The Turn of the Karmic Wheel

by Monica M. Brinkman

"What goes around, comes around." Truer words were never spoken, as evidenced by the complex interactions and fates of the characters in "The Turn of The Karmic Wheel." When the residents of Raleigh begin to hear music and voices that aren't "there", and to receive frightening messages from no discernable source, it soon becomes apparent that changes must - and will - be made: to their everyday lives, to their relationships, to their bodies, and, most importantly, to their souls.

214 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2010

About the author

For those of you who do not know me very well or are seeing my works for the first time, my name is Monica Brinkman, and I do my best to live to assist as well as entertain others.

Be it acting, singing, writing or hosting the weekly It Matters Radio live, on-camera internet broadcast, it is my goal to give back to the world, or as the saying goes, ‘play it forward.’

Having had the fortune of residing in the East Coast, the West Coast and now the Mid-West, it is my belief most people are good, decent, caring and loving individuals. I’ve met and befriended people of all race, belief, religion or lifestyle and it has, hopefully, allowed me to grow into a much kinder, understanding, forgiving and non-judgmental person.

My style of writing is plain and simple and honest with a touch of horror and surrealism. I had to laugh when I was likened to a cross between Nora Roberts and Stephen King. What a combo that is. You, the reader, make up your own mind, but, in the end, I think I am likened to Monica Brinkman.

If you enjoyed the stories or story, I’d love to hear back and would definitely appreciate a review at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble if you have a moment to spare.

Reviews

[Jesse Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica M. Brinkman’s novel, The Turn of the Karmic Wheel, describes a series of personal battles with morality. Small-town Missouri villains, and more kindhearted victims alike, find themselves witness to strange happenings.
With a well justified jab at the modern day moneylenders and other parasites of society, the author addresses the problems and concerns of every day people. Supernatural forces come into play and set things right in this condensed, up close and personal, play of the law of karma. Readers will appreciate the spirit of the tale as they identify with the characters and root for justice to prevail.
One of the encouraging aspects of the novel is a notable lack of religious proselytizing. Even the story’s protagonists are not privy to any intellectual knowledge of the benevolent forces that come into their world; they simply attune themselves to the help that is offered. Perhaps that’s good advice for us all.

[Philip Nork · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What goes around comes around.” “Good versus evil.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Live and let live.” “Forgive and forget.” These are all saying which revolve around Karma. In “The Turn of the Karmic Wheel” Monica Brinkman explores all of these. In writing an interesting and easy to read work of fiction, she allows the readers to experience how everyday people can either come together for the better, or stand alone for the worse. In my book “Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male” I include a quote from my great-grandmother which fits this book’s theme. “Treating people with the respect they deserve is the best way to get into heaven,”
Most readers will come away with the idea that the book is about how the interactions between individuals affect the masses, and how the resulting actions can affect your own well being. How the ability to love one another overshadows any selfish act that only benefits you. And how kindness is rewarded, while selfishness is punished.
I came away with a totally different perspective. I related to the characters as “the good guys and the bad guys.” In this story, the bad guys to me are those who are only concerned with greed and how they are seen in the world. Take the three main “bad guys”, Joshua Allen, a financial advisor who never advised, just let his clients lose all their money while he knew when to get out on top. His attitude was “Those goody-goodies who preached forgiveness, empathy, love and understanding were losers with a capital L.” Life was for him and nobody else.
Then there is Monty Frank, the owner of a debt elimination service which never eliminated anyone’s debt except his own. He believed “they got themselves into this, and if he didn’t take their money, someone else would.”
And finally Rosie Richards, the town’s best real estate agent who played the games needed to get people bigger homes than they could afford without any concern for what they would encounter later on.
These “bad guys” represented greed to me. The more I read, the more I began to think this book was a commentary about how the greed in the world has taken over the best of us. And in the end that we have to either change our attitudes or face the consequences, just as is happening today throughout the world.

The “good guys” were three people who had never met before but were on a crash-course to come together and save the world, or at least the town of Raleigh.
There was Angela Frank, Monty’s wife and a doctor who had always heard the “good music.” Karman Shelton, a nurse who was compassionate and kind although her life wasn’t exactly what she had hoped for. And finally Euclid Hannigan, an aging widower who has lost his will to live after his wife dies from cancer, but who listens to the voice of his dead wife to allow him to hear the “good music” also.
When the three of these people do meet and join forces, good triumphs over evil in some ways. Not one to be a spoiler, I will stop at this.

