Media

Michael Allan Scott talks about Flight of the Tarantula Hawk on “Daytime” Show

Below is the 2nd of 3 interviews with Michael Allan Scott on the WFLA “Daytime” show, an NBC affiliate in Florida.

Dateline: November 4, 2014, Scottsdale, AZ

New Paranormal Mystery Series Exposed on Daytime TV

Arizona Author reveals Lance Underphal thrillers on NBC affiliate WFLA

Michael Allan Scott wraps up 2014 with a television media tour showcasing the Lance Underphal Mystery series. Four separate appearances will air on the nationally syndicated show Daytime in the coming weeks.

Paranormal twists and fast action in movie-like scenes set these mysteries apart from the typical whodunits and serial-killer thrillers. Their intricate plotting gets 5-star acclaim, pushing the envelope in the mystery, thriller, suspense genres.

“ . . . brisk, intelligent thriller where the action can turn on a dime as new suspects and situations occur.” IndieReader, 5 Star Review & Top Book Pick

“ . . . different from most mysteries and thrillers . . . Scott’s writing style is accomplished and clever.” – Next Big Book Thing, 5 Star Review

Scott has seen his share of the dark side. When asked about his past—solitary confinement in an Arizona felony block, he said, “Some things are better left a mystery.” Yet he admits to drawing on life’s darker experiences to craft his tales.

The series’ main protagonist, Lanced Underphal is a down and out, freelance photographer haunted by his dead wife and plagued with psychic visions. With each new story, he scrambles to reveal the killers’ identities before they kill again.

Dark Side of Sunset Pointe opens the series. A mystery movie in book form, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe is not a hardboiled crime novel, yet it’s dark and riddled with crime. It’s based on real-life events with a cast of corrupt characters who play out themes of greed and power which culminate in their violent deaths. While there are no vampires, werewolves, or zombies, it delivers its R-rated thrills with a paranormal twist.

The second Lance Underphal Mystery, Flight of the Tarantula Hawk is similar—a thriller with a paranormal twist, yet it’s very different. It’s character line-up shifts, featuring a 6’6”, 247 lbs. ex-SEAL private investigator and an new psycho killer. Lance soon finds himself on a rollercoaster ride through bank foreclosures, Goth-fests, and insane asylums. Balancing character and plot-driven action with elements of suspense, its style leans toward the visual. Readers revel in the thrills and chills of a great movie.

Soon to be released, the third mystery novel in the series, Grey Daze, takes a fresh murder and spins it out of control. On a wild ride through a criminal underworld, Lance slams face first into corrupt police, a gunrunning biker gang, and a drug addicted killer–not to mention confrontations with the dead. There are layers of plots within plots that twist this new thriller into a startling climax.

Hard at work on the next Lance Underphal Mystery, Cut-Throat Syndrome, Scott was asked how he keeps the traditional mystery genre new and interesting.

“Mostly, I improvise,” he said. “Sometimes the stories are police procedurals, other times they are paranormal thrillers. Like good jazz, they are a melding of styles and themes. With each new novel, I work to expand the boundaries of the mystery thriller genre.”

For those who enjoy a new and different twist on an age-old genre, the Underphal saga burns the bridges to traditional mystery stories, blazing a fresh trail into the unknown.

Contact:

Laurie Jessup,

Jessup Communications Corporation

Michael Allan Scott on “Daytime” Show

Below is the 1st of 3 interviews with Michael Allan Scott on the WFLA “Daytime” show, an NBC affiliate in Florida.

Dateline: October 14, 2014, Scottsdale, AZ

Author’s Troubled Past Inspires Acclaimed Mystery Series

Michael Allan Scott releases third Lance Underphal thrille

When asked about solitary confinement in an Arizona felony block, Scott said, “Some things are better left a mystery.” Yet he admits to drawing on life’s darker experiences to create his mystery novels.

If  Goodreads  reviews are any indication, readers are kept guessing, unable to put down these new and different mysteries. Paranormal twists and fast action in movie-like scenes set these mysteries apart from the typical whodunits and serial-killer thrillers. Their intricate plotting gets 5-star acclaim, pushing the envelope in the mystery, thriller, suspense genres.

