What’s Going On?

A lot. That’s what’s going on. But it’s not showing up on either blog (although the Bob and Ellen’s Great RV Adventure Blog sees many more posts than this one…

In the meantime, I’m guest blogging at Motive Means Opportunity, where you can see my latest post, “The Murderer I Knew,” as well as previous guest posts, “Small Glimpses,” and “Conventions Exist for Good Reason.” It’s great fun writing for MMO, where excellent mystery writers converge to share “behind the scenes” details and how-to advice.

And I’m reading a lot. If you’re at all curious about what a writer reads to fill the writing soul, follow any of the authors you enjoy reading via Goodreads.

I’ve just finished some different novels and posted my reviews on Goodreads.

First, I can’t get enough of Mac McClellan, reluctant PI, brainchild (literally) of author E. Michael Helms. “Deadly Spirits” is the fourth in the series, and I’ve read every one. They’re each unique yet familiar and though you could start with any of of them, the over-arching story of Mac’s plunge into PI work, his relationship with Kate, and other bits and pieces will make more sense if you start with “Deadly Catch.” They’re all terrific!

One of the most unique storytelling I’ve read lately is coming from an author from my home state of Ohio. Cher Bibler is a former bookstore owner, band member (with her son), writes music, poetry, and fiction. On the surface, you might think you know where her stories are going. But you’d be wrong. Start with either stand-alone book. “About Irene” isn’t just one of those fantasy concepts about what dolls might be like if they came to life — it’s much more than that. And if you think you’ve read every take on a certain classic Christmas story, think again and read “Five Christmases.” It will change how you see some of our routine holiday traditions, I promise.

If you love a good yarn featuring a sassy female main character, you should pick up Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. I started with her first (“One for the Money”) and despite other readers who find Stephanie a “marshmallow” and Evanovich’s writing icky, I’ve loved every one of the books in the series. I’m reading them in order which is the best way to get the full impact of Stephanie’s transition into and growth in bounty hunting. Here’s my review of “Seven Up.”

The other book I just read and reviewed was one I discovered via the Motive Means Opportunity blog. “A River to Die For” is the fifth in Radine Trees Nehring’s “To Die For” series, and I jumped into the middle of this series because camping was involved. Here’s my review for it on Goodreads.

What have you read lately?