Book Review/1st Chapter Reveal/Trailer-In Retrospect-Ellen Larson | Miki's Hope

Book Review/1st Chapter Reveal/Trailer-In Retrospect-Ellen Larson

Tuesday, January 7, 2014


Join Ellen Larson, author of the science fiction/mystery novel, In Retrospect, as she tours the blogosphere January 6 – January 31, 2014 on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

ret·ro·spect ˈretrəˌspekt/ noun noun: retrospect; plural noun: retrospects 1. a survey or review of a past course of events or period of time.

Yes, I went in to get a definition of the word retrospect-I thought I remembered what it meant and I did! This book was definitely aptly named! The world as it is known in the year 3324 is very small--there are only two countries left. The rest of the world was annihilated by massive wars, etc. One group of these peoples is highly advanced scientifically and are able to send people back in time. These people (who can only be very small women) are called retrospecters. When the more war like peoples take over a resistance is formed and the country and most of the beauty is ruined. This story is about the what happens to that girl and how she does eventually go back to find out the truth about who killed their leader and ultimately heal herself. This is a who dun it with quite a few twists and turns which will definitely keep you guessing--and I did not guess!! Oh well-this book did make me think of how easy it would be to destroy this earth and I am sitting here hoping that it never happens--I did enjoy reading this book.


About the Book: (from Amazon)

In Retrospect is a good old-fashioned whodunit set in a compelling post-apocalyptic future.

Former elite operative Merit Rafi suffered during her imprisonment at the end of a devastating war, but the ultimate torment is being forced to investigate a murder she would gladly have committed herself.

In the year 3324 the Rasakans have attacked the technologically superior Oku. The war is a stalemate until the Oku commander, General Zane, abruptly surrenders. Merit, a staunch member of the Oku resistance, fights on, but she and her comrades are soon captured. An uneasy peace ensues, but the Rasakans conspire to gain control of the prized Oku time-travel technology.

When Zane is murdered, the Rasakans exert control over Merit, the last person on Earth capable of Forensic Retrospection.

Read the first 2 Chapters at Amazon

Watch the Trailer

Purchase the book at Amazon



About the Author: (from Amazon)


Ellen Larson's first science-fiction novel, Measure of the Universe, won the
following accolades:

*"More entertaining than much serious SF, but more intelligent than the usual light reading...cleverly weaves mystery, romance, and wordplay into a twenty-first century tale of a crusty paleographer from Earth and an exuberantly verbal alien, who takes on a Prometheus-like role in Earth's history." -Laura Blackwell, Strange Horizons 2003

*"Studded with clever puns and double entendres, this makes an engaging read for language lovers." -Booklist 2002

Her mystery series featuring newswoman Natalie Joday was praised as follows:

*"Sturdy prose and diverting subplots..." -Library Journal 2001

*"Larson knows her way around newspapers and around Bergen County. The sense of place is flawless." -New Jersey Star Ledger 2001

These days, Larson is a successful freelance developmental editor, working primarily with fiction. Among her clients is Poisoned Pen Press, the Arizona mystery publisher. In 2004, the first book she worked on for Poisoned Pen Press won the Ben Franklin award for best first mystery novel and the second was shortlisted for a Shamus award for best first mystery novel.

Beginning in 1971, when Larson's first short story was published in Yankee Magazine, her short stories and essays have regularly appeared in print and electronic markets. In 1999, Larson's literary short story, "Bridges and Trees" was published by gowanusbooks.com and took fifth place in the Preditors and Editors Award for Best Short Story. In 2007, an original mystery, "Partners," was published by Amazon Shorts.

In 1989, Larson left her 100 acre horse farm in upstate New York and headed overseas in search of adventure. In 1991 she landed in Cairo, Egypt, where she worked as a language editor and publications consultant, working in the field of economic development for NGOs such as USAID, CGIAR, and the World Bank.

