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This Blog comment was written by Brad Grochowski who owns and maintains the Authors Bookshop
where I sell my paperbacks now.
Sep. 24, 2010
"AuthorsBookshop gets Murdered"
Posted by: IndieBookMan:
I would like to welcome a new indie Publisher Partner to AuthorsBookshop – and the IndieBookMan realm.
Magic 1 Productions has published a series of mystery novels, each with a “murder” themed title.
Titles such as Magic Murders, Made-for-TV Murders and Talk Show Murders cover the more staid
who-done-it bases, while the likes of Vegas Showgirl Murders, Dominatrix Murders and Mistress
Murders seem to angle more along the lines of who-done-what-to-who.
Owner and author Bob Moats is a true (and prolific) indie publisher. He is demonstrating excellent
use of the author-owned publishing company model that I am so fond of. His books are great, peppy
and fun – and he is working hard to create his own market for them. He is even doing the printing
and binding himself (as I did with my book.) That’s indie dedication.
Bob wrote to me:
"When I first started writing I was looking at the options to get my books to the public. I have
no illusions that a publisher will ever pick me out of the crowd and already have a few rejections,
so I am going the “indie” way of publishing. If you have visited my website you’ll see how far
I have gone, even to printing and binding my own paperbacks."
And as for demand? Well, I have already started shipping out orders for the Murder series, even
though they have just gone live… so there is definitely a market for Magic 1 Production’s books.
Perhaps the rejection letters Mr. Moats received were a little short-sighted?
You can see list of all the books at AuthorsBookshop.com.
By Brad Grochowski
Brad is the IndieBookMan. He is the founder and owner of AuthorsBookshop.com, and his book is
"The Secret Weakness of Dragons".
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"I've had the pleasure of meeting Bob Moats, @MurderNovels, on Twitter.
He is the author of several "murder novels" with the first in the series being
"THE CLASSMATE MURDERS". He gave me the opportunity to read "THE CLASSMATE MURDERS"
which I found to be totally enjoyable. I must say the author weaves a wicked story
plus his humor is a hoot! I shall not go into the plot because I don't want to
ruin the read, but the novel will catch your interest within the first few pages.
I recommend reading "THE CLASSMATE MURDERS", but you might catch yourself looking
behind you all of the time."
Doug Hardin (@glimmerghost on Twitter)
Author of "HIDDEN AND IMMINENT DANGERS"
****
"Just started Bob Moats' "The Classmate Murders" WOW. That's all
I've got to say. The man can write :-)"
"Jan 9, 2010.... if you don't make best seller's list 1 day - well - there's something wrong w/that!"
Cristyn West (@CristynWest on Twitter)
Author of "PLAIN JANE" crime thriller endorsed by James Rollins
****
"Every now and again you stumble upon something wonderful on the internet. Bob Moats'
Classmate Murders is an excellent blend of Elmore Leonard and Philip Marlowe sensibilities,
with an unexpected hero well into his sixties, downsized from his job and forced into
an early retirement he can't afford. The character is easy to relate to, the story
itself a wonderful suspenseful ride with a cast of interesting characters, and damn
if it isn't some great detective writing. If you like your crime novels gritty,
with a touch of biker sensibility and a side of arthritis, you'll love Bob Moat's work."
M. Jones (@pinkbagels on Twitter)
Author of "314 CRESCENT MANOR"
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"I went online this morning and read your book. I thought at first that I would
only read a few pages, but got sucked into it and read all 11 chapters. You are a very good
writer! I read quite a bit and often pick up "Airport paperback mysteries" to read on a plane.
Most of them are dreadful, with obvious plots. Classmate Murders is a much better story than most."
Ray Zink, Rice, Minn.
****
"I got up to chapter ten of the Classmate Murders and decided then to buy the next
two books."... "Just finished your third book, the Dominatrix Murders. I thought it was the best
one of the three, didn't want to put it down till I finished it. I looked forward to see how Penny
would greet (Jim) every day after her show. Keep the books coming can't wait for the next one.
Finished reading Sin City Murders, it is the best of all the books!"
A. Norris, retired Naval Corpsman
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"Classmate Murders is well written and keeps the reader involved and wondering what
will happen next throughout the book. Showgirl Murders keeps the reader involved throughout the
story and keeps you guessing as to who the murderer is until very near the end."
G. Shurig, Kalamazoo
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"If you like mysteries and action then don't miss reading this book."
Jan Schneider, avid mystery/crime reader
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"I finished the book last night, and really enjoyed it. I can only read a book that
fast when it keeps my interest, so that should tell you a lot. I would recommend this book to others.
I look forward to reading the next installment of the book."
M. K., retired Chrysler Admin.
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"Thanks for making me immortal, love the stories, your friend, Buck."
The real "Buck" Carver.
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"I haven't finished the book yet, when I enjoy a book, I take my time, but I want
to buy the other two books. I compare your writing to a Mickey Spillane novel, and I like your style,
very narrative. I'm amazed you don't have a publisher yet."
Michael Rasah, Professor of History, avid mystery/crime reader.
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"Your books have been a joy to read. They keep me interested until the last page
is turned. Keep up the good Work!"
B. Scharmann, Rochester Hills, Michigan
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"Bob, I LOVED it. It reminds me a lot of Colombo, I can see Jim as a regular guy,
not a smooth talker, but able to outwit the bad guys. The characters were great and I love the way
you describe so many of them. Everyone has a Homecoming Queen that turned out not to be that great
in later years. Some of your other characters were fun to read about. The one in the beauty parlor
comes to mind too. I can't think of any corrective criticism. I will have my husband read it, he
reads all the time. I think he will love the book too."
Joyce Van Houzen-Stacy, B.A.,M.B.A.
