Okay everyone…today’s Black Book Chat (from our E-Book Reading Challenge) is Black Jack by Jean Holloway, so jump in and share your thoughts! A big kudos and high five to Jean for bringing us Shevaughn Robinson! I love a hardcore female protagonist and thrillers are one of my favorite genres.
If you haven’t read the book yet, please GET A COPY, check it out and come on back and join us.
Let’s get our chat on!
Black Jack by Jean Holloway
Publication Date: July 3, 2009
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Author’s Website: www.deckofcardz.com
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Lead Homicide Detective Shevaughn Robinson has gone from the cop everyone, including herself, doubted to the “golden child” of the Portsborough Police Department with a record of sensational arrests and closed cases.
But when Helene Elliott is found dead from an apparent suicide, her family insists it was murder and pressures the Portsborough Police Department to take on the investigation. Detective Robinson is assigned to the case at a time when she is struggling to strike a balance between her personal and professional life following the death of Tony O’Brien, the love of her life. Elliott’s case awakens a complicated relationship with Terri Becker who harbors resentment towards Shevaughn for the death of Eric Becker, the serial killer dubbed Ace of Hearts.
Was the Elliott death a suicide or the work of a cold-blooded predator? Will life throw Shevaughn another unexpected blow? And will Shevaughn’s attempts to move forward inadvertently lead death to her front door yet again?
Black Jack is the sequel to Jean Holloway’s acclaimed debut novel, Ace of Hearts. Buckle up and follow Shevaughn as she moves closer to solving the Elliott murder, unknowingly rekindling old grudges, and awakening a sinister spirit. Get ready, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
THE AUTHOR SPEAKS
I’m excited RAWSISTAZ included me in their Black Book Chat. Honestly, I never thought of being an author. I was an avid reader since childhood and wrote ‘Ace of Hearts’ 30 years ago on a bet with my sister. Today I’m enjoying creating Detective Shevaughn Robinson’s world and the response my novels are getting. Guess now’s the time for adult romantic thrillers.
I wrote Ace of Hearts because I found strong Black heroines weren’t easily found in the books I was reading, so I figured I’d have to write one myself. I even set myself up for a sequel, just never thought it would be 28 years later before I wrote it! So the moral of my story is: Never give up your dream!
Heartfully Yours,
Jean Holloway
Author of Ace of Hearts & Black Jack
www.deckofcardz.com
We are ready for take-off! My apologies for the late start, but if anything could go wrong this morning, it did. Soooooooooooo, we are ready to get things rolling with the wonderfully patient Jean Holloway.
Thank you all for joining us today. I’m yet again doing room mom & school stuff today, so I’ll be in and out.
Jean, we appreciate you joining us again! So, step right up, introduce yourself to those who may not have “met” you yet and tell us how you came up with Shevaughn! And, then we’ll roll right into the discussion. Be sure to ask us any questions you have too.
Everyone else…y’all know what to do.
-Tee
Hey RAWSISTAZ,
I’m excited to be here and you know I love talking about Black Jack. I really believe I graduated to “creepy” with this one! LOL
I also want to mention my 1st short story was accepted in the ‘Coffee Confessions’ anthology that’s releasing this month.
~Jean
ROFL…I can do creepy sometimes, it just depends. Tell us about the anthology as we wait on folks to arrive. And definitely let us know how long you’ll be able to hang out with us today as I know some of the ladies plan to join in this afternoon (myself included).
Thank you for chatting with us today, Jean!!! I’ve had a chance to read Black Jack since we last chatted and I loved it. How did you come up with the characters and story?
Hey Jaime,
Did you read Ace of Hearts 1st? I patterned Shevaughn after the Black heroines we used to see on TV like ‘Get Christie Love’ & movies like ‘Cleopatra Jones’, but I wanted to show not only her strength, but her vulnerabilty.
Now the story came to me through my villian. Even though I did a lot of research on sociopaths, I’m no longer ashamed to admit I hear voices. Black Jack spoke to me, much like he did Terri! He even changed the plot in the middle of my story. I tell you these villians have a mind of their own. LOL
I didn’t read Ace of Hearts, first, even though I wish I would’ve. I think you gave me enough background in Black Jack, though. I didn’t think it was creepy at all, when I read. I thought the characters had flaws, but don’t we all.
