Published Books – Fiction and Murder Mystery Genres
Following Huck
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is both a simple and profound story of a journey. The novel depicts Huck and Jim rafting the Mississippi River and Huck’s journey into self-understanding. “Following Huck” is the story of six college undergraduates in 1959, inspired by their college English Professor, to re-create Huckleberry Finn’s fictional rafting trip down the Mississippi River.
Back Cover Blurb
Would anyone go on a trip down the Mississippi River like Huckleberry Finn? Following Huck by S.R. Zalesny takes readers back to the summer of 1959 when six young friends floated on the Mississippi River for three weeks on their homemade raft. Their inspiration came from the book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn when their English professor challenged them to build a raft and go on a river escapade as Huckleberry Finn did on his fictional river rafting adventure. Since the river trip was a figment of Mark Twain’s imagination, it would be wonderful if they did it!
The story is adrenaline-charged. The book covers the challenges faced as they make the raft, hauling it on Route 66 to Hannibal, Missouri, and as they embark upon their quest down the Mississippi towards New Orleans. Water has many moods, and these young men realized the dangers that occurred once their journey began. The author shares their preparation for building the raft, plotting their course, and finally, the trip that will leave readers excited and filled with wonder. The memoir is an adventure of a lifetime when it came to rafting the Mississippi River and learning more about each other, the young women some fell in love with, and the people who live alongside the river. Let us venture along with them and see where the exciting journey took them.
This book is truly a must-read for all those who love adventure!
The Red and Purple Murder Mystery
The sisterhood of fabulous ladies, fifty years and older, are out to rock the New Orleans Hotel and Casino with fun and friendship. They compete to win the drawing for the Ruby Tiara. Mary Jane Watson, a former Detective with the Las Vegas Metro Police, was supposed to be a retirement celebration with her group, The Dames in Old Hats.
What could go wrong? How about a murder, in the dark, at High Tea with all the ladies? The clues are scarce. The multitude of suspects includes a retiree on a scooter to a gentle cross-dresser, the Hotel Manager, and even the head of Security.
Back Cover Blurb
Come join the International Convention for the Red and Purple Sisterhood of fabulous ladies, fifty years and older, that are out to rock the New Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with fun and friendship! For Mary Jane Watson, a former Police Detective, it is her first convention. Out to celebrate her retirement with the Dames in Old Hats she is ready for a wild three days. What could possibly go wrong? She is soon embroiled in a mysterious murder and the theft of a special gift from the Queen of England.
Jenny and the Hummingbird Faeries
Catalina Island, Hummingbirds, Faeries, a talking cat, a girl heroine. She's the leader of a group of boys who saves the island from a dark, evil man.
Back Cover Blurb
Jenny Mirland, an eleven-year-old ‘runt’ of a tomboy, is chosen by the Hummingbird Faeries to defend their ancient home hidden in the hills of Catalina Island. She must find the source of the deadly Black Globs that invade the Faeries magnificent crystal-encrusted ‘Chine’ while stopping the ravages of the Blood Blossom Trees from destroying her island's fragile ecology. One dark-magic man stands in her way, the sinister Dex Cobben.
In her amazing quest, she is aided by her shaggy pet cat, Ms. Po, who instructs her in the ways of magic. Jenny soon discovers her own identity as a White Witch. In this wondrous journey, Jenny, Ms. Po, the Faerie Pim, and Hummingbird Rhen, risk all to thwart Cobben’s evil plan. Victorious in one battle, Jenny must overcome her deepest fear to confront the last Black Glob. In a fierce fight, a tragic loss shocks Jenny - and a surprise secret is revealed.
The Red and Purple Cruise Murder
Back Cover Blurb
The fabulous ladies of the Red and Purple Sisterhood are on an amazing cruise across the Atlantic from New York to London. It is the last voyage of the glamourous HMS Blue Diamond. The celebration is Carnival time the whole way. Mary Jane Watson, a retired Las Vegas Police Detective, is traveling with her best friends. All the stops are pulled out for the retirement of the cruise ship and the ladies are being treated royally. What could go wrong? Yet again, Mary Jane is embroiled in a mysterious theft and cold-blooded murder. With the help of Scotland Yard Inspector, Basil Wade, they must find the killer before more passengers die.
