2016
Welcome to the official home of Sarah Weinman, writer, editor, and Crime Lady. I’m the editor …
2015
1933 Some said he was the greatest clarinetist to grace the Earth. Others tempered that …
2013
Remember that time, months ago, when I promised to do something with this website after years of not …
2011
The post explaining it all is here, but this is the short version: I started a new gig as the News …
Ruth Cavin, the legendary crime fiction editor for St. Martin’s Press who was instrumental in the …
2010
(x-posted from <a href=“http://offonatangent.tumblr.com/" …
As has been widely reported, Otto Penzler and his well-traveled imprint is on the move again, after …
My newest Q&A at Currency is with Adam Levin, whose debut novel THE INSTRUCTIONS has been …
In Saturday’s Wall Street Journal, I wrote about one of my all-time favorite books: BY GRAND …
My newest column for the Los Angeles Times travels through the Appalachian region, looking …
For many years crime fiction fans have clamored for the return of Patrick Kenzie & Angela …
I admit I arrived at Bouchercon with a faraway look in my eye. A day late, with family obligations …
This more or less dormant* blog will be even more dormant this week thanks to the …
My newest Dark Passages column for the LAT heaps praise on Tom Franklin’s new novel CROOKED …
Starting today, I’ve begun a new column at Currency, an American Express-sponsored personal …
Shel Silverstein’s 80th birthday was last Saturday, and since my admiration (okay, uh, general …
I’ve spent the better portion of the afternoon racking my brain trying to remember when I …
Over the weekend, my newest Dark Passages column ran online at the LAT, featuring my take on new …
My newest – and final – column for The Barnes & Noble Review focuses on Yunte …
My review of Martin Cruz Smith’s newest novel featuring his iconic Russian detective, Arkady …
So the busy summer (and year) continues but a couple of new and upcoming publications featuring work …
I read many books annually, so that means I don’t reread all that much. But for Don …
So Richard Price will be writing a series of detective novels for Henry Holt under a pen name …
My newest column for the Los Angeles Times looks specifically at Justin Peacock’s new novel …
With the hype and phenomenal success of the Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson, a lot of news …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I delve into crime and mystery fiction for young adult readers, …
My newest column for the Los Angeles Times takes a close look at HAILEY’S WAR by Jodi Compton, …
Still sporadic, expect to be so for the foreseeable future. But links, they do pile up… At …
So the crime fiction imprint that Little, Brown publisher Michael Pietsch first talked about at …
One of the advantages of being lazy sporadic about blogging these days is that it affords me the …
One of America’s greatest writers has passed on, and even though I shouldn’t have been …
Marilyn Stasio focuses her attention on new mysteries and thrillers by Deborah Coonts, Michael …
The kind folks at Salon.com asked me to contribute a list of crime novels worth spending your time …
I think I’m pretty well recovered from BEA now, though as happens every year, it split my …
My newest Dark Passages column for the Los Angeles Times had a small agenda, I must admit. Most …
The Daily Beast has been running a series devoted to emerging writers, and their first two choices …
Of course I was going to write about Stieg Larsson. I haven’t been able to shut up about the …
Oline Cogdill has her say on Paul Doiron’s excellent debut novel THE POACHER’S SON in …
Thursday morning from 10 AM to 11 AM Eastern, I’ll be on Minnesota Public Radio’s …
Sometime soon, Julie Bosman will move beats and report on the publishing industry for the New York …
Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction by Paul Doiron, Michael Harvey, Donna Leon and Jassy …
The Daily Beast asked me to list what I consider to be the best books in the true crime genre, and I …
My newest LA Times column looks at THE SINGER’S GUN, the new novel from Emily St. John Mandel …
INNOCENT, the long-awaited sequel to Scott Turow’s 1987 novel PRESUMED INNOCENT, won’t …
Edgar Week is soon upon us! There’s the Mysterious Bookshop/MWA party on Tuesday, the …
I wasn’t able to make it to this year’s Festival of Books, which is ongoing throughout …
This damn volcano. Scrapping flights, stranding travelers, giving John Cleese a hell of a story to …
My newest column at the Barnes & Noble Review looks at the lineup so far from Vertigo Crime, …
Right, I didn’t do one of these last week! Which made me realize that I do miss the link …
My newest column at the Los Angeles Times muses on unreliable narrators – a device I love, but …
Janet Maslin rightly reviews new thrillers by Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay in tandem, since both …
When I read Lisa Reardon’s THE MERCY KILLERS some years ago, I felt like I was in the company …
Of course I’m leading off with this piece of news: a new collection of Shel Silverstein poems …
The work of Walter Mosley, I suspect, inspires some people to revisit tired old genre wars. To my …
My newest column at the Barnes & Noble Review focuses on the novels of David Carkeet, many of …
And let’s lead off with the winners of the awards given out last night at Left Coast Crime: …
Rodney Alcala has been in jail for almost as long as I have been alive. And yet it took three tries …
Oline Cogdill looks at Bob Morris’s new mystery novel BAJA FLORIDA for the South Florida …
My newest “Dark Passages” column at the Los Angeles Times looks at the first and most …
I have read Sam Tanenhaus’s piece on the Amy Bishop case several times now and still …
In the NYTBR, Marilyn Stasio rounds up new crime novels by Mark Mills, Frank Tallis, Matt Beynon …
A number of people asked when the memorial service for Robert B. Parker, who died on Martin Luther …
The finalists for the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes have been announced, and aside from a new …
My brief treatise on AGATHA CHRISTIE’S SECRET NOTEBOOKS – as self-explanatory a title as …
Laura Wilson rounds up new crime novels by Jacques Chessex, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths and Carley …
And here they are: Best Novel: Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews (St. Martin’s Minotaur) …
My newest column for the Barnes & Noble Review __once more travels the non-fiction route, …
Dick Francis, the former champion jockey who found fame and fortune as the author of scores of horse …
Marilyn Stasio looks at recent crime fiction by James Hall, Charlie Huston, Elly Griffiths and …
From Janet Rudolph comes the nws that the International Association of Crime Writers has just …
Oline Cogdill has her say on Julie Compton’s new thriller RESCUING OLIVIA. In the LA Times, …
My newest column at the LA Times looks at a slew of newcomers, including Belinda Bauer, Randy Susan …
After twenty-four years in business, my hometown mystery bookshop, Prime Crime, is shutting its …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I consider John Burdett’s latest Sonchai Jitpleetcheep …
Margaret Cannon’s latest crime column features new titles by Steve Hamiton, John Burdett, …
Now I can confess: when I first heard the news that J.D. Salinger died, I was instant-messaging with …
Marilyn Stasio looks at recent crime fiction by Ian Rankin, Belinda Bauer, James Thompson and Ian …
At the age of 77, “just sitting at his desk” at his home in Cambridge, Mass., according …
Mystery Writers of America is proud to announce on the 201st anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan …
I’ve long wanted to write about the work of Dorothy Uhnak, a police officer with the NYPD who …
Oline Cogdill chats with Robert Crais about his new Joe Pike novel, THE FIRST RULE, which she also …
Knox Burger, who died on January 4 at the age of 87, wore a great many career hats throughout his …
This year’s recipient of the CWA’s Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, which honors …
Laura Hruska, co-founder, longtime publisher and editor-in-chief of Soho Press, died on Saturday …
Julia Keller’s newest “Lit Life” column in the Chicago Tribune focuses on the …
My newest LA Times column finishes up a two-part look at the state of contemporary fiction by being …
Two and a half years in the making, my essay on the complete works of Don Carpenter runs in the …
I’m not sure if the lateness of this post and the lack of posts between this and last …
2009
Marilyn Stasio’s last crime fiction column of 2009 rounds up new crime fiction by Sue Grafton …
Earlier this fall, Little, Brown publisher Michael Pietsch announced that the company would start …
Oline Cogdill selects her best mysteries of all stripes in 2009 for the Sun-Sentinel. The …
The Los Angeles Times runs my profile with Sue Grafton today, based on a fairly wide-ranging …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, my newest column looks at the wonderfully entertaining Bryant …
Marilyn Stasio looks at recent mysteries and thrillers by Joseph Wambaugh,Charles Finch and Stan …
Pursuing such a subject is utter madness, of course, which is why I decided to crowdsource things …
The Mystery Writers of America won’t give out the Edgar Awards until April 29, but today they …
When THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST, the final book in Stieg Larsson’s Millenium …
So many best-of lists! So many gift guides! So many favorite books! So I’ll keep it to a …
My newest column for the Los Angeles Times reflects what was some unconscious gravitation on my part …
For those who need a quick recap, Harlequin, the romance publisher who also publishes thriller and …
I can list caveats until the cows come home about not having enough space to expound on all the very …
Okay, that’s not at all the most accurate headline, but just as Russia embraced detective …
The G&M’s Margaret Cannon reviews new crime fiction by Reginald Hill, Nevada Barr, Kenneth …
The Daily Beast runs my profile of Al Roker, the TODAY Show’s weatherman and feature reporter, …
In this week’s Publishers Weekly, Jordan Foster looks at what happens when mystery becomes …
Maj Sjowall, in this amazing profile by Louise France of the Observer, talks about the ten-book …
Over at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Rege Behe gathered an impressive number of writers like Anne …
A couple of choice items at The Bookseller today. First up, Otto Penzler re-establishes his …
Deadlines looming. Swamped with work. A big interview to finish up and post here soon. But for now, …
Declan Burke’s post this morning at Crime Always Pays is a real heartbreaker, and while I hope …
Oline Cogdill chimes in with her thoughts on Louise Penny’s newest neo-traditional mystery THE …
In an act of serendipity, both of my crime fiction columns appeared online on the same day. At the …
I suspect reading Motoko Rich’s story on “the Glenn Beck effect” on thriller …
Jason Pinter, as part of his new gig as a columnist for the Huffington Post’s recently …
When I left GalleyCat a couple of years ago the prospect of covering the publishing industry on a …
Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction offerings by Michael Connelly, Ruth Rendell, Archer Mayor, …
Lionel Davidson, a notable British writer of thrillers who was a three-time Gold Dagger winner …
I first heard about this piece of news a little while ago but yesterday, the news was more or less …
In the September issue of Standpoint Magazine, Jessica Mann – a regular reviewer for the …
Hallie Ephron reviews new mysterious tales by Ruth Rendell, Emily Arsenault and Keith Raffel for the …
To close out Tablet Magazine’s Jewish Body Week, I wrote about the autopsy – spefically, …
As presented tonight at a gala event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, which will be televised …
So Howard Unruh is finally dead. I think I’ve been waiting for the news all year, ever since …
This is the last thing any author should have to deal with a new book coming out, as Patricia …
Tonight at 7 PM, Scandinavia House hosts Norwegian crime novelists Kjell Ola Dahl (THE FOURTH MAN, …
The NYTBR’s Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction by Patricia Cornwell, Reginald Hill, …
At a panel on publishing held this morning at Bouchercon, Little, Brown president Michael Pietsch …
Thursday night in Indianapolis, a slew of awards were handed out during the Opening Ceremonies. THE …
I’m not going to Bouchercon this year. “It’s the economy, stupid” is a …
Oline Cogdill is impressed with David Ellis’s THE HIDDEN MAN, the start of a new series of …
Stuart Kaminsky, a former Grandmaster of the Mystery Writers of America and author of dozens of …
My first column for the Barnes & Noble Review under the banner of “The Criminalist” …
The mystery community’s known for roughly a year that Dennis Lehane’s current …
Marilyn Stasio reviews recent crime fiction by Nancy Mauro, Robert Parker, Dick & Felix Francis …
Trouble usually comes with the newest iteration of the “literary vs. genre” discussion, …
It’s been two days since Roman Polanski was arrested in Switzerland and I still can’t …
And so, the final completed volume of the Millenium series, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S …
I admit, self-promotion here has been kind of rampant, but such is the convergence of several pieces …
The fine folks at New York Magazine invited me on board for the newest edition of the Vulture …
My review of HARDBALL, the 13th installment of the V.I. Warshawski series by Sara Paretsky, appears …
Several years ago, one of my favorite blogs was “The Literary Dick”, run by Michael Wood …
Rosh Hashanah’s done, so more or less back to business… James Ellroy’s …
The Bookseller reports today on what Maxim Jakubowski, who shut down London mystery bookshop Murder …
We’re in the middle of a weeklong commemoration of Agatha Christie, and it’s worth …
Can you stop a speeding juggernaut? When it comes to THE LOST SYMBOL, I’m sure many would like …
So begins what might well be the craziest, “most important” week in publishing: Ted …
Lyn Hamilton, the Toronto-based mystery writer best known for her series of novels featuring …
When a writer signs a deal to publish more than, say, four books, it usually gets some attention in …
I cannot even begin to describe what a goldmine of information Paul Krassner’s “impolite …
Or, you know, the “Daggers”: ITV3 BESTSELLER DAGGER Harlan Coben Martina Cole Dick …
It’s been a bit fallow this week, hasn’t it? The transition from summer to fall will do …
On October 21, the Crime Writers Assocation will be under a whole different spotlight, thanks to …
Evidently Celia Fremlin, whose 1958 novel THE HOURS BEFORE DAWN won the Edgar Award for Best Novel …
Marilyn Stasio pays tribute to Donald Westlake and the Dortmunder novels in her NYTBR review of GET …
At the LA Times, my newest Dark Passages column focuses on the first two installments of the …
“The Capture of Cerebrus” was the title of a short story Agatha Christie published in …
Ian Rankin’s new novel THE COMPLAINTS is just out in the UK, that means a whole lot of media …
The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 28th annual …
The subject header says it all, but here is the letter that Chris Aldrich just sent out tonight: …
A Thomas Pynchon novel’s not supposed to be read in a single sitting. And yet, with one large …
Apologies in advance for what will be a muted presence here for the rest of the month, as I’m …
Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction by Stieg Larsson, Karin Fossum, Steven Thomas, Margaret …
It’s kind of ridiculous how much mystery-related content there’s been on the radio of …
At Significant Objects, Josh Glenn and Rob Walker’s fabulous site devoted to people like …
For months, Hard Case Crime publisher Charles Ardai has been hinting at a “surprise” …
Links have piled up over the course of the week, and finally I can round them up in something of an …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I look at the newest novel by Spanish crime writer Carmen Posadas, …
Newsweek has a smorgasbord of stuff related to real-life crime, starting with Walter Mosley’s …
The news of Current TV journalists Euna Lee & Laura Ling’s pardon after former President …
Most of the reviews to date of Lev Grossman’s new novel THE MAGICIANS understandably liken it …
To the Guardian’s credit, they get John Banville to respond to post-Harrogate genre …
My newest column for the LA Times looks at recent crime fiction involving, shall we say, damaged …
William G. Tapply, the author of over two dozen mystery novels (including the long-running Brady …
I think the Guardian’s Stuart Evers is making mountains out of molehills, but it does sound …
The New Yorker couldn’t have known that Nicholson Baker’s fascinating essay about his …
Right now is not the time for authors to settle for traditional ways of book promotion, i.e. hoping …
Deadlines and other major events have pretty much reduced my brain to 140 characters or less and to …
I’m not quite ready to dub this the Week of Westlake, but the plethora of news and reviews of …
The NYT’s Marilyn Stasio rounds up new crime novels by James Lee Burke, S.J. Bolton, Michael …
While I can’t say I am surprised, the news that Kate’s Mystery Books in Cambridge will …
Last night the Crime Writers’ Association announced the winners of several of its annual …
Jeffery Deaver picks his top ten novels featuring computers of all kinds for the Guardian, which is …
Somehow, I have gone through my crime fiction reading career without really reading a John D. …
In today’s Los Angeles Times, I review George Dawes Green’s new novel RAVENS, a book I …
Last night at the rather opulent setting of Cipriani near Grand Central Station – and still …
At Jacket Copy, LA Times deputy books editor Nick Owchar breaks the news reports that a long-lost, …
With travel behind me and ThrillerFest getting under way, somehow the Sunday link roundup got lost …
Benjamin Leroy and Alison Janssen have announced their departure from crime and literary fiction …
My newest LA Times column looks at the Inspector Adamsberg novels by Fred Vargas, one of the best …
Publishers Lunch today reported on the ongoing dispute between Stieg Larsson’s heirs – …
Yesterday on Minnesota’s Public Radio, Both Ron Charles and I appeared to talk about summer …
Oline Cogdill calls BLACK WATER RISING by Attica Locke “clearly one of the year’s best …
With FINGER LICKIN’ FIFTEEN now in stores, Janet Evanovich is on quite the media blitz of …
Every few months, whenever stress levels would increase and desire to work would decrease, I’d …
At Tablet Magazine – though when I conceived and wrote and revised the piece, the place was …
Late last week I went on a binge-read of the first six Parker novels by Richard Stark, reissued over …
In the NYTBR, Dennis Lehane makes a surprise appearance reviewing THE SECRET SPEECH by Tom Rob Smith …
And the nominees for the joint awards presented by Deadly Pleasures and Mystery News are: …
Amazon’s Omnivoracious blog put Michael Connelly and Janet Evanovich together for a two-day …
Katy Munger’s name doesn’t get mentioned here nearly often enough, even though I have …
Click To Play After receiving a number of requests to make the video of my interview with James …
As part of its summer reading issue, the National Post asked me to contribute my picks for …
Alan Furst picks his five favorite spy novels for the WSJ, including an unexpected Eric Ambler …
Over at The Stranger, books editor Paul Constant – whose dispatch from BEA was entertainingly …
This week at the Barnes & Noble Review, editor-in-chief James Mustich has a lengthy and …
This week I’ll be taking part in two different events. Tomorrow night at XR Bar (128 Sullivan …
With the 100th anniversary of Eric Ambler’s birth coming up later this month, the Guardian …
For my newest LA Times column, I wanted to try something a little different. So instead of reviewing …
As children, Joshua Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio were among many who scared others and themselves …
THE STRAIN, a collaborative reworking of the vampire mythos for today’s times by Guillermo del …
The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year has announced its shortlist. Johan Theorin is …
Sorry for the radio silence here; I’ve been helping out with Publishers Marketplace’s …
As part of the Nation’s spring books issue, Charles Taylor takes another look at one of Donald …
Over at John Scalzi’s site, China Mieville contributes a guest essay on crime fiction, a genre …
Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction by Michael Connelly, Alan Bradley, Simon Beckett and John …
Late last year, when I came across the news that Eric Ambler’s centenary was coming up in …
Peter Hayes, director of think tank the Nautilus Institute, wrote in the group’s newsletter in …
I was going to post at length, but really, Kat Meyer sums up all the reasons why Confessions, unlike …
Step out for a few hours and you end up missing out on some very welcome news, as the 2009 Anthony …
Finally, after much coverage of the story all around the world, the plight of Eva Gabrielsson, the …
Elmore Leonard gets lots of ink this weekend, including a rave review by Stephen King in the Boston …
Janet Maslin has been raving about Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels for years, so it’s …
In advance of THE SCARECROW’S May 26 release, Michael Connelly talks with the WSJ about that …
When I wrote about CSI creator Anthony Zuiker’s just-signed book deal for a slew of thrillers …
In the Los Angeles Times, I use George Pelecanos’s new novel as a means of writing a …
Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction by Gillian Flynn, George Pelecanos, John Hart, Maggie Estep …
My newest column in the Los Angeles Times looks at a slew of mysteries designed for young adult …
My review of the National Book Award winner’s foray into crime fiction – now in novel …
The Telegraph’s gossip columnist Mandrake (aka Tim Walker) caught up with Ruth Rendell at a …
Mystery Readers International awards the Macavity for works published in 2008. The awards will be …
One of Publishers Weekly’s big features this week is Jordan Foster’s look at the mystery …
For WoWoW, I offer my take on recent mysteries of a more traditional bent just in time for Malice …
Last night’s Edgar Awards were a very good time all round. A little longer than in previous …
Barely 18 hours after returning home from Los Angeles, it’s time to get into the thick of …
I am still very much on Eastern Daylight Time so my capacity at the moment for long-form reporting …
As announced today by the Crime Writers of Canada: Nominees in the best novel category are: Linwood …
A few weeks ago I received an unusual package in the mail: a small dictaphone containing a cassette …
As the London Book Fair winds down, it looks like there’s something approximating the …
Words cannot adequately convey the gist of the Letter to Booksellers on the back cover of the ARC of …
So I am trying very, very hard to damp down my worst impulses upon reading this Guardian article …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I have my say on the first Leonid McGill mystery. Here’s how …
J.G. Ballard died over the weekend after a long battle with cancer. He was 78. I’m not nearly …
The WSJ’s Tom Nolan looks at Hakan Nesser’s newly translated novel, WOMAN WITH A …
This weekend I’ll be up in Connecticut along with a plethora of excellent crime writers, …
In the May/June edition of Poets & Writers, I have a short piece on authors on Twitter – …
Wilda Williams highlights the mystery genre’s “Great Escape” in her cover story …
In honor of the publication’s five-year anniversary, founders Jon and Ruth Jordan interview …
While I’ve updated the Picks of the Week section, and the selections will remain until I …
The author of over fifty hardboiled crime novels – more than two dozen Mike Shayne tales as …
Terrible, terrible news: Derek Weiler, the editor of Canadian book trade magazine Quill & Quire, …
Saturday night on CBS, “48 Hours” will air a segment on the ongoing trial of 21-year-old …
Blogging and tweeting will be light for the next week or so; Passover preparations and being out of …
No doubt there will be some fun parlor games in the book world to see which “high-level …
In the New York Post, I review Dara Horn’s new historical novel ALL OTHER NIGHTS, which could …
It sounds outlandish, but two researchers from the University of Toronto beg to differ, as …
Michael Cox, author of the novels THE MEANING OF NIGHT and THE GLASS OF TIME, a biography of M.R. …
To mark the publication of the newest anthology edited by Michael Sims, The Penguin Book of Gaslight …
The 2009 Thriller Award nominees from the International Thriller Writers are: BEST THRILLER OF THE …
I’ve just finished reading the one and only novel from Dennis Richard Murphy, who passed away …
“Marlowe Goes to the Movies” at The Rap Sheet Carolyn Kellogg’s account of a …
The full slate of programming at next month’s LA Times Festival of Books is pretty …
The Strand Magazine announces its 2009 slate of nominees for Best Novel and Best First Novel: Best …
Few would argue that David Suchet makes an exemplary Hercule Poirot, the role he’s played on …
The Telegraph’s Jake Kerridge puts Raymond Chandler’s novels under a critical magnifying …
I’m the substitute chef at Publishers Lunch this week, and added to the usual spate of …
Highlights from the NYTBR and such: Marilyn Stasio on Olen Steinhauer’s THE TOURIST, Janet …
My newest Dark Passages column at the LA Times looks at the Bernie Gunther novels by Philip Kerr …
Kate Stine at Mystery Scene has the full scoop on the awards given out at the banquet hall this …
Spencer Quinn and his novel DOG ON IT have been a hot topic of mine of late. But when this article …
Much as I love the extra hour of daylight, losing the extra hour of sleep kind of blows. But enough …
Barbara Parker, the New York Times bestselling author of a dozen thrillers – most notably the …
Cara Black has always read from one of her Aimee Leduc novels at Stacey’s Bookstore in …
Deadlines and appointments keep me busy, but all the news o’ the day is on Twitter (short) and …
The full list of the 2008 LA Times Book Prize nominations is available here, but for our purposes, …
Can we just call James Patterson the most successful book packager working in publishing right now? …
Barbara Franchi, founder and publisher of Reviewing the Evidence, Antiques Roadshow regular, and a …
Jonathan Littell tells the WSJ that promoting THE KINDLY ONES in the US is not his job, but maybe …
There are many fine reasons to read SHOTS Magazine’s appreciation of Len Deighton on his 80th …
Earlier today I was a guest on New Hampshire Public Radio’s lunchtime program Word of Mouth, …
At the Guardian Books Blog, Imogen Russell Williams lodges her beef with the recent work of Ruth …
And they are… Best Novel • Six Geese A-Slaying, by Donna Andrews (Minotaur Books) • A Royal …
Robert B. Parker is 76 years old, the same age that John Updike was when he died earlier this year. …
How cool was it to see Saturday’s edition of the Chicago Tribune and find a whole article …
Hallie Ephron has her say on new mysteries by Spencer Quinn, Jedediah Berry and Val McDermid. Oline …
It’s just about common knowledge that getting on the New York Times bestseller list requires …
Yesterday the National Academy of Sciences issued a lengthy report, two years in the making,on the …
And in honor of the occasion, as well as HarperCollins UK’s plans to reissue several books …
Pauline Rowson has been a crime writer for a number of years, but it’s only fairly recently …
If Confessions is quiet of late, you’re not hallucinating – it’s because I’m …
Alan Bradley is hot, hot, hot in Canada, what with profiles in the Toronto Star and at Abebooks.com, …
For my newest “Dark Passages” column, I wanted to try something different: was there a …
In the TLS, Sean O’Brien attempts to make some grand conclusions about the state of the …
When I was a great deal younger and more prone to temper tantrums, I got mightily upset when a visit …
I’m not sure if it’s ironic or fitting that Carolyn Kellogg, who is not attending the …
This weekend it’s all about SPADE AND ARCHER, Joe Gores’ prequel to Dashiell …
The NYTBR teems with crime fiction this week what with the David Gates’ review of SPADE AND …
As it turns out, January’s crime fiction column for the Baltimore Sun was my last. After four …
Narrative Magazine normally has more of a literary bent, but in their February issue they give it up …
In the Los Angeles Times, Sebastian Rotella travels to Sicily to interview the island’s …
In the NYTBR, Marilyn Stasio gets a moment in the sun, too – reviewing the historical thriller …
R.I.P., John Updike. The links are plentiful and ongoing (especially as compiled by David …
After weeks of rumor-mongering, hand-wringing and aborted attempts at “petitions”, what …
By now the news has pretty well made the rounds, but the morning after it’s still damn sad …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime offerings from Charlie Huston, Andrew Martin, Jack …
Thanks to Stieg Larsson’s THE GIRL WITH PLAYING WITH FIRE reaching #1 on the UK hardback lists …
(Editor’s note: Howard Unruh died on October 19, 2009 at the age of 88, about nine months …
Every year since 1993 the International Mystery Booksellers Association has given out an award …
Tom Nolan celebrates the 75th anniversary of Dashiell Hammett’s THE THIN MAN by asking why …
Congratulations to all the nominees! BEST NOVEL Missing by Karin Alvtegen (Felony & Mayhem Press) …
The former barrister, satirist and creator of the much-loved RUMPOLE novels has died at the age of …
Sometimes you have to go with the obvious, and since Tuesday is the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan …
The mystery and thriller world knows David Ellis for writing five novels, including the …
If you’re in Philadelphia tonight, do not miss the Great Poe Debate at the Philly Free …
The Crime Writers’ Association announced that their annual award “for sustained …
As Quercus, the most recent UK publisher to get in on the ground with genre fiction, faces cutbacks …
The fourth and final part of my ongoing series on historical mysteries at the Barnes & Noble …
NYTBR: Caleb Crain looks at radical Marxist literature for children; Jacob Heilbrunn on a spate of …
So word of my freakish reading ability got around and Carolyn Kellogg, Jacket Copy’s ace lead …
Janet Maslin extols the virtues of Charlie Huston while Patrick Anderson is not so impressed with …
The Bookseller reports even more sad news. Murder One, the independent mystery bookstore that has …
Karen Spengler, proprietor of the independent bookstore I Love a Mystery in Mission, Kansas, died at …
My newest column at the Baltimore Sun has a neophyte feel to it because all three of the books I …
[]1 Donald E. Westlake, the incomparable writer of a great many fine crime novels – including …
Hope your 2009 has gotten off to a great start. I certainly feel ready to get back to things …
2008
The Observer serves up a preview of books published in 2009, marveling at the number of big names …
Hillary Waugh died earlier this month and I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never heard …
Tomorrow is the last night of Chanukah, so that means this rendition of “Ocho …
To each and every one of you I wish the happiest of holidays. The slowdown has begun, and since …
With the new year approaching I felt like going with a different color scheme for Confessions, so …
The January/February issue of Poets & Writers (which has an absolute must-read cover story …
My newest LA Times column travels back in time to the 1920s, when Earl Derr Biggers started writing …
So earlier this week, police in Hollywood, Florida closed the Adam Walsh case. 27 years after the …
Deadlines are beat. The plate is clear for now. And to tell you the truth, I am rethinking the whole …
Over the weekend the Times of London engaged in something of a parlor game, printing an excerpt by …
Apologies from this corner for the paucity of posts: it’s been a deadline-packed week and the …
The crime writing team of Michael Gregorio conduct a fascinating interview with Giancarlo de …
The Calendar section of the LA Times runs my piece on the bestselling thriller writer, which is as …
From a narrative standpoint, Sunday’s literary smackdown developed in the best possible way. …
Because honestly, this week it’s all about Best of Lists and you can find them all in one …
This weekend the Los Angeles Times runs its annual Favorite Books issue with the following …
If you happen to be in midtown this weekend, you’re well advised to check out the goings-on at …
Andrew Wheeler has the clearest summary of what some call Black Wednesday (I prefer Bloodbath …
I am about to pick my jaw up from the floor, but here’s the summary of a press release Random …
And after a glorious week away, the news is all doomy and gloomy! Well not all, but a whole lot of …
Okay, so a while back I wondered whether it was such a good idea to place James Wood on a pedestal, …
Here’s to good food and cheer to distract from stormy economic times. And when Black Friday …
It’s the news heard ‘round the publishing world (so of course, it happened while I was …
Over at his blog, Art & Literature, Art Taylor talks with Charles Ardai about his new and …
Because at this rate, it might be the only way to iron this mess out…
NYTBR: George Packer on the V.S. Naipaul biography; Charles Taylor digs the new short story …
My newest column at the Los Angeles Times has a missing persons themes running throughout, looking …
For the first time since 1978, Mystery Writers of America will have two Grand Masters for 2009: …
At the 2007 London Book Fair, UK literary agent Ali Gunn was shopping around a book proposal with …
For all your National Book Awards recap needs, including links to other stories and the view from …
George Chesbro, the author of the “Mongo the Magnificent” series of detective novels (as …
The newest podcast at CRIMEWAV features “Blooming”, a short story of mine that appeared …
And it’s an abbreviated one this week, so bear with: Marilyn Stasio gives the business on …
Jesus, this is horrible: Life was imitating art when crime novelist Laura Caldwell lay face down on …
At NPR, Martha Woodroof reports on how the global success of Stieg Larsson’s THE GIRL WITH THE …
First up, The Gumshoe Site reports that the Mystery Writers of America chose The Edgar Allan …
At the fifth annual Tony Hillerman Writers Conference, Roy Chaney was awarded the Tony Hillerman …
As one of the 2666 skeptics, it is only fair I judge the book on its merits, which I hope to do now …
As reported this morning over at BookBrunch: Val McDermid has left HarperCollins after 17 years and …
….well, I’ll just quote Ruth Jordan, who buried the lead in her report on Murder and …
NYTBR: Jonathan Lethem spent ecstatic days with Roberto Bolano’s 2666 and pretty much declares …
Kyle Minor is the author of In the Devil’s Territory, a collection of stories available this week …
I have lost count how many talented, brilliant, notable people have died this year. But goddamn, …
A few folks have wondered if I had anything of substance to say about Michael Crichton. And the …
The bestsellling author is dead at the age of 66 following a long and private battle with cancer. …
So now we know. And yes, it isn’t perfect (Prop 8 WTF? And same to you, AZ) but it’s …
Today’s the day. If there ever was an election I wished I could vote in, this was it. Even …
The Barnes & Noble Review runs a long and a short piece of mine this week. The long piece is a …
A few things from me to kick off this Weekend Update after we turned the clocks back. My new column …
The legend has passed. He was 96 and packed zillions of lives into a single one by reaching out to …
Happy Halloween, everybody. A few choice links on this candy-filled day: At the WSJ, Laura Miller …
The cover story of this week’s Metro Times features Loren Estleman, billed as …
Laura Wilson has won the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger for her WWII-era novel STRATTON’S WAR. …
Criminal Brief posts the news that Elaine Flinn passed away last Saturday from pneumonia, …
Tony Hillerman, the award-winning author of many works of fiction and non-fiction – primarily …
NYTBR: This is about as sycophantic a review I’ve read in ages, so of course it has to grace …
It was clear that he was loved, and that even though they might not have understood him fully, they …
My newest Dark Passages column at the Los Angeles Times turns the clock back all the way to 1865, …
Signs I am a mystery geek of insane proportions: I have been clicking refresh on Jiro Kimura’s …
One of the UK’s leading literary agents, Pat Kavanagh, has died from complications of a …
NYTBR: It’s more than a bit meh this week at the Book Review – or just puzzling …
When I first heard that Leonard Cassuto, a professor of English Literature at Fordham (and not …
Jennifer Jordan took this picture of me and my two Anthony Award nominations after the awards brunch …
Rae Helmsworth, who is chairing the 2010 Bouchercon in San Francisco, passes along word of the …
Thanks to the dedicated crowd who turned up at Scandinavia House yesterday evening to hear your …
The first of my Bouchercon dispatches is up at Jacket Copy, even if my med-addled status made me mix …
I have no voice and I have a pretty good suspicion whatever is ailing me must be cured with some …
I arrived early so I could prepare for this – but once the fast is done on Thursday night, …
Since Ali Karim was kind enough to trumpet this event over at the Rap Sheet, I ought to make it as …
Though the news was allegedly embargoed until tonight, The Bookseller has announced the winners of …
And of course, it’s the pre-Bouchercon update, seems fitting to note that the Baltimore …
Bouchercon is less than a week away. Early next week I’ll do some serious previewing (and if …
I can see how this would happen, but come on, this is funny: Two notices were delivered by GEZ, a …
RIP, Olsson’s Books & Records. That you will be missed is an understatement. WaPo’s …
The Crime Writers’ Association has announced the shortlist for the Ellis Peters Historical …
Keeping it short, keeping it mostly crime fiction-centric: The Missoula Independent collected a ton …
My newest Dark Passages column at the Los Angeles Times compares and contrasts Katherine …
Even though I first learned about this book deal in open court more than a year and a half ago, the …
Publishers Weekly reported this afternoon that NYT bestseller Tami Hoag, who has been publishing her …
Maxim Jakubowski and Mike Ripley remember James Crumley. The Times’ Ben MacIntyre visits with …
Karen Matthews at the AP writes up the opening of a new exhibit centered around Irene Nemirovsky …
At Time Out Chicago, book editor Jonathan Messinger looks into how Richard Stark’s Parker …
My review of Dennis Lehane’s THE GIVEN DAY runs in the Los Angeles Times today. I’ll get …
NYTBR: Seth Mnookin goes inside John Darnton’s murder mystery version of the Times; Tom …
The New York Times profiles Jessica Stockton Bagnulo and how close her dream of opening a bookstore …
James Crumley, one of the most influential crime writers upon the current generation of working …
Just this afternoon I was thinking that there hadn’t been a sit up/take notice kind of book …
….but this is pretty damn clever. (via) Naturally pretty much the whole world is reviewing …
This is the first day of the rest of America’s financial life. And anyone who says this is not …
As both the Telegraph and the New York Times report, a trove of recordings featuring Agatha Christie …
NYTBR: Michiko Kakutani offers a heartfelt tribute to David Foster Wallace; Bruce Jay Friedman on Al …
David Foster Wallace hanged himself last night. He was 46. As I write this the news is the most …
_(This is the sixth and last part in a multi-part series examining publisher
imprint brands in an …
The Guardian’s Alison Flood wonders at the UK prospects of Muriel Barbery’s surprise …
Gregory Mcdonald, best known as the author of the FLETCH novels, died on September 7 in Giles …
_(This is the fifth in a multi-part series examining publisher
imprint brands in an informal, …
The Booker Prize shortlist is announced, and the usual suspects aren’t on it – no CHILD …
_(This is the fourth in a multi-part series examining publisher
imprint brands in an informal, …
My occasional series on historical mysteries continues at the Barnes & Noble Review, with part …
Boy, was that some nutty rainstorm yesterday!
