Massenzio is Back: An Interview with Author Don Massenzio

don mass poster

Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a short tagline:

Let Me Be Frank: A Frank Rozzani Detective Story – A tragedy changes the life of one of Frank’s closest friends.

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

Anywhere from young adults to seniors. It is an engaging mystery without a preponderance of violence, sex or profanity.

How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

It is based on the first name of the main character.

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

I have a cover artist in Pakistan that I use quite frequently. He is very good at devising an image based on a synopsis of the book.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

I would say Clifford Jones or “Jonesy.” He is a bit of a smartass and the ultimate sidekick with great skills.

How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

There is no one character, but the collective scum that Frank and Jonesy must deal with to solve their case would be my least favorite.

If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

Really, nothing comes to mind.

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

It was reviewed by an ex-New Orleans police officer who felt that the scenes in New Orleans were quite accurate.

What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?

Some Elmore Leonard and John D. MacDonald books.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I am a musician, and I write and arrange music.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

Through my website: http://www.donmassenzio.com

What can we expect from you in the future?

Another book in the Frank Rozzani series as well as a book of short stories and a non-fiction book that will consist of tips for self-published writers.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Reviews are always helpful along with spreading the word to friends and family.

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Keep at it. Write every day. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t be put off by the stigma of self-publishing, but be sure to hire a competent editor and use beta readers.

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Frank and Jonesy got back into the rented BMW. They simultaneously worked to loosen their ties and unbutton their top shirt buttons.
“I could never get used to wearing a tie. I wonder why men still wear these torture devices. All they do is cut off the blood supply to your brain,” Jonesy said.
“I haven’t worn one in a while, and I don’t miss it.”

They rode in silence for a couple of minutes. Finally, Jonesy spoke.

“That was an interesting turn of events. We went in expecting Al Capone, and we found two businessmen who’ve probably never held a gun. What is going on here?”
“I don’t think that all of the members of the Indigeaux family are being honest with us. It looks like the only thing approaching extortion was the use of some aggressive business dinners and sales presentations. I’d like to take a look at Jack Indigeaux’s involvement here, but we have to tread lightly. I want him to think we are still on his side.”

As they stopped by the Devil’s Dew and got out of the BMW, a white van sped up and pulled opposite the car. As if by instinct, Frank dove behind the car and pulled Jonesy down with him. They were unarmed. Shots from at least two guns rang out from the van and hit the side of the BMW and the front of the building.

Guy Monreaux emerged from the bar with a shotgun and opened up on the van. He hit the side of the van and knocked off one of the rearview mirrors. He ducked behind the BMW with Frank and Jonesy.
“What the hell did you guys do to the Doucets?” Guy yelled.
“We didn’t do anything. We told them the truth,” Frank answered.
“Well, obviously they didn’t like the truth since they sent someone here to kill you guys.”
“I don’t think they’re trying to kill us. They intentionally shot the car and the front of the building. They could have hit us easily. We aren’t armed.”

After about ten seconds, the van sped away. Frank checked himself, Guy, and Jonesy, and none of them were hit. He ran into the bar to call 911. As he walked in, he saw the daytime bartender lying on the floor with a pool of blood expanding around him. He had been shot in the neck. One of the busboys was already on the phone calling for an ambulance. Frank found a weak pulse, so he grabbed a bar rag and applied pressure to the wound. It didn’t look good for the bartender. The way the blood was pumping, the bullet must have hit a major artery.

You can learn more about Don Massenzio by visiting his Amazon Author page here.