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Because James Rollins had to return to Arizona to sign more copies of his new book, The Last Odyssey, The Poisoned Pen has a great deal to offer you. First, you can listen to a Podcast preview of The Last Odyssey James Rollins recorded. Then, on Wednesday, March 25, when Rollins returns to sign more copies, he and Barbara Peters, owner of the bookstore, will have a virtual event, a conversation on Facebook on The Poisoned Pen’s page, at 7 PM.

Then, of course, we always encourage you to buy copies of the books, including a signed copy of The Last Odyssey, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2t0Yumn

“Our copies come with an exclusive collectible and FREE SHIPPING to a US Address! If you’ve previously ordered the book, your shipping charge will be refunded.  ““ Patrick M. @ The Poisoned Pen (Mar11-20)”

Here’s the summary of The Last Odyssey.

To save the world and our future, Sigma Force must embark on a dangerous odyssey into an ancient past whose horrors are all too present in this page-turning thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins that combines cutting-edge science, historical mystery, mythology, and pulse-pounding action.

For eons, the city of Troy—whose legendary fall was detailed in Homer’s Iliad—was believed to be myth, until archaeologists in the nineteenth century uncovered its ancient walls buried beneath the sands. If Troy was real, how much of Homer’s twin tales of gods and monsters, curses and miracles—The Iliad and The Odyssey—could also be true and awaiting discovery?

In the frozen tundra of Greenland, a group of modern-day researchers stumble on a shocking find: a medieval ship buried a half-mile below the ice. The ship’s hold contains a collection of even older artifacts—tools of war—dating back to the Bronze Age. Inside the captain’s cabin is a magnificent treasure that is as priceless as it is miraculous: a clockwork gold map imbedded with an intricate silver astrolabe. The mechanism was crafted by a group of Muslim inventors—the BanÅ« MÅ«sā brothers—considered by many to be the Da Vincis of the Arab world—brilliant scientists who inspired Leonardo’s own work.

Once activated, the moving map traces the path of Odysseus’s famous ship as it sailed away from Troy. But the route detours as the map opens to reveal a fiery river leading to a hidden realm underneath the Mediterranean Sea. It is the subterranean world of Tartarus, the Greek name for Hell. In mythology, Tartarus was where the wicked were punished and the monstrous Titans of old, imprisoned.

When word of Tartarus spreads—and of the cache of miraculous weapons said to be hidden there—tensions explode in this volatile region where Turks battle Kurds, terrorists wage war, and civilians suffer untold horrors. The phantasmagoric horrors found in Homer’s tales are all too real—and could be unleashed upon the world. Whoever possesses them can use their awesome power to control the future of humanity.

Now, Sigma Force must go where humans fear to tread. To prevent a tyrant from igniting a global war, they must cross the very gates of Hell.

The current Hot Book of the Week at The Poisoned Pen is a gothic novel, Rebecca James’ The Woman in the Mirror. For those in the United States who order it before April 15, there’s free shipping. But, wherever you are in the world, check the Web Store for the book. https://bit.ly/2WkyrWT

Gothic novels are making a resurgence, so you’ll want to check out The Woman in the Mirror.

Rebecca James unveils a chilling modern gothic novel of a family consumed by the shadows and secrets of its past in The Woman in the Mirror.

For more than two centuries, Winterbourne Hall has stood atop a bluff overseeing the English countryside of Cornwall and the sea beyond. 

In 1947, Londoner Alice Miller accepts a post as governess at Winterbourne, looking after Captain Jonathan de Grey’s twin children. Falling under the de Greys’ spell, Alice believes the family will heal her own past sorrows. But then the twins’ adoration becomes deceitful and taunting. Their father, ever distant, turns spiteful and cruel. The manor itself seems to lash out. Alice finds her surroundings subtly altered, her air slightly chilled. Something malicious resents her presence, something clouding her senses and threatening her very sanity.

In present day New York, art gallery curator Rachel Wright has learned she is a descendant of the de Greys and heir to Winterbourne. Adopted as an infant, she never knew her birth parents or her lineage. At long last, Rachel will find answers to questions about her identity that have haunted her entire life. But what she finds in Cornwall is a devastating tragic legacy that has afflicted generations of de Greys. A legacy borne from greed and deceit, twisted by madness, and suffused with unrequited love and unequivocal rage.

Tuesday, March 17 is release date for Harlan Coben’s latest standalone, The Boy from the Woods. Although the Coronavirus has interfered with his plans to be at The Poisoned Pen, he has signed copies of his book, and they’ll be available through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com

And, the Pen has a special event planned. If you’re self-isolating at home, spend the time online with Harlan Coben and Barbara Peters, owner of the bookstore.

