Twisted Tales: A Man Walks Out Of A Bar by J. Mayerson Brown – Between the Beats

Twisted Tales: A Man Walks Out Of A Bar by J. Mayerson Brown – Between the Beats



My review of the first story in this excellent anthology.

TWISTED TALES: 15 Literary Lies & Epic Yarns (Various Authors) – Between the Beats

TWISTED TALES: 15 Literary Lies & Epic Yarns (Various Authors) – Between the Beats



New Anthology of International Authors! Check out my short horror story "Old Habits". Link to get a FREE e-COPY!

St Patrick’s Day Book Sale!! – Between the Beats

St Patrick’s Day Book Sale!! – Between the Beats

As I Get Older: My MS Story – Between the Beats

As I Get Older: My MS Story – Between the Beats



My personal journey with MS.

My 2015 Top Indie Book Picks | Between the Beats

My 2015 Top Indie Book Picks | Between the Beats

My 2015 Top
Book Picks

I have read
an amazing number of indie books this year. When I looked back at my reviews I
was surprised. The realization I had read so many started me thinking about the
ones I remembered. I decided to make a list of the ones I liked the most.

You will
probably notice a paucity of “romance” novels. This may puzzle you since the
books I write are romantic thrillers. If you look closely you will see that
many of these books fit into more than one category and quite a few are romances
as well as their main listings.

I do hope
you will take the time to check out some if not all of these fine reads. Indie
authors do not have the benefit of large publishing houses to fund their
promotions. These hard working writers toil at their craft because they have
stories to tell. Then they are forced to take time away from their first love,
spinning yarns, to plod through the often messy and always time consuming work
of promoting their books. Indie writers rely on reviews. It’s only through their
reviews that they get any recognition and sometimes the feedback that empowers
them to hone their craft. (We count our reviews more than we count the dollars
and cents we make. Believe me when I say we are not in it for the money.)

Many indie
writers have full time jobs or full time families that they care for in
addition to writing. They carve out what little spare they have, jealously
devoting short hours to writing and promoting. There is nothing particularly
glamorous about the work. The reward is the positive review; the one where a
reader “gets it”.

 So here they are; my favorite books of 2015. I
have not added my books to the list. That doesn’t mean they are not among my
favorites. In fact they rate pretty high on the list. If I didn’t love them, I
would not have written them. This isn’t about me. This about those who share my
dream of sharing good stories with a receptive and appreciative audience. 

Nothing Is Ever Forever (The Phoenix Series Book 3) by Ted Tayler | Between the Beats

Nothing Is Ever Forever (The Phoenix Series Book 3) by Ted Tayler | Between the Beats

Nothing Is Ever Forever (The Phoenix Book 3)

This latest book in the Phoenix series once again shows Ted Tayler’s skill at creating a thrill packed story of terrorism. His ability to weave recent events into a taut tale of good guys versus bad guys is unsurpassed.

In Nothing Is Ever Forever Phoenix and the Olympus Project are faced with another high priority assignment. I didn’t think Tayler could top the action surrounding the London Olympics but he has. Now the terrorists are poised to strike directly at the British monarchy and it will take all the skills of Phoenix and his associates to stop them.

Tayler’s insights into the operations of ISIS and British security are phenomenal. He sets the tone early on and the tension builds beautifully. There is less of the romance between the beautiful and capable Athena and our hero in this book. But Tayler is smart enough to remind us she is there and electricity still flows between these two. Following through on hints in earlier books Erebus moves toward retirement and naming Athena as his successor. Some new characters are introduced and old characters revived.

While the talents of the Olympus Project and the terrorists well designed plans are the focus of the book, the real life experiences of the characters are never neglected. Tayler is able to give his characters substance and genuine identities. These aren’t simply “soldiers” in a war of terror; these are people who have ordinary lives filled with love, pain, and uncertainty.

I particularly enjoy the progression of Phoenix during the course of the books. He matures as his involvement with the Project is solidified. Tayler’s proficiency as a writer also develops positively in each succeeding book.

If you have read either of the earlier “Phoenix” books you are certain to enjoy this one. While it can be read as a standalone story, the experience will be even more enjoyable if you read the series in order. At any rate, be prepared to stay up all night to reach the dramatic conclusion of this brilliant part three of The Phoenixseries.

