Home ownership is widely regarded as one of the best means to financial prosperity. Consequently, millions of Americans are obsessed with purchasing a home, believing that it holds the answer to their financial future.

What if this popular ‘best investment’ choice is nothing more than a dangerous dream? Is home ownership simply a huge economic scam designed to keep you broke? Could you be working to pay a mortgage that makes your lender rich while you stay poor? What if your ‘home equity’ is only an illusion?

What if people who rent are in a better financial position than those who own their home?

The Long Story

I still remember the day I picked up a real estate magazine and read an article about the real cost of buying a home in Australia. In the first year alone, buying a $250,000 home (nearly impossible to find in our area now) would cost us more money than my husband makes in a year.

Renters Win, Home Owners Lose is the same kind of reality check.

Graneau reveals the rust on the gears in a system that desperately needs exposing. Where many people are too intimidated by the details of how the ‘machine’ works, Graneau seeks to make all those things understandable so people can get a better of picture of just how much buying a home costs – and how many hidden costs are involved.

Renters Win certainly made me feel a lot better about being a renter and less anxious about not being able to afford a home anytime soon. While I would like a home to pass down to my children, I am in much less of a rush to own. There are so many costs that I didn’t even think of (even some people in the US don’t have) that are involved. I, like Graneau, wish there was a way to ‘instant fix’ the system.

I only have two nitpicks with this book. The first is that there isn’t a reference list. In today’s world where every second person is declaring themselves as a master, expert or voice of authority, it’s more important than ever to back yourself up with a list of sources.

The second nitpick is the little niggle I have that home ownership can’t always be a money dump because we have to have owners to rent from. However, the nitpick is a bit moot because the book is focusing on the money dump that home ownership can be, not how landlords are making it work (if they even are).

The Short Story

I highly recommend this book as a ‘101’ of home buying. If you’re thinking about buying your first or even your second home, this book will better equip you for what you’re getting into.

***
Renters Win, Home Owners Lose
By Tom Graneau
http://renters-win.com/
ISBN: 9781438993188
Length: 161 pages

Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future.  Alexia is a founding partner and Creative Arts VP of Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc), the production company behind her plays and other creative output.  The driving force behind her writing this book is to preserve and share the loving memories of her mom.

“Memories of Mom” is Alexia Fraser’s first published book.  Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.

www.alexiafraser.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Alexia-E-Fraser/e/B006RLBJSI

Q: It’s rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a day job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you’ve had in your life? Have they influenced/inspired your writing?

A:  I have a full-time job.  I presently work as an Administrative Assistant which encompasses secretarial, reception and retail duties.  I also worked as the Administrative Assistant to the CEO of a small engineering firm.  I meet and interact with new people every day.  They bring a wealth of experiences with them that is priceless.  I would certainly agree that they have influenced/inspired my writing.

Q: What compelled you to write your first book?

A: I was compelled to write my first book after my mom’s untimely death.  I believed she wanted me to tell her story.  I felt driven.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

A: I never thought about writing.  I considered myself a writer after I wrote and acted in my first original monologue for a five minute scene class in acting school. I went on to write and produce several one-act plays based on real life situations. Now my first book. Amazing! I had no idea I would write an entire book and am now on my second. WOW!!

Q: Tell us briefly about your book.

A: “Memories of Mom” is my current release.  It is a touching, personal story about a strong, dynamic and loving mother’s life and death, and a caring daughter, who stood by her to the very end.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My next exciting story will be my journey with my daughter, as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional dancer and is now, I am very proud to say, living that dream as a member of the Ailey II Company in NYC.  Her tenacity, her passion, her drive is what got her there.  And of course, the support of her loving parents.  It is currently partially scripted.

Q: How did you feel the day you held the copy of your first book in your hands?

A: I felt overwhelmed with relief.  I FELT I DID IT!  I was already blessed but dare I say felt even more blessed. Certainly a combination of awesome feelings.

Q: What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write? Do you need the noise or the silence?

A: I do not listen to music when I write.  I enjoy absolute silence with my pen on paper or typing at the keyboard. At this time my brain is fully engaged in the creative process.

Q: If you could live in one of your books, which one would you live in? (If you’re promoting your first publication, feel free to talk about an unpublished piece.)

A: The partially scripted unpublished piece is about my journey with my daughter.  I will come alive in those pages.

