Mike Martin's Blog, page 18
May 4, 2015
The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program is Back
The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program is back. Every time we have released a new Sgt. Windflower Mystery we have made a number of copies available, absolutely free, to people on low or fixed incomes who simply cannot afford to buy a new book.
Tons of people are living on a tight budget, on social assistance or on a fixed income because of disability or not being able to work anymore. It’s hard to comprehend in this world of plenty, but $20.00 is a lot of money if you haven’t got it and one of the ‘luxuries’ that many people give up is purchasing new books. They wait until they are available from the library or get them lent from friends or from the second-hand bookstore.
We can’t give people a raise in their monthly stipend to help them with their book budget, but we can help at least a few of them enjoy my new books, fresh out of the printer’s box. This idea is called Reading Equality, a radically new concept that everyone should have access to quality, new release books. That’s why we are making 25 copies of A Twist of Fortune available to people on a low or fixed income. Absolutely free.
First come will be people who have liked Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook but if you find out about or if you know of someone who could use one but can’t afford it, just message me on Facebook or Tweet me @mike54martin and we’ll make arrangements to get the book out to you. And yes I will even sign them.
I also challenge other authors to join me in making Reading Equality a part of your regular practice. If you are an author you don’t have to give away a lot of books, try 5 as a start. And if you are not an author but want to support this initiative then you can participate by buying a few extra copies of your favourite author and passing them along to people that you know can’t afford them.
As a writer and an author I know that I am in a privileged position. I have been given a great gift and a great opportunity. It seems to me a very small price to pay to give a little back, especially to people who want to read my books and the only thing standing between me and my readers is a couple of dollars. So join me in helping to promote Reading Equality. We may not be able to change all the world at once, but we can make our part of it a little better, one reader at a time.
Of course if you have the cash, you’re certainly welcome to buy A Twist of Fortune. Here are some places you can get it.
Canada
Chapters Indigo
United States
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096?ean=9781634903806
Booklocker
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
Books a Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Twist-Fortune/Mike-Martin/9781634903806?id=6287674007697
United Kingdom
Amazon UK
Australia
Amazon.au
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
April 27, 2015
4.5 Stars!! Review of A Twist of Fortune on Madhouse Family Reviews
“Sgt Windflower is back and I must admit, this made me smile ! He is perhaps the most laidback detective I have ever come across in literature”
http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.ca/2015/04/book-review-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin.html
A Twist of Fortune is the fourth book in the Sgt Windflower Mystery series, following on from The Walker on the Cape, The Body on the T and Beneath The Surface. (Click through to read my reviews.) There are occasional mentions of things that happened in the previous episodes but the book can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Fans of the series will be pleased to learn that, following her serious accident, Sheila is back on form and going from strength to strength, both in her professional life and also her burgeoning love story with the chirpy Mountie. Windflower continues to frequent his small group of buddies and colleagues in the close knit community – the chess and whisky-loving Dr Sanjay, Herb and Moira Stoodley from the Mug-Up cafe, his hardworking colleagues Tizzard and Evanchuk, Betsy the super-efficient secretary and not forgetting his wayward Uncle Frank.
I’m always slightly surprised by the major crimes going on in the unassuming Canadian backwater town. After dismantling a human trafficking ring and dealing with some sexual harassment within the Mounted Police in the last novel, Sgt Windflower is back on a murder case, as well as keeping an eye on the unrest in Grand Bank caused by the fish plant, one of the town’s biggest industries, closing down.
As in all the other novels in the series, Windflower’s work on the case is on an even par with his beloved mealtimes and his personal life, which leads to a slower paced, less intense read that many other crime fiction novels. It takes a while to get used to but I have come to love Sgt Windflower’s easy going, low pressure approach to life. Reading the book has also given me a couple of great ideas for dinner – I really need to find a recipe for ice cream cheesecake !
star rating : 4.5/5
You can buy A Twist of Fortune at select bookstores and online here:
Chapters Indigo
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096?ean=9781634903806
Booklocker
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
Books a Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Twist-Fortune/Mike-Martin/9781634903806?id=6287674007697
Amazon UK
Amazon.au
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
April 23, 2015
Review of A Twist of Fortune by Don Graves D.D. Mystery Reviews
Review of A Twist of Fortune by Don Graves, D.D. Mystery Reviews
“A Twist of Fortune is compelling story telling, a change of pace from action without reason and a celebration of life that includes crime solving.”
A Twist of Fortune is the 4th in the Windflower series that grows on you. It’s essentially a character driven story, the character being Winston Windflower and those around him but also a character called Grand Bank Newfoundland, a small town facing change that it’s not quite ready for. It’s a police procedural that feels real, no instant forensic results but the real backstory of how cops deal with a mixture of crime, highways closed because of weather and small town life meeting today’s demands.
“A Twist of Fortune is compelling story telling, a change of pace from action without reason and a celebration of life that includes crime solving.”
