Here are the Macavity Award Nominations:

The Hammett Prize has been presented to ALIBI by Joseph Kanon  -- a worthy choice but I was hoping that Don Winslow's THE POWER OF THE DOG would win.  6/15/2006

I forgot to post this quite pleasing news:  Janet Rudolph is adding a history mystery award to her Macavity Awards and most appropriately the award will be name the Sue Feder History Mystery Award.  Sue was the champion of the history mystery and it will be nice to honor her memory every year with this award.  Way to go, Janet.  6/15/2006

In November, 2006, the Poisoned Pen Press is going to publish THE DO-RE-MI by Ken Kuhlken (a favorite attender of Bouchercon for years), which will be the fourth in the Tom Hickey series.  The first of the series, THE LOUD ADIOS won the Best P.I. Novel Award sponsored by the Private Eye Writers of America and St. Martin's Press.  It was followed by THE VENUS DEAL and THE ANGEL GANG. Glad to see Ken back in print and kudos to the Poisoned  Pen Press for publishing him.  6/09/2006

And someone else we haven't seen in a while is John Billheimer (although I sat next to him at last year's Bouchercon banquet -- and he proved a most charming dinner companion).  Five Star will publish STONEWALL JACKSON'S ELBOW in September, 2006.  It is a continuation of his Contrary, West Virginia novels (THE CONTRARY BLUES, HIGHWAY ROBBERY and DRYBONE HOLLOW) and will once again feature Owen Allison.  This time he is trying to get to the bottom of a $750 million dollar ooops at a local bank.  6/09/2006

I'd like to talk to Barry Maitland some day about his odd publishing history. I consider him one of the finest crime writers practicing the craft today. Yet, it seems that with each book he gets less and less exposure.  Part of the problem most likely is the fact that he moved from the U.K. to Australia.  His last two books have only been printed in Australia.  But St. Martin's Minotaur is going to fix that oversight in October when NO TRACE is released here in the U.S.  I read NO TRACE some time ago from an advance reading copy that DP contributor Jeff Popple sent me from Australia.  I gave it an A+ if I recall.  This guy really knows how to plot and his Detectives Brock and Kolla are two of the most memorable in the whole genre.  6/09/2006

Jane Davis, Michael Connelly's sister and webmaster/publicist e-mailed to say, "Saw the note on your site. ECHO PARK, the next Harry Bosch novel, will be released in the UK on September 20th. It will be released in the USA on October 9th."  I guess that answers that question.  6/09/2006

I read somewhere (don't remember where) that the next Michael Connelly (ECHO PARK) is being published in the U.K. before it is published in the U.S.  Can anyone confirm that?  Collectors will want to know that.  6/09/2006

The June edition of Bookaholic is out. Entertaining as always.  Once you click on this link then look to the right of the page for the Bookaholic link.  It will then appear as a PDP file.   6/09/06

I received the following e-mail from publicist Heather Drucker: 

"I want to tell you about a new book by mystery writer J.F. Freedman entitled A Killing in the Valley.

There are two main things that are interesting about this publication.  First of all, A Killing in the Valley is Freedman’s return to what he does best—writing thrilling, edge-of-your-seat legal thriller/mysteries set in the West such as his bestselling first novel Against the Wind.  The next thing is that this book is a book club exclusive published under Bookspan’s new imprint Madison Park Press, being offered exclusively to the members of the Literary Guild, Book-of-the-Month Club, Doubleday Book Club and The Mystery Guild, and not in bookstores.

Historically, the various book clubs (Doubleday Entertainment has 35 active book clubs) have published their own books for years; however, the creation of Madison Park Press gives Bookspan the ability to publish under a singular imprint dedicated to nurturing and developing new works and authors."   This is an interesting marketing tactic and if it works we'll see more of it with book clubs.  But what about collectors of the works of J.F. Freedman?  The first edition will be a book club edition -- how confusing is that????   And in the past there has been a great difference in the quality of the actual book -- with the book club edition being made of inferior paper and cardboard stock.  If one of my favorite authors is published first in a book club edition I'm not sure I would join a book club to get it.  If you have thoughts about this, please post them on the DP Bulletin Board.  6/09/2006 

The ever-eccentric Robert B. Parker has done it again.  He is to be the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at Bouchercon and has just cancelled his appearance because (get this) he just remembered that it was the weekend of his wedding anniversary.  Far be it for me to advise someone to miss celebrating his wedding anniversary, but it seems to me that it could be celebrated a few days earlier or later -- or better yet, bring his wife along and celebrate in Madison, Wisconsin (well, that might be the problem right there).  Is his wife so rule-bound that something couldn't be worked out to mollify her?  After all, I understand that they live on different floors of the house and have very little contact with one another.   Bouchercon has added Joseph Wambaugh as an additional guest of honor. 6/09/2006

I would KILL to go to this event (what an author lineup!), but am too cheap to PAY to go all the way to England for it: 

Deverell wins Arthur Ellis Award for 'April Fool'

William Deverell's April Fool has won the 2006 Arthur Ellis Award for best novel from the Crime Writers of Canada.

