Books That Begin with O

The Alphabet in Crime Fiction - The concept was started by Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise. This week's letter is the letter O.

Here are the rules: By Friday of each week participants try to write a blog post about crime fiction related to the letter of the week. Your post MUST be related to either the first letter of a book's title, the first letter of an author's first name, or the first letter of the author's surname, or even maybe a crime fiction "topic". But above all, it has to be crime fiction. You could write a review, or a bio of an author, so long as it fits the rules somehow.

ONE LAST BREATH by Stephen Booth

Genre: Psychological Suspense Mystery
How I read it: Kindle for PC

Who should read this book: If you're into books by Val McDermid or Ian Rankin, you may like this book

Summary (from amazon): British author Booth's fifth crime novel (after Blind to the Bones) is as dark and winding as the labyrinth of caves below its Derbyshire setting. In 1990, Det. Constable Ben Cooper's father arrests Mansell Quinn for the brutal murder of his lover. Thirteen years later, Quinn disappears upon his release from prison, his ex-wife is immediately slain, and another murder soon follows. Convinced they're facing a revenge spree, the police mount a manhunt, probing physical clues and the messy web of relationships that Quinn has not quite left behind. The deeper Cooper and his colleagues probe, the more convinced Cooper becomes that Quinn was innocent of the original crime, a belief that deepens his sense that as the son of the arresting officer, he's personally at risk.

My thoughts: This book scared me at times because of the many scenes in the cave. I'm terribly claustrophobic. Even now, just the thought of some of the scenes sends shivers down my spine. In the book, there is a very haunting story told - it's not true (or so I hope...) but, it will stay with me for months.

Now, about the main characters: Detective Constable Ben Cooper and Detective Sergeant Diane Fry. Though, I related more to Cooper than Fry, I wanted to love Fry. I wanted Cooper and Fry to fall in love, I wanted them to express that love but I closed the book not quite understanding Diane. That could be an annoying point for some but I think it has to be that way or the series might not go on.

The plot, I think, was the weakest point. I think the writer tried to focus on two cases in the book and both didn't seem to resolve well enough for me. We think we know what happened but you're left with doubts. The first chapter opened in such a thrilling manor, I guess I was expecting that momentum to last to the last page. Not saying that the story didn't have great moment - it did - but I wanted more from the end.
Have you read this book? What did you think?   

ORACLE by JC Martin

Genre: Crime Fiction
How I read it: Kindle for PC I just loved this piece of crime fiction. From the first chapter until the last, it pulled me in and wouldn't let go.

One of the best features are the unique characters. Because I hear that this book is the first in the series, I'm excited to learn that these characters will be brought back. I especially like the main character Kurt Lancer and his going-blind daughter Meghan. The quality time he spends with her off the case is precious.

I read this book while the Olympics were in London and so the action in the book took on more meaning. And there was a lot of action. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Have you read this book? What did you think? 

Friendship-Is-Forever Tour Stop: Mexico

Although I’ve been using the Internet for ages, I’m still amazed that I can visit people in the furthest reaches of the world with one click. Better than that, there are exotic locations, such as Mexico, which I might never visit, but I can certainly get an eyeful from my desk. 

When I visit Clarissa’s blog, I don’t always remember where she is based, but when I think about Mexico, I picture white-sand beaches, palm trees, luxurious resorts and exotic people. 

Some of these same pictures come to mind when people think of Jamaica. Of course, many tourists only get to see one side of island, which is the all-inclusive hotel properties and the standard fare they’re treated to on tour package outing. There’s nothing wrong with that, as people are at liberty to spend their money how they choose, and truthfully, nobody visits an ‘exotic location’ to see the local people going about their daily lives.

In Distraction, the major focus isn’t the not-so-nice side of Jamaica, but of course, that has to do with the story I’ve told. I do refer to economy and the women talk about the prevailing conditions that affect them. 

The backdrop against which the story happens forms part of the characterization of the novel. I treat Jamaica as an individual in an attempt to allow the reader to view the island as the locals see it. If you haven’t ever visited Jamaica, I hope the culture, the people and sun shine brightly enough for you to get a taste of what you’re missing. 

While you’re here, feel free to download a complimentary copy of A Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Steps to Distraction. In this prequel, you’ll meet Dionne, Kyra and Justine a year before Distraction takes place.

