convincing her parents decide to let her get him, and their new life together begins.

They are almost effortless together in every aspect, from riding bareback to doing jumps. They do so well that Summer is encouraged to enter into competitions, in which she does extremely well, placing in every event she enters. Her and Peanut seem to be made for each other, and besides Tiffany, he is her best friend. She enjoys nothing more than spending time with him and her friends at the barn. Summer's world is about to come crashing down around her when a tragedy pushes her to the limits of her emotions, and makes her wonder if she will ever get past not saying goodbye.

Having never been on a horse, I really enjoyed how the author made you feel like you were there and explained things in layman's terms. It really made me understand more about these amazing animals and gave me a new insight into the equestrian world.

Questions for the author:

Do you have any projects in the works?
Yes, I am currently working on the sequel to Summer Dreams, which will be entitled A Mystery for Summer. This book picks up where Summer Dreams leaves off. A Mystery for Summer is just that - a mystery the whole way though. One may wonder how the same characters could be the subjects of this book since Summer Dreams ended the way it did. Well, that is one of the mysteries that will unfold early on in the book. Summer, Tiffany, Frizbee and, yes, even Peanut continue their adventures together the way they never thought possible. When the girls come across a gift for Summer, they have no idea the magical powers it holds or the unbelievable adventures they are about to embark on.

What made you decide to write a book about teens?
Summer Dreams is based on actual events that occurred in my life as a tween. I decided to write this book and share my story because of the impact these events had on my life. I know that all tweens face difficult situations in their lives, some more than others, but certainly all are faced with some sort of disappointment or sorrow at one time or another. My hope was that Summer Dreams would show that while there are wonderful things that happen in life, there are also things that we don’t necessarily like to face or experience, but we do, and that’s all part of living. I learned that it’s not only important to have good friends, but also how important is it to be a good friend to others and to be thankful for the things that we are blessed with including our family. I also wanted to convey that it is important to work for the things we have in life rather than expect to have everything given to us…we tend to appreciate things more when we actually put forth an effort to achieve them. I think it is so important to have good, wholesome reading material for our tweens who are faced with so many difficult decisions and stress these days…a nice little get away is what I wanted to create for them.

What hobbies do you enjoy?
A favorite book of mine is Same Kind of Different As Me." For me, this book taught me that things aren’t always as they seem from the outside and that people come from all different situations in life. It made me really think about how important it is to treat all people with respect and to never give up on anyone. You never know when the most unlikely person could turn out to be that one person you need most in life…or maybe you are the person they need in theirs. It’s nice to have the opportunity to be able to make a difference in someone’s life or to lift them up through a trying time or just to be there to share in their accomplishments and triumphs. We all need people in our lives and you just never know where or when you will find the most important ones.

Favorite author and/or book?
I still love horseback riding and enjoy just about any outdoor activity. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family no matter what we are doing. One of my favorite things to do is read to my daughter. I don’t know if you could call it a hobby or not, but watching and helping my daughter find her way through childhood is one of the things I enjoy most in life.

Revenge of the Homecoming Queen by Stephanie Hale

Reviewed by Misty Guffey

"I'm going to destroy you." The words of a vengeful...winner? Aspen Brooks is completely floored. She just knew she was a shoo-in for homecoming queen. Only she just lost to her arch rival, Angel Ives. Not only that but the dorkiest guy in the whole school has just been crowned king. Now Angel seems to think that Aspen is somehow behind the whole thing. Aspen knows she's innocent just as she knows that someone has to be pulling some kind of twisted prank. It's either that or she's entered into some sort of parallel universe. But when even more bizarre events occur, such as; unusual kidnappings, theft, threatening notes, and Aspen discovering that the people closest to her are more than they once appeared to be, she finds herself leaning more towards the parallel universe belief.

Aspen Brooks is a great protagonist and by far my favorite character in this book. In the beginning she's so wrapped up in herself that she can't see beyond high fashion and popularity. She seems to be one of those girls we all love to hate, but as the story progresses and her eyes are opened to the fact that true beauty is more than tiaras and Dooney bags, you find yourself not only falling in love with her character but also wanting to be more like her. I myself have been guilty on occasion, as I'm sure we all have, of judging someone by their outward appearance alone. We sometimes forget that true beauty comes from within and that we can sometimes find a diamond in the rough. Stephanie Hale has done a fantastic job of reminding us of that fact with this story.

