Well, now you can see the book I’m going to read today, Paranoia by James Patterson and James O. Born. It’s the seventeenth Michael Bennett thriller, but there’s a whole story behind why I’m reading this.
A year or two ago, Jim Born messaged me and asked if it was okay if he put me in a James Patterson book as a character. I didn’t know what series it would be, or if the book even came out in 2025 or 2026. But, just this week, one of my cousins had a post on Facebook saying it came as a surprise to her when I appeared in chapter 30 in Paranoia.
So, naturally I had to pick up a copy of the book. I’m a retired librarian with a “charming smile”. And, I have four rescue cats. I had to laugh because I know Jim Born wrote that chapter, sharing comments he made years ago that after four cats the cops might consider you to be a crazy cat lady.
I haven’t read the book yet. I read that chapter. I had books all around and crossword puzzles, along with the cats. And, thank you, Jim, for the “charming smile”. line.
How very cool. And glad that he did not go….
Behind that charming smile lurked a killer. She seemed to be a mild mannered cat lady. It was only later neighbors learned that she wasn’t feeding her cats normally cat food. No, she made her own cat food and used one ingredient that explained why, every now and the, somebody would disappear in the 100 miles radius of her home.
🤣
Oh, I’m glad he didn’t go there, either, Kevin!
Sorry about the late night typos. Kind of kills the joke.
I’m glad you were portrayed in such a complimentary way, Lesa, and not the way Kevin wrote you up! Good one, Kevin.
Funny, wasn’t it, Kim. Yes, I was just the neighbor of a victim, and it was a nice portrayal.
Oh my, now I have got to read it! LOL Put it on my wish list! Great to be in a book!
It was fun, Carol. Now, I have to read the entire book!
It’s fun being a character in a book. But now I think Kevin should finish the story he started.
I think it’s funny, Sandy. Yes, Kevin should finish his story, whether crime fiction or science fiction.
How fun! And I agree about Kevin’s story…let’s hear more! LOL
Look what Kevin started, Kay.
Congratulations, Lesa! What an honor!
Thank you, It was, Mary.
I love that! A friend once put me in a book and it wasn’t too painful.
Fortunately, I was a helpful neighbor, not a victim, Jeff.
Funny, that’s what I thought too! You are mentioned once again in a later chapter
I saw that Carol, when Michael thinks he’ll stop in to see Lesa Holstine again, but doesn’t.
How exciting, Lesa! And Kevin–hilarious!
And, Kevin’s comment was so appropriate, Margie!
That’s really cool, Lesa! I might have to read the book to see if this retired librarian and her rescue cats help save the day.
Or at least read chapter 30, Kate.
Wow Kevin, the first thing that has made me laugh out loud in a long time!
I’m going to have to let Kevin know, Diane.
That’s such an honour Lesa! What fun. I’ve not read any of the books in the series but I think I might want to read this one now, so I can officially add you to my ‘favourite characters in fiction’ list ha ha ha.
And Kevin, when you finish your short story version – which I sincerely hope you do – I’d love to read that one too. SO funny.
Oh, that’s funny, Lindy. I hadn’t read any in this series, either, but I may go back. I like the character Michale Bennett, a cop with 10 adopted kids.
Oh, Lesa – i love this so much. ❤
There’s not a person in the crime fiction world who doesn’t know Lesa with the charming smile. Even James Patterson!
Kaye, thank you! Sending hugs! But, I really think it was Jim Born. 🙂
Thanks, folks. Just how my weird mind works.
And I apologize, again, for all the late night typos.
How cute – but remember cat ladies are not crazy!
I know, Donna!
The Huron library would be remiss if they don’t mention this in their newsletter or maybe make a small table display. I find it so inter And exciting. Local girl and all….
Mom said she couldn’t even find it in CleveNet, Carol Jeanne, let alone at the Huron Library.