Buy Nothing Is Ever Forever Here

Amazon Author Page

“View From the Sixth Floor” Re-Released and FREE! | Between the Beats

“View From the Sixth Floor” Re-Released and FREE! | Between the Beats



Why are strangers suddenly appearing in a sleepy North Carolina town asking about Lee Harvey Oswald? What do they have to do with widow Olivia Roberts? Why is her neighbor and friend Bill Horton so dead set against her traveling to Dallas, Texas? When she journeys from her North Carolina home to Dallas in search of answers to questions from November 22, 1963 she learns more than she ever expected. 
“View from the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale” is a story of “what-ifs”? What if the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 was a conspiracy? What if accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was innocent? What if someone knew the truth and could prove it? What if someone you trusted turned out to be hiding a secret so big it could change history?
This is a tale of friendship, love, political intrigue, and murder.This romantic thriller takes a fictional look at the JFK assassination. Suppose accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had lived to defend himself. Imagine if 50 years after the assassination someone stepped forward to reveal the truth of what happened that day. What if the assassination was a conspiracy and the impact of those revelations reached into the 21st century? This is the story of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events; a tale of friendship, love, political intrigue, and murder. You’ll never look at your neighbors the same way.

Myka and the Millionaire by Alexis Alvarez | Between the Beats

Myka and the Millionaire by Alexis Alvarez | Between the Beats

Myka and the Millionaire by Alexis Alvarez

I was
provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am not
usually a fan of BDSM but I’d read one of Alexis Alvarez’s earlier books and
loved it. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to read this new one because it
was an eye-opener. Alvarez has a knack for drawing the reader in, grabbing her,
and pulling her along; a willing hostage on the heated path to the end.

I loved
Myka. I loved her fierce intelligence, her hunger and curiosity, and her
willingness to give submission a shot. Sexy and smart is always a winner and
this girl is both.

At first I
was put off by Gabriel, cocky and self assured. But as the story progressed I
saw a deeper, more sensitive man. He is immediately attracted to Myka and does
not hesitate to pursue her. And Myka is eager to respond to the temptations he
offers.

Myka is no
shrinking violet though and can hold her own when push comes to shove. And as
Gabriel develops deeper feelings for her, he becomes as much a protector as a
dominant.

Their
intricate and sexy interplay is both emotional and sultry. I highly recommend
this well written and fiery novel.

http://www.amazon.com/Myka-Millionaire-Alexis-Alvarez-ebook/dp/B017Y0YYRS/

“The Zebra Affaire” by Mark Fine | Between the Beats

“The Zebra Affaire” by Mark Fine | Between the Beats



This book is a must read! An enthralling story of forbidden love in apartheid S. Africa. Dramatic and moving.

Domestic Violence Awareness | Between the Beats

Domestic Violence Awareness | Between the Beats

“Footsteps” by Elizabeth Horton-Newton | Between the Beats

“Footsteps” by Elizabeth Horton-Newton | Between the Beats



Check out this scary tale by Indie author Elizabeth Horton-Newton

New Indie #Awethor Elizabeth Horton-Newton | Between the Beats

New Indie #Awethor Elizabeth Horton-Newton | Between the Beats



Check out The Awethors Anthology and my dark and creepy tale, "April Showers". http://amzn.to/1LBt0qp

Oh! Those Scary Movies from My Childhood | Between the Beats

Oh! Those Scary Movies from My Childhood | Between the Beats

“Bladesong: 1151 in the Holy Land” (The Troubadours Quartet Book 2) by Jean Gill | Between the Beats

“Bladesong: 1151 in the Holy Land” (The Troubadours Quartet Book 2) by Jean Gill | Between the Beats



My review of this excellent book.

