"This is a fun novel that was quite unconventional. In a good way. Different than most vampire stories. Enjoyed the suspense in not knowing how this tale would end. Some great characters that had me on the edge of my seat, enthused. Could be a nice escape for any reader who just likes a good quirky paranormal adventure. Both smart and comical at the same time." - Brenda, Goodreads
Rockford Peadlebody dies in a train wreck while traveling with his family, (a rather dysfunctional lot of half-blood vampires) after a flood in Mississippi washes their home away. Once his brother Gerald, his wife Ginger, and son Raymond reach grandpa's estate in Ohio, they are surprised by the news that grandaddy Benjamin Peadlebody has also died. They are now heirs to the infamous Peadlebody manor and all its peculiarities, including the butler, a reserved, tattooed, muscle-man named Richard Cottlebone,
It seems fishy to Gerald that two untimely deaths in the family happened within a week. Yes, Rockford's demise was of his own doing, but Benjamin's? Perhaps the butler, knows more than he's letting on?
To prove himself worthy, since he failed to live up to old Benjamin's standards when he was alive, Gerald goes about to unravel the thread of Papa's death. No help comes from Ginger. She's too busy trying to un-vampire herself. And Raymond is in love, but not with his relatives. Gerald soon discovers solving a murder mystery meets with a stone cold reception.
AUTHOR's Q&A
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Ohio and grew up in California. As soon as I graduated I applied to every college I could out of state and was accepted into NAU (Northern AZ University). I don’t know why, but I have always been a country girl in heart, though we never lived in the country while I was growing up. It’s interesting but I have no idea where that passion came from. I love the beach especially on foggy days and when no one was around. I love horses, farming, wide open spaces, and quiet. I would rather walk on a dirt road than ride in a car on a highway. I had those rathers way back then and I still do. Now my husband and I life on acreage with fruit trees and a greenhouse in the Pacific Northwest.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I would try to be with my family who are all over the country, so I’d need to know more than one day in advance.
What book do you think everyone should read?
Paddy’s Lament. The recounting and personal witness of the famine in Ireland would help solve the problem of world hunger and hard heartedness. After reading that book while doing research for Thread of a Spider, I will never look at hunger, or racism in the same light again. I think the book would open eyes to the need for compassion toward our brothers, and I also think those who complain that their lives are in a bad way, would readjust their thinking. Nothing compares to the devastation that took place in Ireland during the famine while the island was still producing food enough to feed the Irish, but which the British shipped to England. My eyes were opened! The book should be required reading for all high school students, and brought up for discussion as well.
"I have visited the wasted remnants of the once noble Red Man on his reservation grounds in North America, and explored the Negro quarter of the degraded and enslaved African," wrote one English traveler in a letter from Ireland in 1847, "but never have I seen misery so intense, or physical degradation so complete, as among the dwellers in the bog holes of Ireland." -Paddy's Lament, Thomas Gallagher.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Sequels.
Currently I am writing a historical romance based on the letters of an in law during WWII. After that I want to get back to Ireland and bring Ailis and Paddy’s brother home from America and dive into the Civil War in 1923. I’ve also left some characters foraging in Mexico in my book Altered, with some very important loved ones still prisoners of a tyrannical government in the US. And in my Ian’s Realm Saga, the prince was left with the key to the portal and a war raging. All those things need to be tended to.
Audiobook video excerpt:
About the author:
With a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
Author's Giveaway
I love the title of this book. Did the author come up with it?
ReplyDeleteI sure did. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having my book on your blog. I do appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteAn Unconventional Mr. Peabody sounds like a fun read. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to enjoy it, Linda Romer!
ReplyDelete@Dianne L. Gardner
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I just bought the book and I cannot wait to read it!