Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Catching up - Recent Reviews for "Beyond the Law"

For some reason, I find myself attracted to the favorable reviews...


5.0 out of 5 stars Love the first twoDecember 16, 2014
This review is from: Beyond the Law (Matt Rommel Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Matt Rommel is the perfect tragic hero. Ugly to some,violent,kind and moral. I am looking forward to the next book.
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1.0 out of 5 stars One StarDecember 14, 2014
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This review is from: Beyond the Law (Matt Rommel Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Predictable!
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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best reads this yearDecember 8, 2014
By 
Amazon Customer (Farmington, MI USA) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Beyond the Law (Matt Rommel Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
This was one of the best books I've read this past year. It kept me glued to the plot throughout. The characters were well-rounded without being overexposed. The plot developed at a good pace and was believable. As I was going towards the end, I could not put it down, despite passing my normal bedtime by over an hour. Few books can do that to be.

I guess my best recommendation would be to let you all know that, based on my enjoyment of this book, I have purchased the first book in the series. I guess I'm hooked, which is not a bad thing.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A great follow up to the first bookDecember 1, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Beyond the Law (Matt Rommel Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Left me wanting more and hoping there is a third book in its way. Rommel is a new kind of hero.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great readNovember 24, 2014
By 
This review is from: Beyond the Law (Matt Rommel Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
This was a great book. It kept me on the edge of my seat through out. That is when I wasn't laughing out loud. I can't wait to read the next book.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Monday, December 1, 2014

Swiss Gold Referendum Fails

By a landslide, the Swiss people have defeated a referendum that would have required the repatriation of Switzerland's gold and placed restrictions on the Swiss central bank preventing future sales.

The referendum was quite restrictive and the Swiss people may well have been wise to reject it.

Nonetheless, prior to the referendum, there was massive advertising warning of dire consequences should the measure pass.  This advertising was paid for by gold-trading banks and central banks.

It's almost as if these banks did not want restraints placed on the liquidation of what Swiss gold remains, and the continuation of unchecked printing of fiat Swiss Francs.


Friday, November 21, 2014

Brevity, the soul of wit?

A San Francisco writer's group solicited input on new projects for local writers.  This was my chance to summarize not only the new work in progress, but the two previous Matt Rommel adventures.

 Drafting the third adventure in the Matt Rommel/Carolyn Kast series. 'Brand Loyalty' follows Carolyn through her desperate struggle to protect herself and her daughter, and 'Beyond the Law' brings Matt Rommel into a deadly struggle with America's most notorious mercenary corporation. This new adventure reaches into San Francisco's past for the sins and lucre that bring murder to the Palace of the Legion of Honor!


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Sherlock Holmes - The Curious Incident of the US Court in the night time


A US court has ruled that Sherlock Holmes, along with many stories and novels are now in the public domain.  In other words, the copyright protection for these works has expired.  In other words, any lazy, no-talent bozo can use the prestige and literary luster of this character to mislead the public into a bad purchase.

I will concede the point that there are talented people who have dedicated themselves to the world of Sherlock Holmes and to the much beloved characters contained within.

However, think about it for just a moment.  In situations like this, who is more likely to be protected by this decision?

1) The talented, practiced, learned Sherlockian devotee?

2) The hack, corporate douche bag?

As a medical student Conan Doyle encountered a remarkable professor who demonstrated that keen observation and logical deduction could make the seemingly unknowable readily accessible.  Conan Doyle honed that experience into a literary experience that thrilled and dominated the Victorian era.

Along with parlor tricks of logic, Conan Doyle wove the Anglo Saxon paragon who became a symbol of late 19th century English manhood.  This took much time and cultivation.  Holmes became a burden to Conan Doyle and, eventually, a portal to literary immortality.

So now anyone and everyone has unfettered access to the name and character and experiences of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson?

Not everyone who writes is up to it.  Why must we endure such people and their efforts?

I do not sympathize with the estate of Conan Doyle.  I mourn for the rest of us who are to have cubic yards of literary sludge heaped upon us.

A talented writer (or just an ordinary, honest one) would invent his own characters and weave new adventures.

When I want to read the adventures of Perry Mason or Lam and Cool, I read Erle Stanley Gardiner.