Don Graves
D.D. Mystery Reviews
Don Graves is a long-time mystery and crime reviewer. For many years he wrote a column for the Hamilton Spectator and has won an award for his Spectator reviews of Canadian mystery novels.
You can buy A Twist of Fortune at select bookstores and online here:
Chapters Indigo
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096?ean=9781634903806
Booklocker
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
Books a Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Twist-Fortune/Mike-Martin/9781634903806?id=6287674007697
Amazon UK
Amazon.au
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
April 20, 2015
3 Favourite Bookstores to Buy A Twist of Fortune
One of the joys of being a writer is to see your books on the bookshelves of a book store. It’s even better when it’s in one of your favourite bookstores. Here are 3 of my favourite bookstores where you can find the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery: A Twist of Fortune.
Books on Beechwood
35 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
Books on Beechwood is an independent, locally owned, bookstore that reflects the interests of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The selections on literary fiction, biography, and history are particularly strong. They also have a good selection of mysteries, of children’s books and of cookbooks. The collection of several thousand books in the store is backed by the ability to order from a suppliers list of millions of volumes. They are very involved in the community and host special events such as book signings. They also have their own two book clubs which you are welcome to join.
http://www.booksonbeechwood.ca
Sleuth of Baker Street
907 Millwood Road
Toronto, Ontario
Sleuth of Baker Street is a bookstore that specializes in mysteries, crime novels, detective fiction, Sherlockiana, spy and thriller novels…lots and lots of mysteries…British, American, Canadian…new, used, out of print. If they haven’t got it, they’ll find it. A newsletter worth paying for, and if you want something other than a mystery, they do lots of special orders.
http://www.sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/
The Downhome Shoppe and Gallery
303 Water Street
St. John’s, Newfoundland
A craft and gift store, an art gallery and a bookstore all rolled into one. Yes it’s kitschy and touristy but it is also a great location to buy books, particularly local books. If it’s written by a Newfoundlander, or about Newfoundland, or the Atlantic Ocean you will find it at the Downhome Shoppe. And if you come by on Saturday afternoon you just might be lucky enough to get a taste of the best toutons in St. John’s. If you want to know what toutons are, you have to read Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Downhome-Shoppe-and-Gallery/318229770781?fref=ts
Buy A Twist of Fortune online at Chapters.ca
Stay tuned here for buy links and store locations as they become available. Reviews, events and more are coming soon for A Twist of Fortune.
Thank you for your support of Sgt. Windflower Mysteries
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
April 17, 2015
Review of A Twist of Fortune on Kindle Book Review: “A solid and absorbing read “
Review of A Twist of Fortune, A Sgt. Windflower Mystery on Kindle Book Review
“A solid and absorbing read “
Kindle Book Review
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1UFU1Q1KSSWIY/ref=cm_cr_rdp_pdp
Pass the por’ cakes b’y!,April 17, 2015
This review is from: A Twist of Fortune (Kindle Edition)
This is the fourth instalment in the series following the exploits of Sergeant Winston Windflower, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police working on the remote island of Newfoundland. The topography and climate of the location of the novel provide a key device within the narrative, allowing for a sense of isolation, a small community feel to policing and enough drifting snow to cover footprints at even the busiest of crime scenes.
A Twist of Fortune tells the story of drug smuggling gangs and multiple homicides, but the book isn’t fixated on murder mystery and instead weaves the criminal investigation narrative around those of the decline of the local fishing industry and Windflower’s personal life, relationships and his love of the local food and not so local scotch whisky.
The story of the decline of a once thriving local industry is universal, one could draw parallels between Newfoundland fishing and UK mining towns, so a lack of local knowledge won’t effect your enjoyment of this book. Indeed the bleak, snowy, daylight limited setting will be familiar to viewers of Sky Atlantic’s recent flagship TV series Fortitude.
The action moves at a steady pace throughout and with relatively short chapters it’s easy to get stuck in. My only criticism is the balance of criminal investigation with character development and sub-plots. It can feel a little mundane at times, as I’m sure police often work is, but a little less coffee and doughnuts and a little more drama and tension-building certainly wouldn’t go amiss.
A solid and absorbing read nonetheless.
Reviewed by MJ Meads from The Kindle Book Review.
AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W4CKGBA
BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096
BOOKLOCKER:
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-twist-of-fortune/id985784123
KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-twist-of-fortune-1
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
All Over the World: A Twist of Fortune
A Twist of Fortune, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery is now available all over the world. From Canada to Australia, from the United States to the United Kingdom and even in France and Germany and Italy. Even in Japan!!
