Jaclyn Lurker recently wrote a review for fellow writer Jerry Cowling's historical fiction Lincoln in the Basement. Abbreviated comments appear on the back cover of his novel and on Amazon.com. While at Amazon, check out reader reviews on Cryer's Valley.
An interview with the author, Jaclyn Lurker, appeared in a July 2003 issue of Staten Island Register The Cryer's Valley website was a "Site of the Week" at Mostly Links Mystery Site in summer 2003.
Mysteries of the Outer Boroughs
Jaclyn Lurker appeared with other mystery writers from the outer boroughs of NYC at the Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library) on November 2, 2002. Click here to read more.
Cryer's Valley is a brilliant account of the strange events and motley
residents of our town.
- Felicity Rose,
resident of Cryer's
Valley
(See below for the entire Felicity Rose and Jaclyn Lurker interview, "A-Rose from the Lurking Shadows," as related by a Bricksby Gazette staff reporter.)
Cryer's Valley absorbs you into the small town, wanting to know more about
its residents. As soon as you think you understand one of their secrets,
carefully placed twists by the author challenge your assumptions. It is a
skillfully done work exploring the human condition.
- Angie
Mangino,
freelance writer & reporter
Jaclyn Lurker's Cryer's Valley is refreshing and wholesome...colorful
characters...unsuspected plot to the end!
- Sr. Mary Michael French,
teacher ~ PBVM
"A-Rose from the Lurking Shadows"
At the request of the bartender, our local celebrity Brent Hooks has just finished a set at the Blue Bird Tavern and Inn. Across from me sits Jaclyn Lurker, author of the new book Cryer's Valley, and Felicity Rose, resident of the neighboring town of the same name. Ms. Rose is sitting back in her seat with a beer in front of her and a cigarette in her right hand. Ms. Lurker is now also leaning back in her chair sipping a grasshopper (the cocktail, that is).
B. Gazette: It's great being in one of the places where one of the scenes from the book occurred, and it's inspiring to have actually heard Brent Hooks play. This is an excellent place to start -- literally. Jaclyn, I'm sure your audience is eager to learn how you went about relating the scenes, composing the book, gathering the information.
J. Lurker: I can't take all the credit for that. I had a lot of help from the residents who graciously agreed to tell their stories. Felicity especially was a tremendous help.
B.G.: Felicity, why do you think that everyone was so obliging in coming forth with their tales, especially after having been silent for so long?
F. Rose: I think once everyone's hidden pasts and secrets were out in the open it became easier to talk about them -- not just easier, but necessary. It was time for us to explore who we were, why we were, and where we were going both as individuals and as a community.
B.G.: Your mention of community brings me to an interesting point. The name 'Cryer's Valley' -- what does it mean to each of you and to the other residents?
J.L.: The name Cryer's Valley was a fascinating point. There were several different versions of how the town got its name. Was it named after the founder? Perhaps it was named after mourning widows? As with any old town, there were myths, but what struck me was the mood of the town. For whatever reason, the small town of Cryer's Valley attracted people who, either consciously or unconsciously, were trying to escape the very things that they were moving towards -- unhappiness and isolation.
F.R.: I agree. The town seemed to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is very easy to get into a routine, to get comfortable, to hide, but, of course, as we all know, that is only the surface. Underneath apparent stagnation are plenty of waves and a myriad of interesting thoughts, ideas, and feelings to be explored. It takes a crisis to unmask the various layers and barriers which have been built up.
B.G.: What do you think the book Cryer's Valley has to offer a completely unbiased reader or observer?
J.L.: Hopefully, others will read it and be able to somehow relate it to their own personal situations -- be it the triumph of justice or the power of resiliency or any of the other issues touched upon.
F.R.: The book offers a look at a group of people who had to overcome their struggles. Cryer's Valley is a brilliant account of the strange events and motley residents of our town.
B.G: One last thing. What do you two make of your uncanny resemblance to each other?
I give a smirk as Lurker and Rose look at each other as if they are seeing each other for the first time. Felicity shrugs and looks away, while Jaclyn gives me a matter of fact answer.
J.L.: It's just the hair.
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