Each person who leaves a comment on this post will be entered to win an e-copy of Distraction. At the end of this Friendship tour, there’ll be a main prize of a Distraction note pad & pen and a $10 Amazon gift card. The second prize is a paperback copy of Distraction. Sign up for that at the Rafflecopter here.

Many thanks to Clarissa for hosting me and in keeping with the theme of the blog tour, I’ve gotta say she’s been a first-rate blogging buddy and a champion of my stories.

Distraction on Amazon

J.L. Campbell on Amazon

J.L. Campbell on Facebook

J.L. Campbell on Goodreads

J.L. Campbell on Twitter

J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican and the author of Contraband, Distraction, Dissolution, Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, Giving up the Dream and Hardware (pen name Jayda McTyson). Campbell is always on the lookout for story making material, loves company and can usually be found lollygagging on her blog at http://thecharacterdepot. blogspot.com Link with her on Facebook or through her Twitter handle @JL_Campbell.

Interview with the Author of Oracle - J.C. Martin

I have read this book. I have loved this book. And soon I will be posting a review of this book. But, before that, I would like you to get to know the author a bit better. Here is my interview:
(1) How long did it take you to write this book? 

Nearly three years. The first year-and-a-half was slow going, but as soon as I changed jobs it started speeding up somewhat.

(2) What’s your typical day as a writer like? Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

I wake up at 8am and check my e-mails and catch up on blogs I follow in my jammies while having breakfast. After a shower, I get down to the nitty-gritty: writing, research, outlining, or blogging. As soon as my mind begins to wander on one task, I switch to another one so I don’t waste time staring at a blank screen for too long. By 12 noon, I have lunch at get ready to go to work, but on my days off, I can be writing right up till dinnertime!

(3) Do you write everyday? How many hours a day do you spend writing? 

I definitely try to, although some days can be more challenging than others. I probably manage a couple of hours a day of writing on work days, but on days off it can be as long as 5-6 hours.

 (4) What are some of your worst writing distractions? 

*cringes* Facebook games. Pointless, yet so addictive!

(5) Which authors inspired you to write this book?

No one particular author. The storyline is all mine, but I did try to incorporate the dark psychological elements of Boris Starling’s work with the punchy writing of James Patterson’s earlier novels. A touch of Stephen King-style horror might have slipped into it as well!

(6) What other books within your genre would you compare it to? Or, readers of which books would enjoy yours? 

 I hope my book will appeal to fans of James Patterson and Mark Billingham.

(7) I always thought it would be interesting to see my crime fiction books as a series like Above Suspicion or Midsomer Murders. If you had to pick actors to play your characters in a movie rendition, who would you choose? 

I ‘casted’ my characters while I wrote them! I have a folder called “Character Pics” on my computer! In the end, Detective Kurt Lancer’s role went to an unknown male model (although boxer David Haye got pretty close); Sam Blaize would be played perfectly by Alicia Witt; Johnny Galecki from Big Bang Theory would make the perfect Tom Holloway; a young Mara Wilson for Kurt’s daughter Meghan; rapper Beanie Sigel for Kurt’s brother Reggie; and the gorgeous Daniel Henney plays fellow martial artist Scott Long!

(8) And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

You can find me on my website jc-martin.com and I blog at Fighter Writer. I also Tweet and Facebook.  

Oracle is available at:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes and Noble

Luminol

The Alphabet in Crime Fiction - The concept was started by Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise. This week's letter is the letter L.

Here are the rules: By Friday of each week participants try to write a blog post about crime fiction related to the letter of the week. Your post MUST be related to either the first letter of a book's title, the first letter of an author's first name, or the first letter of the author's surname, or even maybe a crime fiction "topic". But above all, it has to be crime fiction. You could write a review, or a bio of an author, so long as it fits the rules somehow.

LUMINOL

Theory Luminol is used by crime scene investigators to locate traces of blood, even if it has been cleaned or removed. The investigator prepares a solution of luminol and the activator and sprays it throughout the area under investigation. The iron present in any blood in the area catalyzes the chemical reaction that leads to the luminescence revealing the location of the blood. The amount of catalyst necessary for the reaction to occur is very small relative to the amount of luminol, allowing the detection of even trace amounts of blood. The glow lasts for about 30 seconds and is blue. Detecting the glow requires a fairly dark room. Any glow detected may be documented by a long exposure photograph.

