Interview with Gigi Pandian, author of PIRATE VISHNU (plus signed bookplate promo!)

Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian- Henery Press

Photo Credit: Henery Press

Today, Gigi Pandian stopped by Traveling With T to talk about her latest book, PIRATE VISHNU, Jaya (her character’s) #literaryconfessions and Indiana Jones. Read on for all the details in this fun interview with Gigi. And don’t forget- after the interview, there is the info you will need to get a signed bookplate (Shut UP! I know, right?!)

Interview with Gigi Pandian, author of PIRATE VISHNU

Hi Gigi- Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed at Traveling With T!

Thanks for having me!

Can you describe Pirate Vishnu (A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery) in 15 words or less?

A treasure map of San Francisco’s Barbary Coast leads to mystery and romance in India.

Why will readers connect to Jaya Jones? What sets her apart from other characters?

Jaya is a classic adventurer in the tradition of Elizabeth Peters’ strong-willed heroines, but she puts her own multicultural twist on the genre. She was born in India to an Indian mother and an American father, and grew up to be a professor of Indian history in San Francisco. She brings her experiences with her to her adventures, which helps her solve mysteries of the past linked to present-day crimes.

“Maneuvers a complicated love life she didn’t count on”- ooh, Jaya’s dealing with a love triangle! Do you, as the writer, know which part of the love triangle complements Jaya better? Or are you still deciding?

When I wrote Artifact, the first book in the series, I thought I had everything figured out. But my characters surprised me! They’ve taken on lives of their own and I’m not yet sure how they’re going to work things out. I can’t wait to find out.

RT Book Reviews says “Forget about Indiana Jones. Jaya Jones is swinging into action.” How does that make you feel? Indiana Jones is a pretty big pop culture icon- so being compared must be kind of cool!

It’s definitely exciting to see reviews comparing Jaya to Indiana Jones! When I was a kid, I created a cartoon strip called “Minnesota Smith” — the adventures of a female Indiana Jones. It’s surreal to have come full circle.

Is Jaya Jones based on anyone you know, Gigi?

I traveled with my anthropologist parents a lot when I was a kid, so I invented all sorts of mysterious treasure hunts as I played in castle ruins. When I began writing a novel I wanted to capture that spirit, so Jaya was initially based on me – but she grew into her own unique personality more than I was expecting!

What is the 1 thing that Jaya would never be without?

Jaya needs her high heels – she’s only 5 feet tall.

Does Jaya have any #literaryconfessions?

Jaya Jones #literaryconfessions

Jaya Jones has a pretty big literary confession: She tells people she doesn’t have time to read fiction, since she’s a second-year professor who doesn’t yet have tenure, but she secretly loves classic adventure novels. She doesn’t admit to herself that she loves the thrill of the treasure hunts she gets pulled into, but her favorite novels are Victorian escapist adventures like King Solomon’s Mines.

*Thanks Gigi for a great interview!

Photo Credit: Provided by Author

Gigi Pandian Bio:

Gigi Pandian is the child of cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. After being dragged around the world during her childhood, she tried to escape her fate when she left a PhD program for art school. But adventurous academic characters wouldn’t stay out of her head. Thus was born the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery Series. The first book in the series, Artifact, was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a “Best of 2012″ debut novel by Suspense Magazine. The follow-up is Pirate Vishnu. Gigi loves writing locked-room mystery short stories. Her latest, “The Hindi Houdini,” is an Agatha Award nominee for Best Short Story.

Connect with Gigi: Facebook, blog, Twitter and website.

Signed Bookplate Info:

Photo Credit: Provided by Author

Want a signed bookplate for your copy of PIRATE VISHNU? Order PIRATE VISHNU by February 17th and email proof of purchase to: bookplates@gigipandian.com (while supplies last). For more info, visit Gigi’s site for all the details on the signed bookplate.

