RubiconReader: Rubicon Tee's. 'Shirts for people that love books...

RubiconReader: Rubicon Tee's. 'Shirts for people that love books...: "My name is Jason Frost and I’m the Eat. Sleep. Read. T-shirt guy. You may have seen some of your favorite authors and friends sporting th..."

Frank C. Matthews Author Interview

About Frank C. Matthews

Prodigious and profound author Frank C. Matthews’ triumphant transformation from inmate to novelist has established him as a leading force in the world of urban literature. Armed with his mastery of the written word, Matthews has achieved feats that are only reserved for the most seasoned of writers, selling an unprecedented amount of books as a first-time author and self-publisher. When it comes to putting the urban voice – the human voice – on the page, Matthews has no peer. His unprecedented journey demonstrates that even when confronted with a web of trials and tribulations, creativity has the ability to flourish. As a New York City native, Matthews grew up with aspirations of one day becoming a household name as an NBA Superstar. His dream took a detour, but his resilience and determination allowed him to persevere.

The lure of the streets and its fast money took Matthews away from hoops and into another game – the drug trade – where he found instant success. But a deal gone bad eventually landed him behind bars. Once incarcerated, Matthews had few options of how to spend his seemingly unending time in what felt like a black hole drawing at all happiness. Taking advantage of the still and silent nights, Matthews spent hours plunged into two of the world’s most renowned, contemporary African-American storytellers, Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines.

The books empowered the now bright-eyed and enthusiastic Matthews and awakened a creative bug to tell the stories locked inside him. “Incarceration transformed me,” said Matthews. “I went from a young, frustrated, and confused boy to a mature, humble, and pensive man.” Much the way Malcolm X used the power of words to transform himself in prison, Matthews used the power of the pen to write his way to freedom, real freedom. While the calamities of his past may have blackened his vision they did not still his pen. He found his purpose. He would write his stories in notebooks, on torn-open envelopes, and anything he could get his hands on and would pass them around through the system. While some traded cigarettes, Matthews traded his highly demanded stories, which inmates clung to like emotional life rafts.

Matthews delved into the business of publishing, an industry he now planned to one day master. He found his style of writing to be unique, labeling it as “true fiction,” an alternate take on real events he had witnessed firsthand. He honed his craft and further developed a distinctive writing style that was uninhibited, dramatic yet cinematic as his readers traveled to adventurous sonic territory. He had a burning desire to share his rare experiences in the underworld of crime with anyone who would listen. Matthews’ drive and passion was reinvigorated. He would be relentless in his pursuit to share with the masses his tales of underworld crime, drama, brotherhood and love.

Upon his rebirth in 2005, Matthews discovered that he could put his past behind him and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and unwavering determination. The resilient author took his astounding gift of writing “true fiction,” coupled with his compulsion for words and decided to pursue his passion. Even after numerous failed attempts at landing a publishing deal, Matthews did what he learned to do best – create opportunities for himself. He knew that there was an untapped niche audience eager to hear his voice, and he was steadfast in his desire to supplant the current favorites in the urban lit arena.

Matthews self-published one of his first novels, Respect the Jux, and it caught fire, selling over 20,000 thousand copies. The book catapulted Matthews into the sphere typically reserved for seasoned literary greats while capturing the attention of everyone from rappers Jay-Z, Ghostface Killer, and 50 Cent (who rapped on Lloyd Banks’s single, “Hands up, if you want to party with crooks you have to learn to Respect the Jux!”) to literary powerhouses like bestselling author and publisher Karen Hunter.

The gripping tale borrows from Matthews’ recollection of urban legends through the saga of Cat, who journeyed from Jamaica to the United States as a teenager. After a stint in the military, Cat returned with newfound skills and a desire for his own version of the American Dream—by any means necessary.

Using his extensive military background in weapons and intelligence, Cat formed “The Order,” a band of thieves that specialized in pulling off juxes, which Matthews defines as emulating and acquiring another’s style, intellect, or swagger for personal advancement.

Captivating, intriguing, mesmerizing – all words that describe Frank Matthews’ uncanny ability to bring readers into the worlds that he creates. His first auspicious debut Respect the Jux, a dynamic tale of brotherhood, greed, and power, hits the shelves nationwide in September, the style made famous by Slim and Goines will be revived…with a 21st century twist!

