Eileen Harris's Blog

I finally have the latest review of my most recent book ...

 I finally have the latest review of my most recent book Antique Mourning. 

From Bookish Indulgences:

I loved the first four books in the series quite a bit. So, when Antique Mourning released after a big gap, I was apprehensive and excited at the same time. I went back and re-read one of the books to make sure that I remembered the characters and the overall arc of Alicia's character before picking up Antique Mourning.

Alicia Trent has received an offer that is quite irresistible. She has been invited to a college in New York to catalogue and assess an antique collection that has been left to the college by an alumni. As a part of a deal, the college has also offered to let Alicia take some classes for free. Her business partner Barry is neither happy nor comfortable about having Alicia gone for better part of a year. But to top it off, Laudine would be traveling with Alicia to go and train the staff at the college.

What could go wrong?

Alicia and Laudine land at Druthmar college looking forward to an work and fun filled year ahead, yet they find themselves handling murders in a complicatedly big old place that has a haunted feeling on a good day!

Eileen Harris never fails to deliver a good mystery with a dose a drama and a pinch of humor. As the series progresses, the mysteries are getting more complex and darker. In Antique Mourning, the setting of the college building almost has a life of its own. I found the different buildings and their layout very complicated at the beginning and wished I had a map of it. But with time I loved that feel of 'known confusion' help build up the tension and mystery. The cast introduced in the book played their parts in both building up the plot and the air of mystery.

There is always something happening throughout the book - both on and off pages and as such, the pace held steady. It took me a while to figure out the who, the why and the how - and as such the book had me in its hooks through out.

Those who have already read other books in this series are definitely going to enjoy this one. But, if you are someone who hasn't read any of Alicia's previous adventures, this book isn't the best one to dive into the series with because there is so much in the previous books that have shaped up Alicia the way she is in this book. Without that context, I am not sure whether someone will 'get' our protagonist completely.

I am happy to report that on September 1st the fifth boo...

 I am happy to report that on September 1st the fifth book in the Alicia Trent Series came out.  It is called Antique Mourning, and Continues following Alicia's life as she and her friends move into the future.  It took a lot longer to happen than I could have ever imagined.  Hopefully the future doesn't hold any more unexpected delays.  At this writing, I have one stand alone book written and undergoing the editing process, and the next book in the series is half written.  At this time I am calling it Antique Angel, but I can't promise that won't change between now and publication.  I will try to post information more frequently than in the recent past. 

I am very excited because I have finally sent the manusc...

 I am very excited because I have finally sent the manuscript for the fifth Alicia Trent series to the publisher.  The latest book is called Antique Mourning.  Due to circumstances beyond my control it has been a while since I have submitted a manuscript.  That fact makes this submission even more enjoyable.

If you enjoy reading great books for free, try the link b...

If you enjoy reading great books for free, try the link below.  Wings e-Press has a holiday promotion where you can get a free book of your choice from all of their titles.  You can try one of my books or any of the other Wings authors.  The link is below.  We hope you enjoy your selection.

http://www.books-by-wings-epress.com/giveaways-contests-events

Happy Holidays!

Election 2016

     I almost decided not to write about my personal reaction to the recent presidential election. I knew no minds would be changed, no facts recognized, and it was too late anyway. I’ve changed my mind because I need to know that I’ve said out loud that I stand against evil. Too harsh a word? Maybe, but I don’t think so. Working against every type of human on the planet except straight white males, evil. Turning a blind eye to factual proven science and ruining the earth, our earth, the only place we have to live, by denying climate change, endorsing fossil fuel over renewable energy, allowing fracking, ignoring the increasingly polluted oceans, and refusing to admit we are nearing if not past the possibility of repairing the damage, evil. Ruining education, thus dooming society for the foreseeable future, evil. Painting our country’s great scientific minds as elitists with nothing worthwhile to say, evil.     All those things sadden me for the future of this great country and the world. The fact that we elected a man who grabs women in intimate places without their permission, wants to abolish women’s rights, works against not for minorities, and has not even a glimmer of a clue on how to fix the economy, foreign relations, or govern with class is horrible. More horrible is the climate of hate, bullying, and discrimination alive in nearly half the population of the United States. The half that chose to ignore the facts and assist Donald Trump in his latest ego trip.

Today is the kickoff date for the book tour of the third ...

Today is the kickoff date for the book tour of the third in the Alicia Trent Series called Antique Discovery.  The kickoff page link is listed below.  It shows the different blogs that will be doing interviews and reviews.  As always thank you Debdatta for your interest in this series.
http://b00kr3vi3wtours.blogspot.com/2015/05/tourkickoffantiquediscovery.html

Edie Dykman, Bella Online's Mystery Editor, had this to s...

