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Mystery Mondays “The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer”

16 Monday Jan 2017

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

history, Kate Summerscale, murder, review, The Economist, Victorian

 

Source: The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer

Mystery Mondays: The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer

Posted by Nicholas C. Rossis in History, Interviews Features and Reviews

 

While I wait for your feedback on what kind of posts to focus on this year, I will kick off this year’s posts with a seemingly unusual question: What do you get when you combine history with a murder mystery?

Answer: The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer; a true story of redemption and a well-researched book by Kate Summerscale.

The Wicked Boy by Kate Summerscale | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's books

Click to view on Amazon

In the summer of 1895, Robert Coombes (age 13) and his brother Nattie (age 12) were seen spending lavishly around the docklands of East London — for ten days in July, they ate out at coffee houses and took trips to the seaside and the theater. The boys told neighbors they had been left home alone while their mother visited family in Liverpool, but their aunt was suspicious. When she eventually forced the brothers to open the house to her, she found the badly decomposed body of their mother in a bedroom upstairs. Robert and Nattie were arrested for matricide and sent for trial at the Old Bailey.

Robert openly confessed to having stabbed his mother, but his lawyers argued that he was insane. Nattie struck a plea and gave evidence against his brother. The court heard testimony about Robert’s severe headaches, his fascination with violent criminals and his passion for ‘penny dreadfuls’, the pulp fiction of the day. He seemed to feel no remorse for what he had done, and neither the prosecution nor the defense could find a motive for the murder.

At his trial, Robert said it was because their mother had been beating Nattie. Emily was known to vacillate between doting indulgence and violent rages. As he faced the prospect of hanging, he became “skittish, excited”, but despite the urgings of the gutter press, who branded him a “half-formed monster”, the jury was merciful. He was declared insane and sent to Broadmoor, joining 11 other men committed for matricide.

As described in The Economist, late-Victorian Broadmoor is portrayed by Summerscale as a pastoral idyll, where patients, free of all responsibility, entered a “suspended existence, with little reference to the past or the future”. The tranquil setting and dependable pattern of the days seem to have had a steadying effect on Robert. He learned tailoring, and to play the violin and cornet. In 1912, when he was 30, he was released. He emigrated to Australia, then served with distinction as a stretcher-bearer at Gallipoli.

And there this strange tale might end, except that Summerscale is able to add one final, heart-stopping twist, and the murderer Robert Coombes finally wins our admiration and affection.

[tweetthis]The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer[/tweetthis]

Time travelling in #literature and #history – Jasper Fforde and Jodi Taylor at the #LlandeiloLitFest

13 Friday Jan 2017

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

bookfair, books, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire Event, Eyre Affair, hwyl, Jasper Fforde, Jodi Taylor, Lies Damned Lies and History, literature, literature festival, Literature set in Wales, litfest, llandeilo, Llandeilo Book Fair, Llandeilo Event, quirky literature, review, South Wales, Thursday Next, time slip, time travel, time travel novels, Wales, Welsh Books, Welsh Fiction, Welsh language, Welsh literature, Welsh writers

One of the highlights of the forthcoming Hwyl Llandeilo Lit Fest will be a joint session between Jasper Fforde and Jodi Taylor.

all_tn_books

Jasper wrote the hilarious and intelligent Thursday Next series. Thursday Next is a detective who works for Jurisfiction, the policing agency that works inside fiction. The books are set in an odd alternative world, and blends SF, Fantasy, Literature, Horror, and a bit of romance. This is how I recently described the series: They are a series of books based upon the notion that what we read in books is just a small part of a larger BookWorld that exists behind the page.

Follow the time-travelling disaster magnets of St Mary’s from the Egyptian desert to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and from Hastings to the Sack of Constantinople in this, the eighth book in bestselling The Chronicles of St Mary’s.

I’m a big fan of the cult figure Thursday Next, whose time travel bring her in contact with plenty of characters from literature. The first book “The Eyre Affair” involves the Bronte sisters and had me in stitches as well as in awe of the originality and cleverness. Some of you may have seen “The Last Dragon Slayer” on TV and know of Jasper’s versatility as writer. I cannot wait to meet the man.

jasper-fforde-22-feb-2011-003I also just caught up with Jodi’s seventh book “Lies, Damned Lies and History”, which preceeds the one being launched in April. Equally quirky but travelling and trying not to interfere with history instead of literature, “The Chronicles of St Mary’s” series has its own unique flabour and recipe. Much of the seventh book has a Welsh connection and involves King Arthur and Georgian times. I couldn’t be more pleased to meet the author in this double bill.jodi-taylor-cropped-headshot

Both books are exceptionally funny and intelligent, quirky and hugely entertaining.
Moderator will be Hazel Cushion from Accent Press

hazelcushionHazel Cushion is the founder and Managing Director of award-winning publisher Accent Press She started it in her front bedroom when she was a single mother to 7 year-old triplets. This year Hazel launched the new book publishing and marketing services company Octavo, and the bookshop café Octavo’s in Cardiff Bay. Hazel has won numerous business accolades and been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen in recognition of her contribution to business in Britain. She is on the board of the Independent Publishers Guild.

