This was the moon very early this morning over south Salem. A werewolf moon perhaps? But my “howling” was strictly in celebration. The contract I signed with Next Chapter Publishing last July is finally in process. This week they sent me the book description they will use on the back cover and in online promotions once the book is released. They asked for my approval, and I gave it both thumbs up. Here it is:
When psychiatrist Carter Lane inherits his best friend’s cases after his suicide, he’s thrown into the fractured world of Arthur Frampton: a patient with dissociative identity disorder whose presence triggers memories of a long-buried massacre known as the Hoffman Horror.
When Lane’s wife is murdered, he discovers that her death mirrors the gruesome details of the decades-old crime. Lane is convinced one of Frampton’s “alters” is responsible, but the detectives on the case have a different theory: Lane himself had motive and opportunity to commit the crime.
Now a man on the run, Lane races against time to clear his name while navigating the maze of false identities and repressed trauma. As the pieces fall into place, will redemption cost him everything?
A relentless psychological thriller, William J. Cook’s PERSONA explores the power of identity–and how the past never truly stays buried.
Needless to say, I am very excited. I expect to hear from their editors soon. Wish me luck! And I wish you all a kind and peaceful weekend.
I have good news to report: I have signed a publishing contract with Next Chapter Publishing, an independent press, for my latest manuscript, Persona. Their Tokyo office will be publishing the ebook, paperback, and hardcover editions, and their London office will do the audiobook. In addition, they have agreed to re-release my last book, All the BodiesDo, so I have “unpublished” it from Amazon until they put it back in the editions noted above. Of course, I am absolutely thrilled about all this–thrilled as in OVER THE MOON!
It has been quite a trek, a dream of many years. Between those two books, I queried about 500 agents, but wasn’t able to convince anyone to take a chance with me. Next Chapter was willing to step forward, and I’ll put all the energy I can into making this a successful venture for them and for me. I have just finished sending them the full manuscripts, so I’m awaiting word from their editors about next steps. I’m guessing the whole process will take several months at least, if not longer, but it’s all new territory and I suppose anything can happen. I feel a little bit like those young Pinot Noir grapes in the picture above–I’m growing!
I have to thank all those who have supported me along the way, especially my wife Sharon and my daughter Julie. They were the ones who kept me trying in the face of rejection after rejection. Obviously, this is only the very beginning of a long procedure, but Julie tells me I have to celebrate every success along the way, and that sounds like good advice!
It’s been along time since I’ve posted anything on my page, so I thought I’d share some reviews of books I’ve read recently. This is a a bit of a smorgasbord, so hopefully you can find something that interests you.
Author McDonough treats us to a fascinating story of wealth, poverty, slavery, and redemption set in Jamaica in the early 1700s. Set in the “Golden Age of Piracy,” when Jamaica was a favorite port-of-call, the novel blends well-researched history with a compelling story of strong women who resist the roles that society thrusts upon them. McDonough provides us with an unflinching look at the slavery that made the plantations possible, while exploring the humanity of the people caught in its web. This is book club fiction at its best. Highly recommended.
How about post-apocalyptic fiction that isn’t just about building a new world but grieving the loss of the old one? Here’s my review of SurrogaCity Requiem by L. Wade Powers:
“Some things in the past cannot be recovered, and some things in the future will not be realized.”
Author Powers treats us to a thoughtful post-apocalyptic journey, as humankind tries to recover from a plague which has rendered most men on the planet sterile. This book is the sequel to SurrogaCity, the novel that introduced us to the International Progressive Gynocracy. Yes, women now rule the world, but with our predilection for violence, the future remains in doubt. After all, as Powers so aptly puts it, “Perfect societies require perfect humans,” and we will always fall far short of that.
This is high-concept speculative fiction that explores what might come after artificial intelligence. It is also a poignant meditation on grief as its characters face the enormity of their losses. Highly recommended.
