Bookreporter.com Updates

November 13, 2009

2009-11-13T23:16:00.003-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, November 13th.

The titles below are discussed in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO by Junot Diaz

Reviews and Excerpts
UNDER THE DOME by Stephen King (Supernatural Horror)
The undisputed master of horror releases an epic story of what happens when an entire town is sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. How long does it take before anarchy and rampant crime are the norm? You may be surprised. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

THE GATHERING STORM: Book Twelve of The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (Fantasy)
The final volume of The Wheel of Time, A MEMORY OF LIGHT, was partially written by Robert Jordan before his untimely passing in 2007. Brandon Sanderson was chosen by Jordan’s editor ––– his wife, Harriet McDougal ––– to complete the last book. In this epic novel, Jordan’s international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Reviewed by Steve Hubbard.

HALF BROKE HORSES: A True-Life Novel, by Jeannette Walls (Autobiographical Fiction)
"Those old cows knew trouble was coming before we did." So begins the story of Lily Casey Smith, in Jeannette Walls's magnificent, true-life novel based on her no-nonsense, resourceful, hardworking and spectacularly compelling grandmother. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

HIGHEST DUTY: My Search for What Really Matters, by Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, with Jeffrey Zaslow (Autobiography)
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger built his first model airplane at age six. By then he knew, as surely as any young boy could know, that he would grow up to become a pilot. This is the autobiography of a middle-aged, formerly anonymous man who catapulted to instant celebrity and hero status when he safely landed an Airbus A320 with 155 passengers aboard in the Hudson River. Reviewed by Carole Turner.

BREAKING THE RULES by Barbara Taylor Bradford (Romance)
Following a terrifying encounter in the quiet English countryside, a young woman flees to New York in search of a new life. Adopting the initial M as her name, and reinventing herself, she embarks on a journey that will lead her to the catwalks of Paris and an instant attraction to a charming and handsome actor. Reviewed by Hillary Wagy.

THE MONSTER IN THE BOX: An Inspector Wexford Novel, by Ruth Rendell (Mystery)
Creepy yet subtle, the work of award-winning suspense writer Ruth Rendell is as much about the mind as the crime. Her latest book juxtaposes old and new, memory and modern life, as Inspector Wexford pursues a killer amid the twists and turns of his own personal history. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman.

TOWER by Ken Bruen and Reed Farrel Coleman (Thriller)
Born into a rough Brooklyn neighborhood and outsiders in their own families, Nick and Todd forge a lifelong bond that persists in the face of crushing loss, blood and betrayal. Low-level wiseguys with little ambition and even less of a future, the friends become major players in the potential destruction of an international crime syndicate that stretches from the cargo area at Kennedy Airport to the streets of New York, Belfast and Boston to the alleyways of Mexican border towns. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

MY PAPER CHASE: True Stories of Vanished Times, by Harold Evans (Memoir)
It’s probably unfair to say that Harold Evans has led a charmed life, but there’s ample support for that conclusion in this spirited memoir of his lengthy career in newspapers and publishing. The story of Evans’s rise from a firmly working class background in Manchester to the heights of British journalism is a briskly told tale of hard work, some luck and an unflagging commitment to the highest standards of the profession he seemed destined to pursue. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.

YOURS EVER: People and Their Letters, by Thomas Mallon (Social Commentary)
The ancient art of letter writing may (or may not) have been killed by the telephone, fax, email and instant messaging, but it has a long and wonderfully rich history. Literary historian Thomas Mallon samples that history and makes shrewd comments on it in this tasty book. He is not quite ready to pronounce the genre dead, preferring to find it simply changing outward shape while remaining a mirror into the souls of those who practiced it. Reviewed by Robert Finn.

THE FLEET STREET MURDERS by Charles Finch (Mystery)
The third book in the Charles Lenox mystery series finds the amateur sleuth running for a seat in Parliament and attempting to solve the murder of two prominent journalists. Clues lead him to implicate a well-known member of high society, but will he be able to convince Scotland Yard of his theory? Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.

ABIGAIL ADAMS by Woody Holton (Biography)
In this vivid new biography of Abigail Adams, the most illustrious woman of America's founding era, prize-winning historian Woody Holton offers a sweeping reinterpretation of Adams's life story and of women's roles in the creation of the republic. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

Author Talk
Mary Karr

In this interview with HeadButler.com founder Jesse Kornbluth, poet and memoirist Mary Karr --- author of THE LIAR'S CLUB and CHERRY --- discusses her latest book, LIT, and the struggles with alcoholism and addiction that are at the center of this memoir. She dissects her conflicting attitudes toward religion and eventual spiritual reawakening, and explains how her late-life conversion to Catholicism has changed both her writing as well as her personal life.

BASKET OF HOLIDAY CHEER
The holiday season is upon us! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share the spirit of the season with you with our Holiday Basket of Cheer Contest. While you are searching for the perfect gifts, we want to remind you that books make affordable, personal and wonderful gifts for EVERYONE on your list --- and are a nice way to treat yourself as well!

From November 13th through January 4th, we will spotlight a different title or collection of titles, and readers will have the chance to win one of five holiday baskets filled with winter-themed items as well as a copy of the featured book(s).

We’re kicking off our Holiday Basket of Cheer feature with LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS by Susan Wiggs, a heartwarming holiday tale of two people looking beyond the disappointments of the past to the promise of the future.

LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS by Susan Wiggs (Romance)
Librarian Maureen Davenport is in a mess. She has a Christmas pageant to produce, a library to save, and a sexy, wayward musician on her hands. Can the uber-organized librarian accomplish her goals and still retain control over her heart and her sanity, or will she throw caution to the wind and rely on a Christmas miracle to save her? Reviewed by Amie Taylor.

WHAT TO GIVE/WHAT TO GET
Need ideas for holiday gift-giving (and getting)? Check out these "reader perfect" suggestions in 13 categories. There's something for everyone on your list. Let the shopping begin!

Bookreporter.com Bets On…
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown

On the last day of my vacation in September, I sat by the pool and read an advance copy of RAINWATER by Sandra Brown, her first historical novel. Set during the Great Depression in Gilead, Texas, it’s a beautifully and tightly written story of love and hope in a world torn with economic and racial strife. Sandra firmly plants the reader in this world, where farms are barren wastelands in the Dust Bowl and the only help for farmers is FDR’s Drought Relief Program --- which comes at quite a cost.

Readers are at the table in Ella Barton’s boardinghouse as she cares for her disabled son and copes with the short hand in life that she has been dealt. She sees her world for what it is; there is no longing for something else. But when Mr. David Rainwater comes into the house as a boarder, Ella’s life goes from gray and brown to sparkles of color. As she begins to feel love and caring, the reader sees what has been suppressed inside Ella, and it’s a metaphor for what’s happening in the country at that time. Sandra writes emotion well here. It’s not cloying or forced; it just rolls with an ease. Courage, inner-core moral values and the rally to do what is right infuse the love story that runs through the prose. Our reviewer likened it to THE GRAPES OF WRATH, which is an apt comparison.

Since I closed RAINWATER, I have thought about it again and again as it was a really satisfying read. It’s short, it’s tight with no spare words, and it feels like the kind of story you would have heard shared over the table from someone who knew those days --- a real telling of an oral history without hype or rhetoric. Thus, it’s a “Bets On” for me, even though Sandra already is a household name. I just don’t want you to miss it.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RAINWATER.
- Click here to read our interview with Sandra Brown.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for RAINWATER.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE PIANO TEACHER by Janice Y.K. Lee
Set in Hong Kong during the outbreak of World War II, and its aftermath ten years later, THE PIANO TEACHER alternates between the lives of two vastly different women whose destinies are linked by the events of the war.
- Click here to read Janice Y.K. Lee’s bio.
- Click here to read a review of THE PIANO TEACHER.
- Click here to read more about THE PIANO TEACHER.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
MANIA by Craig Larsen
A CITY GRIPPED BY FEAR...

Seattle newspaper photographer Nick Wilder has gained a reputation capturing gruesome homicide scenes on film. His latest assignment: Tracking an unpredictable, deranged serial killer terrorizing the dark, wet streets of Seattle. But when the Street Butcher claims Nick’s brother as his latest casualty, Nick suddenly finds himself on the other side of the hunt...

A KILLER WHO KNOWS NO BOUNDS...

Determined to avenge his brother’s murder, Nick stumbles into a dizzying labyrinth of deceit and danger. The deeper he digs, the more the trail circles back to him --- and to the secrets locked in his disturbing past. As Nick zeroes in on the killer, the more he must risk to unmask the depraved psychopath haunting his every move. As the motives heighten and the suspects narrow, the cold, stark Seattle winter turns ever chillier...
- Click here to view reader comments about MANIA.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

November 6, 2009

2009-11-06T23:35:00.001-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, November 6th.

Bookreporter.com Blog
The titles, authors and noteworthy items below were featured in Carol Fitzgerald’s latest Facebook Roundup Blog:

SAY YOU'RE ONE OF THEM by Uwem Akpan
AYN RAND AND THE WORLD SHE MADE by Anne C. Heller
The You series by Dr. Michael F. Roizen and Dr. Mehmet C. Oz
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
YOU BETTER NOT CRY: Stories for Christmas by Augusten Burroughs
KINDRED IN DEATH by J.D. Robb
INVICTUS by John Carlin
PUSH by Sapphire

The titles below are discussed in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET by Jamie Ford
GOING AWAY SHOES by Jill McCorkle
SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT by Beth Hoffman
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd
ONE AMAZING THING by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Reviews and Excerpts
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown (Historical Fiction)
From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the gifts, generosity and foresight of a great bygone generation. Centered on an independent woman who runs a Texas boarding house during the Dust Bowl and a mysterious boarder, RAINWATER tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it. Reviewed by Melanie Smith and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RAINWATER.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for RAINWATER.

PLUM PUDDING MURDER by Joanne Fluke (Mystery)
New York Times bestselling author Joanne Fluke serves up a deliciously deadly holiday treat with her new Hannah Swensen mystery. PLUM PUDDING MURDER includes 12 original dessert recipes, including recipes for a complete Christmas dinner. Reviewed by Amie Taylor and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from PLUM PUDDING MURDER.

MANIA by Craig Larsen (Psychological Thriller)
Newspaper photographer Nick Wilder has been tracking a deranged killer through the dark streets of Seattle. But when the Street Butcher claims Nick's brother as his latest victim, Nick's world is turned upside down. As he zeroes in on the killer, Nick finds himself led in a dizzying circle back to himself. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from MANIA.

FORD COUNTY: Stories, by John Grisham (Fiction/Short Stories)
In his first collection of short stories, John Grisham takes us back to Ford County, Mississippi, the setting of his first novel, A TIME TO KILL. Featuring a cast of characters you'll never forget, these often hilarious, frequently moving and always entertaining stories bring Ford County to vivid and colorful life. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from FORD COUNTY.

KINDRED IN DEATH by J. D. Robb (Thriller)
Lieutenant Eve Dallas is investigating the brutal murder of the 16-year-old daughter of the newly promoted captain of the NYPSD. When the evidence starts to pile up, Dallas and her team think they are about to arrest their perpetrator. But little do they know yet that someone has gone to great lengths to tease and taunt them by using a variety of identities. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from KINDRED IN DEATH.

KNIT THE SEASON: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel, by Kate Jacobs (Fiction)
Kate Jacobs’s latest novel begins a year after the end of KNIT TWO, with Dakota Walker's trip to spend the Christmas holidays with her Gran in Scotland --- accompanied by her father, her grandparents, and her mother's best friend, Catherine. Together, they share a trove of happy memories about Christmases past with Dakota's mom, Georgia Walker --- from Georgia's childhood to her blissful time as a doting new mom. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from KNIT THE SEASON.

THE LACUNA by Barbara Kingsolver (Fiction)
In her first novel since 2000, Barbara Kingsolver takes us on an epic journey from the Mexico City of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR and J. Edgar Hoover. This sweeping, well-researched book about history, authorship and national and personal identity was well worth the wait. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE HUMBLING by Philip Roth (Fiction)
Simon Axler, one of the leading American stage actors of his generation, has lost his magic, his talent and his assurance. Into this shattering account of inexplicable and terrifying self-evacuation bursts a counterplot of unusual erotic desire, a consolation for a bereft life so risky and aberrant that it points not toward comfort and gratification but to a yet darker and more shocking end. Reviewed by Max Falkowitz.

SUPERFREAKONOMICS: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner (Economics/Popular Culture)
Following up on their entertaining and thought-provoking book on economics for non-economists, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner repeat their successful formula with SUPERFREAKONOMICS. The theme throughout both titles is that people are more likely to follow a lifestyle or activity if there’s a positive “what’s in it for me” outcome. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.

WHERE MEN WIN GLORY: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakauer (Biography)
In May 2002, Pat Tillman walked away from a $3.6 million NFL contract to enlist in the United States Special Operations Forces. Two years later, he died on a desolate hill in eastern Afghanistan. Only after the truth eventually began to leak out did the Army grudgingly notify his closest relatives that he “probably” had been killed by friendly fire. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

THE TIME OF MY LIFE by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi (Memoir)
Depending on your perspective, THE TIME OF MY LIFE will read like a biography or a swashbuckling adventure story. We all know Patrick Swayze as a dancer and an actor, but few realize that he was a horseman, pilot and daredevil. In this memoir, his life story is presented with somber pathos juxtaposed with a sense of humor that was true to Swayze himself. Reviewed by Marge Fletcher.

AYN RAND AND THE WORLD SHE MADE by Anne C. Heller (Biography)
Anne C. Heller traces the controversial author’s life from her childhood in Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution to her years as a screenwriter in Hollywood, the publication of her blockbuster novels, and the rise and fall of the cult that formed around her in the 1950s and 1960s. Throughout, Heller reveals previously unknown facts about Ayn Rand’s history and looks at her with new research and a fresh perspective. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott

PILGRIMS: A Wobegon Romance, by Garrison Keillor (Fiction)
PILGRIMS has much in common with everything else that flows from Garrison Keillor’s seemingly inexhaustible and irresistible Midwestern imagination. But this time, in a spirit of reckless literary abandon, he transplants 12 unlikely Wobegonians --- including his semi-fictional self --- to the original hotbed of classical culture: Rome. Reviewed by Pauline Finch.

DAY AFTER NIGHT by Anita Diamant (Fiction)
Anita Diamant’s latest novel is based on an actual event that took place in October 1945, following the end of World War II. Four brave young women --- Holocaust survivors --- are freed along with thousands of others, only to find themselves again behind rolls of razor wire. Reviewed by Roz Shea.

RESURRECTING MIDNIGHT by Eric Jerome Dickey (Thriller)
After nearly losing his life in Antigua during a mission that went terribly wrong, international assassin Gideon trusts no one. But when a former lover and grifter, Arizona, resurfaces in need of his skills, she reminds him he was indebted to a man who had once saved his life: the son of the legendary con man Scamz. Gideon is forced to take on an assignment that will lead him to Argentina in pursuit of a briefcase containing one part of a larger puzzle. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE BIG MACHINE by Victor LaValle (Fiction)
A traumatized suicide cult survivor is summoned to the frozen woods of Vermont, where he is inducted into a band of paranormal investigators comprised of former addicts and petty criminals, all of whom had at some point in their wasted lives heard The Voice, a mysterious murmur on the wind, a disembodied shout, or a whisper in an empty room that may or may not be from God. Reviewed by Eileen Zimmerman Nicol.

Author Interviews
Sandra Brown
Bestselling author Sandra Brown has written over 70 fiction, thriller and romance novels, including FAT TUESDAY, THE ALIBI, RICOCHET, SMOKE SCREEN and the newly released work of historical fiction, RAINWATER. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Melanie Smith, Brown describes the real-life event from her family's past that inspired this Depression-era story, and sheds light on some of the social history of that period. She also discusses her research on autism in order to accurately portray this highly misunderstood illness, reveals how she motivates herself to keep writing fresh, authentic and captivating books, and shares details about her next publication, TOUGH CUSTOMER.

Joanne Fluke
Joanne Fluke's 12th novel, PLUM PUDDING MURDER, finds baker-turned-amateur detective Hannah Swensen in the middle of yet another murder mystery, this time amidst the chaos of the holiday season. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Amie Taylor, Fluke reveals the inspiration behind her appealing protagonist and secondary characters (both human and feline), and reflects on the direction of Hannah's unpredictable love life throughout the course of the series. She also explains how --- after writing a dozen novels --- she manages to keep track of character and plot details, discusses her upbringing in Minnesota and how she's adjusting to her current life on the west coast, and talks about her next release, APPLE TURNOVER MURDER.

Craig Larsen
Craig Larsen's debut novel, MANIA, is a suspense thriller that follows a troubled newspaper photographer who must face his own demons as he tracks the serial killer responsible for his brother's death. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Larsen explains the concept that prompted him to write this novel and elaborates on some of the psychological elements that infuse the story. He also discusses the complex sibling relationship central to the main character's struggles, describes how aspects of the plot were written to challenge readers' fundamental ideas of right and wrong, and shares advice for aspiring writers.

New and Notable in Paperback
November’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes Linda Fairstein’s LETHAL LEGACY, an Alexandra Cooper novel that takes readers on a breathtaking ride through the valuable first editions, lost atlases and secret rooms and tunnels of the New York Public Library; THE GATE HOUSE by Nelson DeMille, a continuation of John and Susan Sutter’s story 10 years after Susan killed her Mafia lover on the famed Gold Coast of Long Island; Steve Berry’s THE CHARLEMAGNE PURSUIT, in which Cotton Malone searches for the truth behind his father's mysterious death while also stumbling upon cryptic diaries found in the tomb of the legendary ruler of the Holy Roman Empire; KNIT TWO, a sequel to the book club favorite THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB by Kate Jacobs; BETWEEN HERE AND APRIL, Deborah Copaken Kogan’s exploration of the battles women and mothers secretly --- and sometimes tragically --- wage with themselves; and HOT, FLAT, AND CROWDED 2.0, Thomas L. Friedman’s information-packed treatise on the perilous state of the environment, how we got here and how we must proceed if we are to avoid catastrophe.

Books into Movies
The films in this month’s Books Into Movies feature include:

The Box
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
The Men Who Stare at Goats
Precious
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Blind Side
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Me and Orson Welles
The Road
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 30, 2009

2009-10-30T22:41:00.000-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, October 30th.

Bookreporter.com Blog
The titles, authors and noteworthy items below were featured in Carol Fitzgerald’s latest Facebook Roundup Blog:

NINE DRAGONS by Michael Connelly
31 HOURS by Masha Hamilton
NOTES LEFT BEHIND by Brooke and Keith Desserich
LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER by John Irving
Miami Book Fair: "The School of Comics and Graphic Novels: Educational Sessions for Teachers, Librarians and Comics and Graphic Novel Creators."
UNDER THE DOME by Stephen King
I AM A GENIUS OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL AND I WANT TO BE YOUR CLASS PRESIDENTby Josh Lieb
THE PURIFICATION CEREMONY by Mark T. Sullivan
FORD COUNTY by John Grisham
THE BOX: UNCANNY STORIES by Richard Matheson
DRACULA THE UN-DEAD by Dacre Stoker

The titles below are mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

NOTES LEFT BEHIND by Brooke and Keith Desserich
The Reincarnationist series by M. J. Rose
RULES FOR MY UNBORN SON by Walker Lamond
The Mindhunters series by Kylie Brant

Reviews and Excerpts
URGE TO KILL by John Lutz (Thriller)
Homicide detective Frank Quinn can’t stay retired when there’s a new breed of murdering madman on the prowl. In a city terrorized by bloody brutality, Det. Quinn and his team hunt a psychopath who lures beautiful women into a night of unbridled passion, then wakes them to a vicious, drawn-out death. Stumbling over a trail of horribly defiled bodies, Quinn can’t catch the killer --- because the killer is about to catch him. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from URGE TO KILL.

LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER by John Irving (Fiction)
John Irving’s 12th novel is a shaggy, shambling, lovable bear of a book. Inspired, in part, by Bob Dylan’s song “Tangled Up in Blue,” it is vintage Irving, stuffed to overflowing with a cast of memorable characters, dark humor, a surfeit of tragedy and loss, and enough love, sex and death to fill at least two or three less ambitious novels. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER.

TRUE BLUE by David Baldacci (Thriller)
David Baldacci’s latest release is a stand-alone novel featuring ex-cop Mace Perry and attorney Roy Kingman. TRUE BLUE presents a mysterious high-profile homicide in the nation’s capital that collides with the dark side of national security, with unexpected outcomes and lethal twists at every turn. Reviewed by Ray Palen and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from TRUE BLUE.

ANGEL TIME: The Songs of the Seraphim, by Anne Rice (Metaphysical Thriller)
A lethal assassin finds he has no taste for his job anymore, for he has seen a way beyond killing back to a life he envisioned for himself before tragedy struck him at a formative age. Anne Rice returns to the mesmerizing storytelling that has captivated readers for more than three decades in a metaphysical thriller about angels and assassins. Reviewed by Kate Ayers and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ANGEL TIME.

ABANDONED by Cody McFadyen (Thriller)
Cody McFadyen, acclaimed author of THE DARKER SIDE, THE FACE OF DEATH and SHADOW MAN, delivers this shocking new thriller that brings to light a psychopath unlike any we’ve ever seen --- a killer who thrives in absolute darkness and doesn’t derive pleasure from the kill. And only one woman has the ability to see him coming…even if it’s already too late to stop her own murder. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ABANDONED.

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope, by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (Memoir)
Have you ever cried with joy? If not, then here’s your chance. This tale, a true story of determination, conquering adversity and ingenuity lost and found in a hostile landscape, will make you cheer as you follow a young African boy who sets out to do the impossible. It’s a story that well embodies the concept of “the audacity of hope” with no strings attached. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.

THE BOOK OF GENESIS ILLUSTRATED by R. Crumb (Graphic Novel)
Envisioning the first book of the Bible like no one before him, R. Crumb, the legendary illustrator, reveals the story of Genesis in a profoundly honest and deeply moving way. Originally thinking he would do a takeoff of Adam and Eve, Crumb became so fascinated by the Bible’s language that he decided instead to do a literal interpretation using the text word for word in a version primarily assembled from the translations of Robert Alter and the King James Bible. Reviewed by John Hogan.

BLOOM COUNTY: THE COMPLETE LIBRARY, Volume One: 1980-1982 written and illustrated by Berkeley Breathed (Graphic Novel)
Berkley Breathed's Bloom County was one of the most popular and critically acclaimed newspaper strips of all time. BLOOM COUNTY: THE COMPLETE LIBRARY highlights the first time the entire run of the immensely popular Bloom County strip has been collected in beautifully designed hardcover books with exceptional reproduction. Reviewed by John Hogan.

INVISIBLE by Paul Auster (Fiction)
Far more than just a “writer’s writer,” Paul Auster also has the ability to tell a mind-blowing story that will intrigue readers regardless of their own literary bents. In INVISIBLE, this brilliant author tells a story about the power of stories --- and how we tell them. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE GATES by John Connolly (Fantasy Thriller)
Bursting with imagination, THE GATES is about the pull between good and evil, physics and fantasy. It is about a quirky and eccentric boy, who is impossible not to love, and the unlikely cast of characters who give him the strength to stand up to a demonic power. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

MY DEAD BODY by Charlie Huston (Thriller)
A full-out civil war breaks out between the Vampyre gangs of New York in this fifth and final installment of the Joe Pitt Casebook series. Pitt has to stay alive long enough to save a missing girl who is carrying a baby that might impact the destiny of all Vampyres. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

MENNONITE IN A LITTLE BLACK DRESS: A Memoir of Going Home, by Rhoda Janzen (Memoir)
Despite small rebellions, Rhoda Janzen stayed close to the Mennonite world she was raised in. That is, until she went to graduate school. But she never severed ties with her family or the Mennonite community, so when crisis struck in the form of a divorce followed by a debilitating car accident, she was welcomed home with open arms. Her memoir centers on that homecoming but also celebrates a religious community more vibrant and diverse than most people realize. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

YOU CAN’T DRINK ALL DAY IF YOU DON’T START IN THE MORNING by Celia Rivenbark (Humor/Essays)
From religion to recipes, from carpooling to cat whispering, bestselling author Celia Rivenbark gives voice to the hilarious, the hateful, the horrible and the heaven-help-us. Pull up a chair and sit next to Celia --- she says the things we only dare to think! Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

MOON RIVER AND ME: A Memoir, by Andy Williams (Memoir)
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “Moon River”? If you’re like me and millions of other baby boomers, you’ll think of Andy Williams. In his aptly named memoir, this well-known singer and entertainer for nearly seven decades takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings to his rise to stardom. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.

Author Interviews
John Lutz
URGE TO KILL, John Lutz's fourth novel to feature protagonist Frank Quinn, finds the former NYPD police detective leaving retirement in order to investigate two strings of serial murders that may have been committed by the same killer. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Lutz explains how an observation made during his stint as a civilian employee with the St. Louis PD prompted him to focus this series on older, more experienced members of law enforcement, and why he chose a rather unlikely setting for one of the book's most chilling scenes. He also reflects on the appeal of serial murders for thriller readers, selects his dream cast if the novel were ever to be adapted to film, and shares some of his favorite reads from the last several months.

Berkeley Breathed
It’s been 20 years since Berkeley Breathed left the world of Bloom County behind. Since then, he has kept busy with such strips as Outland and Opus and writing prose works, but his defining work remains the one he began on December 8, 1980. After all these years and multiple requests from fans and publishers alike, he has agreed to collect his Bloom County work in five oversized volumes. Each of the Bloom County: The Complete Library editions will feature not only the strips themselves, carefully reproduced, but also running commentary from Breathed himself as he looks back on the characters and settings he once inhabited daily. John Hogan, the Editorial Director for GraphicNovelReporter.com, talked to Breathed about what he thought of his work now that he’s looking back on it from the distance of the 21st century.

Author Talk
Anne Rice
Anne Rice's latest release, ANGEL TIME, is the first book in a new series of metaphysical thrillers called Songs for the Seraphim. In this interview, Rice describes her aim for these novels and explains what inspired the concept behind "Angel Time." She also reflects on the appeal of these heavenly beings, discusses some of the fun settings featured in the book, and shares details about the series' next installment, WORLD ENOUGH AND TIME.

Feature Story
Beyond the Pages: Robert Weil, Executive Editor and Vice President, W.W. Norton
In his long career as an editor, Robert Weil has worked with some of the most successful and revered authors in the world. Recently, he served as editor on THE HEMINGSES OF MONTICELLO by Annette Gordon-Reed, which won multiple awards, including the 2008 National Book Award for nonfiction and the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2009, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Prize for biography. His storied career also includes some graphic works --- two very notable works, in fact. The first is the bestselling STITCHES by David Small, which has been nominated for this year's National Book Award in the Young People's Literature category, and the latest is R. Crumb’s THE BOOK OF GENESIS ILLUSTRATED, which debuted last week at the top of the New York Times Graphic Books Bestseller List.

