Thursday, January 28, 2010

Trade reviews of FALSE MERMAID

Okay, modesty really should forbid, but what the heck... I'm verklempt!
"Rich in human drama, complex relationships, and vivid local color. Few writers combine as seamlessly as Hart does the subtlety, lyrical language, and melancholy of literary fiction with the pulse-pounding suspense of the best thrillers."
—Booklist (starred review)

"Readers will find this passionate, complex novel almost impossible to put down."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Pinpoint plotting and sure sense of place make this tale a winner."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A haunting, eerie page-turner..."
—Irish America Magazine

"Rich with atmosphere and Irish legend, this exceptionally crafted story of murder, family secrets, and redemption is a welcome addition to Hart's suspenseful series. Nora Gavin is an intelligent and engaging protagonist who leaves the reader anxious for her next adventure."
—Library Journal


"Wherever she goes, Nora Gavin is haunted by the unsolved murder of her sister. Now she is ready to make a final assault on the man she believes to be guilty. Her efforts will unearth dark secrets, and bring closure to old wounds. There is a subtle, lyrical quality to Hart's writing, coupled with an emotional insight into even the most peripheral characters. Immensely enjoyable, especially for fans of her earlier work."
—Jennie Turner-Collins, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Conjuring images

Hardcover copies of FALSE MERMAID are supposed to be arriving next week, and the giddiness is setting in. I'm trying to revisit all the images that helped shape the story, to begin putting together the multimedia presentation that will resemble the slide show that plays in my head: a leaf-littered riverbank, scullers on still water, the polychromed ceiling of a library reading room, an abandoned village, craggy cliffs and seabirds and curious seals. These are all the pictures in my head as I think about FALSE MERMAID, and that I hope to conjure in the reader's imagination. I'll start posting some pictures here to give you an idea...