Fiction Review

The New York Times Fiction Best Seller list contains some familiar names for Sunday, January 20. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs’ just appeared at The Poisoned Pen. Their latest Pendergast novel, Verses for the Dead, debuts at #2. Michael Connelly’s Dark Sacred Night is still on the list after nine weeks. Did you get your signed copies at a Poisoned Pen event, or through the Web Store? https://store.poisonedpen.com

Here’s one to watch for. Tami Hoag’s latest thriller, The Boy, debuts at #11. Hoag will be at The Poisoned Pen on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7 PM, appearing with Taylor Adams, author of No Exit. You might want to pre-order your signed copy of The Boy through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2CkeeFe

Here’s the description of The Boy.

An unfathomable loss or an unthinkable crime? #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag keeps you guessing in her most harrowing thriller yet.

A panic-stricken woman runs in the dead of night, battered and bloodied, desperate to find help . . .

When Detective Nick Fourcade enters the home of Genevieve Gauthier outside the sleepy town of Bayou Breaux, Louisiana, the bloody crime scene that awaits him is both the most brutal and the most confusing he’s ever seen. Genevieve’s seven-year-old son, KJ, has been murdered by an alleged intruder, yet Genevieve is alive and well, a witness inexplicably left behind to tell the tale. There is no evidence of forced entry, not a clue that points to a motive. Meanwhile, Nick’s wife, Detective Annie Broussard, sits in the emergency room with the grieving Genevieve. A mother herself, Annie understands the emotional devastation this woman is going through, but as a detective she’s troubled by a story that makes little sense. Who would murder a child and leave the only witness behind?

When the very next day KJ’s sometimes babysitter, twelve-year-old Nora Florette, is reported missing, the town is up in arms, fearing a maniac is preying on their children. With pressure mounting from a tough, no-nonsense new sheriff, the media, and the parents of Bayou Breaux, Nick and Annie dig deep into the dual mysteries. But sifting through Genevieve Gauthier’s tangled web of lovers and sorting through a cast of local lowlifes brings more questions than answers. Is someone from Genevieve’s past or present responsible for the death of her son? Is the missing teenager, Nora, a victim, or something worse? Then everything changes when Genevieve’s past as a convicted criminal comes to light. 

The spotlight falls heavily on the grieving mother who is both victim and accused. Could she have killed her own child to free herself from the burden of motherhood, or is the loss of her beloved boy pushing her to the edge of insanity? Could she have something to do with the disappearance of Nora Florette, or is the troubled teenager the key to the murder? How far will Nick and Annie have to go to uncover the dark truth of the boy?

Did you miss Brad Taylor when he was here earlier this month, touring for the latest Pike Logan thriller? You can still order a signed copy of Daughter of War through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Ch7R5C

Here’s the description of Daughter of War.

Former Special Forces Officer and New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor delivers a heart-pounding thriller featuring Taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill as they come face to face with a conspiracy where nothing is as it seems.

Hot on the trail of a North Korean looking to sell sensitive US intelligence to the Syrian regime, Pike Logan and the Taskforce stumble upon something much graver: the sale of a lethal substance called Red Mercury.

Unbeknownst to the Taskforce, the Syrians plan to use the weapon of mass destruction against American and Kurdish forces, and blame the attack on terrorists, causing western nations to reassess their participation in the murky cauldron of the Syrian civil war.  

Meanwhile, North Korea has its own devastating agenda: a double-cross that will dwarf the attack in Syria even as it lays the blame on the Syrian government. Leveraging Switzerland’s fame for secrecy and its vast network of military bunkers, now repurposed by private investors for the clandestine storage of wealth, North Korea will use Red Mercury to devastate the West’s ability to deliver further sanctions against the rogue regime. 

As the Taskforce begins to unravel the plot, a young refugee unwittingly holds the key to the conspiracy. Hunted across Europe for reasons she cannot fathom, she is the one person who can stop the attack–if she can live long enough for Pike and Jennifer to find her.

