Sunday, May 22, 2016

Arrivederci and Ciao to uber talented Claire Booth!

by Kristi Belcamino

Two years ago, before my first book came out, I was FLOORED that the amazingly talented Joelle Charbonneau asked me to take her Sunday spot at Do Some Damage. I was thrilled, honored, and a little intimidated to even attempt to fill her shoes.

Now that I've had the honor of posting each week on this stellar crime fiction site, I'm ready to pass the torch to somebody I admire and respect more than I can say. I think I've said what I have to say about crime fiction and would like to step aside before I start repeating myself more than I already have!

So please, please join me in welcoming one of the best people and one of the most talented writers I know - Claire Booth.

Booth is a true crime writer, ghostwriter, former career journalist and has her first AMAZING crime fiction book out from Minotaur this summer, THE BRANSON BEAUTY.

Claire was the first person I thought of to take over Sundays and I was thrilled when she agreed to do so.

On a personal note, Claire and I worked together at the Contra Costa Times. I'd cover a story as it came across my beat as the police reporter and then as the story made its way into the court system, Claire would take it over. As it so happens, Claire was the one assigned to cover a HUGE story at our paper. I was on vacation in Minnesota and was told when I got back "Uh, yeah, you missed the biggest story in 20 years at the paper."

Doh.

Not only did she cover the story, she KILLED it. And then went on to write the most amazing true crime book about it, The False Prophet. Now her fiction career is launched with a bang. She reminds me of Margaret Maron and in fact, Maron, gave her a lovely blurb for her first book, THE BRANSON BEAUTY.

Here are what some others have to say about her new book, out July 19.

“Former crime reporter Booth imbues her fast-moving narrative, which celebrates its Ozarks setting, with humor and humanity. A promising debut.”―Booklist

“Claire Booth hits the ground running in this debut novel set in the Missouri Ozarks. She writes with the assurance and clarity of a more seasoned pro. Let's hope Branson County Sheriff Hank Worth can get himself reelected so that we get to see more of him and his family―especially the crusty father-in-law who takes babysitting to a whole new level.”―Margaret Maron, New York Times bestselling author of Designated Daughters

“Quietly powerful, this novel pulls us into a snowy Ozark town where the new sheriff is learning to navigate small-town policing with a not entirely cooperative staff and a tiny budget, when a local girl is brutally murdered. Now he's facing the interference of local politicians and threats to his job while trying to settle into a new home with his two small children and ER doctor wife, while melding her recently widowed father into the household. With nuanced characters and an intricately unfolding plot―and a bone-deep sense of cold in this Ozark setting―this novel is reminiscent of William Kent Krueger or Giles Blunt. Claire Booth is a writer to watch.”―Sara J. Henry, national bestselling author of Learning to Swim

“A traditional mystery set in the Ozarks―a newcomer sheriff in a small town unearths ugly motives in a beautiful setting where greed, lust, and unintended consequences not only threaten the innocent but endanger all he loves. This contemporary take on a locked-room puzzle is chilling, compelling and completely entertaining, and Claire Booth is a wonderful new voice in crime fiction.”―Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of The Wrong Girl

I'm thrilled that someone of Claire's caliber is taking over my spot on Do Some Damage and hope that you give her a warm welcome. Her first post is next week.

Ciao bella!

#DOSOMEDAMAGEFOREVER

3 comments:

Scott D. Parker said...

Kristi,

It's been great having you hang out at DSD!

And welcome Claire!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Scott! It's been so fun seeing your publishing journey documented here. You are rocking it!
Claire is AWESOME.
xK

Holly West said...

Sorry to hear you're leaving, Kristi. Best wishes for the future!

Welcome, Claire!