New releases to read from local writers
As always, southeastern Connecticut remains a simmering cauldron of creativity, with plenty of authors delivering books across the spectrums of fiction and non-fiction. Here’s a roundup of titles published in the past several months, and most of them are available at amazon.com.
“Time’s Oldest Daughter” by Susan W. Lyons (Susan W. Lyons, Aqueduct Press, $18, paper) — Lyons is former director of academic services at UConn-Avery Point. Her first novel is a beyond-Time and Creation story told by Lucifer’s daughter. Esteemed SF magazine Locus said, “This Divine Comedy can be genuinely comic (raucous and vulgar, with a great cast of caricatures) yet manages to slip both wise and touching moments into its sly insights about life, the universe, et cetera.”
“Notes from Old Lyme — Life on the Marsh and Other Essays” by Sydney M. Williams (Bauhan Publishing, $22.50 paper) — Reflections on a long, active life in an increasingly busy world through the prism of experiences in the Smith’s Neck section of Old Lyme, where he lived with his family for a quarter century.
“Moonlight Helmsman” by Richard Maule (self-published, $14.99 paper, $8.99 Kindle) — Historical novel by a retired Uncasville minister about real-life slave Smalls, who stole a Confederate flagship from Charlestown Harbor in the Civil War, piloted his family and friends to freedom, and later became a U.S. congressman from South Carolina in the Reconstructionist South.
“Unlikely Allies” by John J. O’Brien (Lulu Publishing Service, $27 hardcover, $15.99 paper, $9.99 Kindle) — The DEA and Israeli Intelligence forces intersect each other in this novel that fuses post-WW III hunts for Nazi war criminals with heroin trafficking from France and Latin America to the U.S. O’Brien is a former DEA agent who lives in southeastern Connecticut with his wife.
“House of Lost Worlds – Dinosaurs, Dynasties, and the Story of Life On Earth” by Richard Conniff (Yale University Press, $35 hardcover, $25 paper) — Old Lyme resident Conniff, a science writer, journalist and author, opens the door on the universe known as the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and its attendant wonders and global influence.
“A Yank at Cambridge — B.H. Howell: the Forgotten Champion” by Göran R. Buckhorn (Hear the Boat Sing Publications, $18.99 paper) — Biography of American-born Benjamin Hunting Howell, who in 1984 arrived at Cambridge University in England and became a legendary oarsman. Buckhorn is Publications Editor at Mystic Seaport.
“A Sea to Row By — Poems” by Philip Watson Kuepper (Hear the Boat Sing Publications, $13 paper) — As with “A Yank at Cambridge,” above, “A Sea to Row By” is a work inspired by the art/sport of rowing. Mystic resident Kuepper has published more than 100 rowing poems over the years, and this collection offers highlights.
“Connecticut Civilian Conversation Corps Camps: History, Memories & Legacy of the CCC” by Martin Podskoch (Podskoch Press, $29.94 hardcover, $24.95 paper) — Painstakingly researched and compiled record of the CCC; latest from ambitious author who has similarly detailed Adirondack civilian conservation camps, fire tower districts in the Adirondacks and Catskills, and more.
“Mystic” by J. Huguenin and M. Earl Smith (Arcadia Publishing Postcard History Series, $21.99) — Photographs and text capture coastal, fishing, maritime and cultural history of Mystic — up to its time as a major tourist destination.
“Rainbows After the Storm: An Empowering Approach to Overcoming the Trials of Life” by Diane Santos (CreateSpace, $14.99 paper) — An account by Norwich resident/inspirational speaker/author of the grief she experienced after the passing of her soul mate, as well as the positive lessons she’s learned in communications with the afterlife.
“The Case of the Flying Corpse” by James M. Walker (self-published,
$22 paper, $9.99 Kindle) — A murder mystery based around Gillette Castle in the early 20th century, starring Gillette — an actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes — and his producer/friend Charles Frohman. A murder on the castle grounds thrusts Gillette into the role of Holmesian sleuth with Frohman in the Dr. Watson role. Oh, and Walker is the pseudonym of Jim Bennett, the excellent chef at Noank's Seahorse Tavern.
“Reunion.” — by Richard Harteis (Poet's Choice, $25 paper) – Whimsical and bittersweet autobiographical thoughts and reflections based on the author's attendance at two different reunions during his 70th year.
“It’s My Money – A Guided Journal to Help You Improve Your Finances” by Patrina Dixon (P. Dixon Consulting, $14.95 paper, $7.95 Kindle) — Fiscal advice for those who perhaps need it most and maybe don't even think about it: Teenagers.
“Good Girls on Bad Drugs” by Mark Mathew Braunstein (Panacea Press, $22 paper) — Real-life accounts of female addicts in southeastern Connecticut based on actual interviews and prison journals.
“A Thief in Heaven” by Mark Howell (Amazon Digital Services, $2.99 Kindle) — Short novel by Quaker Hill author. After a Connecticut poet and his cat are killed in an auto accident and arrive at the Pearly Gates, they're sent back to earth to save the world from pollution.
“Losing Roxy” by LM Hendrick ($4.99 Kindle) — Novel based on actual events about World War II underwater demolition team diver who, amidst the horrors of battle, finds love in the South Pacific.
“Passenger — the Only Game in Town” (CreateSpace, $12.99 paper, $2.99 Kindle) and “Uncle Neddy’s Funeral” (LMPG, $15.99 paper, $3.99 Kindle), both by LM Pampuro — The two latest romantic-suspense novels from prolific Old Saybrook writer.
“Working World Mentor — A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Young Professionals” by Robert “Jaz” Jastremski (E-Man Press, $49.73 hardcover) — Advice and examples for students and young adults on successfully navigating the challenges of being successful, independent grown-ups. Jastremski is president of the Mystic Innovations Group, Inc.
“Groton-Mystic Emergency Services” by James L. Streeter and William J. Tischer (Arcadia Publishing, $21.99 paper) — Historical overview by retired City of Groton fire captain Tischer and former City of Groton Police Officer/mayor Streeter. All royalties will go to Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services.
“Legacy of a Rose” by Eileen Kirk (Know Robinson Publishing, $15.74, $2.99 Kindle) — Kirk is the pen name for Mystic resident/former Three Rivers professor Joyce Back, and “Legacy of a Rose” is a historical romance about 17-year-old British-born Hannah Winstead, an orphan who arrives in America and becomes a governess. Plagued by questions about her past and romantic difficulties, Hannah also unknowingly possesses knowledge that puts her in significant danger.
“Ghosts of Groton Bank” by Hali Keeler with Leslie Evans and David Rose (Haunted America, $19.99 paper) — All three authors are Groton natives and/or residents and have done a comprehensive job of compiling stories and legends that strongly suggest the town is spectre-centric. Proceeds from book sales go to renovating the historical Amos Pearl House on Thames Street.