Leslie Keller Books

According to a survey presented by Smashwords founder, Mark Coker romance novels are the biggest sellers, beating out mysteries, historical fiction, young adult and women's literature. I've blogged before about not reading romance as my first choice, but obviously many people do. I don't claim to be an expert on romance novels but I do know there is a wide range of selections in this genre.  There is historical romance, young adult romance, erotica, steampunk romance, current romance and many more. If you read any of the Twilight series of vampire young adult books, there is a major element of romance between the three main characters. In fact, the vampire story line is almost secondary to the romance between Bella and Edward. As I write this post I surfed through my television channels and landed on the Hallmark channel. If there was a channel devoted to romance it is this one. Yet more proof that romance rules. It seems that we love to escape into a world where there

As part of my review of the three Act structure of a mystery, I will start with Act one, part one, the Hook.  It is suggested that the formula was devised back in Aristotle's time but more recently it is credited as the structure for screenwriting. I will address this in relation to mysteries, specifically the cozy mystery. The first section of Act One is the opportunity for the author to tell the reader about the protagonist, the antagonist (not required to be introduced here but may be), and any secondary characters. It's the one chance for the author to grab the reader's attention and make sure she keeps turning the pages. If the hook isn't strong enough the reader may not continue. Hooks may be inserted into the very first sentence to draw the reader in, the first paragraph, the first page and the end of every chapter.  Consider these first sentences and how the hook might pull you in: They shoot the white girl first. —Toni Morrison, Paradise (1998) It was

When you read a mystery does timing matter? No, I don't mean the time of day, but rather the timing of the plot. If the story seems scattered, perhaps the author didn't follow the "rules". Mysteries generally follow a three Act structure. You could simplify this as the beginning, middle and end. The plot must have more than just the three parts, as each one is further defined by what makes up the sections. For example, the beginning would have the introduction to the character(s). The beginning should also contain the hook (that which grabs your attention), the backstory (character history) and the trigger (the thing which causes the protagonist to go into the crisis). The second Act should include the crisis, struggle and epiphany. and the final, or third Act should have the plan, climax and ending. In future blogs, I will break these down into their individual components so that you can watch for them as you read. For now, keep the three Act method in mind and l

You know that I do like to have a sip or two of wine, every now and then, so when my friend invited me to try this wine restaurant in the Scottsdale Quarter, I was more than a little excited. Now keep in mind that the last time I was at the Scottsdale Quarter something really bad happened. If you don't know what I mean, then you'll have to read Menu for Murder to find out. Sorso has a wine vending machine concept - yes I am serious. You decide how much you want to spend and then simply put your card in the slot and bunch a button to sample from around thirty wines. You have a choice of a sip, a taste or a pour. I really wanted the Silver Oak, but it was a bit out of this server's budget. Since they also had great happy hour prices, I opted for the $5 glass of wine. They also have a great wine pairing menu which includes cheese and meat plates to share, delicious bruschetta, salads and sandwiches. Our food was very good and inventive. Next time maybe I'll try a sandw

Even though my writing has been put on hold, due to a shattered right wrist, I have been able to meet with a number of local book clubs. I'm delighted that they have expressed an interest in reading Menu for Murder. I didn't realize there were so many different groups within thirty miles of where I live until my book came out. The majority seem to be attended by women, but there are a few men scattered in for good measure. They read serious literature, women's fiction, biographies and even a cozy mystery, or two. I have only been part of one book club, which sad to say recently disbanded. I loved the opportunity to find out what other readers thought of a book. Did we all love it or hate it. Did they find things in the story that I missed (yes!)?  Did other readers like the same character traits as I did? From an author's perspective, being involved in a book club was invaluable. I was able to hear what made the readers want to read more of a character and what tu

I'm in love  with author, Jodi Picoult. Well, maybe not her, per se but her work, definitely. I haven't read a book of hers yet that I didn't enjoy from the first page to the last. This was no exception. She leads us down a path and then changes direction so quickly that I can't stop turning the pages. Although not what I would consider a cozy this does have elements of a mystery and there is a murder (or two). There is suspense, red herrings, symbolism and a surprise ending. As told by two characters, Jenna and Alice, it is the story of an elephant sanctuary which also doubles as a research facility and the family who struggles, with the expense of caring for the great animals as well as in their relationships with each other. Jenna's side of the story tells of her search for her mother and the mental collapse of her father. Alice's side of the story focuses on the time before she disappeared. The story is more than a mystery. It's a captivating rea

This snippet of research came to me via the Desert Sleuths chapter of Sisters in Crime. I found it interesting to see who id reading mysteries. What do you read? Happy trails, Leslie

The first ever Payson Book Festival was a huge success for everyone. Held in the cooler than Phoenix temperatures surrounded b y beautiful Pinon pines the event was well attended by authors and readers from all over Arizona. I was very happy to participate with other authors from the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers. Sales of Menu for Murder were strong with one reader purchasing a copy for herself and her friend. These lucky readers now have autographed copies as signed with my left hand! I hope that makes them even more valuable in the future, Happy trails, Leslie