Do you like being frightened so much that you have to go back and check all your doors and windows twice to make sure they’re locked before you go to bed? The Whisper Man by Alex North will do that to you:
This book is absolutely terrifying. The writing is superb, the editing is flawless, but I must append a caveat: due to its villain—a serial killer who preys upon young boys—this will be a hard pass for some readers. Let me be quick to add, however, that there is no graphic description of the murders. Nonetheless, author North gives us the stuff of nightmares, as though the raw emotion of Picasso’s “Guernica” could be translated into prose. The menace and suspense grow page by page until they are all but overwhelming. The exploration of dysfunctional family relationships and the malignant emotional seeds they plant is harrowing. This journey into darkness makes you feel as if you’ve been plunged underwater and must struggle up to the surface to catch a breath, to make it back to the light. Don’t expect to sleep once you’ve turned the final page.
To call this a “coming-of-age story” doesn’t do justice to this deeply introspective glimpse into life and love from the perspective of a young woman growing up in the Bronx. Music, painting, photography provide the tapestry upon which she inscribes her emotions, as she explores what it means to love another person, to comfort a friend who has suffered catastrophic loss, to experience joy in the mysteries of relationships all around her. The central device of the novel, giving each character first-person chapters, allows the reader to see the world through their eyes, as they come to terms with the dynamisms and conflicts that propel them forward. The story is elegantly simple, the prose, poetic. It’s a song of love and grief, and ultimately peace with all that life offers. Five enthusiastic stars.
Now I’m off to select a new book to read. I continue to try to get my latest manuscript accepted by an agent who’s willing to take a chance on it. Nothing yet. Forty or so rejections, but I’ve still got 130 more queries out there. Wish me luck!
Book Review by Amanda Hanson, The US Review of Books
“In the silence, Kate was staring into Jay’s eyes as if she might find answers there for the emotional storm that had engulfed her.”
Kate Temperance is an investigative journalist who is looking into the murder of Giancarlo Gemelli. Her dedication to the case has caused tension with her husband, Simon, and longtime friend Bonnie, who see her preoccupation as an obsession. Despite resistance, Kate meets with Sofia Gemelli, Giancarlo’s daughter, who refuses to cooperate with the investigation. Sofia believes that it would harm her father’s reputation and her business. After the confrontation, unsettling events start to occur in Kate’s life, such as her car being keyed and fake photos supposedly showing her cheating on her husband. Kate suspects that Sofia is behind these incidents to stop her investigation. Despite facing these challenges, Kate remains determined to uncover the truth.
In his novel, Cook boldly delves into the depths of human nature, uncovering the extreme measures powerful individuals are willing to take to safeguard their secrets. These influential figures shamelessly utilize a range of intimidating tactics to suppress opposition. Moreover, the author fearlessly sheds light on the harsh truth that no one, regardless of their standing, is exempt from the reach of the law. Each character possesses a distinct voice, intricately shaping their personalities, while the dialogue provides a compelling glimpse into their inner workings. Kate, for instance, emerges as an unyielding and relentless journalist, steadfast in her defiance against coercion and bullying. Her unwavering determination and spirit make her an inspiring and compelling figure in the story. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by this book, as it offers an abundance of unforeseen twists and turns, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
The Prairies Book Review has just published its review of my new book, All the Bodies Do. Here it is:
A page-turning thriller packed with magnificently complex characters, psychological intrigue, and murder…
In Cook’s gripping thriller, murder and deceit are seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday business. As the relentless drought continues to ravage Lake Mead, it reveals its hidden secrets: bodies long submerged in its depths. As the dark revelations come to light, journalist Kate Temperance sets out to uncover the truth behind the skeletal remains and their connections to notorious crime boss Giancarlo Gemelli, oblivious to the danger ahead. The third-person omniscient narrative voice grants readers access to the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of multiple characters.
