Ridley Pearson
Ridley Pearson is the author of over 20 novels for both adults and young readers, including THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUER, PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS (co-written with Dave Barry), KILLER VIEW and KILLER WEEKEND. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's L. Dean Murphy, Pearson discusses what prompted him to write his latest, KILLER SUMMER, as a heist novel, and describes the real-life inspirations behind the book's setting and characters. He also gives insight into his writing process, professes his love for villainous characters, and explains how he got started writing children's books.

» Read the interview and the review.

Henry Perez
Henry Perez is a former television producer and journalist who recently published his debut novel, KILLING RED, a suspense thriller about a serial murderer on death row whose crimes are being replicated by a copycat killer. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Perez compares and contrasts himself to his reporter protagonist, Alex Chapa, and discusses his and other characters' evolutions throughout the course of the story. He also describes his favorite aspect of the writing process, shares his thoughts on the current state of print media, and reveals what readers can look forward to in his follow-up novel, MOURN THE LIVING.

» Read the interview and the review.

Dorothy Howell
With over 20 historical romances under her belt, Dorothy Howell's most recent novel HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE --- now in paperback --- marks her first attempt at writing a mystery. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Amie Taylor, Howell explains why she chose to try her hand at this new genre and describes what inspired the book's quirky plot and main character. She also confesses to a weakness for shopping --- one accessory in particular --- lists some of the many career hats she wore before turning to writing full time, and hints at what's in store for protagonist Haley Randolph in the next installment of the series.

» Read the interview and the review.

Katherine Howe
Katherine Howe's debut, THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE, follows two intertwined narratives --- one of a Harvard graduate student in 1991, and the other of a woman caught in the middle of the infamous Salem Witch Trials three centuries previous. In this interview, Howe describes her personal connection to this historical event, and discusses her interest in portraying it accurately as opposed to its more common "fairy tale version." She also explains what drew her to the real-life titular figure, and speculates why people have always been fascinated with this period in American history.

» Read the interview and the review.

BEACH BAG OF BOOKS
Whether your "beach" is on sand, your backyard deck or a grassy meadow in the country, the summer months mean it's time for "beach reading." Bookreporter.com is celebrating the lazy days of summer reading with our Fifth Annual Bookreporter.com Beach Bag of Books feature and contests.

During select weeks from May 22nd through September 4th, a different title or collection of titles will be featured with a contest prize --- a beach bag stocked with the featured book(s) and summertime essentials. Five FABULOUS beach bags will be given away each week, as well as five copies of the featured book(s) to additional winners.

Although there is no contest this week, please be sure to visit our Beach Bag of Books page to see all of our featured titles.

Next week we will be spotlighting a collection of books from Vanguard Press: THE COMPASS by Tammy Kling and John Spencer Ellis, DIAMONDHEAD by Patrick Robinson, DOMESTIC AFFAIRS by Eileen Goudge and THE SHIMMER by David Morrell. Also, please be sure to check back to see the winners of our most recent contest for MERCURY IN RETROGRADE by Paula Froelich.

MERCURY IN RETROGRADE by Paula Froelich (Fiction)
MERCURY IN RETROGRADE introduces three women whose lives intersect when they each decide to move into the same SoHo apartment building. As these disparate ladies become friends, they soon discover that having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might have been the best thing that could have ever happened to them. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

Jeanne Kalogridis

About Jeanne Kalogridis JeanneKalogridis.com Author Bibliography Critical Praise About the Book: THE DEVIL’S QUEEN

We have 10 advance reading copies of THE DEVIL’S QUEEN by Jeanne Kalogridis to give away to readers who would like to preview the book and comment about it. A description can be found by clicking the link below. If you are interested, please fill out this form by Friday, July 10th.

THE DEVIL’S QUEEN: A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Jeanne Kalogridis (Historical Fiction)
On Sale July 21, 2009
Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story --- that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games. » Read More

For more on Jeanne Kalogridis and past featured authors, see our
Historical Fiction promotion.

Karin Slaughter

About Karin Slaughter KarinSlaughter.com Author Bibliography Critical Praise About the Book: UNDONE Read an excerpt from UNDONE

We have 10 advance reading copies of UNDONE by Karin Slaughter to give away to readers who would like to preview the book and comment about it. A description can be found by clicking the link below. If you are interested, please fill out this form by Friday, July 3rd.