NYTBR: Well, before we get to the Book Review proper, …
_(This is the third in a multi-part series examining publisher
imprint brands in an informal, …
Read Dennis Lehane’s lips: no new Patrick and Angie. Oh, and he talks up THE GIVEN DAY a great …
They’ve just lost another author: New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline …
(This is the second in a multi-part series examining publisher imprint brands in an informal, …
It is not news that the publishing industry is in flux and in dire need of some new directions and …
Oh, that Stephenie Meyer. On the one hand, it sucks someone leaked a partial first draft of her new …
In this week’s issue of Maclean’s, I profile David Rotenberg, author of several …
And like everyone else, fingers crossed Gustav’s damage to the Gulf Coast is minimal and …
My newest “Dark Passages” column at the Los Angeles Times is now up, mixing together …
I am going to say from the outset that I want lots of comments on this post, because I think it will …
They are now posted at the Charmed to Death panel blog, broken down by date: Thursday Friday …
Well, not for the guy who tried to set his up, I suppose: A man who chose "Lloyds is pants" as his …
The Banffshire Journal meets Shona Maclean, newly minted historical crime writer. Oline Cogdill on …
It even has third-act plot twists: PORTLAND, Ore. – When Susan Kuhnhausen returned home from …
NYTBR: In what seems to be less space, Marilyn Stasio crams in reviews of new crime novels by Louis …
Damn, what a shame. The Rap Sheet has the news from editor Michael Langnas on why the magazine is …
Deadline hell is nearing an end, as is my Olympics obsession, just in time for some light travel. So …
…well, pick your superlative. I’ll go with really, really good swimmer for now. The …
When MURDER INK was published, Marilyn Stasio was about a decade away from taking over as the New …
As Mystery Scene puts it, Jim Huang is having a very bad business day: “The power’s out in our …
One of the reasons for my somewhat pre-emptive post earlier in the week was my lack of trust in the …
While it’s not quite nothing to see here, posting will definitely be on the light side between …
In Act One of this story, a 57 year old woman has her dead pitbull, Booger, cloned in South Korea. …
At the Washington City Paper, Mark Athitakis comes to terms with Pelecanos’s way with DC …
Thriller writer Mark Arsenault profiles fellow thriller writer Michelle Gagnon. Swati Padney meets …
The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce [the nominees for the 27th annual …
Eddie Muller’s new Guilty Bystander column looks at recent books by Nina Revoyr, Denise …
At the LA Times, I use my unabashed love for Iain Sansom’s Mobile Library novels (THE CASE OF …
Lots and lots and lots on George Pelecanos as THE TURNAROUND is released this week. Paper Cuts asks …
The longlist for the Man Booker Prize is…well…you be the judge. NETHERLAND is a total …
Much linked to already, but Motoko Rich has kicked off a series on the future of reading. …
If you’re registered for Bouchercon 2008 (or are about to be) this post is important and …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime offerings by Karin Fossum, James Lee Burke, Will Thomas and …
In honor of Raymond Chandler’s 120th birthday yesterday, Carolyn Kellogg at Jacket Copy asked …
Read on at Vulture to find out.
Marc Weingarten chats with Craig Johnson at the LAT about ANOTHER MAN’S MOCASSINS, which …
Leon Neyfakh’s piece on James Wood in this week’s Observer probably couldn’t help …
For the travel-minded crime fiction reader, the Independent lists 80 destinations, from Dublin to …
LA Observed reprints an open letter sent by former book review editors Digby Diehl, Sonja Bolle, …
The Washington Post has a great piece on George Pelecanos, and while it doesn’t reveal a lot …
The LA Times runs what it wants to think of as a serious investigative piece on the reliability of …
The Harrogate crime festival has just about finished up, and for those who couldn’t make it, …
In this weekend’s Los Angeles Times Book Review I offer up my take on Denise Hamilton’s …
NPR’s Morning Edition revives its “Crime in the City” series for the summer, …
Earlier today I was a guest on New Hampshire Public Radio’s “Word of Mouth” …
In reading her review today of Tana French’s THE LIKENESS, it’s pretty clear to me Ms. …
If the tone’s been a little downbeat of late, so be it, but things are starting to turn. …
They called it Black Monday for a reason. 150 people on the editorial side of the Los Angeles Times, …
PW’s Jordan Foster has the scoop on ITW’s waiving of fees for active members The Globe …
The Observer’s Leon Neyfakh embarks upon a new project in light of Publishers Weekly‘s …
Despite only attending ThrillerFest for one day, the recovery period is taking as long as it would …
Announced earlier today at an awards dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane: The Duncan …
David Montgomery takes stock of the first half of 2008 in mystery, and finds it somewhat wanting: …
Last night at a cocktail party held at the Midtown Executive Club, the 1st annual Strand Critics …
With the Tribune instituting a bloodbath of layoffs across their newspapers, one of my first …
There’s no denying how crazy that Lee Abrams memo is on Tribune matters and especially his …
Though so far there’s nary a peep in the English-speaking world, the Literary Saloon gleans …
The Baltimore Sun ran my newest crime fiction column yesterday, featuring new releases by Stephen L. …
Any fence-sitting on posting the Weekend Update disappeared with yesterday’s epic barnburner …
Why does this seem to me the perfect story right before a long weekend? Police say an Appleton …
Which is to say after this roundup, nothing until Monday. Tuesday was Canada Day, the anniversary of …
Up a bit early because of the holiday weekend is my newest Dark Passages column, which has a bit of …
The town of Gerald, Missouri was one of many small towns struggling to overcome the scourge that is …
At least on a temporary basis, as Lee Child has been awarded a visiting professorship from his alma …
Patrick Anderson deems Robert Crais’ CHASING DARKNESS to be “first-rate …
My review of Lewis Shiner’s new novel BLACK AND WHITE runs this weekend in the Los Angeles …
What with this year being the 100th anniversary of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, L.M. Montgomery has been on …
Ian Rankin is about to join a labor commission to look at declining literacy standards in Scottish …
As presented by the Mystery Readers Journal. The winners, too, will be announced at Bouchercon: Best …
Jerry Rodriguez, whose crime novels THE DEVIL’S MAMBO and REVENGE TANGO were published by …
But lo, it happens in real life, too: SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) — A Macedonian journalist jailed …
Part two of my occasional series on historical mysteries runs this week at the Barnes & Noble …
In this week’s Publishers Weekly, James Grippando pays tribute to his longtime editor at …
So instead, just links of the mystery-related variety: At the Washington Post, authors like Janet …
Sometimes the freelance gods decide that a whole bunch of pieces turned in at wildly different times …
Yesterday’s hour-long stint on WILL’s Focus 580 with David Inge was great fun, and …
I’m going to crib from Jiro Kimura first: Dennis Richard Murphy died of lung cancer on June …
Posting will be on the very, very light side this week, mostly because I’m putting together …
The Washington Post Magazine’s Laura Wexler has written an excellent profile of Jody …
Oddly enough, my latest Baltimore Sun is available not on the Sun’s website, but at …
The Times asks a number of writers about their eating and drinking habits while they write their …
Last December, Irish noir thriller writer Adrian McKinty went to Cuba and visited Ernest …
His work is dark, obviously, but straight up noir didn’t seem to be part of his fictional …
Yes, it’s another reminder and more blatant self-promo, but come one, come all – or at …
I had bookmarked this and forgot until Euro Crime reminded me, but thriller writer Peter James has …
Late last month I interviewed Kathryn Harrison about her latest book WHILE THEY SLEPT: AN INQUIRY …
The name Bennett Cerf conjures up a lot of different things. There’s the guy who edited book …
The Boston Globe’s David Mehegan highlights one of genre fiction’s truisms, and perhaps …
It figures that there are all these great links accumulating post-Weekend Update. So let’s …
Okay, so I am a negligent hockey fan who doesn’t even live in Canada anymore. But HOW HOW HOW …
My newest “Dark Passages” column at the LA Times shifts away from crime fiction into …
The Crime Writers of Canada has announced the winners of the 25th annual Arthur Ellis Awards last …
The New York Daily News talks with several writers of a Latin American bent, including Jerry …
The Duncan Lawrie Dagger was announced in advance, but now all the other Dagger shortlists have come …
Since today is the publication day of Lee Child’s NOTHING TO LOSE, it’s no surprise …
The big news today is the Anthony Awards, but that’s for a separate post. Also, although I am …
Are available right here. And I have to say, by and large I’m pretty damn pleased with the …
Though the official announcement of all the Dagger Awards won’t be made until Tuesday June 3, …
Deadly Pleasures announces the nominees for the 2008 Barry Awards: BEST NOVEL (Published in the …
But the story comes damn, damn close: A JAPANESE man puzzled by food mysteriously disappearing …
On the occasion of the publication of his first young adult novel LITTLE BROTHER, I spoke with Cory …
It would be damn near impossible to link to all of the articles published today in the wake of the …
Since Gregory Beyer’s NYT piece last weekend posed the question of whether mystery writers …
To kick off the Update, I encourage everyone with even the slightest interest in crime fiction to …
Tucked in the middle of this week’s Artvoice interview with Lawrence Block, which focuses …
One of my favorite noir fiction writers, Massimo Carlotto, moves back a few hundred years for his …
Effective December 31, Marie Arana will no longer be the editor of the Washington Post Book World. …
I can imagine the mood at Random House this morning is akin to an entire coop of non-kosher chickens …
THE GIVING TREE is not one of my favorite works by Shel Silverstein. In part because, as the man …
NYTBR: Dwight Garner waxes serious rhapsody over Joseph O’Neill’s NETHERLAND, but all I …
When Patti Abbott asked me to contribute to her fine project, which rotates around various blogs …
Canada’s crown jewel in PI fiction is Benny Cooperman, the amiable Toronto investigator …
At the Guardian, Chris Wiegand talks with two crime novelists mining very different mean streets in …
The Detroit Free Press profiles Peter Leonard, son of Elmore and crime novelist in his own right. …
The NY Daily News remarks on a publication story that is both remarkable and heartbreaking: …
My newest “Dark Passages” column for the LA Times Book Review – which now has a …
Referring, in this instance, to Evelyn Nesbit: turn-of-the-20th-century starlet, objet de …
The Joseph Fritzl case in Austria is a horrifying train wreck that I can’t stop reading about. …
The Wall Street Journal has a big feature on the James Bond franchise, continuing with Sebastian …
Charles Ardai was on NPR’s Fresh Air yesterday to chat with Terry Gross about Hard Case Crime, …
My review of Tom Rob Smith’s debut novel CHILD 44 runs today on the Barnes & Noble Review. …
The author of the fabulous, recently reissued THE DUD AVOCADO died on May 1 at the age of 81. The …
Eighty years ago, S.S. Van Dine – a pseudonym for Willard Huntingon Wright and the author, …
Indeed, almost immediately after going home from the Edgars, some vicious flu decided to take up …
And this new one has some degree of muscle, what with it being the ITV3 Crime & Thriller Awards …
…it’s right here, and will be updated as much as I can from 7:30 PM onwards. UPDATE: And …
For the first time ever, Booklist is running original fiction in its pages. Keir Graff, the trade …
Shannon Byrne was taking pictures at the Mysterious Bookshop’s party for BLUE RELIGION and …
This week’s big true crime story is highly speculative: could a nationwide gang of …
On the awards front, St. Martin’s Press and the Mystery Writers of America announce the …
And that means another Girl’s Guide, though belated since the fun has already begun… …
Or, to get all 1337-speak, my reaction upon reading this LA Times article by Scott Timberg was on …
The Rap Sheet has your Agatha Award winners. At the Boston Globe, Hallie Ephron reviews crime …
The LA Times Festival of Books is done. I have a godawful early wake-up call for my flight back to …
Day One of the LA Times Festival of Books is wrapping up. The sun is bright and the temperature is …
If this week hadn’t been so travel-heavy I would have cobbled together a “Girl’s …
Lee Child talks up his business side of writing to the London Times. Marilyn Stasio takes a …
For those keeping score, Crais’s last three books – which include July’s CHASING …
Publishers Weekly’s bi-annual feature on crime fiction has a UK-centric feel to it, as Jordan …
Passover pre-empts the Weekend Update, but before I go gorge myself on Seder food, it’s worth …
Greetings from my hometown, where I’ll be for the next few days to celebrate my favorite …
Reuters talks with Karen Joy Fowler about the writing life, genre vs. literary and her new novel …
LJ editor Wilda Williams conducts an annual survey of the current mystery market with a twist …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I take the long view on Joseph Wambaugh’s career as a …
Catherine Price’s Salon article really could have come in handy last year, but at least …
One of these years I do hope I can swing a trip over to London in time for the Book Fair, which …
Photo editor and writer Antony Bennison had some fun and produced the following bit of awesomeness: …
The header should be a dead giveaway as to how I spent much of this week. The rest of the time, a …
USA TODAY’s Binzesheimer, along with AP’s Hillel Italie and David Segal, NY1 and the …
Meet Matt Hilton, the UK’s newest six-figure crime-writing star: A former Cumbrian police …
Yes, I love these kinds of stories. And this one is both a doozy and heartwarming: A baby with two …
Because if this was fiction it sure as hell would be: Terry Cottle and Sonny Graham never …
First, though I only spent a day at NoirCon, I had a blast – thanks to all who attended my …
It seems fitting that as NoirCon gets underway today, today’s big film news is that Ken …
Kyril Bonfiglioli always seems to fall out of favor, come back, fall out of favor in a repetitive …
When true crime writer and Crimerant co-blogger Gregg Olsen thought of ways to get the word out …
The Pioneer Press chats with Raymond Benson about his talents in many writing and musical spheres. …
I’ve been on a bit of an international pop star kick of late, and the recent death of Jules …
The AP has an extended piece on the Doe Network, whose mission since its inception in 2001 is to …
NYTBR: First up, the new Grisham novel makes the cover – two months after its release date? …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I kick off an occasional series on historical mysteries by …
Three years ago I blogged about “Joseph Newton Chandler III”, an elderly gentleman who …
Chetan Bhagat is India’s bestselling novelist – a task he accomplishes in his spare time …
Michiko Kakutani generally likes Colin Harrison’s THE FINDER but finds the plot rather …
J. Kingston Pierce has written the most amazing tribute to Arthur Lyons, author of several P.I. …
PW’s Edward Nawotka has a great writeup this week about David Thompson and McKenna Jordan, the …
The annual festival announced its full schedule late last week, and as always, the crime fiction …
NYTBR: This is pure conjecture on my part, but I can’t help wondering if Colm Toibin’s …
This is one of the damned saddest news I’ve had to report here. Thriller writer and military …
I know, it’s yet another award nomination list, but this time the Strand Magazine has …
It would be rejected on the grounds of sheer unbelievability.
My review of Elisa Albert’s THE BOOK OF DAHLIA is now up at JBooks. The Thriller Award …
It’s the title of Michio Kaku’s book, yes, but right now that seems an appropriate way …
The Yomiuri Shimbun has good reason to fete mystery novelist Jiro Akagawa – he’s just …
Though the story’s headline is far, far funnier: LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) – Police in …
There’s two, two LA Times pieces for the price of one. First, my newest Dark Passages column …
A while back Canadian director David Cronenberg inked a book deal with Penguin Canada, and now the …
The reaction to Nicholson Baker’s HUMAN SMOKE is nothing short of fascinating and pretty much …
So says the title of my newest piece for the Guardian Books Blog. I’ve wanted to write about …
Normally I don’t blog much about politics and current events, but I’m still picking up …
As announced today by Mystery Ink: BEST MYSTERY James Lee Burke – Tin Roof Blowdown (Simon …
And first, a reminder: hope you all pushed your clocks an hour forward. Daylight Saving Time comes a …
In this week’s issue of Time Out New York I bring up one of the city’s most notorious …
Forgive the cringe-worthy title, but this story, set off Gabriola Island in British Columbia, is …
Congrats first to Duane Swierczynski, who revealed the news yesterday that Michelle Monaghan has …
Richard Price Week gets extended some more now that his new novel, LUSH LIFE, hits stores today: …
At the Guardian Books Blog, I reveal a deep dark secret. Though I’m trying to adjust my …
As most every literary geek I know, I spent a chunk of my morning watching the debut episode of …
The double Booker Prize winner and multi-genre writer, who wrote many crime novels and thrillers, …
My review of Samantha Hunt’s fantastic and wondrous novel THE INVENTION OF EVERYTHING ELSE ran …
Also, my current Baltimore Sun column looks at new crime novels by Benjamin Black, Charlie Newton, …
Last night the LA Times announced its Book Festival Prize finalists and the mystery/thriller …
As there are quite a number on the crime fiction front. First, the next book from Blake Crouch: …
Because this is one of the greatest sentences I have ever read: Two twin brothers, who are also …
I must admit that when I heard the news today my first thought was to wonder what this means for Sam …
As this is very good news indeed: Russel McLean’s THE GOOD SON, introducing a troubled Scots …
After reading this now I want to pick Roslyn Targ’s brain for glamorous publishing stories. …
And they will be presented at the 20th Malice Domestic Convention held the weekend of April 25-27: …
Granted, I’m deluged with work again, but still, this is genius. (via)
The New Yorker writes about Farrar, Straus & Giroux’s impending move to new quarters on 18 …
Having spent yesterday watching four of the five best picture nominees in one sitting (oddly enough, …
Jaime dishes on Donald Westlake’s greatest masterpiece ever. Or not. (Also, as a result, this …
First up is perhaps my very favorite prize, the Diagram Prize for Oddest Book Title of the Year, has …
Issue #1 of the New Plots With Guns. This news makes me quite happy indeed.
It’s certainly strange enough: A four-ton iron bridge on an old rail line between Cheb and …
Publishers Marketplace reports that Janet Silver, Houghton Mifflin’s former publisher, will …
…but this was truly beautiful.
Well, eventually, anyway: Black is getting blacker. Researchers in New York reported this month …
The Sacramento Bee meets James Hall, who tries to shed light on why there are so many crime writers …
On Friday, Publishers Weekly reported that four editors at the now-combined Houghton Mifflin …
Adam Langer’s new novel ELLINGTON BOULEVARD was a curious read for me because it takes place …
A lively discussion is going on at David Montgomery’s blog, provoked in part by his …
Okay, so pretty much everyone knows that Hollywood doesn’t have much of an incentive to be …
The Houston Chronicle’s Sandra Breiting profiled David Thompson over the weekend, getting …
I am starting to come to the conclusion that Patricia Cornwell is the Upton Sinclair of the criminal …
About a year and a half or so ago I put forward the idea that crime fiction, as it is being …
Still down south so no Weekend Update. And as my review of John Burnham Schwartz’s THE …
Though I have spent less than 24 hours in the Sunshine State (which I last visited at the age of …
The Hollywood Reporter’s Paul Hyman tracks down James Patterson and finds out why he’s …
Last week I wrote about how crime novelist Inger Wolfe’s pseudonym bore an uncanny resemblance …
The other big news in Philly media is that Duane Swierczynski is leaving the City Paper to write …
And it is sad, sad news for the book world, as M.A. Orthofer explains: No one has done as much to …
But then, I much preferred Rodgers with him than with Hammerstein: Gary Marmorstein’s LORENZ …
At the Guardian Books Blog, I discuss my all-time favorite author, L.M. Montgomery, and the 100th …
NYTBR: Liesl Schillinger really digs Charles Bock’s debut novel BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN, a verdict …
The North American Branch of the International Association of Crime Writers is pleased to announce …
About a month after a three-part series on DNA and Ethics, NPR now goes back to the forensic science …
Overlook’s done a pretty good job at getting formerly neglected espionage novelists Robert …
[Wall Street Journal Europe chats with Olen Steinhauer]1 about espionage, the fall of communism and …
At the Washington Post, Bethanne Patrick is chilled by John Grisham’s THE APPEAL and Patrick …
Today, over 300 writers, editors and bloggers are joining forces to support Patry Francis in her …
The piece I wrote may have come and gone, but the speculation on Inger Wolfe’s identity …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime novels by Cornelia Read, Minette Walters, Loren Estleman and …
Whitbread award winning author Joan Brady has won her long-running battle against a shoe …
You decide: Criminal gangs are using dwarves in a ruse to steal from the luggage holds of …
Or, Jeff Pierce’s Rap Sheet headline on this story is pretty much dead-on. Besides, want to …
The Sydney Morning Herald profiles award-winning crime writer Garry Disher. Sara Paretsky reveals …
That’s the title of Terry Teachout’s most recent Sightings column in the WSJ, and in …
As in, pretty much only crime fiction in this update. Both my columns ran at the same time this …
It figures that the MWA would announce the nominees for the Edgar awards as I was on a bus out of …
What can you say? One of the greatest mystery legends, a man who had a story in every issue of …
For some reason I’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time watching YouTube clips of …
Motoko Rich profiles John Burnham Schwartz, whose new novel THE COMMONER is a fascinating look …
Century, one of the major imprints of Random House UK, has inked a nine-month sponsorship deal with …
So I wrote this speculative piece for Maclean’s* and it ruffled enough feathers that a …
The award for the mystery independent booksellers most enjoyed selling has announced its nominees: …
At the Barnes & Noble Review, I discuss the current revival of espionage fiction. Also, the home …
Danuta Kean talks with Martyn Waites in the Independent on Sunday and the conversation quickly turns …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio reviews the latest crime offerings from Sara Paretsky, Frank Tallis, James …
For that seems to work for Jamie Freveletti, whom I think I met briefly at ThrillerFest and is a …
Finally, the Guardian runs an obituary of the late Icelandic translator Bernard Scudder. (Thanks, …
Courtesy the Rap Sheet comes the first spate of mystery genre awards, to be handed out at Left Coast …
At the Guardian Books Blog, I discuss last month’s WSJ article on Tom Rob Smith’s …
There are nights when everything clicks together perfectly at choir practice. The sopranos …
Michiko generally likes THE BOOK OF OTHER PEOPLE, the charity anthology edited by Zadie Smith. …
Though the news broke in a soft way when the Spring/Summer 2008 catalog went out to booksellers and …
NYTBR: The Islam Issue. Oh boy. Does that mean we get the Zoroastrian Issue later this year? Or …
The creator of Flashman as we know him best – because, of course, Flashman first appeared as …
The answer to the whereabouts of arguably America’s most notorious female serial killer is …
Happy New Year, everybody. If the first day was anything to judge by, things are off to a pretty …
2007
I realized a couple of days ago that I couldn’t remember the last time I took a blog hiatus …
Gothamist points to the story of a bank robber so compulsive he robbed the same banks over and over …
On the list front, we have January Magazine’s best crime fiction of 2007, and Oline …
I have my issues with Portfolio, Conde Nast’s business mag, for all the usual reasons, mostly …
The National Post caught up with Sleuth of Baker Street co-owner J.D. Singh to talk about the …
Till tomorrow, or never, but in the meantime, a big thank-you to Paul Goat Allen for his lovely …
The Brattleboro Reformer profiles Mystery on Main Street, a new independent mystery bookshop that …
NPR’s Ari Shapiro continues his weeklong series on DNA, its forensic applications and ethical …
One of my favorite crime writers, Jenny Siler, is going in a different direction for her newest …
Oline Cogdill picks her top mysteries of 2007, with Laura Lippman’s WHAT THE DEAD KNOW heading …
Awful, awful news care of the Guardian: In recent years the comic novelist Chrissie Glazebrook, who …
Lizzie Skurnick has been blogging about YA novels at Jezebel. The most recent entry is one of my …
At the Guardian Books Blog, Icelandic translator Bernard Scudder’s recent death – about …
Now this is interesting news: Two books in NYT bestselling author Walter Mosley’s new mystery …
Janet Maslin has found another female crime writer to praise in Theresa Schwegel. Patrick Anderson …
This month’s Baltimore Sun column is a bit different in that I took a more gift-centric …
From James Fallows’ blog at the Atlantic: I say that “genre” fiction, like spy …
If you’re in the city or don’t already have plans tonight, join editrix Megan Abbott, …
A million years ago I thought about and sent around some half-hearted pitches on Bob Barnett, …
When the news breaks that Duane Swierczynski will be penning Marvel Comics’ relaunch of Cable, …
Because, it’s priceless: ROME (AP) — Your honor, I thought I saw a pussycat! Tweety may …
Else how to explain this Phoenix-like tale? For more than five years he had been missing, presumed …
The Rap Sheet reports that Julia Spencer-Fleming took home the Nero Award last Saturday night for …
It is a truth universally acknowledged that every crime fiction reviewer must pen an essay about …
New York’s first snowfall has come and gone, but the nasty cold lodged in my head remains. So …
While not every Sunday book review publication has a holiday theme, a great many of them do to the …
I mark my upcoming birthday with a post at the Guardian Books Blog on why I’m somewhat …
Where else do you find a reggae-flavored cover version of the Italian version of the MORK AND MINDY …
The saga of PFD has rightfully dominated UK publishing trade press, what with a new managing …
Also, I’m on deadline (what else is new?) and I got pretty much nuthin’ until …
Back in 2006, Mystery Writers of America added an extra codicil for potential Edgar Award …
It’s Denise Hamilton’s turn to critique John Leake’s ENTERING HADES and she likes …
It’s just a one-line deal memo and yet it has the weight of a million paragraphs: “Film …
The full news release is available here, but Anthony Rainone has the general highlights: …
New York Magazine presents a handy guide to international sleuths ranging from the Gaza Strip to …
Reading Janet Maslin’s book reviews bears some resemblance to dead horse-beating, mostly …
Thanksgiving is but a faded memory, the gluttony may persist until the end of the year, but the …
Mickey Spillane, Evan Hunter, Robert B. Parker and Dick Cavett. Does it get any better than this? …
A short piece on all the notable American writers who have died in the last 12 months with some …
From me and the folks at WKRP in Cincinnati:
Don’t you have better things to do? I don’t find it hilarious like David Montgomery …
The Costa Awards have announced their shortlists. Faves Rupert Thomson and Nikita Lalwani made it to …
The deal writeup for a big trilogy sale is plenty interesting: Stieg Larsson’s THE MILLENNIUM …
With regards to Newsweek’s cover story on Amazon Kindle, I’m with Michael Cader: …
Actually, the goodbyes to this forensic technique began in 2005, when the FBI announced that, after …
NYTBR: Jabari Asim assesses the final (?) Easy Rawlins novel; Sarah Towers wishes Emily Listfield …
Pronzini, the author of the Nameless Detective series and numerous other novels, will be awarded the …
Though Marie La Ganga’s piece for the LA Times confirms that an aging audience likes to read …
Since one-line Twitter entries can’t possibly cover the gamut of what happened last night …
My Baltimore Sun column ran last weekend but is only now available online. In it I review new …
November 7: HarperCollins reports on a “lousy quarter”, as last year’s sales fell …
The author of A KISS BEFORE DYING, ROSEMARY’S BABY, THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL and several other …
The news that New York Is Book Country is returning after a three year hiatus should make me happy, …
The Washington Post’s Linton Weeks talks with M. Sindy Felin, who is up for the National Book …
Since I’ve been hearing that several noteworthy books have not been submitted to the …
The Times’ Bruce Dessau lifts the veil to reveal the ghosts behind those high-profile …
With so many tributes and voices of dissent about Norman Mailer, it makes me wonder the following: …
Having spent the weekend at the wonderful New England Crime Bake (and thanks to Hallie, Roberta, …
Library Journal devotes its most recent issue to mystery fiction, with reviews of upcoming titles, …
The New Statesman’s Tabish Khair explains why Peter Hoeg’s THE QUIET GIRL (which …
Mike Ripley called her as the favorite and the betting proved correct, as Ariana Franklin won the …
As this is quite good news indeed: A N Smith’s YELLOW MEDICINE, in which a corrupt …
After reading this, is it terribly perverse of me to hope that Otto Penzler could have his say about …
At a book party last night, I was talking to an agent about this very subject and she brought up an …
After the past week, which included: A family reunion Eating enough kosher chinese food to remind …
I still have to read this: Amy Belasen and Jacob Osborn’s JENNY GREEN’S KILLER JUNIOR …
Wordharvest Writers Workshops and Thomas Dunne Books announced today that Christine Barber’s …
Travel day today, so the Update may be somewhat truncated.