Q: How do you balance out the writer’s life and the rest of life? Do you get up early? Stay up late? Ignore friends and family for certain periods of time?

A:  I try never to ignore my family or friends.  The bulk of my writing is usually done very late evenings or very early mornings.  So I pretty much manage to separate the two.

Q: The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

A:  So far all my stories, whether my one-act plays or my book, is a little bit about me, my family and my friends.

Q: Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your own writing? Do you have a writing mentor?

A:  Marilyn Horowitz is an established writer and professor who I admire and emulate in my writing.  She made me realize that I should not worry about getting it right, I should get it written.   One of my writing mentors is Sigrid McDonald, published author and editor.

Q: What about now: who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?

A:  One of my favorite authors is Sidney Poitier. His book “The Measure of a Man” is a brilliant read!  It makes you feel like you’re sitting and having a conversation with him.  This is how I believe I wrote my book.   He said “I am the me I chose to be.”  Powerful!

My favorite genre is non-fiction.  I enjoy reading a true story.

Q: Where you have lived and what you have experienced can influence your writing in many ways. Are there any specific locations or experiences that have popped up in your books?

A:  I grew up on the island of Jamaica.  Naturally that influenced my writing in many ways.  In addition to my mother’s story, “Memories of Mom” contains geographical, historical and cultural facts pertaining to the lush Caribbean island of Jamaica.

Q: What is your writing space like? Do you have a designated space? What does it look like? On the couch, laptop, desk? Music? Lighting? Typing? Handwriting?

A: My writing space is cozy and quiet.  It is in the office/library/guestroom.  I work at a modest desk with a lamp and a desktop computer.  I prefer to handwrite my manuscripts from which I type and make initial changes.  I know this is laborious.  I literally have hundreds of hand written pages and typewritten drafts stacked in one corner of my writing space.  I need storage!

Q: Is there anyone who has inspired, motivated, encouraged or supported your writing?

A: Besides God, my loving husband, and my family, I have been inspired, motivated and encouraged by a wide supporting cast that helps me to stay focus on my endeavor.  I feel truly blessed and in return I offer support to those who wish to follow my lead.

Q: Is there any particular book that, when you read it, you thought, “I wish I had written that!”?

A: Most definitely!  Of all the books that I have read, I am most impressed by the sixty six books of the Holy Bible.  Of the sixty six books of the Bible, I would have loved to have authored the book of Acts.  This book is rich in the history of the early Christian Church as the followers of Jesus sought to spread his message of redemption and salvation.

Q: Is there anything you’d go back and do differently now that you have been published, in regards to your writing career?

A: Not really.  I feel I am where I am suppose to be regarding my writing.  I am happy!  “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

Q: In my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult?

A: Creating the setting and deciding on the title comes naturally to me.   The difficulty comes with trying to secure a first time self published author book signing at your neighborhood Barnes & Noble because you’re not a celebrity or former head of state.

Q: Do you have any book signings, tours or special events planned to promote your book that readers might be interested in attending? If so, when and where?

A: I will be on a virtual book tour in January.  The tour starts January 3rd and runs until January 27^th on www.pumpupyourbook.com.  I am doing a Tea ‘n Talk on January 7, 2011, please click this link for details http://www.facebook.com/events/212353015516671/.  See you there!

Q: It’s one thing to write a book and another to edit it. How do you feel about the editing process? What was it like to edit your book?

A: Editing my book was a learning experience for me.  I enjoy it because I had a professional editor who edited and worked with me to have it ready for publishing.

Q: Now that you are a published author, does it feel differently than you had imagined? 

A: I am asked this question a lot.  My answer is usually no.  I feel the same as I did before I had my book published.  My main focus now is marketing and promotion.  I would love to give back and if my book happens to be successful.  Then I would feel differently because I would be able give back on behalf of my mom.

Use this space to tell us more about who you. Anything you want your readers to know. Include information on where to find your books, any blogs you may have, or how a reader can learn more about you and writing.

I was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica.  After marrying my high school sweetheart Edward, we migrated to the United States. I am the loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige.

In writing Mom’s story, I also wanted to document the pain and suffering she endured during her last lap of life.  All at the hands of the very health care professionals charged with her care.  Mom did not die from her illness; she died at the hands of negligence!

