Michael Stephen Daigle's Blog, page 13
December 23, 2022
There’s more light today than yesterday
Solstice came.
There’s more light today than yesterday.
And tomorrow there will be more.
Grab it, smell it, wear it, taste it.
Share it.
We all rise.
Merry Christmas.
Happy Holidays.
And know that the Porch Guys are watching.
Bless their fuzzy little heads.
The post There’s more light today than yesterday appeared first on Michael Stephen Daigle.
December 13, 2022
Royal Dragonfly: “DRAGONY RISING,” First Place
What reviewers have said:
“This is the 5th book of the mystery series. In this book, detective Nagler who has a conscience and ethics from ancient times, follows clues to uncover corruption and crimes in NJ. The book is well-written and will keep you turning pages to try and find out how the latest unexpected twist develops.”
***
“A very well written and highly engaging book that sucked me in right away. The author masterfully crafted a fast paced and very realistic crime story. If you are into crime drama or mysteries, this book is a must! Well done…well done indeed!”
Kirkus Reviews: “Daigle’s series, in which the decaying Ironton is as rich a character as Frank, continues with this epic installment. The plot distills motifs that have hijacked American discourse for several years… This crackling series installment provides a wide-angle shot of society and generations in conflict.”
Read the other award-winning Frank Nagler Mysteries:
“A Game Called Dead” was named a Runner-Up in the Shelf Unbound 2016 Best Indie Book contest.
“The Weight of Living” was awarded First Place for mysteries in the 2017 Royal Dragonfly Book Award contest;
Named A Notable 100 Book, Shelf Unbound 2018 Indie Book Awards;
Named a Distinguished Favorite, 2018 Independent Press Awards.
Named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2018 Big NYC Book Contest.
Named a Finalist in the 2019 Book Excellence Awards.
Named A Gold Star Award winner in the 2020 Elite Choice Book Awards
Named a Book Award Winner in 2021 by Maincraft Media Fiction Book Awards
“The Red Hand” was named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2019 Big NYC Book Contest
Named Second Place winner for mysteries in the 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards
Named a Notable 100 Book in the 2019 Shelf Unbound Indie Book Awards
Named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2020 Independent Press Awards
A Nominee in the 2020 TopShelf Book Awards
Named A Gold Star Award winner in the 2020 Elite Choice Book Awards
Kirkus Pro Page: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/r/my-pro/
Buy the books here:
The post Royal Dragonfly: “DRAGONY RISING,” First Place appeared first on Michael Stephen Daigle.
December 7, 2022
Dragony Rising: Notable 100 Indie by Shelf-Unbound
Follow this link to the entire list of winners.
https://shelfmediagroup.com/portfolio/december-january-2023/NEW: All the Frank Nagler Mysteries are available at Book and Puppet Co. on the Square in Downtown Easton, Pa.
Dragony Rising is the most complex book in the series as Ironton, N.J. Detective Frank Nagler and his allies must discover who blew up a couple blocks of downtown. It is a story that shines a light on the city’s history and exposes actions that intend to bring the city to ruin.
What reviewers have said:
“This is the 5th book of the mystery series. In this book, detective Nagler who has a conscience and ethics from ancient times, follows clues to uncover corruption and crimes in NJ. The book is well-written and will keep you turning pages to try and find out how the latest unexpected twist develops.”
***
“A very well written and highly engaging book that sucked me in right away. The author masterfully crafted a fast paced and very realistic crime story. If you are into crime drama or mysteries, this book is a must! Well done…well done indeed!”
Kirkus Reviews: “Daigle’s series, in which the decaying Ironton is as rich a character as Frank, continues with this epic installment. The plot distills motifs that have hijacked American discourse for several years… This crackling series installment provides a wide-angle shot of society and generations in conflict.”
Read the other award-winning Frank Nagler Mysteries:
“A Game Called Dead” was named a Runner-Up in the Shelf Unbound 2016 Best Indie Book contest.
