Evelyn Cullet did a nice write up about the first book in the Alicia Trent Mystery Series, Antique Magic, on her blog today.  If you'd like to take a look this is the link, evelyncullet.com/blog

Thank you Evelyn for your interest, and for helping to spread the word about this series of books.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season.  I hope this year has been wonderful for all of you, and I wish you all an even better year in 2013.

I also want to thank everyone who has read my books, visited this site, or been so kind in taking an interest in my writing.  Family and friends make it all possible, and readers make it all worthwhile.

Today I received the cover art for my novel Antique Discovery that will be available February 1, 2013.  I really like the way it looks, and can't wait to see the actual book.  I hope it doesn't look like a Western, since it's the third book in the Alicia Trent Mystery Series. 

The great news came today that the third book in the Alicia Trent Mystery Series has been accepted for publication.  The book called Antique Discovery will be available February 1st.  This will be my fourth book published, but every single time is exciting.  I will post a picture of the cover as soon as I have it.

For anyone who doesn't know November is National Writing Month.  This will be the fourteenth year for an event called NaNoWriMo.  For those who writes or would like to write it is a fun time.  Thousands join this activity to try to write the first draft of a novel in one month.  The goal is to complete 50,000 words.  Approximately a quarter of a million people gave it a try last year and one out of seven completes the task.  As a result somewhere around 100 people have eventually had books published from their efforts over the years.

It is a great way to be part of a group of like minded people.  There are lots of avenues for chatter, encouragement, and suggestions.  Above and beyond that it is a sure way to motivate yourself to sit down and write.  Three years ago I decided to give it a try, and I've been writing every since.  My first published novel, Antique Magic, was conceived during NaNoWriMo so I know personally it is a worthwhile activity.

For dedicating one month to writing I received a certificate, my son bought me a tee shirt bragging I'd completed the goal, and I eventually published my book.

Give It A Try!

This is the latest review for Antique Forgery, the second book in the Alicia Trent Series.

This is the Second book in the Alicia Trent Mystery Series. I absolutely loved the first book, Antique Magic (Read my review Here) and so I was totally pumped up to read this second instalment. 

I loved it! Eileen Harris has captured my heart over the last couple of months with her Antique Magic and Desert Shadow and I am glad that Antique Forgery has managed to live up to my expectations.

I would like to point out that the writing style of the author has remained the simple yet likeable – like in her other two books. It’s with the everyday common language that Eileen Harris spins her web and this book is no exception. I felt comfortable right from the beginning. The mystery in this book has only one huge red herring, but what herring it is! I was feeling quite disappointed that the plot is so simple and certainly did not see the twist coming. I was left dumbstruck when the complete plot was revealed. Awesome is the only word that I have for it. Barry, Nick & Lawrence from book one made an appearance as expected. And though I was not sure whether I would miss Naomi’s mouthwatering dishes, Eileen delivered Laudine to keep those taste buds going haywire.

The best thing about this series is Alicia. She is one of the partners of an Antique Store in Scottsdale, Arizona – that’s her occupation. She is not an investigator by profession or by choice. But she continuously finds herself in situations that test her. Eileen Harris has built up such a practical and strong character in Alicia that when she is investigating the happenings around her, she takes the most practical and logical approach. Not once during the two books did Alicia come out as a Professional Detective, but she remained true to her character – and antique dealer with a penchant of getting into trouble. When she investigates, she is really bringing together the clues that are right in front of all of us – so it is not over the top or larger than life – yet it is something that manages to keep you guessing.

This book had two other future predictions for Alicia, so I am hoping that there’s going to be a book three in the series. So, Ms.Harris if you are reading this – please hurry up with it so I get to go on another adventure with Alicia soon. In the meantime, you all – go and give these first two books in the series a try.

