Bøker av John Gaspard

Mystery and Magic at the Old Folks' Home!When the residents of Lakeview Haven retirement community start experiencing vivid nightmares and hallucinations, amateur sleuth Eli grows suspicious. Could someone be causing these disturbing visions on purpose?Teaming up with his magician uncle Harry, Eli begins investigating the residents and staff at the senior facility. Using a clever trap involving illusions, they attempt to catch the perpetrator red-handed. But will their scheme backfire on them and help the criminal disappear into thin air?This volume also includes the novellas "Lost In the Shuffle" and "The Square Circle."Lost in the ShuffleWhen Eli takes a pitstop for a cinnamon bun en route to Magic Camp, he bites into more than he bargained for, finding himself swirled into a zany whirlwind of unexpected danger. With his magician's skill and a sprinkling of humor, Eli turns a dreaded trip into an exhilarating, high-stakes escapade.The Square CircleEli finds himself entangled in a kidnapping case while planning a surprise party for his astute Uncle Harry. As the mystery deepens, Eli applies his unique knowledge of magic to decipher a bizarre web of clues. But when he finally unravels the riddle, Eli finds himself face-to-face with the ruthless mastermind behind the scheme.

Did Uncle Harry just murder a fellow magician?On stage in front of a full audience?It's up to Eli to prove that, in the world of magic, you can't always believe your eyes!"You will just LOVE these books."-VANISH Magazine★★★★★Eli's trip to London with his uncle Harry quickly turns homicidal when the older magician finds himself accused of murder. It's clear someone is knocking off Harry's elderly peers in bizarrely effective ways. But who? The odd gets odder when the prime suspect appears to be a bitter performer with a grudge...who committed suicide over thirty years before. "Highly recommended."-Orson Bean, Actor, Magician, Author of Safe at HomeGRAB YOUR COPY TODAY! Praise for Eli Marks Mystery Series: "You will just LOVE these books."-VANISH Magazine "This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle."-Rosebud Book Reviews "It's full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read."-Sweet Mystery Books "Before I had even finished the first chapter I had fallen in love with Eli. He is intelligent, sensitive, witty and, suddenly, the main suspect in a series of murders...well written, fast-paced and exciting."-The Frugal Mennonite "This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!"_A Simple Taste for Reading "Hands-down the funniest thing I have read in a long time, expertly paced and hilariously detailed."-Seattle Book Mama★★★★★Books in the Eli Marks Mystery Series: THE AMBITIOUS CARD (#1)THE BULLET CATCH (#2)THE MISER'S DREAM (#3)THE LINKING RINGS (#4)THE FLOATING LIGHT BULB (#5)THE ZOMBIE BALL (#6)THE MAGIC SQUARE (#7)THE SELF-WORKING TRICK (#8)THE INVISIBLE ASSISTANT (Short Story)THE LAST CUSTOMER (Short Story)

Unlock Your Novel's Full Potential with More Popcorn Principles: The Sequel!John Gaspard's "More Popcorn Principles: The Sequel! (Further Cinematic Storytelling Strategies for Novelists)" is an illuminating guide that takes you on a cinematic journey, revealing the secrets to crafting compelling narratives and characters that resonate. This book is an invaluable tool for any aspiring or seasoned novelist, blending Gaspard's deep understanding of the art of storytelling with inspiration from the world of film.Gaspard presents 23 power-packed principles that will revolutionize your approach to writing. Just as a film director uses a camera to capture the most captivating scenes, Gaspard teaches you to wield your pen to craft striking narratives and unforgettable characters.This accessible guide allows you to jump to topics that spark your interest, with each chapter concluding with thought-provoking questions and a curated viewing list, engaging your mind and stoking your creative fires. Gaspard's approach is grounded in his comprehensive understanding of storytelling and is shaped by his vast experience in both novel-writing and filmmaking."More Popcorn Principles: The Sequel!" is not just a book- it's an immersive masterclass, a transformative journey that will empower and enlighten you, helping you shape your experiences, ideas, and passion into a captivating narrative. As you turn its pages, you'll discover how to harness your narrative voice, master the craft of dialogue, and weave plots that will leave your readers wanting more. Get ready to take your novel-writing journey to the next level!You'll learn key concepts, such as:The challenge of beginning a novelHarnessing your unconscious mind during draftingManaging self-doubt and negative internal voicesIgnoring external voices that hinder creativityThe role of theme in guiding the writing processRaising the stakes to create tension and engagementTaking big creative risks for original storytellingUsing repetition intentionally for dramatic effectGetting straight to the point to engage readersCrafting effective cliffhanger endingsAvoiding frustrating cliffhangers that lack closureThe importance of taking breaks from writingThe art of movie dialogueBlending fact and fiction in historical storytellingPlaying with story structure for innovative storytellingThe role of personal cost in story stakesImplementing a ticking clock for increased tensionMaking the antagonist formidableTesting the main character's values

