Think Murder by Cassidy Salem, Review, Interview, and Giveaway

Think Murder

Cozy Mystery
Paperback: 206 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 1, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1502718952

Synopsis:
Discovering the body of a friend and colleague was not what Adina Donati had in mind when she moved to Washington D.C. in search of excitement. An administrative assistant at a prestigious think tank, Adina is drawn into the middle of the murder investigation. The police don’t seem to be making much progress until Adina stumbles onto important clues and discovers just how dangerous life in the nation’s capitol.

What I Thought:

This was a fast paced story that kept my attention from the start till the end.  It is set in Washington D.C. and deals with political corruption.  It was kind of ironic that the corrupt politician came from my home state of West Virginia.  This wasn't as exciting as some mysteries, but I still enjoyed it and look forward to more books by Cassidy Salem.  She did a good job writing about the working environments in D.C.  I felt a real connection with Adina, the protagonist.  She liked such an ordinary girl who could be a good friend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 

About This Author
Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of mysteries and historical fiction. When she’s not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible.
“Think Murder”, the first book in the Adina Donati Mystery Series”  is her first foray into fiction writing.
Author Links
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/csalem11
Blog: https://cassidysalem.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11923940.Cassidy_Salem
(The book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RSGPFJ0)

Excerpt:
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then described the scene to him to the best of my recollection. I could almost envision the restroom as it had been when I entered. The white sinks, the gray and white swirly wall tiles, and the open stall doors. Seemingly empty, until I approached the end stall.
It all came back to me and I started to tremble. “Hilary was laying on the floor, on her side, her hair falling into that pool of blood. Shockingly red and dark in contrast to the cool gray of the ceramic floor tiles.” Something wasn’t right, “Something bright green in her hair?”
Purchase Links
Amazon B&N

 

GIVEAWAY:  THE AUTHOR IS GIVING AWAY ONE E-COPY OF THIS BOOK TO A RANDOM COMMENTER.  TO ENTER, LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, NO EMAIL NO ENTRY.  I WILL PICK A WINNER ON OR AROUND APRIL 6. 

Interview:

 

 

1.      Where did you come up with the idea for the Adina Donati series?

I love to read mysteries, especially cozy mysteries. After graduating from college, I spent a couple of years living and working as an administrative assistant in Washington D.C. When I decided to try my hand at writing, I wanted to create a story centered around a character that I could identify with, in a setting and job that would hopefully ring true.

 

2.      How long have you been writing?

That is harder to answer than you might expect. As a child or even young adult, I was an avid reader but had no great desire to write fiction. My writing skills were always solid – even in college I always did better on term papers than tests. Over the years my various jobs have all involved some elements of writing of a semi-academic nature, and later as a full time technical writer. Think Murder is my first work of fiction.

 

3.      What are your inspirations?

I am not sure whether my motivation for writing entirely qualifies as “inspiration.” But here goes. Around 15 years ago I made a career transition into the world of technical writing. When you write technical manuals, your sentences must be short and concise – and almost always limited to the present simple tense. “Do this. This happens.” I needed a new challenge and I wanted to prove to myself that I could still write complex sentences in more than one tense.

 

4.      Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors span different genres and time periods. At the more classic literature end of the scale, I would have to say Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. At the same time I am a fan of many of today’s mystery/suspense writers including Harlen Coben, Kathy Reichs, Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, and Sue Grafton.

 

5.      What are your favorite books?
There are so many great books out there. I never really try to rank them in order of preference. As I ponder an answer, so many titles are swimming in my mind. I guess that my favorites would include A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and Exodus by Leon Uris. Ask me next week, my answer will likely change.

 

6.      Besides writing what are your other hobbies?

I love listening to music and I sing in an a cappella choir. In addition, both my husband and I enjoy folk dancing at least once a week. Even while I dance I sing along with the music.

 

 

 

 

7.      If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I love to see new places and experience different cultures. I have already travelled throughout the United States and have been to Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East. I doubt that I will ever get around to visiting all of the continents, but hopefully I will get to Australia one day. I have heard that it is a country with amazing natural beauty, not to mention koalas and kangaroos.

 

8.      What is your favorite season and why?

Spring. No doubt about it. I look forward to it all winter long. After all the cold weather, the warmth of the sunshine is a welcome change. It is also a time of renewal, the foliage regains its luster and the smell of flowers fills the air.

 

9.      What is your favorite food?

A nice thick-crust pizza, topped with tomato sauce and lots of cheese.

 

10.  If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

You probably expect me to say some famous author or celebrity.

Honest answer: my father. He passed away 10 years ago. And I will always miss him.