FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018 at MURDER ON THE BEACH MYSTERY BOOKSTORE

Join us for an Entertaining Talk and Cocktail Party to launch The Yiddish Gangster's Daughter   7-8 p.m., Friday, November 16, at Murder on the Beach Mystery Book Store  273 Pineapple Grove Way, Delray Beach. Deborah Shlian will also discuss her award-winning medical suspense, Silent Survivor. Refreshments and a chance to support the arts! (click on book to order) AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY HYSTERICAL A  belly-laugh worthy video. The fellow in this Ted talk does what we'd all love to do when a Nigerian businessman asks for money.  (thanks to Jenny Milchman, an amazing writer). It's worth watching at least briefly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QdPW8JrYzQ THE CORRUPT JUDGES Halloween is my favorite holiday and I couldn't pass up the chance to dress up and act like my gangster character for this Halloween party and talk at Murder on the Beach Mystery Book Store October 31. Joanne Sinchuk manager, (right) as RBG with a lace collar and Susan Biele with a paper doily from Publix. In Which a Jewish Mother Brainwashes Her Son and His Wife to Love Hanukkah Here’s my Hanukkah present to those of you whose children have married outside the faith. Yes, you can get them to carry on the traditions that make the Celebration of Lights so special. But it takes a lot of effort. And a little luck. When my son married a woman born in mainland China, I thought I’d dodged a bullet. That country discourages religious affiliations and her parents saw no point in joining a church once they moved to the U.S.  That worked out well for me -- sort of.  I wasn’t competing over which religion the kids would practice. But my son and daughter-in-law saw no reason to embrace the rituals or beliefs of Judaism . . . or any other religion for that matter. So I set out on a mission to convince them otherwise. They live in New York and I live in Florida so I couldn’t be there for every holiday. But I did my darnedest to make the major holidays as fun and meaningful as possible.  On Yom Kippur, I’d fly up and prepare a traditional break-the-fast, even though neither of them fasted, and welcomed their friends to come over. It wasn’t an elaborate affair.  I brought in bagels and lox and eked out a noodle pudding in their miniature oven. But it made the holiday real. Later in the year, when my son announced he’d picked up a pine tree and Christmas ornaments, I raced to the Judaica store and express mailed a menorah and candles. I also put together a package for my daughter-in-law—one gift for every day of Hanukkah.  Sure it was a bribe. But who cares? When I fly in for Hanukkah now, we light candles and sing songs.  And the ready-made latkes from Katz’s Delicatessen are a big hit. Passover is my favorite holiday so I cram a Seder plate, a silver hand washing cup and a pile of coffee-stained Haggadahs into my carry-on bag.  One year, I found the ingredients for a Seder plate at Zabar’s and spent an hour and a half on the subway to get it. I was stunned by the number of young people who wanted to participate in our Seder that night. I have no guarantees that celebrating these holidays means my son and his wife will continue to observe these Jewish traditions. But by making such rituals an important presence in their lives, I hope I’ve shown them what they’d be missing.  My daughter-in-law recently gave birth to twin boys and agreed to have a cantor officiate at their baby naming ceremony.  They also plan to send the boys to a Jewish preschool, claiming it offers the best education in their neighborhood.  My son argues that he’s raising the boys Jewish for me and his father.  I don’t believe him. I suspect he likes the idea of belonging to a unique tribe. He’s comfortable having a sense of identity that dates back multiple centuries. The couple socialize with Jewish, Indian and Asian friends and seem to find pleasure in sharing our rituals with all of them.  I can only hope they will continue to share these traditions with their own children. Not that they have a choice. If they don’t, I’ll be up there, lighting candles and holding Seders with the grandchildren myself.

Clancy Tucker's Blog: 12 November 2018 - HARRIET BEECHER STOWE – WRITER ...

Clancy Tucker's Blog: 12 November 2018 - HARRIET BEECHER STOWE – WRITER ...: HARRIET BEECHER STOWE  - WRITER & ANTI-SLAVERY CAMPAIGNER - G'day folks, Now, here is a woman who was not only a ...

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Fearless

Every gift has consequences . . .

Tasmyn Vaughn didn’t expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But King is a town founded by magic and steeped in mystery, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear others’ thoughts is the least of her worries.

There’s Ms. Lacusta, the science teacher who just might be teaching more than chemistry, and then there’s Nell Massler, the ultimate mean girl whose extracurricular activities include blood rituals. And she wants Tasmyn’s blood next.

Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood spells, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly.

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The Posse

In a story of friendship, loss and second chances, Jude will learn her life is far from over.

Being a widow at the age of forty-four was never in Jude Hawthorne’s plans. After her husband’s untimely death, she’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love.

However, if her husband’s best friends have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. They’re determined to take care of Jude, and when they decide the best way to do that is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart.

The first book in the acclaimed Crystal Cove Romances!

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Best Served Cold

Sometimes revenge is the only choice. . .

Julia worked for weeks planning the perfect surprise birthday party for her boyfriend, Liam, but that night, she was the one who got the biggest shock. He broke up with her in front of all their friends, humiliating her in the process.

Clearly revenge was in order.

The plan is simple. Make him jealous, win him back, and then crush his heart. Fair is fair. However, there is one little hiccup, and he has curly brown hair and dimples.

Jesse is everything she wants. With him, she could almost forget her bruised heart. Almost. Julia has one choice: let Liam walk away after everything he did, or lose a chance at love in pursuit of payback.

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Death Fricassee

Pour some wine, put up your feet and spend some time in Palm Dunes . . . where people aren’t always as they appear.

Want a recipe for disaster? Take one thirty-something food columnist, living the high life as the youngest resident of a Florida retirement community in the house she inherited from her grandmother. Sprinkle with early-bird specials and nights of bingo.

Add one college professor-turned-novelist, seasoned heavily with deep, dark secrets sprung from a night of drunken fun that left him changed in ways he doesn’t understand.

Toss in a dash of murder that rocks a quiet community.

And heat until neither one can deny their growing attraction to each other.

Best served hot with a side of wicked humor and a glass of Pinot Grigio.

Bon Appetit!

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When We Were Us

Football is everything, but love is the only game that matters.

Leo used to be my best friend.

Now he’s the star of the football team.

He’s leaving me behind. And it’s breaking my heart.

He’s dating cheerleaders and hanging out at wild parties.

But every player knows that sometimes, you have to plant your feet, throw a pass and hope for the best.

And if this is my only shot with Leo . . . I’m not going to waste a single moment. I want to be the girl he can never forget.

Apple Books

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Maximum Force

Max Remington has never been anything but a soldier. The oldest son in a family that served our nation for generations, he’d never considered any other path. The army is his life, his home and his one true love.

Until he meets Samantha Crewe.

Part millennial flower child, part spunky free spirit, Sam was raised by parents who encouraged her to express her feelings and embrace peace. She’s quick to love and open to just about any new adventure . . . but Max might be her biggest challenge yet.

When these two clash, expect immediate combustion . . . of the very hottest kind.

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Welcome to Burton, a small town just west of Savannah where the men are sexy, the women are sassy and happily-ever-afters are a speciality of the house.

Meghan Hawthorne is restless and ready for a change. As she begins her final summer of college, Meghan’s looking for excitement and maybe a little romance. Nothing serious; this girl just wants to have fun.

Sam Reynolds doesn’t need excitement, and he doesn’t want romance. Fun is out of the question. He’s been the steady, responsible one since his parents died, and serious is his way of life.

When Sam rescues Meghan alongside a dark Georgia backroad, she falls hard for his deep brown eyes and slow drawl. But making him see a future beyond their summer fling feels downright impossible.

Sam’s tempted by the fiery young artist, even as he realizes that giving into his feelings will mean radical change . . . maybe more than he can handle. But Meghan makes him want to believe in crazy things like forever and happy endings.

He may be the last one she should want. She may be the last one he should need. But no one ever said love was easy.

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Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore's Annual Day Before Halloween Part...

Bustles & Bells and Mistletoe & Mayhem

Get ready for a fabulous holiday season with two special, limited-time collections. 

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Join New York Times, USA Today, bestselling and award-winning speculative fiction authors as they celebrate the holidays this December in steampunk style.

