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Interview: Elizabeth Becka, author of Trace Evidence

Aug 5, 2005

August 5, 2005

Bookreporter.com's Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight Team (Carol Fitzgerald, Joe Hartlaub and Wiley Saichek) interviewed Elizabeth Becka, author of TRACE EVIDENCE. Becka talks about her career as a forensic specialist, its effect on her writing, and the similarities and differences between her day-to-day work and what is glamorized on television. She also explains how she created the characters and settings in her debut novel, and identifies the authors who have impacted her the most.

August 5, 2005

Last Friday night I went to Borders and adapted my favorite role --- book concierge. I was standing next to a woman who was looking at a wall of books and I could not help myself. I said, "THE SUMMER GUEST was one of my favorite books." That started up a half hour of conversation about books. The amusing part was about 5 minutes into talking I realized that I knew her. She used to be one of the obstetricians in the practice that I go to. In fact, she was my labor doctor when my older son was born. So here I am handing out bookish advice to the woman who once gave me an epidural. This time we were in new roles: concierge/reader and oh, she was now recommending books to my fifteen-year-old son, who we were anticipating the arrival of last time we saw each other. Yes, sometimes my life is a sitcom.

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Interview: Philip Gulley, author of A Change of Heart: A Harmony Novel

Aug 1, 2005

August 2005

A funny thing happened to Philip Gulley in 1990 when his church newsletter writings ended up in the hands of Paul Harvey, the popular radio host. Harvey saw the young pastor's potential even though Gulley had gotten a "D" in college English Composition. With Harvey's recommendation in hand, Gulley ended up publishing the first of many delightful books of nonfiction and fiction about small town life, culminating in his most recent, A CHANGE OF HEART. His distinctive writing style and dry sense of humor have led many reviewers to compare Gulley to Garrison Keillor. However, Gulley's theology books, IF GRACE IS TRUE and IF GOD IS LOVED, have made him a controversial figure in evangelical Christian circles.

August 2005

This summer I have vowed to read some books that everyone has been talking about --- and I have missed. Last weekend with this in mind I read THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. I can see why so many readers are talking about this book in their groups. I loved the strong voice of Christopher John Francis Boone and the way the plot unfolded. This month's ReadingGroupGuides.com poll takes a look at some of the most popular book club selections and asks if your group has read them, or plans to read them. Be sure to weigh in. Next up for me this month --- THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY and THE KITE RUNNER.

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Which of the following popular book club titles has your book club read, or plan to read?

August 1, 2005, 1301 voters

What is your favorite series? As we know you are voracious readers, you can name up to three.

July 29, 2005

Interview: Mary Jane Clark, author of Dancing in the Dark

Jul 29, 2005

July 29, 2005

Bookreporter.com Co-Founder Carol Fitzgerald and contributing writer Shannon McKenna interviewed Mary Jane Clark, author of DANCING IN THE DARK. Clark explains the significance of the title, how her background in television news has impacted her fiction writing, the benefits of short chapters in suspense novels, and why she chose Ocean Grove, New Jersey as the setting for this eighth book in the KEY News series.

Interview: Margaret Coel, author of Eye of the Wolf

Jul 29, 2005

July 29, 2005

Legendary bestselling author Tony Hillerman, whose latest novel is SKELETON MAN, interviewed Margaret Coel, author of EYE OF THE WOLF. This eleventh book in her Wind River Reservation series will be released on September 6th. Coel discusses the influences of Native American culture and natural landscapes on her writing, describes the creation of main characters Father John O'Malley and Vicky Holden, and explains how Hillerman himself inspired her to begin writing mystery novels.

July 29, 2005

In my own version of, "what I did on my summer vacation," last weekend I floated and read. I set off on my floating chair armed with FAITHLESS by Karin Slaughter, which to me, is her best book to date. Her characters are stronger than ever, I saw the scenes unfolding and I felt the story. She makes Grant County feel very real --- and I quickly fall into the rhythm of the place when I read her books.  FAITHLESS is in stores on August 30th, so mark your calendars now.

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July 2005

The temperatures have been hot hot hot all around the country this summer. How to keep cool? Read. The only exertion is flipping the pages. And if you flip fast enough because you are enjoying what you are reading, you can create a breeze! Ahhhh, can you feel yourself cooling off already?

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