Ryn Pitts's Blog
June 25, 2014
March 9, 2014
Pitts in Paris
My husband and I are spending two months in Paris where I'm busy at work on my next novel, Placebo. We've started a travel blog at
tyntyn50.wordpress.com
Join us for a vicarious adventure!
tyntyn50.wordpress.com
Join us for a vicarious adventure!
February 22, 2014
Review by Barbara Fister on Library Thing
From Barbara Fisters's blog: " so no more stars from me. But if it's here, I liked it. If I don't enjoy a book, I put it down unfinished, and those don't get listed in my catalog."
Her review of Deadly Benefits:
"A medical thriller set in Fargo, North Dakota, in which a pharmacist (who works part-time at a local hospital) and a resident are distressed and puzzled when a young woman with chron's disease gets what appears to be an infection and dies. She was using a mail-order medication prescribed by a senior physician who we soon learn stands to benefit from his prescriptions, but the company providing the medication is being investigated for fraud.
This is quite an entertaining mystery with a lot of insider detail about the workings of a hospital and a pharmacy - so much so that at times it's at times a bit overwhelming, though hospital employees would likely enjoy seeing their workplace culture used for criminal purposes. The characters are vivid, from Heli Harri the pharmacist, who has deep ties to her Finnish roots and is burning the candle at both ends trying to make a go of her independent pharmacy, to the Indian chief resident, to the obnoxious senior physician who thinks he's too good for the Midwestern hospital but is actually a good diagnostician (if lacking in morals). The opening scenes lay out the threads that carry through the book. The reader has to pay attention to the times for these scenes, though, to assemble the events of the patient's last days. As it turns out, there's a lot going on in this hospital, and not everyone who works there wants its patients to get well. "
Her review of Deadly Benefits:
"A medical thriller set in Fargo, North Dakota, in which a pharmacist (who works part-time at a local hospital) and a resident are distressed and puzzled when a young woman with chron's disease gets what appears to be an infection and dies. She was using a mail-order medication prescribed by a senior physician who we soon learn stands to benefit from his prescriptions, but the company providing the medication is being investigated for fraud.
This is quite an entertaining mystery with a lot of insider detail about the workings of a hospital and a pharmacy - so much so that at times it's at times a bit overwhelming, though hospital employees would likely enjoy seeing their workplace culture used for criminal purposes. The characters are vivid, from Heli Harri the pharmacist, who has deep ties to her Finnish roots and is burning the candle at both ends trying to make a go of her independent pharmacy, to the Indian chief resident, to the obnoxious senior physician who thinks he's too good for the Midwestern hospital but is actually a good diagnostician (if lacking in morals). The opening scenes lay out the threads that carry through the book. The reader has to pay attention to the times for these scenes, though, to assemble the events of the patient's last days. As it turns out, there's a lot going on in this hospital, and not everyone who works there wants its patients to get well. "
February 13, 2014
Mystery Readers Journal: new edition on medical mysteries
I was happy to learn that my article, "Five Razor Cuts" has been published in the current issue of Mystery Readers Journal. The issue features writers of medical mysteries and may interest readers of my book, DEADLY BENEFITS.
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.mysteryreaders.org/
Follow this link to learn more: http://www.mysteryreaders.org/
January 19, 2014
Nice review of Deadly Benefits from Duluth
Posts by Carolyn:
*0
Book Review – Deadly Benefits
Posted by Carolyn on January 17, 2014 in Reviews | ∞
Deadly Benefits by Ryn Pitts, was one of the best reads I have read in a while.
I didn’t want to put this book down! I love a good book about hospital drama and mystery. This was right up my alley! I was pulled in all directions while reading this book, and I didn’t find a dull moment at anytime. The characters were so real and created a well-written story.
The ending blew my mind! If you enjoy a good story involving medicine and drama; this is for you!
I believe she has another book coming out, Placebo. I can’t wait to read it. Join me, and let me know your thoughts.
Tags: Book Review, Books, Literature, Ryn Pitts
- See more at: http://designedforthetimes.areavoices...
*0
Book Review – Deadly Benefits
Posted by Carolyn on January 17, 2014 in Reviews | ∞
Deadly Benefits by Ryn Pitts, was one of the best reads I have read in a while.
I didn’t want to put this book down! I love a good book about hospital drama and mystery. This was right up my alley! I was pulled in all directions while reading this book, and I didn’t find a dull moment at anytime. The characters were so real and created a well-written story.
The ending blew my mind! If you enjoy a good story involving medicine and drama; this is for you!
I believe she has another book coming out, Placebo. I can’t wait to read it. Join me, and let me know your thoughts.
Tags: Book Review, Books, Literature, Ryn Pitts
- See more at: http://designedforthetimes.areavoices...
November 19, 2013
Minneapolis book signing at Ingebretsens
Happy to meet, greet and sign books for my Minneapolis friends on Saturday, November 30 at Ingebretsens. Looks like a fabulous week with other authors.