Stephanie Hale is such a unique talent. I don't think I've ever read a better first novel. She hooks her readers with her clever writing skills and her funny, witty banter. "Revenge of the Homecoming Queen" is packed with laughter, a bit of romance, friendship, and the oh so familiar teenage girl rivalry. Hale has done a fantastic job at capturing the life of a teenager. Although this is a young adult book readers of all ages will love it. It brought back so many of my own high-school memories that I couldn't stop laughing and comparing the characters to people I knew in school. It is such a delightful read and so easy to relate to. I loved it and can't wait to see what Hale cooks up in her next novel.

Questions for the author:

What made you decide to write a book for young adults?
I actually started out writing for adults then decided to try my hand at young adult. For some reason it comes really easily to me. Hmmm...maybe I haven't grown up yet!

Are there any plans for your next book?
Yes, my next book comes out on April 1st. The title is Twisted Sisters and it is a sequel to Revenge of the Homecoming Queen. Aspen and her Comfort High peeps are back only this time they are going to college!

When developing your characters did you create them using people you actually know?
I suppose they are all a little bit of me, but no, I didn't create any of them with specific people in mind. Thanks so much for all the kind words about Revenge of the Homecoming Queen!

Losing Kei by Suzanne Kamata

There's an old quote that says "A mother who is really a mother is never free". This, as any mother knows couldn't be more true and unfortunately Jill Parker finds this out the hard way in this wonderful book by Suzanne Kamata.

Jill is reeling from a bad relationship, and instead of traveling to Africa, the site of her now ex-boyfriend, she decides to take a fellowship to Japan for a fresh start. She falls in love with the culture, and soon with one of its residents, Yusuke Yamashiro. They have a whirlwind romance, and decide to elope to avoid conflict with his parents. After all she is an American and probably not someone they would approve of him marrying seeing as he is the sole heir to the Yamashiro estate.

Not long into the marriage, Jill finds out that she is pregnant. Even though she is thrilled at the thought of bringing a new life into this world, she is becoming less tolerant of her role in the Yamashiro household. She wants nothing more than to be able to move into a house of their own, but when a tragedy strikes the family it is soon evident that she will never be free.

When young Kei is born she focuses all of her energy on him, after all he is absolutely perfect and the only thing she needs to get her through her lonely days. With a domineering yet needy mother-in-law, and a workaholic husband, he is the only thing in her life that brings her ultimate joy. But soon it is not enough and she decides that her marriage to Yusuke must come to an end. If she was aware of the laws of Japan when it comes to custody of children, she may not have chosen to do this.

After doing some research I have found out some interesting facts:

-Joint custody is illegal in Japan -Japanese courts do not recognize foreign custody orders

-Japanese court orders for custody are not enforceable

-Natural parents do not have priority in future custody changes

-Discrimination against non-Japanese in granting child custody

-Fathers of Children Born Out of Wedlock Have No Custodial Rights

-No system to register a foreign parent's contact information

-Mothers granted child custody in 80% of court decisions

-Child abuse and other psychological factors are ignored in family court decisions

-Adoptions are permitted without approval of the non-custodial natural parent and without approval of a court

-Government officials refuse to help a parent find a child being hidden by the other parent

Unfortunately I was not totally shocked by some of these statements, I just know that I sympathized to my very core with Jill, knowing what kind of fight she was in for to try and get visitation, much less custody of a son born in her husbands native land.

This book is one I would recommend to anyone. It was thoroughly engaging, and gave you a glimpse of how different cultures handle something that is very common here in the US. Well done!

Questions for the author:

Are you a mother?

Yes. I'm the mother of eight-year-old twins - a girl, and a boy. I dedicated the book to my son.

What made you decide to move to Japan (I have always been fascinated with the culture myself)?

I think I originally became interested in Japan through literature. I fell in love with Heian court poetry when I was studying Asian history in college. I loved the idea that courtiers communciated via verse. I also read a couple of novels while I was in college - Equal Distance by Brad Leithauser and Ransom by Jay McInerney - that piqued my interest.I had the opportunity to go to Japan for one year on a program sponsored by the Japanese government which invites young native speakers of English to assist in English classes in public schools. I renewed for a second year, and during that year I met my husband, who is Japanese.

Do you miss anything about the US?

I miss the wide open spaces, and I think that Americans are more tolerant of differences. I also miss libraries and bookstores full of books in English!