Kristin Gleeson – Author and So Much More | Between the Beats

Kristin Gleeson – Author and So Much More | Between the Beats

Jackie Parry – Guest Blogger: Not Just Another Horse Tale | Between the Beats

Jackie Parry – Guest Blogger: Not Just Another Horse Tale | Between the Beats

An Interview with Author Michelle Medhat | Between the Beats

An Interview with Author Michelle Medhat | Between the Beats

Michelle Medhat, author
of “Connected: The Call and The Shift” was kind enough to consent to an
interview for “Between the Beats”. Michelle is as complex as her books;
brilliant and articulate she shares her thoughts freely. To say she is an
interesting woman would be trite. Her motivation for writing her books is not
what you might expect. It is with great pleasure I introduce Michelle Medhat,
one of my favorite Indie Authors.

What is the title of your latest book?

Connected: The Call and Connected: The
Shift. Both books came out within months of each other, and I now I have
Connected: The Call & The Shift (Author’s Cut) out as well, which is
omnibus of the two books with a slightly different edit (hence the Author’s
Cut!). These books are fast-moving, hard-hitting spy thrillers, peppered with thought-provoking
sci-fi all wrapped up in a never-ending love story. They are shocking
(certainly not for the faint hearted), and have more twists and turns than the
average country lane, but if a reader likes a good, heart-pounding thriller,
they won’t be disappointed.

What inspired you to write this book?

The book, Connected: The Call and The
Shift just came at me soon after the second Gulf War. I’d been watching,
waiting and hoping for a peaceful outcome after so much war, suffering and
devastation, although I knew that different agendas had taken over, and my
hoped outcome wasn’t to be. This train of thought got me thinking about the
nature of good and evil, the workings of the world we live in and what happened
if someone was so powerful the finely tuned balance in which the universe
exists was upended. Would this have repercussions? And would we, as a world have
any way out?

The spy story evolved quickly, as
intelligence is something very close to me. In my past, I have known these
types of people. I understand how they operate, the way governments’ play, the
differing agendas at stake, the brinkmanship and the angst of people just
wanting to get a job done without having to maneuver through political
minefields. This aspect is exemplified in both books.

The story is quite unique in that it
blends comfortably a graphic, political spy thriller with a provocative sci-fi story
that could very well be true. What moves it onto a different plane is the
tremendous love that connects Sam and Ellie Noor – despite what happens to them
(and a lot happens to them!) they never lose that connection. They never lose
sight of love nor hope for their future together.

Do you identify with any of your
characters and in what way?

If there was one character I’d identify
with it would be Ellie Noor. She’s a businesswoman, like me; she’s pragmatic,
strong-willed and focused on what needs to be done. She say’s what she thinks,
(swears far too much, unfortunately like me!) and doesn’t suffer fools. But she
also has a deep-seated faith in what is good and right. She’s a firm believer
in hope. It was a love-at-first-sight moment when she met Sam (just like the
circumstances in which I met my husband), and throughout the book you have the
sense that their love is almost supernatural.

Would you like to share a little about
your next project?

I am working on Connected: The Light, it
is last in the Trilogy of the Connected Series. It will be more shocking than
the other two books before it. The elements it will touch on are much darker
and it will go to places a little unnerving for readers. Core themes include
the battle for energy security, creating a movement to bring the world under
one umbrella of peace and flipping the balance of good and evil. It’s a big
piece, and in parts, quite introspective and philosophical, as Ellie will take
the main voice in first person. It will still however be, in true Connected
form, a heart-racing ride of pure exhilaration, and no, I’m not sorry that some
readers will be shocked to the core by what happens within those pages.

Have you been inspired by any other
writers?

I was inspired as a child by the Bronte
sisters, Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens and
Alfred Hitchcock. I also loved to read Shakespeare and Chaucer, and deconstruct
what they were really saying in their old English words. When I reached my teens
I was into sci-fi devouring Arthur C Clarke, Douglas Adams, John Wyndham and
Issac Asimov. Around the same time I also started to read espionage novels by
the greats in this genre: Frederick Forsyth, John Le Carre, Ian Fleming, Robert
Ludlum and Tom Clancy. All these writers have in some way inspired me, and
helped me become the writer I am now.

What is your process for writing? Do you
dedicate a certain amount of hours daily? Do you go from beginning to end or
just write in a non-linear fashion?

