Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian

Photo Credit: Henery Press

This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for an honest review.

Pirate Vishnu

Jaya Jones, treasure hunter, is back! A normal day at the office leads to an exciting treasure hunt. When Steven Healy comes by to Jaya Jones office asking for help about a map and her relation to Anand Paravar- Jaya is intrigued- especially when Steven accuses Jaya’s great uncle Anand of stealing a treasure. All Jaya’s life, she’s heard about this great uncle, her namesake, and all the good he did. But, now… could it all be false?

Jaya agrees to help Steven find some letters, letters that she denied knowledge of knowing their location. Later that night, when Jaya finds out that Steven Healy is dead. Murdered. Who killed him? And does it have anything to do with the treasure map he left behind with Jaya?

As Jaya begins to hunt for clues, she finds out that someone wants this map- wants it desperately enough to mug her. With Sanjay, Jaya’s best friend’s help, she realizes that the map doesn’t just reflect San Francisco- it also references India. A plane ride to India later, Jaya finds that trouble has followed her.

While in India, Jaya discovers she has allies and enemies- it’s just knowing who is who that is the problem. A special tip leads her back to San Francisco- and Jaya is *thisclose* to solving the mystery. Will Jaya find out that a close friend betrayed her? And will Jaya find out that her great uncle is the good guy or the bad guy?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is my first Gigi Pandian book and I have to say that I really enjoyed Jaya Jones. She’s bright, inquisitive, and interesting. Jaya is a breath of fresh air in the mystery world.

Told in current time and flashbacks to Anand’s time- PIRATE VISHNU is a tale that will appeal to many. Armchair travelers will enjoy getting to learn about life in San Francisco and India, treasure hunters will get a thrill putting the pieces of the puzzle together, and fans of mystery will be pleased to see a new voice, a different voice that is strong and independent in the world.

Enjoyable. Put Gigi Pandian on your author to watch list!

*This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

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

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.

Killer Image (An Allison Campbell Mystery) by Wendy Tyson

Photo Credit: Henery Press

Image is everything. Especially in the ritzy section of Philadelphia. Was a divorce lawyer killed because someone wanted to protect their image?

Allison Campbell is the image consultant in Philadelphia. Allison knows about rising above a difficult past and how important image is in society. When a political mover and shaker tries to obtain her services for his 15 year old daughter, Allison is reluctant. She does not work with teenagers usually as Allison generally works with adults wanting to reinvent themselves after a divorce. Allison decides to at least consider taking on the 15 year old as a client. When she meets Maggie, Allison decides to help her- even though Maggie made it abundantly clear she does not want, nor need Allison’s help.

Slowly, Maggie and Allison become friendly- and the friendship may cost Allison everything she has worked hard for. When Allison refuses to play by Congressman McBride’s rules- he threatens to reveal Allison’s past scandal involving a teenage girl who needed help. Allison worries- but knows that she can’t let the Congressman McBride get the best of her. When a lawyer is found killed with ritualistic symbols- the police begin to question many people. They question Allison’s former mother in law (as well as mentor). But, they zero in on Maggie because of her connection the deceased and her Goth appearance. Allison knows this girl did not kill the lawyer- but who did?

With her detective hat on, Allison searches for clues to clear Maggie and to make sure that her former mother-in-law is not considered as a suspect. Between running her business, following the clues, and dealing with the Congressman- Allison’s hands are full. She, though, does find time for some romance and for learning about a secret or two!

Can Allison find out who killed the lawyer? Will the Congressman succeed in putting Allison out of business? Is the killer right in front of Allison’s face? Read Killer Image to find out!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Wendy Tyson’s debut, Killer Image, is part mystery, part psychological thriller with a dash of romance. Entertaining and enjoyable. The characters are fleshed out, the storyline twists and turns (but ties together nicely). Allison is not a push-over- she’s a strong character with a big heart. Recommended.

*This book was provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Buried Leads by LynDee Walker (EWD 2.A)

Photo Credit: Escape W/ Dollycas

Nichelle is back! Wearing her fabulous designer high heels (size 9, by the way) One night, Nichelle hears some news about a dead body on her police scanner. Never one to let a scoop pass her by, she grabs her fancy Manolo’s and heads to the scene of the crime! When Nichelle gets there, she sees the body in an Armani suit and wonders how and why this man arrived at his fate. Poking around the crime scene- she finds something that the crime scene techs missed- and wonders how important the clue is.