(Source: Pump Up Your Book)

Interview with Frank C. Matthews

First of all Frank, I would like to thank you for taking the time out for this interview! 

If you have to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?

SUPERNOVA!

What did you do before you were a writer?

I’ve always been an entrepreneur; I’ve owned several businesses in the past.

What are you working on right now?

I just submitted my second book “bury me in it”; in addition to that I’ve been working on the TV series for “Respect The Jux”

How long did it take you to write Respect the Jux?

It took me about 90 days to write.

What type of research goes into your books?

All of my books are written from two degrees of separation, so I either lived it or I was there to witness it. So not much research is needed

What is the main source of inspiration for your writing?

I would say my life. I have a very unique story and a very vivid way of expressing it in my work.

Who is your biggest supporter?

I would say my children, my family

Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?

I just wake up and go outside, I write what’s happening right now in life and what has already happened. So I don’t I have go too far.

Are you reading anything right now?

I’m reading the Bible and the Koran everyday.

What do you like to do when you are not writing (hobbies, etc.)?

Work out, play sports and on hot summer days bring out one of my motorcycles

What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?

Stay true yourself, and once you start writing a book, stick with it until you complete it.

Is there anything else about yourself that you would like your readers to know?

Visit my website frankmatthews.com, and be on the look out for my other books which should be release every 6-9 months

What is next for you in 2011?

More books, The Respect the Jux TV series and I have I few surprises in the works so stay tuned

How can your readers contact you?

Frankmatthews.com, twitter: frank_matthews or Facebook: Frank C Matthews

Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions.  I look forward to knowing more about you and reading more books written by you in the future!

Read my review: Respect The Jux5/5 Diamonds

Highly recommend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wrote this for the March/April issue of  Urban Image Magazine

 

 

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading

~Mailbox Monday~

is hosted by Passages to the Past during the month of April

We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

This was a good week!  Here is what I received!

From Black Expressions Book Club (Monthly Selections):



Received for Review from the Author:



Received from Pump Up Your Book Tour for Review:


Won these from Zane by commenting on a Facebook post!  Thanks so much ZANE!

I have also gotten several e-mails from authors wanting me to review their books.  I am working on sorting these out and getting a list made of these!

------------------------------------------

Hosted by Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.

Book Tours/Reviews Last Week:

Sun., 4/17       The MPire Book Tour, Book 1 by T.L. James & Giveaway
Mon., 4/18      Deed So by Katharine Russell   Pump Up Your Book  
Tues., 4/19     Interview With Author Katharine Russell (author of Deed So)  Pump Up Your Book
Wed., 4/20     Stilettos & Scoundrels by Laina Turner Molaski  Stilettos & Scoundrels Book Tour
Thurs., 4/21    Unsavory Delicacies by Russell Brooks (sent to me by author for review)

Mon, 4/23       Gold Diggin' by Nikkea Smithers - Review and Interview

Reviews This Week:

Wed., April 26    In Between Lies by Shawna Hill

Thurs., April 29   Intimate Illusions by Shawna Hill

Currently Reading:

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Redsnapper's Playhouse: Dwayne S. Joseph on WordSexy Radio for Monday Apri...

Redsnapper's Playhouse: Dwayne S. Joseph on WordSexy Radio for Monday Apri...: "WordSexy Radio is Here! Talk live with author Redsnapper and D.V. Hent on Blogtalkradio Monday, April 25, 2011 8:00 PM (CST) 9:00 PM (EST) ..."

Book Review - Gold Diggin' by Nikkea Smithers and Interview (21 Questions) With Nikkea Smithers

Book Details
Title: Gold Diggin'

Author: Nikkea Smithers

Publisher:  Self-Published

Release Date: October 31, 2005

Source: RWA Book Club sent this signed copy to me!
Book number 3 out of 13 for the Oosa Book Club Reading Challenge! 

About The Book:

Goldie's life seems to be a merry-go round of ups and downs. The moment she is finally satisfied with her life a traumatizing event occurs to change her entire way of living. On top of that she has to deal with a difficult mother who has a family secret that can either tear the family apart or pull them closer together. Keith has long ago given up on the promises life has to offer. He had become content with being the hit man of a ruthless kingpin. The object of a broken environment life has dealt him a brutal card so he sees no problem with taking a man's life. That is until he meets Goldie and she changes it all. Chamir is successful, beautiful and seems to have everything but happiness. She's searching for something to save her from the loneliness that she has come to know. This is a story about life and finding the value in it.