Lanced Underphal is a down and out, freelance photographer haunted by his dead wife. He finds himself plagued with psychic visions, and ends up reluctantly working with a local homicide detective.

Dark Side of Sunset Pointe opens the Arizona author’s Lance Underphal Mystery series. It’s not so much a book as it is a mystery movie in book form. Dark Side of Sunset Pointe is not a true hardboiled crime novel, but it’s dark and riddled with crime. It’s not a full-fledged paranormal mystery, no vampires, werewolves, or zombies, but it delves into the supernatural. It’s based on real-life events with an odd cast of corrupt characters who play out themes of greed and power which culminate in their violent deaths. Tough and gritty, it delivers its R-rated thrills with a paranormal twist.

The second Lance Underphal Mystery, Flight of the Tarantula Hawk features the largest and deadliest wasp on the planet—a fitting metaphor for a twisted murder mystery. It’s similar—a thriller with a paranormal twist, yet it’s new and different. It’s character line-up shifts, featuring a 6’6”, 247 lbs. ex-SEAL private investigator and an new psycho killer. The grim journey takes Lance on a rollercoaster ride through bank foreclosures, Goth-fests, and insane asylums. Balancing character and plot-driven action with elements of suspense, its style leans toward the visual. Readers experience the emotions and sensations of a great movie.

Soon to be released, the third mystery novel in the series, Grey Daze, takes a fresh murder and spins it into new realms of gritty realism, paranormal mystery, and international intrigue. Lance finds himself on a wild ride through a criminal underworld, slamming face first into corrupt police, a gunrunning biker gang, and a drug addicted killer–not to mention chilling confrontations with the dead. There are layers of plots within plots that twist this new thriller into a startling climax.

When asked how he keeps the age-old mystery genre new and interesting, Scott said, “Mostly, I improvise. Sometimes the stories are police procedurals, other times they are paranormal thrillers. Like good jazz, they are a melding of styles and themes. With each new novel, I work to expand the boundaries of the mystery thriller genre.”

Contact:

Laurie Jessup,

Jessup Communications Corporation

Michael Allan Scott Readership Spikes As Fans Eagerly Await Third Book in Lance Underphal Mystery Series

Reviewers praise Lance Underphal paranormal mystery thrillers – “must be read to be believed”

With the success of the second Lance Underphal Mystery, fans and reviewers are busy describing the Arizona author’s mystery books as “killer.” Their intricate plotting gets 5 star acclaim, pushing the envelope in the mystery, thriller, suspense genres.

Following hot on the heels of Flight of the Tarantula Hawk is the release announcement for the third mystery novel in the series, Grey Daze.

As Dark Side of Sunset Pointe begins the series, Lance Underphal suffers business and personal bankruptcy, wiped out by the Great Recession, hitting rock bottom when he loses his wife at the hands of a drunk driver.

Broke and living in squalor, Lance struggles to expose shady real estate developers, crooked bankers, and a blackmailing stripper. With the guidance of his dead wife, Lance finds the courage to share his insights with a skeptical homicide detective as the body count mounts. Lance’s only hope—the voice in his head, his dead wife.

Reviewers praised Scott’s interplay of corrupt characters immersed in real-life schemes. Paranormal twists and fast action in movie-like scenes set the story’s mystery thriller elements apart from the typical whodunit and serial-killer thriller.

In the second Lance Underphal Mystery, Flight of the Tarantula Hawk, Scott raises paranormal intrigue to a new level. A giant desert wasp known as a tarantula hawk paralyzes tarantula spiders, burying tarantulas to lay eggs in the spiders’ bellies which grow to eat them alive. As one reviewer put it, this book is “not for the faint of heart.”

Dark and gritty, this psychic journey of realism twists through vacant bank foreclosures and a Goth fest gone wrong to wind up in a shiny new morgue. Once again plagued by murderous visions, Lance fights to identify a psychotic killer before he falls victim, himself. His dead wife, the only voice standing between Lance and annihilation.

Gray Daze, Scott’s third Lance Underphal Mystery, reportedly immerses Underphal in another murder spree—a crime ring preying on the elderly. Federal agents of the ATF, gun-running bikers, and an ex-SEAL private investigator mix it up while Lance’s dead wife looks over his shoulder, guiding him to redemption.

