Year: 2018

This newsletter just went out to bookstores, but there are all kinds of reasons you might want to read about the latest books from Poisoned Pen Press. You can order any of the titles through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

Hello, Booksellers, I am fortunate to be Diana Gabaldon’s home bookseller, which means we do a lot of work with her outside of Outlander. Together we recommend two Canadian authors. Susanna Kearsley whose books remind us of Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, Kate Morton… Susanna’s Belleweatherpublishes in August (Sourcebooks). And we’re mad fans of Ian Hamilton, our 2018 Writer in Residence, and his Ava Lee Thrillers (House of Anansi, distributed by IPS, like Poisoned Pen Press). I made one of Lisa Gardner, too, with his The Couturier of Milan, but recommend you start with Ava’s The Water Rat of Wanchai (Picador). More double recommendations to come. ““Barbara Peters Meanwhile for May…

Does your store have this lively cozy? The 6th investigation by Gunn Zoo keeper Teddy Bentley set on California’s Central coast combines zoo lore and some #MeToo moments in a case full of surprises—and fun. “Teddy is a spirited, courageous woman, coping with complex problems” (Library Journal) in “Webb’s clever, briskly paced fifth Gunn Zoo mystery…” (Publishers Weekly) “…The best part here is watching Bentley’s investigative juices start to flow…This one will satisfy multiple audiences.” —Don Crinklaw, Booklist HC: 9781464209901 Pbk: 9781464209925

 

 

 

Or Chapter Two in the career of The Countess of Prague, a series praised by Deanna Raybourn and Tasha Alexander?  Why does Hapsburg Emperor Franz Joseph command her to investigate the 1889 murder/suicide scandal at Marienbad—where his heir Rudolph and Rudolph’s teen-age mistress died—16 years later?”As always, the author shows readers a fascinating picture of early 20th Century life in Europe and exciting action through memorable characters and skillful prose. Highly recommended to readers of historical fiction or mysteries.” ““Laurel Johnson, Midwest Book Review  HC: 9781464209949 Pbk: 9781464209963

Meet  Mapstone in his first case— at a great $9.99 price

“The perfect setting for private eyes used to be the urban jungle, rife with alienation and secrets. More recently, though, such writers as Tony Hillerman and Nevada Barr have opened up regions of landscape, history, and soul previously unexplored by the detective novel. Talton’s summer mystery, a first novel, shows how fertile the desert can be as mystery setting … A stunning debut.” — Booklist (starred review)Pbk: 9781590583777

Or this new thriller by award-winning journalist and Rogue Columnist Jon Talton: Inspired by the only murder of a US reporter in modern times—The Arizona Republic‘s Don Bolles, a crime never fully solved.How does history shamus David Mapstone, back at the Sheriff’s Department, track this cold case with a brand new hot one? “Talton celebrates investigative reporting… as he delves into the dirty past and politics of the city. The ninth entry in a justly praised series.” — Booklist HC: 9781464209574 Pbk: 9781464209598

For Fans of Golden Age Mysteries Two Classics by ECR Lorac edited by Martin Edwards

 

“Lorac (1894″“1958) lovingly portrays the lush Devon countryside in this satisfying entry in the British Crime Classics series, originally published in 1946 and featuring observant and dogged Chief Inspector Robert Macdonald of Scotland Yard …” —Publishers Weekly Available June Pbk: 9781464209673

 

 

Originally published in 1937 and also part of Lorac’s Chief Inspector Macdonald series. “The mystery is so complex, in fact, that Lorac, the pseudonym of Edith Caroline Rivett (1894-1958), requires the services of some aggressively facetious suspects, a low-key lead detective who’s a welcome change of pace, and an army of nondescript and interchangeable satellite police officers. Ah, those were the days.” — Kirkus Reviews Pbk: 9781464209659

 

 

Available Now

Ten Year Stretch: Celebrating a Decade of Crime Fiction at CrimeFest Edited by Martin Edwards and Adrian Muller Stories by Lee Child (pictured). Jeffery Deaver, Ian Rankin, and a host more …”A remarkable compilation of fresh and unexpected stories from the best in the genre.” — Library Journal (starred review) “This volume is for red-meat crime fans who love murder, mayhem, and plenty of it.” — Kirkus Reviews Pbk: 9781464210549

Coming in June …

Darkness Lane is the sequel to Random Road, the May 2017 Library Journal Debut Mystery of the Month. “Multiple murders and shocking twists are key components in Geneva’s ultimate uncovering of the truth. The flawed but dedicated heroine anchors Kies’ second mystery with a compassion that compels readers to root for both justice and redemption.” — Kirkus Reviews HC: 9781464210013 Pbk: 9781464210037

After the Edgars and Agathas, it’s interesting to see what books appeal to others. Everyone has a favorite crime novel. Crime fiction writers themselves have favorites. Lee Child. Val McDermid. Ian Rankin. James Lee Burke. Sara Paretsky. Those are just some of the authors who discussed their favorite crime novels with The Guardian.  You’ll probably recognize a few of the books. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.  Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler. Check out the suggestions by the various authors. https://bit.ly/2Ftb9lT Then, check the Web Store for the books that might appeal to you. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

August Thomas’ debut thriller, Liar’s Candle, is the Hot Book of the Week at the Poisoned Pen. Signed copies are available through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2HFJSye

Here’s the summary of Liar’s Candle.

n this brilliant debut thriller, reminiscent of the works of John le Carre and Olen Steinhauer and infused with the authenticity of the author’s travels, a young American State Department intern based in Turkey becomes “the woman who knows too much” and is marked for death.

