Fiction Review

With the New Year upon us, there are million things that we would like to do better, quicker, faster and smarter. Fortunately, there is a book for that! Life Hacks by Keith Bradford is an engaging and quick read that provides us with the quick snipits on how to fix everyday small problems.

From the Publisher:

Simple solutions to everyday problems!

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a way to make life easier? With Life Hacks, you’ll find hundreds of methods that you can start using right now to simplify your life. From folding a fitted sheet to removing scuffs from furniture, this book offers simple solutions to a variety of everyday problems. Each informative entry helps you discover quicker, more efficient techniques for completing ordinary tasks around the home, at the office, and just about anywhere. You’ll also learn how to make the most out of any situation with fun, problem-solving tricks like creating an impromptu iPod speaker from toilet paper rolls or snagging a free doughnut at your local Krispy Kreme shop.

Filled with 1,000 valuable life hacks, this book proves that you don’t have to search very far for the perfect solution to everyday problems.

I like to link to Marilyn Stasio’s Crime column in The New York Times when she discusses a book by an author who was recently at The Poisoned Pen. Jeff Lindsay’s Just Watch Me was highlighted in her recent column, found here. https://nyti.ms/2PFIv9d

Signed copies of Just Watch Me are still available through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2LqMRym

As a reminder, here’s the description of Lindsay’s latest book.

A masterful thief plots an impossible crime—stealing the Iranian Crown Jewels.

From the author of the wildly successful Dexter series comes a new, mesmerizing bad guy we can root for: Riley Wolfe. He’s a master thief, expert at disguise, and not averse to violence when it’s needed. It’s no accident, though, that Riley targets the wealthiest 0.1 percent and is willing to kill them when they’re in his way: he despises the degenerate and immoral rich and loves stealing their undeserved and unearned valuables.

In this series launch, Riley aims for an extraordinary target in a heist that will make history. Riley will try to steal the Crown Jewels of Iran. Yes, these jewels are worth billions, but the true attraction for grabbing them comes down to one simple fact: it can’t be done. Stealing these jewels is absolutely impossible. The collection is guarded by space-age electronics and two teams of heavily armed mercenaries. No one could even think of getting past the airtight security and hope to get away alive, let alone with even a single diamond from the Imperial Collection.

No one but Riley Wolfe. He’s always liked a challenge.

But this challenge may be more than even he can handle. Aside from the impenetrable security, Riley is also pursued by a brilliant and relentless cop who is barely a step behind him.

With the aid of his sometime ally, a beautiful woman who is a master art forger, Riley Wolfe goes for the prize that will either make him a legend—or, more likely, leave him dead.

*****

You can also watch the event, if you missed it the first time.

If you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of The Poisoned Pen, you’ll want to check out the schedule of January events so you can plan to be there when your favorite authors appear. Even if you don’t live within driving distance, check out the list. You might want to pre-order signed books. Check the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

Here are the upcoming events at The Poisoned Pen.

JANUARY EVENTS CALENDAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Events are at 7PM at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore unless otherwise noted.

01/06 (Mon) Tarryn Fisher signs The Wives (Graydon House $16.99/$27.99)

01/07 (Tues) Publication Party. Brad Taylor signs Hunter Killer (Morrow $27.99)
Our copies come with an exclusive: Pike Logan’s passport.

01/08 (Wed) 2PM A New Year’s Tea. Debra Goldstein signs Two Bites Too Many (Kensington $7.99) Sarah Blair cozy #2 in Wheaton, Alabama.

01/09 (Thurs) Publication Party. Thomas Perry signs Small Town (Grove $26)

01/11 (Sat) 2PM Scream for Ice Cream Publication Party. Dana Stabenow signs No Fixed Line (Head of Zeus $29.95) Kate Shugak #22.

01/12 (Sun) 2PM Publication Party. Tasha Alexander signs In the Shadow of Vesuvius (St Martins $27.99) Lady Emily in Pompeii. Karen Odden signs A Trace of Deceit (Morrow $16.99) Victorian Art World Mystery.

01/14 (Tues) Andrew Grant signs Too Close to Home (Ballantine $28)
Paul McGrath, courthouse janitor. Nick Petrie signs The Wild One (Putnam $26) Our copies include an essay by Petrie on why Iceland for Peter Ash.

01/15 (Wed) Paul Davies signs The Demon In The Machine: How Hidden Webs of Information are Solving the Mystery of Life.  (Allen $27.50) Winner of the 2019 Physics World Book of the Year Award.

01/16 (Thurs) Chris Hauty signs Deep State (Atria $27) Debut thriller.

01/18 (Sat) 2PM High Tea. Beatriz Williams/Lauren Willig/KarenWhite sign All the Ways We Said Goodbye (Morrow $27.99)

01/23 (Thurs) Chad Dundas signs The Blaze (Putnam $26) Two acts of arson in Montana.

