As an author, I realize that book reviews are critically important, as feedback for the writer as well as other prospective readers.
Reading a book takes time, a precious commodity in this day and age. There are many authors with other books competing for the reader’s attention. A positive review lets other readers know someone else enjoyed and recommends your book. As long as a negative review contains constructive criticism, they also provide valuable feedback to the writer, so they know what didn’t work and where to improve.
My first novel, Coastal Empire, received positive reviews…just not very many of them so far. My friends tend to call to tell me personally that they enjoyed my novel, rather than publishing a review for posterity. The former is appreciated, but the latter would be beneficial to me and other readers. Therefore, I entered Coastal Empire into a contest run by Reader’s Favorite to gain exposure and get another published review of my book.
Here’s what reviewer Annie B. said in her five star review about my first novel:
“Coastal Empire”, written by John “Rocky” Leonard, has its setting in the beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Our story begins with a murder and a big bang. When Sarah Reid walked into private investigator Robert Mercer office, he admired her beauty. She hired him to investigate her husband, Barry, a real estate tycoon, suspecting him of cheating on her. Mercer thought “her husband must be an idiot.” Could Barry be an adulterous husband or was it a case of identity theft? The investigation turned dangerous as the murder victims began to build up. Mercer, his faithful German shepherd Ox and his friend, a former Marine, go head to head with a dangerous network of scammers. They are involved in real estate scams and jewelry larceny in this exciting gumshoe mystery.
Fans of mystery will be thrilled with John Leonard’s debut novel, “Coastal Empire”. His characters are well done especially the lead, Robert Mercer. Mercer has more than a bit of attitude; he is acerbic and a skeptic which makes him perfect for this new series. “Coastal Empire” is a solid detective novel reminding me of a more current Marlowe mystery. This tale has several threads that Leonard successfully weaves together in a most unlikely manner. Like most mystery fans I tried to outguess the author but I found it impossible to figure out the ending on this one. I found it heartwarming that Leonard modeled Robert Mercer upon his father. This is the first book in the ‘Robert Mercer series’. In my opinion this series will be well received. “Coastal Empire” has a lot going for it: great characterization, an exciting plot and fine language. Watch for the name John “Rocky” Leonard.
I will admit that I am probably biased, but I believe my new novel, Secondhand Sight, is better written. My thoughts are that I will continue to build a readership for Coastal Empire by writing more books. The Robert Mercer sequel Purgatory is next in line–it should be ready by next January.
While I enjoy writing and have trouble making time for other things, I cannot ignore the importance of book sales and promotions. My publisher needs me to generate some sales as incentive to keep producing the finished products for me.
I’ve started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for advance book reviews for Secondhand Sight, distribution of a press release, and a small budget for targeted advertising and other promotional expenses. Please visit my Kickstarter page through this link, watch the killer book trailer video integrated into the campaign materials, and support my coming book if you’re interested.
The campaign only lasts a few more weeks, and I’ve got a long way to go. Thank you for your consideration.
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