John Hogan, the Editorial Director for GraphicNovelReporter.com, talked with Weil about how he got started working on graphic books in the first place, how he edits them, and what it was like to work on both GENESIS and STITCHES.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown
From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the gifts, generosity and foresight of a great bygone generation. Centered around an independent woman who runs a Texas boarding house during the Dust Bowl and a mysterious boarder, RAINWATER tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from RAINWATER.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
PLUM PUDDING MURDER by Joanne Fluke
The yuletide season in Lake Eden, Minnesota, guarantees a white Christmas, delectable holiday goodies from Hannah Swensen's bakery, The Cookie Jar --- and murder. As a shadow hangs over her friends' Christmas wedding, Hannah's determined to cook a killer's goose before anyone else gets burned.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from PLUM PUDDING MURDER.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
MANIA by Craig Larson
A CITY GRIPPED BY FEAR...

Seattle newspaper photographer Nick Wilder has gained a reputation capturing gruesome homicide scenes on film. His latest assignment: Tracking an unpredictable, deranged serial killer terrorizing the dark, wet streets of Seattle. But when the Street Butcher claims Nick’s brother as his latest casualty, Nick suddenly finds himself on the other side of the hunt...

A KILLER WHO KNOWS NO BOUNDS...

Determined to avenge his brother’s murder, Nick stumbles into a dizzying labyrinth of deceit and danger. The deeper he digs, the more the trail circles back to him --- and to the secrets locked in his disturbing past. As Nick zeroes in on the killer, the more he must risk to unmask the depraved psychopath haunting his every move. As the motives heighten and the suspects narrow, the cold, stark Seattle winter turns ever chillier...
- Click here to read a third excerpt from MANIA.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
WINDFALL by Penny Vincenzi
Cassia Fallon has been married to the town doctor for seven years when she mysteriously inherits an enormous fortune from her godmother, whom was believed to have died penniless. A responsible housewife and mother, Cassia is at first determined to be sensible, to stay happy and in control --- but suddenly, for the first time in her life, she is able to do exactly as she likes. The money gives her confidence, and her husband can only look on resentfully as she resumes her medical career, sheds some of her domestic burdens, wings with the jet set, and re-forms old relationships --- one of them of a most dangerous kind. Along the way, Cassia realizes that something seems not quite right about the money left to her and she seeks answers, both about the money and the rest of her life. Too soon the windfall, part benign influence, part brutal force, is an absolutely powerful entity all of its own --- one that Cassia cannot resist.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for WINDFALL.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 23, 2009

2009-10-23T22:27:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, October 23rd.

The titles below are discussed in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens
THRILLER 2 edited by Clive Cussler
DARK DELICACIES III: HAUNTED edited by Del Howison, Jeff Gelb
THE PURIFICATION CEREMONY by Mark T. Sullivan
ANIMAL MAGNETISM by Rita Mae Brown
THE CHEESE CHRONICLES by Liz Thorpe
THE CAKE MIX DOCTOR by Anne Byrn
CHOCOLATE FROM THE CAKE MIX DOCTOR by Anne Byrn
CUPCAKES! FROM THE CAKE MIX DOCTOR by Anne Byrn
THE CAKE MIX DOCTOR RETURNS by Anne Byrn
ALICE I HAVE BEEN by Melanie Benjamin
CRASHERS by Dana Haynes

Reviews and Excerpts
WINDFALL by Penny Vincenzi (Fiction)
Penny Vincenzi takes us behind closed doors of the glamorous and scandalous English aristocracy. The dutiful doctor’s wife, Cassia Tallow, has just inherited a large fortune from her godmother. Newly empowered, Cassia sheds her domestic burdens and re-forms old relationships --- one of them of a most dangerous kind. Too soon the windfall has become a corrupting force --- one that Cassia cannot resist. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from WINDFALL.

THE SCARPETTA FACTOR by Patricia Cornwell (Mystery)
Patricia Cornwell’s 17th novel in the Kay Scarpetta series finds the medical examiner and all her regular cohorts in the heart of New York City during the Christmas season. While negotiating for a series on CNN to be called “The Scarpetta Factor,” Scarpetta and her friends are thrust into a series of murders that not only may be related but also could lead to an old nemesis who is still hunting her. Reviewed by Ray Palen and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SCARPETTA FACTOR.

SOUTH OF BROAD by Pat Conroy (Fiction)
Against the sumptuous backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, SOUTH OF BROAD gathers a unique cast of sinners and saints. The ties among them endure for years, surviving marriages happy and troubled, unrequited loves and unspoken longings, hard-won successes and devastating breakdowns, and Charleston's dark legacy of racism and class divisions. But the final test of friendship that brings them to San Francisco is something no one is prepared for. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SOUTH OF BROAD.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for SOUTH OF BROAD.

SMASHER: A Silicon Valley Thriller, by Keith Raffel (Thriller)
As Accelenet CEO Ian Michaels battles a ruthless Silicon Valley billionaire for control of his company, his wife, deputy D.A. Rowena Goldberg, is targeted for death by an unknown assassin. Michaels must use his brains and business acumen to navigate a deadly trail of corporate and academic hostility, greed and revenge as he races to find the assailant. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an except from SMASHER.

WHAT THE DOG SAW: And Other Adventures, by Malcolm Gladwell (Psychology/Business)
Malcolm Gladwell is a talented writer with the ability to take ordinary people and events and find lessons about life. In the past decade, this talent has placed three of his books on bestseller lists around the world. WHAT THE DOG SAW is a collection of many of Gladwell’s early writings from his reporting days at The New Yorker. Entertaining and prescient observations about success, failure and human nature are his stock and trade. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

SPARTAN GOLD: A Fargo Adventure, by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood (Thriller/Action & Adventure)
When it comes to explosive, adrenaline-charged adventure, Clive Cussler is hailed as "the master of building suspense and tension." Now Cussler (along with co-author and U.S. Navy veteran Grant Blackwood) unveils his newest heroes, a husband-and-wife team who hunt treasure for a living --- even at the risk of dying. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

BRIGHT-SIDED: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America, by Barbara Ehrenreich (Current Affairs)
BRIGHT-SIDED takes dead aim at the whole idea of “positive thinking,” which, in its most extreme forms, tell us that we can have anything and everything we want if we just wish for it ardently enough. Part history, part social comment, part cautionary tale, this is a worthy successor to Ehrenreich’s two most recent books in a similar vein, NICKEL AND DIMED and BAIT AND SWITCH. Warning: If you are an incurable optimist, this book could be dangerous to your health. Reviewed by Robert Finn.

THE MAN WHO LOVED BOOKS TOO MUCH: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession, by Allison Hoover Bartlett (True Crime)
Rare-book theft is even more widespread than fine-art theft. Most thieves, of course, steal for profit. John Charles Gilkey steals purely for the love of books. In an attempt to understand him better, journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett plunged herself into the world of book lust and discovered just how dangerous it can be. Reviewed by Roz Shea.

FACES IN THE FIRE by T. L. Hines (Supernatural Thriller/Mystery)
Somewhere underneath the lives of the ordinary are the “bottom feeders,” those who blend in with everyone else but have something to hide or to run from. FACES IN THE FIRE enters the realm of the noir, telling a story of lost souls who have become trapped by their choices and whose experiences seem to be linked by one bizarre number. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

ONE AND THE SAME: My Life as an Identical Twin and What I've Learned About Everyone's Struggle to Be Singular, by Abigail Pogrebin (Memoir)
Abigail Pogrebin, an identical twin, shares her own poignant experience of being one half of this unique relationship. She also includes eye-opening tales from other twins and experts' findings and opinions, making for a fascinating read. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

HARVARD BEATS YALE 29-29 by Kevin Rafferty (Sports)
In November 1968, undefeated Harvard met undefeated Yale in the final game of their football season. Filmmaker Kevin Rafferty initially decided that a documentary film of the game was a worthy subject. He succeeded brilliantly. HARVARD BEATS YALE 29-29 supplements the movie with material that might normally end up on the cutting-room floor of the editing room. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

Author Talk
Keith Raffel
Silicon Valley software entrepreneur turned thriller writer Keith Raffel once again explores the ruthlessness of corporate life in his second novel, SMASHER. In this interview, Raffel discusses how he transitioned between his two careers, and shares some of the imaginary and real-life influences behind the characters in his latest book. He also compares publishing a book to starting a company, sheds light on some of the less-than-glamorous aspects of life as an author, and reflects on how his hometown of Palo Alto, CA has evolved over the years.

2009 World Series Roundup
The titles featured in Bookreporter.com's 2009 World Series Roundup include:

THE MACHINE: A Hot Team, a Legendary Season, and a Heart-stopping World Series: The Story of the 1975 Cincinnati Reds by Joe Posnanski
GAME SIX: Cincinnati, Boston, and the 1975 World Series: The Triumph of America's Pastime by Mark Frost
PERFECT: Don Larsen's Miraculous World Series Game and the Men Who Made It Happen by Lew Paper
THE ORIGINAL CURSE: Did the Cubs Throw the 1918 World Series to Babe Ruth's Red Sox and Incite the Black Sox Scandal? by Sean Deveney
THE FIRST FALL CLASSIC: The Red Sox, the Giants and the Cast of Players, Pugs and Politicos Who Re-Invented the World Series in 1912 by Mike Vaccaro

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown
From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the gifts, generosity and foresight of a great bygone generation. Centered around an independent woman who runs a Texas boarding house during the Dust Bowl and a mysterious boarder, RAINWATER tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from RAINWATER.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
PLUM PUDDING MURDER by Joanne Fluke
The yuletide season in Lake Eden, Minnesota, guarantees a white Christmas, delectable holiday goodies from Hannah Swensen's bakery, The Cookie Jar --- and murder. As a shadow hangs over her friends' Christmas wedding, Hannah's determined to cook a killer's goose before anyone else gets burned.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from PLUM PUDDING MURDER.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
MANIA by Craig Larson
A CITY GRIPPED BY FEAR...

Seattle newspaper photographer Nick Wilder has gained a reputation capturing gruesome homicide scenes on film. His latest assignment: Tracking an unpredictable, deranged serial killer terrorizing the dark, wet streets of Seattle. But when the Street Butcher claims Nick’s brother as his latest casualty, Nick suddenly finds himself on the other side of the hunt...

A KILLER WHO KNOWS NO BOUNDS...

Determined to avenge his brother’s murder, Nick stumbles into a dizzying labyrinth of deceit and danger. The deeper he digs, the more the trail circles back to him --- and to the secrets locked in his disturbing past. As Nick zeroes in on the killer, the more he must risk to unmask the depraved psychopath haunting his every move. As the motives heighten and the suspects narrow, the cold, stark Seattle winter turns ever chillier...
- Click here to read a second excerpt from MANIA.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
URGE TO KILL by John Lutz
Homicide detective Frank Quinn can’t stay retired when there’s a new breed of murdering madman on the prowl. In a city terrorized by bloody brutality, Det. Quinn and his team hunt a psychopath who lures beautiful women into a night of unbridled passion, then wakes them to a vicious, drawn-out death. Stumbling over a trail of horribly defiled bodies, Quinn can’t catch the killer --- because the killer’s about to catch him.

The terrifying new thriller URGE TO KILL from New York Times bestselling author John Lutz is a gruesome, page-turning psychological serial killer crime novel that’s both frightening and fascinating. For a killer, once is never enough.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from URGE TO KILL.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 16, 2009

2009-10-16T22:25:00.000-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, October 16th.

Reviews and Excerpts
NINE DRAGONS by Michael Connelly (Thriller)
Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store Bosch has known for years. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Bosch hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer. But when the one good thing in his life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him, Bosch travels to Hong Kong in an all-or-nothing bid to regain what he has lost. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NINE DRAGONS.

PURSUIT OF HONOR by Vince Flynn (Political Thriller)
In this newest addition to the Mitch Rapp saga, Vince Flynn returns to the secretive world of fearless Americans who must risk their lives for their country’s security, fighting a covert war that can never be discussed, even with their own political leaders. PURSUIT OF HONOR takes place shortly after the conclusion of EXTREME MEASURES, which featured a series of cataclysmic events that left the nation reeling. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from PURSUIT OF HONOR.

LOCKED IN: A Sharon McCone Mystery, by Marcia Muller (Mystery)
With bullet fragments lodged in her skull, Sharon McCone faces the greatest challenge of her life. While her team of investigators works to track down her assailant, all she can do is lie in the hospital bed and ponder a future devoid of her sense of touch and her ability to speak. Though her mind is alert, she is a victim of locked-in syndrome. Reviewed by Maggie Harding and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LOCKED IN,

CHRONIC CITY by Jonathan Lethem (Fiction)
The latest novel by the acclaimed author of MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN and THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE is both a paean to and an elegy of Manhattan’s infinitely complex landscape. CHRONIC CITY winds up less a story of its characters and more a testament to a city vast enough to continually escape definition. Reviewed by Max Falkowitz and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from CHRONIC CITY.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for CHRONIC CITY.

UNSEEN ACADEMICALS by Terry Pratchett (Fantasy)
Wizards love to smoke and eat. That's their exercise. Until the funding for their great banquets is held hostage. The only way to keep the money flowing is to revive the sport of football at Unseen University. It's a collision course of comedic events as Ankh-Morpork's finest fumble their way into the realm of athletics. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

DRACULA THE UN-DEAD by Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt (Supernatural Thriller)
Twenty-five years later, Dracula is still roaming the earth and so is a new evil --- an evil more cunning and diabolical than Dracula himself. The next incarnation of the undead rises, committing gruesome murders and terrorizing residents of London and Paris, leaving one individual to stop the carnage. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.

THE CASEBOOK OF VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN by Peter Ackroyd (Historical Thriller)
What if Victor Frankenstein, self-professed scientist, were to meet Percy Bysshe Shelley, romantic poet and a man who married the author of FRANKENSTEIN? It would most likely go something like the story told in Peter Ackroyd’s THE CASEBOOK OF VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

BLACK FRIDAY: A Maggie O’Dell Novel, by Alex Kava (Psychological Thriller)
Caught up in a political nightmare, battling a new interim director and still mourning the death of her boss, FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell must put her own troubles aside and fly to Minnesota to help figure out what's behind a terrorist attack at the largest mall in America on the busiest shopping day of the year --- a massacre that is all the more frightening because no group has claimed responsibility. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE ANTHOLOGIST by Nicholson Baker (Fiction)
The narrator of Nicholson Baker’s 10th novel, THE ANTHOLOGIST, makes a passionate but concrete argument for reading --- and loving --- poetry, even as he tries to make the pieces of his own life rhyme. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

HOUSE OF RECKONING by John Saul (Supernatural Thriller)
In John Saul’s newest work of psychological terror, his 36th novel, a young girl holds the key to unlocking the hidden secrets of a mysterious old mansion known as Shutters and righting the many wrongs of a small town. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

THE PRICE OF LOVE AND OTHER STORIES by Peter Robinson (Mystery/Short Stories)
Ever since the publication of his first mystery featuring Detective Inspector Alan Banks, Peter Robinson has been steadily building a reputation for compulsively readable and perceptive novels that probe the dark side of human nature. Plumbing the territory that he has so successfully staked, THE PRICE OF LOVE AND OTHER STORIES includes two novellas and several stories featuring the Yorkshire policeman at his finest. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE HIDDEN MAN by David Ellis (Legal Thriller)
Jason Kolarich rises from humble beginnings to become a star in a high-powered criminal defense firm. After his wife and daughter die in a freak car accident, he walks away from his celebrity for a simpler life. When he is hired to defend a childhood friend from a murder charge, Jason must relive a tragic incident that has haunted him for decades. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

Author Talk
Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly's latest Harry Bosch novel, NINE DRAGONS, finds the series' homicide detective protagonist out of his element on many levels, as he travels to Hong Kong in search of his kidnapped daughter, which he believes may be related to a murder case he is investigating in L.A. In this interview, Connelly discusses what prompted him to delve into the character's personal life in this installment, and elaborates on what he has at stake in solving these cases. He also explains the origins of the book's title and shares what initially captivated him about the exotic setting.

Bookreporter.com’s Sneak Peak
STILL MISSING by Chevy Stevens
On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals --- sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of a psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape --- her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor.

The truth doesn’t always set you free.

STILL MISSING is that rare debut find --- a shocking, visceral, brutal and beautifully crafted novel.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown
From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the gifts, generosity and foresight of a great bygone generation. Centered around an independent woman who runs a Texas boarding house during the Dust Bowl and a mysterious boarder, RAINWATER tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it.
- Click here to read Sandra Brown’s backclist.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RAINWATER.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
PLUM PUDDING MURDER by Joanne Fluke
The yuletide season in Lake Eden, Minnesota, guarantees a white Christmas, delectable holiday goodies from Hannah Swensen's bakery, The Cookie Jar --- and murder. As a shadow hangs over her friends' Christmas wedding, Hannah's determined to cook a killer's goose before anyone else gets burned.
- Click here to read Joanne Fluke’s backlist.
- Click here to read an excerpt from PLUM PUDDING MURDER.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
MANIA by Craig Larson
A CITY GRIPPED BY FEAR...

Seattle newspaper photographer Nick Wilder has gained a reputation capturing gruesome homicide scenes on film. His latest assignment: Tracking an unpredictable, deranged serial killer terrorizing the dark, wet streets of Seattle. But when the Street Butcher claims Nick’s brother as his latest casualty, Nick suddenly finds himself on the other side of the hunt...

A KILLER WHO KNOWS NO BOUNDS...

Determined to avenge his brother’s murder, Nick stumbles into a dizzying labyrinth of deceit and danger. The deeper he digs, the more the trail circles back to him --- and to the secrets locked in his disturbing past. As Nick zeroes in on the killer, the more he must risk to unmask the depraved psychopath haunting his every move. As the motives heighten and the suspects narrow, the cold, stark Seattle winter turns ever chillier...
- Click here to read an excerpt from MANIA.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
WINDFALL by Penny Vincenzi
Cassia Fallon has been married to the town doctor for seven years when she mysteriously inherits an enormous fortune from her godmother, whom was believed to have died penniless. A responsible housewife and mother, Cassia is at first determined to be sensible, to stay happy and in control --- but suddenly, for the first time in her life, she is able to do exactly as she likes. The money gives her confidence, and her husband can only look on resentfully as she resumes her medical career, sheds some of her domestic burdens, wings with the jet set, and re-forms old relationships --- one of them of a most dangerous kind. Along the way, Cassia realizes that something seems not quite right about the money left to her and she seeks answers, both about the money and the rest of her life. Too soon the windfall, part benign influence, part brutal force, is an absolutely powerful entity all of its own --- one that Cassia cannot resist.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from WINDFALL.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
URGE TO KILL by John Lutz
Homicide detective Frank Quinn can’t stay retired when there’s a new breed of murdering madman on the prowl. In a city terrorized by bloody brutality, Det. Quinn and his team hunt a psychopath who lures beautiful women into a night of unbridled passion, then wakes them to a vicious, drawn-out death. Stumbling over a trail of horribly defiled bodies, Quinn can’t catch the killer --- because the killer’s about to catch him.

The terrifying new thriller URGE TO KILL from New York Times bestselling author John Lutz is a gruesome, page-turning psychological serial killer crime novel that’s both frightening and fascinating. For a killer, once is never enough.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from URGE TO KILL.

HOSTILE INTENT by Michael Walsh
It starts with the unthinkable --- the most horrific act of violence ever committed on American soil --- and only one man can stop them.
- Click here to read Advanced Reader Comments for HOSTILE INTENT.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 9, 2009

2009-10-09T22:38:00.000-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, October 9th.

Bookreporter.com Blog
The titles, authors and noteworthy items below were featured in Carol Fitzgerald’s latest Facebook Roundup Blog:

THE GATES by John Connolly
THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD by Margaret Atwood
TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN and HAVE A LITTLE FAITH by Mitch Albom
THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE and HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY by Audrey Niffenegger
THE GIVEN DAY by Dennis Lehane
The Jane Rizzoli Series by Tess Gerritsen
HALF BROKE HORSES by Jeannette Walls
William KamKwamba
Frank McCourt
THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee
FOUR SPIRITS by Sena Jeter Naslund
THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd
BENEATH A MARBLE SKY by John Shors
GONE WITH THE WIND by Margaret Mitchell
THE SPACE BETWEEN US by Thrity Umrigar
RUSH HOME ROAD by Lori Lansens
THE AIR BETWEEN US by Deborah Johnson
THE COLOR OF WATER by James McBride
TWO RIVERS by T. Greenwood
BEFORE WOMEN HAD WINGS by Connie May Fowler
FAMILY TREE by Barbara Delinsky

The titles below are mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeannette Walls
HALF BROKE HORSES by Jeannette Walls
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND by William KamKwamba
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Reviews and Excerpts
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH: A True Story, by Mitch Albom (Memoir)
What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together? In HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds --- two men, two faiths, two communities --- that will inspire readers everywhere. Reviewed by Roberta O’Hara and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of HAVE A LITTLE FAITH.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for HAVE A LITTLE FAITH.

ALEX CROSS’S TRIAL by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo (Historical Fiction)
From his grandmother, Alex Cross has heard the story of his great uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a novel he's written --- a novel called TRIAL. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, ALEX CROSS’S TRIAL is a gripping story of murder, love, and, above all, bravery. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt for ALEX CROSS’S TRIAL.

EVIDENCE: An Alex Delaware Novel, by Jonathan Kellerman (Psychological Thriller)
After a night watchman finds the corpses of two lovers brutally murdered in a newly erected mansion in one of LA’s most exclusive neighborhoods, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis quickly determines that it was a crime of passion and reaches out to psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware. They discover a monstrous scheme rooted in deception and depravity beyond even a seasoned LAPD cop’s twisted imagination. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from EVIDENCE.

THE LOST ART OF GRATITUDE: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, by Alexander McCall Smith (Mystery)
THE LOST ART OF GRATITUDE continues the adventures of Isabel Dalhousie, a wealthy, middle-aged divorcee who is also a Doctor of Philosophy. Alexander McCall Smith has crafted a wonderfully intriguing novel, one that leaves us waiting for the next in the series. Reviewed by Roz Shea and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LOST ART OF GRATITUDE.

THE CHILDREN’S BOOK by A. S. Byatt (Historical Fiction)
THE CHILDRENS’S BOOK is a spellbinding novel, at once sweeping and intimate, from the Booker Prize–winning author of POSSESSION, that spans the Victorian era through the World War I years, and centers on a famous children's book author and the passions, betrayals and secrets that tear apart the people she loves. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE CHILDREN’S BOOK by A. S. Byatt

THE PROFESSIONAL: A Spenser Novel, by Robert B. Parker (Mystery)
A knock on Spenser’s office door can only mean one thing: a new case. This time the visitor is a local lawyer with an interesting story. Elizabeth Shaw specializes in wills and trusts at a Boston law firm, and over the years she has developed a friendship with wives of very wealthy men. However, these rich wives have a mutual secret: they’ve all had an affair with a man named Gary Eisenhower --- and now he’s blackmailing them for money. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

MANHOOD FOR AMATEURS: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son, by Michael Chabon (Memoir)
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon ruminates on fatherhood, marriage, masculinity and art --- among myriad other topics --- in his loosely constructed, fascinating and very funny collection of autobiographical writings. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

HOTHOUSE ORCHID by Stuart Woods (Thriller)
After Special Agent Holly Barker lets international terrorist Teddy Fay slip through her fingers for a second time, the CIA thinks she might want a long vacation, at least until Teddy is captured and the bad publicity has blown over. So Holly returns to her hometown of Orchid Beach, Florida, where she had been police chief for many years. But a very unpleasant surprise awaits her. Reviewed by Marge Fletcher.

ROUGH COUNTRY: A Virgil Flowers Novel, by John Sandford (Thriller)
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigator Virgil Flowers gets a call from Lucas Davenport to investigate a murder at a nearby resort, where a woman has been shot while kayaking. He soon finds a web of connections between the people at the resort, the victim, and some local women, notably a talented country singer. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE SILENT SPIRIT: A Wind River Mystery, by Margaret Coel (Mystery)
In 1923, hundreds of Arapahos and Shoshones are recruited from Wind River Reservation to appear in the silent film The Covered Wagon. Of those hundreds, Charlie Wallowingbull is the only Indian who does not return home. More than 80 years later, Kiki Wallowingbull travels to California in search of the truth behind his great-grandfather’s disappearance. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

BENEATH THE BLEEDING: A Tony Hill Novel, by Val McDermid (Thriller)
Bradfield’s star midfielder is the victim of a bizarre, seemingly motiveless murder. In a hospital, recovering from injuries, criminal profiler and psychologist Dr. Tony Hill struggles to make sense of the fragments of information he can gather in order to help his ally, Detective Chief Inspector Carol Jordan, bring a killer to justice. Then an explosion rips through a soccer stadium, leaving dozens dead and many more injured, and Jordan finds herself pushed to the margins of the investigation by the intelligence services. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

THE GASTRONOMY OF MARRIAGE: A Memoir of Food and Love, by Michelle Maisto (Memoir)
As their wedding day approaches, Michelle Maisto and her fiancé find that one activity they particularly loved sharing --- eating --- has become fraught with issues such as gender roles, taste preferences, digestive quirks and differences in heritage. Readers are privy to negotiations and compromises, as well as descriptions of luscious meals and interesting recipes. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

PELLE LINDBERGH: Behind the White Mask, by Bill Meltzer and Thomas Tynander (Biography)
It is said that to lose someone who is an incredible talent is a travesty, but to lose that talented soul when they are young is the ultimate tragedy. This is the story of Pelle Lindbergh, whose hard work led him to be the dominant force in goaltending in his native Sweden, coupled with a dream that led him to North America and the National Hockey League, where he would rise to the top only to be taken from us in his prime. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown
From acclaimed bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a powerfully moving novel celebrating the gifts, generosity and foresight of a great bygone generation. Centered around an independent woman who runs a Texas boarding house during the Dust Bowl and a mysterious boarder, RAINWATER tells a story that bears witness to a bittersweet truth: that love is worth whatever price one must pay for it.
- Click here to read Sandra Brown’s bio.
- Click here to read more about RAINWATER.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
PLUM PUDDING MURDER by Joanne Fluke
The yuletide season in Lake Eden, Minnesota, guarantees a white Christmas, delectable holiday goodies from Hannah Swensen's bakery, The Cookie Jar --- and murder. As a shadow hangs over her friends' Christmas wedding, Hannah's determined to cook a killer's goose before anyone else gets burned.
- Click here to read Joanne Fluke’s bio.
- Click here to read more about PLUM PUDDING MURDER.

One to Watch Author Spotlight
MANIA by Craig Larson
A CITY GRIPPED BY FEAR...

Seattle newspaper photographer Nick Wilder has gained a reputation capturing gruesome homicide scenes on film. His latest assignment: Tracking an unpredictable, deranged serial killer terrorizing the dark, wet streets of Seattle. But when the Street Butcher claims Nick’s brother as his latest casualty, Nick suddenly finds himself on the other side of the hunt...

A KILLER WHO KNOWS NO BOUNDS...