My Review:

I got this book in December from RWA Book Club.  While I was reading it, I kept wondering why I let it sit on my shelf so long!  

  
I believe that everything happens for a reason.  It's amazing the people we meet in life just by chance.    One  day Sonny did something to his employee Goldie at the radio station where they work.  Goldie left and did not want to return.  Sonny wanted to get her back, and his friend Rucker was on it. Rucker got his hit man Keith on the case.  Keith had something terrible happen to him when he was a little boy, and it kept him from really getting close to anyone except his friend Rucker.  Rucker took him in and pretty much saved him. Anyway, Keith is supposed to try to get Goldie back or else.....but something happens that changes their lives forever.

This is the second book that I have read from Nikkea Smithers, and she never fails to impress me!  I got so immersed in this book!  I admit, I took some breaks toward the end because I was afraid of how it was going to end!  Plus, I loved this book so much that I didn't want it to end!  There were definitely some steamy scenes in here too!  This is one page turner that I definitely recommend!  

Nikkea Smithers told me that Keith's Story is next, so I definitely will be reading that one to find out more about him!

My Rating:   5/5 diamonds - Loved it - Highly Recommend!

About The Author:

Nikkea Smithers 

Nikkea Smithers is a dynamic writer and spoken word artist, originally from Connecticut, currently residing in Richmond, VA. She has released several novels, poetry compilations and has contributed to several anthologies. Her writing style is unique as she uses her ability to play on words throughout each project. Her novels flair with the explicit details of life told through her characters’ eyes. Her novel Sweet Dreams shot up the Essence Magazine’s Best Sellers List within five months of its release proving that her stories are provocative, fresh and truthful making her reader’s lifelong fans. Two of her books (Keith’s Story & Attitudes of a Woman) have been awarded with the Literary Hallmark & Legends Top Books 2009 award by Black Pearls Magazine. Her novel Inside Danica’s Closet was awarded one of the top 100 books of the decade award by Black Pearls Magazine. Her readers have fallen in love with her ‘tell it like it is’ approach to writing and she has been crowned ‘Author of the Year’ for 2008 by Xander Magazine. Nikkea’s books address issues that need to be discussed but are not overly saturated making her stand out in the literary industry. She is also the president of the award winning Readers With Attitude Bookclub. Visit the author’s website to read excerpts from her other books, purchase, or to stay updated with her at www.nikkeasmithers.com

 

21 out of 21 Questions With Nikkea Smithers

I am giving you a list of 21 questions.  You can pick and choose which questions you would like to answer.  Nikkea Smithers answered all 21 questions, and here they are:

(borrowed questions and idea from: Linus's Blanket) 

(also borrowed questions from my friend Orsayor at Book Referees)

Can you tell me more about yourself.

I am a lover of life! Everything about it excites and inspires me! I love music, reading, of course writing, I’m really into poetry and love performing on the open stage as well. I’m originally from Connecticut but have been living in Richmond, VA since 1999. I am a true believer in the adage that you can do anything your mind sets you to, and so I live my life by that motto and teach myself just about anything that peaks my interest.

How did you get started writing?

I really started writing when I was younger, and it may sound crazy but I was trying to stay awake in church and avoid getting in trouble. Back then my church had very lengthy services and I had a very short attention span, so I began to write during the services to keep me focused. I started with songs, then poems and finally by the fourth grade I was writing murder mysteries and short stories.

What kind of books you like to write?

I like to write just about anything. At this point in the game, now that I know that I can do it, I love to challenge myself. For example my last release was in the murder mystery genre. While I used to write them as a child, that genre is so much more intricate than what I did in my youth and I just knew I had to get it right, or as close to right as possible. I really enjoyed writing my suspense series as well (The Danica Sherman Series). With those books I could really go all the way to the edge of reason and not be afraid.

Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?

For the most part I like to just sit at the computer and write. I don’t have to have television on, don’t really need music. I write whatever I’m feeling at the time so if it’s poetry flowing out of me, then that’s what I write. If it’s a novel idea flowing out of me, then I nurture that. It’s not unusual for me to have several projects going at one time. Right now I have two in the works.

What are you reading now?

I’m doing a book review on Man Enough For Me by Rhonda Bowen.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?  