“The Weight of Living” was awarded First Place for mysteries in the 2017 Royal Dragonfly Book Award contest;
Named A Notable 100 Book, Shelf Unbound 2018 Indie Book Awards;
Named a Distinguished Favorite, 2018 Independent Press Awards.
Named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2018 Big NYC Book Contest.
Named a Finalist in the 2019 Book Excellence Awards.
Named A Gold Star Award winner in the 2020 Elite Choice Book Awards
Named a Book Award Winner in 2021 by Maincraft Media Fiction Book Awards
“The Red Hand” was named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2019 Big NYC Book Contest
Named Second Place winner for mysteries in the 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards
Named a Notable 100 Book in the 2019 Shelf Unbound Indie Book Awards
Named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2020 Independent Press Awards
A Nominee in the 2020 TopShelf Book Awards
Named A Gold Star Award winner in the 2020 Elite Choice Book Awards
Kirkus Pro Page: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/r/my-pro/
Buy the books here:
The post Dragony Rising: Notable 100 Indie by Shelf-Unbound appeared first on Michael Stephen Daigle.
December 3, 2022
Nagler’s Secret: Who are the Missing?
While the reading world is getting to know DRAGONY RISING, the latest award-winning Frank Nagler Mystery, (Kirkus reviews: “This epic installment”) I am working on Nagler 6: NAGLER’S SECRET.
Kirkus link: https://wordpress.com/post/michaelstephendaigle.com/3648.
This story is intended to be more personal for my cop hero Frank Nagler, and deals with something from Frank’s past that only he knows, thus, the secret.
The overall story deals with the juvenile justice system and focuses on Anna, a young girl introduced in Nagler 3, THE WEIGHT OF LIVING. The framework for that side of the story springs from a case in Pennsylvania a few years ago in which a couple of judges were convicted of taking bribes to send convicts to certain for-profit jails.
This will be a story about loss, the ache and anger of loss, and with hope, healing.
As the writer my goal with the story will be able to produce light from darkness.
In this short scene reporter Jimmy Dawson receives a video that introduces him to the central mystery: Who are the Missing?
The scene:
“I know better,” Jimmy Dawson muttered, but clicked on the video file anyway.
A rectangle filled with a shifting grey background emerged while an indistinct multi-toned sound leaked from the speakers. The volume wavered, clearly modulated by controls. Dawson’s brow wrinkled in concentration as the sound shifted to a single moaning tone, fading, fading, no voices, but a hiss, then static. Then a word, or what Dawson thought was a word, garbled, gone; then another and another layered, scrambled, followed by another hiss, then silence.
Before he could form the thought that this thing seemed pointless ten fingers punched through the gray background meaning it was not a background, but a screen. The fingers tore the screen down the middle and a face wrapped in layers of gauzy fabric took their place. The sound reemerged, words, parts of words, maybe names, all the sounds muffled.
A layer of fabric was pulled away, then another. With each layer removed, the words became more distinct.
“They are names,” Dawson said.
“Malcolm, Thomas, Janice, Virginia, Malik…”
One after another now synced with a new layer of gauzy cloth being removed.
The names rattled on, faster and faster – “Jasper, Adam, Mona, Christopher, Denice” — as the cloth flew from the face, the combination of louder words and flashing cloth disorienting.
Layer by layer the cloth was removed until a pair of eyes filled the screen, eyes wide open, angry, then wrinkled in worry, filled with tears, blinking, closed; gone.
The screen blank for a moment.
Then words, deeply red: WE ARE THE MISSING.
A jabbing wail filled the room, pinning Dawson to the back of his chair.
The wail and the words faded together until the room was silent and the computer screen was blank.
Dawson copied the file to a flash drive.
I need a tech to find the source of that file, he thought, then aloud, “Nagler needs to see that.”
Only when he leaned forward to cradle his head did he realize his hands were shaking.
