Roberta Writes – book review: Nine Black Lives by Resa McConaghy and ‘Skart’ #bookreview #readingcommunity #art

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Resa is a fantastic artist, photographer, and the designer of unique ballroom gowns from recycled fabrics, but did you know she is also the author of a fabulous book? I came across Nine Black Lives quite by accident and it is a really good book, filled with Resa’s imagination, knowledge and humour.

What Resa says

Picture caption: Cover of Nine black lives featuring a black city skyline through a window splattered with rain

Nicky is an actor, vain, jaded and tired of Hollywood fluff. He holes up, brooding in his New York apartment only to accept yet another “detective” role scheduled to shoot in his grey and gritty home turf. As stalkers move in and a real life murder taps him on the shoulder, Nicky enters a dangerous Neo Noir world. Peril looms to all those around him, including his love Lara and their unborn son. With the chill of premonition creeping over him, and wielding his “detective” skills, Nicky must awaken the true man within before time runs out.

My review

I really enjoyed this fascinating book. The author is a talented costume designer and has a lot of experience with life behind the cameras on a movie set. This knowledge shines through in this novel and makes the settings and character interactions very realistic and believable.

The main character, Nicky, is a hugely successful movie star who is searching for more fulfilment in his life that his typical male hero roles are offering. Unable to find a more challenging movie role, he throws himself into unravelling the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a costume designer, Lucille, he’d worked with during the filming of his first move. The one that made him a star. At the same time, his girlfriend informs his that he’s going to be a father. Simmering in the background of these two storylines, are several threatening letters that Nicky’s has received from an obsessive fan. These three aspects weave together to create an exciting and fast paced novel set during the filming of Nicky’s new film, Nine Black Lives.

The characters and dialogue in this book really stood out for me. Due to the author’s understanding of the movie making world, the book is sprinkled with intriguing commentaries about the making of movies and the various actors, main and supporting, who make up the cast, as well as all the people involved in makeup, costume design and administration. An example of one such conversation is as follows:

“”The Handmaiden’s Hands was a step up, but who knew it at the time? Back then it was a paycheck. No one really thought anything would come of the stupid film. Leo had even worried that it could possibly hurt Nicky’s career.
“Who could have predicted a low budget loser like that would turn out to be a cult classic. Hell, the script was a joke,” Leo laughed.”

The backstory and details surrounding Nicky’s ‘stalker’ are interesting and well described. Insights into star obsession and the world of fan social media and on-line admiration clubs are unveiled in all their murky weirdness and excessiveness. It was all fascinating to me as a reader and I learned a great deal about the challenges of living in the spotlight.

The relationship between Nicky and the lead investigator into the death of Lucille and Nicky’s stalker is also interesting. The investigator, Lightfoot, is disdainful of Nicky’s information and thoughts and determined to remind him that he is not a ‘real’ investigator but only a pretender to the crown. This relationship was an intriguing reminder not to underestimate another person just because you are resentful of their position in life.

This is an interesting novel with a strong storyline, fascinating characters, and entertaining detail.

Your can purchase Nine black lives from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HB8T1M

Or you can download it on Resa’s blog here: https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/artists/

Skart

Resa finds and photographs the most amazing street art. Late last year, Resa came across a most intriguing skateboard art find. Just after this discovery, I posted my one any only poem about skateboarding. Resa created an incredible post to showcase her art discoveries, and I am thrilled that she included my poem, The Silver Lining. Thank you, Resa, for all you do to make our lives interesting and art filled.

Click on the image to find Resa’s incredible post.

About Resa McConaghy

You can discover more about Resa McConaghy on her website here: https://resamcconaghy.com/

You can enjoy her gorgeous art gown creations here: https://artgowns.com/

I just love her latest creation:

Picture caption: Resa’s extraordinary and beautiful wedding dress creation

For me, it is a wedding dress and if I was getting married now, I would want this dress. I asked TC if he wanted to renew our wedding vows so I could wear this dress. Dear man said I could have the dress, but we didn’t need another wedding because the first one was amazing. Isn’t he a darling?

This is what Resa says about herself:

“Hi there!

I’m an amateur photographer who has a passion for taking pics of outdoor ephemeral art.

Eagle ! to Natasha

My name is Resa McConaghy, and my site, “Graffit Lux and Murals”, was originally dedicated to showcasing & documenting Graffiti Art  and Murals in Toronto and Winnipeg.

However, I now find I am featuring the Street Art of other cities around the globe through travels of mine, and guest contributors.

Taking these pics is a passion and a joy. Each work of graffiti art or mural evokes thoughts in me, and these thoughts are reflected in the titles of my Posts.

Some of these pieces may already have been named by the artists. If I know the original name, I will name it so.

Painted by Mandy van Leeuwen, Jennifer Johnson Pollock and Charlie Johnston.
Painted by Mandy van Leeuwen Jennifer Johnson Pollock and Charlie Johnston.