 

 

 

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Tickets will be available from mid-February onwards.
Find our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/LlandeiloLitFest/
Our website here: https://llandeilolitfest.org/programme-details/
Follow us on twitter here: @LlandeiloLitFest

Tocynnau ar gael o ganol Chwefror.
Tudalen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LlandeiloLitFest/

Gwefan: https://llandeilolitfest.org/programme-details/

Twitter: @LlandeiloLitFest

Book Review: The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer

16 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Uncategorized

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

Book review, Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, Historical fiction, history, holocaust, jewish history, Jews, review, slovakia, world war II

Book Review: The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer Posted on April 15, 2016 by grandmapeachy

Source: Book Review: The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer

Such a fantastic review – I had to re-blog this on my “Historical Saturdays”.

Thanks grandmapeachy.

Book Review: The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer

Posted on April 15, 2016by grandmapeachy

After reading a blurb and some reviews of The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer I decided to select it for the April book of the month for the Goodreads Trail Mix Readers group.

Luck of the Weissensteiners by chritoph Fischer coverThe story begins in the early 1930’s when people still remember WWI and referred to it as “the Great War.” The setting is in Bratislava Slovakia.  The story follows two families, one Jewish the other German Catholic through the rise of anti-semitism leading into WWII and the aftermath. There is a lot of political background in the book used to not only further the plot but to help the reader understand the mindset of the characters. The historical accuracy was enlightening and made for an enjoyable read.

The author used third person narrative which allowed the narrator to explain historical and current events taking place while advancing the plot and character development. I found the perspective of the ordinary man refreshing. The feelings and thoughts of the common people during the expansion of Hitler’s Reich helped me to understand the beliefs and fears of the people. Decisions made by the characters were based on what they believed would happen and often those beliefs were unfounded. It was unbelievable to them that Hitler would be allowed to continue unstopped; surely the rest of Europe would stop his advances. When he successfully invaded these countries they were shocked and began to fear for their own future. The suspicions people held of their neighbors and friends, the loss of personal freedoms and control over ones own life created characters with whom I could easily empathize. I could see in my mind’s eye the horrors that the characters saw, I could feel the sadness, fear, humiliation, suspicion, disappointment, anger and myriad other emotions of the people in the story. The characters were real people with real lives that were interrupted and irreversibly changed.

Over all this book has an excellent plot and I did not feel that it was just another WWII story. The characters came to life as I lived with them through the history of what happened in Europe at the time. An excellent read for any history buff especially those who have a keen interest in WWII.  The subject matter was handled expertly and is appropriate for teens as well as adults. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Happy Reading!

Grandma Peachy

Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Luck-Weissensteiners-Three-Nations-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00AFQC4QC

https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

 

Review: “On Lucky Shores” by Kerry J Donovan

21 Monday Mar 2016

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Uncategorized

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

Colorado, Kerry Donovan, mystery, review, thriller

My Review of On Lucky Shores by Kerry J Donovan 

For me this book stands out because of the main character: Chet Walker, a travelling musician, who arrives in Lucky Shores, a sleepy, Colorado, small town that has its shares of secrets, history and under-currents. His narrative and perspective on the town as an outsider is humorous and easy to relate to; he is a very watchable man.
When he meets Joey and delivers a message from her father, things are not going as smoothly as he had planned. The chemistry between the two of them and their changing relationship is well done and provides a great interest as the rest of the complex story unfolds.
The mystery plot with its link to the past is quite unpredictable and certainly twisted enough for me to have felt entertained all the way through. There are great side characters to flesh out the book and the feel of a small town is also very authentic.
A hugely enjoyable read.

 

The Book Blurb:

In an action-packed tale of secrets and lies in small town America, Chet Walker is a man forced to make decisions that will affect his future and the life of the woman he loves.

Witness to a car crash and in receipt of a cryptic message from a dying man, traveling musician, Chet Walker, reaches the picturesque lakeside town of Lucky Shores. He faces hostility and suspicion from the locals and learns that the information he carries could unlock an eight-year-old mystery—it could also get him killed.
Josephine Dolan, owner of the Lucky Shores diner, wants to bury her past. When Walker arrives with a message from her father, she doesn’t want to hear it. She cuts him cold.
When his life is threatened, Chet Walker learns the truth behind the saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.”

And what Advance Review Copy readers say:

“…great humour throughout and the romance was handled really well … the plot resolution was fantastic…” Ashley Capes author of The Bone Mask Trilogy.
“…more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie whodunit, and more surprises than a box of Cracker Jacks. Lee Child will blanch with envy,” Deforest Day, author of A Cold Killing.
“…keeps you up at night, turning the page, wanting to know what happens next. A nice mix of scenery, relationships and action, with plenty of mysterious twists and turns, keeps the pace of the story moving.” Suzanne Pherigo, ARC reviewer.
“…action-packed adventure I greatly enjoyed … superb …” Sophie Bristow Harris, host of ‘Kindle Suggestions’

 

Buying links here:

Amazon.co.uk:

http://amzn.to/1KxxPmK

Amazon.com:

http://bit.ly/214uByg

Kerry is running a 99p promo for On Lucky Shores between 14th and 21st April 2016

ABOUT KERRY J. DONOVAN

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Kerry was born in Dublin way back in the days before mobile phones and colour television. He spent most of his life in the UK, and now lives in Brittany with his long-suffering wife of thirty-seven years, no dogs, and no cats. He has three children and three grandchildren; all live in England. He has a degree in Human Biology, and a PhD in Respiratory Physiology. Kerry earns his living as a furniture designer/maker, a market research analyst, and a writer.

