Anthony Rainone

Historic Mission

2012-01-10T12:03:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure to read and review SEAL Target Geronimo: The Inside Story of the Mission to Kill Osama Bin Laden. The book gives a brief accounting of the history of the SEAL program, including the colorful personalities that led the program in the past (and present), and the rigorous training SEALS undergo in order to wear the Trident. Author Chuck Pfarrer is a former SEAL. With his insider mentality and experience, Pfarrer brings the reader as close as possible to what a SEAL mission is like. He also brings the reader up to snuff on US military-political scrimaging, and US military intel on the power struggles inside Al Qaeda. On May 1, 2011, there was misinformation disseminated about the raid. Inaccuracies were later corrected by the White House, but Pfarrer takes you inside the Stealth Hawks and the Pakistani compound to experience the truth of what happened that night. The Jedis of SEAL Team Six are national heros. This book is one hell of a (sobbering) ride. You can read my review in the Lincoln Journal Star here.

Here's to you, Jerry Robinson

2011-12-09T12:30:00.001-05:00

You can read about this great man here and here and here.

Reading and all that jazz

2011-10-01T12:19:00.007-04:00

My means of reading is all-exclusive: I read print books, ebooks on my Nook, ebooks on my iPhone. I don't care how I get my reading fix in, as long as I get it. I will never stop reading or buying print books, but reading is the main thing. Getting the novels or non-fiction books consumed. A year ago, I wouldn't have imagined owning an iPhone. No way, didn't want it, didn't need it. Now? I can't function without it. And if my Nook is dead or left home by mistake, and my backpack turns up no books (or I'm traveling light without it), I can read a book on my phone. I just downloaded short stories. And you know what? It rocks, man. It works. And it's more *stuff* to read, enjoy, digest. I'm not a purist. There are many who are -- and power to you, baby. Same thing for writing. I don't write with paper and pen anymore, and the typewriter has gone away too. Thank god for my laptops (yeah, I got two of them for writing). I even write on my iPhone now. Things metamorphosize. You go with the flow. The important thing: keep it moving forward.

The Lineup: Poems on Crime: Issue 4

2011-04-08T09:18:00.013-04:00

Today I've been asked to host The Lineup blog tour. I consider that an honor and privilege for several reasons.

I was a co-editor for the first three issues. I know first hand the outstanding work that is submitted for publication and the hard work all the editors put in to produce the final product. The quality of the poems is sublime. I am also honored to host the tour today because I love talking about writing in all aspects: the craft of it and the work that's out there. So: I'm going to add to this post throughout the day. I'm going to share my thoughts on how the poems of Issue 4 affect me. I might mention a specific poem, I might take lines from poems. If you already have Issue 4, please send me your thoughts on what moved you.

And let me say one more thing -- which I've said before. All creative work in the universe is vital. Poetry takes a main place at the table because, well, we've had poetry longer than film, say. When you're thinking/writing/reading about character, or plot, or action -- you are trying to boil it all down to the essence. What motivates the person or the scene? Poetry does that for you. Poetry reduces to the essence. If you want to understand other forms of creativity better: read poetry. You want to enhance your understanding of crime fiction: read The Lineup. Checking back soon-ish.

Any poem or line that I mention is not to be interpreted as these are the best poems in Issue 4. I think the collection as a whole is outstanding.

The issue opens with a bang. The first three lines of John Stickney's Creation simply blew me away: Make me a long coat of a dark cigarette color/Make the cities dark/No one will notice I am ash. Can you dig this? The description is the character's soul, the character's essence.

David Corbett's poem Bargain is simply put: brilliant. It is a psychological portrayal of a killer with gorgeous description that tells you who this narrator is (and gorgeous doesn't always mean pretty): Since we met, fewer insects die...but here a brown moth scurried hot inside the lampshade--I cupped my hand/nursed it all the way downstairs. Later on, the narrator tells us about an eight-year-old girl who was in the wrong place at the wrong time: The face I can't forget because she wasn't meant to be there at all. You think that would change someone, maybe even a stone cold killer? Uh, uh. Not this guy: She has not come home/She might never. This poem resonates loudly. It will stay with me.

And then there's Jeanne Dickey's poem, An Elegy for Susan Atkins, a piece about a twin not born who would have turned out better than the narrator. Wow, nicely done. These lines are terrific stuff: When I met him/When I met Charles Manson/As I inevitably would/My good twin would have singed him without holy water/Shone in his face/as if She were a silver crucifix.

The editors of Issue 4 -- Gerald So with Reed Farrel Coleman, Sarah Cortez and Richie Narvaez -- did a great job here. They have found gems. When I wrote several years ago in Mystery Scene Magazine about crime fiction poetry, I never imagined a chap book series like The Lineup existing. Thank god it does. And I really dig that cover (photo by Kathy Slamen).

Issue 4 is dedicated to David Thompson, the "first bookseller to believe in The Lineup."

The Lincoln Lawyer: The Movie

2011-03-18T10:39:00.003-04:00

The NY Times has a kick-ass review of The Lincoln Lawyer in today's movies section. What most caught my eye: that reviewer Manohla Dargis says its safe to assume this could be a movie franchise. Nice. And Marisa Tomei as Maggie McFierce: brilliant casting.

Those Brittle e-Book Pages

2011-03-15T11:11:00.003-04:00

There is an interesting article in today's NY Times regarding e-books borrowed from libraries. You would imagine that an e-book is forever. Uh-uh. Harper Collins has determined that HC e-books purchased by libraries will expire after they are borrowed 26 times (or, roughly one year). Then, they have to purchase it again. You may initially think, WTF? Shouldn't the new technology guarantee permanency? But this issue is not as simple as it seems. The economics become complicated for both publisher and library. You can read this very thought-provoking piece by Julie Bosman here.

Mayhem In The Midlands Conference Canceled

2011-03-08T12:57:00.004-05:00

This morning, I received the disappointing news that the annual Mayhem In The Midlands conference held in Omaha, Nebraska, is being canceled this year:

It is with deep regret that the Committee of the 2011 Mayhem in the Midlands Crime Fiction Conference announces that the event has been cancelled.

This has been a very difficult decision, since the conference has a long and happy history. We wish to thank all of the authors who have served on panels, signed books, donated items to the auction and so much more for so many years. We are grateful to all the readers who have come to meet and talk with their favorite authors. We thank you all for your support throughout the years.

Registration refunds will be processed in the next two weeks. If you have made your hotel reservations, please cancel those directly with the hotel at 402-346-9000.

Again, we appreciate the support that so many of you have shown in previous years.

Terry Wingate Staff Development ManagerW. Dale Clark Main Library
215 S. 15th St. Omaha NE 68102 twingate@omahalibrary.org 402.444.4835
omahalibrary.org

Mayhem was one of my favorite conferences, if not my most. It had nothing to do with the fact that I set the majority of my fiction in Nebraska. It had everything to do with the limited number of registrants, the quality of the panels and the chance to spend meaningful time with readers and writers in a mellower setting. This is sad news. This is bad news. The website says to check back in 2012. I sure will.

(Dis)Comfort Zone

2011-03-06T13:00:00.003-05:00

I write crime fiction every day. Whether they become words that go into the next chapter or next scene, or they become fragments to be filed away, or they end up in the little waste can on my desktop, I write hundreds-thousands of words a day. This is nothing new for most writers. The various ways that we handle the staleness that can set in is different. One of the tricks is to get out of your comfort zone. Find something alternative, like painting for example. Exercise different creative muscles. I'm returning to an old friend for a mental reprieve: the theatre. I did theatre way back, but not on the acting end. Stage managing, some directing, a one-act play. A newly acquired friend wants to produce/direct a wonderful play first done in the late 1940s. My job: to edit it down to one or two acts for a two-night run at a NYC theatre. So, I'm getting out of my crime fiction comfort zone and entering into an old comfort zone. And...I'm liking it. Keep you posted as it moves along.

Modern Mystery Heroes

2010-11-24T12:00:00.003-05:00

There's a fun piece in the entertainment section of the Lincoln Journal Star on modern mystery heroes. The article profiles several protagonists, and it offers a quiz on which type of character you might prefer (e.g., stoic vs. intellectual). Check it out here. I've pulled out the profile on Jack Reacher:

* Character: Jack Reacher

Creator: Lee Child

Number of books: 15

Debut: 1997's "Killing Floor."

Latest adventure: 2010's "Worth Dying For"
Appearance: 6-foot-5, between 220 to 250 pounds; blue eyes, dirty blond hair, muscular
Bio: Born in 1960. Former U.S. Army major. Graduated from West Point. Served 13 years as military policeman. After leaving the Army, Reacher became a drifter, wandering the U.S. and finding himself in one sticky situation after another, usually in small, remote towns.

M.O.: He's stoic, quick-thinking and always aware of his surroundings. He only speaks when necessary and never uses two words when one neck-break will do. He looks out for the little man, and abused animals. Capable of incredible feats of violence, including fighting 100 bad guys at once or killing a man with one punch.

Signature dialogue: "Either you walk out of here by yourself, or you'll be carried out in a bucket."

Who should play him in a movie: Liam Neeson, Clint Eastwood (if he were 35 years younger), John Wayne (if he were alive)

Nebraska Supreme Court

2010-11-05T12:13:00.004-04:00

According to an article today in the Lincoln Journal Star, the Nebraska Supreme Court will not hear the case on "whether municipalities can enact immigration restrictions." According to the court statement, the case did not "allege a violation of state law." A Nebraska Federal court had kicked it up to the state Supreme Court after a lawsuit was filed against the town of Freemont, which had passed an ordinance against illegal immigrants working or renting there. This is going to be a complicated issue for the Midwest, as more towns pass laws like Freemont's. You can read the article here.

Like A Long Cool Drink of Water

2010-10-20T10:29:00.003-04:00

Good news for hardboiled crime fiction fans. Hard Case Crime is back. Press release as follows:

Hard Case Crime Returns!

Titan Books to Relaunch
Acclaimed Pulp Paperback Series

New York, NY; London, UK (October 19, 2010) – Titan Books and series creator Charles Ardai announced today that they are teaming up to relaunch the popular Hard Case Crime series of paperback crime novels. Nominated five times in five years for the Edgar Allan Poe award, the mystery genre’s highest honor, Hard Case Crime has published such luminaries as Stephen King (the book that was the basis for the new TV series “Haven”), Mickey Spillane, Ed McBain, Donald E. Westlake, Lawrence Block, Pete Hamill, Max Allan Collins, Madison Smartt Bell and Roger Zelazny, to name just a few. Each book features new cover art in the classic pulp style, including covers painted by Robert McGinnis, the legendary illustrator who painted the original James Bond movie posters.

Hard Case Crime has won praise from dozens of major publications ranging from Time, Newsweek and The Atlantic Monthly to Entertainment Weekly, Playboy and Reader’s Digest, and has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR’s Fresh Air, and in every major newspaper in America (including repeated coverage in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and USA Today).

First launched in 2004, Hard Case Crime published 66 titles through August 2010, at which time its long-time publisher, Dorchester Publishing, announced it was exiting the mass market paperback publishing business after nearly 40 years. After receiving offers from five other publishers (including two of the largest in the world) to continue the line, Charles Ardai selected UK-based Titan Publishing as Hard Case Crime’s new home.

“Titan has an extraordinary record of creating beautiful, exciting books with exactly the pop culture sensibility that Hard Case Crime exists to celebrate,” said Charles Ardai, founder and editor of Hard Case Crime and an Edgar Award-winning mystery writer himself. “Titan is one of the few publishers that loves pulp fiction as much as we do.”

Titan’s first new Hard Case Crime titles, scheduled to come out in September and October 2011, include QUARRY’S EX, a new installment in the popular series of hit man novels by “Road to Perdition” creator Max Allan Collins; CHOKE HOLD, Christa Faust’s sequel to her Edgar Award-nominated Hard Case Crime novel MONEY SHOT; and two never-before-published novels by major authors in the crime genre (both recipients of the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America).

Additionally, Titan plans to acquire all existing stock of Hard Case Crime’s backlist titles from Dorchester Publishing and resume shipping those titles to stores immediately.

“Hard Case Crime has done a remarkable job in a very short time of building a brand known for outstanding crime fiction and stunning artwork,” said Nick Landau, Publisher of Titan Books and CEO of the Titan Publishing Group. “We are thrilled to partner with Charles and look forward to bringing Hard Case Crime to a wider audience around the world, not only through the novels themselves but also through an innovative merchandise program.”