I wish I had a process for writing. I’d
love that luxury to be honest. I just write in a notebook, whenever and
wherever I can, and then when I have a moment I type what I’ve handwritten.
Before I start any writing, I’ll mind map the entire plot, adding in key
characters across major scenes, and then map the relationships and inter-dependencies.
It’s really weird as when I start I literally see the whole of the book laid
out in my mind. It runs continuously like a movie in my head when I’m working
on the scenes, and it’s always very explicit. That’s why I write as if it’s a
movie and reviewers consider the work to be rather visceral and graphic.

What is your favorite book and why?

Strange that I have read so many books,
and one of my favorites is a short story! It is by John Wyndham and is found in
his short story collection Seeds of Time. The story is called Pawley’s
Peepholes. It is a strange little story that I read when I was in my mid-teens
and I was so amazed by it, and I still remember it to this day. I think because
I could have experienced real time-travel once, the story evokes in me that
sense of true wonder. The premise of the story is that people from the future
decide to use the past (our present) as a playground attraction for them to
have fun and do with whatever they like. It addresses all kinds of issues
technological, theological as well as societal. What would you do if you were
in the shower and a group people from the future just barged through your
bathroom! It is a real case of ‘what if…’ as Wyndham put it. The solution to
the future visitants was ingeniously simple, and one which was streets ahead of
the technological contraptions built to rid them of the visitors. The solution
was simply to reverse engineer, and turn the future visitants into a modern day
attraction and make them the spectacle instead. They soon hightailed it back to
their own century after that! The story showed me, whatever techno-wizardry we
develop, our future is built on the understanding and empathy of each other,
and a need to try to see the world through another’s eyes, rather than impose
the view seen through our own. It is vital that we appreciate the motivations
of others, and comprehend that the story played out before our eyes may not be
in full wide screen. There is always more. We’ve been given intelligence, and
it is up to us to perceive and interpret the parts we don’t see.

If you could make one of your books into
a movie, which one would you choose and who would portray the main characters?

Both books are screaming to be made into
films. Many reviewers have made the same comment: “this needs to be a film”,
“could be a blockbuster” etc. As The Call is part one and The Shift is part
two, you couldn’t make one without the other. Sam Noor is handsome and fiercely
intelligent; but he’s also quite dark and incredibly strong. Actor Jim Caviezel
(currently playing the role of another shadowy guy John Reese in Person of
Interest) would be a perfect match to nail Sam’s intense attitude and ability
to do whatever it takes to get the results needed. Ellie Noor is a real
knockout beauty, brave and smart and I can think of no one better than Charlize
Theron to take the role. She is ideal, with her stunning eyes and beautiful
blond locks she would be as captivating on the screen, as she is between the
pages of the books.

What is the most difficult part in
writing a book?

The most difficult part in writing a
book is avoiding continuity errors, and by that I mean not changing the name of
a minor character half-way through (it happens), or having the character do
something that actually doesn’t make sense at all. Developing a good logic flow
and a mind map is essential in plotting scenes, chapters and characterization.
My books are quite sizable and holding all the different cross- genre elements
together, making the logic and time flow work and ensuring that story is carried
through is the most demanding part of writing the book.

Do you read your reviews and how do they
affect you?

Yes I do read my reviews, but I don’t
get too affected by them unless they are deliberately attacking for no reason.
Someone gave me one star, claimed they didn’t even read the book, and said
they’d given me a one star as they thought all the other reviews including
editorial ones were fake!!! It’s insane. But you can’t let these things get to
you. When you write something, you have to have conviction in it, and stand by
it. Being a writer, you also have to be hard-skinned. You write something and
then put it out for the world to see and judge it. Not surprising that we’re
often classed as masochists. It’s a liberating but self-deprecating act. I do
enjoy seeing good reviews, when readers have been so moved to write a review,
it means so much. It gives you that little frisson, when know your book has
been read by someone somewhere, and for a little while it formed a part of
their life. A literary transplant if you will. It’s immensely gratifying when
you see a reader has enjoyed your toil, and validates your existence as a
writer.

Do you have any special steps or
superstitions you follow when writing?

I always keep a small piece of rosemary
on my keyboard; it is a very lucky herb.

What makes a good book?