Amazon.com: Michael Stephen Daigle: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
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November 17, 2022
Dragony Rising: ‘This amazing book’
Thanks to readers for these amazing, top reviews of Frank Nagler Mysteries Book 5, DRAGONY RISING.
I’ll be among the great local authors at the Hunterdon County North Branch Library on Hallstead Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.
Remember, books make great gifts, so give the gift of great mysteries!
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s intriguing, gripping, and a must-read thriller.
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2022
Spiraling around the protagonist Detective Frank Nagler who has witnessed his hometown of Ironton, NJ, undergoing many changes over the past several years. Embedded in the deep webs of corruption and inflation, the town is a storehouse of endless possibilities. I had been looking for something creative and out of the box lately, when one of my friends told me about this amazing book. I’ve been reading it ever since and love it immensely.
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, modern style mystery that I couldn’t put down!
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2022
Dark and disturbing book that I couldn’t stop reading deep into the night. Like an old style detective mystery, but with a modern flair. Like the old style film noir– this book has colorful characters and great dialogue along with a super cool storyline. Recommend
Reviewed in the United States 
on October 30, 2022
If you’ve ever found yourself browsing the thriller section on a bit of a book binge I can relate to you. I got sold on this book purely based off the cover and a couple paragraphs of the description. After I inhaled this book over the weekend I realized I made an error jumping into the 5th book of the series (by accident) – No regrets!
5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t wait for the NEXT one!
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022
Frank Nagler is the cop we want on our side. For Frank, some things are simply wrong. Whether it’s decades of corruption whose stink rivals that of the Bog or the mistreatment of the underprivileged or the discrimination against his lieutenant, Frank’s going to fight to fix it, no matter the personal cost. The plot unfolds one gripping development after another, while the rich prose is the key that unlocks Nagler’s heart and mind. From the explosive beginning to the dramatic, surprising ending, an engrossing read. I’ve enjoyed every Frank Nagler mystery so far and this did not disappoint. On with the next story!
5.0 out of 5 stars A good thriller / mystery story
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good thriller / mystery story and boy did this book do the trick!!
It really kept me engaged and wanting to continue to see how the story progressed. To find our what was really going on. I now feel invested in this Frank Nagler character and want to read the other books as well.
Would recommend for thriller fans for sure!
November 4, 2022
Kirkus Reviews on DRAGONY RISING: ‘An epic series installment’
This is the Kirkus Reviews take on DRAGONY RISING, the fifth Frank Nagler Mystery.
Thanks to the reviewer for a thoughtful examination of the story.
The conclusion: “This crackling series installment provides a wide-angle shot of society and generations in conflict.”
The review:
A detective and his allies uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy in this fifth installment of a mystery series.
After the tragic results of a prior case, Det. Frank Nagler is on leave from the Ironton, New Jersey, police department. Early one morning, he’s asleep next to his lover, city planner Lauren Fox, when a massive explosion rocks the city. The recently sold block of Warren Street in downtown Ironton has been leveled. Frank climbs Ironton’s new bridge for a look at the damage and assumes a natural gas leak is responsible.
Then he notices a single kitchen chair sitting on the roof of a theater on the blast zone’s periphery. He’s joined by reporter Jimmy Dawson, who agrees with his suspicions that the chair’s presence isn’t an accident.
Meanwhile, Lauren, while researching potential victims on the Warren block, sees a tax map indicating that about 50 people live there. Yet after several days of searching, only four bodies are found.
As the situation grows complicated, Frank works with Dr. Phillips Ignatius to overcome his PTSD after witnessing a former police commander shoot and kill three officers.
Frank is teaching at the police academy when Mahala Dixon, one of his students, insists on his help getting her father, former cop Carlton Dixon, released from prison. Carlton has been wrongfully incarcerated for 15 years, Mahala claims, as she hands Frank a file detailing incidents from 2006.
When it’s determined that one of the Warren Street victims was stabbed before the explosion, subtle connections begin forming between seemingly disparate urban elements—real estate investor Taylor Mangot II and the shadowy Dragon Alliance group, among them.
