[Guest Post]: The Books that Rocked My World by Russ Colchamiro, the author of “Crackle and Fire”

Today, I have a new guest on my blog. Russ Colchamiro, the author of sci-fi/mystery novel “Crackle and Fire”, talks about his favourite books and their influence on his writing.

The Books that Rocked My World



By Russ Colchamiro

Everyone has their favorite books. I’m not sure I can narrow my list down to only 10, but dangle me over a pot of boiling acid and starving crocodiles, here’s what I’d say to avoid a dunk (in no particular order):

The Stand, by Stephen King: I’ll admit, the ending left me a little flat, but the first 800 pages reveal the most engrossing, thrilling, terrifying, and unforgettable journey I’ve ever read by characters I can’t forget. Wow.

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury: I first read this masterpiece in grade school and it’s never left me. The imagery and themes—that words aren’t just ink on a page, but the soul of person, and a culture—resonates as much today as it ever has.

Body of a Girl, by Leah Stewart: Probably the least-known book on this list, Body of a Girl is a moody thriller set in the sweltering Memphis summer, about a young crime reporter investigating the murder of a similarly-aged young woman, and just how closely linked their two lives seem to be.

Lamb, by Christopher Moore: We all know the story of baby Jesus and then his time as an adult. But what happened to him during those twenty years he was gone? In maybe the funniest book I’ve ever read, Christopher Moore answers those and more.

The Cather in the Rye, by JD Salinger: Holden Caufield is a complicated teen suffering from overwhelming survivor’s guilt at a time when such a phrase didn’t even exist. I reread this book every five years or so, and each time it’s an entirely new experience.

Claire DeWitt and The City of the Dead, by Sara Gran: The first in an ongoing series, Claire DeWitt is a modern day private investigator, in this story investigating a murder set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We not only learn about the lives impacted by that horrific storm, but a glimpse into Claire’s complicated past, including a missing person—and a rare book—that set her on the path to becoming a private eye in the first place.

Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline: Maybe it’s because I spent my adolescence in the 1980s, but Ready Player One had me hooked from the first page to the last, a scavenger hunt, video game bonanza, and quest to save humanity from evil, corporate overlords all in one.

The Sirens of Titan, by Kurt Vonnegut: A trippy, future-set sci-fi novel about a man who phases in and out of time, seemingly able to predict a future we are unable to change. And maybe that’s a good thing.

The Great Bridge, by David McCullough: This fascinating and immaculately researched recounting of the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and the herculean efforts required to make it happen is one of the greatest stories I’ve heard. Read this book and you’ll never forget it.

Mindhunter, by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker: If you’ve seen the similarly titled series on Netflix you know about the formation of the FBI’s branch of investigators studying the minds of serial killers. But the book on which the series is based goes much deeper into the minds of these killers and the processes the investigators developed to better understand how to track and capture the most dangerous criminals alive.

About the Book

[image error]

Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery

Date Published: September 1, 2020

Publisher: Crazy 8 Press 

Angela Hardwicke isn’t just any private eye. She’s a PI from Eternity, the cosmic realm responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the Universe.

When accountant Gil Haberseau hires her to find an intern with stolen corporate files, Hardwicke soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly case of lies, intrigue, and murder, clashing with vengeful gangsters, MinderNot rallies, and a madman who’s come a long way to get what he wants.

In Russ Colchamiro’s thrilling Sci-Fi mystery Crackle and Fire, Angela Hardwicke learns once and for all that when it comes to being an intergalactic private eye, there’s no telling what threats she may face on-realm and off… including the demons that lurk deep within her soul.

Bonus story included! The AI-themed Angela Hardwicke murder mystery, “The Case of Jarlo’s Buried Treasure‘

[image error]

About the Author

Russ Colchamiro is also the author of the rollicking sci-fi adventure, Crossline, the zany sci-fi/fantasy backpacking series Finders Keepers, Genius de Milo, and Astropalooza, editor of the sci-fi-themed mystery anthology Love, Murder & Mayhem, and co-author and co-editor of Murder in Montague Falls, a noir-inspired collection of novellas.

Russ is also the creator and host of Russ’s Rockin’ Rollercoaster podcast, where he has interviewed several NY Times and USA Today best-selling sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery authors. Russ has also contributed short stories to more than a dozen sci-fi and fantasy anthologies.

He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children.

Contact Links

Website: www.russcolchamiro.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussColchamiroAuthor/

Twitter: @authorduderuss

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUb7MDUNQxyVRBDOTVEqOaw

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4450877.Russ_Colchamiro?from_search=true&from_srp=true

Instagram: @authorduderuss

Purchase Links

Amazon:

Giveaway

$5 Amazon Gift Card + eBook Copy

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/408264011181