Deborah Crombie is doing a limited book tour for her eighteenth Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James book, A Bitter Feast, but, of course she came to The Poisoned Pen. This is also the mystery for October’s British Crime Club. You can still order a signed copy of the book through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/32fmP7O

Here’s the description of A Bitter Feast.

“Crombie’s characters are rich, emotionally textured, fully human. They are the remarkable creations of a remarkable writer.”—Louise Penny

New York Times bestselling author Deborah Crombie returns with a mesmerizing entry in her “excellent” (Miami Herald) series, in which Scotland Yard detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James are pulled into a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and murder that simmers beneath the surface of a tranquil Cotswolds village.

Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the Cotswolds, one of Britain’s most enchanting regions, famous for its rolling hills, golden cottages, and picturesque villages.

Duncan, Gemma, and their children are guests at Beck House, the family estate of Melody Talbot, Gemma’s detective sergeant. The Talbot family is wealthy, prominent, and powerful—Melody’s father is the publisher of one of London’s largest and most influential newspapers. The centerpiece of this glorious fall getaway is a posh charity harvest luncheon catered by up-and-coming chef Viv Holland. After fifteen years in London’s cut-throat food scene, Viv has returned to the Gloucestershire valleys of her childhood and quickly made a name for herself with her innovative meals based on traditional cuisine but using fresh local ingredients. Attended by the local well-to-do as well as national press food bloggers and restaurant critics, the event could make Viv a star.

But a tragic car accident and a series of mysterious deaths rock the estate and pull Duncan and Gemma into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that the killer has a connection with Viv’s pub—or, perhaps, with Beck House itself.

Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it closer to home, tied up in the tangled relationships and bitter resentments between the staff at Beck House and Viv’s new pub? Or is it more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv and those closest to her?

*****

If you’re an Anglophile or a fan of Crombie’s books, or want to learn more about British cuisine, you’ll want to pick up A Bitter Feast. Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen, has hosted Deborah Crombie for all of her books, and she’s interviewed her at conferences as well. Now, you can also enjoy the latest book conversation between the two.

Would you prefer to listen to Poisoned Pen Press books with audiobooks? Check out the new options that will be available soon, according to this press release.

Sourcebooks Inks Exclusive Audiobook Contract with Dreamscape Media for Casablanca Romance Imprint and Poisoned Pen Press Mystery Imprint

Award-winning production company partners with leading independent publisher to produce and distribute romance and mystery audiobooks

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NEWS PROVIDED BY Dreamscape Media 

Oct 10, 2019, 12:28 ET

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HOLLAND, Ohio, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Dreamscape Media, the publishing and entertainment arm of Midwest Tape, today announced a new multi-year agreement with Sourcebooks to produce and distribute audiobooks for Sourcebooks Casablanca, the publishing company’s beloved imprint for romance novels, and Poisoned Pen Press, which Sourcebooks acquired as its mystery imprint in January 2019. The award-winning production company will bring the compelling stories to life beginning Fall 2019.

“With dynamic imprints like Casablanca and Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks has elevated modern fiction by amplifying delightful stories of romance and mystery from extraordinary voices,” said Dreamscape Media Publisher Tammy Faxel. “Dreamscape Media shares Sourcebooks’ independent spirit and value for diverse voices in storytelling. We look forward to creating a new way for readers to experience the Sourcebooks Casablanca and Poisoned Pen Press stories they love.”

The deal gives every new Casablanca and Poisoned Pen Press title the opportunity to simultaneously publish in print and audio formats.

Among the new Sourcebooks Casablanca titles, highlights include Whiteout by Adriana Anders, Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert, Heart of the Tempest by Isabel Cooper, Calling on Quinn by Blue Saffire, Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells, Jace by Sasha Summers, An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington, Jackson by LaQuette and The Rebel Wears Plaid by Eliza Knight. The Casablanca titles will span the publisher’s beloved genres and will spotlight author diversity through the imprint’s LGBTQIA+ and #OwnVoices initiatives.

“We are thrilled to work with Dreamscape Media to bring a new perspective to our upcoming titles,” said Deb Werksman, Editorial Director, Sourcebooks Casablanca. “Audiobooks are a special pathway for authors to connect directly with their readers. Dreamscape Media is an industry leader in driving these author connections and creating new opportunities for readers to indulge in the stories they love.”

