I purchased a couple books written by bloggers whom I’ve followed for a while now. Who said that blogging doesn’t sell books?
The gurus of the book-blogging world advise us to skip the “Buy my Book” spiel and they’re spot on. I’ll attest to the importance of an occasional reminder that there actually IS a book to celebrate and sell, yet I’ve learned that this whole blogging thing is really about relationships. The sale of a book (through blogging) is mostly a result of the genuine interest that grows out of engagement.
After taking six months to get through the 1,860 page Raven’s Shadow Trilogy, it was a total delight to scoop up a couple books that I couldn’t put down and ended up polishing off in about three evenings. This feat meant forgoing a bit of sleep, but what can a person do when the next chapter begs a reading?
The Seneca Scourge
The first book I picked up is Carrie Rubin’s thriller, The Seneca Scourge. It takes off on the first page as a viral contagion manifests on an international flight.
Not long after arriving in the US, the traveler shows up in a Boston Hospital and becomes a patient of Sydney McNight. She’s a resident doing an infectious disease fellowship and her life is going to quickly turn upside down.
Sydney’s supposed to be working under the renowned epidemiologist Casper Jones, but who has time for that? She’s right in the thick of an influenza epidemic that’s running rampant with a body count suggesting a worldwide plague.
To complicate Sydney’s life, her relationship of convenience isn’t ending well, coworkers and friends are falling ill, and something is definitely not adding up about the secretive Casper Jones. Things get pretty crazy as Sydney slides in over her head – asking questions, breaking the rules, and trying to figure out who Casper is and what he’s hiding. All while time is running out.
Order Carrie’s Latest Book Here
I thought I had the plot figured out about a third of the way through – Not! This book has a great twist.
Rubin’s personal experience in the medical field adds authenticity to the hospital setting, protocols, and medical/physical details of an infectious disease. The story moves at breakneck speed, with believable characters, realistic action and a number of tough moments as Sydney’s own life hangs in the balance. The writing is sharp and engaging. I’d recommend this thriller to any readers who enjoy an exciting ride.
Death in a Red Canvas Chair: A Rhe Brewster Mystery
Noelle Granger’s Death in a Red Canvas Chair is a perfect book to pair up with Rubin’s Seneca Scourge. Both plot-driven books feature strong female protagonists and are fast-paced investigative reads.
Rhe Brewster is a mom, wife, and nurse with a penchant for crime-solving that she can’t resist. In this first of the Rhe Brewster series, she finds a dead body stinking up her son’s soccer game.
Her brother-in-law is the sheriff of her quaint Maine town, and she’s persistent enough to get involved in the investigation against her husband’s wishes. Her husband isn’t wrong to worry as Rhe is prone to taking dangerous risks.
The investigation leads from the soccer field to the local college where her husband works as a professor, to a Caribbean cruise ship outfit and a high-class brothel at a posh seaside estate. Granger intertwines all these threads with a shady operation at a mortuary that Rhe will discover after a close encounter with a freezer full of body parts. More bodies show up and things get tense before Rhe solves the riddle of the woman in the red canvas chair.
Rhe is a great character and her relationships with her husband and brother-in-law were complex adding to the interpersonal tension of the read. The story is well-structured and entertaining with plenty of action, touching moments, and suspenseful danger. A delightful book for readers who enjoy murder mysteries.
