Smatterings

First of all, welcome to all those who have arrived at my blog thanks to the New York Times’ piece on Marisha Pessl. I’ve said plenty on that subject already, but I can’t help but be amused that the original post – written more than 18 months ago – has essentially come to fruition…

Patrick Anderson digs CORONADO, Dennis Lehane’s short story & play collection, remarking that the author is “one of the most unpredictable minds in current American fiction.”

The Youngstown Vindicator profiles Laura Lippman as she prepares to make an appearance at a local library there.

Terry Teachout’s weekend piece on Gunter Grass – and the collision between artistic and moral pursuits – is a must read.

Lakshmi Chaudry comments on what she feels is a disturbing trend – the marginalization of novels into “women’s reading,” just as it was in the 19th century.

The CWA has finally announced its nominees for the Short Story Dagger, and the shortlist – Ken Bruen, Martyn Waites, PD James, Stuart Pawson & Robert Barnard – is very good indeed.

Anthony Rainone pays wonderful tribute to his friend and longtime mystery writer and Sisters in Crime advocate Marilyn Wallace, who died last month.

Finally, happy anniversary to David Montgomery, who celebrates his three-year stint as the Chicago Sun-Times’ mystery/thriller columnist.