The Hippo Hands Over . . . . to J. David Bethel

I love a good crime novel but what's even better is one that's based on a true story, so I was thrilled when author J. David Bethel got in touch with me to do a feature about his book Blood Moon here on The Hippo. After reading the blurb (which you can find later in this post) I was intrigued, but first things first, let me introduce you to the man behind the words.

Photo courtesy of J. David Bethel

J. David Bethel is a writer of fiction and non-fiction.  He has been published in popular consumer magazines and respected political journals.  He is the author of Evil Town, a novel of political intrigue, and Blood Moon, a psychological crime thriller inspired by a true story of kidnapping, torture, extortion and murder.

Mr. Bethel spent 35 years in politics and government.  He served in the Senior Executive Service as a political appointee where he was Senior Adviser/Director of Speechwriting for the Secretary of Commerce; directed speechwriting offices for other Cabinet officials, serving as Chief Speechwriter to the Secretary of Education; and lead speechwriter in the Department of Transportation's Office of Policy and International Affairs.  He also served as press secretary/speechwriter to members of U.S. Congress. 

Mr. Bethel works as a media consultant for a number of prominent communications management firms.  He writes speeches, opinion editorials and Congressional testimony for CEOs of the nation’s largest corporations, including the Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Royal Caribbean Lines.  His op-ed pieces have appeared in The Washington Post and other prominent newspapers around the country.  

J. David Bethel graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Tulane University and lives in Miami, Florida.

                      10 things you didn't know about BLOOD MOON

Blood Moon was inspired by a true crime of kidnapping, torture, extortion and murder.  That’s first on the list of things many do not know about the novel.  The balance of “things you didn’t know” flows from there.

The details of this compelling tale of survival in the face of human depravity came to me from Ed DuBois. Ed runs a security firm, Investigators, Inc., in Miami, Florida, and had been brought into the case by a mutual friend of Marc Schiller, the victim. Ed read my novel Evil Town and enjoyed it, and when he wanted to explore the possibilities of having a book written about the crime, he contacted me.

Ed introduced the story by telling me that Marc came from a very humble start in life. His parents were Argentinian immigrants who came to the United States to improve their lot in life.  They did, but it was their son who changed the course of the family’s fortunes. He took full advantage of the opportunities offered, and through entrepreneurial talent and very hard work he built a very successful life for himself and his family. 

Then came the nightmare.

Marc was grabbed off the streets of Miami and dragged into a van, winding up in a stifling, empty warehouse. Initially unaware of why he was being held captive, he soon learned that the goal was to extort everything he had built. He further discovered that one of the people who was involved in the kidnapping was a business associate – a man he had mentored – who thought Marc had made some financial decisions that cost him a lot of money.

The original plan was to kidnap Marc and hold him for a $250,000 ransom, which was the amount of money Marc’s associate thought he was owed. As it developed, the others involved in the kidnapping were not satisfied with this plan. Knowing that Marc was highly successful, they decided to keep him prisoner and force him to turn over his entire estate. They needed information on his various holdings and forced these details from him through various acts of torture, and by depriving him of food and the other basic necessities. They kept him captive in the hot, dirty warehouse for 30 days, where he was chained to a pipe, blindfolded with duct tape – causing his skin to rot – and was forced to live in his own filth.

Initially, Ed wanted a true crime book written about Marc’s ordeal to counter the direction the story was taking in a movie being made of the crime:  “Pain and Gain.” Ed was serving as a consultant on the movie and grew disenchanted with the “black comedy” slant being applied to the script. I wrote a treatment of the book but when it became apparent a true crime book could not be written and published in time to provide a balance to the movie, that project was abandoned.

I had become intrigued by the crime, especially by Marc’s courage and the ruthlessness of the psychopaths who had kidnapped him. Bottom line is Blood Moon is a tale of good versus evil. There is evil in this world; evil that most of us will never have to deal with and cannot possibly imagine. There are also people like Marc and Ed who are courageous enough and good enough to stand against it and defeat it. At any time Marc could have succumbed and said “to hell with all this pain and indignity” and laid down and died. That, believe it or not, would have been the easy way out for him. Ed could have given up when the authorities wouldn’t work with him to find the psychopaths.  He could have gone on to another case, but he refused. He put himself at risk by dealing directly with the kidnappers and stayed on it until his efforts forced the police to do their job.

