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First Kiss Mystery #1
Bathing with the Dead
"tremendous talent" - Sam Jordison, Galley Beggar Press
Newlywed Fernanda accompanies her husband Randy, an IBM consultant, on a short assignment for a small bank in the oldest city in the world, Varanasi, India. Fernanda dislikes the city, more so when a dream predicts she will be sacrificed there because of her immense love for Randy. Then Julie, a former colleague of Randy's, shows up in Varanasi on vacation. Intrigue follows intrigue as Julie tries to snag Randy, Randy witnesses a possible murder, and Randy's bank customer, in an attempt to amass a fortune while pleasing the Gods, lays a deadly trap for both Randy and Fernanda.
Newlywed Fernanda accompanies her husband Randy, an IBM consultant, on a short assignment for a small bank in the oldest city in the world, Varanasi, India. Fernanda dislikes the city, more so when a dream predicts she will be sacrificed there because of her immense love for Randy. Then Julie, a former colleague of Randy's, shows up in Varanasi on vacation. Intrigue follows intrigue as Julie tries to snag Randy, Randy witnesses a possible murder, and Randy's bank customer, in an attempt to amass a fortune while pleasing the Gods, lays a deadly trap for both Randy and Fernanda.
- GenresMystery
236 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2015
About the author
Ray Else
17 books87 followersAmerican, Texan, Parisian.
Ray Else lived in Paris for 5 years and while there joined a writers group and dared to write with all his heart. A review published by the Sorbonne included his story "Surviving on Mexican Shade", and the BBC World Service broadcast that same story worldwide. Then he got busy making a living as a programmer for companies like IBM and Rocket Software.
Recently Ray returned to writing with some success. His short story, "First Kiss", was published by Galley Beggar Press in the UK. His latest Android Einna sci-fi novels, "Our Only Chance", "Fountain of Souls" and "Escaping Heaven" are thought-provoking and fun.
Ray has a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.A. in Technical Instruction / Film History. He is married with 4 grown kids and 14 grand kids.
Ray travels widely, to get inspiration for his books - you can check out his travel blog at rayelse.com.
Ray Else lived in Paris for 5 years and while there joined a writers group and dared to write with all his heart. A review published by the Sorbonne included his story "Surviving on Mexican Shade", and the BBC World Service broadcast that same story worldwide. Then he got busy making a living as a programmer for companies like IBM and Rocket Software.
Recently Ray returned to writing with some success. His short story, "First Kiss", was published by Galley Beggar Press in the UK. His latest Android Einna sci-fi novels, "Our Only Chance", "Fountain of Souls" and "Escaping Heaven" are thought-provoking and fun.
Ray has a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.A. in Technical Instruction / Film History. He is married with 4 grown kids and 14 grand kids.
Ray travels widely, to get inspiration for his books - you can check out his travel blog at rayelse.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 16, 2017
This book began slowly with much present tense conversation of minimal interest (to me). As the plot grew, and especially with the interpolation of the gods, complete with a certain spin on their personalities (i personally think Kali was given a fairly bad rap) the book became much more interesting. Overall, it is a very unique book and a worthwhile read, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
There were some passes with irritatingly unrealistic conversation. Who TALKS like this: “The last light of the day drains behind the flickering screens...bringing into sharp contrast, into life, giant human forms playing out their stories against a black void.” ???
The characters are nicely flawed, but the best parts for me were the deus ex machina bits with lots of deux-es (deux-im?). And (i don’t think this will spoil anything) the end throws the plot of Dashain and Durga Puja on their head. The judicious use of magic, especially in a country as inherently magical as India, seems just right.
There were some passes with irritatingly unrealistic conversation. Who TALKS like this: “The last light of the day drains behind the flickering screens...bringing into sharp contrast, into life, giant human forms playing out their stories against a black void.” ???
The characters are nicely flawed, but the best parts for me were the deus ex machina bits with lots of deux-es (deux-im?). And (i don’t think this will spoil anything) the end throws the plot of Dashain and Durga Puja on their head. The judicious use of magic, especially in a country as inherently magical as India, seems just right.
August 28, 2021
Okay story but don't think I will continue with the series.
February 28, 2023
so many errors with the authors typing and not doing the name thing right, also ending was better then the beginning
July 12, 2015
God's and Humans Searching for Love in Original, Vivid Tapestry of Religion, Romance and Adventure
Else has a great gift for describing the ancient threads of Indian culture, religion and mystique, all while weaving together a cast of international characters.in an excellent yarn about new chances...and new lives. There is so much to digest in this book that I could imagine a parallel rendering of the tale as a kind of comic book, on the hand hand, and a collection of impressionist poems on the other hand. There is a lot "to chew on" (pun linked to the title of the book). I highly recommend this quick yet deep and fun book to anyone liking exotic love "sketches". I also enjoyed the author's Website.
Else has a great gift for describing the ancient threads of Indian culture, religion and mystique, all while weaving together a cast of international characters.in an excellent yarn about new chances...and new lives. There is so much to digest in this book that I could imagine a parallel rendering of the tale as a kind of comic book, on the hand hand, and a collection of impressionist poems on the other hand. There is a lot "to chew on" (pun linked to the title of the book). I highly recommend this quick yet deep and fun book to anyone liking exotic love "sketches". I also enjoyed the author's Website.
November 28, 2015
Really enjoyed the plot which was very unique. I learned quite a bit about a sect of sadhus I had never heard of before, the Aghori, which are, for want of a better adjective - WEIRD. The story started slowly, but sped up to a crazy fast rhythm which found me reading late into the night to find out what happened. I will be looking for more from this author!
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win - a lucky chance to read a new author.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway win - a lucky chance to read a new author.
October 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways for a honest review. I liked reading this book...very descriptive...makes you feel like you are there with the characters and a good love story.
October 16, 2015
A wonderful story that i'm glad I had the chance to read. Thank you to to goodreads and the poster of the giveaway I won it from. Keep making more wonderful books.
October 23, 2015
Very different interesting writing style. Quite surprised I enjoyed reading this complex story. A little bit of everything weaving in and out through out.Full of surprises.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews