B. Roman's Blog: Inspiration From Unexpected Sources - Posts Tagged "suspense"

It can take months and even years for a story to germinate, to make any sense whatsoever, and give an author direction on how to build it: from foundation up? Or walls first and floor next? Or just pieces of note paper thrown into a file that we know must be valuable for something. Then one day, Voila. A story takes shape. It grabs hold. It compels and, no matter what, we must write it.
“Whatever Became of Sin?” is a book that came from out of nowhere, from a reference in a magazine article about “the passenger in 7f.” What if, I mused, the passenger in 7f switched his seat with another passenger who was the target of a murder plot? An in-flight murder ensues. The plot thickens, a heinous scheme is revealed, and the original passenger, attorney Michael Warren, learns the past 12 years of his life has been a lie!
I love good books and films about the human psyche (not Psycho; that scares the Bedevil out of me), but how the choices we make lead us down the path of goodness or to the path of wickedness.
My books only contain implied violence (I’m very squeamish) and absolutely no blatant sex (I’m terrible at writing it - and I take heart in knowing that John Grisham says the same about his attempts at writing sex scenes!) But conflict and chaos being very appealing to readers, my stories have those ingredients galore.

It all begins on a flight to New Orleans, a stopover on Warren’s trip to D.C. to testify before a Senate Committee. As an avid environmental lobbyist, this would be Michael’s opportunity to destroy plans for a housing development built on land tainted with the same kind of toxic waste that killed Michael’s six-year-old daughter, Dominique.
But an audio cassette handed to Michael by a stranger on the plane is thought to contain damaging evidence about the developer. Instead, it renders his daughter’s life and death a lie: Dominique was not Michael’s real daughter; his real baby girl was kidnapped at birth and replaced with another newborn with the intent that the whereabouts of Baby Girl Warren would forever be unknown.
When the stranger dies in a bizarre murder mid-flight, Michael is sidetracked in New Orleans, where he and his family once lived. Here, two enigmatic people further complicate his life: the stunningly beautiful Celia Stone, a New Orleans obstetrician; and Madison Bouvier, the dapper, ambitious New Orleans district attorney. Michael hopes to enlist their aid in finding his real daughter but, unknown to him, they surreptitiously thwart his every move, each with their own agenda for revenge and profit.
To further complicate matters, Michael’s wife Elaine now resides in Twelve Oaks Sanitarium, seemingly contented to dwell in her illusionary world of ignorance to the truth about her daughter’s death.
When Michael discovers the truth about who is involved in his daughter’s kidnapping, he is faced with the most difficult decision of his life: Shall he expose them all and jeopardize his daughter’s well-being? Or shall he submit to their conditions in order to bring her safely home?
The shrewd compromises Michael Warren must make in order to see justice done provide the surprising and satisfying ending. I do hope you agree>

Eve Gaal opens her novel with a tribute to Woman’s power, and notes that hers came through her religious faith and literature. What follows is a thoughtfully written, and sometimes ironically humorous, glimpse into the trials and travails of marriage, parenting, and the evils of human sex trafficking. Her faith runs like a golden thread through the story but is never heavy handed or preachy. Instead, it acts as a solid foundation for her heroine, Penny’s, bravery and sure-footedness.
Life, as in a casino, is a game of chance. Why are some of us fortunate and others experience loss, sometimes devastatingly so. But what keeps people coming back for more - to a shaky relationship or to a slot machine? Hope. And Faith. In this continuation of Lost Compass Love Book One, “Penniless Hearts,” Penny & John, married in Hawaii now living in California, are suffering the blows of the recession, which is driving a wedge between them. Jobless, (she a newspaper writer and he a contractor) and potentially homeless, Penny reluctantly agrees to move with John to Las Vegas for new work opportunities. To add to their troubles, their adult daughter Lani is dealing with a broken heart, but they must leave her behind to live with John’s aging spinster sister. A bizarre stroke of fate in the form of a huge sum of money left to her by a shady criminal from her past, who has met a grisly end, changes Penny’s outlook. It could be financial freedom. But, feeling that its dirty money, she keeps the windfall a secret from John, lest he go berserk. She first needs to figure out how to tell him and how to use the money wisely.
On the dark, lonely desert road to Vegas, Penny & John’s imaginations run to wild, hazardous, deathly scenarios but their “rescue” by 2 strange men inadvertently leads them into a vicious sex slavery operation hidden behind a famous artist’s reputation. Initially, the men, pretending generosity, exploit Penny’s artistic talents and consign her to paint murals in what is to be a posh Vegas “spa.” Penny soon learns it is a front for a bordello that will employ European sex slaves.
All the seemingly innocuous decisions we make can pull us towards peril, defying every instinct that says run like hell in the other direction. But soon Penny finds herself, John, Lani, and some innocent young women at the mercy of a crew of murderous gangsters. Like a first responder running towards danger instead of away from it, Penny devises a courageous plan, with the help of good friends and that huge sum of money, to thwart the villains and bring them down. Though John’s moods and loyalties at times swing like a pendulum, and their marriage and family bonds are tested beyond what most people can endure, his love and admiration for Penny transcends their Job-like challenges. And without giving anything away, fortune smiles on them. After all, fortune favors the brave.
Gaal tackles serious issues - the sex slave trade, and the seamy side of Vegas - with honesty and well-researched facts and details. At the heart of her story is the desire to bring to light the nefarious exploitation of women who are vulnerable and have nowhere to turn and no one to save them. She has been hurt in her own life, and her understanding of the pain and sorrow that are suffered by those who feel powerless is her Muse.