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"Bob, I finished the book yesterday and I must admit, you impressed me. Wonderful
reading and I guess I felt like I was there and actually knew the characters! Kudos my friend, and
I will be reading the rest as I get time. I guess Fraser tawt usen's gooder englshes. LOL"
Ken Boggs, former 1967 classmate of "murdered cheerleaders."
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"Bob, my brother, Bill, sent all seven of your Jim Richard's novels for me to read.
I loved them. They were interesting and fast moving. You did good and I hope you write some more
of them. I gave the books to my daughter and now she says she is hooked! I enjoy your books and I
want to see more of them. It is hard to find books of this type. Concise and interesting. We need
more books like these. Getting published is a real war. I hope you have good luck with them. You
have a talent for writing novels the way I think they should be written. Regards,"
Fred Scharmann, Avon, OH
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"Moats does the job. Very beautifully written. A must read!"
Joanne Chase, book reviewer, cuttothechasereviews.webs.com, Reviewed January 9, 2010
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I love reading about people who murder people in stories. Thanks for the
rants! I'm glad I lucked onto your site. I started reading murder mystery in 5th
grade and now almost 5 decades later, I'm still an addict. A book isn't a book if
someone doesn't die. Face it.
Birgitte Necessary, http://www.necessarywriters.com Added: 01/23/10
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Murder novels aren't my usual fare but this sweet, suspenseful and often
humorous series draws you in and keeps you guessing to the end. I've read all eight (some
of them twice) and hope to see more coming soon. I recommend following Jim Richards
adventures but take care, murder seems to follow him!
Tia L Brink, http://myspace.com/tbrink Added: 02/28/10
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Comments From Twitter:
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"@DonovanCreed - Bob Moats is amazing! He writes, designs, prints, & hand-publishes his books! A true labor of love! I'm so proud to know him!"
"@DonovanCreed - We all talk a great game about writing, but when you see how hard a guy like Bob is working to make it happen...it's...Wow!"
"@DonovanCreed - Thanks Bob! You've immortalized me (sort of!) Also, I just finished Classmate Murders--well done! Rockin' good fun!"
John Locke, Author of Donovan Creed series, "Lethal People", "Lethal Experiment", "Saving Rachel" and just released "Now & Then".
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"@odellawilson - I over slept this morn Bob. After I started reading "Classmate Murders" I couldn't put it down, lol. I loved it! Keep writing!"
"@odellawilson LMAO, He thought he did die - at first - it made me giggle (Jim makes me giggle a lot, so does Deacon)"
"@odellawilson Hi Bob read couple chapters last night, lol Loving Vegas Showgirls! Ur books can't be said to be slow reading! Fast pace, exciting"
"@odellawilson Finished reading "Vegas Showgirl Murders" at 5am this morn, couldn't put it back down! (gigglin) Thanks (saw white light, huh)"
"@odellawilson Bob, U have unique style of writing thats awesome! Murder, mystery, romance & comedy (was hoping Trapper got slapped, lmao)
"@odellawilson FINALLY got chance 2 read "The Dominatrix Murders" by Bob Moats & I wasn't disappointed 4sure. Books keep getting better
"@odellawilson Bob, if you don't make best seller's list 1 day - well - there's something wrong w/that! Always look 4ward 2 your writings.
"@odellawilson Never disappointed, I read "Mistress Murders" by Bob Moats, again found myself about 2 pee pants lmao while on edge of seat.
ODella Wilson, Writer, Blogger.
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"@careaware - I gave up on Wolf Hall and am reading your book. It's funny, charming,
and LOVE the characters in my own age group! I'm enjoying it a lot.
Francine Jewett
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"@bjrychener to @MurderNovels don't worry - i won't tell!!! but it was an excellent story!!!
i couldn't put it down until i finished it last night!!! I am hooked on Jim and Penny... :)
"Boni J Rychener via Bob Moats: great murder/mystery novelist! check him out!! Classmate Murders was
one of the best crime novels I have read... I am hooked!!!"
"Boni J Rychener - got the book (Dominatrix) in the mail yesterday Bob and I am already almost done...
just can't seem to put your books down once I start reading!!! ;)"
B.J. Rychener
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"@glimmerghost to @MurderNovels - Bob, started on your book. Interesting approach! I really like it!"
"@glimmerghost Bob, at page 129 of your CLASSMATE MURDERS. Very entertaining! I really, really like it! Hope to finish it soon. Doug"
@glimmerghost to @MurderNovels You're a slippery devil. Almost finished with CLASSMATE MURDERS. You weave a wicked tale. Recommend it!
Doug Hardin, Deputy Sheriff, RN and Author of "HIDDEN AND IMMINENT DANGERS" a pandemic thriller.
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"@Lcollier10: Hiya Bob, i have a numb bum right now but can't drag myself away from pc ! Lovin the Classmate Murders and all the characters !"
"@Lcollier10: I'm up to chapter 11, page 136 and completely lost in the story. It's great stuff, thanks for sending it to me :o))) (big smile !)"
L. Collier, mother of 3, loves reading, from London, England.
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@Soylady - Just finished Classmate Murders! I thought it was great! Love the characters! Off to buy the next one : )
Janine AKA Soylady, business owner, Things that Make Scents, New Jersey
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"VariantVal to @MurderNovels - I was so surprised when I found out who the killer was.. I didn't see it coming at all!!"
"VariantVal to @MurderNovels I loved Mystery Cruise Murders Bob!!! Well written and couldn't wait to find out what happens next!!!"
Val Brooks, beauty consultant and Blogger/, Florida
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"@LindaKennero to @VariantVal oh damn now i need to finish the book i dont have time to tweet or work..."
"@LindaKennero to @VariantVal okey give me 30 min... if i'm not done in 30min with the book u can kill me. "
Linda Kennero, health care, Sweden.
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