Doll House WINNER

Today's give away was The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis.

The first entry, from Steve Forti, almost prompted me to declare the contest over before it really started and just send the book to him!

I'm probably not the target demographic, but I do love me some stories told in alternate timelines. Hell, my first novel was one.

But I'd love to win because I've come *this* close more times than I can count on this blog, yet never brought home the trophy. Plus, I just got laid off after 11 years and could use something good to read besides job listings.

Getting laid off at the holidays, even with severance is so Grinch-like, it even made ME feel bad. And we all know how much I love to torment writers.

And Kitty agreed too:

Give the book to Steve,

And Colin Smith too:

Amen to what Kitty said. I was laid off and out of work for three months before I landed my current job. It's not a happy place to be, especially if you have dependents. Steve's need for a lift is definitely much greater than mine.

Then Steve took himsel out of the running!

Give the book to Bethany! Yowza, get well soon and good luck with the surgery! 

It turns out E.M. Goldsmith also does what I do (read the books before wrapping!)

Well, I already bought this book for my daughter who wants to move to New York more than anything and is on target to do so next Spring. I started reading this Sunday night and have to finish it by Christmas Eve so I can wrap it up for my daughter. It is excellent and captivating. I love the juxtaposition of the two time periods. I think my daughter will too.

And Hank joins our merry-band of "early readers"

I ordered it on Amazon.uk for my daughter. She's in her second year of university in Bordeaux, and I think it will intrigue her. Thanks for the recommendation and like E.M., I will borrow it prior to giving it to Caleigh.

As did Scott G (who demonstrates EXCEPTIONALLY good taste)

I bought books by Gary Corby, Patrick Lee and Jeff Somers to give as Christmas gifts this year (after I read them of course).

BAM!

I loved Shaunna's idea a lot!

I don't deserve a new book any more than any of the other blog readers -- probably less than some. But if I somehow won a copy, I'd start a new type of chain mail with it: after I read it, I'd write my name and location in the front cover. Then I'd send it to someone I know with the same instruction: write your name and location in the front cover and regift it when you're finished reading it. In fact, that's such a good idea that I'm going to go peruse my bookshelves right now and see what other books I have that I can start chains with!

LynnRodz asked:

Janet, you wouldn't happen to be doing a conference in or around the Pittsburgh area the first months of 2017, would you? (I can always hope.)

Sorry, I'm not. I will be in Phoenix Arizona in February 2017 for a Sisters in Crime workshop. Gents are welcome at these events too.

Steve Stubbs snuck in just under the wire with the runner up entry:

Doing my spring cleaning
Even though it is only winter.
I feel like I live in a dog house.
So please send me THE DOLLHOUSE
Before I go berserk
And write a gritty crime novel
You might want to rep.

But in the end it was the entry that went against the grain, that surprised me, that I had to recognize as the prize-winner.

flashfriday

This is FlashFriday's mother.

Don't send her the book. She craves it, as she craves all books, devious, grasping child that she is; but I entirely disapprove.

Of course I already have Flash's address since she's snagged a couple flash fiction contest wins!

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write a comment to enter, and those of you who commented on the comments. It made for a very lovely break in the day to see what you all are up to!

And of course, this is so much fun, we really must do it again tomorrow!

Stay tuned!