The book was well written and kept my interest from start to finish. Everyone who reads this will come away with a different perspective, mine was that “to those who wait, good things will come” and “everything you do and think will affect your lot in life.” I recommend this book for those looking to escape for a few hours and for those who like books which make you think.

[Martha Cheves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turn of the Karmic Wheel – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

‘Harry had owned his shop for many years, seen some come in and go out in a sea of police gunfire, but, hell, he couldn’t worry about every customer who purchased a weapon. Fact was, he had given up trying to figure out man‘s nature years ago. Course, Euclid wasn’t one to carry arms of any sort. He didn’t remember him ever going hunting or even showing interest in the sport. Perhaps now that he was alone in life, with much time on his hands, he had decided to take it up and save some money by providing his own meat for the table. In any event, Harry knew Euclid to be a solid citizens of Raleigh, a man with a pure heart. Yes, he was a good man and a great friend.

Harry went to the window and watched his friend walk down the street. He wondered if he should be concerned. For some reason, he felt a bit of uneasiness; just couldn’t put his finger on the why or wherefore. Aw, hell, he reasoned, it ain’t none of my business. Yet there was something eating at his mind, a voice telling him to go no further with this transaction. It was a gut feeling he couldn’t shake, a feeling that his friend and neighbor of over 30 years was not ‘quite right’. There was definitely something ‘off the scale’ about Euclid today. A vivid image entered his mind. A vision so unfathomable he had to let it go. Harry shivered as he moved to slowly close the store’s door, continuing to watch the retreating figure kicking stones along the road, unable to shake his feeling of dread.’

Euclid is one of the most easy going people around but he just hasn’t been himself since his wife died and he was laid off from the car plant. Even so, it just isn’t like him to buy a hunting rifle. Especially one as powerful as a 243 Winchester Super Shot Magnum. And his request that Harry speed up the paperwork is even more out of character. Problem was, Euclid had started hearing voices and music in his head.

Karman Shelton is a nurse at the Out Patient Psychiatric Clinic. Karman has spent her life helping others both through her work at the clinic as well as volunteering for just about any cause that needed her help. She too has started hearing music and voices.

Angela Frank will soon find out that she has something in common with both Euclid and Karman. The only difference is that she has been hearing the music and voices for years and their meaning is finally coming together to make sense. The voices have told Angela that she will soon be on a mission and Euclid and Karman are the missing pieces that are needed to complete this mission.

In The Turn of the Karmic Wheel, Author Monica Brinkman takes you through the minds of those that are good as well as those that are bad as they are given a choice to change their ways and join the forces that can and will make life better for themselves and others around them. Some will chose to take life into the right direction and some will not. It’s interesting to see which characters live by greed and which don’t. The Turn of the Karmic Wheel was an enjoyable read from beginning to end.

2010
All Things That Matter Press
206 Pages
ISBN# 978-0-984-6154-6-9


Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat

[Julie Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and Mesmerizing Novel Where both Good and Bad Sides of Humanity Wrestle Within a Karmic Landscape

Author Monica Brinkman has created a spectacularly empowering and uplifting novel that delves into social commentary, while establishing new ground in a timeless story of good vs. evil that has bold lessons for humanity. Here karma is viewed as if it’s music with each character hearing a song until one by one they all know its melodies. In time these melodies will speak of choices for the soul as each character has a chance at the karmic wheel and their fates are spun together. With each turn of the karmic wheel each of the characters are tested in unusual ways that hark of plagues and vices and which hold timeless messages for humanity.

While at first the characters journeys feel like separate islands that is the brilliance within the pages of Brinkman’s novel for no one here is an island, no matter how much they might feel that way, not in this sea of humanity. The perceived bad characters in the novel suffer from greed, lust and contempt for others and don’t seem quite evil and that is part of the poignant message in Brinkman’s tale, that the darkness can creep into anyone and that anyone can lose touch with the goodness in themselves. Within this framework, the good characters too aren’t entirely saintly and that is another of Brinkman’s gems. The goodness of individual’s souls grows all the more here when they’re connected with other caring, well meaning folks.

[Jen Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book pretty much sums up the revelation within, but what caught me off-guard was the way Monica M. Brinkman develops her myriad of unexpected and dynamic characters. I loved the voices, the down-to-earth feel of the characters (which, I admit, I didn't expect from this book for some reason). Brinkman ties all of her characters' lives together, in a singular way, showing how given the same or similar experiences, it is up to them to make the right decisions, the responsible decisions. Some do, some don't, but all of the decisions come back to this town. This book takes a unique look at a town with a cumulative, single consciousness, and how it is up to the decisions of individuals to seal their fate. There's no hiding from Karma!