What advice would you give new authors?

Persistence is key! I wrote four novels before this one, and I've sent short stories out twenty times or more before getting them accepted for publication. I also think it's important to finish your work. At some point you might get discouraged and think that what you're writing will never pan out, but if you don't get it down, you'll have nothing to work with.Also, join a writing group. And read, read, read.

The Tea House by Paul Elwork

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave..." The first part of that quote seems quite an appropriate place to start the review of "The Tea House" by Paul Elwork.

The story concerns a set of twins, Emily and Michael Stewart. While their family is well-to-do, their home life is a bit mysterious and at times I sensed a bit of sadness. Emily discovers she has a unique "talent" one day, and initially has some fun with it. But once her twin, Michael, discovers her secret, he convinces Emily to expand their performances to include friends of theirs. Eventually, word of Emily's talent gets out, and Emily and Michael are drawn into the adult world, where their audiences are more than curious. And when adult curiosity about Emily's talent is mixed with genuine desperation/grief, the ending is unpredictable and shocking.

This book is extremely well written. Mr. Elwork does an excellent job of developing the story and bringing together characters in the story and the story itself in equal portions, so that the farther along the book goes, the more characters and circumstances fit together, giving the reader a more detailed understanding of the story.

The characters of Emily, Michael, and Mr. Dunne are extremely well developed. The detail given to these characters made it quite easy to conjure a picture in my mind as to what they might actually have looked like.

This book held my interest from beginning to end. I liked the story line and the author's writing style makes this a very easy read.

And here are answers to the author questions:

Who are you influenced by as an author?

The list is long, as I guess it is for everyone. I love the works of Kurt Vonnegut, James Salter, Alice Munro, John Irving, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Raymond Carver, Jhumpa Lahiri, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Flannery O'Connor, Charles Dickens... and on and on. And like any writer, my debt to them is immeasurable.

Do you plan on writing a sequel to this book, or do you have something else in the works?

I don't have any plans for a sequel to The Tea House, but I do have another novel in the works, this one set during the early days of the Holocaust in Germany. I'd say more, but that would be telling.

This book was published by Casperian Books, a small, independent company that publishes fiction. It is a single-member limited liability company that publishes fiction and operates out of a chaotic home office with some help from the other occupants of the house and a few hearty volunteers. To view their other books, please click on the link above.

Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jennifer Gardiner

When I saw the title of this book I thought this was sure to put a smile on my face. And, although I would still classify this as a comedy, it appealed to all of my emotions and hit close to home many times.

Claire Doolittle is a wife and mother of 5 who has NO time to herself. Between raising kids, working part-time, running numerous errands, and keeping up the house, she struggles to fine some me time. And, being married to Ward...I mean Jack doesn't help.

Jack Doolittle is an accomplished architect who suffers from control issues. Throughout their marriage he has slowly lost his sense of adventure and fun and has slipped easily into the shoes of TV icon Ward Cleaver. His ideal is when Claire completes all of the items in HIS to-do-list and the kids are perfectly behaved - this way he can come home and relax with no interruptions. So much for being a parent.

Claire wonders what has happened to her spontaneous, romantic, and attentive husband. She feels as if her marriage is going downhill fast and isn't sure if she even feels bad about this. She blames Jack for the majority of the problems that they are having. So, when Todd walks back (or emails as the case may be) into her life, she is ready for some sweet talk, even if it is from the man who ripped out her heart years earlier, and made her question the woman she was and what she did to make him treat her that way. She strikes up an online friendship with him, and somewhat of a flirtation. I believe the author summed up the emotion of love (past or present) when she wrote "I think that an emotion as intense as love shape-shifts into some other passion that encompasses love but then can be tainted by hatred, anger, or bitterness".

But, even though Claire is flirting with an old flame, when she goes to a dinner party for Jack's architecture firm and sees Jack's new associate Julia hanging on his every word she just about explodes. Julia is young, beautiful, has a perfect body, and is somehow able to bring out the "old" Jack - someone she hasn't seen in a long time. And he seems totally enamored by her.

I don't want to reveal any more of the plot, but let me say that any wife or mother should easily be able to relate to Claire in one way or another. There are days where I too wonder what has happened to the husband I knew years ago. Changing over time is not necessarily good or bad, as long as you are able to keep the fires of love burning and continue to work as a team. Just don't give up on each other too quickly - look deep inside and see if there are things you both could change to bring back the relationship that once was...and maybe never left.

