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DJ Schneider
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The Tale of the Tarot: Melanie Simpson Mystery Series Book One Kindle Edition

by DJ Schneider (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

A Readers' Favorite International Award Winner and 5-Star recipient. Arizona Authors Associations 1st Place Winner

Reedsy Reviewer, Sally Altass wrote: 5-Stars. An exciting teenage thriller set in the 1960s. Spies, UFOs, cover-ups, and much more. There's a rising tension throughout the book, and the ending had me gasping for breath.

Her destiny lies in the cards…

Melanie Simpson's world turns upside down after she unearths the secret her father hid for twenty years—alien technology smuggled from the infamous 1947 Roswell UFO crash. Now, with dangerous men desperate to take it from her, Melanie discovers her father's deeper secret: a mysterious device given to him by a dying alien, and a quest he never completed. In a letter left behind, her father warns that if she's reading it, he's been killed, and it's now up to her to finish what he started.

With her friends by her side, Melanie embarks on a perilous journey to try and piece together the hidden clues to the location of this mysterious device, all while evading the dangerous men after her. But a tarot card reading unveils an even greater mystery: a connection to the stars and a destiny revealed within the cards.

Set against an historical backdrop of UFO sightings, government cover-ups, civil rights, Vietnam, and the paranoia of the Cold War, The Tale of the Tarot is a recipe of blended mystery, science fiction, espionage, and suspense. As Melanie delves deeper into her father’s secrets, driven by that destiny, she must navigate a world of lies, deception, and life-threatening danger—all while questioning her own sanity.

This is Book One of the Melanie Simpson Mystery Series and follows the prequel, The Roswell Quest

Praise for the Prequel: The Roswell Quest, recipient of the B.R.A.G. Medallion

Readers' Favorite review: 5-Stars. If you're a fan of TV shows like Stranger Things, you're going to love The Roswell Quest. Author D.J. Schneider masterfully incorporates real-life events to craft an engaging narrative thatkeeps you hooked from start to finish.

The UFO Detective: 5-Stars. DJ Schneider captures some of the very REAL truths about Roswell and delivering them in an entertaining novel.

The Night Owl: 5-Stars. I loved this book, plain and simple. The plot revolves around aliens which I love and had a great feel to it with the kids interacting in an honest, believable way.

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  1. Book 2 of 4
    Melanie Simpson Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    291 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 10, 2022
  6. File size
    845 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09XJZXTTM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ deBoys Press LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 10, 2022
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 845 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 291 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985145328
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Melanie Simpson Mystery Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

About the author

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DJ Schneider

DJ Schneider

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So, you may want to ask DJ Schneider— How did your Melanie Simpson Series come about?

Here is his answer: One day long ago, when times were simpler, while I was meandering the halls of the local library I happened upon a book by Charles Berlitz and William Moore titled, The Roswell Incident. I became instantly fascinated and ever since have read everything I could find about the Roswell crash, the world of UFOs and the possibility of life on other planets. Do I believe Roswell really happened? Absolutely! I actually was a bit of a sceptic at first, but after extensive research I am a true believer that intelligent life exists out there. Thus, it made sense (at least to me) to combine my love of writing with my interest in the UFO world. And why not write a novel series in the young adult genre? Roswell, and so many other significant events surrounding UFOs happened in the 40s through the 70s. I felt it important to write a novel that brought this information to our newer generations in a fun, yet informative way. And, it has also turned out to be a great crossover with the baby boomers who lived in those times.

On the conventional side-- I love to write. I honed my creative writing skills at the Log Cabin Literary Center in Boise, Idaho with a writing group called the Magnificent Seven. I worked with Kelly Jones (The Woman Who Heard Color, Penguin Group), helping to edit her novel, The Last Madonna, and with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See, Simon and Schuster)—both instrumental in developing my craft. I also spent many years as a professional writer/producer in the advertising field for radio, television, and print, having owned an advertising agency at one point. I am a member of SCBWI, Willamette Writers, and the Gresham Writers.