UNDONE by Karin Slaughter (Suspense)
On Sale July 14, 2009
In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the city’s poor, wounded, and unlucky --- and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. Then, in one instant, Sara is thrust into a frantic police investigation, coming face-to-face with a tall driven detective and his quiet female partner. In UNDONE, three unforgettable characters from Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling novels FAITHLESS and FRACTURED collide for the first time, entering an electrifying race against the clock --- and a duel with unspeakable human evil. » Read More

For more on Karin Slaughter and past featured authors, see our
Suspense/Thriller promotion.

David Morrell

About David Morrell DavidMorrell.net ShimmerBook.com Author Bibliography Winners of the ARC Mailing About the Book: THE SHIMMER Read an excerpt from THE SHIMMER

THE SHIMMER by David Morrell (Thriller)
On Sale July 7, 2009
In New York Times bestselling author David Morrell’s new novel, THE SHIMMER, bizarre phenomena draw hundreds of people to a remote Texas town, including a Santa Fe police officer and his wife who find themselves plunged into violence and bloodshed that quickly spiral out of control. But has the military known about --- and exploited --- these inexplicable phenomena for decades, thus unleashing forces they may not be able to control? » Read More

For more on David Morrell and past featured authors, see our
Suspense/Thriller promotion.

Tana French

About Tana French Author Bibliography Critical Praise Winners of the ARC Mailing Read a review of THE LIKENESS About the Book: THE LIKENESS Read an excerpt from THE LIKENESS

THE LIKENESS by Tana French (Mystery)
On Sale Now
Six months after the events of IN THE WOODS, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the Murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make any commitment either to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin.

The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison --- the identity Cassie used, years ago, as an undercover detective. And she looks exactly like Cassie. » Read More

For more on Tana French and past featured authors, see our
Mystery Mayhem promotion.

BOOKS INTO MOVIES

The summer blockbuster season is already in full swing, and July’s Books into Movies feature boasts some of the most anticipated, buzzworthy films of the year, starting with the July 1st release of Public Enemies, directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard. This 1930s gangster flick chronicling the rise and fall of John Dillinger and the Chicago crime scene should not be missed by history buffs, action/thriller junkies, crime lovers…and maybe even those in search of a little eye candy!

Sure to win over younger viewers with its charm, slapstick humor and quirky teen antics is I Love You, Beth Cooper, based on the award-winning YA novel by Larry Doyle. This teen romantic comedy will give hope to nerds everywhere, as a geeky valedictorian professes his affections for the most popular girl in school in the middle of his graduation speech. Much to his surprise, she doesn’t turn him down.

And in case you hadn't already marked your calendars and begun your countdown, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hits the big screen on July 15th. The sixth installment of the epic good-vs.-evil saga promises plenty of magic, mystery, heart-pounding adventure and hair-raising suspense, not to mention some long-sought answers to dark secrets, raging teenage hormones and a jaw-dropping, gasp-worthy ending.

This month’s DVD releases include Coraline, a delightfully creepy animated film à la The Nightmare Before Christmas fit for the whole family, and Watchmen, the big-screen, live-action adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’s groundbreaking graphic novel about a band of retired superheroes attempting to uncover a plot against them in an alternate 1985.

» Click here for more details about July's films.

NEW IN PAPERBACK

KILLING RED by Henry Perez (Thriller)
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live, and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. When nine people suddenly turn up dead, Alex realizes Grubb is telling the truth. Now the copycat killer is ready to pay his ultimate tribute to his idol. He has set his sights on Annie “Red” Sykes, the only survivor of his bloodlust 15 years ago. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.

HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE: A Haley Randolph Mystery, by Dorothy Howell (Mystery)
The only reason a twenty-something gal like Haley Randolph would ever work at a mid-class department store like Holt's is for the extra cash required to support her serious designer handbag habit. Unfortunately, when Haley becomes the prime suspect in her miserly manager's murder, her part-time job turns into a full-time headache. Reviewed by Amie Taylor and excerpted.

RELENTLESS by Dean Koontz (Thriller)
Dean Koontz’s new thriller explores the razor-thin line between the best and worst of human nature --- and the anarchy simmering just beneath society’s surface --- as a likable, successful family man is drawn into a confrontation with a foe of unimaginable malice. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin and excerpted.

