Craig Johnson’s next Walt Longmire mystery, Land of Wolves, isn’t due out until Sept. 17. And, he won’t be at The Poisoned Pen until Sept. 19 for a special ticketed event. But, Scott Montgomery’s piece for CrimeReads is too good to ignore. It’s called “The Evolution of Walt Longmire: Somewhere Between Laughter and Death.” Montgomery summarizes every Walt Longmire novel, in order, so the article is perfect for anyone who wants to catch up with the series, or start from the beginning. You can find it here. https://bit.ly/2YZMM9F
Craig Johnson has come to The Poisoned Pen for every book, beginning with the first Longmire book, The Cold Dish. You can order the books through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Qmogf5
Here’s the summary of the forthcoming book, Land of Wolves.
The new novel in Craig Johnson’s beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series.
Attempting to recover from his harrowing experiences in Mexico, in Land of Wolves Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire is neck deep in the investigation of what could or could not be the suicidal hanging of a shepherd. With unsettling connections to a Basque family with a reputation for removing the legs of Absaroka County sheriffs, matters become even more complicated with the appearance of an oversize wolf in the Big Horn Mountains to which Walt finds himself feeling more and more empathetic.
*****
As I said, Johnson will appear for The Poisoned Pen on Sept. 19 at a special ticketed event. But, I thought readers would appreciate Scott Montgomery’s article now.
Two authors, two hosts. The Poisoned Pen recently hosted Linda Castillo, author of Shamed and Stuart Turton, author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. John Charles introduced Turton, and discussed his book, while Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, welcomed Linda Castillo. You can order copies of Castillo’s books, including a signed copy of Shamed, and a signed copy of Turton’s debut novel, through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com
Because Turton appears first in the video, here’s the description of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.
“Agatha Christie meets Groundhog Day…quite unlike anything I’ve ever read, and altogether triumphant.”—A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Woman in the Window
The Rules of Blackheath Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 p.m. There are eight days, and eight witnesses for you to inhabit. We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer. Understood? Then let’s begin…
*** Evelyn Hardcastle will die. Every day until Aiden Bishop can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others.
For fans of Claire North and Kate Atkinson, The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a breathlessly addictive novel that follows one man’s race against time to find a killer— but an astonishing time-turning twist means that nothing and no one are quite what they seem.
Praise for The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle: Costa First Novel Award 2018 Winner One of Stylist Magazine’s 20 Must-Read Books of 2018 One of Harper’s Bazaar’s 10 Must-Read Books of 2018 One of Guardian’s Best Books of 2018
*****
Here’s Linda Castillo’s latest Kate Burkholder novel, Shamed.
In this gripping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo, a devastating murder exposes an Amish family’s tortured past.
The peaceful town of Painters Mill is shattered when an Amish grandmother is brutally murdered on an abandoned farm. When Chief of Police Kate Burkholder arrives on the scene, she learns that the woman’s seven-year-old granddaughter is gone, abducted in plain sight. Kate knows time is against her—the longer the girl is missing, the less likely her safe return becomes. The girl’s family is a pillar of the Amish community, well-respected by all. But Kate soon realizes they’re keeping secrets—and the sins of their past may be coming back to haunt them. What are they hiding and why?
Kate’s investigation brings her to an isolated Old Order Amish settlement along the river, a community where family is everything and tradition is upheld with an iron fist. But the killer is close behind, drawing more victims into a twisted game of revenge. Left behind at each new crime scene are cryptic notes that lead Kate to a haunting and tragic secret. What she uncovers threatens to change everything she thought she knew about the family she’s fighting for, the Amish community as a whole—and her own beliefs.
As time to find the missing girl runs out, Kate faces a harrowing choice that will test her convictions and leave one family forever changed.
*****
Now, you can watch two authors and two hosts. Here’s the event from earlier this week.
Last weekend, during the New York City blackout, the International Thriller Writers presented their annual Thriller Awards. Don’t forget to check the Web Store for copies of the winners’ books. https://store.poisonedpen.com
Here are the winners.
BEST HARDCOVER NOVEL
Jennifer Hillier – Jar of Hearts
BEST FIRST NOVEL
C. J. Tudor – The Chalk Man
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL NOVEL
Jane Harper – The Lost Man
BEST SHORT STORY
Helen Smith — “Nana” in KILLER WOMEN: CRIME CLUB ANTHOLOGY #2
BEST E-BOOK ORIGINAL NOVEL
Alan Orloff – Pray for the Innocent
BEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
Teri Bailey Black – Girl at the Grave
Also receiving special recognition: John Sandford, ThrillerMaster, in recognition of his legendary career and outstanding contributions to the thriller genre.
From Spencer Quinn’s Heart of Darkness to David Rosenfelt’s Bark of Night, Poisoned Pen has gone to the dogs this week. Bark of Night, with its adorable cover, is the current Hot Book of the Week. Rosenfelt will be at The Poisoned Pen on Wednesday, July 17 at 7 PM to discuss his latest Andy Carpenter mystery. Signed copies, and copies of Rosenfelt’s other books, are available through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2YUUXUS
Here’s the description of Bark of Night.