Within Poisoned Pen Press, highlights include The Wrong Girl by Donis Casey, Sunset Limited by Jon Talton, and The Haunted Library of horror classics series published in conjunction with the Horror Writers Association.

Anna Michels, Editorial Director, Poisoned Pen Press added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Dreamscape Media to bring the best new mystery, suspense, thriller, and horror stories directly to readers on whichever platforms they choose to listen.”

The titles will also be available everywhere audiobooks are sold including Amazon, Audible, Recorded Books, iTunes, Google, Overdrive, and dozens of other audiobook resellers. Sourcebooks Casablanca’s and Poisoned Pen Press’s audiobook collection will be also available on hoopla digital’s 4.5 million registered library patrons, Midwest Tape’s mobile and online service for public libraries. The romance and mystery novels will join hoopla digital’s collection of more than 750,000 eBooks, audiobooks, albums, movies and television shows.

Casablanca and Poisoned Pen Press audiobooks will be featured in Dreamscape’s monthly print catalog to thousands of U.S. and Canadian libraries, quarterly trade print advertising, monthly sponsored BookRiot campaigns, and weekly mailers to thousands of Midwest Tape recipients.

Dreamscape has received hundreds of awards and accolades for high quality audio productions, including several Audie nominations, dozens of starred reviews, and many “Best of the Year” lists. Earlier this year, Dreamscape was awarded the Audie Award, the highest award for audiobook production

About Dreamscape Media

Dreamscape Media (dreamscapeab.com) is a privately held media development firm focusing on production, distribution and licensing in publishing and video channels, with an emphasis on the library/educational market. The company produces fiction and non-fiction audiobooks, book-based children’s read-along video programs, and offers video distribution services. Titles are available to both library and retail channels in physical and digital formats. Dreamscape is the publishing arm of Midwest Tape ““ a trusted partner to public libraries for nearly 30 years.

About Sourcebooks Casablanca

Sourcebooks Casablanca publishes six-to-eight romance novels a month including contemporary, paranormal, romantic suspense, and historical romance. Each book guarantees a compelling love story with a super-satisfying happily-ever-after. Visit RomanceReads.com for more information.

About Poisoned Pen Press

Founded in 1997 by Robert Rosenwald and Barbara Peters, Poisoned Pen Press became the mystery imprint of Sourcebooks in January 2019. Poisoned Pen Press books routinely earn starred reviews from trade publications and have also won or been nominated for every major award in the mystery genre.

SOURCE Dreamscape Media

No Way to Die, the seventh book in Warren C. Easley’s Cal Claxton Oregon Mystery series, is an October release from Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press. Check the Web Store for the earlier books in the series, along with signed copies of No Way to Die. https://bit.ly/2PHMRdO

Here’s the description of No Way to Die.

When nothing is as it seems, can the truth survive?

Attorney Cal Claxton, now well-established in his Oregon law practice after breaking off his career as a high-powered LA prosecutor, just wants to go fishing with his daughter, Claire, and he knows the best place—the coastal area south of Coos Bay. But their vacation takes a dark turn with the discovery of a body in the river.

As an investigation is launched into the suspicious death, Cal and Claire find themselves drawn into the life of the local bookshop owner and vocal environmental activist, whose grandson was convicted for murder at age sixteen. She believes he was wrongly accused and convinces Cal to reexamine the case. Together, Cal and Claire dig deep into the secrets and crumbling alliances that form the foundation of this small coastal community, and what they find could spell doom for them both..

*****

Easley recently wrote a piece for Bookreporter, “My Kingdom for a Plot.” You can find it here. https://bit.ly/2p7O71e

You can also read Roz Shea’s review of No Way to Die. https://bit.ly/2IEkdZu

Raymond Khoury, author of the thriller Empire of Lies, recently appeared at The Poisoned Pen. Barbara Peters, owner of the bookstore, introduced him, and turned the mike over to James Rollins. You can order Khoury’s books, including signed copies of Empire of Lies, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2IAGw2g

Here’s the description of Empire of Lies.

Empire of Lies is a sweeping thriller in the tradition of The Man in the High Castle, Fatherland, and Underground Airlines from New York Times bestselling author Raymond Khoury.