For more information, call Hard Case Crime on 646-205-2181 or e-mail media@hardcasecrime.com; call Titan (US media) on 914-788-1005 or email ktc2000@aol.com; or call Titan (UK media) on +44 (0)20 7803 1906 or email sophie.calder@titanemail.com.

Save The Date

2010-09-22T09:15:00.003-04:00

If you're in New York City on January 19th, 2011, I hope you'll join us for a great discussion on psychopaths at the New York Public Library.

Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

2010-07-10T07:18:00.006-04:00

My new short story "Tomb Guardian" appears in the September 2010 issue of AHMM. The story is set in southwest Nebraska and features a state patrol criminal investigator. The characters are carried over in a some-what altered fashion into my novel. I hope you enjoy the story. For those who wish to purchase an e-version of the magazine, click here.

Mob Cops

2010-04-25T08:55:00.004-04:00

The mob and the NYPD. Oil and water? Not always. And not if your morals are kept in a dark place. My review of Friends of the Family takes the case in point of two detectives who used their police knowledge and authority to the benefit of a mob boss. This is real-life Sopranos stuff. Mob guys get whacked, innocent guys die, informants wear wires, cops and feds fight each other over turf. Dirty cops and a distraught mafia mother who helps nail them. And justice gets done. My review runs in the Lincoln Journal Star.

The Lineup 3

2010-03-31T10:33:00.013-04:00

April is a juiced up month for crime fiction mainly spearheaded by the Edgar Allan Poe Awards banquet towards the end of the month. Filled out by pre-award cocktail parties, the MWA Symposium and seeing friends in the community all come together in the big city: it's a cool time. And now we got something large to add to the mix: the publication of The Lineup 3. Every issue has been a blast to co-edit, but there's something about 3 that has me especially proud to have been part of this venture. Letting the bull out of the chute, I'm pasting the introduction below:

The Lineup Issue Number 3 is a robust slice of life distilled by some of the best crime poets in the game today. This is poetry at its best, bringing the reader into terrain that is at turns sobering, horrifying, enlightening and always tinged with a crime element.

And crime poetry isn’t afraid to take that slice deeper than skin level. It eviscerates muscle and bone and bores down to the spaces inside our souls wherein everything lurks.

The Lineup 3 is about revealing secrets, as does Amy MacLennan’s prowler in “Prowling.” Yet, it’s also about our fears and about our perhaps longing for a slightly darker way of life. Poetry — crime poetry — frees us to explore the deranged and dangerous in ways only writers can. The human desires and frailties displayed in this issue cross cultures and countries, from Henry Chang’s Chinese deliveryman in “Takeout” to James McGowan’s Irish thugs in “Running for Home.”

The Lineup 3 has the usual suspects too: murderers, victims, and cops. In this issue, you’ll meet police who put up a façade of gallows humor in the blood-glare of perp killers, such as aptly depicted in Sarah Cortez’s “Ride-along.”

And when we’re the guilty party, crime poetry tells us in aching fashion what the recovery from the fall is like — if recovery happens at all. Sometimes crime poetry just plain hits with flash emotions like a jazz riff floating on barroom currents, such as Wallace Stroby’s “Independence Day, 1976.” You can either fill in the narrative of lives rented from the fabric of conventional society, or you can let the colors of poetry wash over you. Sometimes those colors are the rainbow, and sometimes they are only black and blue.

There are so many reasons to read crime poetry. It will tell you about life in astonishing ways. We all either know what it’s like to put our hand to the flame, or have the desire to do so, or to understand the attraction better. The Lineup 3 burns the way with you.

Anthony Rainone
Brooklyn, NY
January 2010

Stephen D. Rogers

2010-03-18T06:41:00.012-04:00

Today I have the pleasure of hosting Stephen D. Rogers on my site. The prolific amount of *great* short stories that Stephen has written is impressive. He has also contributed poems to The Lineup, a crime poetry series that I had been co-editing. The man is the anti-thesis of procrastination.

The nitty-gritty:

Stephen D. Rogers is the author of SHOT TO DEATH
(ISBN 978-0982589908) and more than six hundred stories
and poems. He's the head writer at Crime Scene (where
viewers solve interactive mysteries) and a popular
writing instructor. For more information, you can
visit his website, www.stephendrogers.com, where he tries
to pull it all together.

SHOT TO DEATH contains thirty-one stories of murder and
mayhem.

"Terse tales of cops and robbers, private eyes and bad guys,
with an authentic New England setting."
- Linda Barnes, Anthony Award winner and author of the
Carlotta Carlyle series

"Put yourself in the hands of a master as you travel this
world of the dishonest, dysfunctional, and disappeared.
Rogers is the real deal--real writer, real story teller,
real tour guide to
the dark side."
- Kate Flora, author of the Edgar-nominated FINDING AMY
and the Thea Kozak mysteries

"SHOT TO DEATH provides a riveting reminder that the short
story form is the foundation of the mystery/thriller genre.
There's something in this assemblage of New England noir to
suit every aficionado. Highly recommended!"
- Richard Helms, editor and publisher, The Back Alley Webzine

SHOT TO DEATH Blog March

Even though it was only quarter of, Patsy couldn't keep from
going to the door again, standing on the threshold as her
gaze tracked down the dirt driveway, down the open road that
was empty as far as the eye could see.
- HIGH NOON

So begins one of the 31 stories contained in SHOT TO DEATH
(ISBN 978-0982589908). Within that beginning lurks the ending
to the story and everything that happens between the beginning
and the end. Or at least it seems that way to me.

"Even though...." "...couldn't keep from...." "...tracked
down...." "...down...." "...empty...." "...as far as the
eye could see." I'm not getting a real warm-and-fuzzy feeling
here.

Why "...couldn't keep from...." instead of "...couldn't help
...." unless "help" was out of the question?

Patsy is waiting for someone. Fifteen minutes before something
is supposed to happen, she's checking for it, and not for the
first time.

But the opening doesn't say fifteen minutes. Instead, it's
quarter of, it's not whole. Things are missing. The road is
empty.

Patsy stands on the threshold. She's in and she's out. She's
waiting and she's not. She is waiting and yet she is on the
verge of admitting that waiting is futile.

The opening was prompted by Edward Hopper's HIGH NOON (1949),
if you want to look up the painting. The title brings to
mind the movie and the events leading up to its inevitable
showdown.

The ending to this story also feels inevitable, despite the
open road that's staring Patsy in the face. She's free to go
and she isn't, trapped in an open doorway by her desires,
even as she recognizes that they won't be met.

All that remains is the writing.

For a chance to win a signed copy of SHOT TO DEATH, click here and submit your
completed entry.

Then visit the schedule to see how you can march along.

And then come back here to post your comments. Phew.

January Magazine Best Crime Novels of 2009

2010-01-01T09:56:00.009-05:00

The Best Crime Novels of 2009 has been posted by Senior Editor Jeff Pierce at January Magazine. Compiled by Pierce and my fellow contributing editors, there were so many good crime books this year, the list is in two parts. Here and here. Lots of outstanding stuff to put on your reading lists, folks.

Alex Kava

2009-11-19T06:53:00.005-05:00

My newest review in the Lincoln Journal Star. Kava's novel taps into several real-life scenarios that have broad terrorist implications. It's effective. It's a page turner. It's one of the best thrillers I've read this year.

Tonight, Tonight

2009-10-22T10:48:00.005-04:00

Yup. It's here. The Lineup reading at the KGB Bar is tonight, Thursday, 10/22. The particulars are below. I hope to see y'all there.

KGB Bar

85 East 4th Street

Between Bowery and 2nd Avenue

7:00-9:00pm

The Lineup: Reading On October 22nd

2009-10-07T09:25:00.005-04:00

You've heard this before. You're hearing it again. We're having a reading of Lineup poems at the KGB Bar in the East Village on October 22nd from 7-9pm. Contributors will be reading from their own work. Some of us will be reading selected work from those contributors not able to attend. You are all invited. It might be poetry, but remember it's crime poetry. And it's at a bar. A raucous time will be had...

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-11T06:55:00.001-04:00

Michael Connelly

2009-08-27T10:30:00.003-04:00

I can't think of a bad Michael Connelly book. Sure: there are some that I prefer over others. But that's personal taste (Harry Bosch is my boy). But breaking it down to the nuts and bolts of craft, character and plot: the man produces a kick-ass story each and every time. I put other books on hold when a new Connelly is available. When The Scarecrow pubbed, I went out and got it right away. (Unfortunately, not at Black Orchid). I contacted Jeff Pierce at January Magazine and said I wanted to review it. You can read that review here. I also asked Connelly some follow up questions. And I can still say: I can't think of a bad Connelly book. I can think of many outstanding ones, including his latest.

The Lineup: Start Spreading The News

2009-08-14T13:27:00.003-04:00

I'm going to mention this a few more times over the next two months. We're having a reading of Lineup poems at KGB Bar on October 22nd. Contributors will be reading from their own work. Some of us non-poets will be reading selected work from those not present. You are all invited and urged to attend. It might be poetry, but remember it's crime poetry. A raucous time will be had...

What Are You Reading?

2009-08-04T12:50:00.007-04:00

My review of James Lee Burke's Rain Gods was published today in the Lincoln Journal Star. If you know me, if you've read my reviews, you know how much I hold MWA Grand Master Burke's body of work in high esteem. Well, no surprise here: if you haven't read this new novel yet, or if you're looking for something to read, pick this one up, dammit. Man, this book kicks ass and then some.

The Irish Independent Newspaper

2009-07-27T12:49:00.008-04:00

Reporter Caitriona Palmer with The Irish Independent newspaper wrote an excellent article about posthumous publications in a piece entitled, "Authors Who Came Back From The Grave." I like that title. Included in the piece, she mentions two works published, or in the process of being published, by the Strand Magazine: the short story "The Undertaker's Tale" by Mark Twain, and the novel The Empty Chair by Grahame Greene. Having read my piece in the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper on the Twain story, Ms. Palmer contacted me too. My thoughts on the subject of dead authors and the opinions of others can be read here.

Gregg Hurwitz

2009-07-25T15:13:00.006-04:00

I paid a visit to January Magazine for a my review of Gregg Hurwitz's Trust No One. The book is chock full of plot twists, but stay the course. Unlike that other guy, this one is worth it.

New Story in Spinetingler

2009-07-01T09:56:00.004-04:00

My new short story Fall to Pieces has been published in the Spring 2009 Issue of Spinetingler Magazine. There's lots of good stuff here: stories, interviews, articles and reviews by considerable writing talent. There's also a book excerpt from Declan Burke's newest, The Big O. Sandra Ruttan and Jack Getze have done a bang up job, as usual. Check it out.

Lineup 2

2009-05-11T13:49:00.004-04:00

The second issue is now available for purchase from Lulu.com. In case you want to hear some of the goods before actually purchasing, or you just plain want to hear some bodacious crime poetry in general, click here for CrimeWAV. Several folk read their poems, including Richie Narvaez, Sarah Cortez, Gerald So and Stephen D. Rogers. Once again, it was a privilege to help co-edit this series. I'm particularly excited about Lineup 2, and I hope you are also.

Mark Twain

2009-04-07T12:35:00.003-04:00

I have a short piece on Mark Twain in the Sunday April 5th issue of the Lincoln Journal Star. Unfortunately, this one won't be available online. It only appears in the print edition. My piece stems from the Strand Magazine's March 2009 publication of a previously unpublished Twain short story, "The Undertaker's Tale." The story is classic Twain with all the familiar implicit social commentary. Many argue that Mark Twain (born Samuel Clemens in 1835) is the father of American fiction, and I agree. My favorite American novel is the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. If you like Twain, check out the short story.

Strand Magazine Nominees for 2008 Critics Awards

2009-04-01T13:45:00.004-04:00

Strand Magazine has issued a press release for their 2008 Critics Awards for Best Novel and Best First Novel. I was asked to help judge Best First Novel. All those times I found myself wondering how other judging committees managed this task, well now it was my turn.

It's a great list of nominees for both categories. The winners will be announced in July 2009 in New York City.

The release:

The Strand Magazine Announces Nominees for the 2008 Critics Awards for Best Mystery Novel and Best First Mystery Novel

Michael Connelly, Joseph Wambaugh, Tom Rob Smith, Kate Atkinson, and David Levien, are among the nominees for The Strand Magazine Critics Awards for Best Novel and Best First Novel. The judges are book reviewers from several of the nation's top daily newspapers.