"You will just LOVE these books."-VANISH Magazine Meet Eli Marks: Full-time magician, part-time crime-solver.His greatest trick? Not becoming the next victim.Eli's asked to perform his magic act at a swanky charity gala, The Zombie Ball- a former zombie pub crawl which has grown into an annual high-class social event. What begins as a typical stage show for Eli turns deadly when two of the evening's sponsors are found murdered under truly unusual circumstances.Compounding this drama is the presence of Eli's ex-wife and her new husband, Homicide Detective Fred Hutton. Under pressure to solve the crime before all the guests depart, Eli and his detective nemesis go head-to-head to uncover the bizarre clues that will unravel this macabre mystery.This book is the perfect way to get into the Eli Marks series -- grab it today!★★★★★ Praise for Eli Marks Mystery Series: "If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks."-The Magic Word Podcast "This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle."-Rosebud Book Reviews "It's full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read."-Sweet Mystery Books "Before I had even finished the first chapter I had fallen in love with Eli. He is intelligent, sensitive, witty and, suddenly, the main suspect in a series of murders...well written, fast-paced and exciting."-The Frugal Mennonite "This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!"_A Simple Taste for Reading "Hands-down the funniest thing I have read in a long time, expertly paced and hilariously detailed."-Seattle Book Mama★★★★★Books in the Eli Marks Mystery Series: THE AMBITIOUS CARD (#1)THE BULLET CATCH (#2)THE MISER'S DREAM (#3)THE LINKING RINGS (#4)THE FLOATING LIGHT BULB (#5)THE ZOMBIE BALL (#6)THE MAGIC SQUARE (#7)THE SELF-WORKING TRICK (#8)THE INVISIBLE ASSISTANT (Short Story)THE LAST CUSTOMER (Short Story)

It's The Most Murderous Time of the Year ...When the director (and star) of the theater's annual production of A Christmas Carol is found murdered, Leah must not only take over directing duties ... but also figure out who the killer is before they kill again.Then a second body turns up among all the stored set pieces ... and it suddenly becomes a mad race to make it to opening night without losing anymore cast members. This fun and festive yuletide mystery pits Leah against her cleverest killer yet; a fiend who is determined to add even more ghosts to Charles Dickens' classic tale."This new cozy series will keep you guessing until the very end!" - Storeybook Reviews

Unleash Your Inner Detective With Teenage Magician Eli Marks!Join thirteen-year-old Eli as he moves in with his magician uncle and uncovers the secrets of the magic world in "The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks." With brain-teasing puzzles in each chapter, Eli uses his smarts to solve mysteries while learning about the fascinating world of magic. Readers can join in the fun and try to solve the puzzles alongside Eli ... PLUS learn ten amazing magic tricks with step-by-step instructions and illustrations in the second half of the book. "The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks" is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end. Don't miss out on this spellbinding adventure!"The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks is the perfect way to get young people interested in reading and get them interested in the world's greatest art form...MAGIC! Highly recommended!" - Lance Burton, Master Magician

