Blog Archives

What Am I Reading...And Recommending?

5/30/2018

What Am I Reading...And Recommending?

If you’re like me, I read every chance I get, and I’ve stolen more opportunities than usual lately.
My kindle’s been a busy device! While some books were just so-so—fun but not keepers—a few were standouts, including the five books/series I’ve listed below (in no particular order).
I hope you enjoy them too!

1. Innkeeper series by Ilona Andrews: Clean Sweep, Sweep in Peace, One Fell Sweep. Dina Demille is an innkeeper of a bed and breakfast in small town Texas. It’s also a paranormal/scifi waystation.

Loved all three. Can’t wait for the next.

2. Heartstrikers series by Rachel Aaron: Nice Dragons Finish Last, One Good Dragon Deserves Another, No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished, A Dragon of a Different Color, Last Dragon Standing. At 24, Julius is the youngest of his clan, and he’s just too nice. Tossed out on his own and told to dragon-up or else, he teams up with an inexperienced mage (female, of course) and surprises everyone, including himself.

Although this action-filled fantasy/dystopian series is complete at five books, the author hinted there may be related stories soon, and I’ll be watching for them. Here’s your chance to root for the underdog!

3. Veiled Magic series by Deborah Blake: Veiled Magic, Veiled Menace, Veiled Enchantments. Witch-cop Donata Santori interrogates dead witnesses for the PD, an okay but not very exciting job until one ghost puts her on the trail of a magic painting that may threaten the world. And a couple of unusual guys come into her life.

Fast-paced fantasy with a healthy sprinkling of humor. I’m still in the middle of them and eager to get back to the rest of the story!

4. The latest Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery, Charmed Bones. This is book 18 of a Southern cozy mystery series by Carolyn Haines. If you like mystery with humor, a Southern flavor complete with a resident haint and a cast of unique characters, you have a treat in store. And this new book has witches!

If you’re new to the series, I’d recommend you start with book one, Them Bones. If, like me, you’ve read them all, don’t miss this new addition! Sarah Booth appears to make some long awaited choices!

5. I finished C.S. Harris’ Sebastian St Cyr mystery series (13 books so far) a couple of months ago, but I can’t make a list of recommended reads without including it. St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, returned from the Napoleonic wars only to be accused of murder on the streets of London. He sets out to prove his innocence in a story full of intrigue and romance that spans the London scene from the glittering ballrooms to the gritty slums.

If you enjoy historical mysteries, don’t overlook this early 1800s series bordering on the noir. There is just a touch of "the unusual" in his unique sight and hearing.
One of my favorite series. Book 1 is What Angels Fear.

Have you read any of these books? Were they special for you too?
Do you have a suggestion for what I should read next?

How Mystery Author Joanne Guidoccio Followed Her Dream

5/23/2018

Come on in and join us, Booklovers!

It's time for another Coffee Chat! Since the Midwest has skipped spring this year and gone straight to summer, I’m drinking my coffee before the day gets too hot. I hope you have your favorite beverage and are ready to talk with mystery author, Joanne Guidoccio. (Psst, she also has a giveaway. See below.)

Welcome, Joanne! How do you take your coffee?

JG: I love my Chatty Matty organic free-trade coffee black with a packet of Stevia.

Ally: Oh, you thought you'd trip up my magic pot with that one, didn't you? Not possible. While I whip up your brew, please introduce yourself to readers.

Bio:

In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.

Where to find Joanne Guidoccio:

Website: http://joanneguidoccio.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jguidoccio/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Who or what inspired you to write fiction?

JG: While sitting in Sister Maris Stella’s Grade 13 English class (circa 1973), I dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. At the time, I was reading Margaret Atwood’s novels and poetry. Our teachers raved about her and encouraged us to read more Can Lit (Canadian Literature). I toyed with the idea of a fine arts degree but followed the conventional advice of the times and pursued a career in teaching. In my heart of hearts, I knew that someday I would resurrect that writing dream. In 2008, I took advantage of early retirement and devoted my second act to writing.

Ally: How do you choose and name your characters?