My wheelhouse is fiction so I asked Marc and Ed if they would be okay with my writing a novel about the case, hewing closely to the events as they happened.  Both men gave me their blessings.

An extensive amount of research was required in order to tell the story faithfully.  I studied hundreds of pages of trial transcripts to fully understand details of the crime and to get a “feel” for the perpetrators and their victims. I also studied police crime reports. The depositions conducted by attorneys for the defense and prosecution were another source of information.  Most helpful were hours of discussions with the Ed and Marc.  

Developing the characters of the antagonists was the greatest challenge since I had no experience with such sick individuals. I had to go to some pretty dark places to successfully “imagine” their thoughts and describe how they operated in committing the atrocities they did. It forced me to hone some skills I had not used before and it served to polish my craft. But it wasn’t a lot of fun.

What was fun was deviating from the true story in the second half of the novel and putting control of the fate of the kidnappers and torturers in the hands of Marc’s wife.  That’s all I can say without spoiling this plot line, but both Marc and Ed agree, the ending of Blood Moon was very satisfying for them.

The final and perhaps most important contribution made by Marc and Ed was their agreement to write a Foreword and Afterword, respectively, to the novel.  I am very grateful for their support throughout the writing of the novel, and in recognition not only for their help with the novel, but to recognize their courage and determination, I dedicated Blood Moon to both men.

                                           *    *    *    *

 Blurb

On a hot, steamy afternoon in Miami, Cuban-American businessman Recidio Suarez is brutally beaten and abducted. Handcuffed, shackled and blindfolded, he has no idea why he has been targeted. What he discovers is heart-stopping. What he endures during almost a month of captivity compares only to the most horrendous stories of prisoners of war. He is tortured, and under the threat of death, and worse – the rape of his wife and torture of his children – Suarez is forced to hand over his multi-million dollar holdings to his captors.

Suarez survives and then spends the next few months staying one step ahead of the murderous pack. During this time, he and his lawyer, Nolan Stevens – a former Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Office of the FBI – are having difficulties convincing the Miami-Dade Police Department that a crime has been committed. Their efforts are complicated by Steven’s difficult history with the head of the MDPD Special Investigations Division, who is not interested in pursuing the case.

                                           *    *    *    *

After reading that I'm sure you can see just why I was eager to find out more and hopefully now you are too! 

If you'd like to find out more about  David Bethel and his books or connect with him you can use the links below:

Facebook (Author page)

Facebook (Blood Moon)

Twitter

Website

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Goodreads

I'd like to thank David for stopping by today and for writing such a great post. I'm looking forward to reading Blood Moon very soon.

Granny With Benefits - Marilyn Bennett

When I saw an email in my inbox with the subject Granny with Benefits I almost deleted it thinking that it was a dodgy email, you know the type! I'm glad I didn't though as I would have missed out on this cracking debut novel by Marilyn Bennett.

Grace is going through her late grandmother's things at the sheltered accommodation where she lived  when Dale walks through the door to view the room for his dad. He's Grace's ideal man and she instantly nicknames him Heaven on Legs, the only problem is he thinks she's a resident as she's been playing dress up and is wearing her grandmother's clothes, right down to one of her wigs and a pair of glasses!

Instead of laughing at the situation she'd been caught up in and confessing all she decides to introduce herself as Louise. The pair sit down and chat and as Louise she finds out things about Dale that she wouldn't have if she was herself.

Using her granny alter-ego Grace charms her way into various social situations as a means to find out more about Dale, not knowing that Dale is inviting her along as a prospective date for his widowed father. At other times Louise would send her niece along to these events in her place and that's how the pair officially meet.