Questions for the author:

I see that not only are you an author, but a photographer as well? Do you prefer writing to photography, or are they equal passions for you?

Alas, photography sort of lapsed into oblivion once I became a mother. Long ago, before kids, I schlepped vast amounts of photography equipment wherever we went. We traveled "light" to Africa, and honestly, one of the many lenses I brought along was about two-feet long.
So once I had babies to tote with me and the ancillary accoutrements one needs for small children, I sort of lost my enthusiasm for hauling all that equipment (and didn't often have a chance to use it, although some portraits I did of my children when they were young are priceless in their hilarity!).

Plus, I was a freelance photographer, which often translated into very last-minute shoots: "I need you at a press conference in an hour!" Which doesn't work so readily with children.
So long story short, that was the end of my photography career! I am now a point-and-shoot digital girl and I've relegated myself to that. However, I do get a little camera-envy when I'm around professional photographers with amazing state-of-the-art digital equipment. So I suppose my photography gene is currently latent ;-) .

Did you enjoy working for a newspaper - do you miss it?

I worked for our college paper, Penn State's Daily Collegian, which was (and still is) one of the top-ranked college dailies in the country. It was a lot of fun and I learned so much. But I was studying broadcast journalism so soon found myself instead in radio/tv stations, which was also a lot of fun.

I currently have a column for our city paper, but believe it or not, I've never stepped foot in the office, as I simply send my column in by email.

But my recollection at both newspapers and tv/radio stations is there is a certain camaraderie there that you don't necessarily find in other jobs. Perhaps it has to do with working weird hours and covering all sorts of crazy things, but I always had fun there!

What hobbies do you enjoy pursuing when you aren't writing?

I LOVE to travel. And I love all things Italian and study Italian (though I am regressing, I fear!). For a long time I was really into cooking, but don't find I have the time for that much any more, and honestly, my family could have cared less about what I was feeding them so I've taken the hint and simplified on that end of things! I also quilted a lot up until the past couple of years, and when I am idle, at my kids' sporting events, I'll usually bring along some quilting or needlework to keep me occupied while I watch their games.

Returnable Girl by Pamela Lowell

I wanted to start this review by looking up the definition of the word Mother. There were multiple definitions, but the one that I liked best was "maternal tenderness or affection". Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if I had never had my children. I know that there are many people out there who would do anything to be able to have and/or raise a child, and others who try but somehow fail - this is one of those stories.

Meet Veronica Hartman. At 13 she has been in and out of 9 foster homes, 10 if you count the time she stayed with her Aunt and Uncle - that's where she went after her mother packed up her two brothers and fled for Alaska telling Ronnie "I need you to listen. We can't take you with us. There's not enough room." Shaken down to her very core, Ronnie has been trying everything in order to get reunited with her family. Riddled with behavioral problems from lying to stealing to anger issues, her case worker has turned to Alison as a last resort. Alison is a therapist and is willing to take Ronnie in and give her one last chance to prove that she can change her ways.

Although Ronnie and Alison have a rocky beginning, before long Ronnie seems to be making improvements not only in her behavior, but in her socialization skills as well. She is part of the "in" crowd at school - even though to get there she had to betray the only true friend she had made, someone who accepted her for herself, rather than try to mold her into someone they wanted her to be. And, even though her mother has suffered from drug and alcohol abuse in the past, it seems as if she may have finally gotten her life back on track and will be ready to have Ronnie come and stay with her. The only question is, is it too late?

Reading this book made me think of what it was like growing up. The teenage years are not a pleasant experience for anyone, at least that is what I believe. I can't imagine the additional struggles that are faced by children that are part of the "system". I loved the way the author delved into each character, and even though some of them seemed pretty rotten, she still let you see that there was good in each of them. I think this is very important - people normally don't do bad things on purpose, but are sometimes victims themselves. We should all try to remember that, before we judge others too quickly. This is a great read for anyone, not just young adults. Thanks for allowing us the opportunity!

Questions for the author:

Do you have any children?
Yes, I have two teen boys. I love writing and working with girls because I grew up in a very "girl" oriented family with two sisters, no brothers, and only one male cousin--and 10 female cousins!Now that I am the only "girl" in my house (even our dog is a male) I tell my family that I write about and work with girls to get my "girl fix"!I see that you are a therapist.