JG: When I first started writing, I paid little attention to name selection. Whenever I introduced a new character, I would use the first name that popped into my head and then become very attached to that name. That resulted in repetition and confusion. In A Season for Killing Blondes, Book 1 in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series, I used Paolo, Paula, and Pauline for three of the characters. Thankfully, one of my beta readers pointed out the repetition. Later (after publication), I noticed the same problem with Mel and Melly Grace; Jean and Jenny Marie.

With Books 2 and 3 of the series, I have been more careful with name selection. I write out all the character names beforehand and spend several days getting comfortable with them. Anything that sounds confusing or repetitive is replaced.

Ally: Have you thought about one of your books being made into a movie? If so, who would play the parts?

JG: I’d love to have the three books in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series--A Season for Killing Blondes, Too Many Women in the Room, A Different Kind of Reunion—made into movies.

I would want Lorraine Bracco to play the part of Gilda Greco. A long-time fan, I enjoyed watching her play Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos, a role she had to actually request. The producers had originally asked her to audition for the role of Carmela, but Lorraine felt compelled to stretch herself in the role of the psychiatrist.
   Carlo Fantin – Colin Firth
   Leo Mulligan – Woody Harrelson
   Cassandra Coburn – Anna Kendrick

Ally: Does your real life show up in your writing?

JG: Having lived and taught in different cities throughout the province of Ontario, I felt free to “borrow” characteristics from former colleagues and students to create composite characters. While Gilda is approximately 70% me, the same can’t be said of the other characters. I would be very surprised if anyone recognized himself/herself in the novel.

Ally: Which of your books is your personal favorite?

JG: I think of my five books as my children. As I wrote each one, I felt an intense love and passion for the storyline and characters. If you had asked me during any of those writing marathons, I would have immediately answered that the current WIP was my personal favorite. In hiatus, I would have to say that A Season for Killing Blondes is the book that is dearest to me. I started the first draft during the most challenging season of my life (chemotherapy for Stage 3B breast cancer) and took another three years to edit and polish the manuscript.

Ally: Try these five short answer questions.
a. Manicure or Pedicure: Both!!
b. Color of Nail Polish you’re currently wearing: Beau (soft pink)
c. Non-writing Hobbies: Yoga, scrapbooking, artist dates, blogging, movies
d. Hiking or sunbathing: Hiking
e. A Favorite Movie:   Out of Africa
Ally: Thanks for chatting with us, Joanne. Before you leave, let’s take a look at your featured book, A Different Kind of Reunion.

A Different Kind of Reunion
Genre: Mystery

While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.

Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a séance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first cooperative and willing, their camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The séance is a bust.

Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?

Trailer: https://youtu.be/wqiTpt2KfZA

Buy Links:

Amazon (Canada): https://is.gd/vR5Sxn
Amazon (United States): https://is.gd/lU0qw7
Kobo: https://is.gd/5MMKWF
Indigo: https://is.gd/11GpVs
Barnes & Noble: https://is.gd/ckNfhx
iTunes: https://is.gd/oPe0RD
The Wild Rose Press: https://is.gd/nQ2ZjT

Enter Joanne's GIVEAWAY:
Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/628069207/

Author Interview: J.L. Ramirez aka J.L. Regen

5/16/2018

Happy Wednesday!

It's a beautiful day in the Midwest, so I've moved our chat to the deck. But pull up your chairs, there's plenty of room. Today's guest writes under two names. Jamie Is Autistic was written under J.L. Ramirez. Her recently published adult romance is under the pen name of J.L. Regen.

Welcome, Joan. How do you take your coffee?

JLR: I drink decaf coffee with a bit of skim milk and a dab of honey.

Ally: No problem. While I get that ready, please introduce yourself to readers.

BIO:

J.L. Ramirez aka J.L. Regen lives in the New York metropolitan area, is a published photojournalist, has short suspense stories online, and has taught English as a Second Language to students around the globe. She has published three nonfiction books, a contemporary romance, and is crafting a historical suspense set in World War II.

Something not in your regular biography: "I ride horses and am passionate about photography--both when I come up for air from completing a book project."

Contacts:

Website: http://www.joansbookshelf.com
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Ramirez/e/B00ND7XINS

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Naming characters can be tricky. Some authors use the phone book or even people they know. What works for you?

JLR: I choose names for my characters by personalities.

Ally: What influenced or inspired you to become a writer?

JLR: My inspiration to become an author was influenced by Isabelle Holland, the greatest author ever and a good friend.