I love the classics in African American Literature such as Donald Goines, E. Lynn Harris, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, etc. However, I really don’t have a strict preference and can read just about anything.

Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?

If anything, reading has changed the way that I write. I don’t have a lot of formal training in English. So I observe a lot of what I read. I learned paragraph structure and plot building more when I read books verses when I was in English class in high school.

Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?

I do read, a lot, while I’m writing. Every now and then I will shut everything down and just write, but for the most part I am able to juggle both. Getting a feel for other peoples work really inspires me to push myself harder in my own work.

What was the most interesting thing that you found out while researching this book but decided not to include?

Amore’s Demise has a sub-setting in alternative lifestyle. I did a lot of research on transsexuals and transgenders. It was really important for me to understand the difference in order to get the emotions right in this book. The most interesting thing I found in my research was the actual break down of that entire culture. I touched on it a bit but there was so much more to the differences between cross dressing, transvestites, transsexuals and transgenders than what I could really address in the book.

What is a typical day in your life like?

I rise between six and seven in the morning, workout, work, promote, write and read throughout the day until about one or two in the morning. Then I wake up the next day to do it all over again.

Did you know what you wanted the title of the book to be?  How involved were in choosing the name of the book?

Yes I did. My titles come to me normally at the beginning of the process and once I’ve named a book, I normally don’t change it. It almost always has some sort of significance to it. For example with The Misery of Amore’s Demise, I wanted to play on the words. I wanted to talk about how Love (Amore) goes through so much misery because we no longer love unconditionally thus causing its demise or death. Amore, the main character, dies in the prologue. Hence, The Misery of Amore’s Demise.

Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?

Sure, I enjoy books by Iris Bolling who is a very good friend of mine. Her attention to detail is impeccable. Then there is Vincent White who wrote a very candid book on relationships from the males perspective. Not only are these two great authors, but they are also great friends of mine as well and we constantly network together. A few others that I follow in my area are: Savannah J., Kharisma Miller & Loretta Walls.

Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?

Hands down I’d have to say Danica Sherman. She is such a fun character to write because I can literally do anything with her! My readers love her because she is a special kind of crazy and morally conflicted at the same time.

Did you have to do much research when working on your books, and do you tend to write first or research first?

Most of my books I don’t have to research because it’s mostly off of inspiration. This last book I think I did the most research I’ve ever had to do because it was completely out of my element. When I have the scene set in a different locale I do a lot of research there to make sure that I get it right, but my story lines are all character driven.

As a published author, what’s been the biggest surprise about life after the publication of your first book?

I think the progression part has been the biggest wow moment. Just looking at the level of seriousness people take you as you grow with each project. I remember toting my first book around in my pocketbook, telling people I had a book out and they didn’t take my hustle serious. I don’t know what I thought, but when I started shaking some literary branches, they started to pay attention.

What’s next?

I’m really just going with the flow right now. I’m working on my new poetry compilation and the third part to The Danica Sherman Series. Then I believe I’m going to circle back to do a third part to my first two books, Gold Diggin’ & Keith’s Story, since readers have been asking about it. However, I have plenty of fresh new book ideas just waiting for their turn to go!

What three artists would I find in your Ipod?

Erykah Badu, Raheem DeVaughn & Jill Scott

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?

Fruit and salad! I’m on a health kick right now.

What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?

Ledisi, although I wish I could sing like her too!

What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?

That’s a tough one because I’m really an open book. I guess most people who aren’t around me don’t know I work a full time job. I write because it’s a passion, I keep a job so that I don’t have to make writing one.

Choose a book title for the story of your life.

Roots Grown Wild

Nikkea,

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy life to answer ALL 21 questions and provide your bio and pictures!  I enjoyed finding out more about you and look forward to reading all of your books!  - Cheryl

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

I am an Amazon Affiliate and earn a percentage of sales if you purchase a product using Amazon links on my site.

Reading Challenge for I Am Going Where I Belong by Hans Lindor - Win a $25.00 Gift Card!

 I am Going Where I Belong by Hans Lindor

Read my review HERE

There is a mystery hidden in this book that no reader seems to be able to discover. The author, Hans Lindor, is offering a $25 gift card to any reader who can discover this mystery!

I loved this book as you can see if you click on the above link to my review.  Go ahead and get this book to see if you can figure out the mystery.  You will not be sorry that you read the book!