Have you ever taken in a foster child or did you rely on your experience to help define your characters?
I've never taken in a foster child. But I have worked with many wonderful foster kids and families and this experience allows me to feel very confident about character motivations and story lines. Some of the people I work with have these very incredible things happen to them--good and bad--but I think just listening to voices of teens every week helps to keep my character voices "real".

Are any of your characters based on "real" people or are they just a combination of many?
Ronnie was based on a foster child I worked with many years ago. That is to say I was thinking about what she might be like as a teenager as I wrote Returnable Girl. I met this girl when she was 6 years old, and my own son was 6, and to think about a child having to move from place to place like she did (while my own son was snug in his own bed) was very heart-wrenching to say the least. But Ronnie's "story" is entirely made up as are all of my characters.

Do you have any additional books in the works?
Yes! I'm currently in the process of working on SPOTTING FOR NELLIE.

All Soul's Faire by Kristy Tallman

was looking forward to reading The All-Soul's Faire because even though I have read more than my fair share of horror novels, I can't remember reading one dealing with the elements of dark magic. I am glad this was the first as I now have something to measure the others against.

Detective Cole Bryant finds himself immersed in his first homicide since becoming a detective for the Alleghany Sheriff's Department. It is not the fact that he has a homicide to deal with that bothers Cole, but the manner in which the body is found - partially petrified with a goat's head staring at him from within her bowels.

Lisa Hicks murder would be the first in a string of unusual homicides - homicides which would lead Cole down a path he never expected, more bodies that were found in the same location and in a similar state but even though they were obviously homicides the ME on the case wrote them off as suicides.

Not only do the homicides bother him, so does the reaction of the townspeople. They seem to go on as if nothing unusual has happened and no one is willing to talk about it - questions about it are avoided at all costs. The only thing that Cole hears are rumors surrounding the Hicks family and their bizarre lifestyle - a lifestyle he gains firsthand knowledge of and even though he knows better has a hard time letting go of.

Let me first say that Kristy Tallman has hit a chord in me that not too many authors do. I literally let the wash sit and the dishes go…if I didn't have 2 little ones I would not have put this down until it was finished. Look out world, the face of horror has a new name and I for one look forward to anything this bright young author brings my way.

Thanks again Kristy for allowing my group to review your book!

Questions for the author:

Where did you get your inspiration for the backwoods characters that you portray, they seem so authentic?
My family is originally from the area the book is written about and from time spent visiting in the summers and living there for two years just watching the people you begin to almost transform into the folks you come to love and admire for their true personalities. They seem authentic because many of them are based on people I knew with maybe an added flare here and there.

What authors do you feel should get more recognition (present company excluded)?
Wow - that's a good question and one not many have asked me or given me the opportunity to rise to the occasion of saying so! I would have to say many of the authors in the horror industry tend to get the cold shoulder simply because the market is saturated with other genres to the point there is little if any shelf space provided for them in bookstores. Poets too I think truly don't get the attention they deserve but that seems to stem from a political aspect rather than shelf space. To name a few though - Gary Frank is a very talented author as is Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc who began her career self-published and has beat the odds. I met Gaddy Bergmann at the Denver Co, MileHiCon and have been reading his work - outstanding point of view on an over done post apocalyptic world. His work breaks the boundaries of Sci-Fi and runs the gamut of great literary works to be.

Do you have any books in the works at the moment?
I just completed Crows on the Cross and it is scheduled to release Jan 1. There are always several books in the works for me but right now the only one I will divulge is the sequel to The All-Soul's Faire due to be released on October 31, 2008.

Do you have any hobbies other than writing?
Well I enjoy bowling and hanging out with my family. When you travel so much it tends to become a treat just to stay home and spend time with those you love. I also love riding motorcycles and listening to blues bands on the weekends when I can. I always say though when I tire of writing or find the free time I will get back to my art and my photography work.

RingGoRound by Patda Jim

It has taken me many years to come to appreciate antiques. Many people in my family collect them, including my mother, but growing up I just never cared for them, preferring new items. But, I have come to love antiques and really believe that each has a story to tell, a "history" if you will. Ringgoround focuses on and ring - new to one woman and an antique to another, and the ties that bind them to each other.