Right now, I am nearing the Orion Nebula, conducting a little research for an upcoming Melanie Simpson novel and touring the universe on a spaceship with two of my novel characters, Orbit and Slug (you don’t know about them yet, but will). When I finally set my feet on earth again, it will be in Oregon where I live, returning to what I call ‘The Writing Cave.’ There I will continue work on Melanie’s next great adventure, and on another book I am writing called River of Dreams.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
19 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Debb
    5.0 out of 5 stars A can't put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent storyline that will keep you glued and turning pages well into the night. The Roswell references are true which enhances the book even further.
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  • Derrick Brown
    4.0 out of 5 stars A nice start towards something promising
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
    I was very excited to be selected to receive an advance copy of the novel after reading and loving the prequel book The Roswell Quest. With media set in a certain time period there comes a tendency to overburden the story with constant reminders that we are in fact in that time. Schneider avoids this by peppering it in only when it seems natural to do so. The characters and the story are the focus here, not the time.
    Schneider's decision to shift between Melanie's 1st person point of view and 3rd person point of view, while jarring at first, yielded an engaging read. It allows us to get real intimate with her way of thinking in a way that a straight 3rd person point of view wouldn't have.
    The Tale of the Tarot: Book One of the Melanie Simpson series sets enough stuff in motion to carry through however many books may come in the future without front loading itself with too much and dissuading readers from getting invested. All of the turns within feel natural. I'll be happy to follow this series through to the end wherever in the stars it travels.
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  • B
    3.0 out of 5 stars Quick read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2022
    Got an ARC copy of the book. Reading about Melanie hanging with her musketeers remind me of my own teenage experience. The story started out a bit slow for me but got better as it progresses. Overall a good quick read to escape reality for a bit.
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  • Friends of Newberg
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Tale of the Tarot
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    There are many twists and turns in this story that keeps you wanting to continue reading. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
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  • Joey
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4/5
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2022
    I picked this up because the cover and blurb made me think that I’d love it, and they didn’t lead me wrong. I adored Mel, and the mystery surrounding both the debris and her father, family, and everything else. My one complaint was it felt like you were reading the second in a series, with an important chunk of the story having already happened before this one begins. I’d have liked more detail of those events rather than recapping as if there was a first book missed. Overall, I did love the twists and turns, the intrigue, the possibilities of more to come, and that ending almost killed me. I loved it, and it was a good solid read!
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  • Brad T
    5.0 out of 5 stars A UFO Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
    Tale of the Tarot (I received an advance copy) is a UFO page turner that both Baby Boomers & their grandchildren will find difficult to put down. Author D.J. Schneider does an incredibly good job of depicting life as a teenager in the 1960’s. The music, cars, trends & fashions of the era are cleverly woven into a mysterious plot involving UFO’s. It is an entertaining trip down memory lane for Boomers, and a history lesson for their grandchildren. I was particularly amused by 15 year old protagonist Melonie Simpson’s struggle to make a long-distance phone call. Speaking with an operator and lacking sufficient change, she can’t complete an important call, a concept that is totally foreign to today’s youth. Tale of the Tarot is full of villains and good guys, leaving you breathless as Melanie and her three cohorts use all their skills to thwart those pursuing the UFO artifacts left to her by her deceased father. Upon completion of the book, you will no doubt anxiously await the publication of D.J.’s second novel in his Melanie Simpson series, The Map of Orbis Terrarum.
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  • Tina Stanhope
    5.0 out of 5 stars MUST READ
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2022
    I had read "Hoaxes" by DJ Schneider so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of "Tale of the Terot" the first book in the Melanie Simpson Mystery series. Melanie Simpson, the heroine of this series, has something in her possession, something her father was murdered for, something of unimaginable importance. Will Melanie be able to keep it from falling into the wrong hands? The fate of the would hangs in the balance. I love the way the author paints the scene for the reader, something as simple as a character plopping a book bag on the kitchen counter, you can see it and hear it, maybe even smell it. I think the way the author sets up all the important elements separately to create a framework for the bigger picture is excellent. I did think the story got off to a slow start but then quickly gained momentum and I was hooked. Intrigued, espionage and UFO phenomenon make this a GOOD READ! I can't wait for the next installment to see what the author has in store next for Mel and her friends.
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  • Kate Hull
    5.0 out of 5 stars I want more!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2022
    Wow! What can I say? I can say that I am so glad I received an advanced copy of this book to read early! If you like UFOs and the mystery that comes with this, this is the book/series for you. This book is AMAZING! I feel like I connect with the characters so much. Mel seems so much like me in every aspect of her life, I picture myself going through what she is. Frankie and Beanie remind me of my two best friends from high school. We were so close and always getting into trouble like this group. The intro to the book has me wanting more and I didn’t want to stop reading! I am upset that I finished the book so quick. I can’t wait for the next part to come out so I can experience more. If you liked the first books and want more, read this book! You’ll love it and fall in love with the characters, just like I did.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Joey
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4/5
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I picked this up because the cover and blurb made me think that I’d love it, and they didn’t lead me wrong. I adored Mel, and the mystery surrounding both the debris and her father, family, and everything else. My one complaint was it felt like you were reading the second in a series, with an important chunk of the story having already happened before this one begins. I’d have liked more detail of those events rather than recapping as if there was a first book missed. Overall, I did love the twists and turns, the intrigue, the possibilities of more to come, and that ending almost killed me. I loved it, and it was a good solid read!
    Report

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