Daigle’s series, in which the decaying Ironton is as rich a character as Frank, continues with this epic installment. The plot distills motifs that have hijacked American discourse for several years, including gentrification, hordes of angry White men adrift, and, most pointedly, maniacal real estate moguls.
This narrative weaves in details from previous volumes that add emotional color, such as Frank’s deceased wife, Martha, and his formative relationship with the nun Sister Katherine. Numerous characters with deep secrets, like Mahala and retired Det. Jeff Montgomery, help maintain an urgent noir atmosphere.
The city’s ironworking history plays an immediate role, lingering phantomlike in Frank’s memory: “His father’s last job was shifting glowing metal parts hooked to chains and pulleys from the molding room to the cooling line; his father’s face had a permanent tan from the heat….It hollowed him out, just like these building shells.”
In contrast, Mangot speaks of the past as something to shed in the line: “This city looks backward, preserving the old, dirt red brick as if it is an act of mercy, as if somehow the cries and sweat of the ancient workers are more meaningful than the efforts of the men who paid the wages.”
In the book’s final third, after following tangled money trails, Daigle’s heroes witness citywide chaos that readers will recognize as frighteningly possible.
Despite ending on a hopeful note, the tale may leave fans battered with a thought that’s become inescapable to modern Americans: What does this country stand for?
This crackling series installment provides a wide-angle shot of society and generations in conflict.
Kirkus Reviews on DRAGONY RISING: ‘A cracking series installment’
“Despite ending on a hopeful note, the tale may leave fans battered with a thought that’s become inescapable to modern Americans: What does this country stand for?”
This is the Kirkus Reviews take on DRAGONY RISING, the fifth Frank Nagler Mystery.
Thanks to the reviewer for a thoughtful examination of the story.
The conclusion: “This crackling series installment provides a wide-angle shot of society and generations in conflict.”
The review:
A detective and his allies uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy in this fifth installment of a mystery series.
After the tragic results of a prior case, Det. Frank Nagler is on leave from the Ironton, New Jersey, police department. Early one morning, he’s asleep next to his lover, city planner Lauren Fox, when a massive explosion rocks the city. The recently sold block of Warren Street in downtown Ironton has been leveled. Frank climbs Ironton’s new bridge for a look at the damage and assumes a natural gas leak is responsible.
Then he notices a single kitchen chair sitting on the roof of a theater on the blast zone’s periphery. He’s joined by reporter Jimmy Dawson, who agrees with his suspicions that the chair’s presence isn’t an accident.
Meanwhile, Lauren, while researching potential victims on the Warren block, sees a tax map indicating that about 50 people live there. Yet after several days of searching, only four bodies are found.
As the situation grows complicated, Frank works with Dr. Phillips Ignatius to overcome his PTSD after witnessing a former police commander shoot and kill three officers.
Frank is teaching at the police academy when Mahala Dixon, one of his students, insists on his help getting her father, former cop Carlton Dixon, released from prison. Carlton has been wrongfully incarcerated for 15 years, Mahala claims, as she hands Frank a file detailing incidents from 2006.
When it’s determined that one of the Warren Street victims was stabbed before the explosion, subtle connections begin forming between seemingly disparate urban elements—real estate investor Taylor Mangot II and the shadowy Dragon Alliance group, among them.
Daigle’s series, in which the decaying Ironton is as rich a character as Frank, continues with this epic installment. The plot distills motifs that have hijacked American discourse for several years, including gentrification, hordes of angry White men adrift, and, most pointedly, maniacal real estate moguls.
This narrative weaves in details from previous volumes that add emotional color, such as Frank’s deceased wife, Martha, and his formative relationship with the nun Sister Katherine. Numerous characters with deep secrets, like Mahala and retired Det. Jeff Montgomery, help maintain an urgent noir atmosphere.
