Deb Lewis’ September Picks

Deb Lewis made some book selections of books she’d like to recommend for September reading. The links should send you to the right pages, but if not, check out the books on the Website. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller by “master of suspense” (Publishers Weekly) and USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan. Signed copies are on order.

A Slowly Dying Cause by Elizabeth George

Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley are back in the next Lynley novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George.

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman

The unmissable new mystery in the Thursday Murder Club series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Osman, now streaming on Netflix

Who’s got time to think about murder when there’s a wedding to plan?

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman   (the buzz around the Netflix release is incredible!)

The first installment in the beloved and New York Times bestselling series from Richard Osman, also author of We Solve Murders

Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves

A female cop with her first big case
A brutal murder
Welcome to…
THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB

Dinks and Drinks: A Pickleball Cocktail Book

Raise a glass to the joy of pickleball! This collection of 40+ delicious pickleball-inspired drink recipes is perfect for anyone who loves the game—and a well-crafted courtside cocktail.

Sheepdogs by Elliot Ackerman

Two Misfits. One Mission. Zero Back-Up. • When a high-stakes heist goes wrong, an ex-CIA operative and a special operations pilot find themselves in the middle of a game of espionage and survival as they navigate a treacherous web of deception and shifting loyalties in a globe-spanning, action-packed thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of 2034.

“Move Sheepdogs to the top of your list!”Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A thriller and comedy in one, it’s a wild ride.”—Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Reviews – Salt Bones, The Witch’s Orchard

Thank you to Oline Cogdill for sharing her reviews from the South Florida Sun Sentinel. This week, she reviews Salt Bones by Jennifer Givhan and The Witch’s Orchard by Archer Sullivan. Both books are available in the Webstore, https://store.poisonedpen.com/. There are signed copies of The Witch’s Orchard available.


Book reviews: Hopelessness and hope in ‘Salt Bones’; ‘Witch’s Orchard’ unpacks small-town secrets

‘Salt Bones’ by Jennifer Givhan; Little, Brown; 384 pages; $29

The toxicity of the land surrounding moribund El Valle on the edge of the Salton Sea flows into the relationships of family, friends and neighbors who live in the area on the California/Mexican border in Jennifer Givhan’s outstanding “Salt Bones.”

It works well as a story of family drama, revenge, compromise, folklore, loss and limitations. It is both a novel about hopelessness and hope, as Givhan moves her characters on a journey of self-realization and anticipation of the future. Givhan also works in a look at Mexican and indigenous cultures.

Malamar “Mal” Veracruz always wanted to leave El Valle but never could quite make that leap. Here is where she raised her two daughters, where parents and extended family live. And here is where her teenage sister went missing years ago. The police did little to help, believing the Mexican American teenager was “loose,” perhaps leaving Through the years, Mal has endured her mother’s inexplicable loathing toward her and her younger brother, Benny, who was born the night her sister vanished. Her mother’s disdain makes Mal even more determined to protect her daughters, to give them goals beyond the area. Her sister’s disappearance has always weighed on Mal but lately even more so. Mal’s recent dreams about the legend of a horse-headed woman intensify when another girl vanishes.

Givhan’s strong storytelling and affinity at creating a complete world shine in “Salt Bones.”

The Witch’s Orchard’ by Archer Sullivan; Minotaur; 320 pages; $28

Mountain people have their own ways and culture, hanging onto old traditions and how they speak, as Archer Sullivan persuasively shows in “The Witch’s Orchard.”

This series debut takes a deep look at small-town secrets, isolated people and folklore helmed by the insightful private investigator Annie Gore, who “gets” these mountain people quite well as she grew up among them.

Ten years ago, three girls younger than 6 vanished weeks apart in broad daylight from the Appalachian town of Quartz Creek, North Carolina, “a little run-down mountain town.” One child, Olivia, came back but was nonverbal, so she was unable to say where she had been or with whom.

Max Andrews was 8 years old when his 4-year-old sister, Molly, was taken from their home while he was in the middle of a piano lesson and their mother was gardening. The disappearances affected all the families, but especially Max’s family. Three years later, Max’s mother killed herself; his father got rid of most furniture and personal items in the house. He now seldom sleeps there.