The Arthur Ellis Awards, named for the nom de travail of Canada's official hangman, were awarded Thursday night in Toronto.

Deverell, who won the Dashiell Hammett Award for his 1997 novel Trial of Passion, is winning the Arthur award for the second time.

Deverell has brought back defence attorney Arthur Beauchamp for a comic turn in April Fool. Beauchamp, now retired on B.C.'s Garibaldi Island, agrees to defend an old client accused of murder. As he unlocks the mystery of who really did the killing, his new wife takes up residence in a tree to save it from loggers.

The other nominees were Rick Blechta for Cemetery of the Nameless, Giles Blunt for Blackfly Season, Alex Brett for Cold Dark Matter and Peter Robinson for Strange Affair.

It is the 23rd year for the awards, which honour excellence in Canadian crime writing.

The Arthur Ellis Award for best non-fiction book went to Rebecca Godfrey for Under the Bridge: The True Story of the Murder of Reena Virk, about the murder of a B.C. teen by a group of other teenagers.

Godfrey was competing against a roster of strong non-fiction crime books, including Susanne Reber and Robert Renaud's Starlight Tour: The Last, Lonely Night of Neil Stonechild, about the death of a native teen; Daniel Sanger's biker tale Hell's Witness and Linda Diebel's Betrayed: The Assassination of Digna Ochoa, about the murder of a Mexican activist.

The other winners of 2006 Arthur awards are:

	Best First Novel:  Louise Penny for Still Life.
	Best Short Story: Rick Mofina  for Lightning Rider in Murder in Vegas.
	Best Juvenile: Vicki Grant for Quid Pro Quo.
	Best Crime Writing in French: Gérald Galarneau for Motel Riviera.  [Source: Iden Ford]

Here are some more of the CWA Dagger Award short lists (still to come are the Historical Dagger and Short Story Dagger nominations): 

DUNCAN LAWRIE INTERNATIONAL DAGGER

EXCURSION TO TINDARI - Andrea Camilleri (translated by Stephen Sartarelli)
AUTUMN OF THE PHANTOMS - Yasmina Khadra (translated by Aubrey Botsford)
DEAD HORSEMEAT - Dominique Manotti (translated by Amanda Hopkinson & Ros Schwartz)
BORKMANN'S POINT - Hakan Nesser (translated by Laurie Thompson)
BLOOD ON THE SADDLE - Rafael Reig (translated by Paul Hammond)
THE THREE EVANGELISTS - Fred Vargas (translated by Sian Reynolds)

THE IAN FLEMING STEEL DAGGER

THE LINCOLN LAWYER - Michael Connelly
SWEET GUM - Jo-Ann Goodwin
PIG ISLAND - Mo Hayder
THE ENGLISH ASSASSIN - Daniel Silva
MR CLARINET - Nick Stone
THE MERCY SEAT - Martyn Waites
CONTACT ZERO - David Wolstencroft

THE CWA NEW BLOOD DAGGER

IMMORAL - Brian Freeman
STILL LIFE - Louise Penny
ICE TRAP - Kitty Sewell

NON-FICTION GOLD DAGGER

A DEATH IN BELMONT - Sebastian Junger
THE STORY OF CHICAGO MAY - Nuala O'Faolain
THE DEATH OF INNOCENTS - Sister Helen Prejean
UNDER AND ALONE - William Queen
THE DAGENHAM MURDER -Linda Rhodes, Lee Sheldon and Kathryn Abnett
AND THEN THE DARKNESS - Sue Williams

THE DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY  (Nominated and judged by librarians and awarded to an author for a body of work, not one single title)

Anthony Horowitz
Lesley Horton
Jim Kelly
Margaret Murphy
Danuta Reah (aka Carla Banks)
C.J. Sansom
Cath Staincliffe

This is an interesting category and reflects the authors that librarians like to recommend to their patrons.  Two of my favorites (who are close friends as well), Margaret Murphy and Cath Staincliffe, are most deserved nominees.  I don't have a vote, but this one would be very difficult for me personally.  And the other authors on the list are no slouches either.  Thanks to Ali Karim for sending this information so promptly.  5/30/2006

Mike Bursaw reports that John Dunning is recovering slowly from his recent operation. He is unable to write with his right hand as of yet.  Prayers and best wishes to John and his family. 5/27/2006

