Katherine Neville's latest work of fiction, THE FIRE, resumes the story she began 20 years ago in her critically acclaimed, bestselling debut novel, THE EIGHT, involving a magical chess set wielding dangerous powers that once belonged to the legendary emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Donna Volkenannt, Neville explains why this sequel took two decades to write and describes her purpose --- despite her lack of knowledge on the subject --- in utilizing the game of chess as a multifaceted conceit in these two books. She also discusses the best way to go about researching the locations where her novels are set, reveals which real-life historical figure she'd most like to converse with over a meal, and shares details about her next project involving painters in the 1600s.

THE FIRE by Katherine Neville (Suspense)
Katherine Neville’s groundbreaking novel, THE EIGHT, dazzled audiences more than 20 years ago and set the literary stage for the epic thriller. A quest for a mystical chess service that once belonged to Charlemagne, it spans two centuries and three continents, and intertwines historic and modern plots, archaeological treasure hunts, esoteric riddles and puzzles encrypted with clues from the ancient past. Now the electrifying global adventure continues, in Neville’s long-anticipated sequel. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

-Click here to read a review of THE FIRE.
-Click here to read an excerpt from THE FIRE.

Mystery and thriller writer Christopher Fowler's latest release, THE VICTORIA VANISHES, is the sixth installment in a series featuring two elderly detectives in London's Peculiar Crimes Unit, Arthur Bryant and John May. In this Author Talk, Fowler provides a bit of background information about the series, including how his protagonists got their names and the real-life inspiration behind the unusual police division where they work. He also discusses his fascination with London's underbelly, shares details about his writing process and names some of the writers who have influenced his work.

THE VICTORIA VANISHES by Christopher Fowler (Mystery)
A lonely hearts killer is targeting middle-aged women at some of England’s most well-known pubs --- including one torn down 80 years ago. What’s more, Detective Arthur Bryant happened to see one of the victims only moments before her death at the pub that doesn’t exist. Now, with the public on the verge of panic and their superiors determined to shut the Peculiar Crimes Unit down for good, Detectives Bryant and May must rise to the occasion. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read a review of THE VICTORIA VANISHES.
-Click here to read an excerpt from THE VICTORIA VANISHES.

Poll:

When you read, do you multitask? Check as many as apply.

No, for me, it's all about the book.
I only multitask when I am reading a cookbook or a how-to book.
I also watch television.
I also listen to music.
I also knit or crochet.
I also exercise.
I also do household chores.
I also eat or drink.
I also drive (if it's an audiobook).
Since I read so much, there are way too many multitasking things going on to list them all here.
Other (Please specify)
I am not sure what I do.