"The Choir Director" - Carl Weber

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Weber, Carl. (2011). The Choir Director. Kensington. 

First Jamaica Ministries is no stranger to scandal; the mega church congregation is still trying to survive the news that its beloved choir director had been involved in many gay affairs with congregants over the past few years. Unfortunately, things are only going to get worse. On the brink of financial ruin after the choir director scandal, Bishop T.K. Wilson brings in a new music leader, Aaron Mackie, hoping to revive the congregation and escape bankruptcy. With his delicious physique and playboy attitude, Mackie brings a whole new set of problems. The story races with passionate moments, revenge and deceit around every corner. Readers quickly realize that it may not be possible for First Jamaica Ministries to continue, especially since everyone has something to hide.

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Appeals

• flawed characters
• fast pacing
• passionate, dark mood

Other Carl Weber Titles

• Big Girls Do Cry 
• Torn Between Two Lovers  
• Something on the Side       
• Up to No Good

Similar Authors*

• Eric Jerome Dickey
• Mary B. Morrison 
• Omar Tyree

*located through Reader's Advisor Online

"Denial" -Stuart Kaminsky

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Kaminsky, Stuart M. (2005). Denial. Forge.

Lew Fonesca is an unlikely detective. Hoping to escape his wife’s hit and run death, Lew hides out in an office (used as an apartment), drowning his sorrows in old movies and Dairy Queen. Though his primary occupation is a process server, word has gotten around town that Lew is very adept at finding people. With his sidekick/bodyguard Ames at his side, Mr. Fonesca takes on two deadly cases; one involving the hit and run of a high school boy, the other a murder at a retirement home—absent a body. In an effort to solve these mysteries, both men encounter deception and hatred, as well as one person’s unrelenting desire to protect. The fourth in a six book series, Denial is sure to capture the attention of seasoned Kaminsky veterans, as well as those jumping head first into the series. 

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"Interview with the Vampire" -Anne Rice

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Rice, Anne. (1995). Interview with the Vampire. Random House.

In the year 1791, Louis becomes a vampire. Unfortunately, Louis’ maker, Lestat, is the complete opposite of Louis and the epitome of everything he despises. Their dislike of one another intensifies until Lestat decides to make another vampire child, Claudia, who is literally quite young when she is ‘changed’. Louis is momentarily mollified through his growing love for Claudia, who begins to become frustrated with her permanent child-like state. An intense battle between Claudia, Lestat and Louis leads to Louis and Claudia escaping to Europe to seek more vampires like themselves, filled with dangerous experiences that prove fatal for a number of those involved.

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Appeals: 

• dark tone
• flawed character 
• rich detail

Read alike books*:

• The Historian –Elizabeth Kostova
• The Cell –Stephen King
• Dark Curse –Christine Feehan

Read alike authors*:

• Tanith Lee
• Donna Boyd
• John Farris

*information located through NoveList database

"Contest" -Matthew Reilly

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Reilly, Matthew. (2003). Contest. Thomas Dunne Books.

Stephen Swain is about to encounter six extra-terrestrials with the same goal: to end his life. Swain is teleported into the New York Public Library for the Seventh Presidian, a contest in which intelligent life from a variety of planets fight to the death. With no prior knowledge of even the existence of extra-terrestrials, Swain is a bit behind and is brought up to speed through the knowledge of his guide, Selexin, whose survival depends on Swain’s ability to outsmart and kill his rivals. Not only must Swain battle these other worldly creatures, many of whom have special powers, he must also protect his young daughter Holly, who was accidentally teleported with him. Danger escalates when men from the NSA attempt to enter the library and encounter these beings, without proper knowledge what is occurring. Incredibly fast-paced and well developed, Matthew Reilly’s Contest will have readers on the edge of their seats until the last page. 

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