Unleash your inner detective with teenage magician Eli Marks! Join thirteen-year-old Eli as he moves in with his magician uncle and uncovers the secrets of the magic world in "The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks." With brain-teasing puzzles in each chapter, Eli uses his smarts to solve mysteries while learning about the fascinating world of magic. Readers can join in the fun and try to solve the puzzles alongside Eli … PLUS learn ten amazing magic tricks with step-by-step instructions and illustrations in the second half of the book. "'The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks' is the perfect way to get young people interested in reading and get them interested in the world's greatest art form…MAGIC! Highly recommended!" - Lance Burton, Master Magician

Take your novel to the next level. Unlock the power of the silver screen with The Popcorn Principles, a guide to fiction and novel writing.It will help you:• Craft unforgettable characters• Write compelling scenes• Hide exposition• Structure powerful endingsWith this book (and the movies it draws on), you'll learn the tools and techniques used by screenwriters, which you can apply to your own writing. Craft your next novel and become a better writer with The Popcorn Principles. (Popcorn not included.) Includes interviews and tips from Roger Corman, Jon Favreau, Steven Soderbergh, George Romero, Bob Odenkirk, Stuart Gordon, Miranda July, Academy-Award winner Kenneth Lonergan, editor Carol Littleton ("The Big Chill"), Dan O'Bannon ("Alien"), Tom DiCillo ("Living in Oblivion), Academy-Award nominees Whit Stillman ("Metropolitan") and Dan Futterman ("Capote"), and Alex Cox ("Repo Man").

Take your novel to the next level. Unlock the power of the silver screen with The Popcorn Principles, a guide to fiction and novel writing.It will help you:¿ Craft unforgettable characters¿ Write compelling scenes¿ Hide exposition¿ Structure powerful endingsWith this book (and the movies it draws on), you'll learn the tools and techniques used by screenwriters, which you can apply to your own writing. Craft your next novel and become a better writer with The Popcorn Principles. (Popcorn not included.)Includes interviews and tips from Roger Corman, Jon Favreau, Steven Soderbergh, George Romero, Bob Odenkirk, Stuart Gordon, Miranda July, Academy-Award winner Kenneth Lonergan, editor Carol Littleton ("The Big Chill"), Dan O'Bannon ("Alien"), Tom DiCillo ("Living in Oblivion), Academy-Award nominees Whit Stillman ("Metropolitan") and Dan Futterman ("Capote"), and Alex Cox ("Repo Man").

Write Your Screenplay with the Help of Top Screenwriters!It's like taking a Master Class in screenwriting … all in one book! Discover the pitfalls of writing to fit a budget from screenwriters who have successfully navigated these waters already. Learn from their mistakes and improve your script with their expert advice."I wish I'd read this book before I made Re-Animator."-Stuart Gordon, Director, Re-Animator, Castle Freak, From BeyondThe book covers (among other topics):Academy-Award Winner Dan Futterman ("Capote") on writing real storiesTom DiCillio ("Living In Oblivion") on turning a short into a featureKasi Lemmons ("Eve's Bayou") on writing for a different time periodGeorge Romero ("Martin") on writing horror on a budgetRebecca Miller ("Personal Velocity") on adapting short storiesStuart Gordon ("Re-Animator") on adaptationsAcademy-Award Nominee Whit Stillman ("Metropolitan") on cheap ways to make it look expensiveMiranda July ("Me and You and Everyone We Know") on making your writing spontaneousAlex Cox ("Repo Man") on scaling the script to meet a budgetJoan Micklin Silver ("Hester Street") on writing history on a budgetBob Clark ("Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things") on mixing humor and horrorAmy Holden Jones ("Love Letters") on writing romance on a budgetHenry Jaglom ("Venice/Venice") on mixing improvisation with scriptingL.M. Kit Carson ("Paris, Texas") on re-writing while shootingAcademy-Award Winner Kenneth Lonergan ("You Can Count on Me") on script editingRoger Nygard ("Suckers") on mixing genresThis is the book for anyone who's serious about writing a screenplay that can get produced!Grab it today!¿¿¿¿¿"A perfect read for anyone who wants to write a film script or for anyone who just enjoys watching movies."-Fred Willard, Actor, A Mighty Wind, Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman"This volume is packed full of useful little nuggets of information."-Jonathan Lynn, Director, My Cousin Vinny, Clue, Nuns on the Run, The Whole Nine Yards"Packed with war stories and savvy advice for beginning screenwriters."-Larry Gross, Screenwriter, 48 hrs., Streets of Fire, True Crime