The DCI Jones Casebook series now has three editions and with more on the way, Kerry has an exciting psychological thriller, The Transition of Johnny Swift, which is a #1 Amazon Bestseller, and has just released the American action adventure tale, On Lucky Shores.

Review of “Hexe” and Interview with Skadi Winter, my partner at the Kensongton Christmas Faire Dec 12

06 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

family, Germany, Hexe, history, interview, Kensington Book Faire, pagan, postwar, review, Skadi Winter. German author, wicthcraft, witches, WW2

Let me introduce you to my partner in crime Skadi Winter, who will be sharing a stand with me at the Kensington Christmas Book Fair this coming Saturday Dec 12th.

“Hexe” by Skadi Winter is the captivating and amazing story of a childhood lived in post-war Germany right after the war. Told from the heart breaking and naive perspective of a young girl the story tells mainly of the love between the narrator and her grandmother from 1945 onwards. Hexe
The grandmother is a wonderful and inspiring character that is nick-named a ‘Hexe’ (witch) by people in the village, mainly because of her interest in herbs, paganism and tarot, to name a few. Despite such un-worldly interests the woman is however very wise and feeds her granddaughter lots of very philosophical and logical advice. The young girl also has to come to terms with the hostility against her mother who is accused of farternising with the enemy, even as late as 1948 when there should be nothing but regret amongst the population about its terrible past.
The perspective of the naive and innocent child does wonders to hit home many of those obvious historical and cultural points. By way of side characters, such as an abducted Polish boy working for the Germans, and other secondary people Winter describes post-war Germany incredibly accurate and with excellent detail.
Winter writes about what many Germans would prefer not to be true: Many were misled by Hitler but many deeply shared his beliefs and those did not just stop believing in 1945. It is a tribute to the author to have captured this so accurately as a strong side plot without getting stuck in it.
Besides the splendid historical aspect of the story I found myself aazingly reminded of much of my own childhood in Germany decades later: The Grimm fairy tales, Muckefugg and idiosyncrasies I had forgotten about.
The grandmother is such a impressive character, written with so much love and detail that I almost felt related to her myself.
Hexe is a very impressive, insightful and warm novel that strongly affected me while reading it, written so real it felt like a memoir more than fiction this should appeal to a large group of people, historians and those who read with their heart.
Just beautiful.

CBfKky1lInterview with the author:

Tell us a little about yourself as writer and a person.

I am 60 years old now, a mother of 4 sons, a grandmother of 8 grandchildren from mothers of 4 nations, cultural background and religion. I love my grandchildren. I had to put my dreams on shelves for a long time. I had to work to put bread on the table, build a house and be a partner to my Iranian husband, who indulged being at university and make a career.

What made you become a writer? 

I had this story in my heart for a long time. It is part of my own history and the history of my German people.

I am a passionate reader. At the age of 5, I started to read Wilhelm Busch, an illustrated book, kneeling in front of our old sofa, trying to put letters into words. I go through books, sometimes 2 at a time, living with them, getting angry if they don’t satisfy me as a reader. My little house is clustered with books. They are my friends.

I have been inspired by other writers. The ones I thought worth reading. Those who shared my believes, my dreams, my longings. Hemingway, Günther Grass. Heinrich Heine. Goethe. Schiller. Kant, Hegel. Oh, the list is endless. Philipp Kerr (a great writer, noir). One unusual one, which I keep close to my heart: Susan Fletcher’s “Corrag”. The book of my soul.

Tell us a little about the history of “Hexe”. How long did it take you to write and publish?

It took me 8 months to write and publish “Hexe” – the book about my own family, German history and the way I see it. It is a book from my heart. Maybe not overly correct with the historical facts – I only was a child when I experienced Germany after WW2. But, to me it was important, and always is important as a writer, to find out about the human soul. What makes some people stand up against political deceit, to find bravery in themselves to endure being singled out and pointed at and even pushed to the limits of society with all the hardship. Heroes? No, one facette of our human soul. To make the decision what side we are on, whom we believe and support, whom we deny and fight.

What was the easiest about writing the book and what was the hardest?

The easiest to write my book was the writing. Words just spilled out, memories, findings. I enjoyed writing Hexe. I loved my grandmother and all the values she gave to me on my way to adulthood. A little, strong, proud woman. Different from the rest. Never a follower, never a believer in Ideologies. Never bending, no matter what. She was my hero.

Would you say there is a message in the book beyond the story? Do you find it is well received and picked up by the reviewers?

Every writer is sending a message out. Why else would we write? We want to be read. Understood. We want to communicate with our fellow humans. My message is, in everything I write:Think! Make up your own decision. Listen to your heart. Be part of this human society and understand you are a part of this human history. You have a responsibility for everything you do or not.

The reviews I have received so far, well, I am happy. There are people out there who pick up on things behind the words, between the lines. I still have to learn on how to get the message out there, but – hey, it is worth while. I am writing.

What do you like most about your characters? Which one is your favourite? Who would play the characters in a film?

My favourite character in my book is Frigg. The innocence of a child, the heart of a lion. Listening to her inner voices, experiencing with all senses. Being part of this universe. A twinkle of the eye in time. And, knowing it.