So far, I have been getting wonderful reviews from my readers: “The book was touching and emotional; it made me laugh and it made me cry; you have inspired me to write a book.” Some are saying they cannot wait for my next book or when is the movie coming out?  These are just a few.  Hearing comments like these truly make me feel complete.  My job is done!  Thanks MOM!

“Memories of Mom” (M.O.M.) is available in hardcover, paperback and e-Book at Amazon.com, Lulu.com, http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=Memories+of+Mom, Barnes & Noble.com and on all major online bookstores.  Books are also available at the Bestseller Bookstore in Hempstead, NY.  Get the latest updates on my book at: http://www.amazon.com/Alexia-E-Fraser/e/B006RLBJSI

www.alexiafraser.blogspot.com.  I am on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Memories of Mom, you’ve got to have one!

I would like to thank The Hot Author for having me. This was a wonderful interview!

Alexia Fraser, Author

Sophie lived in the town of Market Chipping, which was in Ingary, a land in which anything could happen, and often did – especially when the Witch of the Waste got her dander up. Which was often.

As her younger sisters set out to seek their fortunes, Sophie stayed in her father’s hat shop. Which proved most unadventurous, until the Witch of the Waste came in to buy a bonnet, but was not pleased. Which is why she turned Sophie into an old lady. Which was spiteful witchery.

Now Sophie must seek her own fortune. Which means striking a bargain with the lecherous Wizard How. Which means entering his ever-moving castle, taming a blue fire-demon, and meeting the Witch of the Waste head-on. Which was more than Sophie bargained for…

The Long Story

Having long been a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s film work with animated films like Spirited Away, I watched Howl’s Moving Castle as soon as I could get my hands on it. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Of course, after hearing that Howl’s Moving Castle is based on a book, I bought the book as soon as I could and devoured it.

Diana Wynne Jones has a unique style of writing that makes you feel less like you’re reading a book and more like you’re hearing a story. That may sound confusing, but it comes down to Jones’ conversational kind of writing even in the rhythm with which she writes. While it does take away from being able to lose yourself in the story at times, it still lent to the fairytale feeling of the overall story.

Along with writing in a conversational tone, Jones concentrates on little details that aren’t repeated. Readers should make sure they pay attention to details, or they might find the very end to be a little confusing or out of the blue.

Anyone who has seen the movie should not approach the book expecting the same thing. While you can expect some changes to any movie that originally came from a book, the movie took changes to another level. Both book and movie are quite similar until about halfway through. Then the movie and book go in different directions, not even truly meeting back up for the ending.

I found the ending to be somewhat anticlimactic, but I’m also used to reading more sweeping, epic tales of fantasy rather than realistic ones. Howl’s and Sophie’s relationship is a subtle one, and the ending fit her personality quite well. I should be happy that Jones didn’t beat the reader over the head with the events of the ending, but I still finished the book feeling not unhappy but definitely a smidge unsatisfied.

The Short Story

I recommend this book as a unique story in writing style and content. I only offer the warning that you shouldn’t dig in expecting the movie.

***
Howl’s Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
http://www.leemac.freeserve.co.uk/
ISBN: 9780064410342
Length: 329 pages

5. I’m also an artist, specializing in comics/graphic novels – I just completed more than 170 illustrations for a non-fiction graphic novel on the history of the witch craze written by Rocky Wood and Lisa Morton and to be published by McFarland in early 2012!

4. I can’t write through a computer – I’m a rubbish typist, which is probably good because I find I express myself more when writing freehand!

3. Despite my adoration for reading and writing horror and horror films, I was petrified of the dark as a child.

2. When I was a newspaper journalist in Bundaberg, Queensland I covered the “Doctor Death” (Doctor Jayant Patel) scandal.

1. I’ve been hospitalized several times for an irregular heartbeat.

It’s not that I don’t have a novel in me (I’ll soon be getting back to a new draft on the first of a trilogy of novels!) it’s just that novellas, despite their brevity, seem to have more appeal to the reader.

In this hectic world, people don’t have a lot of time on their hands to read, let alone write, but a novella can be read in one afternoon if it’s engrossing enough.

As a writer you usually know from the first spark if an idea will be flash fiction (less than 1000 words), a short, a novella or a novel. Many of my tales are around the novella length (up to 40,000 words) and I’m comfortable with that length right now.

