Fresh Fiction Blog | Paul D. Parsons | Villainess in Baden-Powell's Beads Series

Parsons' new book in his historic fiction thriller series is Baden-Powell's Beads: AKSUM

BADEN-POWELL'S BEAD'S is a story that took me four books and four years to tell and spans the history of mankind and three continents. (The fourth book is planned for release later this year.) A story this broad has room for more than one villain. Lij Mered, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia in the series' setting of 2005, is evil enough to have carried this burden alone. He is the mastermind behind the plot to obtain all of the original twenty-four Zulu beads recovered by Captain Baden-Powell in South Africa in 1888. But the opportunity to create a villainess to play into the tale was irresistible.

Cheri Hassan is the beautiful temptress who appears in book two, BADEN-POWELL'S BEADS: LONDON, hired, by an agent working within Scotland Yard to obtain four Zulu beads known to be in the United States. She's also in my new book, BADEN-POWELL'S BEADS: AKSUM. A remorseless killer, she uses her sexuality and influence to obtain money to support her lifestyle and thus becomes the ideal person for this dangerous task, provided she's paid enough. Creating this character to interest both male and female readers was not easy. But it was a lot of fun. I knew I'd done a respectable job when my wife confessed she wanted me to have something really bad happen to Cheri. She hates her. I've also heard from male readers expressing similar emotions, though for different reasons.

The women hate her because on the surface she's beautiful, sexy, strong and powerful. She is the perfect woman that many women want to be....or believe they want to be.

The men hate her because she's evil. She breaks men with her unbridled sexuality or if necessary, with lethal force. She cannot be tamed, possessed or controlled.

Yet both sets of readers can't wait to see what she does next. It's almost too much to hope that there is a good side to Cheri and that life will work out just the way she wants it. Surely something terrible will happen to her before the story concludes in the fourth book. What is it about her that makes our male protagonist, Homeland Security Agent Patrick Dartson, feel she's important as to how events will ultimately play out and therefore save her life more than once?

I enjoyed creating Cheri Hassan. I'm frequently asked who, in real life, did I pattern Cheri after. The answer to that, of course, is no one...or at least no ONE. I've been married more than once and have the scars to prove it, so some would argue I'm projecting some unresolved issues onto the page. Or that I need serious counseling. I'll not argue either of these assertions. But I know you, as the reader, will be entertained coming to your own conclusions.

Baden-Powell's Beads
Beads
#1

Baden-Powell's Beads: London
Beads
#2

Baden-Powell's Beads: Aksum
Beads
#3

Comment to win BADEN-POWELL'S BEADS: AKSUM, e-copy, two winners

Comments

Sounds like a good mystery book. I haven't read your books yet, but after about it want to put on my read first list.
(C Culp 6:28am February 3, 2014)

It looks like I have some catching up to do before I can get to your latest book!! I'll probably be able to relate to your female character Cheri, but I'd just have to change the sex. Let's just call it personal reasons, but I can definately relate. ;-) It sounds like a great read, with plenty of action, and a real page-turner, which is something I've been looking for lately. Congratulations on your latest book!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:40am February 3, 2014)

Sounds awesome. Haven't read the others yet but will check
them out.
(Vicki Hancock 12:06pm February 3, 2014)

Sounds like a great read! Love this genre!
(Denise Austin 5:21pm February 3, 2014)

You are new to me. This sounds like a well researched series that is very
powerful.
(Sandra Spilecki 5:37pm February 3, 2014)

I am always looking for new authors that my husband will like. He hasn't read any of your books that I know of but I will add your name to his list of authors to check when we go shopping again.
(Susan Wise 9:48pm February 3, 2014)

I love books that help me learn about other cultures. Even if the characters and storyline are fictional, writers always include lots of interesting true facts for me to learn. :)
(Donna Holmberg 10:16pm February 3, 2014)

Cheri Hassan character sounds so interesting. I'm sold on her character to read this series.
(Kai Wong 12:04pm February 4, 2014)

I love learning about other cultures. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 12:13pm February 4, 2014)

I have never heard of the Zulu beads until I came across the third installment of your book. Since it is based on a true story, I find it very intriging, and cannot wait to start reading it, and so I have alot of reading to do. Thank you for bringing this story to light. And thank you for giving us a chance to win the 3rd book of Baden-Powell's Beads.
(S W 2:27am February 4, 2014)

I've just found a new series to dive into thank you.
(Mary Preston 5:21am February 4, 2014)

Sounds like a fascinating series. Look forward to reading it.
(Jean Patton 10:21am February 4, 2014)

This sounds like a great series. I'm looking forward to seeing what I think of Cheri for myself.
(Pam Howell 11:02am February 4, 2014)

These books sound facinating! I live in Tucson, and we are right now having our Bead Shows. I know I would love your books! I am a total beader.
(Sandy Fielder 11:55am February 4, 2014)

It looks like a lot of experience went into compiling this
book in a series. I love reading mysteries where there are
many sneaky things thrown in to get you off track. I like to
work the many options and see what's right when it comes down
to the wire.
(Alyson Widen 6:37pm February 25, 2014)

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