I could see my story made into a film. Why not? Dark, sinister times. Winds, forests, ancient heathen Gods. Universal questions put into animation. A young hero, historical background. Hurt, blood, killing and a soul searching for a place in this eternal web of mankind.

What are your next projects? Tell us about your other books.

I am writing on my second book. The Wolf Children of Eastern Prussia. Again, for me it not only is the accurate historical background. I did my research, though. For me it is important to pick out the one human soul dealing with atrocities, hurt, pain, inflicted by fellow humans. Political circumstances influencing on how we act or react. As individuals.

What is your life like? What do you do for pleasure and work when you are not writing?

When I am not writing, I sit in my garden, doing old, ancient rituals, walking up and down my garden path. Reflecting, breathing. Many of us have turned to old ancient Asian wisdoms for meditation. I am trying to return to our own old wisdoms, the ones before the Nazis had occupied them. I am not exactly a believer and I certainly am not a follower. I do what I feel in my heart. I try to find my roots.

Who are your literary influences? What are your favourite books/ films/ albums?

Literary influences? There are many. Grass. Hemingway. Roth. Even Shakespeare. Schiller, Goethe. Philip Kerr (love him). Susan Fletcher.  Alan Wynzel and Christoph Fischer. The latest ones and I do love them. Stieg Larsson. Thomas Willmann. Crazy, how can I list all the ones I love?

Films? There are some, but I tend to be a reader, not a film watcher.

What would your friends tell us if we asked for your best and your oddest qualities?

My best and oddest qualities? My friends love me over 30 years without me remembering their birthdays. Does that say anything?

Odd? Yes. I am not the usual friend, I am not. But when I love, I love unconditionally. My heart finds a heart and sticks to it, no matter what. I am loyal, terribly loyal.

What are your favourite animal/ colour/ outdoor activity?

My favourite animals are dogs. I have three old, soppy Cocker Spaniels. They fascinate me with their pack loyalty and pack order. So easy, so unquestionable. So straight forward. So honest.

My favourite colour is blue, deep as the ocean.

What would you take to a remote island?

To a remote island I would take books. Really. Not a cliché. You never feel lonely with books.

Who would you like to invited for dinner and why?

Invite for dinner? I am a passionate cook. I even watch cooking programs on tv. I love to eat, I love to cook. It is an artist thing, is it not?  Oh, I would love to invite writers, a whole bunch of them. Exchange thoughts with them. Eat, indulge, drink and talk. Smile, leaning back into a comfy chair, philosophy. Words. I am a writer.

What are you writing at the moment and where would we find out about your next projects?

I am writing on my second book. Don’t have a title yet. It is about the wolf children of Eastern Prussia. A story about a child’s heart. Lonely, innocent, fighting to survive. The dark forest of life. Spirits and gods of ancient tales. Are they still with us? Do we need them? What makes us follow ancient paths? What keeps our soul fed? How do we find the path we have to follow? How do we deal with collective guilt? Is there such thing? How do we carry the burden of being part of a people who did wrong?

What else would you like us to know about you and your books?

I write books. Yes I do. I don’t think I can compete with the good ones out there. I only use words, searching for them, to explain what is in my heart, soul and mind. Sure, I want to pass my words on. Am I not a witness of a time? Of a people? Of a family? Of a history? I think I am. Oh, sweet arrogance. I want to be read. I have to tell. I am writing. Always will be.

Find HEXE on your Amazon site: http://bookShow.me/1491801344

https://www.goodreads.com/SkadiWinter

website http://skadiwinter.co.uk

On December 12th Skadi, Elisabeth Marrion and DJ Kelly will be four of ten guest exhibitors at the Kensington Christmas Book Fair.

 

http://www.pbfa.org/book-fairs/kensington-christmas-book-fair-/4292

KENSINGTON CHRISTMAS BOOK FAIR

12TH DECEMBER 2015

Venue: Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX , tel: 020 7361 2220

 

Hope to see you there! 10911330_10152481888797132_6034506825720280017_o


922159_10151345337037132_1303709604_o

My review of “Adding Fire to the Fuel” by Scott Stevens

30 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

alcoholism, author, recovery, review, Scott Stevens, shame, stigma

HI RES LICENSED tango

5.0 out of 5 stars“Adding Fire to the Fuel: Challenging Shame and the Stigma of Alcoholism” by Scott Stevens turns the spotlight on some very important, yet lesser known or discussed aspects of alcoholism: Shame and Stigma.
We all know some about recovery and the 12 Steps programme but we probably do not emphasize enough or know about the many ways that society and its attitudes prevent people from seeking recovery.
Be that the advertising industry that tempts people into drinking and glorifies it, or the shame of drinking or not-drinking. Blaming and prejudices.
In this brilliantly written book so much is said that rings true. I am an ex-smoker and I feel that Stevens does to alcoholism what Alan Carr did to smokers: Intellectualising the problem, educating people and using statistical data to prove his points.
I personally know of two people whose lives have been changed by Stevens’ books, one of which even has been in direct contact with the author.
Read this book, for it will make you understand more about a very common problem that is often brushed under the carpet. Here is a man who lived and survived the problem. This intellectual dissection of the problem is disarming and unique. A remarkable book – highly recommended.

Scott Stevens has been a guest on my blog several times, once with an interview and also with a feature about his alcohology app. He has written two previous books on Alcoholism and his latest book “Adding Fire to the Fuel” has just been released in the kindle version.

