Madeline (M.M.) Gornell is the award
winning author of Uncle Si's Secret, Death of a Perfect Man, Lies of
Convenience, Reticence of Ravens, and Counsel of Ravens. Her first Route 66
mystery, Reticence of Ravens, was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer 2011 fiction
Prize, the da Vinci Eye (cover art), and the Montaigne Medal (most thought
provoking book). And Lies of Convenience was a Hollywood Book Festival Finalist
and along with Uncle Si's Secret, a PSWA Fiction winner. Counsel of Ravens is a
London Book Festival(honorable mention) and Los Angeles Times Book Festival
Genre Fiction (runner-up). She continues to be inspired by historic Route 66.
M.M. is a lifetime lover of
mysteries, and besides reading and writing, she is also a potter with a
fondness for stoneware and reduction firing. She lives with her husband and
assorted canines in the Mojave High-Desert near the internationally revered
Route 66.
You can visit her online at her website: http://www.mmgornell.com, or
her BLOG: http://www.mmgornell.wordpress.com, or email her directly at mmgornell@earthlink.net.
Madeline says:
"Mainly my books are stand alone,
with Reticence of Ravens and Counsel of Ravens the only two that are connected. I'm feeling pretty sure at this point, I'm a
stand-alone kind of writer, and don’t have any plans to write another
sequel—but I’m old enough to know saying “never” is fool hardy, indeed! And I do have a couple raven’s titles
running around in my mind.
Route 66 does, though, remain the current “juice” for
my imagination, and my next novel again takes place in the Mojave—in a
fictional place between Ludlow and Needles I’ve created, called Shiné (shy-knee). The working title is Rhodes
—The Mojave-Stone. I thought it would be a thriller, but it’s turning into a
mystery. I should have known!"
Amazon Buy link (all listed there) is http://tinyurl.com/okypqsm
Madeline is offering a copy of "Counsel of Ravens" to one lucky commenter.
I can't wait for your next mystery, Madeline! Your stories grab my attention and won't let go.
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
Patricia, thank you very much for choosing me to be a "Mystery author of the Month." I am honored and there's a BIG smile on my face!
ReplyDeleteOh Marja, so glad you stopped by this beautiful desert morning. And thank you so much for your kind comments. "Rhodes" isn't finished yet, "not just quite right yet," but it's close. This is the point where I'm fighting the dueling emotions of "wanting it done," and "it needs to better than the last one!"
Madeline
Madeline, I'm thrilled to have you as my guest and I loved "Counsel of Ravens" and "Reticence of Ravens."
DeleteHaven't read any of your books, so far. "So far" means I'll get to them soonest. Based on your impressive list of awards I'm in for a treat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rayne, for stopping by. It was a pleasure meeting you in July, and I certainly know about the "To Be Read" list--so many books I want to read, so little time. Much appreciate you keeping me in mind!
DeleteMadeline, You always amaze us with your interesting characters and fantastic settings of your books. Looking forward to this new one.
ReplyDeleteGayle, thank you for your kind words. As you know you also have some characters I just love--Johnny Casino and Eddie Buick, to name just two!
DeleteAnxious to read your next book, Madeline. I've read both of your "raven" books and, as you know, love them both. We just had some friends here that had been in Arizona and she took some awesome pictures of ravens that I intend to share with you. Nice interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jackie! I like that we "share" ravens. Would love to see your pictures. You've gotten me thinking--Ravens don't have a role in Rhodes, but maybe they should have at least some walk-on lines...thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteHmm, did not know you are a potter. You are one creative person.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John. I must say I'm very fond of pottery, and the throwing part is a wonderful tactile experience it's hard to explain, but the clay moving through your hands is lovely. The shapes and glazing techniques, I think, are a creative aspect. Learned from a wonderful teacher, Ken Turner, in Puget Sound. Unfortunately, the old back is in recuperative mode, so not potting at the moment. But back to it soon.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Love the Route 66 tie-in, Madeline - can't wait to dive into Ravens!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cyndi, for stopping by. Sure hope you like the Ravens, Route 66, and the desert! It's still a daunting place to me.
DeleteCongrats, Madeline, on the new novel! Wishing you much success.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline! Great hearing from you. Thank you for your kind wish, same to you! Very much appreciated you took the time to leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteMadeline
Great post Patricia. Glad to find out about your books, Madeline--will add them to my TBR list. Wonderful to find someone else who loves the deserts of the Southwest and the Mother Road. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Anna, much appreciated! The desert was new to me a few years back, but I've really come to appreciate its beauty and grandeur. And I've always been fond of the concept of Route 66 (I'm from Chicago), but actually living on it brings a whole new and expanded perspective!
DeleteI haven't had a chance to read any of your novels, Madeline, but they all sound wonderful. I'd love to win a copy of Counsel of Ravens.I'm from Chicago, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Evelyn, I'll be sure to put in a good word with Buster!
DeleteMadeline
Mad, I was so impressed with how you conveyed a sense of place in "Reticence" (not to mention the characters and storyline.) Glad I'll be able to revisit the Mojave in your next one.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, so glad you stopped by! And thanks for the kind words, To me, the desert is a tricky place to describe--rough, dangerous, and oddly beautiful. Thanks for your kind words!
DeleteHere's a message from Madeline: "Buster was bad again. He was supposed to pick one winner, then pleaded for two, and ended up with three names under his paw. Do you think he uses glue?" (smile)
ReplyDeleteEvelyn Cullet, Anna Burke, and Kim Carter Herron (left comment on FB).
And from me: Congratulations to all three winners! You're going to love the book!
Thank you, Patricia, for a wonderful visit!
ReplyDeleteMadeline
Thanks, Madeline, for being my guest!
Delete