Smatterings redux

If you’re going to interview a famous author, as the Telegraph does here with Umberto Eco, can you not open with him doing vocal exercises. Now I’m going to have this image of Eco saying “MOO!” and it’s really quite unfortunate…

David Kipen sums up quite nicely what makes the work of Ross Thomas so damn good, although I’m probably in the minority camp that believes Thomas wasn’t a spy. When you work in government and get cleared at top-secret level, you see very strange things that might, just might, work their way into novels…

If you liked THE HOT KID, like I did, it might cheer you to learn that Elmore Leonard’s next book brings Carl Webster back, but during WWII times. If you didn’t, well, guess it’s another year before he goes back to contemporary settings, if ever…

Robert Birnbaum returns with yet another epic interview, this time of Kevin Guilfoile, author of CAST OF SHADOWS.

Anthony Rainone offers up a meaty review of James O. Born’s second novel, SHOCK WAVE, for January Magazine.

The shortlist for best comedic fiction has been announced in the UK and includes folks like Tiffany Murray Terry Pratchett and Lloyd Jones.

I still can’t believe how seriously betting folks are talking this Harry Potter business. Granted, I think the odds-on favorite for who will bite it in book six is probably wrong…

And finally, Worst. Hair. Ever. Might even be the most compelling argument in favor of an insanity plea for him.