Breakthrough!

Finally, after three books, I received my first review in a national publication and it was a good one. Yea! “Library Journal” said of “Page One: Whiteout”: “Nicely plotted with good characterization, this Midwestern mystery will appeal to Steve Hamilton fans.” While this certainly isn’t my first good review, it means a lot that a national publication recognized little ol’ me from the Great White North!

Some readers may wonder, what’s the big deal? In the world of publishing, a career is built in one of two ways – the blockbuster bestseller or the slow and steady rise with increasing sales and reviews with each book. I’ve yet to write that “New York Times” bestseller but I have worked hard at writing a better book with each new release by devising stories that will draw people in from the first sentence and hold them until the last and creating characters that feel real and interesting to the reader. The exposure of a national review goes a long way toward leading more readers to the “Page One” books, especially through their local libraries.

A big part of the series’ success comes from being able to paint a word picture of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a region that is sometimes left off of maps of the United States but rivals the rugged coasts of Maine and lush forests of Oregon for natural beauty. It takes a special person to thrive here, and that is the type of person who makes for great characterization in a mystery novel – tough enough to survive and even enjoy the elements, independent enough to make your own way in the world but willing to lend a hand to your neighbors.

Readers, what leads you to purchase a book or check something out at the library? Do you select them by browsing at the store? If so, what do you look for? Do you pay attention to reviews? Do you get recommendations from friends?