Fiction Review

You might never look at thrillers in the same way again after reading or listening to Lee Goldberg talk about his latest book, Killer Thriller. He pokes fun at cliches in thrillers and at Hollywood in that book. You can order Goldberg’s books through the Web Store, including a signed copy of Killer Thriller. https://bit.ly/2X3wM6d

Now, you can also watch Goldberg discuss his ideas with Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen.

I’m sure you’re familiar with Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher mysteries. The books, set in 1920s Melbourne, and published in the U.S. by Poisoned Pen Press, were made into the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries for television. The books are available through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2SCzoth

The television series and the 1920s time period and clothing were so popular in Australia that there was even a costume display tied into it. Now, with a jump forward to 1964, there’s a new series, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries. You can read all about it in Gemma Nisbet’s article for The West Australian. https://bit.ly/2Gtsakz

Do you subscribe to the newsletter put out by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child? You really should. The current one has news of a forthcoming short story they will send to newsletter subscribers. Here’s where you can subscribe to the Pendergast File newsletter. https://bit.ly/2GquN6R

There are a couple other pieces of news you might want to know about.

–If you’re looking for an early Father’s Day present, or a unique birthday present, there are still a few hundred double-autographed, first-edition copies of VERSES FOR THE DEAD available from the Poisoned Pen Bookstore. You can get one here.

Here’s the other news. The book jacket isn’t available to see yet, but here’s the information about a new series and forthcoming book.

–Finally, we are pleased to announce the launching of a new series of novels, starring our recurring characters Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson! The first book in the series, entitled OLD BONES, will be published August 27. Nora is directing the archaeological excavation of an old Donner Party encampment in the Sierras of California—a site where horrific cannibalism occurred. At the same time, rookie FBI Agent Corrie Swanson is looking into a bizarre grave-robbing and murder in New Mexico. The two women soon cross paths—and their solo investigations quickly morph into one terrifying ordeal. (Those of you who aren’t familiar with the tragic and gruesome story of the Donner Party can read about it here.)

Who would be the best character to be an invisible hero in a thriller? Andrew Grant had a wonderful idea for his latest book, Invisible. He recently discussed that book and overlooked people with Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen. You can buy copies of Grant’s books from the Web Store, including a signed copy of Invisible. https://bit.ly/2N8UglA

Here’s the summary of Invisible.

An Army veteran and intelligence agent goes undercover as a janitor at a federal courthouse to pursue his own brand of justice in a thriller that’s part John Grisham, part Robert Crais.

“Propulsive and engaging from the very first page.”—C. J. Box, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Joe Pickett series

As a young man, Paul McGrath rebelled against his pacifist father by becoming a standout Army recruit and the star of his military intelligence unit. But lingering regrets about their relationship make him return home, only to find his father dead, seemingly murdered. When the case ends in a mistrial—after a key piece of evidence disappears—something doesn’t smell right to McGrath. So he puts his arsenal of skills to work to find out just how corrupt the legal system is. And to keep digging, he gets a job at the courthouse. But not as a lawyer or a clerk. . . .

Now McGrath is a janitor. The perfect cover, it gives him security clearance and access to the entire building. No one notices him, but he notices everyone. He notices when witnesses suddenly change their stories. When jury members reverse their votes during deliberation. When armies of corporate attorneys grind down their small-time adversaries with endless tactical shenanigans. While McGrath knows that nothing he discovers can undo his past wrongs or save his father, he finds his new calling brings him something else: the chance to right current wrongs and save others. And by doing so—just maybe—to redeem himself . . . if the powerful and corrupt don’t kill him first.

Praise for Invisible

“The masterful Andrew Grant outdoes himself with this deliciously twisty, magnetic thriller. Fiercely redemptive, with its clever, profoundly moving, and altogether captivating David and Goliath hook, Invisible is a winner.”—Sara Blaedel, #1 internationally bestselling author of The Forgotten Girls

“[A] superior thriller . . . Grant capably combines a riveting plot and depth of character. His best outing to date, this standalone marks Grant as a rising genre star.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Another solid and entertaining thriller.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Paul McGrath is not just a janitor—he’s a terrific new hero in what promises to be a fantastic and original series by Grant. Paul may be invisible . . . but his results are not in this intense mystery thriller that will leave you wanting more. In a word? Awesome.”—Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Too Far Gone’

*****

Don’t you want to listen to Andrew Grant discuss his character and the book? You can watch the event here.