Ally: What do you like to do when you’re away from the computer?

JLR: My favorite non-writing hobby is photography.

Ally: What can readers expect to see in the stores soon?

JLR: My next writing project is a suspense with romance set in WWII.

Ally: Five quick answer question about you.

a. Book you’re currently reading--Masquerade by Gayle Lynd
b. Favorite television show--The Blue Bloods
c. Favorite Song--Anything by Nat King Cole
d. Hobbies--photography and horseback riding
e. Favorite place to write--in summer--my terrace and in winter--my writer's nook

Ally: Thanks for coming, Joan. Before we finish, please show us the book you brought which is suitable reading for all ages, Jamie Is Autistic. And we'll take a quick peek at your 18+ contemporary romance, Secret Desires.

Jamie Is Autistic
(Learning in a Special Way)
J.L. Ramirez

Jamie is the story of one young girl's struggles as an Autistic learner. Through support from parents, teachers, and a school counselor, she is able to learn and make friends.

Exercises to help Autistic learners are included in the back of the book. While this story was written for Autistic students, it will also show all children the importance of acceptance of others and learning in different ways.

Amazon buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Autistic-Learning-Special-Way-ebook/dp/B00GMS4Y2O/

B& N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jamie-is-autistic-learning-in-a-special-way-joan-ramirez/1117433411

Book update May 17:
Jamie is Autistic is now on Audible.com and on Amazon.com in Spanish.

Secret Desires, her first contemporary romance, was inspired by a real life story of lovers who join hearts against many odds. Rated 18+ for its spicy love scenes.

It may be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Have a great week! See you again soon.

Author Interview: JL Walters' Story of Persistence

5/9/2018

Welcome, Booklovers!

Another perfect day in May to settle in for coffee and to meet author J. L. Walters. She writes a variety of books, but today we're talking about her YA fantasy, Affinities: Escape, Book 1 in that series.

Nice to meet you, Janet. How do you take your coffee?

JLW: Sweet and light. I prefer mocha and even then I add a bit more sugar and some cream. My friends always laugh. They ask me if I like coffee with my milk.

Ally: Lol. My dad did something similar, and we gave him a hard time too. While I grab those coffee mugs, please introduce yourself to readers.

Bio:

Janet Lane Walters has been a published author for 50 years but not all those years were spent writing. She managed during that time to receive a BA in English and a BS in nursing. She writes many things. Among her published works are short stories, poetry, non-fiction and her favorite novels. She has difficulty sticking to one genre and has published romances both contemporary, historical, fantasy and paranormal. She has several mysteries under her belt and two Young Adult series, both in fantasy worlds. She is wife, mother and grandmother. In fact, her seven grandchildren are featured but changed in the Affinities series.

Something unique in my bio. “With a friend, I did horoscopes for people and for a fee. Earned enough to take a trip to Ireland.”

Janet’s Places are here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanetL717
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f bid=113639528680724
Publisher: http://bookswelove.net/
Blog: http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

INTERVIEW:

Ally: Tell us about your main character and why the reader will relate to him or her.

JLW: Interesting question since Affinities Book 1 has five focus characters. Ashlea has an affinity for Air. Her twin Brandien has an affinity for Water. The second set of twins includes Kylandra, her affinity is Fire, and Jadren, who has an Affinity for Earth. The fifth of the main characters in this ensemble book is Alizand, he is the prince and has an affinity for Fire.
The five children are halflings with one parent belonging to the original settlers and the other to the newcomers. Their affinities allow them to do what seems like magical tricks. The two sets of twins are sent by their parents through underground passages to escape the destruction of their henge and they must use their affinities to find their way and a safe place when the destruction occurs. Alizand is unhappy when his guard is sent away and he runs away. During the destruction, he is injured by a falling rock. The other four unite their powers to save his life. The two sets of twins are frightened and seeking a refuge. Along with Alizand, they travel to the main city but they leave him during the night and seek a safe place and also mentors to teach them. They also must face Dom Senet, a man who has all four affinities and wishes to make them his slaves.

Ally: What was your journey to publication, including bumps and missteps?

