Mystery author Joe Cosentino brings us PAPER DOLL, a story
plenty of suspense, intrigue, humor
and romance.
1. How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?
My ideal reader is a lover of mystery, romance, and Hollywood. Someone who
craves being swept away by a story and becoming part of the novel. My reader
loves clues, suspects, and plotlines that zigzag with numerous surprises
leading to a shocking yet totally justified conclusion. Finally, my reader
relishes in beautiful, lush locations and captivating characters as she/he
enters the portal of my book.
2. How was the writer inside of you born?
As a kid I played make believe constantly. “Let’s put on a show!” was my motto.
Thankfully my parents and teachers indulged me (rather than committed me-hah).
Eventually I became an actor in film, television, and theatre, working opposite
stars like Bruce Willis, Nathan Lane, Rosie O’Donnell, Holland Taylor, and
Jason Robards. Morphing into writing plays and now novels seem like the perfect
progression.
3. What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to
these forms of writing?
I read and write mystery romance novels that are far more than who-done-its.
Humorous, engaging, complex characters in interesting locations captivate me.
Every one of my characters has a secret, sometimes more than one! I have used
my knowledge of show business to tell shocking, riveting, and entertaining stories.
4. As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do
you hate?
When I read a great novel, I feel as if I am the leading character, going
through the story and experiencing all of the emotions right along with
him/her. A terrific mystery lays out all the clues and culminates with only one
possible ending, unveiling various secrets along the way. I don’t appreciate
mystery novels, where authors lay out clues then arbitrarily pick a
murderer.
5. What inspired you to write Paper Doll and what do you
hope your readers will take away from this book?
In Paper Doll I share my love of movies and moviemakers with my readers. I have always been fascinated with ex-child stars like Hayley Mills, Shirley Temple, Patty Duke, and Brooke Shields. My heroine, Jana Lane, is an ex-child star who has lost her self esteem as an adult. Through the course of the book, Jana not only solves the mystery of her past, but also reclaims the courage and fortitude she had as a child. This is an important message for all of us.
In Paper Doll I share my love of movies and moviemakers with my readers. I have always been fascinated with ex-child stars like Hayley Mills, Shirley Temple, Patty Duke, and Brooke Shields. My heroine, Jana Lane, is an ex-child star who has lost her self esteem as an adult. Through the course of the book, Jana not only solves the mystery of her past, but also reclaims the courage and fortitude she had as a child. This is an important message for all of us.
6. How long did it take you to write this book and what did
you do the day that you finished it?
Generally I write very quickly, however, this book took me years to write and
rewrite. It was, and is, so important to me that I wanted to get everything
just right. Once I was confident that I had achieved just that, I announced to
my spouse, “It is finished!” I have not had a better night’s sleep before or
after that night—until I saw Holly McCabe’s gorgeous book cover!
7. What would you like to say to your readers?
I have
been doing author talks/readings/book signings at libraries, bookstores, and
book clubs. I love talking to my readers. So my hope is that everyone who reads
and enjoys PAPER DOLL will email me via my web site and tell me what they liked
about the book. I also love answering questions about the novel, so let them
fly. My web site is: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.
8. Tell us about PaperDoll, and tell us which is your
favorite character.
Paper Doll is the
fictitious story of Jana Lane, America’s most famous child star until she was
attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. Now a thirty-eight-year-old
beauty and mother of two living in a mansion in picturesque Hudson Valley, New
York, Jana’s flashbacks turn into murder attempts.
The local suspects
include Jana’s down-on-his-luck husband with a dislike for living off the
fruits of his wife’s young labor, Jana’s sister and male friend (who both
have eyes for Jana’s husband), Jana’s show business father, her deranged loyal
fan, and Jana's young Guy Friday who covets her fame and shares an uncanny
resemblance to Jana.
Forced to summon up the lost courage she had as a child, Jana visits the
California movie studio she once called home. This sends her on a whirlwind of
visits with former and current movie studio personnel. It also leads to a
romance with the son of her old producer—Rocco Cavoto—the devilishly handsome
filmmaker who is planning Jana’s comeback both professionally and personally.
With Rocco’s help, Jana uncovers a web of secrets about everyone she loves,
including the person who destroyed her past and threatens to snuff out her
future.
Jana’s agent, Simon, is my favorite character for five reasons. He is amazingly
resilient, old world Hollywood, incredibly funny, loyal to Jana, and most
importantly, I want to play him in the movie version!
9. Lastly, a direct message to the readers, about why they
should read Paper Doll.
Make
sure you have a good block of free time before beginning Paper Doll. Once you
start, you will be reading until you finish. The mystery/romance novel is full
of quirky, endearing characters, a captivating story, and more plot twists than
a maze. The Hollywood background will entice you, and the time period of the
story (1980) will bring you back to better days. Prop your feet up, grab a
Shirley Temple, and enjoy!