Scott launched the e-Book, launched the redesign of his website (www.alcohologist.com) and taken on an executive role with a new luxury addiction rehab.

Adding Fire to the Fuel
ISBN: 978-1- 63192-906-9
The book on Amazon US and Amazon UK

PRESS RELEASE: 

HEALTH REPORTER TO LAUNCH THIRD ALCOHOLISM BOOK
@ SAN FRANCISCO’S REEL RECOVERY FILM FESTIVAL Burlington, Wis., May 8, 2015 –

The stigma of alcoholism is what keeps many alcoholics from seeking help for their disease. The controversial subject is captured in Adding Fire to the Fuel, the third recovery-oriented book by award-winning author Scott Stevens.

Stevens … is rolling out the new book at what he calls “the right time for the recovery movement, in conjunction with two of the nation’s most meaningful organizations dedicated to reducing stigma. Much of what is known about the disease of alcoholism connects it to flaws in genes which control metabolism of alcohol as well as the brain’s risk/reward biochemistry.“
It’s a disease.
Same kind of chronic, progressive, incurable-but-treatable, primary and fatal classification as cancer or diabetes.
When we handle people with those other diseases with empathy, and dish out distaste to alcoholics or recovering ones, we create a social and economic problem that’s passed its tipping point.”

The new book, available at all retailers following the California launch, looks at the stigma around alcoholism and alcoholism recovery as a $226 billion annual problem hiding in plain sight.
“The story of alcohol and America’s affair with it keeps it from being recognized as the problem. Instead, people with the disease of alcoholism are considered the problem. ‘Alcoholic’ is a pejorative today. That’s ripe for change,” says the author.
The third-leading cause of preventable death and illness stays under the radar because of good advertising and bad stigma, according to Stevens.
“Its purveyors are proclaimed as charitable kings. Those who use it and discover alcohol has health and social consequences, are labeled as villains, killjoys, weak, weird, or morally off. What that stigma does to keep people from getting help also keeps the discussion of what alcohol does to you behind the wishful-thinking-driven chatter about what it does for you. The tipping point has passed. The status quo: No longer sustainable or acceptable.”
_______________________ http://www.alcohologist.com __________________________

Adding Fire to the Fuel examines: How families and communities feed public and self-stigma even while the stigma holds them back; How stigma has become a barrier to many who want help; How to hang on to sobriety in a pro-alcohol world; And how PANonymous alcoholics will reduce stigma more than all the protests combined.

Adding Fire to the Fuel (ISBN: 978-1- 63192-906-9).
Stevens says :
“It’s an honor to be involved with two of the groups so influential in tearing down stigma and portraying alcohol accurately. We all endorse the fact that sobriety is a better thing to have than to lack.” He adds, “There’s an impressive recovery atmosphere in northern California that is as robust as you find in Arizona, Florida, Texas and other locales. It’s a great place for a recovering alcoholic like me to debut a book like this one.”
The independent author launched Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud at Milwaukee’s largest independent bookseller, Boswell Books, in 2013. ###

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stevens is a noted journalist on alcoholism and a founding influencer of the world’s largest medical portal, HealthTap.com. His books on the disease include 2010’s What the Early Worm Gets and 2012’s Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud, which earned finalist honors in the Indie Book Awards and USA Best Books Awards in 2013. For more information on the new book, please visit http://www.alcohologist.com and for information on the film festival, please visit http://www.filmfestsfbay.org.

alcohology (270x278) author photo FINALsilver-lining-cover

Another well written and informative book on Scott Stevens’ experiences …
Another well written and informative book on Scott Stevens’ experiences with alcoholism and recovery. The stigma of alcoholism is covered extensively in this book and insight is provided into understanding the stigma that many recovering alcoholics face in their new world without alcohol. Scott Stevens is an expert on the subject of alcoholism and recovery. He brings his perspective and draws people in with his clever and engaging writing style. I am looking forward to his next writing endeavor.
Outstanding
Well-written from the first page to the last, this book was both educational and insightful. The author did a fantastic job of opening the mind of his readers and challenging assumptions of alcoholism. I particularly enjoyed the chapters about the aging risks and the risks to teens. Overall, I highly recommend this one to anyone dealing with alcoholism.
So useful, everyone should read this
This is a powerful and invaluable book about an issue related to alcoholism. It has ‘in-valuable lessons for everyone, including non-alcoholics.
Using literary and philosophical quotes as headings the chapters all hit home with a few very well-put truths about alcoholism, society and human behaviour.
Blame has never helped anyone. The stigma attached to alcoholism, the stereotypes, prejudices and misinformation contribute largely to the problem because they stop people from seeking help.
Stevens is an award-winning journalist with great analytical capabilities, a sharp dissecting mind and first-hand knowledge of the subject – and all of this shines through every chapter.
Stevens has done a lot of research and adds well-presented statistics and data to bust a few myths and support his many so truthful statements and thought-provoking questions.
“Has every Kenyan won a marathon? Is every alcoholic a train wreck?”
The book is full of knowledge, clarifications and pointers and the world would be a more compassionate and better place if everyone read and took a leaf out of this book.
To quote one of the great chapter headings / quote from Johannes Kepler: “I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses.”
As society we have a lot to learn. How we treat our weakest and vulnerable and how we help them – active and passive- says a lot about us. Information and the right attitude are still not widely spread. The book is a useful tool to help us with this. A must read for anyone.

