12
Feb
2013
DAVENPORT (February 11, 2013 ) ? Author Joan Mauch will be signing copies of her debut novel, HALIFAX (Whiskey Creek Press, 2013) from 11-2:00 on Saturday, March 2 at The Book Rack's Davenport store 4764 Elmore Ave. (across from Best Buy) and on the following Saturday, March 9 at the store's Moline location, 3937 41 Ave.
In her novel, author Joan Mauch spins the chilling tale of a woman who kills a man in self-defense only to discover she enjoyed it and now fears she may be turning into a serial killer. In a review of the book, Michael Romkey, author of I, VAMPIRE and nine other novels writes:
In her novel, author Joan Mauch spins the chilling tale of a woman who kills a man in self-defense only to discover she enjoyed it and now fears she may be turning into a serial killer. In a review of the book, Michael Romkey, author of I, VAMPIRE and nine other novels writes:
"Eleanor Hurley is a woman leading a life of quiet desperation when a single moment of violence changes everything. Eleanor kills a homicidal man to save a group of children. This lethal act releases Eleanor from her former existence, yet her freedom comes with a price. Eleanor is not repulsed by her capacity for violence, but rather exhilarated by her unsuspected power to take a life. Frightened at the darkness within, Eleanor flees, but cannot run away from herself, or from the troubles that lie ahead in Halifax. Author Joan Mauch delves into the psychology of the average person and discovers that what lies beneath the surface is something complex, disturbing and altogether unexpected."
Reader Diane W.of Spokane, Wash., calls the plot amazingly topical. "Violence, bullying, murder, psychopaths/sociopaths are in the headlines and in HALIFAX as well." Referring to the main character, Eleanor Hurley, she writes: "She is a most interesting character. ...not worldly-wise at all, a sort of lamb. I recognize parts of myself in Ellie. I think most people will."
Michael McCarty, author of over 30 books including the recently released CONVERSATIONS WITH KRESKIN says HALIFAX is "a sojourn of discovery spanning two countries from sunny Florida to eastern Canada. Joan Mauch begins her novel-writing career with such an impressive piece of work. Highly, highly recommended."
Chicago playwright Richard James Zieman writes, "What is keeping me turning the page is the writing. It comforts my senses like a boat floating in perfect rhythm on genteel waves. I am on page 24 and still want to read more because for me, the story has struck a chord. I love psychological thrillers. I like her (Eleanor Hurley), have empathy for her and already find myself rooting for her."
A native of Illinois, Joan has lived in Washington state, Oregon and Chicago over the course of her life, variously working as a teacher, public aid caseworker, head of a nonprofit housing development corporation, real estate sales agent, public relations executive and vice president of marketing for a national association. Nine years ago Ms. Mauch, a native of the Quad-Cities, relocated from Chicago to Davenport where she divides her time between proofreading at a local newspaper and novel writing. Joan holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in urban studies.
HALIFAX may be purchased as an e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Whiskey Creek's website: whiskeycreekpress.com. Buy the paperback at The Book Rack or order it through Ms. Mauch's website at: www.joanmauch.com.
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