The city’s ironworking history plays an immediate role, lingering phantomlike in Frank’s memory: “His father’s last job was shifting glowing metal parts hooked to chains and pulleys from the molding room to the cooling line; his father’s face had a permanent tan from the heat….It hollowed him out, just like these building shells.”
In contrast, Mangot speaks of the past as something to shed in the line: “This city looks backward, preserving the old, dirt red brick as if it is an act of mercy, as if somehow the cries and sweat of the ancient workers are more meaningful than the efforts of the men who paid the wages.”
In the book’s final third, after following tangled money trails, Daigle’s heroes witness citywide chaos that readers will recognize as frighteningly possible.
Despite ending on a hopeful note, the tale may leave fans battered with a thought that’s become inescapable to modern Americans: What does this country stand for?
This crackling series installment provides a wide-angle shot of society and generations in conflict.
November 2, 2022
How fictional DRAGONY RISING reflects real U.S. politics
I wrote the fifth Frank Nagler Mystery DRAGONY RISING during the Covid shutdown and run-up to the 2020 Presidential election that elected Joe Biden as President and concluded with the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.
The times were marked by isolation, deaths, protests, street riots, and the rising cry of election deniers who want the world to believe, without evidence, that the election was stolen (The Big Lie) .
That outcry by the Republican party and right wing media has led to more and more alarming statements by candidates proclaiming that if elected they will pass laws that will ensure their party will never lose and election again.
The latest example:
From Huffington Post: Tim Michels, the Republican nominee for governor of Wisconsin, in a video Tweet, promised a group of supporters this week that the GOP would seize permanent control of the state if he is elected in next week’s (Nov. 8) midterms.
“Republicans will never lose another election in Wisconsin after I’m elected governor,” the multimillionaire construction executive said during a campaign stop on Monday.
In state after state Republicans are pledging to alter state laws and voting rules to make sure their party captures control of the government.
How different is that from what I wrote in DRAGONY RISING? (Written more than year ago)
Examine this scene:
(Lauren Fox) held out a notice.” This was in my mailbox when I went back to my office. It’s a copy of the ordinance the city council is expected to pass on Monday.”
(Lt. Maria) Ramirez read the title: “‘An ordinance to reform the duties of the city council of Ironton, New Jersey.’ Reform how?”
“By taking away their statutory rights to power and making them an advisory council,” Lauren said, taking the papers from Ramirez. “Um, here, see?”
She read, “‘The council shall with this act rescind all powers of appointment, financial oversight and legislative authority; with such powers being transferred to the mayor, whose term limits are hereby suspended, per Article 256-2006.’ That means that Bill Weston is about to become mayor for life.”
“What about elections?” (Frank Nagler) asked.
“Suspended,” Lauren said, “Let me see,” and she shuffled the papers. “Here. “‘Public elections may be suspended under the emergency powers granted under Article 256-2006.’”
Can a mystery novel capture the real life situations facing this country?
Can those fictional scenes hold a mirror to the real world?
It is easy to believe in fiction that the good guys win.
In real life it takes hard work.
Don’t believe that it is happening?
Read the statement above by the GOP candidate for Wisconsin governor.
Or think about this statement, by Dragony leader Rodney McCarroll:
“It don’t matter what ya believe, when it’s happening right in front of ya.”
So, two requests:
Read DRAGONY RISING to see what happened to my fictional city, Ironton, N.J.
And more important, vote on Nov. 8.
Vote like your country depends on it.
October 26, 2022
DRAGONY RISING getting notice
Finishing a book for a writer is a challenging time.
We think we know what we did, and we can convince ourselves that the plot was rich and compelling, the characters well-drawn and interesting and that the story worked in all aspects that we planned.
Then the readers have their say.
I have been amazed and pleased as the reviews of the fifth Frank Nagler Mystery, DRAGONY RISING, have arrived because reader have been caught up in the story’s complexity and characters.