Join Harlan and Barbara, Wednesday, March 18, 5:00 PM PDT for a Facebook Live chat on Poisoned Pen Bookstore’s Facebook page. Can’t make it? It can be viewed any time thereafter, and on Poisoned Pen’s YouTube channel from March 19. They will be able to address a few questions from the video audience. Email yours early to sales@poisonedpen.com.

Harlan Coben The Boy from the Woods (click title to order)  The Poisoned Pen Bookstore 4014 N Goldwater Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Found as a feral child running free in the Ramapo Mountain State Forest near the suburb of Westville, NJ, with no memory of his past but able to speak English, the boy appropriately named Wilde has returned to the woods to live as an adult after being raised in foster care. He’s happiest by himself, innocent of his own history.  Then a child, Naomi Pine, goes missing. Not even her father takes this seriously, but celebrity TV lawyer Hester Crimstein has learned through her grandson that Naomi was relentlessly bullied at school. She insists that Wilde put his unique skills to work to find Naomi. As another teen goes missing, journalists and creepy security experts soon come calling, and Wilde, navigating his return to Westville, must uncover-and survive-a terrible secret.  Coben fans spend a lot of time in suburbs, not all of them in NJ, with his characters but from time to time he enjoys leading us all into a more primal landscape as in his 2008 novel The Woods.   | The Poisoned Pen Bookstore |480-947-2974 | sales@poisonedpen.com |www.poisonedpen.com

In her recent article in The New York Times, Danielle Trussoni ended her column, “Gothic Horror Fiction, Old and New”, with the comment “Escapism at its best”. That’s exactly what we need right now, escapism. You can read Trussoni’s column here. https://nyti.ms/3cZ6Tfw

One of the books she discusses is the Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press edition of The Phantom of the Opera. You can find it in the Web Store. https://bit.ly/38SnWN2

Here’s the summary of the new release.

The first in the Haunted Library Horror Classics series presented by the Horror Writers Association. An unabridged edition of the novel that inspired the famous Andrew Lloyd Weber musical. 

Deep beneath the Paris Opera House, a masked man lives in silence…

Every night at the Palais Garnier, hundreds of guests sit on the edge of velvet-covered seats, waiting for prima donna La Carlotta to take the stage. But when her voice fails her, La Carlotta is replaced with unknown understudy Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose vibrant singing fills every corner of the house and wins her a slew of admirers, including an old childhood friend who soon professes his love for her. But unknown to Christine is another man, who lurks out of sight behind the heavy curtains of the opera, who can move about the building undetected, who will do anything to make sure Christine will keep singing just for him…

This curated edition of The Phantom of the Opera, based on the original 1911 English translation by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos, brings an iconic story of love and obsession to today’s readers and illuminates the timeless appeal of Leroux’s masterpiece.

Do we all agree it’s time to focus on something a little lighter than world news today? How about a new series from David Rosenfelt, author of the Andy Carpenter books? The K Team is a spinoff, due out March 24. You can reserve your signed copies right now through the Web Store. Don’t forget, you can also order an audiobook through The Poisoned Pen. Information is on the same page. https://bit.ly/3cXu4XL

Here’s David Rosenfelt’s The K Team.

From bestselling mystery author David Rosenfelt comes a new series ““ a spinoff of the much beloved Andy Carpenter mysteries ““ about a dynamic new investigative team featuring a determined former cop and his loyal German Shepherd.

Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, Simon Garfunkel, have recently retired from the police force. Not ready to give up the life yet, they come up with a proposal for fellow former cop, Laurie Carpenter, and her investigating partner, Marcus. Laurie and Marcus ““ who help out Laurie’s lawyer husband Andy on cases ““ have been chafing to jump back into investigating on their own, so they are in.

They call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon. Their first job as private investigators comes to them from Judge Henry Henderson, who’s known as a very tough but fair judge, and they’ve all come up against him in court at one time or another. Though it’s hard to believe, Judge Henderson is being blackmailed and extorted, and he doesn’t want to involve the police–he needs the K Team to figure out why.

*****

Sounds good, especially if you’re a dog-lover, doesn’t it? Here’s something else that’s always fun, Adam Wagner’s GifNotes from CriminalElement. Here’s the link to The K Team by David Rosenfelt: A Visual Guide. https://bit.ly/2TPBPaz

Today, we’ll reverse the order. Usually, there’s a note about the books, and the video from The Poisoned Pen ends the blog piece. Because there are three authors who write crime novels, the video will introduce them and their books. However, once you hear about the books, you’ll want to check out the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com

But, even before that, just a note. Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, had this very important highlight in her recent newsletter. You can support the bookstore and the authors, and benefit yourself by taking advantage of this offer.