KILLER SUMMER by Ridley Pearson (Thriller)
Sun Valley, Idaho --- playground of the wealthy and politically connected --- is home to an annual wine auction that attracts high rollers from across the country, and Blaine County Sheriff Walt Fleming is the one who must ensure it goes off without a hitch. But when a passing truck catches his eye, his suspicions throw him headlong into the discovery of a complicated plan to steal the rare wine. Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy.

THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe (Fiction)
A name written on a tiny piece of paper leads Connie Goodwin, a Harvard graduate student, on a quest that uncovers evidence of a long-lost book. Written in the late 1600s, it seems to point to witchcraft. Now, in 1991, someone other than Connie is intent on finding the book and will stop at nothing to possess it. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

RETURN TO SULLIVANS ISLAND by Dorothea Benton Frank (Fiction)
The next generation of Hamiltons and Hayes may well have its beginning with the return of Beth Hayes to the family homestead on Sullivans Island. The family has recruited her to housesit the Island Gamble for a year while her elders are off “doing their own thing.” Will she be able to overcome her resentments and live up to her family’s expectations? Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE ACCIDENTAL BESTSELLER by Wendy Wax (Fiction)
When author Kendall Aims loses everything in one fell swoop, her author friends step in to assist her by secretly collaborating on the book Kendall must write but can't. What follows is an intriguing plot with lots of twists and turns, a rumination on friendship, and a fascinating peek into the publishing business. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SATCHEL: The Life and Times of an American Legend, by Larry Tye (Biography)
Few reliable records or news reports survive about players in the Negro Leagues. Through dogged detective work, Larry Tye has tracked down the truth about Leroy “Satchel” Paige, interviewing more than 200 Negro Leaguers and Major Leaguers, talking to family and friends who had never told their stories before, and retracing Paige’s steps across the continent. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.

FAKE I.D. by Jason Starr (Thriller)
A New York bar bouncer with dreams of being more, Tommy Russo jumps at the chance to join a horse-owning syndicate. But to do so he’ll have to pony up $10,000 --- and that’s money he doesn’t have. So what’s an ambitious young man to do? Anything he has to... Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

DOWN AROUND MIDNIGHT: A Memoir of Crash and Survival, by Robert Sabbag (Memoir)
What would it be like to experience a plane crash as a passenger? It's a terrifying scenario that we've all thought about at one time or another. In DOWN AROUND MIDNIGHT, Robert Sabbag writes about his own harrowing experience. Thirty years after the event, he tells about the crash and its aftermath on his own life and the lives of other passengers. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

NEWTON AND THE COUNTERFEITER: The Unknown Detective Career of the World’s Greatest Scientist, by Thomas Levenson (History/Biography)
What most people know about Isaac Newton starts --- and usually ends --- with an apple falling from a tree. That led eventually to Newton’s theory of gravity and to his famous “laws of motion,” the invention of calculus and discoveries about the behavior of light. Much less known is his role in reforming the coinage of money in England and his pursuit of counterfeiters. MIT science professor Thomas Levenson focuses on one such case --- a long-running battle of wits between Newton and a master counterfeiter named William Chaloner. Reviewed by Robert Finn.

Henry Perez

About Henry Perez Author Interview –– July 2, 2009 HenryPerezBooks.com Publisher's Website Author Bibliography Critical Praise Winners of the ARC Mailing Read a review of KILLING RED About the Book: KILLING RED Read an excerpt from KILLING RED

KILLING RED by Henry Perez (Thriller)
On Sale Now
On death row, serial killer Kenneth Lee Grubb has six days to live and his last request is an interview with reporter Alex Chapa. What begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex. For amidst Grubb’s taunts and boasts lies the horrific claim that someone is carefully repeating his past crimes. » Read More

For more on Henry Perez and past featured authors, see our
Debut Suspense/Thriller promotion.

Dorothy Howell

About Dorothy Howell Author Interview –– July 2, 2009 DorothyHowellNovels.com Publisher's Website Author Bibliography Critical Praise Winners of the ARC Mailing Read a review of HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE About the Book: HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE Read an excerpt from HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE

HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE by Dorothy Howell (Mystery)
On Sale Now
Witty, smart, and always chic, Haley Randolph has it all: Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach, Burberry, and she’d kill for the newest Louis Vuitton handbag... but it seems she’s not the only one. When someone’s passion for designer purses leads to murder, Haley goes shopping for a killer and to clear her name. » Read More

For more on Dorothy Howell and past featured authors, see our
Mystery Mayhem promotion.