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) March 25, 2009 -- The Strand Magazine has announced its nominees for the 2008 Strand Magazine Critics Awards. Recognizing excellence in the field of mystery fiction, the Critics Awards are judged by a select group of book reviewers from the nation's top daily newspapers. Otto Penzler served as the award chair for best novel and Andrew Gulli served as the award chair for best first novel. This year's judges include Dennis Drabelle of The Washington Post, David Ulin of the LA Times, Lev Grossman of Time Magazine, Carol Memmott of USA Today, Maureen Corrigan of NPR, and Bruce DeSilva of the Associated Press.

Best Novel:
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson (Little, Brown and Company)
Master of the Delta by Thomas H. Cook (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown and Company)
Lush Life by Richard Price (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Hollywood Crows by Joseph Wambaugh (Little, Brown and Company)

Best First Novel:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Knopf)
City of the Sun by David Levien (Doubleday)
A Cure for Night by Justin Peacock (Doubleday)
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith (Grand Central Publishing)
A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley (Harper)

"All judges sent to me, as committee chairman, a list of their 10 favorite books. I made a list that included all of these books--and a disparate selection it was--and the five with the most votes were to be the finalists," said Otto Penzler, the world famous publisher and proprietor of the Mysterious Bookshop. "As it happened, there were three books that made it onto the short list, with five others tied for fourth, so we had a runoff with an extra round of voting to determine the top five nominees. Judges were then asked to list these top five in order of preference, with a first-place vote awarded five points, a second-place vote four points, and so on."

"I couldn't have been more pleased with this selection of nominees," said Andrew F. Gulli, the managing editor of The Strand. "When I read several of these books last year, I had a feeling they would be nominated for the Critics Award."

Awards will be presented in the categories of Best Novel and Best First Novel at an invitation-only cocktail party, hosted by The Strand on July 8, 2009, in New York City. A lifetime achievement award will be given posthumously to English author John Mortimer.

For more information, please contact Christine Jones at 248 569 3702 or cjones (at) strandmag (dot) com.

Of DNA And Dreams

2008-11-20T10:05:00.007-05:00

Back in 1985, Helen Wilson was brutally raped and murdered in her Beatrice, Nebraska apartment. Although investigators looked hard at a particular suspect, it wasn't until four years later that they arrested three men and three women for the murder. Through tough interrogations, the police obtained incriminating statements from several of the suspects, and the six were sent to prison.

In 2007, two of the prisoners -- Joseph White and Thomas Winslow --won the right to have DNA recovered from the murder scene tested against theirs. The results showed that one person alone committed the crimes, and that person was not one of those six convicted. The DNA pointed to yet another suspect, Bruce Allen Smith, as the true killer. One of those arrested and convicted, JoAnn Taylor, recently claimed she lied on the witness stand to save herself from the electric chair. Given the strong evidence linking Smith to the crime, White, Winslow and Taylor were released after serving nearly 19 years, the other three having been released years ago after serving their sentences. The six combined served 70 years. How did six innocent people get convicted for a crime they did not commit?

The prosecuting attorney at the time, former Gage County Attorney Richard Smith, stated that none of the defending attorneys challenged the admissions of their clients at the trial. Claiming that the jury considered all the evidence and incriminating testimony and it was they who returned the guilty verdict, Smith doesn't offer anything more substantial to defend his role in sending six innocent people to prison. Current Nebraska Attorney General John Bruning makes the claim that Smith though "well-intentioned" had "used the threat of the death penalty to coerce false confessions from five of the defendants," which included Taylor who substantiated that claim. But that might be laying the blame too unfairly at one man's feet. The suspect initially looked by investigators was Bruce Allen Smith, but blood tests done in 1985 cleared him. However, it is not believed that the test done was either faulty, or was incorrectly interpreted. The science of the times failed these six individuals too. This case seems to highlight once more the significant number of men and women languishing in prison for crimes they didn't commit. Or does it?

According to Debra Shelden, one of the accused who served several years in prison for her role, all six were indeed in Wilson's apartment that night, and had committed the crimes they were sent to prison for. Shelden claims to see the rape and murder in her dreams to this day. Some discredit her statements, however. Prosecutors used a psychologist to interview the suspects, and the psychologist told them they were suppressing memories of committing the crime. Some believed her like Winslow and Shelden. It's also possible that Shelden would rather continue to lie than to acknowledge the hard truth that she helped send six people to jail who didn't belong there. This is the stuff that nightmares are made out of.

Nebraska On My Mind

2008-11-16T11:44:00.007-05:00

Apologies to Wayne and Patsy. A few things Midwest to put up here in the next few days. First up: my review of Alex Kava's new novel Exposed in the Lincoln Journal Star. There's a lot going on in this novel and it's very current. As an aside, it makes me think: who really believes the feds have the right guy for the anthrax mailings?

Reed Coleman

2008-11-01T09:34:00.003-04:00

I've long enjoyed Reed Coleman's books about Brooklyn-born Private Investigator Moe Prager. I get a kick out of knowing that his Court Street office is just a few ticks from the front door of my house. It's an area full of lawyers, bail bondsmen and PI firms -- all revolving around the courthouse complex sitting like the center of wheel hub. Through the years, I'd never reviewed one of Coleman's books, until now.

Words Cannot Say

2008-10-27T07:24:00.005-04:00

Tony Hillerman passed away yesterday in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Marilyn Stasio has written the obituary for the New York Times which you can read here. A tremendous loss for us all...

What's In A Name?

2008-10-24T11:39:00.003-04:00

Some writer dude once asked that question. And to take it further, Erin Galloway at Dorchester Publishing has sent out this intriguing notice. Here's your chance to grab some fictional immortality:

Playing The Name Game

Sandra Ruttan, author of the acclaimed books What Burns Within and The Frailty of Flesh, offers readers a chance to appear in her next novel.

“If I have a daughter, I’ll name her Chrysanthemum.”

When my stepdaughter announced this the other day, what I said was, “Would you call her Chrys for short?”

What I was thinking was, Dear God, where did she come up with that?

This is why I don’t let the kids get involved in naming characters in my books, although sometimes it would seem easier than agonizing over it myself. One of the things I find most challenging is naming characters.

Naming a character can be very tricky. You’re meeting them as a person, with a history. I think babies often grow into their names, but when you’re dealing with a character that’s over twenty years you have to think about what suits their personality.

I spend a lot of time pouring over baby names books and online name sites. I’ll usually come up with a list of six to twelve possible names I like, and then start playing around with combinations.

Not only does the name need to fit the character’s personality, it also needs to sound okay with the other characters they interact with. As a result, sometimes I have to try a name out for a while and then switch it later if it isn’t working for me.

Now, it’s your turn to help me name a character. Enter for a chance to appear as a minor character in the third book in the Canadian Constable series, LULLABY FOR THE NAMELESS. Simply send an e-mail to sandra@sandraruttan.com with the subject line “Name Contest” and answer the following question:

“Which police department do Constables Nolan, Hart and Tain work for?”

Send your answers in by December 1, 2008. The winner will be announced December 5, 2008.

For more information on how Sandra goes about the process of naming her characters and titling her books, go to http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SpecialFeatures.cfm?Special_ID=2572.

Demolition, I'm Glad We Knew Ye

2008-10-16T10:36:00.002-04:00

I got word this morning from Bryon Quertemous that Demolition Magazine is closing up shop. It was a great, kick-ass magazine and had an awesome run. The magazine will stay online and y'all should make a point to go and read the stories from time to time. Bryon and Dave White deserve big thanks from the crime fiction community.

Chasing Darkness By Robert Crais

2008-09-07T10:30:00.005-04:00

My review of Chasing Darkness by Robert Crais runs in today's issue of the Lincoln Journal Star. I have long thought of Crais as one of the premiere crime fiction writers in this country, and Elvis Cole is one of my favorite PIs (I think of Joe Pike as a full-blooded extension of Cole, and so I mean him too). Darkness only augments their amazing journey through sun-bleached gritty LA.

Cop Hater By Ed McBain

2008-08-28T22:23:00.027-04:00

My contribution to the list of books not to be forgotten takes a bit of a twist. I'm choosing Cop Hater by Ed McBain, which hasn't been relegated to a dark corner in the crime fiction galaxy. I'm choosing this book however, because I'm not seeing much about Ed McBain these days in print or online, and I'm concerned. The man deserves a major retrospective. His 87th Precinct books are mana. Cop Hater is the Big Bang for the police procedural. It is the genesis of "squad as character" way before Hill Street Blues came along. Cop Hater is pure genius and should never, ever be a forgotten book.

Ed McBain wasn't even Ed McBain when he wrote Cop Hater back in 1955. He decided on the pseudonym in undramatic fashion after he typed the last words of the manuscript. From the introduction written for an 1989 edition, he wrote:

"I had just pulled the last page of Cop Hater out of the typewriter. I read the final lines, and sat there thinking for several moments. I used to work in the back bedroom of a development house on Long Island. I walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, where my former wife was spoon-feeding our infant twins.

I said, 'How's Ed McBain?'

She said, 'Good,' and went back to feeding the twins.

So here's Cop Hater by Ed McBain.

The first of them."

Most of us have read several of the 87th Precinct books, perhaps some of us have read all fifty-four of them. We all have our favorites, but mine has always been this first foray into police procedurals, which weren't being written back then. McBain introduces a good amount of cop detail, including forensics, which also happens to pre-date the crime fan's enthusiasm for science, a la CSI. Cop Hater was a ground breaker on many levels.

The novel introduces Steve Carella, Teddy Franklin, and Bert Kling as a rookie. Carella is vibrant, a damn good cop and madly in love with Teddy in Cop Hater, just as he is in all the other Precinct novels. I am longing to read a new Carella story and regret that it will never happen again. Instead solace has to come from rereading past masterpieces, like Cop Hater. The reader is also introduced to Isola, the Manhattan alter ego:

"From the river bounding the city on the north, you saw only the magnificent skyline. You stared up at it in something like awe, and sometimes you caught your breath because the view was one of majestic splendor. The clear silhouettes of the buildings slashed at the sky, devouring the blue; flat planes and long planes, rough rectangles and needle sharp spires, minarets and peaks, pattern upon pattern laid in geometric unity against the wash of blue and white which was the sky."

The plot involves a series of cop killings in the 87th Precinct during a very hot summer. Steve Carella catches the case, along with his then-partner Hank Bush. When Mike Reardon and then David Foster are gunned down by a man armed with a .45 handgun, Carella and Bush scour Isola for anyone with a gun possession rap or a reason to hate cops. Street gangs are pulled in, suspects from city-wide lineups, guys who waved guns around in bars. Carella and Bush are hot, tired and stressed. Carella is never one to give up and it's his deductions that inadvertently reels in the gunman. The language is a bit dated now and the forensics simplistic, but the characters and their motivations are full-bodied and psychologically relevant. And given the strained relations the NYPD has with the public today, the book resonates with contemporary implications.

When Cop Hater was published, readers quickly realized a large talent had suddenly stepped into their midst (not knowing that Evan Hunter had already established a solid reputation). The book was made into a movie (with another New York stalwart named Jerry Orbach cast as a young tough), and the 87th Precinct series was born. To read Cop Hater today, its not so much the forensics or plot progression or cop speak that thrills the reader, its the way that McBain grabbed your attention, with paragraphs like this:

"A woman gets under your skin. Some women are like that. Listen, I've been around. I've been around plenty. I had me more dames than you could count. But this one -- different. Different right from the beginning. She just got under my skin. Right under it. When it gets you like that, you can't eat, you can't sleep, nothing. You just think about her all day long. And what can you do when you realize you can't really have her unless...well...unless you...hell... Is it my fault he was a stubborn son of a bitch? Well, he's still stubborn -- only now he's dead."

Of course, the killer quoted above was strung along by the real villan behind the crimes. And the genius behind this novel was Ed McBain. Don't forget him or Cop Hater.

Comic Con-nection

2008-08-06T10:11:00.009-04:00

Writer and editor Patrick Shawn Bagley asked a bunch of us to comment on which comic book character we would like to write, if so lucky. I'm a long-time comics fan, and I put my two cents worth into the mix. You can read my response, and the responses from other writers, on Patrick's excellent blog site. I have many favorites and it was hard to chose, but one guy stands out for me. Take a guess.

