Deranged Seating
by Carole Fowkes
Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery
19,700 words
In James’s fantasy life, he’s a hard-boiled private detective whose internal monologue sounds like a Mickey Spillane movie. In the actual world, he is a bright young man, bored and stifled by his job as a society page reporter. That is, until his assignment at a high-society fitness party gets him involved with massage therapist Courtney, a good-looking dame with a tough problem. A healthy man dies in her massage chair and she can’t explain it. Despite warnings to leave it alone, James starts to investigate. This leads him to Lester, a wisecracking old-timer who recalls a friend who died in a similar way. Others die and the bodies are piling up. But there’s no explanation, at least not if you’re from this Earth.
Deranged Seating is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon UK.
Carol, how did you come up with the title for your book? Does it have any special meaning?
I wanted to link the chairs with something abnormal, thus the title was born.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Lester, the cynical, old-time reporter is my favorite. I like how he makes wisecracks about James’s earnestness, but underneath his crustiness, he’s got a big, brave heart.
Does your book have any underlying theme, message, or moral?
Only to be careful where you sit.
What would/could a reader or reviewer say about this book that shows they “get” you as an author?
The reader or reviewer finds the take-offs on sci-fi and mystery noir humorous.
Give us an excerpted quote from your favorite review of this book:
“Deranged Seating was an incredibly entertaining read…A first-rate book, chocolate- cherry muffins…it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Where can people learn more about your writing?
http://carolefowkes.com/
If the beloved departed writers Rod Serling and P.D. James ever collaborated on a book, it might be a lot like Deranged Seating. I loved it.
Thank you for those kind words, Nikki. I grew up on Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and have enjoyed reading P.D. James for a long time.
I enjoyed Deranged Seating! Ms. Fowkes has quite the imagination.
Thank you, Kathleen. It was fun writing it.
That book sounds great – is the word count correct?
Yes, it’s more novella than novel.
I loved how James’s internal dialogue. Deranged Seating was a lot of fun!
Thanks, Patience. It was fun writing too.
It’s hard to find a good story in the ‘noir’ style, but Carole does it well. Love the tongue-in-cheek aspect, that it’s all in his head. Seriously. This story got me so upset (as a massage therapist) that I gave away my massage chair–and I watch where I sit! You’ll love it.
I laughed out loud at your last comment, Susan. Thank you for your kind remarks on my book.
Like all of Fowkes’ publications, this is a great read. Great imagination and ability to bring you along for the ride. I’ve read all her books and enjoyed each one. So much talent!
Thank you for that great endorsement, Nancy!
“Deranged Seating” was fun! Bizarre as a “Twilight Zone” episode but with characters that seem like familiar old friends. As I read the story, I kept thinking it would be terrific fun as a play or short film. I wonder whether Ms. Fowkes has done screen- or play writing. She would be great at it!
No, I haven’t done either screen- or play writing, but I’m always open to new adventures. Thank you, Robert. I consider it a great compliment to have Deranged Seating compared to a Twilight Zone episode!