With thousands of books published each year and much attention paid to the works of bestselling and well-known authors, it is inevitable that some titles worthy of praise and discussion may not get the attention we think they deserve. Thus throughout 2009, we will be spotlighting books written by debut or up-and-coming authors that immediately struck a chord with us and made us say “just read this.” Our plan is to alert our readers about these titles as soon as they’re released so you can discover them for yourselves and recommend them to your family and friends.

Here is our latest featured title:

CRAZY FOR THE STORM: A Memoir of Survival, by Norman Ollestad (June 2nd): CRAZY FOR THE STORM is the story of Norman Ollestad’s relationship with his dad, who cultivated a daredevil survival streak in him that he credits with saving his life when he was in a charter plane crash on a mountain at age 11 that killed his dad, his dad’s girlfriend and the pilot. As he walked down the snowy icy mountain alone, he says he felt confident he would be okay, and he never gave up. Parents often wonder what their children learn from them --- Norman’s takeaway from his 11 years with his dad infused him with a spirit of "never give up" that has carried him through his life.

» Click here to read a review of CRAZY FOR THE STORM.
» Click here to read an excerpt from CRAZY FOR THE STORM.
» Click here to read our interview with Norman Ollestad.
» Click here to watch a video in which Norman Ollestad discusses CRAZY FOR THE STORM.

Click here to see all the titles we're betting you'll love.

Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews is the bestselling author of seven books, including SAVANNAH BREEZE, SAVANNAH BLUES, LITTLE BITTY LIES and HISSY FIT. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Lourdes Orive, Andrews explains what inspired the plot of her latest novel, THE FIXER UPPER, and gives a bit of insight into her main character Dempsey's troubles in life and love. She also discusses her own restoring and decorating, mentions some of her favorite Southern writers, and creates an ideal menu for reading groups to enjoy while discussing her book.

» Read the interview and the review.

Heather Barbieri
In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Bronwyn Miller, Heather Barbieri --- whose second novel, THE LACE MAKERS OF GLENMARA, is now available in stores --- explains what inspired the book's plot and describes her personal connection with its setting in Western Ireland. She also discusses the role sewing played in her upbringing, names the character with whom she most identifies, and reveals what she looks forward to on book tours.

» Read the interview and the review.

George Rabasa
George Rabasa's third novel, THE WONDER SINGER, is about a ghostwriter asked to pen the autobiography of an aging, legendary opera diva who dies unexpectedly before the project is completed. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Eileen Zimmerman Nicol, Rabasa discusses the challenges of writing in the story-within-a-story frame, and explains who inspired --- both in name and personality --- the book's main character. He also describes his unconventional writing process, reveals how his former career in advertising helped hone his voice as a writer, and compares and contrasts the life of an author with that of a performer.

» Read the interview and the review.

Norman Ollestad
In his memoir, CRAZY FOR THE STORM, Norman Ollestad chronicles his story of survival after a plane crash in the mountains leaves him the sole survivor at the age of 11, while giving credit entirely to his adventure-loving father's unusual parenting style. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Norah Piehl, Ollestad explains how he was able to piece together his scattered 30-year-old memories in order to vividly describe that harrowing nine-hour ordeal, and reveals some of the difficulties he experienced revisiting those traumatic events. He also provides insight into his father's personality and outlook on life, discusses how their unique relationship has helped to shape the one he now shares with his own son, and names some of his biggest writing influences.

» Read the interview and the review.

Robert Goolrick
Bookreporter.com's Carol Fitzgerald and Norah Piehl recently talked to Robert Goolrick, author of the critically acclaimed bestseller A RELIABLE WIFE. In this interview, Goolrick elaborates on the novel's recurring themes of power and redemption, and explains how he drew inspiration for it from Michael Lesy's WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP, as well as a children's picture book written in the 1940s. He also shares what surprised him the most about the ways in which his characters took shape, reflects on how aspects of his own life have surfaced in the text, and discusses his next book, which is based on a true story.

» Read the interview and the review.

Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Carlos Ruiz Zafón, who has written for both adults and young readers, follows up his international bestseller THE SHADOW OF THE WIND with his latest release, THE ANGEL'S GAME. In this interview, Zafón compares and contrasts himself to his novelist main character, and discusses why he chose to set several of his novels in his home city of Barcelona. He also reflects on the source of his passion for reading, names a few of his favorite crime writers who have served as inspiration for his own work, and shares what he hopes readers will take away from his books.