Determined to avenge his brother’s murder, Nick stumbles into a dizzying labyrinth of deceit and danger. The deeper he digs, the more the trail circles back to him --- and to the secrets locked in his disturbing past. As Nick zeroes in on the killer, the more he must risk to unmask the depraved psychopath haunting his every move. As the motives heighten and the suspects narrow, the cold, stark Seattle winter turns ever chillier...
- Click here to read Craig Larson’s bio.
- Click here to read more about MANIA.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
WINDFALL by Penny Vincenzi
Cassia Fallon has been married to the town doctor for seven years when she mysteriously inherits an enormous fortune from her godmother, whom was believed to have died penniless. A responsible housewife and mother, Cassia is at first determined to be sensible, to stay happy and in control --- but suddenly, for the first time in her life, she is able to do exactly as she likes. The money gives her confidence, and her husband can only look on resentfully as she resumes her medical career, sheds some of her domestic burdens, wings with the jet set, and re-forms old relationships --- one of them of a most dangerous kind. Along the way, Cassia realizes that something seems not quite right about the money left to her and she seeks answers, both about the money and the rest of her life. Too soon the windfall, part benign influence, part brutal force, is an absolutely powerful entity all of its own --- one that Cassia cannot resist.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from WINDFALL.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
URGE TO KILL by John Lutz
Homicide detective Frank Quinn can’t stay retired when there’s a new breed of murdering madman on the prowl. In a city terrorized by bloody brutality, Det. Quinn and his team hunt a psychopath who lures beautiful women into a night of unbridled passion, then wakes them to a vicious, drawn-out death. Stumbling over a trail of horribly defiled bodies, Quinn can’t catch the killer --- because the killer’s about to catch him.

The terrifying new thriller URGE TO KILL from New York Times bestselling author John Lutz is a gruesome, page-turning psychological serial killer crime novel that’s both frightening and fascinating. For a killer, once is never enough.
- Click here to read an excerpt from URGE TO KILL.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 2, 2009

2009-10-02T22:06:00.002-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, October 2nd.

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

A TRACE OF FOOTPRINTS by Ruth Wolf
A RELIABLE WIFE by Robert Goolrick
HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE by Michael Greenberg
IF I STAY by Gayle Forman
TOWER by Reed Farrel Coleman and Ken Bruen
APPLES AND ORANGES by Marie Brenner
GIRL TROUBLE: Stories by Holly Goddard Jones
THE MERCY RULE by Perri Klass
THE MILLIONAIRES by Inman Majors
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Reviews and Excerpts
13 ½ by Nevada Barr (Psychological Thriller)
With 13 ½ Nevada Barr, New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Anna Pigeon novels, has written a taut and terrifying psychological thriller. It carries the reader from the horrifying 1970s murder spree of a child --- dubbed “Butcher Boy” by a shocked public --- in Rochester, Minnesota, to Polly, the abused daughter of Mississippi “trailer trash,” to post-Katrina New Orleans. Reviewed by Roz Shea and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from 13 1/2.

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R.J. Ellory (Thriller)
Growing up in rural Georgia during the 1940s, Joseph Vaughan finds himself at the center of a series of mutilations and killings of young girls. The killers are never caught, and Joseph, an aspiring writer, continues to be haunted by the murders. Years later he sets out to forge a new life in New York. But even there the past won’t leave him alone --- for it seems that the murderer still lives and is killing again, and that the secret to his identity lies in Joseph’s own history. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.

HOSTILE INTENT by Michael Walsh (Thriller)
Michael Walsh --- New York Times bestselling author of AS TIME GOES BY --- is back with his first military thriller about an ultra-top secret US Government-Op, whose real identity is known only by a select few in the highest echelons of Washington, D.C. Someone is trying to draw him out by putting America’s citizens in the crosshairs --- and they will continue the slaughter until they get what they want. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HOSTILE INTENT.

HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY by Audrey Niffenegger (Fiction)
Audrey Niffenegger’s highly anticipated second novel (following THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE) begins with a death. Elspeth Noblin dies of cancer, leaving her London apartment to her estranged sister's twin daughters, Julia and Valentina. Wanting to be free of their staid life, the young ladies leave for London unaware of the dark secret that has kept their mother and aunt apart for decades. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY.

AN ECHO IN THE BONE by Diana Gabaldon (Historical Fantasy)
The time-traveling Scots are back! After a four-year wait, Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling and award-winning Outlander series continues with another incurably romantic, historically twisted saga that veers dizzily between the 18th and 20th centuries. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AN ECHO IN THE BONE.

SMASH CUT by Sandra Brown (Romantic Suspense)
When a prominent Atlanta businessman is shot and killed during an armed robbery, it appears to be a situation of wrong place, wrong time. But his friend Julie Rutledge believes differently and sets out to prove that it was murder, orchestrated by the victim's nephew, Creighton Wheeler. Representing him is famed defense lawyer Derek Mitchell, who soon realizes that his client is as depraved as Julie claims. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SMASH CUT.

JULIET, NAKED by Nick Hornby (Fiction)
In his sixth novel, Nick Hornby returns to the world of pop music, telling the story of a collection of “Hornbyesque” characters, as frustrating as they are likable in their struggles to navigate the shoals of ordinary life. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from JULIET, NAKED.

THE FURY by Jason Pinter (Thriller)
The brother who journalist Henry Parker never knew has been shot point-blank in a rat-hole apartment, wasted by hunger and heroin. Stephen Gaines was a man with whom Henry shared nothing --- except a father. Now Henry is forced to question everything he ever knew...and figure out why this man was murdered in cold blood. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE FURY.

DEXTER BY DESIGN by Jeff Lindsay (Thriller)
After his surprisingly glorious honeymoon in Paris, life is almost normal for Dexter Morgan. But the discovery of a corpse (artfully displayed as a sunbather relaxing on a Miami beach chair) naturally piques Dexter’s curiosity, and Miami’s finest realize they have a terrifying new serial killer on the loose. And Dexter, of course, is back in business. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

LITTLE BIRD OF HEAVEN by Joyce Carol Oates (Fiction)
Joyce Carol Oates recounts a spiraling cycle of failure, despair and violence, played out in a dead-end Rust Belt town, in LITTLE BIRD OF HEAVEN, a powerful portrait of a town, and a people, in perpetual decay. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

CAPITOL OFFENSE by William Bernhardt (Legal Thriller)
A man, driven to the brink of madness, is accused of killing a cop. It might not look quite so bad if he hadn’t gone to a lawyer beforehand to learn how to get away with it. Now he and his attorney have to convince a jury to let him off. But the stakes are high for the DA, who can’t afford to let him win on an insanity defense. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

THE CAVALIER IN THE YELLOW DOUBLET by Arturo Perez-Reverte (Fiction/Action & Adventure)
Captain Alatriste begins an affair with the famous --- and famously beautiful --- actress María de Castro, and discovers that the competition for her favors may be much more dangerous than he'd bargained for, especially when Alatriste and his protégé, Íñigo, become unwilling participants in a court conspiracy that could lead them both to the gallows. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.

ANNE FRANK: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife, by Francine Prose (Literary Criticism)
In June 1942, Anne Frank received a red-and-white checked diary for her 13th birthday, just weeks before she and her family went into hiding from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic. For two years, with ever-increasing maturity, Anne crafted a memoir that has become one of the most compelling, intimate and important documents of modern history. But the diary of Anne Frank, argues Francine Prose, is as much a work of art as an historical record. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.

STARDUST by Joseph Kanon (Historical Mystery)
Hollywood is in its heyday, having survived the Second World War, but emotions run high and people do odd things in such times. Ben Collier’s brother took a high dive out of a window. Rumor has it that he might have been involved in some shady business and suddenly the guilt got to him. But Ben thinks something --- or somebody --- else got to him. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

THE LOST THRONE by Chris Kuzneski (Thriller)
Seven monks are brutally murdered at a monastery on a mountain top in Greece. An American treasure hunter is struck down in Russia. While Interpol Homicide Detective Nick Dial investigates the grizzly murders in Greece, former Special Forces operatives Jonathon Payne and D. J. Jones embark on a mission to discover who is behind the death in Russia. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

Author Interviews
Nevada Barr
A departure from her bestselling Anna Pigeon series, Nevada Barr's latest novel, 13 ½, is a stand-alone thriller that connects a string of murders by an 11-year-old child in 1971 Minnesota to the marital troubles of a literature professor in present-day Louisiana. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Roz Shea, Barr describes her most recent work as a process 20 years in the making and discusses her reason for setting the book in post-Katrina New Orleans. She also characterizes her famous park ranger protagonist as an idealized alter ego of herself and explains why she chose to let Anna Pigeon sit out this particular adventure.

R.J. Ellory
R.J. Ellory is the author of seven novels --- including CANDLEMOTH, GHOSTHEART and CITY OF LIES --- that have been published in Britain and are now being released in the U.S. by Overlook Press. He recently spoke with Bookreporter.com's L. Dean Murphy about his fifth book, A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS, and explains how events from his own life have informed his works of fiction. He also discusses John Steinbeck's influence on his writing, touches upon the racial inequities amongst his characters, and shares details about upcoming projects due out over the next few years.

Michael Walsh
Michael Walsh is the bestselling author of four novels: EXCHANGE ALLEY, AS TIME GOES BY, AND ALL THE SAINTS, and the newly released HOSTILE INTENT. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Walsh discusses the origins of Devlin --- his government-op protagonist --- and elaborates on his writing process, including his unusual work hours and choice of background music. He also gives his two cents on the probability of the U.S. being attacked by terrorists again in the future, explains how --- if given the opportunity --- he would restructure the country's intelligence operations, and gives advice to readers considering careers in writing.

New in Paperback
October’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes Jamie Ford’s debut novel, HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, a love story about two people who come from totally different worlds and a cultural examination set against the backdrop of Japanese internment during World War II; WHILE MY SISTER SLEEPS by Barbara Delinsky, in which the life of a woman is turned upside down and inside out when her sister suffers a heart attack and ends up in a coma; BURN OUT, Marcia Muller’s 26th Sharon McCone mystery that finds the San Francisco PI drawn into the plight of a troubled, highly secretive Native American lady and her dysfunctional family; BLOOD AND BONE, William Lashner’s first stand-alone thriller and an introduction to a young man whose aloofness is seriously challenged when he’s drawn into a murder investigation; and THE LONGEST TRIP HOME, a coming-of-age memoir from MARLEY & ME author John Grogan about growing up in the 1960s and his struggle to find himself despite his family's conflicting values.

Books into Movies
This month’s Books into Movies Feature includes:

Whip It
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
Where the Wild Things Are
The Vampire’s Assistant
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
Cheri

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
URGE TO KILL by John Lutz (Thriller)
Homicide detective Frank Quinn can’t stay retired when there’s a new breed of murdering madman on the prowl. In a city terrorized by bloody brutality, Det. Quinn and his team hunt a psychopath who lures beautiful women into a night of unbridled passion, then wakes them to a vicious, drawn-out death. Stumbling over a trail of horribly defiled bodies, Quinn can’t catch the killer --- because the killer’s about to catch him.

The terrifying new thriller URGE TO KILL from New York Times bestselling author John Lutz is a gruesome, page-turning psychological serial killer crime novel that’s both frightening and fascinating. For a killer, once is never enough.
- Click here to read John Lutz’s bio.
- Click here to read John Lutz’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about URGE TO KILL.

CRUSH by Alan Jacobson
Fresh off the most challenging case of her career, THE 7th VICTIM heroine and renowned FBI profiler Karen Vail returns in an explosive thriller set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. Meticulously researched during years of work with the FBI profiling unit and extensive interviews with wine industry professionals, bestselling author Alan Jacobson delivers a high-velocity thriller featuring the kind of edge of-your-seat ending that inspired Nelson DeMille to call him “a hell of a writer.”
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for CRUSH.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
WINDFALL by Penny Vincenzi (Women’s Fiction)
Cassia Fallon has been married to the town doctor for seven years when she mysteriously inherits an enormous fortune from her godmother, whom was believed to have died penniless. A responsible housewife and mother, Cassia is at first determined to be sensible, to stay happy and in control --- but suddenly, for the first time in her life, she is able to do exactly as she likes. The money gives her confidence, and her husband can only look on resentfully as she resumes her medical career, sheds some of her domestic burdens, wings with the jet set, and re-forms old relationships --- one of them of a most dangerous kind. Along the way, Cassia realizes that something seems not quite right about the money left to her and she seeks answers, both about the money and the rest of her life. Too soon the windfall, part benign influence, part brutal force, is an absolutely powerful entity all of its own --- one that Cassia cannot resist.
- Click here to read an excerpt from WINDFALL.

Romantic Suspense Author Spotlight
SILENT KILLER by Beverly Barton
To most people, men like Mark Cantrell are fine, upstanding pillars of the community, completely beyond reproach…but their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for SILENT KILLER.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

September 25, 2009

2009-09-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, September 25th.

Bookreporter.com Blog
The titles, authors and noteworthy items below were featured in Carol Fitzgerald’s latest Facebook Roundup Blog:

THE GUINEA PIG DIARIES by A. J. Jacobs
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein
The Best of National Book Week Awards Fiction
The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
THE TIME OF MY LIFE by Patrick Swayze

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE DA VINCI CODE by Dan Brown
ANGELS & DEMONS by Dan Brown
THE SWIMMING POOL by Holly LeCraw

Reviews and Excerpts
THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown (Thriller)
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object --- artfully encoded with five symbols --- is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation…one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom. When Langdon’s beloved mentor, Peter Solomon --- a prominent Mason and philanthropist --- is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LOST SYMBOL.
- Click here to read more about THE LOST SYMBOL.

SILENT KILLER by Beverly Barton (Romantic Suspense)
SILENT KILLER is the searing new thriller from award-winning and national bestselling author Beverly Barton. A serial killer is at work ––– one whose rage grows more vicious each day ––– and in a town full of secrets, trusting the wrong person could be deadly. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SILENT KILLER.

CRUSH by Alan Jacobson (Thriller)
Fresh off the most challenging case of her career, THE 7th VICTIM heroine and renowned FBI profiler Karen Vail returns in an explosive thriller set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. Meticulously researched during years of work with the FBI profiling unit and extensive interviews with wine industry professionals, bestselling author Alan Jacobson delivers another high-velocity thriller. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from CRUSH.

TRUE COMPASS: A Memoir, by Edward M. Kennedy (Memoir)
Senator Edward M. Kennedy finished this personal memoir just shortly before his death from cancer on August 25th. Beloved by many, reviled by many others, he surely knew that this book would be his final public testament. The last scion of a fate-haunted and tragic family, he tells his story here unapologetically. It is a family history and a tale of inside politics, both stories told with grace and obvious personal passion. Reviewed by Robert Finn and excerpted.

A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE by Anita Shreve (Fiction)
As Margaret and her husband, Patrick, climb Mount Kenya with their new acquaintances, a small and seemingly innocent action on Margaret's part sets off an unimaginable calamity. That tragedy is the stone tossed into the pond of their marriage, possibly altering it --- and them --- forever. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE.

THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD by Margaret Atwood (Fiction)
Adam One, the kindly leader of the God's Gardeners --- a religion devoted to the melding of science and religion, as well as the preservation of all plant and animal life --- has long predicted a natural disaster that will alter Earth as we know it. Now it has occurred, obliterating most human life. Two women have survived: Ren, a young trapeze dancer locked inside the high-end sex club Scales and Tails, and Toby, a God's Gardener barricaded inside a luxurious spa where many of the treatments are edible. Have others survived? Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD.

THE MURDER OF KING TUT: The Plot to Kill the Child King, by James Patterson and Martin Dugard (Nonfiction Thriller)
James Patterson and Martin Dugard have taken on the coldest of all cold case murders, though whether it was actually a murder at all is by no means a settled point. The victim --- circa 1324 B.C. --- was King Tutankhamen, the 18-year-old Pharaoh of Egypt whose tomb, rediscovered in 1922, provided the most astonishing archaeological treasure trove of modern times. Patterson and Dugard have woven a cleverly contrived fictional fantasia around the known facts and “solved” the “crime” --- at least to their own satisfaction. Reviewed by Robert Finn and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE MURDER OF KING TUT.

HARDBALL: A V.I. Warshawski Novel, by Sara Paretsky (Mystery)
When V. I. Warshawski is asked to find a man who's been missing for four decades, a search that she figured would be futile becomes lethal. Old skeletons from the city's racially charged history, as well as haunting family secrets --- her own and those of the elderly sisters who hired her --- rise up to brush her back from the plate with a vengeance. Reviewed by Marge Fletcher.

LOVE AND SUMMER by William Trevor (Fiction)
In the mid-1950s in the small Irish town of Rathmoye, Ellie Dillahan is married to a man whose life is blighted by an unspeakable tragedy. She lives a quiet life until she meets Florian Kilderry, a young photographer preparing to leave Ireland and his own memories forever. The chance intersection of these two lost souls sets in motion a poignant love affair. Reviewed by Alexis Burling.

AMERICAN ON PURPOSE: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot, by Craig Ferguson (Memoir)
Born in Scotland but determined to come to the United States, comedian Craig Ferguson wasn't always the laughing jokester he is today. He was a milk delivery boy. He was a punk rock drummer. He was an alcoholic and a drug addict. The road from point A to point B was rife with potholes. But Ferguson endured, and in AMERICAN ON PURPOSE he lets everyone in on his life and his dream of America. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

SECOND SIGHT: A Novel of Psychic Suspense, by George D. Shuman (Thriller)
In the fourth installment of George D. Shuman's series, blind psychic Sherry Moore faces off against a fiendish villain bent on her destruction. Set against the backdrop of heinous crimes perpetrated by Big Pharma run amok, Sherry fights for her life while confronting a question born of a miraculous medical innovation: Should she reclaim her sight or remain in the darkness that allows her to save so many lives? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW: A Memoir, by Alice Eve Cohen (Memoir)
At age 44, Alice Eve Cohen was happy for the first time in years. But then the stomach pains began. In WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW, Cohen carries us through her metamorphosis from a woman who has come to terms with infertility to one who struggles to love a heartbeat found in her womb --- six months into a high-risk pregnancy. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City, by Nelson Johnson (History)
Atlantic City, New Jersey, has always been more than the Boardwalk and salt water taffy. Nelson Johnson traces the history of Atlantic City vice from its earliest days in this re-released book that is being turned into an HBO series set to air in 2010 starring Steve Buscemi. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

Author Interviews
Beverly Barton
SILENT KILLER, the latest novel by award-winning romance and romantic suspense author Beverly Barton, centers on a serial killer with a rather unlikely group of targets --- members of the clergy. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Donna Volkenannt, Barton discusses what inspired this unique and rather timely plot, and gives readers insight into her instinctive method of writing, in which she completely immerses herself in the characters she creates. She also comments on the authenticity of non-Southern writers who attempt to portray the region's distinct feel, touts the benefits of being an active member of the Romance Writers of America, and talks about her current projects to be published over the next few years.

Alan Jacobson
Alan Jacobson is the author of four novels: FALSE ACCUSATIONS, THE HUNTED, THE 7th VICTIM and the newly released CRUSH. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Jacobson discusses the research he conducted in order to portray the mind and actions of a serial killer as accurately as possible, and explains why he chose to set his latest thriller in the unlikely location of Napa Valley. He also describes how one of his ideas prompted the production of a tool now used by a branch of the European Crime Division, shares his thoughts on the appeal of California's wine country, and reveals the real-life counterparts to his FBI-agent protagonist, Karen Vail.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
WINDFALL by Penny Vincenzi (Women’s Fiction)
Cassia Fallon has been married to the town doctor for seven years when she mysteriously inherits an enormous fortune from her godmother, whom was believed to have died penniless. A responsible housewife and mother, Cassia is at first determined to be sensible, to stay happy and in control --- but suddenly, for the first time in her life, she is able to do exactly as she likes. The money gives her confidence, and her husband can only look on resentfully as she resumes her medical career, sheds some of her domestic burdens, wings with the jet set, and re-forms old relationships --- one of them of a most dangerous kind. Along the way, Cassia realizes that something seems not quite right about the money left to her and she seeks answers, both about the money and the rest of her life. Too soon the windfall, part benign influence, part brutal force, is an absolutely powerful entity all of its own --- one that Cassia cannot resist.
- Click here to read Penny Vincenzi’s bio.
- Click here to read Penny Vincenzi’s author bibliography.
- Click here to read more about WINDFALL.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
13 1⁄2 by Nevada Barr
With 13 1/2, Nevada Barr, New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Anna Pigeon novels, has written a taut and terrifying psychological thriller. It carries the reader from the horrifying 1970s murder spree of a child --- dubbed “Butcher Boy” by a shocked public --- in Rochester, Minnesota, to Polly, the abused daughter of Mississippi “trailer trash,” to post-Katrina New Orleans. Bestselling Jeffery Deaver raves that 13 1⁄2 "is a hands-down winner!”
- Click here to read a third excerpt from 13 1⁄2

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R.J. Ellory
Growing up in rural Georgia during the 1940s, Joseph Vaughan finds himself at the center of series of mutilations and killings of young girls. Just a teenager, Joseph becomes determined to protect his community from the killer, but is powerless to prevent more murders --- and no one is ever caught. Ten years later one of his neighbors is found hanging from a rope, surrounded by articles from the dead girls; the killings cease, and the nightmare appears to be over. Desperate and plagued everything he has witnessed, Joseph sets out forge a new life in New York. But even there the past won't leave him alone --- for it seems that the murderer still lives and is killing again, and that the secret to his identity lies in Joseph's own history.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.

HOSTILE INTENT by Michael Walsh
It starts with the unthinkable --- the most horrific act of violence ever committed on American soil --- and only one man can stop them.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from HOSTILE INTENT.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

September 18, 2009

2009-09-18T21:38:00.002-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, September 18th.

Bookreporter.com Blog
The titles, authors and noteworthy items below were featured in Carol Fitzgerald’s latest Facebook Roundup blog:
WHERE MEN WIN GLORY by John Krakauer
THE LOST SYMBOL and THE DA VINCI CODE by Dan Brown
TRUE COMPASS by Edward Kennedy
The NAIBA Awards
Miami Book Fair
Bouchercon Mystery Fan Convention

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

KATE REMEMBERED by A. Scott Berg
THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown
SAY YOU'RE ONE OF THEM by Uwem Akpan
THE ELEGANCE OF THE HEDGEHOG by Muriel Barbery
DEEP END OF THE OCEAN by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Reviews and Excerpts
HOMER & LANGLEY by E.L. Doctorow (Fiction)
E.L. Doctorow has moved the tale of the eccentric Collyer brothers and their obsessive hoarding from the sideshow of American history to center stage. Strange as that story may be, he makes us feel privileged --- in an odd way perhaps --- to share it. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HOMER & LANGLEY.

NO TIME TO WAVE GOODBYE by Jacquelyn Mitchard (Fiction)
Jacquelyn Mitchard, the bestselling author of THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN, gives us a worthy sequel --- a nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat page-turner. Here, we find the Cappadora family riding an emotional roller coaster rivaling the horrendous disappearance of their son Ben 22 years ago. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NO TIME TO WAVE GOODBYE.

CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran (Historical Fiction)
The fateful tale of twins Selene and Alexander --- two of Marc Antony and Cleopatra’s children --- is brought brilliantly to life in CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER, a fascinating portrait of imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and most tumultuous period in human history. Reviewed by Melanie Smith and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER.

GOURMET RHAPSODY by Muriel Barbery (Fiction)
In the heart of Paris, in the posh building made famous in THE ELEGANCE OF THE HEDGEHOG, the greatest food critic in the world is dying. During his final hours, Monsieur Pierre Arthens is desperately searching for that singular flavor, that sublime something once sampled, never forgotten, the Flavor par excellence. Indeed, this flamboyant and self-absorbed man desires only one thing before he dies: one last taste. Reviewed by Eileen Zimmerman Nicol.

STITCHES: A Memoir, by David Small (Graphic Memoir)
The youngest of two children, David Small had problems with each of his family members, all of whom isolated themselves in some way and caused him some kind of turmoil. But it was his father who did the most lasting damage. The ongoing radiology treatments performed on Small --- done to “cure” him of sicknesses he faced --- perhaps caused the cancerous growth that had to be removed, along with one of his vocal cords, at the age of 14. Small recreates a life story that might have been imagined by Kafka. Reviewed by John Hogan.

THE DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL by Greg Iles (Thriller)
THE DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL is a high-caliber thriller taking place in the Deep South about one month after Hurricane Katrina. Penn Cage, the mayor of Natchez, Mississippi, is faced with the murder of an old classmate at the hands of an evil syndicate that runs the gambling riverboats along his stretch of the Mississippi River. These men hold the town in a death grip as they are also involved in several illegal enterprises and appear to be unstoppable. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

HEART OF THE ASSASSIN by Robert Ferrigno (Futuristic Thriller)
Time is running out for the Islamic Republic and the Bible Belt, the two warring nations that arose when the former United States split apart after an economic collapse left tens of millions unemployed and desperate for leadership. Weakened by their endless conflict, both countries are now threatened by the expansionist dreams of the Aztlán Empire (formerly known as Mexico) to the south. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

NEW WORLD MONKEYS by Nancy Mauro (Fiction)
Duncan and Lily flee Manhattan for the peaceful allure of a recently inherited crumbling Victorian home. But the two are left with little time to ponder the traditional "he said, she said" failings of a relationship. On an upstate road miles shy of their house, a wild boar leaps to his death in front of their Saab --- an accident whose consequences will haunt them throughout the summer. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy.

THE SARI SHOP WIDOW by Shobhan Bantwal (Fiction)
Anjalie Kapadia's sari shop in Little India, Silk & Sapphires, is her life. But when financial difficulties threaten her livelihood, she has to decide whether or not she can trust the sexy and dashing Rishi Shah with her business as well as her heart. Reviewed by Amie Taylor.

HELL by Robert Olen Butler (Fiction)
Robert Olen Butler’s portrait of Hell is wise and humane, more than a little sarcastic, and entirely new. Beneath all the carnivalesque satire of this novel lie core questions of redemption and individual responsibility. Admittedly an uneven and sometimes clumsy narrative, HELL points the way to what makes us human. Reviewed by Max Falkowitz.

OF BEES AND MIST by Erick Setiawan (Fiction)
Raised in a sepulchral house where ghosts dwell in mirrors, Meridia grows up lonely and miserable. But at age 16, she has a chance at happiness when she falls in love with Daniel, a caring and naive young man. Soon they marry, and Meridia can finally escape to live with her husband's family, unaware that they harbor dark secrets of their own. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

RED TO BLACK by Alex Dryden (Thriller)
At the dawn of the new millennium, Finn, an MI6 spy, and Anna, a colonel in the KGB, have been ordered to gather intelligence on each other. Instead they find a love that becomes the only truth they can trust. A source deep within the Kremlin tells Finn of a plan, hatched in the depths of the Cold War, to dismantle the Soviet communist state and replace it with a new imperium within Russia: a plan to control the whole of Europe. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

RESURRECTION: The Miracle Season That Saved Notre Dame Football, by Jim Dent (Sports)
As the 2009 college football season gets underway, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are once again seeking admission back into the top echelon of college football programs. In 1964, after nearly a decade of football failure, the Irish were in similar dire straits. Ara Parseghian became their savior that season and led them back to college football prominence. RESURRECTION is the stirring saga of that season, which even Notre Dame haters will find an engrossing piece of football history. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

THE WILD MARSH: Four Seasons at Home in Montana, by Rick Bass (Memoir)
THE WILD MARSH begins with Rick Bass’s family settling in for the long Montana winter, and captures all the subtle harbingers of change that mark each passing month --- the initial cruel teasing of spring, the splendor and fecundity of summer, and the bittersweet memories evoked by fall. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

Author Interviews
David Small
Having made a name for himself writing and illustrating children's books for nearly three decades, award-winning author David Small recently turned his attention to more serious and personal matters, penning STITCHES, a memoir in graphic novel form that chronicles his childhood in an abusive and emotionally absent household. In this interview with John Hogan, the Editorial Director for GraphicNovelReporter.com, Small talks about what prompted this departure from his usual fare, and recalls both the traumatic and thrilling experiences of reliving such a painful period in his life. He also explains what he has since learned about his family that perhaps provides some insight into their behavior, and shares how his upbringing helped shape him into the artist he is today.