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CAMOUFLAGE by IVY KEATING

A missing man, a new police chief and an unexpected New England town mystery. When Sean Dermott, the newly appointed police chief, sees the report that a popular local high school coach is missing, his growing fascination with the alluring Vanessa Strauss, who reported the disappearance, makes him determined to solve the case. The investigation leads him and his team deep into Quarry Head Park, a local scenic preserve with nature trails and expansive views. There is no sign of the missing man, but what he does find terrifies him to the core. From the depths of the park, a deadly prehistoric looking creature emerges, attacks swiftly and silently, leaving devastation in its wake. In the chaos which follows, it is up to Chief Dermott and a team of scientists to fight for balance by ensuring the safety of his town and preserving this remarkable discovery. He will risk his career, his reputation and even his own life to stand by what he believes to be right. The question is, will he succeed, or will all be lost? Grab your copy now!! 

Amazon   Champagne Books      Goodreads

 

  About Ivy Keating... Motivated by nature’s mysteries and the complexity of human behaviour, Ivy Keating writes science fiction and fantasy novels exploring the relationship between mankind and the natural world. A master’s degree in social work helps her explore the nature of her characters and give them added depth as they grapple with the repercussions of their actions.

This novel was inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of New England. An area that inspired the question... what if? Social Media Links: 