*****

And, here’s where you can pretend you’re part of the live audience that watched Barbara Peters, owner of the Poisoned Pen, in conversation with Brad Taylor.

The Poisoned Pen is hosting Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanent, authors of An Anonymous Girl on Wednesday, January 16 at 7 PM. Before you read more, maybe you want to take the “Morality Quiz”. “The quiz is very similar to the morality study main character Jessica Farris sneaks her way into in the book.” Here’s the link to the fun quiz. https://www.yourmoralitycompass.com/quiz

*****

Once you’ve played, you can pre-order a signed copy of An Anonymous Girl through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2CHeoYz

Here’s the description of the book.

The next novel of psychological suspense and obsession from the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us

Seeking women ages 18″“32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.  

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she’ll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave. 

Question #1: Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?

But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking…and what she’s hiding. 

Question #2: Have you ever deeply hurt someone you care about?  

As Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what in her life is real, and what is one of Dr. Shields’ manipulative experiments. Caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.

Question #3: Should a punishment always fit the crime? 

From the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us comes an electrifying new novel about doubt, passion, and just how much you can trust someone.

Praise for The Wife Between Us:

“A fiendishly smart cat-and-mouse thriller” —New York Times Book Review

“[A] seamless thriller that will keep readers on their toes to the very end…Readers will enjoy the dizzying back-and-forth as they attempt to figure out just who to root for and as the suspense ratchets up to one hell of a conclusion.” —Booklist

Did you miss the Verses for the Dead event hosted by Barbara Peters, owner of the Poisoned Pen? Douglas Preston appeared live with her, while Lincoln Child joined the group via Skype. Here’s the picture shared in the most recent newsletter. It’s Douglas Preston collapsing, exhausted, after signing the last thousand copies of Verses for the Dead.

If you’d like to order a signed copy of the latest Pendergast novel, check the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2QGIdMQ

Here’s the description of Verses for the Dead.

Preston & Child return with their #1 bestselling series, confronting FBI Special Agent Pendergast with the one challenge he never expected: a partner.
After an overhaul of leadership at the FBI’s New York field office, A. X. L. Pendergast is abruptly forced to accept an unthinkable condition of continued employment: the famously rogue agent must now work with a partner.
Pendergast and his new colleague, junior agent Coldmoon, are assigned to investigate a rash of killings in Miami Beach, where a bloodthirsty psychopath is cutting out the hearts of his victims and leaving them with cryptic handwritten letters at local gravestones. The graves are unconnected save in one bizarre way: all belong to women who committed suicide.
But the seeming lack of connection between the old suicides and the new murders is soon the least of Pendergast’s worries. Because as he digs deeper, he realizes the brutal new crimes may be just the tip of the iceberg: a conspiracy of death that reaches back decades.

*****

And, here’s your opportunity to watch the event, even if you weren’t able to be there.

James Lee Burke’s latest Dave Robicheaux novel, The New Iberia Blues, is the latest Hot Book of the Week at the Poisoned Pen. You can order a signed copy through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2SJ8gVl

There’s so much to share about this book, beyond the description. But, I’ll start with that.

The shocking death of a young woman leads Detective Dave Robicheaux into the dark corners of Hollywood, the mafia, and the backwoods of Louisiana in this gripping mystery from “modern master” (Publishers Weekly) James Lee Burke. 

Detective Dave Robicheaux’s world isn’t filled with too many happy stories, but Desmond Cormier’s rags-to-riches tale is certainly one of them. Robicheaux first met Cormier on the streets of New Orleans, when the young, undersized boy had foolish dreams of becoming a Hollywood director.

Twenty-five years later, when Robicheaux knocks on Cormier’s door, it isn’t to congratulate him on his Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. Robicheaux has discovered the body of a young woman who’s been crucified, wearing only a small chain on her ankle. She disappeared near Cormier’s Cyrpemort Point estate, and Robicheaux, along with young deputy, Sean McClain, are looking for answers. Neither Cormier nor his enigmatic actor friend Antoine Butterworth are saying much, but Robicheaux knows better.