Kate and Jay are portrayed with depth and complexity, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, desires, and moral dilemmas. Kate’s quest for truth and internal conflicts enrich her character, while Jay’s motivations and challenges add emotional weight. Bobby, with his mysterious disappearance and connections to key events, and Sofia, with her formidable presence and influence in the Las Vegas gaming scene, introduce layers of intrigue and conflict. The Las Vegas Strip, with its glitz, glamor, and bustling energy, provides a vivid backdrop for the story, highlighting the dichotomy between its flashy exterior and the hidden dangers lurking beneath. In stark contrast, the vineyards in Oregon, particularly Enchanted Hill Winery, offer a serene and picturesque setting with lush greenery and rolling hills. Though the pacing may falter at times, unexpected twists and revelations keep readers hooked. Ultimately, this novel delves into the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of identity, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Intricate, suspenseful, and deeply engrossing.
I have just received the first professional review for my upcoming book. This one is from Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer for Midwest Book Review and Editor of Donovan’s Literary Services. I’m very pleased! Here it is:
All the Bodies Do is a novel about ghosts, secrets, and murder that is based on true crime events: in 2022, drought exposed skeletons at Lake Mead.
Investigative journalist Kate Temperance here seeks to link these bodies to crime lord Giancarlo Gemelli, but the threat doesn’t stem directly from him alone. His ruthless daughter Sofia Gemelli is the real challenge, confronting Kate’s every effort to reveal the truth with her determination to keep these secrets buried in the lake.
This might include Kate herself, if she’s not careful.
William J. Cook evolves a cat-and-mouse game that embraces not just these two characters, but bigger-picture thinking revolving around a situation that dovetails with Kate’s confrontations in her own circle of supporters:
“It’s just that I feel terrible for abandoning you like that. That’s not what friends do.” “You did what you had to do to protect your family. I understand.”
Kate changes plans, changes locks, and changes the values in her life as her case reveals new threats from directions she never saw coming.
Readers might not expect the setting to move around as quickly as Kate does, but as she journeys between Las Vegas and Oregon to tackle threads of underlying influences and deceptions, the wine industry also becomes a spark point of contention as the murder probe becomes complicated.
Cook’s ability to weave these seemingly disparate threads of connection into a bigger-picture feel creates a vivid thriller that proves thoroughly engrossing not just for its perhaps-predictable confrontations between reporter and crime family, but for its satisfyingly less predictable revelations about life values and what it takes to absorb the truth about lies, spies, and threats.
Libraries seeking thrillers that sizzle with action and psychological twists will find both qualities make All the Bodies Do thoroughly engrossing—perhaps because its roots lie in real-world events.
At last, the pre-order of the Kindle version of All the Bodies Do is available! Just click on the image above to shop now. Kindle and paperback editions will be published on June 28th. Until then, you can pre-order the Kindle one at the reduced price of $2.99. After its release, the price will be $5.99.
This novel has certainly been a labor of love, from doing research in Las Vegas, to the extensive exploration of the ins and outs of wine-making at Willamette Valley Vineyards. (Okay, my research included substantial wine-tasting, but I had to take one for the team!)
I must give a big shout-out to Jette Rainwater, Winery Ambassador at WVV, who didn’t turn me in to the FBI (thank goodness!) and did provide substantial help with vineyard and wine-making details. Also, kudos to Roslyn McFarland for cover design and creation. And hugs and kisses to my darling daughter Julie, who insisted that I write this story in the first place.
No, All the Bodies Do is not the next great American novel, but I think it is a fine entertainment, and I hope you will, too.
Lake Mead is surrendering its dead. As its waters recede in the throes of a relentless drought, bodies once underwater are emerging on its shores. They appear, they’re discovered, they give up the ghosts they’ve been hiding for decades. Family secrets long buried—the affairs and adulteries, the lies and the scandals, even the murders—are one day revealed. No sins can remain covered forever. They all rise to the surface. All the bodies do.