In my opinion, a short story’s main intent is to sell a concept or a message, while a novella gives you the leeway to give your characters a bit more soul. At least that was the case with the half a dozen or so short stories I’ve had published since 2009.

Novellas also allow you to maintain a good amount of pacing to a story and given my writing style is quite tight, I am able to work on keeping the reader engrossed.

My first novella Torment, was much shorter to start with and I was advised to try and flesh it out more. There are two parts of the book – present day Scotland and 1980’s Boston. The 1980’s section – comprising scenes from the main character Jessica’s childhood, was inserted in the second or third draft and interspersed throughout the tale to give the reader a bit more of an insight into her soul.

My recently-released second novella The Noctuary, is written like a journal, but it too features a middle section that goes back into the past – sort of like a story within a story.

Although I always knew The Noctuary was going to be a novella, I can see there is a lot of potential for a sequel (in novel form!) in the future.

Many writers enjoy writing short stories and others set out to write novels – I set out to write a good story, the length if anything is secondary (unless of course you’re writing to stipulated guideline). Ultimately the story will tell the writer how long it wants to be.

About Greg Chapman

Greg Chapman is an emerging dark fiction author from Australia.

In 2009 he was selected in the Australian Horror Writers Association’s Mentor Program under the tutelage of Melbourne author Brett McBean.

Since then he has had short stories published in The Absent Willow Review, Trembles Magazine and Morpheus Tales and Eclecticism.

Damnation Books published his first novella “Torment” in March 2011 and will release his second, “The Noctuary” in December 2011.

Apart from his writing ability, Chapman is also an accomplished horror artist with publication credits in Midnight Echo Magazine and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine. He is currently illustrating a graphic novel for horror authors Rocky Wood and Lisa Morton, to be published by McFarland in early 2012.

You can find him on the web at www.darkscrybe.blogspot.com

Greg Chapman is an emerging dark fiction author from Australia.

In 2009 he was selected in the Australian Horror Writers Association’s Mentor Program under the tutelage of Melbourne author Brett McBean.

Since then he has had short stories published in The Absent Willow Review, Trembles Magazine and Morpheus Tales and Eclecticism.

Damnation Books published his first novella “Torment” in March 2011 and will release his second, “The Noctuary” in December 2011.

Apart from his writing ability, Chapman is also an accomplished horror artist with publication credits in Midnight Echo Magazine and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine. He is currently illustrating a graphic novel for horror authors Rocky Wood and Lisa Morton, to be published by McFarland in early 2012.

You can find him on the web at www.darkscrybe.blogspot.com

Q: It’s rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a day job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you’ve had in your life? Have they influenced/inspired your writing?

A: Yes I do have a full time job as a public servant in the area of public relations. I also worked for 8 years as a newspaper reporter. Other jobs I’ve held are as a supermarket stock filler and shop assistant in a comic book store. The reporter position certainly influenced me and helped me meet many real people, and I did cover some shocking stories, but I’m yet to use any of them for stories.

Q: What compelled you to write your first book?

A: After joining the Australian Horror Writers Association in 2009 I was accepted into their mentor program and I wrote the first draft of Torment and The Noctuary during that time. Working with a published horror author was a big motivation.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

A: Certainly, ever since I was a young boy, I’ve always told stories and been able to draw. I used to tell stories by writing and drawing my own comic books.

Q: Tell us briefly about your book.

A: The Noctuary is a horror novella about Simon Ryan, a struggling writer who discovers he is destined to become the “Scribe” for a band of creatures from Hell, known as the Dark Muses.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A horror novella with a Halloween theme and I’m knocking around a few ideas for my first novel.

Q: Do you have a favourite character? Why is s/he your favourite?

A: Meknok, the main antagonist and leader of the Dark Muses is my favourite from The Noctuary – he is deliciously dark and sinister. He was a joy to create. Henry Schiller, a former Scribe, who “aids” Simon was a joy to write as well.

Q: How did you feel the day you held the copy of your first book in your hands?

A: It was wondrous, but I think actually receiving an offer of a publishing contract for Torment was the real highlight.

Q: What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write? Do you need the noise or the silence?

A: It depends; I find music is good when I have writer’s block (like Britpop), but when I’m on a roll so to speak I need to escape into my man cave and focus without distraction. Normally I appreciate contemporary rock music.