Penny Kessler, an intern at the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, wakes up in a hospital on the morning of July 5th to find herself at the center of an international crisis. The day before, the Embassy was the target of a devastating terrorist attack that killed hundreds of Penny’s friends and colleagues. Not only has a photograph of Penny as she emerged from the rubble become the event’s defining image, but for reasons she doesn’t understand, her bosses believe she’s a crucial witness.

Suddenly, everyone is intensely interested in what Penny knows. But what does she know? And whom can she trust? As she struggles to piece together her memories, she discovers that Zach Robson, the young diplomat she’d been falling for all summer, went missing during the attack. And one of the CIA’s most powerful officials, Christina Ekdahl, wants people to believe Zach was a traitor.

What actually happened?

Penny barely has time to ask before she discovers that her own government wants her dead. Soon, with only a single ally—a rookie intelligence officer fresh out of the Navy—she is running a perilous gauntlet, ruthlessly pursued by Turkey’s most powerful forces and by the CIA.

To survive, Penny must furiously improvise. Tradecraft takes a lifetime to master. She has less than thirty-six hours. And she’s only twenty-one years old. This is her first real test—one she can’t fail.

On Saturday evening, the Agatha Awards were announced. Congratulations to all the winners and  nominees. The Agathas are named for Agatha Christie, and they honor traditional mysteries. The attendees at Malice Domestic 30 voted in five categories for works first published in the United States in 2017. Check the Web Store if you’re looking for copies of these titles. https://store.poisonedpen.com

Before the Agathas were given out, Malice Domestic honored Nancy Pickard for Lifetime Achievement. The Point Award winner was Brenda Blythan, who stars in “Vera”. Louise Penny was recognized as guest of honor.

The Agatha Awards went to:

Best Children’s/Young Adult –

Sydney Mackenzie Knocks ‘Em Dead by Cindy Callaghan

Best Non-Fiction –

From Holmes to Sherlock: The Story of the Men and Women Who Created an Icon by Matthias Bostrom

Best Short Story –

“The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn” by Gigi Pandian

Best First Novel –

Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Historical Novel –

In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen

Best Contemporary Novel –

Glass Houses by Louise Penny

 

Congratulations to all of the Agatha Award winners.

Reuters staff recently reported that George R.R. Martin’s fans will not be seeing The Winds of Winter in 2018. Game of Throne fans may be disappointed with Martin’s announcement. However, according to the article, Martin announced there will be a 1,000 page history of the kings of Westeros. The first of two volumes is scheduled for a November release. https://reut.rs/2vM1ffy

Fire and Blood can be pre-ordered through the Poisoned Pen’s Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Hw1zEJ

Here’s the description.

The thrilling history of the Targaryens comes to life in this masterly work by the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, the inspiration for HBO’s Game of Thrones.
 
With all the fire and fury fans have come to expect from internationally bestselling author George R. R. Martin, this is the first volume of the definitive two-part history of the Targaryens in Westeros.

Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire and Blood begins their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynasty apart.

What really happened during the Dance of the Dragons? Why did it become so deadly to visit Valyria after the Doom? What is the origin of Daenerys’s three dragon eggs? These are but a few of the questions answered in this essential chronicle, as related by a learned maester of the Citadel and featuring more than eighty all-new black-and-white illustrations by artist Doug Wheatley. Readers have glimpsed small parts of this narrative in such volumes as The World of Ice & Fire, but now, for the first time, the full tapestry of Targaryen history is revealed.

With all the scope and grandeur of Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Fire and Blood is the ultimate game of thrones, giving readers a whole new appreciation for the dynamic, often bloody, and always fascinating history of Westeros.

Most of us weren’t at the black tie affair that is the Edgar Awards ceremony, but we can still share in the celebration of the winners. You can search for any of these titles in the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

Mystery Writers of America announced the winners for the 2018 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and television published or produced in 2017.

