#BookReview - Victim Eleven by Tom Chorneau

Victim Eleven

By: Tom Chorneau

Publisher: DartFrog Books

Publication Date: June 2021

ISBN: 978-1953910615

Reviewed by: Lynette Latzko

Review Date: July 6, 2021

Victim Eleven is a gripping, yet sometimes confusing, thriller written by seasoned author and veteran reporter, Tom Chorneau.

James J. Cole, a former investigative journalist and current private investigator, is attempting to sell his home when he is informed that his house was the site of a rape and murder allegedly committed by the notorious Golden State Killer (a man who was suspected of raping, burglarizing and murdering dozens of people in California between 1973 and 1986). Not knowing much about the sensational coverage of the recent arrest of the alleged serial felon, and potentially worried about how he should deal with this information, Cole embarks upon his own investigation in an attempt to prove that this crime did in fact occur in his home. While searching for answers, Cole is thrown unexpectedly into dangerous territory when he discovers a theory circulating around for years that the Golden State Killer may not have carried out his crimes alone, but with an accomplice.

While Cole is deeply entangled in his own inquiry about the crime committed in his house, he starts a new job as a private investigator for a law firm. His first two assignments, Cole thinks, are fairly mundane, and even a bit ridiculous. But he is quickly assigned to several other cases that not only require more research and involvement tracking down an extensive list of leads, but as Cole quickly discovers, are also a lot more dangerous to conduct.

The overall story is an excellent melange between fiction and fact, and it is obvious that the author did extensive research about the Golden State Killer while writing. The nail-biting suspense and plot twists keep readers engaged throughout the main character’s tireless search for answers. However, because of the concurrent subplots, and many new characters (often with multiple nicknames) involved in Cole’s other investigations, readers are presented with too much critical information and may become lost and frustrated, finding themselves rereading portions of the story in order to understand, and fully appreciate, what is going on. While it is, of course, a reality that an investigative journalist/private investigator may be working on more than one case at a time, perhaps if the author focused solely on, and expanded the original story, it would be easier to follow, and thus a bit more enjoyable to read. This reviewer also felt that although the final chapter tied everything together nicely, it was a bit of an abrupt ending, particularly for Cole and all the adventures (both mundane and harrowing) he successfully went through in order to ultimately get all the answers he was searching for throughout the various cases he was juggling. Maybe there will be continued exploits for James J. Cole in the future? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Quill says: Victim Eleven is part thrilling fiction and part cold hard facts, mixed into one interesting read.

To learn more about Victim Eleven, please visit the author’s website at: www.tomchorneau.com.

#BookReview - A Most Clever Girl

A Most Clever Girl: A Novel of an American Spy

By: Stephanie Marie Thornton

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: September 2021

ISBN: 978-0593198407

Reviewed by: Dianne Woodman

Review Date: July 2, 2021

A Most Clever Girl is a fictional story of an historical figure that begins in November of 1963 when Catherine Gray shows up at the Connecticut apartment of Elizabeth Bentley. Catherine has one goal in mind - she plans to end the life of Elizabeth and herself as she holds Elizabeth responsible for wreaking havoc on her life. She considers Elizabeth a traitor to the United States and wants Elizabeth to admit her guilt of being a Russian spy and Communist.

Elizabeth is able to convince Catherine to hold off on passing judgment until she first hears her side of the story about her life as an American spy and member of the Communist Party of the United States of America (CPUSA). The story switches to 1933 when Elizabeth begins the story of her involvement with the CPUSA. Elizabeth joined the Party because she believed the rhetoric espoused by her best friend, Lee Fuhr, and to safeguard their friendship. However, that friendship was terminated as soon as Elizabeth agreed to work for the Communist underground. Yasha, a founding member of CPUSA, trained Elizabeth in the intricacies and complexities of an agent’s life. The two of them developed a friendship that turned into a secret romantic relationship.

Things soon turned bad and Elizabeth experienced an emotional downfall. To make matters worse, the Party had different ideas about Elizabeth’s future involvement as a spy. They wanted her to turn over all her contacts, but Elizabeth rebuffed their efforts. In 1945 she made the decision to defect and became an informant for the FBI. This led to unexpected repercussions, such as disbelief in her testimony as a government witness and character defamation. Soon, family secrets will be revealed that may just help Catherine...

