by Patricia Bellomo | Sep 5, 2013 | Mob Blog
[dcs_p]Mob Blog: Books and Booze, September 5, 2013[/dcs_p] [dcs_p]
Books and booze go together like … whoa, wait a minute. Books and booze don’t go together at all. Or do they?[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Well … sometimes. Let me explain.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
You’ve had a rough day. You come home tired and pour yourself a Pinot Noir and arrange for a soak in the tub. You might even light a candle. Now you’re in the mood to read.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Read? You might be in the mood for something else … sleep perhaps. Let’s start over. Books and booze go together when you’re reading one of my books. Not that I’m encouraging drunkenness, but a glass of wine or an extra-dry Stoli martini with olives beats Diet Coke any day.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
I’m not a lush. Two’s my limit. On the rare occasions when I have three, my husband’s driving and my next day’s aerobics class goes out the window. Honest. I’m a writer, after all, and I need my brain when I sit at the computer. But, as I’ve spent many evenings sitting on a barstool, I feel qualified enough to speak about books and booze.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Now, I don’t like seedy barrooms or dingy saloons. No, I’m an uptown girl, and I like upscale eateries with cushioned stools and granite-topped counters. Piano lounges and Italian restaurants, a little calamari or frutti di mare before me with a basket of hard-crust bread, the kind true Italians eat. And yes, I like to eat more than I like to imbibe. I’m also inherently social—and I love to meet people. I always ask them, “Do you read?”[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Yes, I meet my readers in bars. My fan base likes books and booze. I don’t suppose this would be true if I wrote cozy mysteries or bodice rippers or sci-fi. But I’m writing crime fiction: Thrillers, with a mob-related theme. It’s not The Soprano’s, and they’re not mob stories, per se. But my characters are mobsters. And while I’m baring it all, I’ll be completely honest and admit that I’ve met a few real live ones in my time. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
But my mobsters are make-believe. Bad-boy Louie Morelli couldn’t be real. Nobody in real life could do what he does and get away with it. But Louie’s very charming, and my female readers love him. My male readers like Louie because he is just so cool.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Just to be cautious I always tell my fellow imbibers that when they make Stella di Mare into a movie, it’ll be PG-13 or R rated. We’re dealing with infidelity and murder here. So go ahead and pour the bubbly … it’s time for a good book and a little booze.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Patricia Bellomo is the author of the Louie Morelli character series. Her books include Louie Morelli’s Mistress, Stella di Mare, and Louie Morelli’s Daughter. Books available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Available on all e-readers.
by Patricia Bellomo | Aug 18, 2013 | Mob Blog
[dcs_p]Northville’s Top Bookstore Welcomes Crime Novelist, Patricia Bellomo.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Crime Novelist, Patricia Bellomo, is coming to Northville. The Clinton Township author will be appearing at The Next Chapter Bookstore & Bistro on Saturday, August 24, 2013, between 4:00 – 5:30.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo will be signing copies of her latest thriller, Louie Morelli’s Mistress.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
For avid readers who have not yet read any of Bellomo’s books in the Louie Morelli series, Louie Morelli’s Mistress is a good one to start with. As Bellomo says, “You don’t need to read my books in order, but I’d recommend starting with Louie Morelli’s Mistress. Chronologically, it takes place before Stella di Mare and Louie Morelli’s Daughter. It also adds a mysterious twist, and is set in New Orleans, as opposed to South Florida.”[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
For those who are not familiar with Bellomo’s characters, Louie Morelli hails from New Orleans–the son of a former mob boss that conspiracy theorists credit with the 35th president’s assasination. This is fiction in the crime thriller genre or, as in Bellomo’s words, “a sexy mob thriller.”[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
There’s a romantic angle: An exotic and beautiful woman, a love affair that feels fated, an eccentric little girl, a naive young realtor, and, of course, the enigmatic mobster, Louie Morelli. Add in the FBI, a splash of voodoo, and a scorned woman seeking revenge, and readers land smack dab in the middle of Bellomo’s latest thriller.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo refers to her books as mob thrillers, and the novels have a definite appeal for fans of mob books and movies. Her debut novel and Miami Beach thriller, Stella di Mare, was released in 2010, followed by Louie Morelli’s Daughter in 2011. Bellomo’s books are contemporary and are generally set in South Florida, although Louie Morelli’s Mistress offers readers a glimpse of New Orleans’s gritty underworld. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Dr. Marlene Siersema, host of “Amazing Women: Brains, Beauty, and Style” on Voice America World Talk Radio, recently asked Bellomo why a nice lady like her was writing about mobsters and mayhem, and Bellomo replied, “I have a naughty imagination.”[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Although the author admits to having known a few Louie Morelli types in her life, she stresses that her books and characters are completely fictitious. “They’re entertaining reads for those who like suspense and intrigue in exotic places.”[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo’s books are available at The Next Chapter Bookstore, located ar 141 E. Main, Northville, MI (248-465-0010)[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Books also available at Amazon.com, major book retailers, and on all e-readers.