Q: If you could live in one of your books, which one would you live in? (If you’re promoting your first publication, feel free to talk about an unpublished piece.)

A:  Well, probably The Noctuary, given that I’m a writer and the story is about inspiration and creation, but I certainly would not want to go through the trials and tribulations that befall Simon Ryan.

Q: How do you balance out the writer’s life and the rest of life? Do you get up early? Stay up late? Ignore friends and family for certain periods of time?

A: Given the fact that I have a full time job and responsibilities to two young daughters and a loving wife, I fit in writing and drawing outside of those things.  I write and draw after the girls have gone to bed, but recently I took up writing in my lunch-breaks at the local library.

Q: The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?

A: The Noctuary is probably the most subconscious story I’ve ever written because it all started with me questioning myself about where my ideas come from, so in a strange way the story was me answering myself, or imagining where my ideas come from.

Q: Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your own writing? Do you have a writing mentor?

A: I had a mentor during the AHWA mentorship – a Melbourne author by the name of Brett McBean, who has a Laymonesque style to his fiction. My muses would have to be Clive Barker and EA Poe and I dedicated The Noctuary to them.

Q: When growing up, did you have a favorite author, book series, or book?

A: I was mostly into superhero comics when I was a kid, and my first forays into reading fiction were in the crime genre and fantasy, Val McDermid is a fave author in the crime genre. I also read Michael Moorcock and Katherine Eddings and Anne Rice. Eventually I became hooked on Poe, Barker and King.

Q: What about now: who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?

A: Horror is my favourite genre obviously. I’m currently indulging in some of old 80’s horror paperbacks, but there are some fantastic new horror authors out there, like Stephen M Irwin ( a fellow Australian) and I recently enjoyed the first two books of The Strain trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, but I’m yet to read part 3.

Q: When they write your obituary, what do you hope they will say about your book/s and writing? What do you hope they will say about you?

A: That my writing had the effect that was intended – to scare people

Q: Is there any particular book that, when you read it, you thought, “I wish I had written that!”?

A: There’s a passage in Stephen King’s ‘Salem’s Lot where one of the characters sees a neighbor in bed and the vampire is outside the window tapping to get inside. The scene; the way King described it in just a few words, made me tremble. It was perfect.

Q: Is there anything you’d go back and do differently now that you have been published, in regards to your writing career?

A: I wished I’d pursued it seriously much earlier in life.

Q: In my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult?

A: I seem to come up with the title and concept/story for a book very early on. Generating the differences of each character is a little more challenging.

Q: It’s one thing to write a book and another to edit it. How do you feel about the editing process? What was it like to edit your book?

A: The editing process on Torment, my first book was challenging, because it was the first time someone else had edited my work. There were a few issues with descriptions of locations – things that I didn’t research fully, but in the end it was all sorted and part of the process. The Noctuary being pure fantasy didn’t require much editing.

Q: Now that you are a published author, does it feel differently than you had imagined? 

A: In a way. I never set out to make a lot of money from writing; I just want to tell stories. I find the most challenging aspect of being a writer is trying to sell yourself and your books without becoming a nuisance. There are so many writers out there all doing the same thing.

Lola’s not pretty. Lola’s not popular. Lola wishes she could disappear … and then one day she does just that…

For seventeen-year-old Lola Savullo, life is a struggle. Born to funky parents who are more in than she could ever be, Lola’s dream of becoming a writer makes her an outsider even in her own home. Bullied and despised, Lola still has the support of her best pal Charlie and Grandma Rose.

Not only is she freakishly tall, Lola’s a big girl and when forced to wear a bathing suit at her summer job as a camp counselor, Lola’s only escape from deep embarrassment seems to be to literally vanish. Soon after, she discovers the roots of her new “ability”.

Slowly, with Charlie’s help, Lola learns to control the new super power. The possibilities are endless. Yet power can be abused, too…

Then, when tragedy strikes, Lola must summon her inner strength, both at home and at school. She has to stand up for herself, despite the temptations and possibilities of her newfound super power.

A coming-of-age story that will warm the heart.

The Long Story

Lola Savullo is easily the best part about reading Invisible. A sweet character going through the awkwardness of figuring out herself and reconciling her dreams to her parents’ wishes, Lola has a lot to work out through the course of the book. While this alone makes her a character who is easy to bond to, she is also dealing with her self-image and that is what seals the deal for making her a memorable character.

