Episode 45 - Sudden Death, Michael Balkind

"You like golf, you like murder mysteries - then Sudden Death is your book!"  James Patterson
"Pure fun, pure intrigue. The action never stops till a fascinating climax."  Clive Cussler

Michael Balkind Wins the “Patience Award”...

I'm embarrassed to say, Michael and I spoke several months ago and I’ve admittedly sat on the interview for a number of reasons. Some had to do with an interview back log and prioritizing, but I've also been on a bit of a learning curve deciphering which genres most interest the Words To Mouth community. Things have shaken out a bit since I created the show/site and it appears women's fiction/mysteries, novels, memoirs, and non-fiction generate the most comments and attention. Michael Balkind's Sudden Death fits none-of-the-aforementioned. Sudden Death, in my humble opinion, appeals mostly to the male persuasion and the majority of our community here is primarily female.

"Well, you shoulda thought about that before you interviewed him," you may say.
Well, yes, true. BUT...you haven't met Michael Balkind.

The man is persistent with a capital "P" and he is a born marketer. That being said, don't bother asking him how he landed endorsements from James Patterson and Clive Cussler...mum's the word.  Michael's genuine, open and honest demeanor made our exchange enjoyable and engaging. He shared some very private experiences with me on mic...He revealed his more feminine, or as he calls it "gushy," side which shows us he's human, vulnerable, and a downright likeable guy.

I encourage you to listen to our conversation and decide for yourself if Sudden Death piques your interest. Regardless of your taste in books, I doubt you'll be able to resist Michael's easy charm and his eagerness to share his love for his literary journey.

By the way, it's not unintentional that I decided to post this interview close to the holidays ~ Sudden Death can be a great gift for that special someone who enjoys sports and mysteries...regardless of his/her gender.

Angela M. Hooper's Amazon Review:

Reid Clark is a temperamental man, who plays golf in the PGA, and might I add that he is "the best out there." He has caused many enemies, but that isn't all. People want to kill him due to his temper tantrums and he has to play knowing that it may kill him due to the death threats he has received. He is so sure of himself off and on the golf course with the ladies. Other players and business associates resent his temper. Known as the "Bad Boy" his threat is to: Never win another golf tournament. Will he stop playing? You must read to find out. This novel could be a wonderful movie. There is suspense and mystery and a lot of egotistic mannerisms. Great read! Oh, and read the reviews from other top authors. Quite impressive!

I wish Michael all the very best with his books, television series, and potential movie deals. Michael Balkind is certainly a name to keep an eye on ~ Just caught him in a photo hobnobbing with John Grisham--How does he do that?

• Marc Entertainment has optioned the television/movie rights for Balkind's Deadly Sports Mysteries
• The Fix (co-authored by ESPN anchor Ryan Burr),"a college football gambling story with a serious twist at the end," has already garnered movie interest from Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon, according to Balkind.

 

Balkind's Charities:

• Juvenile Diabetes
• Gilda's Club
• Friends of Karen

 

What Michael's Reading & Recommends:

• Dennis Batchelder's Soul Identity "a phenomenal book," says Michael.
• Tony Eldridge’s The Sampson Effect

Thank you to Natalie Brown for her song, You Gotta Believe.

To enter to win a copy of Sudden Death:

• Subscribe to my e-newsletter (right-hand top corner). This is how I notify winners
• Leave a comment below or call 206–309–7318 and leave a voice mail message.