Degrees of Separation

Book 1 of the Falcon's Bend Series
Karen Wiesner and Chris Spindler

Important News update July 2008: Karen and I pulled the Series from our previous publisher and sold it to Swimming Kangaroo Books.

"Degrees of Separation" will be available again in paperback and electronic formats in 2009

Cover designed by Karen Wiesner

Who is killing the midnight ladies?
Teenagers talk of escape from a one-horse town like Falcon’s Bend because nothing ever seems to happen...until one fateful night when a dancer from the town’s scandalous strip joint is found strangled. It soon becomes clear to Investigators Pete Shasta and Danny Vincent that the close-knit “family” at the nightclub is a bizarre breeding-ground for unbalanced feelings and obsessions. Pete and Danny race to peel away layers of bitterness before another girl falls victim to the dance of death.

Reviews

Higest Rating! In a finely crafted mystery, we are jettisoned against the docks along with the tide of the story. Character development is very well done, but never gives away too much information about the actors too soon. Wiesner and Spindler are able to work together to create a tight, seamless plot that leaves us guessing until the very end. Degrees of Separation merits a bottle of Champagne plus a flute as a standing ovation to the authors. This reviewer waits impatiently to read the second in the Falcon’s Bend series. Cocktail Reviews

5 beacons! "DEGREES OF SEPARATION is a masterpiece with twists and turns and a suspenseful touch of erotic pleasure, and romance with just the right blending of intriguing characters to make this story excellent beyond words. It is so compelling that it sticks with you like glue even days later. Pete and Vincent dive into a whodunit with a good solid plot and so much fascination that not only will the story have the detectives guessing this incredible mystery; the readers will be equally amazed and surprised! A great colorful cast of characters that interweave to create a well-crafted brilliant story. Woohoo to Pete and Danny, a handsome duo that I hope have many more crime-solving capers under their belt. I loved the way the authors gave them a life as Pete had thoughts of what his wife would think with his long hours of duty. The two authors have thought of everything to keep the reader hypnotized. I absolutely love their style of writing. You could almost visualize Danny and Vincent as they asked questions and jotted down notes. Authors Karen and Chris have devised an exciting story that has a consistent smooth flow with the dialogue and scenes. They have penned a book that keeps you glued to your seat. It is sensual and full of great creativity and that is why I give this book a 5 rating. Their writing is impeccable and extraordinary and this book truly delivers and excels!! Keep writing because you both are truly talented beyond words." Linda for Lighthouse Reviews

DEGREES OF SEPARATION is an excellent title for this psychological thriller. What causes people to react the way they do? Delve into the twisted minds of the characters in DEGREES OF SEPARATION with Danny and Pete while they go about solving the newest murders in Falcon's Bend. The main characters of Danny and Pete, which are introduced in [FALCON'S BEND CASE FILES, Volume I], are likeable and the reader can't help but get caught up in their personal lives. All who enjoy a good thriller do not want to miss a novel penned by these two wonderful authors. Karen Wiesner and Chris Spindler are experts at weaving an exciting thriller." Dawn Myers for www.writersunlimited.com

"This initial series offering, set in fictional Falcon's Bend, Wisconsin, gets off to a great start in its exploration of obsession and manipulation. A newly opened "gentleman's club," populated by a dynamic group of young strippers and their charismatic protector, is rocked by the murder of one of the women. Local detectives and childhood friends Pete Shasta and Danny Vincent must tread carefully to find her killer.
The authors carefully weave together a tricky plot spiced with well-drawn characters and motives aplenty, as Pete and Danny creep through the seamy underbelly of the club and the girls' mysterious pasts. Although the solution centers around an often-used plot device, there's enough of a twist to make it fresh and to keep the reader guessing.
Pete is a particularly likeable hero, just flawed enough to seem human. The authors are deft with dialogue and good at drawing small-town dynamics, and the psychological suspense is well played. Though occasionally graphic, this looks like a series worth following." Donna Carter, Romantic Times BOOKclub

5 Stars! "Here is a "who dunnit" that will intrigue all mystery fans! It is loaded with twists and turns to keep you guessing until close to the end. Every time I thought that I had figured it out another juicy surprise would pop up. The novel focuses mainly on the case. The subplot, involving Danny, is pretty subtle but seems to round out the novel wonderfully. I can only hope that the authors allow me to visit the town of Falcon's Bend again in the near future." Detra Fitch for HUNTRESS REVIEWS

"Thus, the reader gets sucked into this mystery as surely and quickly as Dan and Pete do.  This first book delivers a fast paced, riveting storyline wrapped in a well-crafted mystery that's sure to please fans of the genre. It also sets the stage nicely by introducing Shasta and Vincent.  Though very different characters, they play well off each other and are both well realized within this engaging plot.  This is an extremely promising first book, and if the series can retain this level of quality, it will surely pick up a nice, devoted fan base." Blue Iris Journal