Tag Archives: Readers and Writers Book Club

The Disappearance of British Spy Ian Mackintosh

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Episode40: The Mysterious Disappearance of British Spy Ian Mackintosh

On the evening of July 7th, 1979, a plane disappeared near Kodiak Island in fair weather and moderate seas. News agencies in Alaska reported little about the missing plane and its occupants. Although reports of the apparent fatal crash made more of a splash in Great Britain, official sources offered no comment about the loss of a man who had done so much to protect Britain against the USSR during the Cold War. Even now, the disappearance of Ian Mackintosh is cloaked in secrecy, and many wonder if he died in the plane crash or if the accident was a cover story, allowing Mackintosh to disappear.

Sources:

Folsom, Robert G. The Life and Mysterious Death of Ian Mackintosh.2012. Washington, D.C. Potomac Books, Inc.

Mackintosh, Lawrie. “My brother, Ian Mackintosh.” OpsRoom.Org.

MacLeod, Calum. “Did spy writer’s disappearance mirror his fiction?” January 3, 2013. John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier.

Ian Mackintosh. Check-Six.Com.

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Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

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Meet Robin Barefield, your host for Episode 40:

The Mysterious Disappearance of British Spy Ian Mackintosh

Robin Barefield is the author of six Alaska wilderness mystery novels, Big Game, Murder Over Kodiak, The Fisherman’s Daughter, Karluk Bones, Massacre at Bear Creek Lodge, and The Ultimate Hunt. She has written two nonfiction books, Kodiak Island Wildlife and Murder and Mystery in the Last Frontier. Sign up to subscribe to her free monthly newsletter on true murder and mystery in Alaska and check out her podcast: Murder and Mystery in the Last Frontier.  Read more about Robin’s books at Author Masterminds.

 

 

 

Summer Solstice Mysteries

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Episode 39: Summer Solstice Mysteries

The Summer Solstice, the day marking the longest period of daylight in the year, has been celebrated across the globe since time immemorial. The significance of this celestial event transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, weaving a tapestry of traditions, myths, and scientific observations. Here, we explore six captivating mysteries linked to the solstice. These mysteries include the solstice alignment at Stonehenge, the legend of the Phoenix, Midsummer’s Eve and its supernatural beliefs, the ancient Egyptian connection, Native American Sun Dances, and the secrets of the Nordic Midsummer Pole.

 

We’re Having a Summer Solstice Party!

Join Beach Blanket Books—a Facebook Event. It is happening now and lasts until the Summer Solstice on June 21st. Join in the games and win some prizes. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing!

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Individual Event Times for June 21

The event begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT and ends at 9:00 p.m. EDT on June 21

Individual Event Times for June 21

  1. Magdel Roets 10:00 a.m. EDT
  2. Mary Flint  11:00 a.m.  EDT
  3. Mary Ann Poll 12:00 Noon EDT
  4. Valerie Winans   1:00 p.m. EDT
  5. Carl Douglass  2:00 p.m. EDT
  6. Victoria Hardesty  3:00 p.m. EDT
  7. Evan Swensen 4:00 p.m. EDT
  8. Rebecca Wetzler 5:00 p.m. EDT
  9. Cil Gregoire 6:00 p.m. EDT
  10. Steve Levi 7:00 p.m. EDT
  11. Robin Barefield 8:00 p.m. EDT

         

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Check out the Author Masterminds Website

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Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

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Meet Evan Swensen, your host for Episode 39: Summer Solstice Mysteries

Evan Swensen, book publisher, editor, author, and Author Masterminds charter member along with his wife, Lois, publishes books by authors worldwide. He has been the publisher and editor of Alaska Outdoors magazine and producer of Alaska Outdoors television show and outdoor videos, and host of Alaska Outdoor Radio Magazine. He has been an Alaska resident since 1957.

As a pilot, he has logged more than 4,000 hours of flight time in Alaska, in both wheel and float planes.  He is a serious recreation hunter and fisherman, equally comfortable casting a flyrod or using bait, or lures.  Evan has been published in many national magazines and is the author of five books and publisher of more than 1,000 books by other authors.

Evan claims to have the best job in the world; he gets up in the morning, puts on his fishing vest, picks up his fly rod, kisses his wife goodbye, tells her he’s going to work—and she believes him.