Lower Manhattan View

2008-08-03T18:26:00.003-04:00

No words today. Instead, I snapped this photo of lower Manhattan and New York Harbor from the Brooklyn Bridge. I think Isola looks something like this...

Rising Crime Wave

2008-07-23T21:49:00.004-04:00

Last night, I checked out Robert Crais' signing at The Mysterious Bookshop located in downtown Manhattan. A good-sized crowd was on hand to toss questions at the author, who had some amusing anecdotes about past signings. Seems like his female fans have very strong feelings about Crais' female characters. All these years later, I'm still partial to Samantha Dolan. Afterwards, the audience lined up to have RC sign copies of his newest Elvis Cole book, Chasing Darkness. I've read it; it's classic Cole; its a hell of a story.

I met two suspicious types in the audience who turned out to be my co-editors on The Lineup: Gerald So and Richie Narvaez. Patrick Shawn Bagely wasn't able to make it. We'll catch up to him next time. Joe Guglielmelli of Black Orchid fame snapped this photo of (left to right) myself, Richie and Gerald. You can also see it posted on our Lineup blog.

Besides getting the chance to see one of my favorite PI and thriller writers, and in addition to sharing a few beers with Richie afterwards shooting the breeze about crime fiction, a highlight of the evening was giving RC a copy of The Lineup and seeing the genuine joy in his eyes at our first effort. So, he signed his book for me; Richie and I signed a copy of our chapbook for him. Cool.

Strand Magazine Critic's Award

2008-07-10T10:28:00.009-04:00

Strand Magazine held their inaugural Critic's Award last night at the Midtown Executive Club on West 40th Street. This is the only award in the mystery community bestowed solely by critics. Two of the nominating committee were present last night: Hallie Ephron and Sarah Weinman. No matter how long you live in New York, you will constantly come across locales you never knew existed. Meredith Anthony and I had never heard of the Executive Club, but it was a fine spot for an award ceremony, and Andrew Gulli deserves a tip of the hat for securing it.

Sarah and Jeff have posted the winners on their respective blogs: Laura Lippman for Best Novel (What the Dead Know) and Marcus Sakey for Best First Novel (The Blade Itself). I ain't gonna go into how great these books are, or how the awards were well-deserved. That's apparent. The nominated competition included some of the best new (and continuing) writers in the business. Take a look at the list and that's pretty obvious too.

I had a chance to catch up with some folks in the community (Reed Coleman, Larry Light, Sarah Weinman, Laura Lippman, Dave White, Meredith Anthony, William Landay, Jason Pinter, Marcus Sakey, Tasha Alexander and Alan Jacobson (who has a hot new thriller coming out called The 7th Victim). Jonathan Santlofer was easily the sharpest dressed man in the crowd, and he served as awards presenter. Besides being a talented writer and artist, the author of newly published The Murder Notebook is also one of the funniest guys around. His witty (and sometimes acerbic) comments earns him nomination for another emcee gig.

If you missed this year's awards, don't sweat the small stuff. I said it was inaugural, so there's going to be plenty more coming up.

THE LINEUP

2008-05-12T14:41:00.012-04:00

Months back, Gerald So contacted me about co-editing a chapbook on crime poetry, along with Richie Narvaez and Patrick Shawn Bagley. I had previously written an article for Mystery Scene Magazine on the subject entitled, "Raven In A Trench Coat," and I included poems by Gerald and Patrick -- great poems. I found it curious that when researching the article I would often hear "does crime poetry really exist?" If you've ever read Charles Bukowski, then you know that the man had been writing crime poetry for decades. But there's plenty of others besides him, and plenty of newcomers, like the authors featured in our chapbook. They've written some really good stuff. Joining THE LINEUP editing team seemed like a no-brainer for me.

The lion's share of getting this project off the ground from conception to publication has been Gerald's burden. Richie and Patrick have been carrying greater weight on this, too. I've had it relatively easy, I think. I've read submissions and offered my best editing opinions. Although I am associated with the project, I truly believe that there's good stuff in these pages for fans of the genre. If you can't get enough of the stuff, check this book out. For more information (like how to buy the chapbook), you can go to the LINEUP blogspot here. I'll also post again once the book is ready to print.

I hope you read it, I hope you like it.

Jason Pinter's THE GUILTY

2008-05-11T11:00:00.006-04:00

I read a lot of cop fiction, and it's also what I write, so it's nice to get away from that sub-genre every now and then when I review books for the Journal Star. I've reviewed both of Jason Pinter's novels, including his most recent The Guilty, which appeared this past week. Pinter has a great character in Henry Parker. He's similar to many young men who move to New York City: ambitious, energetic, and looking to indulge in the city's abundant culture and night-life. For Parker however, the thrills come in the form of life-and-death situations, rather than hitting the clubs on the far west side of town. This is a hot series that I plan to keep up with, and given that Jason is only twentysomething, I'd better clear space on my bookshelf for a long ride.

Queen (Pin) of the Edgars

2008-05-02T10:57:00.004-04:00

The Mystery Writers of America announced the 2008 Edgar Award winners at last night's gala dinner. All of the nominees deserve congratulations on not only doing a very difficult thing -- writing an exceptional book -- but for rising to the forefront of the many good books written last year.

With that said: I can't hide my extreme pleasure at seeing Megan Abbott win an Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original. Queenpin is flat-out one of the best hardboiled novels ever written. Ever written. I don't know where Megan pulled that narrative voice from, and perhaps she doesn't know either. But it is a timeless voice, a classic narrative experience that should transcend the decades.

Blue Enigma

2008-04-25T10:10:00.017-04:00

Many in New York City and around the country are stunned this morning at the not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell trial. Stating that the police officer's versions of events was more believable than the victims, Justice Arthur Cooperman acquitted all three officers -- Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora and Marc Cooper -- of all charges of manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment. Appropriately, Justice Cooperman said the defendants were presumed innocent and the prosecution had the burden of proof. The prosecution offered a questionable, problematic presentation according to Cooperman.

This is a verdict not only based partly on fact, but on perception too. The three officers did not take the stand in their own defense -- their grand jury testimony was read instead -- but the surviving two victims did testify during the eight week long trial. Trent Benenfield and Joseph Guzman gave dramatic testimony. But citing conflicting accounts by prosecution witnesses, and the fact that Benefield and Guzman, as well as several other prosecution witnesses, had prior convictions, Cooperman found them questionable. Their testimony contradicted each other and the few facts that could be correctly ascertained. Justice Cooperman had particular trouble believing Benefield. The justice also had issue with the demeanor of several of the prosecution witnesses. It was perceived that perhaps agendas were moving to the forefront, like impending multimillion dollar lawsuits.

Is it poor Sean Bell's fate that he had drunken friends with poor decision making skills that resulted in his death, as the defense argued? Certainly the club where he chose to celebrate his upcoming wedding and the people he associated with that night were questionable. Certainly the drunken bravado and threats going back and forth among twentysomething men was unfortunate, and equally unfortunate done in the presence of undercover cops. But it is a frightening proposition that the verdict opens the door to acceptable use of deadly force when the police perceive a situation to be dangerous. Shoot first and sort the facts later? A thug club, thug friends. Booze. Threats. Must be no good going on. That is not always the case, however. Fifty shots fired and no gun found is disturbing.

A New York cop's job is thankless. A split decision can save a life or end a cop's. There are too many guns on the streets of New York that are in the wrong hands. There are too many kids who aspire to be gangstas. That's a volatile mix. When a cop saves a life, the media are quick to ignore it. When a cop does something wrong, the bright lights of news trucks are everywhere. There's enormous pressure on the police to do the right thing at all times. Pressure from upstairs brass and the public. Pressure from the politicians and the media. That's the way it is. A cop performs his/her job under a pressure cooker.

Prosecutor Charles Testagrossa succinctly summed up the essence of the trial:

"If you are a police officer or sympathetic to police officers, the defendants are tragic heroes and the victims are thugs,'' he said. ``If you are friends of the victims, then the defendants are murderers.''

Because forensics seems to have run a less-than-stellar crime scene analysis and command of the location, the facts were primarily arguable. There was no gun, but maybe there was a gun. Log sheets were not maintained. Access to the crime scene was not secured. Door parts removed without clearance. Diagrams drawn incorrectly. Facts seemed to get pushed further into the gray. Perceptions then take hold. Intent becomes more important. Criminal backgrounds become important. And poor Sean Bell now lies uneasy in the grave. A young man who seemingly did absolutely nothing wrong -- who panicked while under the influence of alcohol -- is dead. He didn't deserve to have deadly force exerted on him. And a cop's job has now become even harder.

Some Like It Hammett

2008-03-29T15:30:00.021-04:00

The Mercantile Library Center For Fiction is kicking off The Big Read in New York City with a month's long celebration of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. Big things have been planned and they include the following events:

* A special screening on April 12th of The Maltese Falcon, John Huston's 1941 film version, starring Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade. The screening will be held at The Campbell Apartment at Grand Central Terminal. This is one of my favorite bars in all of NYC.

* The Mystery Writers of America, NY Chapter, will host a series of panel discussions about Hammett and The Maltese Falcon and its influence on crime fiction novelists. The panels will take place at the Mercantile Library Center for Fiction. This is an intimate space and a great setting for discussions.

April 3rd. Authors Talk: The Influence of The Maltese Falcon on Your Writing. Moderated by Chris Grabenstein and featuring panelists Peggy Ehrhart, Jack Getze, Chris Knopf and SJ Rozan.

April 8th. Tough Gals: The Influence of Sam Spade on the Contemporary Female Detective. Moderated by Jane Cleland and featuring panelists Jillian Abbott, Alafair Burke, Cordelia Frances Biddle, Karen E Olson and Sharon Linnea.

April 15th. Letting Go: Books into Film. Moderated by Jonathan Santlofer and featuring panelists Megan Abbott, Charles Ardai, Lorenzo Carcaterra and Jillian Abbott.

* Two evening reading group discussions at The Mercantile Library Center For Fiction that will feature mystery writers as guests. All are welcome to come and share their views on the novel. The reading groups will take place on April 10th and April 17th.

* BJ Rahn will offer walking tours through Midtown Manhattan visiting locations influential to Hammett's life and work. Tours will be held on April 19th and April 26th and they will be approximately 2 hours in duration. Walking tours are one of my favorite ways of getting inside the skin of a character or real person, or events.

* On Tuesday, April 29th, there will be a live performance of a Hammett story featuring New York stage actors. The performance will be done in the style of a 1930s radio broadcast and it will be recorded for Black Mask Audio Magazine.

* Volunteers will read and discuss The Maltese Falcon with classes from various New York City Public Schools in conjunction with the Everybody Wins Foundation and Page Turners.

There are other events planned in celebration of this gorgeous hard-boiled novel and you should check out the homepage for The Big Read for those listings, which includes fun activities for children and families.

One of my favorite books, one of my favorite writers, being celebrated all over the city. Baby, it doesn't get better than this.

In The Flesh

2008-03-26T14:06:00.007-04:00

In another instance of stupid political interference, PW is reporting today that the great state of Indiana is going to require "bookstores to register with the government if they sell what is considered 'sexually explicit material.'" What the hell? The article by Rachel Deahl goes on to state:

"The new law, H.B. 1042, was signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on March 13, and calls for any bookseller that sells sexually explicit materials to register with the Secretary of State and provide a statement detailing the types of books to be sold. The Secretary of State must then identify those stores to local government officials and zoning boards. “Sexually explicit material” is defined as any product that is “harmful to minors” under existing law. There is a $250 registration fee. Failure to register is a misdemeanor."

Isn't it hard enough for booksellers to actually sell a damn book, without more red tape added on, like registration fees and incredibly -- misdemeanor charges? I absolutely love that slippery-slope definition of sexually explicit material being a book "harmful to minors." How exactly do they decide that? Hand vote? (Pardon the pun. Well, maybe not). A bureaucrat? (Maybe someone with the impecable credentials of NY's former esteemed ex-Governor Spitzer? He preferred his "sexually explicit" in the flesh while allegedly partially using campaign money).

There's a lot that's wrong with this pending foolish law. Thankfully, this measure is being fought by the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression. Let's wish them luck. It would be discouraging to see certain books excluded from shelves just to avoid unwarrented legal hassles. That will hurt authors and the local booksellers in Indiana.

Crime Scene 101

2008-03-11T07:14:00.004-04:00

Retired crime scene investigator David Rivera testified at the Sean Bell trial that no list was kept of those entering or exiting the crime scene. Rivera was one of those in charge of the scene, according to testimony. The defense for the three officers facing manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges plan to use this admission to suggest that someone may or may not have entered the scene -- and thus removed the gun that the accused say resulted in their shooting the victims.

The way it's supposed to be done: a cop has a clipboard and takes down the names of those officers who enter a crime scene. He also takes down the names of those leaving, whether officers or witnesses. The crime scene commander --and it appears that Rivera was at least one of them -- makes sure that this is being done. It appears that rules were being played fast and loose, and it makes you wonder how many others are also being processed in the same way. We all cut corners at work: but the NYPD has a legal obligation to make sure protocol is always followed. On TV, you'll see detectives flash their badges and duck under the crime tape. It's not supposed to be like that in real life. You come into a scene, or you come out of a scene -- your name is taken. Rivera sought to pass the buck by stating that higher ups were present at the scene too. The thing is: the crime scene commander runs the show, no matter who above you comes along. The commander can be a patrol sergeant, a detective, whomever.

The Sean Bell trial is putting the NYPD in a bad light in many ways unfortunately, including shoddy police protocol processing the scene. A young man's life was taken in an extremely violent manner. For the victims and the accused: that warrants extra-ordinary care, not a slip-shod approach.

Moonlight Downs

2008-03-01T08:23:00.005-05:00

My review of Moonlight Downs, a novel set in Australia and written by Adrian Hyland, was published in today's Lincoln Journal Star. If you don't get the print version, you can find it online here. The novel was published by SoHo Crime, which enough good things can't be said about.

Jonathan Lethem's Marvelous Adventures

2008-02-27T16:32:00.007-05:00

PW is reporting that Jonathan Lethem's Marvel Comics series, Omega The Unknown is available for reading online. Lethem was a comics book fan growing up, like many of us in the crime fiction community. Omega fascinated the Brooklyn resident for several reasons, one of which was the fact it was set in Hell's Kitchen in NYC in the 1970s. That was a gritty time period for the midtown neighborhood, which the comic captured well. Says Lethem in the article by Heidi MacDonald:

"Omega floored me, but I didn’t resent it. I thought it was fantastic. Those first issues, when Gerber and Skrenes were really allowed to do what they wanted to do and were building this incredible story full of all sorts of weird implications and possibilities…I simply thought it was the best comic book I’d ever read."

If you want to read the first issue online, click here. Lethem and comics. That's going to be win-win, I think. Especially after viewing the first issue. And speaking of comics, fans shouldn't miss the upcoming New York Comic Con, from April 18-20, at the Jacob Javits Center. I went last year and it was brilliant. Maybe I'll see y'all there.

Get Your Pencils Ready

2008-02-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

It appears that the writers' strike is on the verge of being settled, according to newspaper articles, such as this one in the NY Times. If the newly negotiated terms are ratified by the members, writers could be reporting back to work as early as Monday.

In a joint email to membership, Patric M. Verrone and Michael Winship (presidents of the West Coast and East Coast WGA respectively) stated: “Much has been achieved, and while this agreement is neither perfect nor perhaps all that we deserve for the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice, our strike has been a success.”

While I hope that writers are getting their fair share with this agreement, I am glad to see the end to the longest walkout in Hollywood history, if only so that I can get my fix. And maybe this guy might change his mind about his Oscar party.

Later.

Not A Chance In Hell

2008-02-03T10:51:00.000-05:00

Unless you're wearing Big Blue colors, and maybe not even then, you aren't picking the New York Giants to win tonight's Super Bowl. I understand. But don't come anywhere near my place with that attitude. Or my Brooklyn neighborhood for that matter. Yo! I'm picking Eli and Company for an upset tonight. In between bites of Italian hero and tortellini salad -- what? you were expecting me to say wings and chips? -- I'll be yelling my head off. Belichick was an integral part of the Giants past championship years, and he'll be a part of this one, too. By going down. Not a chance in hell? Well, I like warm weather.

Go Big Blue!

Oceanview Publishing: Stuff To Die For

2008-02-02T12:13:00.000-05:00

I've been impressed with many of the books I've read from Oceanview Publishing. Based in Ipswich, Massachusetts, the company was founded in 2004 by Bob Gussin and Susan Greger. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob at ITW in NYC last year, where Patricia Gussin's novel Shadow of Death was an ITW finalist for "Best First Novel." I was impressed with Bob's friendliness, sincerity and interest in writers. Since its inception, many of Oceanview's titles have been chosen as best novels, have been award nominees, or have won awards. Last year, I reviewed the well-plotted Ladykiller by authors Meredith Anthony and Lawrence Light, and more recently, I examined Don Bruns' exceptionally entertaining Stuff To Die For, for the Lincoln Journal Star. Oceanview is a publishing house worth keeping your eye on, folks.

Poe-tic Traditions

2008-01-19T12:15:00.001-05:00

According to an article in today's New York Daily News, the birth of Edgar Allan Poe is honored every January 19th, by an anonymous stranger leaving three red roses and a half-filled bottle of cognac, at the mystery author's grave site in Baltimore. According to Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum, the tradition first started back "in 1949 at the latest." It is believed the current "Poe toaster," might be the son of the original toaster, after a note was left in 1993 saying "the torch will be passed." Others dispute versions of this account -- and the mystery surrounding this tribute is only befitting the author. For me, it doesn't get much better than this.

And speaking of Edgar, the Mystery Writers of America announced their 2008 nominees. I've mentioned my opinion on at least one of the books nominated. I'm intrigued by two of the nominees for Best Fact Crime. I've long believed that Sacco and Vanzetti were railroaded, and I'm interested in reading Bruce Watson's perspective in Sacco & Vanzetti: The Men, The Murders and the Judgement of Mankind. I am also one of those who believe that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in the assassination of President Kennedy, and I'd like to ask author Vincent Bugliosi in person his accounting of Oswald's shooting skills -- or more correctly, his lack of. Though I should read his nominated Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, first. Uh, yeah.

The Crime Writer

2008-01-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

No better way to ring in the new year than to read a review on a... 2007 title? Oh, yeah. My review of The Crime Writer by Gregg Hurwitz is published today in the Lincoln Journal Star. The title of the novel alone made me want to read it, but Hurwitz is such a fine writer, that the story pulls you in and along. An excellent read. Last year, this year, whenever.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T13:32:00.001-05:00

Wishing all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

See you for more crime fiction in 2008.

-Anthony

January Magazine Best of 2007

2007-12-19T13:20:00.000-05:00

The hardworking editors at January Magazine have compiled their favorite books of 2007. The complete listing can be found here. My involvement with the magazine covers the criminal end, and my selections for this past year are included in the crime fiction selections, here and here. It's never an easy thing to do -- picking faves -- and I'm glad to see others pick up on books I couldn't include. The best part isn't picking those books that stand out for one reason or another, rather it's the opportunity to read so many good books in the first place.

Happy Holidays.

Shock In Omaha

2007-12-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

The worst single-day killing spree occurred at the Westroads Mall in Omaha yesterday, and it's hard to wrap your head around how this happened. The young man responsible had been treated for depression and ADHD. He was further described as "a lost puppy that nobody wanted." The woman who took him into her family home feared that he might commit suicide one day. We should have been so lucky. Instead, this young predator killed eight people and wounded five others, with a Russian semiautomatic rifle. There is a complexity to this disturbed young man's character that goes beyond being merely misguided, beset by personal losses and having ADHD. His desire to "be famous" by murdering innocents reveals an angry core of psychopathic and homicidal elements. Could this have been stopped? Maybe with psychiatric intervention. I tend to think that this type of personality, with its roiling deep resentments, was hibernating for the day to inflict carnage. They'll be plenty of discussions about the negative influences of violent video games, violence on television, gun control, etc. For me, it comes down to what's in the soul. In this case, I fear there was a blackness there. When I heard the news, I contacted those I know in Omaha, including this guy, and my editor at the LJS. All were safe and sound, as well as their families, thankfully. That can't be said for thirteen other individuals. They are all in my prayers.

Twist Phelan

2007-12-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to read and write about Twist Phelan's new Pinnacle Peak novel, False Fortune. My review is running in today's Lincoln Journal Star. Reviewing has its ups and downs. The best part is being able to say a few words about a damn good book and writer.

Election Time

2007-12-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

I'm not referring to national politics, here. I am referring to Court TV's Search For The Next Great Crime Writer Contest. The voting period ends on December 9th, so make sure you hit the site, read the chapters, and vote. There's good stuff to be had there, and Big Daddy has an outstanding, ass-kicking book entered. Even if all those other guys turn you off, make sure you get the vote out on this one.

MWA 2008 Raven Awards

2007-11-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Breaking news from the MWA:

"Mystery Writers of America to Honor Kate's Mystery Books & the Library of Congress, Center for the Book at 2008 Edgar® AwardsTwo beacons of the literary community sharing one passion for the crime-writing genre will be honored by Mystery Writers of America (MWA) with the Raven Award for 2008. Kate's Mystery Books and The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will each be presented with Raven Awards at the 2008 Edgar® Banquet. Established in 1953, the award is bestowed by MWA's Board of Directors for outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing. "

You can read the full announcement here.

MWA 2008 Grand Master Bill Pronzini

2007-11-15T10:13:00.000-05:00

I received the following email this morning from the MWA National Office:

"Author Bill Pronzini has been selected to receive the coveted title of Grand Master, Mystery Writers of America's (MWA's) highest honor bestowed on an individual. He will be honored at the 62nd Annual Edgar® Awards banquet on Thursday May 1, 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. The "Edgars," as they are commonly known, are named after Mystery Writers of America's patron saint Edgar Allan Poe and are awarded to authors of distinguished works in more than a dozen categories. The Grand Master Award represents the supreme level of achievement in the mystery field and was established to acknowledge important contributions to the genre, as well as significant output of consistently high-quality material."Bill Pronzini is not only a passionate author and reader of crime fiction – he is also one of the most ardent proponents of the genre," said Daniel J. Hale, Executive Vice President of Mystery Writers of America. "For forty years he has distinguished himself with consistently high-quality writing and editing in all areas of the field, including creating one of the longest lasting detective series ever." Bill Pronzini started down his path toward the Grand Master in 1969, when he embarked upon his professional writing career. Since then, Pronzini has experienced a prolific career, penning more than 70 novels and non-fiction books, including 32 novels in his popular "Nameless Detective" series and three novels written in collaboration with his wife Marcia Muller (MWA's 2005 Grand Master). Pronzini is no stranger to critical acclaim for his achievements. He is a six-time Edgar® nominee, including a nomination in 1987 with his wife Marcia Muller for Best Critical Biographical Work, "1001 Midnights: The Aficionados Guide to Mystery Fiction". He is also a recipient of three Shamus awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America. Pronzini’s suspense novel, "Snowbound", was the recipient of the Grand Prix de la Litterature Policière as the best crime novel published in France in 1988.Pronzini joins a notable list of previous Grand Masters. Past recipients of this distinguished Award also include: Stephen King, Ira Levin, Mary Higgins Clark, Donald Westlake, Lawrence Block, P.D. James, Ellery Queen, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Graham Greene and Agatha Christie. Mystery Writers of America is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. The organization encompasses almost 3,000 members in three categories of membership that include publishers, editors, literary agents, and screen and television writers, as well as authors of fiction and non-fiction books."

Outstanding news. Congratulations to Bill.

Disturbia

2007-11-13T20:41:00.001-05:00

Judith Regan has come out swinging against the News Corporation. Claiming that the media conglomerate was engaged in a smear campaign against her, Regan is suing for $100 million in damages. She claims the whole of the campaign was perpetrated to protect the presidential aspirations of Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani??

I don't know. It just seems that there is so much to chose from that was solely of Regan's own doing. Like this tidbit culled from the NYT article:

"Ms. Regan had an affair with Mr. Kerik, who is married, beginning in the spring of 2001, when her imprint, Regan Books, began work on his memoir, “The Lost Son.” In December 2004, after the relationship had ended and shortly after Mr. Kerik’s homeland security nomination fell apart, newspapers reported that the two had carried on the affair at an apartment near Ground Zero that had been donated as a respite for rescue and recovery workers."

I imagine that Rudy must be wondering if he will ever catch a break before elections...

Norman Mailer: For The Ages

2007-11-10T07:52:00.001-05:00

The New York Times reported this morning that Norman Mailer has died. A brilliant writer who will not only be missed, but read in perpetuity. There were so many awe-inspiring books written by Mailer, a tough-guy author, though my personal favorite is The Executioner's Song. Accolades are being published, or posted, all over, and Michiko Kakutani of the NYT has written this insightful piece. Most Broadway shows are going dark today, due to the stagehands strike. I feel as though the bright light of fiction flickered a bit today, too.

The Chopin Manuscript

2007-11-03T11:04:00.000-04:00

I have a post running on The Rap Sheet about this remarkable audio book and ITW project. If you listen to audio books, or are new to them, you'll want to hear this story created and sustained by fifteen thriller authors. Check it out, folks.

Strike

2007-11-02T12:09:00.000-04:00

The New York Times has a good article today on the impending WGA strike. For those who want to know immediately how this affects book writers, I pulled the following quote out of the article written by Michael Cieply and Brooks Barnes:

"The New York-based book industry, for instance, may find studios reluctant to buy film rights to new works at a time when no writers are available to adapt them for the screen. 'In the first part of a strike, buyers will be sitting and waiting to see if it gets resolved,' said Amy Schiffman, who specializes in literary sales for Hollywood’s Gersh Agency."

I recommend reading the entire article, however.

Stella Rimington

2007-10-21T08:45:00.000-04:00

The Lincoln Journal Star is running my review of Stella Rimington's Secret Asset today. Rimington bases her novels in realism, and favors the cerebral portrayal. She knows how to do all the other "stuff," like dialogue, tempo, fast-action sequences. What the author focuses upon so effectively is the character study. This is the second novel in a solidly well-written series.

Back In The New York Groove: With Alaska On My Mind

2007-10-11T09:38:00.000-04:00

After living out of a suitcase for two weeks in Alaska, San Juan Island and Seattle, I'm back in NYC and bunkering down to work again. Most of my thoughts on Bouchercon 2007 will appear later in The Rap Sheet, but I want to immediately mention that Alaska was impressive. I wavered back-and-forth on going, and I'm glad my reasoning landed squarely on "yes," though I really could have done without the six-hour flight from Dallas to Anchorage.

The surrounding views around Anchorage were stunning, particularly the snow-covered mountains in the distance. Most likely, Mary Reagan has captured these images. Yours truly stinks as a photographer. I did snap this one image of a hiking trail around Cook Inlet. The trail leads out to a large body of water with great views of cliffs, and all that jazz. Perfect scenario to walk peacefully and think out plot points, or characterization. I read in yesterday's papers that a shipwreck from the late eighteen hundreds was recently discovered in the inlet.

I met some great local residents in Anchorage, including the drunk man who wandered into the Crimespree party and asked me if I was an "Eskimo," and the supposedly ex-NYPD cop selling hot dogs in downtown Anchorage, who readily showed me the handgun he was carrying. No concealed permit necessary.

While I was there, the Anchorage police decided to crack down on J-walkers and issued $50 tickets to anyone crossing in the middle of the street, or even against the light. That would go over real big in NYC. A few of us happened upon the Anchorage police in action one night near the hotel, as they cuffed and arrested several young men who had stolen a car and promptly crashed it. Larry Light and I got too close to the action and were urged around the crime scene. Crime writers can be too enthusiastic at times...

Staying with Alaska, one of the personal highlights of Bcon were the "Alaska:CSI" panels (besides being on my own panel). I dig this stuff: lectures by a pathologist, medical examiner, several state troopers, and crime lab personnel. Mike Kincaid, author of ALASKA JUSTICE, gave a great talk about various cases he's handled over the years as both a trooper and fish and wildlife officer. Fascinating stuff. Chasing suspects on dog sled, flying float planes in terrible weather, shootouts on glaciers, bear stories. I've got a copy of his book and I'm really looking forward to the read. Although gruesome, the slides the medical examiner (Dr. Donald Rogers) showed were very informative, and I saw lots of folks in attendance scribbling notes. The panel featuring two Alaska judges was interactive and fun: the audience was presented with case scenarios, then asked how they would rule. The moderator (Sheila Toomey) came around with a microphone and quizzed us. Basically, we were a merciless lot. Then, the judges would weigh in on what the rulings would most likely be in a real court. Again, very informative and fascinating, and lots of note taking going on.

Later.

Gone Huntin'

2007-09-25T09:24:00.000-04:00

I'll be in Alaska for Bcon, then Seattle for hangin' out (where I will finally get to meet this guy). Maybe I'll post from the road, but more likely not. See y'all in early October.

Queenpin

2007-09-23T15:36:00.001-04:00

My review of Megan Abbott's Queenpin is running in today's Lincoln Journal Star. Abbott's book is easily one of my favorite's for 2007. Astonishing narrative voice in this novel, from a rapidly rising and commanding talent in the hardboiled genre.

Fiction In The Hood

2007-09-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

Jason Starr's new novel, The Follower, happens to be set in my neighborhood, on Manhattan's Upper East Side. So, it was with an extra sense of fun, that I read and reviewed the novel. Starr excells at "creep noir," and this book is no exception. The killer in these pages not only gets out of a cab practically in front of my door, but he goes to many of the cafes and restaurants that I frequent. The NYPD has done a great job of increasing the safety of the city, but there will always be miscreants like Peter Wells around. In fact, I'm having suspicions about one of my neighbors...

Brooklyn Book Festival

2007-09-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for Sunday? No, I'm not talking about The Emmy Awards, and I'm not talking about football. I'm referring to the second Brooklyn Book Festival being held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza. Following on last year's successful event (and trust me on this, it kicked ass bro), this year's looks to be just as spectacular.

The festival will run from 10:00am until 6:00pm. It will encompass the Brooklyn Borough Hall, the adjacent Borough Hall Plaza and Columbus Park, the Brooklyn Historical Society and St. Francis College. The festival programs are free, but events in the Courtroom and St. Francis College will require tickets, which will be given out one hour in advance.

The organizers are expecting at least 10,000 attendees, roughly 110 writers and 100 vendors. There's a lot to choose from, but two panels will definitely be on my schedule. First up is Hardboiled Fiction, at 11am in the Community Room of Borough Hall. The panel will feature Megan Abbott, Jason Starr, Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes and David Dante Troutt. I recently finished Abbott's Queenpin and Starr's The Follower; both stellar books. At 2:00pm, I plan to hit the Main Stage and hear a discussion of Jack Kerouc's On The Road, as discussed by Joyce Johnson, John Leland and Paul Slovak. One of my favorite books.

Looking forward to seeing you there. And as for that other event on Sunday evening: Go Sopranos.

Bcon 2007 Panels

2007-09-13T15:42:00.000-04:00

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Bouchercon 2007 panels in Anchorage, Alaska, and the entire schedule can be found here. My panel has the utilitarian title of "Reviewers," which basically sums it up. We're gonna talk book reviewing. It's at nine am on Thursday morning, and my only gig, so I'll be able to focus on all those other great panels the rest of the weekend (like CSI: Alaska, which seems to be a series of talks). My fellow panel members on "Reviewers" are Sara Berger, Leslie Doran, Maggie Mason and moderator Sally Fellows. It should be interesting and I hope you stop by, if you're at the conference. Some guy named Starr is also doing a nine am panel that morning, but you should put your money on us.

Remembrance

2007-09-11T07:12:00.000-04:00

For those who lost their lives on 9/11/01.

The World Trade Center. The Pentagon. Shanksville.

For those who sacrificed their lives, so that others may live.

For Christian and Tony.

Richard Aleas

2007-09-07T07:06:00.001-04:00

My review of Songs of Innocence is now posted on January Magazine's web site. Aleas has rapidly become one of the stalwarts of private eye fiction.

James Lee Burke

2007-09-04T11:54:00.000-04:00

My review of Tin Roof Blowdown has been published in the Lincoln Journal Star. The review is here. Hands down, one of my favorite books of the year.

Thuglit

2007-09-01T08:07:00.001-04:00

My short story "Hollow" is posted in the current issue of Thuglit. The new issue marks the two year anniversary of Big Daddy's "writing about wrongs." That's two years of bad ass fiction lowering the morals of everyone who reads it. Issue #19 also features stories "The Fucking Policia" by Brian Murphy; "Black Sun" by Gary Carson; "Hourglass" by Linda Sharps; "Customer Service" by Matthew Baldwin; and "Proof of Life" by Katherine Tomlinson. Read, enjoy. And as they say, here's to many more.

The Book Stool

2007-08-30T10:26:00.000-04:00

At last, a way to turn those piles of books into something functional. The Conran Shop is selling this nifty thing called The Book Stool. It's basically several cotton/nylon straps that you affix around "various media" and voila! A chair to sit on. Simply, brilliant!

But why stop there, if you're a big reader. What about the book recliner? I mean, I was thinking that I had too many books on the TBR pile, but now I'm realizing I may not have enough! And when you get tired of a particular chair--hell, just read faster and take that sucker down.

Okay, I have to go out to buy my Book Stool and maybe hit the bookstore for more tomes. I'm aiming for the book sofa and sectional.

I Wanna Be Sedated

2007-08-29T12:08:00.000-04:00

Nothing criminal in this post, except one more irreplaceable New York City icon gone. Hilly Kristal died yesterday from lung cancer, as reported in The Gothamist. Hilly was the owner of CBGB, which he opened in 1973. He was more than a mere owner, of course. He grew a musical nation out of the grimy city blocks of the Lower East Side. Back in the day, the Bowery wasn't known for trendy nightclubs and sushi restaurants like now. The Bowery was known for heroin houses, winos and Hilly's joint, a raucous place of music, beer and "stuff" going on that's better left unspecified. With CBGB closing last October, and now Hilly's passing, the world of live music in NYC has shifted towards the shadows. In a city that remakes itself constantly, this is perhaps one of the hardest to let go.

The big bands had already passed through by the time I started hanging out there (Ramones, Talking Heads, Police, Blondie -- all were cutting albums in studios), but their discarded attitude filled CBGB anyway, as thickly as the cigarette smoke. Hilly created a haven for musical daring and innovation, and for misfits and yuppies alike (the latter usually in disguise) to hang out and enjoy the sound. The art world once had Warhol and his factory (though it was exclusionary), and music had Hilly and CBGB (where all could participate). I heard plenty of good music there (even sometimes my friend's lame bands), and outrageous conversation at the bar. And I don't think I'll ever forget the waitress who wore handcuffs and ankle cuffs the whole night. Mainly we were "Lowa East Sidas" who wore our black leather jackets everyday, survived as best we could in a city that could be inhumane, and cut loose on the weekend at Hilly's CBGB. It was the best of times.

OJ Book

2007-08-27T07:01:00.000-04:00

According to reports, OJ Simpson's alleged confession, If I Did It, ranked number 48 on Barnes & Noble's online site, as of Sunday night. The superstore has not changed its mind about not stocking the book on its shelves. Borders will stock the book, though it will not promote it. The Goldmans are scheduled to appear on Oprah on September 13th, along with Denise Brown, Nicole Brown Simpson's sister. The Goldman's are due to receive any royalties from the sale of the book, due to their successful lawsuit against Simpson. Denise Brown has gone on record as saying the whole affair is "despicable." I tend to agree with Denise Brown, though I don't fault the Goldman's for altering the presentation of the book, or for seeking damages from its sales. Those who should really hang their heads in shame over this? The LA prosecutors who failed to get the job done.

Free Fire Review

2007-08-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

My review of CJ Box's FREE FIRE appears today in the Lincoln Journal Star. This is my first piece for the Midwest newspaper, and I will be publishing more reviews and brief feature pieces for the entertainment section. For those who know me, the fact I am publishing in Nebraska shouldn't come as a surprise. I hope my association with that great state continues for some time to come. I'm going to have more Nebraska-related "stuff" coming up shortly.

Bears And Beer

2007-08-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

There is an important lesson here, for those of you going to Bcon 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska: bears and beer don't mix. Of course, this idiot took it considerably further. You might also want to keep track of your cell phones, if you're around the big critters.

See you there.

Black Orchid Echoes

2007-08-18T17:56:00.000-04:00

Some thoughts on the Black Orchid party.

Zinetopia

2007-08-07T12:39:00.000-04:00

I'm late on this. Timely others have already mentioned that several magazines have new issues out. But it never hurts to repeat good news.

Thuglit has posted Issue #18. Roadhouse demands your attention and so do these fine stories. They are "Big Load of Trouble" by Greg Bardsley; "Violated" by Mike Sheeter; "Parole Hearing" by Brian Haycock; "Another Place, Another Time" by Tim Murr; "Frisson" by Albert Tucher and "Ghost Highway" by Kim Cushman. And the new issue also features one bodacious cover.
The July/August Issue of Crimespree Magazine has a lot going on content-wise, which is the usual MO for the magazine. Gregg Hurwitz (Crime Writer) and Lee Child (Bad Luck And Trouble) are on the cover. I have Crime Writer high on my TBR. Issue #19 includes: photos by Mary Reagan; Ayo Onatade's column; Steven Torres interviews Con Lehane and Allan Guthrie; Daniel Hatadi has a nice piece on Crime/Horror = Thriller; Sandra Scoppettone writes on Vin Packer; Neil Bohl interviews Warren Ellis; Gregg Hurwitz and Lee Child have a chat; Twist Phelan and Jeremiah Healy have short stories; Annie Chernow interviews Peter Lovesey; I can go on and on here -- let's just say that the issue also includes articles and interviews by Catherine O'Connell, John Evans, Michael Robotham, Jim Winter, Robert Randisi, Julia Spencer-Fleming, Lori Andrews, Tom Cain, Steve Mosby, Jeremy Lynch, Declan Burke, Paul Johnston, and Russel McLean. Of course, there are book and DVD reviews galore. This issue also marks my new role as New York Editor. If you don't have a copy of the new issue, get in touch with Jon and Ruth and get added to the subscription rolls. You really want to read this magazine.
Demolition Magazine has the new Summer Issue up. Enjoy the good stuff here. The stories are "Viktor Petrenko, We Will Make You Beg" by Steven Torres; "Veronica In Chalk" by Todd Cameron; "The Side Job" by Ina Rometsch; "The Killing Never Leaves You" by Alan Peden; "City Death Song" by William Boyle; "Family Plots" by Sandra Seamans and "Roswell Girl" by Gary Alexander. Congrats again to BQ and DW on the Gumshoe Award. Nice.

Staying within the topic of magazines, Mystery Scene Magazine has started two new blogs: Mystery Scene Blog and Bookflings. The Mystery Scene blog will "offer posts from our contributors on a variety of topics including news, events, reviews, suggestions for coverage, and whatever seems interesting," states Co-Publisher Kate Stine. Bookflings will be "a blog for the promiscuous reader," and is under the auspices of Co-Publisher Brian Skupin. Kate and Brian have done such great things with the print magazine. I am sure these blogs will be as successful.

Alaska, Mon Amour

2007-08-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I'm going.

I thought I had made my decision not to go to Bouchercon 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska. Then, it appeared that other travel plans that are going to take me to Seattle made the hop over to Alaska more plausible. While I had previously put the conference out of mind (since I wasn't going), my sudden new plans have me kinda psyched. The Anthony Awards nominations have piqued my interest, too. I wish all the nominees good luck, but how about that Sean Doolittle, huh? I'm talking Nebraska here!

I'm looking forward to spending time in Anchorage with fellow New Yorkers, including Lawrence Light, Meredith Anthony, Mary Reagan and Margery Flax. I'm also looking forward to catching up with folk I haven't seen in a while, like the femme fatale Jordans: Jennifer and Ruth. I'm interested in seeing what Alaska "looks like," though my vantage point will be narrow: I won't be venturing far from Anchorage. The attendance seems to be down for this conference, as opposed to years past, but I guess it'll make the bar that much more intimate.

When in Seattle, I plan to look Jeff Pierce up. I started writing for January Magazine back in 2002, and while there's been tens of thousands of words under the bridge since, I've yet to meet the editor/writer extraordinaire. Perhaps as much as Bcon, I'm looking forward to this.

But there's a long hot summer still ahead, before any of that. And plenty of writing and beach books. I just finished writing a new short story and reading The Tin Roof Blowdown. There's a couple of parties on the horizon, including one I'm going to have mixed feelings attending.

'Till next time.

That's The Way I Like It, Uh Huh

2007-07-22T20:09:00.000-04:00

The NY Mets beat the LA Dodgers today 5-4 in ten innings. That's three of four games won in the series. Very sweet. See you in August, Dodger fans.

Black Thursday

2007-07-19T18:03:00.000-04:00

The new announcement from The Black Orchid Book Shop opens with a declaration I simply never wanted to see:

"With mixed emotions we will be closing The Black Orchid Bookshop this September for both personal and business reasons."

I cut my teeth on mystery growing up in Queens, but the genre took hold and blossomed in me at their quaint store in Manhattan. The memories are many and all good. I'm just too sad to write much more on this.

Bonnie and Joe: you are the best. See you on August 16th in person. See you in my thoughts always.

ThrillerFest Photo: Ali

2007-07-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

In between looking for Alex Kava, I sat with Ali Karim at a corner table in the bar at the Hyatt. Besides being a talented writer, Ali is a great conversationalist. I'm not sure how many drinks we had by the time this photo was taken. I think quite a few. You'll note that Ali is wearing a legitimate festival pass. Yours truly crashed the party...for three days.

Cheers, mate.

(Photo taken by Dave Montgomery, I believe).

Harlem Book Fair

2007-07-17T12:44:00.000-04:00

The 2007 Harlem Book Fair will be held this weekend, 7/20-7/22.

First up: The Wheatley Book Awards on Friday, 7/20, at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, beginning at 7pm. The Wheatley Book Award "was established to recognize literary achievement that transcends culture, boundary and perception." This year, the awards will feature a posthumous tribute to Ossie Davis and Octavia Butler. The Wheatley honorees are children's author Eloise Greenfield, playwright Amiri Baraka and author Walter Mosley. No disrespect intended for the other honorees, and while I applaud their well-deserved recognition, I'm especially happy to see Mosley honored. As I was saying to George Easter this past weekend at Thriller Fest, Mosley is not only one of my favorite crime fiction writers, I consider him one of the best writing in the PI genre. Six Easy Pieces is a standout collection of short stories and will come to be regarded as a classic.

The festival will be in full swing on Saturday and Sunday, on 135th Street, stretching from 5th to 7th Avenues. It was estimated that 50,000 people attended last year, and the festival organizers are expecting even more this year. Also on hand will be C-Span's Book TV covering the fair's panel discussions. A few examples of the upcoming panels are:

• A History of America: A Conversation with Howard Zinn and Walter Mosley (Saturday). Kind of self-explanatory.

• Publishing the Diaspora: Challenges and Rewards (Saturday). Challenges facing foreign writers who publish in America.

• How Mary Found Her G-Spot Through Writing (Saturday). This should be packed.

• That Elusive Market: Is Urban Latino Fiction The Answer? (Saturday). How to reach the urban Latino population through relevant fiction.

• The Book Review In Print: The Last of a Dying Breed? (Saturday). Don't get me started on this...

• From Behind the Wall to Wal-Mart: Urban Book Publishers Make It Real (Saturday). Writing from prison to the street.

In addition to the panel discussions, there will be outdoor stage presentations (I'm hitting Urban Street Lit at 1:30pm), a young reader's pavilion and panel discussion, and author brunches. The fair will begin at 11am on Saturday and Sunday and go until 6pm. If you want a restaurant recommendation, I would suggest taking the subway a few stops to 109th Street and Broadway, and eat at Rack & Soul. My fave: the fried chicken and waffles. And please don't pass up the sweet potato pie for dessert.

See 'ya at the fair.

My Thriller Fest: Stalking Alex Kava

2007-07-16T11:35:00.000-04:00

Virtually everyone I met at Thriller Fest heard me say the same thing: "Have you seen Alex Kava?" I'm currently writing an article on the Midwest, which includes Nebraska native Alex, and I'm including her thoughts on writing. We previously emailed back and forth, but we also decided to touch base at the Hyatt Hotel. Easy enough, right? Wrong. I missed her after her panels; I scoured the bar; I searched the book selling room; I scanned the Banquet crowd; I tried the group book signing on Sunday. Nada. To add to my fruitless quest, I heard several writers tell me, "She was just here a second ago," or "She was looking for you!"

During my ongoing search for Alex, I caught up with many writers and had a great time--and I didn't even register for the conference. Choosing to hang out at the bar mainly, I heard things that I was asked not to repeat. I heard things that I am choosing not to repeat. I saw things that I hope to God I soon forget.

Highlights for me:

• I met the indefatigable Ali Karim for the first time. What a fabulous guy. Unlike me, he remembers to take pictures. He's going to have interesting things to say over at The Rap Sheet, so you should definitely check it out.
• I met Mike Stotter from Shots Magazine. I am happy to say I understood everything he said to me. Another great guy. I hope to meet up with him at another conference soon.
• I bumped into Twist Phelan in the lobby of the Hyatt. She is always one of the best dressed writers around. Her new novel in the Pinnacle Peak series is coming out. It will go to the front of my TBR list.
• I spoke to a reader/fan who was attending her first conference. She was enjoying the festival, but had several interesting observations. She felt that TF was "too writer oriented" and hadn't attracted enough fans. I mentioned this to several writers. While most agreed with those sentiments, some liked the fact that it was geared more for writers than readers. Hmmm. This anonymous reader also lamented the small selection of books in the book selling room.
• Elaine Flynn took an informal survey at my bar table. The question was "What was better--TF in Phoenix last year, or NYC this year?" I don't know the final tally (I ran off on a false Alex sighting). Hopefully, Elaine will post it on her blog.
• Jim Born attended and brought his wife and daughter. Lovely family. Always great to talk to Jim. His next Alex Duarte book is entitled Burn Zone. Jim has exciting things in the works, which I won't talk about.
• Fred Rea is a great guy and an upcoming writer to watch. He's a Florida buddy of Jim Born's. I met Fred at the Chicago Bcon for the first time. Utterly fascinating man who knows soooo much. I could talk to Fred for hours. In fact, I actually did on Saturday night, when Fred, Jim, Donna, Emily, Kimberly, Robin Burcell, Zoe Sharp, Alex and I went to The Oyster Bar in Grand Central for dinner. The seafood was great. Kimberly and Emily had a lot of fun whispering in the caverns of Grand Central. I'll explain it sometime. And Fred told me things about SPAM that I never knew.
• Great fun talking to George Easter about books and reviewing. Incredibly nice, smart man. I like his views on what makes a good or bad review. And we both agreed on the superior quality of Walter Mosley's Six Easy Pieces. Mosley should get wider recognition as a PI writer, because I think he's one of the best out there.
• I met new author John E. Thompson, who's thriller Armageddon Conspiracy will be out in 2008. Jim and I talked poetry and the novels of Jim Harrison. Great conversation and I bet his book will be a winner.
• I bumped into Meredith Anthony and Larry Light several times. They were with Oceanview Publisher Robert Gussin and his wife Patricia (her Shadow of Death was nominated for First Novel). Robert is a gracious man and Patricia is obviously talented. Larry has a new book coming out, not necessarily a continuation of the series. I can't say more. Larry and Meredith told me that Thriller Fest will be back in NYC next year.
• Had a drink with Jim Fusilli. I saw Jim last at LATFOB. Wonderfully articulate man and writer. New York misses him. Hopefully, he will be back here soon.
• Jason Pinter is easy to spot (he's tall). I saw Jason both at the bar and in the author signing room. The Mark is his newest thriller and I'm reading it now. Wooow.
• I had the wonderful opportunity to hang out with Chris Everheart again. I last saw Chris in Mayhem in the Midlands 2007. Chris has a dynamite juvenile series for teenage boys. He's off to LA for a children and juvenile writer's conference next week. The man has unbelievable energy. Heard he was singing with Dusty Rhoades at a karaoke bar in the East Village until 2:30am on Saturday. Rock on, dude.
• I spent a good portion of Friday night talking to CrimeSpree photo editor Mary Reagan. Mary and I see each other at many events. We both covered the NY Comic Con for CrimeSpree and we talked about doing the San Diego Con. Maybe with CrimeSpree covering the tab? Be sure to check out Mary's TF photos on her blog.

There was so much more going on, so many more conversations had, so many writers I didn't get the chance to talk with (Sarah Weinman, Alafair Burke). Next time, hopefully.

Others covering Thriller Fest can be found here, here, here, here and eventually here.

Coolin' Down With Steve Hamilton

2007-07-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

Finding a good bar serving cold drinks is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat and humidity in New York City. I did just that yesterday by catching up with Steve Hamilton at Blue Smoke on East 27th Street. The place has great barbecue upstairs and awesome jazz in the basement. Steve and I took a booth and we shot the breeze, while I drank ice cold Cuba Libras and pretended it wasn't nearly one hundred degrees outside. We talked about a wide range of topics, and we did so in conjunction to an article I'm writing on Steve.

I recently finished reading his next novel, Night Work, which will be published in September by St. Martin's. It's a stand-alone, featuring probation officer Joe Trumbull, and it's set in upstate New York. I know the area well, because I rented a cottage outside of Woodstock one year to escape the city. There's a lot of color and history to the region, and an eye like Steve's will put that to good use. I'm going to be reviewing the novel, so all I'll say right now is this: fans of Hamilton's work are going to be very pleased. Ardent Alex McKnight followers needn't worry: there's another McKnight book in the works, too.

While the waiter kept the drinks fresh, we talked about the prospect of a McKnight novel being made into a movie; about Steve's new two-book deal with St. Martin's Press (smart folks to keep him on board); lamented the fact that neither one of us will be in Alaska at the next Bcon; talked about life for McKnight after the hardships endured in A Stolen Season; talked about the cool research he did with real-life probation officers; and talked about yet another interesting book project Steve plans (which you can read about in my article). Steve has a lot on his plate, and they all sound like compelling, intriguing projects.

The time went too fast and we parted our ways for different trains to catch.

Men In Cars With Guns

2007-07-10T20:26:00.000-04:00

Early yesterday morning, two young police officers in the 71st Precinct in Brooklyn were shot, when they pulled over a BMW SUV, during a routine traffic stop. When Officers Russell Timoshenko and Herman Yan ran the BMW's plates on their radio car computer, the numbers came up registered for a different make and model. Both officers approached the car using correct NYPD protocol, Timoshenko on the passenger side and Yan on the driver's side. Cops are taught at the academy and in the precinct that both partners must approach the car. Traffic stops can be the most deadly encounter for law officers across the nation, and more police officers lose their lives in these situations, than any other. This instance turned into a tragic and horrific scenario. Gun fire errupted suddenly from the open windows of the BMW, and both officers were struck. The men inside the stolen car were eating chicken in take-out boxes one minute, feeling emboldened and street bad, then coldly attempting to take the lives of the two cops the next moment, after their bullshit existence came down on top of them. Two bullets hit Officer Timoshenko in the neck and are lodged near his skull. He is paralyzed and on life support. Two bullets struck Officer Yan, one in the forearm and the other in the chest. His bullet resistent vest stopped the bullet and saved his life. The force knocked him back, but he stayed on his feet, and was able to return fire ten times. The car was abandoned a few blocks away, the miscreants slinking off into the darkness. The guns tossed and recovered included a .45 caliber handgun, a .9mm handgun, and a Tec-9 machine pistol. One of my favorite details: one of the suspects left a "perfect palm print" that forensics was able to lift. There have been sensational cases in past years and one currently pending, where NYPD officers have been accused of using excessive force and causing the death of innocent men. Nothing can excuse an officer from using deadly force when not warranted, and tragic instances don't cancel each other out. Yet, we shouldn't ever forget the fluid circumstances that cops operate in and around on a daily basis. They face deadly consequences at nearly every turn, including stopping a car for a traffic issue. The thugs that perpetrated this crime will be caught, and they will do the time. Officer Timoshenko might never be a police officer again, let alone have a normal life. Officer Yan will never forget this event. The brave men and women of the NYPD always deserve our gratitude, and they should always be in our prayers.

Get Your Comic Groove On

2007-07-09T12:33:00.000-04:00

If you're into comics in a serious way, and you think you might like to try writing your own, then pay attention to the following. DC Comics is launching a web site--Zudacomics.com--that will solicit original comics for the web site and "possible publication." An article giving information appears in Publisher's Weekly, the article written by Calvin Reid. I'm going to give the first two paragraphs below:

DC Comics has announced plans for Zudacomics.com, a Webcomics imprint and online community that will solicit original Web comics from fans for Web serialization and possible print publication. The majority of the comics published by the site will be selected by the Zudacomics community, which will vote in monthly competitions to pick the best comics submitted to the site. Winners will be published online for a year and published in print.

Zudacomics.com will begin soliciting comics for the site July 9 and begin promotions during the upcoming San Diego Comic-con in preparation for the site’s official launch in October. The site will be directed by Ron Perazza, DC director of creative services, Kwanza Johnson, DC Comics online editor, and Richard Bruning, DC senior v-p, creative director.

For those of you with graphic novel aspirations: here's your chance. The site allows for collaboration and will run the "full gamut of comic book genres." You can read all the information in the Zudacomics.com press release here. Maybe this guy might be interested...

John Irving Reviews Gunther Grass

2007-07-07T08:56:00.000-04:00

John Irving is one of my favorite writers. I'm biased about him, I admit. I don't think there isn't anything that Irving would write that I wouldn't read. So, when I came across his review of Gunter Grass's memoir, Peeling The Onion, in the New York Times Sunday Book Review, of course I read it. As Irving notes, Grass wrote 25 novels (most notably The Tin Drum), and won the Nobel Prize, prior to writing his memoir. For those who aren't aware: Grass concealed for decades his affiliation with the Waffen SS during WWII, which came to light with the publication of his memoir. Irving does not dismiss Grass's transgression. What Irving does is examine how Grass could have let this happen, and what were some of the motivations behind it. That Grass was/is a brilliant writer is not debatable; rather, has Grass's dishonesty and youthful affiliation with such a hated segment of the German army corrupted his life's work and reputation? Irving comes to Grass's defense, as have other writers and world dignitaries. (Others have condemned Grass.) I read an excerpt of the memoir in The New Yorker and found it mesmerizing. Read the review; read several of Grass's books; read the memoir; then draw your own conclusions.

Cover Story

2007-07-06T15:46:00.000-04:00

Publisher's Weekly reports today that Square One Publishers is going to print a "reversible dust jacket" for its August hardcover title, Taking Woodstock, by Elliot Tiber. Now, this is not a crime fiction book, but the concept is pretty cool and can certainly be applied to other genres (Taking Woodstock is a memoir about...yeah, Woodstock. And other things.) I would imagine publishing houses having a problem with this as a rule (think: production costs). But it would be fun...you could have the cover the author really wants and the cover the publisher ends up choosing. Or, the more-commercial cover on the front and the more risky on the reverse. Hey, you get the point.

I recommend that all publishers who attempt a reversible jacket pay attention, however. Use orginal covers, otherwise Jeff Pierce will take note.

Ghosts of New York City

2007-06-23T12:18:00.000-04:00

I read this article today in the NY Times regarding historical sites in New York City that are not marked by plaques, for one reason or another. Of course, there are many locations and buildings that are clearly marked, including some of my favorites: the site where Willa Cather's townhouse in Greenwich Village used to stand, or Trinity Church downtown where historical luminaries such as Alexander Hamilton are buried. Though history and culture has its artifacts, there is an ephemeral quality to these institutions, too. For me, New York City isn't only a place of historical determination (such as the spot on Third Avenue where Nathan Hale was hung by the British, or Sparks Steakhouse in Midtown where John Gotti had Paul Castellano executed), but it possesses a personal undocumented accounting. I like to visit East 116th Street, where my father was born in (at that time) Italian Harlem. A trip to the East Village means visiting the brownstone where my grandmother used to live on East 10th Street ( a block I came to live on myself decades later, in a weird sort of coincidence). Formerly Germantown on Second Avenue in Yorkville barely contains any of the shops and restaurants that gave it its flavor and name, but the spirits of my distant relatives lives on there, too. New York City is so much about what buildings are going up, or coming down, or given landmark status. But New York City is also so much about the people who once lived there and gave the city much of its character.There are no plaques, no landmarks for them, except what is etched in our hearts.

Paris, I'm Here For You

2007-06-22T18:40:00.000-04:00

Both ABC and NBC have turned down offers to interview Paris Hilton. Someone is not thinking clearly. This is a newsworthy moment of mega proportions.

Because her story must be told, I am officially offering to interview Paris. Of course, I can't pay her either, but I am willing to buy her a coffee, or bottled water. (I would offer to buy her a muffin, or something, but I understand she's not eating much these days.) The interview would have to be over the phone, or in NYC, when she is released. Coming to NYC for the interview would be good for her -- she wouldn't have to worry about driving, because we have so many cabs here.

I am touched by Paris's new-found maturity and true desire to serve out her full sentence (who isn't?). I think the interview would reveal lots of jail house nuggets that any crime fiction fan would love to read. No make-up allowed? And no hair extensions? Holy, mother of god. No wonder she was crying for mommy.

I think it would be a fascinating read. (Sorry, Paris. I don't work with digital). Unburden your tormented heart. Call me.

Sopranos: Quella E Vita

2007-06-12T10:43:00.000-04:00

As Jeff Pierce pointed out on The Rap Sheet, The Sopranos garned much attention prior to the finale airing. Well, there's still quite a bit of discussion going on, but now it surrounds the final few moments of the last episode on Sunday. Some didn't like the ending, some thought it perfect, others mused on the cultural underpinning of the series, while others focused on the ratings loggerhead . We all know what the hoopla is about at this point: what the fuck happened at the end? Does the entire Soprano familia get wiped out by bad guys? Or, are those really FBI agents about to swoop in and arrest Tony? Maybe they are merely suspicious looking patrons? (Hey, you should see what walks into my local diner). Although I initially thought my DVR had crapped out, I quickly realized what creator David Chase had done.

For me, the ending on Sunday evening reflected two discussions that took place recently, one at the LA Times Festival of Books ,and the other at Mayhem in the Midlands , in regards to fiction. Specifically, what kind of ending should crime fiction novels have? Some say, fiction is more satisfying than life because it ties up loose ends, it provides closure. Readers turn to novels and stories to derive the satisfaction that nefarious life does not provide. If you are a writer, you should be addressing this need. But, should you? At a panel I attended at the LATFOB, featuring Patrick Neate, Laura Lippman, George Pelecanos and Don Winslow, this topic was brought up by an audience member. What about endings that aren't neat, conclusive, definitive -- how do you feel about them? The consensus of the panel was that life has ripples that emanate from tragedies for quite some time, maybe forever. Most times there is no closure to tragic events in life, and fiction should reflect this. This issue also came up briefly at my panel on Hero/Anti-Hero at Mayhem, and our discussion moved in the same general direction. You will have protagonists who cross that line. Joe Pike felt compelled to kill, and Hank Thompson is forced to kill many times over. In fact, more and more novels are leaving unsavory things hanging at the end. Loose ends might be unsatisfying, and wrongful acts may go unpunished, but maybe we need to address our mind-think. Many have already.

In my opinion of the finale, Tony and the family continue on. Life is what it is. The wheel turns. It's all bad and good.

What The Hell Are You Talking About?

2007-06-06T08:11:00.000-04:00

The recent BEA convention has garned a lot of media attention online and in print, including an article in today's New York Times that contains the following:

"Other uses of technology provoked unease. At a dinner party given by Alfred A. Knopf for some of its authors, Vivien Jennings, president of Rainy Day Books in Fairway, Kan., railed against authors who link from their Web pages to Amazon.com or even sell autographed copies of their books directly to consumers. 'We host a lot of book signings,” Ms. Jennings said. Authors who sell their own books “are particularly hurtful to us.'"

Simply put: this is a load of crap.

I am particularly fond of specialty bookstores. In fact, I am going to Black Orchid later today to pick up a few titles. But don't tell me that an author should forego selling his/her book directly, or place a particular location above another in an attempt to sell copies. Booksales are down -- something Ms. Jennings is aware of. Bookstore owners have a survival fight on their hands, and so do writers. Authors have the right to sell their books by any means necessary (and please don't interpret this in the extreme).

Would it be good to link to specialty sites that also sell online -- say The Mystery Bookstore in LA? Sure. But where does an author start with the selection process and where does it end? Is it okay to link to Amazon because it's an easily recognizable entity, and it gets the book sold? Hell, yeah. While I am sympathetic to Ms. Jennings earning as much as possible through her bookstore sales, does an author have a greater obligation to make sure that money goes into the pocket of a specialty bookstore first, rather than move copies of their novel directly on their own website? Hell, NO. Website selling and website giveaways make sense for any author.

Support of the book selling community is necessary, valiant, good. Too many small bookstores are closing and that's going to hurt the industry as a whole. Survival for many crime fiction authors means having a knowledgeable specialty staff who can direct readers to their titles. But to draw a line and say that authors shouldn't also try to sell their books directly on their own website is downright lunacy.