Max has never been able to move forward. Now 18, he still lives in the family home and keeps a thick scrapbook of the disappearances. He tries to ignore the numerous college acceptance letters he’s received, most of which are offering a full scholarship. Through the years, Max has saved his allowance and money from odd jobs to hire a private investigator to find Molly.

Annie, a former Air Force special investigator, tells Max she doubts she will discover what happened to Molly. But he insists. Annie’s presence seems to draw out secrets as she tries to earn the trust of the residents.

Sullivan delivers a complete representation of the North Carolina region as well as the insular town’s myths and struggles. The author overlays the bleak downtown’s empty storefronts, the rundown houses and harsh economics with the landscape’s sheer beauty.

Annie makes a formidable heroine with her rough childhood and military background combined to shape her. Her intelligence and insight shine in “The Witch’s Orchard.” A sequel would be most welcomed.

Ellen Crosby discusses Deeds Left Undone

Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, recently welcomed Ellen Crosby to discuss her thirteenth Wine Country Mystery, Deeds Left Undone. Signed copies of the book are still available in the Webstore. https://bit.ly/4mUJ0tv

Here’s the description of Deeds Left Undone.

It’s harvest time and trouble is fermenting for Virgina winemaker Lucie Montgomery in this warm-hearted, twisty mystery featuring small-town rivalries, buried secrets and full-bodied murder.

When a vineyard accident during harvest season leaves Lucie Montgomery without a valuable employee, it’s her worst nightmare. But before she can search for a replacement, there’s more bad news: Paul Merchant, her winery manager’s husband, is found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool.

Police rule Paul’s death an accident, but his wife insists he was murdered because of his leadership of Don’t Pave Paradise, a conservationist group lobbying to keep the region’s beautiful country roads unpaved. And six weeks ago, Paul’s predecessor also died under mysterious circumstances.

As Lucie is drawn into investigating Paul’s death, she discovers more than one motive for the crime—and more than one person in their close-knit community who wanted Paul dead. And when she finds an old photo of a beautiful local heiress who died tragically in a fire eighty years ago among Paul’s papers, she starts to wonder if the modern-day crime might have roots in the past.

Either way, someone is determined to make sure Lucie, who’s agreed to continue the work of Don’t Pave Paradise, hits a dead end before she even gets started. Even if it means committing murder. Again.

Ellen Crosby’s Wine Country novels are “compulsively readable” (Publishers Weekly) and “a treat for oenophile mystery fans” – if you haven’t met Lucie before, curl up with a glass of wine and jump right in!


Ellen Crosby is the author of the Mary Higgins Clark Award-nominated Wine Country mysteries, the Sophie Medina mysteries, and Moscow Nights, a standalone. Previously she was a freelance feature writer for The Washington Post, Moscow correspondent for ABC News Radio, and an economist at the US Senate. She lives in Virginia.


Enjoy Ellen Crosby’s conversation with Barbara Peters.

Darcie Wilde discusses The Heir

John Charles from The Poisoned Pen recently hosted Darcie Wilde for a virtual event. Wilde’s latest book, The Heir, features a young Princess Victoria as an amateur sleuth, before she became Queen of England. You can order a copy through the Webstore. https://bit.ly/45Liug1

Here’s the description of The Heir.

For fans of The Crown, Young Victoria, and all things British royalty is a new mystery set in 1830s London and starring none other than the young Princess Victoria – future Queen of England – as a rebellious amateur sleuth.

Destined for a life beyond her wildest dreams, born fifth in succession to the throne, and determined to get to the bottom of a most foul puzzle, the future queen vows to solve the mystery of a dead man scandalously discovered on the grounds of Kensington Palace—by her!

The young Victoria remembers nothing but Kensington Palace. Arriving as a baby, she has been brought up inside its musty, mold-ridden walls. Others may see the value of Kensington’s priceless artifacts and objets d’art, but the palace is a jail cell for young Victoria. Raised with an incredibly strict regimen to follow, watched at all times by her mother, the controlling, German-born Victoire, and Victoire’s prized advisor, the power-hungry Sir John Conroy, the bright 15-year-old is allowed no freedom at any time—except that which she steals or wheedles for, always in the company of Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.