When I want to visit with Travis McGee, I read John D. MacDonald.

When I am in the mood for James Bond, I read Ian Fleming.

Is this unreasonable?  Should one person's literary invention become another's schlock, all with the protection of the US courts?

Oh, well.


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Fan Art - Matt Rommel Series


"Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs."  Carl Sagan


Matt Rommel's adventures are contemporary, no epochs to be traversed.  But, there is something magical at work between a book and the person that reads that book.  If the book is good enough, the reader sets aside time, opens his or her mind, and lives the adventure within.

As modest as my achievements are, thanks to Amazon Kindle, thousands and thousands of copies of the adventures of Matt Rommel, Carolyn Kast and her not to be underestimated daughter Aubrey, and that wildman of a septuagenarian, Gunny are spread across the United States and around the world.

I love getting a review.  The fact that someone I usually don't know has taken the time to share their thoughts is a gift and, usually, an act of kindness.

Then there are a few people who go to a place that no one anticipates.  I'm talking Fan Art.


I got this photo from Mike M. - a reader who saw a photo and wanted me to know that this is how he sees Carolyn Kast's living room, high in the Berkeley hills.



I may have shared this one before.  Mey S.F. sent this to me.  Two things are obvious to me.
1) Mey lives in a really nice house.
2) The quality and composition of this photo (and another set outdoors) are MUCH better than the promotional products of many professional photographers.

Sometimes a reader will visualize and re-imagine the entire book cover.  Look at these:



There's no denying it, these covers are pretty snazzy.  My sincere thanks to Ankit S.  I'm not going to show the one with the Oprah Book Club seal attached.  Those people would probably be on me in a heartbeat and I honestly don't need the grief.  Ankit also sent me this a few months back:


There are other Matt Rommel's in the world, and this one is currently the Homecoming King at Irvine Community College.  Congratulations to this young Matt Rommel.

I cannot thank these people enough for their kindness, imagination, and talent.  The overwhelming part of this is the thought that, because of the miracle of the written word, these people took these stories into themselves and created a special place in their memories for Matt, Carolyn and the gang.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Amazon Scout is also into Max Tomlinson



It was scarcely a week ago.  I was pleased to present Max Tomlinson's review of my most recent novel.  If you recall, I mentioned that he has a following.  If I didn't explicitly state that Max writes a great story, I hope you understood that to be true.

You know who else thinks Max Tomlinson is a talented, crowd-pleasing writer?  Amazon.  Yeah, that Amazon.

Amazon Scout is looking into Max in a big way and you can get in on it.

Come October 30th, go to the site below and read a nice slice of Max's new action adventure.
Then use the link to let Amazon know how you liked it.

Personally, I can hardly wait.  I followed J.A. Konrath as he came up from traditional publishing to breakthrough in popular fiction.

Now I get to watch Max Tomlinson do it.  And I get to get in on the ground floor and watch it happen.

October 30th and for a few days afterward.  Don't miss out!

http://maxtomlinson.wordpress.com/kill-city-meth-noir-out-in-2015/

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Max Tomlinson reviews Beyond the Law

Max Tomlinson.  Are you thinking you've heard that name?  More likely, you know you have.  Max Tomlinson is the author of the Nina Flores series.  Max has a following so this is kind of a big deal for me.

Come to think of it, you should check Max and his creation Nina Flores out on Amazon.  You won't regret it!


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone's favorite ex-Marine/museum docent takes San Francisco by stormOctober 2, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Beyond the Law (A Matt Rommel Adventure) (Kindle Edition)
He's back:

Everyone's favorite ex-Marine/museum docent takes San Francisco by storm in this thoroughly entertaining mystery--along with Chesty, Aubrey and other characters from Brand Loyalty.

Kahren writes so well, it's almost a crime. Some very good prose that does not take itself too seriously. If it did, it would be gracing the pages of literary magazines.

But then, it wouldn't be so funny.

And entertaining is what The Matt Rommel books are.

Oh, there are new characters --The Gay Avenger?

I guess you'll just have to read it to find out.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The Palace of the Legion of Murder



Matt Rommel, Carolyn, Aubrey, and Gunny have a new adventure in the works, an adventure tied to the Palace of the Legion of Honor and early 20th century San Francisco.