But juggling Grace and Louise isn't always easy and she has a couple of close encounters before she's rumbled by friends and family. Will they understand and more importantly will they keep quiet?

Granny with Benefits is a refreshingly delightful read full of laugh out loud moments cleverly combined with the reality of being single later on in life when all of those around you have settled down. I loved the interaction between Grace and her little group of close friends so much so that I wanted to be invited to Angela's 40th birthday trip to New York. All of the characters were so well developed and interacted so smoothly it was easy to imagine them as real people.

Ms Bennett has a wonderfully engaging writing style that hooked me in right from the very beginning and with a great twist on the usual boy meets girl story. Aside from the humour this is also a book about family relationships, the importance of having good friends around you and handling difficult situations in the work place.

I didn't want this book to end (for reasons which will be obvious if you read it) so I was pleased to find out that there's a sequel coming later this year.

 If you're looking for a contemporary story with a new twist then Granny with Benefits could be just the book you're looking for!


To find out more about Marilyn Bennett you can use the links below:

Website
Twitter

With kind thanks to Debbie Elliott at Cameron Publicity and Marketing for the review copy.

Birthday giveaway winner announcement!!

Thank you to everyone for all of your lovely birthday messages yesterday. I had a fabulous day, I was thoroughly spoilt AND I bought myself a book! Only one but I did spend quite a while in Waterstones looking at lots of  books and taking in that wonderful new book smell!

Anyway, it's time to announce the winner of my little pre-birthday giveaway. It's a little later than originally planned as Hamlet and Howie over indulged in birthday cake and cranberry juice yesterday so they've been recovering for most of the day, but I managed to get Hamlet to pick a name out of the hat before he crashed out again.

Thank you to everyone who took part, it made me smile to read all of your comments.

Well done Mary!!! Please contact me at hazardoushippo@mail.com within 24 hours with your address so that I can send you your prize.

The Hippo Hands Over . . . . to Lynda Renham

Today I'd like to welcome Lynda Renham to The Hippo. Lynda is famous for her romantic comedy novels. She has been called A Comedian in a Book, Chicklit Royalty and A Comic Genius. Her writing style has been likened to Sophie Kinsella but is refreshingly down to earth with characters that become your friends. Lynda is a prolific writer, blogger and when not writing can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook. Lynda lives in Oxfordshire with her second husband and cat.

Photo courtesy of Lynda Renham

Lynda's latest novel, Remember Me, was published a couple of weeks ago. Described as a gripping psychological thriller with a jaw - dropping twist, it's getting fantastic reviews. Here's the blurb:

A new neighbour becomes a new friend. She looks up to you. She admires you, but is it you she wants? You begin to wonder if she wants your husband, or even your child. But then you realise, she wants your life.

When Sharni and Tom move into 24 The Pines, it seems like Clare and Chris have the perfect neighbours. Sharni is always there to help, especially with childcare for Clare’s two-year-old, Ben. But Clare can’t shake off the feelings of anxiety that assail her whenever Sharni is near. Is Clare just being overprotective, or are her feelings justified? As Sharni‘s influence touches everyone around her, Clare finds herself fighting for her sanity as well her family.

 If, like me, you think it not only looks but sounds great then read on lovely people as Lynda is very kindly sharing an excerpt here to give you all a little taster.

Chapter One

She stands on the doorstep. She’s shivering.  She isn’t wearing a coat and I can see the outline of her breasts through her thin blouse. She sees me looking and pulls her cardigan around her.

‘Hello,’ she says. ‘It’s freezing isn’t it?’

Her lips quiver with the cold. She looks shy and apologetic. Some hair has escaped her loose pony tail and she brushes it back.  She looks at me through rain splattered glasses.

‘I’m Sharni,’ she says.  ‘We’ve just moved in to number 24, next door.’

She points and my eyes follow her direction to a removal van. The house had been empty for a few months and Chris and I had wondered who might move in.

‘I’m Clare,’ I say. ‘It’s nice to meet you.’

She seems nervous and embarrassed.

