Saturday, November 26, 2016

Thankful Author 2016- Joe Cosentino



I AM THANKFUL FOR…
 by JOE COSENTINO
author of RAG DOLL, the fifth Jana Lane mystery, published by The Wild Rose Press

           As they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” This year I am so thankful for the gift of humor and the people in my life who share it. I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by people who bring me joy and make me laugh constantly. For example, when I realized that my interests are different than the interests of others in my family, I asked my mother if I was adopted. Mom replied, “Believe me, you weren’t adopted. It was eighteen hours of the worst pain in my life.” When I was given a faculty endowed chair at my college, my father said, “You better bring that chair over here for me to fix it. What can college guys know about building a chair?” My spouse also cracks me up with lines like, “I couldn’t love you more if you were ice cream. Well, maybe I could if you were chocolate chip mint.” My colleagues at my college kid me that if any of them annoy me, I will kill him/her in my next mystery novel. My theatre students constantly make me laugh with their remarks. One student, after seeing me in a clip of an old television film said, “You were really cute back then. What happened?” Through times of personal sadness and sorrow this year, these people and their gift of humor have carried me through. I am so thankful for them.
I am also incredibly thankful for the muse/creativity/freedom of expression and the people in my life who have encouraged me to express them in my own unique way. I have always been an entertainer and storyteller. I remember starring in a Nativity play in my cousin’s garage with my sister and older cousin wrapping sheets around us and laying me in a box full of straw. That morphed into childhood one-man shows in my family’s living room, where I sang and danced with a hat and cane. Full scale musicals followed starring my sister and me, including lavish costumes in a neighbor’s garage. I am so thankful that my parents and teachers indulged me (rather than committed me-hah). Even more than that, they encouraged me to connect to my inner star and let it shine for the world to see. My professors in college did the same as I starred in college mainstage and classroom productions.
After college, I became an actor in film, television, and theatre, working opposite stars like Bruce Willis, Nathan Lane, Rosie O’Donnell, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Again, I am grateful for the encouragement I received from these stars to explore my creative gene. My manager further nudged me to give writing a try. After writing some plays, the audiences’ laughter, tears, and applause led me to writing novels.
I channeled my artistic spirit, using my background in show business, to write my first novel, Paper Doll, the first Jana Lane mystery romance novel, about an ex-child star making a comeback personally and professionally. Her frightening flashbacks become murder attempts in her future, uncovering a web of secrets about everyone she loves and unmasking a murderer. I am incredibly thankful, not only for that artistic spirit, but for the countless readers who loved that novel and begged for more Jana Lane mysteries.
After Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, and China Doll, where Jana solves murder mysteries on a movie set, while researching for a role in a film in Washington, DC, and on the Broadway stage; I am again immensely grateful for the wonderful readers who loved the romance, humor, plot twists and turns, and shocking endings and begged for another Jana Lane mystery. I am also thankful for the spirit of creativity that helped me write Rag Doll, the fifth Jana Lane mystery. Kudos also to Melanie at The Wild Rose Press and so many other The Wild Rose Press authors, like Angela Hayes, who encouraged me.
As a college professor/department head, I try to give back by helping my students find their special talents and believing in them. Even after graduation, I keep in touch with many of them and offer my advice and support.
            I hope each of you connects with your inner muse, and like me, I pray you have people around you who support and cheer on your unique talents.



Print ISBN 978-1-5092-
Digital ISBN 978-1-5092- 29
Released: November 16, 2016
Pages: 260
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

BLURB

Murder, romance, and scandal on and off the set of Jana Lane’s new murder mystery television show. America’s most famous ex-child star Jana Lane is starring in The Detective’s Wife, a murder mystery television show in 1985. Guest starring on the show is Christa Bianca, a rags-to-riches ingénue who has flooded the entertainment press. Life imitates television as cast members are murdered, and once again it’s up to Jana, along with sexy ex-detective Chris Bove, to save the day before the lights fade to black.

EXCERPT

Jana and Bove did the scene again with a thin piece of gauze over the camera lens aimed at Jana.
Ah, the plight of a middle-aged actress.
Jana felt even better about that take. Their relationship worked, and the energy bounced back and forth between them almost effortlessly. Again Jana wondered what it would be like sharing her days with Bove and kissing Bove in bed before sleep each night.
Herm’s call for action brought Jana back to the scene. Bove’s close-up was even better than the first two takes. It was as if they had been married for years with an easygoing yet emotional rapport.
“Cut!”
“Good job, partner.”
Bove smiled at Jana. “Right back at you.”
As she started to rise from the bed, Jana spotted Christa in the distance with a look of horror on her face.
The young woman screamed as a lighting screen headed straight for her. Stu Silverman, standing next to Christa, noticed and pushed Christa out of the way in
the nick of time. The screen crashed to the floor inches away from Christa’s feet. Standing on the other side of her, Andrew Bianca took his wife in his arms, and she
wept on his shoulder.
Bove whispered to Jana, “Here we go again.”


