Local authors release new tomes

Our local writers have been busy - no doubt the bleak mid-winter affords plenty of time to wax inspirationally over a computer keyboard.

Here are some new publications from authors in the region.

"The Basilisk Solution" by William J. Kelly (Hammonasset House Books, 206 pages, $15.95) - Comic first novel by Mystic resident Kelly. A "celestial mystery fantasy," the story involves the disappearance of retired detective Benny Spielmacher during an astral visit to heaven in search of inspiration for a musical version of "Paradise Lost."

"Sprung From the Soil" by Daniel Madden, illustrated by Ian Newberry (SunGraphics, 64 pages, $19.95) - Madden, of Westerly, has written a collection of 33 poems inspired by Old Sturbridge Village, arranged in the order a visitor would experience the village after leaving the visitor's center. Madden will read from the volume at 6:30 p.m. March 24, Bank Square Books, 53 Main St., Mystic; (860) 536-3795.

"Colandra's World" by Janet Smith (St. Paul Press, 124 pages, $10.99) - Smith is a New London native now living in Florida. In the book, Colandra, a 10-year-old mute in Paraguay, reveals God's work to an American missionary and his staff.

"Bisexual Perspectives on the Life and Work of Alfred C. Kinsey" by Ron J. Suresha (Routledge, 168 pages, $125) - This is a harcover reissue - with new material - of the book nominated for the 2008 Lambda Awards for Excellence in Bisexual Literature.

Also a revised edition from Suresha: "Bears On Bears: Interviews and Discussion" (Lethe Press/Bear Bones, 328 pages, $25) - Five new interviews are included on this examination of a gay and bi men's subculture.

"The Four Moments After Death - When Moments Pass and Fade Forever" by Joseph Geraci (Xlibris, 50 pages, $15.99) - A true story capturing and exploring the grieving process following the death of a loved one. Geraci, a New London resident, is a Ph.D. who conducted extensive research on near-death experience in children.

There are two new books out from New London's Little Red Tree Press:

"All the Dead Goats" by Nikoletta Nousipoulos (Little Red Tree, 128 pages, $19.95) - Poems by New London native Nousipoulos, inspired by stories of her ancestral Greece and an eventual visit after her grandfather's passing. Nousipoulos will read and sign copies from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in City News, 70 State St., New London, (860) 444-0082.

And the first book from Little Red Tree's new children's poetry imprint:

"The Little Turtle" by Tamara Martin, illustrations by Sona Jacob (Little Red Acorns, 24 pages, $8.50) - The titular turtle, Turt the Snurt, receives timely counsel from a sage old owl.

"He's Just a Friend" by Stacy McAlpine (Publish America, 74 pages, $16.95) - First novel by Three Rivers Community College student McAlpine. A young adult romance, "He's Just a Friend" details the confusion between Ian and Lydia - friends since kindergarten - as they grow up and develop perhaps deeper emotional feelings for one another. McAlpine will sign copies at 2 p.m. April 10, Border's, Waterford Plaza, Waterford, (860) 442-3366.

"100 Love Sonnets" by Anthony Maulucci (Lorenzo Press, $9.95) - The Norwich writer, who has published eight titles through his Lorenzo Press, presents a collection of romantic poems.

- Rick Koster