I’m called Hollis Morgan, I used the word “called” because due to life circumstances I ditched my first name, moved my middle name up front, and retook my maiden name after dropping my married one.
I am not your usual protagonist. I was born and raised in California (that’s not the unusual part). The middle child with an older sister and a younger brother (that’s not the unusual part either), like some families, mine is more dysfunctional than most. I’ve been told I’m an attractive woman with thick auburn hair and brown eyes, although at five foot three, I refuse to wear stilettos to compensate. When you catch up to my story I’m just finishing my fifth year off of parole (now, that’s the unusual part).
Yep, I’m an ex-con. I spent 18 months of a three year sentence in a California prison for insurance fraud. I was studying in law school when my then husband set me up to take the fall for his criminal activities. His logic was that as a first time offender, I would never do time—tell it to the judge that sentenced me.
I was doubly dumped upon when my family, a conservative self-conscious bunch, literally turned their back on me when I left the courtroom to start my sentence. That wasn’t a real surprise, I knew they would never forgive me for embarrassing them, I knew they believed I was innocent but bringing them notoriety was unforgivable. My family resembled strangers who were stuck on the same piece of real estate. We never went on vacations because that would require a certain amount of closeness. Emotions were frowned upon and conversation discouraged. Not bringing attention to oneself was mandatory.
From the frying pan, into the fire is how I would describe my marriage. I married my college sweetheart. The first year of our marriage was heaven, the second year was like purgatory and the third year was hell. I divorced him from prison and I swore to myself that when I got out I would get my life back. And I stuck to my word, once on parole, I buried my trust muscles deep in my heart and set out to get a judicial pardon, finish law school, take the bar and get my life back on track. I found work as a paralegal, which for the time being, was as close to the law as I could get.
In the meantime my parole officer, Jeffrey Wallace, introduced me to the Fallen Angels Book Club. The Fallen Angels were former white-collar crime parolees of Jeffrey’s who were trying to re-integrate themselves back into society. Most had changed their names, all had maintained the paranoia and lack of trust that comes from having your life turned upside down, and all of us loved books.
I admit I’m more paranoid than the others. I have a special talent, I can spot a liar within seconds and as a result I’m an excellent prevaricator. I enjoy the book club because I can be myself and talk about my favorite pastime, reading a good book. But my resolve was broken when one of the Club members was murdered like an antagonist in one of our monthly selections. It doesn’t take the police long to identify our Club as their viable pool of ex-con suspects. The police are even more convinced when a second member is murdered, similar to another book club selection. Why would a member do such a stupid, obvious crime?
I feel as if I’m starting to drown, in addition to being a suspect and losing my freedom, it appears my eagerness to solve the killings may have put me in line as the next murder victim.
You can read more about Hollis in The Return of the Fallen Angels Book Club, the third book in the “Hollis Morgan” mystery series, published by Camel Press. The first two books in the series are The Fallen Angels Book Club and Sticks & Stones.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on May 8 for the chance to win a copy of The Return of the Fallen Angels Book Club. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.
Meet the author
R. Franklin James grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley where she cultivated a different type of writing—legislation and public policy. After a career of political advocacy she focused on her first love, writing, and in 2013 her debut novel, The Fallen Angels Book Club, was published by Camel Press, Seattle, WA. James is married with two sons and resides in northern California. Visit her website for more information.
Sounds very good. I’m going to get the first two books in this series to catch up with the characters.
Interesting premise. I am eager to read this book.
Wow, this is quite the protagonist. Count me in.
Looks like an unusual series.
Sounds really interesting, I’ll be looking for other books in this series
A new-to-me author/series…
Thanx for the introduction & the giveaway….
Never heard of this series, but sounds interesting – and quite unusual. Glad you brought it to my attention.
Looks interesting, never heard of this series, thanks for the chance 🙂
Ooooooooo! I am so ready for this one. I hope I win it!
This is a new series to me and is obviously quite different from other series I read. In fact, I don’t remember ever reading about an ex-con. I am looking forward to reading this series from the beginning! I appreciate the chance to win a copy. 🙂 Thanks Franklin and Dru!
Oh wow! What a cast of characters this must be!
A different take on a heroine. Sounds interesting.
Sounds like an intriguing story. And we probably all think our families are more dysfunctional than others.
I love unique mysteries, can’t wait to read the book! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Sounds like an interesting read. A little different from my normal, which is a good thing.
This does sound like a good one. I certainly hope she gets her pardon and nails her ex!
An intriguing series. Thanks.
Sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. I’m off to buy Book 1 as I can’t bring myself to read series books out of order!! LOL!! Thanks, Dru, for introducing me to a new author.
Love the premise for this book. It’s definitely now on my TBR pile. Thanks for the opportunity.
Interesting, would like to read
Sounds like your ex-husband was even worse than mine. I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Wow! This sounds like a terrific book! I love the blurb and I think Hollis is a wonderful heroine! Thank you for a great post and contest!
Sounds like my type of book,
This really peaked my interest! Would love to finish reading. Hoping to win. Thanks for the opportunity !
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Thanks for the chance to read this book!
Does this mean that I should drop out of our local library book club before that starts happening here? Just asking.
Aw
Sound like a good story that I would like to read. Thanks for the opportunity!
thanks for hosting the giveaway hope I win
This sounds exciting and unique – hope it will be a great seller! And thank you for the opportunity to win it.
Interesting story line
Oh my, sounds like a good read, gl2all, but hope I win, lol
Oh my goodness. Sounds so exciting! Thanks for the chance!
What a terrific premise for a series. I love the club title, Fallen Angels. I love the chance to win this book. I’m really wanting to know what happens next.
Sounds like a great series. Love the title. 😀
It sounds terrific! I’d love to win a copy of this one. 🙂
Can’t wait to read this one.
Oh my, this sounds SO interesting! Definitely a series to check out! Thanks for the introduction!
Can’t wait to read this one. I’m always looking for new authors.
love the cover and new author for me, ty for the chance!!!
This is a new author for me to check out. I like the story line that posted about the book on your blog. Thanks for the chance to win!
Interesting. I’ll have to check out the first 2 books in this series as well.
Would love to win and read
thanks for having the giveaway would love to win
contest is closed.