Where to buy PIRATE VISHNU:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound, A Great Good Place for Books, & Murder By The Book.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for the Bookish folks

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And if you aren’t wanting to go the chocolate/flowers route for gifts- I’ve got a few ideas for the bookish gal in your life (or the bookish friend who needs a little pick me up on V-day or your budding bookish child)

Valentine Gift Ideas:

1. Books- yes, books! Easy-peasy. Go to an indie store (odds are you can find a cool signed book- even if you missed the author there- they usually sign tons of stock!) If you aren’t near an indie- Amazon and Barnes and Noble are other good options!

2. The e-reader. Whether you pick Nook or Kindle- you really can’t go wrong. Full disclosure: I have the el-cheapo Kindle and I LOVE it. Much more than what I thought I would. I highly recommend the el-cheapo Kindle if you are buying for your kids or a person you are not quite sure will embrace the e-reader.

3. Nancy Drew Iphone Case– for the Nancy Drew lover who wants her phone to be stylish.

4. Kindle or Nook Covers- you can get several options at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Heck, even Vera Bradley makes them (so adorable!) Or, you can get one specially made (I like this Nancy Drew one!)

5. Maybe your Valentine is more of a bookmark person- no worries- here are some suggestions: Hunger Games bookmarks (I’ve ordered these and have every 1 this Etsy seller makes- I give them as gifts & they are great!) Or maybe they are a Jane Austen fan? Or a Keep Calm & Read On type of person? Or think Cupcakes are adorable?

6. Is your Valentine a tote lover? Here’s some: Sometimes I’ve believed as many as 6 impossible things before breakfast, Keep Calm and Read, or My Book Club Can Drink Your Book Club Under The Table.

7. Or is bookish jewelry the way to their heart? Here is a Book Nerd necklace.

8. If all else fails, a gift card to their favorite bookstore would be appreciated!

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

10 Romance Books You Gotta Read for Valentine’s Day

A few weeks ago, I was talking to Kristin (Always With a Book) on the phone and we got to talking about romance books. Both of us enjoy them- although Kristin is more knowledgeable than I am about the good ones! After talking to her, I began thinking about Valentine’s Day and how I wanted to work with a fellow blogger about great books to read for Valentine’s Day. Together, we have compiled a list- a great list, I think, of books to read for Valentine’s Day. Romance and romantic suspense- happy reading for Valentine’s Day! Continue reading →

Best Served Cold: The Unofficial Companion to Revenge by Erin Balser

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

A critical and commercial hit, Revenge has a rabid and rapidly growing fan base. It’s consistently the #1 show in its timeslot and it’s ABC’s biggest primetime hit since Lost, the first series in four years to match that show’s success in the coveted 18-49 demographic. A fast-paced and complicated character-driven show with many plot twists and unanswered questions, fans will welcome insight and analysis into Emily Thorne’s master plan in this intelligent but playful companion to the series. Explorations of themes, characters, the show’s soapy and literary inspirations, and real-world events make this the must-have book for everyone who is watching Revenge.

Continue reading →

Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes (Adams Grove #3) by Nancy Naigle

wedding cake and big mistakes by nancy naigle adams grove mystery

Photo Credit: Montlake Romance

For years, Carolanne Baxter dreamed of a life beyond Adams Grove. Being the daughter of the town drunk was no picnic, so when college offered her a chance for escape, she took it. Now Carolanne has returned home, finally ready to make amends with her father, Ben, and to celebrate the wedding of her best friends Jill and Garrett. Of course, the fact that Connor Buckham, her sexy new law partner and Garrett’s best man, happens to be the same guy the town matchmaker named as Carolanne’s perfect match…well! That’s just icing on the cake.

But Carolanne’s hopes for a fresh start are dashed when a dead body surfaces during Jill and Garrett’s wedding reception…and Ben Baxter becomes the prime suspect. The murder throws the town into uproar, threatening to destroy the tentative peace between father and daughter–and to derail the budding romance between Carolanne and Connor. Has the matchmaker’s perfect streak come to end? Or will the truth finally bring Carolanne the happy ending she’s dreamed of for so long?