Michelle Moran
Michelle Moran is the bestselling author of three works of historical fiction --- NEFERTITI, THE HERETIC'S QUEEN and the newly released CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER --- each of which is centered on legendary princesses of ancient Egypt. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Melanie Smith, Moran recalls the college experience that sparked her interest in this particular time and setting, and recounts the moments of inspiration that prompted her to write each of her books. She also provides some background information on her characters, shares what she hopes readers will take away from her work, and reveals which historical era she will focus on in her next novel.

Features
THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown (Thriller)
In this stunning follow-up to the global phenomenon THE DA VINCI CODE, Dan Brown demonstrates once again why he is the world's most popular thriller writer. THE LOST SYMBOL is a masterstroke of storytelling --- a deadly race through a real-world labyrinth of codes, secrets and unseen truths…all under the watchful eye of Brown's most terrifying villain to date. Set within the hidden chambers, tunnels and temples of Washington, D.C., THE LOST SYMBOL accelerates through a startling landscape toward an unthinkable finale.

Check back Friday, September 25th for our review of THE LOST SYMBOL.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LOST SYMBOL.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
13 1⁄2 by Nevada Barr
With 13 1/2, Nevada Barr, New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Anna Pigeon novels, has written a taut and terrifying psychological thriller. It carries the reader from the horrifying 1970s murder spree of a child --- dubbed “Butcher Boy” by a shocked public --- in Rochester, Minnesota, to Polly, the abused daughter of Mississippi “trailer trash,” to post-Katrina New Orleans. Bestselling Jeffery Deaver raves that 13 1⁄2 "is a hands-down winner!”
- Click here to read a second excerpt from 13 ½

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R.J. Ellory
Growing up in rural Georgia during the 1940s, Joseph Vaughan finds himself at the center of series of mutilations and killings of young girls. Just a teenager, Joseph becomes determined to protect his community from the killer, but is powerless to prevent more murders --- and no one is ever caught. Ten years later one of his neighbors is found hanging from a rope, surrounded by articles from the dead girls; the killings cease, and the nightmare appears to be over. Desperate and plagued everything he has witnessed, Joseph sets out forge a new life in New York. But even there the past won't leave him alone --- for it seems that the murderer still lives and is killing again, and that the secret to his identity lies in Joseph's own history.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.

HOSTILE INTENT by Michael Walsh
It starts with the unthinkable --- the most horrific act of violence ever committed on American soil --- and only one man can stop them.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from HOSTILE INTENT.

CRUSH by Alan Jacobson
Fresh off the most challenging case of her career, THE 7th VICTIM heroine and renowned FBI profiler Karen Vail returns in an explosive thriller set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. Meticulously researched during years of work with the FBI profiling unit and extensive interviews with wine industry professionals, bestselling author Alan Jacobson delivers a high-velocity thriller featuring the kind of edge of-your-seat ending that inspired Nelson DeMille to call him “a hell of a writer.”
- Click here to read a third excerpt from CRUSH.

VANISHED by Joseph Finder
Nick Heller is tough, smart, and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator --- exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden.

When Nick’s brother disappears without a trace --- and Nick’s favorite nephew pleads for his help --- Nick’s search sets him on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world --- and they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
- Click here to read additional Advanced Reader Comments on VANISHED.

Romantic Suspense Author Spotlight
SILENT KILLER by Beverly Barton
To most people, men like Mark Cantrell are fine, upstanding pillars of the community, completely beyond reproach…but their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from SILENT KILLER.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

September 11, 2009

2009-09-11T21:00:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, September 11th.

Bookreporter.com Blog
The titles below were featured in Carol Fitzgerald's latest blog on Summer Vacation reading:
SMASH CUT by Sandra Brown
GONE TOMORROW by Lee Child
31 HOURS by Masha Hamilton
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Steig Larsson and Reg Keeland
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stieg Larsson and Reg Keeland
THE GAME-ON! DIET by Krista Vernoff and Az Ferguson
THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks
A WALK TO REMEMBER by Nicholas Sparks
RAINWATER by Sandra Brown
THE COLOR OF WATER by James McBride
The Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace and Lois Lenski
STILL MISSING by Chevy Stevens
EVIL AT HEART by Chelsea Cain

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

CAT’S CRADLE by Kurt Vonnegut
THE SILVER PALATE COOKBOOK by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso
THE HUNGRY OCEAN by Linda Greenlaw
THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown
TRUE COMPASS by Edward Kennedy

Reviews and Excerpts
UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY by Shandi Mitchell (Fiction)
Building to an unforgettable climax, this is the story of a 1930s immigrant family trying to survive the harsh Canadian prairies, where small and innocent acts have enormous and catastrophic consequences. From a passionate new voice in the world of literary fiction, UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY is a tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit told with great sensitivity and cinematic aplomb. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY.

THE GUINEA PIG DIARIES: My Life as an Experiment, by A.J. Jacobs (Humor)
For his first book, THE KNOW-IT-ALL, A.J. Jacobs read the entire Encyclopædia Britannica from cover to cover in a quest to learn everything in the world. In THE YEAR OF LIVING BIBLICALLY, he followed every single rule of the Bible. Now comes a collection of his most hilarious and thought-provoking experiments yet. In his role as human guinea pig, Jacobs fearlessly takes on a series of life-altering challenges that provides readers with equal parts insight and humor. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE GUINEA PIG DIARIES

EVIL AT HEART by Chelsea Cain (Thriller)
Serial killer Gretchen Lowell is on the loose and Archie is hospitalized after his ploy to catch her went spectacularly wrong. They've entered a detente of sorts --- Archie agrees not to kill himself if she agrees not to kill anyone else. But suddenly there's something else to contend with --- a copycat, killing people as an homage to the Beauty Killer herself. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from EVIL AT HEART.

THE PROMISED WORLD by Lisa Tucker (Fiction)
Lisa Tucker, the bestselling author of THE CURE FOR MODERN LIFE and ONCE UPON A DAY, has penned a riveting story of suspense about a literature professor whose carefully constructed life is shattered after the death of her twin brother and the unraveling of the secret world they shared. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE PROMISED WORLD.

HEAVEN’S KEEP by William Kent Krueger (Mystery)
When a charter plane carrying Cork O'Connor's wife, Jo, goes missing in a snowstorm over the Wyoming Rockies, Cork must accept the terrible truth that his wife is gone forever. But is she? In HEAVEN’S KEEP, celebrated author William Kent Krueger puts his intrepid hero through the most harrowing mission of his life. Reviewed by Roz Shea and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HEAVEN’S KEEP.

THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks (Fiction)
At first, 17-year-old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller is angry when her mother forces her to spend time with her father in his North Carolina beach bungalow. But as the summer wears on, she discovers nuances and truths in both romantic and family love. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE WHITE QUEEN by Philippa Gregory (Historical Fiction)
Here’s a shocker: There’s a queen on board in Philippa Gregory’s new book, but she isn’t married to, divorced from, or beheaded by Henry VIII. The novel takes place during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses and features one of Gregory’s signature heroines: strong, drop-dead gorgeous, inclined toward spells and curses, and shockingly good at plotting. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman.

A GATE AT THE STAIRS by Lorrie Moore (Fiction)
Pulsing with intelligence and lacerating humor and showcasing Lorrie Moore’s uncanny ability to capture the free-floating anxiety that undoubtedly qualifies as the psychic disorder of our age, A GATE AT THE STAIRS is a tightly focused snapshot of our unsettled world. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.

THE SPIRE by Richard North Patterson (Mystery/Psychological Suspense)
Richard North Patterson’s latest effort is a razor-sharp thriller and murder mystery combined with an undercurrent of budding romance amongst complex characters and situations. Former Caldwell College football hero Mark Darrow returns after a few decades to take over the role of college president and finds himself in the midst of an embezzlement scandal and a decades-old murder mystery that hits close to home. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

31 HOURS by Masha Hamilton (Thriller)
Jonas Meitzner is isolated in a safe-house apartment near the Brooklyn Bridge and on a devastatingly confused path toward violence. His parents and his girlfriend have just 31 hours to reach him. Jonas’s absence from the lives of those who love him causes a cascade of events, and as the novel moves through the streets and subways of New York we come to know intimately the lives of its characters. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey (Thriller)
In just three novels, Marcus Sakey has staked a claim as "an astoundingly good writer" (San Jose Mercury News), one whose believable characters --- always ordinary people --- face excruciating situations with life-or-death consequences. THE AMATEURS asks a chilling question: Do you get what you deserve, or what you take? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE SILENT HOUR: A Lincoln Perry Mystery, by Michael Koryta (Mystery)
Fresh off the critical acclaim of his Los Angeles Times Book Prize-nominated ENVY THE NIGHT, Michael Koryta returns with a blistering new installment in the Lincoln Perry series. Once again he has crafted an intricate, lightning-paced thriller, ratcheting up the tension as he explores just how dangerous the offer of a second chance can be. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

L.A. NOIR: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City, by John Buntin (History)
The history of 20th-century Los Angeles is told here through the duel biographies of LAPD Chief William Parker and mobster Mickey Cohen. This is the story we have only glimpsed through movies, television shows and crime novels over the years. It is also a sobering account of America’s racial divide. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

GIRL IN A BLUE DRESS: A Novel Inspired by the Life and Marriage of Charles Dickens, by Gaynor Arnold (Fiction)
First-time novelist Gaynor Arnold brilliantly reimagines the life and times of Charles Dickens in GIRL IN A BLUE DRESS, a novel whose well-crafted protagonist may ensure that readers never read Dickens quite the same way again. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

Author Interviews
A. J. Jacobs
Always in search of a new challenge, A.J. Jacobs --- author of the New York Times bestsellers THE KNOW-IT-ALL and THE YEAR OF LIVING BIBLICALLY --- looked to "understand the mysteries of modern life" in his newest work of nonfiction, THE GUINEA PIG DIARIES. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Ron Kaplan, Jacobs talks about what inspired this latest endeavor and explains how such activities as posing in the nude, pretending to be a celebrity while crashing the Academy Awards, practicing radical honesty and outsourcing his everyday tasks to a team in India changed his outlook on life. He also likens his experiences of returning to his normal self to cult deprogramming, gives insight into how his wife deals with his extreme behavior, and shares details about his next project, a quest to become the healthiest person alive.

Shandi Mitchell
Shandi Mitchell's debut novel, UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY, is the result of a project decades in the making, inspired by a tragic event in her family's history. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Bronwyn Miller, Mitchell --- an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter --- discusses the book's origins as a screenplay and explains how it eventually evolved into a work of prose. She also sheds light on some of the complexities of her characters, describes how her childhood surroundings in the Canadian prairies have impacted her both personally and professionally, and muses on how her story might continue after the book concludes.

Author Talk
Philippa Gregory
Having made a name for herself writing historical fiction about strong and often misrepresented women, Philippa Gregory turns her attention to Elizabeth Woodville in her latest novel, THE WHITE QUEEN. In this interview, Gregory explains what initially drew her to the enigmatic wife of King Edward IV and why she chose to focus her work on a royal family already heavily documented in military history. She also discusses her own forays into studying the various battles of the period, speculates on the mysterious fates of Elizabeth's two sons who were locked in the Tower of London, and shares what readers can look forward to in future installments of the series.

New in Paperback
September’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE ASSOCIATE, a page-turning legal thriller from John Grisham about a young lawyer who faces extortion, murder and industrial espionage; JUST AFTER SUNSET, Stephen King’s first short story collection since EVERYTHING’S EVENTUAL, containing 13 gripping tales; THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE, David Wroblewski’s extraordinary debut about a boy who finds his once-peaceful home engulfed in turmoil; THE GIVEN DAY, Dennis Lehane's long-awaited eighth novel, which captures the political and social unrest of a nation caught at the crossroads between past and future at the end of the First World War; AN OUTRAGEOUS AFFAIR by Penny Vincenzi, an absorbing tale of Hollywood scandal, English aristocracy and (of course) some outrageous affairs; and HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE, Michael Greenberg’s powerful memoir in which he retells his teenage daughter’s first psychotic break and its immediate aftermath.

Books into Movies
This month’s Books into Movies Feature includes:
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
The Informant!
Brief Interviews With Hideous Men
Coco Before Chanel

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
13 1⁄2 by Nevada Barr
With 13 1/2, Nevada Barr, New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Anna Pigeon novels, has written a taut and terrifying psychological thriller. It carries the reader from the horrifying 1970s murder spree of a child --- dubbed “Butcher Boy” by a shocked public --- in Rochester, Minnesota, to Polly, the abused daughter of Mississippi “trailer trash,” to post-Katrina New Orleans. Bestselling Jeffery Deaver raves that 13 1⁄2 "is a hands-down winner!”
- Click here to read an excerpt from 13 1/2.

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R.J. Ellory
Growing up in rural Georgia during the 1940s, Joseph Vaughan finds himself at the center of series of mutilations and killings of young girls. Just a teenager, Joseph becomes determined to protect his community from the killer, but is powerless to prevent more murders --- and no one is ever caught. Ten years later one of his neighbors is found hanging from a rope, surrounded by articles from the dead girls; the killings cease, and the nightmare appears to be over. Desperate and plagued everything he has witnessed, Joseph sets out forge a new life in New York. But even there the past won't leave him alone --- for it seems that the murderer still lives and is killing again, and that the secret to his identity lies in Joseph's own history.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.

HOSTILE INTENT by Michael Walsh
It starts with the unthinkable --- the most horrific act of violence ever committed on American soil --- and only one man can stop them.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HOSTILE INTENT.

CRUSH by Alan Jacobson
Fresh off the most challenging case of her career, THE 7th VICTIM heroine and renowned FBI profiler Karen Vail returns in an explosive thriller set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. Meticulously researched during years of work with the FBI profiling unit and extensive interviews with wine industry professionals, bestselling author Alan Jacobson delivers a high-velocity thriller featuring the kind of edge of-your-seat ending that inspired Nelson DeMille to call him “a hell of a writer.”
- Click here to read a second excerpt from CRUSH.

VANISHED by Joseph Finder
Nick Heller is tough, smart, and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator --- exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden.

When Nick’s brother disappears without a trace --- and Nick’s favorite nephew pleads for his help --- Nick’s search sets him on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world --- and they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
- Click here to read Advanced Reader Comments on VANISHED.

CORNERED by Brandon Massey
Corey’s living the American dream; he’s a happily married father and successful Atlanta businessman, until he runs into a friend he hasn't seen in over fifteen years, Leon Sharpe. Leon’s charismatic, fiercely intelligent... and a ruthless psychopath. Leon stirs up long-buried memories for Corey, and he’s certain Leon hasn't changed. But Leon’s in bigger trouble than Corey imagined: he's on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, and has been on the run from the law for the past three years.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments on CORNERED.

Romantic Suspense Author Spotlight
SILENT KILLER by Beverly Barton
To most people, men like Mark Cantrell are fine, upstanding pillars of the community, completely beyond reproach…but their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell.
- Click here to read the second excerpt from SILENT KILLER.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

August 28, 2009

2009-08-28T21:00:00.008-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, August 28th.

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

TAKING WOODSTOCK: The Shooting Script by James Schamus
EVIL AT HEART by Chelsea Cain
HEAVEN'S KEEP by William Kent Krueger
THE PROMISED WORLD by Lisa Tucker
SPARTAN GOLD: A Fargo Adventur e by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood
THE SPIRE by Richard North Patterson
CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

Reviews and Excerpts
CORNERED by Brandon Massey (Thriller)
Corey Webb is living the American dream; he’s a happily married father and successful Atlanta businessman, until he runs into a friend he hasn't seen in over 15 years, Leon Sharpe. Leon is charismatic, fiercely intelligent...and a ruthless psychopath. When Corey refuses to share the wealth, Leon kidnaps Corey's wife and hearing-impaired daughter for ransom. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from CORNERED.

206 BONES by Kathy Reichs (Thriller)
At the start of her 12th novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, bestselling author Kathy Reichs’s protagonist finds herself bound and injured in an underground tomb. In flashbacks, Reichs fills in how and why Tempe got herself into this deadly predicament. Reviewed by Ray Palen and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from 206 BONES.

THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE by Heather Gudenkauf (Fiction)
It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn’s shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night. Masterfully written and beautifully told, Heather Gudenkauf’s debut is a stunning novel of family devotion, honesty and regret that will linger long after the last page is turned. Reviewed by Lourdes Orive and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE.
- Click here to read Heather Gudenkauf’s ReadingGroupGuides.com blog post, “Nature and Novels.”

A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, by Dean Koontz (Memoir)
Dean Koontz thought he had everything he needed, both in his professional and personal lives. Then along came Trixie. Koontz had always wanted a dog and had even written several books in which dogs were featured. But not until Trixie was he truly open to the change that such a beautiful creature could bring about in him. Reviewed by Roz Shea.

BLINDMAN'S BLUFF: A Decker and Lazarus Novel, by Faye Kellerman (Mystery)
Someone has broken into the exclusive Coyote Ranch compound of billionaire developer Guy Kaffey and viciously gunned him down, along with his wife and four employees. LAPD homicide detective Peter Decker and his wife, Rina Lazarus, must solve this brutal multiple murder, which will have repercussions for their own lives. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE LAW OF NINES by Terry Goodkind (Thriller)
Alex saves a beautiful woman from being run over by a truck. She vanishes from his life but mysteriously shows up again, insisting that he can save her world from doom. His mother, locked away in a mental institution, insists that people watch her through mirrors, and his grandfather warns that trouble will find him. And they're all right. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

STRENGTH IN WHAT REMAINS: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness, by Tracy Kidder (Biography)
The latest work from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tracy Kidder is a stirring account of one man’s remarkable flight from terror in his homeland of Burundi to the United States and then back home to confront the burdens of memory and forgiveness. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.

EVEN MONEY by Dick Francis and Felix Francis (Mystery)
Bookmakers beware: Dick Francis and Felix Francis are providing lots of inside information about your operations. There is even a chart of bookmakers’ odds as used on British racecourses. This dynamic writing team has hit the big money yet again with EVEN MONEY, their new quick-paced read. Reviewed by Marge Fletcher.

HELL’S GATE by Stephen Frey (Thriller)
When 35-year-old lawyer Hunter Lee decides to turn his back on the New York City rat race that has made him rich but cost him his marriage, he takes his brother's advice and sets out to build a new life in the beautiful but isolated town of Fort Mason, Montana. However, escape is hardly what he finds there. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

NEW TRICKS by David Rosenfelt (Mystery)
Andy Carpenter, lawyer to the dogs, finds himself with yet another canine client in David Rosenfelt’s seventh episode of this enjoyable courtroom series starring the dog-loving attorney. A wise-cracking, irreverent legal wizard who can afford to pick and choose his cases can be a match for any prosecutor and judge. Andy is clearly that, as he battles to defend Steven Timmerman, charged with the murder of his father and stepmother. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

AFTER YOU by Julie Buxbaum (Fiction)
Julie Buxbaum gives us this mesmerizing tale of love, healing and forgiveness. Ellie Lerner’s best friend was murdered as she walked her daughter to school. Now Ellie is trying to pick up the pieces and make everyone’s lives better. But at the cost of her own? Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

THE WILDERNESS WARRIOR: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, by Douglas Brinkley (History)
Fresh from his triumph with THE GREAT DELUGE, a brilliant account of Hurricane Katrina, Douglas Brinkley has now tackled a human hurricane --- Theodore Roosevelt, that rampant bundle of energy and enthusiasm who served as U.S. President just over a century ago. Reviewed by Robert Finn.

A DUTY TO THE DEAD: A Bess Crawford Mystery, by Charles Todd (Mystery)
The mother-son team that comprises author Charles Todd has released the first book in a new series featuring WWI British nurse Bess Crawford. Bess delivers a dying soldier’s last wish to his family only to find herself in the middle of a dark and deadly mystery that the family has kept hidden for years. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

BREATHING WATER: A Bangkok Thriller, by Timothy Hallinan (Thriller)
For American ex-pat writer Poke Rafferty, a late-night poker game delivers an unexpected prize: an "opportunity" to write the biography of Khun Pan, a flamboyant, vulgar, self-made billionaire with a criminal past and far-reaching political ambitions. The win seems like a stroke of luck, but as with so many things in Bangkok, the allure of appearances masks something much darker. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE LOCUST AND THE BIRD: My Mother’s Story, by Hanan Al-Shaykh (Memoir)
Enter 1930s Beruit to witness a young girl obsessed with the cinema who has a cinematic tale of her own --- one of poverty, an arranged marriage, and a secret lover --- breathtakingly told by the daughter she left behind. Reviewed by Shannon Luders-Manuel.

Author Interview
Brandon Massey
Brandon Massey is the author of 11 books, which range in genre from short stories and suspense thrillers to horror and supernatural fiction. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Massey discusses what separates his latest thriller, CORNERED, from his previous efforts and elaborates on one of the recurring themes of his work. He also explains why he chose to return to his "day" job, names his personal and professional influences, and reveals the most difficult aspect of his writing process.

Author Talk
Heather Gudenkauf
In this interview, Heather Gudenkauf explains how her years teaching elementary school inspired her to write her debut novel, THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE, and shares what she hoped to convey in this profound story about two children who mysteriously disappear from their small Iowa town. She also describes her unique writing process, lists some of her favorite writers, and shares details about her current project, tentatively called THE FOUNDLING WHEEL.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
13 ½ by Nevada Barr
With 13 1/2, Nevada Barr, New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Anna Pigeon novels, has written a taut and terrifying psychological thriller. It carries the reader from the horrifying 1970s murder spree of a child --- dubbed “Butcher Boy” by a shocked public --- in Rochester, Minnesota, to Polly, the abused daughter of Mississippi “trailer trash,” to post-Katrina New Orleans. Bestselling Jeffery Deaver raves that 13 1⁄2 "is a hands-down winner!”
- Click here to read Nevada Barr’s bio.
- Click here to read Nevada Barr’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about 13 1/2.

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R.J. Ellory
Growing up in rural Georgia during the 1940s, Joseph Vaughan finds himself at the center of series of mutilations and killings of young girls. Just a teenager, Joseph becomes determined to protect his community from the killer, but is powerless to prevent more murders --- and no one is ever caught. Ten years later one of his neighbors is found hanging from a rope, surrounded by articles from the dead girls; the killings cease, and the nightmare appears to be over. Desperate and plagued everything he has witnessed, Joseph sets out forge a new life in New York. But even there the past won't leave him alone --- for it seems that the murderer still lives and is killing again, and that the secret to his identity lies in Joseph's own history.
- Click here to read R. J. Ellory’s bio.
- Click here to read more about A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS.

HOSTILE INTENT by Michael Walsh
It starts with the unthinkable --- the most horrific act of violence ever committed on American soil --- and only one man can stop them.
- Click here to read Michael Walsh’s bio.
- Click here to read Michael Walsh’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about HOSTILE INTENT.

CRUSH by Alan Jacobson
Fresh off the most challenging case of her career, THE 7th VICTIM heroine and renowned FBI profiler Karen Vail returns in an explosive thriller set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. Meticulously researched during years of work with the FBI profiling unit and extensive interviews with wine industry professionals, bestselling author Alan Jacobson delivers a high-velocity thriller featuring the kind of edge of-your-seat ending that inspired Nelson DeMille to call him “a hell of a writer.”
- Click here to read an excerpt from CRUSH.

NO MERCY by John Gilstrap
Deep inside the dangerous world of rescue operations, one anonymous hero pays no ransom, takes no prisoners and breaks every rule. Meet Jonathan Grave. No names. No feds. No trace evidence. That’s how Jonathan Grave operates. As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, he has to work outside the law to get things done --- especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan’s meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood --- and they’re not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret...someone rich and powerful...someone willing to capture, torture and kill anyone to get it. Even the people Jonathan loves most.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for NO MERCY.

Romantic Suspense Author Spotlight
SILENT KILLER by Beverly Barton
To most people, men like Mark Cantrell are fine, upstanding pillars of the community, completely beyond reproach…but their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell.
- Click here to read the first excerpt from SILENT KILLER.

One to Watch Author Spotlight
UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY by Shandi Mitchell
Building to an unforgettable climax, this is the story of a 1930’s immigrant family trying to survive the harsh Canadian prairies, where small and innocent acts have enormous and catastrophic consequences. From a passionate new voice in the world of literary fiction, UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY is a tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit told with great sensitivity and cinematic aplomb.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

August 21, 2009

2009-08-21T23:04:00.001-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, August 21st.

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

OXYGEN by Carol Cassella
PRIME TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan
FACE TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan
AIR TIME by Hank Phillippi Ryan
DYING FOR MERCY by Mary Jane Clark
PARANOIA by Joseph Finder
THE 7TH VICTIM by Alan Jacobson
LOVING A LOST LORD by Mary Jo Putney
LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan
THE WOMEN by T. C. Boyle

Reviews and Excerpts
VANISHED by Joseph Finder (Thriller)
Nick Heller is tough, smart and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator, exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden. When Nick’s brother disappears without a trace --- and Nick’s favorite nephew pleads for his help --- Nick’s search sets him on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world. And they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of VANISHED.

INHERENT VICE by Thomas Pynchon (Fiction)
It’s been a while since private eye Doc Sportello has seen his ex-girlfriend. Suddenly out of nowhere she shows up with a story about a plot to kidnap a billionaire land developer with whom she just happens to be in love. Doc soon finds himself drawn into a bizarre tangle of motives and passions, in Thomas Pynchon’s new novel set at the tail end of the psychedelic ’60s in L.A. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

A PLAGUE OF SECRETS by John Lescroart (Legal Thriller)
As two men fall victim to murder, prosecutors close in on Maya Townshend, the beautiful socialite niece of the city’s mayor. Maya has a secret she needs to protect at all costs during her very public trial, where not only her future but the entire political landscape of San Francisco hangs in the balance, hostage to an explosive secret that Dismas Hardy is privilege-bound to protect. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SOUL OF A DOG: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm, by Jon Katz (Memoir)
Do animals have souls? Some of our greatest thinkers --- Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas --- and countless animal lovers have been obsessed with this question for thousands of years. Now New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz looks for an answer and finds even more questions as he recounts the lives and stories of the residents of his celebrated Bedlam Farm. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

RED, WHITE & DEAD: An Izzy McNeil Novel, by Laura Caldwell (Mystery)
In the final installment of Laura Caldwell’s outstanding summer trilogy, Izzy McNeil is moonlighting as a private investigator and hot on the trail of one of Chicago's most notorious gangsters. When an unexpected run-in blows Izzy's cover, she is swept into an evil underworld where she definitely is not safe. That is until Izzy receives help from an unlikely source. Now she is racing from Chicago to Rome, all the while battling personal demons, Mafiosi killers and red hot emergency desires. Reviewed by Hillary Wagy.