On Sunday, February 24 at 2 PM, The Poisoned Pen’s Pat King will host a conversation with Judith Starkston and Beth Cato. Starkston, the president of the local chapter of the Historical Novelists Society, will discuss her book, Priestess of Ishana. Signed copies are available through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Ea1O4M

Starkston had this to say about Priestess of Ishana. “The world-building in Priestess is inspired by the Bronze Age Hittite Empire, a lost culture that works well for epic fantasy with its combination of international intrigue, military dominance, and beliefs in magical rites and supernatural powers. The priestess of the title is based on a remarkable queen who ruled for decades but has been largely forgotten. These days, women in leadership seems like a good topic for exploration in fiction. So, politics, magic, and a dead body to sort out while exposing an empire-wrecking conspiracy, all on the shoulders of one young woman who must navigate in a patriarchal world.”

Here’s the summary of the book.

A curse, a conspiracy and the clash of kingdoms. A defiant priestess confronts her foes, armed only with ingenuity and forbidden magic. A malignant curse from the Underworld threatens Tesha’s city with fiery devastation. The young priestess of Ishana, goddess of love and war, must overcome this demonic darkness. Charred remains of an enemy of the Hitolian Empire reveal both treason and evil magic. Into this crisis, King Hattu, the younger brother of the Great King, arrives to make offerings to the goddess Ishana, but he conceals his true mission in the city. As a connection sparks between King Hattu and Tesha, the Grand Votary accuses Hattu of murderous sorcery and jails him under penalty of death. Isolated in prison, Hattu’s only hope lies in Tesha to uncover the conspiracy against him. Unfortunately, the Grand Votary is Tesha’s father, a rash, unyielding man, and now her worst enemy. To help Hattu, she must risk destroying her own father.In a whirlpool of magic, politics, family crisis and love, Tesha pursues justice over the dark forces arrayed against her.

Rhys Bowen’s The Victory Garden is a beautiful book. Those who attended the recent release party at The Poisoned Pen were able to hear Bowen talk about her standalone novel set during World War I. They could also pick up a signed copy. You can also order a signed copy of The Victory Garden, or copies of Bowen’s other books, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2GAisfK

Here’s the summary of The Victory Garden.

From the bestselling author of The Tuscan Child comes a beautiful and heart-rending novel of a woman’s love and sacrifice during the First World War.

As the Great War continues to take its toll, headstrong twenty-one-year-old Emily Bryce is determined to contribute to the war effort. She is convinced by a cheeky and handsome Australian pilot that she can do more, and it is not long before she falls in love with him and accepts his proposal of marriage.

When he is sent back to the front, Emily volunteers as a “land girl,” tending to the neglected grounds of a large Devonshire estate. It’s here that Emily discovers the long-forgotten journals of a medicine woman who devoted her life to her herbal garden. The journals inspire Emily, and in the wake of devastating news, they are her saving grace. Emily’s lover has not only died a hero but has left her terrified—and with child. Since no one knows that Emily was never married, she adopts the charade of a war widow.

As Emily learns more about the volatile power of healing with herbs, the found journals will bring her to the brink of disaster, but may open a path to her destiny.

*****

Don’t worry. You don’t have to feel left out. Even if you weren’t able to make it to The Poisoned Pen to meet Rhys Bowen, you can still “attend” the event. Enjoy the video!

If you’ve never heard Caroline Todd in person, you’re in for a treat. The mother half of the mother/son team writing as Charles Todd is a delightful storyteller. She was recently at The Poisoned Pen, escaping the weather in Delaware, and talking about the 21st Ian Rutledge mystery, The Black Ascot. There are signed copies of The Black Ascot available through the Web Store, as well as other books by the Todds. https://bit.ly/2GA8V8g

Here’s the summary of The Black Ascot.

Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge seeks a killer who has eluded Scotland Yard for years in this next installment of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling series.