JLW: Herein lies a story of persistence. In 1968 I published my first short story. The box of rejections I collected was huge, but then it was rather clear selling until the short story markets dried up. I had sold two that never saw publication but the money was mine. Then an editor read a short story and said it sounded like the synopsis for a novel. I was publishing a poem here and there but only received payment in cash for one. The others were paid with copies of magazines. Back to writing novels. In those days, for fiction, the writer sent the entire manuscript and this was before the days of computers. Sometimes the manuscripts came back looking like they’d been in a war, served as a resting place for coffee cups and once with charred areas. Not sure if the story bored the editor and they fell asleep dropping a lit cigarette on the pages.
But there were also good things. The editors often sent not just the formal rejection printed paper but sent remarks or even wrote all over the manuscript. I sold the first novel I wrote but this was after many revisions using the comments from these helpful editors.
Then I decided to complete my education earning a BA in English and a Bs in Nursing. I turned down several editing jobs in New York and returned to work as a nurse for the children were wanting to go to college. Writing fell to no more than jotting ideas.
In 1994, I resigned from nursing and took up writing again only to find one must write query letters, synopsis, find an agent. Fortunately I belonged to Romance Writers of America and a published friend took my synopsis when she met with her editor and amazingly I had a contract. I still gathered rejection letters from other publishers.
Then came electronic publishing. I sold my first one there in 1997 and it came live in 1998. I haven’t stopped there and have a lot of books in both electronic and print versions available. So fifty years later, I’m still as my granddaughter when she was two used to say to people when they came into the house “Be quiet. Grammy’s making words.”

Ally: What type of editing do you do, from first draft through appearance online or in bookstores?

JLW: I am a draft writer. I begin with writing a rough draft based on the chapter synopsis I have created. Often there are changes as I progress and I will stop and focus on writing the synopsis from where I changed directions. After the rough draft, I study the manuscript for the plot and plot lines to make sure they make sense. This and the rough draft are hand written and typed into the computer. Then I set forth to decide if I have all the settings down. Once an editor told me my characters existed in a vacuum so I make sure the reader can tell where the characters are. There is the character draft where I make sure the characters are in character. Finally comes the nit-picking draft where I read each line and see to grammar and other little things like italics in certain places.
The manuscript then goes to my publisher who sends it to an editor who does mostly a grammar and spellcheck for those words that are real words but not the ones needed. The editor also sees places where I should clarify something or perhaps re-write a passage. I okay the changes and send it back. Then the book is published mostly online.

Ally: How do you choose and name your characters?

JLW: Painfully. Until I have the characters’ names, I can’t begin to write the story. I have many baby name books and I probably use most of them to find the right first name. The last name is found from the phone book if I have trouble. Occasionally, a character arrives with a name and if so, there is no way I can change it. My last book, the hero announced he was Caleb. I tried but no other name seemed to fit him.

Ally: What is your next writing project? Anticipated release date?

JLW: Next up on my agenda is The Virgo Pisces Connection the final book in my Opposites in Love. The story tells of Megan, an Oncology nurse who burns out after her third death of a favorite patient in a week, The last of the deaths in this story took me back to my days as a student nurse and an event that happened to me. Megan is a Pisces and a dreamer. Her opposite is Dave, a doctor who has been a fill-in traveling doctor since his residency ended. He decides it’s time to settle down. A February snow storm and an accident brings the pair together where together, they discover why each one is running. I expect the book to be released in September.

Ally: We’ll wind up the interview with these short answer questions:

a. book you're currently reading: Foreigner Series Book Four by C. J. Cherryh
b. an author (living or dead) you'd love to take to lunch: Jane Austin and Leon Tolstoy
c. high heels or sneakers: Sneakers always
d. What comes to your first - character or plot? Both
e. something unique in your closet: my epee from my fencing days

Ally: It was fun chatting with you, Janet. Before you go, please show us your YA book, Affinities: Escape.

Affinities: Escape (Book 1) by J.L. Walters
Genre: YA fantasy

Two sets of halfling twins, Ashlea, Brandien, Jaydren and Kylandra sent away from their home by their parents to protect them from trouble, search for mentors to teach them how to use their affinities.

Each of these young teens has an affinity for one of the elements. Ash for Air, Bran for Water, Jay for Earth and Ky for Fire. During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule.

Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Affinities-Escape-J-L-Walters-ebook/dp/B0088IGADC
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escape-jl-walters/1115410839?ean=2940016703886

Buy Link for all my books: http://bookswelove.net/authors/walters-janet-lane-romance-fantasy-suspense-medical/

Thanks for stopping by the blog. Come back soon!

Author Chris Eboch: 60 Books, but Who's Counting

5/2/2018

Welcome, Booklovers!

Are you ready for a cup of your favorite hot brew and a chat about books? It’s time to meet another author, and this week’s guest is a prolific writer, children’s author Chris Eboch (aka Kris Bock (adult fiction)).

Thank you for coming, Chris. What may I get you to drink?

CE: I can't stand coffee! My mom is the same way, so if you think I'm crazy, blame her. Instead, I'm totally a tea drinker. In fact, hang on – I need to go make my second giant mug of the day.

Ally: Oh, wait. Wait. My magic pot can prepare anything. Why don’t you stay here and introduce yourself, and I’ll get that mug for you.

CE: Well, okay. I like my tea hot and sweetened. I use a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk, a trick I learned from a former roommate who picked it up in the Caribbean.

Ally: No problem. I’ll be back by the time you’ve gotten acquainted with readers.

BIO:

Chris Eboch is the author of over 50 books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and up include The Eyes of Pharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan adventure; The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with The Ghost on the Stairs. Her writing craft books include You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers, and Advanced Plotting. Learn more at https://chriseboch.com/ or her Amazon page, or check out her writing tips at her Write Like a Pro! blog.

Chris also writes for adults under the name Kris Bock. Kris Bock novels are action-packed romantic adventures set in Southwestern landscapes. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows a treasure hunt in New Mexico. Whispers in the Dark involves intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. Counterfeits starts a series about art theft. What We Found is a mystery with romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page. (some adult books are 18+)

Something unique/unusual that isn't in your regular bio: “My first clear childhood memories are from Saudi Arabia. We moved there just before my fifth birthday and lived in an American camp for six years while my father worked for the oil company. My classmates were mostly American, but I had friends from Britain, India, and Pakistan. My family camped in the desert and shopped in the nearby Arab town. Santa visited on a camel.”

Interview:

Ally: What can readers expect from your books? Are they suitable for all ages?

CE: My books for children and youth are G rated – The Well of Sacrifice has historically accurate violence, and one kiss, and that's as strong as it gets. My adult novels vary from closed-door sex to one or two explicit sex scenes.

Ally: How did you become a published author? Were there pitfalls along the way?

CE: I wrote my first novel, The Well of Sacrifice, shortly after finishing grad school, while I was looking for work as a magazine editor. I loved books such as Julie of the Wolves and Island of the Blue Dolphins growing up and wanted to do a similar young adventure story. The novel is set in Mayan times, inspired by a summer I spent traveling through Mexico and Central America. Astonishingly, I sold the book! This gave me the mistaken impression that having a writing career wasn't so hard. I have since written many novels that I haven't sold, but I've managed to make a career of writing by focusing on more steady moneymakers such as educational publishing.

Around 2008, I was feeling restless and wanted a change. I had mostly been reading adult romantic suspense novels, so I started writing those under the name Kris Bock. The Mad Monk’s Treasure follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In The Dead Man’s Treasure, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.

So I have over 60 published books now, but that includes fiction and nonfiction, for children and adults. The variety keeps me interested!
Ally: Most writers are also avid readers. What are your reading habits?

CE: I like romantic suspense and mystery, but nothing too gruesome. I don’t need dead bodies strewn on every page. Lately historical romance seems to be my comfort reads. It generally makes a nice break from whatever I’m working on. Maybe because I don’t write it, I can turn off the editorial brain and just be a reader. These days I mainly read on the Kindle, both for convenience and because my eyes can no longer always handle tiny print. I can get ebooks from the library without actually going to the library. Our small town has a good but small library, and the big library system I primarily use is over an hour away.

Ally: So tell us something about your home life.

CE: I live in a small town in central New Mexico with my husband and our ferrets. I am a full-time writer, and my home office looks out on nature, complete with distracting wildlife such as roadrunners and foxes. I take breaks and use my BFA in photography to show Facebook friends how lovely the Southwest is. The only ways to get around are on foot or by car, but it's such a small town that I can often walk to friends’ houses and rush-hour is less than five minutes.