But one fateful afternoon, Victoria slips away from her mother to ride out on her beloved gelding, Prince. With reluctant Jane in tow, the princess gallops out from the palace green. But what would normally be an uneventful trot around very familiar terrain presents the mutinous princess with a most bewildering sight—a dead man, and on the grounds of the palace, no less.

Determined to get to the bottom of the inscrutable puzzle, young Victoria is met with shocking disrespect and any number of obstacles. Sir John lies to her, her uncles and aunts join with her mother to stonewall her questions and curtail her movements. But Victoria will not be deterred. With Jane Conroy as a tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria’s first “case” is underway . . .


Darcie Wilde is the award-winning author of stylishly adventurous historical mysteries and romances, including the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, a Regency-set series inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, as well as the Regency Makeover Trilogy. She has also written, under the name Sarah Zettel, Locus and Philip K. Dick Award-winning novels, including Fool’s War, a New York Times Notable Books of the Year selection. She lives in Michigan and can be found online at DarcieWildeRomance.com.


Enjoy John Charles’ conversation with Darcie Wilde.

Oline Cogdill’s Reviews

We’re lucky to have two reviews from Oline Cogdill today. Cogdill is a correspondent for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Both books she reviews, Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, and The Felons’ Wife by Polly Stewart are available to order through the Webstore. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

‘Happy Wife’ by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores; Bantam; 320 pages; $30

Programs such as “Beyond the Gates,” “The Gilded Age,” “The Real Housewives” franchise and assorted others thrive because it’s satisfying to know that money and status don’t guarantee class, taste or good behavior — sometimes just the opposite.

And these scenarios can make for enjoyable tales, as Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores show in their highly entertaining debut “Happy Wife.”

Set in the wealthy enclave of Winter Park, Florida, “Happy Wife” showcases its mansions, high-end restaurants and the small but superb Morse Museum, while giving bits of the history of this “city frozen in a shiny, glittery snow globe” that’s surrounded by Orlando. The authors guide their breezy story through the countless canals that small tours and kayakers enjoy and the awkward visits with the numerous rich women’s cliques.

Nora Somerset isn’t exactly a “Happy Wife,” but she does love her wealthy, older husband, Will, whose money and status as a successful lawyer have brought her into this rarefied group of Winter Park residents. The couple live in a “sprawling lakefront estate.” For the first time, the 28-year-old Nora doesn’t have to worry about money — her last job was as “an aimless swim instructor slash receptionist” at a country club where the couple met two years after his divorce. They care deeply about each other; their only arguments are over Will’s workaholic tendencies.

The problem is that the social circle’s members, especially the women, have no respect for Nora. They see her as “something between arm candy and dinner theatre,” treating Nora as “a strange interloper.” She is “the Ghost of Christmas Future, a harbinger of younger second wives yet to come.” Her only friend is her next-door neighbor, Este, whose new wealth and bluntness also have made her an outsider.

Then Will disappears after a lavish party that Nora throws for his 46th birthday. Naturally, Nora is suspected in his disappearance, especially when the lead detective seems unusually close to Will’s business partner and “in love with the lore” of Winter Park.

“Happy Wife” moves at a brisk pace, enhanced by the self-indulgent, gossipy characters — “status-obsessed social snipers.”

While the supporting characters are a shallow bunch, they also are unfailingly realistic, as anyone who’s seen a “Real Housewives” episode will recognize. Nora is especially a standout. The other women want to believe she’s a gold digger, but the authors shape her as a grounded, intelligent woman who appreciates her newfound wealth but is not blinded by money. Nora’s caring relationship with Will’s daughter, Mia, is thoughtfully explored. The teenager genuinely likes her stepmother but is constantly manipulated by her mother.

Lavender, a screenwriter and showrunner for “The Flight Attendant,” and Shores, a communications consultant, deliver a seamless story with “Happy Wife,” the first of a planned series of standalone mysteries set in Winter Park.


‘The Felons’ Ball’ by Polly Stewart; Harper; 240 pages; $30

Polly Stewart’s wickedly plotted second novel delves into family legacy, how adult children reconcile with their parents’ pasts, and how they forge their own futures while getting out from under their parents’ control. “The Felons’ Ball” combines both a tidy plot with a character-driven story.