Pre-release Review of THE HEALER

05 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Reviews, Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Healer, medical thriller, pre-order, preorder, preview, review, The Healer

Thanks Anna Burke for this amazing pre-release review of THE HEALER
The book will be released Jan 15th and is available for preorder already
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/thehealerthriller

healer cover for kindleThe Healer by Christoph Fischer is a book you must read as soon as it is released. You do not want to run the risk that the buzz about the book will spoil this thriller for you. The book is, of course, well-written. It’s a quick read that you will want to hurtle through in an afternoon, or over a weekend. At its core are interesting, enigmatic characters, and a clever plot. The story is told from the point of view of the main character, Erica Whittaker, who in midlife is diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It comes as no surprise that she’s desperate. Traditional medicine has nothing more to offer her. She is about to give up and accept her fate when, at the urging of her devoted office assistant, Hilda, Erica decides to pursue another path. That path takes her to the door of a once-renowned faith healer, Arpan. Using a different name, the man is, virtually, a recluse. A man with a mysterious past, Arpan also possesses a great gift, as testimonials from previous recipients of his healing bear out. He is, at first, reluctant to treat Erica. When he finally takes Erica on as a client, his treatment unleashes a series of unfortunate events, as big pharma and other opponents from his past, line up against him. Erica, who has secrets of her own, soon finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, being stalked, cornered, and manipulated, fighting for her life. Will she survive? What will happen to Arpan, and those around him? You’ll have to read the book, of course, to find out. Quite entertaining and well worth the read, this book is highly recommended.

The Healer

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her.  Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons, casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her.  Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/thehealerthriller
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheHealerNovelbyChristophFischer?ref=hl
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23662030-the-healer

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“Murder Most Deadly” by Simon Okill

02 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Reviews

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

horror, Humour, murder, review, Simon Okill

“Murder Most Deadly” by Simon Okill is a fun-filled horror story that will have you in stitches. 23634121

Blurb: “It is an earthy British horror comedy in the style of Carry On, Monty Python, Blackadder all wrapped up in a Hammer Film.

Bianca Penhale, celebrity author, has a dark secret that must be protected at all costs. Her delightful Cornish fishing village is proud to have her, but the gossips have already started. Then Maldini the Magician discovers her secret and blackmails her. This triggers Bianca’s dark side but Maldini has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Bianca’s troubles go viral when her conniving cousin, Hugh, arrives begging for money. His devious antics attract all manner of problems that soon spirals out of control, sending poor Bianca into despair.

And if things weren’t bad enough, she must do battle with witches, ghosts, werewolves, vampires, zombies and Piskies. Bianca’s once cosy life has been turned upside down. Can she hold on to her dark side and survive the onslaught?”

Just like the publicity for this story promises, there is a distinct hint of Hammer Horror in this, although better plotting and characters that are a little more evolved than Hammer occasionally delivered.
Set in Cornwall, which has its own history of ghosts and spook, the story centers around the Bianca and her boyfriend, failed Magician Maldini, who soon turns into an enemy. This murderous and thrilling mayhem will scare you as well as it entertains and keeps you at the edge of your seat. Okill has a unique talent for combining hilarious fun with darker elements and proves that genre crossing can work.
A truly great read and a must for fans of hammer, horror and dark comedies.

Find the book on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Link to my interview with Simon and a link to my feature on his other work

Simon on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/tassyoneill
his website
http://facebook.com/simondokillwriter
twitter username
SimonOKill

SImon author pic
Simon Okill lives with his wife, Shirlee Anne in a pretty coastal town in South Wales, UK. After a serious accident at work, he was forced into early retirement due to disability. Simon used his newfound skills as a writer to help with his depression. His writing became more serious as certain A-list actors expressed interest in his scripts.He is presently working on his teen adventure series Phantom Bigfoot Series.Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again is book #1 of the series where superhero Duane Dexter has to use all his powers to save the day in Big Beaver.Phantom Bigfoot & The Vampettes from Venus is #2 where Duane must use his powers to save Big Beaver from sexy space vampire.Phantom Bigfoot & The Haunted House #3 has Duane outfoxed by a devious spook, full of paranormal romance.

Luna Sanguis is the story of Eternal, a 19 year old woman – an amnesiac vampire treated in an asylum in France 1925.

Luna Aeturnus follows hot on its heels as Eternal must face her dreaded enemy in a battle of the vampires.

SSteppenwolf is a supernatural retelling of WWII involving the Occult Warfare department run by Himmler.

‘Flip Side’ is one of Simon’s most exciting screenplays to date with its unusual slant on a supernatural gangster story that encompasses music and dynamic dance sequences to portray the action. The script has been optioned by Tasha Bertram of Brodie Films and Stuart St Paul has come on board to direct and co produce this fascinating piece of work.

Apart from ‘Flip Side’ Simon has several screenplays all in varying stages of development and predevelopment.

‘Nightmare Circus’ is a supernatural revenge mystery script set in the Australian outback.

‘Dark House’ another of Simon’s screenplays set in Massachusetts, US, where a lonely female artist must overcome her agoraphobia to escape from three kidnappers holed up in a haunted house.

‘Circus of Blood’ is a horror script set in Rome AD79.

‘Hunter’s Moon’ is a contemporary supernatural western script set on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall.

The Last Warlord is set during WWII and tells of Major Stewart of MI6 who must find the Nazi’s secret Atlantis base in Antarctica or the entire world will be doomed. Currently in the hands of a major Hollywood producer.

 

The King’s Jew by Darius Stransky

21 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Reviews, Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

author, Darius Stransky, Historical fiction, interview, review

BookCoverPreview“The King’s Jew: Book One – Changeling” by Darius Stransky took me into an era of British History that I knew next to nothing of. Detailed and well researched in the manner of a CJ Sansom novel the story is immediately gripping with its vivid descriptions and sense of autenthicity.
Court intrigue and mundane life are well illustrated in a plot rich and fascinating stories full of well chosen characters. This is just the beginning of the story of the King’s Jews and leaves us on the eve of further struggle.
Historically sound, competent and well written this should do very well.

Midnight, Westminster Abbey, Friday, October 27, 1307 and Lord Cristian Gilleson keeps vigil at the tomb of Edward I. Death stalks the Abbey as Edward II, Piers Gaveston and their supporters try to bring him down. Many years ago he vowed to spend this last night by the side of his dead friend and Cristian has never broken a promise. A long night beckons and many will not live to see the dawn. Plot and counter-plot at the king’s court as “The King’s Jew” reflects on a turbulent life with his king. His enemies are many and supporters few yet he will keep his promise to the greatest of England’s kings or die in the attempt.

Interview with Darius:SP

How did you come to writing?

Always been a lover of literature and writing – it’s a natural to me as breathing. Eventually I found myself working as a freelancer for various media groups in the UK and US, weekly columns ETC. One day I realised I’d written enough words in one year to fill two novels. Hmmm, I thought to myself, about time I wrote a ‘real’ book. The rest, as they say, is history. Or in my case Historical Faction.

 

What is your interest in history and the eras you write about? Do you have a preferred era?

To me history is about people. The only thing that stopped our ‘ancestors’ from thousands of years ago achieving what we ‘modern’ people do is technology. Once you realise that people from the past are exactly the same as us then you can understand them. Their loves, hopes and fears were the same as ours yet set in a harsher, more brutal, society. I chose the thirteenth century world of Cristian Gilleson and Edward the First because of the monumental events that took place in that time. The shaping of modern England and Europe began then.

How do you research?

Extensive reading and online sources. Only now has a writer the ability to access medieval texts and references with comparative ease. The research came before the story. I needed to know my historical world to immerse myself in it and to wonder at the fortitude of thirteenth century people. Most of the main characters are real. Look ‘em up!

How do you come up with your story?

‘The King’s Jew’ – the clue is in the title. Without spoiling the plot all I can say is that the medieval Jews were banished from England’s shores in 1290 by King Edward I. Indeed, the Jewish population of England was ‘owned’ by the king. Now imagine a man who is born out of wedlock and rises to walk beside the king – to be his friend – what if that man one day realised just who and what his mother had been? That he was ‘different’? The main person in my book arrived in my mind before I began the work. This is his story and the tale of a misunderstood minority.

Were the plot and subplots completely planned from the start or did they change during the process, and if so, how?

Strange to say this but I knew exactly where the plots and SPs would lead. I knew how the story ends in Book Three. What really amazed me was the way certain characters appeared in the narrative. Take Mathew for instance – he appears at the start and I had no thoughts of him playing a major role. Then when a group of men delivered a letter to Cristian Gilleson lo and behold Mathew was there! He ‘elbowed’ his way into the narrative and the work is all the better for him and his ilk.

I‘ve only read one of the books so far. What is the idea behind your series?

Yes, you read Book One. I’ve got be careful here lest I give too much away! We follow a man who rises to be companion to the king of England. Certain sectors of society were marginalised, abused and even, on occasions, massacred for their beliefs. Not every medieval Christian hated the Jews. Some tried to help them and ended up being persecuted themselves. Think twentieth century pogroms in a thirteenth century world. Think how an ‘insider’ at the centre of a king’s court must hide his true feelings to aid others less fortunate. Our MC has a dangerous path to tread between two opposing ideologies. If he is discovered he loses everything, even his life.

Do you prefer to stay in one era and genre or do you see yourself spreading out?

In my freelancer days I thought of myself as a (if you’ll pardon the expression) ‘literary prostitute’. I’d write anything for anybody so long as they paid me! For the time being I’ll stay in my medieval world.

You have created great characters. Which one is your favourite?

I can’t answer that. Can a father say he loves one child more than another? They are all my children, from the peasant who flits in and out in the space of a line to Cristian Gilleson and King Edward. The one could not exist without the others.

Are you like any of the characters (and how so)?

We are one and the same just living in a different era.

Tell us about your other books?

Book One covered the period up to 1265 and ends with the Battle of Evesham. Book Two takes us up to 1290 and the banishment of the Jews. Book Three finishes on Saturday, October 28, 1307 when Cristian’s struggle ends and the opening conflict that started in Book One is resolved. Thus the circle is complete.

What is your advice to new writers?

Get through the first 30,000 words and you’re home free. Oh, and believe in the validity of your work yet listen to others who have your best interests at heart.
What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?

The best? When you hold the finished book in your hand. The worst? Knowing when it’s finished. There comes a time when you have to walk away and let the readers be the judge.

