Following a bitter divorce, Troy Kirkwood is murdered, leaving his five-year-old daughter, Meika, in the care of her grandparents. But then Troy's crack-addicted ex-wife resurfaces, demanding custody of Meika. As the family fights to stay together, Troy's brother struggles to solve the murder.National best-selling author Gloria Mallette, hailed as the new queen of African-American suspense, perfectly fuses mystery and family drama in Promises to Keep.
2007 was a wonderful year for me. Although I have been published by major mainstream publishers, this year I chose to return to the self-publishing arena (Living, Breathing Lies) in order to continue to write the stories I like to write. I am so appreciative of those readers who have continued to read my books despite who my publisher is. I always say, "Never let anyone tell you that you can't; show them that you can." I am about staying on the literary path I asked God to set my feet upon. I hope you, as well, are going about fulfilling your dreams and letting no one bound your mind, soul, or hands.
Also this year, my latest book, Living, Breathing Lies placed as a WINNER in the USA Book News National Best Books Award for 2007 in African American Fiction (USABookNews.com). Do I count this as a blessing? You bet I do.
Currently, I am working on my 10th title, SASSY, due out June 2008.
Please visit me on my website, and please check out my video for Living, Breathing Lies on Goodreads or Youtube.com.
"Promises to Keep" is the story of a family placed under great emotional strain after the tragic and senseless murder of a family member.
No parent wants their child to precede them in death, but such is the case with Nola and Ron Kirkwood. Their son Troy walked out the door with his young daughter for an outing, never to return. Knowing their son so well, they knew that something must be wrong only to have their worst fears come true with the news of his murder. Grandparents now have to take on the role of parent to their now orphaned grandchild. As if dealing with their son's murder and knowing his murderer is roaming the streets freely isn't enough, the unstable and drug-addicted mother of their grandchild demands custody.
"Promises to Keep" was just okay. It was a little slow, yet touching at times as you felt the characters' grief. I've heard good things about this author, so I'll give her another try.
Well written but a heart wrenching topic. A adult child's death, custody fights with clearly an unfit parent that the law/judge seems to ignore, searching for the killer. Was a page turner but at times very sad.
This was my first book by Gloria Mallette and it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was well written and kept me on edge, especially the last few chapters.