I've done enough research on Alma de Bretteville Spreckles, the Legion of Honor, and the Pan American Exposition of 1915 that I am beginning the story itself.  I know that I will have to scurry back and dig up or confirm facts as I go along, but the story itself is pushing at me.

Things want to happen.  They need to be recorded.

This work has references to historical figures, but is is a complete fiction.  I can't repeat that enough.  Those historical figures, to my knowledge, never contemplated the fictional acts in this work, let alone perform them.

Of course, it is a matter of historical fact that Adolph Spreckles shot M.H. de Young in a fit of anger.  Ironically, the two major fine arts museums in San Francisco were founded by Spreckles and de Young.

So, fictionally speaking, how did it come to pass that the socialites fund drive for WWI Belgian relief, the Pan American Exposition of 1915, and the founding of Alma's pet project simmered for the better part of a century only to erupt into:

The Palace of the Legion of Murder

Monday, September 29, 2014

Last Week's Free Book Promotion on Amazon - Regards to J.A. Konrath



J.A. Konrath has a web log that consists of equal parts controversy and tips for indie writers.  I feel like I am the person who discovered Konrath because, years ago, I came across an article about him in a writer's magazine.  He had just inked a two book deal with Hyperion for $150,000.  At that time, and probably for many today, this is the writer's dream.  Discovery, validation, and the fame that only a writer's magazine can bestow.  There were black and white photographs of him walking near a railroad bridge, no doubt deep in thought.

Fast forward about a decade, Konrath now seems to prefer the wealth and control that comes to the fortunate and professionally committed of the Amazon self-published crowd.  By any reasonable person's standards, J.A. seems to be doing very well.  He also shares a huge amount of personal and practical information on his blog.

So, earlier in September, J.A. Konrath posted an article with 15 tips for self-published authors.  This time, I resolved to try his advice.

Last week, the 22nd through the 26th of September, I used my Amazon Kindle free promotion days and made Brand Loyalty  available for free.  I promoted the event with 2 of the 3 advertisers he recommended, one being a bit pricey for me.

Here's what happened:

I started the week with an Amazon rating of 7,093 on the Free List.  I peaked at 53 within a day.  Brand Loyalty was in the top 100 for 3 of the 5 days and I ended at about 350.  Overall, I was able to share my first novel with over 6,000 Kindle readers, including readers in Germany, the UK and Canada.  I even got readers in India, Japan, France, Australia, and Italy.

Because of this exposure, sales of my second novel, Beyond the Law, are better than ever and now I have a sales rating in Germany and the UK as well as a much better one in the US.

I don't know why Konrath chooses to give such valuable advice to people he doesn't know, but here's the link to his blog.


http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2014/09/ebook-sales-down-here-are-15-tips.html


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Now How Cool is This? A synopsis of Brand Loyalty in German!

Man, this is just ausgesheitnit (my stab at the German word that I believe means Outstanding.  I love this.


http://www.englishbooks.xtme.de/2014/09/dienstag-akademiker-roemer-microsoft-gute-englische-ebooks-fuer-kindle-gratis-oder-guenstig/



Major Matt Rommel, der vom Marine Corps und dem California Department of Corrections pensioniert ist, hat ein Leben voller angewandter Gewalt hinter sich. Nun ist er Museumsführer im Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco und verbringt seine Tage umgeben von Kunstschätzen und die Nächte in Vinces Bar im Mission District. Die Jahre haben auch das Leben von Carolyn Kast verändert und sie mit einer gescheiterten Ehe zurückgelassen. Jetzt ist sie alleinerziehende Mutter in ihren Vierzigern mit einer Werbeagentur im Anfangsstadium und zwei Geschäftspartnern, die einander ständig an die Gurgel gehen. “The writing in Brand Loyalty is really very good and the author’s skill at switching among the many quirky characters (a favorite of mine is a one-eyed dog by the name of Chesty) seamless.” (Leser) (17 Rezensionen / 4,9 Sterne) Ca. 485 Normseiten – noch gratis?

Monday, September 22, 2014

Free on Amazon Kindle - Brand Loyalty - Currently Rated 68 - Updated




Brand Loyalty is available on Kindle FREE.
Ranking on the Free side began yesterday morning at 7,093.