John Rickards on why the Genre Has No Clothes. I’d quote from it but then this post would go …
Yesterday Joel Rose reported on Baltimore and Philadelphia’s Poe Wars for All Things …
Pauline O’Connor highlights LA’s literary scene after-hours. The List takes a look at …
The Southern Illinoisan profiles Laura Benedict, debut author of ISABELLA MOON. Patrick Anderson is …
…form the basis of my debut in Maclean’s, Canada’s national weekly news magazine. …
First, go here. Watch both parts (or go here for the whole thing in one clip.) Then come back and …
First up is my newest LA Times column, pretty much devoted to all things Jo Walton. Her work is …
Long a fan of Laura James’ true crime blog CLEWS, I’ve been waiting for this news for a …
But not without cost, as the Orlando Sentinel’s Laurin Sellers reports: COCOA BEACH – …
For years, Russia claimed Andrei Chikatilo as its most prolific serial killer. That …
Well perhaps not, but this is still pretty damn funny. (via)
The International Herald Tribune’s culture pages are primarily devoted to crime fiction today. …
To New York Magazine’s Geoffrey Gray’s credit, he never out and out says that Kenneth …
As per Variety, Martin Scorsese will direct and Leonardo DiCaprio will star in an adaptation of …
Patrick Anderson juxtaposes the supposed end of Easy Rawlins with the end of Nathan Zuckerman, which …
To commemorate the birth date of famed Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Rampo, one man came up with …
Not long after the Mysterious Bookshop relocated from its longtime midtown location to TriBeCa, Otto …
Brief BSP to start, as my review of Joe Hill’s wonderful short story collection 20th CENTURY …
For ninety-seven years, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen has been known as one of England’s notorious …
After Anne Enright won the Booker Prize, chair Howard Davies went on the offensive against …
Courtesy Jaime: and this one found all by my lonesome:
As Baltimore and Philly duke it out for dibs on Edgar Allan Poe, Matthew Pearl – whose last …
Dennis Lehane with fiancee Dr. Angela Bernardo at Monday’s premiere for GONE BABY GONE. But …
As per the Local, Sweden’s English-language web newspaper: Swedish crime fiction writer …
Duane Swierczynski has a great recap of recent developments and reactions in the wake of Ed …
Motoko Rich followed Tom Perrotta along to Wayne, NJ to attend an abstinence rally – something …
Last week, while I wasn’t paying attention, Michael Devlin plead guilty to a slew of charges …
Now that the Frankfurt Book Fair has shut up shop until next year, the coverage is that much more …
Sometimes an enforced hiatus from the Internet is a good thing, so the full-on Weekend Update will …
And as always, no preamble required: MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) — An aspiring horror novelist …
Olen Steinhauer shares a little bit of news. More here and here.
Consider the people involved in this film deal: Film rights to Marcus Sakey’s debut crime …
Your Nobel Prize winner for literature is…Doris Lessing. Which is a totally cool, very …
And they are most interesting indeed: Fiction Mischa Berlinski, Fieldwork (Farrar, Straus & …
On the one hand, Archer Mayor is the beneficiary of good news. His 18th Joe Gunther novel, CHAT, …
Jessica Stockton Bagnulo has been running a series of interviews of Brooklyn literary notables and …
And if you subscribe to Publishers Lunch you’ll have seen most of them last night, but in any …
I mean, really. I liked Facebook when it was a way to find out what the people I went to elementary …
In this week’s Philadelphia City Paper, Edward Pettit makes a stirring argument that Edgar …
First we have, shall we say, a rather unusual premise: Pseudonymous Swedish author Tim Davys’ …
I woke up and realized this is Confessions’ 4th birthday, which is fairly ancient in blog …
Though of course, that’s not how Holt is pitching this new series: [ Paul Tremblay]1‘s …
Kacey Kowars interviews me for the second time. Funny how every time I talk to him corresponds to a …
Whenever a review of mine is published somewhere, especially a review that has the space to be …
More on the convention, including other award wins, in a separate post, but first up is my newest …
Weekend Update will be up later this afternoon, but first a quick look at more awards given out …
Courtesy Mystery Readers Journal, who awarded them last night: Best Novel: THE VIRGIN OF SMALL …
Mystery News and Deadly Pleasures are pleased to announce the winners of the 2007 Barry Awards. The …
And for Kate White, it means a new publisher, new character and new scope: NYT bestselling author …
Early Alaska Bouchercon dispatches from: Jeri Westerson Steven Torres Rhys Bowen Laurie King Anna C …
First, we all *thought* editors would stop buying DA VINCI CODE knockoffs but as the Bookseller …
I won’t be at Bouchercon this year, though it would have been lovely to see Alaska in the …
Some writers get splashy book tours and accommodations at five-star hotels around the country. Still …
The Apple has welcomed me back on this lovely sunny day. So it’s fitting that while I was …
Having spent the past week in Canada, I’m all the more aware of how the Canadian dollar has …
NYTBR: David Margolick finds Jeffrey Toobin’s examination of the nine who comprise …
Will be up at midnight tonight. However, my streak of really good Yom Kippur reading continues as I …
Too early to tell based off of a deal alone, but still: Rights to NYT bestselling author Laura …
First, a most unusual mystery series to Penguin: Mehmet Murat Somer’s THE KISS MURDER and THE …
I’ve linked to this before, but Levi Asher’s ongoing online symposium about book pricing …
Last Sunday, the Denver Post’s Robin Vidimos looked at the time-honored practice of blurbs …
In good, though not all that surprising news: Author of Dead Connection, Alafair Burke’s LAST …
Boarding a flight later today so links are all I’m good for: More on the NYT bestseller revamp …
For such a major change to the way paperback bestsellers are computed by the New York Times, the …
Probably because it’s so evocative: Christina Harlin’s MY BOSS IS A SERIAL KILLER, …
Rosh Hashanah has ended, and I survived the onslaught of food (excellent) synagogue (running into …
…goodbyes are hard. But still, it’s time. Just as it’s time to continue the mad …
More information about the audiobook thriller conceived by ITW and produced by Audible courtesy USA …
Jaime looks at how the “illustrious” team of Miller/Boyett (and sometimes Milkis) would …
With a BBC documentary on Columbo slated to air today, Mark Billingham tells The Rap Sheet why …
Now that EXIT MUSIC is in stores in the UK, the media over there is all Rebus, all the time (the Rap …
The world of books may have lost one of its young adult greats in Madeleine L’Engle last week, …
And before getting started, I’ll point to my review of David Peace’s TOKYO YEAR ZERO in …
The newest issue of The Quarterly Conversation is now up, and there are loads of goodies to check …
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. I’ve changed the look of Confessions after something like …
So remember the case of the Polish author who’d been arrested for murder based on the book …
The news is a long time coming but PW’s Judith Rosen has more details: Sixty-one-year-old …
I’ve been wanting to read David Lozell Martin’s THE AMERICAN KING for a while, but …
Or the story, for that matter: WAUKESHA, Wisconsin (AP) — It was embarrassing enough that …
NYTBR: Jim Lewis considers Denis Johnson’s new novel TREE OF SMOKE; Kathryn Harrison has a …
Since it’s the Labor Day Weekend and all. So for now, it’s BSP time: my latest LA Times …
(Katherine Howell’s debut novel, FRANTIC, was published in Australia earlier this year. I read …
Though he is an infrequent blogger, when Jim Huang speaks, one should listen. His latest essay is …
Jon Evans ponders the future of reading for the Walrus, and puts his money where his mouth is (so to …
The usual deadline drill and sundry. Though if there are any NY-based blog readers fluent in …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio doesn’t have nearly enough space to do Michael Dibdin justice, but she …
The small front is my review of Nicholas Griffin’s DIZZY CITY which runs in this week’s …
I take some exception to the BBC’s headline (what, crime fiction is supposed to die? WTF?) but …
If you haven’t had a chance to check out NPR’s miniseries focusing on crime novelists …
It took a while to become available online but Scott Timberg’s lengthy LA Times piece on Ross …
One of my favorite books of 2006 was Howard Engel’s THE MEMORY BOOK, and as CanWest’s …
To wit: LANSING — A state forensics scientist who said she tested her husband’s underwear for DNA …
The sudden news via Booktrade.info: William Heinemann and Diogenes Verlag AG report that Magdalen …
Call it a case of literary ping-pong, but if Stephen Miller was inspired by me to write about Dilys …
Now that the story has been picked up by almost everybody it proved a bit more difficult to find the …
By that of course I mean the stifling heat of August, though this weekend proved to be rather …
Ah, what a fantastic bittersweet party it was last night at the Black Orchid bookshop, made more so …
It is stretching things a great deal to view tonight’s Anniversary Party in bar mitzvah-like …
First, huge thank-yous to Messrs. Koryta and Hayes for classing up the joint the last two days. …
As a new forensic thriller writer, I don’t have much in the way of great writing advice to …
One of the things I’m often asked is “Just how realistic is CSI?” My standard …
We’re still recovering from the drive down. Cricket spent the morning mixing Bloody …
Reading over my last post, I realize how snotty my comment about “outgrowing cozies” …
We’re in Palm Beach at the moment, where Cricket’s dad has a fantastic house – a …
I figured that, since you don’t know me from Adam, I should say something about me. My name is …
Thanks for putting up with me throughout the day, and thanks to Sarah for giving me the chance. I …
I thought I should take advantage of this chance to promote two writing programs that have helped me …
With a noir quote and apologies for being a bit late. Excuses, excuses. It’s almost like …
On Sunday, Tiger Woods won his 13th Major, putting him just five back of the all-time record. Now, …
One of the most common questions any writer is asked is: what led you to this particular genre. For …
Another week in August, and two new guest bloggers taking over. With a brief interruption to add the …
i mean, what can you say to this? ROCHELLE, Ga. — A woman was arrested after she called local …
Clive Thompson explains why New Yorkers live longer and might be healthier than the rest of the …
The new Baltimore Sun column features reviews of new titles by Richard Montanari, Michael Marshall, …
First, a hearty thank-you to Nick and Charles for their thoughtful guest-blogs. Now it’s my …
The Times’ Roger Boyes reports on what looks to be Poland’s “trial of the …
Every Easter-time, between 1978-84, my mother and I used to go to Haiti for a month. My mother is …
Every year at about this time I start to feel vaguely wistful for the months that have just gone …
This week’s guest bloggers occupy vastly different places on the crime fiction spectrum. …
The LA Times’ Scott Timberg has an in-depth piece about the life and career of Douglas Anne …
Though I thought my LA Times column made my feelings about Warren Ellis’s CROOKED LITTLE VEIN …
Obligatory BSP: the newest “Dark Passages” column at the LA Times has a decidedly …
Hello! Robyn Young signing in from Brighton, England… Oh God. Already I …
Starting tomorrow, a slew of guest bloggers will take the reins here in sequence, although my …
Courtesy the Rara-Avis mailing list, a TIME Magazine piece on the state of mystery fiction from …
First, holy freaking crap. Second, for those in the mystery world living in the Minneapolis area, if …
The Rap Sheet gets word from Mike Ripley that Rodney Wingfield, author of the Inspector Frost …
If you write crime fiction, want to write crime fiction or have ever entertained even the briefest …
Talk about cultural convergence.
Oh goody, someone went to Harrogate and came back with a hatchet job. Now, there’s no reason …
Along with Jerome Weeks’ essay on Gail Pool’s new book that I linked to yesterday, the …
The Kansas City Star ran a thoughtful piece on Karen Spengler, the 55-year-old proprietor of I Love …
Ah, New York in August, or almost. When air conditioners, even at triple overtime, never quite …
The Anthony Award nominations have been announced: BEST NOVEL ALL MORTAL FLESH, Julia …
Ali Karim’s in the process of rounding up his ThrillerFest experience in a major way. Read …
Sun-Sentinel mystery reviewer (and one of my favorite people) Oline Cogdill is now blogging at the …
A staple of my childhood, a light of my life…is now gone. Goodbye, Weekly World News. You will …
My review of Ruth Rendell’s THE WATER’S LOVELY ran in the Philadelphia Inquirer …
Is it coincidence that I spend a weekend away just as Harry Potter-mania is unleashed upon the …
If only I could have been at Harrogate to celebrate this in person, but instead a virtual shout-out …
I wish I could say I’m surprised at the news, but I’m not. Still, only months after the …
First, I got wind of this deal on Backspace and had a feeling I knew who the editor would be: Bram …
Arthur Ellis Award winner Barbara Fradkin chats with the CBC about her Inspector Green series, …
Now that it’s Monday, reports are trickling in from more corners. Read perspectives from: …
NYTBR: Lorraine Adams follows the Silk Road with travel guide Colin Thurbon; Jeremy McCarter has his …
Weekend Update to come first thing Monday morning after four days spent intermittently at the Grand …
The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 26th annual …
This morning, the 2nd annual ThrillerFest begins, and hundreds of writers, would-be writers, agents, …
Lee Goldberg, who’s on the board of the Mystery Writers of America, has revealed new changes …
I wrote about it at GalleyCat already, and John Crace amusingly imagines how Faulks would write a …
Yup, he likes it: Boston writer Dennis Lehane is giving big ups to Ben Affleck’s big-screen …
Add Janet Maslin to the list of those who are big Martin Cruz Smith fans. Patrick Anderson runs out …
My newest “Dark Passages” column is up at the LA Times, themed around crime novels that …
…reported right here. Ali Karim has more over at the Rap Sheet. In summary: Peter Temple took …
But even though this was just reported this morning: Dan Begley’s MS. TAKEN IDENTITY, in …
Later today the winners of the CWA Daggers will be announced, and so of course the “genre …
Reading The Rap Sheet’s latest post doesn’t quite make me want to slit my wrists in …
Over the weekend a nice little teapot tempest brewed in several places, including the RARA-AVIS …
First, let me just say that if you’ve never seen The Bad Plus play live, you are missing out …
If anything I’m surprised it took so long to broker (or at least to report publicly): Linwood …
Malcolm Lowry reconsidered on the 50th anniversary of his death. (Via.) Everything you could want to …
The Bookseller has two publishing-centric features on crime & thriller imprints. Last week, they …
Via the fertile creative mind of Tingle Alley: I’m currently preoccupied with imagining a sit-com …
Just to see if it lives up to whatever hype will follow suit: Standup comic and actor Richard …
First, thanks to those who were kind enough to watch my maiden television appearance Friday evening. …
My piece on “superhero lit”, featuring interviews with authors Austin Grossman, David …
..and you might get something like this: BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) — Peter McGlothin …
In March 2006, Doug Preston found out what happened to those who upset the apple cart by looking …
Understandable but still sad news out of Paris: Inspector Maigret and Inspector Clouseau are to …
First we have the shortlist for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year: • All Fun and …
Jonathan Yardley appreciates Maxine Hong Kingston’s influential memoir A WOMAN WARRIOR in …
Twenty-five years ago today, a French-Canadian model was brutally murdered in her Gramercy Park …
And by sparsely populated I mean “the city has migrated to the Hamptons or elsewhere.” …
Newly minted Chicago Sun-Times contributor Dana Kaye went to see PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 3 and …
I think somebody in the Penguin art department is about to get spanked.
The New York Times Book Review‘s shiny new blog, Paper Cuts, hit the ‘sphere earlier …
The North Andover Eagle Tribune wonders why there’s an upsurge of interest in all things Nancy …
Finally, it lives.
It always seemed odd that Edward Wright, after gaining critical acclaim for his John Ray Horn series …
Jumping off from this weekend’s piece about dedications by Edward Docx, Ed Gorman reflects on …
Quite a bit on the me front this weekend. My newest LA Times column checks in (not quite online yet, …
Michael Connelly talks with Jeff Ayers about turning a serial into a novel and juggling screenplay …
The Crime Writers’ Association has announced the nominees for the Duncan Lawrie Dagger Awards …
Steve Gilliard is dead. The news found its way into my inbox yesterday and two hours later I’d …
The show is over, and I’m finally getting back on my feet. More about BEA at GalleyCat once …
I always have good intentions, and this year, as in previous years, this includes a …
NYTBR: Adam Begley runs off in search of Graham Greene’s Capri; Frank Rich is thrown for a …
I bring you…well, let’s just say the headline NOT written is pretty damn obvious: …
For so many, many, many reasons.
Mark Frost talks with the LA Times’ Scott Timberg about using WWII as a backdrop for his …
To commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Rap Sheet blog, J. Kingston Pierce invited scores of …
I’ve tried to write and deleted about five different versions of this post over the past month …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio returns with her crime fiction column, reviewing the latest by Tana French, …
Weather, deadlines, a strong desire for gelato are all contributing to a slight blogging malaise …
The Palm Beach Post profiles Joanna Sinchuk, owner of Murder on the Beach, which moved to Delray …
Clea Simon has a grand time reading Elmore Leonard’s latest crime novel, UP IN HONEY’S …
The subject header pretty much tells the tale, but here’s the deal memo: Author of The Blade …
And before turning to the Sunday papers, the requisite BSP: My newest LA Times Book Review column, …
You can read about the big publishing news story over at GalleyCat, but let me spell out what this …
Duane Swierczynski scores an interview with Elmore Leonard to mark the occasion of his 41st novel, …
The Rap Sheet brings word that Philip R. Craig, author of the Martha’s Vineyard-set Jeff …
The Wall Street Journal’s Tom Nolan writes about the mini-explosion in the mystery short story …
And I suspect you will, too: Victor Gischler‘s GO-GO GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE, in which an …
Charlotte Mendelson opens up to the Guardian about writing, being one-half of a literary couple and …
Because who else could possibly play him? Johnny Depp? I don’t think so. Cinematical feels …
Travelling once more so nothing of import till tomorrow but in the meantime, read my latest thoughts …
NYTBR: Note to Tanenhaus & co: structuring the entire issue around things are are ostensibly …
My take on Nathan Englander’s THE MINISTRY OF SPECIAL CASES runs in today’s Philadelphia …
As part of the current Chabon-mania in the media this week, the New York Times’ Patricia Cohen …
The blog vs. print debate gets aired in a big way in the New York Times this morning. On balance …
The Crime Writers of Canada has selected its shortlists of nominees for the 2007 Arthur Ellis …
Mystery Ink announces its Gumshoe Award winners for 2007: Best Mystery: Julia Spencer-Fleming …
As part of the NBCC’s ongoing campaign, the LA Times ran an op-ed from Michael Connelly about …
Lots and lots of post-LA Times Festival of Books Coverage courtesy Tod Goldberg, Lee Goldberg, …
NYTBR: Francine Prose has unsettling deja vu after reading THE PESTHOUSE; Claire Messud rejoices in …
And possibly in chronological order, but not really: Boy, there were a whole lot of tuxedos this …
Just got home. Definitely entertaining and one of the better Edgar Awards in recent years. Will have …
I wasn’t able to attend the Symposium (damn deadlines) but Anthony Rainone makes mention of it …
…may still be true, or it may not. There’s a new edict handed down by the MWA Board: …
Or what I must call it: the Party of Constant Interruptions. About two hours in, it got to be a bit …
Mystery Writers of America and St. Martin’s Minotaur have teamed up for a new debut crime …
Publishers Weekly’s annual mystery feature is now up, focusing primarily on writers whom they …
There may not have been a Weekend Update but that doesn’t mean there won’t be links: …
It’s the end of April and for mystery lovers, that can only mean it’s Edgar Week. And …
Having stumbled through the door (with sunburn in tow) I’m still catching up on all …
Travel and other weekend-related pursuits have delayed the Weekend Update to either Monday evening …
My interview of Victoria Redel about her newest novel, THE BORDER OF TRUTH, is in this week’s …
Or in other words, the anthology formerly known as Fuck Noir will see the light of day – as …
I was wondering when Lionel Shriver would write something about Virginia Tech, and her essay on …
The Bookseller profiles Anthony Cheetham and his startup publisher Quercus, which in three and a …
Of course this story bothers me. The worst mass murder in American history is going to bother almost …
Library Journal’s annual springtime mystery feature focuses on smaller and upstart presses …
Now that it’s live (and the news has leaked softly in various places) I can now reveal that I …
Before turning to the rest of the weekend’s links, the ghostwriting theme is explored in …
Newsweek’s Malcolm Jones got John Banville and Donald Westlake together at the latter’s …
RIP, Kurt Vonnegut. Another excellent LA Noir writeup courtesy the Pasadena Weekly. The Hampstead …
************From the Lipstick Chronicles comes word that one of their contributors, author Elaine …
LA Noir and its editrix, Denise Hamilton, get a stellar writeup in the LA Times today. And I agree, …
Because it makes total, total sense: NYT bestselling author and two-time Edgar winner T. Jefferson …
Because I’d rather save my snark for more deserving targets, you know? And I really do suspect …
A Second Avenue Subway Line? Finally?! Are there pig droppings emanating from the sky?
So instead I implore you to read the Washington Post Magazine’s article on a very interesting …
At the Washington Post, Bob Thompson pays necessary attention to the publication of Roberto …
Obligatory Passover-related comment: I will be quite content if I never see turkey, smoked turkey, …
Although I’m not contractually bound to link to everything related to Laura Lippman (unlike a …
The mystery community was saddened by the news that Donald Hamilton, creator of the Matt Helm …
The Sunday Telegraph has a lengthy interview with Lee Child and a spotlight on six top thriller …
It’s the home stretch. More cleaning, more cooking, more free-fall into OCD territory. Ah, …
My review of Matt Rees’ THE COLLABORATOR OF BETHLEHEM appears in today’s edition of …
Today’s theme is best embodied by the fact that I’ve been cleaning for Passover just …
Laura Lippman, who moves up to #10 on the New York Times bestseller list, is interviewed by both …
Today’s op-ed by Stanley Fish, the Davidson-Kahn professor of law at Florida International …
The San Mateo County Times profiles San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney Al Giannini, who has …
The lack of posts here yesterday are best explain by this and this. And so, here are the links that …
Glory be, there are a lot of Mac users and admirers in the mystery community. No surprise, and …
Which, actually, isn’t the problem plaguing my computer, now in the shop until further notice. …
Jiro Kimura reported over the weekend that Lelia Kelly, author of three legal thrillers published by …
The Boston Globe meets William Landay, who relates why he left prosecution behind for full time …
Doesn’t the subject header pretty much say it all? But here’s more information as passed …
As announced on Saturday during ITW’s inaugural Brunch & Bullets luncheon in LA, the …
First, it’s a two-fer from me this weekend as I review Barbara Gowdy’s HELPLESS for the …
The last thing I want to do is get into another installment of the Genre Wars, but it seems the …
If it seems like a hectic week at the offices of 175 Fifth Avenue, that’s because it is. At …
Jason Pinter is moving to St. Martin’s Press. Yay!
Which also translate into Things To Look out For in 2008. First up is another prosecutor getting in …
If there are two books making the review rounds in a big way this week, they are CHRISTINE FALLS by …
And first, hope you all remembered to push your clocks forward as part of this “energy …
The International Association of Media Tie-In Writers has announced the shortlist for their first …
…except that this really, really sucks.
Yesterday’s Publishers Marketplace deal roundup had a curious entry: Kimberly Scott’s …
Today is the launch of the 3rd Edition of the Blog Short Story Project, edited by Bryon Quertermous …
Longstanding readers of Confessions may have noted my tongue-in-cheek reporting of every deal …
Obligatory BSP alert: My latest column for the Baltimore Sun runs this week, featuring reviews of …
With David Fincher’s movie ZODIAC, based on Robert Graysmith’s book, due in theaters …
I am so pleased to see this deal reported over at Publishers Marketplace this afternoon: Blogger …
The hand is healing, and I can type more or less, just slower than usual. Now to the links: The Palm …
Shattered bathroom window glass early on a Saturday morning trying to shut it so I would not freeze. …
(This is part three and the last of a critical roundtable that began on Tuesday.) Jerome Weeks: As I …
Now that I’m back in New York, I can finally catch up on some links that have been piling up …
Aside from founding and running January Magazine (host of the fantastic Rap Sheet) Linda Richards is …
(This is part two of a critical roundtable that began yesterday.)
Sarah Weinman: My thoughts may be …
When I got an ARC of Washington Post critic Patrick Anderson’s new book THE TRIUMPH OF THE …
NYTBR: Mayra Montero’s literary crime novel is the cover review, and a fine choice it is; Luc …
In transit all day, but here are a couple of me-related items of potential interest: Hours after my …
From the Orange County Register: A public memorial tribute for Barbara Seranella, the popular …
Well this is certainly news any crime buff dreads: SAN FRANCISCO — Call in the coppers, get Sam …
Martina Cole may not be the biggest-selling novelist in Britain, but she certainly comes close. Her …
Ed Gorman points to this remarkable website by John Fraser where he discourses on all matters …
Thank you for all the birthday wishes – it’s been a fantastic day so far and I suspect …
To start things off, my review of Chris Bohjalian’s THE DOUBLE BIND appears in today’s …
Jonathan Lethem’s essay in Harper’s on appropriation, influence and culture. (Via Maud.) …
Since there’s been some chatter in the backblogs about it, I suppose it’s my duty to …
A few days ago, Hard Case Crime officially announced its impending publication of DEAD STREET, a …
Patrick Anderson praises William Landay’s THE STRANGLER highly, though feels it isn’t …
I’m trying hard not to keep a close watch on the latest developments of the Shawn Hornbeck/Ben …
Marilyn Stasio makes an appearance in the regional section of the New York Times, talking about all …
And to start things off is February’s Baltimore Sun column, featuring my reviews of new books …
For me, the answer is neither, but I daresay most of the mystery community will be split between …
My review of Asa Nomani’s THE HUNTER runs in this week’s issue of Time Out New York, …
It’s a rehashed topic, but the Guardian’s Julie Bindel at least gives the question of …
One of my favorite writers, critics and people, Craig McDonald, has scored a two-fer of a book deal: …
Yes, I admit it: the first thing I did upon waking this morning (and preparing the requisite number …
Ned Bauman comments on the recent choice of Jed Rubenfeld’s THE INTERPRETATION OF MURDER by …
And continuing the BSP-ish theme that has taken over the blog most recently, I’ve cracked a …
My review of David Hiltbrand’s DYING TO BE FAMOUS is in the Philadelphia Inquirer, while my …
3 AM Magazine talks with Soft Skull publisher Richard Nash about the company’s origins, the …
Words fail me. They truly do. How can Barbara Seranella, one of the toughest, strongest people I …
After leaving St. Martin’s Press in October to go to Touchstone/Fireside, Ben Sevier is moving …
And at the moment, it’s no fun living in Fago, Spain: It is a whodunnit that could have come …
Jim Huang’s The Mystery Company reopens today in a brand-new location that’s way more …
And continuing award nominations week, we’ve also got the National Book Critics Circle …
[Mystery Writers of America]1 is proud to announce its Nominees for the 2007 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, …
Or to put it mildly, let the debates begin…. First off, I believe this is the first time in a …
The North American Branch of the International Association of Crime Writers has announced the 2007 …
Earlier this month, I reported that the author of KOCKROACH, one Tyler Knox, was really the …
I like good stories. Especially stories of people who persevere and keep writing even when things …
David Montgomery’s recent spate of posts on over-praising reviews are well worth reading, as …
At least, according to this brand-new study: Scientists have discovered a novel way to live longer …
Want to know why Martha Grimes disdained touring for years? It’s because she suffered from …
If not for understandably mitigating circumstances, I probably would have spent the entire holiday …
NYTBR: William Vollmann shows exactly how to write a good critical review with his take on Anthony …
My entertaining instincts are on hyperdrive this long weekend, so the Update will appear – at …
Granted, I’m not totally buying John Sutherland’s argument that HANNIBAL RISING owes a …
David Hiltbrand went to GoodisCon and came back with this Philly Inquirer report, with quotes from …
For those wondering, I didn’t smell the odor, but I also didn’t venture lower than 96th …
You won’t get any argument from me about this – it’s excellent news: The Crime …
It may have the worst headline accompanying a story I’ve seen in some time, but the …
First up is the my first Baltimore Sun column for 2007, reviewing new crime fiction by Chuck Hogan, …
Right before New Year’s, I read Tyler Knox’s KOCKROACH, which flips the Kafka premise …
Yesterday somehow got away from me, but I’m more than making up for it today (check back later …
And so, here we are in 2007, and how is it that two days into the new year I’m already behind? …
2006
I was going to prepare some big long spiel about all things 2006 – the good, the bad, the …
The Wall Street Journal’s Lauren Winner has an interesting piece on a growing trend towards …
Goddamnit, the Godfather is gone. Others have pointed out the irony of him dying the day that …
But first, my latest review, of Robert Wilson’s Spain-set thriller THE HIDDEN ASSASSINS, …
If not for Graham Powell’s indispensable site, I would not be able to keep up with my favorite …
Today is getting away from me (vacation, I hear you calling in the distance) and so instead, …
When Murder Ink opened its doors on the Upper West side in 1972, it paved territory that had never …
The Boston Globe talks with M.T. Anderson, National Book Award winner of the super-fantabulous …
At Murderati, Mike MacLean touches on a very pressing subject for debut and veteran author alike: …
Happy Chanukah, for those who celebrate Judaism’s most famous minor holiday. I’ve …
As announced on DorothyL (which explains why it took me so damn long to post this because I get D-L …
OK, is it me, or is the publicity shot that accompanies Mosley’s interview with Radar online …
And just when you thought the Scandinavian crime fiction boom had hit its peak, maybe not: K.O. …
After listening to Richard Powers endure her inane questions on Fresh Air yesterday, I think Terry …
WKRP in Cincinnati will be available on DVD next year! Jaime – who’s been following this …
It seems somehow appropriate that John Williams’ review of the UK edition of THE BEST AMERICAN …
Though Elizabeth Stromme lived in the Los Angeles area, she was unusual in that her novels – …
By the end of the day, Plots With Guns will cease to exist in any format. Although Anthony Neil …
NYTBR: Dwight Garner’s “Inside the List” column is All Pynchon, All the Time; …
MWA has announced that 2007’s Raven Recipients are Kathy Harig, owner of Mystery …
Better late on this than never, but a hearty congratulations to Tess Gerritsen for scooping up the …
I am immediately skeptical of studies that attempt to assign behavior patterns to concrete topics, …
In recent weeks I have made a wonderful discovery. An Edgar-award-winning author who writes …
Today marks the last publishing event of 2006 – HANNIBAL RISING’s pub date. The first …
Like most everyone I’ve been paying some attention to the horrifying poisoning death of former …
Before getting to the update, check out my latest review at the Philadelphia Inquirer, where I have …
ITW’s sent this message around to a number of crime fiction blogs and I’ll do my part to …
It’s that time of year. Christmas music playing in coffee shops and department stores. …
As the fourth installment of Xiaolong’s Inspector Chen series hits stores, he talks with …
As reviewing ethics is one of my all-time favorite topics (those who attended the panel I moderated …
It isn’t often that an interview makes me gasp aloud, but Mark Sarvas’s interview with …
Which is my tongue-in-cheek way of saying that Katherine Neville has written a sequel to her …
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was essentially variations on a theme of eating and …
A few days ago I finished Scarlett Thomas’s THE END OF MR. Y, a novel that expanded my brain …
Charles Shields, who may be familiar to some readers for his biography of Harper Lee that received …
Jay McDonald’s author interview series at Bankrate.com continues with George Pelecanos, who …
Dave Zeltserman sends word that the Psycho Noir issue, featuring the likes of Patti Abbott, Kaye …
Ah, that’s what I get for splitting town early. Posting will resume sometime today, once I get …
For the hell of it (it’s the weekend, I get bored easily) I inputted my name in Google’s …
NYTBR: Let’s start off with Rachel Donadio’s rather witless, poorly-thought-out, boring …
As broken by the folks of CrimeSpree, the rumors are, indeed, true – the folks of Killer Year …
Thanks to Marshal Zeringue, you can now find out what books have Tuckerized me. Graham Powell is …
The semi-serious writeups are here, but since formal dress brings out my irreverent side, here we …
I could say I have no words, but that’s not true.