DUNE ROAD by Jane Green (Fiction)
The heroine of DUNE ROAD is a single mom who works for a famous --- and famously reclusive --- novelist. When she stumbles on a secret that the great man has kept hidden for years, she knows that there are plenty of women in town who would love to get their hands on it --- including some who fancy the writer for themselves. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

ABANDON by Blake Crouch (Thriller)
On Christmas Day in 1893, every man, woman and child in a remote gold mining town disappeared, belongings forsaken, meals left to freeze in vacant cabins. And not a single bone was ever found. One hundred thirteen years later, two backcountry guides are hired by a history professor and his journalist daughter to lead them into the abandoned mining town so that they can learn what happened. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SWIMMING by Nicola Keegan (Fiction)
SWIMMING is the story of Pip’s journey from a small Midwestern swim team to her first state meet, her brutal professional training, and the final, record-breaking swims that lead to her dizzying ascent to the Olympic podium in Barcelona. It’s the story of a girl who discovers --- in the loneliness of adolescence, in the family tragedies that threaten to engulf her --- the resilience of the human spirit and the spectacular power of her own body. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.

TO HEAVEN BY WATER by Justin Cartwright (Fiction)
As he moves toward old age, David Cross loses his wife, Nancy, to illness, and retires from his job as a prominent television news anchor. As David’s son Ed and his dancer wife Rosalie struggle to conceive a child, and David’s daughter Lucy seeks refuge from a chaotic ex-boyfriend, all of them are now forced to face their lives without the woman who was the center of the family. Reviewed by Alexis Burling.

NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL: A Memoir, by Carlene Bauer (Memoir)
Carlene Bauer discovers God at age seven, and she spends the rest of her life trying to reconcile her faith with unwavering doubt and an equally unwavering attachment to literary romantic heroines. Which will win --- her quest for piousness and unworldliness, or her quest to live a carefree and literary life in New York City? Reviewed by Shannon Luders-Manuel.

BURY ME DEEP by Megan Abbott (Mystery)
Edgar Award-winning novelist Megan Abbott revisits and re-imagines one of the most sensational true crime stories of the 20th century in BURY ME DEEP. In October 1931 a railroad station agent in Los Angeles opened two abandoned steamer trunks. Their grisly contents pointed law enforcement in the direction of a young woman. But was she really responsible? Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

MONSTER HUNTER INTERNATIONAL by Larry Correia (Science Fiction/Horror)
Owen Pitt has killed his boss by shoving him out an office window. That might seem like a bad thing until you hear that the victim was a werewolf. Whether you know it or not, monsters exist. They are everywhere. And one group thrives on the obligation to serve and protect while remaining in the shadows: Monster Hunter International. And Owen is their new recruit. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

Author Interviews
Joseph Finder
New York Times bestselling author Joseph Finder's latest novel, VANISHED, introduces readers to Nick Heller, a Special Forces-trained intelligence investigator commissioned by his 14-year-old nephew to find and rescue his estranged brother. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Finder discusses what sets his protagonist apart from those of his previous works and explains how his interest in family dynamics fueled the plot of this story. He also shares details on the book's companion comic, contemplates the future of communications technology, and reveals how he avoids giving in to distraction while writing.

Author Talk
Laura Caldwell
Laura Caldwell is the acclaimed author of such novels as BURNING THE MAP, A CLEAN SLATE and THE ROME AFFAIR. Her latest offering is a trilogy of thrillers --- RED HOT LIES, RED BLOODED MURDER and RED, WHITE & DEAD --- that released this summer in successive months, featuring entertainment lawyer Izzy McNeil. In this interview, Caldwell compares her own personality traits to that of her protagonist, and weighs the pros and cons of releasing the second and third installments so quickly after the first. She also explains why she had trouble publishing her first novel and shares some of the famous Chicago landmarks where events in the books take place.

Romantic Suspense Author Spotlight
SILENT KILLER by Beverly Barton
To most people, men like Mark Cantrell are fine, upstanding pillars of the community, completely beyond reproach…but their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell.
- Click here to read Beverly Barton’s bio.
- Click here to read more about SILENT KILLER.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
CRUSH by Alan Jacobson
Fresh off the most challenging case of her career, THE 7th VICTIM heroine and renowned FBI profiler Karen Vail returns in an explosive thriller set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. Meticulously researched during years of work with the FBI profiling unit and extensive interviews with wine industry professionals, bestselling author Alan Jacobson delivers a high-velocity thriller featuring the kind of edge of-your-seat ending that inspired Nelson DeMille to call him “a hell of a writer.”
- Click here to read Alan Jacobson’s bio.
- Click here to read more about CRUSH.

CORNERED by Brandon Massey
Corey’s living the American dream; he’s a happily married father and successful Atlanta businessman, until he runs into a friend he hasn't seen in over fifteen years, Leon Sharpe. Leon’s charismatic, fiercely intelligent... and a ruthless psychopath. Leon stirs up long-buried memories for Corey, and he’s certain Leon hasn't changed. But Leon’s in bigger trouble than Corey imagined: he's on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, and has been on the run from the law for the past three years.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from CORNERED.

FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay
Your daughter doesn’t come home from her summer job. You go there looking for her. No one’s seen here --- no one’s ever seen her. So where has she been going every day? And where is she now?

In Linwood Barclay’s riveting new thriller, an ordinary man’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation and murder. Sometimes the people you think you know best are the ones harboring the biggest secrets.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for FEAR THE WORST.

One to Watch Author Spotlight
UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY by Shandi Mitchell
Building to an unforgettable climax, this is the story of a 1930’s immigrant family trying to survive the harsh Canadian prairies, where small and innocent acts have enormous and catastrophic consequences. From a passionate new voice in the world of literary fiction, UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY is a tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit told with great sensitivity and cinematic aplomb.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

August 14, 2009

2009-08-14T22:32:00.000-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, August 14th.

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU by Jonathan Tropper
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Stieg Larsson

Reviews and Excerpts
FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay (Thriller)
In Linwood Barclay's riveting new thriller, an ordinary man's desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation and murder. Sometimes the people you think you know best are the ones harboring the biggest secrets. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from FEAR THE WORST.

RHINO RANCH by Larry McMurtry (Fiction)
Larry McMurtry has chronicled the life of Duane Moore in five books over five decades. RHINO RANCH marks the conclusion of this iconic saga. Readers can have one final visit with Moore and the inhabitants of Thalia, Texas, in a humorous and often touching novel that reminds us all that our human frailties are bountiful. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RHINO RANCH.

THE MAGICIANS by Lev Grossman (Fantasy)
In THE MAGICIANS, a cadre of young wizards --- and the fantasy genre itself --- learn to live in the real world. This fabulously rendered novel manages to completely ensnare readers by their escapist tendencies, then show how our dreams of happiness and magic never quite live up to the real thing. Reviewed by Max Falkowitz and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE MAGICIANS.

THE TRAFFICKERS: A Badge of Honor Novel, by W. E. B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV (Thriller)
Homicide Sergeant Matthew Payne is used to murder, but lately there’s been an awful lot of it in Philadelphia. A gangland shooting in a popular tourist location has left six dead, most of them innocent bystanders, and days later the body of a headless Latina turns up in the Schuykill River. Everybody assumes they’re not related, but Payne can’t shake the hunch that there’s something more to it. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

THE BRIDE’S FAREWELL by Meg Rosoff (Fiction)
Continuing to redefine the boundaries between fiction for adults and teens, Meg Rosoff --- author of the internationally bestselling novel HOW I LIVE NOW --- goes back in time to explore one young woman’s attempts to find her place in an unfriendly world. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

RAVENS by George Dawes Green (Psychological Suspense)
When Shaw and Romeo pull up at a convenience store in Georgia, their only thought is to fix a leaky tire and be on their way again to Florida. But this happens to be the store from which a $318-million Jackpot ticket has just been sold. When a clerk accidentally reveals to Shaw the identity of the winning family, he hatches a ferociously audacious scheme: He and Romeo will squeeze the family for half their prize. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE BIRTHING HOUSE by Christopher Ransom (Paranormal Thriller)
A man and his wife hope for a fresh start, but their new house at 818 Heritage is not the kind of place to let its owners be at peace. In fact, it has all sorts of nasty surprises in store for the Harrisons. The previous residents escaped with their lives --- mostly --- but will the new folks have the same luck? Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

ONCE ON A MOONLESS NIGHT by Dai Sijie (Fiction)
Some books are easy to describe. You start at the beginning, discuss the plot, main characters and conflict, and avoid revealing any major surprises to would-be readers. But ONCE ON A MOONLESS NIGHT, the latest from BALZAC AND THE LITTLE CHINESE SEAMSTRESS author Dai Sijie, is not so easy to write about. With shifting points of view, a barely linear progression of action, and stories within stories, this novel is complex and highly literary. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

MIND SCRAMBLER: A John Ceepak Mystery, by Chris Grabenstein (Mystery)
John Ceepak and Danny Boyle are making the rounds in Atlantic City when Danny runs into his former crush, Katie. She’s working for a magician named Rock, and her life seems to be in better order than Boyle could have hoped for. But Ceepak and Boyle soon find themselves on another case when Katie is found strangled to death. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

WHERE THE DEAD LAY by David Levien (Thriller)
After the sudden disappearance of two high-priced detectives, former Indianapolis cop Frank Behr --- the brooding private investigator introduced in David Levien’s nationally acclaimed novel CITY OF THE SUN --- is pulled into a case that is harrowing, relentless and, ultimately, personal. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

Author Interview
Linwood Barclay
Linwood Barclay is the author of several critically acclaimed novels, including TOO CLOSE TO HOME and NO TIME FOR GOODBYE, a #1 bestseller in Britain. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Barclay explains what sets his latest effort, FEAR THE WORST, apart from his earlier works of fiction and shares the surprising discovery he made while researching the topic of human trafficking, which plays an important role in the book's plot. He also compares and contrasts being an author with his previous jobs as a newspaper columnist and editor, names the biggest influence on his career, and muses on what he might be doing if he weren't writing.

Author Talk
Lev Grossman
Described as a “Harry Potter for adults," Lev Grossman's third and most recent release is THE MAGICIANS, a coming-of-age novel about a young man who discovers modern magic in the real world. In this interview, Grossman characterizes his book as an homage to fantasy and explains his motivations behind writing a story in which contemporary life intersects with fiction. He also discusses how his English-professor parents influenced his approach to literature and reflects on the difference between classic fantasy writers like C. S. Lewis and contemporary authors like J. K. Rowling and Philip Pullman.

Beach Bag of Books
THE CONDITION by Jennifer Haigh (Fiction)
THE CONDITION tells the story of the McKotches, a proper New England family that comes apart during one fateful summer. Compassionate yet unflinchingly honest, witty and almost painfully astute, Jennifer Haigh’s novel explores the power of family mythologies --- the self-delusions, denials and inescapable truths that forever bind fathers and mothers and siblings.

DO DEAD PEOPLE WALK THEIR DOGS? Questions You’d Ask a Medium If You Had the Chance by Concetta Bertoldi (Occultism)
Concetta Bertoldi has been communicating with the "Other Side" since childhood. In her previous book, the bestselling DO DEAD PEOPLE WATCH YOU SHOWER?, she addressed questions about the afterlife that ranged from the poignant to the provocative. Now she returns with DO DEAD PEOPLE WALK THEIR DOGS?, a second volume of intriguing observations about our beloved deceased.

JENNIFER JOHNSON IS SICK OF BEING SINGLE by Heather McElhatton (Fiction)
Everyone around Jennifer Johnson is getting married, while she's still single and stuck writing ad copy about men's dress socks. Launched on a humiliating and hilarious quest to find Prince Charming at any cost --- including agonizing online dates, diet-clinic cults, drag-queen fights, and a debilitating addiction to Cinnabon icing, JENNIFER JOHNSON is a cautionary tale about getting what you want --- and how that may be the worst thing to happen to you.

THE SEAMSTRESS by Frances de Pontes Peebles (Fiction)
As seamstresses, the orphaned sisters Emília and Luzia dos Santos know how to cut, how to mend and how to conceal. Emília dreams of falling in love and escaping to the city. Luzia also longs to escape their little town, where residents view her deformed arm with suspicion. But when Luzia is abducted by a group of vigilantes called cangaceiros, the sisters’ quiet lives diverge in ways they never imagined.

One to Watch Author Spotlight
UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY by Shandi Mitchell
Building to an unforgettable climax, this is the story of a 1930’s immigrant family trying to survive the harsh Canadian prairies, where small and innocent acts have enormous and catastrophic consequences. From a passionate new voice in the world of literary fiction, UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY is a tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit told with great sensitivity and cinematic aplomb.
- Click here to read Shandi Mitchell’s bio.
- Click here to read more about UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY.
- Click here to read an excerpt from UNDER THIS UNBROKEN SKY.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
VANISHED by Joseph Finder
Nick Heller is tough, smart, and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator --- exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden.

When Nick’s brother disappears without a trace --- and Nick’s favorite nephew pleads for his help --- Nick’s search sets him on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world --- and they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from VANISHED.

CORNERED by Brandon Massey
Corey’s living the American dream; he’s a happily married father and successful Atlanta businessman, until he runs into a friend he hasn't seen in over fifteen years, Leon Sharpe. Leon’s charismatic, fiercely intelligent... and a ruthless psychopath. Leon stirs up long-buried memories for Corey, and he’s certain Leon hasn't changed. But Leon’s in bigger trouble than Corey imagined: he's on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, and has been on the run from the law for the past three years.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from CORNERED.

DYING FOR MERCY by Mary Jane Clark
When death shatters the serenity of the exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, New York, Eliza Blake, cohost of the country's premier morning television show KEY to America, is on the scene. While attending a lavish gala at her friends' newly renovated estate, Pentimento, Eliza's host is found dead --- a grotesque suicide that is the first act in a macabre and intricately conceived plan to expose the sins of the past involving some of the town's most revered citizens.
- Click here to read a review of DYING FOR MERCY.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from DYING FOR MERCY.
- Click here to read our interview with Mary Jane Clark.
- Click here to read Mary Jane Clark's bio.
- Click here to read Mary Jane Clark's backlist.

RULES OF VENGEANCE by Christopher Reich
Months after foiling an attack on a commercial jetliner, Doctors Without Borders physician Jonathan Ransom is working under an assumed name in a remote corner of Africa, while his newly revealed spy wife, Emma, desperate to escape the wrath of Division, the secret American intelligence agency she betrayed, has vanished into the netherworld of international espionage. Both look forward to sharing a stolen weekend in London --- until an ambush on a convoy of limousines turns their romantic rendezvous into a terrorist bloodbath.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for RULES OF VENGEANCE.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

August 7, 2009

2009-08-07T22:01:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, August 7th.

The titles below are also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE by David Wroblewski
THE KITE RUNNER by Khaled Hosseini
PRINCE OF TIDES by Pat Conroy
COLD MOUNTAIN by Charles Frazier
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
THE ACCIDENTAL BILLIONAIRES: The Founding of Facebook - A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal by Ben Mezrich
BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: The Inside Stoery of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions by Ben Mezrich
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Stieg Larsson
THE FILM CLUB by David Gilmour

Reviews and Excerpts
RULES OF VENGEANCE by Christopher Reich (Thriller)
Months after foiling an attack on a commercial jetliner, Doctors Without Borders physician Jonathan Ransom is working under an assumed name in a remote corner of Africa, while his newly revealed spy wife, Emma, desperate to escape the wrath of Division, the secret American intelligence agency she betrayed, has vanished into the netherworld of international espionage. Both look forward to sharing a stolen weekend in London --- until an ambush on a convoy of limousines turns their romantic rendezvous into a terrorist bloodbath. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RULES OF VENGEANCE.

NO MERCY by John Gilstrap (Thriller)
As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, Jonathan Grave has to work outside the law to get things done --- especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan’s meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood --- and they’re not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret and is willing to capture, torture and kill anyone to get it. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NO MERCY.

THAT OLD CAPE MAGIC by Richard Russo (Fiction)
In novels like his Pulitzer Prize-winning EMPIRE FALLS and BRIDGE OF SIGHS, Richard Russo has established himself as the Charles Dickens of lower middle class life in the dying towns of upstate New York. His latest novel reaches back to the territory he visited in 1997’s STRAIGHT MAN, and the mixed results make us long for the depth of his more recent works. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THAT OLD CAPE MAGIC.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THAT OLD CAPE MAGIC.

THE SIEGE by Stephen White (Thriller)
Stephen White --- author of 15 gripping New York Times bestsellers --- returns with a relentlessly propelled thriller featuring one of his most popular series characters --- Alan Gregory's buddy, Sam Purdy. In THE SIEGE, the Boulder detective is caught in the middle of a terrorist siege on the Yale campus. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SIEGE.

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU by Jonathan Tropper (Fiction)
The death of Judd Foxman's father marks the first time that the entire Foxman family have been together in years. Simultaneously mourning the death of his father and the demise of his marriage, Judd joins the rest of the Foxmans as they reluctantly submit to their patriarch's dying request: to spend the seven days following the funeral together. In the same house. Like a family. Reviewed by Alexis Burling.

THE LAST EMBER by Daniel Levin (Thriller)
Jonathan Marcus, a fallen-from-grace antiquities scholar practicing law in New York, is dispatched to Rome to examine a portion of an ancient stone map. During his examination, he discovers a hidden message inside the map and becomes entangled in a search for an ancient artifact of biblical significance. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

WHILE I’M FALLING by Laura Moriarty (Fiction)
The epigraph to WHILE I’M FALLING, taken from J. K. Rowling’s commencement address at Harvard University in 2008, perfectly sums up the theme of the novel: “There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you.” In Laura Moriarty’s third work of fiction, Rowling’s words come to life both literally and figuratively, as Veronica Von Holten feels her whole life --- not to mention a borrowed Mini Cooper --- veer out of control. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

CHERRY BOMB: A Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels Mystery by J. A. Konrath (Mystery)
This sixth book in the Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels series opens with the funeral of her loved one, who was killed at the end of FUZZY NAVEL. But unlike your normal, sedate funeral, Jack’s mourning is interrupted by a terrifying phone call from Alexandra Kork, the psychotic serial killer she had locked away in a previous case. Alex threatens to kill someone else close to Jack in 12 hours unless Jack can save him. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

SIDNEY SHELDON’S MISTRESS OF THE GAME by Tilly Bagshawe (Fiction)
In the tradition of the posthumous Robert Ludlum novels, Tilly Bagshawe, a successful author in her own right, has been charged with the Herculean task of continuing the epic Blackwell family saga from MASTER OF THE GAME in the voice of the late, legendary Sidney Sheldon. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.

THE WINDS OF DUNE by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (Science Fiction)
Paul is dead. Alia struggles to hold the Imperium together. Bronso of Ix continues to rail against the myth of Muad'Dib. In the midst of these life-altering events, a mother must decide whether to hold true to her son, stand united with her daughter, or allow a long secret truth to come forth, which could save or damn them all. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

SWORN TO SILENCE by Linda Castillo (Thriller)
Kate Burkholder, who grew up in the Amish community of Painters Mill, Ohio, before abandoning their way of life for the outside world and the study of law enforcement, has recently been appointed Chief of Police in her former hometown. When the serial killer whose spree 16 years before was dubbed The Slaughterhouse Murders returns with spectacular violence, Kate is determined to catch him. But she is also desperate to keep a secret from her past. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

PANIC ATTACK by Jason Starr (Thriller)
Dr. Adam Bloom has the perfect life. He is financially secure and lives in a luxurious house with his wife, Dana, and their 22-year-old daughter, Marissa, a recent college graduate. Late one night, his daughter wakes him up and says, “Somebody’s downstairs.” Adam uses his gun to kill one of the unarmed intruders, but the other escapes. From that moment on, everyone’s life in the Bloom household will never be the same. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SWEET MARY by Liz Balmaseda (Fiction)
Dulce Maria "Mary" Guevara is a woman with nothing left to lose. Wrongly accused of being a cocaine queen, she has lost her job, her reputation, and --- worst of all --- custody of her son. Even after the charges are dropped, suspicion lingers. Desperate to get it all back, she takes what she considers the only path open to her: She goes on a hunt for the real drug queen. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy.

GONE TO THE DOGS by Mary Guterson (Fiction)
What kind of woman steals her ex-boyfriend's dog? In this case, a very funny one. Rena is on the downhill side of her 20s, discontentedly underemployed slinging steaks at Sammy's Place, when her fiance Brian goes off on a rafting trip and returns with a new tall, blond, athletic girlfriend. And now Brian, who never liked animals, shares a bungalow with his new love and Tilly, a dog "the size of a Volkswagen." Reviewed by Eileen Zimmerman Nicol.

Author Interviews
Christopher Reich
RULES OF VENGEANCE is the second installment in Christopher Reich's series starring mountain-climbing, Doctors Without Borders surgeon Jonathan Ransom (following 2008’s RULES OF DECEPTION). In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Reich describes creating Ransom's character as an exercise in wishful thinking and names some of the authors who have influenced the mystery elements in this thriller. He also shares his thoughts on what he perceives to be the largest global crisis today, thinks back to what he might have done differently earlier in his writing career, and hints at what's in store for his hero in the next book, RULES OF ATTACK.

John Gilstrap
John Gilstrap's latest book, NO MERCY, is the first installment in a new series featuring Jonathan Grave, a freelance covert operative with a conscience. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's L. Dean Murphy, Gilstrap explains the inspiration behind his main character and gives insight into the way Grave’s less-than-perfect upbringing influences present-day choices. He also discusses his writing process, shares his thoughts on the average American's attitude toward the armed forces, and offers advice to aspiring writers.

Author Talks
Stephen White
In Stephen White's latest novel, THE SIEGE, Sam Purdy --- a secondary character in the bestselling Alan Gregory series --- takes center stage as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a group of Yale students, including the children of two high-powered political figures. In this interview, White explains his motivation behind replacing the famed psychologist main character with his police detective best friend, and discusses the evolution and introduction of a new character, FBI Agent Christopher Poe. He also talks about why he chose to incorporate Yale's secret societies into the plot and elaborates on the book's complex story structure.

Daniel Levin
Daniel Levin's debut novel, THE LAST EMBER, is a religious-themed archaeological thriller that follows a young lawyer and antiquities expert as he uncovers a radical plot to rewrite history. In this interview conducted by New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry, Levin talks about what inspired the plot of this book and elaborates on the complex motivations behind his protagonist, Jonathan Marcus. He also discusses some of the fascinating discoveries he made while researching ancient Roman history and explains the current controversies in which many museums around the world are involved.

Beach Bag of Books
THE CONDITION by Jennifer Haigh (Fiction)
THE CONDITION tells the story of the McKotches, a proper New England family that comes apart during one fateful summer. Compassionate yet unflinchingly honest, witty and almost painfully astute, Jennifer Haigh’s novel explores the power of family mythologies --- the self-delusions, denials and inescapable truths that forever bind fathers and mothers and siblings.

DO DEAD PEOPLE WALK THEIR DOGS? Questions You’d Ask a Medium If You Had the Chance by Concetta Bertoldi (Occultism)
Concetta Bertoldi has been communicating with the "Other Side" since childhood. In her previous book, the bestselling DO DEAD PEOPLE WATCH YOU SHOWER?, she addressed questions about the afterlife that ranged from the poignant to the provocative. Now she returns with DO DEAD PEOPLE WALK THEIR DOGS?, a second volume of intriguing observations about our beloved deceased.

JENNIFER JOHNSON IS SICK OF BEING SINGLE by Heather McElhatton (Fiction)
Everyone around Jennifer Johnson is getting married, while she's still single and stuck writing ad copy about men's dress socks. Launched on a humiliating and hilarious quest to find Prince Charming at any cost --- including agonizing online dates, diet-clinic cults, drag-queen fights, and a debilitating addiction to Cinnabon icing, JENNIFER JOHNSON is a cautionary tale about getting what you want --- and how that may be the worst thing to happen to you.

THE SEAMSTRESS by Frances de Pontes Peebles (Fiction)
As seamstresses, the orphaned sisters Emília and Luzia dos Santos know how to cut, how to mend and how to conceal. Emília dreams of falling in love and escaping to the city. Luzia also longs to escape their little town, where residents view her deformed arm with suspicion. But when Luzia is abducted by a group of vigilantes called cangaceiros, the sisters’ quiet lives diverge in ways they never imagined.

Books into Movies
This month's Books into Movies Feature includes:
Julie & Julia
Taking Woodstock
The Time Traveler’s Wife

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
VANISHED by Joseph Finder
Nick Heller is tough, smart, and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator --- exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden.

When Nick’s brother disappears without a trace --- and Nick’s favorite nephew pleads for his help --- Nick’s search sets him on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world --- and they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from VANISHED.

CORNERED by Brandon Massey
Corey’s living the American dream; he’s a happily married father and successful Atlanta businessman, until he runs into a friend he hasn't seen in over fifteen years, Leon Sharpe. Leon’s charismatic, fiercely intelligent... and a ruthless psychopath. Leon stirs up long-buried memories for Corey, and he’s certain Leon hasn't changed. But Leon’s in bigger trouble than Corey imagined: he's on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, and has been on the run from the law for the past three years.
- Click here to read an excerpt from CORNERED.

FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay
Your daughter doesn’t come home from her summer job. You go there looking for her. No one’s seen here --- no one’s ever seen her. So where has she been going every day? And where is she now?

In Linwood Barclay’s riveting new thriller, an ordinary man’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation and murder. Sometimes the people you think you know best are the ones harboring the biggest secrets.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from FEAR THE WORST.

DYING FOR MERCY by Mary Jane Clark
When death shatters the serenity of the exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, New York, Eliza Blake, cohost of the country's premier morning television show KEY to America, is on the scene. While attending a lavish gala at her friends' newly renovated estate, Pentimento, Eliza's host is found dead --- a grotesque suicide that is the first act in a macabre and intricately conceived plan to expose the sins of the past involving some of the town's most revered citizens.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from DYING FOR MERCY.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
KILLING RED by Henry Perez
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He’s set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust fifteen years ago.
- Click here to read Henry Perez’s Answers to Reader Questions.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for THE DEVIL’S QUEEN.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 31, 2009

2009-07-31T21:56:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, July 31st.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

ROOFTOPS OF TEHRAN by Mahbod Seraji
THE HELP by Kathryn Stocket
THE FILM CLUB by David Gilmour

Reviews and Excerpts
DYING FOR MERCY by Mary Jane Clark (Suspense)
When death shatters the serenity of the exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, New York, Eliza Blake, co-host of a television show, is on the scene. While attending a lavish gala at her friends' estate, Pentimento, Eliza's host is found dead. Determined to find out the truth, Eliza and her colleagues discover that Pentimento holds the key. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
- Click here to read an excerpt from DYING FOR MERCY.
- Click here to read Mary Jane Clark's ReadingGroupGuides.com blog post, "How About Picking a Page-Turner?"

BLACK HILLS by Nora Roberts (Romantic Suspense)
Time spent with Nora Roberts, the quintessential storyteller, is always time well spent. Every book delivers a smart plot, riveting suspense, and strong, interesting characters. In her latest romantic suspense novel, the reader is transported to the ranchlands of South Dakota. Reviewed by Jennifer McCord.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BLACK HILLS.

