Hi, everyone!
Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for A CHAIN OF PEARLS (Martha’s Vineyard Murders Book #1) by Raemi A. Ray on this AME Blog Tour.
Below you will find an author Q&A, a book synopsis, my book review, and the author’s bio and social media links. Enjoy!
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Author Q&A
On Writing:
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
Most of my plots are pulled from headlines, and then I add in the murder.
Your book is set in Martha’s Vineyard. Have you ever been there?
Yes, I’ve been visiting the island for years and this series is a sort of love letter to it. It’s one of my favorite places.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
I do. In my other much more boring life, I’m an IP lawyer, not unlike my protagonist.
What genre do you write and why?
I write mystery/thrillers. I simply prefer writing plot over emotional journeys and mystery and thriller lend themselves to plot focused stories.
What is the last great book you’ve read?
My memory is terrible. The last book I read that I think about often is probably Manacled. I regret reading it with every fiber of my being. Not because it wasn’t good, but because it was terrifying.
On Rituals:
Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?
I try not to, but in moments of weakness I want Flaming Hot Cheetos. I live for spice.
Where do you write?
I have an office where I edit, but my first drafts are done anywhere: in my sunroom, in front of a fireplace (inside or out), at pubs or coffee shops, the beach – wherever I can prop a laptop.
Do you write every day?
Nearly.
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Book Synopsis
The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…
When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.
She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.
As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege.
This is the first book in the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. The second novel, The Wraith’s Return, will be available later this summer, followed by Widow’s Walk in the fall.
A Chain of Pearls is a top indie mystery and crime pick from Barnes & Noble!
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My Book Review
RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
A CHAIN OF PEARLS (Martha’s Vineyard Murders Book #1) by Raemi A. Ray is a gripping debut murder mystery set on Martha’s Vineyard that I could not put down. I am very happy this is a proposed series because everything, from the fully drawn characters, intricate mystery plot, and the idyllic island setting were flawlessly executed on the page, and I want to visit again soon.
London-based Kyra Gibson arrives on Marth’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s estate. Retired from his years as a foreign journalist, he is found dead in the Edgartown Harbor from an apparent drowning accident. As she delves deeper into her father’s affairs, she discovers he was digging into a story involving a powerful senator on the island and a lucrative wind turbine contract. When she speaks to the detective in charge of her father’s case, she learns he has doubts of his own about her father’s death being an accident.
Detective Tarek Collins has questions still unanswered about Kyra’s father’s death. As the two begin to work together, another body is discovered in a barn fire on the senator’s island property. Tarek and Kyra do not realize the danger they are in as they uncover secrets that lie beneath the surface of the rich and powerful on the island.
I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. Kyra and Tarek come to life on the page. They work well together and there is an attraction that will hopefully be advanced in future books. The mystery plot was well paced with surprise twists and a continual increase in tension and suspense to the climax. The description of Martha’s Vineyard throughout the story made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. I was very surprised to find out this is the author’s debut book because it reads more like a book in a series by one of my favorite authors that I have been following for years.
I highly recommend this engaging murder mystery and am looking forward to many more.
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Author Bio
Raemi A. Ray’s travels to Martha’s Vineyard and around the world inspire her stories. She lives outside Boston. When not writing or traveling she earns her keep as the personal assistant to the resident house demons, Otto and Dolph Lundgren.
Social Media Links
Website: https://raemiray.com/
Instagram: @miss_raemi
Purchase Link
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3Jenei0
Author Marketing Experts:
Twitter: @Bookgal
Instagram: @therealbookgal