Welcome to a thriller inspired by real-life events in the summer of 2022, when the skeletal remains of several bodies were discovered on the drought-ravaged shores of Lake Mead. Investigative journalist Kate Temperance is determined to prove they were victims of crime boss Giancarlo Gemelli—or die trying. Standing in her way is Sofia Gemelli, Giancarlo’s daughter, a woman as ruthless as she is beautiful. She will do anything, even kill, to prevent Temperance from uncovering her family’s dark secrets. The story will take you from the frenzy of the Las Vegas Strip to the tranquility of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where the secret to making world-class Pinot Noir is killing the competition.
This summer, join Kate in her unrelenting pursuit of the truth!
I don’t pray as much as I should. One brief prayer I manage as soon as I awaken each morning is: “Thank you.” I know the older one gets, the more precarious good health becomes, and I want to be aware of how good I feel this morning. Right now. Amen.
More good health: It’s such a pleasure to write while listening to my wife painting in her studio. Her work in oil and cold wax requires a lot of scraping and layering and scraping again. The sounds are comforting, as are the clicks of my keyboard. They’re sounds of creation, birthing new works in paint and in print.
So with a heart full of gratitude, I want to thank my readers—my truly “extended family”—for your ongoing support and encouragement. May you all have a blessed holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year.
Project update: I have sent out 208 queries to literary agencies in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. So far, I’ve received fifty rejections and two positive responses. An agent in London to whom I sent the first three chapters has requested the whole manuscript, and an agent in New York City to whom I sent the first ten pages has requested the next five chapters. Fingers crossed!
Finally, please accept this short story as a token of my appreciation. I know some of you have already read it. I wrote “Dangerous Christmas” fifteen years ago and included it in my 2017 collection of short stories entitled, Catch of the Day. I dusted it off this morning and was pleased to find that I still liked it. I hope you do, too.
I want to update friends and family to the status of my current project, the novel All the Bodies Do. Since the story begins in Las Vegas, my wife wisely suggested we take a trip there for research. It was a wonderful idea because it lent more authenticity to my descriptions of the city and the surrounding desert. The picture above is the so-called “bathtub ring” around Lake Mead, left as the lake receded to its lowest level ever because of the megadrought here in the West. It’s white because of the calcium carbonate in the waters of the Colorado River.
By spring of 2022, water levels had dropped 176 feet, exposing the skeletal remains of bodies on shorelines that had previously been underwater. The most famous is “Hemenway Harbor Doe,” a dead body found in a fifty-gallon drum near the Hemenway boat launch and marina. As if being found in a barrel wasn’t enough to get it labeled as a homicide, there was a bullet hole in its skull! Below is a picture of Boulder Basin, the area where it was found.
This photo was taken from the Lake Mead Overlook outside of Boulder City, a place where tour buses and visitors stop. It was fun to watch people pose for pictures in front of this background. Since no mention is made of “Hemenway Harbor Doe” on the information posted here, my guess is that most didn’t know they were posing in front of a crime scene!
Finally, I took the picture below from our hotel room. That’s the famous Sphere, which just opened last Friday with a concert by U2. The Ferris wheel is called the High Roller, and it had been the highest in the world until 2021, when it was surpassed by one in Dubai.
The protagonist of my book, the investigative journalist Kate Temperance, will discover the identities of the bodies in Lake Mead—or die trying. Her adversary, Sofia Gemelli, owns the (fictional) Florentine Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. Kate’s investigation will take her from the Vegas Strip and the Nevada desert to the lush vineyards of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. My hope is that the twists and turns of the story will keep readers guessing and keep them turning pages long past their bed time!
The manuscript has had a thorough editing by my beta readers, and now that I’ve added my notes from our Las Vegas trip, I’ve begun to query agents to see if I can get it traditionally published. If I can’t connect with an agent within the next 8-10 months, I’ll go ahead and publish it independently. I’ll keep you apprised of this writer’s journey!
William J. Cook 