Released: October 26, 2017!
BOOK SYNOPSIS
These are the first words spoken by elderly patient Helga Klemens to the transporter arriving to take her down for a simple hip surgery. Luke assures the frightened woman no one is going to harm her, chalking the bizarre declaration up to nerves and medication issues. After safely delivering her to the O.R., Luke’s final words to Helga are, “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine,” unaware she will be dead within the hour.
On the same Sunday afternoon, newspaper reporter Jennifer Malone is looking into the case of a John Doe residing in the hospital’s morgue. Once her interview with the coroner is complete, Jennifer is stopped by a distraught Luke and his security guard girlfriend, Maryanne, who are both shocked at the news of Helga’s untimely death.
Over the following five fast-paced days, Jennifer will use all of her investigative skills to determine exactly what happened in the O.R. However, when a second unidentified body washes ashore, Jennifer’s attention is sidetracked wondering if there’s a serial killer on the loose. Could the three seemingly unrelated deaths be linked?
Abandoned is populated by memorable characters, each caught in a web of lies, unaware the secrets they hold may result in a life or death struggle for someone they love.
PRESS RELEASE
October 26, 2017 – Windsor, ON
Every story has its own unique beginning and Canadian author John Schlarbaum’s latest novel, Abandoned – A Jennifer Malone Mystery is no different.
While working as a hospital patient transporter, Schlarbaum entered an elderly woman’s room to take her by stretcher to the O.R. for a routine hip surgery. After greeting the woman, Schlarbaum was taken aback when her first words to him were, “Don’t let them kill me!”
And from that real-life interaction bursts the second Jennifer Malone mystery, featuring the feisty investigative newspaper reporter.
“To lend a high level of authenticity in my characters and their actions as the plot unfolds, I always incorporate my job experiences into my novels,” Schlarbaum states. ”In previous mysteries, my 20+ year career as a private investigator, as well as working in the television industry, helped my readers understand fields they may not have been acquainted with in their lives. I suppose I really do follow the edict: Write what you know.”
In Abandoned’s opening chapter, Luke the transporter assures the frightened woman no one is going to harm her, chalking the bizarre declaration up to nerves and medication issues. After safely delivering her to the O.R., Luke’s final words to Helga are, “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine,” unaware she will be dead within the hour.
On the same Sunday afternoon, newspaper reporter Jennifer Malone is looking into the case of a John Doe residing in the hospital’s morgue. Once her interview with the coroner is complete, Jennifer is stopped by a distraught Luke and his security guard girlfriend, Maryanne, who are both shocked at the news of Helga’s untimely death.
Over the following five fast-paced days, Jennifer will use all of her investigative skills to determine exactly what happened in the O.R. However, when a second unidentified body washes ashore, Jennifer’s attention is sidetracked wondering if there’s a serial killer on the loose. Could the three seemingly unrelated deaths be linked?
“Since 2013 I have released the third P.I. Steve Cassidy Mystery, Off the Beaten Path, as well as a thriller titled, Lasting Impressions,” Schlarbaum says. “After a six year absence, I knew it was time for another Jennifer Malone Mystery. Readers often approach me at signing events to declare that the first novel, A Memorable Murder, was their favourite book of mine. As a writer, you’re always looking for the next story idea to pursue, and to have the encounter with this particular patient was a revelation. As I walked out of the O.R. wing I knew ‘Don’t let them kill me’ would be the beginning of Chapter One.”
Schlarbaum has worked part-time as a patient transporter at Windsor’s Metropolitan Hospital for three years. He attributes his sometimes brief contact with people from all walks of life, as well as the staff, for making him a better writer.
“I could never have written Abandoned without my experience at the hospital. I wouldn’t have known the procedures required of transporters, nurses, E.R., O.R. and I.C.U. staff, as well as housekeeping personnel duties. Even the physical layout of Met Hospital assisted me in visualizing where the action would take place. My goal is to get the reader involved with the plot, its characters and the environment in a way that feels real and believable.”
For fans of character Jennifer Malone, Schlarbaum guarantees you’ll love her even more while reading Abandoned. “This time around I wanted to expand Jennifer’s presence and overall story involvement. Instead of just following along with her while she investigates new clues, I’ve added more of her personal life – even a love interest – to enrich her identity. This allows readers to better relate to her as a career woman, as well as a skilled reporter.”
Abandoned is populated by memorable characters, each caught in a web of lies, unaware the secrets they hold may result in a life or death struggle for someone they love.
Available in trade paperback and eBook versions at: www.johnschlarbaum.com and area bookstores.
READERS REVIEWS
crime reporter, CHCH
“Kudos to Schlarbaum, a master storyteller who always finds ways to use his own past experiences to captivate his readers. It only takes one small piece of the puzzle to be able to see the big picture. For investigative journalist Jennifer Malone that’s what it’s all about. Malone is the main character in author John Schlarbaum’s recent thriller ABANDONED – A Jennifer Malone Mystery. This is Schlarbaum’s sequel to A Memorable Murder in which we quickly came to realize that Malone is more than a high profile journalist, she’s a supersleuth who likes to take risks. The brazen 30-something Malone is relentless in her pursuit to find the truth and in finding romance.”
