TITLE: An Ambush of Tigers
GENRE: Adult - Mystery
When Hamilton’s long-lost cousin asks him to help find her missing exotic cat, he thinks it’ll be a fun diversion in his lonely, humdrum life in small-town Texas. But when cat-napping escalates into murder, Hamilton must figure out how to solve a real mystery, one with life or death consequences.
My legs hang over the side of the couch and my arms droop like noodles in the warm living room. I am trying to convince myself it’s not in my financial best interest to turn the air conditioner down another few degrees when my phone rings. That’s right, rings. Not texting or emailing or carrier pigeon-ing. Telephoning. Like it’s 1952.
The screen shows a local area code but I don’t recognize the number. “Hamilton Clark,” I say. It’s been so long since I’ve answered a phone call that I’m not sure that’s right.
“Hamilton, hi, sorry to bother you. There’s this girl here, says she’s your cousin. Don’t know if that’s true or what, but she says she needs to see you right away. I didn’t want to give her your number without asking. You mind coming down here and seeing what this is all about?” It’s a woman’s voice, with more than a hint of Texas twang.
“Sorry, who’s this?” I ask.
“Oh jeez, guess I didn’t say that part, huh? It’s Sharleen. From the diner?”
Now it’s starting to makes sense. Of course Sharleen would call before passing along my number. She likes me, and not just because I’m a twenty-five percent tipper. She also flirts with me, even though she’s at least thirty years older and apparently has no gaydar. I don’t mind. Flirting is flirting, and it’s all good preparation for when the barrage of hot, young, gay men descend on August, Texas. Any minute now.
Miss Snark's First Victim
This is great. I know we're not supposed to cheer lead, but I honestly don't have anything critical to say. You have a good setup for potential conflict, voice, and characterization all on the first page. I'm hooked.
ReplyDeleteAgree with above, there is a wonderful voice emerging. Would love to know what Hamilton's "day job" is and why he is in his "Godforsaken" setting.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it, too. A big plus for me is the promised exotic cat. I love the dialogue. The part about the phone ringing adds some fun humor. The only thing I might change is some of the wording in the paragraph where Sharleen calls. I would write it this way: "Hamilton, hi. Sorry to bother you." It's a woman's voice with a hint of Texas twang. "There's this girl here. She says she's your cousin . . . "
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it, too. A big plus for me is the promised exotic cat. I love the dialogue. The part about the phone ringing adds some fun humor. The only thing I might change is some of the wording in the paragraph where Sharleen calls. I would write it this way: "Hamilton, hi. Sorry to bother you." It's a woman's voice with a hint of Texas twang. "There's this girl here. She says she's your cousin . . . "
ReplyDeleteI could see this in my mind as clearly as if I were watching it on TV; it reminds me of many a summer day in Iowa. I'm definitely hooked. :)
ReplyDelete