This week, Susie Black’s Saturday Author Spotlight shines on mystery author W. B. J. Williams.
About the Author:
W.B.J. Williams is an author and poet, and an internationally respected expert in information security and unicorns. With an advanced degree in Anthropology and as an amateur historian, he serves his local community on the Historical Commission. He writes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. His beloved wife and daughters endure his bad puns. When not writing, he can often be found haunting the bookstores of the Boston area to the dismay of his budget. He has not given up looking for unicorns, as he knows that you always find things in the last place you look.
Johnny Talon and the Goddess of Love and War is a noir-style mystery with an intriguing premise.
Here is a blurb to whet your appetite:
The spirits, sorcerers, and truly desperate in San Francisco’s seedy neighborhoods know Johnny Talon, a private detective who can solve impenetrable cases in a way no one else can. His use of lucid dreams and subconscious insights lead him to the truth. Talon has his work cut out for him when he’s hired by Eve, a sex worker, to find and free the soul of her deceased wife from a sorcerer who hopes to entrap Eve. The closer he gets to finding the soul of Eve’s wife, the more Talon’s life may be on the line as he learns that there is more to his client than an angry woman. When his investigation leads him into hell, Talon has an epiphany: if he’s going to free Eve’s wife, he has to uncover Eve’s true identity. The things a gumshoe does to pay the rent…
Here is what readers have to say about this remarkable, creative tale:
Book Lover: “Dreams, Danger, and Desire: WBJ Williams delivers a dark, sultry ride through San Francisco’s underworld. Williams masterfully blends noir intrigue, paranormal suspense, and a touch of erotic tension, keeping readers hooked as Talon uncovers truths about both the supernatural and human desire. A gripping, atmospheric tale that proves a gumshoe’s work is never just routine.”
Stephany: “An addictive, surreal mystery…more please! I absolutely loved this book! The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and the characters were memorable, especially Johnny, whose humor made me laugh out loud and added so much charm to the story, even the way he revealed his sexual nature throughout. I enjoyed listening in on a man’s more carnal nature and his nobility! What impressed me most was the imaginative weaving of styles — half surreal dreamscape, half gritty detective novel. It felt unique, bold, and beautifully written. At the very end, I was left wishing for more. Even still, I wasn’t ready to leave this world behind. In fact, my only true regret was finishing it; I wanted Johnny’s story to continue.”
Wendy S. Delmater: “This novel is possibly one of the best examples of magical realism I’ve ever read.” - Wendy S. Delmater for Abyss & Apex Magazine
Kimbo 143: “A deliciously quirky tale. A standout feature of this novel is its imaginative storyline. The plot is filled with quirky twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Author W. B. J. Williams has woven a rich narrative that brings the surreal elements to life, making the urban fantasy setting feel both vivid and otherworldly. The dialogue is believable, adding depth to the characters and enhancing the overall immersive experience.”
If you’re ready for a mind-bending journey through the realm of urban fantasy, Johnny Talon and the Goddess of Love and War is a must-read. From the first page to the last, this novel delivers a rollercoaster ride of surreal adventures that will keep you hooked.”
Mama M: “W.B.J. Williams writes a fascinating tale of two individuals on a quest. Dreams are the keyholes that sometimes hold answers, sometimes mislead the dreamer. This is pure fantasy. Yet I tend to see this tale, with its references to God and gods, morals and beliefs, as one that explores the issue of having faith in one’s ability to face the demons we create in life. An interesting read.”
Tom Easton: “Sam Spade goes surreal. Fresh and original. Well worth a read. A classic detective--except he’s a surreal detective who gets half his clues from dreams--meets a stripper goddess with an interesting case and a secret identity. She can even read cuneiform! After that, things get weird--or surreal, as Johnny would say.”
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Johnny+Talon+and+the+Goddess+of+Love+and+War&i