It’s common knowledge around Ewald, Virginia, that the Macready family became powerful and wealthy from its moonshine enterprises. Going back at least a couple of generations, the Macreadys “bought” their liquor-making products from their own family farm supply store, then delivered the product to bars, restaurant and private buyers along the Southeast.

The business was still strong when Trey Macready and his best friend, Ben Marsh, took over. That was before the federal raids that started the end to the moonshine (though Trey maintains it was time to quit once he and his wife, Rosemary, had children).

Now the owners of a lucrative contracting business, the two friends like to fondly remember their history with the annual Felons’ Ball, which gives them a chance to boast about the old days, their skirting of the law and audacious adventures. They love telling stories about being wild teenagers instead of what they are now — “middle-aged businessmen, thinning on the top and soft around the middle … pretending to be bad guys one day out of the year.”

This year, the event is a double party as the Felons’ Ball falls on Trey’s 50th birthday. But the evening ends with Ben murdered on his boat.

The Macreadys are devastated about Ben, especially youngest daughter, Natalie, who has been having a clandestine affair with him. Natalie, who found Ben’s body, teams up with Ewald’s new sheriff, Hardy Underwood, to try to find Ben’s estranged son and figure out who might have killed him.

Natalie knows her family and Ben never really gave up moonshining — those canning jars full of amber liquid are a clue. But she never knew how far deep they were still into the illegal liquor business, or how dark and dangerous it was.

“The Felons’ Ball” also works as a coming-of-age tale for Natalie, whose family viewed her as too immature and weak to be considered the adult she is. She perpetuated this by relying on her family’s money for her car and housing and to establish her yoga studio. Now she has to grow up.

“The Felons’ Ball” is a well-choreographed, entertaining story.

The End of the World As We Know It

Patrick Millikin from The Poisoned Pen recently welcome a panel of authors to discuss the new anthology, The End of the World As We Know It. The book is based on Stephen King’s #1 New York Times bestseller, The Stand. While Millikin was the host for the virtual event, Brian Keene, one of the editors, also talked with some of the authors involved: Meg Gardiner, Catriona Ward, Alma Katsu, and Gabino Iglesias. There are copies of the book in the Webstore. https://bit.ly/4mX66Pp

Here’s the summary of The End of the World As We Know It.


The End of the World As We Know ItNew Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand

Christopher Golden,  Brian Keene,  Stephen King  Publisher: Gallery BooksFiction / Science Fiction – Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic / Fantasy – Collections & Anthologies / Fantasy – Dark Fantasy
#106 in bestsellers

An original short story anthology based on master storyteller Stephen King’s #1 New York Times bestselling classic The Stand!

Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—generations of writers have been impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of characters.

Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World As We Know It features unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after (and some perhaps long after) the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic, bestselling novel.

Featuring an introduction by Stephen King, a foreword by Christopher Golden, and an afterword by Brian Keene. Contributors include Wayne Brady and Maurice Broaddus, Poppy Z. Brite, Somer Canon, C. Robert Cargill, Nat Cassidy, V. Castro, Richard Chizmar, S. A. Cosby, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, Meg Gardiner, Gabino Iglesias, Jonathan Janz, Alma Katsu, Caroline Kepnes, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Josh Malerman, Ronald Malfi, Usman T. Malik, Premee Mohamed, Cynthia Pelayo, Hailey Piper, David J. Schow, Alex Segura, Bryan Smith, Paul Tremblay, Catherynne M. Valente, Bev Vincent, Catriona Ward, Chuck Wendig, Wrath James White, and Rio Youers.



The End of the World As We Know ItNew Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand

An original short story anthology based on master storyteller Stephen King’s #1 New York Times bestselling classic The Stand!

Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—generations of writers have been impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of characters.

Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World As We Know It features unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after (and some perhaps long after) the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic, bestselling novel.

Featuring an introduction by Stephen King, a foreword by Christopher Golden, and an afterword by Brian Keene. Contributors include Wayne Brady and Maurice Broaddus, Poppy Z. Brite, Somer Canon, C. Robert Cargill, Nat Cassidy, V. Castro, Richard Chizmar, S. A. Cosby, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, Meg Gardiner, Gabino Iglesias, Jonathan Janz, Alma Katsu, Caroline Kepnes, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Josh Malerman, Ronald Malfi, Usman T. Malik, Premee Mohamed, Cynthia Pelayo, Hailey Piper, David J. Schow, Alex Segura, Bryan Smith, Paul Tremblay, Catherynne M. Valente, Bev Vincent, Catriona Ward, Chuck Wendig, Wrath James White, and Rio Youers.


