Dale Ward's Blog, page 4
September 27, 2022
Midwest Book Review
Coming in the October edition of the Midwest Book Review: “Killing the Butterfly!”
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Subtitles are usually mere definitions of genre to avoid reader confusion and help library shelvers; but finally, here is a book subtitle that lives up to its potential of capturing reader attention from the start: Killing the Butterfly: A Thriller So Abusive, It’s Criminal.
The story’s opening paragraphs are equally alluring as nineteen-year-old Patty relives the nightmares/visions of her youth and struggles to escape them—by involving herself and her boyfriend in a crime spree that lands her in trouble.
On the run from her past and on the lam from authorities and her own psyche, Patty can’t escape her boyfriend Roy, or the consequences of her choices and actions, which keep haunting her every step.
When the two stumble upon a lone man at a lake cabin who seems to offer a way out of their dilemma, even more trouble looms as evil enters the picture to warp any possibility of safety or redemption.
Dale Ward cultivates a fast-paced novel that swings back and forth between Patty’s past and present, infusing the plot with rationales for her perceptions, behaviors, and the patterns which continue to hold her in thrall.
Just as captivating as the plot’s unexpected twists and turns is the presence of angst that permeates a lonely life, buffeted by her stormy relationship with Roy and a road trip gone awry.
Although the positive influence of her Aunt Meredith offers some respite and a refuge, Patty can’t help but long for different possibilities for her future: “She rested, her eyes wide, in a different bed. This one in Aunt Meredith’s place. The house was quiet. She was at work. Patty was alone again. There had to be a better life out there for her. She wanted a normal life. She really did. Whatever that was. Patty had never known one. Will I ever know one? Her one escape was her poetry.”
Ward steeps this suspense thriller in elements of coming-of-age that increases its appeal to mature teen and new adult readers, but its adult themes and the nature of Patty’s evolution really places it in the adult crime novel genre.
This audience will appreciate Ward’s attention to captivating descriptions and unexpected events that help grow Patty’s psyche and realizations about her options and future.
As unhappy lives evolve, dovetail with, and feed one another, leading to new possibilities, readers receive a powerful saga that journeys through disparate lives touched by evil, angst, and determination.
Killing the Butterfly is a thriller that holds the potential to reach beyond the usual crime story readership and into the hearts of those interested in how bad results come from well-intentioned efforts. Book clubs and therapy groups focused on this process will find plenty of food for thought and discussion here, while libraries looking for thrillers that embrace a healthy degree of growth and psychological insights will relish the special nature and descriptive prowess of Killing the Butterfly.
Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
August 20, 2022
THE LEADER Interview
The Leader article hit the mailbox yesterday. What a very nice article. Katelyn Mary Skaggs took my gibberish and shaped it well. She was really able to encapsalate what I said and to fashion it into something concise and cohesive. Thanks.
August 11, 2022
INTERVIEW FOR LEADER MAGAZINE
I was interviewed about “Killing the Butterfly” by Katelyn Mary Skaggs for the Leader magazine. The Leader is the local Eureka magazine that is mailed to residents. More info here: https://www.myleaderpaper.com/news/
Look for the interview sometime in August. And you can pick up a copy of “Killing the Butterfly” at https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Butterfly-Thriller-Abusive-Criminal-ebook/dp/B09T8QQRW9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GSNDSISWRUU2&keywords=killing+the+butterfly+dale+ward&qid=1660236697&sprefix=%2Caps%2C489&sr=8-1
July 12, 2022
New Reviews on AMAZON!
“Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! Best book ever! Made me realize that there are many types of abusers in the world. Had to finish the book before putting it down! Loved it! Looking for more stories by this author!!!”
“Dysfunction. Oppression. Horrific abuse. Redemption seemingly beyond reach. Breaking free is never *that* simple. There’s a great story here, but Ward uses that story, told from multiple camera angles, to pull us into an invisible world that is around us all of the time… if we simply take the time to stop and see it. Read the book. Get to know “Patty” to know your own neighbors a little better.”
“The worst thing that ever happened to Patty was being born into an extremely dysfunctional family. Her mother, aka The Witch and her father, aka The Monster are dreadful people who should not have been allowed to procreate but they did. Patty is stuck with them until her luck finally changes and she moves in with her Aunt Meredith. Then the other worst thing happens- she meets and falls in love with Roy. The red flags are flying everywhere you look- he lives in a trailer with his abusive alcoholic father, he steals cars, he has a number of armed robberies on his resume, rarely attends school, etc. but Patty is drawn to this bad boy. The twists and turns that form the crooked path of their relationship lead them into a life of crime and violence but Patty is powerless to escape and Roy can’t or won’t break the cycle of abuse that defines him. The ending is surprising but quite satisfying. Don’t miss this one by Dale Ward!”
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July 8, 2022
LIES LEAD TO DEATH review
This second book in the series {Family of Killers) launches with a one-two punch that finds assassin-apprentice now turned pro David Grant bound and tortured in the hold of a mystery ship. And the only thing in his favor is that the Russian Mafia wants him alive. Not in his favor is what kind of physical condition that means. It also means his Family is exposed to takeover and annihilation. The Family must fight back to survive, but David’s survival is its foremost concern.
Author Stephen W. Briggs never lets up in this gripping crime epic that delivers punch after punch. Get this book and grab a hold of this relentless and violent ride that once again scans the globe with a riveting plot that never lets up. Hold on tight!
July 5, 2022
Miranda Writes review
Miranda Writes is a delicious crime thriller by Gail Ward Olmstead that grabs ahold of you from page one. This page turner follows Miranda Quinn, a TV-newbie who finds herself launching a television talkshow based on her years as an attorney. The TV show focuses on legal questions that we all might experience. But it’s her own experiences that catch up with her when a young woman from her past ends up crashing into the new world that Miranda is rebuilding for herself. Drudging up troubles from her early life plunges her back into the horrors from those days. But it also gives her a chance at redemption from these skeletons. Jam-packed with engaging characters, you’ll find yourself wrapped into Miranda’s world as she attempts to right the wrongs that have plagued her life. Grab this book and enjoy the ride!
July 4, 2022
30 percent off select titles!
Including “Killing the Butterfly.” Check it out!
June 18, 2022
With a Mind to Kill
THE LATEST IN THE JAMES BOND NOVEL LINE IS GREAT!
How refreshing to read a James Bond novel written in the original Ian Fleming vein. Throughly enjoyed this walk back in time with James Bond back in action. This guy is the real deal (unlike the guy in No Time to Die – not a particularly bad film, but that was NOT James Bond). I f you like the original Ian Fleming books, you’ll love this ride. Kudos to Anthony Horowitz. I hope they give you the reins again.
Number 3 in Kindle free Suspense Thrillers
Didn’t expect this, but it sure looks good!
