Two blog posts in one day? I just had to--I just finished reading Jennifer Oko's "Head Case," just in time for another Sunday Book Review.  Read my review below and then enter to win your own ebook copy of "Head Case"!

Olivia Zack is a neuroscientist who has just been murdered after being kidnapped and brought to a Russian mobster.  The book is told from her ghostly point of view, dialing back and clock and recounting the events that led up to her death, as well as a few that happened after.  Olivia recalls events and conversations with her best friend, celebrity publicist, Polly Warner.  The two girls got mixed up in the sometimes glam, sometimes sordid world of dealing prescription drugs.  While dealing pills has its perks, it also has its price: which is how Olivia ends up with a bullet through her skull.  It's up to her spirit to sort through the mess that led up to her death and to send Polly and her boyfriend Mitya a few clues from the great beyond in order to not only solve her murder but to also save the day against the Russian mafia, drug-dealing grannies, corrupted cops, and some nasty unethical pharmaceutical execs.

I loved this book.  Being in my twenties, it was very easy to relate to--who doesn't know someone--in their circle of friends or otherwise--that has suffered with addiction or substance abuse? And who hasn't seen one of those pharmaceutical commercials for a pill that marketers will convince you that you need while downplaying the long list of potential health hazards and side effects attached? Yes, even with prescription substances rather than drugs. The story is one that, while the stakes are much higher, can still, at the core, hit close to home for a lot of readers.  

While there are a small handful of editorial errors/typos and the jumping around in the timeline can be a little confusing, overall this is a great book and a fun read.  I even found myself tearing up a little at times.  Oko has a great tale on her hands, told with a perfect blend of snark and heartfelt emotion about the bond between two friends separated by death.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is on the fence about reading it--and to anyone else, for that matter.

Now that you've gotten my take on "Head Case," why not read it yourself?  Enter below for a chance to win an ebook copy of "Head Case" by Jennifer Oko for Kindle! Good luck!

Anyone who has written a piece of work in their lifetime and then released it out into the world for all to see knows how scary it can be to receive those first pieces of feedback.  Especially writers of fiction--we basically reach inside the most personal, intimate, inner sanctum of our minds, turn our souls inside out, slap them into a word document and then send them off to be scrutinized and judged by people who most of which don't even know us from Adam or Eve.  It's the most singularly terrifying experience of many of our lives--and at the same time, the most exhilarating. It's that feeling that a songwriter gets when he or she sings their first work onstage for the first time--in fact, to borrow a verse from singer/songwriter Anna Nalick (hello, early 2000's!), "I feel like I'm naked in front of a crowd 'cause these words are my diary screaming out loud--and I know that you'll use them however you want to."

That said, I've spent the past couple of weeks gearing up for releasing my first novel out into the world by sending advanced copies to several reviewers and other authors.  This morning, while lying sick in bed (stupid sinuses!), I got something that made me feel better than any dosage of Dayquil or allergy pills ever could.  Kind words from strangers--about my book!
 
My first two reviews came in, and both were overwhelmingly positive!

The first came from blogger and book reviewer Privy Trifles, who "For a first time [writing a novel], the author has done a commendable job in creating suspense and intrigue...a page turner of all sorts..A recommended read for all suspense lovers who enjoy murder mysteries as this ensures you a perfect roller coaster ride leaving you with a high feeling!"
That definitely left me grinner from ear to ear :)

Next, I received a notification via Twitter about an author that I have read and admire, P.J. Morse, whose awesome "rock 'n' roll cozy" (the term she coined in a recent blog post, which happens to mention yours truly!) is the book I reviewed and am giving away in a blog post below this one. (You'll definitely want to win this one! It's a great book!) Anyway, P.J. had tweeted the link to her post from today--a glowing review of "Murder At Castle Rock"!  Highlights from what P.J. had to say (i.e. the parts of the review that made me jump up and down all giddy-like):
-"Stoddard isn’t afraid to write about the seedier aspects of rock ‘n’ roll and the backstage goings-on."
-"The book emphasizes rock ‘n’ roll, but not at the expense of the mystery, which is packed with surprises. There are so many layers, motives and hidden agendas that I had a good time untangling it all."

Needless to say, I am one happy girl right now. I don't care how cheesy it sounds--words really cannot express how grateful I am that not only did two people who do not know me take the time to read my work, but both went out of their way to let me know that they appreciated my hard work.  I've never felt so fulfilled in my life. If you're reading, ladies, thank you.  So, so very much.

Okay, I'll stop gushing now.  Thank you to everyone for indulging me for a few moments ;)  I'm rewarding you with a chance to win a copy of "Murder At Castle Rock" through Goodreads!  See blog post below or follow this link.  There are 3 autographed copies up for grabs, so good luck!  And good night!