Weave a Murderous Web is a mystery novel by Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks. In this guest post, they talk about their lives and their books.
We both have a thing about New York City. Anne was born here and she never would have left except that her parents dragged her off to what was supposed to be a better life in Scarsdale when she was nine years old. She still refers to that time away as “The Exile.”
Ken was raised in the suburbs of Abington, outside of Philadelphia, but remembers clearly his first visit to New York with his parents, and his second with a school band in Junior High, and the third with his roommates from college, and… Well, you get the idea? The city made an impression.
Eventually, we got married and have lived in New York City since 1973 and raised three children, who have also vowed never to leave. We have walked these sometimes-messy streets from top to bottom, explored the various neighborhoods, parks, museums, and bridges, and we still feel we have things to learn.
So now, what do we write about? We write about people in situations that put them under stress and cause them to grow, but those people are usually residents of New York City. And the neighborhoods of the city are an integral part of every story. Concerning our mainstream novel, Kate and the Kid, one reader wrote:
It’s almost as though the city itself is another character in the book. The writer seems to know where all the best parks are, the best playgrounds, and exactly how to get there. New York neighborhoods come alive is this novel so if you live in New York City or want to live in New York City or have even just thought about New York City, you’ll enjoy the way Kate And The Kid makes it all seem familiar. Stanford Gal, Amazon Review, Feb. 8, 2015
The same is true of our other books. Weave a Murderous Web, the chronological first in the Jane Larson series, involves a hotshot Wall Street lawyer who helps a friend and gets involved in a seamy matrimonial case that leads to murder, attempts on her life, and general mayhem. The plot unfolds in and around the New York State Supreme Court building at 60 Centre Street, the posh law firms of Park Avenue, the seedy back alleys of TriBeCa, and the tenement buildings of the less developed sections of the Upper East Side. There is even an excursion out of the borough to Long Island City and elsewhere in Queens.
The result? One reader, who is also an author, said:
I love books where the setting comes alive. Where I feel like I’m in the place, with people who live there. This is true in this novel. These authors know the setting and make it real. Conda Douglas, Author.
So, if you want to take a visit to New York City without leaving your favorite reading chair, we have some suggestions. First, a cozy mystery (Weave a Murderous Web). Second, a mystery that will give you chills (Mind Me, Milady). Third, a thriller with lots of mayhem (Praise Her, Praise Diana). Fourth, a mainstream novel in which a young woman learns how to let love into her life when she takes care of a traumatized child (Kate and the Kid). And Fifth, a fantasy in which a talking pigeon leads a brother and sister on an adventure all around Central Park (Things Are Not What They Seem).
Well over 50 million people a year visit our city. We hope you will be one and will open up your minds and hearts to any one of our novels. We look forward to hearing from you!
Readers can connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
To learn more, go to http://randh71productions.com/blog/
“Weave a Murderous Web” is one of three books in the Jane Larson series, published by Melange Books, and is available from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Kobo Books (USA, Canada & Australia), iTunes (iBook or audiobook), The Book Depository (free worldwide delivery), new or used from Alibris as well as from an IndieBound store near you.
Synopsis:
No good deed goes unpunished. When Jane Larson—a hotshot litigator for a large firm in New York City—helps a friend, she is sucked into the unfamiliar world of divorce and child support. Jane’s discovery of the deadbeat dad’s hidden assets soon unravels a web of lies, drugs, and murder that keeps getting more dangerous. Soon, Jane is involved in a high stakes race to recover a missing suitcase of cash and catch the murderer before she becomes th
e next victim.
Praise:
“A sleuthing lawyer returns to the streets of New York in this mystery of drugs, murder, and financial skulduggery… the husband-wife team of Rothman-Hicks and Hicks has again produced a fast-paced, engaging story… overall, this is a satisfying read. An enjoyable romp involving a shady attorney and the mob that should make readers look forward to the next Jane Larson caper.” – Kirkus
“The action is breathtaking and the writing beautiful. Weave a Murderous Web: A Jane Larson Novel is a story that reminds me of the characters of John Grisham’s Gray Mountain… Jane Larson is the kind of character that will be loved by many readers… The plot is well thought out and masterfully executed, laced with numerous surprises to keep readers turning the pages. This is one of those books that should occupy an enviable place in your shelf if you are into fast-paced thrillers and compelling investigative stories.” – 5 Stars, Ruffina Oserio, Readers’ Favorite
“MURDEROUS WEB is a classic whodunit with classic New York City characters.” – Gimme That Book
“Weave a Murderous Web is an enthralling murder mystery. It gets your heart pounding with action and passion, while simultaneously entangling your mind with its ambiguity. The dynamic duo has done it again. The husband and wife writing team of Anne Rothman-Hicks and Ken Hicks pens another on-the-edge-of-your seat murder mystery. Engaging. Witty. Fast paced. I love the Hicks’ contemporary writing style. The narrative is full of delightful metaphorical statements. The setting takes you into the heart of New York City – it reflects just the right amount of ambiance… As the plot progresses, the intensity heightens, catapulting you into a surprising twist, then plummets you into a sudden, yet satisfying end.” – 5 Stars, Cheryl E. Rodriguez, Readers’ Favorite
“Weave a Murderous Web involves a hotshot Wall Street lawyer who is a sassy, cynical New Yorker through and through. To help out a friend, she gets involved in a seamy matrimonial case that quickly pulls her into a vortex of murder, drugs, and dangerous games of deception.” – The Big Thrill
“Weave a Murderous Web is a smart and entertaining mystery by Anne Rothman-Hicks and Ken Hicks that will leave lovers of the genre anxiously waiting for another installment starring the intrepid protagonist, Jane Larson… Weave a Murderous Web has plenty to keep the reader engaged as Jane digs in her heels, determined to get to the truth. Witty dialogue, supported by great writing and some understated humor, makes this book not only a must-read – but also a darned good one!” – 5 Stars, Marta Tandori, Readers’ Favorite
About the Authors:
Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks have been collaborating on books for forty-six years. Their first joint effort was a student project while Anne was at Bryn Mawr College and Ken attended Haverford. Since then, they have written over twenty books together. They are members of International Thriller Writers. They live and work in New York City, where many of their books are set.
Their Jane Larson series of mystery/thrillers involves a high-powered New York City attorney with a penchant for getting involved in situations that she would be better off leaving alone. These novels have been praised by reviewers for their gritty portrayals of city life, lively characters, fast action, surprise endings and highly polished prose. Jane is cynical and rebellious, but she finds herself drawn to the simple life her deceased mother lived as an attorney who served women unable to afford legal services. The first two books in the series are Weave A Murderous Web and Praise Her, Praise Diana, both published by Melange Books, LLC. A third novel, Mind Me, Milady, will be published in early 2017.
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