Stephanie Marie Thornton has written a captivating fictional story that provides readers with insight into the reasons behind Elizabeth Bentley choosing to become a spy. It also looks at how she dealt with the challenges she faced in living a life full of secrecy, lies, subterfuge, isolation, heartache, and loss. The book is split into three parts focusing on different time periods and stages in her life. Before each section is a quote from Bentley’s book, Out of Bondage, and each excerpt wonderfully ties in with the story. A nonfiction book list is included for anyone who wants to learn more details about Elizabeth Bentley’s life as well as thought-provoking discussion questions which are an ideal catalyst for insightful conversations with others. A Most Clever Girl, which includes profanity, is an eye-opening book about Elizabeth Bentley and how the choices she made impacted not only her health and well-being but also the relationships she forged with others.

Quill says: A Most Clever Girl is a compelling historical fiction novel of a little-known female American spy for the Soviet Union who defected and had a significant effect on Soviet espionage in the United States.

#AuthorInterview with Jacqueline Saper

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ellen Feld is talking with Jacqueline Saper, author of From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran.

FQ: Tell us a little about your book.

SAPER: My book is a memoir about my experiences growing up in Tehran to an Iranian father and a British mother. Therefore, I have been a bridge between the East and the West since birth. My comfortable childhood and adolescence ended with the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The monarchy ended, and Iran became an Islamic theocracy. Almost overnight, I went from wearing miniskirts to wearing the hijab by force. I continued to live in the Islamic Republic for eight more years, hiding in the basement as Iraqi bombs fell over the city during the Iran-Iraq war. I finally left Iran with my husband and two young children in 1987.

FQ: Where do you think you’ve improved the most in your writing process, and ability and how do you think you have evolved?

SAPER: I am a witness to events that changed not only my destiny but also world history. The experiences have not traumatized me but instead have strengthened me. The theme of my book is survival. I don’t allow things to weigh me down. I learn, I grow stronger, and I move on.

FQ: What was the impetus for writing your book?

SAPER: When I got to America, I was eager to assimilate into American culture, love my adopted country, and appreciate its freedoms and form of government. But my past would not leave me alone. It was within me and longing to get out. I couldn't suppress my story because it was most unusual and it needed to be told. I always had this calling and yearning that I needed to write the story. For many years, I would jot down or write journal entries about my memories.

FQ: Have you always enjoyed writing, or is it something you’ve discovered recently?

SAPER: Growing up bilingual, I had always loved English vocabulary, literature, and writing. By writing the book, I used my creative side in conjunction with my logical mathematical side. (I am a Certified Public Accountant by education). Writing allowed me to use both my left brain and right brain in different career paths.

Author Jacqueline Saper

FQ: Please give our readers a little insight into your writing process. Do you set aside a certain time each day to write, only write when the desire to write surfaces, or ?

SAPER: It took me a few years to finish the book. At times I spent eight to ten hours a day writing and researching. I wanted to make sure that all the events were historically accurate. It was a difficult task, as I had to relive all the experiences again while making sure I was factual and unbiased. When I began to write the book, all the memories poured out, and the words couldn't wait to get on paper. Actually, I had written much more but cut them out for the book...

FQ: What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

SAPER: Writing a book is a full-time job, and it requires a lot of commitment. You have to know your subject matter very well and do extensive research. It’s doable, but like everything else, it needs a lot of dedication and passion. Many times, I wanted to give up. I said, “What have I put myself into?”

FQ: What makes your memoir unique? Why should readers pick up your book over others in the field?

SAPER: My memoir, From Miniskirt to Hijab, is the winner of the Chicago Writers Association 2020 Book of the Year Award. The book is also a finalist for the 2021 Eric Hoffer Book Award, the 2021 Feathered Quill Book Award, and the 2020 Clara Johnson book award. Foreword Reviews has selected the memoir as the Diversity Book of the Week, and Curated Chicago Magazine has recommended it as the “Must-Read Book of Fall 2020.” The Times of Israel article featuring my story had 6,024 shares within the first 24 hours. The ChicagoNow article titled "From Miniskirt to Hijab is a story for our times" is named one of the top 20 best posts (out of more than 500) of September 2020. Columnist Neil Steinberg has praised the book as documenting my unusual mixed cultural upbringing amid the revolution. The book is also part of the curriculum at Marymount University and Indiana University Bloomington.