An astonishing tip from a grateful ex-convict seems implausible—but Inspector Ian Rutledge is intrigued and brings it to his superior at Scotland Yard. Alan Barrington, who has evaded capture for ten years, is the suspect in an appalling murder during Black Ascot, the famous 1910 royal horse race meet honoring the late King Edward VII. His disappearance began a manhunt that consumed Britain for a decade. Now it appears that Barrington has returned to England, giving the Yard a last chance to retrieve its reputation and see justice done. Rutledge is put in charge of a quiet search under cover of a routine review of a cold case. 

Meticulously retracing the original inquiry, Rutledge begins to know Alan Barrington well, delving into relationships and secrets that hadn’t surfaced in 1910. But is he too close to finding his man? His sanity is suddenly brought into question by a shocking turn of events. His sister Frances, Melinda Crawford, and Dr. Fleming stand by him, but there is no greater shame than shell shock. Questioning himself, he realizes that he cannot look back. The only way to save his career—much less his sanity—is to find Alan Barrington and bring him to justice. But is this elusive murderer still in England?

*****

And, here’s where you can watch Caroline Todd in conversation with Barbara Peters, owner of the Poisoned Pen. Enjoy!

Did you miss Jane Harper’s first visit to The Poisoned Pen? It’s quite a distance to come from Australia to the United States for a book tour. Harper appeared at the bookstore, and discussed the Outback and her latest book, The Lost Man, with Barbara Peters, owner of the Pen. You can order a signed copy of it, and copies of Harper’s other books, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2tfZwLh

Here’s the description of The Lost Man.

Two brothers meet in the remote Australian outback when the third brother is found dead, in this stunning new standalone novel from New York Times bestseller Jane Harper

Brothers Nathan and Bub Bright meet for the first time in months at the remote fence line separating their cattle ranches in the lonely outback. 

Their third brother, Cameron, lies dead at their feet. 

In an isolated belt of Australia, their homes a three-hour drive apart, the brothers were one another’s nearest neighbors. Cameron was the middle child, the one who ran the family homestead. But something made him head out alone under the unrelenting sun.

Nathan, Bub and Nathan’s son return to Cameron’s ranch and to those left behind by his passing: his wife, his daughters, and his mother, as well as their long-time employee and two recently hired seasonal workers.

While they grieve Cameron’s loss, suspicion starts to take hold, and Nathan is forced to examine secrets the family would rather leave in the past. Because if someone forced Cameron to his death, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects.

A powerful and brutal story of suspense set against a formidable landscape, The Lost Man confirms Jane Harper, author of The Dry and Force of Nature, is one of the best new voices in writing today.

*****

Now, you can watch the discussion between Jane Harper and Barbara Peters.

The Poisoned Pen is holding a special publication party for Rhys Bowen’s new book, The Victory Garden. It’s Monday, February 11th at 7 PM. We hope you can make it, but if not, signed copies hof The Victory Garden are available through the Web Store. And, of course, her other books are available there as well.https://bit.ly/2GAisfK

There will be champagne and treats at the publication party. (And, you’ll be able to buy a copy of the book the day before the actual release date.) So, join the party!

Here’s the description of Rhys Bowen’s The Victory Garden.

From the bestselling author of The Tuscan Child comes a beautiful and heart-rending novel of a woman’s love and sacrifice during the First World War.

As the Great War continues to take its toll, headstrong twenty-one-year-old Emily Bryce is determined to contribute to the war effort. She is convinced by a cheeky and handsome Australian pilot that she can do more, and it is not long before she falls in love with him and accepts his proposal of marriage.

When he is sent back to the front, Emily volunteers as a “land girl,” tending to the neglected grounds of a large Devonshire estate. It’s here that Emily discovers the long-forgotten journals of a medicine woman who devoted her life to her herbal garden. The journals inspire Emily, and in the wake of devastating news, they are her saving grace. Emily’s lover has not only died a hero but has left her terrified—and with child. Since no one knows that Emily was never married, she adopts the charade of a war widow.

As Emily learns more about the volatile power of healing with herbs, the found journals will bring her to the brink of disaster, but may open a path to her destiny.

It’s a debut thriller that’s the current Hot Book of the Week at The Poisoned Pen. Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient is available now through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2GxVW6Y

Here’s the description of The Silent Patient.

“An unforgettable—and Hollywood-bound—new thriller…A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy.”
—Entertainment Weekly

Promising to be the debut novel of the season The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive…

Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….