The dead man is a tobacco lobbyist- which in the land of tobacco and politics is making Nichelle see a potential big story in her future. Good for Nichelle because there is a copy-editor wanting her courtroom beat and a TV reporter trying to out-scoop her. In the land of politics- where Nichelle is fiercely longing to be- Nichelle begins to investigate Senator Grayson, a local politician who might be up to his eyeballs in dirty politics. Nichelle has a hard time deciphering what a tobacco lobbyist and politician who is against tobacco have in common- but she discovers a link, a link that appears innocent at first, which leads to a whole set of other questions.

When Nichelle’s sexy Mafia boss friend, Joey, stops by to warn her off the search into Grayson’s background- Nichelle does not want to listen. She wants to get the political scoop of the year- so she can move up in the world of news. Nichelle gets deeper and deeper into the world of politics and tobacco- and just to complicate matters further- her ex-boyfriend, Kyle, is now living in Virginia being a hottie ATF agent. Kyle wouldn’t mind heating things up again with Nichelle, but the sexy Mafia boss might prove to be a crimp in his plans.

Politics, tobacco, gambling and call girls- how do those things go together? Will Nichelle get the scoop? Or will she get scooped? Read Buried Leads to find out!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is the 2nd book in the Headlines in High Heels mystery series- but my first to read. Nichelle is delightful- fun, entertaining, cute, drinks Midori Sours and Moscato (my kind of girl!) and has some funny one-liners. Cute and fun- a good mystery with enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Plus, enough romance- Nichelle has 2 very fine men in her life- one a sexy Mafia boss, the other a hottie ATF agent. While this is not exactly like Lacey Smithsonian’s Crimes of Fashion series written by Ellen Byerrum- there are some similarities- which I think is one reason I enjoyed Nichelle (I adore Lacey!)

This is not a cozy mystery- although it does has cozy elements. The language is bit spicier, the mystery has a bit of a harder edge. Enjoyable, entertaining, and definitely worth a read!

To see other reviews, giveaways, interviews and more- please visit the Buried Leads Tour Page!

Interview with LynDee Walker, author of Buried Leads (EWD Tour 2) + Giveaway!

Photo Credit: Escape With Dollycas

Today at Traveling With T, LynDee Walker, author of Buried Leads is being interviewed about her book, why Buried Leads isn’t a cozy-mystery, and favorite actress to play Nichelle!

I’m the last stop on the Buried Leads tour sponsored by Escape With Dollycas– but be sure and check out the other blogs that hosted LynDee!

Want to win an awesome swag pack? Simply comment on this post- and you are entered to win! Need more giveaway? Oh ok, twist my arm! Here is the kick-butt Rafflecopter giveaway: Cool Gift Package- Including a 25 buck gift certificate to Bookstore of Winner’s choice! (I know! Shut UP!) See below for rules of giveaway!

Interview with LynDee Walker

LynDee- thank you for stopping by Traveling With T!

Thanks so much for having me! I’m excited to be here.

Can you describe Buried Leads in 15 words or less?

Apparently not. But I got it to 16.

Sassy reporter sees scoop when dead lobbyist turns up in woods. Plus sexy guys, great shoes.

Is the main character, Nichelle, based on you, LynDee?

Sort of. Nichelle has my work ethic, and I used to be a journalist. But she’s sassier, and she can run in those amazing shoes. I tend to think of things I should have said in a situation hours or days later, and I can barely walk in stilettos.

Should readers read the first book, Front Page Fatality, before Buried Leads? Can the books stand on their own- or are they better read in order?

They definitely don’t have to be read in order. Each of my mysteries is written to be a stand-alone, but there are some storylines that arc through all the books. So readers won’t find any spoilers in BURIED LEADS that would prevent them from reading FRONT PAGE FATALITY later, but they’ll get to know Nichelle and her friends better if they read the books in order.

Is the Headlines in High Heels a typical cozy-like mystery or does it have a harder edge than most cozy books?

I think it’s definitely edgier. I would personally call my books traditional mysteries with humor and some cozy elements. There is some spicy language and a touch of romance mixed into the mystery.