If I know the name of the artist, I will credit them under the photograph and/or in the body of the post. If you are an artist & have not been credited,  you can reach me by email with your info. I will gladly update the post. If you’re here, it’s probably because you love this type of art as much as I do. I hope my pics do the pieces some justice.

Contact me at: submissionstoglam@graffitiluxandmurals.com

Cheers!

Resa

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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232 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – book review: Nine Black Lives by Resa McConaghy and ‘Skart’ #bookreview #readingcommunity #art”

    1. Merril,

      Writing is fun. Promoting and selling is another creature. It has horns and is scary.

      So, I did change the ending a mini tad after putting it on amazon many years ago. Then I began my boycotting of amazon. So I wound up putting it as a free download on my blog.

      If you don’t mind reading PDF format, just download it for free. It’s in the menu bar!

      Anyway, thank you for you lovely comment!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Trent,

      I’m such an oddball. I’ve been hiding the book in plain sight.

      I did tweak the ending…not horribly so, but I did. However, I did not update the kindle version.

      If you do get around to it, and don’t mind reading a PDF, do the free download!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  15. Dear Robbie,

    Wow! I’m knocked out by this wonderful review, and all the other praises I have received here.

    I did love writing Nine Black Lives and had some kind of dream it would be 9 books. “8 Black Lives”, “7 Black Lives” , 6 … etc.

    There are so many creative opportunities in life, and not enough time. The main thing is to just keep on creating. Make Art not War! Make Art, not Trash” Make Art.

    Maybe I will write “Eight Black Lives”.

    Anyway, I’m a bit blathering now, and the main thing I want to say is Thank You!

    Okay, I’m going to reblog, then run out to buy supplies for my NEW CAT. She’s arriving tomorrow. So, I’ll be back later.

    xx💖🌟🌹

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    1. Hi Resa, it is my great pleasure to share about your book. I really enjoyed it very much and I hope more people will read it. I understand your comment about available time. I also have to make choices about where to spend my creative energy. Thank you for your lovely repost. I am so happy you like this post 💞🌷. I look forward to meeting your new cat. Hooray for you 😻

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. This is a wonderful treat!

        It makes me feel like writing. I have started a book of humorous anecdotes from my years in film, involving some very famous actors. There’s nothing bad, just funny. Hmm, I wonder if I could get in trouble. I mean, they are my experiences, too!

        Yes, I just got back with a litter box, etc.

        Misha is 5 1/2, healthy and her owner went to a nursing home today. The son and daughter in-law are bringing her here tomorrow. I’m really excited! 🌟

        Liked by 1 person

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  17. I didn’t know that Resa wrote a book. She’s so secretive about it. Lol! Well thanks for discovering the truth, Robbie, and sharing your review. Plus the lovely tribute to our beautiful and talented friend. I just picked up the book from Amazon and will be starting it tonight. Congrats, Resa. What a wonderful surprise! ❤ ❤ Thanks, Robbie.

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    1. Well, it was bound to happen, someone finding my book.

      I guess I have something like stage fright when it comes to putting it out there. Also, I’m like a creative whirlwind, it’s hard to stay focused on one creative thing.

      Diana, thank you! I hope you enjoy the madcap romp in the world of film & sleuthing! 💙🌹💖

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

          6. Lol. Stage. I quit really young because I wanted to get married and pregnant. The time commitment was immense. I still do a little community theater, but rarely since a lot of plays don’t need old ladies. Lol.

            Liked by 1 person

          7. Don’t need old ladies… many actresses say that. Not so many actors, although I did hear Paul Newman say in an interview – I’d like to work. I’m old, not dead.

            On a non-acting basis, I see how I become more and more invisible, as I age. Old people really are marginalized in our society.

            I do understand youth’s attraction, on many levels and from points of view. Still, we cannot pretend life away. (bit of a thought jump there)

            Liked by 1 person

          8. My aunt (whose just turned 90) says she feels invisible. Young people are arrogant and often selfish. They don’t appreciate that aging is the natural outcome of all life. Also, the family structure has been broken down by our modern lifestyles and people don’t operate in family units anymore. Young people are distance from older people.

            Liked by 1 person

          9. You are so right, Robbie!
            I came from a bad family structure, but being polite to elders and appreciating their wisdom gained from their experiences in life was something I was taught, and understood and was thankful about.

            I guess old people just do’t look good in selfies! (facetious)

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    1. Hi Jan!

      I was in the biz for years, and all of the actors I met were wonderful, kind and generous to me. Still, I never dated one. I was never sure who they were.

      That’s how the idea came up.

      Yes, writing is fun, promoting is a big hairy scary monster with horns. 👹

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. Thank you for this most excellent review, Robbie. Resa is brilliant and multi-talented. Her creativity in one area informs other areas. I admire you both – you both build community with every post, poem, book, and art form.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Thank you Rebecca!

      I’m thrilled with this review. Robbie is a doll, and I can’t thank her enough!