‘Coffee Confessions’ is an anthology w/ JA Adams, LM Blakely, Darine Davis (the only man in the anthology) Ja’Nese Dixon, TL James, DeiIra Smith-Collard based on the lives of folks @ the cafe. We’ve got eveything from erotica to inspirational to suspense! The story titles are:
Caramel Surprise by Ja’Nese Dixon
Sandra James, owner of Coffee Confessions, serves up coffee, books,
music and good ole’ fashion customer service, which keeps her shop full
of eclectic patrons at the cost of her personal life. She yearns for a
man of her own, but will all hell break loose when a love lost and love
anew collide?
Death by Espresso by TL James
From the crazy house to the edge of insanity, Mallory Haulm’s alter ego
wants deadly revenge against his family. But when he enters Coffee
Confessions, will his meeting with God temper his anger and heal his
broken soul or will Mallory’s Ego be successful in plotting death and
vengeance?
Latte Lady by me! ;o)
Valencia Banks is a lonely barista working at Coffee Confessions and
searching for the truth. She believes her family sees her as a failure,
especially compared to her “perfect” brother. Then one day, a stranger
walks into the coffee shop and his past changes her future forever.
A Second Cup Please by Darine Davis
Frank Reynolds returns to Houston after losing his wife, his home, and
his job. Sandra, his old college friend, steers him towards a new job
and a new relationship. However, he soon realizes his latest lady friend
has a hideous secret that could render his second chance…his last.
A Double Shot of Darkness by DeiIra Smith-Collard
Kayla Roberts is struggling with the erotic and aggressive behavior of
the voices in her head. She enters Coffee Confessions and finds peace
from her confusion and a friend in Sandra, who she can confide in until
she wakes to find herself covered in blood and her husband dead.
More Than Coffee by JA Adams
Diane Darhling and her sorors gather in Coffee Confessions when Diane
unexpectantly meets up with an old enemy, bringing her face-to-face with
her past. Tempers boil over with unexpected consequences…
Suite Mocha by LM Blakely
Mocha Simms is a software engineer by day. She needs a change and plans
to celebrate her birthday with Sandra. However, Mocha’s pre-birthday
celebrations will land her in Suite 210 and her pseudo-personality,
laced with lust, desire, and passion will be born.
This sound interesting. I may have to give it a chance even though I’m not big on reading anthologies.
All of these sound interesting, will be adding to my to be read list.
So, Wana, Coffee Confessions will be a 1st for both of us! Interesting that you didn’t read Ace 1st. I always wondered if Black Jack could stand on his own.
With Ace being my debut novel, I think my goal was to grab you, shake you up and get your attention, it’s a bit more gory & perverse, but I wanted a totally different villian. Black Jack is a cold-blooded planner preying on lonely old women, where Eric (in Ace) was a power-hungry opportunist.
Hey, RAWSISTAZ,
Please check out “Coffee Confessions” book video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymG7KU1aTm0
You know I’m a HUGE fan. And I do agree…you have graduated to creepy.
Hi Jean.
I really enjoyed Black Jack and the umm twists were a unexpected and pleasant surprise. I didn’t read Ace of Hearts but I’m glad to say I didn’t feel I was missing anything. I actually thought I was suppose to come up with my story of their history but now I have to read it. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why Terri felt so much resentment for Von. I know she killed her husband but didn’t seem like she missed him too much.
What made you go to the CREEPY aspect in this book?
Wana,
I agree with you about having your own story about the characters. I didn’t read Ace of Hearts, either, but I didn’t feel I was missing much. Like you, I also wondered why Terri was holding a grudge against Shevaughn so much so, that she was willing to kidnap her daughter.
I’ve always been fascinated by the macabre, supernatural, etc. I was raised on Twilight Zone, Hitchcock, One Step Beyond & loved it when Stephen King, Dean Koontz or Tananarive Due made me hold my breath, wanting and not wanting to know what came next. I wanted to share that kind of thrill with my readers.
You definitely accomplished that. When Terri started talking to, of course I would forget his name…LOL, I kept asking what are they actually planning. I was talking to Shevaughn through the book while reading. Like when she invited Terri to come stay with her, I kept saying don’t do it….LOL!!! So if you’re creepy then I guess I am too.
Me too. I was like come on now Von are you CRAZY too. I didn’t get that part at all.
