DEADLY OCCUPATION IS A FAST-PACED HISTORICAL MYSTERY

My Review of DEADLY OCCUPATION

DEADLY OCCUPATION, by Suzanne Adair, is a rousing historical mystery. If you’ve read other works by Ms Adair, then no doubt you are also a fan of Lt. Michael Stoddard—even though he is a Redcoat. Cheering for him makes me feel a traitor, but I can’t help myself. My American Revolutionary ancestors are probably scowling down at me from above (giving them the benefit of the doubt☺).

Major Craig and the 82^nd regiment take over Wilmington after the rebel soldiers have fled. Those left in town are paroled to conduct business. Soon Major Craig is made aware that on the day the rebels fled, a local woman named Julia Garrity went missing. Michael Stoddard is appointed Lead Investigator to find her.

In this book, Michael is twenty-six. He’s a man of honor and treats those he encounters without bias unless they have broken the law. As his assistant, he’s chosen young Private Nick Spry, age eighteen. They are mismatched physically and by rank, but have much in common. Both young men are keen observers of detail, a quality important in any investigation.

The men are allowed to board at the house of a local woman, Mrs. Chiswell. She isn’t home, but her housekeeper, Enid Jones, is terrified by past events. Michael and Nick are pleased they have good food and a better place to bunk than the barracks. (Nick is also pleased the maid next door is a buxom blond, Molly.)

Michael is aided in his search by attractive widow Kate Duncan, co-owner of White’s Tavern with her brother, Kevin Marsh. One of those assisting with Kate’s intervention is Mrs. Hooper, wife of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Not only has Mrs. Garrity disappeared, but there have been attacks directed at other women: Mrs. Farrell and a young widow, Esmé Delacroix.

A curious new religious group has set up just outside town. A supposed Anglican vicar, Elijah Spivey, encourages women to take part in foot washing and to accept leadership roles in his Mary and Martha of Bethany congregation.  Mr. Spivey is partial to brunettes with brown eyes, which fits Mrs. Garrity’s description. But Mr. Garrity is not blameless, nor is his housekeeper, Mrs. Overstreet.

Although referred to, the demonic Lt. Fairfax does not make an appearance.

As usual with Ms Adair’s books, historic details are blended in without being pedantic. On the contrary, her writing makes history come alive. DEADLY OCCUPATION is a fast-paced mystery that kept me unable to stop reading until the conclusion. I don’t give spoilers in my reviews so I can’t tell more. Allow me to summarize and say this great book is thick with intrigue and subplots to keep readers guessing. DEADLY OCCUPATION is definitely a 5 out of 5 rating.

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016FJNWA4

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1048353039

Kindle UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016FJNWA4

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-occupation-suzanne-adair/1122780410

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/deadly-occupation

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0988912937
 

Suzanne Adair, Author

Award-winning novelist Suzanne Adair is a Florida native who lives in a two hundred-year-old city at the edge of the North Carolina Piedmont, named for an English explorer who was beheaded. Her suspense and thrillers transport readers to the Southern theater of the Revolutionary War, where she brings historic towns, battles, and people to life. She fuels her creativity with Revolutionary War reenacting and visits to historic sites. When she's not writing, she enjoys cooking, dancing, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Check out Suzanne's web site and blog at http://www.suzanneadair.net/ to learn more of her adventures.

Here's what Suzanne Adair says about her writing:

I write page-turner crime fic­tion nov­els set dur­ing the Amer­i­can Revolution.

Why the Amer­i­can Rev­o­lu­tion? Well, I hated his­tory the way it was taught in high school: gut­ted of all the cool stuff, reduced to facts and dates so you remem­ber it the wrong way. Come on, admit it, when you think of the Amer­i­can Rev­o­lu­tion, you imag­ine bewigged, bor­ing men who spout unin­tel­li­gi­ble polit­i­cal philosophy—right?

And who wants to slog though that?

When you read fic­tion, you want to be immersed in another world. You want to escape.

I’m on a mis­sion to make the Amer­i­can Rev­o­lu­tion acces­si­ble and fun for you. I give you real­is­tic, relat­able char­ac­ters, tightly plot­ted drama, and thrilling his­tory. You’ll feel like you’re there. Even bet­ter, you’ll never miss the 21st century.

Pre­pare to be trans­ported into a past where heroes are ordi­nary peo­ple. Like you and me.

MY THANKS TO READERS OF WESTERN ROMANCE/MYSTERY

Where would writers be without readers to pour over their words? Banging our heads against our keyboards, that’s where. You have been so kind to buy my books, that now I have a surprise for you. Drum roll, please...Announcing that my western historical romance-mystery BRAZOS BRIDE is FREE today at Amazon Kindle. Yes, that’s right. Zero. Zip. Nada. Gratis. Just for you because you guys are special. Very special.

