July was a busy month with lots to report about my book Islands of Deception…

#1 Book of the Summer at the Bookstore in Frankfort, Michigan

The Bookstore in Frankfort Michigan informed me in late July that Islands of Deception is the best-selling book in their store so far this summer. Barbara Reed, co-owner of The Bookstore, commented, “This is a stay up all night book.” They also hosted a book signing for me on July 4. It’s a great local bookstore to visit if you are ever in Frankfort—be sure to tell Barbara and Dwight I sent you. 

Rave Reviews

Two publications this month reviewed Islands of Deception. On July 5, the Lansing City Pulse published a review by Bill Castanier. “If you’re looking for a summer read that will get your pulse racing, Chris G. Thelen’s new book, Islands of Deception, is a safe bet,” Castanier said. 

On July 25, Tom Powers posted a review of the book on his blog Michigan in Books. “There’s a lot to like in this thriller set in Michigan that features more mayhem and flying steel than a figure-eight demolition derby,” Powers said. He added, “This is a promising first effort by a writer with a lot of potential.”

Author Interview

Tina Greene-Bevington at Baybooks in Suttons Bay Michigan did a Facebook live interview with me on July 14. It was lots of fun discussing the book and its characters. Bay Books also published an author Q&A on their website. This is another great locally owned bookstore to visit if you want get away from the crowds in Traverse City this time of year—say hi to Tina for me.

Well Received on Beaver Island

On July 19 I gave a talk at the Beaver Island District Library about my book. There were more than 30 people there, both local residents as well as those who summer on the island. It was a very engaging discussion about the book and the characters, as well as the back story about how I developed the story line.