FQ: Tell us a little about your qualifications in your field.

SAPER: I am an award-winning author, TEDx Speaker, op-ed columnist, and translator. My unique value is that I can analyze current events and place the occurrences in a historical context — a history that I personally lived through. I am a frequent guest on national and international television and radio shows. My opinion columns have appeared in The Seattle Times, Foreign Policy News, The Forward, The Sun-Sentinel, The Los Angeles Jewish Journal, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post, Persian Heritage, and American Thinker. Academically, I have provided presentations to the students and faculty at Harvard, Indiana University Bloomington, The University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and Northeastern Illinois University, Tel Aviv University, and Brandeis.

FQ: With so many books being released each year in the memoir genre, what made you decide to publish your book?

SAPER: The publishing world is competitive, but I believed in my book. My material was not only a memoir but also a critical historical account. People need to know what happened in Iran to understand what’s happening in the world today. I’m proud of my publisher, Potomac Books of The University of Nebraska Press. The press is one of the largest and diversified university presses in the country. After the manuscript went through a rigorous review, the publisher also hired an Iranian scholar to verify the dates, locations, and events mentioned in the book. The book is also available as an eBook and as an audiobook.

For more information on From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran, please visit the author's website at www.jacquelinesaper.com

#BookReview - Supplant by Shane M. Toman

Supplant

By: Shane M. Toman

Published by: DartFrog Books

Publication Date: June 2021

ISBN: 978-1953910585

Reviewed By: Kimberly Trix Lee

Review Date: June 26, 2021

How far would humanity be willing to go in pursuit of scientific progress? Mik and Zen find out in Supplant by Shane M. Toman.

The year is 2071 and there is a serial murderer with poison frog genetic code on the loose leaving trails of dead girls in his wake. This process of genetic implantation known as Supplantation had once been the world’s most sought-after elective procedure. That all changed in the late 2040s when the world found out about the massive side effects on all offspring of supplanted people. The procedure was then criminalized.

Supplant follows several characters as they live their lives - lives which will all inevitably converge. Albert Murata is the CFO of Genovas, a gene-editing corporation on the verge of bankruptcy with crashing share prices. Professionalism and morals out the window, he lied to investors and eventually convinced the Genovas CEO to sign a human supplantation experiment with Correcticorp, the state prison system, the US Army, and the state of Illinois.

Mik is the only surviving member of the US Army’s 121st reconnaissance division, a division that had been created with all of its members supplanted with pit viper genetic code. He signed up for it for the sake of his father’s medical treatment but now that his father is dead and the 121st division defunct, the US military essentially forgot all about Mik. He is now a butcher’s apprentice who likes to hang out with his friend Ollie and drink in one of the dive bars that do not have any of the security sensors that could determine whether somebody’s genome has been implanted with a non-human genetic code. The trouble begins when Mik and Ollie are brought in for witness statements after they get involved in a barfight and Mik’s supplantation history is flagged in the system. With the help of Filip, the owner of the butcher shop where Mik works, Mik gets introduced to an underground haven of supplanted people.

Meanwhile, Zen is a security firm executive with a reproductive system issue and an abusive husband named Aidan. After one violent encounter that leaves Zen with a concussion and an imprisoned husband, a phone call from said husband leads her to look for information and ask questions that inevitably put her name on somebody’s hit list. With armed men on her heels, she crosses paths with Filip and eventually gets to join the ragtag underground haven. Together, they all work to put a stop to the unethical human experiment.

Supplant by Shane M. Toman is a plot-driven sci-fi thriller that started strong but began to fizzle about halfway through the story. In the beginning, the introduction of the various characters was effective, the dialogues were crisp, and the scenes engaging. However, as the story progressed, in the middle of the rising action of the story, the actions of the characters and the resulting sequences of events started becoming disjointed. The crucial scenes that would drive the plot were rushed and the dialogues became mundane. This story has a lot of potential and I think I would have liked it had there been a better-developed connection between the characters’ motives and their actions while at the same time, driving the plot to where it’s supposed to be. I have to say, however, that my favorite in this story is a well-written side character, an inmate named Jose, and all the sequences he was in. Jose, I’m rooting for you.

Quill says: Supplant is a story with an interesting premise on CRISPR technology in a Human Nature x Gattaca setup that starts out strong but fizzled halfway through.