Marlene grew up in a time where arranged marriages were very common. She is married off by her parents to a man who looked to be decent and loving, much better than the "ancient" suitor that was also vying for her hand. But, after getting married her life becomes a living hell, with brutality and abuse ,along with alienation from the outside world, being her daily ordeal. Thankfully she is strong enough to escape her husband and take her two children to live in the country in a manor owned by their family. Here she develops a relationship with Baron Carlotti that is what every woman wishes for - warmth, love, friendship, devotion, the perfect package. She still has her husband to deal with but is willing to fight for the happiness and stability she knows she deserves.

Marieke is a strongwilled modern woman who is in a relationship that she feels is love but soon realizes is merely just comfortable, thanks to her encounter with Clemens and the finding of a spectacular ring, a ring that calls to her. After purchasing this ring and being invited to Clemens family home she feels as if the home is actually speaking to her - she is drawn to the history of the home and can't understand what it is that makes her feel so welcome here. The story unfolds and you come to understand the ties that bind these two women's lives together.

This story is cleverly written, winding these two stories in and out with expertise. You get teased numerous times and want to jump ahead to read the rest of the story of each woman, but feel compelled to read in order as the stories flow so well with each other. I ran the gammut of emotions on this one, from happiness, to anger, from shock, to surprise - this one is a winner.

Questions for the author:

Do you have any projects you are currently working on?
I am working on two books at once. The first, almost finished, is a modern mystery. The second is a novel set in current times, mostly in Montana/Wyoming. I also write articles about travel, writing and adventure. Then there are my short stories that come to me suddenly and have to be written down a soon as possible.

Was it difficult to keep the characters straight?
Not for me. When I was writing about Marlene, she told her story loud and clear. When Marieke entered, she filled me with the mysticism she lived. I didn't separate them at first by series of five chapters as the book ended up, but rather by happenings or being in the same places. Then one of my editors thought it to be confusing to the reader. I agreed and separated the women, giving each the five chapters to tell her story. Only at the end, bringing them together.

What was your influence?
I actually bought the ring, which is described in the novel, at an antique shop in Amsterdam. One can follow the directions in the book and go right to it today. They told me the ring would have been made in the late 1800's. As I was admiring it while riding the train out of Amsterdam, I thought, "I wonder who wore this long ago and why it was designed that way." No one could answer; so I had to write it. I felt drawn to the ring the minute I saw it. In fact, as I wrote the book, I found without the ring on, I couldn't write the story! The house in Amsterdam and the manor were places that I had visited on my many trips to Amsterdam and Holland.

Do you have any hobbies, besides writing?
I travel at least a third of the year. I play tennis three to five times a week when home. I have a dog that is called "The Reading Dog". Scottie and I go an elementary school nearby three times a week. First graders, having trouble reading, come read to him alone while he puts his head in their lap or on the book. No one else around (except me). It seems to take away their stress, and in a few months, they improve and want to read, even out loud in class. The other thing I do is to give talks to groups about travel and writing. This past Monday I gave an hour and a half talk on my trek in Nepal.

The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz

I have never read a YA book set in Australia before, so was delighted when I was offered the opportunity to review The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz.

There has been a tragedy in the Green family, and when Suzy's dad is offered a new job in a new location it is the perfect chance for the whole family to try and move on and start over. Suzy has decided to stop being the "wild child", and maybe try to be a little more like her sister Rosie. In an attempt to reinvent herself she changes her music, her clothing, and her overall appearance. It works, as she quickly fits in in school and even begins dating one of the handsome popular boys in her class. Things are going great, until she is invited to join the Virginity Club, one of the extracurricular activities her new friends participate in.

Apparently Virginity Clubs are the latest craze and all of the "cool" people belong, pledging to save themselves for marriage and to refrain from any kind of inappropriate activities with the opposite sex, including touching and kissing. Suzy doesn't see any harm in joining, even though she isn't a virgin. After all, it's only one small little lie, and who will ever find out? That is until Ryan, her old boyfriend and the boy she lost her virginity to, moves to town. Is this the beginning of the end for Suzy? Can she keep up the lie and try and convince Ryan to help her...or does she even want to?

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and really made me remember what being a teenager is like. Trying to fit in sometimes means giving up some of the things you love - Suzy finds this out the hard way. All of the characters were so well developed, and one of my favorites was Maddie, the best friend who struggles to believe all that Suzy is going through to impress her "new" crowd of friends. I applaud the author for encouraging teens to just be themselves instead of trying to be something they aren't.