Though there were times that I was reading this book and felt it was a little ‘young’ for me, I still enjoyed Lola’s story. I’m not five foot nine inches, but I was also a tall, big girl in high school and understood a lot of what she was going through. I like that, through it all, she stayed true to herself 99% of the time – even if it took her until the end of the book to realise what staying true to herself really meant.

Grandma Rose truly stole the stage as a great character, and I think it took a lot of guts for Bannon to create the events that happened to Rose in order to let Lola grow as a character.

I think that the timing of the story was perfect. Graduation is coming up for Lola, so there are a lot of changes happening anyway. Add to that some mysterious powers and the boy she likes finally noticing her, and you have a great atmosphere for a story all about change.

I think the thing I like best about this story is that it has a lot of lovely lessons about friendship and loving yourself, but it doesn’t get preachy. I think that the age group best suited to this book doesn’t like being preached to either, so Bannon has really covered herself in that arena.

The Short Story

This is a sweet story for the younger end of the YA spectrum that is a lot of fun.

***
Invisible
By Jeanne Bannon
http://www.jeannebannon.com/
ISBN: 978-1466368750
Length: 186 pages

About Haunted

FBI Special Agent Kirk Ingram’s life is torn apart when his family is brutally murdered before his eyes. Devastated physically and psychologically, he vows to destroy organized crime in all forms.

In the Eastern bloc, a rogue dictator state is stockpiling Citex, a deadly nerve agent…

Across the globe, an international trade house funnels Balkan organized crime activities through its business channels and now hatches a plot to distribute Citex to major cities in the world, creating a nexus with terror that threatens to bring the world order to the point of anarchy.

And only one man stands in the way of global terror and paranoia. One man seeking redemption and waging a personal battle against the demons of his past.

Get your adrenaline rush as the plot unfolds breathlessly from the gritty streets of Los Angeles to the remote fringes of Russia, from the depths of the Pacific to the skies over Panama and from the sun baked desert to the exotic villages of Costa Rica.

Review

Haunted is not my normal reading genre which may be an influence in my review. A second disclaimer is that I am not your average reader, so I tend to pick up things that most readers would have no problem with…

Haunted is an action-packed story written by Douglas Misquita that ranges across the world, linking crime figures, local cops, the FBI and CIA in a plot that unravels across the book.

The action is fairly graphic, not so much in the description of bones and blood but in terms of the level of violence being portrayed. The story follows a number of characters as they get involved with and follow clues that take them, and the reader, into the plot.

The plot itself is imaginative and complex, with international crime being meshed with local crime in a way that is quite believable – as far as the events go. If you are a fan of action-thrillers and don’t want a plot that takes a Cray computer to follow, you will enjoy Haunted.

That being said, I feel Haunted needs a good edit run on it. Some of the metaphors and similes are strained, and at times the descriptive passages catch at the attention rather than painting a smooth word-picture. A good editor would catch the hiccups and smooth them out, letting the story (and it is a good story) speak clearly to the reader.

An editor would also catch the ‘bounce-around’ effect of too many chapters trying to portray too many locations and facets. It’s a good effect in the beginning of a book but I by halfway through, I was ready to settle into the plot, not still be getting scene cuts off to currently-unconnected places.

In the first few chapters I had the distinct impression English isn’t Misquita’s native language. An example is, “Ingram moved back, feeling the deadly hiss of the pipe cutting through the air…” – to me, feeling the deadly hiss just doesn’t work and interrupted the narrative flow.

The book is blurbed as a story belonging to FBI Special Agent Kirk Ingram, but he has mainly sporadic appearances through the book and only really comes into the plotline towards the end – although you get some glimpses into what were, really, irrelevant events in his life. These could have been as easily covered in a couple of lines beginning with, “Ingram’s hatred of organised crime began when he lost his wife and daughter to a vengeance slaying…” As it turned out, the graphic description of just how he lost them didn’t really add anything to the story.

The action itself may be a welcome facet of the story to those reared on Rambo, Rocky and other graphically violent movies, but for me it was overdone. Too much of the never-ending absorption of deadly punishment left me feeling it was unrealistic.

***
Available at Amazon.com
Mass Market Paperback: 372 pages
Publisher: Frog Books; First edition (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 938015495X
ISBN-13: 978-9380154954