For more information on Supplant, please visit the author's website at: http://shanemtoman.com

#BookReview - Saints and Martyrs by Aaron Roe

Saints and Martyrs

By: Aaron Roe

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: April 2021

ISBN: 978-1636495644

Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott

Review Date: June 18, 2021

A youth becomes a man through a perilous, painful search for ultimate truths in this dynamic debut offering by author Aaron Roe.

Damian Kurt was raised by a strict Catholic mother and a strong, forbearing father whose sudden death has left a hole in the teen’s life. His home-schooling, domineering mother is bent on impelling him to acknowledge his destiny to become a priest. But Damian knows that his private actions, mainly his youthful, almost uncontrollable lust, could or should keep him from that vocation.

An accident while working out at the gym may be a blessing in disguise for Damian, slowing him down and giving him time for journaling, contemplation, and more visits to the confessional. He splits with his mom, going to live with his gym teacher for a while, but finally, Mt. Angelus beckons and he joins the ranks of young seminarians overseen by priests who at times seem diligent, at times negligent and dismissive, and at least once, rather creepy. Damian feels comfort in his priestly garb and has time for further introspection, attempting to write his father’s biography. His efforts are aided by Professor Harold House, whose class, Spiritual Autobiography, feeds perfectly into Damian’s wish to follow in the footsteps of the great saints – including, he believes, his own dad. Meeting Harold’s son Eden, who loves to gaze at and study the stars, is further inspiration. But when something great is lost in Damian’s conflicted young life, something greater will be gained, to put him on the path to a brighter future.

Roe writes with notable skill, moving the reader quickly but rationally from scene to scene. We see Damian’s struggling with his adolescent urges, while diligently making lists of the steps he must take to spiritual self-improvement. He is a reader as well as a writer, and his inner explorations, as deftly drawn by Roe, may be his saving grace. Roe is comfortable with dialog and narrative alike; this is an intelligent book about a teenage boy’s search for piety, but it is not a pious book, so young adult readers can easily identify with Damian and appreciate his conflicted viewpoint. The book leads steadily to a startling and gratifying conclusion that could, one feels, beg a sequel, with a youthful, likeable and believable protagonist with much more to accomplish.

Quill says: Issues of piety, priesthood and true integrity provide the undercurrent in Aaron Roe’s action-filled, contemporary and credible saga of one tormented teen’s quest for life’s meaning.

For more information on Saints and Martyrs, please visit the publisher's website at: http://www.atmospherepress.com

#BookReview - Hickory Doc's Tales by Linda Harkey

Hickory Doc’s Tales (The Pack: First Generation)

By: Linda Harkey

Illustrated by: Archway Publishing Publisher: Archway Publishing

Publication Date: June 2017

ISBN: 978-1-4808-4725-5

Reviewed by: Katie Specht

Review Date: June 21, 2021

Author Linda Harkey brings her experiences as a hunting dog owner to life in her book entitled Hickory Doc’s Tales (The Pack: First Generation). This story shares the adventures of a hunting dog named Doc and his family. Doc is a German shorthaired pointer, the oldest and wisest in his family, which also includes Zeke, Rush, Patch, Newt, Sadie, Rocky, and Deacon.

Doc and his family find themselves in some interesting situations, some of which include Zeke impulsively catching a skunk, Rush accidentally obtaining a mouth full of porcupine quills, and Doc giving in to temptation by eating his human’s meal of hamburgers, fries and salad, which subsequently leads to him being punished in more ways than one. Doc also successfully solves the mystery of what causes Sneezy the owl to constantly sneeze and consequently turn himself upside-down on his perch.

The escapades that Doc and his family find themselves in are frequently humorous and, more often than not, provide some example of a positive characteristic, such as resiliency, determination, and the strong bond of a family unit. These situations often require Doc and his family to solve a problem by working together. Once they have used teamwork to engineer a solution, the gratification and pride that they feel as a result is unmistakable.

A simple chapter book, Hickory Doc’s Tales is best suited for young readers ages 7 and up. The chapters are short and written in easily understood prose for those readers who are just beginning to read chapter books. Kids will appreciate the fun and often quirky chapter titles and subheadings found throughout the story.

While this is a chapter book, the author did include some illustrations scattered throughout the book. Adding these illustrations is a definite method of attracting the interest of young readers who are transitioning from full picture books to books with more text.