It is currently ranked at 68.
#2 in Suspense
#5 in Mystery

Also, good rankings on Amazon UK, and Germany.

So, I suppose you could say that Brand Loyalty is an international best NON seller!



File Size: 522 KB
Print Length: 332 pages
Publisher: F.M. Kahren; 2 edition (November 23, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B006PMRJJM
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray:
Not Enabled
Lending: Enabled
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
#5 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Suspense
 Would you like to give feedback on images or tell us about a lower price? .

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Book Give Away Results -



The Book Give Away Contest is Over.  Thanks to all who participated.

Look for next weeks promotion on Amazon.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Download my Doctoral Dissertation for Free as a PDF? - See Link


I don't know if this is for real or not.  I came across this site that states that my Strategic Planning/Wireless Telephony research can be downloaded at no charge.

I had no knowledge of this sites existence, nor did I agree to this.  That being said,  The work is about 12 years old and the purpose of a dissertation is the creation of knowledge.  So, assuming that this site is legitimate and assuming that someone out there has an interest in different strategic planning methodologies, fine.




http://75tel.com/q/Strategic-Planning-The-Practices-of-PCS-Companies-and-the-Academic-Literature-for-android/free-1684085081/

Monday, September 8, 2014

My Advice to a Novelist Just Beginning the Journey


So what would qualify me to give ANYONE advice about the publishing business?  One thing only, the person asked.

Twenty years ago, I worked for the local phone company.  I met a lot of talented people.  Somehow, I did not alienate all of them.  Last week, I got an e-mail from a former colleague who has written a novel.  He invited me to meet and discuss the publishing business with him.

If you are a grown up with a family, you know these things are difficult to arrange.  Still, I couldn't help thinking about my experience (and I am not done trying yet!) and what the first couple of years can be like.  So, I sent him this letter, if the hope that even this little bit would be of some use:

Dear XXXXXX,

I don't know when we are going to be able to get together.  Even so, I have been thinking about your new adventure, writing, publishing etc.

Without meeting, I can pass along a few things, most of which you may already know:

1) Fiction or Non-Fiction - Traditional Publishing vs Self Publishing - It makes a big difference;
If you are selling fiction to a traditional publisher, you must have a completed manuscript.

If you want a decent publisher, you probably need a good agent.  Two good agents are Janet Reid and Elizabeth Pomada.  I really like Janet, she's a successful pro.  I wasn't able to land her, but I like her.

Look at the Literary Marketplace - a massive resource book that lists publishers and agents.  Important here are the publishers that accept unagented manuscripts.  There are only a few.

Non-Fiction, easier to sell and you don't need a complete manuscript.  Michael Larson is among the best on the West Cost and he is non-fiction only.

POD publishers (print on demand) - Easier to get to, but they do almost no promotion.  You can say that you have a publisher and you may get a good edit.  That's about it.
My POD publisher relationship was odd.  Not bad, but odd.

Self - Publishing:  Much easier to do, but lots and lots of work after that.  You will have to spend the rest of your life selling if your work is fiction.

Non-fiction - "Calculus made Super Easy" or whatever, always has a market.

Conferences: I went to the SF Writers Conference in 2004 and it was the hardest 3 days of my life.  Everything I wanted to believe, was wrong.  I learned a lot.
That conference was at the Sir Frances Drake.  Also at the hotel - a drag queen conference.  Tucked, taped and fabulous.

I also went to Bouchercon in 2010 at the Hyatt Regency.  Bouchercon is for Mystery writers and fans and it was nothing but indulgence.
I met my favorite writers.  I visited with booksellers that had my novel in stock who were embarrassingly kind.  I didn't sell.  I didn't buy.
I wallowed in my own dim glory and the achievements of much more successful writers.

Writing novels is for those who will not quit: will not quit writing, will not quit selling, will not quit obsessing over how to gain new readers.

Of all the true winners I have known in Life, you are near the top.  I know that this will be a good thing for you and that you will touch many people.

Regards

Frank

An Interview in Readers Writers Journal -

Lucky break for me, an interview on Readers Writers Journal.