“The best what-if thriller for a long, long time—makes you think, makes you sweat, and makes you choose, between what is and what might have been.”—Lee Child

Istanbul, 1683: Mehmed IV, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, is preparing to lay siege to Vienna, capital of the Holy Roman Empire, when a mysterious visitor arrives in his bedroom—naked, covered in strange tattoos—to deliver a dangerous, world-changing message.

Paris, 2017: Ottoman flags have been flying over the great city for three hundred years, ever since its fall—along with all of Europe—to the empire’s all-conquering army. Notre Dame has been renamed the Fatih Mosque. Public spaces are segregated by gender. And Kamal Arslan Agha, a feted officer in the sultan’s secret police, is starting to question his orders.

Rumors of an impending war with the Christian Republic of America, attacks by violent extremists, and economic collapse have heightened surveillance and arrests across the empire. Tasked with surveying potential threats, Kamal has a heavy caseload—and conscience.

When a mysterious stranger—naked, covered in strange tattoos—appears on the banks of the Seine, Kamal is called in to investigate. But what he discovers is a secret buried in the empire’s past, a secret the Sultan will do anything to silence.

With the mysterious Z Protectorate one step behind, Kamal, together with Nisreen—a fierce human rights lawyer—is caught up in a race across the empire and time itself—a race that could change their world, or destroy it.

Empire of Lies is being published as “The Ottoman Secret” in the UK.

*****

You can also “attend” the event, and eavesdrop on the conversation via YouTube.

The latest Joe Gunther novel, Archer Mayor’s Bomber’s Moon, is the Hot Book of the Week at The Poisoned Pen. You can order Mayor’s books, including signed copies of Bomber’s Moon, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/357hQrz

Here’s the description of Bomber’s Moon.

The murder of a small-time drug dealer snowballs into the most complex case ever faced by Joe Gunther and his VBI team.

It is said a bright and clear bomber’s moon is the best asset to finding one’s target. But beware what you wish for: What you can see at night can also see you. Often with dire consequences.

Bomber’s Moon is Archer Mayor’s latest entry in the Joe Gunther series and it may just be his best yet.

Two young women form the heart of this tale. One, an investigative reporter, the other a private investigator. Uneasy allies from completely different walks of life, they work together—around and sometimes against Joe Gunther and his VBI cops—in an attempt to connect the murders of a small town drug dealer, a smart, engaging, fatally flawed thief, and the tangled, political, increasingly dark goings on at a prestigious prep school.

While Gunther and the VBI set about solving the two murders, Sally Kravitz and Rachel Reiling combine their talents and resources to go where the police cannot, from working undercover at Thorndike Academy, to having clandestine meetings with criminals for their insider’s knowledge of Vermont’s unexpectedly illicit underbelly.

But there is a third element at work. A malevolent force, the common link in all this death and chaos, is hard at work sowing mayhem to protect its ancient, vicious, very dark roots.

Marilyn Stasio’s recent column in The New York Times almost reads as if it’s a recap of recent author appearances at The Poisoned Pen. You can read reviews of James Sallis’ Sarah Jane and John Sandford’s Bloody Genius. She also reviewed Martin Edwards’ Gallows Court. He’ll be at the bookstore on Tuesday, October 29 at 7 PM to discuss that book. You can order signed copies of the books through the Web Store. https://store.poisonedpen.com

You can find the column here. https://nyti.ms/2LNOaZb

Joe Hill, author of Full Throttle, helped The Poisoned Pen celebrate its 30th anniversary on Oct. 3. The tickets for his appearance sold out quickly. You can still order signed copies of the book through the Web Store, though. https://bit.ly/2OpPcJ7

Barbara Peters, owner of bookstore, introduced Joe Hill and Leslie Klinger, author and editor, to the audience.

Klinger, whose latest book is The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft: Beyond Arkham, led the conversation with Hill, who also read from his latest book.

Even if you didn’t get a chance to attend, you can watch the event through the video.

Michael Connelly is doing a very short book tour for his latest Bosch/Ballard book, The Night Fire. If you can’t make it to the special event on Monday, October 21 at 10:15 a.m., you can still order a signed copy through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2RtzGgK

Here’s the information about the special event.

Michael Connelly signs THE NIGHT FIRE! 

Monday, October 21st at 10:15 a.m.

Special VIP Pre-publication event!

Short program followed by book signing

Venue: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore,

4014 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale AZ 85251

Limited seating available!

CONTACT: Patrick Millikin  Phone – 480-947-2974  Email

$36.00 VIP ticket includes one copy of THE NIGHT FIRE plus coffee and pastries from Arcadia Farms!

We’re sorry but no companion tickets will be available for this event. All attendees must have full price ticket.

Start your week off with a special meet-and-greet with bestselling author, Michael Connelly! To help us celebrate our 30th anniversary here at the Pen, Mike will be kicking off his very short US tour for THE NIGHT FIRE with us. Some of remember hosting Connelly for his very first book THE BLACK ECHO back in 1992 and it’s always an honor to have him back!

*****

Here’s the description of the forthcoming book, The Night Fire.

Harry Bosch and LAPD Detective Renée Ballard come together again on the murder case that obsessed Bosch’s mentor, the man who trained him—new from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael ConnellyBack when Harry Bosch was just a rookie homicide detective, he had an inspiring mentor who taught him to take the work personally and light the fire of relentlessness for every case. Now that mentor, John Jack Thompson, is dead, but after his funeral his widow gives Bosch a murder book that Thompson took with him when he left the LAPD 20 years before — the unsolved killing of a troubled young man in an alley used for drug deals.

Bosch brings the murder book to Renée Ballard and asks her to help him find what about the case lit Thompson’s fire all those years ago. That will be their starting point.

The bond between Bosch and Ballard tightens as they become a formidable investigative team. And they soon arrive at a worrying question: Did Thompson steal the murder book to work the case in retirement, or to make sure it never got solved?

*****

You might enjoy hearing Connelly talk about Bosch and Ballard.

And, one quick, fun video in which Michael Connelly talks about writing superstitions.

Barbara Peters, owner of The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, says 70 percent of the store’s customers are from outside of Arizona. That means many of you who read the blog and order books may have never seen the actual physical bookstore. With the earlier article in the Arizona Republic about the bookstore’s 30th anniversary, Carly Bowling from the newspaper took a number of photos.

Here’s a virtual tour of the bookstore, using Bowling’s pictures.

Poisoned Pen Bookstore marked its 30th anniversary Oct. 3. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

(CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC)

A display celebrating Banned Book Week at Poisoned Pen Bookstore, September 24, 2019. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Barbara G. Peters started Poisoned Pen Bookstore 30 years ago. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Barbara G. Peters started Poisoned Pen Bookstore 30 years ago. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Poisoned Pen Bookstore is known for the many author events it hosts. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Poisoned Pen Bookstore sells books to customers all over the world, September 24, 2019. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Posters of book covers, photos famous visitors and a large paper dragon are just some of the items decorating Poisoned Pen Bookstore, September 24, 2019. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Poisoned Pen Bookstore marked its 30th anniversary Oct. 3. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Poisoned Pen Bookstore started as a specialty store for mystery novels. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Barbara G. Peters says 70 percent of Poisoned Pen Bookstore’s customers are from outside of Arizona, September 24, 2019. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Barbara G. Peters opened Poisoned Pen Bookstore thirty years ago, September 24, 2019. CARLY BOWLING/THE REPUBLIC

Virgil Flowers is back, and The Poisoned Pen has him. In fact, John Sandford’s latest book, Bloody Genius, is the current Hot Book of the Week at the bookstore. You can order Sandford’s books, including a signed copy of Bloody Genius, through the Web Store. https://bit.ly/2Dncbl0

Here’s the description of Bloody Genius.

Virgil Flowers will have to watch his back–and his mouth–as he investigates a college culture war turned deadly in another one of Sandford’s “madly entertaining Virgil Flowers mysteries” (New York Times Book Review).

At the local state university, two feuding departments have faced off on the battleground of science and medicine. Each carries their views to extremes that may seem absurd, but highly educated people of sound mind and good intentions can reasonably disagree, right?

Then a renowned and confrontational scholar winds up dead, and Virgil Flowers is brought in to investigate . . . and as he probes the recent ideological unrest, he soon comes to realize he’s dealing with people who, on this one particular issue, are functionally crazy. Among this group of wildly impassioned, diametrically opposed zealots lurks a killer, and it will be up to Virgil to sort the murderer from the mere maniacs.