I had a wonderful time reading both books and can happily recommend these two talented writers. The reads have broad appeal and would make great gifts! Happy holidays 🙂
I’ve not read your second choice, but I heartily endorse your review of The Seneca Scourge – an excellent read with a terrific twist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The twist was great wasn’t it? Caught me by surprise 🙂 I think you would enjoy the other as well. Both women are super writers. Happy, healthy, peaceful New Year to you and yours, Jools.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to you and yours DWP! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Wallace Peach for her kind mention of my first book, The Seneca Scourge. Diana is a talented writer whose own books can be found […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow so nice to share these fellow bloggers books and review them! I will check them out! thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fun to cheer others on, Lynz. A big part of the joy of blogging 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh yes I agree it is the best part and so much fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these reviews Diana. I actually have Carrie’s books in my reader and am more eager than ever to get to them. There’s nothing like a good addictive enjoyable read to take us away. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ll enjoy them, Debby. I was definitely entertained 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two good reviews, Diana. Both books sound interesting. I love mysteries. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so, Suzanne. I certainly enjoyed them as a break from the denser reads I usually dive into.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a lovely post! I was very happy to read it because I feel the same way as you’ve said, that writers’ success will come from building a strong relationship with the entire reading population of Earth. It is very kind of you to support these authors and share their with readers. Read on, and write on. Thank you for your warmth and candour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that – “a strong relationship with the entire reading population of Earth.” Wonderful 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came to the realisation that I’ll read even people I don’t agree with so if I’m writing why not show everyone some gratitude in advance? Best wishes. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these recommendations… if only I had more time to read! 😉 My list is about a mile long now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. It’s the bane of writers. We love to read too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They both sound fabulous. I knew about Noelle’s book (although haven’t got to it yet) but thanks for the introduction to Carrie’s. I’ll add it on to my never ending list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those lists go on and on, Olga. My plan (someday) is to set aside Sundays for reading. I can’t imagine much more fun than that. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
LikeLike
Yay! Way to promote Carrie (’cause Lord knows she sure hates to promote herself)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All those introverted authors out there! I’m happy to give a cheer every once in a while 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are set! They sound delicious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun to zip through on a lazy day. Thanks so much for visiting!
LikeLike
Diana, first I want to say how much I liked your comment about building relationships whilst blogging, this personal element is such a huge factor, after all I think most of us enjoy that sense of ‘connection’. Both books sound terrific, just up my street and I’ll make sure to put these on my Christmas list. Thanks for the lovely reviews which really caught my attention. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m waiting for your book, Annika! Thanks for visiting and being such a great blogland friend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the review – you are a REAL peach! I thought I was following you, but darn, I was wrong. So I fixed that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome, Noelle. I had great fun reading your book and look forward to the next 🙂 Happy holidays!
LikeLike
What a wonderful surprise to find this morning. Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed “The Seneca Scourge.” Hopefully you had some hand sanitizer nearby. 😉
You are so kind to showcase it here (and the nod to “Eating Bull” too!). I truly appreciate that. And “Death in a Red Canvas Chair” sounds wonderful. I’ll definitely go check it out.
Thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. I don’t use hand-sanitizer, but maybe I should start! My family was one of those who figured germs make you stronger 🙂 In all seriousness, a very fun read, Carrie, and I’m happy to give it a shout.
LikeLike
Thank you. And you’re right–there is something to be said for the ‘hygiene hypothesis.’ Trying to avoid every germ–particularly when it comes to kids–can shortchange the immune system. Lots of good evidence for this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course, I was just sick for 4 weeks. Those darn germs!
LikeLike
They were making up for lost time. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always good to stumble upon some great reads 😀 I’m playing catch up with my TBR pile over the holidays. I think I may be the only person who has yet to read “The Martian”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read it either, Tamara. Have fun reading. What a great way to spend the holiday. I’m jealous 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that! I’ve been meaning to read Noelle’s book for a while now, but was unfamiliar with Carrie’s work 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to read more books from people I’ve gotten to know out here in blogland, Nicholas. It’s fun to celebrate this thing we all do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Diana. 🙂 The two books sound amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fun reads for sure. I got a kick out of both 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for the recommendations! Wonderful write-ups on them both! I finished “Eating Bull” recently, and loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read that one yet, Kelly. Thanks for the recommendation! It was fun to read something by people I “know” and I lucked out with both 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
My issue is having time to read! Like you said, you almost have to give up sleep just to fit it in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It may have to be for after the holidays – my reading stack is pretty high 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too, Dan, and some of the fantasy trilogies I get into are long! Both of these books would be great for the summer too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person