When FRONT PAGE FATALITY first launched in January, I actually spent a lot of time waving my arms and going “it’s not a cozy!” But I’ve found that I don’t care so much what people call the books, as long as they’re reading and enjoying them.

If Headlines in High Heels was made into a TV series or movie- do you have ideas for dream cast?

Oh, goodness! This question is so hard for me, because the characters look like themselves to me, not like actors. But in the interest of not copping out, I’ll say I like Anne Hathaway or Natalie Portman for Nichelle. Or maybe Alexis Bledel. What I’d really like is a time machine and a 28-year-old Lauren Graham, because she’s closest to how I picture Nichelle.

I think Trevor Donovan would make an excellent Grant Parker. Joey could be played by Christian Bale, if he could hit the accent. Kerri Russell would be good as Jenna. Christina Ricci could be Shelby Taylor, and I would (selfishly, perhaps) love to see Channing Tatum or Paul Walker as Kyle Miller.

What’s next in the world of writing, LynDee? Are you working on another book?

Always! I just turned the third Headlines in High Heels novel, SMALL TOWN SPIN, over to my lovely editor. Nichelle is investigating a suspicious string of what the local cops are calling suicides in a bitty little town on the Virginia coast. It’ll be out in April 2014. Before that, there’s a Nichelle novella in the anthology HEARTACHE MOTEL, which will be on sale everywhere Dec. 10. She gets locked in Graceland at Christmas. It’s fun!

Plus, I’m working this fall on revising a women’s fiction/magical realism novel I love, that has nothing to do with Nichelle. I hope to have news about that to share soon.

And I’m sure I’ll be starting the fourth Nichelle novel somewhere in there. I have the plot worked out in my head, and I can’t wait to get into it!

Photo Credit: Escape With Dollycas

LynDee Walker grew up in the land of stifling heat and amazing food most people call Texas, and wanted to be Lois Lane from the time she could say the words “press conference.” An award-winning journalist, she traded cops and deadlines for burp cloths and onesies when her oldest child was born. Writing the Headlines in Heels mysteries gives her the best of both worlds. Her debut novel, Front Page Fatality (A Nichelle Clarke Headlines in Heels Mystery), is an amazon new humor #1 bestseller. LynDee adores her family, her readers, and enchiladas. She often works out tricky plot points while walking off the enchiladas. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is working on her next novel. You can visit her online at www.lyndeewalker.com.

Find LynDee on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

*Giveaway is open to US only (sorry!). For swag pack, comment for a chance to win. For Rafflecopter giveaway, visit the Buried Leads tour home page! Giveaway ends November 2nd.

Tuesday Mashup

Tuesday Mashup has a couple of giveaways and an article about mistakes authors make when approaching book bloggers!

#giveaways

1. Book-Alicious Mama is giving away a copy of Killer Image by Wendy Tyson.

2. Bewitched Bookworms is also giving away a copy of Killer Image by Wendy Tyson.

3. Two giveaways still happening at Traveling With T– Hush Little Baby and Weak at the Knees!

#bookbloggertalk

Molly Greene posted an article that Anne Chaconas wrote about 5 Mistakes Authors Make When Approaching Book Bloggers. After reading the article, I just have to say that Anne was spot-on.

Being still a relative newbie- I’ve only been blogging for almost 2 years- I’ve been lucky. I’ve managed to get into some great groups of bloggers, and on to a couple of publishers list. Since, though, I started accepting review inquiries from outside those avenues- I’ve had review requests that were fantastic and some that I could tell were mass-emailed. Most people do personalize their request- and I appreciate that. I’ve not really run into many authors who are making the mistakes that Anne is talking about- but, I encourage people to read this article.

Bloggers- what do you think? Are there mistakes that authors make that harm the blogger/author relationship?

Last Diner Standing by Terri L. Austin (Chick Lit Plus Tour 1)

As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers. Find her on Twitter, FB, TerriLAustin.com, Goodreads and Henery Press.