A good book has a very simple but potent
mix of ingredients. The first is that it must transport you, so that you do not
recognise what is around you. Total immersion in the moment, visually encapsulating
and visceral stimulation. The second ingredient is the characterization of
primary and secondary characters must be believable and well-balanced. The last
element making the magic is that the book must have a solid, breath-taking plot
line that captures you and doesn’t let go. Keeping you up bleary eyed till the
early hours, and forcing you to give excuses for not making that meeting in the
morning.

When did you first realize you wanted to
be a writer?

I think the first inkling of my writing
ambitions came when, in lieu of any paper, I wrote on the walls and lampshade
with crayons. I was, I might add three years of age, and passionate then about
writing. A year later, at the tender of age of four, following the passing of
my grandfather, I wrote a poem that still shocks and stirs people today.

Beautiful Sleep

When
I sleep my beautiful sleep

I see and hear things in my dreams

Of
voices I no longer hear

And
faces I no longer see

In
my sweet beautiful sleep

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had
a pen in my hand and wanted to write. When I was only a small child, I think
seven or eight, I sat in Charles Dickens’ chair in Bleak House in Broadstairs,
Kent UK, and declared to all within earshot, that one day I would be as great a
writer as Dickens. Oh well we live in hope!

Over the years, I have written short
stories, poems, plays, pantomimes, and even music lyrics. For my work, I’ve
written articles for papers, magazines, and periodicals.

If you could describe your writing style
in one sentence what would you say?

Short, sharp and very fast moving –
rather like being blasted from a canon!

What
is the last book you read and why did you choose to read it?

I’m currently reading The Zebra Affaire
by Mark Fine. I have to say that I know very little about South Africa of
1970s, as I was a child then and more interested in cartoons than current
affairs. The story fascinates and abhors me. That we as humans could behave in
this way is unimaginable. A history steeped in shame.

If you could choose any person living or
dead to read and review one of your books who would you choose, which book
would you choose, and why?

Alfred Hitchcock. As a school kid I
adored him. I dreamed of meeting him. And in a way I did, but very briefly.
Although my family thought I was dreaming. It was April 29, 1980. I was eleven,
and heading back home from school. I stopped at a roadside corner, waiting for
a massive black Rolls Royce to pass. It paused in front of me, the window
rolled down, and Hitchcock smiled at me. I was so stunned, I said nothing, and
by the time I could react, the monstrosity of a car slid past into the next
road and zoomed off. I remember telling my Mom when I arrived home, but they
didn’t believe me. Soon after we heard that Hitchcock had died that day at 9.17
am. So very weird!

I watched all his movies, read all his
books, especially the ‘Three Investigators’ series, as well as all the horror
stories and thrillers. He was the ultimate critic. And I can think of no one
better to have reviewed my books.

In Ray Bradbury’s Farenheit 451 the
characters memorize books to “save” them when all books are being burned. They
are known as Book People. If you were a book which one would you be and why?

I would definitely be 2001 Space Odyssey.
It is such an extraordinary book, giving a glimpse of what could be, a world of
possibilities, but somehow, all connected with a smoothness that has had me
reading that book so many times over. I just loved the philosophical, the
spiritual and the technological messages weaved in. It certainly inspired my
love of all things sci-fi, especially sci-fi that is genuinely
thought-provoking.

http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Medhat/e/B00IJE5QXA/

http://www.amazon.com/Connected-Call-Shift-AUTHORS-CUT-ebook/dp/B00TCOAOCY/

http://elizabethnnewton.com/2015/03/20/connected-the-call-by-michelle-medhat/

http://elizabethnnewton.com/2015/03/29/connected-the-shift-by-michelle-medhat/

“Sam Noor is mightily pissed off with
his employers; the terrorist outfit Al Nadir (a group so diabolical they make
ISIS look like the Teletubbies) have stolen the latest in quantum nuke
technology and SOMETHING is up with Sam's lovely wife Ellie - Tune in for more
spills and thrills!” Charlie Flowers, Best Selling Author of Hard Kill
and other Riz Sabir Mysteries 

“Michelle Medhat takes on and pulls
off a Herculean feat by seamlessly merging Espionage, Science Fiction and
Thriller genres.” Garrard Hayes, best selling Author of Bourbon and
Blood