‘I’m sorry to be a pain, already,’ she smiles. ‘But I’ve been sent some flowers and I can’t seem to find a vase anywhere. There are just so many boxes and …’

‘Oh, of course, come in,’ I say opening the door wider.

She closes it quickly behind her but not before a flurry of autumn leaves has blown in with her. Their rustic brown matches the colour of her hair.

‘It’s lovely and warm in here,’ she comments.

‘Do you not have heating?’

‘Oh yes, but with the door open all the time it’s impossible to stay warm.’

She looks vaguely familiar and I try to recall where I have seen her before.

‘I’ll get you a vase,’ I say, leading her into the lounge. ‘Would you like a coffee?’

She turns away and rubs her glasses on the sleeve of her cardigan.

‘I’m steamed up,’ she laughs. ‘A coffee would be great.’

Small gold hoops dangle from her earlobes and I notice ink smudges on her hands. Newspaper print I imagine. I remember Chris and I were covered in it when we moved in.

 ‘If we ever move again, remind me not to use newspaper,’ he’d complained.

I search under the sink for a vase. My hand encounters dirty dusters and old bottles of cleaning liquid, but no vase. A mouse trap slams shut on my finger and I fight back a cry. I hear Sharni talking to Ben. Her voice is warm and soft. Ben gurgles happily. I try another cupboard without success and finally reach for the hand painted vase on the top shelf of the Welsh dresser. Chris had bought it for me on our honeymoon. I hesitate for a second. It’s not like she’ll have it for long. She’ll probably give it back as soon as she’s unpacked.

The kettle clicks and I make the coffee.

‘Oh, that’s lovely,’ she says on seeing the vase. She’s on the floor helping Ben colour in his rabbit pictures.

‘My husband bought it for me when we were honeymooning in Ireland.’

‘If you’re sure?’ she asks. ‘I’ll bring it back tomorrow. It’s just I don’t want the flowers to die.’

‘That’s fine,’ I say, pushing my lesson plans off the coffee table and placing a mug in front of her.

‘He’s adorable,’ she says, looking at Ben.

‘He is,’ I agree.

She strokes the top of his head, her hand lingering.

‘You have a lovely home,’ she says, glancing around.

‘Thank you.’

‘I’m keen to get ideas. I want our house to look really nice. You’ve done a great job here.’

She fingers the art décor lamp on the side table and I smile. Ben begins to get irritable and I bend down to him.

‘Do you mind if I ask where you bought this?’

‘John Lewis, if I remember. They have lovely things there.’

Ben lets out a burp and we both laugh.

‘How old is he?’ she asks.

‘Almost two,’ I say.

He struggles from my arms and wobbles towards Sharni like a new born fawn.

‘He’s just discovered his legs,’ I laugh.

She catches him as he tumbles towards her.

‘Do you have children?’ I ask.

Her face clouds over. It occurs to me that maybe I shouldn’t have asked. She then smiles and I wonder if I imagined it.

‘No,’ she says flatly.

I struggle to think of something to say.

‘Are you in interior design?’ she asks.

I laugh.

‘Me? No, I wouldn’t know where to start. I’m a teacher, well, only part time now that we have Ben.’

‘But this room is gorgeous, you have excellent taste. I’ll have to pick your brains when I start decorating ours.’

‘It’ll be nice to have neighbours of our own age,’ I say.

Her eyes shine. She places her mug on the table and leans towards me.

‘I’ve got a great idea, why don’t you and your husband come over Saturday evening for house warming drinks. We can get to know each other better.’

‘But you’ll be up to your eyes won’t you?’ I say, surprised at the invite.

‘We’ll need a break. Do say you’ll come.’

‘I’ll need to check with Chris, my husband, but I’m sure it will be okay.’

‘Great,’ she smiles, getting up from the couch. ‘Shall we say about eight? If you can’t get a sitter then bring the toddler with you.’

I open my mouth to speak and then change my mind. I had hoped we could take Ben with us. I hate leaving him with sitters but I imagine she wants an adult evening.

‘Thanks,’ I say hugging Ben close. ‘Enjoy your flowers.’