As I attempt to cram about 10 hours of work into three hours, some quick links: John Kenyon chats …
That’s because this week is all National Book Awards, all the time. It’s also the first …
But first, my new column at the Baltimore Sun (I have to get used to them running earlier in the …
The New York Times gets a peek at Nelson DeMille’s home, a 10,000 square-foot Tudor-style …
As evident by the late date stamp on this post, I’m running way behind on stuff. And the …
Have a mystery set in the Southwest? Looking to get it published? Then this contest might be the one …
And now, back to the literary and mystery news you’re all here for: Laura Lippman and Duane …
Being a permanent resident of the United States enables me to do almost everything I want. But the …
Remember when James Ellroy was known for being a good crime writer and only that? I know, those days …
The Crime Writers of Canada’s annual awards will be adding a new category beginning next year …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio’s column looks at recent releases by Michael Connelly, Robert Ward, Fred …
Today, like this week, promises to be crazy, and since I’ve been posting at a mad clip at …
Like many folks in and around the publishing industry, I spent a chunk of time yesterday reading …
Justine Picardie already has plenty of acclaim in the literary world as author of several …
Speaking of jaw-dropping news, Ben Sevier is leaving St. Martin’s to join Simon & Schuster, as a …
Word comes over the transom that _Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine_ and The Wolfe Pack, the …
Excuse me as I pick my jaw up off of the floor…. Janet Evanovich and Stephen J. …
My review of Michael Largo’s FINAL EXITS: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die is up …
And one reason for me to feel that way is because my newest review runs today in Newsday, of …
The latest permutation in what’s often been a simmering debate in the crime fiction world …
And I can’t imagine a better choice, as Christa Faust reports on her blog that her new novel, …
Now that former Dallas Morning News book critic Jerome Weeks has started blogging up a firestorm at …
The New York Observer’s Ron Rosenbaum may have killer flu, but at least it got him to get …
Bankrate.com’s latest author interview is Janet Evanovich, talking about leaving romance …
Or maybe it’s the Department of Obvious: Decaf coffee is often not totally caffeine-free, a …
Really, words fail me: ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) — The two men accused of plotting with a …
Which is both late and abbreviated, natch.
NTYBR: Marilyn Stasio focuses her review attention upon …
If I were still living in Toronto, I’d be attending the International Festival of Authors, …
Which is to say, the Rap Sheet blog is kicking some serious ass of late. Ellroy guest blogging, …
Even though I’ve already said how much I adored Richard Powers’ THE ECHO MAKER, …
Thanks to the mad skillz of Tribe, there’s a lengthy interview with Michael Langnas, the …
As we catch up on the latest in mystery/thriller acquisitions. First up, SMP gets a new author in a …
In what has to be a kind of genius move, J. Kingston Pierce has strongarmed James Ellroy into …
So when Tayari Jones posted the results of her recent photo session with Marion Ettlinger, something …
Which are my words, but also those who I’ve discussed this deal with: David J. …
And as for why it’s belated…let’s just say there is nothing more amusing than …
So yesterday morning, I put up a one-line mention of Stephen King being named the Mystery Writers of …
At the Vancouver Province, medical thriller writer Daniel Kalla (whose newest novel, RAGE THERAPY, …
First, for those who checked up on me, thanks – I was nowhere near the building. But as it …
So how often has the winner of the Edgar Award for one book been nominated for the National Book …
Done in a rush because somehow I’m ridiculously behind already… Next year’s …
Boy, good things are happening for Jim Huang. First he gets to co-chair the 2009 Bouchercon, and now …
While Jan Burke is away on tour promoting her newest novel, KIDNAPPED, she’s given me the keys …
For some people, writing novels is a kind of wish fulfillment. They give their protagonists all the …
And first up is my new column for the Baltimore Sun, which ran earlier than I was expecting. It …
I could blame this essay on Bouchercon, or on Ed’s post as a result of the convention. But …
The newest edition of the Philadelphia City Paper’s Books Quarterly is online, and it’s …
The University of North Carolina, Greensboro is the lucky recipient of Edgar award winner Margaret …
I want to like this book. I hope it lives up to the premise: Laurie Graff’s SHIKSA SYNDROME, …
First off, I had quite a lot to say about Jess Walter’s THE ZERO in the Philly Inquirer, and …
And if so, the answer is probably best found here. I’m keeping this brief for Kol Nidre looms …
I realize linking to last year’s edition is phenomenally lazy of me, but really, most of the …
On occasion – okay, frequently – it occurs to me that the level of content here has …
At Penguin Most Wanted, Dick Francis explains how his newest novel, UNDER ORDERS – the first …
I’ve been asked to spread the word that for those in need of a hotel room, because of …
After being in the works for quite some time, the folks at Killer Year have relaunched their website …
…because I’ve eaten far, far too much of it this weekend. OMG. Addictive.
And since my weekend will be taken up with synagogue attendance, feeding friends in plentiful …
And the finalists are: Louis Bayard, THE PALE BLUE EYE (John Murray) Nick Drake, NEFERTITI: THE …
As David Montgomery already pointed out, there’s a nifty video for Michael Connelly’s …
Guess what I’m going to have in my head now. The disco version is particularly appalling.
It’s making the rounds, so I figured I would do what I could to spread the word: ** …
Because it’s a crazy busy day already and it’s only getting much more so… OK, …
Ah, it’s been a while since I rounded up deals of note. First, there’s Perri …
I have to agree with Jenny D on this point in that I, too, can’t really imagine what it must …
When I saw the Telegraph’s feature on Amanda McKittrick Ros, I cackled. Yes, cackled. Because …
NYTBR: Although I don’t think it’s a Fiction Issue by design, it sure feels that way. …
Ha’aretz talks to Joe Finder about writing thrillers, learning how to use a gun, and his time …
John Rickards asks this: if you change one letter in a book title, what do you end up with? Every …
And boy, does issue 40 feature one happenin’ lineup: Kim Harrington, Russel McLean, Daniel …
Too much of the whole “out and about” business today, so for the moment, let’s all …
Leonardo Padura is dubbed the “Hammett of Havana” with good reason, as his Mario Conde …
For some reason this news makes me feel a bit sad, though I suppose it’s necessary to save the …
Today, of course, is anniversary five, and somehow I feel more reflective than I did last year or …
The link is being passed around everywhere but Sara Gran’s hysterical and to-the-bone essay …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio reviews new crime fiction offerings from Philip Kerr, Tess Gerritsen, Morag …
So James Ellroy is everywhere, what with the movie of the BLACK DAHLIA in theatres imminently. The …
Ok, so when was the last time any newspaper published a preview of a mystery convention this far in …
Hat tip to Jaime for pointing me to sections from D.A. Pennebaker’s documentary on the …
So, 20 hours after I was due to take off, and after what proved to be a rather tumultuous week …
Summer’s gone, the kids are back to school, the rest of us are back at work…and fall …
The subject title is rather self-explanatory. Still on vacation, back fully on Tuesday.
Eternal optimist that I am, I had hoped that we were past the time when book pages were axed and …
if I didn’t–what do they call it on TV–give a shout-out to my favorite Soho Crime …
There seems to be some confusion as to what a publicist does and how to employ her effectively. From …
You’ve published so many books that Nora Roberts is looking over her shoulder with worry. You don’t …
Hi – this is Thalia Proctor, signing in from London as guest blogger for today. I’m …
And by five, I also mean last, because it won’t be long before August turns to September. So …
If I haven’t said so before, I love Bankrate.com’s recurring feature with commercial …
But despite the news that John Mark Karr’s DNA is inconsistent with DNA found on JonBenet …
I mean, the Teen Choice awards appearance was wretched enough, but now this? Looks like the …
The SCBA annnounces its finalists in several category, and the shortlist for mystery fiction …
Well, it is if you like the pouring rain, I guess…
NYTBR: After what seems like an …
Always leave on a gag… Here’s my favourite joke of the moment, as told to me by a …
At an event recently, Ian Rankin said that being a crime writer felt a bit like being a member of a …
With those responsible for such things wrestling with Bouchercon panels and having just returned …
Mark Billingham here, sending greetings from unseasonably sunny London. I’m hugely grateful to Sarah …
Dennis Lehane was on the CBS Early Show this morning, talking to Harry Smith about Coronado. And as …
Which is why I feel kinda sorry for ole Pluto here: PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — Leading …
** Last year I was honored to be a judge for the Thriller Award of the International Thriller …
** Sometimes I wonder if anybody still reads out there. I am not referring to you, of course. …
** My name is Larry Gandle. I want to thank Sarah for giving me the opportunity to speak my mind. I …
Again, the drill applies: I’ll be back for the Weekend Update and cede the blog to our fine …
Of all the dog days of August, I think this might be the alpha dog. Ay yi yi. Never mind that …
First we have Linwood Barclay, who stays with Bantam Dell for his upcoming standalone: Linwood …
First of all, welcome to all those who have arrived at my blog thanks to the New York Times’ …
Now, this doesn’t exactly come as a surprise to me (as many of Rankin’s interviews …
So before I get to the links, some one-line reviews:
SNAKES ON A PLANE: So, so gloriously stoopid. …
I wasn’t nervous, that was the problem. I needed to be nervous. I’d been nervous for six weeks and I …
It’s Thursday, that means it’s me once more. I thought about staying off the blog but …
Our first guest has already introduced himself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do a more …
I just want thank Sarah Weinman – I should say, Anthony Award nominee Sarah Weinman – …
As I said in my opening post, I’m new to the writing game, and one of the things I’m struggling a …
One thing that intrigues me in novels and movies is the way in which people in government are …
I want to start by thanking the delightful Sarah Weinman for having me as a guest blogger. …
“I’d like to send this one out to Lou and Rachel/And all the kids in PS192/Man I swear …
I recently read Accidental Genius, the newly released John Cassavetes biography by …
Last Tuesday night, on the pub date of my new book, I did an event at Magnetic Fields, …
On my recent trip to the UK for the Harrogate/Let’s Drink Heavily Festival I …
First up, Alex Berenson, whose debut thriller THE FAITHFUL SPY was released a few months ago by …
The theme song or Duane Swierczynski’s detailed analysis of said song. So how many people are …
Gosh, it has been a while since I’ve done one of this, hasn’t it? But before getting to …
First, I must commend the New York Sun for finally making Otto Penzler’s columns available in …
Just like last week, this post will appear at the top of the blog for the rest of the week with …
Well I guess that does it for me folks. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, especially those who took …
Oprah ain’t the only black woman struggling with her weight who has a favorite things list. The …
Years ago I had a stint in Los Angeles while I toiled as a young reporter at the LA Times. Boy was I …
So I am on the bus on my way to work this morning and I overheard this conversation between two …
I love a caper as much as the next gal. But waking up this morning to the news out of London was …
Well, it may not be too late where you are but here it’s past one AM and it’s dark. I …
I’ve just had a look on some of the links that Sarah’s put about me in her intro. And …
I’ve been talking to my editor about my next novel. Not Bone Machine, the one that’s …
Greetings one and all. Welcome to my first ever attempt to post a blog on the internet. When Sarah …
Daniel Woodrell talks to the St. Louis Dispatch about the impetus for his (yup, saying it again) …
Greetings. The mini-vacation is over, many many books have been read, and even after a scant few …
Yes, it’s that time of year, the publishing holiday known to one and all as August. So just …
Thanks to Sarah for giving me this chance to chat with you. I am taking a train to Bouchercon in …
Thanks to Sarah for giving me this chance to chat with you. I very much hope I will meet some of you …
Is it more difficult to succeed in places like Omaha or Little Rock? or in my case Detroit. I …
Writing groups have been a mixed bag for me. I have belonged to five over the years. The …
Many thanks to Sarah for thinking of me for today. I had a few moments of pure bliss before …
It’s 97 degrees with a heat index of 105 in my little town in Maine. When, oh, when will the …
Nikita Lalwani’s first novel THE SQUARE ROOT, about a young British Indian adolescent math …
A selection of frivolous news links. Because it’s too hot to think of anything serious. …
At first glance, this news made me groan. Here we go again, another potential controversy served up …
The author of several mysteries under her own name as well as the pseudonym Maggie Bruce has died at …
Once the Harrogate dust had settled, one thing that kept getting referenced over and over was the …
100m Oympic champion sprinter Justin Gatlin tests positive for drugs and faces a lifetime ban from …
A point for anyone who gets the title reference without prompting…
Before turning to the …
Though by all accounts, this year’s ConMisterio was a big success in terms of social …
If you’re thinking of registering at the last minute, then you might be too late – …
So seriously…who thought this was the biggest non-news ever? Obviously, this chick did.
There seems to be a real Phoenix quality to the idea of revisiting Gregory McDonald’s famed …
George Pelecanos gets good writeup in the New York Times, what with Motoko Rich’s profile and …
It won’t be for a while yet, but the website is up and running and the contributors’ …
I was all set to do this yesterday but then the Anthony Award nominations came out and that kind of …
And I must say, the cliche is true – it really is just an honor to be nominated: Best Mystery …
Bryon Quertermous has put together a very spiffy summer issue of Demolition, featuring new fiction …
New review, new paper: I give my take on Denise Mina’s THE DEAD HOUR and Kathy Reichs’ …
First, congratulations to Val McDermid for winning the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the …
Which I’ll just let speak for itself, thank you very much: Derringer Award-winning author …
And I sure wish I could be at what the Times calls “The Hay-on-Wye of the crime world”, …
Though yesterday was certainly all Spillane, all the time, here’s one last lengthy tribute to …
As soon as the news broke, the first person I thought of was Max Allan Collins, who not only is a …
The best places to start for basic information are his Wikipedia entry (as well as Mike …
Not surprisingly, considering the influence Spillane had on the genre, lots of people are blogging …
What else can you add to the headline except that a crime writing legend has passed on? And so, …
Want to know what’s been going on at ConMisterio all weekend? Bill Crider has been posting …
NYTBR: Joseph Epstein discourses on friendship, much to Jennifer Senior’s liking; Marie …
Not posting much has its privileges because I didn’t lose anything from Typepad! Bloody …
Oh man, this news just sucks in so many ways: Dorothy Uhnak, once famous as a 125-pound New York …
So I’m scrolling through Cluelass’s Bloodstained Bookshelf, looking at upcoming releases …
Bulletpoint style: Keep checking Mary Reagan’s site for more ThrillerFest photos (as well as …
The stylish seven known as the Outfit debuted in mystery group blog waters yesterday, kicking things …
Too much to do today (and the rest of the week, really) so links in short order: Clea Simon takes on …
The National Post’s Robert Fulford has a lengthy essay (though mixed take) on the work of …
But it’s still funny. (link from Bookslut.)
Still not recovered from the Phoenix heat? Then keep the good times coming with these links: Photos …
The LA Times’ Anne Marie O’Connor profiles some of the city’s strongest additions …
Will Ian Rankin turn to children’s fiction when he’s done with Rebus? The Scotsman will …
Greetings after a sweltering, fun-filled, relaxing time at ThrillerFest. Having just walked in the …
While I was away finding out who won the 1st annual Thriller Awards, the Daggers were given out: …
While I’m off at ThrillerFest, I’m taking part in Debra Hamel’s weeklong contest …
I’ll be in the air on a flight across the country, where ThrillerFest – and the 100+ …
Somehow, this bit of news seems rather fitting: Georgetown County Council on Tuesday approved a …
It’s a critical time for the Coverdell Act, a government initiative passed to give grant funds …
With ThrillerFest kicking off on Thursday, the Arizona Republic offers a preview of what’s …
But it sounds rather like something I really want to read: Two South-African born professors …
The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 25th annual …
Sometimes the thing you’re waiting for the most comes at a time you least expect it. Which …
So perhaps you may have noticed that my output at Galleycat has increased quite a lot this week. …
Duane Swierczynski posts the cover and gives details on DAMN NEAR DEAD: An Anthology of Geezer Noir …
Elaine Viets – who has now become an official member of the Lipstick Chronicles – blogs …
OK, I have to admit, I thought this article in Seed Magazine was pretty freaking cool. Equating …
Time Magazine names 5 mystery writers “worth investigating” in the form of their most …
This fantastic piece in the Glasgow Herald breaks down Billingham’s likes (country music, his …
Longtime readers of the blog will know that I have a somewhat bizarre fascination with Australian …
And so, as promised, Killer Year – the official website for mystery, suspense and thriller …
First up, the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award – which will be given out …
After yesterday afternoon, I’ll be paying a hell of a lot more attention to the World Cup. …
If there is one writer whose name noir aficionados want to shout from the rooftops over and over …
So Jason Pinter alluded on his blog this morning that he was really excited about a trilogy …
So I totally missed that the Hammett Award had been given out at Bloody Words last weekend, going to …
Wondering what Les Roberts, creator of the Milan Jacovich PI series, is up to? Writing his memoirs, …
I go away to Portland (a beautiful city, btw, the Art Museum kicks ass and the Chinese Garden is …
I mean that both metaphorically and literally as I fly off to the West Coast for a few days – …
The Crime Writers of Canada announced the 2006 Arthur Ellis Award Winners on June 8 in Toronto as …
I mean, really: Mutulu Shakur’s untitled novel, in which Tupac Shakur, having faked his own …
So 24 hours after I posted my musings on the whole “Class of 2007” idea, here comes …
There are some arguments that are simply too acrimonious to resolve. Ordinarily this would lead to …
This is more of a ramble than anything, but in reading Jason Pinter’s post on comparing debut …
Many people who have tried Jeffrey Cohen’s Aaron Tucker novels end up crying out as to why he …
The headline pretty much says it all, as does the opening paragraph: FORT LAUDERDALE – Truth …
Jeffrey Marks, who has been writing book and magazine criticism in the mystery world for many years, …
So many Noir anthologies, so little time – but the latest is TWIN CITIES NOIR, and it gets …
I’ve got a story in the new issue of Spinetingler Magazine, which also features fiction by …
With June’s arrival, things are naturally slowing down. More desire to be outside, do other …
I’m a day late, several dollars short but so, so very pleased for Jenny Davidson’s news …
Because they produce segments like this. (Via Maud Newton, but it’s been making the blog …
Too much out-and-abouting today, so I bring you a couple of lists: From the NY Post, “25 …
The CWA has announced the shortlists for the remaining Dagger awards: DUNCAN LAWRIE INTERNATIONAL …
That’s the question Sandra Scoppettone asks on her blog, whether about her own work as a crime …
Yeah, I’m posting here and not on Galleycat…because this isn’t work and GC is. …
Yes folks, that age old question, “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” has been …
Deadly Pleasures Magazine announces the shortlist for the 2006 Barry Awards, and they are: BEST …
Happy weekend, everybody – it’s been positively fantastically gorgeous in this fair New …
Adrian Muller has worn many hats in the crime fiction community, most notably as co-chair of Left …
First off, the whole date change thing totally threw me because I’m a good two days late on …
Everywhere I look, it’s all about Edgar Allan Poe. See Matthew Pearl’s essay on the man …
Slate has a slew of articles devoted to the best and brightest of pulp fiction, old and new. Check …
Though Dennis Lehane hasn’t been kept completely in the loop about the movie version of his …
A few years ago before the crime fiction anthology boom pretty well exploded, TART NOIR, co-edited …
The Rap Sheet is back – and now it’s a blog! Check out the continuing updated version …
I say this because a) the acquiring editor is Kristen Weber and b) the agent in question is Rolph …
Even after a decent night’s sleep, the verdict is still the same: exhaustion, best overcome by …
Literally. Just walked in the door, dropped my bags and will be going to bed in short order. BEA …
Naturally, last minute things mean I’m running down to the wire to catch my train to DC to …
Let’s let Mr. Secret Dead Man himself, Duane Swierczynski, fill you in on the details: David …
And to think this post almost became a quick deal report and a somewhat snarky follow-up comment. …
So Guy Kewney, one of the UK’s best-known computer journalists, was booked to go on the BBC on …
A few months ago it seemed all I could blog about was the CWA’s flat-footed moves concerning …
There are certain questions that authors get asked over, and over, and over again. Where do you get …
That being, “who would win in a fight, Jack Reacher or John Rain?” The answers are …
it’s a deal I’m particularly excited to report on: Crime Blogger J.T. Ellison’s …
And sure, it ain’t Rolling Stone*, but it’s a cover and I’ll take it: That lovely …
The New York Times profiles Reed Coleman, MWA EVP extraordinaire, Edgar-nominated author of the …
So now it can be told: Publishers Weekly asked Ron Hogan and me to write the feature article in this …
Want to know how much is taken in and spent at a Bouchercon? Al Navis and the folks who ran BCon …
But I agree with Jaime – Les Nessman ABSOLUTELY must have his own pundit show. Or as he puts, …
First up, ThrillerFest has finally, finally announced its program schedule. Lots of good stuff going …
It’s another reminder to check out the offerings at the spiffily redesigned Mystery Circus, …
Belatedly, congratulations to all the winners of Mystery Ink’s 5th annual Gumshoe Awards: …
In another sign of why incessant Googling can get a girl into trouble, a quick check of my favorite …
Because I am woefully behind on updating the Picks, sometimes I forget to mention books that I …
Yeah, I’m stealing my headlines from Maddox, but then again, this is pretty freaking …
As the Honolulu Star-Bulletin puts it, what are the chances that two scientists working at the same …
Have you been wondering what Craig McDonald, one of the best author interviewers around, has been up …
NYTBR: First up, Marilyn Stasio looks at a wide variety of mysteries by Donna Leon, Helene Tursten, …
I need not repeat once more how much I loved PRAYERS FOR THE ASSASSIN. But I thought this story was …
When I read Mo Hayder’s PIG ISLAND a little while ago it was, to be frank, scary as hell. If …
Because when I went to Pandora and inputted “Shel Silverstein” in the opening search …
I’m still stuck in the black hole of looming deadlines, but some things are too crank-inducing …
I did promise I would stop using a particular term to describe these guys’ penchant for making …
Last Saturday morning, the Italian journalist who most recently had co-written a book with Douglas …
Ah, normality. It’s so nice to be back in that state after what turned out to be a …
Back to the bulletpoints again, and the award winners can all be found here. Like last year, emcee …
First, the extremely cool: MOIST and DELICIOUS author Mark Haskell Smith’s SALTY, the …
Done in bulletpoint style because — surprise! — it’s another action packed day …
The party last night, in one word…HOPPING. I think there were more authors in attendance per …
The Arthur Ellis Awards, which are given to the best in Canadian crime fiction, have announced their …
I know I’ve said in a bunch of places that I’m a huge fan of Paul Johnston’s work. …
Unlike last year, when Passover decided that it absolutely had to conflict with the Edgars, …
If you want to know who won the Agatha Awards, check here.
Pari Noskin Taichert blogs on the honor …
First up, and probably funniest, is thriller writer Brad Thor’s email interview with Dr. …
Starting at 4 PM today, The Mystery Lovers’ Bookshop in Oakmont, PA kicks off its 11th annual …
NYTBR: Hmm, for some reason Marilyn Stasio’s crammed in more books than usual in her column …
First up, Kristen Weber makes her first official buy in her new job with NAL, and she brings over a …
The Spring issue — number two, for those counting — of Demolition Magazine is now live, …
I have more to say about this news over at Galleycat, but the announcement that Random House will be …
Chances are likely that if you stop in a bookstore somewhere, James Swanson’s MANHUNT is …
The slowness continues, but in truth, I don’t mind so much, because as soon as I return to the …
You know how it goes: do a little web surfing, come across a news story, and the significance hits …
This weekend, in a bit of a change of pace, Malice Domestic will take place this weekend. Change of …
Thriller writer Stephen Leather went to Australia to research his newest effort, COLD KILL — …
The weather is absolutely freaking gorgeous, yet I seem to spend hardly any time outside. Chocolate …
Greetings on this slow day here in the Nation’s Capital, where everything is pretty much shut …
That’s all for this week, folks. The kitchen’s converted, the table is set and …
Christopher Moore, who’s about to embark on a 30-city tour for his newest novel A DIRTY JOB, …
I’m up way earlier than usual to catch a flight back to the not-so-frozen North (at least, it …
Some weeks ago, along with many others, I posted about thriller writer Douglas Preston’s legal …
The Celtic Tiger’s had many byproducts, but one that in hindsight makes perfect sense is the …
Yes kids, in just a few days’ time the obsessive-compulsive’s wet dream swoops upon …
By that, I mean checking my mail and finding my author copies of the June issue of Alfred …
So even though Kevin reported the details already, it’s still excellent to see the official PM …
They do pile up when I’m not looking… First up, welcome aboard to the folks behind the …
And in another award that’s in its sophomore year, Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel …
The press release appears below, but I’m pleased to report that I’ll be serving as one …
Every year at around this time Library Journal does its version of the “State of the …
I’m late on this, naturally, but SHOTS has redesigned its front page and added loads of new …
Tom Nolan has a fun piece in today’s Wall Street Journal about how Michael Connelly’s …
Frequent Guardian contributor Jonathan Freedland made a guest appearance in the Sunday Times talking …
Sandra Scoppettone, who’s on the judging committee for the Best First Novel award that will be …
The current issue of the Hudson Valley-based online magazine Chronogram has a great interview with …
And if you’re like me, some of your clocks got switched and others you’ll forget about …
There aren’t too many pieces of deal news that make my jaw drop. But this one did: C.J. …
“Nothing is more important to me than the integrity of the game of baseball.” — …
John Skinner, the man responsible for the Rebus walking tours in Edinburgh, has died at the age of …
Tania over at I Love a Good Mystery offers up one of the biggest gripes going right now: the …
Charles Taylor of the Newark Star-Ledger has some fun with some of the things that a book lover is …
It’s probably the coolest development on the genre short story front this year, and the list …
First off, Darley Anderson does it again. There are some agents who can’t seem to settle for …
Considering I used to contribute heaviliy to the place, I’ve been woefully remiss in catching …
So Trader Joe’s has finally taken Manhattan — specifically, near Union Square, where …
Here’s the transcript of yesterday’s DetecToday chat where I go on about writing short …
Patrick Anderson gives his approval to Peter Abrahams’ END OF STORY, which I heartily agree …
Yes, my site is screwed up. At the moment I am trying to figure out what the problem is but until …
I feel like the last one just ran, but lo, here is my newest column for the Sun, looking at recent …
But if you’re as clueless as I, let the Associated Press catch you up: The premise of the …
Irish-born, Bellingham-dwelling author Michael Collins is driven by stuff that most of us …
Carol Memmott looks at some new-ish political thrillers by Robert Ferrigno, Peter Schechter and Noel …
One of the things I kept talking about at LCC last week was the Wall Street Journal’s piece on …
Miss a week and things do tend to accumulate, don’t they… Mystery Ink has announced the …
The blogger has landed, a little later than expected. London was excellent, and the National …
Greetings from London, where I’m about to get some much-needed rest after several days of, ah, …
OK, so it doesn’t scan quite as well as the original, but what can you do. In any case, …
StorySouth has announced the notables for its Million Writers Award, and I’m pleased to …
Just to follow up, it seems that Kristen Weber is replacing Martha Bushko, who recently left NAL to …
Normally I do revolving door stuff at Galleycat but since this is specifically geared to the mystery …
For whatever reason I forgot to link to this yesterday, but S.J. Rozan had an excellent article in …
Lionel Shriver describes the effect of winning a major award — and the strangeness afterwards. …
NYTBR: Oh, let’s just go straight to Naomi Wolf’s gee-willikers rant about the Gossip …
For those who have the night free and want to check out a quintet of writers reading about their …
It does seem like a good time to talk about the awards. I received my invite in the mail yesterday, …
Or at least, it seems that way. Sure, Barry Bonds is a steroid-addicted asshole, but is that really …
Last week Publishers Marketplace reported that Faye Kellerman had gone back William Morrow for her …
Though for most authors, going to the London Book Fair is actively discouraged (for good reason, …
A few weeks ago, bestselling thriller writer Douglas Preston went to Italy on vacation with his …
All of Ed Gorman’s Pro-Files (as he calls them) are great but imagine my delight when …
Last Saturday BBC Radio 4 kicked off an awesome series hosted by Ian Rankin where he, along with …
And by dint of not posting on weekends I didn’t get around to talking about the Agatha Award …
Bookslut’s Michael Schaub says so and honestly, I am not about to argue. …
Something tells me that fewer people will be reading the blog today because they’ve all begun …
Boy, get nominated for the Edgar and suddenly the world really opens up. After Polygon anted up for …
When I was a kid watching Warner Brothers’ cartoons obsessively there were several — …
An essay that’s making the rounds of various mystery folk, and justifiably provoking some ire, …
The setup seemed so cool, and the Hong Kong media certainly had a field day with the news that …
The CWA has announced that this year’s recipient of the Diamond Dagger for Lifetime …
The February issue of the online magazine is now available for perusal, and at first glance it looks …
Been blogging rather crazily at Galleycat (end-of-month quotas, don’t you know) and other …
Though in truth, I think this could well be a phenomenal book once it’s published: Author of …
Now that it’s been a while since the Duncan Lawrie bank got on board to be the Daggers’ …
First: new column, featuring reviews of the latest by David Liss, Jenny White, Robert Eversz, Kjell …
Yes, I’m finally getting out of the city this weekend. It will be so nice. Weekend Update will …
They’re talking about it at Rara-Avis. It’s spreading to other lists, message boards and …
OK, I think this is phenomenally cool news (and will have to figure out a way how to see this when …
So first, three cheers for one of my favorite writers and people: RAIN DOGS author Sean …
Because I’ve spent a fair chunk of 2006 with my nose in research books, reading newspapers on …
Jenny Davidson got her copy of BUST (due out from Hard Case Crime in May) and reports back almost …
Paul Levine’s new SOLOMON Vs. LORD series is attracting lots of buzz, which is an excellent …
So as has been going around the blogs and the industry, Ben Affleck has started production on GONE, …
Happy long weekend, everyone (which also explains why this update’s going out late, because …
The International Association of Crime Writers has announced the nominees for the Hammett Award, …
Anyone who’s paid attention to this blog for longer than 2 seconds will understand why I am …
Like many Jewish little girls — and, no doubt, many non-Jewish ones — I read the ALL OF …
Since the announcement is making the rounds, then I’ll do the same here: I’m really …
This book sounds too bizarre and strange not to note (especially as I can think of several people …
Sometimes, mostly to amuse myself, I play what I call the game of Link Gold. That is, to find the …
This year, the annual awards for the best in online fiction has a sponsor — Spoiled Ink. This …
The newest issue of Hardluck Stories is, to say the least, a real barnburner. Harry Shannon lined up …
Out and about for the most part today so links will be delivered bullet-style: Ed Gorman has begun a …
After printing up LCC’s program schedule and looking over the contents, I soon realized that …
Mark Coggins sends word of a very intriguing new project from mystery veteran Joe Gores, who’s …
Yes, it’s my birthday. And yes, it’s snowing up a storm outside. Whether the two events …
Some of you know Aliya Whiteley for her short stories, which have appeared or are forthcoming in …
I’d been meaning to report about this for ages but now have a pretty damn good reason to do …
Today’s Publishers Lunch points to one of the more unusual offerings that will take place at …
I’ve been posting a lot more on this over at Galleycat but — partly for my own …
So how were this past weekend’s twin mystery conferences? David Montgomery shares his spiel on …
Yesterday I killed an hour or so listening to some old audio interviews of Lawrence Block talking …
For some reason I managed to stay up far too late last night searching for pulp fiction set in …
Paul Southern, the Manchester-based crime novelist, writes about openness and tolerance but has much …
For fun, frolic, and some pretty good discussions thus far, check out the Mystery Circus, where …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio expends her crime reviewing energies on new releases by Sara Gran, Luis …
In something of a change of pace, I’ve got a flash fiction piece posted over at Tribe’s …
What’s the mystery genre without a conference where readers can meet each other, schmooze with …
So it looks like the once-beloved comedian might have his dirty laundry aired in court: A federal …
First there was the spirited backblog discussion in the wake of the Edgar nomination announcement. …
The Duluth News Tribune caught up with Brian Freeman, whose debut novel IMMORAL was nominated for …
This has been making the email and blog rounds but I thought I’d share this here as well. Beth …
Some of the UK’s top authors prepare reading lists for children, and as the Guardian reports, …
As the Dilys Award nominees — given to the book independent booksellers most enjoyed selling …
And one that went to auction, even! Lisa Lutz’s THE SPELLMAN FILES, a debut about a young PI …
(looking for the Weekend Update? Not to worry, it’s right here.) The Mystery Writers of …
Sometimes the best thing is to go on gut instinct, so with that in mind, please excuse the …
So first, the new column, which features reviews of new books by Peter Blauner, Dana Stabenow, Tom …
Sometime this weekend — likely around Saturday afternoon or early evening — the Edgar …
Meet 48-year-old Juana Barraza, recently arrested in Mexico on suspicion of being the “Little …
Handwritten blogging! Especially with awesome prehistoric Internet references! I’d do it …
The International Association of Crime Writers reported in its most recent newsletter that one of …
the writing duo of PJ Parrish take a big step forward, as this deal report indicates: NYT and USA …
Research, appointments and various other unimportant things will keep me away for much of today. But …
For whatever reason, I’ve yet to read a book by Miyuki Miyabe even though I strongly suspect …
NYTBR: So first, let’s begin with Marilyn Stasio’s column, where she reviews the latest …
So the word’s gotten out that Dana Stabenow’s BLINDFOLD GAME will appear on the New York …
Nick Stone’s debut thriller MR CLARINET has been getting a ton of attention, and now that …
Or maybe I’m the only one who thinks this item is: Seventies teen idol Leif Garrett was being …
Skating with Celebrities. Tonight on Fox. Because lord knows watching C-listers partner up with the …
If there’s one piece of advice I’d probably give to anyone going to a play with the …
First, the novel format, as Kevin Wignall launches LIKE PLASTIC, a new serialized novel set in Japan …
in lieu of a proper Weekend Update, which will be back Sunday… Patrick Anderson pretty much …
Posting will resume tomorrow. Haven’t decided if I’m going to do the Weekend Update or …
My impatience for this issue is severalfold: first, it’s been a long time since the last; …
That is the catchphrase that Bryon Quertermous — whom you might know for a variety of reasons, …
The folks over at Seattleist — part of Jake Dobkin’s amateur empire of regional blogs …
The Bookseller reports on a new Dutch thriller that, frankly, I’ll have to read now: Bitter …
and with that subject header, there go the cozy readers… But Jennifer Jordan’s upcoming …
I first bring you my all time favorite hoax: The case of I, LIBERTINE. And then follow up with the …
Let’s compare and contrast: In one corner, there is Charlie Huston’s vampire noir novel …
It’s always very cool when friends of mine get good news, and this certainly qualifies: Kevin …
NYTBR: Before we get to what appears to be the Book Review’s theme this week — …
Last night at Michele Martinez’s Black Orchid signing I got a couple of people saying that …
The notable, though sadly somewhat forgotten writer of espionage novels died last month at the age …
I suppose the death of Canadian poet Irving Layton probably won’t have the impact now that it …
So, bet you thought the Gold Dagger brouhaha was going to go away, right? Damage done, all forgotten …
for Thrilling Detective impresario Kevin Burton Smith is finally blogging (after a guest-stint here …
Paul Guyot links to fellow scribe James Lincoln Warren’s fabulous post on the choices writers …
Like, you know, this: In what’s surely the scariest development of the young new year, …
To show how out of touch I am, this article about noted crime writer Benjamin Appel ran in the New …
One site I don’t pay nearly as much attention to is James Clar’s “These Mean …
There are times when I think I pick on Patrick Anderson just a little too much, but then he goes and …
Ed Gorman reported some sad news over the weekend: Elmer Grape, husband of longtime mystery writer …
If my New Year’s party was any indication, 2006 will include a bit of the past, a lot of …
2005
Now that the ole internet connection’s back, I can actually do stuff again though scarce is …
Due to the PMSing whims of my internet connection, posting will be rather scarce for the rest of the …
The WSJ’s Tom Nolan talks to Cuban crime writer Jose Latour about why he switched from writing …
Since it’s still technically a holiday today (and at least in my case,for a few more days yet) …
A few people have asked — very nicely, I might add — if I’m going to be writing up …
I’ll start with Canada but alas, this will be a short section because I just don’t pay …
But that’s what happens when you’re put into an immediate crappy mood.
Yes, there’s a nice sized update over there, consisting of: Ali Karim’s writeup (and …
Or maybe I’m just easily amused by Sara Gran’s particular mode of response: …
That’s what Stephen Moss wants to know about Agatha Christie: Nothing explains the enduring …
There are, I suppose, distinct advantages in staying home, blogging in your pajamas and not working. …
A while back, Ian Rankin and PD James were quoted in several papers, like the Times and the …
Before I get to the update, I must note the passing of one of the greats of thriller writing, …
Bullet style for the hectically challenged: Kacey Kowars (who interviewed me several months ago for …
Everywhere I look I see some permutation of “Best of” lists around the ‘sphere, …
Because a small town in Brazil will flout them anyway: BIRITIBA MIRIM, Brazil — There’s …
Ed Gorman hosts a wonderful retrospective on McBain’s work from a noted contemporary of his, …
I shouldn’t let my blood boil over this, but I really, really don’t get why the whole …
Mostly because the opening of Victoria Coren’s Observer piece is so damn funny on one level …
And I know you’re probably all sick to death of the topic, but there’s a bit more …
Vacations are the best inventions ever. Especially vacations where I can walk into my old local …
Where it is indeed quite north and quite frozen, I must say. But enforced vacation is a very good …
Sadly, Dick Donahue’s forecast piece and Rosemary Herbert’s bookseller spotlight on the …
Contemporary Nomad has barely been up two days but I’m already highly addicted — not …
At least, I know I’d read this: Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked, the story of Oz told from …
And things are awfully busy at William Morrow. First there’s David Highfill, who makes his …
Since a few folks were kind enough to ask how the reading at Barbes went on Sunday night, I thought …
It’s the brainchild of Baltimore-based Cortright McMeel and Tristan Davies, and from the …
Well, not exactly a makeover, but they are changing things around a bit, according to a report by …
I held off on posting this till Monday for a few reasons, mostly because I found it pretty …
Sue Grafton’s S IS FOR SILENCE is being reviewed in almost every major newspaper, it seems. …
Although it almost wasn’t, considering the insane amount of time I spent fighting with my …
I’ll be in a few places this weekend, if you want to catch me speaking or reading:
- Saturday, …
Is it telling that I’m still thinking very much about CORONADO the morning after I saw it? …
The Best Scottish book of the year goes, for the first time, to an English writer — and a …
If I had to pick what’s the most common question I get asked, it is this: “how are you …
This is going to be an interesting week for Dennis Lehane, as his very first play, CORONADO, opens …
The MWA Submissions List is probably the most important document in the crime fiction world. Well, …
That is the question that enters my mind as I read about this new deal: Tom Cavanagh’s FAN …
So a long long time ago in a blog post far away — a little over a year ago, in fact — I …
Bob Cornwell (who was once the webmaster for the CWA’s site) shares his thoughts on the …
Bloody hell, this isn’t even my holiday but it seems I’ve taken it up with major league …
which is to say, go forth and be gluttonous. I know I will. Happy Thanksgiving, and I’ll be …
Courtesy CAAF at Tingle Alley, about George R.R. Martin’s new doorstop fantasy novel, A FEAST …
Paul Guyot has a great discussion about the importance of setting for a story, and more importantly, …
The well-regarded indie publisher announces its latest round of themed noir anthologies, and of …
I’m thinking especially of this guy, but it’s great news nonetheless: LA Times …
And I’m really, really curious to know who the other players in this auction were (and if I …
Though the news has been slowly leaking out, the Mystery Writers of America has made their official …
The latest Bat Segundo show features Jennifer Weiner, chatting about GOODNIGHT NOBODY, mysteries and …
Although as far as I’m concerned, I have a pretty damn good excuse to be lazy…
NYTBR: …
My main email’s crapping out, so if you’ve sent me something in the last day or so, I …
Can you believe Thanksgiving will be next week? Neither can I (though the weather’s finally in …
Sara Gran, whose forthcoming novel DOPE absolutely blew me away, talks to Bookmunch’s Peter …
To make a long story short, I’m in a weird, yet incredibly busy place in my life right now. So …
In a fairly provocative essay in today’s Guardian by noted crime fiction critic Marcel …
So say you’re a writer’s association based in a particular country, and you’re …
The joys of having a 30-day trial to the Bookseller means that I can actually read their articles …
Otherwise how would we get fun deals like this one? Kaitlyn Dunnett’s KILT DEAD, featuring a …
The subject header pretty much sums it up, but here’s the deal report from late last week: …
January Magazine’s occasional column of crime fiction book reviews, news and more returns this …
So first, a hearty welcome to those that followed the link from Terry Teachout’s …
I had the chance to do so yesterday afternoon at the offices of St. Martin’s Press (which …
Dean Koontz’s now-infamous speech at the Men of Mystery event last weekend has been burning up …
So I start reading this article in the Rocky Mountain Collegian about this aspiring writer. And it …
When I got a copy of Robert Greer’s new book, RESURRECTING LANGSTON BLUE (brought out by his …
Archer Mayor has been writing the Joe Gunther mystery novels for about 25 years, and because of …
I’m too lazy to do a full post on this over here so I’ll link to my Galleycat writeup of …
The Mystery Writers of America has announced its Grandmaster for 2006, and the honor — …
Somehow I managed to skip posting about the death of the author of notable novels such as THE FRENCH …
Tomorrow’s Dagger luncheon promises to be a lively affair, and I’m aiming to have …
I’m far from the only one to hear some of the buzz about Scottish crime novelist Lin Anderson, …
God, it’s been ages since I’ve written up a crime story on the blog, but it’s nice …
So first, I jump on the growing bandwagon of reviewing Scott Turow’s new novel, ORDINARY …
National Novel Writing Month is underway, with over 60,000 brave souls attempting to write a …
Not much today — though there will be something early this afternoon — but this is also …
A song which makes perfect sense considering this particular deal: Terri Garey’s DEAD GIRLS …
Because a combination of extreme stress, brain death and potential sea changes are messing with my …
CNN has a substantial profile of Charles Ardai & Max Phillips, the crazy kids behind the …
Bloomberg news’s Peter Elliot has a fairly typical Q&A with the author of so many crime …
So remember earlier this year there was this tie-in book called THE KILLING CLUB, which Michael …
The author of the Inspector Banks series is recovering well from his mild heart attack last month at …
It’s funny how far in advance the publishing world works. Just as Soho Press sends out their …
And I hope I’m not the only one who’s stil adjusting to the whole “turn the clocks …
Another month, another column, and this time I look at new books by Michael Connelly, Sujata Massey, …
I have had several emails asking me when the next issue of Shred of Evidence would appear — …
Mark Billingham continues his occasional series of columns for the Bookseller talking about the …
While other people concern themselves with Al Franken’s Minnesota Senate bid, I find this a …
Oh it’s fun to be on deadline, tra-la, tra-la…which means there’s been a serious …
That’s what I get for doing this pesky thing called a day job…I miss fun stuff like this …
The last few weeks has seen some spirited debate and great commentary about the question of where …
Subject header pretty much says it all, but the deal report — a few weeks after the logistics …
Lee Goldberg links to a missive from Publishers Weekly yesterday that breaks the sad news: Uglytown …
At Northwestern University’s law school, Rob Warden heads up the Center on Wrongful …
There was a great article over the weekend about John D. MacDonald and his best-known alter ego, …
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s David Hiltbrand (a mystery novelist in his own right) wonders if …
Diana O’Hehir was once shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize, wrote several volumes of poetry, …
Before I get to the links, I wanted to extend a hearty congratulations to two of my favorite people …
But this time, there are a few twists attached: Marcus Sakey’s THE BLADE ITSELF, about a …
It’s a sweeping thing to say, but for the moment, it’s true — and the name to …
Jonathan Santlofer’s newest thriller, THE KILLING ART, is in stores right now. And as he tells …
If you are a child of a certain age (and, I guess, from a certain continent) you grew up reading …
It may be too early to call this a bona fide trend, but then again, so often we get a trend of one …
Well, that’s what her biographer, Laura Thompson, tried to find out after seeing a more modern …
SHOTS Magazine has updated their website with loads of new content, including: interviews with …
Quickly, because that seems to be the order of things today, if not this week: P.D. James is a woman …
It’s impossible to prove if he had anything to do with it, but after a solid week of non-stop …
NYTBR: Now somehow I completely whiffed on linking to Marilyn Stasio’s column last week, which …
The Florida-based author of FEVER doesn’t just have a hell of a “road to …
It’s the day after the fast. I’m trying to stay out of the big litblog skirmish (except …
Maybe it’s the torrential downpour, or maybe it’s the fact that all I really want to do …
As announced this afternoon by John Grisham, of all people: Fiction E.L. Doctorow, The March …
Louise Welsh’s essay in today’s Scotsman offers up some reason why so many writers turn …
Twice a year, Publishers Weekly does a roundup of what the magazine believes are the rising stars of …
I mean, this we need? Star of "Riverdance" Michael Flatley with Douglas Thompson’s THE LORD …
Ayo Onatade reports that last night, the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger went to C.J. Sansom for his …
And all I can say is, this guy’s going to be grinning for days, if not weeks, over the news.
This most amusing interview by the Freep’s Marta Salij is very wide ranging, spending just as …
Stacey Cochran presents this very lengthy chat over at January Magazine with Jennifer Colt, the …
Poor Lori Hill. The books editor of the Philadelphia City Paper (and, doing the whole full …
NYTBR: Boy oh boy, it’s all about Joan Didion this week, what with Rachel Donadio’s …
One of the things I wanted to talk about earlier this week before the news of the Dagger nominations …
Well, not really everywhere, but I needed a good excuse to report on the fact that in a matter of …
But then again, this is just very, very cool news, as reported early this morning on Duane …
At least on a rudimentary scale: It’s been all things Ruth Rendell this week as her newest …
It seems somehow appropriate that a great many things are converging at once. There’s the …
First off, hoo boy.
A few years ago, it seemed like the Gold Dagger was awarded to a crime writer …
I’ve been to enough panels to expect that for the most part, there isn’t a lot of …
In the department of “everything old is new again,” MYSTERY*FILE, one of the oldest …
Various shortlists for the Southern California Booksellers Association’s annual prizes have …
How can the year be only two months away from finishing? Didn’t we just get started with 2005? …
After the last few weeks, I am sorely tempted to rename this month Stress-tember. Which isn’t …
I have been hopelessly remiss in blogging about the weeklong Brit-themed festival happening now at …
Now, when I went surfing onto the NYT site and found the review of Michael Wex’s new book BORN …
At the Toronto Bouchercon, some of you may remember an ad in the accompanying handbook that read …
Jacqueline Winspear tells the SF Chronicle about her unusual inspiration for what has proved to be a …
The shortlist for the annual award given out by the Nero Wolfe Society has been announced: A …
The novelist best known for MYSTIC RIVER is spending the current calendar year at Eckerd College in …
A few days ago Laila Lalami prepared herself to interview Salman Rushdie (the end result will run in …
For some bizarre reason I have been remiss in linking to the growing disaster that is HMV’s …
First up, the new column, which features reviews of the latest by Walter Mosley, Theresa Schwegel, …
as does the weekend, I find it’s occupying more and more of my thoughts — especially …
Ian Rankin seems to figure in some news story by the Scotsman every day, practically, but this …
Busy morning what with meetings and other pesky duties but since several people brought up Jennifer …
Because, I guess, BELLE DE JOUR was such a smashing success in the UK, W&N will be going back …
The NY Post reports on Ed Conlon’s new book deal to write a police thriller: Detective Ed …
The Southeastern Booksellers’ Association — which is changing its name — reports …
Now granted, I still have to watch the actual clip of Karin Slaughter’s appearance on the CBS …
Duane Swierczynski relates how a few choice words of wisdom from an editor pal completely changed …
George Easter has posted his report of the convention on the Deadly Pleasures website, warning all …
Christopher Fowler’s dabbled in many genres, but currently he’s having a ball with his …
If you input “Six Bunnie Wunnies” into Google, this blog is the #1 hit. (As for why I …
Normally when I’m working on something, I prefer to either be creating — writing a first …
I’ve somehow neglected to mention Anne Frasier’s blog in this space (especially as back …
The newest issue of Crime Scene Scotland is finally here, and while Russel McLean is still busily …
I got a note over the weekend from author Elaine Flinn, who is chairing the judging committee for …
NYTBR: Frank Rich loooooooves Zadie Smith so much that he spends oodles of space heaping hosannas on …
As reported by his webmaster (and also the Black Orchid Bookshop), there will be a memorial service …
The Dagger shortlist parade has begun, as always, with the finalists in the historical mystery …
As this was the first time I’ve ever attended an event at the New York Public Library, I …
This deal report isn’t particularly odd taken at surface value, but what’s odd for me is …
Or at least, she tells the Book Standard whatever she wants in relation to the upcoming release of S …
…revealed over at the LBC Site. Post your thoughts and opinions over there.
I suppose it’s only fitting I post this as I prepare to attend the NYPL’s “Nancy …
Because doesn’t it seem tailor-made for the man who would be ALIENIST: Yale law professor Jed …
This may well be my favorite BCon related exchange ever, as taken from the blog of Michael Simon, …
One of my favorite independent mystery-dominated small presses, Bleak House Books, has been bought …
So every year, the Private Eye Writers of America, in tandem with St. Martin’s Press, runs a …
The problem with not living in Canada anymore is that I’m hopelessly out of the loop on …
Jiro Kimura reports that one of mystery fandom’s great regulars has died. Sue Feder, who …
I’m only linking this article for the picture, but this piece by Jane Slade for the Daily …
This BBC article puzzled me as much as it did the reporter, I think. Agatha Christie’s a …
One of the things that arose after Bouchercon was a discussion on panels — or more accurately, …
courtesy of Laurie King, talking about book promotion: The funny thing is, nobody really knows what …
The Scostman has this huge-ass profile of Neil Strauss, who is definitely someone I Just Don’t …
NYTBR: I find Marilyn Stasio’s column especially interesting not just because of the book …
This is the kind of news that makes me break my Friday hiatus: Emily Maguire’s provocative …
But these things were just too good not to share. On the serious front, Duane Swierczynski uses his …
And the finalists are… John Banville, THE SEA Julian Barnes, ARTHUR AND GEORGE Sebastian …
Paul Guyot asked, Lee Goldberg concurred, and so must I: where does all the money that attendees pay …
but I guess I figured cutting off heads was so, I dunno, 18th century: Jeremy Mercer’s WHEN …
At one end of the spectrum, there’s the continuing celebration of the 75th anniversary of The …
So in the midst of getting caught up with what happened over the weekend, there’s one thing …
A couple of bigtime publisher changes that will affect the mystery world: First, as I blogged over …
Aside from the Update, when was the last time I pulled one of these them thar things together? I …
Recently I was having a conversation with my brother about the current dark times — an …
It’s too bad this guy’s still in transit because lord knows he (along with this guy) …
Yeah, this was supposed to run yesterday, but that’s what real life does…
So while …
(_This post will stay at the top of the blog through the end of Monday. Check back on Labor Day for …
So you want to know who won all those awards? Well, I stole the lists from Jiro Kimura, but what the …
Nothing from me till Labor Day but not surprisingly, Jiro Kimura is first out of the gate to report …
There’s sort of a discombobulating feeling to know that the biggest event is mystery is …
From Laurie King: Why go to Bouchercon? I ask myself this every year, this being the fifth or …
So in the age of podcasting, constant updates and other techno-gadgetry, how will those of us not …
It’s three days to BCon, and already some folks from across the Atlantic are slowly making …
Ever since Fiona Walker disappeared from the Crime Fiction Dossier, I’ve felt kind of …
Well OK, technically summer doesn’t end till September 20 but I mean, people are back at …
So first, a huge thank-you to CJ and Jenny for helming the site for the remainder of the week. The …
And so, the Great Guestblogger Month comes to a close today, and our final guest will be Jenny …
Partly in response to Sarah’s August 22nd posting regarding Donald Westlake and Charles Willeford’s …
Chances are, if you’re involved at all in the New York-based mystery scene, you’ve run …
I’m back with more ‘the virgin-writer-gets-deflowered’ stories. Okay, the ‘virgin’ part may have …
Yes, I have been deflowered. It’s not what you’re thinking. That deflowerment happened a long, long, …
Why am I surprised about this? I don’t know, but I just am: Oscar nominee Robert Forster is …
The New York Sun (amazingly, making this article available free to non-subscribers) profiled …
At the Edinburgh Book Festival, a new prize is trying to rejuvenate interest in the short story …
Kate Atkinson, the marvellous author of the inaugural Litblog Co-Op pick CASE HISTORIES, will be …
It all started after browsing through Amazon UK, which is notorious for putting up listings almost 2 …
In the midst of volumes and volumes about the business of writing that’s accumulated in this …
In just a few short years, Selina Walker has pretty well established herself as one of the top …
So when Patricia Cornwell’s PORTRAIT OF A KILLER was released way back in 2002, many folks …
One of my biggest regrets is that I completely whiffed on the chance to meet James Crumley a couple …
One of the longstanding leading lights of the mystery world has passed away at the age of 81: Santa …
NYTBR: I gotta ask — is the Book Review on crack this week? There’s Jeff …
First off, huge thanks to Kevin and Megan for their exemplary guest blog stints. I know I’ll …
My introduction to Megan Abbott was probably about as pure as one could get. Until her debut novel …
I want to thank Sarah again for this great opportunity to step forward from lurker status and guest …
I’ve just finished a riveting new noir novel, The Devil’s Own Rag Doll. Scheduled to come out in …
The resilience of the 1947 Black Dahlia murder case is pretty astounding. With the 2003 publication …
Well, folks, it’s closing time. Finish up the last round and let’s put the chairs up on …
If you’re at all a fan of PI fiction and didn’t suddenly crawl under a rock in the last …
Well, I’m just back from reading some of the workshop entries, and yow! It was painful. …
Hello out there in the Blogiverse. “As you read this, I don’t want you to feel sorry for …
Damn if I know what I’m doing here, exactly, but thanks, Sarah, for the kind words. For those …
As I’ve said before, one of my dearest wishes is to attend the Edinburgh Book Festival. It …
I don’t think it’s been a huge secret that John Mortimer — author of …
The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s the latest paper to catch up with Superwoman (at least, in the …
Ed links an article in yesterday’s Boston Globe that covers a rather dangerous and fun topic: …
The Ann Arbor News has a nice interview with Doug Allyn, known primarily for his prolific short …
So in the midst of guest-blogging fervor, I completely overlooked the whole Booker Prize Longlist …
And the new issue of Thrilling Detective is finally live, with the usual mix of awesome stories, …
Today would be an excellent day for being cranky: it’s hot out, I’m fasting (well, for …
Last night I went to see LENNON: The Musical. I think this picture (crappiness due to my camera …
I suppose I’m cheating a bit as Clea did submit a rather provocative essay for the blog a few …
I don’t mean to prop up that one short table leg, but why do we read what we read when we read it? …
Browsing: Barry Eisler has the third installment of his guestblog on book marketing posted today on …
Since Sarah noted the rock-chick angle, thought I’d ponder aloud: Posted late last night after …
Hi everyone! Thanks for Sarah for letting me sit in (again). Any excuse to hide in my …
There are hardboiled writers. There are noir writers. There are demented writers whose work you …
This is possibly a bit childish of me, and Jennifer Jordan is probably going to send me …
In a case of life imitating bad art, I’ve started working as a TV writer. In my novel ‘I Love My …
Hi. David Bowker here. Sarah the whiplady asked me to blog, so here goes. I’m spending a lot of time …
Or at least, I really hope so: Actor, writer, comedian Harry Shearer’s NOT ENOUGH INDIANS, …
I’m about halfway through reading Brian Freeman’s debut thriller IMMORAL (which will …
Last night I went to see THE ARISTOCRATS, a movie I have been dying to see since word got out about …
The Christian Science Monitor wonders what’s happening outside the confines of the US and UK …
I was just about to post about the Washington Post’s apology for Marianne Wiggins’ …
The Manchester Evening News chats with Jeffery Deaver, crime writer and dedicated foodie. Clea Simon …
I’m blaming this on Mercury being in retrograde or something — but in any case, the …
So as some of you fine folks have pointed out, publicly and privately, I’ve been messing …
First off, many thanks to Harry and Barry for spearheading the joint this week — and stay …
Hi everyone, it’s 10:30 and time for this exhausted guest correspondent to call it a night. …
Really, Barry Eisler needs little introduction — he’s not only in demand for his panel, …
Okay, y’all (how’s that spelling?) asked for more politics (or at least that’s …
Good morning everyone, glad to be here as Sarah’s guest. Sarah, thanks for the great intro. I …
This week I kick off what I refer to as the Backspace Blog Week — called that because my first …
Looking to take a road trip this fall? Maybe with a literary bent? Make plans now for the 10th …
Donate $100 to novelist-turned gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman and get an signed, …
Am I the only one out there (other than Ken Bruen) who has read Christopher Cook’s excellent noir …
Anybody who has ever heard Barry Eisler speak knows about the non-fiction book he touts, On Killing …
Many thanks to Sarah for letting me clog up the Internet today. I promised her to be witty, …
Normally I try to keep the PSA quotient here low, but when Jan Burke sent word of the current status …
The newest issue of Hardluck Stories is now available for perusal. As guest-edited by Neddal Ayad, …
Especially when your clients ink contracts like this one: Dan Fesperman’s THE PRISONER OF …
Another day, another article about the chick lit mystery trend. Hey, it’s hot, and certainly …
Sally Gardner suffers from extreme dyslexia, but as she tells the Guardian, she didn’t let …
The dog days are truly here — it’s the first day of August and I slept in late. The …
Is it me, or are the author profiles getting weirder and weirder? Now here’s Kate White, …
Is it just me who giggles slightly at the name the CWA has bestowed upon their Ur-award for the …
And where has the summer gone, anyway? I suppose because each blisteringly hot day melts into …
Now this is a topic to have some fun with. We start over at Paul Guyot’s place, as he talks …
Meetings, lunches, deadlines — well, you get the drift. There should be something up earlier …
Though I doubt it will address the latest allegations and tidbits, David Pirie has written a new …
One would think, in this age of short attention spans and constrained lives, that people would be …
And that alphabet letter, I suspect, will be sponsoring this series for a few more installments to …
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that yesterday’s post provoked lots of chatter, and …
And because writers are an obsessive lot — phoning Ingram, checking Amazon, comparing their …
In truth, Naomi Alderman’s debut novel — sold first to Viking UK and slated for …
The world of the paperback original is often a murky one. There are times when it’s easy to …
So the reports from the recently completed Harrogate Crime festival are streaming in, and all seem …
So say you write a spoof of the presidential administration and send it into a contest. Then it …
So my first instinct upon reading this is to remember my absolute distaste for Patricia …
On July 19, Eddie Bunker, the ex-con turned crime novelist, died from complications of a recent …
And before I get to all the links and stuff, a huge congratulations to Mark Billingham, winner of …
The full grid has been posted, (no direct link, just click on “Panels” in the drop-down …
Another one that’s making the litblog rounds, and for good reason: this advice column is …
Meetings, real work, blah blah blah. And would the temperature please drop a little bit? Please? …
Why does this news make me happy? Read on: Former Director of the Forensic Biology Department of …
So a number of folks have already asked me how last night’s reading went. To be honest? Kind …
After only two years, the Harrogate Crime Festival has become the go-to event in the UK. And for …
Peter Spiegelman, whose second novel DEATH’S LITTLE HELPERS is just out, talks to the …
Jiro Kimura (who’s been on semi-hiatus for a while) reports that Philip Nicholson, best known …
It’s well over 90 degrees out and so my brain cells are dying right and left. No wonder I keep …
Tod Goldberg has further details, and it’s utterly amazing that after her body rejected one …
I’ve just made up a new rule: if an agent makes a deal with a particular editor three or more …
Others have weighed in more eloquently (and likely less eloquently as well) but for the 2 people who …
It is so, so difficult to find book news today that isn’t Potter-related. Which isn’t so …
Thanks to incredible efforts by co-chairs Ruth Jordan and Judy Bobalik, Bouchercon will be held in …
Though I suppose, in a few months’ time, I will probably stop resisting and read the book in a …
I suppose it had to happen sometime. I move back to New York, start circulating in the publishing …
It seems that anonymous agent blogs are the new new thing — there’s Brooklyn-based Miss …
Ah, you gotta love bomb scares. Especially ones where people stand around, looking confused, unsure …
Texas has produced a long line of top crime novelists — James Lee Burke, Jim Thompson and Joe …
The mystery community has known for some time that Barbara Seranella, well-acclaimed author of the …
The trend in mystery these days has definitely gravitated towards more character-driven work. And …
The Spaniards sure know how to throw a party, and this week — which brings back the annual …
A.J. Jacobs annoyed reviewers everywhere* with his last book, THE KNOW-IT-ALL. Now, he’s …
Because someone else beat me to it: Recent Columbia MFA grad Elisa Albert’s WHEN YOU SAY …
After Frank Prial did his best to be snippy, James Grady comes back with a more balanced take on …
There once was a girl named Helena. A young lass, a smart one, toiling day in and day out at a Major …
I’m not sure how I feel about this, frankly — a new version of Inspector Morse sans John …
James Hynes, whose latest novel KINGS OF INFINITE SPACE has been bugging me to read it for a while …
Lee Goldberg (with additional commentary by his brother, Tod) point out just how much of a train …
Like Ed Gorman, I get the feeling that the weekend piece in the NYT by Frank Prial on Evan Hunter …
After reading this article about what bookshops, retailers and others will do just to get people to …
Normally I reserve enthusiastic praise around here for books, but after seeing PRIMO, Antony …
Over at the Lipstick Chronicles, I have my say about the so-called gender divide in the crime …
The man beloved to millions of crime fiction fans under his real name and as Ed McBain passed away …
So all I will say is that my thoughts and prayers are with the city of London on this horrible day. …
But then, maybe it’s just me: Anonymous’s ACADEMY X, told from the perspective of a …
Now this is a marketing strategy to embrace. Always on the lookout for innovative ways to raise …
In short order I’ve become a big fan of the stylings of Miss Snark, a literary agent …
The other side of the pond’s been doing a nice job ferreting out great information from top …
Or all I have to say is: thank GOD New York didn’t get it: NEW YORK (CNN/Money) – There …
The debate continues. The Litblog Co-Op (of which I am a proud member) releases its Minority Opinion …
Is it me, or are notorious criminals making an even bigger name for themselves than they used to? …
The lovely ladies of the Lipstick Chronicles have kicked off a weeklong feature that spotlights a …
Is it weird that I’m actually happy to be back at work? Maybe because by the time the …
Never mind that Steve Paulson’s profile for the Independent on Sunday bears more than a …
the Observer’s Hepzibah Anderson wonders if bloggers can really make or break books. Or at …
Delayed, of course, because who’s actually in town this weekend? Hardly anyone I know, …
Weekend update delayed till Monday morning. Email being positively spastic and has eaten everything …
On the one hand, you have to hand it to James Patterson. He wants to give back to the reading …
There’s been a lot of talk about what to do with book tours. Some folks love to do it; others …
Maggie Topkis, one of the founders of the mystery bookshop (and my old working haunt) Partners & …
The Telegraph went a little hogwild with crime fiction over the last few days, what with roundups by …
This interview is a little different from what I’ve done before. I originally intended to …
Good lord, I don’t know how J. Kingston Pierce does it but he’s assembled yet another …
Mostly because of the working title of the opening book in this new two-book deal: Ellen …
Earlier this year I wrote about how much I loved James Preston Girard’s work, especially THE …
The National Film Theatre’s annual Crime Scene Festival makes its return to the South Bank, …
For whatever reason, the train wreck that is the dissolution of Terry McMillan’s marriage …
I mean, what to make of this new deal? Whitney Shroyer, Letitia Walker, and Michael …
Frequent readers will know how obsessed I have been over the years about BTK. Imagine my shock …
Well kids, it’s that time of year again, the time when TPTB at Bouchercon hand down their …
Poor Norman Mailer. He isn’t writing anything much of note anymore so he has to resort to …
This week, it seems, is all about John Twelve Hawks’ THE TRAVELER. Remember that book? The one …
The news had been slowly trickling out that the option on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels had …
Of course, now I have that damn song in my head, but if you’re going to torture your brain, …
Maybe it’s because I have been so insanely busy that I’ve managed to acquaint myself …
Looks like Andrew Vachss has managed to be super-prescient in his new novel TWO TRAINS RUNNING, …
What would you write if nobody knew it was you who wrote it? That was the question that gripped Marc …
Paul Guyot got things started by talking about how cool it is to share ideas with writer friends, …
Kermit (but call him Kim) Roosevelt’s debut novel IN THE SHADOW OF THE LAW is getting a ton of …
It almost amuses me how Edward Wyatt’s profile of Janet Evanovich and her family marketing …
The International Festival of Authors has announced their lineup for this fall and as Rebecca …
I suppose it had to happen, but it still strikes me as somewhat odd: Lisa Rogak’s THE MAN …
Looking for crime reporting with a healthy dose of snark? Then check out Blottered, featuring an …
There’s been a fascinating discussion all weekend over at Mark’s that began when he …
Doug Johnstone hates blurbs and he’s happy to tell anyone in the near vicinity just how much: …
The Octagon Library at the University of London is doing a most unpopular thing: disposing of rare …
Although in truth, I.J. Parker’s books are not exactly that, but they do feature an intrepid …
So I think I’m going to steal TMFTML’s tag line and declare that this blog, too, is …
Mark Bazer is mad as hell and he can’t take it anymore. He’s decided to go with the open …
I’ve lost track how long Houston’s Police Laboratory has been in trouble. …
It’s easy to see why this new deal could inspire some controversy down the line: SF Chronicle …
Because what other explanation can be given for Chrissie Hynde’s bizarro fangirl act? Rock …
Yes, it’s that time again. The time when a whole host of writers take the same story germ and …
As the stories roll in, the links will go live next to each participant’s name:
Alina Adams: …
Based on this story, it ought to be something like LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE: THE AMAZING AND TRUE …
Rebecca Caldwell reports that the Chapters on Bloor & Bay, once the chain’s flagship …
I’ve been hopelessly remiss in not pointing people to the Lipstick Chronicles, a kickass …
Giles Blunt, whose Algonquin Bay novels are fast becoming among my favorites, has switched US …
Either this piece is ridiculously breathless, or I’m just adding my own interpretation to the …
To go along with the Old Peculier Shortlist (see today’s earlier post) Yorkshire Today’s …
The finalists for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year have been announced: …
A few weeks ago I went on at length about how much I adore crime fiction in translation. Now the …
As Bloody Words, Canada’s largest mystery convention, comes to a close, the news of the Arthur …
I think it’s fair to say that this past week — my very first as a Young Professional in …
It’s been great fun sitting in for Sarah the last three days. Hope the change …
Just wanted to finish off a theme that’s developed over my last three days here… Back to …
I am hesitant to usurp Sarah’s role as chief “book critic” around these here parts. For one …
It could always be worse. – Just a reminder – Meanwhile, James Patterson sits atop the …
Good news first… Over at Deadly Pleasures news that the Maccavity Nominations have been …
“Coming this summer, the Thriller Book Club, formed in conjunction with DearReader.com, will …
As Anakin Sywalker once said, “Nooooooooooooooooooooo!” … New York Daily …
As some have noted, Lionel Shriver changed her name when she was fifteen – there must be a …
Back from the Red Cross – a pint low. (Can the wisecracks, Rickards!) Sarah, ever alert, …
Very busy today. My wife has only two faults. (BTW I clock in at 46 serious character flaws – …
To me, like most writers of my experience level, editors are mysterious beings. I look at them …
Now that I have your attention with the misleading headline cribbed from Shriver’s plot. And …
I have sinned. I’ve been blogging for most of the last six hours or so and have negleted …
Lists — at least those not given to me by a certain redhead to insure that I return from the …
Since, here in the pixel covered hallowed halls of “Idiosyncratic Mind,“we are concerned …
Sarah, in her infinite wisdom (Is she not, after all, a C-List Blogebrity and thus privy …
There’s something vaguely ironic in how the subject of my previous post — a buzzed-about …
So I’ve caught a really strong whiff of the buzz that Doubleday, especially editor Jason …
NYTBR: So it goes without saying that the most talked about review of the weekend was Curtis …
BEA madness delayed posting of this till today, but here are the nominees for this year’s …
My thoughts about most of the mystery/suspense panels appear over at BEA Lunch. I would have liked …
By design, today was more of a “take it easy” day. No rushing from panel to panel, party …
Jesus, what an insane day. And the book room opens tomorrow so Javits, which is already too big and …
If I’d been better prepared I would have done something similar to my “Girl’s …
Uh, hi. I’m sorry, do I have some sort of “blog” or thereabouts? I think …
For those of you who are wondering who I am and what I’m doing here, I’m guest hosting …
Writing “The Resilient Writer: Tales of Rejection and Triumph from 23 Top Authors” …
So in looking at the interview lineup for the month of May over at the Kacey Kowars Show, one …
In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, and the prospect that the only way my endless packing will …
So my first instinct upon seeing this linked on Publishers Lunch was to immediately rack my brain …
As editor in chief of the Philadelphia City Paper, Duane Swierczynski has to come up with his WTF …
Mobylives points to this new essay by Robert Gray (of the Fresh Eyes bookseller blog) writing about …
First up, in keeping with the theme of his latest novel, THE CLOSERS, Connelly’s recent op-ed …
It’s fair to say that one of the hottest trends in the genre at the moment is the hybrid …
Please do check out the Litblog Co-Op site later today as Reagan Arthur, senior editor at Little …
Yes, I’m late to this party but what the hell. The pictures say it all. Although I think Mr. …
It’s all Jaime’s fault; an end-of-weekend conversation somehow devolved into one of our …
Tod Goldberg’s latest manuscript is out to editors and he’s finding new ways to drive …
If you’re going to interview a famous author, as the Telegraph does here with Umberto Eco, can …
Crime Spree editor Jon Jordan writes about what he likes and doesn’t like about Advance …
Maybe it’s a slow day, or maybe I’m easily amused, but whatever the case, this …
So first: yes, I sat down last week and read through THE WASHINGTONIENNE. Well, I started out with …
If gut reactions are anything to go by: Author of SLUGS and NECESSARY EVIL, Shaun Hutson’s …
In keeping with the continuous schedule, various new items have been added over the last little …
I must admit that I read the PM blurb for this new deal and my eyebrows went way, way up: Toni …
If you live in the UK and you want cold, hard facts about current news, where do you go, the …
Hey, stop that, it’s not as silly as it sounds. There are only 2 more Harry Potter books to go …
Perhaps the most famous Israeli crime novelist has died at the age of 57, after a nine-month battle …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio leads off her column with a glowing review of the latest Inspector Brunetti …
Since Ellis Weiner and Barbara Davilman’s first book together, YIDDISH WITH DICK AND JANE, …
Looking for a place to live is a trying, difficult exercise in any city. But somehow, it is even …
Recently I received what might be the most speechless-inducing email I’ve ever received: …
Although the current debate about the Litblog Co-Op seems to center around whether Kate …
A novel, or a short story? Sometimes we want to read one or the other, but as Philip Hensher …
The nominees for the annual awards given by the membership of Bouchercon have been announced: Best …
First up, Best Novel:
Unlike other categories (as well as normal procedure) there’s a ton of …
Issue 6 of Crime Spree, run by the effervescent and ever-influential Jordan clan, has just shipped …
And as usual, their new issue grabs you by force and makes you beg a whole lot before letting go. …
I wish I knew why this fascinates me so much. Then again, maybe not so much, because the fact that …
One of the things I’d hoped to do more of was keep an eye on what’s happening in the …
I rather question the wisdom of this deal on several levels: 23 year-old British journalism student …
So silly me — I thought that pairing Jonathan Yardley and Michael Connelly’s THE CLOSERS …
Over the last little while David Montgomery has devoted much energy at the Crime Fiction Dossier on …
Though Book Expo America is still over two weeks away, I can’t be the only one to grapple with …
I’m not sure what was bugging David Joyner when he wrote this, but man, he’s got a …
So what is it, you may ask? Just mosey on over and see for yourselves. But I must say, I am very, …
Allan Guthrie’s fine zine returns with its sixth issue, and lord is it ever packed with good …
But first, my latest review, where I manage to shock longtime blog readers and especially myself by …
So the New York Times pulled Joyce Wadler off the Boldface beat so she could do things like, oh, …
Greetings from a very tired, somewhat frazzled blogger. Suffice to say that there’s much …
Unless a miracle occurs — or my brain is tuned away from the “finding a place to …
Over the weekend Fiona alerted me to the CWA’s newest initiative, and I must say, I’m …
So say you’re a midlist writer. Your previous book was published with a small press, garnered …
Our Pal the Rake links to a very evocative piece about one of the genre’s living legends …
I’m already on record with my thoughts on Mo Hayder’s latest novel (known to some as …
There were many interesting points (and some not so interesting ones) mentioned during last …
Martha O’Connor’s debut novel THE BITCH POSSE, just out now, is one of the most …
Deadly Pleasures, as they do every year, have tallied their nominees for the annual Barry Awards. …
The winners of the Short Mystery Fiction Society’s annual awards are: Flash Story (Up to 500 …
In my ever-present quest to find crime stories in the most obscure newspapers possible, this new …
Which, as I am wont to do, I’ll let speak for itself: Saying he believes the man presumed …
NYTBR: Well look at this, it’s a crime fiction kind of week over at the Book Review. …
So a few little birdies have alerted me to a rather interesting little invective sent over the …
I cannot think of any worse fate than to die without a name, without anyone knowing who you are …
As part of the run-up to Harrogate’s 3rd Crime Festival (and the 1st Theakston Old Peculier …
MacLean’s Magazine, Canada’s version of TIME and Newsweek, offers up a fairly decent …
Although that said, I think I’d need to see a fuller synopsis before I completely pass …
So yesterday was a banner day for one simple reason: my very first page proofs. There’s …
A long long time ago, when the blogosphere was young, I used to spend too much of my time reading …
I read this last night. I laughed my ass off. I read it again the morning. Same reaction. Oh, dear …
First, I’ve noticed a spike in the hit count, and since I suspect it’s due to this nice …
Since I couldn’t attend Malice Domestic this year — one day, I shall — I asked my …
And of course, my first thought was this: what will it mean for the thumbnails? The resignation was …
It’s apparent that Victor Gischler really ought to change the name of his interview series. …
You know, just because I can… The Long Beach U-Press Telegram has a very long and quite nice …
Over at Book Angst 101, Mad Max Perkins has posted yet another cautionary tale about how even when …
MacMillan has long been one of the UK’s big publishers; from a crime fiction standpoint, they …
And thanks to Jiro, I’m just stealing the press release: Malice Domestic announced the slate …
The annual festival run by Mary Alice Gorman and Richard Goldman of the Mystery Lovers Bookshop …
I’m sure each of them will be laughing, or more likely, shaking their heads: Former Baywatch …
NYTBR: Aside from the fact that I suspect Sam Tanenhaus ain’t gettin’ a brownie this …
It occurs to me, looking over the archives of the last month or so (the last few days …
This post will be updated throughout the evening and Friday as well, starting with my thoughts and …
Best Novel: California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker (William Morrow) Best First Novel: Country of …
While I really question the timing of this, considering that the original piece (no link, alas) ran …
And so, over the course of the rest of the day, I’ll update with pictures, reports, thoughts …
Whenever John Connolly has a book out — lately it’s been every year, though that may …
Mark Farley is a self-proclaimed “Bookseller to the Stars” and runs a blog by the same …
Or maybe I’m not seeing something I should: A Scottish company has just clinched a series of …
G. Miki Hayden, who won the Edgar for Best Short Story last year, has been filing reports for the …
I think this may be a special notation in the psychological thriller category: Frank Tallis’s …
Over at Lee Goldberg’s blog there’s a thoughtful series of posts (though they have been …
I love stories like these. They illuminate darkly lit corners of the human condition, and …
So some of you have asked me over the last little while why I won’t be in town for Edgar Week. …
Over the weekend Denise Hamilton (whose latest novel, SAVAGE GARDEN, continues a series undergoing …
So not content with making a huge introductory splash into the blogosphere, reformed TV writer Paul …
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s David Hiltbrand sits down with Edward Conlon, the author of the …
When I picked up my local paper yesterday, the entire back page of the Arts section was taken up by …
It’s easy to forget things at the library — your card, the book you wanted, normal …
First up, the Awards were handed out late Friday night and no doubt the mystery world will want to …
Things have been awfully crazy over at Idiosyncratic HQ — the cleaning is over, and now …
A couple of months ago, Akashic Books publisher Johnny Temple wrote a very thoughtful piece for …
By a quirk of the calendar, Passover prep has to be finished by the end of today — even though …
But I’ll try to restrict myself to just one: Salon columnist and author of the forthcoming …
I’ve been gently nudged to post about this, and for good reason: the LA Times Festival of …
The International Thriller Writers’ Association started off with a splash and it’s only …
The shortlists for the annual awards given by the Crime Writers of Canada were announced last night. …
Lisa Rogak, Shel Silverstein’s soon-to-be-unauthorized-biographer, has written a nice overview …
Sadly, Partners & Crime — aka my bookselling alma mater — won’t be doing the …
And boy have I been looking forward to this issue, featuring all manners of stories about successful …
Well, not yet, but she’s certainly being situated to do so very soon: Sara Gran’s DOPE, …
Maybe I’m still recovering from last night’s bizarre foray into the TV market research …
How else to explain this oddity in today’s Grey Lady? If Dan Brown needs any help with the …
Though his new novel won’t be out in the US until June, Giles Blunt’s BLACK FLY SEASON …
It’s odd that it’s taken me so long to get around to writing about him as he was one of the very …
When I first clicked on this interview of George Pelecanos in the Independent, I had a sinking …
Since 1969, Irish artisans — writers, musicians, and the like — have enjoyed various tax …
And first up, the Orange Prize Shortlist. Wow, what an interesting list this is as a lot of …
As if the bestselling author isn’t busy enough, he’s now doing the interview rounds for …
When area writer Christa Worthington was killed in Cape Cod 3 years ago, it launched much …
Mmm, Passover cleaning. A fine way to spend the weekend, I tell you. Empty out cupboards, clean …
Next Tuesday, April 19, is a very special day. It’s not Christmas. It’s not New …
The CBC’s revamped arts section has allowed many new (and sometimes controversial) articles of …
Though I’ve still a lot of catching up to do on his backlist, almost everything I’ve …
Raelynn Hillhouse’s debut novel, RIFT ZONE, got a lot of attention when it was released last …
You know what I’d really like to see? Janet Maslin get super-enthusiastic about a notable …
A few weeks ago, I chanced across the story of a man calling himself Joseph Newton Chandler III. It …
So I’ll let it speak for itself: In what may be a first-of-its-kind case, it was revealed …
It’s a good question to ask, consdering that there are a number of writers — Peter …
But interestingly, it’s not Tara Moss who inks a deal here, but someone else entirely: …
A couple of nights ago I sang the national anthem at a concert given by my local community center. …
So we all know that too many blurbs are considered suspect for a number of reasons — …
Marianne McDonald — no slouch in the crime writing field herself — has a lengthy chat …
Maud links to this story in the SF Chronicle where Alan Greenblatt wonders why bloggers always put …
Deadly Pleasures has announced the nominees for the Short Story and Thriller Barry Awards, which …
Joan Brady’s new novel BLEEDOUT — a damn good one, btw — was borne of very …
All of a sudden, Leonardo Paduro Fuentes, perhaps one of Cuba’s most prominent crime writers, …
Guess who’s back? Flashman! D.J. Taylor can’t be more excited as he is in this lengthy …
The annual awards given out by the Short Mystery Fiction Society have been announced: Flash Fiction …
So Fiona McCade is just a wee bit bothered by Ian Rankin’s alleged comments about crime in …
Or kids are just getting a hell of a lot savvier now: WEST SEATTLE, Washington (AP) — A …
Just to clarify for those that wondered: this was the “major announcement” I spoke of, …
What happens when a group of some of the finest literary bloggers get their heads together to pick …
At least, not for the rest of the day. But check back on the weekend not only for the Update, but …
The newest installment of January Magazine’s crime fiction newsletter is bursting with …
First up, it amuses me to no end to watch as Otto Penzler builds up Harcourt’s new crime …
I guess it shows how asleep at the wheel I truly am as I didn’t even realize Michael Connelly …
First, a huge round of applause to Cornelia for subbing for me and keeping the blog afloat the last …
I tried writing a post this morning about my first novel getting picked up by Mysterious Press in …
PW Daily reports that Pope John Paul II’s passing has inspired a frenzy of reader and …
An interview with Scottish crime writer and La Weinman Personal Fave ™ Carol Anne Davis at …
Sue Grafton’s interviewed on Bankrate.com, so you can find out more about her famed alphabet …
M.J. Rose linked to a Wired article on her Buzz, Balls, and Hype last night, but as I was supposed …
Sarah recommended linking to the Ian Rankin interview posted by the inimitable Bookslut this …
Sacramento’s Daily Democrat reports that the graduate writing program at U.C. Davis …
One of my major goals this year is to meet La Weinman in real life. While we were both at Bouchercon …
At last report, The Divine Miss Sarah was in a distant city, mobbed by a bevy of Cute Boys. In a fit …
For today and tomorrow, this blog is in the capable hands of Cornelia Read — ex-debutante, …
So for the first time in a while, travel beckons, as I’ll be ensconcing myself in a Super …
It’s so difficult to keep up with all these new awards, but thanks to its new sponsor, the …
Last night I went to visit an old friend and former classmate who is terminally ill. I’ve …
Overlook Press is finally righting a wrong: reissuing the early books by Charles McCarry, thought to …
At least, that was my initial reaction: Cammie McGovern’s EYE CONTACT, about the murder of a …
Rosalie Stafford alerts me that the new issue of Web Mystery Magazine is now up, and for the first …
The BBC used to have a service called Great Writing, but when they shut it down, a bunch of …
I was a bit surprised to see Lawrence Block writing about the enduring — and sometimes …
Who knew that a mega-bestseller could have so many uses? Certainly not Australian customs: Canberra …
The annual anthology of short mystery fiction will be returning after a bit of a hiatus: Ed Gorman …
And first up is the continuing popularity of Boris Akunin around the world — so much so that …
If you’ve come my way thanks to today’s New York Times piece, welcome — and glad …
When Ayelet Waldman had her short-lived blog a few months ago, I checked in at least once a day. She …
I should confess that I had a very curious reaction to Charles Webb’s THE GRADUATE: I hated …
Really, this story speaks for itself: NEW YORK (AP) — Eli Lilly & Co. said on Monday it fired …
Even if it wasn’t me: Lisa Rogak’s NO HAPPY ENDINGS: THE LIFE OF SHEL SILVERSTEIN, a …
I’m always looking to find in-depth interviews with authors because those are the ones I like …
I must say I love reading interviews with Glasgow-based crime writer Denise Mina because she always …
Henry Hawran is an unusual man. He spends his days cleaning homes and fixing windows, and when …
And let’s begin with Ms. Maslin’s review of Maritta Wolff”s long unpublished final …
For those stray few who are actually looking for this, well, here you go. Nothing terribly negative …
Because Victor Gischler manages to ask George Pelecanos some seriously strange questions that result …
(11:30 EDT): Apologies for the incomplete update that went up at 10:00 EDT — technical …
There’s only so much link chasing I can do and besides, it’s a supersized long weekend …
After yesterday’s shitstorm in the Guardian, things appear to be somewhat more tempered today, …
Mostly because as I read this brilliant analysis by Emma Garman, I kept wondering why the hell no …
Publishers Weekly reports that New York is Book Country, the annual festival held in the city during …
The proprietor of Something Old, Nothing New — aka my older brother — does funny over at …
The latest edition of the NEW WRITING anthology series sponsored by the British Council was …
Now, I must admit that Christopher Rice’s new novel LIGHT BEFORE DAY wasn’t exactly my …
Except that The Sum of Me, in what has to be one of the most hilarious posts I have read in some …
Not only has THE DA VINCI CODE spawned knockoffs, rebuttals and much envy, now the parodies are …
Not surprisingly, my link to Guy Johnson’s review of George Pelecanos’s new novel …
Courtesy Lee Goldberg: Variety reports that Ben Affleck will write and direct, but not act in, a …
Chicklit mystery author Kyra Davis will see her first novel published in a couple of months. And …
So like the entire world, I bet, I read this NYT profile of Dan Brown and what the success of THE DA …
Is the Washington Post trying to raise my blood pressure here? Because here’s another review …
This was actually reported late last week but I only saw this now: Canadian author Louise …
Been just a wee bit negligent in letting people know about new stuff at the UK online magazine but …
So I’m reading Susie Maguire’s piece at the Glasgow Herald which is supposedly a review …
Ah, all-morning meetings. Truly, whoever invented the concept should be taken out and shot. …
The CWA will award its latest Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement to Ian Rankin, who is …
I freely admit I am totally, utterly fascinated with the story behind Sam Apple’s new book …
NYTBR: And the blitz is on! Zoe Heller is out of the gate with one of many, many reviews of Ian …
On one of the (many) mailing lists I’m either subscribed to or lurk on, someone pointed out …
First, wearing his editor in chief hat, Duane Swierczynski announces the winners of the Philadelphia …
The Telegraph’s Helen Brown looks at the burgeoning field of “high school massacre …
Looking to attend a book festival this weekend? You can’t do better than the Virginia Festival …
Which will be done “bullet stizz” (to shamelessly pilfer lingo from other sources): …
It all started a week or so ago when Jim Winter resuscitated the old “literary/genre” …
I must be an ostrich or something, because I totally managed to miss this news until now: TORONTO …
The latest issue of Crime Scene Scotland is now available for perusal, and once again, Russel McLean …
I was thisclose to preparing a “Disappeared” feature on this guy, but luckily, now I …
Most of the time, I do like what the Washington Post’s Patrick Anderson has to say. But …
But this new interview at the Dumpster Bust blog (part 1 here, part 2 here) is interesting for a …
Even if, I must admit, I am intrigued despite myself: Sarah D’Almeida’s mystery series …
Especially since I’m a new convert to this writer’s work: Bestselling French mystery …
That’s what I’m dubbing the monthlong tour that Ken Bruen is starting on today in New …
A huge and hearty congratulations to Otis Twelve, who takes the Lit Idol crown for his debut novel, …
(Today is all about the London Book Fair, which began yesterday and ends tomorrow. Scroll down for …
Yesterday’s Publisher’s Lunch Deluxe dispatch includes a very intriguing item: In a …
The preliminary list of notable names has been released by the Prize dedicated to the best of …
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Book Editor, Regis Behe, assembled a strong group of writers …
Anyway, COLD GRANITE, the debut novel by Scottish crime writer (I mean, write-ist) Stuart MacBride, …
The North American Branch of the International Crime Writers’ Association has announced the …
NYTBR: Marilyn Stasio, in her latest column, is a bit less than charitable towards Robert B. …
So why a special Friday post? Two reasons: one, I didn’t really feel like leaving a throwaway …
Some things are wrong. But other things, they are just freaking wrong. No word on what Mademoiselle …
And let’s start over at Powells.com, the online arm of the independent bookstore chain, where …
First, a nod to my home country, as the Great Literary Prizes were handed out in Toronto last night. …
As expected, La Maslin is absolutely gaga for George Pelecanos’s latest novel, DRAMA CITY: …
The UK-based author of three historical crime novels died last month. Her agent, Christine Green, …
Tod Goldberg seems to have a habit of running into Very Strange People. Or at least, blogging about …
The Gumshoe Awards have been announced, and the winners are: Best Mystery: Jim Fusilli: Hard, Hard …
Though part of me is now slapping my head, wondering why I didn’t think of this, all props to …
The British Book Awards — better known, for whatever reason, as the Nibbies — have been …
The shortlist for the Ireland-based IMPAC award has been announced: Gardening at Night by Diane …
As evident in this news story, courtesy of the fabulous Jenny D: The strange case of the homosexual …
Well, maybe not, but I do wonder what took so long for something like this to show up: Chick lit …
After a nearly month-long hiatus, Gorman’s back in the blogosphere at Ed Gorman and Friends. I …
By popular demand, I’ve begun to archive the Picks of the Week. Unfortunately, I only have the …
Dennis Rader’s arrest on the charge that he is the notorious BTK killer has led to much …
From an October 31, 1997 article by “Morgan Cast” for Salon: The concept of a salary …
Publishers Marketplace reports in with further details on this deal reported earlier here: Author …
OK, likening book tours to war zones is only partially accurate, but in any case, Carole Goldberg at …
…while mine begins with — sigh — getting back into the swing of job hunting again. …
Well, not just short stories. But the author of the upcoming HOLMES ON THE RANGE takes the Q&A …
January Magazine crime fiction editor J. Kingston Pierce presents a monster interview with ITN …
NYTBR: You know, this Franklin Foer essay on federalism (or whatever) is all very nice, but what the …
One of the things about moving back home is that it gets you in close proximity to childhood …
Since he’s been all over the television flogging his soon-to-be finished book on BTK, and lo …
Paula Woods writes up a lengthy piece in the LA Times about the importance of locale in crime …
Kristine Kathryn Rusch writes under a variety of pen names in a host of genres, including crime …
For those that do, you can read my little spiel about the state of small presses and short story …
Since this current “10 things I’ve done that you haven’t” meme started …
The favor’s going to be returned in an upcoming issue of Crime Spree, but for now, the …
It was delayed a week, but finally, the five shortlisted writers for the 2nd edition of this …
Ever since Deborah Solomon’s insanely gushy profile of Jonathan Safran Foer hit the stands …
One person who’s really benefiting from the multiple Oscars of MILLION DOLLAR BABY is Nat …
Tod Goldberg was recently asked by one of his former writing students to sit in on a class she …
And oh looky, yet another forensic thriller written by a chick: Dianne Emley’s CHAIN OF …
I missed this yesterday but The Washington Post had a hefty profile of the multi-bestselling Swedish …
Mexico is one of many, many countries with literacy issues, but one municipal police force has a …
John Dunning’s about to tour for his latest Cliff Janeway novel, but as he tells the Arizona …
Edinburgh-based literary agent Jenny Brown would like to see a few changes to the kind of books …
I’ll update this thread as I get more information, so if there’s a report I don’t …
I can just imagine that Charles Ardai and Max Phillips have been bursting about this news for …
The following awards were given out Saturday evening at Left Coast Crime in El Paso, Texas: The …
(_This was originally posted on Saturday, February 26 but will stay at the top of the blog …
SF author Spider Robinson posted some very worrying news a few days ago to the newsgroup …
I’m still kind of in a BTK-obsessed place right now (with a long essay to come possibly later …
So Otto Penzler’s been a very busy boy of late. Not only does he run his bookshop, put his …
In a perfect world, all talented writers would be around forever, writing books at their own pace …
Sorry, I couldn’t resist, but the lede in this new profile by the Bookseller definitely made …
The more I blog, the more I realize that the publishing biz is rife for complaints like almost no …
But when it comes to this deal, what the hell, right? Bestselling author of PREP Curtis …
It’s slow. I’m sure there will be more lit stuff tomorrow, but for whatever reason …
I’m stuck in meetings most of the day so this will be it till the afternoon. But there’s …
The online lit journal’s editor Jason Sanford assembled a crack team of judges (including …
About this time last year I wrote a long screed expressing my undying love for trade paperback …
I’ll let the story speak for itself and why I couldn’t resist posting this: AMERICAN …
In a profile by the Grand Rapids Press, bestselling author Joseph Finder reveals why he decided to …
It came as a surprise, but a welcome one when Our Girl in Chicago, Terry Teachout’s co-blogger …
The Sydney Morning Herald has a fascinating article about the country’s own brand of pulp …
As first reported on the DorothyL mailing list, Barbara Burnett Smith, author of several mystery …
And of course, how can I not lead off with the suicide of Hunter S. Thompson. I don’t know why …
The author of the psychological thriller FROZEN (and one of the nine debuting writers in …
Are you a fan of Iain Banks? Were you hoping he’d come to the US to tour for his latest SF …
Before I get to the wide-ranging, free-swinging update, I might as well point you all to my latest …
Over at Lizzie’s, there’s a rather enthusiastic discussion of great YA novels from the …
Ken Bruen has developed an unfortunate habit of being declared dead prematurely. The first time …
As only one of my all-time favorite comedians ever is writing a memoir: Could a book be called …
I’ve been sorely negligent in not linking to The Morning News’ fabulous Tournament of …
Malice Domestic has announced the nominees for the Agatha Awards, as follows: Best Novel We’ll …
As promised last week, the author survey on advances in the crime fiction world — be they of …
If you check the bookstores over the course of this year, you might find there’s a glut of …
Lots of cool writers get the Q&A treatment this week. First up is Barbara Seranella, the latest …
And let’s begin with Wendy Shalit, who wasn’t content to let her essay for the NYTBR …
A few weeks ago, I thought of posting my thoughts on Robert Crais’s THE FORGOTTEN MAN today, …
For indeed, the latest issue of Thrilling Detective is online, and of course it focuses around the …
Kent Harrington talks to David Montgomery, wearing his Mystery Ink hat, about the frustrations of …
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of THE MALTESE FALCON. Why it should have been …
Janet Maslin continues to expose the world to her unrequited crushes on Ian Rankin and Peter …
Especially in regards to my recent birthday, celebrating an age where I am old enough to know better …
The veteran author of the Kate Martinelli and Mary Russell series is the latest to set up shop in …
It’s been a while since Bob Cornwell, Tangled Web’s interviewer about town, offered up a …
This is, if I may say so, very cool news indeed: Kate Mills at Orion has bought two novels by US …
I’ll be out of town this weekend in a potentially misguided attempt to celebrate my birthday …
This week there’s been a veritable font of information about what’s really happening in …
Yesterday’s edition of Publisher’s Lunch semi-snarkily indicated that this deal would …
So you walk into a bookshop and are immediately assaulted by thousands of books you can choose from. …
I think it’s official: the New York Times is obsessed with Orthodox Judaism. The latest proof? …
Hardly a day passes where I don’t come home from work to find a review copy or ARC waiting for …
The lovely thing about this blog is that it puts me in touch not only with established writers, but …
For a story that might make some people angry, others nod their heads in resignation, but also make …
Denise Mina’s next novel, THE FIELD OF BLOOD, heralds the launch of a new series. Though it …
Last month, a bunch of crime writer types put their heads together and wrote short stories based on …
There’ve been so many notable deals posted that I’m just going to lump them in one big …
A long, long time ago in a galaxy far far away, I used to watch soap operas. It was so long ago, in …
But I do think Victor Gischler’s Q&A with Christopher Moore may well be my favorite, …
And first, it seems appropriate to begin with reflections on Dashiell Hammett, considering this year …
(This post will stay up at the top of the blog all day. For analysis of the major categories, scroll …
Like David Montgomery, I think this is a very strong category, and fairly balanced as well. …
So first, a big round of applause for David Mitchell on his nomination for his book, CLOUD ATLAS. …
Rinse and repeat my “Where are the chicks?” lament, but even louder. I mean, paperback …
Before I get started, allow me to present a choice quote from yesterday’s profile of Laurie …
So it turns out there is a “WTF?!” moment to the Edgars after all, but it’s not in …
With the 2005 Edgar Award nominations set for announcement late tonight or early tomorrow morning, …
This has been a veritable weekend of good news for people I like, be it family or friends, but …
So earlier this week we had the high powered debut legal thriller deal. Now comes the high powered …
Oh, I would have given almost anything to be at the launch party of Reed Farrel Coleman’s THE …
Maybe it’s me, but I have a serious sense of deja vu about this particular story — or …
NYTBR: This actually ran in the daily on Friday, but it would be a massive oversight not to link to …
The ninth issue of Shred is now available for perusal, and it’s jampacked with good stuff. …
James Reasoner, who’s certainly written his fair share of novels in a variety of different …
Olen Steinhauer’s pretty much well and done with his upcoming novel, 36 YALTA BOULEVARD, but …
Although if I did, I’d have to pick a less shock-grabbing title than the subject of this …
And to lead off, good lord, will Margaret Atwood’s remote book tour device ever leave the …
Maybe it’s because the work server has been down all day. Maybe I’ve just been in a …
And so, the World’s Worst Interview series continues, as Victor Gischler peppers his buddy …
Because, as this new deal offering shows, you just know there’s going to be a ton of publicity …
January Magazine’s first crime fiction newsletter of 2005 is now available for all to see. …
The Scotsman peppered award-winning author Louise Welsh with all sorts of questions about what she …
So after Margo “Book Babe” Hammond interviewed Atwood and insinuated that maybe, just …
Duane Swierczynski (who, sadly, did not get to appear on TV last night to talk about this new …
Mostly because I suspect I’m probably the audience for this book: Bart Schneider’s …
Cara Black, the author of several books featuring French sleuth Aimee Leduc, has revived her …
So who is Rex Pickett, and why does everyone love the movie based on his book SIDEWAYS? He speaks to …
The brothers Goldberg have been covering the just-reported news that Steve Wasserman, book editor of …
Jennifer Weiner recently pitched the New Yorker a piece for its Talk of the Town section. Sadly, …
Jeff Lindsay, whose DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER was greeted with praise by many within the crime fiction …
I missed this in yesterday’s roundup but the Paper of Record had a whole long article about …
At least, if my current column at the Baltimore Sun is anything to go by. To sum up, I really, …
I dig Lauren Henderson for a lot of reasons: she writes incredibly witty books, be they her Sam …
I love reporting news like this, where a writer kicks around for years and years, rejection after …
NYTBR: So you better believe I was interested in Wendy Shalit’s essay on the portrayal of …
Although it’s still too early to tell whether Tuesday’s short story extravaganza was a …
Many in the mystery community know Mattes as the longtime proprietor of Kate’s Mystery Books …
In truth, I’m not really so into Elvis Costello, although I have liked what early songs of his …
Not long ago, I contemplated writing an article about why major book awards — think the …
Lord, it seems to be Awards week, but here comes Mystery Ink with their nominees for the 4th annual …
Now, keep in mind I’m taking this with a grain of salt b/c book deals in the UK have a nasty …
I say that because it seems like the Scostman has a requirement to have at least one Ian …
George Pelecanos updates his website occasionally with his current picks of good movies and books, …
which are as follows: The LEFTY is for the best humorous mystery novel published in 2004. Blue …
(_Today’s posts will appear below this one, so keep checking back for additional content) …
So who else is participating in this fine project? Look below for the names and their stories: …
Actually, I don’t know if I should trademark that phrase or not, but it’s been ages …
Because a severe lack of sleep, extra work this morning and Typepad’s bugginess delayed this …
Given by the Lambda society for best Gay and Lesbian mysteries of 2004: LESBIAN MYSTERY . An …
Steven Torres, author of the Precinct Puerto Rico series of crime novels, continues his series …
I don’t know why I love stories like these, but I think it’s because real life is often …
Murder by the Book (whose link now appears in the right-hand sidebar), Houston’s fine …
(the first in the series of dispatches can be found here.)
All Generalizations are Untrue Including …
When this came my way, well, how could I possibly refrain from reporting it? 12 YEAR OLD SIGNS …
Archie Bennitz was a rabid hockey fan. He moved to Ottawa three years ago to be closer to his family …
Before I turn to the usual mix of news, reviews and interviews, the latest example of my own …
(the first in the series of dispatches can be found here.)
All Generalizations are Untrue Including …
When Rebecca Pawel told me she was going to Spain to attend the first European Crime novel …
Yesterday a delightful package from Stark House Publishers, a company devoted to reissuing classic …
Obviously I got caught napping b/c no one told me the new issue of Hardluck Stories, guest edited by …
Can’t someone just unmask the girl already? It’s getting really boring, and this bit of …
It’s a slow news day and frankly, there’s just so many head scratching articles lately …
In what was the biggest dustup in the lit ‘sphere in ages, Lee Goldberg confessed he was …
Sheil Land Associates is one of the UK’s most prestigious literary agencies, but they’re …
The literary awards circuit seems to have just ended, but it’s getting a fresh start on the …
CAAF, who finally reached the end of her longrunning saga involving a library, a parking lot, and a …
Keeping with today’s apparent crime & justice theme, Court TV analyst Jonna Spilbor writes …
I read this story yesterday and I’m still banging my head against the wall: A 35-year-old …
And might as well start with the granddaddy of children’s book awards: the Newberry and the …
Reader D.K. writes in with an interesting question:
I am a huge mystery reader and like to read …
And the good news is, it will be updated on a rolling basis from now on, meaning new content will …
The latest issue of Crime Scene Scotland, the brainchild of Russel MacLean (whose stories can be …
The longtime cozy mystery writer, who also wrote under the pen name of Ailsa Craig, has died at the …
Emma Garman (known to some as the proprietress of the blog-on-hiatus The Fold Drop) conducted an …
NYTBR: In what’s either a ripoff of an earlier feature of of Granta’s “Under …
Andi Schechter, a longtime mystery fan who wears a great many hats, gets to try on the event …
Normally, of course, I take Fridays off, but since I’m holing up elsewhere for the weekend, …
Granted, it is what he does best, but John Rickards really lets one loose about some of the things …
In an interview yesterday with Mediabistro’s David Hirschman, new PW editor-in-chief Sara …
To the fine folks at HarperCollins,
Please don’t take this as a personal criticism. After …
(Typepad’s misbehaving this morning, so apologies for this post appearing later than it ought …
Mad Max Perkins (who seems to be off to a good start if you judge the attention some of his authors …
Tod Goldberg, who after many stints of guest blogging for other fine folks and much poking and …
I could have sworn I read this story a few months ago, but maybe drunken pilots are more normal than …
The results are in, and for the big retailers in London, this past Christmas season, well, sucked …
If anyone asks me what the most important part of a novel is, I almost always reply that it’s …
Karin Gillespie, who launched a new series of Southern-set novels last year with BET YOUR BOTTOM …
After racing through the fifth Harry Potter book, Francisca Solar, a 21 year old journalism student …
This story’s been making the rounds of the ‘sphere (I picked it up from Mobylives) and I …
All you Stephanie Plum fanatics, and there must be a lot of them considering how this series still …
Victor Gischler’s highly acclaimed, internationally celebrated World’s Worst Interview …
If there’s anything I’ve learned in the year-plus I’ve been blogging, it’s …
Not only will Winslow’s first novel in years, THE POWER OF THE DOG, be published by Knopf in …
I spent a good portion of my evening yesterday taking part in a chat run by Gerald So (who was …
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this project for weeks and weeks, but finally, the Anthony …
Poor, poor Ian Rankin. It seems anything he does, whether discovering crime scenes, getting …
The UK-based magazine offers up some new content on its website, including reviews of the latest by …
NYTBR: My god, someone’s actually listening to me, really–for Marilyn Stasio continues …
Yeah, yeah I’m late, considering I came up with the idea in the first place, but then again, …
Mad Max Perkins points to Publishers Weekly’s piece on the rising stars of the publishing …
In what might be Sara Nelson’s final piece for the NY Post (since she jumped ship to helm PW …
…for the most part, rather surprising, as the Guardian finds out. Andrea Levy took the fiction …
I stole the subject header from Richard Wheeler, a longtime author of Westerns and newbie blogger. …
With the surprising announcement that former NY Post and NY Observer publishing reporter Sara Nelson …
Jason Sandford, proprietor of StorySouth, has brought back the popular award, designed to …
It might be surprising that Tingle Alley linked to this before I did, but it’s been that kind …
Why do I have the sinking feeling that thanks to Philip Roth, alternate history is the new black? …
(I’ll be adding to this throughout the day as meetings pretty much wipe out my morning. So …
One of the most delightful new additions to my blogroll is Bob Tinsley’s The Short of It, …
James Reasoner, author of TEXAS WIND and about a zillion other books, thought that blogging might …
David Milofsky of the Denver Post expounds on the joys of litblogs, and naturally includes some of …
When Duane Swierczynski isn’t writing novels, books on beer or freelance pieces, he’s …
Question of the day: will this book sell like hotcakes or sink like a stone? And will the …
NYTBR: As editor Sam Tanenhaus introduces a new column for the New Year, the rest of the …
Now that the hangover’s subsided, the resolutions have been slowly abandoned, and the sense of …
2004
I’ll return you back to your regularly scheduled hiatus (which will officially break on Sunday …
Like many of my litblogging colleagues, I’ll be shutting down the joint for the most part from …
And let’s start with Duane Swierczynski, taking time out from his insane life (as the …
Of course, that fabulous song comes to mind as news of a new horse-racing anthology hits the PM …
I’m a sucker for a good cause, and doing my bit to ensure that HBO’s THE WIRE gets …
The Telegraph is chock-a-block with mystery-related reviews today. There’s Susanna …
So it seems that Bill Crider has been waiting around for someone to interview him, what with this …
As Publishers Marketplace first reported late last night: Harry Potter fan sites have been abuzz …
In a long feature for the Sunday Times, Ian Rankin turns candid, explaining how his youngest …
It may well be the simplest question to ask a writer, and yet, if it elicits a response at all, …
Matthew Cox studied art at the University of South Florida, went into insurance, and wrote a novel …
Once again, the venerable online magazine puts together a doorstopper of a crime fiction list, …
(Today’s posts appear below over the course of the morning, so please check back for new …
Greg Iles was in Britain recently for pre-publication promotion of his newest novel BLOOD MEMORY, …
I’m really–OK, really late on this news, but what I can’t make up in time I can …
Because next week is Christmas, and there won’t be that much going on anyway, so indeed, this …
Or very, very scary. For Jon Jordan, editor of Crime Spree, coffee freak and mystery fan …
I’ve been thinking a lot about potential lately. Unfortunately, it does bring to mind those …
The Independent Mystery Booksellers Association has announced their nominees for the 2005 Dilys …
As I’ve said many times (over and over again) Emily Maguire’s debut novel TAMING THE …
One of these days I might see a new deal reported and not want to be snarky about it. But that day …
It’s a slow news day, no question. Though I could start a protracted rant about …
Memo to the New York Times: so you love bloggers and want to write about them every single day. But …
Writers interviewing writers is the new black, but that doesn’t mean that new entries …
Though many rising stars and established veterans have jumped ship of late, Harlan …
I realize that publishing is often governed by trends, especially when they are au courant and …
I had it all planned–I was tired, I went to bed early, I’d be a good little keener and …
REDWOOD CITY, California (CNN) — A jury recommended Monday that Scott Peterson, the former …
First, Carmen Reid writes in Scotland on Sunday about what may be the worst form of writer …
Ah, the holidays. For some, a time of giving, frantically shopping for presents, and spending time …
(The rest of today’s posts will appear below over the course of the morning.) First, the …
Teddy Hayes may not be a Renaissance man, but he comes pretty close as a writer (of the Devil …
As first reported by Publisher’s Lunch, UK uberagent Jonny Geller is crowing about a “DA …
NYTBR: And of course, 10 Best books notwithstanding, it’s best to begin with Marilyn Stasio, …
I forgot to post this before–day job upheaval will do that–but Lev Grossman’s …
I’ve made mention of this before but I’m rather intrigued by the fact that Weiner (who …
One of the things I lament is how too often a novel has a different title in the US and the UK. But …
Several folks have sent me some lovely reminscences about the groundbreaking crime writer, and two …
I could have sworn I read this article already, but a new piece in Legal Week wonders why UK lawyers …
One of my favorite activities is looking through the Mystery Writers of America submission lists, …
And in this installment, mega-nominated mystery writer and all around good sport Julia …
Julie Burchill, fresh from penning a book for teen girls, picks her top ten books for teens. And she …
Seeing as I have this degree I never use (and by the looks of things, I’ll probably never …
Though Book TV hasn’t chosen a date to air the “What the Blog?” panel that took …
It took a few weeks, but the news of Joseph Hansen’s death is now official. As ghoulish as …
The ensuing fallout deriving from Lee Goldberg’s reasoned puzzlement over the hype surrounding Ken …
I can’t really be bothered to go through the whole history of Jessica “The …
And I know it’s only Monday, but it’s going to be hard to top Eurotrash’s weekend …
The seeds were sown in a meeting held during this year’s Bouchercon, but as begun by founding …
And by doing so, lands me pretty much right where I started–with a difference, of course. As …
Jervey Tervalon will likely be better known in a few months as the co-editor (along with Gary …
Washington University in St. Louis has a fairly active student newspaper, and its staff rounds up …
Because of the sheer number of them, I’ve created a new category. Why not, after all? David …
It’s all about the “Best of” Lists this week, most of which, btw, can be found at …
Yeah, yeah I’m posting on a Friday, but that’s because I was running around like a …
Now, I do admit that the childish part of me screaming “Fight! fight!” in the back of my …
Or at least, it is to me: CHARLESTON, West Virginia (AP) — A man who won a record $315 …
If you’re in the New York City area, then there’s no earthly reason not to check out …
Remember Caleb Carr? He wrote this book called THE ALIENIST about 10 years ago which sold like …
It’s been in the works for a while (with speculation begun when the UK deal was announced …
A new initiative by UK broadcaster David Freeman called “Book Bites” invites …
Pierre Berton was one of those writers whose name was an inextricable part of the CanLit landscape. …
As the “Best of” lists pile up in the papers and around the Internet, some people are …
Back in 1998, it seemed like female crime novelists were everywhere, and more were just around the …
Because some stories truly write themselves: A cross-dressing Orthodox Jew pleaded not guilty …
But instead, the crossover appeal of crime and thriller types moving towards younger readers has yet …
As already noted by my fine friends, Laura Lippman (heretofore referred to from now on as Empathy …
David Freeman recently launched an initiative called “Book Bites” where writers could …
Lindsey Davis is best known for her series starring itinerant Roman PI Marcus Didius Falco. The …
Alas, the rumors are true. The brand new issue of the much-acclaimed, highly respected and …
Crime Time, one of the UK’s leading crime fiction mags, has updated their website with Natasha …
I’m not sure how I managed to miss this in yesterday’s roundup–bad me–but …
My latest column at the paper concentrates somewhat on the heavy hitters, but I do get in a …
Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels sell in the gazillions, a phenomenon that’s almost 30 …
The thanksgiving hiatus made me lose track of some things, and alarmingly, a lot of good and …
Now that the turkey hangover has subsided somewhat, it’s time to catch up on your regular …
Happy Thanksgiving to my neighbors to the south. Since most of my litblogging colleagues are taking …
There’s something oddly perverse in posting this particular information considering the …
One of the most curious and yet strangely wonderful finds was discovering the author interviews at …
Did someone forget to tell me and it’s been up for a long time already? In any case, the new …
Victor Gischler has embraced blogging with a vengeance, telling the world about his pathological …
Nicolas Cage’s new wife, Alice Kim, is, I grant, rather young, and who knows what they are or …
I read and re-read this Sydney Morning Herald interview of David Baldacci and damned if I …
Over the course of this blog’s history, I’ve linked to many an article about the …
Nelson DeMille is interviewed in Newsday about his new novel, a fictional examination of the TWA …
I got the link from Publisher’s Lunch but it’s circulating around the ‘sphere at a …
NYTBR (and additional daily stuff): It’s the poetry issue, which means I’ll link to this …
After almost a week away, it’s kind of hard to catch up. So many emails to respond to, so many …
You know this is special because I’m posting on a Friday. But as it looks ever unlikely …
Mitch Albom, Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Judith Guest, Jim Harrison, Ernest Hemingway, Lev Raphael, …
I was in a cafe last night, trying to work on a story away from the seductive powers of my high …
There are not one, but two radio stations in my area now playing nothing but Christmas music 24 …
…that your host is a dope. Apparently I got my days mixed up and the National Book Awards will …
Ok, I’m awake now and properly rested. It’s about time for a proper introduction if I …
Crap, is it Wednesday already? Well, my name is Mr. Quertermous and I will be your substitute for …
I’ll be away for the rest of this week, doing the usual mix of socializing, drinking, and even …
I’ve been meaning to put up a long winded report of the goings-on at last week’s Giller …
As reported at the Bookseller: Orion fiction publisher Jane Wood is to relinquish her management …
Hey, hey, wait a minute–wasn’t the IMPAC Literary Prize longlist just announced for this …
While attending the New England Crime Bake in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, held this past weekend, Al …
Even before the Sharp v. Patterson lawsuit made headlines, I’d decided to do a little sleuthing into …
As I said last week, I’m getting the peanuts ready for opening arguments in the civil …
Tart City holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the first mystery-themed sites I started …
Just when I wondered if Kate Atkinson’s CASE HISTORIES would be completely ignored in the …
Most pieces that talk about blurbs usually deal with those who are inundated with requests. Lee …
My colleague Ali Karim, who’s been sadly silent of late in the crime fiction world due to …
Now, usually if I see something in the window of the Gap, it means it’s about to be over, but …
And considering all the backlash and brouhaha about the National Book Award nominees, it’s …
As mentioned in the backblogs by Naomi Hirahara, the San Francisco Chronicle has further details on …
Sometimes, I wonder if I shouldn’t prejudge. I haven’t read the manuscript, after all, …
Thanks to all who sent in well-wishes–feeling much better this morning, but still more on the …
Last weekend the Southern California Booksellers Association handed out prizes for Best in Fiction …
Thanks to a rather nasty bout of food poisoning that managed to mess up my evening and early …
Earlier this afternoon, I spoke with John Rickards (calling from the pub, natch) who, in a stroke of …
As phoned in by one of my faithful spies:
Macallan Gold Dagger: Sara Paretsky, BLACKLIST (Hamish …
One thing I have noticed informally as I compare the Gold & Silver Dagger winners to say, the …
The CWA began its Debut Dagger competition for unpublished writers back in 1998, and the winner of …
To get things started, let’s take a look at a new award that’s been created by the Book …
So because I feel like it and because the CWA’s Dagger Lunch is ongoing as I post this, …
Remember Scott Peterson? Granted, lots of other things have taken precedence of late, but his murder …
Mad Max Perkins, the pseudonymous blogger and editor at a major publishing house, recently conducted …
I’d been looking for information about this for a whie, but finally, it’s forthcoming: …
At 10 AM, I’ll be listening to my compadres Maud Newton, Dennis Loy Johnson, and Ron Hogan …
David Montgomery’s new Sun-Times Column ran yesterday, and features reviews of new books by …
To get things started, let’s take a look at a new award that’s been created by the Book …
James Patterson seems to have it all–riches, fame and fortune, a legion of monkeys doing the …
Looks like Ken Bruen’s going to have to appease some folks that he is, in fact, actually …
NYTBR: I guess I might as well accept it–under the new system, fewer crime fiction …
We’ve either all seen this before, or been there: it’s the latest book event by favorite …
It’s a question that several people have asked me since Tuesday, and so, I can provide two …
The latest edition of Robert Crais‘ newsletter went out this morning and within it, some real …
So when did quoting Amazon.com become de rigeur for Grey Lady reviews? You have to wait till the …
Although it’s a phrase clearly designed to drive people both within and outside the mystery …
Does anyone really feel like talking about books this morning? I’m not sure why I feel so down …
So when did quoting Amazon.com become de rigeur for Grey Lady reviews? You have to wait till the …
Courtesy of Ed (who got it from Wonkette), it seems that porn director Seymore Butts (of ADVENTURES …
Anthony Bonanza decided to try his hand at selling books one time, but unfortunately for him, he …
Normally, I don’t get political on this site, nor do I much want to. (There’s a damn …
On a day where staying inside was a smart thing to do, what with the torrential downpour that …
In some ways, this event, held Friday, October 29, was the coup of the Festival. Even though I have …
So once upon a time, it was seen as a great pasttime to spend many hours and days hitchhiking. Baby …
Dan Wickett, the tireless proprietor of the Emerging Writers Forum, conducted an online interview of …
Who’s the most popular author in Japan at the moment? A good argument could be made for Koji …
It’s that time of month again, and so check here for my latest column at the Baltimore Sun, …
So if you’ve visited Laura’s website more often than the once-a-month updates on the …
And as usual, some very choice links, news, and reviews of new books written by folks like Natalie …
As provided, of course, by the fine people who make them available at Publisher’s Marketplace …
Happy Halloween, everybody. Though honestly, it’s not a holiday I celebrate very much …
Jennifer Jordan’s eagle eyes found this first, and frankly, I’m still recoiling in …
NOCTURNES, John Connolly’s new short story collection, began life way back in 2000 when Radio …
William Dahlby’s marriage was in serious trouble, so he came up with a rather drastic …
Janet Maslin takes on T Jefferson Parker’s CALIFORNIA GIRL, and the result’s a …
So is it me, or is this whole Red Sox winning the World Series just a bit anticlimatic? I mean, …
Brian Bethune of Maclean’s magazine, Canada’s equivalent to Time and Newsweek, happened …
So now that I live in Toronto, I’m slowly trying to ingratiate myself into the so-called …
Robert B. Parker, author of a gazillion novels, talks to Benjamin Ivry at the Bloomberg syndicate …
The shortlist for Canada’s Governor General Prize has been announced, including big names like …
Although several others have made mention of it already, I refrained from putting anything here …
Want to be part of a cool anthology? Then Akashic Press, the folks responsible for the success that …
The news that BBC television is reviving the Miss Marple series was met with delight–till the …
Andrew Klavan, the novelist and screenwriter, wonders when and why the arts in America got more …
It was of special interest to read Terry Teachout’s answer to one of his readers, who’d …
So Tod Goldberg has stepped in to guest-blog over at the Elegant Variation, and he’s already …
Now, don’t get me wrong, I like to frame my reviews in some sort of context. And I know that …
If Edinburgh is such a World City of Literature, why do its tourist attractions only stock schlocky …
The Eye Award, given by the Private Eye Writers of America, is the association’s lifetime …
NYTBR: All right, I throw up my hands. So I take it the revamped TBR version of La Stasio’s …
One of the more interesting anecdotal trends I’ve noticed in the few years I’ve been a …
So some people watched Game 7 and started rejoicing, getting smashed, the usual things. Others saw …
So Ana Marie Cox (that’s Mrs. Lehmann to some of you) has finally scored the big book deal: …
So Hunter S. Thompson signed books at Book Soup on Monday night. Granted, he’s an …
Biba Caggiano is a Sacramento-based chef who’s authored a number of cookbooks. The problem is, …
So here’s the thing about watching baseball at my place: bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, 10-3 Red …
Like Michael Schaub at Bookslut, I have a hard time trying to describe Kinky Friedman, so better I …
In the fall of 2001, just after I’d started grad school and begun my part-time thing at Partners …
Thanks to the wonders of actually having something approximating a life–i.e., an appointment …
Last night this Dagger was awarded in a special ceremony in London, and the winner is Barbara …
And the big shiny prize goes to Alan Hollinghurst for his much-acclaimed novel LINE OF BEAUTY. …
Although the issue of why authors would hire someone else to write their work is a complex and …
I’m not surprised to see that yesterday’s Michael Gruber post provoked the beginnings of …
One of the things I’ve often hoped would happen in this nascent litblogging world is that more …
It all started when I got an email asking if I knew who’d won. Because, curiously, I …
It’s funny how some stories have a cyclical effect–there’s an immediate reaction …
Couldn’t be at Bouchercon? Well, if you were at the LA-based Mystery Bookstore over the …
With issue three in the process of arriving in subscribers’ mailboxes as we speak (after being …
It’s been a fairly productive weekend at Weinman HQ–one interview transcribed (look for …
I’m a bit late on this but Cabana Boy Duane Swierczynski, who was an unfortunate last-minute …
Gosh, it’s been ages since I did a proper turn around the weekend book sections of major …
One of Canada’s coldest, flattest cities has obviously decided it needs to get more attention, …
George Easter, the proprietor of Deadly Pleasures, posted his own lengthy report on the mystery …
The National Book Award nominees were announced yesterday, and the big surprises are that the …
So as any longtime reader knows, I’m a big fan of the late, lamented blogger known as TMFTML. …
Although M.J. Rose enjoyed Bouchercon for meeting fellow authors, fans and the general social …
John Rickards attended his first Bouchercon and naturally, spent much of his time surrounded by …
Manchester police sargeant Karl Thurgood’s in a spot of trouble after a recent ebay item he …
Sir Anthony Sher, a Shakespearean actor and the author of four novels over a two-decade period, is …
While the crime fiction world at large was at Bouchercon, the rest of the world still carried on …
This post may be continuously updated throughout the week so please do check in from time to time. …
Things are more than a little hectic this morning due to some prior commitments and errands to run. …
Thanks to the technical wizardry of Jennifer Jordan, I can now show the world the Before (carrots …
Like Jim, I learned a hell of a lot at this year’s convention, and besides, it’s so much …
So I’m a little late getting started on this Thanksgiving/Columbus Day afternoon because last …
Lots of awards were given out during Bouchercon, and though more commentary will likely appear here …
Although some stragglers still remain and some last gasps of the week that was, Bouchercon 2004 is …
So, unless you’re living under a rock, you might be aware that the 35th Annual World Mystery …
Anthony Rainone, one of my colleagues at January Magazine, prepared this thoughtful, in-depth …
So it’s bad enough that Starbucks (better known as Starf**ks among certain friends of mine) …
Hey, it’s not my fault there are just so damned many that keep popping up on my radar. But …
Fiona (who also provides some incisive commentary on the Dagger nomination lists) gets into a snit …
Though I’m still rather sad that John Connolly, a fairly popular writer (both in terms of …
Marcel Berlins, who seemingly writes for every major UK paper about crime fiction, shows up in the …
Especially as they’ve piled up over the week, so the concentration will skew towards the crime …
So I’m settling back into my apartment, looking at the mountain of unanswered email and links …
Well, it’s been a great week in New York City, doing the social rounds, inadvertently making …
Courtesy of Deadly Pleasures, the complete list is available now. Comments to follow in the next …
The longwinded version got lost, so the bulletpoint version follows of the four main categories: …
I suppose I should have some long, terribly profound reflection upon the fact that today marks the …
So remember that “how to write a serial killer novel” post from earlier this week? Looks …
So I’m late on this, but then again, I’m actually a bit surprised to be as lucid as I am …
As I’ve said before, as a youngster, I spent far, far too many hours in front of the …
It’s time to make a shameful admission: I am hopelessly, utterly addicted to Cecily Von …
Looks like Tim Cockey, author of the Hitchcock Sewell series starring a handsome Baltimore-based …
Boris Akunin’s Erast Fandorin novels are incredibly popular in his native Russia, and this …
By the time you read this, I’ll be taking the slow route to the airport in preparation for a …
Normally, when perusing Publisher’s Marketplace for the latest deals (and there are so many …
Maddy Van Hertbruggen, a noted amateur reviewer and regular on several mailing lists, hit a wall …
So it’s basically all Ian Rankin, all the time now–FLESHMARKET CLOSE is out, he’s …
After much begging, pleading, prodding and cajoling, Duane “Leblanc” Swierczynski has …
Oh ho! La Maslin gets her hands on Alexander McCall Smith’s new book, and the end result? …
There may be something relevant to the fact that my first column for the Baltimore Sun is posted …
So this Thursday, the first ever Descant Book Ball will take place in Toronto, where you can get …
The new edition of the crime fiction newsletter is now available, and is chock full of all the usual …
NYTBR: With only weeks until the revamp, change is already well afoot this week, with Jonathan …
Ian Rankin, the “king of tartan noir” (can someone retire the phrase already? Please?!) …
Normalcy, it seems, is the order once again. Good thing, as being somewhat unbalanced, hung over, or …
Al Guthrie, author of TWO-WAY SPLIT who doubles as one of PointBlank’s commissioning editors, …
Deadly Pleasures breaks the news of the Historical Dagger nominees (while the CWA’s website …
Although I’m not quite exactly hung over, I might as well be judging by the utter fog my brain …
Now that Arthur Phillips’ sophomore effort THE EGYPTOLOGIST is getting, shall we say, rather …
And this, no doubt, will be welcome news for his fans, who hope that he’ll grow beyond cult …
Yeah, I’m late on this, so I’ll just direct to you to Fiona’s post about it. It …
Jeff Abbott continues his interview series with noted crime writers, talking to Lee Child about all …
The Scotsman asked Alexander McCall Smith to write an autobiographical essay for the paper, which is …
AfterEllen.com, a website devoted to gay and lesbian issues, has a nice feature on those writers who …
Michiko met THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA and they didn’t really get along. “Provocative, but …
Still hung over (well, things don’t change *that* quickly) but feeling a little more human, …
Blogging, I think, will be of the non-existent variety today. Maybe for the rest of this week, at …
The folks at Kirkus Reviews have decided, presumably in the interest of making more money at the …
Now that the third season of the HBO series THE WIRE is about to launch (the first episode airs …
NARA — An elderly man arrested for driving a stolen car has turned out to be the famous author …
NYTBR: You know, I can’t really get so upset that La Stasio devoted most of her column space …
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (AP) — Authorities are investigating a suspicious mailing — …
Posting will be light today and probably non-existent for the rest of the week due to the annual …
Judy Blume has been named as a distinguished author of letters by the National Book Foundation. As …
It was with considerable interest that I read Ed Gorman’s recent dispatch on how tastes change with …
Granted, I’m probably not helping by linking to every bloody review of the book I can find, …
Jennifer Jordan points me to a recent interview given by Michael Collins about his new novel LOST …
Happy Anniversary, Faber & Faber! The venerable UK publisher turns 75 and the Independent traces …
I know it would take me a while to get over the sheer incredulity: LONDON, England (CNN) — …
It strikes us as rather coincidental that Leo Carey’s appreciation of the writer of the …
The full list is now up. Once again, we’re tearing our hair out at all the conflicts, but …
