“Primed for Revenge” – An Electrifying Whodunit of Justice and Redemption

Sydney Jones Series: Book 1/3 Primed for Revenge

Welcome to my book blog, where I will be discussing the gripping and electrifying novel “Primed for Revenge” by Carolyn Bowen. In this thrilling work of fiction, we follow the story of Sydney Jones, a successful lawyer whose life takes a devastating turn after a disagreement with her boss. From the very beginning, this book promises a tale of justice and redemption. Join me as I explore the intriguing plot, compelling characters, and dark themes depicted in this whodunit thriller.

Plot Overview: “Primed for Revenge” introduces us to Sydney Jones, a talented attorney on the path to becoming a partner in the prestigious law firm of Birdman & Birdman. However, her life is suddenly upended when a dispute with her boss leads to a chain of events that spirals out of control. Sydney is abducted, taken to an unknown location, and subjected to a brutal assault, leaving her with no memory of her identity. Determined to seek justice and fueled by the strength of her resolve, Sydney mentally visualizes her revenge against her captors.

Despite being warned to remain silent, Sydney is eventually released and finds herself in an unfamiliar home, unable to recognize her former dwelling. With the desire to regain her memories, she cautiously explores her options while piecing together the motives behind her kidnapping. Along the way, she encounters a mix of individuals, some trustworthy and others posing potential risks. The catch is that her amnesia hinders her ability to distinguish friend from foe.

As Sydney delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her abduction, she uncovers unsettling truths about Birdman & Birdman. Previously tapped for a crime, she becomes even more cautious, suspecting that something nefarious is happening within her own law firm. Prepared for a fight, Sydney embraces a chilling decision – to never be a victim again. With a vision of fury driving her, she embarks on a journey that will test her courage, resilience, and determination.

Conclusion: “Primed for Revenge” is an electrifying whodunit thriller that explores the themes of justice, redemption, and the strength of the human spirit. Through Sydney Jones’ harrowing journey, readers are immersed in a world of suspense, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of truth. This gripping novel will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets hidden within Birdman & Birdman. If you enjoy fast-paced legal thrillers with a strong focus on redemption and a compelling protagonist, “Primed for Revenge” is a must-read.

Make sure to grab a copy of Primed for Revenge and prepare yourself for a thrilling ride that will keep you guessing until the very end. Stay tuned for future blog posts where we’ll delve deeper into the plot twists, character development, and underlying themes of this captivating novel. Happy reading!

 

Sydney Jones Series

NEW Audiobook Giveaway: Primed for Revenge, Sydney Jones Series

Primed for Revenge

Get ready for your summer road trips now with a free audio book of Primed for Revenge, Book 1 in the Sydney Jones Series. The giveaway is open to US/UK mystery-thriller fans.

How to Enter the Giveaway

Message us your email address and we’ll send you a link to Audible with your free code. The publisher has graciously provided 25 codes for listeners from each country (US/UK). Reserve yours now during this introductory offering. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Carolyn Bowen

Primed for Revenge Audio Link

The Godfather: Next Generation

This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Godfather. And the scenes behind the story are as interesting as the novel and movie that followed.

The sixty-page novel by Mario Puzo became a hit with the movie: The Godfather. Who according to the Time Magazine, the author wrote as a way to get out of debt. (The Story of The Godfather. Time Special Edition Magazine, 2022).

Great casting with Marlon Brando as the Godfather, and directed by Frank Ford Coppola made his dreams come true. His screenplay was brought to the studio’s attention, and after research and revisions it was produced, and became a big screen hit.

The Godfather was a harbinger of the times, breaking through the post-war mentalities, and introducing a story the boomers could relate too. It was deep, dark, and relevant to a generation that wanted to speak for itself. The Godfather was the sign of the times, in more ways than being a mafia behind the scenes’ exploitation of made-men and their adversaries. It was fitting of the era.

As when the Godfather was written, it’s time for the changing of the guard, a new godfather, a tech-savvy, environmentally conscious, physically skilled, and pumped marksman, that today’s world can relate to.

Welcome to the next generation Godfather. Read “The Death of Me” today! (And, like Mario Puzo, I need to get out of debt. An Olympian task for certain.) Click the link below to read today!

The Death of Me by Carolyn M Bowen

The Death of Me: The Next Gen Godfather

Primed For Revenge – 5 Stars Review

Quote of the Day: But you have to allow a little for the desire to evangelize when you think you have good news. Larry Wall

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I love good news. And, early this morning I received some great news. My latest thriller, Primed for Revenge, the 1st in the Sydney Jones Series has received a 5 Star review from Readers’ Favorite.

An author loves readers/reviewers who understand the emotional peaks and valleys of the storyline from beginning to end. And, this reviewer, Ruffina Oserio does. Thank you!

Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn M Bowen is a spellbinding psychological thriller with a rock-solid female protagonist:  Sydney Jones works for Birdman & Birdman and at the time she is looking for bigger engagements in the firm, there is fallout with her boss. As if this wasn’t enough to rattle her nerves, she is abducted as she leaves the office. She is badly beaten and raped and sent home with warnings to never talk about the kidnapping. What is worse is that she has lost a great deal of her memory but she hasn’t forgotten her resolve for revenge. 

This is an interesting story about a character who is deeply hurt and damaged and who must navigate a very dangerous landscape to determine who kidnapped and hurt her and why. Her biggest challenge is identifying the right people to talk to. The reader follows her, feeling her pain and seeing her struggle with her options. Primed For Revenge is a sophisticated, deftly written thriller with a protagonist that instantly captured my attention. The pathos is strong as the reader watches her go through the rough experience. Her inner transformation and the quest for revenge are so real, reflecting the abuse she has experienced. The writing is wonderful and Carolyn M Bowen comes across as a perfect wordsmith. Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series is very engaging, emotionally rich, and fast-paced. The kind of book you read in one sitting. A highly recommended read – 5 Stars

Primed For Revenge, Sydney Jones SeriesHow To Order Your Copy!

Primed for Revenge is available online and at your favorite bookstores. Click here for more ordering options for an ebook or paperback. Thank you!

Amazon Kindle – Read Here

New Release News:

Sydney Jones Series Book 2 is in development and will be available online and in bookstores soon. I’m seeking advance mystery readers to provide feedback. Please let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll forward a PDF for your review.

 

Thanks for following my blog/newsletter. Hope to see you on social media (Twitter). Carolyn Bowen

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Hemingway’s Advice to Writers: Part 2

Quote of the Day: “For a true writer, each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.” Ernest Hemingway

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Part 2: Hemingway’s Advice to Writers

As promised, today’s topic is part two of Hemingway’s advice to authors provided to Samuelson, a journalist and aspiring author at the time. His book is titled, Arnold Samuelson, With Hemingway, A Year in Key West and Cuba.

Note: The book was published after the author’s death in 1981. You may have seen the movie, if not watch it. The book is available in hard copy from Amazon and at most libraries.

We’re looking at the novels Ernest Hemingway considered the “good stuff” in literature. Although, not handwritten as the list below, in conversation with Samuelson, he said, “the best book an American ever wrote,” the one that “marks the beginning of American literature” – “Mark Twain Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Hemingway’s “Good Stuff”

In looking over the book list, I’m reminded of another quote by Hemingway about studying authors considered the best after their death for that was the true sign of greatness for their work had endured. In doing so, Hemingway’s novels should be added to the list of good stuff for today’s reading.

In his own words…

“Here’s a list of books any writer should have read as a part of his education… If you haven’t read these, you just aren’t educated. They represent different types of writing. Some may bore you; others might inspire you and others are so beautifully written they’ll make you feel it’s hopeless for you to try to write.”

Note: You’ll find most of these at your public library.

  1. The Blue Hotel by Stephen Crane
  2. The Open Boat by Stephen Crane
  3. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
  4. Dubliners by James Joyce
  5. The Red and Black by Stendhal
  6. Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset
  7. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
  8. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  9. Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
  10. Hail and Farewell by George Moore
  11. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  12. The Oxford Book of English Verse
  13. The Enormous Room by E.E. Cummings
  14. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  15. Far Away and Long Ago by W.H. Hudson
  16. The American by Henry James

Following Hemingway’s method of studying the writing of great authors whose works have stood the test of time, what author and books would you add to the list?

Here are a few of my favorites. Comment below with your must-reads of classic novels.

  • The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway
  • The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • The Catcher and the Rye – J. D. Salinger
  • James Bond Spy Series – Ian Fleming
  • Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes
  • Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
  • Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
  • To the Lighthouse – Virginia Woolf
  • The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck 
  •  In Cold Blood – Truman Capote   

Note: If you missed Hemingway’s Advice to Writer’s Part One, read here.

Thanks for following my blog and sharing on social media. Your support is greatly appreciated!

For more information about my novels, click here. Thanks, Carolyn Bowen

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Book Review: An Innocent Client

Quote of the Day: “I write not because I want to but because I am destined to.” Jules Haigler

The Writing Life, Book Review: An Innocent Client
Photo Credit: Pixabay

The why behind the doing!   

First, let me define some of the terms I’ll be using as to not complicate the understanding of what I’m saying.

  • Who is a writer?

A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate their ideas. Wikipedia

  • What is the difference between a writer and author?

According to the dictionary, a writer is one who expresses ideas in writing or engaged in literary work. An author is a person who writes a novel, poem, essay etc., and the composer of a literary work. You become an author when your books are published, but if your writings are never published, you remain a writer.

  • What is the meaning of authorpreneur?

