The Book: A Good Man

The Author: Vanessa Morgan

The Story: Loved Dexter and American Psycho? Then you’ll love A Good Man. Louis Caron is a good man – vegetarian, he feeds the homeless, takes care of animals and is concerned with the ecological future of the planet.

But his altruism has a sinister edge – he’s a vampire – and local detective Taglioni is becoming increasingly suspicious. Louis’ attempt to escape the police will take him on a journey into his own private hell where he is not only forced to confront his worst fears, but also to destroy the lives of those he cares about most.

Review: “I received an advance copy of Vanessa Morgan’s new screenplay A Good Man to review. The story is now in preproduction with a French production company and after reading the screenplay I’m anxious to see the movie.

“The screenplay opens with you meeting a help support group that turns out that they are all vampires. Let me just come right out and say these are not the vampires that sparkle. These vampires deal with a whole different side of the myth of their nature.

“The main character is Louis he has been a vampire since 1750 and his main problem is that he was fifty-five when he was transformed into a vampire and that is the age he will be forever.
“Louis is finding his life to be a very lonely way of life. Other than his need to feed upon the humans he still feels his need to bound with someone and he just is not finding it.

“The screenplay is very engrossing I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Some great characters that Vanessa brings to life and will make a great film. The ups and downs of really being a vampire and an inspector hot on your trail of blood.

“The screenplay has a nice blend of described violence and suggested violence. I give it a fun Five-Star rating. I look forward to this coming to life on film.

“Just remember Karma can really Bite.”

The Book: Blood Orchids

The Author: Toby Neal

The Story: Hawaii is palm trees, black sand and blue water—but for policewoman Lei Texeira, there’s a dark side to paradise.

Lei has overcome a scarred past to make a life for herself as a cop in the sleepy Big Island town of Hilo. On a routine patrol she finds two murdered teenagers—one of whom she’d recently busted. With its echoes of her own past, the murdered girl’s harsh life and tragic death affect Lei deeply. She becomes obsessed—even as the killer is drawn to Lei’s intensity, feeding off her vulnerabilities and toying with her sanity.

Despite her obsession with the case and fear that she’s being stalked, Lei finds herself falling in love for the first time. Steaming volcanoes, black sand beaches and shrouded fern forests are the backdrop to Lei’s quest for answers—and the stalker is closer than she can imagine, as threads of the past tangle in her future. Lei is determined to find the killer—but he knows where to find her first.

Review: “In this fast-paced mystery set in Hawaii, we follow police officer Lei Texeira as she and her partner stumble upon a grisly find – two murdered teenagers. Lei knew one of the girls and is determined to find her killer though her help is not wanted by the lead detective on the case, Stevens.

“As the multi-layered story unfolds, Lei’s past history becomes apparent, casing a psychological shadow, which colors everything she does from dealing with a disturbing stalker to the unwanted attention of a neighbor. More murder victims turn up, and Lei becomes the target of a serial killer.

“Blood Orchids is one of those books that once you start you won’t be able to put it down. Author Toby Neal, a native of Hawaii, adds plenty of island atmosphere to this fast moving tale of murder and suspense and a healthy sprinkling of romance.”

Review: “Lei Texeira has stumbled upon two bodies floating in the water in Hilo, Hawaii. Lei is a police officer trying to work her way up to detective and knowing one of the victims she feels compelled to help with the investigation. Michael Stevens a detective from California is leading the investigation and enlists Lei to help.

“The character of Lei is slowly revealed throughout the story and I felt such empathy for her and the horrific struggles she went thru as a child. She is a feisty, complicated and tortured woman who wrestles with her demons and does her job with determination.

“Detective Michael Stevens is a straightforward detective who has lived through some childhood trauma of his own. His relationship with Lei takes a personal turn and he becomes very protective of her.

“Toby Neal’s colorful descriptions of the lush landscape of Hawaii made me feel as if I was there. The attention to detail of the diverse vegetation and volcanoes painted a beautiful backdrop to this story. I appreciated that the characters used a Hawaiian dialect defined as pidgin which made for interesting dialogue

“The character of Lei was extremely multi-layered and complex and brought to life with compassion and fervor. The mystery is packed with tension, fast paced and held me enthralled while driving me forward.

“I definitely recommend this book to all readers, you will not be disappointed!”