01/25 (Sat) 2PM Joseph Finder signs House on Fire (Dutton $28) PI Nick Heller of Boston returns.

01/25 (Sat) 4PM Writers Workshop with Joseph Finder. Fee: $35 includes copy of House on Fire.

01/26 (Sun) 2PM Rosemary Simpson signs Death Brings a Shadow. (Kensington $26.00) The fourth book in The Gilded Edge Mystery series. Dianne Freeman signs A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder (Kensington $26.00) The second book in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series.

01/28 (Tues) Double Publication Party. Lisa Gardner signs When You See Me (Dutton $27) DD Warren, Flora Dane, Kimberly Quincy Boston thriller. Gregg Hurwitz signs Into the Fire (St Martins $27.99) Orphan X.

01/30 (Thurs) Joe Ide signs Hi Five (Mulholland $27) An IQ Novel.

02/01 (Sat) 2PM Publication Party. Rhys Bowen signs Above the Bay of Angels (Lake Union $24.95/$14.95).

02/04 (Tues) Douglas Preston signs Crooked River (Grand Central $29)
Lincoln Child presigns and joins in by Skype. Our copies include an exclusive photo of Lincoln on Sanibel Island as well as an additional chapter for 2019’s VERSES FOR THE DEAD. 

JANUARY DISCUSSION CLUBS Please buy your copy from The Pen. Anyone welcome but remember you risk spoilers if you don’t read the selection in advance.

Coffee & Crime: Saturday January 11 10:30 AM
Beaton, MC. Death of a Gossip ($8)

SciFi Friday: January 17 7:00 PM
Adeyemi, Tomi. Children of Blood and Bone ($18.99)

Croak & Dagger: Saturday January 18 10:30 AM
Karin Slaughter. Triptych ($9.99)

Hardboiled Crime: Wednesday January 29 7:00 PM
Brackett, Leigh. Stranger at Home ($9.99)

Everyone seems to have a list of best books or favorite books of the year. But, The Real Book Spy’s list of Best Thrillers of 2019 includes so many authors who have been at The Poisoned Pen this year that it’s a list worth sharing. Check it out here. https://bit.ly/35XqybV

Then, check the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com

If you’re lucky, there may be signed copies still available, including a signed copy of The Real Book Spy’s Best Book of 2019, Brad Thor’s Backlash. Check for your favorite thriller author.

The Poisoned Pen is closed today in observance of Christmas. No matter what holiday you’re celebrating, or, even if you’re not, may you find a quiet time to read or listen to a good book.

Happy Holidays!

On Tuesday, January 14, Nick Petrie (The Wild One) joins Andrew Grant (Too Close to Home) at 7 PM at The Poisoned Pen. Although Petrie didn’t send us one of his gift lists for the blog, he shared his suggested book titles in his newsletter. It might be too late to order any of these books to give as physical gifts for the holidays, but, as he suggested, you can always print out the note that you ordered them. Check the Web Store for his suggested titles, or to pre-order The Wild One or Too Close to Home. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

Here’s the beginning of Nick Petrie’s letter, along with his book suggestions.

Holiday Book Recommendations!

Dear Reader, Books are my favorite gifts to both give and receive. Below, I’ve listed a few recommendations for the book lovers on your list. Some of these titles have been out for years, others won’t be out until early 2020 – but pre-orders also make thoughtful gifts. I simply print the order form and tuck it into a stocking or mail it with a card.

A FEW GOOD BOOKS The Short Drop by Matthew Fitzsimmons.  This is the first of five in this quick, smart, surprising series about Gibson Vaughn, a U.S. Marine turned cyber expert trying to find out what happened to his childhood friend. Fast, funny, unexpectedly poignant. His fifth book, Origami Man, arrives February 18th, 2020. Without Sanction by Don Bentley.  You’ll want to read this vivid spy thriller in one sitting. Bentley flew Apache helicopters in Iraq, and was an FBI agent after that. In short, he’s a guy who’s been a few places and done a few things. This debut novel hits the bookshelves on March 3rd, 2020.  The Beast Of Barcroft by Bill Schweigart.  This crisp, elegant creature feature with a heart of gold had me jumping out of my socks on multiple occasions. For any fan of Stephen King or Joe Hill. You’ll want to chew through the whole trilogy. The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch. I have a not-so-secret love for well-written sci-fi and fantasy, and The Gone World is fantastic. Time travel done better than it’s ever been done before, this novel is vivid and visceral and strange in the best way. The Tailor Of Panama, Single And Single, and The Night Manager by John le Carre.  Le Carre is the master of the modern spy novel, and these three books are the finest examples of his post-Soviet-era work. If you’re only going to pick one, The Night Manager is, to me, the best thing he’s ever written. Last Looks by Howard Michael Gould.  If you’re in the mood for a great private eye yarn, look no further.  Gould is a former screenwriter who knows how to tell a story and have fun doing it. There aren’t many really good new PI writers around, so don’t miss this one. Hope you enjoy these books – and my new novel, The Wild One, which arrives on January 14th, 2020. All my best, Nick

On Sunday, January 12 at 2 PM, Karen Odden and Tasha Alexander will be the guest authors at The Poisoned Pen. Alexander will be talking about her latest historical mystery, In the Shadow of Vesuvius. Karen Odden will be here to discuss and sign her current Hot Book of the Week, A Trace of Deceit. Both books can be ordered through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com

A Trace of Deceit is a Victorian historical mystery. Here’s the description.