So, Waddaya think?


http://readerswritersjournal.com/2014/09/08/an-interview-with-f-m-kahren-author-of-brand-loyalty-and-beyond-the-law/

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Wanda Snow Porter - A Prose Style that Steinbeck Would Admire

Wanda Snow Porter's Engaging  Character from "Riding Babyfact"

One of the books I am currently reading is "Riding Babyface".  It is much more that a coming of age story.  It is more that a tale of deep friendship between a girl and a clever horse.  This is a tale of California central coast life in the late 1950's.

Porter's prose style evokes Steinbeck in those moments when he gently contemplates the human condition of everyday people.

Today, Wanda Snow Porter discusses her character on her site.

Click here:  http://www.WandaSnowPorter.com

ps: I never thought I would use the words 'clever' and 'horse' together in the same sentence.

A bit more about Wanda Snow Porter:

Wanda Snow Porter grew up on the central coast of California riding horseback on land once part of an old Mexican rancho. An avid horsewoman, she learned the vaquero way of riding and training horses, and earned the United States Dressage Federation's Bronze Medal Rider Award. She is a docent for the Dana Adobe and helps school children experience what life was like for vaqueros who lived and worked on an early California rancho. Her knowledge of ranch life, horses, and history inspired her to write stories for tweens, teens, and the young at heart. She has written and illustrated the Adobe Burros Picture Book Series, published by Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos, and is the author of three young adult novels: Spurs for José, Remedy, and Riding Babyface.

Wanda's Website and Blog: http://www.WandaSnowPorter.com


Friday, August 29, 2014

Meet the Character Book Blog Tour - Matt Rommel


I have been invited by Laurel Anne Hill to join a book blog tour and to introduce a character from my most recent book, Beyond the Law.  I want to introduce you to Major Matt Rommel, USMC, Ret.

But don't forget to check out Laurel Anne Hill at her blog.  Here's a link:

http://www.laurelannehill.com



Meet My Character:  Matt Rommel - In his own words.

My name is Matthew Rommel.  I have spent my adult life working with people, people that my country told me were evil, people the State of California told me were a threat to society.  Some of them did not survive.  None of them were ever the same.  At the end of it all, I was not the same either.  I cannot tell you, with certainty, that all of the things I did were right, or that there was even a point to it all.

I was a Marine Corps officer.  I was good at my job and I worked with some of the finest people you could hope to meet.  One day, the Corps asked me to do something that I could not bear to do.  After that, it was only a matter of time before I had to leave.  I retired.

I was a corrections officer with the California Department of Corrections.  I spent most of my career at San Quentin prison.  For ten years, I worked closely with convicted felons.  I protected myself and my fellow officers and I never let a convict work me.  I kept them at bay.  After years of this work, I kept my family at bay as well.  I’m not married anymore and that’s pretty much the reason why.  One day, I just knew I had to make a change.   Again, I retired.    I had to put it all behind me.

And I did.  Into every life comes good and bad fortune.  My good fortune involved money, a lot of it.  Now, I spend my days at the Palace of the Legion of Honor, one of San Francisco’s Fine Art museums as a docent.  Sometimes I give tours; sometimes I just stand there.  It’s a beautiful place dedicated those San Franciscans who served in The Great War.  It was dedicated as a place of healing.  I’m hoping it will work for me.

After years alone, people have come into my life, an attractive, smart, tough, and stylish single mother, and her daughter.  Take my word for it, that kid is a handful.


Now, an old comrade has established himself as my house guest, try as I might to get him to leave.  Seventy year-old Master Gunnery Michael Patrick Gilhooley, retired, has always meant trouble, to himself and everyone around him.  This time Gunny may just get us all killed.



Thursday, August 28, 2014

Author, Media Personality, Former Underground Tank Operator! Meet Laurel Anne Hill and the Heroine of Her New Hit Novel.


Laurel Anne Hill is on a book blog tour.  Today, she tells us all about the heroine of her new novel, Juanita.  Laurel Anne has quite a following, so click on this link below and learn about her new novel and her new heroine.  While you're there, you might find out what it means to be an underground tank operator!





http://laurelannehill.com/blog/laurel-anne-hills-stories/meet-laurel-anne-hills-character-juanita-a-heroine-of-color-a-meet-my-character-blog-tour-posting/

Friday, August 22, 2014

South Carolina arrests reputed DINOSAUR killer.