[Michael Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Turn of the Karmic Wheel, by Monica Brinkman is a story of life you'll want to read over and over for joy, inspiration and knowledge.

As the Karmic Wheel spins it reveals how interconnected and interdependent Brinkman's characters and events are. It shows how their responses to life's challenges and encounters plays into the richly developed tapestry of their lives and those around them.

My sense after reading The Turn of the Karmic Wheel is we are all one, and what we do in our lives can be felt all through creation just as a pebble creates ripples in a pond. We are all dancing the cosmic dance, holding hands with each other and the Universe.

[Mareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the residents of Raleigh, Missouri begin to hear music and voices that aren't there, and to receive frightening messages to do things from no discernable source, it soon becomes apparent that their lives and very souls must - and will - change drastically. This book is very interesting because of the characters' intertwined relationships and the touch of the supernatural. I give it an A!

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read-mesmerizing-what goes around... is given new meaning!

[John Rosenman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Karmic Wheel Turns

The Turn of the Karmic Wheel is a sublimely spiritual novel that contains an ominous cosmic warning. As stated by the title to Part II, “KARMA’S GONNA GET YOU IF YOU DON’T WATCH OUT”. If your conduct in life is moral and compassionate, you will be united in love and peace with others and hear the divine music of the universe. However, if you act in a cruel and selfish fashion and don’t change, dark misery and equally dark music will be your fate.

Throughout the novel, people are forced to remember the past and repent for their actions or come to terms with their childhood suffering as wondrous, healing music plays. Occasionally, they are warned, either by a mysterious, unknown person or by a supernatural force. Rosie Richards, a clever and dishonest realtor receives a DVD that warms she will not “prosper”. Later, a voice tells her “It’s not too late to change your course. Not if your soul can show remorse.” Other warnings are more emphatic. Rosie uses cream remover that turns into spiders, beetles, caterpillars and causes facial sores to erupt. Joshua Allen, another selfish, unredeemed soul, finds that his toothpaste has become horrid and maggoty. Since he caused his sister’s suicide and ignored his dying father, he should heed this and subsequent warnings.

Dr. Angela Frank (what an appropriate name!) summarizes what I believe is the novel’s central message when she speaks to her husband Monty, who is a dishonest businessman. “If only you could understand, we are more than our family. We are brother and sister to every single person on earth.” It is a simple moral, but it is so hard for human beings to embrace it.

The novel kept me guessing, and I couldn’t figure out how the author would tie everything together, especially the characters who are finely drawn. At times, particularly toward the end, they seem unrelated to each other. Fortunately, she succeeds brilliantly and sets the stage for the sequel, which I look forward to reading.

[Bette Bono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Which way will the Karmic Wheel turn? More interesting in this intriguing novel by Monica Brinkman, is which way will the characters turn? Toward the light? Or away from it? These questions grab you and keep you reading. The author introduces her characters one by one, and gradually shows you how they are all connected. They are all residents of the same town, and they all are facing challenges, decisions, and turning points. We see the saints and the sinners and those who are somewhere in between. Readers get a look at the childhood issues that might have affected each personality, and throughout the story we are kept guessing about how the characters’ beliefs and emotions will impact what they do. At turns, I felt shivers of horror as in an old-fashioned fairy tale and the suspenseful disquiet of a Twilight Zone episode. What is real? What is only imagined? Will goodness and light—and that mysterious music—prevail? It’s all put together in a satisfying way. Now I’m ready for the sequel!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanted and Enchanting

Unique, well crafted, and easy to read. Fascinating journey of separate individuals who come together through a shared experience which changes their lives. A must read!