We’re kind of running behind today–way behind. Blame the Film Festival, visiting …
We’ve been waiting on this for a while and it’s finally here: Allan Guthrie, aka the …
Trawling through the PM archives and came across some mystery-related ones: First up: now granted, I …
Jenny Davidson has discovered Ken Bruen, and boy, is it a great match. Although we might not have …
(ed. note: the original edition got mysteriously lost in transit, so if this seems rushed, well, …
We’re not ignoring the current talk of the litblogosphere, it’s just that there’s …
So John Scalzi and some buddies of his were sitting around the bar at Noreascon and devised more …
Otherwise, why would I stumble across this choice bit of news? Publishers Dinamo will make a first …
USA Today has a great feature on Hard Case Crime, the just-launched paperback imprint which is …
Lots of good responses in yesterday’s post, and a lot of the ideas bleed into what I want to get …
Like we weren’t excited about Donna “Kafka” Moore’s book before, but now …
It was in late spring that I first heard that guys at the door of the Phish show had been accepting …
The Telegraph does its regular later-than-usual update of its Sunday content, including a review of …
Yesterday I linked to a survey that showed that 50% of boys in the UK don’t read at all. Reading …
So evidently Marks & Spencer (or M&S, or Marks & Sparks, or whatever the hell you want …
The erotica writer Zane is finally going public, and the Boston Globe presents a very long profile …
Evidently, the Carroll & Graf imprint died some time ago, although someone forgot to tell me …
Laura Lippman, fresh off a very nice write-up in the New York Times, gets similar treatment by her …
Pity Patrick Anderson. He’d never read Patricia Cornwell before now (really? Not even the …
Karin Slaughter, in Friday’s Financial TImes, writes about the growing trend of female crime …
This topic has been brought up a time or two before because hell, it’s many a person’s …
I couldn’t even begin to catch up on the news of the past week but at least this …
As first reported by the esteemed Mr. Hogan: IT used to be that every novelist had a screenplay in …
I’m pretty sure I’ve ranted at length before on the disturbing trend of using real-life …
I have returned from my vacation. Thanks to several nights and days spent variously on precarious …
My playtime is over. Thanks all so much for the insight and laughs over the past couple of days. …
Something my editor said to me yesterday has been bothering me, and I‘d like to hear your thoughts …
Considering less than 150 Australian adult fiction books are published here each year, there’s …
The accepted orthodoxy in the literary world is that first novels – particularly first novels by …
Whenever Australia signs an international trade deal, invades a sovereign nation or wins lots of …
The Australian book market is much like its foreign counterparts in that the books that sell are …
Emily here, writing from Sydney, Australia. First I want to say thanks very much, Donna, for being …
Well, this is my last post. It’s now time to pack my little suitcase, tidy up and try and …
I thought I’d finish up (almost – just one more post to go before you get to wave off …
Since I know you’ll be missing Sarah’s wonderful link round-ups, here’s a rather …
Please keep the comments coming on the ‘local’ crime fiction subject. I just thought …
So, having dealt with the facts (or my version of them at least) what of Scottish crime fiction? …
From today’s Times, a story about the dumbing down of English exams. This year’s national …
Since I live in Scotland, I thought I’d start off by talking a bit about Scottish crime fiction. As …
Hello, Donna here. Well, it’s Monday in Scotland, so I thought I might just jump straight in. …
The past week or so has been spent in a rather repetitive state–tape boxes, fill them with …
First of all, a big hearty thanks to Mr. Starr for keeping the joint jumping this week. It was so …
Well, Sarah’s cutting me off today–apparently I’ve had too many (although, …
I’ve created and maintained my own website for years (although my wife created the latest …
I thought I’d rant a little bit about Amazon.com. I don’t know why I’m picking on …
As Sarah mentioned earlier, my latest novel, Twisted City, was recently published. As is usually the …
Hey, thanks for all the responses…My own response to this was getting so long that I decided …
The issue came up the other day on this blog about publicists, and writers who hire their own …
The Black Orchid bookstore had a party celebrating their 10th year in business last week. I’ve …
….I was in France in June for the Roman Noir Festival. It’s a great event in Frontignan …
Hey, Jason Starr here, Bodysnatching Sarah for few days. I discovered this blog last year, through a …
For the rest of the working week, the blog will be in the capable hands of Jason Starr. If you like …
In yesterday’s post about the Melbourne Writer’s Festival, the topic naturally turned to …
The Glasgow Daily Record (that bastion of proper journalistic integrity) reports on a recent survey …
Although I don’t know much in the way of details, Mo Hayder’s agency, Gregory & …
Aldo Calcagno is finally back in form and posting reports from all sorts of signings he attended …
And we start with the disappearance of Italian terrorist-turned-thriller writer (now that’s …
The Age’s literary editor, Jason Steger, reports on the goings-on at the Melbourne …
Or at least the oddest one, but the glory of Hollywood is in how people can say all sorts of stupid …
Ron Bernas of the Freep wishes Frank Devlin (really Tim Farringon, literary fic writer) would stop …
Louis de Bernieres was having a great time at the Edinburgh Festival. He was even getting some …
Laura Lippman gets the New York Times treatment in the Saturday edition, talking to Mel Gussow about …
Although the reason for this news will be divulged at a slightly later date. But have no fear, …
This is exactly the kind of thing we were hoping for when “The Disappeared” was …
Normally, we try to keep the public service announcements at a minimum but this one absolutely …
Well, it’s finally happened. Yours truly will be moderating a panel at Bouchercon called …
Before I get to a bunch of links that have piled up over the week, I’d like to thank Alina for …
My guest-blogging time is up, and I want to say a HUGE thanks to Sarah for letting me do this. I had …
Earlier, I promised a post about “Murder for Charity” as a promotional tool. I have …
In 2002, Allison Pearson wrote a book entitled “I Don’t Know How She Does It: The Life …
Taking off from Sarah’s joke about the upcoming Philip Roth book, “I Hate Claire,” …
Chris Rock used to have a section of his standup act about Black Men marrying white women that …
Technically, I am on vacation right now. Practically, what that means is I am on vacation from my …
First, a word about publicity people. Despite the bad rap they seem to get in most major media, in …
Thank you, Sarah, for that introduction. I am hoping the technical difficulties have been worked …
Although some technical difficulties still have to be ironed out (dratted Typepad), it’s …
Now that the Olympics are underway, if you’re inclined to look for some crime fiction set in …
The big feature over at the Boston Globe this past weekend was on the state of crime fiction as …
We have to admit that we’re nursing a bit of a crush on John Rickards, the Brit-based author …
So Edinburgh, which is hosting the annual Book Festival this week and next, wants very much to be …
As I said in the weekend update post, I’m actually out of town all day, which I’ll get into in a …
This weekend’s update may not be quite as comprehensive as usual because I’m out of town …
Well, that’s it from Charlie Williams. Blogging here has been an education. I feel like …
Publishing News reports on a self-published author who is going to launch his book on the London …
Did I say “fund my enormous appetite for cocaine” there? Ah, it’s that old devil …
Hello again. Charlie Williams again here, your friendly neighbourhood guest blogger. As advertised …
OK, not bleeding. Sweating perhaps. Sweating definitely. But it’s a good title eh?
I’ve …
The BBC report that a new literary award worth £60,000 is to be launched in Swansea (Wales) this …
Good morning one and all. This is Charlie Williams, your guest blogger. To those wondering where …
Tomorrow I intend to blog about public speaking. There was some chat on that subject here a while …
Bit of a crap heading there. But I don’t really think blogmeister Sarah invited me here …
To get me into the spirit of things, a bit of light linkage… On BBC Radio 4’s Front Row …
Charlie Williams here, trying his hand at this blogging malarkey. Cheers to blogmeister Sarah for …
That’s it for me this week, as I’m making way for the next stuntblogger. From tomorrow …
While we’re on the subject of CHECKPOINT, the book–or more specifically, Leon …
I had some time to kill yesterday afternoon and found myself at Chapters browsing books. Lo and …
When British High Commissioner Edward Clay launched a tirade against corruption in Kenya, he used a …
We’re kind of in a strange mood today, which will be evident in content that appears later on, …
A few months ago, I spent a couple hours too many perusing the MWA’s database of former Edgar …
Mark Timlin, writing for the Independent on Sunday (no link yet, alas) goes on a major offensive …
While the news itself–that Choire Sicha is stepping down as editor of Gawker.com to get …
So you all thought that Willy Wonka chap was fictional, right? So did Roald Dahl–until postal …
Colleen Lindsay, the publicity director for Del Rey, reveals some of the dos and don’ts about …
Ron Mwangaguhunga (of Corsair fame) wonders who the “Queen of the Blogosphere” is after …
First, I’d like to thank Robert for blogging from the road and getting people talking, …
i’m bloging from a pal’s house in laguna beach, but i wanted to throw open for coment …
another unspoken joy of the author biz is the author photo. when i signed with pantheon four books …
this is a restatement of a post i made five minutes ago and think i erased, so if i didn’t, i …
So as we’ve said before, we’re going to be here and there, intermittently posting over …
There are lots of good reasons to read Olen Steinhauer’s second edition of the Monocle, his …
Aileen Jacobson of Newsday writes a rather lengthy feature on how contemporary crime fiction is far …
And we’ll start with the plight of Jane Hardy, a freelance writer with several steady …
Demonstrating further evidence of the quickie nature of the true crime industry, this news just came …
This is, of course, all Dave White’s fault. I’m sure certain others would agree with me: …
As mentioned before, Booksquare spent last weekend at the Romance Writers of America convention in …
My tennis fandom days are likely behind me (it just hasn’t been the same since Pete Sampras …
Remember a few months back when it seemed like every paper under the sun profiled or interviewed …
Sally Owen, the former manager of the Mysterious Bookshop who now operates her own bookselling …
I like hearing when writers are rewarded for their efforts, especially when it’s been a long …
It all started when Jim Winter posted a screed a few days back about what restrictions he’d …
So….first day of unemployment. Well, not exactly, because here it is some kind of bank holiday …
As the drama unfolds further surrounding Norma Khouri’s fabrication of her life in order to …
Marietta Dunn, writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer, looks at the Feminist Press’s new line …
So for whatever reason, there are lots of goodies at the Paper of Record this weekend, starting with …
Some of you checking back will find that Robert Ferrigno’s post no longer appears here. Not to …
Tomorrow is the last day of my temp job, but I pretty much finished up all the loose ends this …
Last month, Jim Huang–publisher, editor, writer, bookseller, and more importantly, …
You know, I realize that there are all sorts of people, and all sorts of ways to get published. But …
One of the current bestsellers in France is a book on how to do the least amount of work while still …
If you look over at the right hand side, the most recent Picks of the Week include Jonathan …
I have no idea if the “phenomenon” that is Kim Mitchell ever filtered down in the old US …
When I first heard about the news a couple of weeks ago, I asked my friends over at the Literary …
It seems the just-completed Harrogate Crime Festival wasn’t just an unqualified success; it …
If you want to meet someone who’s gone through the ringer over the last decade or so, then Joe …
Few authors burst upon the crime fiction scene with the level of fanfare and acclaim that was …
We’re still waiting for more detailed reports, but Ayo Onatade, who will be reporting for both …
More catch-up: the July edition of January Magazine‘s Rap Sheet is now available for perusal. …
First, a big round of applause to M.J. Rose–it’s not often that someone can be seen in …
Since The Halo Effect is the first book in my first eries, I’m curious to ask you all some …
Here’s an interesting article that touches on some of what the industry is facing and why a …
Since I’m one of the dedicated readers of this blog, it’s really a pleasure to be here …
As mentioned previously, M.J. Rose, whose new novel THE HALO EFFECT is in stores now, will be …
Well, folks, the not-so-secret project is finally live. There’s still a few kinks to iron out, …
Although it’s a tad surprising they hadn’t gotten around to doing something like this …
I concur with Ms. Shaken and Stirred that the Sydney Morning Herald’s piece on writerly …
Now, I don’t know about you all, but I really like the Tanenhaus edition of Marilyn …
No, I don’t normally post on Saturdays, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t put up the …
Gosh, today proved to be a hypergraphic’s delight. But before I sign off, a gentle reminder: …
Lots of good folk have been talking about publishing-related issues of late. Originally, I was going …
Meanwhile, the always-erudite Booksquare educates on the matter of rights reversion, jumping off …
Staying in the dark can have dire consequences at the agent level as well. Lee Goldberg linked to …
After last year’s smashing success, followed by a bit of uncertainty thanks to funding issues, …
Fiona, one of the Crime Fiction Dossier’s co-bloggers, has returned from her vacation in …
As David Thayer, one of Collected Miscellany’s adjunct bloggers, interviews Kevin about the …
And we begin with a li’l bit of piracy, Chinese-style. Those rogues have taken Bill …
Faye and Jonathan Kellerman are both incredibly successful thriller writers who happen to be married …
Well, not really, but he does cop to some things that wouldn’t normally come up in one of …
Although to be honest, there aren’t a whole lot of them this morning. Just recaps of literary …
Truly, they do: LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) — Pop star Michael Jackson, facing a trial …
Some interesting responses are rolling in about both Laura Miller’s NYT essay and my own take …
For those people wondering what Dennis Lehane is up to–and believe me, there are a great …
With a decidedly different take than last week’s review in the Washington Post, David Thayer …
I suspect this will be the Meme link of the week, so allow me to indulge. Just be careful: although …
All right, we know Hemingway loved to brawl during his life, but did the same sensibility have to …
It’s not that difficult to extract a juicy nugget and spin it into a story. But sometimes, it …
The news broke first on the 4 Mystery Addicts mailing list yesterday, though I’ve known what …
Azir Nafisi’s READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN has been a huge hit in North America and Britain. …
Laura Miller’s essay in this week’s NYTBR, already linked here, has provoked …
And not just delayed, but rather abbreviated, because, well, we’re just busy here, what with …
A couple of interesting interviews appeared over the weekend in the Daily Yomiuri Times. The first …
Figured this was in the offering, even if I hadn’t had any prior knowledge: Former NYC chief …
Jeff Abbott, a regular reader and an acclaimed crime writer in his own right, has started a new …
I think this is the first, and likely last, time I’ll ever post a want ad on the blog, but …
My latest review, of Adam Braver’s new novel DIVINE SARAH, is now available at Popmatters. …
So I read Janet Maslin’s review of newbie author Jeff Lindsay’s DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER …
While most of us were content to sit back and throw peanuts into the proverbial gallery, Ed chose a …
George Easter, editor of Deadly Pleasures Magazine, has announced the nominees for the annual Barry …
Actually, the minute he made mention last weekend of a “special surprise” due today, a …
Crime fiction editor J. Kingston Pierce recently conducted a lengthy interview with veteran writer …
Now I feel that summer is here. The evenings are gorgeous, the rain held off last night so I could …
LIT WARS: WHEN CRITICS ATTACK In the left corner: Dale Peck, Hatchet man and guerilla book critic; …
Interviewer par excellence Robert Birnbaum takes on James Wood, the noted critic whose new book of …
Apologies for the lack of updates this morning. However, some serious business had to be addressed …
The saga continues, as dethroned Brooklyn prosecutor turned acclaimed crime writer Rob Reuland faces …
Earlier this month I linked to an interview that PWG co-editor Trevor Maviano gave to Sex and Guts …
In a perfect world, this blog would be 100% objective about reviews because in the end, it’s …
Normally, writers give a blurb for books they like from time to time. But Ken Bruen is not a normal …
It’s kind of a slow day, and my brain’s equally sluggish this morning (that’s what …
My email server is down, and I have no idea when it will come back up. Something about the server …
Like many others, I couldn’t be happier about Terry Teachout’s just-announced nomination …
Crime writer G.M. Ford–“Jerry” to most people who know him–is one of the …
And you know, I kinda like the way I organized last week’s pre-posted update, so I think …
The new issue of Thrilling Detective Magazine is up and something that has been in the works for a …
It’s become quite the adage that, when deciding upon a book to read or a manuscript to buy, if …
Starting tomorrow, the National Film Theatre will host the fourth annual Crime Scene festival …
My tendency to scrutinize author interviews has, naturally, gone into hyperdrive since I started …
No doubt the entire ‘sphere will be talking about this survey today, but the National …
The Meme of the Week, and something I’ve been participating off-blog, so to speak, is the …
Darley Anderson is one of the top UK-based literary agents, best known for his roster of crime and …
My latest full-length review was actually posted yesterday at January Magazine, but it escaped my …
Yesterday, Publisher’s Lunch linked to a piece in the Wall Street Journal (full text after the …
Nicholas Clee, the Editor of The Bookseller (who also contributes a weekly column to the Guardian …
Normally, I don’t do full-fledged book reviews on the blog–if I like a book, I mention …
I do hope that eventually, Simon Kernick will get the same kind of attention in the US that he does …
Because it’s going to be a bloodbath at the New York Post after this boo-boo.
And we start with the Independent where Philip Hensher presents a rapturous ode to indexes. What …
Book tours and signings are a stressful ordeal in general. But then, sometimes they go just a little …
A couple of leading lights in the mystery community have passed away recently, and I’d like to …
Allan Guthrie, the man who wears so many hats I don’t even know if he can keep them all …
And before I get to it, I should say that there’s very little that beats sitting in a trendy …
It was with some trepidation, tempered with a bit of excitement, that I approached my subject, …
Of all the many, many tributes that have come over the pike about the late actor, perhaps this …
Not going to do the usual long-winded massive roundup of the Weekend that Still Is. Instead, some …
As my weekend plans involve a slight amount of travel, the Massive Weekend Update will either be …
Gene Gregorits, the man behind the anarchic journal SEX AND GUTS, engages Plots With Guns co-editor …
As reported today at Wonkette, and also by Publisher’s Marketplace: The former Senate aide, …
Happy holiday to all, especially the zillions of people who aren’t celebrating it by virtue …
Earlier today I had a post that detailed a proposed deal that would have had Ray Banks and Ken Bruen …
So according to a study in Scotland, 2⁄3 of the countryfolk are more likely to pick up a book …
Oh my goodness, when the Telegraph decides to jump on a bandwagon, they do it with substantial …
As promised, the first installment of what may prove to be an occasional series highlighting authors …
And its….[drum roll]….HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE? Ehhh….I dunno about …
For a while, it looked like Don Winslow was going to be a good candidate for being a Disappeared …
Again, a light day of posting is anticipated, although the first installment of “The …
Although I have a sneaking suspicion this may sell very well: Cherie Bennett and Jeff …
As chick lit writer Claudia Pattison offers some, er, choice advice for would-be writers: Author …
Among the many, many comedy records that were a childhood staple was a greatest hits compilation by …
Too much to do today so posting will be on the light side. Whoa, did Patrick Anderson just call Rob …
I was just a teensy weensy bit surprised that McNamee’s THE ULTRAS didn’t get the review …
It always happens this way. Last week, hardly anything from the crime fiction world. This time? …
The weekend is almost upon me (thank god) but before taking Friday off, some more choice goodies to …
Now that his new novel, the Wodehouse-inspired WAKE UP, SIR! will be in stores imminently, …
But instead of stewing over it I’ll just point all of you fine folk to Maud Newton’s …
Ahh, the Rap Sheet, I did miss it so. For good reason, as J. Kingston Pierce spent the better part …
And honestly and truly, I was going to go cold turkey on this Clinton business (best summed up by …
Ian Rankin was recently in South Africa to promote his Rebus novels, and he tells the South African …
I’m trying really hard to avoid the Clinton Orgy of Coverage because, well, it’s kind of …
So remember back when Peter Finlay (aka Mr Pierre) won the Booker Prize last year for VERNON GOD …
Over the last little while I’ve been not-so-surreptiously planting the idea of attending the …
Unless we are totally mistaken (and that’s certainly within the realm of possibility) today …
Mystery Readers International announces the Nominees for the 2003 Macavity Awards: BEST MYSTERY …
It’s acting up again. As I hash it out with tech support (though I doubt the conversation will …
It seems almost too timely to talk about the ability to speak publicly as a means of promoting …
I saw the new movie The Terminal over the weekend. I liked parts of it, but most of it annoyed me: …
And hell, I just hope this week is better than last week…but I suspect it likely will. Anyway, …
Literary agent Simon Trewin, in the Independent on Sunday, offers a well-needed reality check for …
And it seems like the crime fiction crowd took the weekend off, or I’m just not finding them …
I’ve been waiting on this all day, and finally, the annual awards given by the Private Eye …
Lord knows I spend enough time on this blog talking about what many other literary blogs, websites, …
To CAAF , who has finally joined the ‘sphere. Maud’s occasional guest blogger has been …
Not a lot of news this morning, although we’re waiting on the official announcement of the …
Yes! Yes! It’s the latest installment in what is fast proving to be my new favorite contact …
Ron Rosenbaum’s rather breathless essay about reading Philip Roth’s upcoming novel, THE …
My comrade-in-arms, Ali Karim, wasn’t satisifed with interviewing the entire crime fiction …
The Scotsman asked a whole host of authors what their ideal milieu was for creating words on a page …
So as people gear up to party like it’s 1904, I figure I’d focus on the book news that …
…that when man plans, god laughs. It sounds better in Yiddish, but the sentiment’s the …
It seems all too timely to link to these two interviews just as I’m about to dash off to …
Even as many folks are still recovering from their post-BEA hangover, it behooves me to mention the …
And we start with confusion, because I swear to god, Mel Gussow’s “gee whiz, look how …
As reported today by Publisher’s Lunch, Susanne Kirk, vice president and executive editor of …
A few years ago, Rob Reuland was a hotshot assistant DA in the King’s County office (better …
I am pleased to announce that the latest issue of SHOTS Magazine is now live. Mike Stotter promised …
And oh, let’s start with the Grey Lady, because we can. Karen Joy Fowler’s THE JANE …
Last week, I came home from work and found a very offending article on the family room couch. My …
Reading Robert McCrum’s latest column left me in a curious state of bewilderment. He segues …
Good god, did every major paper decide to devote their energies to crime fiction this week? It sure …
Where has the time gone? It seems that it was just a second ago that Alexander McCall Smith launched …
One of the mystery mailing lists that I’m subscribed to runs three discussions a month on crime …
Just over the transom: Two new books in Ken Bruen’s Edgar-nominated crime series set in …
The Crime Writers of Canada have announced the winners of the Arthur Ellis Awards, given to the best …
Stella Rimington is best known as the former boss of the MI5 (or, for those in the UK who like to …
(NB: yes, my subject headers are bordering on the ridiculously simplistic. But they get the point …
Jeez, every which way you go, there’s another profile of Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason, the …
And we start off with a rather bizarre profile of Walter Mosley in the Telegraph, which spends an …
Andrea Levy was awarded the 2004 Orange Prize in a ceremony held earlier tonight for her novel SMALL …
I think it’s been reported in other places but whatever the case, magician, actor and …
LONDON — A thief took more than $180,000 from an automatic teller machine — then …
And lamenting, just a little bit, that the Flames couldn’t deliver in the end. Tampa Bay …
So it seems my screed about comparing getting a book deal to the job hunt has led to some …
Not surprisingly, the UK bestseller list smackdown that appeared in yesterday’s Sunday …
I just received a missive from Anthony Neil Smith (aka one of the fine editors of PLOTS WITH GUNS) …
And there are fresh Picks and links aplenty…. First, to Patrick Anderson, who presents a …
The lovely Fiona has alerted me to an alarming new development, which I’ll just blurt out …
So, how’s your weekend? Mine’s been spent in front of the television, rooting madly for …
Since I won’t be posting anything tomorrow (seriously! I mean it) I’m providing some …
Because as promised, Mark delivers with a doozy of a report on the Book Babes’ panel this …
Commenting on the details of the deal just brokered by Kate Lee, Kevin Wignall makes a very …
For those who, like I did, spent too many hours watching FAMILY TIES and wondering where the devil …
Such is the title of Sara Nelson’s new column in the New York Post–I, foolishly, …
And it’s all BEA, all the time–I’m hoping that at some point, my designated spies …
but this time, not from Marketplace, because one has to spread the wealth a little bit. So instead I …
Barely a week after the now-infamous “Talk of the Town” piece in last week’s New …
Proving the rumors true, the Booker Prize committee has established a new prize that …
Ooh, this moveable type stuff is rather fun–so nice and clean, certainly. To wit: …
So as you can see, things have changed just a little bit in my corner of the ‘sphere. And now …
OK, maybe that’s not true, but considering what the latest installment in the Washingtonienne …
With Book Expo America looming (more on that later, probably tomorrow) my geek self kicked in and I …
It is, I think, a little bit surreal to get namechecked in the India Business-Standard. But there I …
And what else to lead off with but Book Expo, since it will dominate the book landscape for the rest …
Write a retrospective on Ross Thomas, as Richard Giller did yesterday for the Boston Globe. Instead …
A 15-YEAR-old schoolboy has become the first person in Britain to be convicted of inciting somebody …
And god, where does the time go? It’s practically summer, and some part of me thinks …
Joe Bloggs, the outpost for the UK-based 3AM Magazine, has been conducting a spate of interviews …
First up: a shiny new issue of Plots With Guns, with the usual mix of great stories, insane …
And first, for those who wrote in after Friday’s kvetch-inflected post, thank you. It finally …
I’ve loved Jonathan Yardley’s reviews for quite some time, but his latest offers up a …
Oh, those Minots (as in MINE-it, not the French pronunciation.) So many siblings, so many writers …
Thankfully, the missing novelist has turned up in Niagara Falls, where she’s been known to …
This is the story of Ernest Di Falco, who just wanted to rob a bank but managed to get every detail …
This is probably getting boring, but anyway, my latest review. I was very impressed and promptly …
Yankee Pot Roast, who manage to up the humor quotient on a regular basis, continue their …
I’m surprised the Washington Post took so long to review THE NARROWS, but maybe it took that …
And I must, absolutely must start off with the stabbing death of literary agent Rod Hall, who …
If what Gawker says is true, then Chris Lehmann, deputy editor of Book World, will jump ship to …
Hardluck Stories has updated with its spring edition, guest edited by Charlie Stella. It’s a …
It’s no surprise whatsoever that yesterday’s “Talk of the Town” article on …
Deadly Pleasures reports that finally, amazingly, Rennie Airth’s THE BLOOD-DIMMED TIDE will …
No doubt some folks will pounce eagerly upon this news and expound at length, but I’m just …
Aldo reports on a most interesting development with regards to the Black Dahlia, whose real name …
The New Yorker (!!!!) profiles Kate Lee, a twentysomething agent with ICM who has developed quite …
So it seems that La Rowling trolls chat rooms. Who’d have thunk it? JK ROWLING is so …
Yes folks, today’s a holiday that’s unique to my fair country, but because I’m a) …
I’m officially convinced: bloggers are taking over the book reviews. For, you see, …