Book Review: Counterfeit Conspiracies by Ritter Ames

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 

“This fast-paced, action-filled whodunit was enjoyable and hard to put down. The mystery was good, the characters are likeable and it was fun to watch all the pieces come together in this well-written drama. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.” – Dru’s Book Musings

“Funny, fast paced and just a smidge of romance. What more could you ask for? Bring on the next one!” – T. Sue Versteeg, Author of My Ex-Boyfriend’s Wedding

“A high-octane, fast-paced thrill ride of a mystery adventure that will definitely leave you anxious for the next installment.” – Girl with Book Lungs

“This fast-paced mystery had me reading far past my usual time for bed. I simply couldn’t put it down because I was so drawn into the story. It’s simply wonderful!” – Dianne Harman, Author of the Cedar Bay Cozy Mysteries 

“The book takes you on car chases, shooting, great locations around the world all in the hopes of finding a missing friend and lost artifact. I read the book three times enjoying each time.” – Heidi Wimmer, Book Him Danno

“Incredible attention to detail. The author creates a world that you truly can get lost in. The book is also a fast-paced, fun read. I'm looking forward to reading book two.” – Amy Brantley, A Girl and Her ebook

“An intricately woven tale with plenty of action and suspense. The story is crafted in such a way to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-written with smart and witty dialogue. An enjoyable read.” – A Cozy Book Nook

“A fast-paced book, and to save the day, Laurel takes you with her every step of the way on subways, planes, fast cars, and motorcycles all while being in danger. This book is truly a keeper, jump in a go for a ride!” – Destiny’s Book Reviews

“I love the main character of Laurel. She is not just smart – she is quick on the uptake and manages to get herself out of many tight spots...a fast-paced, well-plotted read. I could not put this book down. I hope we get to read many more adventures with Laurel in the future. So if you like a mystery with a touch of James Bond, you should be reading Counterfeit Conspiracies.” – Cheryl Green, MyShelf Reviews

Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund. Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.

The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis. Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.

Related subjects include: women sleuths, cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth books, murder mysteries, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations. 

Books in the Bodies of Art Mystery Series:

•COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES (#1)
•MARKED MASTERS (#2) 
•ABSTRACT ALIASES (#3) 

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all…

Jon Whitcomb, The Artist

Jon Whitcomb

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"I'm Proud of You Folks Too!", US Navy poster, 1944

Jon Whitcomb (1906–1988) was an American illustrator. He was well known for his pictures of glamorous young women. He was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma and grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University and graduated from Ohio State University with a major in English. He is the brother of fashion designer and inventor Merry Hull.^[1]

Whitcomb started drawing illustrations for student publications while a student at Ohio State, and worked summers painting posters for a theater in Cleveland, Ohio. After he graduated, Jon found work making travel and theater posters and advertising illustrations. In 1934 he moved to New York City and joined with Al Cooper to found the Cooper Studio. Whitcomb was a pioneer in the switch from oil to gouache for illustrations. The different qualities of gouache compared to oil led to changes in the design of Whitcomb's illustrations. He zoomed in on people, usually pretty, young city women, and reduced the background to simple design elements. His new style of illustrations soon appeared in Collier's Weekly, Good Housekeeping and other magazines.

During World War II Whitcomb was commissioned a Lieutenant, Junior Grade in the United States Navy. After a variety of duties, he was assigned as a combat artist for the invasions of Tinian, Saipan, and Peleliu.

After the war Whitcomb produced a series of articles and sketches about Hollywood stars for Cosmopolitan, called "On Location with Jon Whitcomb". He continued to produce story illustrations and covers for magazines, including McCall's and Playboy. He wrote some short stories, two children's books, Coco, and Pom Pom's Christmas, and a book on glamour, All About Girls. He was one of the founding faculty of the Famous Artists School.

This is one of those artists whose work is recognizable, but whose name is not. Jon Whitcomb certainly captured the 1940-1950s era of glamour.

Once again, nothing here is mine I claim nothing. All information is from Wikipedia and Jon Whitcomb's online sites. 

Schedule for February 6 - 10, 2017

Mon., Feb. 6 - Jon Whitcomb, 

Magazine Glamour Girl Artist

Tues., Feb. 7 - Counterfeit Conspiracies by 

Best-Selling Author Ritter Ames

Wed., Feb. 8 - The Fabulous Americana Art 

of Jane Wooster Scott

Thurs., Feb. 9 - Free Today! Last Time This Year -  

BELTERRA by Carol Ann Kauffman

Fri., Feb. 10 - Book Review:

 Teddy and Lily by Lily Amis

The Time After Time Series by Carol Ann Kauffman

The series, TIME AFTER TIME, follows a pair of quintessential lovers, Richard and Nicole, through their lives together, in different places, in different times, with different names and faces and sometimes even on other planets. 

This follows the alternative theory that the relationships we forge in this lifetime, both the good and the bad, are continued into the future, and are rooted deeply in our past.


                                                                 



Whatever we do, whomever
we love, and the good and evil deeds we do today follow us into the future. 