Enjoy the discussion of the anthology.

Eli Cranor discusses Mississippi Blue 42

Edgar-awarding winning author Eli Cranor recently participated in a virtual event for The Poisoned Pen to discuss his new book, Mississippi Blue 42. There are signed copies on the way to the store. You can order copies through the Webstore. https://bit.ly/47KevBr

Here’s the description of Mississippi Blue 42.

Former quarterback turned Edgar-winning author Eli Cranor throws a glorious game winner in this series debut starring a rookie FBI agent who finds herself caught in the tangled web of a college football empire—and the bloody greed that fuels it.

“Former college quarterback Eli Cranor scores big with Mississippi Blue 42, a fun, provocative crime novel that takes aim at the heart of the American game.”—Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author of An Honest Man

Special Agent Rae Johnson grew up on football fields alongside her father, a national-championship-winning coach. Which is exactly why, fresh out of Quantico, she’s sent down to Compson, Mississippi, to investigate the illicit money flowing into a bustling football program in the heart of the Delta. But two days into the assignment things take a dire turn when UCM’s star quarterback is flung from the roof of a college bar, lands on a bag of money, and dies.

Hoping to turn a routine fraud case into a career-defining bust, Rae ingratiates herself with the fans, coaches, players, and politicians who make up the university’s complex social hierarchy. With rumors of corruption rustling through the kudzu vines, Rae soon realizes there’s more to the game than what she’d learned as a child. And in order to win, she’ll have to put all her father’s lessons to the ultimate test.

In the vein of Carl Hiaasen and Sue Grafton, Mississippi Blue 42 takes a hard and often hilarious look at the big-money world of college athletics. In Cranor’s capable hands, football isn’t just a game, it’s a front-row seat to the great American show.


Nationally bestselling, Edgar Award–winning author Eli Cranor played quarterback at every level: peewee to professional. These days, he serves as the “Writer in Residence” at Arkansas Tech, where he also lends his eye—and sometimes, his arm—to the university’s football team. Eli’s column, “Where I’m Writing From,” appears weekly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. His previous works include Don’t Know ToughOzark Dogs, and Broiler.


Enjoy Patrick Millikin’s conversation with Eli Cranor.

Crime Ink: Iconic

John Charles from The Poisoned Pen welcomed a panel of authors for a virtual event. They all contributed a story to Crime Ink: Iconic: An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Queer Icons. John Copenhaver edited the book along with Salem West. Copenhaver asked questions of the other authors: Renee James, Margot Doualhy, David Pederson, Christa Faust, and Kristina Carrasco. The book is released on September 2, but you can preorder a book through the Webstore now, https://bit.ly/4mYA0mK

Here’s the description of Crime Ink: Iconic.

Prepare for intrigue, suspense, and unforgettable twists in this groundbreaking anthology of queer crime fiction.

In 2023, crime fiction anthologies featured 517 stories across 30 titles—but shockingly, fewer than 1 percent were penned by LGBTQ+ writers. Crime Ink: Iconic (An Anthology of Crime Fiction Inspired by Famous Queer Icons) is a resounding response to this glaring disparity, offering a vibrant collection of stories by and about queer authors and characters.

Drawing inspiration from queer icons—James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Candy Darling, Radclyffe Hall, Babadook, Megan Rapinoe, Laverne Cox, Dolly Parton, Vita Sackville-West, and many more—these tales span the rich spectrum of crime fiction, from cozy mysteries and whodunits to noir, psychological thrillers, and police procedurals. Each story is a testament to the depth, ingenuity, and thrilling originality of queer voices in the genre.

