August Newsletter

 Upcoming Events

             On Wed. Aug 16 from 6 to 8pm, celebrate Our 12th Anniversary with dozens of  friends, dozens of snacks & dozens of raised glasses. Attending this year’s party, in addition to many local authors who have supported us, will be such out-of-towners as Stuart MacBride, signing his second Aberdeen DS Logan MacRae novel Dying Light ($25); Troy Cook signing his debut caper novel 47 Rules of Highly Effective Bank Robbers ($15); & Bruce Cook signing his novel of international intrigue Philippine Fever ($15).

Signed Books in Stock

We Recommend: Still Life by Louise Penny ($25) This traditional mystery introducing Inspector Armand Gamache of the Quebec Surete will appeal to readers of all tastes. One of 2006’s  most acclaimed novels.

The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos ($25) George is so good that his novels can only be compared to his other works. This is one of his best, on a par with The Big Blowdown  & Hell To Pay. Reflecting his experience on The Wire, the novel focuses on a homicide detective and 2 ex-cops  investigating a death that may signal the return of a serial killer. His examination of their personal lives reminds you of Wambaugh’s best. 

White Shadow by Ace Atkins ($25) A real unsolved gangland slaying in 1955 Tampa provides the basis for this entertaining exploration of Eisenhower’s America and how it was affected by the power of the mob and the birth of revolutionary Cuba. 

Returning Favorites: The Messenger by Daniel Silva ($26) Silva’s complex portrait of Israeli spy Gabriel Allon raises this series above the standard thriller fare.  In the latest, terrorists attack the Vatican.

Snow Blind by P.J. Tracy ($25) Clever high concept plots (think Snakes on a Plane) never got in the way of the terrific characters, sharp plotting & witty writing found in the Monkeewrench novels. The latest is no exception as dead cops are being found inside snowmen.

The Next Time You Die by Harry Hunsicker ($24) If waiting for favorite private eye has got you down, spend some time with Dallas PI Lee Henry Oswald and enjoy topnotch hard boiled action that will get your blood pumping. Still River ($6.99), now in paper.

 Later This Month

Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl ($26) A tour de force debut that combines the high school ambiance of Heathers; the dazzling language of a Nabokov novel; & the adventures of Nancy Drew. Senior Blue Van Meer, a captivating & compelling narrator, investigates the mysterious death of a popular teacher. (8/15).

The Ruins by Scott Smith ($25) The long awaited second novel from the author of A Simple Plan ($7.99) is the tale of a Mexican vacation gone wrong. A horror novel for the thinking man that ranks with King at his absolute best. (8/15)

The Fourth Bear by Jasper Fforde ($25) The Big Over Easy ($14) lampooned the detective novel & established the loony world of the Reading Nursery Crimes division headed by DI Jack Spratt. In his rollicking second case, he investigates the disappearance of reporter “Goldy” Hatchett, last seen by three bears in Anderson’s woods. (8/22)

Coronado by Dennis Lehane ($25) A collection of five disturbing short stories and the eponymous play written with the power & insight expected from the author of Mystic River.  We particularly recommend “Until Gwen” as a knockout. (8/18)

We are working on getting signed copies of Triptych ($25), the new standalone thriller from Karin Slaughter.  Email or call us after our anniversary party for an update

 Paperback Originals

Calibre by Ken Bruen ($13) As darkly bleak as Ken’s Jack Taylor novels can be, his Brixton cop novels are darkly funny.  Brant, his boss Roberts & the rest of the squad (a perverse version of the 87th Precinct) hunt a killer who believes anyone who is rude in public deserves to die.

Rounding the Mark by Andrea Camilleri ($13) The popularity of the Sicilian mysteries featuring Inspector Montalbano grows with each novel.  In the seventh the detective’s casual swim is disrupted by the discovery of a corpse in the water, a discovery which leads to a greater & more disturbing crime.

The Last Quarry by Max Allan Collins ($6.99) The latest PBO from Hard Case Crime is the return (for the last time?) of hitman Quarry.  Collins’ thief Nolan appeared in the Hard Case reprint Two for the Money.  Last month’s reprint Lemons Never Lie by Richard Stark ($6.99) stars actor & thief Grofield, an associate of both Parker & Dortmunder, who   seeks revenge for a bloody double cross

 Paperback Parade

PRIVATE EYES: Crusader’s Cross by James Lee Burke ($7.99) (Dave Robicheaux) Dave returns in Pegasus Descending ($26); Bluetick Revenge by Mark Cohen ($6.99) (sequel to The Fractal Murders); P.I. On a Hot Tin Roof by Julie Smith ($6.99) (New Orleans Talba Wallis)

HARDBOILED: Private Wars by Greg Rucka ($6.99) (sequel to A Gentleman’s Game); 36 Yalta Boulevard by Olen Steinhauer ($14) (international intrigue); Drive by James Sallis ($13) (noir thriller from the creator of Lew Griffen); Cape Perdido by Marsha Muller ($14) (standalone thriller) The new Sharon McCone mystery Vanishing Point ($25) is now available.

MALICE DOMESTIC: Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle (PBO$6.99) (4th Coffeehouse mystery); Rituals of the Season by Margaret Maron ($6.99) (Deborah Knott) The new Deborah Knott mystery Winter’s Child ($25) is now available; Ashes & Bones by Dana Cameron (PBO$6.99) (Emma Fielding); Dead Man Docking by Mary Daheim ($6.99) (Bed & Breakfast mystery); A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton (PBO$6.99) (Knitting mystery); Familiar Friend by Christine Sumners (PBO$6.99) (third Rev. Kathryn Koerney/Chief Tom Holder mystery)

CopS: Faithless by Karin Slaughter ($7.99) (a Grant County mystery); Bangkok Tattoo by John Burdett ($13) (Thai detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep in this sequel to Bangkok 8); 33 Teeth by Colin Cotterill ($12) (sequel to The Coroner’s Lunch) Meet Colin on October 6

Historicals: Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear ($14) (third Maisie Dobbs mystery); A Play of Knaves by Margaret Fraser (PBO$6.99) (Joliffe the Player); An Unmentionable Murder by Kate Kingsbury (PBO$7.99) (World War II manor house mystery); The Limehouse Text by Will Thomas ($13) (Victorian mystery with Barker & Llewelyn)

SIMENON:  Maigret is on the case in Lock 14, A Man’s Head and The Yellow Dog ($12 each).  Red Lights ($13), a psychological suspense story that was the basis for the 2004 film.