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karma: (1) In Hinduism and Buddhism - action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, either in this life or in a reincarnation: in Hinduism one of the means of reaching Brahman.(2) In Theosophy - the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation. (3) Fate, destiny. (4) The good or bad emanations felt to be generated by someone or something. [From Dictionary.com]

“Gossip and reputation make sure that what comes around-a person who is cruel will find that the others are cruel back to him, and a person who is kind will find others are kind in return. Gossip paired with reciprocity allow karma to work here on earth, not in the next life.” – Jonathan Haidt

The Turn of the Karmic Wheel is truly a story to take to heart. It cautions us against being self-centered, hateful, and prone to venial sins. We all have choices in this life and it’s up to us to make the best of what we’re given. If we follow the Golden rule, we can reap the rewards of kindness, love, and reciprocity in this life. Each character’s story seems at first to be a separate entity, yet as we move along in the book, we are shown that everyone in the world is connected to one another. Yet, we can all lose sight of that message and let darkness seep into our souls. The characters are well-developed and each has flaws – no one is entirely good or entirely evil. A beautiful blend of mysticism and spirituality, Ms. Brinkman has written an unforgettable and moving tale which will make you re-evaluate your own actions.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure you have used or heard the term, what goes around comes around. Karma can be rough.

In The Turn of the Karmic Wheel, Monica Brinkman takes us on journey unlike one you have ever traveled before. The characters are all introduced separately until their paths cross and become one.

Euclid is an older man, a recent widow, who always pretty much kept to himself. His personality takes a desperate nosedive when he begins to hear music and voices. Is he going crazy? He, a man who doesn't hunt, walks in the cold for a long while until he gets to the shop that will sell him a rifle.

Angela Frank has been hearing voices and music for years, but has no idea why. Crazy? maybe, but recently the voices and music are beginning to make sense and she knows she is about to go on a mission with others. Karman Shelton is hearing music and voices too. She works at a Psychiatric center, so maybe her job is rubbing off, but she's always tried to do the right thing.

The three of them embark on a journey, and the age old adage of Good vs. Evil is brought to fruition. Everyone's actions have consequences. Truly, some believe they won't pay those consequences until the next life. But what if you had to pay them in this one? Maybe then choices would be made differently. Monica Brinkman takes reincarnation and karma to a whole new level in a pleasing and page-turning novel.

[M.L. John · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the small town of Raleigh, MO something strange is happening. Local people are hearing music from nowhere. Frightening messages that disappear on their own are showing up in the email inboxes of internet moguls. Voices chant sing-song threats at people who have spent their lives hurting others. Then things start to get weird. A man who has always prided himself on his looks starts to grow beastlike hair. A successful local businesswoman develops scales. And three new friends find out they have more in common than they thought. What can be causing the happenings in Raleigh? How can they be stopped?
The action in The Turn of the Karmic Wheel starts on the very first page. It is well-paced and exciting throughout. It is also different from many of the books I’ve read because there is no main character. Instead there’s a town full of wonderful, vivid people. As I read through the book I felt connected and invested in each and every one of them. In fact, my only complaint would be that it seemed to end too quickly. I can’t wait for the sequel Monica’s been promising!
In short, I thought The Turn of the Karmic Wheel was a lovely, insightful book. If you get a few minutes I would definitely pick it up. It is available both in paperback and ebook. Here’s a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0984...

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Turn of the Karmic Wheel" is one of those genre-bending stories you're more likely to see among Indie authors than from a traditional publisher. The book has some mystery (what is happening and finding the underlying cause of it is the main story conflict for some of the characters). There is a supernatural, some might say mystical or spiritual, component to much of the story. Some of the scenes would fit in a horror novel.

The structure of the story, with multiple characters, each with their own story line which eventually joins with the others, is different, but well suited for where the story goes. My only complaint is that there are times when the reader needs to pay close attention to the chronology of the different story lines in relation to each other because changing story lines often involves a move back in time. However, the characters are well developed and easily distinguishable, so telling them apart and remembering what has happened with them isn’t a problem.

I’ve read thousands of books. "The Turn of the Karmic Wheel" is one that stands out for being different. If this is any indication, John Lennon was right, “Karma’s gonna get you.”

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Monica Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to share this wonderful review of my book from John Roseman.

5 Star Reviews! #Free with Audible Trial!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN #Karma? If you're basically happy, could it be because you were good and decent in a previous life? Or if you're sad and discontented, is it caused by your cruel deeds before you were even born? Monica M. Brinkman explores this issue brilliantly in The Turn of the Karmic Wheel. Reading it may help us to understand the lives we are living now and change them for the better. https://amzn.to/3bir8G7 ~

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
From my book review blog Rundpinne..."For readers looking for a fast moving, suspenseful and paranormal novel where strange occurrences began happening, Brinkman weaves together a very intriguing plot and delves out a unique sense of justice with extremely eclectic characters in Raleigh." ...The full review may be read here.