Ally: Does your real life show up in your writing? In what ways?

CE: My historical novels for children don't use a lot of real life experience, since they are set in different cultures, hundreds or thousands of years ago. Of course, I assume that people haven't changed that much – the seven deadly sins are pretty relevant today – so I draw on my understanding of people and my general experiences with emotions. For example, in The Well of Sacrifice, the main character idolizes her older brother and is envious of her prettier sister. She's at an age where she thinks the adults should take care of things but is realizing that they don't always do what's right. I think those aspects resonate with kids today, even if you're talking about a pre-Columbian Mayan setting with a very different culture and lifestyle.

Real life experiences often give me ideas for my adult novels, written as Kris Bock. What We Found is a mystery inspired by finding a dead body while hiking. Someone in law enforcement said that people often don't report crimes they stumbled across. That got me thinking – Why? What reasons would you have for not calling the police? The book also includes falconry, based on experiences I’ve had hanging out with a falconer.

Whispers in the Dark follows a young archaeologist who stumbles into danger as mysteries unfold among ancient Southwest ruins. That was inspired by a trip to Hovenweep National Monument some years ago. I loved that setting and had to use it in a book!

I had an idea for a series about treasure hunting adventures in the Southwest, so I read up on some lost treasures. In The Mad Monk’s Treasure, two friends search for the Victorio Peak treasure – a heretic Spanish priest’s gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. Their experiences in the desert are based on my experiences hiking in New Mexico, though they get more danger and drama.

Ally: Do you include animals as characters in your books? What kind of parts do they play?

CE: My treasure hunting adventures each have a different main couple, but some characters show up in each book. The Mad Monk’s Treasure introduces two friends, Erin and Camie, and Camie’s oversized orange cat Tiger. Camie and Tiger help out in The Dead Man’s Treasure, and they’re the main characters – along with a love interest for Camie – in The Skeleton Canyon Treasure. I think Tiger may be my most popular character of all. He goes hiking with Camie and has been known to attack intruders. Some people think his behavior is unrealistic, while others swear they’ve known a cat just like him. These are novels for 18+, written as Kris Bock.

Ally: Let’s wind up the interview with a few short answer questions:
a) book you're currently reading: I just finished Thunder on the Right, by Mary Stewart. Her books are the ones that first made me fall in love with romantic suspense, and I model my adult books after hers.
b) high heels or sneakers: Since I work at home, I wear socks in summer and slippers in winter. Leaving the house, it's hiking boots or running shoes. We're pretty casual in New Mexico.
c) hiking or sunbathing: Definitely hiking! I try to go hiking every weekend. My skin appreciates me not getting any more sun than absolutely necessary.
d) What comes to your first - character or plot? Typically plot, or at least premise. In The Eyes of Pharaoh I started with the idea of friends uncovering a plot against the Pharaoh. I chose a time in ancient Egyptian history where the country was politically vulnerable.
e) Your pets: We got our first two ferrets in 2012. Zonks and Rico came as a pair. Ferrets don’t live very long, unfortunately, especially when you get them as older rescues, so we’ve loved and lost two more since then. We’ve had our current two, Teddy Black Bear (Bear) and Princess Pandemonium (Panda) since August. They love to wrestle and to sleep cuddled together. I have yet to use a ferret in one of my books, but I’m sure I will someday.
Ally: It’s been a pleasure, Chris. Before you go, please show us your featured book.

CE: Love to. Thanks for having me!

The Eyes of Pharaoh
Genre: Mystery, MG and up
Rated: G

The Eyes of Pharaoh, set in Egypt in 1177 BC, brings an ancient world to life. When Reya hints that Egypt is in danger from foreign nomads, Seshta and Horus don’t take him seriously. How could anyone challenge Egypt? Then Reya disappears. To save their friend, Seshta and Horus spy on merchants, soldiers, and royalty, and start to suspect even The Eyes of Pharaoh, the powerful head of the secret police. Will Seshta and Horus escape the traps set for them, rescue Reya, and stop the plot against Egypt in time?

Readers agree: “Mid School students and their teachers will love this fast paced mystery that has so much history and culture hidden in plain sight…. You won't be able to put the book down until you learn what happens to the three friends.”

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