Dear Blog Readers, Midnight on the Mississippi is a
departure from the type of books, Mary Ellis has written before. I absolutely
loved it. It’s my favorite book by Mary. The setting and feeling of the South,
the characters who leapt off the pages, and the wonderful suspense plot that kept
me guessing. I know you won’t want to miss this novel.
Welcome back, Mary. Since you’re being published regularly,
what new avenues will your future books take?
I love writing mysteries and romantic suspense set in the
South. Since we’ll be living in a warmer climate once my husband retires, at
least part of the year, I’m enjoying researching places to live and towns to
set my stories in.
What conferences will
you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending any conferences and I
will truly miss ACFW’s. This year my husband and I are taking a month-long
research trip/vacation, which will consume every penny of our travel budget.
Next year I hope to attend ACFW in Nashville and
RWA in New Orleans .
ACFW is very near my
house, but I don’t think I’ll be able to go because of my knee replacement
surgery. I’ll try to go out at least one day if I can. If you were in charge of
planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the
panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?
I would plan a panel of authors who have changed genres or
successfully write in several genres at the same time. Since Midnight
on the Mississippi represents a change in genres for me, I would be
fascinated by their answers.
How important is it
to you to be active in writing organizations?
Frankly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without writing
conferences. I have taken and learned from dozens of wonderful workshops,
participated in panel discussions, and networked with other writers, agents,
editors, and industry professionals. I attend every one that I can possibly
afford. Their value is immeasurable.
Where in the
community or your church do you volunteer?
I have volunteered at my church with our homeless outreach,
Sunday school and VBS, at our local SPCA chapter, the local historical society,
and with the women’s auxiliary in our town, which is a community service
organization.
Who are the five
people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
My Lord Jesus Christ, my parents who adopted me when I was
six weeks old, my husband of many years, and Pastor Bob Pettuccio, who baptized
me for a second time. He taught me to live my faith every day.
If you could write
the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
Here lies Mary Ellis who wished she’d discovered writing a
little earlier in life!
Tell us about the featured book, Midnight
on the Mississippi :
What lies beneath the black water of the bayou? Hunter Galen,
a New Orleans
securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, of embezzling
their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship. After James
turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have
cost James his life. Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the
stockbroker’s murder as she establishes herself in the career she adores. As she
ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen-Nowak Investments, Hunter’s fiancée,
Ashley Menard, rubs her the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious
woman who seems to be hiding something, but is the PI’s growing attraction to
Hunter—the police’s only suspect—her true reason for disliking Ashley? As
Hunter and Nicki encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and death
threats both subtle and overt, danger swirls around them like the mysterious
dark water of the bayou. Only their reliance on faith and fearless determination
give them hope they will live to see another day.
Please give us the
first page of the book for my readers.
Yacht Queen Antoinette
Somewhere on Lake Pontchartrain
“What? I still can’t hear you, James!” Hunter Galen shouted
into the mouthpiece. “Call me back in a few minutes. I’m going on deck. Maybe
the signal will be stronger.” Ending the call, he headed for the doorway of the
grand dining salon. Around him, the birthday party was in full swing. He
glanced across a room filled with smiling faces, assured that the party had
been a great idea. His mother, still stunning at sixty years old, was dancing
with the senior partner of the law firm that had represented Galen business
interests for years. Was something going on between them—more than just a slow
waltz between old friends? Maybe, but he wouldn’t worry about it tonight. His
mother and everyone else were enjoying themselves. In addition to delicious
catering and plentiful libations, two bands—zydeco and swing—provided
entertainment, with even a DJ between sets to keep the younger generation
happy.
From the corner of his eye, Hunter spotted his girlfriend,
soon-to-be fiancée, clinking champagne glasses with his sister, Chloe, and his
sister-in-law, Cora. Together the three looked like a blonde, brunette, and
flaming redhead hair color advertisement. While he watched, Ashley Menard
glanced his way, her face lighting up with a Miss Louisiana smile. That’s what
she once had been—or, at least, first runner-up. Tall and reed slim, Ashley’s
cool composure stemmed from the belief that everything she touched would turn
to gold. And it usually did. She lifted two fingers in a wave before refocusing
on her future sisters-in-law.
