The BJ Vinson Mystery Series

How many times have you been told: Know your strengths but also know your weaknesses. I happen to think I write reasonably well. Well enough to claim it as a strength, at any rate. But I also know I suck at self-promotion. When it comes to social media, let’s just say the word “social” disappears. What that means, of course, is that I am not now nor will I ever be on the New York Times bestsellers' list.

I recently attended a lecture at a SouthWest Writer’s meeting where the speaker expounded on this subject. He was a very successful local author who works almost as hard at promoting his books as he does writing them. His intent was to inspire the rest of us writers and provide some very helpful procedures to allow us to emulate his success.

Alas, all he did was convince me that I am constitutionally unable to sell myself. He did, however, make one suggestion that I can use. “If you have reviews of your work, post them on your web site." Eureka! I have reviews. So I’m not writing this post. Five other people are. Individuals who come from the ranks of the finest people in my world—readers!

Below are the last five reviews posted to Amazon on THE ZOZOBRA INCIDENT and THE BISTI BUSINESS. As regular readers know, DSP Publications has picked up this series, and Zozobra is to be reborn on November 15, 2016 with Bisti due out March 21, 2017. THE CITY OF ROCKS will see the light of day for the first time about four months after Bisti is released.

The XXX's below represent the number of stars awarded by the reviewer.

J. V. Mills reviewed The Zozobra Incident (A BJ Vinson Mystery Series Book 1)

XXXXX A Great story

Very suspenseful. Some alluded to sex, but nothing graphic. Compelling read for me, enjoyed the conclusion, though the author could have spent a bit more time closing it all down. To read about the trial and the other bits of story line would have bben a great way to wrap it all nice and tidy.

Fair Reviews reviewed The Zozobra Incident (A BJ Vinson Mystery Series Book 1)

XXXXX Excellently Written Mystery

Don Travis writes a colorful, tightly constructed mystery. For anyone interested in New Mexico, he peppers his story with fascinating information about the cultural and historical foundations of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The Zozobra Incident is a very good first offering from Travis and will make you anxious for more.

Stephen B reviewed The Bisti Business (A BJ Vinson Mystery Book 2)XXXXX he Bisti Business is a Good Read

The gay PI, B. J. Vinson, takes us around the desert country of New Mexico to solve the case of a missing young man from California who is traveling with his lover. For anyone who lives in or has visited New Mexico, the desert landscape offers a challenge to anyone caught unprepred for the relentless heat. Don Travis puts you in the action and you feel you are there. "The Bisti Business" will have you convinced of whodunit before you foind out you hung your hat on a red herring. And there are plenty of them. This is a book that keeps you wanting more. You won't be able to put it down until everything is known. This is Don Travis' second novel following "The Zozobra Incident." Read that one first so you have a feel for the characters when they are introduced again in "The Bisti Business."

Don Travis is my new favorite author. I look forward to his next mystery.

Richard L. Thomas reviewed The Zozobra Incident (A bJ Vinson Mystery Series Book 1)

XXXX Great gay detective.

Love having a gay detective series when I can go on a new adventure with good plots and realistic stories. I will be looking for more of this series.

English teacher reviewed The Bisti Business (Volume 2)

XXXXX Good mystery!

Of the two books I read by Don Travis, this was the better. The setting is interesting and the characters appealing.

                                                               *****

I hope this was of some interest to you. Keep on reading, guys. Feel free to contact me at dontravis21@gmail.com.

New Posts published at 6:00 a.m. each Thursday.