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Litchfield reviews The Problem You Have by Robert Garner McBrearty for the Colorado Review

My latest review for the Colorado Review centers on Robert Garner McBrearty’s new collection of short stories, *The Problem You Have*. Here’s a glimpse of what I wrote:

“In this highly engaging collection of short stories, award-winning author Robert Garner McBrearty captivates readers with tales of inner struggle and pivotal moments in life. McBrearty, whose acclaimed narratives have appeared in the prestigious Pushcart Prize anthology and have been widely published in literary journals like the North American Review, StoryQuarterly, and the Missouri Review, has previously authored four story collections and a novella titled *The Western Lonesome Society*. His latest work features fifteen stories, some of which are previously unpublished, presenting a diverse array of characters who find themselves at significant crossroads in their lives.”

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Literary Titan Interview

Yesterday, Literary Titan published a new interview with me titled “Gritty Environments,” which delves into the background of my novel, Hessman’s Necklace. In this Q&A, I discuss the early versions of the story, including a pivotal graphic scene of violence that required significant rethinking. Additionally, I explore themes of homage and originality, as well as the influence of writers like Dashiell Hammett, John D. MacDonald, and F. Scott Fitzgerald in shaping dialogue, characters, and literary style.

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Indies Today Gives Hessman’s Necklace a 4-Star Review

In a glowing review featured today, Nicky Flowers at Indies Today praises *Hessman’s Necklace*, calling it “a snarky crime noir with a decadent streak.” Flowers notes that the story offers “punchy storytelling, fully embracing the grit, grime, and sleazy charm that defines the retro thriller genre,” ultimately declaring, “Classing up crime and giving noir a bold new gloss, *Hessman’s Necklace* is a thrilling ride with a polished 1950s flair.”

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Review of Hessman’s Necklace in Kirkus Reviews

“A feverish story that effectively turns neo-noir conventions on its head. Every detail seems relevant, and not a syllable seems wasted—a tough trick to pull off. It all results in an appealing tale that also upends stereotypical impressions of ’50s Americana,” praises Kirkus Reviews, a distinguished American book review magazine established in 1933.

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Review of Hessman’s Necklace in Literary Titan

In its 5-star review of the novel When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed, Literary Titan, a prominent U.S.-based literary publication, writes: “Litchfield knows how to throw you into a scene. The opening prologue, where a film shoot goes violently sideways, hits hard. Bullets flying, blood spraying, a screaming film exec belly-flopping for cover. It reads like some grainy ’90s action flick at 2 a.m. on cable. That’s the vibe throughout the novel: high tension, slapstick disaster, and sharp edges everywhere. Dominic, caught in the madness, isn’t exactly likable, but he is interesting. He’s the kind of mess you want to keep watching, even when he’s making every wrong choice.”

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Featured book cover image of Hessman's Necklace in The Yorkshire Post

Yorkshire Evening Post newspaper reviews Hessman’s Necklace

My third novel, Hessman’s Necklace, is scheduled for release on June 30. Today, the Yorkshire Evening Post, one of the oldest and most prestigious provincial papers in Great Britain, published an excellent review of the book. In her review, well-known book critic Pam Norfolk highlighted the fast-paced narrative and the richly drawn characters that inhabit the story. She writes, “Fast-moving and stylish, enriched by a cast of cool characters and clever plot twists, Hessman’s Necklace conjures up a vibrant 1950s landscape, brought to life with entertaining wise guys, gun-toting molls, chic fashions, and the sleekest cars.” Norfolk emphasizes how the book seamlessly blends gripping suspense with a nostalgic charm, making it a standout in contemporary crime thrillers. She adds, “Witty, gritty, and packed with old-fashioned charm, this is a crime thriller you won’t want to miss.”

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A Dive into “Death in a Lighthouse” and “Murder Money” by Edward S. Aarons

This month, Stark House Press has released a twofer containing *Death in a Lighthouse* and *Murder Money*, a pair of standalone works originally published in 1938 under the Edward Ronns name. The first title, Aarons’s earliest copyrighted work, is a fast-paced suspense novel later published as *The Cowl of Doom*. The second, *Murder Money*, also known as *$1,000,000 in Corpses*, is a twisted, blood-soaked drama populated by a diverse cast of characters.

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Unveiling Bruce Elliott: A Master of Mystery and Magic

Bruce Walter Gardner Lively Stacy Elliott (1914 – 1973) was an American writer from New York City who wrote mysteries and science fiction and worked as a television screenwriter. He was also a practicing stage magician who served as the editor of the Phoenix, a popular magazine about magic. He also wrote several books on the subject. A couple of these were bestsellers, including Magic as a Hobby, published in 1948, which contains a foreword by Orson Welles.

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Indies Today Reviews When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed

I am delighted to announce that my latest novel, *When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed*, has received a wonderful review from Nicky Flowers at Indies Today. For those who may not be familiar with Indies Today, it is an excellent platform that highlights independent authors and their works, offering insightful reviews and nurturing a vibrant literary community.

In her review, Nicky eloquently captures the essence of my story, stating, “Lifelike scenes unfold with such intensity and pulse-pounding momentum that the story feels like it is playing out on a giant movie screen before your eyes. Boasting a plot that is daring and unpredictable, *When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed* defies convention, takes bold risks, and entertains from pulpy start to finish.”

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Literary Titan Gold Book Award icon

When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed Honored With Literary Titan Gold Book Award

I am pleased to announce that my suspense thriller, **When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed**, has been awarded the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in the Fiction category. Literary Titan is known for its impartial evaluations, conducted by a team of professional editors, writers, and educators dedicated to reviewing a wide range of books and engaging with authors through insightful interviews. Receiving the Gold Book Award from such a reputable organization is a meaningful achievement for me.

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