“Don’t even think of getting down on one knee until you ask
Daddy,” Ashley had warned him. Daddy. Twenty-six years old and owner of a chain
of hair salons, yet she still referred to her father with a juvenile moniker.
Well, this still was the old South, after all.
When the vibration of his phone jarred his attention from
the party, he saw on the screen that it was James again. Sighing, he headed up
the stairs for better reception. On the promenade deck above, Hunter sucked in
a lungful of humid air and leaned over the polished teak railing. “Hello,
James,” he spoke into the mouthpiece.
“Hunter, we have to talk. This is important. I know you’re
tied up right now, but I had drinks tonight with old man Morrison at the bank.
He wants to talk to us about the credit advance I requested. He refuses to
extend the corporate credit line until we both come to his office. That
tight-fisted—”
His colorful description of their banker became garbled as
James’s voice rose with agitation.
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
I hope readers will find me here: http://http://www.maryellis.net/
or at:
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this new book with us. I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Midnight on the Mississippi - Christianbook.comMidnight on the Mississippi (Secrets of the South Mysteries) - Amazon
Midnight on the Mississippi (Secrets of the South Mysteries) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
29 comments:
Thank you for the fabulous interview with Mary. Her new release looks great!
Amy C
VA
It is always interesting to see what happens when an author tries out a new genre! Thanks for the interview and giveaway ladies.
Patty in SC
I have loved the other books of Mary's I have read. I enjoy mysteries as well and am excited at the thought of trying her new mystery.
Deanne in Pennsylvania
I am intrigued by Midnight on the Mississippi; it sounds like an exciting story! Thank you so much for the interview and giveaway opportunity.
Britney Adams, TX
Thank you for the wonderful interview with Mary! Midnight on the Mississippi sounds like an amazing story. Thank you for the giveaway.
Caryl in TEXAS
I love the title of this book. Personally, I have been on the Mississippi River at Midnight, not on a boat but in an RV.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
This sounds exciting. Count me in, please.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Would love to win. Angela and Oreo in KY
Thank you for this great interview and giveaway! I would love to read this one, for sure!
Melanie Backus, TX
I have several of Mary's books and this one certainty is a different premise! Sounds good since I love mysteries too! Enjoyed the interview, thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Midnight on the Mississippi"!
Trixi in OR
A great first page thank you. I'm going to enjoy this.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Mary Ellis always writes a good book.
Vera in NC
thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Quite often I entered these giveaways to try to win a book for my wife. I think this is one I would really enjoy reading. I love suspense and mysteries.
Edward A in VA
wonderful interview with Mary.I am looking forward to reading Midnight on the Mississippi.Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.
I've read a couple of Mary's Amish books so I know she's a good writer. Since I like to read mysteries and romantic suspense, Midnight on the Mississippi sounds like a book I'd really enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win and for this interview to learn more about Mary.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
Thanks so much for all your lovely readers who took the time to post a comment. Good luck, everyone, in the drawing. And thanks, Lena, for inviting me to your lovely blog.!
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
I love suspense books and Christian-themed suspense makes this a win-win for me. Would love to win the book!
Pam in Ohio
Sounds like an exciting read! I love a good suspense! Thanks for the chance to win!
Beth in Montana
Oh, this sounds so good - I love a good mystery with Christian themes! Thanks for the chance to win this! Jeanie in Phoenix
Please enter me!
Blanch NC
love to win Mary's book! Shelia from Mississippi
I love mysteries and Mary's book sounds like a winner! Thanks for this interview and giveaway.
Connie from KY
This looks like a good one!Thank you!
Hi Mary & Lena! Midnight on the Mississippi sounds like it'll be intense - just what I love in my Christian Suspense books!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I'd love to read this suspense book!
Beth from IA
I keep seeing this book everywhere. I guess that means I better read it. Congrats, Mary and wishes for a successful release and run.
Terrill from Washington state
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