Your Kindle edition of "A Man's Face" is free thru 2/17. A client's innocence hangs in the balance. His mother's murder must be solved. The woman he loves is a fire starter. What next? Grab a copy of this latest thriller now. When you read, remember to review! Authors depend on you!

Your Kindle edition of "A Man's Face" is only 99c thru 5/17. A client's innocence hangs in the balance. His mother's murder must be solved. The woman he loves is a fire starter. What next? Grab a copy of this latest thriller now. When you read, remember to review! Authors depend on you!

The Kindle edition of "Whatever Became of Sin?" is only 99c thru 6/21.

This was my first attempt at writing a thriller, after several books with a metaphysical theme. To be so inspired, was an interesting process.
It can take months and even years for a story to germinate, to make any sense whatsoever, and give an author direction on how to build it: from foundation up? Or walls first and floor next? Or just pieces of note paper thrown into a file that we know must be valuable for something. Then one day, Voila. A story takes shape. It grabs hold. It compels and, no matter what, we must write it.
“Whatever Became of Sin?” is a book that came from out of nowhere, from a reference in a magazine article about “the passenger in 7f.” What if, I mused, the passenger in 7f switched his seat with another passenger who was the target of a murder plot? An in-flight murder ensues. The plot thickens, a heinous scheme is revealed, and the original passenger, attorney Michael Warren, learns the past 12 years of his life has been a lie!
I do hope you enjoy readingWhatever Became of Sin? it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Help to celebrate the one year anniversary of "A Man's Face" by reading and reviewing this thrilling suspense drama by Dec. 1.
Read what people who have read the book are saying. You won't be disappointed!
Watch for the Kindle Special or contact me for a copy.
http://mybook.to/AMansFace

Wine, Betrayal, and Justice: Navigating the Twists of Legal Dramas

Mystery: "A Man's Face"

There's a romance and elegance associated with the world of wine, with its storied vineyards stretching from the rich soils of Spain to the sun-drenched valleys of Southern California. But beyond the graceful curves of the wine glass, the delicate bouquets of aromas, and the joy of a first sip, lies an unexpected territory of secrets, betrayals, and treachery. This unlikely merger between wine and the suspense of courtroom dramas paints a thrilling backdrop, where every twist uncorks a new revelation.

The Elite Wine Industry: A Breeding Ground for Drama

The world of wine is often perceived as refined and sophisticated. Behind this façade, however, are high stakes, fierce rivalries, and intricate webs of deceit. Land ownership disputes, generational vendettas, and fraudulent wine productions are just the tip of the iceberg. Such an environment, filled with its share of power plays and hidden agendas, makes it a ripe setting for thrillers, especially when combined with the ruthless world of legal drama.

Courtroom Dramas: The Search for Truth Amidst Deceit

Courtrooms, with their stoic judges, earnest lawyers, and unpredictable juries, have always provided a compelling stage for human stories. The search for justice, where evidence is dissected, motives are questioned, and truth becomes a contested terrain, mirrors the intrigue found in the layers and complexities of a fine wine. When combined, the wine industry and the legal system offer a multifaceted narrative where characters, like wines, have their unique notes and undertones.

In A Man's Face, Marc Jordan's pursuit of truth, spurred by a haunting childhood memory, takes readers on a suspenseful journey. The mysterious scar running from cheek to chin becomes a symbol of the unresolved past and the lengths one might go to uncover it.
The Complexities of Character Development

Both the wine and legal industries require a deep understanding of nuances. Just as a vintner must understand the subtle notes that differentiate one wine from another, a lawyer must navigate the intricacies of human behavior, piecing together fragments of truth from layers of deceit. It is here that character development becomes crucial.

Marc's evolution, for instance, is not just about seeking revenge or justice. It's about understanding the complexities of human relationships, the gray areas between right and wrong, and the personal cost of relentless pursuit. This multi-dimensional character portrayal is what makes legal dramas set against unconventional backdrops so engaging.
Betrayal: The Common Thread

At the heart of many great legal thrillers is betrayal. Whether it's the betrayal of trust, of love, or of friendship, this powerful emotion drives characters to extremes, often blurring the lines between hero and villain. In the context of A Man's Face, betrayal is an ever-present specter, looming large in the form of hidden identities, unexpected alliances, and shocking revelations. The world of wine, with its long-standing loyalties and fierce competitions, adds another layer of depth to this theme.
Wine as a Metaphor

Just as wine undergoes a transformative process — from grape to bottle — characters in legal dramas experience their metamorphosis. Marc's journey, intertwined with the wine industry's ebbs and flows, represents the broader human experience of growth, discovery, and understanding. Wine, with its capacity to evolve over time, becoming richer and more complex, serves as a poignant metaphor for the unfolding human drama, where every challenge and setback adds depth to the character's persona.
Conclusion

Legal dramas, with their inherent tension and unpredictability, have long held a special place in the hearts of readers and viewers. Introducing elements from the elite wine industry, with its own set of mysteries and secrets, creates a unique blend of suspense and sophistication. As Marc Jordan's story in A Man's Face suggests, the journey to uncover the truth is never straightforward, and sometimes the answers lie in unexpected places, much like the hidden notes in a bottle of wine waiting to be discovered.