Geist Author’s Mystery Novel Features Local People, Places

By Christy Rogers –

Long-time Geist resident Denisa Hanania has managed to accomplish the remarkable. In the midst of raising six sons, she has found the time and inspiration to pen a Geist-based mystery novel, entitled “A Talent to Deceive.”

Denisa had an epiphany one evening during a book club meeting that provided the inspiration for her novel. Looking around at her fellow members, she became intrigued by the fact that they were such extraordinary women. Denisa was unnerved by the realization that most people would underestimate them as ordinary, unremarkable wives and mothers. This notion — that people aren’t always what they seem — formed the basis for “A Talent to Deceive.”

The unassuming main character, Tamara, works as an accountant for the fictitious Lincoln Township Schools. She believes money is being mysteriously siphoned from the township’s accounts. To help catch the thief, Tamara enlists the help of the “Ladies of the Club,” a group of exceptional longtime friends from her book club.

Geist locales are prominently featured in the story. While Tamara is investigating the theft, a colleague (with possible information about the missing funds) turns up dead. The women go to the scene of the crime at Ft. Benjamin Harrison State Park to do a little inspection of their own. Also, the home of Reggie Miller is transformed into the home of the “Lincoln Township Superintendent. “

“I set A Talent to Deceive locally because of the strong sense of belonging we have here in Geist,” reveals Denisa. “Hoosiers consistently tell me they love having the ‘in’ on the location. They’ve been to the places in my book. They’ve walked the trails at Fort Ben. They’ve eaten at the Heidelberg Haus Café.”

Denisa and her husband Marwan, along with their six sons, have lived in Feather Cove for several years.

“I love the family atmosphere of Geist; people want to get involved and they want a neighborhood connection,” she said.

With six children, I had to ask Denisa, “How do you find time to write?” She explained that once you sacrifice the notion of the perfect atmosphere for writing, you find something more realistic to fit your lifestyle. She finds “pockets of time”– five minutes here, 20 minutes there — to work on projects. It may not sound like much, but it “adds up to a lot of time,” she says.

Having the support of family is integral in Denisa’s literary pursuits. As a child, she was offered encouragement from her family, and that continues today. “My husband understands my passion for writing,” she says.

Denisa knew she wanted to be a writer since childhood. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Purdue and went on to write employee training manuals for Fortune 500 companies. This undoubtedly drove her to the world of fiction! Denisa likes the avenue of fiction because “you can tell more truth with fiction,” she says.

You can purchase a copy of Denisa’s book through her website at www.DenisaHanania.com. “A Talent to Deceive” can also be purchased locally at Delaney’s on Fox Road or from The Mystery Company bookstore in Carmel.

Raise Money for Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools by Test Driving a Ford

March 1, 2008
9:00 am	to	6:00 pm

In a creative twist on traditional fundraising, the residents of Lawrence Township will have the opportunity to earn money for Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools simply by test driving a new Ford vehicle. For every participant who takes a 2008 Focus, Edge or other new Ford product for a spin during the Cruise 4 UR School event on Saturday March 1, Ford and Burd Ford will donate $20, up to a total of $6,000, to for Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools.

Not only is this a great opportunity to generate much-needed funding for school activities, but it is also the perfect time to check out the 2008 Ford product lineup, which features new cars, trucks and crossovers loaded with cutting-edge safety, quality and design innovations. These are the same advancements that helped Ford earn the most top-quality vehicle ratings in the industry, according to J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study. Additionally, some of the models available will feature Ford’s exclusive new SYNC technology, a fully integrated, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that works with most digital media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

To participate in this exciting opportunity, and to get a firsthand look at Ford’s all new offerings, interested individuals should visit Burd Ford between 9AM and 6PM.

Rotary Club Wine Tasting Tickets On Sale

March 1, 2008
7:00 pm	to	7:30 pm

The next Rotary Club Northeast’s Wine Tasting and Silent Auction will be Saturday March 1, 2008 at the Garrison, 6002 North Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216. Tickets are available on atGeist.com for $35.00 each. The event will be from 7:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M.

Your donations will help the Rotary Club with the following projects:

• Gift of Life

• SID’s of Indiana

• Second Helpings

We thank you for all of the opportunities that you make possible by your commitment. Please contact Pam Haase or call 842-8185 or 698-3270.Buy Tickets Now!

The Female Odd Couple

February 15, 2008
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm
February 16, 2008
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm
February 22, 2008
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm
February 23, 2008
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm
February 24, 2008
2:30 pm	to	4:30 pm
February 29, 2008
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm
March 1, 2008
8:00 pm	to	10:00 pm

Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Ungar and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic: the female version of The Odd Couple. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuits. The Pigeon sisters have been replaced by the hilarious Constanzuela brothers.

Tickets: $10 everyone*
$8 Sunday matinee*
*Musical performances may have higher ticket prices.

Call (317) 290-5343 for reservations or email us at info@mudcreekplayers.org.

Please tell us:
1) Name of show you want tickets for
2) Date of performance
3) Your name
4) Number of people in your party
5) Your phone number (we call for confirmation)
6) Tell us you heard of us from our website
Reservations are always recommended for Mud Creek shows.
Sellouts are common.
Reservations are for attendance only.
Seating is first come, first served.
Doors normally open at least 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Reservations are held until 15 minutes prior to curtain.
After that time your reservation may be released to walk-in customers.