Questions for the author:

What hobbies do you enjoy apart from writing?
I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES (ESPECIALLY TEEN OR CHICK MOVIES), I ALSO DO JIGSAWS, HAVE STARTED TO KNIT, WATCH LOADS OF TV, AND GO WALKING (PREFERABLY ALONG THE BEACH).

Did you fit in with the "in" crowd as a teen? Depending on your answer, did it make it easier writing the book because of this?
AT SCHOOL I WAS MORE LIKE THE 'OLD' SUZY. I WAS ALWAYS IN TROUBLE AND SPENT MUCH OF MY TIME DISRUPTING LESSONS (I DID REDEEM MYSELF LATER AND WENT TO UNIVERSITY). THOUGH MY FRIENDS AND I WEREN'T THE 'IN' CROWD WE DID HAVE OUR OWN GROUP AND WERE HAPPY. I THINK MY WHOLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE HELPED ME WRITE THIS BOOK. I COULD EASILY RELATE TO OLD SUZY, AND TO NEW SUZY BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE TIMES WHEN I WOULD DECIDE TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF AT SCHOOL - UNFORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T LAST LONG BECAUSE I WAS TOO EASILY DISTRACTED!!

Do you have any plans for any sequels?
NOT AT THE MOMENT, THOUGH IN THE FUTURE I'D LIKE TO DO MADDIE'S STORY. SHE SEEMS TO BE A REAL FAVORITE WITH READERS, EVEN THOUGH SHE ONLY EVER APPEARS WHEN SHE'S TALKING ON THE PHONE TO SUZY.

Any books in the works?
I'VE JUST FINISHED A BOOK ABOUT A GIRL WHO SELLS PSYCHIC DATING ADVICE TO STUDENTS AT HER SCHOOL, IN ORDER TO PAY OFF A HUGE
DEBT.

Don't Die Dragonfly by Linda Joy Singleton

I have always been drawn to anything involving the mind and have always been fascinated by psychics. Having been born in the caul, and having a Great-Grandmother that read tarot cards, I was ready to jump on board and read a book that dealt with the powers of the psyche. And I was not disappointed.

Don't Die Dragonfly is the first book in The Seer series. Sabine Rose is sent to live with her maternal Grandmother, Nona, after a boy dies at her school. Plagued with visions, she feels as if she let this boy down, and could have done more to prevent his death. Add a not so cooperative spirit guide and she feels totally lost. Her mother has never been able to accept the "gift" that she was born with, and seeing as how Nona has similar abilities, she feels that she is better suited to help raise her. Sabine has misled Nona into believing that her powers are gone and that she is just a regular teenager, a desception that could lead to some problems in her future (to bad she couldn't see things about herself).

Sabine was looking forward to starting a new school, and actually was leading a pretty good life for a teenager. She was on the school newspaper and was best friends with one of the cheerleaders, she figured that things would be great as long as no one found out that she was a psychic. Unfortunately, shortly after she comes to live with her Grandmother she starts having visions...terrifying visions of a girl with a dragonfly tattoo. As much as she would like to turn a blind eye, she knows that she needs to try and do better than she did at her previous school, and vows to help save this girl. She encounters many obstacles along the way, will it be too many to stop a tragedy, a tragedy only she knows about?

This is one of the most fantastic books that I have read, and was a real page turner. I don't want to go into too much detail, but if you are looking for a book to grab you and make you question what abilities might be lurking in your head, this is it.

Questions for the author:

Are there any psychics in your family?

Not that I'm aware of -- but I strongly believe in listening to my intuition and think it has saved me many times, like when I had a strong feeling not to go back to my car alone or when I was jogging down a deserted street. I've learned to trust my feelings always.

Do you believe in tarot readings, mediums, etc...or was it just something that was fun to write about?

I believe that it's more likely amazing things are possible for the simple fact that humans are more than just the bodies we wear. I love to go to psychic fairs and I've read many books on psychics. Although I've had no solid proof in my personal life that it's all real, I feel strongly that more things are possible than are not. I even suspect that my character Sabine came to me in dreams as a gift for my writing.

What hobbies do you enjoy besides writing?

I collect girl series books, love reading (of course!), taking walks, going to movies, boating, playing cards, camping, square dancing and bowling. I also love to blog and spend lots of time online.

Can we look forward to more books with Sabine et all?