BEST NOVEL

Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke (Hachette Book Group – Little, Brown & Co./Mulholland Books)

BEST FIRST NOVEL BY AN AMERICAN AUTHOR

She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper (HarperCollins ““ Ecco)

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

The Unseeing by Anna Mazzola (Sourcebooks ““ Sourcebooks Landmark)

BEST FACT CRIME

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann (Penguin Random House ““ Doubleday)

BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL

Chester B. Himes: A Biography by Lawrence P. Jackson (W.W. Norton & Company)

BEST SHORT STORY

“Spring Break” ““ New Haven Noir by John Crowley (Akashic Books)

BEST JUVENILE

Vanished! By James Ponti (Simon & Schuster ““ Aladdin)

BEST YOUNG ADULT

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (Simon & Schuster ““ Atheneum Books for Young

BEST TELEVISION EPISODE TELEPLAY

“Somebody to Love” ““ Fargo, Teleplay by Noah Hawley (FX Networks/MGM)

ROBERT L. FISH MEMORIAL AWARD

“The Queen of Secrets” – New Haven Noir by Lisa D. Gray (Akashic Books)

GRAND MASTER

Jane Langton
William Link
Peter Lovesey

RAVEN AWARD

Kristopher Zgorski, BOLO Books
The Raven Bookstore, Lawrence Kansas

ELLERY QUEEN AWARD

Robert Pépin

* * * * * *

THE SIMON & SCHUSTER MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD

The Widow’s House by Carol Goodman (HarperCollins ““ William Morrow Paperbacks)

Robert Dugoni has always been popular at the Poisoned Pen. He’s back, Saturday, April 28 at 2 PM to talk about and sign his latest novel, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. Signed copies of this book, and copies of Dugoni’s others, are also available through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2JxAtto

Here’s the summary of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell.

Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni’s coming-of-age story is, according to Booklist, “a novel that, if it doesn’t cross entirely over into John Irving territory, certainly nestles in close to the border.”

Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” or Sam “Hell” by his classmates; “God’s will” is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother’s devout faith, his father’s practical wisdom, and his two other misfit friends.

Sam believed it was God who sent Ernie Cantwell, the only African American kid in his class, to be the friend he so desperately needed. And that it was God’s idea for Mickie Kennedy to storm into Our Lady of Mercy like a tornado, uprooting every rule Sam had been taught about boys and girls.

Forty years later, Sam, a small-town eye doctor, is no longer certain anything was by design—especially not the tragedy that caused him to turn his back on his friends, his hometown, and the life he’d always known. Running from the pain, eyes closed, served little purpose. Now, as he looks back on his life, Sam embarks on a journey that will take him halfway around the world. This time, his eyes are wide open—bringing into clear view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.

Let’s face it. While this week brings the Edgar Awards and Malice Domestic with the Agatha Awards, the biggest news in the crime world yesterday was the arrest of the suspect believed to be the “East Area Rapist” or the “Golden State Killer” in California. The attorneys are crediting DNA. Many of the true crime aficionados are crediting Michelle McNamara and her unrelenting investigation. The late journalist is the author of the bestseller, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. There are copies available in the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2r1lD6u

There are several other titles available for order at the same link. And, you can also find a few other titles by searching East Area Rapist. https://bit.ly/2HRNzEm

We’ll have news of award winners coming up this weekend when the awards are presented. In the meantime, DNA, McNamara’s book, and the arrest of a suspect for crimes committed thirty to forty years ago, are the hot topic.

The current Hot Book of the Week at the Poisoned Pen is Jon Talton’s The Bomb Shelter. Signed copies, along with copies of Talton’s other books, can be ordered through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2vFQj31

Here’s the description of the book.

The past never rests easy in Arizona.

Forty years ago, a Phoenix reporter was killed by a car bomb in one of America’s most notorious crimes. Three men went to prison – but was there more to the story of Charles Page’s assassination? More than three low-level players? Did a kingpin order the hit and get away with it? And what was the real motive? Despite the work of teams of journalists and law and legal professionals, no one yet knows why.

It’s a case custom-made for David Mapstone, the historian-turned-sheriff’s deputy. And suddenly Mapstone’s boss, newly re-elected Sheriff Mike Peralta, promises to reopen the investigation into the only murder of an American journalist, in the US, in modern times. Why?

The promise triggers new murders. The crimes are reenactments of Phoenix’s mob-riddled past, where gangsters rubbed elbows with the city’s elite amid crosscurrents of corrupt cops, political payoffs, gambling, prostitution, and murder, all shielded by the sunshine image of a resort city. But who is committing them? A former soldier who is an explosives expert and deadly with a knife? A woman with screen-siren looks and extraordinary computer skills? Or someone out of Phoenix’s seamy, swinging Seventies with secrets to keep, even though the major power brokers are dead?

Mapstone will need all the help he can get. He enlists a PhD candidate and Black Lives Matter activist to help him comb through sealed archives of the original bombing. Mapstone’s wife, Lindsey, a top hacker, rejoins the Sheriff’s Office and plays a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the perp or perps – one that goes from the digital to the real and risky world. Somewhere in the house of mirrors surrounding the Page case they must find the key that connects the past to the present.

In this swiftly paced, compelling new novel by journalist Jon Talton, the ninth in the David Mapstone series, a big city is trying to keep its darkest history off-limits.

*****

The Bomb Shelter is about the murder of a journalist. Talton’s book, Deadline Man, was also about a journalist. And, who better to review that book than a fellow journalist and mystery writer, Bruce DeSilva? He wrote a piece on his own site called, “A Very Tardy Review of Jon Talton’s Gripping Newspaper Mystery, “Deadline Man”. You can read it here. https://bit.ly/2HoihBx