You can acquire them all here:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
DOWN THE SHORE (Non-Fiction)
Those three magic words: Remember that Summer?
School’s out, and we leave the city to spend the summer in Wildwood. It was the most wonderful time of my youth.
Step into the sun-soaked world of Wildwood, as the swinging seventies set the stage for a wild ride of nostalgia, freedom, and unforgettable moments. Embark on a journey to a time when the neon lights glowed, the music was great, and the spirit of adventure was palpable.
Wildwood in the 1970s was a mecca for thrill-seekers, beach bums, and tourists from everywhere. Join me on my journey of discovery as I navigate the incredible boardwalk, bustling amusement rides, and vibrant nightlife that defined this iconic seaside community. From the rollercoasters that dared me to let go of my fears, to days spent on the beach, every day brought a new opportunity for excitement and romance.
Feel the energy pulsating through the pages as the rhythm of disco, and rock ‘n roll become the soundtrack of an era. Experience the allure of the seashore, where tan lines told stories of carefree days spent soaking up the sun, to nights on the boardwalk and in the clubs on the strip. Every day held the promise of endless possibilities. Within the vibrant tapestry of Wildwood’s colorful characters, discover the magic of young love, friendship, and self-discovery.
You’ll be transported to a bygone era that captures the essence of Wildwood in the 70s, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and emotions of a time when life was lived with unbridled passion. Whether you experienced it firsthand or simply wish you had, prepare to be swept away on a nostalgic journey that will make you long for the days when the spirit of Wildwood was at its peak.
LAWNDALE (Non-Fiction)
Were you a kid in the 60s and 70s? Then you’ll love this book. It’s chock full of short stories about growing up during that period in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A time when life was about playing outside, exploring the woods, riding bikes, and playing games in the street.
There were no cell phones, internet, or social media. The news came wrapped in a rubber band and landed on your doorstep thrown by a kid on a bicycle. Nobody wore helmets when they rode their bikes and nobody used seatbelts. You could disappear all day and your parents didn’t even know where you were. Just as long as you made it home in time for dinner. There were only three channels on TV and a gallon of gas was fifty cents.
Travel back to a simpler time with the author as he spins tales about his life growing up in Lawndale, a small suburb of Philadelphia. You’ll see the world through his eyes from kindergarten to high school as he navigates his childhood. From the struggles of adolescence to the fun he and his friends and family had as kids.
BELOW THE WHEEL (Fiction)
Alex Hunter and Scott Appel are two ex-investment brokers turned private investigators. Burned out from the competitive sales environment of buying and selling stock, they open the Watchman Detective Agency in Camden NJ. They spend their days investigating disability claims for insurance companies and law firms. Occasionally, they perform surveillance on errant spouses and even solve a crime now and then. But local law enforcement doesn’t take Alex and Scott seriously, especially the chief of detectives, Lt. Ezra Chambers, and his belligerent assistant, Sgt. Otis Guth.
Alex is the obsessive suit and tie-wearing overachiever, who drinks too much and lives dangerously. Lately, he’s been trying to tame some of his vices by quitting smoking and seeking some spiritual guidance from a local pastor. His life at the agency is a bit mundane, but Alex dreams of one day solving a really high-profile case.
Five years ago, he invested the inheritance of an attractive local newswoman Alyssa Ward. He was immediately smitten with her. But, the portfolio tanked, and she lost a small fortune. She blamed Alex for the loss and never spoke to him again. Recently her younger sister Jennifer disappeared, and Alex has taken it upon himself to find her. Jennifer always had a wild streak, and Alex thinks she may have been recruited to work in an exclusive sex club somewhere in Camden or Philly. The only problem is, no one knows where the club is located, or if it even exists.
His partner Scott is the laid-back one. He enjoys watching cartoons, listening to heavy metal, and smoking weed. He’d be happy to just work the cases they get referred to, keep the agency in the black, and leave the exciting stuff to the police.
The guys share the office space with an insurance agent named Genevieve Bouchard. She’s an independent hard working woman but is trapped in a bad relationship with her abusive common-law husband Bruno Cartiglio. When Bruno’s not involved in some sort of sleazy activity, he’s working construction at one of the nearby bridges. Genevieve hates her life with Bruno but is afraid that if she leaves him, he’ll hurt her. Scott’s attracted to Genevieve, but she’s already involved in some dangerous activities.
During an unbearable heatwave, the boys are caught up in a bizarre case. The Camden Strangler, as the media call him, has been murdering prostitutes in the area.
A teenage girl named Luna, whose mother was the latest victim, turns to Alex and Scott for help. Scott is reluctant to take on a client who obviously can’t pay, but Alex sees it as an opportunity to be a hero and takes the case pro bono.