Review by:  Debdatta Dasgupta Sahay

Chompasaurus Reviews 

Review of Antique Magic

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Annie Johnson

 

Antique Magic is a Mystery Thriller by Eileen Harris.  The book is developed gradually, with a lot of detail to provide a sense of a complete world in the story. The characters are ones that the reader will be able to identify with and understand. They are complete personalities that presented unique traits. It almost makes you forget for a moment that you’re reading a novel as you are thrust into these carefully constructed interactions.
What I always appreciate in a book is when there are unanswered questions, things that stir up the reader’s thought and imagination. This is often very risky for the author as not all readers will enjoy this, but it’s something that I like because it’s reflective of the real world. In reality, when there are murders and mystery, questions aren’t always answered. When an author can capture that and still successfully mix reality with fantasy by adding magic, impossible situations, and excitement, it’s something that I really appreciate.
This book is perfect for a quiet night, preferably a cold and stormy one. While you could certainly take this to the beach with you, this is a book better enjoyed at home, curled up on the couch. Mystery lovers won’t be disappointed in this book.
 

Yes, the second book in the Alicia Trent series was published August 1, 2012.  I am being asked over and over why it isn't yet available on Amazon.  I have contacted the publisher and they tell me that they have had major problems with their computers.  They also tell me that they now have a handle on the problems and Antique Forgery should be available through Amazon "soon."  I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Below is the latest review of Desert Shadow.  One of the very best things about writing is when someone enjoys what I have written.

With their children were all grown up and settled in their own lives, Louise and Paul Weston had settled down in the high desert just outside Arivaca, Arizona. They had retired and were free to live their lives in their own way. They travelled, pursued their hobbies and were happy with their lives till the peace was shattered by a black SUV tried to run them off the road. Then soon their house was broken into and threats painted on their house walls. They weren’t the kind of people who would lie low and not fight back. So they soon had their own plan of action and surveillance. But once involved, they it did not take them much time to realize that the stakes were high and things were much more dangerous than they had initially thought. Not knowing who to trust and who not to trust, they soon find unexpected allies in their quest.

I had a great time reading Ms.Harris’s Antique Magic a few weeks back and so I had certain expectations from this book. I am happy to say that Ms.Harris has delivered yet another action packed page turner. Once again she managed to spin a tale that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The setting is that of a desert area and even though I have never been to any such place, I was easily able to visualize the Weston’s house and rest of the property. I learnt a bit about life in such areas and was glad that the author’s narration was detailed enough to give me a chance to understand why or how is a character blending in or standing out.

The plot was a good one and dealt with a couple of serious crimes [that I will not mention here as it would count as a spoiler] The characters were really good and loveable. Louise and Paul sure seem to have devious minds. I felt that Louise, who is an author by profession, had a mind that good at coming up with plans to counteract very uncomfortable situations. But for Paul to come up with similar plans was pleasantly surprising. I also liked George a lot. He is a tough dependable character. There are enough twists and surprises in the book to keep a person play the guessing game throughout.

I am now eagerly waiting for “Antique Forgery” – the second book in Alicia Trent Series.

By Debdatta Dasgupta Sahay

Today Omnimystery published a guest blog that I wrote.  This was a first for me.  It was an interesting experience and good practice for putting ideas into the written word.  I'm not sure I'll be doing much of that type of blogging, but I enjoyed giving it a shot.  You can read the blog at http://www.omnimysterynews.com/2012/08/eileen-harris-author-alicia-trent-antique-magic-mysteries-1208020800.html .

Things are moving along in the life of Alica Trent even though murder and magic continue to dog her footsteps.  Today the second in the series became available.  It should show up on Amazon in a day or two.  I hope everyone finds this one even better than the first in the series.  Each new publication is thrilling for the author and this one feels just as good as the first.

b00k r3vi3ws: Antique Magic by Eileen Harris

b00k r3vi3ws: Antique Magic by Eileen Harris

Random Musings: Antique Magic by Eileen Harris

Random Musings: Antique Magic by Eileen Harris

Here is the cover for my new mystery novel that is being published.  It will be available August 1st of this year.  So far I've been really happy with all my book covers, and this one is no exception.  This is the second book in the Alicia Trent series, and I hope everyone that enjoyed the first one will enjoy Antique Forgery.

