Detective Laura McCallister

She’s lesbian but is she really fiction?

Leakers Ignited, Book 6, Released

Filed under: Lesbian Adventure Club — November 20, 2008 @ 5:42 pm

Leakers Ignited, Lesbian Adventure Club: Book 6 was released today. The ebook in various formats can be found in the publisher’s bookstore. If you’re holding out for the paperback, you best be patient for a week or two. A PDF excerpt can be had here.

Now… Let that f-er Kate Sutter shut her big mouth so Roz can finish my mystery! All of you, pipe down and let her finish my mystery! Sneak peek here.

5-Stars for Book 5, Sisters

Filed under: Book Review, Lesbian Adventure Club — October 27, 2008 @ 11:28 am

For shit’s sake, what are the odds that all five books in the Lesbian Adventure Club Series get 5-star reviews? If I wasn’t so modest, I’d suggest that it’s because I am in the mix. It couldn’t be that f-er Sutter, the narrator. It couldn’t be the b-word author, who had better be working on my next case. No, it has to be my presence that takes us over the top.

Regardless, here’s the review…

As always, another month has passed and it is time for another gathering of the Lesbian Adventure Club. This month the hosts are Alison and Janice which is especially fitting given what the women have been dealing with. There was an injunction hearing and Alison went to court to get a restraining order against her ex-girlfriend Lisa. Over the month the women of the group have given Alison as much support as they can and although Lisa has been silent, no one trusts that she is done.

In order to trick Lisa, and keep their group meeting location secret, the story starts out with Kate, Susan, Laura, Janice and Ginny being quite stealthy, hiding their cars at various locations and creating diversions. When all the couples are finally together, what transpires isn’t the typical monthly adventure. For the first time, the women want to be the “Dykes Who Don’t Dare”. They want a fun weekend that is not overly competitive, to be able to relax and simply enjoy each other’s company. But what fun would that be?

They begin by each woman writing down a worry onto a piece of paper that is then burned in the fire. Despite their worries, they each have a lot to be grateful for and the ceremony helps them see that. Then Alison and Janice reveal that the weekend will be filled with each woman getting to make one law that will last for an hour. And of course, there is a baby pink cowgirl hat with a silver star badge on the front to denote the current law maker. There will be no competition and the “beloved big-boobed bimbo babe” will remain with its current owners. What transpires is multiple rounds of Truth or Dare, jumps into the lake, overfilled hot tubs, crazy antics and bossy older sister rights.

Unfortunately, the women quickly learn that Lisa knows where they are and it is suspected that she has broken the restraining order. All of the women band together to help protect Alison, especially detective Laura. She feels fiercely protective of the group of women, and holds herself personally responsible for making sure they are all safe. Laura is desperate to pin charges on Lisa to make it all stop so that Alison no longer has to be afraid. When some of Kate’s stuff is damaged or goes missing, Lisa’s stalking cuts very close to home and encroaches on their weekend.

“Everything felt tainted to me … as though someone had spit on what was precious to us. I wanted to rewind the clock to yesterday in the cop shop parking lot. I wanted to start over, to do whatever necessary to keep what was ours untouched. I wanted Alison back. I wanted Janice back. I wanted to hold onto Claudia, tight. I wanted someone to stand up laughing and scream, “Got you, you b-words! We were only kidding!” I wanted it to be just another stupid game we made up, but it wasn’t.”

In working together to protect one of their own, the women realize how strong they are and how dependent they have become on their group as a whole. They vow to remain family, sisters in every way, and to keep each couple together no matter what. Through the actions of an outsider trying to mess with one of the sisters, the bond between the women is further strengthened in every possible way.

Sisters is a fabulous story about the relationships between each of the five couples as well as their bond as a group. Over time each couple has grown and changed, becoming stronger thanks to the relationships they have forged. There is a level of trust and love amongst the women that is evident through every story, most especially this one. I enjoy these characters so much, and know each time I pick up a new book that it will provide an adventure as well as a touching story about strong women. I enjoy following each of the couples but my personal favorites are Kate and Claudia as well as Laura and Holly. The love is so evident every time each couple is together and the friendship between the four of them is amazing to watch.