There are five books in the series. #4 SWORD PLAY goes back to Sabine's previous life and reveals secrets about a student's death. At the moment FATAL CHARM is the last book and I'm working on the DEAD GIRL series, the first book DEAD GIRL WALKING comes out September 2008. If my Llewellyn publisher ever wants more THE SEER books, I'd love to write them. To stay updated with my latest book news, check out www.myspace.com/LindaJoySingleton . I hope to share my next book cover soon!

Into the Spell by Norm Applegate

It has been a long time since I have read a book and when I was finished I wanted to pick it up and read it all over again. I read A LOT of books, and some of them are very good. But there is something about this one that just made me want to keep it close in case I had the chance to read it, even if it was only a few pages at a time.

Maybe it was the fact that the heroine, Kim Bennett, is a former madam who is into S and M and domination. Even though this would normally be enough to cause some readers to think down on her, she is someone I couldn't help but like and end up cheering on throughout the book. She has had a rough life, and despite this has remained strong - her only weakness is to count letters whenever she is nervous or anxious. I applaud the fact that he didn't dwell on all of the bad things in her past. Many people go through horrible situations, but sometimes it is dwelled on to the point where it doesn't seem real anymore. She is so well developed and is such a great character, I can't wait to read Into the Basement, and Mr. Applegate's upcoming novel Into the Haven.

Or, maybe it is Titus, the villian. He has the power of mind control (hypnosis) and previously used it in a night club to draw in customers and make a living. This bored him though, as he knew he possessed a power that comes around very rarely. He has moved on to bigger and better things - well, better in his mind. Even though he is constantly warned by communication with long dead Madam Blavatsky, a world renouned psychic from the turn of the 20th century, he decides to let his dark powers surface and take over his free will. He is the kind of murderer that is truly frightening - after all, when you can control someone elses mind you don't really need to get blood on your hands and can continue with wicked ways long after the supposed killer is caught. Not only does he use hypnosis for murder, no, no, no. He also has many sexual fantasies and perversions that he likes to play out, and once again the power of hypnosis allows him to delve into his dark mind to play out whatever he chooses at the moment.

You hear about stories that send a chill up your spine, and only a few authors have EVER had that effect on me. I am the queen of horror/suspense books and it really does take a lot to spook me. This book hit me on a different level. I loved how the villian was linked to a very well known serial killer and was involved in other mind control situations that make for great material for some sequels. I know that there are skeptics out there when it comes to psychic abilities, hypnosis, etc...but even if you don't believe (which I do), this book poses a very haunting set of circumstances.

Questions for the author:

What made you focus on hypnosis as the skill for the villian?
Starting back when I was 12 or 13 I purchased a Kreskin ESP kit and was drawn into the mystical world of the unexplained, that curiousity never left. Interestingly, when I was in my thirties the opportunity presented itself to train as a hypnotist and travel throughout a number of countries. I jumped at it. Creating the villian in "Spell," required someone that could control people's thoughts, and what a perfect resource but my own past and knowledge of the subject. To add layers to the villian, I had Titus Constantin Gorsky talk to the dead, H. P. Blavatsky, she's a real person with an interesting life. Then of course connecting this to the Son of Sam made sense since David Berkowitz had always claimed it was a cult that pulled him into the crime spree we have come to know as the Summer of Sam.

What books do you have in the works currently?

The third in the Kim Bennett series is called "Into the Haven," and as the title suggests it's about vampires. As Kim Bennett would say "Don't be stupid vampires aren't real," however, like spell, she is pulled into a horror/thriller of a story where she questions her own beliefs. The novel is at a half way point with a scheduled release for June or July and there are lots of twists and unexpected events for poor Kim. I enjoy punishing her...Also, I'm writing the screenplay of my first novel "Into the Basement," with Kym Wilde, another interesting individual, and we are in discussions with an Indie film director.

Who/What is your inspiration?
I have become friends with best selling author David Hagberg who writes CIA terrorist novels, his most recent "Dance with the Dragon," is an excellent read and I consider him my mentor. As for inspiration, writing fills a creative desire and that animal needs to be released.

Do you have a favorite villian from a book/movie/tv show?
Dracula, evil, erotic, powerful, and the whole blood lust thing is sexual in nature, he's the best.

To view an interview with Norm Applegate about his book "Into the Basement" click below.
Video regarding "Into the Basement".