Last Diner Standing

Publisher: Henery Press

ASIN: B00AGLOFOK

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo

Source: Chick Lit Plus (CLP)

Rose Stickland is not filled with the holly-jolly spirit of the Christmas holidays. In fact, Rose might even be feeling a tad bit Grinch-y. When your friend calls to say she’s been arrested for attempted murder of her cheating ex-husband, can anyone blame Rose for lack of holiday spirit? If only, helping free her friend from jail was all that had Rose in blue mood- but there’s more. Her hunka hunka fine male specimen crush, Sullivan, has a hit out on him and the diner where Rose works is in a show-down with a neighboring diner- plus Rose has family drama. It’s enough to make a girl want to climb in bed and forget the holidays!

Rose promises Janelle she’ll do everything she can do to get Janelle out of jail. Rose finds Janelle a lawyer, Rose’s ex Dane, and starts snooping around to see if she can figure out others who wanted to hurt Janelle’s ex. The problem? Everyone Sheik came in contact with had a viable reason to hurt him! Sheik borrowed money with no intention of paying back, was a ladies man, and broke up marriages. Everyone Rose comes across has a reason to hurt Sheik. When Rose discovers pictures of hunka hunka Sullivan, a criminal that Rose is attracted to, hidden in Sheik’s house- it takes the case of what happened to Sheik to a different level. Rose quickly finds out that someone has a hit on Sullivan- which is so not cool. The more that Rose learns about Sheik, the more she wants to pinch him herself.

Rose begins to visit the strip club where Sheik has been known to throw money around- and gets quite an education from the strippers! Sheik’s ex, Crystal, is the kind of girl that gives strippers a bad name- giving “extras”, stealing boyfriends, and causing trouble amongst the girls. Crystal and Sheik had a blow-out fight shortly before he was attacked- could the stripper be the guilty party?

Rose continues to search for suspects and clues with her trusty sidekicks, Ax and Roxy. And yet, Rose feels that this ties in somehow to the money that Sheik was throwing around right before he was attacked? No one knows where Sheik got the money, since he did not have job. Rose knows the money is the key- the question is where is the money? And how did Sheik get his hands on it? Illegal activities like a chop shop?

With the hottie Sullivan having a hit on him, finding a dead body, and the ongoing epic drama of the 2 diners- Rose’s plate is full. Can she solve the case in time to Janelle a wonderful holiday with her children? Maybe, unless the person that tried to run Rose off the road has a final say in the matter. Rose has got to solve the mystery- not just for Janelle- but for her own safety.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is the 2nd book in the Rose Strickland series. You don’t have to read them in order (I haven’t read the first yet). Terri L. Austin’s series is similar to that of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum- humor, mystery, clever one-liners and sizzling sexual tension. The language has a bit of a bite as well- this is definitely not a cozy mystery-it’s more of a harder edge. The chemistry between Rose and Sullivan is hot and the friendship with Ax is a nice touch. The characters are pretty well-developed- funny and with enough of a backstory to make a reader curious. Enjoyable and a quick read.

Want to read more reviews of Last Diner Standing? Check out the other blogs in the Last Diner Standing Chick Lit Plus book tour! Want a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card? Comment on the Chick Lit Plus page and you are entered to win the gift card! Need more entries? Buy Last Diner Standing and send Samantha at Chick Lit Plus a copy of your receipt for 5 extra entries!

Malicious Masquerade

It’s Cindy Bedford’s wedding day- what should be one of the happiest days of her life. That is, until the groom never shows up for the wedding. Cindy’s dad, Jasper, has always liked Tyler. Tyler works for Jasper and seems to be a good fit in the company and an excellent match for Cindy. When Tyler does not show up, Jasper begins to wonder if he’s made a mistake trusting Tyler. His suspicions grow when he finds that his home safe has been robbed, and several millions have been moved to off-shore accounts.

Cindy, though, believes that Tyler must be in some kind of trouble. So she hires Carter Mays, PI to find Tyler. Carter takes the job and begins a search for Tyler. As Carter searches for Tyler, he begins to find out some things about Tyler- and yet some things are still just clues.

As the reader gets further in the story, it’s apparent that everyone wants Tyler found. Just some want Tyler found for reasons they are not willing to share. Was Cindy right and Tyler was kidnapped- thus leading to Cindy still getting her happily ever after? Or does the investigation for Tyler lead to more information that could shatter Cindy’s world?

Looking for a quick, easy, enjoyable read? Malicious Masquerade may just be the thing.