A Paperback Original

From the author of A Dangerous Duet comes the next book in her Victorian mystery series, this time following a daring female painter and the Scotland Yard detective who is investigating her brother’s suspicious death.

A young painter digs beneath the veneer of Victorian London’s art world to learn the truth behind her brother’s murder… 

Edwin is dead. That’s what Inspector Matthew Hallam of Scotland Yard tells Annabel Rowe when she discovers him searching her brother’s flat for clues. While the news is shocking, Annabel can’t say it’s wholly unexpected, given Edwin’s past as a dissolute risk-taker and art forger, although he swore he’d reformed. After years spent blaming his reckless behavior for their parents’ deaths, Annabel is now faced with the question of who murdered him—because Edwin’s death was both violent and deliberate. A valuable French painting he’d been restoring for an auction house is missing from his studio: find the painting, find the murderer. But the owner of the artwork claims it was destroyed in a warehouse fire years ago.

As a painter at the prestigious Slade School of Art and as Edwin’s closest relative, Annabel makes the case that she is crucial to Matthew’s investigation. But in their search for the painting, Matthew and Annabel trace a path of deceit and viciousness that reaches far beyond the elegant rooms of the auction house, into an underworld of politics, corruption, and secrets someone will kill to keep.   

Everything is slowing down for the holidays. I can tell most of you don’t have time to stop by the blog. The Poisoned Pen will be closing early on Dec. 24, and closed all of Wednesday, December 25. So, I’m going to link to an article you can browse through. On CrimeReads, Paul French wrote an article called, “The Crime Novels of Christmas”. Check it out. https://crimereads.com/the-crime-novels-of-christmas/

And, it’s too late for the books to arrive for Christmas, but you still might want to check out Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press’ own Martin Edwards. He edited seasonal collections of Golden Age mysteries such as The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories and Silent Nights: Christmas Mysteries. They’re still perfect for winter reading. https://bit.ly/2lC6utB

As Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks author Donis Casey finished her Alafair Tucker series, she launched a new one with The Wrong Girl.

The new series is set in Hollywood during the Roaring 20s. You can find it, and Casey’s other books, in the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2F9BIwo

With her book set in the 1920s, Casey recently shared her thoughts about other books set then in an article for CrimeReads called “5 Mysteries Set Between the World Wars.” Here’s the link. https://bit.ly/2sIgLb2

And, here’s the description of Donis Casey’s own book set then, The Wrong Girl.

They say a life well-lived is the best revenge…

Blanche Tucker longs to escape her drop-dead dull life in tiny Boynton, Oklahoma. Then dashing Graham Peyton roars into town. Posing as a film producer, Graham convinces the ambitious but naive teenager to run away with him to a glamorous new life. Instead, Graham uses her as cruelly as a silent picture villain. Yet by luck and by pluck, taking charge of her life, she makes it to Hollywood.

Six years later, Blanche has transformed into the celebrated Bianca LaBelle, the reclusive star of a series of adventure films, and Peyton’s remains are discovered on a Santa Monica beach. Is there a connection? With all of the twists and turns of a 1920s melodrama, The Wrong Girl follows the daring exploits of a girl who chases her dream from the farm to old Hollywood, while showing just how risky—and rewarding—it can be to go off script.

Do you recognize any of these authors or books?

Careless Whiskers is Miranda James’ forthcoming Cat in the Stacks mystery. The latest entry in the popular series is due out at the end of January.

Clea Simon’s latest book in her Witch Cats of Cambridge series, An Incantation of Cats, also has a late January release date.

Then, there’s Debra H. Goldstein who will be at The Poisoned Pen on Wednesday, January 8 at 7 PM with her cozy mystery, Two Bites Too Many. What do all these books have in common? Well, first, you can pre-order them through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

All three series also feature cats. Cozy mysteries, a subset of traditional mysteries, are quite popular. But cat cozy mysteries have a large audience. If you love cats, or cozy mysteries, you might want to check out Kelly Faircloth’s article in Jezebel, “Kneading into the Comfort of Cozy Cat Mysteries.” It’s available here. https://bit.ly/2M5tH1u