“We always need good books however we define them to be, and right now more than ever.
STARTING MONDAY THROUGH APRIL 15: FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OF $25 and up within the United States. We will reassess at that time.

PLEASE RECOGNIZE THAT:There will almost certainly be delays in stocking books thanks in part to the ongoing paper shortage slowing printers. It’s possible that warehouses will experience staffing shortages or shut down and who knows how the overstrained shipping system will fare.”

*****

So, check out the video, and then check out some books. The video features three authors, Don Bentley, John McMahon and Russ Thomas. They write thrillers or police procedurals.

Here’s Don Bentley’s Without Sanction.

After surviving a clandestine operation that went tragically wrong, Matt Drake escaped Syria with his life, but little else. Now, to save the life of another, he must return to Syria and confront his biggest failure in a debut thriller Lee Child calls “sensationally good.” 

Defense Intelligence Agency operative Matt Drake broke a promise. A promise that cost three people their lives and crippled his best friend. Three months later, he’s paralyzed by survivor’s guilt and haunted by the memories of the fallen. Matt may have left Syria, but Syria hasn’t left him.

In the midst of his self-imposed exile, Matt is dragged back into the world of espionage and assets that he tried to forget. A Pakistani scientist working for an ISIS splinter cell has created a terrifying weapon of mass destruction. The scientist offers to defect with the weapon, but he trusts just one man to bring him out of Syria alive—Matt Drake.

*****

Or, check out John McMahon’s The Evil Men Do.

“[McMahon] tells his story with flair.”–New York Times Book Review

The author of The Good Detective delivers a gripping and atmospheric new novel in which a cop takes on a harrowing case and confronts old personal demons.

What if the one good thing you did in your life doomed you to die?

A hard-nosed real estate baron is dead, and detectives P.T. Marsh and Remy Morgan learn there’s a long list of suspects. Mason Falls, Georgia, may be a small town, but Ennis Fultz had filled it with professional rivals, angry neighbors, and a wronged ex-wife. And when Marsh realizes that this potential murder might be the least of his troubles, he begins to see what happens when ordinary people become capable of evil.  

As Marsh and Morgan dig into the case, it becomes clear that Fultz’s death was not an isolated case of revenge. It may be part of a dark web of crimes connected to an accident that up-ended Marsh’s life a couple years earlier–and that now threatens the life of a young child. Marsh veers dangerously off track as his search for clues becomes personal..and brings him to a place where a man’s good deeds turn out to be more dangerous than his worst crimes.

*****

Here’s Russ Thomas’ debut police procedural, Firewatching.

“A pitch-perfect blend of the best of the old and the best of the new–all the traditional strengths and charms are here, with a fresh and relevant twenty first-century edge. I loved it.”–Lee Child

A taut and ambitious police procedural debut introducing Detective Sergeant Adam Tyler, a cold case reviewer who lands a high-profile murder investigation, only to find the main suspect is his recent one-night stand . . .

When financier Gerald Cartwright disappeared from his home six years ago, it was assumed he’d gone on the run from his creditors. But then a skeleton is found bricked up in the cellar of Cartwright’s burned-out mansion, and it becomes clear Gerald never left alive.

As the sole representative of South Yorkshire’s Cold Case Review Unit, Detective Sergeant Adam Tyler is not expected to get results, but he knows this is the case that might finally kick start his floundering career. Luckily, he already has a suspect. Unluckily, that suspect is Cartwright’s son, the man Tyler slept with the night before. 

Keeping his possible conflict-of-interest under wraps, Tyler digs into the case alongside Amina Rabbani, an ambitious young Muslim constable and a fellow outsider seeking to prove herself on the force. Soon their investigation will come up against close-lipped townsfolk, an elderly woman with dementia who’s receiving mysterious threats referencing a past she can’t remember, and an escalating series of conflagrations set by a troubled soul intent on watching the world burn . . .

*****

Remember, beginning Monday, your order needs to be $25 and up, and there’s free shipping within the United States until April 15. You can order books now, or put them on a list to order in a couple days. Again, here’s the link to the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com

If you’re fascinated by Victorian history, you’ll appreciate the conversation between Deanna Raybourn, author of A Murderous Relation, and Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen. Raybourn is so knowledgeable about the Victorian era. There’s definitely some light moments during this conversation. You’ll want to watch this event.

I hope Deanna Raybourn caught your attention. If you would like to buy a signed copy of A Murderous Relation, the latest Veronica Speedwell adventure, check the Web Store for that book, and earlier ones. https://bit.ly/2BlRbLF

A royal scandal’s connection to a brutal serial killer threatens London in this new Veronica Speedwell adventure from New York Times bestselling and Edgar® Award”“nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Autumn 1888. Veronica Speedwell and her colleague Stoker are asked by Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk to stop a potential scandal so explosive it threatens to rock the monarchy. Prince Albert Victor is a regular visitor to the most exclusive private club in London, and the proprietress, Madame Aurore, has received an expensive gift that can be traced back to the prince. Lady Wellie would like Veronica and Stoker to retrieve it from the club before scandal can break. 