Follow this link for directions, times etc:
http://www.ingebretsens.com/events/in...
Saturday, November 30
Booksigning with Ryn Pitts, North Dakota author of Deadly Benefits, a great new mystery set in Fargo, ND.
From 9 to 12.
Follow this link for directions, times etc:
http://www.ingebretsens.com/events/in...
Saturday, November 30
Booksigning with Ryn Pitts, North Dakota author of Deadly Benefits, a great new mystery set in Fargo, ND.
From 9 to 12.
October 29, 2013
PEO Book Club, Fargo: 2014
Mark the date, April 14, 2014, for my presentation of DEADLY BENEFITS to the PEO Book Club in Fargo. Looking forward to an excellent discussion!
That's three book clubs scheduled for 2014!
That's three book clubs scheduled for 2014!
October 8, 2013
Reading at Pelican Rapids Library
The Friends of the Pelican Rapids Public Library are sponsoring a reading by new author Ryn Pitts on Tuesday, October 8:00 a.m. at 4:30 p.m. at the Library. Her book is called Deadly Benefits and is available from Amazon and from Riverview Place in Pelican Rapids as well as an eBook from Smashwords.
Book signing at Sanford Health
I'm looking forward to seeing you today (Tuesday, October 8) at Sanford Health for a book signing. Feels like coming home!
September 8, 2013
Four book clubs select DEADLY BENEFITS
Per requests, I've drawn up the following discussion questions:
• Henning Mankell, the popular Swedish author and creator of the Wallander series, once said that every good crime novel begins with a question of social relevance. The question driving the plot of Deadly Benefits is, “if healthcare is indeed broken, who benefits from the status quo, and who suffers the consequence?” As a reader, how would you answer this?
• Deadly Benefits is riddled with human inconsistencies. For example, Dr. Lavelle blames many of his problems on being an outsider, yet Dr. Venkata, a Mumbaikar, is loved by all. What other inconsistencies can you point out, and what does this reveal about the character(s)?
• Hold Deadly Benefits up to a mirror, and it will reveal the stress points and fractures of the healthcare system and society as a whole. What points are exploited in this novel?
• Why do you think the author chose a child and a vulnerable adult to possess essential information about the mysterious death?
• Without everyday heroes like Heli Harri and Dr. Venkata, the mysterious death may have gone undetected as an act of murder. What attributes of each compelled them to go beyond easy answers?
• The author leaves to your imagination the fate of several characters. What do you think ultimately happens to Dr. Mark Lavelle? Dr. Pierce Eddington? Donna Wadeson? Byron Bohley? Others?
• One of the core components of a good novel is a powerful sense of place. Does the author succeed in creating a credible depiction of Fargo? What stereotypes does she challenge?
• Deadly Benefits has been described as a“real page-turner.” How and where does the author alter the novel’s pace? Why do you think she did this?
• Deadly Benefits was set in 2002. Has anything changed in healthcare that would make this crime easier or harder to commit and to conceal?
• By 2021, healthcare is projected to be at least 20% of the Gross National Product (GNP). If it is true that crime follows the money trail, what can you, a patient, or you, a professional, do to assure that the healthcare system does not become an easier platform for crime?
• Henning Mankell, the popular Swedish author and creator of the Wallander series, once said that every good crime novel begins with a question of social relevance. The question driving the plot of Deadly Benefits is, “if healthcare is indeed broken, who benefits from the status quo, and who suffers the consequence?” As a reader, how would you answer this?
• Deadly Benefits is riddled with human inconsistencies. For example, Dr. Lavelle blames many of his problems on being an outsider, yet Dr. Venkata, a Mumbaikar, is loved by all. What other inconsistencies can you point out, and what does this reveal about the character(s)?
• Hold Deadly Benefits up to a mirror, and it will reveal the stress points and fractures of the healthcare system and society as a whole. What points are exploited in this novel?
• Why do you think the author chose a child and a vulnerable adult to possess essential information about the mysterious death?
• Without everyday heroes like Heli Harri and Dr. Venkata, the mysterious death may have gone undetected as an act of murder. What attributes of each compelled them to go beyond easy answers?
• The author leaves to your imagination the fate of several characters. What do you think ultimately happens to Dr. Mark Lavelle? Dr. Pierce Eddington? Donna Wadeson? Byron Bohley? Others?
• One of the core components of a good novel is a powerful sense of place. Does the author succeed in creating a credible depiction of Fargo? What stereotypes does she challenge?
• Deadly Benefits has been described as a“real page-turner.” How and where does the author alter the novel’s pace? Why do you think she did this?
• Deadly Benefits was set in 2002. Has anything changed in healthcare that would make this crime easier or harder to commit and to conceal?
• By 2021, healthcare is projected to be at least 20% of the Gross National Product (GNP). If it is true that crime follows the money trail, what can you, a patient, or you, a professional, do to assure that the healthcare system does not become an easier platform for crime?