These adventures are always filled with a wealth of humor, one of the many reasons why I enjoy them so much. I had to be careful not to laugh out loud on the train when reading about the “Crappie Cabin” and the “Celestial Symbiotic Slumber Chamber” lest I get strange looks from the other passengers. I always giggle at the use of “f-er” and “b-word” amongst the friends, each of which is either a “littermate” or a “crybaby”. And amongst the humor there are important life lessons such as, “when a naked woman is flying overhead preparing to cannonball, do not, under any circumstances, look up.” Who can possibly argue with that?

I highly recommend this entire series for readers who enjoy adventure stories with wonderfully engaging characters. This story can be read on its own, but to fully enjoy and understand all the subtle references I encourage reading the stories in order. Scavengers, Ledge Walkers, Savages and Loose Sleuths are the first four books in the series and each is just as enjoyable as Sisters. What more can I possibly say about this series? Each addition is as good as the previous and is always an adventure. These characters have gone through so much and I hope Wraight continues the series for a while to come!

 

Lesbian Adventure Club Book 5

Filed under: Lesbian Adventure Club, Lesbian Mystery — October 20, 2008 @ 7:12 am

Okay, I admit it. I am behind the times, but for good reason. I am in the midst of another case. A few hints about it can be found here.

And… Sisters, Lesbian Adventure Club: Book 5 was released. You can get the ebook version here and the paperback version here. You can read an excerpt here. How simple is that?

Secrets and Sins, Book Review

Filed under: Book Review, Lesbian Mystery — September 8, 2008 @ 9:35 am

Here’s the review of Secrets and Sins from Rainbow Reviews. Four of five stars: I can live with that. Oh yeah!

Laura McCallister and her partner of ten years, Holly Crawford, have a wonderful vacation to Maine planned. Unfortunately, there is a dead body that puts a crimp in their plans. Tobias Faraday, a seventy-three year old man, is found dead in his living room by his housekeeper. All of the evidence points to Faraday’s sister, Alexandra Sinclair, but as Laura continues to investigate, it becomes clear that things are not as cut as dry as they first appeared. As Laura follows the clues that have been left for her, she struggles to maintain control over both the case and her own emotions which are stirred up by the recently deceased man.

Secrets and Sins is a captivating mystery filled with wonderful characters. Laura is excellent at her job as a detective, and is always determined to find justice for the victims. I am a huge fan of the Lesbian Adventure Club series in which these characters also appear and it is a treat to get a story from Laura’s viewpoint. Kate, another club member, plays a role as a secondary character in this story and it is fascinating and fun to see Laura and Kate interact in their “real lives”. They have a mutual respect for one another and a very close friendship.

The relationship between Laura and Holly is moving and emotional. These women are so very much in love, and that comes across in all of their interactions. After ten years, they know each other very well and they are able to provide support and comfort for each other whenever it is needed. They also provide some humorous moments, for example the lobsters Paul and Art who receive a tear-filled reprieve, but most of the story is driven by the investigation and the emotional path that Laura unexpectedly finds herself on.

My only criticism is related to the fact that throughout the story, Laura is always referred to as “McCallister”. This makes sense when she is in her role as a detective, deserving of the respect of those around her. But when she is at home with Holly, it seems a bit untrue. I felt that she should be “Laura” whenever she is with her partner, shedding her detective façade. However it doesn’t detract from the story in any way and overall this is an enjoyable story that is not to be missed!

This is the second mystery featuring Laura McCallister, the first being Woman Justice. Although I have not read the first story, I didn’t feel at a disadvantage at all. I will most definitely be getting a copy of the first story to read and am anxiously awaiting the next mystery for detective McCallister to solve!

 

Secrets and Sins, Book Reviews

Filed under: Hell If I Know — September 8, 2008 @ 9:00 am

Here’s the review of Secrets and Sins from Rainbow Reviews. Four of five stars: I can live with that. Oh yeah!

Laura McCallister and her partner of ten years, Holly Crawford, have a wonderful vacation to Maine planned. Unfortunately, there is a dead body that puts a crimp in their plans. Tobias Faraday, a seventy-three year old man, is found dead in his living room by his housekeeper. All of the evidence points to Faraday’s sister, Alexandra Sinclair, but as Laura continues to investigate, it becomes clear that things are not as cut as dry as they first appeared. As Laura follows the clues that have been left for her, she struggles to maintain control over both the case and her own emotions which are stirred up by the recently deceased man.