Drawbacks

• Luminol chemiluminescence can also be triggered by a number of substances such as copper or copper-containing chemical compounds, and certain bleaches; and, as a result, if a crime scene is thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution, residual cleaner will cause the entire crime scene to produce the typical blue glow, effectively camouflaging any organic evidence, such as blood. 
• Horseradish sauce, via the enzyme horseradish peroxidase, catalyses the oxidation of luminol, emitting light at 428 nm (blue in the visible spectrum), which may result in a false positive. 
• Luminol will also detect the small amounts of blood present in urine, and it can be distorted if animal blood is present in the room that is being tested. 
•  Luminol reacts with fecal matter, causing the same glow as if it were blood. 
•  Luminol's presence may prevent other tests from being performed on a piece of evidence. However, it has been shown that DNA can be successfully extracted from samples treated with luminol reagent. 

Sources: http://laciudadatomica.blogspot.mx/2011/01/10-luminol.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminol

Have you mentioned Luminol in your books? Has it solved the crime? 

Also, authors I want to check out that start with the Letter L:

LESLIE CHARTERIS

Leslie Charteris (12 May 1907, Singapore – 15 April 1993), born Leslie Charles Bowyer-Yin, was a half-Chinese, half English author of primarily mystery fiction, as well as a screenwriter.

The Last Hero -This book talks about how the Templar makes the acquaintance of his arch-villain, destroys a dangerous death ray, and thereby saves the world from catastrophe and a second Great War. It was written in 1930.

LYNDA LA PLANTE

Lynda La Plante, CBE (born Lynda J. Titchmarsh on 15 March 1943) is an English author, screenwriter and former actress, best known for writing the Prime Suspect television crime series. La Plante's father was a salesman in Liverpool. She attended RADA and began her career as an actress, mainly on television. As Lynda Marchal, she appeared in several popular series including Z-Cars, The Sweeney, The Professionals and Bergerac.

Trial and Retribution -The murder of a young single mother begins a police enquiry that spirals into a hunt for a serial killer. How much evidence do you need to convict a guilty man; and how much fear can be instilled to make an innocent one plead guilt?

Sources: Wikipedia and Amazon.com
Writing and selling your mystery novel by Ephron
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php/type/doc/id/419

Knots

The Alphabet in Crime Fiction - The concept was started by Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise. This week's letter is the letter K.

Here are the rules: By Friday of each week participants try to write a blog post about crime fiction related to the letter of the week. Your post MUST be related to either the first letter of a book's title, the first letter of an author's first name, or the first letter of the author's surname, or even maybe a crime fiction "topic". But above all, it has to be crime fiction. You could write a review, or a bio of an author, so long as it fits the rules somehow.

KNOT ANALYSIS

What is it? Solving crimes which involve the tying of knots and the use of ropes and cordage

Did you know you can sometimes catch the killer based on how a knot was tied?
Did you know there are thousands of ways to tie a knot?
Did you know there are only a few experts worldwide contribuiting to solving crimes which involve the tying of knots?

Here are some interesting websites about it:

• http://blog.forensicscience.ufl.edu/2012/06/19/untying-the-knots/
• http://www.forensic-knots.co.uk/references.htm
• http://www.forensic-knots.co.uk/index.htm

What do you think, could you catch a killer based on a knot analysis?

Also, authors I want to check out that start with the Letter K:

KERRY GREENWOOD

Kerry Greenwood is an author and solicitor from Melbourne, Australia. She has written many plays and books, most notably a string of historical detective novels centred on the character of Phryne Fisher. She writes mysteries, science-fiction, historical fiction, and children's stories, as well as plays.

Cocaine Blues - this is where it all started! The first classic Phryne Fisher mystery, featuring our delectable heroine, cocaine, communism and adventure. Phryne leaves the tedium of English high society for Melbourne, Australia, and never looks back.

The London season is in full fling at the end of the 1920s, but the Honorable Phryne Fisher--she of the green-grey eyes, diamant garters and outfits that should not be sprung suddenly on those of nervous dispositions--is rapidly tiring of the tedium of arranging flowers, making polite conversations with retired colonels, and dancing with weak-chinned men. Instead, Phryne decides it might be rather amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective in Melbourne, Australia.

Almost immediately from the time she books into the Windsor Hotel, Phryne is embroiled in mystery: poisoned wives, cocaine smuggling rings, corrupt cops and communism--not to mention erotic encounters with the beautiful Russian dancer, Sasha de Lisse--until her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish baths of Little Lonsdale Street.

Sources: Wikipedia and Amazon.com
Writing and selling your mystery novel by Ephron