Summary from Goodreads.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

One day, when browsing through Netgalley (ooh, dangerous place!) I found Wedding Cakes and Big Mistakes. The cover and storyline appealed to me- but, but, but…. This was the 3rd book in the series. Honestly, I hate starting a series in the middle- as some series, to connect with characters, you really have to start from the beginning. So, I took a chance- and found myself entertained by the storyline- although, still wishing I had started with the first in the series.

Do you have to start with the first in the series? No. This can be viewed as a stand-alone. But, to appreciate Wedding Cakes and Big Mistakes more- it’s probably best to start from the beginning.

The pros of Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes– this is a small town romance/mystery. The story is sweet and sugary (just how I like) and the town is a great setting. The characters are nice. I daresay that I might would also classify it close to a cozy mystery type read.

The cons of Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes– the story is not perfect. It’s a bit slow at times, for some readers- the lack of a steamy romance would be a con (it’s really not for me, though).

Overall, based on my time in Adams Grove- I would visit again, if I was looking for a sweet romance story to pass an afternoon with.

*This book was requested through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

So Tough To Tame by Victoria Dahl

Photo Credit: Harlequin Books

Tough to tame, but not too tough to love… Charlie Allington is supposed to be on the fast track to the top-a small-town girl who was making it big in her career. Instead, she’s reeling from a scandal that’s pretty much burned all her bridges. Now, out of options, she needs a place to lick her wounds and figure out her future. True, working at a ski resort in rugged Jackson Hole, Wyoming, isn’t her dream job. But if there’s one perk to coming back, it’s a certain sexy hometown boy who knows how to make a girl feel welcome.

Cowboy Walker Pearce never expected a grown-up Charlie to be temptation in tight jeans. She’s smart and successful-way out of league for a man like him. But he’s not about to let that, or his secrets, get in the way of their blazing-hot attraction. Yet when passion turns to something more, will the truth-about both of them-send her out of his life for good…or into his arms forever?

Summary from Goodreads.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Ahh.. So Tough To Tame is a book that is leaving me conflicted. When I was approved for an e-galley of So Tough To Tame, I had been on a lucky streak with romance books- The Sassy Belles trilogy, Sleigh Belles in the Snow, and A Seaside Christmas (all that I really enjoyed). So, I happily downloaded this book and set about to reading So Tough To Tame. Except, I didn’t quite connect with all the characters. There were a couple who were annoying me (the landlady being one of them!) But I kept on with the book. Then I set it aside for awhile. I picked it back up and was able to enjoy some of the story of Charlie and Walker.

Victoria Dahl is taking a tried and true storyline- secrets and attraction, throwing in 2 people who are damaged, and creating a story that does hit the mark for most romance storylines. Sexy, romance, secrets, good-looking characters- check, check, check, check! However, I can’t say I 100% enjoyed it. Maybe, cowboys aren’t my thing?

If you are looking for a romance to try and like a storyline that has secrets and complicated situations (and a cowboy!), then So Tough To Tame is probably right up your alley!

*This book was requested through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Murder With Ganache by Lucy Burdette

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder With Ganache

Hayley Snow, food critic, maid of honor for her BFF’s Connie upcoming wedding, cupcake maker and referee for her family’s tiffs with one another, has her hands full. Trying to juggle all that is giving Hayley fits and that is before her stepbrother, Rory, turns up missing. Rory left that night to walk Duvall Street a bit and when he never returns, Hayley is mad. Then worried. The next day, when Rory is found- unconscious and beaten- Hayley kows there is trouble. And getting to bottom of trouble happens to be her speciality.

While Rory is in the hospital, Hayley tries to find clues to help piece together the night before. When Hayley finds a dead teenage girl’s body- she gets a sinking feeling. What happened to Rory that night? And how does this girl’s body play into it?

With Haley’s family up in arms over the Rory situation- you’d think Hayley would be relieved that Connie postponed her wedding- nope, not even a bit. Because she can smell a rat and can’t decide how Connie’s father showing up for the wedding festivities might play in the postponement?

And, on the work front, Hayley’s cute boss, Wally, says he supports her and family comes first- but he keeps throwing more work at her while she’s dealing with the other fires. What gives, Wally?