In the United States of America, we are busy giving armored vehicles and high-powered military weapons to local police agencies who think that teenagers might be killing DINOSAURS.

http://www.policestateusa.com/2014/alex-stone-dinosaur-hunter/

High School creative writing class. Student claims he got a gun and killed his neighbor's DINOSAUR. The police arrived and an arrest ensued.
As it turn's out, the student did not kill his neighbor's DINOSAUR. Like you, I am glad that the DINOSAUR was not harmed, possibly because he does not exist.
Your tax dollars at work.
...See More
SUMMERVILLE, SC -- A student was suspended from school and taken to jail in...
POLICESTATEUSA.COM

There we are in the Friday edition of KBoards




Beyond the Law appears in this Friday's edition of Kboards.com.

Have a great weekend whoever you three readers are.

Frank


http://kboards.blogspot.com/






Thursday, August 21, 2014

New Review for Brand Loyalty - Thank you, Kerah 13

New Review for Brand Loyalty - Thank you, Kerah 13

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Nonstop FunAugust 17, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Brand Loyalty (Matt Rommel Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
F.M. Kahren's "Brand Loyalty" kept me up way passed my bedtime. Kahrens style of writing grabbed me from the first page and I couldn't put the book down until I was finished with it!

The pacing was well done- the reader is neither rushed through anything nor quickly flipping pages wondering when a scene will be over. It was a very enticing murder mystery with an unusual plot set in the Bay area. I've been to California before, but never San Francisco, so it was fun to imagine what the area looked like from Kahren and Rommel's perspectives.

The interplay between the characters and the dialogue was highly engaging. All of the characters were entertaining, but I definitely enjoyed Aubrey and the main character, Matt Rommel, the most. I can't wait to check out more of Rommel's adventures!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Something new to me - the Twitter Card


Something new to me, this is a "Twitter Card".  I'm still trying to get my mind around the Twitter thing, but I really dig the card.  Thank you readerswritersjournal.com.

So, whaddya think?

Monday, August 18, 2014

Coming - "The Palace of the Legion of Murder

The Palace of the Legion of Murder

Matt Rommel is back from Adak. Gunny is back from the grave.
And, Aubrey is back from detention!
Coming in 2015!


Thursday, August 7, 2014

Book Give-away - My Book, So It's My Rules



Last night, I was at my local grocery store.  One of the clerks was telling me how much she is enjoying my latest book, "Beyond the Law".

She said she wasn't going to let her father read it until she was done with it.  However, she isn't going to be done with it because she never wants the book to end.

No kidding.  This happened.

Well, her father is on dialysis and I need every reader I can get to.  So, I autographed an additional copy and gave it to her.

So here's the point, if for some reason you are reading this, maybe you would like a copy of "Beyond the Law" for yourself.

Just send me an e-mail at fmkahren@gmail.com.  Include your mailing address.  Here are the rules:

1) There will be no more than 3 winners.  One inside the state of California, One inside the U.S. but outside of California, and one outside of the United States but in a country that gets service from Federal Express International.

2)  I will have the Federal Express shipping slip that proves that I sent the book to the address you gave me.  If you don't actually get it for some reason, that's not my fault.  I will not be mailing book after book to the same address.

3)  I warrant nothing and nothing is binding.  I want to have a little fun and send out a few books.  That's it.  No drama.  No B.S.

So, what do you think?

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

U.S. Supreme Court forces Argentina into Default


It turns out that the Supreme Court of the United States does not rule over the sovereign nation of Argentina.

A couple of weeks ago, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the nation of Argentina had to pay a huge amount to a small, privileged group of American vulture capitalists who bought defunct bonds for practically nothing.

This made it impossible for Argentina to arrive at a settlement with the vast majority of the other bondholders.

Two points:

1) There was no reason for the US Supreme Court to hear this case in the first place.  The court declines to hear cases all the time.  This was a big favor to a few political cronies.

2) Argentina is an actual sovereign nation.  I checked.  The Argentines don't work for us.  If the full power of the US Government is going to force Argentina to do something, I want them to get me an apartment in Recoleta, a table at a tango show, and a nice big steak with a bottle of Mendoza red.

