Michael: I've been a fan of Bonnie Hearn Hill books for a long time. Here in Colombia her books are almost impossible to get in English. Therefore a good part of my decision to purchase a Kindle was based on changing that availability problem.
If you enjoy books that keep you reading when you should be doing something else then the Geri La Rue series of books by Bonnie is for you. They are currently being sold in a pack at a significant saving from purchasing all three individually. Included in the pack is "If it Bleeds," "Cutline," and "Off the Record." The lead character , Geri La Rue, is a hearing impaired journalist with a strong computer background.
I am not going to bother readers with a review of each book. You can read excellent ones on Amazon and other places. However notice that each book receives no less than four and a half stars out of five.
My purpose in this writing is to explain why these books are page turners, have accurate scenes with believable characters and should be must reads for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
Now for something that I believe has been suffering a slow death and coming close to extinction, honesty is journalism. In respect to trying to keep it alive readers should know that Bonnie Hearn Hill is a friend. However, it is that friendship that allows me to present you with the background of why her books keep readers engaged.
Graciela: My first introduction to Bonnie's expertise came while Michael and I were dating. On his trips to Colombia he would bring me signed first editions of her latest thriller. He even used the opportunity to get a recommendation for himself. Take a look at the photo of the signature page for my copy of "Killer Body."
The three books in the Geri La Rue set are just part of her work. She has also authored or co-authored about a dozen books. For example, "Intern" is about political scandal and women who love men with power. "Mistress" thrills with secrets and double lives. There are three books in the Star Crossed series and they deal with Astrology, the paranormal and writing.
Michael: Ok here is why reviewers constantly write that these three Geri La Rue books have such believable scenes and characters. Notice that each title comes from something to do with newspapers. Well, the author spent many years working for one of the big papers. She knows the business inside and out.
As for writing skill, well, she literally wrote the book on writing. "Focus Your Writing," and "The Freelancer's Rule Book: a Guide to Understanding, Working With and Winning over Editors" are used by thousands of writers. They were invaluable for some of the writing classes I taught.
They say that you learn much by helping others. Bonnie mentored many other writers. She started the invitation only group of writers called the Tuesdays. I consider it similar to the Algonquin Round Table. Some considered the gang the most published group of writers in the USA. I am pleased to have been a member which included many freelance writers but also many authors like Hazel Dixon-Cooper (several books on astrology), Sherry Petrie ("Number Please"), Larry Paquette ("The Sourcing Solution"), Bob Brown ("Who Gets to Ride - Cowboy Poetry," "The Farther I ride," and "somewhere West of Texas") and Bull Marquette ("The Fifth Plane" and "The Weatherman").
Bonnie helps people who are not in the writing group. She is a frequent lecturer at writing conventions across the USA. She also often appears on California Television talking about books. Here is a link to her giving advice about novels based on real characters.
Many reviewers mention not only how well she drops hints throughout the book, but that her characters are so real. Bonnie often draws her characters from real people. Geri La Rue is very similar to another member of the Tuesdays.
Graciela: While my husband knows the author, I base my opinions as a reader who enjoys a good thriller. If you enjoy the same, I doubt that you will be disappointed with the Geri La Rue series.
More writings and photos by Michael & Graciela can be found on their website: www.michaelandgraciela.com