The next novel in David Rosenfelt’s witty, heartfelt mystery series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter and his faithful golden retriever, Tara.
When defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s veterinarian asks to speak to him privately at the checkup of his golden retriever, Tara, the last thing Andy expects is Truman. Tiny, healthy, French bulldog Truman was dropped off days ago with instructions to be euthanized by a man everyone thought was his owner. But now the owner is nowhere to be found.
Andy is furious. Who would want to euthanize a perfectly healthy dog with no explanation? He is willing to whisk Truman away to the Tara Foundation, the dog-rescue organization which is Andy’s true passion. They will find a home for Truman. But that’s not all the vet tells Andy. Thanks to Truman’s chip, it’s discovered that the man wasn’t Truman’s owner at all . . . Truman’s real owner has been murdered.
It’s now up to Andy ““ with help from his loyal sidekick Tara, Truman and the rest of the gang ““ to solve this case. In the latest in the popular Andy Carpenter mystery series, David Rosenfelt’s charmingly clever wit and love of dogs are back and better than ever.
If you’re one of those fans who waited four years for the next book in Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series, Heart of Barkness is here, and it’s already appearing on the USA Today bestsellers list. You can order copies of Quinn’s books, including signed copies of Heart of Barkness, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/32otBsk
Here’s the description of Heart of Barkness.
THE INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Spencer Quinn’s Heart of Barkness is the latest in the New York Timesbestselling series that the Los Angeles Times called “nothing short of masterful”…
Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of crime fiction” (Boston Globe) and P.I. Bernie encounter heartache and much worse in the world of country music. They’re both music lovers, so when Lotty Pilgrim, a country singer from long ago, turns up at a local bar, they drive out to catch her act. Bernie’s surprised to see someone who was once so big performing in such a dive, and drops a C-note the Little Detective Agency can’t afford to part with into the tip jar. The C-note is stolen right from under their noses ““ even from under Chet’s, the nose that misses nothing ““ and before the night is over, it’s stolen again.
Soon they’re working the most puzzling case of their career, a case that takes them back in time in search of old border-town secrets, and into present-day danger where powerful people want those secrets to stay hidden. Chet and Bernie find themselves sucked into a real-life murder ballad where there is no one to trust but each other.
*****
You can watch Spencer Quinn’s conversation with Patrick Millikin from The Poisoned Pen here.
By now, many of you have probably heard the fairy tale story of Adrian McKinty, the award-winning author who couldn’t make a living with his books. The Chain changed all that. McKinty’s U.S. book tour consisted of appearances at just two bookstores. The Poisoned Pen hosted him on release date. You can still order copies of McKinty’s books, including The Chain, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2LnC0XM
Here’s the summary of The Chain.
VICTIM. SURVIVOR. ABDUCTOR. CRIMINAL. YOU WILL BECOME EACH ONE.
“This nightmarish story is incredibly propulsive and original. You won’t shake it for a long time.” STEPHEN KING “McKinty is one of the most striking and most memorable crime voices to emerge on the scene in years. His plots tempt you to read at top speed, but don’t give in: this writing – sharply observant, intelligent and shot through with black humor – should be savored.” TANA FRENCH“A masterpiece. You have never read anything quite like THE CHAIN and you will never be able to forget it.” DON WINSLOW * * * * *
YOUR PHONE RINGS.
A STRANGER HAS KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD.
TO FREE THEM YOU MUST ABDUCT SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD.
YOUR CHILD WILL BE RELEASED WHEN YOUR VICTIM’S PARENTS KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD.
IF ANY OF THESE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN: YOUR CHILD WILL BE KILLED.
YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE CHAIN
*****
If you don’t know Adrian McKinty’s story, check out earlier posts on this site. You might want to do that because McKinty’s conversation with Diana Gabaldon covers all kinds of subjects. You can eavesdrop here.
Are you a fan of Grantchester on PBS, or a fan of James Runcie’s books about Sydney Chambers? Season 4 starts on PBS on Sunday, July 14. And, of course, you can always pick up Runcie’s books through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Gba9Wy
If you haven’t started the books, or need background to the PBS series, you might want to pick up The Road to Grantchester. It’s the prequel to the mystery series. Here’s the summary.
The captivating prequel to the treasured Grantchester series follows the life, loves, and losses of young Sidney Chambers in postwar London.
It is 1938, and eighteen-year-old Sidney Chambers is dancing the quickstep with Amanda Kendall at her brother Robert’s birthday party at the Caledonian Club. No one can believe, on this golden evening, that there could ever be another war.