Argentina's 2014 bond default was created by the United States government. That's a fact.

I wonder if the bigger picture here is what happens in world opinion.  Other nations must have noticed by now that the United States bullies its allies and steals from foreign criminal banks while protecting US criminal bankers.  Aren't these nations going to work to isolate the United States in order to curb this never-ending drive for world domination?

Just wondering.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

New Review for Brand Loyalty - Thank You, Pricilla Benton

Even though people enjoy them, it is a rare thing for someone to take the time to review both books.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this when it happens.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Humor and mystery well doneJuly 29, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Brand Loyalty (Matt Rommel Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This was a great book that I felt had a bit of everything in it. I'd recommend it to a wide audience because it's part mystery, thriller and adventure with a very satisfying conclusion. The characters are well-written and of course Matt Rommel's distinctive voice makes each page a pleasure to read. The book has a unique humor in it that balances perfectly with the dire situation that is created around Carolyn and her daughter. I would recommend this author and this book series.





http://www.amazon.com/Brand-Loyalty-Matt-Rommel-Book-ebook/dp/B006PMRJJM/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_1

Monday, July 28, 2014

Latest Review for Beyond the Law - Thank You Pricilla Benton




5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic series with larger than life characters July 26, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is a well-written book that kept me turning the page. One great feature of the book is the dark and sarcastic dialogue. Right up until the last page you just never know what's going to come out of Matt Rommel's mouth. All of the characters were created well, realistic but with a larger-than-life quality.

This book was a pleasure to read and anyone who likes military stories will love this book. Author F.M. Kahren is a talented writer and this is a great series that I'd recommend.


Thursday, July 24, 2014

A New Interview on My First Novel - Brand Loyalty


Being Interviewed by fictional character I.B. Nosey is a whimsical experience to say the least, but there is a long queue of writers hoping for the opportunity.  So, thanks to Miss Mae for making it happen.




http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com/2014/07/frank-kahren-stores-it-up-with-ib-nosey.html





Is this really my photo?  Sure it is.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

U.S. Government Manipulation of Internet Social Media to Isolate Dissent and Promote Government Agendas



This article comes from a blog I've never heard of (not that that means anything).  In addition to new revelations from Edward Snowden, the blog reports intense traffic from a U.S. Air Force base in Florida.  The purpose of this traffic, to manipulate a site called Reddit.  Again, I have no idea what Reddit is.

However, what is clear is that corporations like Facebook as well as agencies of the U.S. Government are engaged in psychological operations against the American public.

Their objective: to make dissenters feel as if no one else shares their feelings and opinions and that government approved perspectives are those of the public as well. 

This seems similar to the Russian Revolution.  A tiny party named itself the "majority" party and ferociously seized power.  The Russian word for majority - Bolshevik.

The American Bolsheviki seek to overwhelm the masses with individual isolation and mass broadcast of lies.

Seems like a bad thing.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Latest Review for "Beyond the Law" - 4 out of 5 stars - Thank You, J.S. Wong

Latest Review for "Beyond the Law" - 4 out of 5 stars - Thank You, J.S. Wong



"This latest book by Mr. Kahren is a much more riveting than his first book. The story took off from the very beginning and till it ended on the last page. It has caused me to lose sleep on a couple of nights and I just could not put it down till I finished it. I hope Mr. Kahren publishes his next book soon." 

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

A new review for Beyond the Law - Thank you, M. A. Miller

A new review for Beyond the Law - Thank you,  M. A. Miller

"This is the second book in what I hope will be a long-running series. Mr. Kahren writes a ripping good yarn--an engaging mystery/thriller, that is full of interesting military and business information as a bonus. The characters are well-written and I particularly appreciate that the women are strong, smart and independent and play a real role in the plot. Matt Rommel is a character I want to know better. With his imposing physical size and strength and military background he might remind you of Jack Reacher--but Rommel is a much more well-rounded character, who has already shown some growth and change since the first book. I'm looking forward to the next adventure."  M. A. Miller



I can't say it enough, it is a kindness when a person takes the time to post a book review. Thank you, thank you.

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Law-Matt-Rommel-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00GT11E9A/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=