DRAGONY RISING is the most complex of the Nagler Mysteries, starting with an old cold case, an explosion that levels part of downtown Ironton, N.J., Detective Frank Nagler’s troubled mindset, and the arrival of the Dragony, an ancient organization bent on domination.
Here is a few of the comments from 5-star reviews DRAGONY RISING has garnered.
Thanks to all for reading the book and taking the time to thoughtfully comment.
***
This fifth installment in this mystery series is a terrific reading for fans of the detective genre. This mystery book enveloped you in the mind of detective Frank, who possessed the moral fortitude to investigate the crimes in Ironton, New Jersey. The characters in this book are well-developed, and the events are dark and compelling. An intriguing and incredibly realistic crime story was expertly written by the author. I wholeheartedly endorse this book, especially if you enjoy mysteries with creative themes.
***
I have enjoyed the previous novels immensely. The author manages to sustain the action, find new things to relate about Ironton, NJ and additionally keep the characters fascinating, deeply layered, and credible. These novels chronicle a town and people through changes that are not always good.
***
This novel is absolutely fantastic! This is the 5th book of the series, and probably my favorite one. Could not recommend it enough!
***
Dragony Rising: A Frank Nagler Novel by Michael Stephen Daigle is the fifth and best Frank Nagler Novel
Like many of us living in the Garden State, Detective Frank Nagler has seen his hometown of Ironton, NJ, undergo many changes over the past several years. Although I want to believe the level of scandal in Ironton is more fictional than typical. The author describes the scandals within the city’s government, the stench of its corruption embedded deep, rivaling the dank stagnant stench emanating from the old bog just outside town.
From the opening sentence, Dragony Rising was a page-turner. Every time I thought I could put the book down, it beckoned me to keep reading.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you like mysteries with a unique New Jersey focus. My only recommendation would be for the series to be named the Lauren Fox/Frank Nagler novels. Lauren is as much the brains of the operation as Frank.
***
After the city of Ironton is brought to its knees by a devastating explosion, Detective Frank Nagler must put aside his recovery and return to serve the city in its time of need. Broken by the trauma of witnessing the murder of his friends, Nagler struggles to keep his mind sharp as he searches for clues. Only by piecing together findings that are at once unrelated and yet intimately connected can Nagler save Ironton.
Daigle does it again. Don’t miss this fifth book in the Frank Nagler Mysteries — it’s the best one yet. The story will keep you turning the pages long into the night.
***
This is the 5th book of the mystery series. In this book, detective Nagler who has a conscience and ethics from ancient times, follows clues to uncover corruption and crimes in NJ. The book is well-written and will keep you turning pages to try and find out how the latest unexpected twist develops.
***
A very well written and highly engaging book that sucked me in right away. The author masterfully crafted a fast paced and very realistic crime story. If you are into crime drama or mysteries, this book is a must! Well done…well done indeed!
October 20, 2022
4th Annual Easton (Pa.) Book Festival Oct 21 to 30– My Schedule
Easton, Pa. will be the literary center of the universe from Oct. 21 to Oct. 30 as the Fourth Annual Easton Book Festival fills downtown Easton and the metaverse with stories, discussions, poetry, children’s books, music and monsters.
Scheduled are a week’s worth of live events in Easton’s vibrant and accessible downtown.
In addition, using the festival’s website, authors and educators have prepared a series of presentations, discussions and readings. Many of the authors who have prepared virtual sessions will be onsite in person during the 10-day festival to read, discuss and sign their books.
For full details, visit the festival website: Easton Book Festival 2022 – Easton Book Festival
On Sat. Oct. 29 I will be joining a group of writers from the Greater Lehigh Valley Writer’s Group at Scott Park (site of the Farmer’s Market) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for readings and book signings.
Also from 2 p.m. on Oct. 29, I will be at the Eastonian Hotel, 140,Northampton St., Easton with more GLVWG writers for more book signings.
Come learn about my Frank Nagler Mystery Series and other wonderful books.
Please join us.