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - Unsavory Delicacies by Russell Brooks

Book Details
Title: Unsavory Delicacies

Author: Russell Brooks

Publisher:  Self-Published

Release Date: April 21, 2011
Source: Received e-book from the author

My Rating:   4/5 diamonds - Really Liked and Recommend!

About the Book (from russellparkway.com)

A three-course story collection with a side-order of revenge.

For fans of Barry Eisler, Robert Ludlum, and Clive Cussler. Three short stories of suspense with unsavory results.

Crème Brulé—Rogue operative, Monique Beauvais, cons a software genius into selling her a coveted technology that would allow its user to control CIA drones while they’re in flight. And she will go as far as killing him in public in order to have it.

To the Last Bite—A renowned food critic—whose scathing reviews have closed down restaurants—gets a savoury surprise.

Shashlyk and Morezhenoe—CIA operative, Ridley Fox, leads a team against one of Russia’s most powerful crime families. He discovers secrets, but not one that he was expecting to find.

Three stories with three consequences. All containing three Unsavory Delicacies.

My Review

When I was asked by Russell Brooks to review Unsavory Delicacies before it is even released, of course I said yes!  I haven't read his first book Pandora’s Succession yet, but you can believe I will after reading this book!

This is a book that consists of three short stories.  The first is "Creme Brulee".  Monique Beauvais meets up with Curtis White at a gourmet restaurant in Old Montreal.  He was supposed to bring her something in exchange for money.  He seemed like a nerdy guy.  She thinks things are going just as planned.  Things don't seem to be quite right, and I was surprised by the ending!

The second story is "To The Last Bite".  Dennis Kirby was at a french restaurant where he was supposed to eat and do a review.  The owner of the restaurant looked familiar, but he just couldn't place him at first.  He had a visitor at his house who brought him a special meal.  I couldn't believe what the meal was and what happened at the end!

The last story is "Shashlyk and Morozhenoe" which has a lot of action and a surprises too!


Even though this was a short book, I really enjoyed it!  Sometimes in short stories you just can't get into what is going on, but that was not the case here!  The first two short stories were my favorites There was suspense, humor, and um..well, you just have to read the book to see what else! I recommend this book!

Book Can Be Purchased At: 

Amazon  

Amazon UK

Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

XinXii

About The Author:

I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to be an Indiana Hoosier Track Champion and Canadian Track Team member in the 100 and 200 metres. My BS in Biology has given me a leg up to help write my first thriller novel, Pandora's Succession, with other novels that are currently in the works. I have a series of Op-Ed style essays that I post regularly to my blog, some of which have been featured in the Canadian media and on MySpace. Although my goal is to keep readers in suspense with my novels, I may occasionally dash off a short story, entertain viewers with my dramatic readings on The Russell Show, on YouTube.

Aside from all of that, I play the violin, sing, and workout.

I currently live in Montreal, Quebec.
I can be reached at:
russellbrookswriter@gmail.com

You can visit the author on his website russellparkway.com

Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review - Stilettos & Scoundrels by Laina Turner Molaski

About The Book:

Presley Thurman, a sassy, thirty-something red-head, was looking to reinvent herself. She didn’t allow the fact she was recently fired to bother her – she was ready to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. Presley was a lover of shopping and Starbucks, and even though she sometimes had bad taste in men, she always had great taste in clothes.

Not looking back on corporate America, Presley decided to follow her dream. With her feisty nature and a spirit to not “sweat the small stuff,” she was ready to tackle any challenge (even if she had no idea how she would pay the bills). When her friend Trevor offered her a job with his online magazine to interview public figures, she jumped at the chance.

However, the new job turned into something unexpected when the U.S. Senator she was slated to write about was murdered – in her home town! Presley was excited – she hadn’t seen so much buzz since the spring sample sale at Saks. She was ready for this adventure, even if it didn’t seem to fit neatly into her life. She couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be in the middle of the buzz.

Presley was determined (not to mention curious) to find the killer and write her story. After all, she couldn’t afford her shoe habit without a job and she was certainly not one to shy away from danger. The only thing standing in her way was an old high school fling, Cooper Sands, head of the Senator’s security. He was not actually standing in her way, but because of his good looks, he was the biggest distraction and one she was having the hardest time overcoming. Cooper felt it was too dangerous for Presley to look for a killer and tried to distract her with reliving the past; which Presley found more dangerous than any killer. While she attempted to resist Cooper’s good looks and charm, Presley was able to discover the Senator’s wife, Helen, had been having an affair… with her best friend’s boyfriend! Did Helen kill the Senator? Or was it the Senator’s love of gambling that got him killed? And what was Cooper’s secret tie to the mob boss Garrison Palazzo?