As always, Clete Purcel and Davie’s daughter, Alafair, have Robicheaux’s back. Clete witnesses the escape of Texas inmate, Hugo Tillinger, who may hold the key to Robicheaux’s case. As they wade further into the investigation, they end up in the crosshairs of the mob, the deranged Chester Wimple, and the dark ghosts Robicheaux has been running from for years. Ultimately, it’s up to Robicheaux to stop them all, but he’ll have to summon a light he’s never seen or felt to save himself, and those he loves.

Stephen King hailed New York Times bestselling author James Lee Burke “as good as he ever was.” Now, with The New Iberia Blues, Burke proves that he “remains the heavyweight champ, a great American novelist whose work, taken individually or as a whole, is unsurpassed” (Michael Connelly).

*****

On Facebook, James Lee Burke shared a conversation from Authors on the Air on the Global Radio Network. He’s in conversation with Reavis Z. Wortham, Poisoned Pen Press author of Gold Dust. https://bit.ly/2H45DMx

And, The Real Book Spy recently shared “Five Questions with James Lee Burke”. https://bit.ly/2CZyzB6

Poisoned Pen’s Hot Book of the Week, the topic of a conversation for Authors on the Air, and an interview with The Real Book Spy. All reasons you might want to pick up a signed copy of The New Iberia Blues.

According to CrimeReads editors, this is the list of the most anticipated crime books of 2019. https://bit.ly/2Ri38KY You’ll want to check it out, and then check the calendar for Poisoned Pen events. Many of the authors on the list are already scheduled to appear at the Pen, or will be scheduled when their books are released. Here’s the calendar link. https://www.poisonedpenevents.com/

Last night, Thomas Perry was here. His novel, The Burglar, is on the list. You can still order a signed copy through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2FdR5bs

We’ve already mentioned that Lyndsay Faye will be here Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 7 PM. You might want to pre-order The Paragon Hotel. https://bit.ly/2Rvwghl

Wednesday, January 16 at 7 PM, the Pen hosts authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. Their novel, An Anonymous Girl is on the list. You can order a signed copy. https://bit.ly/2sfLecZ

That’s just two weeks of author appearances at the Poisoned Pen. If you’re looking for exciting reading for the next year, check that list, match it up with author appearances, and check the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com/

Brian Garfield, the Edgar Award-winning author of Hopscotch, who was best known as the author of Death Wish, died at the end of December. The New York Times published the obituary of the prolific suspense writer. https://nyti.ms/2RAYI1h According to his literary agent, Garfield was the only person to have served both as president of Mystery Writers of America and Western Writers of America.

Although some of Garfield’s works are carried in the Web Store, they come with a cautionary note that they may be slow to be obtained. https://bit.ly/2SHJpkH

Tessa Lunney is fascinated by the 1920s. In fact, she set her first novel, April in Paris, 1921, in that decade.

She also wrote an article for CrimeReads that discusses authors who wrote about that period, dividing it in two parts, the Masters, such as Agatha Christie and Dashiell Hammett, and the Modern Masters, including Kerry Greenwood, author of the Phryne Fisher mysteries. Once you read the article here, https://bit.ly/2LVU6gX you’ll want to come back to the Poisoned Pen’s Web Store to search for titles. https://store.poisonedpen.com

The latest book in Beth Kendrick’s Black Dog Bay series, In Dog We Trust, is scheduled for release on January 8. If you haven’t read any books by the Phoenix author, this particular series is set in Black Dog Bay because it’s been named “the best place in America to bounce back from your breakup”. Because Kendrick is one of our local authors, many of her books, including In Dog We Trust, are available as signed copies. Check out the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2LRSO6E

Here’s the summary of In Dog We Trust.

From the author of Once Upon a Wine, a new novel set in the charming seashore town of Black Dog Bay, Delaware.

When everything has gone to the dogs . . . 

When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.

Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.

*****

Joyce Lamb recently interviewed Beth Kendrick for the “Happy Ever After” column in USA Today. You can read the interview here. https://bit.ly/2F6daZe

In July, I wrote a post about Kerry Greenwood’s Miss Fisher series. You can read the entire post here, https://bit.ly/2SDYNOU but, this was the summary.