Author Masterminds: https://authormasterminds.com/evan-swensen

Author Masterminds One Last Cast book: https://authormasterminds.com/details/XLxrX

One Last Cast on Amazon: https://bit.ly/3H0OzTo

One Last Cast short video: https://youtu.be/2wzwWmim-2g

Alaska Outdoors https://alaskaoutdoorsmagazine.com.

Alaska Outdoors Blog: https://alaskaoutdoorsmagazine.com/blog/

Alaska Outdoors Videos: https://bit.ly/37xjUzl

 

Wall of Silver — The Lost Mine

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Episode 37: Wall of Silver — The Lost Mine

Who can resist a story about a lost mine? King Solomon’s Mine in Africa, the Lost Dutchman’s Mine in Arizona, and The Wall of Silver in Michigan. They all have a story. Historically, Michigan had vast iron ore and copper deposits in its Upper Peninsula. Gold and silver were also found there, but no mother loads were found in Michigan. Richard Kellogg says he has seen a wall of pure silver at least 90 feet long in a mine in the Keweenaw peninsula of Michigan.

Source:

Kellogg, Richard. Wall of Silver: A Treasure Hunter’s Dream. Avery Color Studios, Inc. 2004

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Join Beach Blanket Books—a Facebook Event. The Fun begins on May 15th and lasts until the Summer Solstice on June 21st. Join in the games and win some prizes. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing!

This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

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Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

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Meet Valerie Winans, the host for Episode 37: Wall of Silver — The Lost Mine

Valerie Winans is a graduate of Northwestern Michigan College, a retired state government manager, and a former campground host in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Valerie is the author of three books: Alaska’s Savage River: Inside Denali National Park and Preserve, Road Trip with Remington Beagle: Michigan to Alaska and Back, and A Hero’s Journey: Life Lessons From A Dog And His Friends. A writer of both fiction and non-fiction, her books are written to inform and entertain readers of all ages. She currently resides with her husband in Traverse City, Michigan. More information can be found at www.valeriewinans.com.

 

 

The Most Mysterious Bombing in American History

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Episode 36: The Most Mysterious Bombing in American History

Without a doubt, the single most misused word in America today is terrorism. It is the word used or hinted at when any act of violence occurs. And 911 is constantly called a terrorist attack.

This is an error.

911 was not a terrorist attack. We know what did it and why. A terrorist attack is one where no one knows who did it, why they did it, and no one claims credit for it. The act is done to strike terror in the hearts of citizens and, more importantly, to get the population to distrust the government. Why didn’t the police know this act of violence was coming? Why didn’t the government stop it from happening? And, critically, could it happen again in my neighborhood or where my children are going to school?

There have been very few large-scale terrorist attacks in US history. Four of the largest occurred between 1910 and 1920.

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Join Beach Blanket Books—a Facebook Event. The Fun begins on May 15th and lasts until the Summer Solstice on June 21st. Join in the games and win some prizes. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing!

This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

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Meet Steve Levi, the host for Episode 36: The Most Mysterious Bombing in American History

Steve Levi is a 70-something writer in Alaska. He specializes in the impossible crime and the Alaska Gold Rush.  An impossible crime is one in which the detective must figure out HOW the crime was committed before he can go after the perpetrators.  As an example, in THE MATTER OF THE VANISHING GREYHOUND, the detective must figure out how a Greyhound bus with four bank robbers, a dozen hostages, and  $10 million can vanish off the Golden Gate Bridge. Steve’s books can be seen at www.authormasterminds.com/steve-levi and www.steverlevibooks.com. He also does two historical uploads a week.  Send Steve your email, and he will include it in the mailings.

Mysterious and Deadly Critters

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Episode 35: Mysterious and Deadly Critters

Kissing Bug

To find this deadly mystery and the murderers involved, Victoria looked no further than her backyard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Join Beach Blanket Books—a Facebook Event. The Fun begins on May 15th and lasts until the Summer Solstice on June 21st. Join in the games and win some prizes. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing!

This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

______________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Victoria Hardesty, the host for Episode 35: Mysterious and Deadly Critters

Victoria Hardesty has owned, bred, and shown Arabian Horses for more than 30 years. She and her husband operated their own training facility, serving many young people who loved and showed their own horses. She is the author of numerous articles in horse magazines and was the editor of two Arabian Horse Club newsletters, one of which was given the Communications Award of the Year by the Arabian Horse Association at their national convention. An avid reader from childhood, she read every horse story she could get her hands on. Victoria and her writing partner, Nancy Perez, have written seven novels about Arabian horses. Check out their website at http://www.wonderhorsebooks.com/author-bio and see their books at Victoria Hardesty and Nancy Perez | Bookshelf (authormasterminds.com).