The author wrote this book from the point of view of Doc, the hunting dog. Young kids will find this perspective fun and entertaining. However, it is worth noting that older kids, especially middle schoolers, may think that this makes the story too “childish” for them. Therefore, this book appears to be most appropriate for young readers ages 7 to about ages 9 or 10. It is plausible that even young kindergarteners of ages 5 and 6 would be able to read this book with assistance.

Quill says: Hickory Doc’s Tales is a fun-filled collection of the adventures of Doc the hunting dog and his family. Harkey’s writing style is easy to read and amusing for young readers, while the explorations themselves are humorous and often teach valuable lessons.

To learn more about Hickory Doc’s Tales, please visit the author’s website at www.harkeybooks.com.

5 Tips for Writers to Build a Personal Brand on Social Media

5 Tips for Writers to Build a Personal Brand on Social Media

 

 

One of the most important aspects that any writer coming to social media should realize is that people these days will use either professional or personal accounts. It may be a bit complex for those who have no prior social media experience. In simple terms, if you are wishing to start your business as a writer and promote your work in terms of commercial profits only, you should focus on business accounts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

 

However, it is also possible to make things more personal and keep your posts unified as you share more candid information and trivia that will make your audience appreciate you more as a person. In either case, since we are dealing with a personal brand on social media, the safest way would be to set your goals and create a more personal relationship with your audience since it is usually the purpose to be recognizable as a writer.

 

5 Tips That Will Help You Create a Personal Brand on Social Media 

 

1. Learn to Set Yourself Apart. 

 

It means that you should find that unique aspect related to your writing style and personality. Your brand is what you would like to be known for. Before you establish something online, just ask yourself what you would like to be known for and what sets you apart from the rest. Do not forget that you cannot just mention that you are a writer because you will have to compete with skilled entrepreneurs and implement marketing. Therefore, you should choose a specific niche and narrow things down a little bit! Your audience may not include just anyone but will revolve around people who will truly appreciate your art and spread the word further! 

 

2. Your Content Matters. 

 

Of course, you can talk about writing, marketing, your interests, your family life and basically anything that comes your way, yet it will not fully reflect your marketing plan and will not make your content unique. The trick is to focus on something that you do really well and where you can serve as an expert. It will always depend on what can explain the best way possible. For example, if you have lived somewhere in Europe and worked as a fashion designer, it can be mentioned in your posts with the link to your book where you use relevant skills. It will help people see why you have included something in your narration. Likewise, your biography should include more than just several lines about your life and interests. These days it is vital to provide a clear LinkedIn profile bio that can help your audience identify you with professional skills that you have. 

 

3. Hashtags and Social Profile Unification. 

 

Take your time to study hashtags that relate to your writing style and interests. Most importantly, create your own hashtag and remember to use the same profile picture, full name, or nickname for all social media platforms that you use. It will help people recognize you both as a person and as a brand. Even if you do not use something like TikTok yet, make sure that you reserve your social name profile by turning to websites like Knowem regarding name availability. 

 

4. Daily Posting Routine. 

 

Post daily and make yourself easy to find! It should not be long or too complex, yet it must be inspiring and honest. It is recommended to post 2 times per day on Facebook, while Twitter will require at least 5 daily posts, just like Pinterest. As for Instagram, 2-3 daily posts will be good enough to keep the right balance of your online presence. 

 

5. Cooperation With Influencers. 

 

Participate in charity and social projects, get to know social media influencers, make duets by sharing joint videos, and discuss things together. If you become known for something positive, it will already make your branding strategy work as people will recognize you. Of course, you do not have to be everywhere because it can quickly make you a star for one day only! Participate only in related campaigns and always choose them wisely! 

 

 

Know What You Share

 

 

The trick is to control what you share and understand clearly where your online personality starts and where the mark should not be crossed. If something that you post can be valuable and teach people an important lesson that you have learned, it is worth sharing. As a writer, you must be creative by sharing things that inspire you. If it means talking about your professional and business challenges, you should not ignore being sincere. While it may not bring you more sales or create additional traffic, it will help your visitors see you as a person who is confident and comfortable about sharing things. 

 

Author’s bio. Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun. You can contact Jessica via her Twitter account: https://twitter.com/fender_jess