Wasn’t that wild and Terri kept talking to herself. The whole time Von thought she was just a little crazy, she didn’t realize how connected Terri was to her suspect…wow!!
Hi, Jean. Thank you for joining us on today. I generally steer clear of all of the genres you named, so I guess that makes me a chicken….LOL!
I haven’t had a chance to read Black Jack, but it definitely sounds like an interesting read.
Jean,
You’ve mentioned that your villain spoke to you and that’s how the story came to be. Did any of the other characters speak to you? If so, was that reflected in the story? I have to know, how did you come up with a black man with odd colored eyes?
Ooohh, odd-colored eyes….how odd, Jaime? I’m just sayin’…
Hope, if I’m not mistaken he had blue eyes. A black man with blue eyes, and Jean described him beautifully, I was drooling until I realized he was a psycho killer…LOL!!!!
LOL!!!
ROFL…well put.
All of them do, sometimes I have to tell them to wait their turn! LOL Yeah, I talk back. In fact, I had a real argument with BJ (as I fondly call him) in the middle of the book. He made me listen & I’m glad I did.
One of the clearest voices was little Toni! Von was dormant for a long time. I guess she was waiting for the right opportunity. Marcus is a lot like hubby, Mr. Nice Guy, Jared is actually based on my son-in-law, who’s a Dekalb County detective. Ariel (I LOVE psychics, wish I was one) was the most soft-spoken & Nonna reminds me of my Mom.
I actually met a man in my younger days who had these attributes. He was so fine, he scared me. And women would actually argue to talk with him when he called!. His voice was that smooth. I remember how he affected me & why I ran scared! I understood women falling under his spell, He was too much.
Wana, what did you think about that scene with Aieral, the one where he was having his way with her? I kept shaking my head, and wondered if the was actually possible, LOL!!! Terri was like he did it for me, he loves me that much…she was truly a nut…LOL!!!
Jean, did BJ speak to you about this scene as well or was this something you came up with?
BJ wanted it to be more graphic about his scene w/Ariel, but I shut him down. Some things are better left to the reader’s imagination.
And Terri, yeah, the girl is gone. One of my favorite lines is when Capt. Campbell called her a psycho-magnet, but she’s the craziest of the bunch.
In answer to the BJ/Ariel question, is it possible? There is the term incubus: an imaginary demon or evil spirit who descends upon sleeping persons, esp. one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep.
Remember when he told her he was the man of her dreams?
That was a little weird for me. Actually him having his way with Terri and her waiting for him freaked me out too. I hate he did that to Ariel and you would think Terri crazy behind would have been mad but after all she was crazy. Oh and him materializing before her and he actually feeling him…ewww.
Girl, that flipped me out, too. I was like what in the world is going on? I felt bad for Aerial, too. That’s one heck of way to die…wow! Yeah you would think that, but Terri was crazy. The crazy thing was ok with it.
Do you think this series will become a trilogy or do you feel thier story is complete?
Give me a try, Hope.
Most say I write adult romantic thrillers, but I really don’t know how to categorize my books, erotic suspense, crime thriller, all I know; my goal is to give my readers an emotional roller coaster ride. How would you ladies who read BJ categorize it?
Jaime, I tried to tell Von leave that nut alone, but she thought she was doing ‘the right thing’? I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that ever again!
I will, Jean. An emotional roller coaster ride sounds very intriguing.
Would you say that your story in the upcoming anthology falls into the “thriller” genre as well?
Not at all, she in the nut house alone…LOL!!!
I categorize BJ, as a suspenseful thriller. It was definitely a roller coaster ride, one minute all was calm the next is was one suspenseful moment after the next. It’s a page turner from beginning to end, and the characters are all intertwined and they don’t it, which made for a better read.
Jaime, I’m may need to hire you. Oh, while I’m thinking about it, please go to: http://www.facebook.com/authorjeanholloway and like me!
(I preferred asking folks to become a fan.)
Did I mention that I reviewed BJ for The Raw Reviewers?
Ok, don’t laugh, I think I may be the only person left on earth that doesn’t have a facebook account. I don’t see me getting one anytime soon, LOL!!!!
OK, Wana, my goal is a quartet, kinda like the 4 suits of the deck. Currently, I’m working on ‘Deuces Wild’ and the final book of the series will be ‘Full House’.