Are you familiar with the Miss Fisher mysteries written by Kerry Greenwood? The books, set in Australia in the 1920s, are published by Poisoned Pen Press. You can order them through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2JfL7W5 Of course, the books have also been made into an Australian television series. Here’s just a little information about the first book in the series, Cocaine Blues.

This is where it all started! The first classic Phryne Fisher mystery, featuring our delectable heroine, cocaine, communism and adventure. Phryne leaves the tedium of English high society for Melbourne, Australia, and never looks back. The London season is in full fling at the end of the 1920s, but the Honorable Phryne Fisher—she of the green-gray eyes, diamant garters and outfits that should not be sprung suddenly on those of nervous dispositions—is rapidly tiring of the tedium of arranging flowers, making polite conversations with retired colonels, and dancing with weak-chinned men. Instead, Phryne decides it might be rather amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective in Melbourne, Australia. Almost immediately from the time she books into the Windsor Hotel, Phryne is embroiled in mystery: poisoned wives, cocaine smuggling rings, corrupt cops and communism—not to mention erotic encounters with the beautiful Russian dancer, Sasha de Lisse—until her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish baths of Little Lonsdale Street.

*****

Now, we have further good news for fans of the Miss Fisher series. Ani Bundel wrote an article called “Ms Fisher’s MODern Murder Mysteries” Confirmed for 2019.”

“When we first reported on Every Cloud Productions’ aim to bring a Miss Fisher movie trilogy into theaters, it was notable that the big screen version wasn’t the only Miss Fisher-related production the company was looking to launch. There were also rumors producers that Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger were looking to find a way to bring the series back to TV, with talk of pitching a prequel series to Australia’s ABC, focusing on Miss Fisher’s younger years, not unlike the current Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour. At the time, the proposed synopsis was as follows:

That will be a younger Phryne Fisher. She is 18, her family has come into money, and she’s in the UK at a finishing school. She gets word that her best friend from Melbourne is charged of murder and is heading for the gallows. She escapes (from the finishing school) and comes back (to Australia) to save her friend. On the run is where she learns a lot of her (sleuthing) skills.

But then the Kickstarter for the Miss Fisher film happened, and in all the excitement of bringing Phryne to the big screen, the talk of a spinoff prequel was drowned out. But this didn’t mean it disappeared altogether. It seems, like the movie, ABC was not initially sold on the idea of a “Young Miss Fisher” series. But instead of Kickstartering like they did for the movie, Every Cloud Productions merely shopped the idea around, tweaking it until they found a buyer. It wound up landing on The Seven Network, who quietly confirmed it had greenlit a new series back over the summer.

This week, the first trailer dropped ahead of the show’s premiere in the new year. But this is no Edwardian set prequel series. Instead, it moves forward in time to introduce audiences to a whole new “Ms” Fisher.”

According to the press release:

Set in 1964, audiences will meet the gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher who inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea. Peregrine must prove herself brilliant enough to become a world-class private detective in her own right.

The new Ms. Fisher will star Geraldine Hakewill as Peregrine, best known as Chelsea Babbage from the Australian TV series Wanted. Costars include Catherine McClements, whom most Australians know for her starring turn in Rush, but Americans will recognize better as part of the original stage cast of Baz Luhrmann‘s Strictly Ballroom before it became a film. Fisher’s semi-love interest will be played by Joel Jackson, who is best known as the title character in Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door.

According to Deb Cox, all the things fans love about the old Miss Fisher will transfer to the new, just set in a different era.

Ms Fisher, next generation, will be as glamorous as her aunt, brandishing her signature pearl-handled pistol and bantering endlessly with the main man in her life – but her stylish apartment, her sleek sports-car and her cutting-edge wardrobe have certainly moved with the times.”

Here’s the first trailer for you to watch. Let’s hope the series will eventually be shown in the U.S.

https://youtu.be/bvFDswqhy6o