by Patricia Bellomo | Aug 12, 2013 | Mob Blog
Louie Morelli’s Mistrss
[dcs_p]Mob Blog: Suspense Author’s Booksigning’s, August 12, 2013[/dcs_p][dcs_p]Suspense Author, Patricia Bellomo, will be signing copies of her books at Sajo’s Restaurant on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Sajo’s is located at 36470 Moravian, Clinton Township, MI 586-792-7256 [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo is promoting her latest thriller, Louie Morelli’s Mistress, but all three of her books will be available for sale. Previous books include Stella di Mare & Louie Morelli’s Daughter.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo writes suspense in the crime thriller category. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo will also be appearing at The Next Chapter Bookstore on Saturday, August 24, 2013, from 4:00 – 5:30. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
The Next Chapter stocks all three of Bellomo’s books. All will be available for purchase at the signing. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
The Next Chapter is located at 141 E. Main, Northville, MI 248-465-0010 [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo’s suspense & mystery books are available at The Next Chapter Bookstore. Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble. Also available in all digital formats, including kindle & nook.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Louie Morelli’s Mistress by Patricia Bellomo[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
“A daring and suspensful thriller.” [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Uptown Realtor, Robert Fontenay, falls in love with the mistress of crime boss, Louie Morelli. Sleeping with Louie’s girl is dangerous, but Robert becomes deeply attached to Mercedes and her eccentric little girl. After Mercedes involves Robert in a hit on a crooked congressman, he is plunged into New Orleans’s gritty underworld, where he finds himself caught between mob and FBI.
[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Louie Morelli’s Daughter by Patricia Bellomo[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
“An action and adventure thriller, highly recommended.”[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Louie Morelli’s beautiful daughter, Stella, gets kidnapped in the parking lot of a Delray Beach hotel. After discovering that Stella’s abduction is related to her husband’s gambling debts, Louie embarks on a mission to recover Stella and avenge her honor. Along the way Stella is transformed from daddy’s darling to an accomplice to murder. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Stella di Mare by Patricia Bellomo[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Suspense & intrigue in Miami Beach.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
In this sexy thriller Tara Evans falls hard for enigmatic mobster, Louie Morelli, when he takes control of the Miami hotel she works for. Tara’s former boss, Franco, hustled hot diamonds, and it doesn’t take long for Louie to recover Franco’s loot. Claiming a rare diamond necklace, Louie devises a scam involving a famous producer, an eccentric diamond dealer, and his lovely mistress, Tara.
by Patricia Bellomo | Aug 6, 2013 | Mob Blog
[dcs_p]Local Restaurant Welcomes Crime Novelist, Patricia Bellomo[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Sajo’s Restaurant in Clinton Township, “the place with great taste,” is hosting a booksigning for crime novelist, Patricia Bellomo. This event will take place on Wednesday, August 14, 2013. Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo is promoting her latest thriller, Louie Morelli’s Mistress.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo refers to her books as mob thrillers, and the novels do have a definite appeal for fans of mob books and movies. But Bellomo’s books are not classic “mobster” stories, although her characters are mobsters. One reviewer calls them “daring and suspenseful thrillers.” There’s also a good dose of intrigue and plenty of romantic suspense.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Contrary to her previous novels, which were set in South Florida, Bellomo’s latest book provides readers with a glimpse of New Orleans’s gritty underword. In Louie Morelli’s Mistress, a naive young realtor falls for the mistress of crime boss, Louie Morelli. A hot love affair ensues. Soon the young man–Robert, finds himself caught between the mob and FBI. “There’s a moral dilema,” explains the crime novelist. “Good versus evil. My characters are flawed.” [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
“It’s a perfect beach read,” says Bellomo, emphasizing that her books are pure fiction. “They’re entertaining reads for those who like suspense and intrigue in exotic settings.” [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo’s debut novel and Miami Beach thriller, Stella di Mare, was released in 2010, followed by Louie Morelli’s Daughter in 2011. Both of these books and Louie Morelli’s Mistress will be available for purchase at the booksigning.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Sajo’s is located at 36470 Moravian, in Clinton Township. The restaurant offers traditional American fare as well as authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with specialty items like Athenian lamb chops, saganaki, and a variety of steaks and seafood. [/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Free admittance. Food and drinks offered by Sajo’s at retail prices.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Bellomo’s books are available on Amazon, major book retailers, and on all e-readers. Also on AmazonEU & AmazonUK.
by Patricia Bellomo | Jul 30, 2013 | Mob Blog
[dcs_p]Mob Blog: Mob Music, July 30, 2013[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Mob Music is my favorite type of music. Somewhere in the early eighties, I abandoned pop-culture. Even though I was still relatively young, I somehow missed the top bands of the era. Now, I’m like, Justin … who? Oh, wait—the Biebs. Yes, I have heard of the Biebs.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Seriously, once I was old enough to shake the stars out of my eyes—good-bye Jimmy Page—I realized that what I really liked was mob music. I didn’t know it was mob music. Nobody called it that then. But, oh, the old crooners. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Al Martino singing The Godfather songs. Paul Anka, Jerry Vale, and Louis Prima. Who can beat them?[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
As a writer, my work is mental. Noise distracts me. Loud music crowds my brain, prevents me from thinking. But give me an evening in Roma or a little summer wind, and I’m dreaming. I suppose it’s the romantic in me. And there’s a bit of nostalgia at play. After all, these were the songs I heard growing up. The songs that played at weddings and family parties—the backdrop of an era. The sounds of my life.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
My penchant for mob music might have something to do with me being Italian. But then again, maybe it’s an American thing, part and parcel of our culture. Just last week my husband and I were at the Rochester Chop House in Rochester, Michigan. At the next table there was a large group of Polish people. They explained to us that they were in town at the invitation of Chrysler, whose headquarters is in nearby Auburn Hills. They’re stay would be short—just a couple of weeks—but they were making the most of it. The Chop House employs a gifted pianist, and they kept requesting songs. Guess what song they requested?[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
No, it wasn’t the polka. My Polish acquaintances wanted to hear That’s Amore. I guess that’s American. Mob music the world over.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Patricia Bellomo is the author of the crime and mob thrillers, Louie Morelli’s Mistress, Stella di Mare, and Louie Morelli’s Daughter. Patricia lives in the Detroit area with her husband, Vince, traveling frequently to South Florida and less frequently to New Orleans, the settings for her novels.[/dcs_p][dcs_p]
Books available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Also available in digital format for all e-readers. Amazon.UK & Amazon.EU
by Patricia Bellomo | Jul 10, 2013 | Mob Blog
Politicians & Prostitutes, July 10, 2013
In Louie Morelli’s words …
My favorite politician has been in the news lately. He was caught having sex with a prostitute. I’m not the least bit surprised. In fact, I’ve fixed him up on several dates throughout the years. But the senator puts on the good-ole boy upstanding citizen act, and now he’s blubbering away on the news. Making a damned fool of himself.
What is it with politicians & prostitutes?
What is it with politicians and prostitutes? I’ve never known one who didn’t pay and play. And this guy paid and played so much it’s a wonder he didn’t get caught before.
They’ve been showing pictures of the prostitute—a low-grade escort with a fake rack. Not even a looker. My favorite politician gets on the phone to me. “I’m flying down this weekend,” he tells me. The senator has a place in Palm Beach. We sometimes do lunch or a game of golf, when the cameras aren’t spying, that is. “I’d like to talk to you.”
I tell him I’m busy. He senses my coolness and starts to explain about the scandal. He apologizes to me. I could give a damn what he does, but this politician is in Washington because of me, and he knows he’s messed up. And I really am angry. I’ve got a lot invested in him. And now he’s involved with this bimbo prostitute. He has the nerve to tell me that he cares for her.
“She might not feel the same way,” I tell him. “She’s talking to the media.”
The senator admits this could be a problem. “She wants to be famous,” he says.
“Too bad for you.”
“I might have to pay her off. Or something like that,” he says. “How much … er … uh … would something like that cost?”
For a minute I don’t say anything. I can’t believe he just said this. And on a cell phone! I’m thinking … didn’t he give a news conference last week condemning the NSA for spying on us? Now I know I’ve bet on the wrong horse. I hang up without saying a word.
Patricia Bellomo is the author of the crime and mob thriller books, Louie Morelli’s Mistress, Stella di Mare, and Louie Morelli’s Daughter. Politicians & Prostitutes was written in the voice of her main character, Louie Morelli.
Books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Amazon.UK & Amazon.EU. Books are also available in digital formats.