Now that I’ve written my 1st short story, I’m thinking along those lines & would love to collaborate with someone, just for the fun of it.
His eyes are turquoise, a contrast against his onyx skin and silver-white wavy hair.
That sounds like quite a contrast, Jean. I probably would’ve been drooling, too, Jaime….!
You will until you find out he’s a psycho killer, LOL!!! She even describes his smooth voice, I was caught up for a moment, only for a moment…LOL!!!
Yep, told you odd colored.
I know I’ve done things everyone warned me not to & guess what? 9 out of 10 times, they were right! That’s life (or at least that’s me)
Latte Lady is very different from my novels. I didn’t realize until I was done that there was no sex in it!! But I think it qualifies as a thriller. Let’s just say, I don’t think you’ll expect the way the story ends.
Sounds interesting. Sex doesn’t make the story, it didn’t for me in Black Jack. Even though you included a few scenes, it didn’t make the story.
The sex didn’t make the book for me either and to be honest. I skim over most of the sex scenes in any book I read.
Jean, do you have any questions for us?
As a novelist, it’s hard to get your story under 5,000 words when you’re used to having like 70,000 ways to get your point across. I do include sex in my novels cause it’s a part of life (plus I’ve been married for 38 years.)
OK, this is totally off the subject, did you know I have 2 great-grandchildren? You know you’re getting old when your grandbabies are having babies. But my tagline is: Don’t let the Gramma fool ya! LOL
I ain’t mad at you!! You go girl!!!
What did you think about Marcus?
Marcus was sweet. He was the protector for Von, there were times when I wondered what is would be like to have a character that was a mixture of him and BJ. That would be more than interesting.
Marcus was nice but something didn’t and doesn’t sit right. He was a borderline creepy to me and I feel there is a story there. They also moved a bit too fast for me. Von isn’t as cautious as I think a homicide detective would be.
Ooh, well let’s say more about Marcus is revealed in Deuces Wild. Remember that old saying “all that glitters ain’t gold”?
I knew it, he was just too good to be true!!!! Can’t wait to find out what’s up with him. I wonder how Von will handle things?
Girl, her & Marcus have been arguing like crazy, sometimes it’ goes on til 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning! I can’t wait til they resolve their issues, so I can get a good nights sleep.
You don’t have to tell me about folk keeping you up at night and keeping you from a good nights rest. Please Marcus and Von stop the bickering, so Jean can get some sleep…LOL!!!
They need a time out. LOL Let’s just say Von is holding her own.
Terri’s hatred for Von started when she found out that her husband, Eric, while mentally & sexually abusing her, keeping her docile with alcohol & tranquilizers, was obsessed with Von.
Umm…no wonder she was crazy. Sounds like her hatred is misplaced on Von and should have been placed on Eric instead.
I never understood it, but isn’t that how it usually goes? Wife finds out their man is cheating & they go after the other woman. She’s not the one who took the vow to be faithful?
Ain’t that the truth. Will we see more from Terri or is she stuck in the crazy home for good?
Honestly, that’s up in the air. Have to see what the crazy lady tells me.
Yes it was VERY MISPLACED and that was before she was a clock….smh.
Jean would you like to share some information about Banned from Vegas?
Banned from Vegas was my blog tour in celebration of Black Jack’s release. Every day in Oct., I stopped by & blogged @ other authors blogs. It was fun (& a lot of work) Dana Pittman of Nia Promotions helped me set it up. You can check out the tour @ http://www.deckofcardz.com/blog
I remember that. This is when I was first introduced to you and your writing. I had a ball and I can imagine it was a lot of work, but I’m glad you took the time to do it.
Yes, me too. RAWSISTAZ was 1 of my 1st stops & I had a ball.
Hi Jean and welcome ! I didnt get a chance to read your book but now after the comments, plan to read them both !!
Thanks, Linda. Glad U joined us.
Ladies, a little explanation about Von. She grew up alone. Her parents died in a car accident when she was 12 & she went into the system. Even tho it wasn’t horrible, she’s been a loner all her life. Her 1st marriage went bad & she’d pretty much gave up & made her career her life. Then, in Ace of Hearts, she meets Tony. He’s her Prince Charming, even though their relationship, BW/WM, isn’t easy in the early 80s. Then she loses him & pretty much gives up til Marcus shows up (3 years later) She’s hungry for the love she shared w/Tony & that makes her jump into her relationship w/Marcus since he seems like the perfect guy.