All in all, what’s a girl to do? Why go to her favorite tarot reader, of course. But, when that fails, Hayley finds a new one and gets a whole new look at life. If she can live long enough to enjoy it, that is.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Cute. Fun. Love Hayley. The recipes are yummy sounding and the setting of Key West is sublime. There is a good mystery and some sparks of romance to keep this story going. By the end of the story, readers will want to book a flight to Key West to join Hayley for some Café Con Leche and trip to see Hemingway’s cats (which Evinrude does not appreciate!)

If you like cozy mysteries, I highly recommend you discovering the world of Hayley Snow, food critic. If you already are a fan of Hayley’s- you’ll love this!

Now pass me a dessert and find Lorenzo to read my tarot cards while I impatiently await the next Key West Food Critic mystery!

*Thanks to Lucy Burdette for sending Traveling With T a copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Literary Friday, ya’ll…….

Friday, Friday, Friday… Someone play the song “Friday, I’m In Love” by The Cure 🙂 (I love that song!)

Ok, back to the bookish things now that I’ve chair-danced for a bit….

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday- Faulkner and Flannery, Wiley Cash, Gone With The Wind, and much more… Plus… 8 Books To Fall In Love With in February– including THE WIFE, THE MAID and THE MISTRESS by Ariel Lawhon (one of the creative geniuses behind She Reads!) Read here for more info about book and the details on the upcoming Twitter chat- where you could win a copy!

2. In case you missed the good news– Me, Traveling With T, got the very good news the other day (I totally felt like Charlie when he got the last golden ticket!) Confused? Curious? Here it is: I’m going to be a World Book Night Giver! So excited! Myself and several bloggy friends got the great news the other day- and let me inform you: Waiting all day on the news because your mom married someone with basically the last letter of the alphabet kind of sucks. (Right? Anyone feel my pain on this?)

3. It’s been cold. No, this is not news. I know. It’s February. But, seeing this picture the other day has made my heart long for Spring and the first flowers and the butterflies and all the goodness of Spring!

4. Traveling With T has a copy of DAYS OF WINE AND ROQUEFORT to give away! Go enter. Now. I’ll wait. Seriously.

5. Valentine’s Day is 1 week away- read about Traveling With T likes and dislikes Valentine’s Day.

6. What are your #fridayreads? I’m reading THE WIFE, THE MAID, and THE MISTRESS by Ariel Lawhon.

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Guess Who Is A World Book Night Giver?

Guess who has 2 thumbs, loves books and got selected as a World Book Night Giver? Yep, that’s right- THIS GAL. Excuse me while I dance around a bit, sing a song and throw some confetti……

Ok I’m back! Very excited! What is World Book Night you ask? Well here is the technical info, the official info (straight from the website’s mouth). But, basically, World Book Night wants to share the love of reading- so they pick a selection of books, people apply to be givers, and then the givers hand out 20 copies of a book they were selected to hand out. But, you are to hand out the book to light readers/non readers or people who do not have access to books. How cool is that? Sharing the love of reading! Continue reading →

Weekend in Granbury, TX- a weekend filled with bookish delights

A few weeks ago, it was time for Unofficial Booktopia. What is Unofficial Booktopia, you ask? Well, Unofficial Booktopia is a play on Official Booktopia (hosted by the fantastic Books on The Nightstand). How did it all start? A few of us met in Oxford, MS back in 2012- and we became fast friends- discussing books, going out for drinks, and just having a good time. After that weekend, we all stayed in touch through the power of social media and monthly phone chats. Unofficial Booktopia happened, though, because in 2013- none of the Booktopia sites were close for 2 of us to get to be able to attend (basically, it was a wing and a prayer kind of thing). So, one suggested- let’s get together in Jackson, MS (home to Lemuria Books). So we began the plan and it worked! We all managed to get together (and engage in some literary hijinks!) We had such a good time that Unofficial Booktopia was born- and this year, it was in Texas. Continue reading →