WONDERFULLY ENGAGING, DELIGHTFULLY TRICKY..."This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle." - John Lehman, Rosebud Book ReviewsNewly-single magician Eli Marks reluctantly attends his high school reunion against his better judgment, only to become entangled in two deadly encounters with his former classmates. The first is the fatal mugging of an old crush's husband, followed by the suspicious deaths of the victim's business associates.At the same time, Eli also comes to the aid of a classmate-turned-movie-star who fears that attempting The Bullet Catch in an upcoming movie may be his last performance. As the bodies begin to pile up, Eli comes to the realization that juggling these murderous situations -- while saving his own neck -- may be the greatest trick he's ever performed.Praise for THE BULLET CATCH:"The Bullet Catch is a wonderfully engaging, delightfully tricky bit of mystery. Fans of magic will delight in John Gaspard's artful use of the world of magicians, onstage and offstage. It's a great story and great fun!" - Jim Steinmeyer, Author of Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear"Gaspard's latest Eli Marks mystery, The Bullet Catch, has as many tricks up its sleeve as its likeable magician-hero. As the body count rises, so does the reading pleasure." - Dennis Palumbo, Author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mystery Series and Co-Writer of My Favorite Year"The Bullet Catch is a real winner of magical proportions. Filled with snappy, delightful dialogue and plenty of sleight-of-hand humor, Gaspard's latest mystery in the Eli Marks series does not disappoint. Head to the bookstore and get yourself a copy now!" - Jessie Chandler, Author of the Award-Winning Shay O'Hanlon Series"The author does a fantastic job juggling the separate plots and keeping readers' minds thoroughly engaged...The relationships between Eli and his remarried ex are interesting, to say the least, and the pure entertainment of the industry will leave all readers hoping that there will be a 'number three' very soon." - Suspense Magazine"The Bullet Catch has a quick pace and dialogue that engages the reader from the first page...Gaspard has written a great character into an original storyline...I will definitely be seeing/reading more of Eli as Gaspard expands this promising mystery series." - Examiner.com"Readers, get ready for your mind to expand as Eli Marks returns and uses his powers of prestidigitation, intuition and deduction to solve another mystery. If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks." - Scott Wells, The Magic Word PodcastBooks in the Eli Marks Mystery Series:THE AMBITIOUS CARD (#1)THE BULLET CATCH (#2)THE MISER'S DREAM (#3)THE LINKING RINGS (#4)THE FLOATING LIGHT BULB (#5)THE ZOMBIE BALL (#6)THE MAGIC SQUARE (#7)

A new take on the Arthur Conan Doyle's classic mystery, "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Think you know this story? Well, you haven't experienced it until you've read it through the eyes of Sherlock's pet dog.It's the classic tale, now narrated by a dog. A greyhound, in fact, named Septimus. Holmes and Watson ... and Septimus ... are called to the Baskerville estate to protect the new Baron and see if there is any truth to the legend of the hound of the Baskervilles. It's a dog-meet-dog mystery as Septimus sniffs out the clues, detects the red herrings and goes head-to-head with the monsterous creature which is haunting the moors. It's the classic you love ... but now it's a slightly different tail! "A delightful tale, familiar and yet filled with surprises." Grab it now!¿¿¿¿¿