Thanks for the background on Von.
If U haven’t read Ace, I’ve got a deal on amazon, buy Black Jack, get 1st edition Ace FREE, not even charging additional postage AND I’ll sign both! That’s only while they last. I’m with a new publisher, PHE Ink, now & we’ve rereleased Ace, but I still have some of the originals left. So that’s both for $17.99 inc s & h. Ok, no more commercials, promise! ;o)
Oops, here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0982447507/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Jean, I had a ball again chatting with you today. Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Thanks, Jaime, same here. Happy Mother’s Day to you, too. (We’re all mothers, in our own way.) Enjoy your weekend
I’ll be here til 8 p.m. EST if there’s anything else you’d like to chat about.
Jean have you thought about writing other genres, not that I don’t enjoy what you’re writing, but I’m just wondering. I also would like to know what started you on writer’s journey?
I really wrote Ace on a bet with my sister, 30 years ago. She said “You read so much I bet you could write a book & I said “I bet I can.” That was back in the day & hubby used to drop me off in the park & I would write, old school pencil & paper. It was also a way to get a break from the kids (5 sons & a daughter.) My sister actually typed it up on an IBM Selectric (remember those?) after work for weeks. After getting several rejection letters, I shelved it. Self-publishing wasn’t an option & there were very few small preess publishers.
20 years later, I had foot surgery & Lori once again urged me to dust Ace off & see if it would fly. She helped with the 1st edit (it was a family & friends affair) & paid my admittance to the 2004 NBCC (Nat. Book Club Conf.) where I met my 1st publisher. And I’ve been flyin’ ever since!
I recall near the end of the book, Nonna started attending church more after Ariel’s death, someone I think it was Marcus said she was trying to work her way into heaven or petitioning for it. I found that bit interesting because you see a lot of people do that. What made you add that part to the book and is that something you believe in?
Well, I can understand the people who do, hey, I may end up one of them! Some are hellraisers all their life, but when they realize their time is coming, they make amends (or try to). I guess it’s worth a try!
Be sure to check out Jean’s amazon page over at amazon. You can find it at the following link and you may also find a treat for Coffee Confessions.
http://www.amazon.com/Jean-Holloway/e/B002BMA6BS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
OK, don’t laugh, but with 8 grandkids & 2 great grans, I’ve been thinking about a YA book. My grandkids are old enough to know I’m an author, but they can’t read mine til they’re 25. (I can’t imagine) I have 1 grandson (he’s 12) who asks me every birthday “Am I old enough yet?” That would be funny, if it didn’t scare me to death. So I’d like to do a book for teens & encourage the to follow their dreams.
Wanted to mention the Get Lit White Party which is now the official book release party for “Coffee Confessions”, so if you know anyone near the Houston area, please tell them to come out & support the authors. I’ll also have “Ace of Hearts” & “Black Jack” with me. Join us for books, food, drinks & fun.
May 22, 2010 7-10PM
The Social
3730 Washington Ave., Houston, TX
http://www.djpbg.com/get-lit-white-party.html
Nia Promotions and PHE Ink are hosting the “Get Lit White Party”, a literary event supporting Box of Books and MLLES Alumni Book Scholarship.
Thanks, Tee & RAWSISTAZ, I had a great time (as usual). I hope you all have a GREAT Mother’s Day weekend.
Peace,
Jean
Jean, thank YOU (and my RAWSISTAZ) for sharing so much with us. Let’s just say I want you to join us here on RAW for EVERY book you release. This is the official invite.
I’m sorry I didn’t get the opportunity to participate, but I will be back once I’ve gotten over this cold and finished the book. I’ve already said it, but I really love that you don’t write the same ole-same ole type of books that seem to fill the bookstores now.
Continued blessings & much success to you!
Wow, Tee, your official RAWSISTAZ invite is music to my ears. I’ll be in touch for ‘Deuces Wild’ pre-release chat.
You take care of that cold. Remember ‘Black Jack’ is waiting for you.
And thanks, different is always my goal. Just trying to be me. Glad you appreciate & i hope I continue to surprise you.
~Jean
Awesome….
)
As always, this was a great chat. Happy Mother’s Day!