Latest review of DEADLY STAR

When Fenton Ludtke of Savannah, GA, sent me his review of DEADLY STAR, I quickly asked if it would be all right to post excerpts from it on my blog and Facebook author page.  His response was:

 

Of course it would be “all right”! Use my review of “Star” in any way you would like. Just writing this brings Mirabel and Sully to mind again (such is what happens when a story line and characters are strong enough to enter your memory bank).

Following is an excerpt from his review . . .

Now, about “Star.” I loved it . . .  I was awed by your knowledge of space and the hardware that races around in it. I never heard of a nanosat, or met one at a neighborhood bar. And your grasp of the CIA, and the dirty business it is involved in, impressed as well. I am sure you must have done some research, but you handled your knowledge so smoothly I knew your characters were at home with the lexicon.  All this is to say I was involved in the story.

I have not been reading mysteries in recent years. I seem to be on a kick of reading mostly non-fiction, but also old classics, biographies (particularly Churchill, etc.), and political tomes. But your “Star” has awakened my interest in mysteries. It is a writing that takes a special gift of building toward a conclusion, a revealing of the culprit(s), often a surprise. You did it beautifully!

. . . I reread much of Hemingway this year —including early short stories he did for magazines in the 20’s. His writing changed. Touched me more. Made pictures for me. “Star” did the same. 

Thank you, Fenton. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story and excited that you’ve been awakened to mysteries. I hope you read my next one.

Now the rest of y'all-guys keep on keeping on, and I'll try to do the same. 

cj