Book – *** – Stephanie Tromly’s story is weakest of the three books on my current YA mystery reading list, as almost all the relevant discoveries are made by the secondary character, Digby, who we meet on page one. The main character, Zoe Webster, isn’t named until page ten. Like…
Book – **** Beth Fantaskey’s YA story is set at school where an unpopular coach is murdered after Millie Ostermeyer, the protagonist, has already made a list of the people who would like to do him in, including her father. This book, in tone, style, and incidental romance is very…
Rick Marcks does a commission at our Floating Dock Comics booth in Artists Alley at Rose City Comicon in Portland. Missed Stan Lee, but saw a lot of old customers, family, friends, and fans. Thanks everyone for making it a great weekend!
Book – ***+ Lauren Oliver has proven that YA mysteries can make it to the New York Times bestseller list. Her story about sisters with great love but some tragic history between them has excellent descriptions and well-drawn characters. A missing child, Madeline Snow, provides the impetus for the older…
After the Willamette Writers Conference in early August, I came away with notes from two agents who wanted to know what other YA mysteries my YA novel, Wasted in Waldport, was like. I realized I was not reading YA mysteries, because I didn’t want mine to be derivative, even subconsciously.…
The Olympia Comic Fest in June was once again a great venue for creators to share their works with fans and enjoy the Danger Room’s events. Being a short drive from Portland was great, but made it hard to stay for the stage show and signings which had happened earlier…
Randy’s daughter, Sally, is as much of a sleuth as he is. How can he protect her as a parent when she takes the same risks he does? He is himself the counter example to every admonishment he delivers. How can you be the right example for children who aren’t…