Editorial Reviews



“If you are looking for a well thought out story, from a writer that is showing
great early promise, you could do a lot worse than get Connected to this
supernatural, spy-thriller.” Paul
Martin, Self Publisher’s Showcase



“I did enjoy it and for all of those who love syfy or want to get into syfy
this is the book for you. Well written and easy to follow unlike some syfy
books.” Heather Austin, Kindle
Book Reviews



“Violence, short chapters and a large cast of characters works in this
thriller. A well written page-turner, with characters that are developed and
contradictory enough to carry all the action and jargon, without being
swallowed completely, which is a big achievement.” Georgina Parfitt, Towerbabel 

“I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter – Brilliant Ripper Fiction | Between the Beats

“I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter – Brilliant Ripper Fiction | Between the Beats

“I, Ripper”
by Stephen Hunter

There are a
lot of books, both fiction and non-fiction, about Jack the Ripper. I have read
many of them. “I, Ripper” by Stephen Hunter is possibly the best fictional look
at Saucy Jack that I have ever read. The tale is creatively told through two
diaries; the diary of “Jack” and the diary of a newspaper reporter who is
thrust into writing about the murders. Besides the obvious cast of characters:
Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Long Liz Stride, Katherine Eddowes, and of course
poor Mary Kelly, Hunter has created a surrounding group that complements the
primary players.

Of course
the story is rife with bloody murder as well as the twisted sexuality one would
expect from the Ripper. Written in incredibly beautiful and accurate Victorian
English in all its varieties, the reader is transported through time and space to
1888 and the streets of Whitechapel. Following the steps of Red Jack as he
chooses, pursues, and savages his victims the tension grows thicker by the
word. As “Jeb”, the reporter’s nom de plume, investigates and writes of the
crimes, his fascination grows. Other characters, some seemingly insignificant,
are woven throughout, catching the reader’s attention and always raising the question,
is that Jack?

With vibrant
descriptions of the streets of London, the political atmosphere of those days,
and the horrific living conditions of the poor versus the well-to-do, Hunter
has created a landscape ripe with realism. His blending of fact with some
believable fiction has provided a story any Ripperologist will enjoy as a tale
built on truth. There are a few surprises that left me with my jaw on the
floor. These shockers serve to make the story even more enticing.

I highly
recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a story thick with suspense and tension
and of course, gory murders.

“Planet Purgatory” by Benedict Martin A 5-Star Read! | Between the Beats

“Planet Purgatory” by Benedict Martin A 5-Star Read! | Between the Beats

“Planet
Purgatory” by Benedict Martin

“Planet
Purgatory” by Benedict Martin is filled with colorful characters that leap off
the page even when you wish they wouldn’t. Chief protagonist David Eno is a
character I alternately hated and loved. Sometimes I found him so frustrating I
wanted to scream at him. At other times I wanted to put my arms around him. In
a story rife with aliens, zombies, witches, demons, and things I’d never heard
of, Martin manages to give his characters defined personalities. Making these
characters even more interesting are the drawings scattered throughout the book
giving them even more substance. David and his dog Rosie are revenants, they’d
died and been revived by the SYS. SYS has also provided David with a powerful
weapon, a gun. It’s an interesting accoutrement for a farmer. David is a very
special kind of farmer; willing to go farther out into the fields to grow his
crops. His most important crop is the sugar beet. It is from this plant that he
makes “chikka”, an alcoholic type drink that he himself is addicted to along
with his constant smoking of cigarettes. There is a family secret that neither
David nor his parents want to acknowledge but it causes tension within the
family. Stranger still, David has decided they are living in Purgatory. Events
take place that cause David to set out on a long and potentially dangerous
journey to seek help for Harkness. It’s on the journey he undertakes with
faithful Rosie at his side that we meet an assortment of enthralling characters,
some helpful and some deadly. This is a brilliant story that kept me up reading
until the very end. Moments of horror are countered with moments of tenderness,
skillfully weaving a story that I highly recommend.

“The Zebra Affaire” by Mark Fine: An Interview | Between the Beats

“The Zebra Affaire” by Mark Fine: An Interview | Between the Beats



I had the privilege of interviewing Mark Fine, author of "The Zebra Affaire".