Edie Dykman, Bella Online's Mystery Editor, had this to say about Dowager Diaries, The Black Cane, which is my latest novel.  Thank you Edie for taking the time and effort to review this book.

The Black Cane (Dowager Diaries: Book 1), by Eileen Harris, is the first book in an exciting new series featuring an active group of senior citizens who desire to make a positive difference in other people’s life while remaining active in their own. They are not ready for the old folk’s home, and mean to prove it.

This intriguing mystery story is a powerful look at how aging causes seniors to feel dismissed and overlooked in society, and how seniors have to fight back in order to remain visible in their world.

The gathering of the women to do good in other peoples life brought them a much needed boast in their own life. What they learned along the way and how they were able to solve crimes and help those in needs is the gist of this inspiring read.

Fast-paced and fun, despite the seriousness of abuse, keep pages turning. Never a dull moment with this group. Thankfully, the subtitle indicates more stories are forthcoming from an author who truly understands the desire of seniors to remain viable in an ever changing world.

Book Tour

Due to some serious automobile accident injuries in my family I have been absent from this blog for some time.  I apologize for the gap and hope to be back on my regular schedule in the future.

This entry is to let you know that the first Alicia Trent Mystery, Antique Magic, is being featured on a book tour December 6th through the 13th.  The following link will take you to a list of the sites featuring the book.  Many of the site owners have taken the time to review the book.  I want to thank all of them for finding Antique Magic worth featuring.  I also want to thank Debdatta Sahay for her time and energy in setting up the tour.  Authors write because it's what we love and know how to do, but without people like Debdatta and these blog owners we are only a voice in the dark.  Thank you for helping us be heard.

Link:  http://b00kr3vi3wtours.blogspot.in/2014/12/tourkickoff-antique-magic-alicia-trent.html

This is the latest review of my book, The Black Cane. It...

This is the latest review of my book, The Black Cane.  It is being featured on a book tour this week.  I hope my regular readers enjoy this one as much as they seemed to enjoy the Alicia Trent mysteries.  At the moment Alicia is busy getting into new trouble.  Hopefully you will see more about that soon.

Review: 
By:  Debdatta Sahay at Book R3vi3w

When Amelia runs into a little boy in trouble and decides to help him, little does she know how her life is about to change – drastically. Deciding to shelter the little boy called Marc, their paths take them on an interesting journey full of mysteries and adventure. From eight old women playing bridge one a week, they become a more exclusive sort of club, a club that solves problems to help others. With slight help from Leon and Wade, these ladies not only solve Marc’s case but also take on other projects and complete them successfully.

The first thing about this book that catches you attention is its protagonists. Eight ladies past their prime years who hold a bridge club one a week turn into eight sleuths over a short period of time. That may sound a bit lame at first, but the author gives us a believable reason to realize that it just might be possible. Each lady having been a working professional from varied backgrounds, come together and pool their different experiences and expertise that help them to see situations from a unique perspective. The plot is multilayered. Along with Marc’s case as the base, there are other parallel storyline (or cases) that take place in the story. Though this adds enough flavor to the story, a reader might feel that Marc’s story was being dragged on to make space for these stories. 

Overall, this book makes for an interesting read. I am kind of looking forward to reading more adventures of the Dowager Club.

This is the latest review of my book, The Black Cane.&nbs...

This is the latest review of my book, The Black Cane.  It is being featured on a book tour this week.  I hope my regular readers enjoy this one as much as they seemed to enjoy the Alicia Trent mysteries.  At the moment Alicia is busy getting into new trouble.  Hopefully you will see more about that soon.

Review: 
By:  Debdatta Sahay at Book R3vi3w

When Amelia runs into a little boy in trouble and decides to help him, little does she know how her life is about to change – drastically. Deciding to shelter the little boy called Marc, their paths take them on an interesting journey full of mysteries and adventure. From eight old women playing bridge one a week, they become a more exclusive sort of club, a club that solves problems to help others. With slight help from Leon and Wade, these ladies not only solve Marc’s case but also take on other projects and complete them successfully.

The first thing about this book that catches you attention is its protagonists. Eight ladies past their prime years who hold a bridge club one a week turn into eight sleuths over a short period of time. That may sound a bit lame at first, but the author gives us a believable reason to realize that it just might be possible. Each lady having been a working professional from varied backgrounds, come together and pool their different experiences and expertise that help them to see situations from a unique perspective. The plot is multilayered. Along with Marc’s case as the base, there are other parallel storyline (or cases) that take place in the story. Though this adds enough flavor to the story, a reader might feel that Marc’s story was being dragged on to make space for these stories. 

Overall, this book makes for an interesting read. I am kind of looking forward to reading more adventures of the Dowager Club.