The emergence of these three unique tales propels Michael Allan Scott and his psychic sleuth into new territory for a contemporary murder mystery series. Not noir, but owing a bit to noir, not horror, but owing a bit to the horror genre, they are sometimes police procedurals, other times haunting precog fantasies. Like good jazz, a melding of styles, a melding of genres—ultra-cool compositions.

As the Lance Underphal mysteries come of age, they deepen, developing with each new novel, expanding the boundaries of the mystery thriller genre.

Contact:

Laurie Jessup,

Jessup Communications Corporation

(Scottsdale, AZ) December 28, 2012 – Arizona-based fiction author Michael Allan Scott appreciates the value of a good book at a reasonable price, which is why his newest mystery novel, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, is now on Amazon.com. The e-book version is available exclusively for Kindle readers as demand for e-books rise.

“Lance Underphal was devastated by his wife’s death. And now, the down and out crime-scene photographer can’t let her go. He wakes up plagued by premonitions. Stumbling through dark vortexes of murderous intrigue, Lance comes to realize his visions will either drive him insane or lead to the capture of a killer—maybe both.” ~Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, $2.99 on Amazon.com

According to the Association of American Publishers, adult e-book sales jumped 34.4% to $621.3 million this year, moving e-books ahead of hardcovers as the second largest adult format (1). The tremendous savings that e-book readers see as compared to purchasing paperbacks or hardcovers may have something to do with the increase.

According to e-book publisher Trey Ratcliff, “Many people may think that the e-book market is already a mature market, but I think it is just beginning. It will evolve in many unexpected ways.” (2)

Scott approaches the writing of his mystery novels in surprising new ways. He recently outsourced in-depth market research studies to see exactly what mystery readers want. Based on their findings, Scott chose themes that captivate adult readers. Scott listens to his readers, learning what they want to see in mystery novels, keeping them engaged and entertained.

“I give readers easy access to my work so they can interact—become part of the writing process by leaving comments and offering suggestions,” commented Scott. “My passion for writing revolves around my readers—keeping them guessing and coming back for more.”

To read more from Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, or for more information about fiction author Michael Allan Scott, visit www.michaelallanscott.com.

About Michael Allan Scott:

Born and raised at the edge of the high desert in Kingman, Arizona, Michael Allan Scott resides in Scottsdale with his wife, Cynthia and their hundred-pound Doberman, Otto. His works include Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, available on Amazon.com, and Flight of the Tarantula Hawk, due to be released in 2013. Scott uses real-life scenarios as inspiration for his novels. His Lance Underphal Mystery series contain strong language, violence and sex, and are rated “R”. For more information on Michael Allan Scott and his mystery novels, visit www.michaelallanscott.com

(1) Publishersweekly.com, October 15, 2012. “Trade Sales Rose 13% in January-June Period, AAP Says,” http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/financial-reporting/article/54372-trade-sales-rose-13-in-january-june-period-aap-says.html
(2) Ratcliff, Trey. Gigaom.com, January 16, 2012. “Why e-books will be much bigger than you can imagine.” http://gigaom.com/2012/01/16/ratcliff-e-books/

Fiction Author Reveals Murder Conspiracy—Arizona Real Estate Developer Involved

Arizona author Michael Allan Scott recently found himself writing a high-profile murder mystery involving a local real estate developer.

(Scottsdale, Arizona) November 19, 2012 — After the recent death of Lance Underphal’s wife, the crime scene photographer woke up plagued by premonitions. The double shooting of an Arizona real estate developer and his mistress/bookkeeper sent Underphal over the edge. A scenario like this seems like it would be pulled from a murder mystery novel—which is exactly what it was. This is a glimpse into new author Michael Allan Scott’s newest fiction book, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, written to engage and entertain adult readers.

Scott approached the writing of his book in a unique way; he outsourced a lengthy market research study to see exactly what mystery novel readers want to read. The study revealed that over 60% of readers were interested in a scenario that could happen in real life.

Scott isn’t the only author who understands that actual events make a mystery novel more believable and compelling. Elaine Hirsh, writer for onlinemastersdegree.com, said, “thrillers and mysteries based on real events bring relevance to otherwise bland stories, which gives chills to readers that are harder to dismiss.”

