January 06, 2010

First Graphs: Killer Career by Morgan Mandel

Today we welcome romantic suspense author Morgan Mandel. The excerpt is a little longer than usual, but I think you won't be disappointed!

In her latest book, KILLER CAREER (Choice One Publishing), a lawyer’s career change could be a killer when her mentor, a NY Times bestselling author, does more than write about murders.

Julie McGuire wants to leave the law firm she and her partner, Dade Donovan built, so she can follow her dream to be a writer.

She’s flattered when well-known author, Tyler Jensen, shows an interest in her. Is she attracted to him or the world he represents? Dade's not taking her defection lightly, and Julie’s not happy about deserting him. Where will he fit in her life?




Excerpt from KILLER CAREER:

Julie McGuire gazed intently from her table in the filled-to-capacity dining room of the Wyndham Hotel. The Love To Murder Mystery Conference had saved the best for last. New York Times bestselling author, Tyler Jensen, now approached the podium.

His entire bearing commanded attention, from his shoulder length wavy chestnut hair pushed back behind his ears, to his sexy sideburns and piercing hazel eyes. She guessed him to be thirty-five, about five years older than she. Clever, rich, tall, and handsome, Tyler Jensen looked the embodiment of any woman’s fantasy.

“Many of you have killed,” Tyler said, pointing to his audience of two hundred plus.

Julie stared. What did he mean?

“Yes, you’ve slaughtered your creativity. You’ve squashed your dreams in favor of immediate gratification.”

My God, he knew. She ignored the tinkling sound, as a waitress placed a carafe of ice water on the table.

Julie stared, transfixed, at Jensen. His every word spoke to her. She’d taken the easy way out and become a lawyer instead of following her heart’s desire to be an author. The decision ate at her. After six years in the practice, she’d saved enough money to get by. She badly wanted to claim her dream and step forward into the world he described.

All too soon, he’d finished his speech. “Any questions?”

Julie shot up her hand. Jensen’s knowing hazel eyes fastened on her, as if assessing her straight blonde hair and tall, slight frame.

He nodded. “Yes, second table.”

On suddenly stiff legs, she rose. “What makes you write mysteries?”

“I have an urge to voyeuristically experience atrocities. I’ve no idea where the fascination comes from. Perhaps I was a criminal in a former life,” he said with a self-deprecating laugh.

Julie swallowed. His answer filled her with a vague uneasiness, but she didn’t know why.

** More information:

* 5-star review, Midwest Book Review

* Choice One Publishing

* Visit Morgan's blog

** BUY:

12 comments:

Morgan Mandel said...

Thanks so much for featuring my first graphs, Chris.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

Sassy Brit @ Alternative-Read.com said...

QUOTE: “I have an urge to voyeuristically experience atrocities. I’ve no idea where the fascination comes from. Perhaps I was a criminal in a former life,” he said with a self-deprecating laugh.

I love this line! This has got to be the alarm bell warninig.

Great post, Morgan! Thanks Chris.

Sassy
:)

Helen said...

Congratulations on the success of Killer Career, Morgan. I like the idea of "first graphs." It's a good way to find books you know will pull you into the story.

Helen
Straight From Hel

Anonymous said...

Great start! I like the way you show us how they both look without long ramblings descriptions. Good show!

Morgan Mandel said...

I did have fun with Jensen's character. I'm glad you enjoyed that quote, Sassy.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

CA Verstraete said...

Thanks for sharing, Morgan.
I like "you squashed your creativity." Yikes!

Terry Odell said...

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a winner.

Anonymous said...

Short, succinct and pulls you into story immediately. You know the set-up, thumbnail character descriptions and, with the last line, leaves you wondering just why she feels uneasy...the cliff hanger. Great job.

Patty

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Morgan, you certainly jump right in!

jenny milchman said...

I'm sure a lot of writers can relate to this character's situation right off the bat...I love it when writers write about writing.

Nice post, Morgan & Chris!

ghostposts said...

Best of luck!
susie

Morgan Mandel said...

Thanks, you guys for coming over and reading my First Graphs.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com