Authorpreneur is the business end of being an author. To me, it’s no different than being an entrepreneur for starting up any kind of business. Of course, the author added to the shortened entrepreneur pinpoints the exact kind of business the person is involved in.

Learning to be an authorpreneur is about positioning yourself (branding) for the best possible outcome for your writing efforts.

You may be thinking I don’t want to do this! I’d prefer to just write. You are not by yourself. Many writers turned authors who became entrepreneurs feel the same way. However, even the bestselling authors are required to participate in the marketing of their books. Many embrace this opportunity to better understand their readers and to help keep the buzz around their names.

Being a writer and authorpreneur, in the business of promoting and marketing to sell and profit from your writing, is a lifetime learning experience. To accomplish this feat as a writer you need to write, read, and study the craft of writing.

Then changing directions towards getting your book/s in the hands of readers is another challenge in of itself. The same lessons apply to learn publishing and marketing – study, read, write, and learn how to expand your brand to reach new readers.

To improve as an author, I’ve found that it’s a good idea to read books in your genre, continue your daily writing and set aside time to learn more about writing.

Today’s blog post is the result of my applying these steps to my writing life. My personal standard is to never read a book I don’t think I’ll enjoy!  Hope you enjoy my review of An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt!

An Innocent Client (Joe Dillard, #1)An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wherein Lies the Truth?

Joe Dillard was a criminal defense attorney who didn’t like his job. Never did. His plans after law school were to work in the District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor. The problem, the pay didn’t line up with the time and cost of the education required to practice law.

The only choice was to open a law firm. He did with a promise to himself that eventually he’d quit and become a prosecuting attorney. But, first, he had to provide for his family and see his children through school. The pay was good. Yet, knowing his clients were guilty and worse, maggots of the earth tormented him. He desperately wanted to be on the opposite side, not defending the scum of the earth.

The years passed by and he was looking forward to retirement. The income from his practice and his wife’s management of their assets was securing their future. And, when the time was right, he’d call it quits. But, for once he’d like to represent an innocent client before he retired.

He was counting down the days to his exit from practicing law when a new case was offered him. He quoted a fee much higher than normal for he’d not planned to stay for a lengthy trial.

Money wasn’t an issue and his desire to represent an innocent client came to mind. All he had to do was talk to the young, beautiful woman charged with first-degree murder and decide whether to take the case. Would he finally get a chance to represent an innocent client?

If you enjoy reading legal thrillers and mysteries, check this one out! It’s a well-written story that’ll keep your interest.

View all my reviews

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I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my favorite social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

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Your Key To Success: #1 Bestseller New Releases

Quote of the Day:  “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” ― Paulo Coelho

Author Carolyn Bowen, Cross-Steppinng Your Way To Succeess, #1 Bestseller, Amazon Hot List

Oh, happy day! My dreams are coming true by helping you discover yours and claiming your destiny. I am grateful for today’s happy news!

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” is currently an Amazon #1 Bestseller in Mental Health Law New Releases and #5 in Amazon Hot New Releases for Family & Health Law. I’ll be on the lookout for more great news! Thank you for making this possible. Let me help you realize your dreams, too!

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

Life’s tiny little instruction book for mastering success! Author and lifestyle coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time.  Download and Read ” “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.”

Download Here or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Latest Writing News

I’ve gone rogue and today my new book release is in a fascinating genre that’s built on my educational background and practical experience. Reviewers: Do you want to be on my launch team? If so, let me know and a Kindle version will be yours.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Hello April…

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. William Shakespeare

Hello April, Flowers, The Writing Life

Spring is showing up all around with buds popping out of the once desolate landscape. In the United States, it won’t be long before flowers are in full bloom and trees take on their spring foliage.

Spring sparks the intellect with youthful prose and the imagination soars to new heights. Enjoy the season and allow your creativity to blossom in your writing lives.

My Writing Life

I’m pleased to report that I’m making real progress on the first draft of my new mystery, crime fiction novel. Thank you for the “adda girl” encouragement and support of my writing.

5 Stars, Book Review, The Writing Life, Hello AprilLatest Book Review News

Woo Hoo! 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite – Read the review here! The Long Road Home by Carolyn Bowen

Crime Fiction/Mystery Book Reviewers

I’m looking for book reviewers who would like to read my new crime fiction and receive an advance copy prior to the release date. I’d love your feedback!

5 Fun April Facts & Trivia

  1. April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
  2. The diamond is April’s birthstone.
  3. This month has many month-long programs: National Poetry Writing Month, National Financial Literacy Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
  4. In the Roman calendar, April is spelled Aprilis, meaning – to open. The trees and plants begin to open to bloom and flower during this month.
  5. April’s Honorary Flowers are Daisies and Sweet Peas.

April Calendar of Events

  • Apr 10     National Library Workers’ Day
  • Apr 13     Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
  • Apr 26     Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
  • Apr 27     Arbor Day  ~ State holiday ~ Nebraska

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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