The FREE link for BRAZOS BRIDE at Amazon Kindle is:
http://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007HS10SY/ref=sr_1_18?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331156267&sr=1-18

While I’m pounding away on the keyboard, working on the second book in the trilogy, you can be reading BRAZOS BRIDE: Men of Stone Mountain, Book One.

The trilogy is about the three Stone brothers: Micah in BRAZOS BRIDE, book one; Zach in HIGH STAKES BRIDE, book two; Joel in BLUEBONNET BRIDE, book three. There is another link, as I’ve mentioned previously - poison is used in each book. Book one and book two each deal with a different natural poison found in native a Texas plant. The third poison is one that was common in home and garden use in the nineteenth century.  I’ve chosen perfect matches for the Stone brothers. At least, I believe they are perfect. Book one’s heroine is Hope Montoya, a regal Hispanic heiress.  Book two features Mary Alice Price, a kultzy, adorable blonde. Book three’s heroine is another regal woman, a redhead named Verity Dumas. I almost named her Verity Robichaux, but Dumas will be so much faster to type.

Here's the review from NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

Brazos Bride A Night Owl Reviews Book Review Top Pick 4.5 stars | Reviewed by: Barb
I found this book to be very entertaining. I read it in one afternoon because I had to know who was trying to murder Hope, the heroine. Her interaction with Micah and their relationship was the heart of the story. I really got into the story and the characters. The mystery of just who of the many characters were the evil ones kept me reading and turning pages (so to speak) on my Kindle. I was unable to stop reading this book until I finished it. That really says something for the author's plot and cast of characters. I enjoy these types of books, but this one was exceptional. I will be patiently waiting for the stories of Micah's brothers, Zach and Joel. I see the potential for some very good stories following these brothers' lives. Good job in making me want more.
Mar 28, 2012 | B007HS10SY


If you enjoy BRAZOS BRIDE, please leave a favorable review on Amazon to let others know. If you don’t enjoy the book, let me know your reasons at caroline@carolineclemmons.com? While it’s not possible to please all readers, I do try to write credibly about the Old West and whatever subject I’ve chosen. I spend hours and hours on research, on listening to my critique partners, and on revising and editing. Here’s another favor: please click on LIKE and then scroll down and click on the tags. This sounds silly, but it makes a difference in sales.

Thanks for stopping by!

ART IMITATES LIFE, MOSTLY

Kevin Costner as Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield

Like many history fans, I watched the recent mini-series on the Hatfields and McCoys. The acting was phenomenal, the costumes and sets were remarkable. I could hardly wait for the next episode. Even though I knew the story, I kept hoping both sides would make peace and quit killing one another. Once again I was reminded how foolish pride and petty hatred can distort and destroy lives and cause inconceivable pain. Why isn't common sense the least bit common?

Hatfields

As a writer, I use universal truths like those in the Hatfield and McCoy mini-series to create stories that I hope entertain and encourage. That most of my stories hold moral lessons is also true. As an author, I champion the good in men and women, ridicule and punish the shallow and senseless.

Not that the lessons can be obvious. Nope, I hope to sneak them in when readers are concentrating on the plot. ;-D  Often evil doers believe themselves above the law and unconquerable. In my books, those people are always caught...eventually. I wish that were always true in life, but it sometimes happens. Let’s go with that, shall we?

While I try to vary plots with each book, my books tend to have several common themes: redemption, good defeats evil, love overcomes obstacles, and personal fulfillment. But I don’t want readers to dwell on them, other than to sigh with relief when love conquers all, the broken heart is healed, the hardened heart cracks and welcomes love, characters achieve fulfillment, and those obstacles blocking characters’ happiness have been defeated. What I desire is that readers fall in love with my characters and think of them as real people (as they are in my mind) and want to read my next book. Nothing makes this author happier.  

THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is about a marriage of convenience that blossoms into a true love match. The idea for the book came from a tiny kernel in the form of a story my grandmother once told me about a girl in her hometown who quit school because of all the rumors and teasing she was forced to endure. Although my grandmother didn’t know what happened to the girl, I wanted the poor girl’s story to end well. Each of us deserves happily ever after, right?

If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you know there are no secrets. A person with evil in his heart frequently forgets that fact and does terrible things to conceal what everyone already knows. Most of the book takes place in Texas, but a part is set in Tennessee in a small village like that in which my grandmother lived as a child.