Secrets and Sins is a captivating mystery filled with wonderful characters. Laura is excellent at her job as a detective, and is always determined to find justice for the victims. I am a huge fan of the Lesbian Adventure Club series in which these characters also appear and it is a treat to get a story from Laura’s viewpoint. Kate, another club member, plays a role as a secondary character in this story and it is fascinating and fun to see Laura and Kate interact in their “real lives”. They have a mutual respect for one another and a very close friendship.

The relationship between Laura and Holly is moving and emotional. These women are so very much in love, and that comes across in all of their interactions. After ten years, they know each other very well and they are able to provide support and comfort for each other whenever it is needed. They also provide some humorous moments, for example the lobsters Paul and Art who receive a tear-filled reprieve, but most of the story is driven by the investigation and the emotional path that Laura unexpectedly finds herself on.

My only criticism is related to the fact that throughout the story, Laura is always referred to as “McCallister”. This makes sense when she is in her role as a detective, deserving of the respect of those around her. But when she is at home with Holly, it seems a bit untrue. I felt that she should be “Laura” whenever she is with her partner, shedding her detective façade. However it doesn’t detract from the story in any way and overall this is an enjoyable story that is not to be missed!

This is the second mystery featuring Laura McCallister, the first being Woman Justice. Although I have not read the first story, I didn’t feel at a disadvantage at all. I will most definitely be getting a copy of the first story to read and am anxiously awaiting the next mystery for detective McCallister to solve!

 

Another Review and an eBook Sale

Filed under: Lesbian Adventure Club, Lesbian Mystery — September 3, 2008 @ 7:08 pm

Savages, Lesbian Adventure Club: Book 3 got a 5-star review! We are now three for three! Click here to read the review.

And… The ebook versions of the Lesbian Adventure Club series and my mysteries (ahem), Woman Justice and Secrets and Sins, are all on sale (15% discount) at DP Bookstore.

New Release, New Review

Filed under: Lesbian Adventure Club — August 29, 2008 @ 2:37 pm

Loose Sleuths, Lesbian Adventure Club: Book 4 has been released.

Ebook is here in Adobe Reader, MS Reader, and Mobipocket.

Paperback is here.

There is also a five-star review of Book 2, Ledge Walkers, here.

Do not let these two news items forestall your reading of Secrets and Sins!

 

Secrets and Sins Released

Filed under: Lesbian Mystery — August 12, 2008 @ 9:43 am

Yes! The second Detective Laura McCallister (that would be yours truly) mystery was released this morning.

Secrets and Sins can be had in ebook or paperback.

Get reading, people!

 

Scavengers, Book 1 Review

Filed under: Hell If I Know — July 31, 2008 @ 7:39 am

Rainbow Reviews completed a review of Scavengers, Lesbian Adventure Club: Book 1. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

The story is filled with powerful emotions that are both captivating and moving. I can’t remember the last time a story had me both rolling on the floor laughing for minutes at a time and getting misty eyed. The story is overflowing with witty humor that keeps it moving quickly ~ until, of course, I reached passages that were so funny I had to read them over and over again. You know you are in for a treat when a story includes a “Famous Mad Cow Burger,” “The Great Dildo War,” and a “Wrap Around Lover Doll.” If that doesn’t entice you to buy this story, I don’t know what will! At the same time, the more serious moments are handled beautifully and the interactions between Kate and Claudia are heart-warming and tender.

I can’t possibly do this story justice in a single review, as there are so many wonderful moments that I could be quoting for pages on end. I cannot recommend this story more highly for all readers! Possibly the best news of all is that the second book, Ledge Walkers, has already been released and the third book, Savages, is in the works. I will definitely be keeping a close eye on this series and can’t wait to read the next story!

Lesbian Adventure Club Book 3

Filed under: Lesbian Adventure Club — July 23, 2008 @ 9:36 am

Well, it seems Kate has successfully humiliated us all once again. Book 3, Savages, came out this morning.

The ebook is here.

The paperback is $13.99 here.

What I like about this, though, is that Holly and I are up for the next club meeting. Oh, I have taken such delight in imagining all that could be done to them! Trust that it will not be swift and painless. It will be agonizingly slow.