Alex enlists the help of coroner Ignatious Feeny, who gives him access to the morgue and autopsy information on the victims. Alex also picks the brain of the brilliant but cantankerous Robert Wick. He’s a professor of criminology at Rutgers University. Although he’s bound to a wheelchair, he’s a master of criminal profiling. He tells Alex that the only way to solve the case is to go where the killer goes and see what he sees. Subsequently, Alex is drawn into the dark and sleazy world of the skin trade.
The boys work the case and it’s full of twists, and red herrings. Will they ever figure out who’s doing the killings in Camden? Will Alyssa’s sister ever be found?
You’ll have to read the book and find out.
ANGEL WITH A BROKEN WING (Fiction)
What if you could just run away from your current life?
Christian Blackmore works as a manager at a local finance company in New Jersey. He’s burned out from all the bad loans, and making collection calls every night. He spends his days laboring at a job he hates, and his evenings drinking at a local bar with his best friend.
When his favorite uncle dies and leaves him a unique inheritance, he begins to question the path he’s taken in life.
He decides to take a road trip across the country with a woman he just met. She’s a mysterious beauty, who may hold a dark secret.
What begins as a romantic journey, becomes a nightmare, when he realizes he’s being followed by an elusive stranger. What does he want? Is it Christian, the girl, or something far more sinister?
Angel with a Broken Wing, takes you on a terrifying, coast-to-coast thrill ride across America. Can one man fall in love, and stay one step ahead in a cat-and-mouse game with a killer?
PHICKLEPHILLY (Non-Fiction)
Love at first swipe! One man’s story of returning to Philadelphia in search of the perfect girlfriend. Will he succeed or fail miserably in his quest to find love in this city? This is a funny and sometimes heart wrenching tale of a man trying to navigate the pitfalls of the modern dating world in the city. That man is me.
PHICKLEPHILLY 2 (Non-Fiction)
Love at First Swipe!
Phicklephilly 2 is the sequel to the best-selling book, Phicklephilly: One Man’s journey to find love in Philadelphia. In the first book, our hero returned to the city in search of the perfect girlfriend. It was a funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching tale of a man trying to navigate the pitfalls of the modern dating world.
After two failed relationships, he turns to online dating. He goes on several crazy dates, but finally finds a woman he really likes. She’s a bright, unique beauty, but like all relationships, they face several challenges.
Phicklephilly 2 continues his journey and shows you what it’s like being in a relationship, and the dynamics that play out living in the city. But several factors work against them both at every step. Will the couple survive the pitfalls and demands of being in an exclusive committed relationship?
He doesn’t always do what’s right, but neither does she. This is his intimate story of what that’s been like for him. Join him to see if he wins… or loses again.
There are always three sides to every story. His side, her side… and the truth.
CRAZY DATING STORIES VOL. 1 (Non-Fiction)
In the course of writing the book, Phicklephilly, I’ve collected several stories about my dating life here in Philadelphia. Some good, some bad, and some that are just downright awful. This is the first volume of some of the crazy dates I’ve had to go on during my time in this city.
CRAZY DATING STORIES VOL. 2 (Non-Fiction)
If you loved Phicklephilly, and Crazy Dating Stories Volume 1, you’ll also enjoy another helping of some of the worst, and most unique dating stories ever told. Real-life dates from hell by the author, you won’t believe why I continued to date after some of these hilarious horror stories!
CRAZY DATING STORIES VOL. 3 (Non-Fiction)
Here’s the 3rd installment of the Crazy Dating Stories series! (And hopefully the last!) Sometimes hilarious, other times… downright disgusting. After reading some of these, you’ll probably swear off dating for good.
CRAZY DATING STORIES – ANTHOLOGY (Non-Fiction)
Here is the complete collection of all of the Crazy Dating Stories books in one anthology. If you like reading about true stories about dates from hell, then you’re in for a treat. I dare you not to laugh at these insane tales from my life in the dating world over the last 30 years. Sometimes funny, sometimes stomach-churning, it’s all here in its uncensored glory for your reading pleasure! You’ve been warned!
SUN STORIES – TALES FROM A TANNING SALON (Non-Fiction)
I was working at a local media company here in Philadelphia. One of my advertising clients was a tanning salon. I became friendly with the owner. He was always complaining about his staff. I asked if I could start moonlighting there for some extra income.
He immediately hired me. One shift became two, then three, and within a month or so, I became full-time. I was tired of working at the media company where I was currently employed. A publication that was no longer relevant in this city. The print was basically dead, but tanning salons were hanging by a thread.
But I enjoyed working there. It was a fun job. I met a lot of great people during my time there. But with every job, there are always challenges… and temptations.
Sun Stories: Tales from a Tanning Salon, takes you on a sunny, sometimes dark journey of my time working there. It’s filled with funny, unique, and sometimes cringe-worthy tanning stories. But there were other forces at work there. What began as an easy part-time gig, slowly evolved into an account filled with love, obsession, sex, and misadventure.
You can acquire them all here:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Thank you for reading my blog. Please read, like, comment, and most of all follow Phicklephilly. I publish every day.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=charles+wiedenmann&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
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