5.31.2008

Hunting for The Hunted


I admit it. Sometimes it's hard to find the books you want to buy. Maybe you heard about a new book online or from a friend. Then you go to purchase the book but can't find it. Trust me, it's happened to me too. In the pursuit of good reading material, I've visited up to four different bookstores before I realized that no one in my little corner of Southern California carried what I was looking for.

What's an avid reader to do?

Here are some suggestions if you go looking for Mike Dellosso's new book, The Hunted, and you can't find it on the shelves...

1. Talk to someone who works at the bookstore. Ask them to help you look for the book. Sometimes it really is there. And this will help the bookstore folks know which books are in demand.

2. If no one can find the book on the shelves, ask them to order it for you. Then be sure to follow through and go to pick up the book when it comes in.

3. Order the book online. I can't even tell you how many books I buy online. My only rule is that I make sure I buy a new book from a bookstore, like Amazon.com. That way, the person who wrote the book will get a piece of the pie. If you are buying used books online, then the only person making the profit is the one selling the book. I personally believe in supporting the arts—that's the main reason why I participate in blog tours and book reviews. It's my way of giving back to the people who supply me with my favorite drug: books.

And if you want just a little taste of what this particular book is about, here's a trailer.

5.30.2008

The Tale of Two Stories


Every writer tells two stories.

The first is seen by everyone. Written in black and white, this tale is published and promoted; destined to be in the public eye, on the video screen, at the theater; meant to be remembered and quoted and studied.

This is the publishing dream. The novel that you hold in your hands. The book signing where you meet your readers. The blog tour where everyone talks about your latest story.

But every writer tells two stories.

The second tale is written quietly, day by day, sometimes in daylight and sometimes in shadow. And it’s written in flesh and blood.

It’s often told in whispers, in confidence, in quiet prayers. Here, the writer is sometimes seen on his knees, in prayer, living sacrificially, one day at a time. Waiting for the next horizon colored by sun. Waiting for the shadows of night to pass.

Every person has a mountain top and a valley—but sometimes these two are so close to one another that the landscape suddenly feels like a desert flatland. You can no longer distinguish the landmarks that normally guide you. In this case, you have to walk by faith, like in the middle of the night. You believe the wall is here, so you turn. You believe the door is there, so you walk that way.

You believe God is listening. So you talk to Him. A lot. You tattoo His name on your heart, you write His words on your knees.

I’ve had more than one friend go through the valley of cancer. Maybe you know someone who is going through it right now. If so, I would highly recommend you visit the blog of Mike Dellosso. There is so much to be encouraged by there, so much hope in the midst of his valley walk. He is writing his second story there, the story most people write in silence. He is writing it for everyone to see.

Go and see.

And I highly recommend you take a look at his first book, The Hunted. You can read an excerpt here. This is his first story, the one meant to be read by the world.

Both of Mike’s stories, the first and the second, are quite beautiful. And both are destined to be read.

5.29.2008

The Hunt for The Hunted

A town’s deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith…
Debut novelist Mike Dellosso delivers a spine-tingling drama in the style of Frank Peretti and Stephen King

Novelist Mike Dellosso offers a bone-chilling mystery about the town of Dark Hills and the deadly secrets it holds, in his first novel, The Hunted, to be released June 3, 2008.

Joe Saunders is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding the brutal mauling of his nephew.

Police Chief Maggie Gill is determined to protect the mystery surrounding her family’s deadly secret.

But neither is prepared for the truth when the mystery revealed uncovers the horror that is lurking in the shadows of Dark Hills.

After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence. As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God’s hands.

About the Author
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted, was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years, has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets, and has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters. Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer’s Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.

Praise for The Hunted:
A great first book from an exciting new author! A vicious enemy, a family secret, a thirst for revenge, and a need for reconciliation all drive The Hunted from intriguing beginning to thrilling conclusion. Skillful prose and great storytelling make Mike Dellosso a writer to watch. I can’t wait for his next book!
—Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished

Mike Dellosso delivers a spine-tingling tale of hidden secrets, buried hopes and second chances. Interwoven through page-turning drama is the truth about vengeance and the triumph of God’s mysterious ways. The Hunted is a story best read with all the lights on and an extra flashlight handy–just in case!
—Amy Wallace, author of Ransomed Dreams

Something’s coming for you… and you might not be able to stop it. Read this someplace safe as you experience the incredibly descriptive world of The Hunted through the vivid writing and spine-tingling imagination of Mike Dellosso. And sleep with the lights on.
—Austin Boyd, author of the Mars Hill Classified trilogy

With hints of Frank Peretti and Stephen King, The Hunted is a chilling debut. Author Mike Dellosso is certain to make his mark in Christian fiction.
—Creston Mapes, author of Nobody

Mike Dellosso’s pins and needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. Flickers of faith light the way, and fateful decisions determine the outcome of a horrifying climax. I dare you to take this one home!
—Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief suspense series

From page one The Hunted grabbed me by the collar and wouldn’t let go. Full of intrigue, supernatural undertones, and true to life characters, I highly recommend this superb debut novel. —C.J. Darlington, Co-founder & Book Editor, TitleTrakk.com

. . . The Hunted places Dellosso on the list of authors to keep your eye on.
—Vannessa Ng, Aotearoa Editorial Service

Author: Mike Dellosso
Title: The Hunted
Publisher: Realms Fiction (Strang Book Group)

ISBN: 978-1-59979-296-5
BISAC: FICTION / Christian / Suspense
Retail Price: $13.99

Purchase the book HERE.