~ Fred Groves, Journalist
“John Schlarbaum’s newest mystery novel, ABANDONED, features the triumphant return of the reporter Jennifer Malone character and the book doesn’t disappoint. Featuring nicely-woven together subplots, ABANDONED takes the reader through the lives of a number of compelling characters and keeps the reader interested until the very end. And yes, it is well worth it to read to the very end, even after the mystery is solved. When you read the book, you’ll know why!” ~ Ron Giofu, Editor – The River Town Times
“As a journalist, I often cringe when I read books with a reporter asa main character because they often don’t represent a true depiction of how we operate. And, I tend to avoid them. That is not the case with John Schlarbaum’s ABANDONED. I identify with Jennifer Malone and would love to be in her shoes, covering the stories in John’s book. It’s a page turner and a great read.” ~ Veronique Perrier Mandal, Bestselling Author & Journalism Professor
“In John Schlarbaum’s latest novel, Jennifer Malone is an Enigmatologist with an uncanny ability in finding the missing pieces of an intricate puzzle and building a picture for us all to see. Reporter characters have been done to death, but Jennifer is a fresh, new generation newshound, not like the old chain-smoking, greasy haired, bespectacled hacks we’ve heard enough of. You won’t be disappointed when the puzzle is solved. ABANDONED is a fun read.” ~ Edmond Gagnon, Author of “Finding Hope” and “The Black & White” crime fiction series
“Likeable, interesting characters, a steady pace and enough intrigue to keep turning the pages made ABANDONED the perfect read. I like books that provoke tension and anxiety between the reader and the characters, ABANDONED did just this and more. Definitely, does not disappoint. Schlarbaum once again hits the mark.” ~ Kevin Jarvis, Author of “A Personal Underworld”
“ABANDONED was the kind of mystery novel that I love – one with many surprising twists and turns. I was so excited to see what was going to happen next that I couldn’t put it down – read it in one day. This is by far John Schlarbaum’s best book yet!” ~ Debra Kigar, Burlington, ON
“Hi, John – I enjoyed the way Jennifer solved the crime. The ending was great and I finally knew what that ‘abandoned chair’ represented. Keep up the good work!” ~ Kathy Johnston, West Lorne, ON
“This book was fabulous! Love the Jennifer Malone character. This certainly was a page turner, right from the beginning. I like the way the lives of the various characters weaved together as the book progressed. Loved the comedic banter mixed in throughout the story and references to local streets, persons and places. Even when I put the book down for awhile, I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and couldn’t wait to get back to it. Can’t wait for your next book. Get writing!” ~ Carolyn Z., Amherstburg, ON.
“It is amazing how John Schlarbaum can take an ordinary day at a hospital and change it into an amazing mystery. The reader is brought into the various characters’ lives and interweaves these lives in the most interesting ways. This is the type of book that you don’t want to stop reading. You will want to know how the characters are connected and John ties these connections up nicely at the end. Some details in the story will even make you laugh. Abandoned is an easy read and leaves you wanting to check out more of John’s books. Highly recommended!” ~ Irene Carson, Windsor, ON.
“In ABANDONED we meet reporter/detective Jennifer Malone: a bright, fearless, charismatic and independent career woman struggling to achieve work-life balance as she searches for the story of a lifetime. While investigating the death of a John Doe, she befriends two young hospital employees who believe that an elderly patient has been murdered. Skeptical, but keeping an open mind, Jennifer soon discovers that all is not as it seems. Add in a mail carrier who is at the wrong place at the wrong time, a couple of sketchy coroners, a potential love interest and a dimly-lit dive run by mobsters, and you have a storyline that will keep you guessing as you read ‘just one more chapter’. Schlarbaum continues to deliver likable characters and intriguing, interwoven plots. Whether you are a new or seasoned fan, Abandoned will not disappoint.”
~ Jennifer Laugher, Niagara Falls, ON.
“Schlarbaum has hit the mark! Abandoned is top notch! It is intriguing and so real. Didn’t meet my expectations – he blew them out of the water!” ~ Rebecca Bornais, Windsor, ON
“ABANDONED has a collection of intriguing characters and an engaging storyline that keeps the reader wondering, “What exactly happened to Helga that day?” Through his use of metaphorical descriptions and details, catchphrases and fun ‘lingo’, Author John Schlarbaum has delivered another fun-to-read, entertaining page-turner. The great thing about John’s books is that somebody new to his work can pick up any one of his books and completely enjoy it as a standalone experience. Conversely, those who read everything he publishes are greeted with fun surprises as certain characters reappear, and even intersect when you least expect it. Schlarbaum keeps readers on their toes with unexpected circumstances and plot twists that you least expect.”
~ Tina Medford, Lasalle, ON
“What a great book! I found it to be a fast read and a page turner to find out what is going to happen next. I loved all the characters and how they come together at the end.” ~ Sue Paisley, Amherstburg, ON