Unsettled issues will present themselves again and again, until they are ultimately resolved. Those people who have had a profound effect on us in this lifetime will find us again in the future. 






And although everything changes, love remains.

Books in the TIME AFTER TIME series are: BLUE LAKE, BELTERRA, The BASLICATO, BENTLEY SQUARE, WAITING FOR RICHARD, LORD OF BLAKELEY, and MacKALVEY HOUSE.





They do not need to be read in order, but BLUE Lake will give you an in-depth into the two main characters and their relationship.

Interview with Author Lily Amis

Lily Amis

Switzerland & London

Good morning, Lily, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors. Can you tell us a little about what you have written? 

Memoir, Children books, Fiction, Short Stories & Songlyrics

What is your favorite genre to write?

All of them.

Favorite food. 

I love everything that my mom cooks. :-)

Tea or coffee? 

Coffee

Pizza or ice cream?

Pizza

Wine or beer?

 Beer

Where would you like to visit?

I love travelling. My mom and I couldn’t travel for fifteen years. We were like prisoners in the middle of Europe. As war refugees we were not allowed to leave the country. For us traveling is like breathing. We have seen many beautiful countries so far but there are still places we'd like to visit. On top of our list right now are the Scandinavian countries: Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen.

Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

This is a very difficult question. I LOVE music and I admire and adore too many artists. But without a doubt Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, George Michael and Whitney Houston are on top of my list. Living artists: Lionel Richie, Adam Lambert, Bruno Mars, Olly Murs, Robbie Williams, Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez.

I listen to all kinds of music. From the eighties to the newest charts.

What makes you laugh?

Funny movies, specially Hollywood Classic movies by Billy Wilder and positive, happy and friendly people.

Favorite work of art or sculpture.

Everything by Salvatore Dali.

How old were you when you started writing? 

Late! In my twenties. I was always more into drawing, painting and graphic design. I needed to heal my soul and discovered that writing is the best therapy and self-help.

Oh, sweetie, that is not late. I started to write in earnest after I retired from a thirty-year teaching career.

Describe your perfect evening. 

At home with a good movie and delicious homemade food by my mom.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Everywhere! Every day in Life is inspiring and educational. We just have to pay attention to it. 

What do you do when you get a writer's block? 

I never had a writer’s block, probably because I never work on only one book. I always work on different titles at the same time. Also I combine writing with other creative activities. I work on my book illustrations, book covers and my book collections.

Who is your favorite author? 

You probably expect me to name a traditional worldwide known Author such as Shakespeare or Hemingway. But no my favourite Author of all time still to this date is the Italian Author Carlo Collodi. He inspired me to write educational stories for young and adult readers about important topics in our society.

Best book you ever read. 

My favourite Book despite my age is still “Pinocchio”. Because if everyone would stop lying and pretending the world would be a wonderful and peaceful place.  God has given us everything we need to be happy. But sadly humans are ungrateful and too greedy!

 

Last book you read. 

“The Popish Midwife” by the wonderful and talented British Author Annelisa Christensen.  

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer? 

I would probably work in the film or musical industry and do something behind the scenes. I love the whole production process in both areas. I love organizing and have very good ears for music and the creativity to visualize.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why? 

My mom, everything I am and everything I do today is thanks to the devoted love, support and encouragement from my beautiful and talented mom Sima.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? 

God, because I have too many unanswered questions. Actually the name of my next book is “God & Lily – The secret of Life”.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Write from your heart with honesty and love. Be patient and believe in your work, even if you are unsuccessful sales wise. Sales shouldn’t be your motivation but the creative process of writing itself.

 

What book titles are available to this date?

Destination: Freedom, Definition of Freedom, The Lily Amis Story (2 in ONE), My children’s book series: Angel of Hope & Lily, featuring Monsieur Jac Couture (part 1), Bon Voyage, Monsieur Jac & Lily travel to Europe (part 2), Short Stories: Peanut & Lily, Angel of Love & Lily, Zak my sweet inspiration, Little Lily and my Fiction book America’s Royal Family.

My latest book is “Teddy & Lily – True Friendship is Unconditional Loyalty”. A delightful, little book inspired by my memoir, “Destination: Freedom”. It is a sweet story, about the power of love and the values of friendship. It is also an educational book for both young and adult readers. It describes the joy of freedom, of travel, and the importance of education, as well as how to avoid jealousy and the fear of loss in relationships! This Illustrated book about love, friendship, and loyalty is a wonderful gift for Valentine’s and Friendship Days!

Do you have some links for us to follow you? 

My social media contacts are:

Official website: www.LilyAmis.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Lily-Amis/e/B00PSLRSS8

Smashwords page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MissLilyAmis

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LilyAmis

Blog: LilyAmis.blogspot.com

Twitter: @nasSimadesign

Facebook: @LilyAmisAuthor

Instagram: @nasSimadesign

Pinterest: @nasSimadesign

Google +: https://www.amazon.com/Lily-Amis/e/B00PSLRSS8

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sndesign2011

Store: https://society6.com/nassimadesign

Thank you for being here with us this morning, Lily. We at Vision and Verse wish you continued success in all your writing endeavors. Come back and see us again!