 

The Female Robinson Crusoe and Wrangel Island Expedition Mystery

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Episode 34: The Female Robinson Crusoe and Wrangel Island Expedition Mystery

Ada Blackjack’s story reflects the harrowing experiences faced by those who venture into the Arctic and the often-overlooked capabilities and contributions of indigenous peoples to Arctic expeditions. In the annals of Arctic exploration, few tales evoke the blend of mystery and tragedy quite like the Wrangel Island Expedition. The year was 1921, and under the auspices of Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson, a team was assembled to claim the desolate Wrangel Island.

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Join Beach Blanket Books—a Facebook Event. The Fun begins on May 15th and lasts until the Summer Solstice on June 21st. Join in the games and win some prizes. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing!

This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

______________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Evan Swensen, your host for Episode 34:

The Female Robinson Crusoe and Wrangel Island Expedition Mystery

Evan Swensen, book publisher, editor, author, and Author Masterminds charter member along with his wife, Lois, publishes books by authors worldwide. He has been the publisher and editor of Alaska Outdoors magazine and producer of Alaska Outdoors television show and outdoor videos, and host of Alaska Outdoor Radio Magazine. He has been an Alaska resident since 1957.

As a pilot, he has logged more than 4,000 hours of flight time in Alaska, in both wheel and float planes.  He is a serious recreation hunter and fisherman, equally comfortable casting a flyrod or using bait, or lures.  Evan has been published in many national magazines and is the author of five books and publisher of more than 1,000 books by other authors.

Evan claims to have the best job in the world; he gets up in the morning, puts on his fishing vest, picks up his fly rod, kisses his wife goodbye, tells her he’s going to work—and she believes him.

Author Masterminds: https://authormasterminds.com/evan-swensen

Author Masterminds One Last Cast book: https://authormasterminds.com/details/XLxrX

One Last Cast on Amazon: https://bit.ly/3H0OzTo

One Last Cast short video: https://youtu.be/2wzwWmim-2g

Alaska Outdoors https://alaskaoutdoorsmagazine.com.

Alaska Outdoors Blog: https://alaskaoutdoorsmagazine.com/blog/

Alaska Outdoors Videos: https://bit.ly/37xjUzl

 

The Mystery of Time

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Episode 33: The Mystery of  Time

There was a time when we thought we mastered time by clocking it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Fifty years ago, I thought I had mastered time when I strapped on my first Timex windup wristwatch. If I didn’t forget to wind it up every day, I had time under control. How little I understood about time back then.

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This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

______________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Cil Gregoire, your host for Episode 33: The Mystery of Time

Cil Gregoire is an Alaska writer who has lived in the state for more than four decades fulfilling her Alaska dream. She has built a log cabin in the woods, commercial fished Bristol Bay and Norton Sound, and lived remotely in the northern Susitna Valley, the primary setting for many of her novels. Possessing a vivid imagination, her fiction specialty is sci-fi/fantasy.

Links:

Crystalline Aura   https://youtu.be/mV-offy2myA

Crystal Shards    https://youtu.be/VkAxmu3Cwaw

https://www.authormasterminds.com/cil-gregoire

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3eHhE7k

 

Mysterious Sudden Collapse of the Mayan Civilization

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Episode 32: Mysterious Sudden Collapse of the Mayan Civilization

What caused the mysterious demise of the Maya? What was the cause that led to the disappearance of one of the greatest civilizations in the history of Mesoamerica? The collapse did not happen all at once; instead, it occurred over time from place to place, between about the late 8th and 925—about ±100 years. Exactly why any of this transpired, though, is a mystery.