LABOR DAY by Joyce Maynard (Fiction)
The small town of Holton Mills, New Hampshire, in 1987 is the setting for Joyce Maynard’s gentle and quietly moving coming-of-age novel. In LABOR DAY, she tells the affecting tale of three damaged people who come together to form an unlikely family. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LABOR DAY.
- Click here to read Joyce Maynard’s blog post, “Chance Encounter.”

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stieg Larsson (Thriller)
Mikael Blomkvist has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden, implicating well-known and highly placed members of Swedish society, business and government. But he has no idea just how explosive the story will be until, on the eve of publication, the two investigating reporters are murdered. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE.

SECRET OF THE SEVENTH SON by Glenn Cooper (Thriller)
Nine people have been slain in New York City --- nine strangers with nothing in common --- the apparent victims of a frighteningly elusive serial killer. Only one thing links the dead: postcards they received, mailed from Las Vegas, announcing the day they would die. But for Will Piper, the FBI agent investigating the case, nothing is what it seems, and the truth is an ancient secret best left undiscovered. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SECRET OF THE SEVENTH SON.

THE CROWNING GLORY OF CALLA LILY PONDER by Rebecca Wells (Fiction)
A tale of family and friendship, tragedy and triumph, loss and love, THE CROWNING GLORY OF CALLA LILY PONDER features the warmth, humor, soul and wonder that have made Rebecca Wells one of today's most cherished writers, and gives us an unforgettable new heroine to treasure. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE CROWNING GLORY OF CALLA LILY PONDER.

STORM CYCLE by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen (Thriller)
On a university campus in Houston, Texas, a sharpshooter takes aim at a scientist. Several thousand miles away in Cairo, Egypt, a man becomes trapped in a tomb. Fortunately for Rachel Kirby and John Tavak, they have a lot more in common than their respective situations suggest. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.

RUDE AWAKENINGS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT by Laurie Viera Rigler (Fiction)
In CONFESSIONS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT, a die-hard Jane Austen fan finds herself somehow transported into the 19th century in the strange body of Jane Mansfield, a proper English lady. RUDE AWAKENINGS is exactly the reverse scenario, now with 19th-century Jane finding herself as an impostor inside the body of a blonde knockout, who is Courtney Stone in modern-day U.S.A. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE BRIDE WILL KEEP HER NAME by Jan Goldstein (Fiction)
Madison Mandelbaum has it all: a dream job, incredible friends, and a gorgeous fiancé who adores her. Days before her wedding, though, a mysterious stranger starts sending her messages implying her fiancé is involved in the murder of a call girl. Will Madison and her friends discover the truth before she says “I do”? Reviewed by Meredyth Temple.

THE LAST BRIDGE by Teri Coyne (Fiction)
For 10 years, Alexandra “Cat” Rucker has been on the run from her past. With an endless supply of bourbon and a series of meaningless jobs, Cat is struggling to forget her Ohio hometown and the rural farmhouse she once called home. But a sudden call from an old neighbor forces Cat to return to the home and family she never intended to see again. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE UNSEEN by Alexandra Sokoloff (Thriller)
After experiencing a precognitive dream that changes her life forever, a young psychology professor decides to get a fresh start by taking a job at Duke University. She soon becomes obsessed with the files from the world-famous Rhine parapsychology lab experiments, which attempted to prove ESP really exists. Along with a handsome professor, she uncovers troubling cases, including one about a house supposedly haunted by a poltergeist. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

HUNT THROUGH THE CRADLE OF FEAR by Gabriel Hunt, as told to Charles Ardai (Fiction/Action & Adventure)
HUNT THROUGH THE CRADLE OF FEAR is the second installment in a new series featuring globetrotting explorer/good guy Gabriel Hunt. Hunt starts out trying to rescue a scholar who has been abducted by a rich antiquities collector. But it quickly turns into a search for the long-lost secret of the Sphinx that takes Hunt on a nonstop adventure from Egypt to Greece to Turkey to Sri Lanka. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

Author Interview
Mary Jane Clark
Mary Jane Clark is the New York Times bestselling author of 12 thrillers, including IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT, WHEN DAY BREAKS and DANCING IN THE DARK. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Christine Irvin, Clark discusses her inspiration behind her latest novel, DYING FOR MERCY, and talks about how her career as a writer and producer at CBS News helped shape many of her previous media-based works. She also explains the reason behind setting the book in the historic New York community of Tuxedo Park, gives insight into her daily writing process, and names some of the writers who have influenced her over the years.

Author Talk
Glenn Cooper
In this interview, Glenn Cooper --- whose book SECRET OF THE SEVENTH SON is now available in stores --- discusses how the plot of his debut novel was inspired by philosophical questions he grappled with at a young age, and explains how he relied on his background in science and archaeology to enrich the story. He also describes the book's unusual editing process and shares details about its sequel, BOOK OF SOULS, to be published in 2010.

Beach Bag of Books
CHOSEN TO DIE by Lisa Jackson (Thriller)
The Star Crossed Killer is a brutal and intelligent hunter, a deft serial killer who has eluded the dogged investigation of Montana detective Regan Pescoli. The tables turn in shocking fashion, the madman enslaves her during a well-devised ambush, and Regan must stay alive long enough for those looking for her to unravel the mystery. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

Bookreporter.com Bets On…
THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE by Heather Gudenkauf (July 28th)
As I flew back from San Diego earlier this week, I started reading THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE by Heather Gudenkauf, and from the first page this debut author grabbed me. Why? She dropped me right into the story in the Prologue, and from there the characters drew me through a plot that had me inside their lives and their heads bouncing from one perspective to the next. Though I was jetlagged and worn out when I got home, I could not stop reading and I didn’t until I closed the book at 11:30 that night. So what is the story?
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE.

New in Paperback
July’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes PROMISES IN DEATH by J. D. Robb, in which Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces down a cop killer; THE OTHER QUEEN, a work of historical fiction from Philippa Gregory that examines a different aspect of Tudor England from the perspective of one of Queen Elizabeth’s greatest rivals --- Mary, Queen of Scots; THE COMFORTS OF A MUDDY SATURDAY, the fifth installment in Alexander McCall Smith’s series featuring Isabel Dalhousie, who returns to investigate a medical mystery; GOOD-BYE AND AMEN, a beautifully written novel that continues the story of the Moss family that began in Beth Gutcheon’s critically acclaimed LEEWAY COTTAGE; BOOKS: A Memoir, in which Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winner Larry McMurtry recounts his life as both a reader and a writer; and THE HOUSE AT SUGAR BEACH, Helene Cooper’s memoir that chronicles her youth and coming of age in 1980s Liberia during a period of political unrest.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
VANISHED by Joseph Finder
Nick Heller is tough, smart, and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator --- exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden.

When Nick’s brother disappears without a trace --- and Nick’s favorite nephew pleads for his help --- Nick’s search sets him on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world --- and they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
- Click here to read more about VANISHED.
- Click here to read an excerpt from VANISHED.
- Click here to read Joseph Finder’s Bio.

CORNERED by Brandon Massey
Corey’s living the American dream; he’s a happily married father and successful Atlanta businessman, until he runs into a friend he hasn't seen in over fifteen years, Leon Sharpe. Leon’s charismatic, fiercely intelligent... and a ruthless psychopath. Leon stirs up long-buried memories for Corey, and he’s certain Leon hasn't changed. But Leon’s in bigger trouble than Corey imagined: he's on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, and has been on the run from the law for the past three years.
- Click here to read Brandon Massey’s bio.
- Click here to read Brandon Massey’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about CORNERED.

FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay
Your daughter doesn’t come home from her summer job. You go there looking for her. No one’s seen here --- no one’s ever seen her. So where has she been going every day? And where is she now?

In Linwood Barclay’s riveting new thriller, an ordinary man’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation and murder. Sometimes the people you think you know best are the ones harboring the biggest secrets.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from FEAR THE WORST.

RULES OF VENGEANCE by Christopher Reich
Months after foiling an attack on a commercial jetliner, Doctors Without Borders physician Jonathan Ransom is working under an assumed name in a remote corner of Africa, while his newly revealed spy wife, Emma, desperate to escape the wrath of Division, the secret American intelligence agency she betrayed, has vanished into the netherworld of international espionage. Both look forward to sharing a stolen weekend in London --- until an ambush on a convoy of limousines turns their romantic rendezvous into a terrorist bloodbath.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RULES OF VENGEANCE.

NO MERCY by John Gilstrap
Deep inside the dangerous world of rescue operations, one anonymous hero pays no ransom, takes no prisoners and breaks every rule. Meet Jonathan Grave. No names. No feds. No trace evidence. That’s how Jonathan Grave operates. As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, he has to work outside the law to get things done --- especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan’s meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood --- and they’re not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret...someone rich and powerful...someone willing to capture, torture and kill anyone to get it. Even the people Jonathan loves most.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from NO MERCY.

UNDONE by Karin Slaughter
In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the city’s poor, wounded, and unlucky --- and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. Then, in one instant, Sara is thrust into a frantic police investigation, coming face-to-face with a tall driven detective and his quiet female partner. In UNDONE, three unforgettable characters from Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling novels FAITHLESS and FRACTURED collide for the first time, entering an electrifying race against the clock --- and a duel with unspeakable human evil.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments about UNDONE.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.
- Click here to read a review of THE DEVIL'S QUEEN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE DEVIL'S QUEEN.
- Click here to read our interview with Jeane Kalogridis.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 24, 2009

2009-07-24T22:00:00.005-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, July 24th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

TRUST NO ONE by Gregg Hurwitz
LEFT TO DIE by Lisa Jackson
THE BEST OF TIMES by Penny Vincenzi

Reviews and Interviews
THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis (Historical Fiction)
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE DEVIL'S QUEEN.

THE DEFECTOR by Daniel Silva (Thriller)
Has the Russian defector Gregori Bulganov redefected, or is there foul play afoot, as Gabriel Allon believes? The Israeli agent comes out of near retirement to help find a man who once saved his life, putting his life and loved ones in peril. Is Grigori really worth risking the consequences? Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE DEFECTOR.

TWENTIES GIRL by Sophie Kinsella (Fiction)
Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional twenty-something young women don’t get visited by ghosts. Or do they? Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella’s books beloved by millions, TWENTIES GIRL is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family. Reviewed by Jamie Layton.
- Click here to read an excerpt from TWENTIES GIRL.

SACRED HEARTS by Sarah Dunant (Historical Fiction)
You might not expect a novel about a 16th-century convent in Ferrara, Italy, to be ravishing, passionate, or suspenseful. You’d be wrong. This book, from the author of THE BIRTH OF VENUS and IN THE COMPANY OF THE COURTESAN, finds heroines --- strong, gifted, often rebellious --- in the holiest of places. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SACRED HEARTS.
- Click here to read Sarah Dunant’s blog post, “Bringing the Past Alive.”

GET REAL: A Dortmunder Novel by Donald E. Westlake (Mystery)
GET REAL, by the late bestselling author Donald E. Westlake, is the final installment of the long-running comic crime series about burglar John Dortmunder and his associates. This time, the gang enters the world of reality television where things are not quite real. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

RED BLOODED MURDER: An Izzy McNeil Novel by Laura Caldwell (Mystery)
When Jane Augustine is murdered in a crime of passion by an obsessive lover in RED BLOODED MURDER, the police suspect Izzy McNeil, who is the beneficiary of Jane’s news anchor position and boyfriend. Avant garde women will connect with Izzy’s independence and revel in Chicago’s nightlife. Bed hopping can be intoxicating, but it can also get you killed. Reviewed by Hillary Wagy.

EASY ON THE EYES by Jane Porter (Fiction)
Tiana Tomlinson, the thirty-something host of an entertainment news show, is feeling the pressure of her youth-obsessed industry when her boss gives her a not-so-subtle ultimatum: she must get plastic surgery or step aside for her younger protégé. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.

STRANGERS by Anita Brookner (Fiction)
A stately new retiree, Paul Sturgis has settled into the solitude of his prominent London flat. Love has not been kind to him over the years, passing him by and consigning him to a forlorn life based on habit and disappointment. Paul has learned to depend on shallow conversations with strangers to sustain him, but hopeful encounters with two women help him find the insight and courage he needs to break free from habit and find his spirit. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

BELOW ZERO: A Joe Pickett Novel by C.J. Box (Thriller)
BELOW ZERO begins with an unassuming phone message: “Tell Sherry April called.” But Sherry --- Joe Pickett’s oldest daughter --- and the Pickett family are shaken to the core. April, Pickett’s foster daughter, was killed in a horrific murder and arson spree six years prior. To Joe, it doesn’t seem even remotely possible that April could have survived the massacre described in WINTERKILL. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SHADOW OF BETRAYAL: A Jonathan Quinn Novel by Brett Battles (Thriller)
For Jonathan Quinn --- a freelance operative and professional “cleaner” --- the job was only to observe. If his cleanup skills were needed, it would mean things had gone horribly wrong. But an assassin hidden in a tree assured just that. And suddenly Quinn had four dead bodies to dispose of and one astounding clue --- to a mystery that is about to spin wildly out of control. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

BAD THINGS HAPPEN by Harry Dolan (Mystery)
David Loogan just wanted to escape his troubles when he moved to Ann Arbor. But then he did a favor for a friend, and put himself in more danger than ever. Luck comes his way when he finds an ally in Detective Elizabeth Waishkey, without whom he’d be in jail --- or worse. Still, it’s a run for his life. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

DEAD MAN’S DUST by Matt Hilton (Thriller)
Joe Hunter solves problems. And as a former military operative and ex-CIA agent, he's good at what he does. But when he's told that his brother --- with whom he hasn't been on the best of terms --- has disappeared, he learns that everything he's faced before is child's play compared to what's coming. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

Interview
Jeanne Kalogridis
Jeanne Kalogridis's latest work of historical fiction, THE DEVIL'S QUEEN, centers on Catherine de Medici, queen consort of King Henry II of France. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Melanie Smith, Kalogridis explains how she first became interested in this 16th-century monarch and elaborates on her attempt to shed light on the events that perhaps unfairly earned her a reputation as the ruthless schemer responsible for the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. She also discusses some of the fascinating cultural practices of the time she discovered through research, reveals what she found most intriguing about that period in history, and shares details about her next work in progress.

Author Talk
Daniel Silva
Israeli assassin and art restorer Gabriel Allon returns in Daniel Silva's 12th novel, THE DEFECTOR, once again in pursuit of Russian arms dealer Ivan Kharkov, who was introduced in 2008's MOSCOW RULES. In this interview, Silva dubs his latest work "a heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat, and sometimes extremely violent love story" and explains why his main character's personal life plays such a prominent role in this installment of the series. He also discusses the 2006 death of former FSB Intelligence Agent Alexander Litvinenko, likens his book to a cautionary tale about Russia's position in the world's current and future political landscape, and muses on what readers find so captivating about his enigmatic protagonist.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

CHOSEN TO DIE by Lisa Jackson (Thriller)
The Star Crossed Killer is a brutal and intelligent hunter, a deft serial killer who has eluded the dogged investigation of Montana detective Regan Pescoli. The tables turn in shocking fashion, the madman enslaves her during a well-devised ambush, and Regan must stay alive long enough for those looking for her to unravel the mystery. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

Bookreporter.com Bets On...
HOW SHALL I TELL THE DOG?: And Other Final Musings by Miles Kington (July 7th)
HOW SHALL I TELL THE DOG?: And Other Final Musings, by Miles Kington, is snappy, witty and thought-provoking. Kington was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and in this memoir writes about the thoughts that come to him along the way as he muses his exit from this world. It's written as letters to his longtime agent, Gill Coleridge, who shared her thoughts on both Miles and his writing the book in a blog post for us here. It's not somber, but rather uplifting. Kington does not cling to false hope, but rather seems ready to exit the world thinking of life with humor, on his own terms. I have long held a theory of making every day matter as I lost a good friend when I was in my 30s who made me look long and hard at what matters in life. This book affirmed my commitment to that with a lot of nods and smiles.

As a side note, Kington had always wanted to write a bestseller, and he got his wish posthumously when this book hit the charts in the UK shortly after publication. Also, Kington never told his employer, The Independent, that he was ill, and in fact turned in a column on the day he died. It's truly inspirational.
- Click here to read a blog post from Gill Coleridge, Miles Kington’s literary agent and friend.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay
Your daughter doesn’t come home from her summer job. You go there looking for her. No one’s seen here --- no one’s ever seen her. So where has she been going every day? And where is she now?

In Linwood Barclay’s riveting new thriller, an ordinary man’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation and murder. Sometimes the people you think you know best are the ones harboring the biggest secrets.
- Click here to rean an excerpt from FEAR THE WORST.

DYING FOR MERCY by Mary Jane Clark
When death shatters the serenity of the exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, New York, Eliza Blake, cohost of the country's premier morning television show KEY to America, is on the scene. While attending a lavish gala at her friends' newly renovated estate, Pentimento, Eliza's host is found dead --- a grotesque suicide that is the first act in a macabre and intricately conceived plan to expose the sins of the past involving some of the town's most revered citizens.
- Click here to read an excerpt from DYING FOR MERCY.

RULES OF VENGEANCE by Christopher Reich
Months after foiling an attack on a commercial jetliner, Doctors Without Borders physician Jonathan Ransom is working under an assumed name in a remote corner of Africa, while his newly revealed spy wife, Emma, desperate to escape the wrath of Division, the secret American intelligence agency she betrayed, has vanished into the netherworld of international espionage. Both look forward to sharing a stolen weekend in London --- until an ambush on a convoy of limousines turns their romantic rendezvous into a terrorist bloodbath.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from RULES OF VENGEANCE.

NO MERCY by John Gilstrap
Deep inside the dangerous world of rescue operations, one anonymous hero pays no ransom, takes no prisoners and breaks every rule. Meet Jonathan Grave. No names. No feds. No trace evidence. That’s how Jonathan Grave operates. As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, he has to work outside the law to get things done --- especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan’s meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood --- and they’re not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret...someone rich and powerful...someone willing to capture, torture and kill anyone to get it. Even the people Jonathan loves most.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from NO MERCY.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
THE LIKENESS by Tana French
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie.
- Click here to read Reader Comments for THE LIKENESS.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 17, 2009

2009-07-17T22:32:00.002-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, July 17th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman
WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson
SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson
THE LION AND THE MOUSE by Jerry Pinkney

Reviews and Excerpts
UNDONE by Karin Slaughter (Thriller)
In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the poor, wounded and unlucky --- and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. But in an instant, Sara is thrust into a frantic police investigation that will take her right back to Grant County. In UNDONE, three unforgettable characters from Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels FAITHLESS and FRACTURED collide for the first time, entering an electrifying race against the clock. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from UNDONE.

JERICHO’S FALL by Stephen L. Carter (Thriller)
In an imposing house in the Colorado Rockies, Jericho Ainsley, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency and a Wall Street titan, lies dying. He summons to his bedside Beck DeForde, the younger woman for whom he threw away his career years ago, miring them both in scandal. Beck believes she is visiting to say farewell. Instead, she is drawn into a battle over an explosive secret that foreign governments and powerful corporations alike want to wrest from Jericho before he dies. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from JERICHO’S FALL.

THE BEST OF TIMES by Penny Vincenzi (Fiction)
On a Friday afternoon, on a motorway outside of London, a trailer truck suddenly and violently swerves across fives lanes of traffic --- careening cars into one another like dominoes and leaving a trail of chaos and confusion. Within the space of a minute, a pileup has amassed, and, as the survivors await help, their stories unfold. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BEST OF TIMES.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE BEST OF TIMES.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER by Jennifer Weiner (Fiction)
When Addie Downs opens her front door and discovers her long-lost childhood best friend, Valerie Adler, standing there, with terror on her face and blood on her coat, she finds herself on an extraordinary adventure on which she’ll learn the truth about her past and forever change her future. Reviewed by Roberta O’Hara.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEST FRIENDS FOREVER.

RAIN GODS by James Lee Burke (Thriller)
When Hackberry Holland became sheriff of a tiny Texas town near the Mexican border, he had hoped to leave certain things behind: his checkered reputation, his haunted dreams, and his obsessive memories of the good life with his late wife, Rie. But the discovery of the bodies of nine illegal aliens, machine-gunned to death and buried in a shallow grave behind a church, soon makes it clear that he won't escape so easily. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE LOVERS by John Connolly (Thriller)
Deprived of his private investigator's license and under scrutiny by the police, Charlie Parker takes a job in a Portland bar. But he uses his enforced retirement to begin a different kind of investigation: an examination of his own past and an inquiry into the death of his father, who took his own life after apparently shooting dead two unarmed teenagers. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

IN THE HEART OF THE CANYON by Elisabeth Hyde (Fiction)
In this irresistible page-turner from the author of THE ABORTIONIST’S DAUGHTER, a group of varied strangers gather for a rafting trip down the Colorado River --- a journey that will thrill them, terrify them, and change their relationships and their lives forever. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE PENNY PINCHERS CLUB by Sarah Strohmeyer (Fiction)
If you happen to be suffering the money blues, this novel is the prescription! Kat's spending ways come to a screeching halt when she discovers that she must not only pay off her considerable consumer debt, but also save up enough to divorce her husband. How she goes about finding her inner frugality makes for a timely tale about finances that manages to be upbeat and fun to read. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

MY REMARKABLE JOURNEY by Larry King (Memoir)
For a half-century the world's most influential figures have been telling their story to Larry King. Now the man in suspenders shares his riveting and inspiring story, from his humble roots in Depression-era Brooklyn to the heights of celebrity as host of CNN's “Larry King Live.” Reviewed by Marge Fletcher.

THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO by Marina Fiorato (Fiction)
Hurting from a painful divorce and unsure of her place in the world, Nora Manin moves to Venice on a whim to trace her family history and study the art of glassblowing. While rebuilding her life, she uncovers a mystery surrounding an ancestor and unexpectedly falls in love. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO.

THE NIGHT COUNTER by Alia Yunis (Fiction)
If Scheherazade, the famous narrator of 1001 Nights, gained immortality beyond the immortality of her words, how do you imagine she would spend her time? In her debut novel, THE NIGHT COUNTER, Alia Yunis writes that she would spend her time collecting more stories. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

IN THE VALLEY OF MIST: Kashmir: One Family in a Changing World by Justine Hardy (Current Events)
IN THE VALLEY OF MIST is the story of the North Indian state of Kashmir, as told by the English journalist Justine Hardy, who spent decades visiting and revisiting the region dubbed “Heaven on Earth.” Middle Eastern conflict is no easy read for most of us, but having it described by a Western outsider and one who is familiar with the Dars --- a somewhat typical Kashmiri family --- gives the reader personal insight into what can often be a very impersonal conflict. Reviewed by Shannon Luders-Manuel.

STARFINDER: A Skylords Novel by John Marco (Fantasy)
Moth has the Starfinder. Rendor wants it. The dragon wants it. The Skylords want it. They all will do anything to get it. Born to lives where those they love have been lost, Moth and his friend Fiona undertake a perilous adventure to restore a woman to her true form, free the skies from the control of callous masters, and somehow begin to find faith in each other and those around them. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

Interview
Karin Slaughter
Karin Slaughter's latest novel, UNDONE, features characters from both her Grant County and Will Trent/Atlanta series who come together to solve a grisly murder. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Slaughter describes the hardest aspect of this "cross-pollination" and examines the complex relationships shared by the main characters. She also discusses the shocking statistics she uncovered while researching crimes committed against women in the US, reveals her ultimate goal in writing crime fiction, and shares details about her next book, tentatively titled BROKEN.

Author Talks
Stephen L. Carter
Stephen L. Carter is a law professor and has written 11 fiction and nonfiction titles, including the novels THE EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK, NEW ENGLAND WHITE and PALACE COUNCIL. In this interview, Carter explains how his latest book, JERICHO'S FALL, differs from his previous work and was inspired by his fascination with the prominence of mental illness amongst the intelligence community. He also discusses his research on the CIA and elaborates on the difficult lives spies lead.

Jennifer Weiner
In this interview, Jennifer Weiner --- bestselling author of seven titles, including GOODNIGHT NOBODY, IN HER SHOES and CERTAIN GIRLS --- discusses her latest novel, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, and elaborates on some of its themes, including friendship and its connection with faith and religion. She also explains why she is always drawn to exploring relationships between women in her books, and shares what she hopes readers will take away from her work.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

LOOSE GIRL by Kerry Cohen (Memoir)
LOOSE GIRL is Kerry Cohen’s captivating memoir about her descent into promiscuity and how she gradually found her way toward real intimacy. The story of addiction --- not just to sex, but to male attention --- LOOSE GIRL is also the story of a young girl who came to believe that boys and men could give her life meaning.

THE RICHEST SEASON by Maryann McFadden (Fiction)
When lonely corporate wife Joanna Harrison runs away to Pawleys Island, she has no idea what happens next. But as a new life takes root, thanks to a passionate fisherman and a commitment to save endangered turtles, demands from her old life may force her to return.

SUMMER BLOWOUT by Claire Cook (Fiction)
Bella Shaughnessy is the resident makeup maven in a family of Boston Irish hair salon owners; she has an artful solution to almost every problem. But Bella feels bruised beyond the reach of even the best concealer when her half-sister runs off with her husband. What could she come up with to cover a hurt like that?

THE WILDWATER WALKING CLUB by Claire Cook (Fiction)
Three women find each other --- and themselves --- when they start walking together. But it’s more than mere exercise. It’s the beginning of a fresh attitude, a new strength and forever friendships. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay Your daughter doesn’t come home from her summer job. You go there looking for her. No one’s seen here --- no one’s ever seen her. So where has she been going every day? And where is she now?

In Linwood Barclay’s riveting new thriller, an ordinary man’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation and murder. Sometimes the people you think you know best are the ones harboring the biggest secrets.
- Click here to read Linwood Barclay’s bio.
- Click here to read Linwood Barclay’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about FEAR THE WORST.

DYING FOR MERCY by Mary Jane Clark
When death shatters the serenity of the exclusive moneyed enclave of Tuxedo Park, New York, Eliza Blake, cohost of the country's premier morning television show KEY to America, is on the scene. While attending a lavish gala at her friends' newly renovated estate, Pentimento, Eliza's host is found dead --- a grotesque suicide that is the first act in a macabre and intricately conceived plan to expose the sins of the past involving some of the town's most revered citizens.
- Click here to read Mary Jane Clark’s bio.
- Click here to read Mary Jane Clark’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about DYING FOR MERCY.

RULES OF VENGEANCE by Christopher Reich
Months after foiling an attack on a commercial jetliner, Doctors Without Borders physician Jonathan Ransom is working under an assumed name in a remote corner of Africa, while his newly revealed spy wife, Emma, desperate to escape the wrath of Division, the secret American intelligence agency she betrayed, has vanished into the netherworld of international espionage. Both look forward to sharing a stolen weekend in London --- until an ambush on a convoy of limousines turns their romantic rendezvous into a terrorist bloodbath.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RULES OF VENGEANCE.

NO MERCY by John Gilstrap
Deep inside the dangerous world of rescue operations, one anonymous hero pays no ransom, takes no prisoners and breaks every rule. Meet Jonathan Grave. No names. No feds. No trace evidence. That’s how Jonathan Grave operates. As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, he has to work outside the law to get things done --- especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan’s meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood --- and they’re not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret...someone rich and powerful...someone willing to capture, torture and kill anyone to get it. Even the people Jonathan loves most.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NO MERCY.

