When I’m not reading or writing romance I love reading gritty crime novels. So I was very excited to be invited to the launch of M.J.T. Meijer’s debut novel – Disbelief. Disbelief is the first title in a three book series of Ben Smit thrillers. It has been published by USA and U.K. based publisher- Crimson Cloak Publishing. The stories will be released in paperback, e-book and audiobook, quite a feat for a local Australian author on debut. Two more series from this prolific author have been commissioned. Invited guests were warmly welcomed to a lovely launch at North Lakes Hotel.
About the Series
The Ben Smit thrillers begin with Disbelief -whose release will be closely followed by Disregard and in November – Disorder. These stories follow police consultant and physic medium – Ben Smit who unravels ties from past and present to solve crimes.
In Disbelief there are multiple mass poisonings at pilgrimage sites throughout Europe. Mysteriously, successful artist- Sophie Pearson created paintings of the horrific events before they occurred.There are more sketches, implying other attacks are yet to take place. What or who does Sophie know?
A serial killer is leaving dead bodies in five star hotel rooms in Amsterdam. Does James Edwards, multi- billionaire and founder of the ALA- the Atheist Liaison Association- have anything to do with it? He has an alibi for the time of the poisoning attacks. Is it just coincidence that he’s also in Amsterdam at the time of the serial killer hit?
It’s up to Chief of Europol Dave Johnson, with the help of Ben Smit, to figure out if both cases are connected and unravel the ties before more lives are lost. One thing is for certain they all won’t make it to the finish line.
The Launch
Over sixty invited guests joined M.J.T.Meijer or Tam, as she is known to friends and her very supportive family, for the launch of Disbelief. She Society mixed with members of local writers groups, community members, family and friends who were thrilled with Tam’s success.
Framed quotes from the book provided a talking point and an interesting snapshot of what we could expect from the novel. Flowing wine and delicious canapés including bruschetta, arancini balls, beef skewers, potato cakes and cream cheese or beef tarts, added to the celebratory atmosphere in this lovely space.
M.J.T.Meijer spoke of her writing journey and thanked her family and editor for their unwavering support. It was touching to see that Tam’s family in Holland had joined the celebrations via Skype. It was hard to believe that this elegant and friendly author could write crime fiction. She joked that her husband, “Now sleeps with one eye open”. It’s so inspiring to be around successful local authors, but it is obvious that M.J.T. Meijer is still in disbelief herself with her recent success. Although as Tam wrote on my specially signed copy of the book, “It’s not a dream if you have a plan”.
Tam’s plans include a second crime series centring on Sam Jansen called Misguided, Misjudged and Misbehaved. The third series is in the cosy/humorous crime genre and is titled Mum’s the Word.
The thrilling Disbelief is out now and can be found in all good bookstores, on Amazon or at The Book Depository.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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