Worse yet, London is being terrorized by what would become the most notorious and elusive serial killer in history, Jack the Ripper—and Lady Wellie suspects the prince may be responsible.
Veronica and Stoker reluctantly agree to go undercover at Madame Auroreʼs high-class brothel, where a body soon turns up. Secrets are swirling around Veronica and the royal family—and it is up to Veronica and Stoker to find the truth, before it is too late for all of them.

Jason Pinter, author of Hide Away, recently appeared at The Poisoned Pen, along with Phillip Margolin (A Reasonable Doubt), and moderator Matt Goldman. Goldman asked both authors about their strong female characters. You’re going to be able to watch the event, and hear the answers, but first let’s talk about Pinter’s Hide Away. It’s the first in the author/publisher’s new series, and it’s the current Hot Book of the Week. You can order signed copies of the books through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

Here’s the description of the first Rachel Marin novel, Hide Away.

“Pinter is in fine form with Hide Away. You’ll burn through the pages.” —David Baldacci

From the bestselling author of the Henry Parker series comes a page-turning thriller about a vigilante who’s desperate to protect her secrets—and bring a killer to justice.

On the surface, Rachel Marin is an ordinary single mother; on the inside, she’s a fierce, brilliant vigilante. After an unspeakable crime shatters her life, she changes her identity and moves to a small town in Illinois, hoping to spare her children from further trauma…or worse. But crime follows her everywhere.

When the former mayor winds up dead, Rachel can’t help but get involved. Where local detectives see suicide, she sees murder. They resent her for butting in—especially since she’s always one step ahead. But her investigative genius may be her undoing: the deeper she digs, the harder it is to keep her own secrets buried.

Her persistence makes her the target of both the cops and a killer. Meanwhile, the terrifying truth about her past threatens to come to light, and Rachel learns the hard way that she can’t trust anyone. Surrounded by danger, she must keep her steely resolve, protect her family, and stay one step ahead, or else she may become the next victim.

*****

Missed the event? You can watch Jason Pinter, Phillip Margolin and Matt Goldman in conversation.

Not only does Betty Webb’s new book, The Panda of Death, have one of the cutest covers you’ll ever want to see, she’s put some interesting family connections in the latest Gunn Zoo mystery. You’ll be able to hear Betty tell about Poonya, the red panda, and the DNA connection. You can find the Gunn Zoo mysteries, including The Panda of Death, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2uhnpCs

Here’s the summary of The Panda of Death.

California zookeeper Theodora Bentley is now happily married to Sheriff Joe Rejas. The Gunn Zoo is celebrating the arrival of Poonya, an adorable red panda, who forms a strong bond with Teddy. All appears fairytale blissful in the small Monterey Bay village of Gunn Landing until Teddy’s mother-in-law, mystery writer Colleen Rejas, has discovered through DNA testing that Joe has sired a son he knew nothing about. Dylan Coyle, 18, arrives to meet his biological family… and then is arrested for murder.

By the end of the book, besides solving the crime, Teddy and Colleen have learned that the term “family” does not always mean blood kin. It often includes those who—although no blood relationship—are still held close in our hearts.

*****

Join in, and watch the discussion with Betty Webb and Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen.

It’s hard to believe that Tony Hillerman’s first Leaphorn and Chee novel, The Blessing Way, came out fifty years ago. At Santafenewmexican.com, under “Pasatiempo”, James McGrath Morris talks about Hillerman and his path to publication. You can find the article, “Tony Hillerman’s ‘The Blessing Way’ at 50” here, https://bit.ly/2VWdGAD.

And, you can order Hillerman’s books, including The Blessing Way, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2uRxzx1

Here’s the summary of The Blessing Way.

“Brilliant…as fascinating as it is original.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

From New York Times bestselling author Tony Hillerman, the first novel in his series featuring Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn & Officer Jim Chee who encounter a bizarre case that borders between the supernatural and murder—now available in a limited Olive Edition.

Homicide is always an abomination, but there is something exceptionally disturbing about the victim discovered in a high, lonely place—a corpse with a mouth full of sand—abandoned at a crime scene seemingly devoid of tracks or useful clues. Though it goes against his better judgment, Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn cannot help but suspect the hand of a supernatural killer.

There is palpable evil in the air, and Leaphorn’s pursuit of a Wolf-Witch leads him where even the bravest men fear, on a chilling trail that winds perilously between mysticism and murder.