This story takes Alicia on a brand new adventure filled with mystery, murder, and as always a little magic.

I read this again today, and was struck once more by the beauty and wonder of what some people think and say.

 Men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth, more than ruin, more even than death....Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habit. Thought looks into the pit of hell and is not afraid. Thought is great and swift and free, the light of the world, and the chief glory of man. —Bertrand Russell

I just learned that my publisher Wings ePress, Inc. is going to publish the second book in the Alicia Trent series. The first book in the series was Antique Magic and the second one is called Antique Forgery. It will be available for sale August first of this year. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to allow Alicia to once again solve mysteries, interact with her friends, and use a little magic. To all of you who bought the first book, thank you. To those of you who enjoyed it enough to buy the second, you make it all worthwhile!

I was excited to receive an email about a new review of Antique Magic from Edie Dykeman, who is the mystery book editor at Bella OnLine. This is a great site, and I was thrilled with the review as much for where it came from as for what it says. This is what she had to say:

Antique Magic was superbly written by Eileen Harris, and one of the best novels I’ve read in quite a while. To say it is fast-paced is an understatement! The characters are interesting and believable, the plot intriguing, and the story a page-turner with twists and turns that will keep readers engaged. The ending may or may not be a surprise, but it will be satisfying.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to read further mysteries written by Harris. She has a knack for keeping the pages turning. Every time I was going to put the book down to do something else, the next sentence would catch my eye and I would keep reading.

This will make a fabulous summer read at the beach, although sitting by a warm fire in the middle of the winter sounds just as good. Grab it up soon if you are looking for a truly magical time.

Yesterday was KABAM (Kingman Area Books Are Magic). It was the first time I participated in a show of this kind. It was fun-who would have thought it. I got to talk to all kinds of wonderful people who read, and writers of all types of books from paranormal to the ins and outs of Las Vegas casinos and everything in between. I even got to sell some books! There were great performers that read poetry, played original music, and painted exceptional pictures. I'm already looking forward to next year. Below is a picture. It will give you an idea of how my table looked. Both my son and daughter were a great help in setting things up and relieving me at the table so I got the chance to experience the whole festival.

My publisher Wings ePress is having a free book giveaway May 12th and 13th to celebrate Mother's Day. If you love to read and would like six great free books just go to their website and download away. Happy reading.

My very first book signing is coming up May 19, 2012, I will be at KABAM (Kingman Area Books Are Magic) in Kingman, Arizona. It should be interesting. I look forward to meeting fellow authors and local people that love to read. Also, I am just weeks away from submitting the second book in the Alicia Trent series to my publisher. Hopefully it will be available before long. I'll be sure to post a note when I have a date.

Yesterday my second book was published. Since yesterday was April Fools Day I decided to wait until today to see if it was really true before saying anything here. Well, the truth is I was traveling yesterday, but I am glad to see Desert Shadow is still available today. I thought that having a second book might not be as exciting as when the first one came out. I was wrong! To all of you who read the first book, I hope you like this one as well.

This is the cover for my new novel. This one will be published April 1, 2012. I don't know if April Fools Day is an auspicious date for a new release, but I hope so. I'll be talking more about the book as the time gets closer.

The New Year is officially underway.  Today I got the great news that Wings ePress is going to publish the second manuscript I sent them.  It's working title is Desert Shadow.  The first book was a mystery, and I am happy to report that both the sales and the feedback were good.  This book is an adventure set in the Arizona desert near the Mexican border.  It is filled with action as well as some insight into one way to be retired.  I hope everyone that reads it enjoys it.  It was fun to write.

Right now I am working on a sequel to Antique Magic and hope to have it finished and edited soon. So far Alicia is finding lots of trouble to get into.  I'll let you know when I've finished this one.