This anthology showcases an incredible array of talent, including New York Times Best Crime Novels of 2024 honorees Margot Douaihy, Robyn Gigl, John Copenhaver, and Katrina Carrasco; Lambda Literary winners Ann Aptaker, Greg Herren, Ann McMan, and J.M. Redmann; and other celebrated writers like Cheryl Head, Penny Mickelbury, Christa Faust, Jeffrey Marks, and Kelly J. Ford. But that’s not all—this collection also includes many more decorated and emerging voices, ensuring a dynamic reading experience that is as inclusive as it is entertaining.

With a foreword by Ellen Hart and an afterword by Katherine V. Forrest, two luminaries of queer crime fiction, this anthology is more than a collection of stories—it’s a movement. Bursting with intrigue, twists, and unforgettable characters, Crime Ink: Iconic is essential reading for fans of crime fiction and anyone who craves representation in the stories they love.


Featuring works by Ann Aptaker, Ann McMan, Cheryl Head, Meredith Doench, Kelly J. Ford, Margot Douaihy, Christa Faust, Robyn Gigl, Jeffrey Marks, Greg Herren, Anne Laughlin, Kristen Lepionka, Katrina Carrasco, Mia Manansala, Renee James, Penny Mickelbury, Diana DiGangi, Baxter Clare Trautman, JM Redmann, Ellen Hart, Katherine V. Forrest, Stephanie Gayle, Marco Carocari, Jeffrey Round, and David Pederson. Edited by John Copenhaver and Salem West.


Enjoy the discussion by some of the authors of Crime Ink: Iconic.

Peter Mann discusses World Pacific

Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, recently welcomed Peter Mann for a virtual event. Mann, author of World Pacific. takes readers back to 1939 during the outbreak of World War II. There are copies on the way to the Webstore, and you can order one. https://bit.ly/41RAKl8

Here’s the description of World Pacific.

A darkly comic novel of intrigue, adventure, and the perils of self-invention from the author of The Torqued Man, set in San Francisco and the Asian Pacific during the outbreak of the Second World War.

In 1939, just as the clouds of war are gathering, Richard Halifax—boys’ adventure writer of manly bravado and the breeziest of prose styles—vanishes in the Pacific. Halifax was attempting to sail a Chinese junk from Hong Kong to San Francisco as part of the World’s Fair festivities on Treasure Island. But while his disappearance upends the lives of those left in his wake back home, both his machinations and his letters to his young readers live on.

Hildegard Rauch, an émigré painter and the daughter of Germany’s greatest living writer in exile, finds her twin brother in a coma after an attempted suicide. He left a mysterious note that sends her on a search for the truth about her brother’s relationship with Richard Halifax and the dangerous secret he entrusted to the writer before his voyage.

Simon Faulk, a British intelligence officer, has been assigned to ferret out Nazi spies in California. He learns of the arrival of a mysterious American agent from across the Pacific, part of a joint German-Japanese operation.

Told in the alternating voices of these three characters, set against the growing threat of another world war and a World’s Fair dedicated to peace, World Pacific is a madcap quixotic tale that explores the many forms of shipwreck, exile, betrayal, and the stories we tell ourselves in the fight to stay afloat. 


Peter Mann is the author of the novel The Torqued Man, named one of The New Yorker’s Best Books of 2022 and Best Historical Fiction of the year by CrimeReads. Originally from Kansas City, he is a longtime resident of San Francisco and teaches history and literature at Stanford. He also draws comics on his Substack newsletter The Quixote Syndrome.


Enjoy Peters’ conversation with Peter Mann. It’s a discussion of politics, history, and books.

Christina Estes discusses The Story That Wouldn’t Die

Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, welcomed Christina Estes for the launch of her second mystery, The Story That Wouldn’t Die. There are signed copies of the book available in the Webstore. https://bit.ly/4lEP4Vx

Here’s the description of The Story That Wouldn’t Die.

Emmy Award-winning reporter Christina Estes uses her twenty-year career for inspiration for her mysteries. In The Story That Wouldn’t Die, Jolene Garcia refuses to stop investigating, but someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her.

Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.

When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.

Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.


CHRISTINA ESTES is an award-winning reporter who spent more than twenty years covering crime, public policy, and business for TV and radio stations in Phoenix, Arizona. Her reporting has appeared on CBS and National Public Radio (NPR)Christina’s career inspired her mystery series featuring reporter Jolene Garcia, which began with Off the Air, winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest.


Enjoy the conversation with Christina Estes.