www.ivykeating.com 

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The following week on Monday, when Sean returned to work, he found new information on the homicide in Lakeside Park in his inbox. “The fingerprints lifted from the evidence belong to Marcus Branca. He is now the number one suspect. He’s also the prime suspect in a robbery caught on tape in Litchfield. The security video from the drugstore robbery and a mug shot are attached.” The next paragraph got him thinking. “A current address for the suspect is not confirmed. His mother, Evelyn Branca lives at 201 Daleview Circle in Norwalk, Connecticut. A transcript of her statement is attached. She stated the last time she saw her son was two years ago in October when he asked her for money.” He’s robbing close to home. He has no confirmed address, and he last called his mother two years ago. Sean’s gut told him—she’s lying. He closed the email to focus on the open cases within his department. The results of the forensic tests from the soil samples should be in. He placed the call to the lab. The receptionist told him the tests were completed and transferred him to a technician who gave him the results. “The soil samples you sent over came up negative for synthetic and natural rubber. No trace metals either. We found nothing man-made in it.” Sean thanked the woman. Nothing then. He glanced at the time on his computer screen. In one hour, he needed to attend a seminar on emergency protocols as outlined by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, given at the University of Connecticut. He turned off his computer, preparing to leave when he saw Ryan standing in the doorway. Sean waved him in. “What’s up?” “I have the report I promised on Jason Kenner last week.” “Including what happened to the car and the credit card statements?” “Yes. And some information from recent bank records,” Ryan said, handing Sean a hard copy. “Have a seat.” “Remember the name on the account, Marsha Philips?” Sean nodded. “She’s an old girlfriend who lives in Albany, New York, about two hours away. I was able to speak with her.” “What did she say?” “They lived together, and she was crushed he’s missing. It sounded like Marsha cared very deeply about him, so I asked what the nature of their relationship was today. She said they’re just friends. They broke up because he has a gambling problem.” “Is that why he has so many credit cards?” “Yeah. He uses cash advances to get money. Marsha said he’s been doing that for years. He wanted her to open a card in her name and take out an advance for him. She refused and gave him an ultimatum. Get help for his addiction, or it’s over. He never got help.” “Does she know there’s a credit card statement in her name going to his house?” “She does. She knows he opened a card in her name illegally, but she doesn’t want to press charges. Two months ago, Jason told her that he owed someone money and they’re after him. He asked Marsha if she could loan him two thousand dollars, but she refused. He opened the card without her permission but then called her to confess what he’d done and closed the account. She feels terrible for him. She said he’s a good man; he just has a problem.” “That’s very forgiving considering what he did,” Sean said. “Yup, but the story checks out. I followed up with the credit card carrier, and they did receive a request to close the account. And there’s more. Marsha said when they first started dating Jason owed someone $11,000 for betting on football games. He was so scared they would come after him, he told her if he didn’t get the money he’d have to leave town. She gave him a small loan, and he took a second job to cover the rest. Marsha said he would tell her he stopped gambling, but she knows he never did. He was always short of money the entire time they were together.” “I’m a little surprised none of his friends said anything. There’s nothing in the file about it,” Sean said, wondering if Vanessa knew about Jason’s addiction. “From the way Marsha spoke—he was good at hiding it. He held a steady job, and for the most part they had a good relationship.” “I can see that. Jason’s very popular around here. He was working with kids coaching the winning basketball team. Looks like a model citizen. Any idea who he owes money to?” “Not yet, but his landlady said he hasn’t paid his rent in two months. I did some checking, and he’s behind on all his other bills. There are some illegal gambling operations in neighboring towns that local law enforcement is building cases against. I could contact them.” “Yes. Do that.” He nodded. “Right away.” “Oh, did you find out what happened to his car?” Sean asked, standing and gathering his things. “As a matter of fact, yes.” Ryan followed Sean to the door. “The car was repossessed for non-payment. He hadn’t paid in almost six months. It was pure coincidence it was taken away now.” “See what else you can find and keep me updated.” Ryan returned to his office, and Sean left the station. On the way to his police car, he detoured into the building next door which housed the Animal Control Department. After exchanging greetings with Officer Benjamin Gibson, the head of Animal Control, Sean asked if anyone claimed the dog he found. “No such luck. No one’s called, and the poor creature’s been staying at the animal hospital since you had him brought in,” Ben said. “How come?” “He tested positive for Lyme disease. He’ll be okay, but they wanted to start him on antibiotics so they kept him there.” Sean rubbed his chin. The dog’s been through enough. “If no one calls you today, I’m going to pick him up and take him home.” “Good for you,” Ben said with a smile. “Hey. Since you’re here, a video just came in of a mutilated animal in Quarry Head Park. Want to take a look?” “Someone filmed it?” “Yeah.” “I don’t have much time. Is it long?” “Not at all. Just shy of two minutes.” “Sure. Let me see.” “I just want you to be prepared. It’s pretty gross.” “I appreciate the warning,” Sean said, even more interested. Ben pulled the file up on the computer and turned the screen toward Sean. The camera caught every angle of the gruesome sight. Sean flinched. What the hell? The body in the footage looked like a deer. The features on its face were squashed; the eyes no longer clearly defined. The neck of the animal was bent in the middle—the head lay flat on the ground twisted to one side. Two stumps, which were once the deer’s front legs, jutted out just past its ears. Its back legs were crushed and wedged into position under its belly. Even more bizarre, the lifeless mass had a gelatinous looking coating over its entire body. “Do we know what happened to it?” “No. The footage was taken by a fifteen-year-old boy on his cellphone. He was riding his bike with a friend in Quarry Head Park. They went off the path, and his friend fell from the bike when he hit this dead animal.” “Who gave you the video?” “His mother sent it in by email. She wanted to make sure someone cleaned it up before anyone else got hurt. She said her son’s friend developed an itchy rash from the slime covering the animal’s body.” Sean pointed to a marker on a tree in the video. “This is next to the yellow path,” he said. “Hold off on removing the animal for just a few hours. I have to go to a seminar at the University of Connecticut, but when I come back I want to take a look at it myself.” “Sure. Hey, when you get to the school you should talk to Dr. Greg Mitchell. You can show him the video.” “Why? Who is he?” “Greg’s a professor at the University and the head of the Biology Department. He knows a lot about animals and specializes in herpetology.” “Herpetology? The study of reptiles?” Sean asked. “That’s right. Actually it’s reptiles and amphibians, so he covers both land and water. Greg lives right here in town. Last year he helped us relocate a Bog Turtle found in someone’s yard. They’re endangered, you know.” “But even I can see this looks like a deer.” “I know, but he’s very knowledgeable. He might be able to help. Anyway, it’s just a suggestion, and you’ll be there anyway.” “Okay, can you send me the video?” “Not a problem. I’ll email it to you now.” Sean thanked Ben and left for the University. Once in his cruiser he scrunched his nose, mulling over the grisly video. Natural causes or foul play?