Smatterings, the Post-Deadline Edition

Lots and lots and lots on George Pelecanos as THE TURNAROUND is released this week. Paper Cuts asks for his current playlist, the Philadelphia City Paper has a lengthy Q&A (with tidbits on his next book, possibly inspired by HARD RAIN FALLING by Don Carpenter which is fantastic and yes, it should be reissued) and Janet Maslin has her say as well.

Creative Loafing catches up with Karin Slaughter about writing violence, her new series and an independent streak active from childhood. Nashville Scene has a ruler-centric review of her latest, FRACTURED.

The AP likes the promise Marcus Sakey shows with his new and excellent thriller GOOD PEOPLE.

The Peninsula Daily News plumbs the bestseller depths of Aaron Elkins.

USA Today’s Carol Memmott rounds up new thrillers by Christopher Reich, Tana French, Julie Kramer and Meg Gardiner.

Andrew Klavan explains to NRO why he thinks after his latest novel, EMPIRE OF LIES, he’ll “never win another writing award again.”

The NYT’s Andy Newman interviews “Kate Brennan” about her memoir of a decade-plus long stalking campaign by her former boyfriend.

Ann Patchett is conflicted about book tours.

Phoebe Gloeckner on the Juarez Murders? I am SO reading this. DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL is probably my favorite graphic novel ever. (via)

After this, nothing more needs to be written about the so-called print vs. blog debate, but of course there will be tons more ink spilled.

Not even 48 hours from now, bookstores all over the country will go insane for BREAKING DAWN. More Meyer coverage at USA TODAY. 

The Southern California Book Award nominations are out, and the mystery category is now the T. Jefferson Parker mystery award.

Obama and McCain in comic book format.

I thought there could not be a startup company dumber than Pets.com. I was wrong.

What real private eyes are up to.

And finally, Johnny Depp as the Riddler? I could buy it.