In June 2009, Cathryn Grant first came to this blog after I left a comment on hers. I’m glad she did. We’ve been virtual friends since. Next month, I’ll interview Cathryn to coincide with her fantastic giveway. Exciting!
Today, I’m thrilled to tell you a little about Cathryn’s debut novel, The Demise of the Soccer Moms, and give you a chance to win a copy.
This is how Cathryn describes her novel:
A seemingly quiet suburban neighborhood is upended when a provocative single mother saunters onto the school playground for the first time. Her Doc Marten boots, tight T-shirts, and in-your-face attitude stir up buried fears and sexual anxiety.
In the dark corners of her home, a woman battles crippling memories that threaten to destroy the family she wants so desperately to protect. A suspicious death forces her best friend to make a hard choice between marriage and friendship.
Paranoia, jealousy, and maternal instinct collide, leading to the demise of the soccer moms.
Suburban Noir – where the mundane is menacing.
I had read Cathryn’s flash fiction at her Suburban Noir blog, but I knew nothing about her novel until she announced its release. I couldn’t wait to buy a copy, which I did on New Year’s Eve. I finished it less than 48 hours later. I would have finished sooner, but real life intervened. Here’s my review:
Cathryn Grant’s debut novel works on many levels. If you want suspense, it’s in there. For me, it built until I had to fight to keep from looking ahead for relief. Yet, the author’s story-telling skill made me slow down to savor the reading experience. If you want a look at the possible effects of trauma and emotional abuse of a child, you’ll find that too. If you’re looking for a glimpse into the dark side of suburban life, she serves that up well.
Amy, Rachel, and Charlotte, Grant’s three main characters, are fully-fleshed and memorable. Over, under, around, and through she employs her well-developed use of language to lift this work above the genre level.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
And I think you’ll enjoy it too, so I’m giving away one free copy of the Kindle ebook. If you don’t have a Kindle reader, you can download the free Kindle app for PC, MAC, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, or Windows Phone 7 .
To enter your name in the contest, all you have to do is leave a comment below or retweet this post. PLUS, if you do both, you’ll be entered twice! (If you RT, please mention or direct message me at @cassidylewis so I can enter your name.) The contest ends Thursday, 13 January at midnight PST. The winner will be chosen at random and announced here on Friday.
While you wait, visit Cathryn’s blog Suburban Noir where you can read sample chapters of The Demise of the Soccer Moms as well as some of her excellent flash fiction.
I have my own copy of Cathryn’s book and have read and reviewed it so I’m not entering your contest.
BUT I am recommending others do so and read the book. It’s a GREAT read!
Obviously, I agree with you, Natasha!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Linda Cassidy Lewis, Heather Simone. Heather Simone said: Another giveaway hosted by @cassidylewis on her blog http://bit.ly/hIqTYR –> She's giving away Demise of The Soccer Moms by @CathrynGrant [...]
Yay, Cathryn and Linda! Hope the contest goes really well! I will retweet this post now…
Amy
Thanks, Amy. Cathryn deserves the publicity.
Thank you, Linda.
I really don’t know what to write here that doesn’t sound either self-serving or lame or ???
So I’ll just leave it at this: Thank You.
You’re very welcome. It’s the least I could do in exchange for all the help you’re giving me on my venture. I do know how to bug by email, don’t I?
I tweeted and commented, but I probably don’t need to be entered in the drawing, jic you were wondering.
All right, but you’re passing up a chance at a fabulous book.
Sounds like a page turner. Great review, Linda.
Oh, it is, Tricia! Good luck.
I was looking at this book just the other day! It sounds like an interesting read.
It is. Good luck on winning a copy.
Exciting! Thanks, Linda. Congratulations, Cathryn!
You’re welcome and thank you for the link back. Good luck on the contest.
[...] This is how Cathryn describes her novel: A seemingly quiet suburban neighborhood is upended … Read More [...]
Mystery and suspense, either or both, are my favorite genres. Sounds like a fast read. Thank you for the link to Cathryn Grant’s blog, too. Blessings to you, Linda…
Truthfully, Carol, I didn’t want to put it down. Good luck on the contest.
That looks like an interesting read! Thank you for introducing it to us
And even if I do not win, I should be on the look for THE DEMISE in the library!
-BrownEyed
Right now, it’s only ebook. Good luck in the contest.
Sounds fun! I love that cover.
Provocative isn’t it, Michelle? Good luck in the contest.
Thanks, Michelle.
Read Natasha’s review from her snow day, then yours. Sounds like a winner and a must read. Congrats Cathryn!
Yes, yes, you must, Parrot Writes.
Good luck on the contest.
Happy New Year Linda! Thanks for sharing the information about new novelist Cathryn, the book (sounds like it is in group of what I like to read) and the contest. And I recently received a Kindle as a gift.
Lucky you! I hope your luck holds for he contest, Barbara.
Hi all,
Thanks for your interest in Demise (hmm, that doesn’t sound very good). Your interest in Brevity would sound better.
Clearly I can’t wish all of you luck, but I appreciate your comments.
Love the title and premise…would love to give it a read!
Good luck, Amanda.
Sounds like a good read – enter this soccer mom!
You’re in, Kathy. Twice. Good luck.
I love contests and this books sounds great!
I have you down for two entries too, Laura. Double luck.