Linda L. Richards’ Blog: And Then Books Became More Beautiful…

Monday, December 05, 2011

And Then Books Became More Beautiful…

Happy fallout from the e-book revolution: some publishers are finding that, to be successful, they must make their books more beautiful, inside and out. That story is here.

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Praise for Mad Money

Order Mad Money from Amazon or on Smashwords.

“White-collar crime turns nasty when stockbroker Madeline Carter's best friend, Jack, is shot to death .... Unnerved by his murder, Madeline quits her job and moves to Los Angeles, where she rents an apartment on the Malibu property of a famous movie director. An insider's tip from Ernie, her former lover, causes Madeline to lose her money, something that shouldn't have happened. Unfortunately, she had passed the tip on to her mother, who also passed the tip on. Feeling responsible for several people's investments, Madeline goes to Langton Regional Group, the company in question, to find out for herself what's happening. She discovers that Ernie, their CEO, has been kidnapped, and the more Madeline investigates, the deeper into the whole mess she gets. On the upside, she finds unexpected love with Steve, a young Langton salesman. On the downside, someone uses her for target practice. Murder, mayhem, humor, romance, and great characters make this first book in the Madeline Carter series hard to put down.” -- Booklist

"Mad Money does what many have tried and few have managed -- to turn stock swindles and corporate crime into a fun, roller-coaster read. The key is Richards' strong, witty, and likeable heroine, recovering stock broker Madeline Carter." -- bestselling author, Alafair Burke

"...Mad Money is no lightweight airplane read; instead, we have the fiendishly complex tale of corporate swindles, surreal glimpses into the world of the stock-trader, ... For a debut novel -- bravo! If you need a fast-paced and fun read Mad Money is for you as it is a light in the noir and far, far from light-weight." -- Ali Karim, Crimespree Magazine

"Mad Money is a breezy debut by Linda L. Richards ... editor of the online literary journal JanuaryMagazine.com. Stockbroker Madeline Carter, recovering from witnessing a murder, reinvents herself as a day trader in Los Angeles. Her mistake is investing heavily in a company whose CEO is an old boyfriend. When he goes missing, the stock plummets and Madeline, trying to figure things out, lands in all sorts of trouble." -- Adam Woog, The Seattle Times

"Linda Richards has written a really good, well-paced first mystery with a protagonist who has a lot going for her .... she takes you on a journey that intrigues and makes sense. ... I like this woman and want to read about her again." -- Andi Shechter, I Love A Mystery

"Glitz and glamour of the Los Angeles movie and corporate elite alternate with the heady atmosphere of the flavor and jargon of high-stakes day trading. Detailed knowledge of Los Angeles and the stock market are evident." -- Jean Hanke, ReaderToReader.com

"Move over Stephanie Plum. Madeline Carter is going to give you a run for readership." -- Dawn Myers, Writers Unlimited

"As an investment in entertainment, Richards' book would definitely be a good buy. ... Madeline Carter stumbles just enough to make her human and shows enough smarts to make us want a return engagement so she can prove once again, as she says: 'Sleight of hand and weight of air and nothing is what it seems.'" -- M. Wayne Cunningham, Kamloops Daily News

"With all the stock scandals of recent times, [Mad Money] is a cautionary tale as well as a polished and highly entertaining novel. Ms. Richards has created a strong protagonist in Madeline Carter .... The fast pacing adds an air of true suspense and the dialog is nearly pitch perfect." -- Roberta Austin, Murder and Mayhem book club

"...Mad Money has none of the obvious flaws ... seen in some first novels. All the characters have distinctive personalities and the intricacies of the stock market are explained well enough for even non-left-brained readers. Richards also has a knack for tying it all together, reminding readers of seemingly innocuous events they may have otherwise overlooked." -- Mary Menke, the newsletter of the St. Louis Writers Guild, January 2005 edition

"A likeable heroine, a strong supporting cast, knowledgeable insight into the world of stocks without going overboard, and murder and mayhem in LA add up to a hugely enjoyable read." -- Sarah Weinman

"Richards provides an interesting story of suspense, lightened by a dry wit and sense of humor." -- DanaRae Pomeroy, Readers & Writers Ink Reviews

"Murder, mayhem, humor, romance, and great characters make this first book in the Madeline Carter series hard to put down." -- Shelley Mosley, Booklist

"Linda Richards' Mad Money doesn't disappoint. Fast paced, nuanced and enormously witty, this is a writer to watch and a book to read." -- MJ Rose author of The Halo Effect and Lip Service

"Readers will enjoy this madcap fiscal adventure starring a likeable cast especially the protagonist." -- Harriet Klausner, Midwest Book Review

"This novel is filled with enough corruption to keep the reader turning pages. Anyone who dabbles in the stock market will be enthralled with the development of this plot, as well as frightened. Interesting and smart, and easily worth the price of admission, this is a recommended read." -- Donna Padilla, New Mystery Reader

"This debut title suggests that Richards -- and Madeline Carter -- have a promising future." -- Catherine Witmer, Romantic Times Book Club Magazine

"Mad Money is the first novel in this new series featuring Madeline Carter, a smart and savvy heroine who isn't afraid to follow her own hunches, regardless of personal risk. There is never a dull moment in the crazy and unpredictable world of movie stars and money set amidst the glamour of Southern California. ... I highly recommend Mad Money as an absolute must buy for your keeper shelf, and award it RRT's Perfect 10. Kudos to Ms. Richards for an original and fast paced story. I can't wait for the next book! -- Diana Risso, Romance Reviews Today

Mad Money was one of five mystery/suspense books to make Romance Reviews Today's Perfect 10 2004 list.

"Richards has crafted a witty and fast-paced novel ... readers will look forward eagerly to the next installment." -- Romance Notes