Here is where you can order your copy:
Canada
Chapters Indigo
United States
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096?ean=9781634903806
Booklocker
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
Books a Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Twist-Fortune/Mike-Martin/9781634903806?id=6287674007697
United Kingdom
Amazon UK
Australia
Amazon.au
France
Amazon.fr
Germany
Amazon.de
Italy
Amazon.it
A Twist of Fortune (English Edition) eBook: Mike Martin: Amazon.it: Kindle Store
Japan
A Twist of Fortune (English Edition)
You can also buy A Twist of Fortune as an e-book anywhere in the world from
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W4CKGBA BARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096 BOOKLOCKER: http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-twist-of-fortune/id985784123 KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-twist-of-fortune-1
CHAPTERS INDIGO: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-twist-of-fortune/9781634903813-item.html?ikwid=A+TWIST+OF+fORTUNE&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
April 15, 2015
A Twist of Fortune is now available as an E-Book
A Twist of Fortune is now available as an e-book for only $2.99
Here’s where you can buy it:
AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W4CKGBA
BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096
BOOKLOCKER:
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-twist-of-fortune/id985784123
KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-twist-of-fortune-1
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
Twitter @mike54martin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
April 14, 2015
Killing Off Characters
One of the most difficult decisions I had to make in my latest book, A Twist of Fortune, was to let one of the characters die. Not one of the main characters or gawd forbid the protagonist, because then the series would be over. I won’t tell you who it was, other than to say that it was a very friendly character that almost everybody inside the story (and readers too!!) liked and enjoyed. It was difficult because I tend to grow fond of the characters and except for the villains, would really like them to stick around.
But that’s the way the story unfolded and since I am a true ‘seat-of-the pantser‘ who doesn’t have an outline or a plot I didn’t feel I had any choice. I’m hoping it doesn’t upset too many people and I did create what I felt was a beautiful funeral and send-off, but it made me realize again how connected we all can become to fictitious characters in our favourite books or television shows.
I think that’s actually a good thing, especially when we connect to the good guy and gal characters. It is a little escape from reality, but I think we all need a bit of that. Plus there’s a common bonding that happens when we find characters that we can all love together. Think about shows like Downton Abbey. They have killed off a lot of characters but a few are sacrosanct, at least to me. If they ever killed off Lady Mary, I’d swear off forever. Even if the show goes off the air, which I heard it will next year, I will never forgive them if they do in Lady Mary.
Maybe that’s because I want the characters to live on, if not in my favourite TV show or books, then at least in my imagination. I also want to see where they are going and what they are going to do next. When I’m writing my books I don’t know either. I have to wait until I can get the words to spill out of me and fall onto the page so I can read what happened. That makes the process a whole lot more exciting that developing a plot and creating a storyboard and a character wall and all the things that writers who are ‘plotters’ have to go through. (I really admire them, but I think my way is a lot more fun.)
Sgt. Windflower is a real character to me, a person in my life that when I’m back home in the neck of the woods where he patrols the highways, I can almost feel his presence. And I think that’s a good thing in my life. Because he is a good person/character and reminds me sometimes of what the right and honourable thing would be to do in difficult situations. He is a part of me, at least part of creative side and I think I would really miss him if he wasn’t around. So rest easy, gentle readers, Sgt. Windflower will live to dress up in his RCMP red serge and continue his adventures on the southeast coast of Newfoundland, at the very tip of Canada.
As for the rest of the characters, I make no commitments. They live and die based on the will of the creative muses. Some may just have to be sacrificed for the greater good, or at least a better story.
So here’s a question for you. How do you feel when one of your favorite characters gets bumped off?
Mike Martin is the author of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. The latest book is A Twist of Fortune. For more information, reviews and buy links visit the website or follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook. www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
You can buy A Twist of Fortune here:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Chapters Indigo
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096?ean=9781634903806
Booklocker
http://booklocker.com/books/7981.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
Twitter @mike54martin
This post originally appeared on Lisa K’s Book Blog
http://lisaksbookthoughts.blogspot.ca/
April 13, 2015
Guest Blog on Lisa K: Killing off Characters
Come join me today as I guess blog on Lisa K’s fabulous blog with a post about Killing Off Characters. And get a chance to win a free signed copy of A Twist of Fortune.
Killing Off Characters
One of the most difficult decisions I had to make in my latest book, A Twist of Fortune, was to let one of the characters die. Not one of the main characters or gawd forbid the protagonist, because then the series would be over. I won’t tell you who it was, other than to say that it was a very friendly character that almost everybody inside the story (and readers too!!) liked and enjoyed. It was difficult because I tend to grow fond of the characters and except for the villains, would really like them to stick around………….
http://lisaksbookthoughts.blogspot.ca/
You can buy A Twist of Fortune here:
Amazon.com
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-twist-of-fortune-mike-martin/1121721096?ean=9781634903806
And of course in Canada at Chapters/indigo in Canada:
Stay tuned here for buy links and store locations as they become available. Reviews, events and more are coming soon for A Twist of Fortune.
Thank you for your support of Sgt. Windflower Mysteries
http://www.sgtwindflowermysteries.com
April 11, 2015
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