» Read the interview and the review.

Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner's new novel, THE NEIGHBOR, marks the return of D. D. Warren, a Boston PD Sergeant who was also featured in previous works ALONE and HIDE. In this interview, Gardner explains why she chose to continue Warren's story, and discusses the real-life cases that inspired the plot of this latest book about the disappearance of a young wife and mother whose secretive husband is suspected of her murder. She also describes the most fascinating and most challenging aspects of researching and writing about sex offenders, provides insight into the complex characters and their relationships, and hints at what's in store for Sergeant D. D. in future installments of the series.

» Read the interview and the review.

Julie Metz
In her debut, PERFECTION, Julie Metz chronicles her difficult journey of acceptance and moving forward after she discovers painful truths about her marriage following her husband's unexpected death. In this interview, Metz explains the significance behind the book's title and discusses how, in retrospect, she could have foreseen her husband's betrayal. She also elaborates on the double standard that exists in today's society regarding infidelity, offers tips to women looking to start over after being cheated on by their spouses, and shares what she hopes readers will take away from her experiences.

» Read the interview and the review.

Patti Callahan Henry
Patti Callahan Henry is the bestselling author of six novels, including WHEN LIGHT BREAKS, BETWEEN THE TIDES, THE ART OF KEEPING SECRETS and the newly released DRIFTWOOD SUMMER. In this interview, Henry describes how much of her own memories and experiences she drew upon to write this story about three siblings and attempts to shed light on the complex dynamic of sisterhood. She also explains why --- in addition to themes of familial relationships --- she chose to focus on the financial issues independent bookstores face in this day and age, and shares tips on how we can help support these small businesses.

» Read the interview and about the book.
» Visit Patti Callahan Henry’s official website, www.PattiCallahanHenry.com.

Lisa See
Bestselling author Lisa See's latest publication, SHANGHAI GIRLS, explores the complex bonds of sisterhood in the face of clashing cultures and personal hardships over two volatile decades in the first half of the 20th century. In this interview, See describes the various inspirations behind her seventh book and sheds light on some of the little-known aspects of Chinese-American history. She also elaborates on the book's historical settings, such as Angel Island and China City, details how some of her own family's experiences were worked into the novel, and muses on the complexity of relationships between sisters.

» Read the interview and the review.
» Click here to read Lisa See's blog post about SHANGHAI GIRLS.

Raymond Khoury
In this interview, Raymond Khoury --- author of the bestsellers THE LAST TEMPLAR and THE SANCTUARY --- discusses what inspired his latest thriller, THE SIGN, and explains how he researched specific types of technology in order to portray it in a realistic and feasible manner. He also comments on the muddled line that separates religion and politics in today's society, and shares his thoughts on movie and mini-series adaptations of his books.

» Read the interview and the review.

Sally Koslow
LITTLE PINK SLIPS author Sally Koslow recently published her sophomore novel, THE LATE, LAMENTED MOLLY MARX, which simultaneously follows a newly deceased woman as she looks over the loved ones attending her funeral, and relives key moments throughout her life that lead to her untimely and mysterious death. In this interview, Koslow explains why she chose to challenge herself by writing in this unique format, and compares and contrasts her own personality with that of her protagonist's. She also stresses the importance of humor in the toughest of situations, names her favorite characters and scenes from the book, and shares her thoughts on the afterlife.

» Read the interview and the review.

Mary Kay Andrews

About Mary Kay Andrews Author Interview –– June 26, 2009 MaryKayAndrews.com Publisher's Website Author Bibliography Critical Praise Winners of the ARC Mailing Read a review of THE FIXER UPPER About the Book: THE FIXER UPPER Read an excerpt from THE FIXER UPPER Watch a video about THE FIXER UPPER

THE FIXER UPPER by Mary Kay Andrews (Fiction)
On Sale Now
After her boss in a high-powered Washington public relations firm is caught in a political scandal, fledgling lobbyist Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left almost broke, unemployed and homeless. Out of options, she reluctantly accepts her father's offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place he recently inherited in Guthrie, Georgia. All it will take, he tells her, is a little paint and some TLC to turn the fading Victorian mansion into a real-estate cash cow. » Read More

For more on Mary Kay Andrews and past featured authors, see our
Women's Fiction promotion.

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