She later goes on to list well-known novels that are based on real events (albeit embellished by authors) (1):

The Exorcist, by William Peter Blatty, was made popular because of its graphic film version. However, before the film shocked the world, it was a novel based on the 1949 exorcism of a young boy.
The Girl Next Door, by Jack Ketchum, is based on the crime of Sylvia Likens, a young girl whose parents left her with a near total stranger while they worked in a traveling show. Her guardian retained custody of Sylvia for three months, during which she tortured Sylvia until her death.
In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote, is perhaps the most famous true crime novel of all time. It is based on the 1959 murders of a family in Kansas. The research for the novel was conducted by Truman Capote and Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

In Scott’s newest mystery novel, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, he uses his experience as a real estate professional to create an authentic plot with relatable characters.

Dark Side of Sunset Pointe is scheduled to be released November, 2012:

“Frank Salmon, the hard-boiled homicide detective on the case, comes to see Underphal as an asset. Salmon uses Underphal’s prescient visions to piece together hard evidence. But the trail goes cold until a double homicide at a fast food drive-thru leads back to the shady developer’s death.

Salmon pursues the clues through twists and turns, leading him from a popular strip club to a failing community bank, adding a blackmailing stripper’s murder to the body count.”

“I learned what makes an engaging story from my favorite mystery novel authors, market research and my own personal experience,” commented Scott. “My readers will connect better if they can picture something similar happening in real life.”

To read more from Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, or for more information about fiction author Michael Allan Scott, visit https://michaelallanscott.com

Arizona author Michael Allan Scott recently used a market research study to find out what mystery novel readers want, and how to keep their interest high

(Scottsdale, Arizona) October 29, 2012 – Bowker, the world’s leading provider of bibliographic information ,estimates that they will issue 15,000,000 International Standard Book Numbers (IBSN) in 2012, which means that for authors,the competition is tough (1). Arizona author Michael Allan Scott will be included in that number with the launch of his newest book, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, written to engage and entertain adult readers. Scott approached the writing of his book in a unique way; he outsourced a lengthy market research study to see exactly what mystery novel readers want to read.

Scott’s most recent study surveyed both male and female mystery novel readers. Survey results revealed that:

64% liked fiction based on real events;
84% used the description of book/prologue when deciding which mystery novel to purchase;
83% feel a protagonist with extrasensory perception adds to a mystery novel; and
96% feel they personally gain something from solving the puzzle in the story.

Scott even used the survey tabulations to choose the name of his soon-to-be released novel, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe.

Smaller percentages disclosed that humor in mystery novels was unnecessary to make it interesting and engaging, and that the length of the novel was unimportant to quality, which Scott says he is taking into consideration.

This market research, along with other tools used by Scott, will enable the author to keep readers engaged and entertained, learn what needs to be added to future novels, and continue to listen to readers.

“By researching what the readers are interested in, it gives me insight into which real-life events I should choose to write about, and what to include and not include in places like the prologue, cover and content,” commented Scott. “Being a new author, I want to find out exactly what entertains my readers and then write novels that exceed their expectations.”

Dark Side of Sunset Pointe is scheduled to be released November, 2012:

“Lance Underphal was devastated by his wife’s death. And now, the down and out crime-scene photographer can’t let her go. He wakes up plagued by premonitions. The double shooting of an Arizona real estate developer and his mistress/bookkeeper immerse Underphal in a world of incomprehensible phenomena.”

To read an excerpt fromDark Side of Sunset Pointe, or for more information about author Michael Allan Scott, visit https://michaelallanscott.com

About Michael Allan Scott

Michael Allan Scott was born and raised at the edge of the high desert in Kingman, Arizona. He started his career in early 1978 by forming a commercial real estate company, but for years has secretly written stories and poetry for his own satisfaction. His work includes Dark Side of Sunset Pointe, due to be released in November, 2012 and Flight of the Tarantula Hawk, due to be released in the spring of 2013. Scott uses real-life scenarios as inspiration for his novels. His murder mysteries contain strong language, violence and sex, and are rated “R”. For more information on Michael Allan Scott and his two novels or to get a sense of his writing, readers can download a free short story titled Johnny Two-Times by visiting www.michaelallanscott.com

(1) BooksandPublishing.com. Accessed October 23, 2012. “The Latest News”. http://booksandpublishing.com/the-latest-news