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, THE SHIMMER, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about --- and exploited --- these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control?
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for THE SHIMMER.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.
- Click here to read the second excerpt from THE DEVIL’S QUEEN.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
THE LIKENESS by Tana French
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie.
- Click here to read a review of THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read Tana French’s bio.
- Click here to read more about THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read Tana French's bibliography.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
After her boss in a high-powered Washington public relations firm is caught in a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left almost broke, unemployed and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. All it will take, he tells her, is a little paint and some TLC to turn the fading Victorian mansion into a real-estate cash cow.
- Click here to read Mary Kay Andrews’ Answers to Reader Questions.

THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA by Heather Barbieri
"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." Overwhelmed by heartbreak and loss, the struggling 26-year-old fashion designer follows her mother's advice and flees to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, hoping to break free of old patterns and reinvent herself. An enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love in which a young American woman helps a group of lace makers change their lives --- and, ultimately, her own.
- Click here to read Heather Barbieri’s Answers to Reader Questions.

Literary Fiction Author Spotlight
THE WONDER SINGER by George Rabasa
For freelance writer Mark Lockwood, landing the job as ghost writer for opera diva Mercè Casals is a dream. But when she dies in her bath and her agent wants to give the project to a renowned celebrity biographer, Lockwood makes off with the interview tapes to save his last best chance at writing success.
- Click here to read George Rabasa’s Answers to Reader Questions.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 10, 2009

2009-07-10T21:48:00.007-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, July 10th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE NEIGHBOR by Lisa Gardner
THE LAST EMBER by Daniel Levin
SECRET OF THE SEVENTH SON by Glenn Cooper
MANIA by Craig Larsen
ARMAGEDDON CONSPIRACY by John Thompson
SMASHER by Keith Raffel
A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R. J. Ellory

Reviews and Excerpts
THE SHIMMER by David Morrell (Thriller)
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about --- and exploited --- these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SHIMMER.

SWIMSUIT by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro (Thriller)
A breathtakingly beautiful supermodel disappears from a swimsuit photo shoot at the most glamorous hotel in Hawaii. Only hours after she goes missing, Kim McDaniels's parents receive a terrifying phone call. Ex-cop Ben Hawkins, now a reporter for the L.A. Times, gets the McDaniels assignment. All the while, the killer sets the stage for his next production. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SWIMSUIT.

THE EMBERS by Hyatt Bass (Fiction)
In THE EMBERS, first-time author Hyatt Bass introduces readers to a family completely destroyed and reconstructed after the jolting tragedy that rocked it nearly 15 years earlier. Accomplished storytelling and apt characterizations mark this notable debut novel. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE APOSTLE by Brad Thor (Political Thriller)
Every politician has a secret. And when the daughter of a politically-connected family is kidnapped abroad, America's new president will agree to anything --- even a deadly and ill-advised rescue plan --- in order to keep his secret hidden. Brad Thor follows up THE LAST PATRIOT with another riveting political thriller. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE DOOMSDAY KEY by James Rollins (Thriller)
Sigma Force Commander Gray Pierce is called into action to stop a conspiracy that threatens the world’s food supply. Aided by Monk Kokkalis, fellow Sigma operative and best friend, along with two women from his past, Pierce races against time to avert a horrifying plot that will unleash a centuries-old prophesy of destruction and doom. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

THE CASTAWAYS by Elin Hilderbrand (Fiction)
Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoys’ closest friends for what will be revealed. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.

HOW SHALL I TELL THE DOG?: And Other Final Musings by Miles Kington (Memoir)
Prolific author, humor columnist and jazz reviewer Miles Kington has penned his final book in the form of a series of letters to his long-time agent and friend, Gillian Coleridge. Miles had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and decided that perhaps there was a book to be written about his experiences. Reviewed by Carole Turner.

COMMENCEMENT by J. Courtney Sullivan (Fiction)
J. Courney Sullivan’s outstanding debut novel is a tender story of friendship, a witty take on liberal arts colleges, and a fascinating portrait of the first generation of women who have all the opportunities in the world, but no clear idea about what to choose. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

WARBREAKER by Brandon Sanderson (Fantasy)
A God King, two princesses, a shadowy swordsman, and a reluctant god and hero collide in a web of politics, magic and religion as two neighboring nations find themselves on the precipice of war. WARBREAKER is another fine entry in Brandon Sanderson’s growing catalog of work. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

VANILLA RIDE: A Hap and Leonard Novel by Joe R. Lansdale (Thriller)
When an old friend asks Leonard Pine to rescue his daughter from an abusive, no-good drug dealer, he gladly agrees and, of course, invites best friend Hap Collins along for the fun. Even though the dealer may be lowly, he is on the bottom rung of the Dixie Mafia, and when Hap and Leonard come calling, the Mafia feels a little payback is in order. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE DEVIL’S COMPANY by David Liss (Historical Thriller)
David Liss’s fifth novel is another historical thriller set in 1722 London and features one of his recurring characters: ex-boxer and master of disguise Benjamin Weaver. Weaver gets involved in a treacherous web of deceit when he is blackmailed by a mysterious figure into stealing important documents from a well-known British company. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

IN THE KITCHEN by Monica Ali (Fiction)
The executive chef of a busy restaurant dreams of starting an establishment of his own, when tragedy strikes one of his co-workers. This shocking event causes a chain reaction that changes Gabriel’s life from a positive outlook to one of despair. Reviewed by Marie Hashima Lofton.

A DATE YOU CAN'T REFUSE by Harley Jane Kozak (Mystery)
When Wollie Shelley accepts a job coaching European visitors in American-style social graces for a media training company, she also takes a position with the FBI spying on that same company. However, Wollie is woefully unsuited to life as an undercover double agent, which makes for both hilarious and frightening situations --- as well as a delightful read. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE BEIJING OF POSSIBILITIES by Jonathan Tel (Fiction/Short Stories)
Blending humor with carefully observed details of life in Beijing, Jonathan Tel’s short stories offer a rich and entertaining guide to the city and its many and varied inhabitants --- from a modern-day Monkey King to an equally contemporary indentured servant, from a boy tasting his first cotton candy to a Ming Dynasty princess posting her first online profile. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE BEIJING OF POSSIBILITIES.

FRAGMENT by Warren Fahy (Thriller)
Evolutionary science, spine-tingling horror and reality television collide in Warren Fahy’s FRAGMENT, a terrific debut novel that illustrates how scientists’ dream discovery quickly devolves into their worst nightmare on the world’s most secluded island. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

Interview
David Morrell
Though perhaps best known as the creator of Rambo, David Morrell has written over 30 works of fiction and nonfiction, including THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS, SCAVENGER, CREEPERS and THE SUCCESSFUL NOVELIST. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Morrell discusses the real-life inspirations behind the unusual visual phenomena that take place in his latest book, THE SHIMMER, and elaborates on one of its smaller themes of media sensationalism. He also describes how he worked his fascination with actor James Dean into the story, explains how he overcomes bouts of writer’s block, and reveals how screenwriter Stirling Silliphant prompted him to jumpstart his writing career.

Author Talk
Hyatt Bass
In this interview, feature film director/screenwriter Hyatt Bass discusses the inspiration behind her debut novel, THE EMBERS, and explains how it evolved from its origins as a screenplay to a book. She also muses on what initially drew her to writing fiction, and names some of the novels and their authors who helped influence her own work.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

This week we’re spotlighting a collection of four titles from Vanguard Press, including THE COMPASS by Tammy Kling and John Spencer Ellis, DIAMONDHEAD by Patrick Robinson, DOMESTIC AFFAIRS by Eileen Goudge and THE SHIMMER by David Morrell. In a pink patterned beach bag, winners will find a red-and-pink striped beach towel, a translucent blue pitcher with four matching glasses, a bottle of H2O+ Grapefruit-Bergamot Shower & Bath Treatment, H2O+ Natural Spring Antibacterial Hand Soap, a Banana Boat 50SPF sunscreen stick and an inflatable inner tube for floating while reading, as well as a copy of THE COMPASS, DIAMONDHEAD, DOMESTIC AFFAIRS and THE SHIMMER. We have five to give away, as well as five additional prizes of copies of THE COMPASS, DIAMONDHEAD, DOMESTIC AFFAIRS and THE SHIMMER.

THE COMPASS by Tammy Kling and John Spencer Ellis (Fiction)
THE COMPASS is a life-transforming novel that will guide you on a journey of self-discovery. New York Times bestselling author Brian Tracy raves: “THE COMPASS will take you from where you are now to that place you've been destined to reach. It will help you achieve your goals and dreams."

DIAMONDHEAD by Patrick Robinson (Thriller)
When Navy SEAL Mack Bedford’s fellow officers are brutally killed by Iraqi insurgents using a cruel new weapon, he avenges their murders and gets himself into more trouble. But when Mack is asked to help assassinate a powerful French politician, he finds himself agreeing. His reward is a chance at survival for both his son and his hometown.

DOMESTIC AFFAIRS by Eileen Goudge (Fiction)
“Rosie and Abigail are like family,” Ina Merriweather used to say. That is, until the day Ina abruptly cast out her housekeeper, Rosie, and daughter Abigail. Abigail felt deeply betrayed, especially by Ina’s daughter Lila, who was her closest friend. Only Lila’s twin brother Vaughn, with whom Abigail had been exploring the joys and heartaches of first love, showed any compassion. Now, 25 years later, an old score is about to be settled...and an old love rekindled. Reviewed by Colleen Quinn.

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell (Thriller)
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about --- and exploited --- these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
RULES OF VENGEANCE by Christopher Reich
Months after foiling an attack on a commercial jetliner, Doctors Without Borders physician Jonathan Ransom is working under an assumed name in a remote corner of Africa, while his newly revealed spy wife, Emma, desperate to escape the wrath of Division, the secret American intelligence agency she betrayed, has vanished into the netherworld of international espionage. Both look forward to sharing a stolen weekend in London --- until an ambush on a convoy of limousines turns their romantic rendezvous into a terrorist bloodbath.
- Click here to read Christopher Reich’s bio.
- Click here to read Christopher Reich’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about RULES OF VENGEANCE.

NO MERCY by John Gilstrap
Deep inside the dangerous world of rescue operations, one anonymous hero pays no ransom, takes no prisoners and breaks every rule. Meet Jonathan Grave. No names. No feds. No trace evidence. That’s how Jonathan Grave operates. As a freelance specialist in covert rescues, he has to work outside the law to get things done --- especially in highly sensitive hostage situations. But when an Indiana college student is abducted, and Jonathan’s meticulous plan explodes into a deadly shooting spree, the local authorities are out for blood --- and they’re not alone. Someone wants to control a devastating secret...someone rich and powerful...someone willing to capture, torture and kill anyone to get it. Even the people Jonathan loves most.
- Click here to read John Gilstrap’s bio.
- Click here to read John Gilstrap's bibliography.
- Click here to read more about NO MERCY.

UNDONE by Karin Slaughter
In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the poor, wounded and unlucky --- and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. But in an instant, Sara is thrust into a frantic police investigation that will take her right back to Grant County. In UNDONE, three unforgettable characters from Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels FAITHLESS and FRACTURED collide for the first time, entering an electrifying race against the clock.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from UNDONE.

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE DEVIL’S QUEEN.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
THE LIKENESS by Tana French
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie.
- Click here to read more about THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from THE LIKENESS
- Click here to read a review of THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read Tana French’s bio.
- Click here to read Tana French's bibliography.

HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE by Dorothy Howell
Witty, smart and always chic, Haley Randolph has it all: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach, Burberry, and she’d kill for the newest Louis Vuitton handbag... but it seems she’s not the only one. When someone’s passion for designer purses leads to murder, Haley goes shopping for a killer and to clear her name.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
After her boss in a high-powered Washington public relations firm is caught in a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left almost broke, unemployed and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. All it will take, he tells her, is a little paint and some TLC to turn the fading Victorian mansion into a real-estate cash cow.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for THE FIXER UPPER.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
KILLING RED by Henry Perez
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He’s set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust fifteen years ago.
- Click here to read Advance Reader Comments for KILLING RED.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T17:36:00.033-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, July 2nd.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

MUDBOUND by Hilary Jordan
TRUST NO ONE by Gregg Hurwitz
AT LEAST IN THE CITY SOMEONE WOULD HEAR ME SCREAM by Wade Rouse
THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU by Jonathan Tropper
A RELIABLE WIFE by Robert Goolrick
THE MIDDLE PLACE by Kelly Corrigan
CONFESSIONS OF A PREP SCHOOL MOMMY HANDLER by Wade Rouse
THE NEIGHBOR by Lisa Gardner
A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R. J. Ellroy
THE TWENTIES GIRL by Sophie Kinsella
FEAR THE WORST by Linwood Barclay
SMASHER by Keith Raffel
GOING AWAY SHOES by Jill McCorkle

Review and Excerpts
KILLING RED by Henry Perez (Thriller)
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live, and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He has set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust 15 years ago. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of KILLING RED.

HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE: A Haley Randolph Mystery, by Dorothy Howell (Mystery)
The only reason a twenty-something gal like Haley Randolph would ever work at a mid-class department store like Holt's is for the extra cash required to support her serious designer handbag habit. Unfortunately, when Haley becomes the prime suspect in her miserly manager's murder, her part-time job turns into a full-time headache. Reviewed by Amie Taylor and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE.

RELENTLESS by Dean Koontz (Thriller)
Dean Koontz’s new thriller explores the razor-thin line between the best and worst of human nature --- and the anarchy simmering just beneath society’s surface --- as a likable, successful family man is drawn into a confrontation with a foe of unimaginable malice. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of RELENTLESS.

KILLER SUMMER by Ridley Pearson (Thriller)
Sun Valley, Idaho --- playground of the wealthy and politically connected --- is home to an annual wine auction that attracts high rollers from across the country, and Blaine County Sheriff Walt Fleming is the one who must ensure it goes off without a hitch. But when a passing truck catches his eye, his suspicions throw him headlong into the discovery of a complicated plan to steal the rare wine. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy.

THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe (Fiction)
A name written on a tiny piece of paper leads Connie Goodwin, a Harvard graduate student, on a quest that uncovers evidence of a long-lost book. Written in the late 1600s, it seems to point to witchcraft. Now, in 1991, someone other than Connie is intent on finding the book and will stop at nothing to possess it. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

RETURN TO SULLIVANS ISLAND by Dorothea Benton Frank (Fiction)
The next generation of Hamiltons and Hayes may well have its beginning with the return of Beth Hayes to the family homestead on Sullivans Island. The family has recruited her to housesit the Island Gamble for a year while her elders are off “doing their own thing.” Will she be able to overcome her resentments and live up to her family’s expectations? Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE ACCIDENTAL BESTSELLER by Wendy Wax (Fiction)
When author Kendall Aims loses everything in one fell swoop, her author friends step in to assist her by secretly collaborating on the book Kendall must write but can't. What follows is an intriguing plot with lots of twists and turns, a rumination on friendship, and a fascinating peek into the publishing business. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SATCHEL: The Life and Times of an American Legend, by Larry Tye (Biography)
Few reliable records or news reports survive about players in the Negro Leagues. Through dogged detective work, Larry Tye has tracked down the truth about Leroy “Satchel” Paige, interviewing more than 200 Negro Leaguers and Major Leaguers, talking to family and friends who had never told their stories before, and retracing Paige’s steps across the continent. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.

FAKE I.D. by Jason Starr (Thriller)
A New York bar bouncer with dreams of being more, Tommy Russo jumps at the chance to join a horse-owning syndicate. But to do so he’ll have to pony up $10,000 --- and that’s money he doesn’t have. So what’s an ambitious young man to do? Anything he has to... Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

DOWN AROUND MIDNIGHT: A Memoir of Crash and Survival, by Robert Sabbag (Memoir)
What would it be like to experience a plane crash as a passenger? It's a terrifying scenario that we've all thought about at one time or another. In DOWN AROUND MIDNIGHT, Robert Sabbag writes about his own harrowing experience. Thirty years after the event, he tells about the crash and its aftermath on his own life and the lives of other passengers. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

NEWTON AND THE COUNTERFEITER: The Unknown Detective Career of the World’s Greatest Scientist, by Thomas Levenson (History/Biography)
What most people know about Isaac Newton starts --- and usually ends --- with an apple falling from a tree. That led eventually to Newton’s theory of gravity and to his famous “laws of motion,” the invention of calculus and discoveries about the behavior of light. Much less known is his role in reforming the coinage of money in England and his pursuit of counterfeiters. MIT science professor Thomas Levenson focuses on one such case --- a long-running battle of wits between Newton and a master counterfeiter named William Chaloner. Reviewed by Robert Finn.

Author Interviews
Ridley Pearson
Ridley Pearson is the author of over 20 novels for both adults and young readers, including THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUER, PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS (co-written with Dave Barry), KILLER VIEW and KILLER WEEKEND. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's L. Dean Murphy, Pearson discusses what prompted him to write his latest, KILLER SUMMER, as a heist novel, and describes the real-life inspirations behind the book's setting and characters. He also gives insight into his writing process, professes his love for villainous characters, and explains how he got started writing children's books.

Henry Perez
Henry Perez is a former television producer and journalist who recently published his debut novel, KILLING RED, a suspense thriller about a serial murderer on death row whose crimes are being replicated by a copycat killer. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Perez compares and contrasts himself to his reporter protagonist, Alex Chapa, and discusses his and other characters' evolutions throughout the course of the story. He also describes his favorite aspect of the writing process, shares his thoughts on the current state of print media, and reveals what readers can look forward to in his follow-up novel, MOURN THE LIVING.

Dorothy Howell
With over 20 historical romances under her belt, Dorothy Howell's most recent novel HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE --- now in paperback --- marks her first attempt at writing a mystery. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Amie Taylor, Howell explains why she chose to try her hand at this new genre and describes what inspired the book's quirky plot and main character. She also confesses to a weakness for shopping --- one accessory in particular --- lists some of the many career hats she wore before turning to writing full time, and hints at what's in store for protagonist Haley Randolph in the next installment of the series.

Author Talk
Katherine Howe
Katherine Howe's debut, THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE, follows two intertwined narratives --- one of a Harvard graduate student in 1991, and the other of a woman caught in the middle of the infamous Salem Witch Trials three centuries previous. In this interview, Howe describes her personal connection to this historical event, and discusses her interest in portraying it accurately as opposed to its more common "fairy tale version." She also explains what drew her to the real-life titular figure, and speculates why people have always been fascinated with this period in American history.

Books into Movies
This month’s Books into Movies Feature includes
Public Enemies
I Love You, Beth Cooper
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Historical Fiction Author Spotlight
THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.
- Click here to read Jeanne Kalogridis’s bio.
- Click here to read Jean Kalogridis’s Author Bibliography.
- Click here to read more about THE DEVIL’S QUEEN.

SUSPENSE THRILLER AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
UNDONE by Karin Slaughter
In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the city’s poor, wounded, and unlucky --- and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. Then, in one instant, Sara is thrust into a frantic police investigation, coming face-to-face with a tall driven detective and his quiet female partner. In UNDONE, three unforgettable characters from Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling novels FAITHLESS and FRACTURED collide for the first time, entering an electrifying race against the clock --- and a duel with unspeakable human evil.
- Click here to read an excerpt from UNDONE.

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, THE SHIMMER, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about – and exploited – these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control?
- Click here to read a third excerpt from THE SHIMMER.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
THE LIKENESS by Tana French
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie.
- Click here to read more about THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from THE LIKENESS
- Click here to read a review of THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read Tana French’s bio.
- Click here to read Tana French's bibliography.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
After her boss in a high-powered Washington public relations firm is caught in a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left almost broke, unemployed and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. All it will take, he tells her, is a little paint and some TLC to turn the fading Victorian mansion into a real-estate cash cow.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from THE FIXER UPPER.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T22:09:00.011-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, June 26th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE LOST CITY OF Z by David Grann
SAVANNAH BLUES by Mary Kay Andrews
PERSEPOLIS by Marjane Satrapi
FAITHLESS by Karin Slaughter
FRACTURED by Karin Slaughter

Reviews and Excerpts
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews (Fiction)
After her boss in a Washington PR firm is caught in a scandal, lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left broke, unemployed and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, a dilapidated, Pepto Bismol–pink Victorian house he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. The delightful New York Times bestselling author returns with a hilarious novel about one woman's quest to redo an old house...and her life. Reviewed by Lourdes Orive.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE FIXER UPPER.

THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA by Heather Barbieri (Fiction)
"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." Overwhelmed by heartbreak and loss, the struggling 26-year-old fashion designer follows her mother's advice and flees to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, hoping to break free of old patterns and reinvent herself. THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA is an enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love in which a young American woman helps a group of lace makers change their lives --- and, ultimately, her own. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA.

THE WONDER SINGER by George Rabasa (Literary Fiction)
For freelance writer Mark Lockwood, landing the job as ghost writer for opera diva Mercè Casals is a dream. But when she dies in her bath and her agent wants to give the project to a renowned celebrity biographer, Lockwood makes off with the interview tapes to save his last best chance at writing success. Reviewed by Eileen Zimmerman Nicol.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE WONDER SINGER.

FINGER LICKIN’ FIFTEEN: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich (Mystery)
Trenton bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office at night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, aka Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, solve Ranger’s problems and not jump his bones? Reviewed by Roz Shea.
- Click here to read an excerpt from FINGER LICKIN’ FIFTEEN.

TRUST NO ONE by Gregg Hurwitz (Thriller)
In the middle of the night, a SWAT team bursts into Nick Horrigan’s apartment, grabs him and drags him to a waiting helicopter. A terrorist --- someone Nick has never heard of --- has seized control of a nuclear reactor, threatening to blow it up. And the only person he’ll talk to is Nick, promising to tell Nick the truth behind the events that shattered his life 20 years ago. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
-Click here to read an excerpt from TRUST NO ONE.

MEDUSA: A Novel from the NUMA® Files by Clive Cussler with Paul Kemprecos (Fiction / Action & Adventure)
For seven books, Clive Cussler has dazzled readers with the “spine-tingling adventures” (Chicago Tribune) of Kurt Austin, Joe Zavala and the rest of the NUMA® Special Assignments Team. But in MEDUSA the NUMA® team faces what may be its most perilous mission of all. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

SANCTUARY: A Jack Taylor Novel by Ken Bruen (Thriller)
When a letter containing a list of victims arrives in the post, P.I. Jack Taylor tells himself that it has nothing to do with him. A guard and then a judge die in mysterious circumstances. But it is not until a child is added to the list that Taylor determines to find the identity of the killer, and stop them at any cost. What he doesn’t know is that his relationship with the killer is far closer than he thinks. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN by Colum McCann (Fiction)
In the dawning light of a late-summer morning, the people of lower Manhattan stand hushed, staring up in disbelief at the Twin Towers. It is August 1974, and a mysterious tightrope walker is running, dancing, leaping between the towers, suspended a quarter mile above the ground. In the streets below, a slew of ordinary lives become extraordinary in Colum McCann’s portrait of a city and its people. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE SECOND DEATH OF GOODLUCK TINUBU: A Detective Kubu Mystery by Michael Stanley (Mystery)
The memorable Kubu of A CARRION DEATH returns in this gripping story of murder, greed and hidden motives. Set in northern Botswana, amid lush vegetation and teeming wildlife, THE SECOND DEATH OF GOODLUCK TINUBU captures the intense loyalties and struggles taking place at the country's borders --- and the shattered dreams of those living just outside this modern democracy. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

HOTHOUSE FLOWER AND THE NINE PLANTS OF DESIRE by Margot Berwin (Fiction)
In the heart of New York City, hidden in the back room of an old Laundromat, are nine rare and valuable plants. HOTHOUSE FLOWER AND THE NINE PLANTS OF DESIRE tells the story of this legendary garden, and the distance one woman must travel --- from the cold, harsh streets of Manhattan to the lush jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula --- to claim what is hers. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

NAME TO A FACE by Robert Goddard (Thriller)
Robert Goddard’s NAME TO A FACE is another addition to a long line of novels that have captivated readers worldwide with edge-of-the-seat pacing and labyrinthine plotting. This novel features a century’s old mystery involving the sinking of a ship off Sicily in 1707 and how it ties in to a murder 30 years later and the drowning of a journalist in 1999. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

THE DEVIL’S TICKETS: A Night of Bridge, a Fatal Hand, and a New American Age by Gary M. Pomerantz (History)
Through larger-than-life characters and the timeless partnership game they played, THE DEVIL’S TICKETS evokes the last echoes of the Roaring Twenties and the darkness of the Depression. Ultimately it reveals a tension between husbands and wives that is eternal and manifests itself at the bridge table in ways surprising and profound. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.

THE LAST TRIALS OF CLARENCE DARROW by Donald McRae (History)
The legendary attorney Clarence Darrow is most remembered for courtroom battles of the 1920s. The Leopold and Loeb case, the Scopes Monkey Trial and the Ossian Sweet murder trial came at the end of his career as he sought to rehabilitate his image, tarnished by his personal criminal prosecution for jury tampering. Here, Donald McRae portrays Darrow’s personal struggle for redemption as well as his courtroom battles for his clients. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

Interviews
Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews is the bestselling author of seven books, including SAVANNAH BREEZE, SAVANNAH BLUES, LITTY BITTY LIES and HISSY FIT. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Lourdes Orive, Andrews explains what inspired the plot of her latest novel, THE FIXER UPPER, and gives a bit of insight into her main character Dempsey's troubles in life and love. She also discusses her own restoring and decorating, mentions some of her favorite Southern writers, and creates an ideal menu for reading groups to enjoy while discussing her book.

Heather Barbieri
In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Bronwyn Miller, Heather Barbieri --- whose second novel, THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA, is now available in stores --- explains what inspired the book's plot and describes her personal connection with its setting in Western Ireland. She also discusses the role sewing played in her upbringing, names the character with whom she most identifies, and reveals what she looks forward to on book tours.

George Rabasa
George Rabasa's third novel, THE WONDER SINGER, is about a ghostwriter asked to pen the autobiography of an aging, legendary opera diva who dies unexpectedly before the project is completed. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Eileen Zimmerman Nicol, Rabasa discusses the challenges of writing in the story-within-a-story frame, and explains who inspired --- both in name and personality --- the book's main character. He also describes his unconventional writing process, reveals how his former career in advertising helped hone his voice as a writer, and compares and contrasts the life of an author with that of a performer.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

MERCURY IN RETROGRADE by Paula Froelich (Fiction)
MERCURY IN RETROGRADE introduces three women whose lives intersect when they each decide to move into the same SoHo apartment building. As these disparate ladies become friends, they soon discover that having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might have been the best thing that could have ever happened to them. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
UNDONE by Karin Slaughter
In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the poor, wounded and unlucky --- and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. But in an instant, Sara is thrust into a frantic police investigation that will take her right back to Grant County. In UNDONE, three unforgettable characters from Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels FAITHLESS and FRACTURED collide for the first time, entering an electrifying race against the clock.
- Click here to read Karin Slaughter’s bio.
- Click here to read Karin Slaughter's biography.
- Click here to read more about UNDONE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from UNDONE.

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, THE SHIMMER, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about – and exploited – these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control?
- Click here to read a second excerpt from THE SHIMMER.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
THE LIKENESS by Tana French
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie.
- Click here to read more about THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LIKENESS
- Click here to read a review of THE LIKENESS.
- Click here to read Tana French’s bio.
- Click here to read Tana French's bibliography.

HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE by Dorothy Howell
Witty, smart and always chic, Haley Randolph has it all: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach, Burberry, and she’d kill for the newest Louis Vuitton handbag... but it seems she’s not the only one. When someone’s passion for designer purses leads to murder, Haley goes shopping for a killer and to clear her name.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
KILLING RED by Henry Perez
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He’s set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust fifteen years ago.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from KILLING RED.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

June 19, 2009

2009-06-19T22:00:00.005-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com beginning Friday, June 19th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

TRUST NO ONE by Gregg Hurwitz
LOCKE AND KEY: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill
STITCHES by David Small
TWENTY BOY SUMMER by Sarah Ockler

Reviews and Excerpts
THE ANGEL’S GAME by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Fiction)
In the turbulent and surreal Barcelona of the 1920s, David Martin, a young novelist obsessed with a forbidden love, receives an offer from an enigmatic publisher to write a book like no other before --- a book for which “people will live and die.” In return, he is promised a fortune and, perhaps, much more. Soon David begins to see frightening parallels between the book he’s been commissioned to write and an old religious manuscript retrieved from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE ANGEL'S GAME.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for THE ANGEL'S GAME.

THE NEIGHBOR by Lisa Gardner (Thriller)
It was a case guaranteed to spark a media feeding frenzy --- a young mother, blond and pretty, disappears without a trace from her South Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter as the only witness and her handsome, secretive husband as the prime suspect. But from the moment Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren arrives at the Joneses’ snug little bungalow, she senses something off about the picture of wholesome normality the couple worked so hard to create. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE NEIGHBOR.

PERFECTION: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz (Memoir)
Julie Metz’s life changes forever on one ordinary January afternoon when her husband, Henry, collapses on the kitchen floor and dies in her arms. Seven months after his death, just when Julie thinks she is emerging from the worst of it, comes the rest of it: she discovers that what had appeared to be the reality of her marriage was but a half truth. PERFECTION is the story of Metz’s journey through chaos and transformation, as she creates a different life for herself and for her young daughter. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
- Click here to read an excerpt from PERFECTION.
- Click here to see the reading group guide for PERFECTION.

BORDER SONGS by Jim Lynch (Fiction)
A young Border Patrol officer goes out each day searching for birds, but finds more than he bargains for --- much more --- in this timely story from the author of THE HIGHEST TIDE. In Brandon Vanderkool, Jim Lynch has given us a delightfully memorable character. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE DECEPTION by Eric Van Lustbader (Thriller)
The mysterious Arkadin is still hot on Jason Bourne's trail and the two continue their struggle, reversing roles of hunter and hunted. When Bourne is ambushed and badly wounded, he fakes his death and goes into hiding. In safety, he takes on a new identity, and begins a mission to find out who tried to assassinate him. Meanwhile, an American passenger airliner is shot down over Egypt by what seems to be an Iranian missile. A global investigative team is assembled to get to the truth of the situation before it escalates into an international scandal. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

JUMP by Tim Maleeny (Thriller)
When the most hated landlord in San Francisco takes an unexpected jump off the roof of his own building, it isn’t too hard to find suspects. The police want to call it a suicide, but ex-cop Sam McGowan knows it was murder. He also knows that anyone living on the top floor of the building should be a suspect, including himself. So Sam decides to get to know his neighbors... Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

RED HOT LIES: An Izzy McNeil Novel by Laura Caldwell (Mystery)
Life is good for Chicago entertainment lawyer Izzy McNeil --- until her mentor dies and her fiancé is implicated by virtue of his mysterious disappearance. The puzzle of RED HOT LIES, the first in a summer mystery trilogy, involves deceit, theft, self-discovery and retribution. Reviewed by Hillary Wagy.

THE SIGNAL by Ron Carlson (Fiction)
There’s more intense action crammed into Ron Carlson’s brief new novel than in many works twice its length. Couple that with two complex and absorbing protagonists and gorgeous writing that pays homage to the natural world, and you have a deeply appealing work that’s easy to appreciate on a variety of levels. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.

THE MEMORY COLLECTOR by Meg Gardiner (Thriller)
Meg Gardiner returns with her second Jo Beckett thriller. A forensic psychiatrist, Beckett is called to the scene of an aircraft inbound from London to California to examine Ian Kanan, a passenger who is behaving erratically, and realizes she is about to enter into a case unlike anything she has ever seen. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

TRUST ME by Peter Leonard (Thriller)
The first mistake Karen Delaney made was entrusting $300,000 to her boyfriend, Samir, the head of an illegal bookmaking operation. The second was breaking up with him --- because Samir holds a $300,000 grudge. A few months later, Karen sees a way to get her money back when two thieves break into her house in the middle of the night. She proposes a scheme to steal Samir’s safe, but Karen soon realizes she’s in way over her head as things begin to spin out of control. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

EAST OF THE SUN by Julia Gregson (Historical Fiction)
EAST OF THE SUN is a tale of personal discovery and enlightenment for three British women who set sail to India in 1928. They were part of the “Fishing Fleet,” an assembly of ladies who left Britain for India in hopes of finding a match for themselves. Set in the era of Mahatma Gandhi, this book has great historical value and is a work of rare quality. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

HELLO GOODBYE by Emily Chenoweth (Fiction)
In the winter of 1990, Helen Hansen --- counselor, wife and mother in the prime of her life --- is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The following August, Helen, her husband, Elliott, and their daughter, Abby, a freshman in college, take a trip to northern New Hampshire, where Helen will be able to say goodbye to a lifetime of friends. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

HUNT AT THE WELL OF ETERNITY by Gabriel Hunt as told to James Reasoner (Fiction/Action & Adventure)
HUNT AT THE WELL OF ETERNITY marks the start of a new pulp adventure paperback series by the creator of Hard Case Crime. Gabriel Hunt is a modern-day hero in the Indiana Jones mold. From the skyscrapers of New York to the jungles of Guatemala, Hunt encounters nonstop action and danger as he tries to save a beautiful woman and solve a deadly mystery. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

Author Talks
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón, who has written for both adults and young readers, follows up his international bestseller THE SHADOW OF THE WIND with his latest release, THE ANGEL'S GAME. In this interview, Zafón compares and contrasts himself to his novelist main character, and discusses why he chose to set several of his novels in his home city of Barcelona. He also reflects on the source of his passion for reading, names a few of his favorite crime writers who have served as inspiration for his own work, and shares what he hopes readers will take away from his books.

Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner's new novel, THE NEIGHBOR, marks the return of D. D. Warren, a Boston PD Sergeant who was also featured in previous works ALONE and HIDE. In this interview, Gardner explains why she chose to continue Warren's story, and discusses the real-life cases that inspired the plot of this latest book about the disappearance of a young wife and mother whose secretive husband is suspected of her murder. She also describes the most fascinating and most challenging aspects of researching and writing about sex offenders, provides insight into the complex characters and their relationships, and hints at what's in store for Sergeant D. D. in future installments of the series.

Julie Metz
In her debut, PERFECTION, Julie Metz chronicles her difficult journey of acceptance and moving forward after she discovers painful truths about her marriage following her husband's unexpected death. In this interview, Metz explains the significance behind the book's title and discusses how, in retrospect, she could have foreseen her husband's betrayal. She also elaborates on the double standard that exists in today's society regarding infidelity, offers tips to women looking to start over after being cheated on by their spouses, and shares what she hopes readers will take away from her experiences.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

MERCURY IN RETROGRADE by Paula Froelich (Fiction)
MERCURY IN RETROGRADE introduces three women whose lives intersect when they each decide to move into the same SoHo apartment building. As these disparate ladies become friends, they soon discover that having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might have been the best thing that could have ever happened to them. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

Fourth Annual Father's Day Contest
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and inspired us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? From May 29th through June 12th readers will have the chance to win one of our five Father’s Day Tote Bag Coolers, which are stocked with handy and fun items for dad as well as one copy of all six of our featured titles. Whether he is a fan of suspense novels, uplifting stories --- or if he’s just looking for great summer cooking ideas --- Bookreporter.com has the perfect gift suggestions for the dad in your life.

Our featured Father’s Day titles are:

- BOBBY FLAY'S BURGERS, FRIES, AND SHAKES by Bobby Flay
- THE BOOK OF DADS: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood, edited by Ben George
- DIAMONDHEAD by Patrick Robinson
- HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE: A Memoir, by Michael Greenberg
- NUDGE: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
- THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
THE LIKENESS by Tana French
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie.
- Click here to read a review of THE LIKENESS
- Click here to read Tana French’s Bio.

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
THE SHIMMER by David Morrell
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, THE SHIMMER, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about – and exploited – these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control?
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SHIMMER.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
After her boss in a Washington PR firm is caught in a scandal, lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left broke, unemployed, and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, a dilapidated, Pepto Bismol–pink victorian house he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. The delightful New York Times bestselling author returns with a hilarious novel about one woman's quest to redo an old house... and her life.
- Click here to read a second excerpt of THE FIXER UPPER.

THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA by Heather Barbieri
"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." Overwhelmed by heartbreak and loss, the struggling 26-year-old fashion designer follows her mother's advice and flees to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, hoping to break free of old patterns and reinvent herself. An enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love in which a young American woman helps a group of lace makers change their lives --- and, ultimately, her own.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
KILLING RED by Henry Perez
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He’s set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust fifteen years ago.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from KILLING RED.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE by Dorothy Howell
Witty, smart and always chic, Haley Randolph has it all: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach, Burberry, and she’d kill for the newest Louis Vuitton handbag... but it seems she’s not the only one. When someone’s passion for designer purses leads to murder, Haley goes shopping for a killer and to clear her name.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE.

Literary Fiction Author Spotlight
THE WONDER SINGER by George Rabasa
For freelance writer Mark Lockwood, landing the job as ghost writer for opera diva Mercè Casals is a dream. But when she dies in her bath and her agent wants to give the project to a renowned celebrity biographer, Lockwood makes off with the interview tapes to save his last best chance at writing success.
- Click here to read a third excerpt from THE WONDER SINGER.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T22:57:00.004-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, June 12th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

PERFECTION by Julie Metz
THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU by Jonathan Tropper
THE BOOK OF JOE by Jonathan Tropper
EVERYTHING CHANGES by Jonathan Tropper
HOW TO TALK TO A WIDOWER by Jonathan Tropper
AFTER ETAN: The Missing Child Case That Held America Captive by Lisa R. Cohen
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein
THE ACCIDENTAL BESTSELLER by Wendy Wax

Reviews and Excerpts
ROADSIDE CROSSES: A Kathryn Dance Novel by Jeffery Deaver (Thriller)
ROADSIDE CROSSES, Jeffery Deaver’s latest novel, offers a bit of a departure from the work of one of thriller fiction’s most unpredictable and reliable practitioners. It marks both the return of Kathryn Dance, last seen in THE SLEEPING DOLL, and a continuation of that book, tying up one major loose end left over from its predecessor and creating a number of new ones. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ROADSIDE CROSSES.

ROAD DOGS by Elmore Leonard (Thriller)
Legendary New York Times bestselling author Elmore Leonard returns with three of his favorite characters: Jack Foley from OUT OF SIGHT, Cundo Rey from LaBRAVA, and Dawn Navarro from RIDING THE RAP. They are back in action and working together. Or are they? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

FUGITIVE by Phillip Margolin (Legal Thriller)
Amanda Jaffe, the heroine of three previous Phillip Margolin thrillers (WILD JUSTICE, TIES THAT BIND, PROOF POSITIVE), is back in FUGITIVE, a twisting tale of international intrigue and murder that leads her deep into the past and the crosshairs of a killer. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

DARE TO DIE: A Death on Demand Mystery by Carolyn Hart (Mystery)
Annie and Max Darling are completely unprepared when the arrival of a mysterious young woman shocks their sea island and stirs up more than just gossip. It turns out that Iris, the beautiful stranger, is a former resident of Broward's Rock. Her presence throws the normally happy town into a downward spiral that pits neighbor against neighbor. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

SUNNYSIDE by Glen David Gold (Fiction)
Glen David Gold, author of the bestseller CARTER BEATS THE DEVIL, has written a novel with the brilliantly realized figure of Charlie Chaplin at its center that captures the moment when American capitalism, a world at war, and the emerging mecca of Hollywood intersect to spawn an enduring culture of celebrity. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE CITY & THE CITY by China Miéville (Urban Fantasy)
Two cities, long-time neighbors, exist in a state of contempt, each a home to people who are required to ignore the citizens of the other. Rules are enforced to keep the two separate, but one little murder throws all of it into chaos as two investigators, one from each city, must work together to get to the bottom of a growing, and sinister, case. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

IN THE DARK by Brian Freeman (Thriller)
Two young lovers. A sultry summer night. One brutal, cold-blooded murder. In this stunning, atmospheric thriller, Brian Freeman takes you deep into Detective Jonathan Stride’s complicated past. Can Stride put to rest the ghosts of his past, or will they devour him whole? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THE WAY WE WERE by Marcia Willett (Fiction)
The lives of two friends intertwine and merge in this engrossing drama, which tantalizes readers with mysteries and secrets. Marcia Willett gradually unveils the puzzle pieces, some from the past and others from the present, to form a satisfying and poignant portrait of family and friendship. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE LAST WAR by Ana Menendez (Fiction)
Flash, a photojournalist, chases conflicts around the globe with her war correspondent husband, Brando. Now Brando is in Iraq, awaiting her arrival. Yet instead of racing to join him, Flash idles in Istanbul, vaguely aware that her marriage is faltering. THE LAST WAR reveals the personal costs of combat journalism while probing crucial questions of cruelty and violence, love and identity. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

BURNT SHADOWS by Kamila Shamsie (Fiction)
This epic novel, spanning from 1945 Nagasaki to post-9/11 New York City, is a moving examination of the intertwining relationships of two families. The story is thoughtful, complex and elegantly written while remaining a page-turner. Most of all, it is absolutely unforgettable. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

BLACK WATER RISING by Attica Locke (Thriller)
In Atticka Locke’s debut thriller, an evening of celebration turns into a deadly night of murder. Jay Porter is afraid to share his information with the police, and someone is making sure he doesn’t change his mind. He must decide whether to risk his life or his integrity. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

THE ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD: The Terrifying Story of How Typhus Killed Napoleon's Greatest Army by Stephan Talty (History)
In a masterful dual narrative that pits the heights of human ambition and achievement against the supremacy of nature, New York Times bestselling author Stephan Talty tells the story of a mighty ruler and a tiny microbe, antagonists whose struggle would shape the modern world. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

DRIFTWOOD SUMMER by Patti Callahan Henry (Fiction)
In her latest intriguing tale, Patti Callahan Henry skillfully weaves together the lives of three sisters --- Riley, Maisy and Adalee --- who reunite in an attempt to save the family bookstore. Conflicts arise with the return of Mack Logan, who unwittingly instigated the long-standing rift between Riley and Maisy. Both still yearn for him. When the choice is between "the true love of your life" romance and family healing, what will happen? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SUMMER HOUSE by Nancy Thayer (Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author of MOON SHELL BEACH comes a moving new novel about an unexpectedly magical summer for three generations of women. Artfully written and set on the glorious island of Nantucket, Nancy Thayer’s SUMMER HOUSE is a vibrant and stirring work of fiction about family, love and daily choices that affect entire lives.

THE UNIT by Ninni Holmqvist (Fiction)
One day in early spring, Dorrit Weger is checked into the Second Reserve Bank Unit for biological material. Here, women over the age of 50 and men over 60 --- single, childless, and without jobs in progressive industries --- are expected to contribute themselves for the good of society. Despite the ruthless nature of this practice, Dorrit finds her conditions pleasant and comfortable. But when she meets a man and falls in love, the extraordinary becomes a reality and Dorrit is faced with compliance or escape.

2009 Summer Golf Books Roundup
Sunday, June 21st marks not only Father’s Day, but also the final round of the United States Open, the second major golf championship of the year. This year’s Open returns to Bethpage Black, one of the nation’s most famous and difficult public courses. In 2002, the course underwent substantial redesign and renovation in anticipation of the Open. Tiger Woods emerged victorious, and he returns to the New York course this year having won not only at Bethpage, but also at Torrey Pines in California last year. Father’s Day, the U.S. Open and summer usually signal the publication of a variety of enjoyable and entertaining books focusing on the game of golf. Once again, a number of excellent golf-related titles are available on the shelves of bookstores for golfers or for those looking for a gift for their golfing father or friend.

2009 New York Baseball Roundup
As the Mets and Yankees prepare for another go-round of interleague play, fans might consider six recently published titles that highlight a few key players for each --- in some cases both --- of the teams, including Yogi Berra, Roger Clemens, Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling. You know, for those interminable pitching changes or commercial breaks.

Fourth Annual Father's Day Contest
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and inspired us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? From May 29th through June 12th readers will have the chance to win one of our five Father’s Day Tote Bag Coolers, which are stocked with handy and fun items for dad as well as one copy of all six of our featured titles. Whether he is a fan of suspense novels, uplifting stories --- or if he’s just looking for great summer cooking ideas --- Bookreporter.com has the perfect gift suggestions for the dad in your life.

Our featured Father’s Day titles are:

- BOBBY FLAY'S BURGERS, FRIES, AND SHAKES by Bobby Flay
- THE BOOK OF DADS: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood, edited by Ben George
- DIAMONDHEAD by Patrick Robinson
- HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE: A Memoir, by Michael Greenberg
- NUDGE: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
- THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
THE SHIMMER by David Morrell
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, THE SHIMMER, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about – and exploited – these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control?
- Click here to read David Morrell’s bio.
- Click here to read David Morrell’s bibliography.
- Clear here to read more about THE SHIMMER.

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
After her boss in a Washington PR firm is caught in a scandal, lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left broke, unemployed, and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, a dilapidated, Pepto Bismol–pink victorian house he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. The delightful New York Times bestselling author returns with a hilarious novel about one woman's quest to redo an old house... and her life.
- Click here to read an excerpt of THE FIXER UPPER.

THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA by Heather Barbieri
"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." Overwhelmed by heartbreak and loss, the struggling 26-year-old fashion designer follows her mother's advice and flees to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, hoping to break free of old patterns and reinvent herself. An enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love in which a young American woman helps a group of lace makers change their lives --- and, ultimately, her own.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
KILLING RED by Henry Perez
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He’s set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust fifteen years ago.
- Click here to read an excerpt of KILLING RED.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE by Dorothy Howell
Witty, smart and always chic, Haley Randolph has it all: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach, Burberry, and she’d kill for the newest Louis Vuitton handbag... but it seems she’s not the only one. When someone’s passion for designer purses leads to murder, Haley goes shopping for a killer and to clear her name.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE.

Literary Fiction Author Spotlight
THE WONDER SINGER by George Rabasa
For freelance writer Mark Lockwood, landing the job as ghost writer for opera diva Mercè Casals is a dream. But when she dies in her bath and her agent wants to give the project to a renowned celebrity biographer, Lockwood makes off with the interview tapes to save his last best chance at writing success.
- Click here to read a second excerpt from THE WONDER SINGER.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T21:46:00.001-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features began running on Bookreporter.com on Friday, June 5th.

Also mentioned in the Bookreporter.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

HOW SHOULD I TELL THE DOG: And Other Final Musings by Miles Kington
THAT OLD CAPE MAGIC by Richard Russo
EMPIRE FALLS by Richard Russo

Reviews and Excerpts
THE STORY SISTERS by Alice Hoffman (Fiction)
Alice Hoffman’s new novel charts the lives of three sisters. Each has a fate she must meet alone: one on a country road, one in the streets of Paris, and one in the corridors of her own imagination. Inhabiting their world are a charismatic man who cannot tell the truth, a neighbor who is not who he appears to be, a clumsy boy in Paris who falls in love and stays there, a detective who finds his heart’s desire, and a demon who will not let go. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE STORY SISTERS.

AT LEAST IN THE CITY SOMEONE WOULD HEAR ME SCREAM: Misadventures in Search of the Simple Life by Wade Rouse (Memoir)
When was the last time you read a memoir that begins with an angry raccoon perched on the author’s head? That’s the opening scene of Wade Rouse’s new book and one of many, both hilarious and wise, that make this a memorable story about living your dreams and in the process discovering a new life. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AT LEAST IN THE CITY SOMEONE WOULD HEAR ME SCREAM.

THE STRAIN by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan (Horror)
The visionary creator of the Academy Award-winning Pan's Labyrinth and a Hammett Award-winning author bring their imaginations to this bold, epic novel about a horrifying battle between man and vampire that threatens all humanity. It is the first installment in a thrilling trilogy and an extraordinary international publishing event. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

DIE FOR YOU by Lisa Unger (Thriller)
Bestselling author Lisa Unger takes us on a nightmarish journey from bustling, glamorous New York City to the murky, twisted streets of Prague, seeking the answer to one bone-chilling question: What if the man you love, the one sleeping beside you, is a stranger? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

MY FATHER’S TEARS: And Other Stories by John Updike (Fiction/Short Stories)
John Updike’s first collection of new short fiction since the year 2000, MY FATHER’S TEARS finds the late author in a valedictory mood as he mingles narratives of his native Pennsylvania with stories of New England suburbia and of foreign travel. American experience from the Depression to the aftermath of 9/11 finds reflection in these glittering pieces of observation, remembrance and imagination. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.

MERCURY IN RETROGRADE by Paula Froelich (Fiction)
MERCURY IN RETROGRADE introduces three women whose lives intersect when they each decide to move into the same SoHo apartment building. As these disparate ladies become friends, they soon discover that having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might have been the best thing that could have ever happened to them. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE by Alan Bradley (Mystery)
It is the summer of 1950 --- and a series of inexplicable events has struck Buckshaw, the decaying English mansion that 11-year-old Flavia de Luce’s family calls home. A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath. For Flavia, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison, life begins in earnest when murder comes to Buckshaw. Reviewed by Roz Shea.

STEP BY STEP: A Pedestrian Memoir by Lawrence Block (Memoir)
Bestselling mystery author Lawrence Block has written a memoir about walking --- or, more precisely, his participation in the sport of racewalking. In his late 60s, Block was traveling the country entering “ultra” marathons that challenged him to try to walk his age in miles within 24-hour periods. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

THE LITTLE STRANGER by Sarah Waters (Psychological Thriller)
This sophisticated ghost story from the award-winning author of THE NIGHT WATCH and FINGERSMITH does more than give you a fright. Psychologically acute and darkly alluring, it links the upheavals of post-World War II England to spiritual derangements in the life of one formerly glorious Warwickshire family. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman.

PERFORATED HEART by Eric Bogosian (Fiction)
In this diary novel, an aging novelist past his prime ruminates on life, death, fame and his lack of it while looking through journals of his life in the 1970s New York artistic underground. Guilt, regret and stymied desire frame this compelling portrait of a writer’s relationship with his work and considerable shortcomings. Reviewed by Max Falkowitz.

Author Interview
Norman Ollestad
In his memoir, CRAZY FOR THE STORM, Norman Ollestad chronicles his story of survival after a plane crash in the mountains leaves him the sole survivor at the age of 11, while giving credit entirely to his adventure-loving father's unusual parenting style. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Norah Piehl, Ollestad explains how he was able to piece together his scattered 30-year-old memories in order to vividly describe that harrowing nine-hour ordeal, and reveals some of the difficulties he experienced revisiting those traumatic events. He also provides insight into his father's personality and outlook on life, discusses how their unique relationship has helped to shape the one he now shares with his own son, and names some of his biggest writing influences.

Author Talk
Patti Callahan Henry
Patti Callahan Henry is the bestselling author of six novels, including WHEN LIGHT BREAKS, BETWEEN THE TIDES, THE ART OF KEEPING SECRETS and the newly released DRIFTWOOD SUMMER. In this interview, Henry describes how much of her own memories and experiences she drew upon to write this story about three siblings and attempts to shed light on the complex dynamic of sisterhood. She also explains why --- in addition to themes of familial relationships --- she chose to focus on the financial issues independent bookstores face in this day and age, and shares tips on how we can help support these small businesses.

Beach Bag of Books
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

THE EX-MRS. HEDGEFUND by Jill Kargman (Fiction)
This is about the time of year that a book lover starts searching for those titles that will fill her beach bag, be dragged to the pool, hauled out on the boat and passed around at the playground. Just in time to fill all these requirements of a fun summer read is Jill Kargman’s THE EX-MRS. HEDGEFUND. Reviewed by Jamie Layton.

Fourth Annual Father's Day Contest
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and inspired us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? From May 29th through June 12th readers will have the chance to win one of our five Father’s Day Tote Bag Coolers, which are stocked with handy and fun items for dad as well as one copy of all six of our featured titles. Whether he is a fan of suspense novels, uplifting stories --- or if he’s just looking for great summer cooking ideas --- Bookreporter.com has the perfect gift suggestions for the dad in your life.

Our featured Father’s Day titles are:

- BOBBY FLAY'S BURGERS, FRIES, AND SHAKES by Bobby Flay
- THE BOOK OF DADS: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood, edited by Ben George
- DIAMONDHEAD by Patrick Robinson
- HURRY DOWN SUNSHINE: A Memoir, by Michael Greenberg
- NUDGE: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
- THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Books into Movies
This month's Books into Movies Feature includes:
Chéri
The Stoning of Soraya M.
My Sister's Keeper

Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight
THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews
After her boss in a Washington PR firm is caught in a scandal, lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left broke, unemployed, and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, a dilapidated, Pepto Bismol–pink victorian house he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. The delightful New York Times bestselling author returns with a hilarious novel about one woman's quest to redo an old house... and her life.
- Click here to read Mary Kay Andrews’s Bio
- Click here to read Mary Kay Andrews’s Bibliography
- Click here to read more about THE FIXER UPPER.

THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA by Heather Barbieri
"You can always start again," Kate Robinson's mother once told her, "all it takes is a new thread." Overwhelmed by heartbreak and loss, the struggling 26-year-old fashion designer follows her mother's advice and flees to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, hoping to break free of old patterns and reinvent herself. An enchanting, romantic tale of friendship and love in which a young American woman helps a group of lace makers change their lives --- and, ultimately, her own.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA.

Debut Suspense Thriller Author Spotlight
KILLING RED by Henry Perez
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He’s set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust fifteen years ago.
- Click here to read Henry Perez’s bio.
- Click here to read Henr Perez’s bibliography
- Click here to read more about KILLING RED.

Mystery Mayhem Author Spotlight
HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE by Dorothy Howell
Witty, smart and always chic, Haley Randolph has it all: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach, Burberry, and she’d kill for the newest Louis Vuitton handbag... but it seems she’s not the only one. When someone’s passion for designer purses leads to murder, Haley goes shopping for a killer and to clear her name.
- Click here to read Dorothy Howell’s bio.
- Click here to read Dorothy Howell’s bibliography.
- Click here to read more about HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE.

Literary Fiction Author Spotlight
THE WONDER SINGER by George Rabasa
For freelance writer Mark Lockwood, landing the job as ghost writer for opera diva Mercè Casals is a dream. But when she dies in her bath and her agent wants to give the project to a renowned celebrity biographer, Lockwood makes off with the interview tapes to save his last best chance at writing success.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE WONDER SINGER.

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