While my search for a literary agent is still on hold while I continue to get my act together, I got a review for my book, Ghost in the Park, from my brother-in-law, that I just had to share.  The following is the first part of the review.  I won’t post the second, due to spoilers.  I plan to either get it published, or post it here eventually.

“Julianne! I absolutely LOVED your book! I read it entirely in one day, which tells you how engaged I was! I really did not have any idea what to expect. I was delighted that it was a mystery (was expecting sci-fi/fantasy), since that’s my favorite genre! I’m not just blowing sunshine; I think you’re an incredibly talented writer, and I think you have the makings of a great series on your hands. Here are some reasons why:

You’ve created a wonderful character that the reader really cares about, and he has an unusual talent that is gripping and easy to believe in. Also, you’re written a story that engages the reader right away AND KEEPS him engaged – the pacing is wonderful, and I particularly noted the great chapter endings. Makes you want to turn the page! The relationship with the best friend is believable and engaging. You give us insight into Bryce and Chase via their comfortable dialogue, which is great.

Some reasons this would make a great series: You’ve given him a new animal companion in the first book. Perfect! Also a neighbor with a will-they/won’t-they vibe that can be stretched out. You’ve set the series in a city that you know well; the touches of local color and description are wonderful. (I always love when I can tell that an author knows their city, or has done great research!) There are realistic touches that ground the book in the now: Netflix; Medium; etc. BTW, great irony with the use of Medium – a psychic with connections to law enforcement! This is nicely subtle, since it never gets self-referential. You also set up the precedent of telling two concurrent stories in each book – the “case” and the main character’s real life – and both are very compelling!”

Yay for me!  That’s the best Christmas present ever!  The job of a thriller writer is to keep folks turning the pages, and so far, everyone who has read it has done just that.

Smokey Mountain view. It’s cold here in Louisville today, and I keep thinking about summertime.