Buy Links

The Wild Rose Press

Ebook

Paperback

Amazon

All Romance E books
Barnes and Noble




Praise for CHINA DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery:

“Joe Cosentino never disappoints...his novels are superb. I find myself addicted to each story that he writes, and once he writes a new book the characters end up being added to my all-time favorite lists. There's plenty of action, intrigue, and murder to go around. A talented writer whose words constantly draw me in every time. I look forward to the next masterfully woven story in this series. Jana Lane is definitely a new female sleuth that should be on everyone's reading list. I highly recommend China Doll to readers worldwide.” Urban Book Reviews

Praise for SATIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery:
              
“A book that will captivate any reader! A page turner that won't let you go! This is one author you can always depend on to publish a good read!!” Stormy Nights Reviewing

“Joe Cosentino is a brilliant mastermind when creating the perfect mystery series. In each novel in this intriguing series of his, Jana Lane Mysteries, readers are blown away by his writing. The instant readers jump into Joe Cosentino's fictional world, the danger feels real, the suspense is killing, and the plot moves so fast. Action, lights, camera!”  “A fast-paced murder mystery that readers will easily fall in love with...and one they can't live without. Overall, I highly recommend this new title in the Jana Lane Mysteries and look forward to the next best adventure from Joe Cosentino.” Urban Book Reviews

Praise for PORCELAIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery:

Porcelain Doll is Joe Cosentino at his finest. We are drawn back to the fashions and attitudes of the 1980's in a character-driven story full of intrigue and passion." Kirsty Vizard, Divine Magazine

“Beautifully written and intensely detailed, Porcelain Doll is one not to be missed. Flirtatiously decadent with a strong moral undertone, set in a decade of extraordinary social change this is a story of its period that is as poignant today as it was then. Joe Cosentino controlled the emotions that the book encouraged with a deft but delicate touch. Suspenseful and mysterious, Porcelain Doll is a masterful creation, one that was impossible not to be affected by.” Carol Fenton, BooksLaidBare Reviews

“Murder, mystery, and suspense are high inside of this brilliant masterpiece by Joe Cosentino.” “Every page fills the readers with intrigue.” “Edge of your seat mystery that lures readers instantly.” “Once you read it, you can't put it down.” Urban Book Reviews

Porcelain Doll hooks from the start with characters behaving badly, all of whom have life-changing secrets.” “The story includes a nice arc, well-developed characters, and a few unexpected surprises.” InD’tale Magazine


Praises for PAPER DOLL, the first Jana Lane mystery:

Paper Doll is a superbly crafted mystery with an eclectic cast of characters that will engage you and elicit some very emotional responses as you are completely caught up in the events that unfold in these pages. Everyone has secrets and the people in Paper Doll have them in spades!” Fresh Fiction

“If you like novels that are filled with new and old Hollywood, and a range of sub-plots, you are going to love this!” Saguaro Moon Reviews

“I liked that there was enough evidence for each of the suspects to keep me guessing until the very end.” Molly Lolly Reviews

“Joe Cosentino knows how to keep his readers’ interest with every page.” Urban Book Reviews

"Mr. Cosentino has produced a masterpiece of mystery" "The story gripped me from the start and there were enough twists and turns, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure, to keep hold of me until the end of the book." "Great book, can’t wait for book 2." Readers’ Favorite



Bestselling author Joe Cosentino won Divine Magazine’s awards for best mystery novel, best humorous novel, and best contemporary novel of 2015. He is the author of the Jana Lane mysteries: Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China DollRag Doll (The Wild Rose Press); the Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Queen, Drama Muscle, and the upcoming Drama Cruise and Drama Luau (Lethe Press); the Cozzi Cove beach series: Cozzi Cove: Bouncing BackCozzi Cove: Moving Forward, and the upcoming Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out (NineStar Press); and the romance novellas: In My Heart anthology (An Infatuation & A Shooting Star), A Home for the Holidays, and The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press); and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). As an actor, he has appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently head of the department/professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

Social Media Links
Website: 
Facebook: 
Twitter: 
Goodreads: 

Amazon: 

4 comments:

  1. Laughter is one of life's very best gifts! Well, laughter and music. And chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. Enjoyed your post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post. Where would we be without the support of those who believe in us! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Laughter is what gets me through some of the tougher times of life. Absolutely loved your post, Joe! Wishing you continued success!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Laughter is what gets me through some of the tougher times of life. Absolutely loved your post, Joe! Wishing you continued success!

    ReplyDelete