      Creativity is a common bond. We are all luxuriating in it.

      So, I went to the AGO to see the Tissot exhibit. There were many etchings from his “Fashionable Women of Paris” collection. I’m already drawing gowns from Paris – late 1800’s!

      Liked by 2 people

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        1. It really is. The art is mesmerizing! I’m doing the drawings in fine pencil, all gowns from the 1880’s and am trying to create a faux etching look. 🌷💖🌷💖

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          1. This sounds extraordinary. I am painting the tree on which my leopard is lying currently. It is very hard to create a good tree and get a 3-D look an feel with acrylic paint. I went back to Tolkien’s Bestiary book and looked carefully at the illustrations. I imitated the artist as best I could in a different medium.

            Liked by 1 person

    1. Teagan,

      Yes, it is a mindful review. Well put!

      Robbie has made me deliriously happy with this review.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, ad you have a terrific weekend, too! Of course, I’ll be by your blog!

      Hugs!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Michael!

      Lol, yes that’s me, hiding around the corner, waiting to be found. Well, Robbie found that corner. She is so talented that it is an honour that she read this, let alone reviewed it.

      Best wishes and happy weekend to you, too! xxx

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  27. Loving this Robbie , I have read Resa’s books. Complete blown say by her gifts , she’s one awesome beautiful lady. Look at that face. Gorgeous! Adore you dear Resa , Thank you so much Robbie, I love seeing that amazing gown, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and with such an awesome back story.
    Thank you again Robbie. I haven’t read more of Resa’s books. I think Queens End was the last I read and it blew me away.
    ❤️❤️

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    2. Meece!

      This is a fab review, especially from someone as talented as Robbie.

      I am thrilled. I can’t thank Robbie enough.

      Queen’s End.. you are one of the very few I have let read that book.

      In some ways, I think it’s better than Nine Black Lives, but it’s also way more…adult. However, I do think I make a good point about the power of our minds and sexuality. I’m glad you liked it. (thrilled, actually)

      SO, I just sent a mail with Joni pics, and the next RR & AGMs idea. If I can figure a new bad guy, we have a PBH story!

      xxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      Liked by 2 people

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          2. Welcome! Not right away.. soon!
            The new cat -she came out from under the couch and hid behind a door. I found her and pet her… That went ok. Then I tried to pick her up and in her terror punctured my right hand in 4 spots. Hand is messed up.. no drawing or sewing. Hand is SWOLLEN . She is in new hiding place.
            Poor thing is terrified!

            Like

          8. Hugs! Hand is coming around. Can type for awhile now, but cannot sew or draw, yet. At the rate of healing, Im thinking 2-3 days!

            Like

          13. Getting better! You know that old gag where some blows up a rubber glove like a balloon? That was my hand.
            Got your mail and will reply after dinner!
            xoxoxoxo

            Liked by 1 person

          20. Me too! I can hardly wait to sew and draw!!!
            I know several people who have allergies to various insect stings and bites.
            One acquaintance ended up in the hospital for a week from a spider bite.

            You bee careful! (Couldn’t resist!)

            Like

      1. I’m excited about Nine lives! I can’t wait to read it. Resa is such a gifted writer, poet, artist, designer, seamstress, fashionista… the list goes on and on. She truly awesome and you are too . Thank you again for this! ❤️

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  28. Hi Roberta
    Thanks for introducing us to Resa. We had never heard about her before. Now we’ll have a look at her book and especially at her graffiti site.
    Wishing you a happy weekend
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  29. This is awesome!! Thanks for highlighting Resa’s book, Robbie! I think she might’ve mentioned she had written a book, but I didn’t know much about it. I love the plot about a jaded actor tired of Hollywood fluff; that grabbed me right away. Sheesh, Resa is a freakishly talented artist… what other talents has she got up her sleeve?

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. Ruth,

      Hurt my right hand.

      Might take a few days to answer mail.

      K the new cat -she came out and hid behind a door. I found her and pet her… That went ok. Then I tried to pick her up and in her terror punctured my right hand in 4 spots. Hand is messed up.. no drawing or sewing. Hand is SWOLLEN . She is in new hiding place.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. Oh my goodness! Sorry to hear about your hand… I was thinking the same as Robbie if you need tetanus shot for that wound. I sure hope it’ll get better soon. Cats are adorable but they can be really fierce! 🙀 Don’t worry about answering emails… just focus on getting better!! ❤️‍🩹 Sending prayers & good vibes 🫶🏽

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  31. Wow Robbie. I didn’t even know you had this blog. I just came over from Resa’s. No doubts Resa is multi-talented, and her wealth of experience in the ‘biz’ no doubts makes this an excellent read. Thanks for sharing Resa’s beautiful talents. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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  36. I had seen several of Resa’s creations and her collaborations with other artists and authors, but I didn’t realise she had written a book. Congratulations to her and thanks for another wonderful review, Robbie.

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