so, this past weekend i read the ‘uncorrected proof’ of claudia mair burney’s upcoming first book, murder, mayhem, and a fine man (releasing in july of this year, from navpress). for the life of me, i cannot figure out why i was asked to write an endorsement for this book. it’s christian fiction, about hip black people in detroit (well, hey, i’m from detroit, maybe that’s it!). but i love claudia’s writing, which i became familiar with through her blog, ragamuffin diva. when i found out she was from ann arbor, michigan (home of the university of michigan — go blue!), i told my ‘new to blogs’ sister who lives in ann arbor that she should read claudia’s blog. eventually, they connected and became friends. the two of them took a road-trip together to attend the emergent convention in nashville in may of 2004. and it was really great to actually get to know claudia.

anyhow, i loved the story. and i have to say, the endorsement i just sent in isn’t just spin — it’s the truth:

Hip, real, multi-dimensional, less-than-perfect but still God-loving characters? In a Christian book? I’m stunned and absolutely thrilled. Claudia Mair Burney weaves a page-turner of mystery, faith, personal discovery and humor. Hey, it’s really not just chick-lit – I loved it and read every page!