Leslie Keller Books

This is not a cozy but more of a mystery thriller. It was the first book I've read by this author but was very well done. The pace kept me interested throughout and wasn't overly gruesome.  We meet the main character Gibson Vaughn when he seems to be at a particularly low point in his life. He's divorced and jobless, although not blameless in the divorce there are high profile forces at work which keep him unemployed. The author weaves in backstory with finesse - never giving us too much at one time, but just enough to move the story along and tell us how Gibson wound up in this place. There were a few instances where new characters were introduced who connection wasn't initially clear. A few places where it seemed beyond what is realistic but I was able to overlook it in the interest of enjoying the story. Without giving away too much of the story, Gibson is a computer hacker genius who's skills are recruited to help find a missing girl, with whom he had a st

Sorry for the quality of this image, but it's a picture of a picture - my grandfather on his father's farm in Minnesota, circa 1940's. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

The last piece of the three act structure of Act Two is the Epiphany. It's the emotional moment in the story in which the main character realizes her flaw. The high point of the story in terms of emotion and is the piece which moves the reader into Act Three. In order for the reader to become involved with the protagonist, she needs to evolve. The epiphany is that part where she will finally come to terms with what she believes and realizes it might not be true. She's at a crossroads and the right decision is essential.  For example, if the character has always believed she is dumb and then in a moment of pressure, she is able to perform complex mathematical calculations - aha, she yells, I'm smarter than I thought.  This is a very obvious example but easily illustrates the exact moment.  As a reader, this "aha" moment may not always be so straightforward. Regardless, we need to know that the character has recognized it herself. Where she once thought she was

I wanted to post a drink recipe that was a bit different for St. Patrick's Day, but not so much so that you couldn't find the ingredients.  This Green Machine Punch packs a kick but is so tasty you won't be able to stop - until you are finding four leafed clovers everywhere. 2 liters vodka 12 oz frozen limeade concentrate 1/2 pint lemon sherbet 1/2 pint lime sherbet Defrost limeade and dissolve in vodka.  Add sherbets. Stir until all ingredients are mixed. Serve in a 5 oz punch cup.  Make sure to add this Irish toast: May your pockets be heavy - Your heart be light And may good luck pursue you Each morning and night. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

I selected this book because I hadn't read the author's work and I was anxious for a new cozy mystery. I never view the author bio prior to reading the work so that my impression of the author doesn't cloud my reading and subsequent review. As I went through this story, I prayed the author wasn't white. If she had been, I would have been even more appalled at the racist attitude conveyed throughout, by the characters of both colors. Let me first say that there aren't enough black women cozy mystery writers. I wish this wasn't the case but my experience in the genre indicates it is a sad fact. I love being able to get a different perspective and a new character to read, especially in a series. However, I was disappointed in this work. I think it has some great potential but the author needs to drop some of the very old clichés and stereotypes. Rather than being set in current day, I felt as if the character was pulled from the 1950's - not so much because o

To be honest, I planned to dine at the Culinary Dropout restaurant in old town Scottsdale. Due to confusion on the part of the hostess when I called and the customer service dropout lack of skill of the manager, my friends and I went to Wildfish Seafood Grille instead. This restaurant is owned by the same local restaurateur of Eddie V's fame - and you know I love that place. We were able to grab seats at the bar, which I prefer when I'm dining with my girlfriends. The bartender, Craig was attentive and amusing - which is a perfect combination, especially after a long week. My friends shared an ample portion of Point Judith Calamari and then each ordered the appetizer of Lobster tacos.  I went for the full dinner menu and the Filet Medallions, Oscar style.  Reviews were positive for the tacos with the perfect amount of lobster wrapped in house made tortillas, infused with cilantro.  My filet was perfectly cooked with asparagus and melt-in-your-mouth crab meat. Bad Jayne orde

I recently read a novel which scattered clichéd colloquialisms throughout the dialogue. In this case, I found it annoying and distracting. To write dialog where a particular character's traits are illustrated by his speech alone misses the mark for me.  We all know that if you were to hear the same sentence spoken in New Jersey, California or Great Britain it may sound very differently.  You may even remember a famous commercial where the characters only had two words, "Was Up?"  We all knew what was meant and it worked to make the product stick in our minds, or at least the expression.  If the author wants to show the reader that a particular character is from the gritty streets of a big city, is it necessary to have him speak in a certain manner? Let's examine these examples: "Hey (expletive) git yer (expletive) off the hood of my ride." "Dude, park it someplace else." "You there, please remove yourself from the bonnet." You c

The second book is almost completed and ready for editing. I'm very excited to show off a few possible covers as designed by the brilliant Debra Gioia. They may seem a bit stretched here but the actual image looks better. Your feedback is appreciated.     Happy Trails,   Leslie   Visit my website