BooksChatter: ℚ♫ The Bone Shroud

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Jean Rabe to talk about The Bone Shroud (11 March 2018, Boone Street Press, 208 pages), a Mystery.

" Another winner! The Bone Shroud by Jean Rabe is just the latest reason to love this prolific multi-genre author. The action starts on page one and never stops. Rabe keeps readers on the edge of their seats with as many twists and turns in this thriller as in the catacombs and archaeological digs in which much of the action takes place. The real bonus – at least for me – is Rabe’s characters – so realistic, so interesting, so flawed, so sinister, so beguiling.

Fans of Jean’s earlier books, as well as fans of fast-paced mysteries and action-packed thrillers, will not want to miss this one!" ~ Amazon Verified Purchase review.

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Jean Rabe; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in The Bone Shroud , or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"While I wrote The Bone Shroud I listed to a lot of Antonio Vivaldi, cello music, Gregorian chants. I listen to classical music when I write. Now, when I toss tennis balls—give me oldies rock.
Here’s a link to some nice chant music"

What was the inspiration for The Bone Shroud ?

"I love international thrillers and wanted to write one myself.

I’d attended travelogues on Italy and Rome, and so picked that as my location. A lot of research inspired the work, particularly studying antiquities found in and around Rome."

Roman Forum

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"There’s a lot of me scattered in the book.

The main character, Irem, does not like to fly … I hate flying. She does not like fancy food and favors McDonald’s and the like … me, too. She was mugged in a subway in Chicago … ditto, when I was in college. Her father is Irish … my dad was Irish.

BUT I do not have a black belt in Hapkido, I don’t work at the Field Museum (though it is my favorite Chicago museum), and I am not an archivist…though I am a history-junkie."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Bone Shroud - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"When I was looking for book covers, I saw the image on an artist’s website. It was perfect. My book has skeletons in robes—down below in the crypts, there’s a chest, and it’s moody. PERFECT.

The artist is great. He’s Juan Padron, and here’s a link to his site."

Why should we read The Bone Shroud and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I put a lot of work in the book … research, building the characters. A lot of research. I wanted to make everything accurate, had my Italian vetted by an archaeologist fluent in the language.

I’d say it’s unique because of the mix of characters transported to Italy, the old and new worlds that brings them together, and the mystery that stretches back hundreds of years.

You should read the book because I think you’d enjoy it."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Bone Shroud , its story and characters?

"Hmmmmm … quirky. I’d say Irem Madigan, my main character has a quirk-factor.

Thirty-two, she’s just ended her engagement, got an expedited passport, and flew to Italy to be the “best man” at her brother’s wedding. She’s Turkish-Irish-American, curious, loves old B&W movies because of the graininess, doesn’t turn on her cell phone very often, is a history-junkie, relishes quarter pounders with cheese, likes fruity alcoholic beverages served with umbrellas in them, is lonely, and takes maybe too many chances.

Her brother, Levent, is a little quirky too, an eternal student, a hopeless romantic, claustrophobic, and childlike."

Who would you recommend The Bone Shroud to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend it to mystery and thriller fans.

Disclaimer: the protagonist is a woman, there are a couple of gay characters, and religious themes are involved."

If you could / wished to turn The Bone Shroud into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Wow. Nice dream.

The location … Rome, Italy, of course! With maybe a flashback scene to Chicago thrown in.

Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy

Chicago, Field Museum area

I’d pick Sedef Avci, a Turkish model-actress. She looks like how I picture Irem, and they’re close to the same age. Levent would be played by Gabriel Garko. And the handsome Italian policeman would be played by Luca Marinelli. My ideal director would be Steven Spielberg … just because I’d like to meet him, chat about the world over lunch."


Sedef Avci Irem	Gabriel Garko Levent	Luca Marinelli Policeman	Steven Spielberg Director

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I’m currently writing mysteries and thrillers, and plan to stick with it for a while. Before that, I wrote a lot of fantasy and science fiction. I have 37 published novels, most of them fantasy.

I wanted a change in my writing life, had been reading mysteries, and decided I should write mysteries too. I still dabble in fantasy, mostly short stories. I don’t think a writer should be locked in to any one genre if she’s capable of exploring many. I’ve even written true crime and military fiction.

What genres do I like to read: mystery, thriller, Westerns, military, fantasy, science fiction, the occasional horror novel, and fantasy football magazines. I read all over the place based on book reviews or what I’m in the mood for. I’m currently reading Preston & Child’s latest Pendergast novel [City of Endless Night]."

What is your writing process?

"I usually write every day. And during the week, I write five to eight hours a day, taking breaks to play with my dogs, walk my pug, toss tennis balls to my Labrador.

I have three dogs. Getting away from the computer for dog breaks rejuvenates me and makes them happy. If I’m working on multiple projects, I’ll spend the morning on one, and the afternoon on the other."

What is in store next?

"Next up is finishing my third Piper Blackwell novel, The Dead of Summer. I’m about a quarter of the way into it. I’ve another adventure I’d like to take Irem Madigan on, and I’m mulling over a plot for a fourth Piper. I also have a couple of fantasy novels outlined … but I want to stick with mysteries for a while.

The Dead of Summer had me doing some research through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Interesting, eh? And checking in with my favorite retired policeman, my game master who is also a district attorney, and a helpful coroner. Hope that intrigues you!

I also have to set aside time for a science fiction short story and a fantasy short story with a dragon in it that I’ve promised to anthologies."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I love dogs. I’m always posting pictures of my dogs on Facebook. Probably more pictures than my friends want to see.

The floor of my house is littered with dog toys and the occasional bursts of fuzz (happily destroyed dog toys). My office smells like a dog (not a bad thing). I have three dogs wrapped around my feet this very moment—a Labrador retriever who just celebrated his third birthday with a plate of spaghetti; a Boston terrier, who stole the Lab’s birthday toy and who is indefatigable; and an elderly pug who has my heart and keeps my feet warm."