Here’s the blurb from THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE:

Wanted: one completely improper bride.

Even if Drake Kincaid had placed such an advertisement in every paper in the country, he couldn’t have found a better candidate than Pearl Parker...which is fine with him. After all, his parents’ will stipulates only that he marry by his thirtieth birthday, not that he marry well. And no one--including Drake’s grandfather, the man determined to hold him to the ridiculous provision--could possibly think tall, bossy Pearl with her ragtag siblings and questionable “cousin” Belle will make a good wife. Until Drake realizes that in her startling violet eyes he sees a beautiful woman with a generous soul...

Their life together may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love--with a breathtaking dose of passion--will make their marriage a true romance.

Excerpt from THE MOST UNSUITABLE BRIDE:

"What do you mean, stay here?”
Pearl had wakened cocooned in the hazy glow following a night of intermittent lovemaking with her husband to find him dressing for the ranch. Then he dropped a bombshell on her.
"You know it's not safe for you to be on your own. Ranch is too isolated. You'll be safer here in town.” Drake stomped his feet to settle each in the boots he wore. He retrieved a blue chambray shirt from his bag and donned it.
"For how long?” Pearl slid from bed and grabbed her nightgown from the floor.
"Well..."
She whirled on her husband, confronting him, "You never intended for me to move to the ranch, did you?” She yanked her nightie on. No one could argue buck-naked.
"Don't get riled. Women hate the seclusion. You'll be happier in town. Things to do here and people about you.” Drake shoved his shirt into his twill pants without looking at his wife.
She stepped toward him and pointed at her chest. "What do you know about what makes this woman happy?"
A crooked smile broke his face. "Aw, I know what makes you happy, all right. Didn't I keep you happy all night?"
She shrugged away the comment aimed to distract her. "Did you ask me which I prefer? No.” She hoped her glare chilled his randy hide.
His voice softened, placating. "Pearl, be reasonable. We don't know who's tried to kill you and your family. Someone might be trailing you right now, waiting somewhere and watching the house.”
He met her gaze. That muscle twitched in his cheek, letting her know he was less than happy with this conversation. Well, that didn't bother Pearl in the least. Some things needed talked about.
He walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, then took a deep breath and continued,  "Look, the sheriff and his deputy as well as several of the town's leading citizens will be looking out for any newcomer. I talked to the owners of the livery stable, the hotel, the mercantile, all the places I could think of that a newcomer would stand out. If any strangers come around asking questions, the sheriff will find out immediately. You and Sarah will be safer here."
"You're taking Storm with you?” She hugged her arms, sensing a lost battle.
"Yes, um, with your permission. I can't see him attending teas or shopping here in town. Besides, he's a big help to me."
Her head came up and her hands fisted at her hips. "And I suppose Sarah and I are just so much baggage?"
"Now, I didn't say that and you know it.” He held up a hand, palm out, as if to stay her fury. "But you have no place rounding up cattle and getting ready for a drive."
"It's true we don't ride, but we could learn.” She could learn anything, given a chance. She suspected no chance would come.
"There's no time to teach you. 'Sides, it makes the cowboys and vaqueros nervous to have women around the cattle. They think it's bad luck. And I can't leave the two of you at the house with only the housekeeper to help you."
She sagged in defeat. "Okay, Drake. I'll stay here for now, and I'll try not to shame you. But this is only until we know there'll be no more meanness against my family. Don't think you can keep me waiting too long," she warned.
His face broke into a smile of relief. "You'll see. By the time this is over and things calm down, you'll like this sweet life so much you won't be able to tear yourself away from Grandpa's house."
"Too much sweet gives a body a belly ache."
Ignoring that and stepping close, he kissed her on the cheek then nuzzled her neck. "I'll be sleeping tonight in a bedroll on hard ground. Give me a kiss to remember."
Something to remember. She'd give him something to remember all right. She raised her mouth to his, let him plunder with his tongue. Her tongue did some plundering of its own as she moved her body against him. When their kiss ended, the heat of passion darkened his eyes.
"When you're sleeping on the hard ground, all alone, you remember that, husband.” Head high, she turned and walked into the dressing room.

THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is Book One of the Kincaids, and is available for only 99 cents from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/MOST-UNSUITABLE-WIFE-Kincaids-ebook/dp/B004OR1VOO/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338514599&sr=1-7 and from
Smashwords at
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/37683?ref=CarolineClemmons.

Book Two of the Kincaids is THE MOST UNSUITABLE HUSBAND, and is also available for 99 cents. Book Three is not yet written but is tentatively titled TEXAS STORM. I hope to release it in 2013.


Thanks for reading!