‘Flowers?’ she questions.

‘The ones you needed the vase for.’

‘Oh yes. My mum sent them. Thanks Clare. See you on Saturday.’

* * *

‘I see someone’s moving in,’ says Helen, nodding towards the removal van.

I follow her gaze.

‘Yes. I met her this morning. She seems nice.’

We watch as a white sofa is carried into the house. I shiver as the cold air cuts through me.

‘Do you want a coffee?’ I ask, stepping back into the warm.

‘No, I just popped around for the lesson plans. I’ve got a pile of marking to get through.’

She closes the door and waits for me to get the plans.

‘They’ve invited us for drinks on Saturday,’ I say. I don’t know why I’m telling Helen. Maybe I’m hoping she’ll make me feel better about not wanting to go. 

‘God, they’d have barely settled in.’

‘I know. I’m thinking we should maybe say no.’

‘That’s daft. Of course you should go. I’m sure you can get a sitter,’ smiles Helen. ‘You’re always saying how Chris moans because you don’t go out much.’

I force a smile. It’s very short notice to ask Kathryn to babysit and I really don’t trust anyone else. It’s all right for Helen. Not having children she couldn’t possibly understand. I know she thinks I’m over anxious and maybe she’s right.  It’s not that I wouldn’t like to go out for the evening but it’s not much fun if I’m worrying about Ben all the time.

‘I’ll speak to Chris,’ I say.

‘How’s Ben?’ she asks, peeking around the door to wave at him.

‘He’s great. I love the days I’m home.’

She hugs me and opens the front door.

‘We need to do a trip to Ikea,’ she says, her face lighting up.

‘Great.’

‘We’ll get a date at school tomorrow. Better fly.’

I watch as a black Audi pulls up outside the house next door. A smartly dressed man emerges from it. He pulls a suitcase from the boot and wheels it to the house. I brush some leaves from the step and close the front door.

One year earlier

She sat in her usual chair in the therapist’s room her hands clasped together, her shoulders hunched.

‘Do you want to talk about the birth?’ Leah asked, handing her a mug of coffee.

No, I don’t want to talk about the birth, she thought. The rain splashed at the windows and her eyesight blurred.

‘I don’t really remember much,’ she said. It didn’t sound like her voice. It was too far away. ‘I know it was raining. I remember hailstones hitting the windows. I was excited that it was happening.’

She squeezed her hands tightly, the nails sharp and painful in her palms.

‘I remember thinking it doesn’t matter about the pain. It would all be worth it, and it was.’

‘It’s a good memory?’

She nodded.

‘But I wanted three. I always wanted three. I’d planned that we’d have the second a year later. That way they could grow up together …’

Her throat seemed to close up and she struggled to breathe.

‘Do you need a glass of water?’ Leah asked kindly.

She shook her head. All she seemed to do here was drink endless amounts of water.

‘I still can’t accept it. I do try. I remember the pain, it went on for hours. I would have liked a natural birth but I was relieved when I was taken to the operating theatre. Everyone said I should be grateful to have a baby but I only felt disappointment and anger. It was my mother who told me that I couldn’t have any more’.

‘Are you still angry with the doctors for taking away your womb?’’

She shrugged. Her hand trembled and she carefully placed the mug of coffee onto the table next to a solitary box of tissues. She found herself wondering how often Leah replaces the box. Every day? Every few hours?

‘You need to get past this if we’re to move on.  You have to accept.’

It’s easy for her to say, she thought angrily.

‘Do you have a family?’ she asked.

‘It’s not about me.’ said Leah

‘I have to go,’ she said suddenly, standing up.

Leah didn’t seem surprised.

At least she’d stayed longer than last time.

                                    *    *    *    *

 If that's made you want to carry on reading, you'll be pleased to hear that you can download your very own copy of Remember Me for just 99p.

You can find out more about Lynda and her books and connect with her using the links below:

Website

Amazon

Twitter

I'd like to thank Lynda for sharing an excerpt of Remember Me and I hope she gets lots more fabulous reviews for it.