Returning to London seven years later, Sidney has gained a Military Cross and lost his best friend on the battlefields of Italy. The carefree youth that he and his friends were promised has been blown apart, just like the rest of the world–and Sidney, carrying a terrible, secret guilt, must decide what to do with the rest of his life. But he has heard a call: constant, though quiet, and growing ever more persistent. To the incredulity of his family and the derision of his friends–the irrepressible actor Freddie and the beautiful, vivacious Amanda–Sidney must now negotiate his path to God: the course of which, much like true love, never runs smooth.
The Road to Grantchester will delight new and old fans alike and finally tell the touching, engaging, and surprising origin story of the Grantchester Mysteries’ beloved archdeacon.
Mark Greaney and Lt. Col. H. Ripley Rawlings IV have written a military novel of a possible future world war. The authors will be at The Poisoned Pen on Tuesday, July 16 at 7 PM to discuss Red Metal. You can order signed copies of Red Metal, or copies of Greaney’s other books, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2o92azg
Here’s the description of Red Metal.
A Russian military strike against Europe could change the balance of power in the West. A stunningly realistic view of modern warfare from a battlefield commander and the New York Times bestselling author of The Gray Man.
The Russian bear has awakened. Their tanks race across Poland crushing all opposition on a headlong dash for the heart of Germany. Satellite killing missiles blind American forces while Spetznatz teams destroy Allied communications relays. It’s all part of a master plan to confuse and defeat America and her allies.
Ranged against the Russian attack are a Marine lieutenant colonel pulled out of a cushy job at the Pentagon and thrown into the fray, a French Special Forces captain and his intelligence operative father, a young Polish female partisan fighter, an A-10 Warthog pilot, and the captain of an American tank platoon who, along with a German sergeant, struggle to keep a small group of American and German tanks in the fight.
Operation Red Metal is a nightmare scenario made real but could it just be the first move on the Russian chessboard?
*****
If you’re looking for more detail, and a review, no one does them better than The Real Book Spy. Here’s his featured review of Red Metal. https://bit.ly/2RGeKV5
Paul Doiron was recently at The Poisoned Pen, on book tour for his tenth Mike Bowditch novel, Almost Midnight. As always, it was a wide-ranging discussion, but Doiron brought along photos of Maine, the setting for his mysteries. You can order Doiron’s books, including signed copies of Almost Midnight, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2KqPe53
Here’s the description of the latest in the series, Almost Midnight.
In this thrilling entry in Edgar Award finalist Paul Doiron’s bestselling series, a deadly attack on one of Maine’s last wild wolves leads Game Warden Mike Bowditchto an even bigger criminal conspiracy.
While on vacation, Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch receives a strange summons from Billy Cronk, one of his oldest friends and a man he had to reluctantly put behind bars for murder. Billy wants him to investigate a new female prison guard with a mysterious past, and Mike feels honor-bound to help his friend. But when the guard becomes the victim in a brutal attack at the prison, he realizes there may be a darker cover-up at play—and that Billy and his family might be at risk.
Then Mike receives a second call for help, this time from a distant mountain valley where Shadow, a wolf-hybrid he once cared for, has been found shot by an arrow and clinging to life. He searches for the identity of the bowman, but his investigation is blocked at every turn by the increasingly hostile community. And when Billy’s wife and children are threatened, Mike finds himself tested like never before. How can he possibly keep the family safe when he has enemies of his own on his trail?
Torn between loyalties, Mike Bowditch must respond in the only way he knows how: by bending every law and breaking every rule to keep his loved ones safe and the true predators at bay.
*****
You can check out the discussion, along with glimpses of the photos from Maine, here.
Brad Thor, author of the nineteenth Scot Harvath novel, Backlash, was recently at The Poisoned Pen. That thriller is already number two on the New York Times Bestseller list. You can still order a signed copy of Backlash through the Web Store, as well as copies of Thor’s other books. https://bit.ly/2FFYbE8
Here’s the description of Backlash.
“Raw emotion, nonstop action, and relentless pacing makes Backlash another one-night read from Brad Thor, who delivers the book to beat in 2019.” —The Real Book Spy
#1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author Brad Thor is back with his most gripping thriller yet!
In ancient texts, there are stories about men who struck from the shadows, seemingly beyond the reach of death itself. These men were considered part angel, part demon. Their loyalty was to their families, their friends, and their kings. You crossed these men at your peril. And once crossed, there was no crossing back.
They were fearless; men of honor who have been known throughout history by different names: Spartan, Viking, Samurai.
Today, men like these still strike from the shadows. They are highly prized intelligence agents, military operatives, and assassins.
One man is all three.
Two days ago, that man was crossed—badly.
Now, far from home and surrounded by his enemy, Scot Harvath must battle his way out.
With no support, no cavalry coming, and no one even aware of where he is, it will take everything he has ever learned to survive.
But survival isn’t enough. Harvath wants revenge.
In the most explosive novel Brad Thor has ever written, page after captivating page of action, intrigue, loyalty, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very last sentence.
*****
Of course, when I say the author is in conversation, that means you can eavesdrop on the event. Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, and Brad Thor had a wide-ranging conversation.