What do you do when you don’t write?

Read and think. And maybe have a warm beer in a snug old fashioned bar. Sometimes more than one beer!

Who are your editors and how do you quality control your books?

Lovely beta readers. Quality control? I take each and every suggestion / criticism seriously and act accordingly. Yet the final decisions are mine.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

With gratitude.

How have you found the experience of self-publishing? What were your highs and lows?

Taking that decision wasn’t easy. We all want the ‘Big Five’ to pick us up and run with us. Yet when you look at the financial considerations it’s best to be an independent and guess what? You get to meet some really interesting people. No highs or lows it just sort of worked for me.

How do you balance marketing one book and writing the next?

Book Two of ‘The King’s Jew’ is almost ready for publishing but I need to tie up a few things. I use social media first thing in the morning – I don’t overdo it – word of mouth is best. Then I write and edit for five hours.

Who are your favourite independent writers?

Best indie? Galen Watson whose book ‘The Psalter’ deserves more recognition. Look him up folks (and no we’ve never met).

Who are your favourite authors?

Cormac McCarthy. Hilary Mantel. Franz Kafka. Shakespeare.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

‘Dunkirk (fight to the last man)’ by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore. Paperback. Second time of reading.

Tell us one odd thing about you and one really mundane thing.

Odd? I get up early with, or before, the sun. Mundane? Cats, their individuality, they don’t take any nonsense. Treat a cat badly and it moves on, bit like me really! I like cats.

Anything you want to add before we go down the pub?

Yes. A big vote of thanks to people like you who give people like me the opportunity to talk to our readers. Can we go now? It’s my round.

Website http://dariusstransky.wix.com/darius-stransky

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/KINGS-JEW-Book1-Changeling-Sept-ebook/dp/B00OAAI2WY

Booklaunch https://booklaunch.io/Darius%20Stransky/5485643305c86d826650270d

Twitter https://twitter.com/DariusStransky

FB https://www.facebook.com/darius.stransky

First Advance Review of THE HEALER

16 Tuesday Dec 2014

Posted by Christoph Fischer in Reviews

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

medical thriller, mystery, review, writer Christoph Fischer

healer cover for kindleSo the first review for THE HEALER  is out – from an early Advance Review Copy, and althought it is another month before the book is out, this is too good to keep to myself. Thanks Paulette Mahurin for this excellent write-up and the 5 stars:


“The story opens with Erica, a pancreatic cancer patient, having just finished a bout of radiation. She is out in the Wales’ countryside in search of a Guru healer, Arpan. The lush countryside descriptions and crisp dialogue instantly drew me into the story, as well as my instant liking and empathy for the protagonist Erica, who’s desperate to find a cure to her illness. Arpan is her answer and when she is immediately rejected by him, his icy voice (coming from inside his humble dwelling) jumps off the page as she begs, “I’m very ill. You are my only hope,” he responds, “You’ve come to the wrong place.” She continues to beg him to share his gift, to save her life, even with this, he asks her to leave. How can one not want to continue reading this story to find out what happens, so thick is the initial tension and conflict that drives the story. When she falls to her knees and he softens a little she says his name and he again rejects her stating that his name is Amesh, one that suits him better. He explains that the man who could help her disappeared with the name, garnering some sympathy for this character, leaving the reader to wonder what his story is and why he is so resistant to helping this struggling, suffering woman. Finally, he comes out of his home and they meet. He’s not what she expected, a bare shell of the man she’d seen images of, a mere reflection of his earlier self as Arpan.

When Amesh’s apprentice, Anuj, leads her off the property there is much rich and wise dialogue, “I’m his apprentice and I, too, can see the disorder in your life that needs to be rectified. You carry hurt and anger with you. Your disease has prompted you to fast track those issues and sort them out. Look into your heart and you will find this to be true.”
Her car is broken down and she is told to walk to the nearest place but when she arrives no one is there so she returns to Amesh’s place. Then Amesh, invites her in to rest. When she felt Amesh’s hands on her shoulders, the warmth of his hands radiated powerfully through her body. And thus, the healing begins—for both of them. As the author Christoph Fischer moves the story along, we encounter mysterious events, intrigue, and the power of the mind interspersed into scenes and dialogue. When all is said and done, and Erica returns to have her follow-up scans, an unfriendly doctor challenges her with, “What is it you want from this scan,” Dr Kowalski asked, still in a tone that sounded unfriendly. “The notes from your doctor indicate clearly that the tumor is very advanced, and you know that. So why are we looking at it again? Is it a second opinion you want, or do you want to see how fast it grows?” No spoilers with how this all turns out but one can surmise they will be glued to the page as they navigate through corruption, betrayal, illusions, and one mystery after another, right up to the very last sentence in the epilogue, which I didn’t see coming. This was an interesting read, a very satisfying read, with so much of the human condition playing into the scenes: desperation, fear, hope, joy, conniving, greed, and trust. Another great story by the talented Christoph Fischer.

“The Healer” is available for pre-order on Amazon

You can also find The book on Goodreads 

and on Facebook healer cover for kindle

 

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her.  Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons, casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her.  Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

 

 

 

Scheduled Release Date is Thursday January 15 2015

marketing1a

Short Biography: P1120877

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath.  He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. “Time To Let Go” , his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions” in October 2014. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

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