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This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

______________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Carl Douglas, your host for Episode 32

My pseudonym as an author is Carl Douglass, adopted as a means of telling stories with gripping realism—the truth of which would not bring trouble to my door. My writing of gripping, realistic fiction began after I was obligated to retire from the private practice of neurosurgery due to sudden blindness in my left eye from a retinal detachment which caused loss of stereoscopic vision. I carried with me decades-long knowledge of doctors, hospitals, and institutions of higher learning, including some less than laudatory information. My military experience during the years of the recent unpleasantness in Vietnam also gave me considerable insight. Both of those lengthy experiences provided true grist for the mill of my writing, but neither of them need to connect the stories to the lives of the real people and places where the stories took place. In that sense, I know too much and have no wish to incriminate or to bring harm or embarrassment to real individuals or institutions. My rich and varied life has provided even more fodder to feed my mind and contribute realism to my written work. In my time, I have had to work due to lacking a sugar daddy. I have been a grease monkey, a lumber mill and forest worker, a lifeguard, a slaughterhouse worker, a diener in a morgue, a lab rat, an academic writer, a medical officer in a mental hospital, a naval officer and surgeon, a brig doctor, and a deep diving officer. I have been the husband of one fine wife, the father of four children—one deceased—eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. All of them have enriched the depth and breadth of my storytelling.

Mysteries from the 1990s

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Episode 31: Mysteries from the 1990s

I’m your host, Victoria Hardesty, and in this episode, I share several mysteries from the 1990s. Welcome aboard!

Mysteries include:

Who Abucted Amber Hagerman?

Who did the Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre?

Where did the Oakville Blobs come from?

Who killed Yale Senior Suzanna Jovin?

Who Sabotaged Amtrak’s Sunset Limited in 1995?

What was the Cosford Incident?

If it wasn’t O. J. Simpson, who was it?

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This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

______________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Victoria Hardesty, your host for Episode 31: Mysteries from the 1990s

Victoria Hardesty has owned, bred, and shown Arabian Horses for more than 30 years. She and her husband operated their own training facility, serving many young people who loved and showed their own horses. She is the author of numerous articles in horse magazines and was the editor of two Arabian Horse Club newsletters, one of which was given the Communications Award of the Year by the Arabian Horse Association at their national convention. An avid reader from childhood, she read every horse story she could get her hands on. Victoria and her writing partner, Nancy Perez, have written seven novels about Arabian horses. Check out their website at http://www.wonderhorsebooks.com/author-bio and see their books at Victoria Hardesty and Nancy Perez | Bookshelf (authormasterminds.com).

 

 

 

The Doomed Wilcox Expedition

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Episode 30: The Doomed Wilcox Expedition

George Mallory once said, “I climb mountains because they are there.” Mallory died climbing Mt. Everest in 1924, and his body wasn’t found for 75 years. George Mallory represents both the passion and the danger for those who climb mountains.

On July 18, 1967, a catastrophic snowstorm pummeled Alaska’s Mt. Denali, killing seven of the twelve young men in the Wilcox Expedition attempting to reach the summit. This is still the worst climbing disaster ever to occur in the United States.  We will never know what happened at the top of Mt. Denali. Experts can only guess the fate of those seven unlucky climbers.

Sources

My primary source for this newsletter was Denali’s Howl by Andy Hall. If you want to learn more about this tragic event, I highly recommend this book.

Hall, Andy. 2014. Denali’s Howl. Plume, the Penguin Group. New York, NY.

Manley, Kelley McMillan. 7-2017. Disaster on Denali. 5280.com/ Magazine https://www.5280.com/2017/06/disaster-on-denali/

Duke, Kevin. 3-28-2012. Finishing the climb: Babcock finally tells his story of Denali tragedy. Gvnews.com. https://www.gvnews.com/sports/finishing-the-climb-babcock-finally-tells-his-story-of-denali-tragedy/article_d158684c-78f7-11e1-871e-0019bb2963f4.html

Worrall, Simon.  7-2014. The Denali climb that became one of the deadliest. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/140720-mountain-climbing-denali-mount-mckinley-alaska-national-parks

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Read about Murder and Mystery in Alaska

_________________________________________________________________

This podcast is sponsored by Author Masterminds and the Readers and Writers Book Club. 

Check out the Author Masterminds Website

________________________________________________________________

Get to know the authors at The Readers and Writers Book Club

______________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Robin Barefield, your host for Episode 30

Robin Barefield is the author of five Alaska wilderness mystery novels, Big Game, Murder Over Kodiak, The Fisherman’s Daughter, Karluk Bones, and Massacre at Bear Creek Lodge. She has written two nonfiction books, Kodiak Island Wildlife and Murder and Mystery in the Last Frontier. Sign up to subscribe to her free monthly newsletter on true murder and mystery in Alaska and check out her podcast: Murder and Mystery in the Last Frontier.  Read more about Robin’s books at Author Masterminds.