Overturned
Michael Lee
ISBN: 0976683016
Mike Lee Books
Reviewed By Sylvia Griffin
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
Thelmon
Kirkwood is a victim of circumstance: busted for drug possession, he is
sentenced to a fifteen-year bid in a federal penitentiary. The fact
that the drugs weren't even his matters not; he is soon removed from
friends, family, his community, and – most importantly, his stunningly
beautiful wife, Nichelle.
Nichelle is a devoted wife and mother
determined to stay faithful to Thelmon – but she is a woman
nonetheless, subject to the whims of her carnal desires. As the weeks
of Thelmon's incarceration drag out into months, her desires grow
stronger and stronger until the opportunity to act on them comes along
in the form of the handsome Terrence Kennedy.
Terrence is a
dedicated police Lieutenant with the Detroit Police Department. Despite
his hot and heavy affair with Nichelle, he respects her devotion to
Thelmon, even going so far as to help her hire a hard-nosed attorney to
get him out of prison. Little does he know, though, his magnanimous
labors will ultimately bear tragic fruit.
Shortly after
Thelmon is released, Nichelle becomes the latest in a string of violent
murders, all of which share one common suspect: Thelmon himself. Soon,
Terrence and the rest of the DPD find themselves in a race against time
to piece together the mysterious clues surrounding the tragic deaths
before any chance at true justice slips away.
Overturned
contains enough compelling action to keep the reader on his/her toes
without respite. With the addition of each new character and plot turn,
Lee injects a fresh dose of suspense, mystery, and intrigue into a taut
tale of whodunit with a hip hop twist. An entertaining cast of
characters and an imaginative storyline are all this crime thriller
needs to help it avoid retreading the same tired ground of other trite
tales in its genre. Highly recommended for old and new fans alike.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Michael Lee (Overturned)
Apex Reviews: Michael, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
The action in the book is reminiscent of an old detective movie, featuring everything from a cavalcade of characters to never-ending plot twists. What were some of your influences in crafting the story?
Michael Lee: As you are aware, I spent 20 years as a police officer in Detroit. I have worked as an undercover narcotics agent, I've investigated carjackings and gangs. I think that those experiences serve as major influence on the stories, in general, that I craft. As far as writing influences go, I would have to say that Elmore Leonard and Eric Jerome Dickey are my 2 greatest influences.
AR: It seems as though Nichelle falls into Terrence's arms a little too easily. How can she split her time so seamlessly between having a torrid affair with and remaining devoted to her husband, Thelmon?
ML: Very carefully (smile). Nichelle's story is not that uncommon. Her character is actually based, loosely, on someone that I have encountered in my travels. I think that Nichelle's character brings us back to the reality that (1) adults have needs, sexually, that must be met, and (2) people come with flaws. We're imperfect, and we make mistakes. I think that the real trick that Nichelle has to pull off is NOT falling in love with the man that she is having an affair with. Virtuous women often mistake lust for love.
AR: Is Big Al's character based on someone you know?
ML: YES, and he enjoyed the book thoroughly. I think I nailed his physical description and personal mannerisms, but I did promise him that I would never divulge his true identity, though.
AR: As you wrote the book, was it difficult for you to mask the identity of The Dreaded Stranger until the very end?
ML: Actually, the story was going in a totally different direction, when suddenly it took on a life of itself and the "Dreaded Stranger" was born, so, no, it wasn't that difficult. Actually, I was excited when that twist came about.
AR: Without giving away too much of the ending, Denard seems destined for a different path than the one he ultimately takes. Was his reversal a difficult decision for him to make?
ML: Yes, it was, because if you read Chandler Park Drive, you'll see that Denard has had some negative influences in his life that have had a tendency to impact his decision-making, as it relates to women. Denard is going to be around a long time, and I anticipate him wrestling with the demons of his past again.
AR: Do biased judges such as the one that tries to jack more child support money from Renaldo really exist?
ML: I am told by many of the brothers that I know paying child support that they have run into a few hanging judges that were clearly pro-baby mama, and anti-baby daddy. Fortunately, I have not had to travel down that path. I have one child and am raising her with her mother, my wife.
AR: Overturned is the second book published through your company, Mike Lee Books, and you've got quite a few slated to follow. What's your experience been like publishing your own material?
ML: It's labor-intensive. I've found from experience that the writing is the easy part. The hard part is everything else that follows, such as marketing, promoting, and distributing the finished product. To this point, I would not call mine a lucrative business, but I am certain that through hard work and perseverance, I will enjoy the fruit of my labor.
AR: Any advice for aspiring publishers?
ML: Educate yourself. Learn as much about the business as you can by attending workshops, conferences and seminars. There are a plethora of online resources available also. As with any business, be prepared to invest and re-invest cash to stimulate growth, but make sure that you invest WISELY. There are a great deal of scam artists out there that are more than willing to separate you from your funds. Always strive to produce a high quality product. Remember: IF IT'S WORTH DOING, IT'S WORTH DOING RIGHT. Finally, believe in yourself and stay focused.
AR: What's next for you?
ML: My best novel yet. I kinda stole that response from Denzel Washington. He was recently asked what his best performance was, and he responded that he has done it yet, because each time he performs he tries to do his best. Thus, rendering a performance that will always be better than the last. That's my philosophy for writing books, now. My next one is due to release in June 2008. It is entitled Stand Down.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
ML: Yes. I would like to personally thank those folks that have been supportive of my, as well as other, black self-published authors' work. I ask for your continued support, and I vow to always provide you with thoroughly entertaining and educational reading. Peace.
AR: Thanks again, Michael, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!