Presley’s betting her favorite pair of Manolo’s she will find the killer… but will time run out!

My Review:

Presley is a Senior Human Resource Manager at McLaughlin Industries.  Right in the beginning of the book, she gets fired from her job.   She definitely has to find some kind of work since she loves shoes and shopping!  As you can see from these quotes:

Enough reflecting, she said to herself, unlocking her door.  There were more pressing things to worry about--like finding a new job.  The bills wouldn't pay themselves, and she didn't have a sugar daddy in her back pocket.  Stepping on the foyer, she kicked off her Jimmy Choo's (she had a weakness for shoes and would rather not eat than go without her favorite shoes), and dug her toes into the thick, cream shag carpet as she hung her coat in the front closet.  I'll have to cut back on the shoe shopping now that I am unemployed, she thought to herself.  That was going to be more difficult than anything.  A girl had to have her priorities.  p.14

Shoes, bags and accessories of all kinds were just as important as food; actually, they were probably more important than food. Right after coffee and before food was probably the perfect priority for accessories. p. 34

She was thinking about what she would like to do for a job.  The two things she always wanted to do was be a writer and work at Kentucky Fried Chicken (her favorite restaurant when she was little).  Her friend Trevor had talked about her writing for his online magazine.  Since she loves to write, she thought maybe she will try that.  Her first assignment is to interview the Senator who is from Alkon, her hometown.  She decides to go there and do the interview.  She figures it will be a good chance to spend time with her friends and family too.     

Within a few hours of the time that she interviews the Senator, he is murdered.  She finds herself immersed in trying to figure out who murdered the Senator.  This is when the book really picked up for me!  I am surprised at how good of a detective Presley is, and this really made the story!

Presley's mom still treated her like a little girl, and that was really annoying.  If I was Presley I would have told her that she is a grown girl and stop treating her like a child!   

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!  The story really picked up for me after the murder, and I was turning pages to see what was going to happen next!  I hope Presley comes back in another book!  I definitely recommend this book!

Book Details
Title: Stilettos & Scoundrels

Author: Laina Turner Molaski

Publisher:  Self-Published

Release Date: February 23, 2010
Source: Received from the author

My Rating:  4/5 diamonds

About the Author:

Laina Turner-Molaski is a business woman, mom, author, Professor, and a major supporter of shopping. She has an undying love for shoes and coffee, which is why she created her main character and alter-ego Presley Thurman.

With many letters after her name and a ton of student loan debt, she is always working to pay the bills. While she enjoys her day job, her passion is writing, and she uses a lot of company time writing her fiction or working on her social website for women, chiczofrenic.com. She is hoping to sell her book before she gets fired from her day job for goofing off.

Laina is currently living in Indiana, with her family, and is always writing something, whether it’s blogs, articles, business journals and books or ideas for her next novel. She is continuously doing what she loves which is writing or drinking coffee.

You can visit her website at LainaTurner.com

To all women out there...you can be superwoman. Embrace your life. What's your brand of crazy?
—Dr. Laina Turner-Molaski

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews.

Interview with Author Katharine Russell

Katharine Russell

Kath Russell enjoyed over thirty-five years in marketing and communications management in the biotechnology industry. She was an executive with one of the first genetic engineering companies. Russell also was president of Russell-Welsh Strategic Life Science Communications, Inc., and founder and chief executive officer of an ecommerce company offering services for mature companion animals and veterinarians. Russell received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, her master’s degree in journalism from Boston University, her master’s of business administration from the Kellogg School of Management, and earned her certificate in creative writing from the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.

Interview:

If you have describe yourself with one word, what would it be?Persistent

What is the main source of inspiration for your writing?I like to work with themes. For example, in DEED SO, what makes a community or a family endure? What values or spiritual resources help it survive? Same thing with people. There are some characters in the first part of the book who seem as mighty as oak trees, yet they experience a literal or metaphorical fall.

I also am drawn to writing about reluctant heroes, people who are thrust into the middle of a difficult situation that is not of their own making, and they have to solve the dilemma before they can get back on track toward achieving their own personal desires. Haddie is such a person, and her observations and experiences change her, even change her most cherished goals by the end of the book. The reluctant hero, of course, is an idea as old as storytelling itself. That's why Ulysses still enchants us.

Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?I guess I have taken a page from Faulkner's playbook. I have created the fictional Wicomico Corners, a town that resembles the place where I grew up, but is not that place, and filled it with a cast of characters. The place is like Shangri-La in that nobody has to age, and if anything changes, it is I who control the changing. In that sense, it is a three-dimensional chessboard, but it is not like creating a fantasy or science fiction world. I have to obey history, I have to render the past with fidelity. DEED SO is set in 1962, so my story arch has to happen within the bounds of what was possible then. My undergraduate degree was in history, so I suppose it is not surprising my little town is an American time capsule.

What type of research goes into your books?Although, in DEED SO, I am writing about a period I actually experienced, your mind can play tricks on you, so I did a certain amount of research to re-immerse myself in the early Sixties. It was fun, rediscovering all the music, the cars, the clothing. Revisiting the politics of the time wasn't fun, but it reminded me of how breathtaking our progress has been. I did my heaviest research on the Vietnam conflict and particularly the battle of Ap Bac, which plays an important role in the plot. I place my character Gideon Albright in that horrific setting to bring alive those experiences and their aftermath for readers of anew generation.

What are you working on right now?In fiction, I am working on the second book in my Pointer Mystery series, and also a collection of regional short stories and poetry. I also am outlining a non-fiction book on science literacy for women. Progress for women is a major theme in DEED SO. Back then, the problem was access to better careers and the corridors of power. Today, our problem is what the experts call S.T.E.M. illiteracy (science, technology, engineering and math). The best jobs in the modern workplace involve STEM, and if you can't 'speak' STEM, you are not going to make the big bucks. Problem is girls are being turned away from or encouraged to avoid science courses very early in their educational lives. This starts happening around the age of nine! If you don't get a good foundation in STEM, you'll never be able to catch up. This is a tragedy for women and for the nation.  Did I mention I'm kind of passionate about this? At the end of DEED SO, Haddie discusses her career choices. I'm not going to spoil it for readers, but suffice it to say, she does not chose to be a housewife.

Do you have any other special talents besides writing?I like to paint. I dabble in acrylic, oil, watercolor and pastel, depending on my mood. Often, when I get stuck in my writing, I turn to painting, as it energizes a different part of the brain.

Are you reading anything right  now?The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly. After I finish that, I'll probably start Family Claims by Twist Phelan. I had dinner with her and some other novelist colleagues at the Left Coast Crime conference last month in Santa Fe, and was reminded I had not read one of her books, so I downloaded a couple.

I also want to call everyone's attention to Fish Tales: The Guppy Anthology. The Gups (Great Unpublished) writers are a sub-chapter of Sisters in Crime, the organization Sara Paretsky founded twenty-five years ago to demand equal treatment for women writers from the publishing industry. Reading work by the Guppies is a great way to discover exciting new writers before everyone else does.

What is one food item that you can’t live without?Crab cakes.  Can't help it. You can take a Marylander out of Maryland, but you can't take Maryland out of the Marylander. It has to be blue crab though, and you must treat it gently.

What is something about you that not many people know?Most people know me or think of me as an only child. I have all the only child attributes, having been showered with the love and undivided attention of two very devoted parents. However, for a very brief time I had an older brother. Frank Edwin Russell was a blue baby. He died at the Corpus Christi Naval Hospital during the war. The hospital only had one incubator. I think about him from time to time, and wonder how different my life would have been if he had lived. Then I think I would have had to share my parents. Then I feel guilty. I hold him in my memory, this brother I never knew.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the literary world?Be not afraid. It is a wild and crazy time in publishing right now. Nobody knows how all this is going to work itself out, but change breeds opportunity. I spent a good part of my career working in entrepreneurial companies, and I tend to see the glass as half full. I think that more mid-list authors are going to make a decent living from their writing than ever before. You are going to have to work hard and be your own best publicist, but you can do this!

How can your readers contact you?My blog is http://www.russellwrites.blogspot.com/, and my e-mail address is russellwrites@gmail.com. Just be nice and don't interrupt cocktail hour.

Thank you so much to Katharine Russell for taking the time to answer my interview questions!

Here are my reviews of Deed So and A Pointed Death by Katharine Russell

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews.