"DADDY ISSUES" BOOK RELEASE

One of Cincinnati's fastest rising new authors, Howard McEwen, recently released his second major fiction novel: Daddy Issues. The book explores life from the eyes of a successful, blue-collared family man that finds himself slowly losing control of the world he worked so hard to create.

Here's my summary of Daddy Issues without giving too much of the plot away:

It begins with a look. The look a new girlfriend gives you during those first few months you’re dating; that  glimpse from a wife that lets you know she’s still really into you; the whole face smile that lights up your daughter’s eyes when she sees you. It’s nitrous for a man’s ego.

Kentucky auto shop owner, Wagner Siebenthaller, knows this look all too well, but for him the glance is fleeting. Life with his loving wife and daughter has reached a breaking point as his family spirals into a pattern of deceit, promiscuity, and drug abuse brought on by trials of Midwestern life in the 21^st century.

This one's a page turner! I hope you're rushing over to Amazon.com to buy a copy right now...

McEwen is also known for his writings in finance, short stories, and historical fiction. His last publication, Wrath: The Life and Assassination of a U.S. Governor, explored the controversial life of William Goebel, a politician from Covington, Kentucky, who became the only Governor to be killed in office.

GIVEAWAY: WRATH

No, no, no. CincyWhimsy is not handing out free spite. 

Wrath  is one of my most recent late night page turners, and the author has been so kind to provide me with a few autographed copies to give away to you all!

To enter, leave a comment on this Facebook post answering the following question:
What did you know about William Goebel before reading this post?

Contest ends February 3, 2013.

Wrath tells the story of William Goebel, a politician from Covington, Kentucky, who was the only Governor ever to be assassinated in office. January 30th marks the anniversary of an unidentified man shooting him on the lawn of the State Capitol in Frankfort in broad daylight.

Not your ordinary Governor, Goebel's lack of social skills and abrasive personality hindered his campaign. He relied on his intellect to garner public support for his platform of railroad regulation and labor causes. His rise to power included a controversial duel with Confederate General John Sanford, passing an election law to stack the odds in his favor, and striding headfirst into a battle with the L&N Railroad monopoly.

Based on a true story that takes place in post Civil War Kentucky, I was fascinated with hearing familiar street names, landmarks, and politicians of the era.  Written with top notch imagery and character development, I keep expecting to see a smug Goebel coming around the corner whenever I walk through Covington.

McEWEN'S WRATH

Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending a presentation featuring author Howard McEwen speak about his latest novel:
Wrath - The Life and Assassination of a United States Governor.

William Goebel, a politician from Covington, Kentucky, was the only Governor ever to be assassinated in office. Wrath explores and contrasts the upbringing of Goebel and his assassin from boyhood to an adult. While their paths did not cross until the night of the assassination, McEwen finds symmetry in the characters and transitions their stories back and forth with ease.

Based on a true story that takes place in post Civil War Kentucky, I was fascinated with hearing familiar street names, landmarks, and politicians of the era. Drive past some of the settings today and you will find historical placards marking the Stevenson house or the spot where Goebel fell when shot. With McEwen's top notch imagery and character development, I keep expecting to see a smug Goebel coming around the corner whenever I walk through Covington.

One of my most recent late night page turners, Wrath illustrates how hard upbringings can sculpt a man's outlook on society. I found myself sympathizing with and cheering for Goebel throughout his struggle and his ruthless yet passionate rise to power. Intrigued? Get a copy of Wrath and see for yourself.