Larson returned home in 2005--home being an antique trailer situated deep in the woods of her beloved farm. Her writing, whether mainstream, mystery, or science fiction, borrows heavily from the themes of classical mythology and features heroic protagonists who experience fast-paced adventures and testing situations that are never ever black and white. Larson holds a BA in English from Windham College and an MA in Humanities from California State University. She enjoys winning at bridge and losing at tennis. She is fifty-five.







All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

32 comments :

Masshole Mommy said...

Ahhh, my husband loves post-apocalyptic future books. His birthday is coming up, so I should get him a copy of this :)

Ellen Larson said...

Thanks for the nice spotlight and the review, Miki! I'm glad the book kept you guessing.

V@ said...

Thanks for the review! Not personally a fan of Sci-Fi however it sounds like it might be a good gift. Will put it on the idea list. Best Regards, Wendy

mail4rosey said...

I like the time period placed in the story, it sounds great. And lol to looking up the word and remembering right. I do that all of the time. :)

Sarah Bailey said...

Now I like the sound of this - I seem to be drawn to futuristic books at the moment :) x

Denise C said...

A Science Fiction Mystery? That sounds exactly my speed. I'm excited to learn more about this one. Thanks!

Casey said...

Good for you for actually taking the time to look the word up! I used to teach high school English, and my students often found it to be a completely foreign concept to look up words with which they were not familiar. ;) I am a fan of both sci-fi and mysteries, so this book sounds great for me.

Theresa Mahoney said...

I never thought Sci-Fi books were my thing, but I've read a few this past year and really seem to enjoy them. I will have to think about adding this one into the reading mix as well. Thanks for the review!

Unknown said...

Sounds like an interesting book. Right up my alley!

Eat To Live said...

Sometimes, these books that are written in the present, end up true in the future.

Unknown said...

I am a huge fan of sci-fi so this book is right up my alley. I will have to check it out.

Ashley Gill said...

I dont know that this book is something I'd be interested in, but it sounds like a good plot! My dad may like this one!

Unknown said...

I really love all your book reviews, I always end up adding them to my list of things to look for at the library. I have no idea when I will read all the books I want to read!

Nicole A. said...

I probably wouldn't read this book. But I can say that I'm pretty excited to start reading, my husband got me a Kindle for Christmas and I bought my first book for it last night.

Rebecca said...

this is another interesting book you keep this up my 2014 reading list will be longer then the actual year

Pam said...

My daughter loves post-apocalyptic books and is always looking for something new to read. This looks like it would be right up her alley.

Anonymous said...

My oldest loves apocalypic books I bet he would really like this. I will forward the review to him to see if he would like to read it.

Maria said...

I enjoy a good science fiction book especially if you can learn while reading!

BabsProjects said...

I am not a big fan of sci-fi, but guess what my DH is, so I would add this book to the list of ones to read.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Have never read a book with this kind of setting. This sounds like a very interesting read though.

The Frugal Greenish Mama said...

I am not sure this would be a book I would pick-up on my own but sounds interesting.

Unknown said...

Sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for sharing your insight.

Unknown said...

Looks like a great book. Thanks for the part about the author.

Unknown said...

Great review. May not appeal to me though, but I know someone who will like this!

Unknown said...

This sounds like a really interesting book would love to check it out :-)

Unknown said...

I think this sounds like something to read on vacation

FabulousPerks said...

I find the apocalyptic to be interesting. Great review! Thanks for sharing.

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Cheap Is The *New* Classy said...

I like post-apocalyptic type books, as does my hubby. Thanks for the review.

Onica said...

Wow this book sounds very serious. I would have to read it to find out all about "Forensic Retrospection"

Anonymous said...

I'm having a post-apocalyptic hangover and I don't think I'll be reading this. Thanks for sharing though. :-)

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great book. My bf is huge fan of sci fi type books. I

Amanda Love said...

I don't generally like reading books like these. I'm more of a romance and mystery thriller reader.

 
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