A little over a week ago (on my birthday) podcaster, author, and all around awesome guy Mr. PG Holyfield was nice enough to sit down, via Skype, and talk with Dean and I about his book Murder at Avedon Hill. Unfortunately, the gremlins were feeling frisky that night and the audio didn’t record correctly. Luckily, PG was nice enough to come back and talk with us some more last night. As always, we had a blast talking with the incomparable Mr. Holyfield, and I hope you enjoy listening to the result, and don’t mind the few finicky mic issues. (Technology was not my friend this week… see previous blog entries for hints as to why this might be.)

If you’ve listened to previous episodes of Trickster Moon Presents… you might recognize either the title Murder at Avedon Hill or the name PG Holyfield. In Episode 02, Promopalooza, we mentioned the podiobook version of Murder at Avedon Hill as one of the podcasts that inspired us to try out this crazy thing… and you may remember me getting a little flustered  while discussing my…er… appreciation of PG’s voice acting ability. PG is also one of the hosts of my favorite writing roundtable podcast, The Dead Robots’ Society.

PG’s first novel, Murder at Avedon Hill, is being published by Dragon Moon Press. The book will be available on Amazon, and this coming Saturday, May 15^th 2010, PG is having a book release party live on Stickam. He’s also planning a rush on Amazon, but more about that in a little bit.

Murder at Avedon Hill is a fantasy novel, in that it takes place in a world not our own, and with its dark under currents and comedic highlights, it’s got a bit of something for everyone. The story focuses on a crime – a murder, natch – in the small town of Avedon Hill. Arames Kragen, a monk travelling to a conference with his charge Arrin Pertie, must pass through the town on his journey. Upon their arrival at the Avedon Hill gates, the two discover the town closed to visitors. Arames offers his services to the Lord of Avedon Hill in the matter of the murder in order to gain passage through the town, but what begins as  a means to an end quickly becomes a mission to find justice. With a large cast of interesting, and perhaps guilty, characters you’ll be kept guessing who committed the titular deed until the shocking finale.

I personally loved the varied characters that inhabit Avedon Hill. Whether it’s strange little Jilly Hemming (why was she burning those dolls?) , the cantankerous Marrissa (what is she concocting in that shop of hers?),  or the staunch Head-Constable Louis (where was he really the night of the murder?),  I enjoyed them all. PG manages to make even the smallest tertiary character leap right out of the story and sit down and say hello. Damned if you don’t end the story a little sad to say good-bye to some new friends.  And he manages to expertly weave the mystery as well… teasing and taunting the reader until the very end. I am normally pretty good at guessing who the culprit is in a mystery, but I was no match for Mr. Holyfield.  There was a definite ‘Ahhh… you got me!’ moment when the guilty party/parties (no spoilers here!) is/are revealed. And once you see the grand design, you can go back and to the beginning and see where each little thread finds its place in the story. It makes for a very high re-read (or re-listen) value.

Basically, what I’m saying is if you’re a fan of any of the following:

murder mysteries

 fantasy

 horror

 creatures (like vampires and werewolves and Orcs)

 magic

comedy

procedurals

interesting characters

mystical prophecies

gods

journeys

good writing

than you’ll enjoy Murder at Avedon Hill.  Which means not only should you listen to this interview with PG, and come join in on the fun of the book launch party on Stickam, but plan on picking up your copy of the book from Amazon on Saturday too. And if you know of anyone else who’s into any of the aforementioned things, pick them up a copy too. You won’t regret it.

Sin-scarily,

Morgan Elektra

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