Well, the Solomonic baby has been cut in half again. Here are the Barry Award nominees. As happens each year, some of my favorites that I hoped would get on the final short list didn’t make it (Deon Meyer’s DEAD AT DAYBREAK, P.J. Tracy’s DEAD RUN, Chris Knopf’s THE LAST REFUGE, to mention a few) – but that happened to each nominating committee member also. That is what consensus is all about – and the list we came up with is pretty darned good. Thanks go out to the Barry Award nomination committee members :

Maggie Mason

Larry Gandle 

Ali Karim 

Barbara Peters 

Beth Fedyn 

Gary Shulze & Pat Frovarp

Mike Bursaw

Sarah Weinman 

Steele Curry

George Easter

Marv Lachman

Thriller Barry Award committee member only

Short Story Barry Award member only

2006 Barry Award Nominations

BEST NOVEL

BLOODLINES, Burke, Jan

RED LEAVES, Cook, Thomas H.

MERCY FALLS, Krueger, William Kent

SUDDEN DEATH, Rosenfelt, David

MR. LUCKY, Swain, James

THE POWER OF THE DOG, Winslow, Don

BEST FIRST NOVEL PUBLISHED IN THE U.S. IN 2005

DIE A LITTLE, Abbott, Megan

IMMORAL, Freeman, Brian

BABY GAME, Hicks, Randall

DARK HARBOR, Hosp, David

COLD GRANITE, MacBride, Stuart

THE FIREMAKER, May, Peter

BEST BRITISH NOVEL PUBLISHED IN THE U.K. IN 2005

BLOOD-DIMMED TIDE, Airth, Rennie

LIFELESS, Billingham, Mark

SILENCE OF THE GRAVE, Indridason, Arnaldur 

– o.k. so this is Icelandic, but first English edition is the 2005 British edition – Gold Dagger Winner

A GOOD DAY TO DIE, Kernick, Simon

THE FIELD OF BLOOD, Mina, Denise

LOST, Robotham, Michael

BEST THRILLER

COMPANY MAN, Finder, Joseph

CONSENT TO KILL, Flynn, Vince

THE INSIDE RING, Lawson, Michael

SEVEN DEADLY WONDERS, Reilly, Matthew

MAP OF BONES, Rollins, James

PRIVATE WARS, Rucka, Greg

BEST PAPERBACK NOVEL

THE JAMES DEANS, Coleman, Reed Farrell

SIX BAD THINGS, Huston, Charlie
NIGHT’S CHILD, Jennings, Maureen

NOW YOU SEE ME, Rochelle Krich

THE DEAD DON’T GET OUT MUCH, Maffini, Mary Jane

INSIDE OUT, Miller, John Ramsey

The word "Daughter" seems to have become  a popular part of recent (last 10 years or so) book titles.  Here are some examples: Margaret Maron's THE BOOTLEGGER'S DAUGHTER, Sharyn McCrumb's THE HANGMAN'S DAUGHTER, last year's THE FATMAN'S DAUGHTER by Caroline Petit, this year's upcoming THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER by Elizabeth Hyde -- and a non-mystery Amy Tan's THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER.  What's up?  Where are the "Son" books?  5/24/2006

The shortlist is as follows, in author-name alphabetical order:

Publishers often use gimmickry to gain reviewers' attention (mugs, cds, t-shirts, loaded dice, etc.) I actually like the trinkets I get because when joined with the books they are publicizing, these items make for a more interesting collection (as I sit here to write this I just noticed that I'm wearing a Jack Reacher t-shirt -- I should go over to the bookcase and grab my Jack Reacher dog tags and put them on too.).  This year St. Martin's Minotaur has taken a new approach to sending out some of its advance reading copies.  A few months ago I received a red box with the words "Unleash the Beast" on its cover -- along with artwork showing the minotaur breaking out of its box.  Inside were four arcs (of works that the publisher is especially trying to push in its Spring/Summer list): John Hart's THE KING OF LIES (excellent first novel to be reviewed in the next issue), Louise Penney's STILL LIFE (which was favorably reviewed already in DP -- another excellent first novel; Bev DeWeese will add another review in the next isue), Lori Andrews' SEQUENCE (another first novel -- I think the arc was sent to Larry to review, so I'm hoping for a review in the next issue) and the only non-first novel of the bunch -- Shamus-award-winning Daniel Judson's very dark and aptly named THE DARKEST PLACE, set not too far from where I grew up on Long Island (am just starting this -- talked to Gary Niebuhr about it and he thought it very dark, but very cleverly plotted).   Well, this package certainly got my attention and the novels it contained certainly deserve the publicity that St. Martin's Minotaur has given it.  Well yesterday I got a yellow box with the words "The Beast Breaks Out!" on it (with a pix of the Minotaur breaking out of a box -- I think that "break out" are the two favorite words in a publisher's vocabulary and they cause the publisher to salivate and think of dollar signs).  Inside are four arcs from St. Martin's Minotaur's Fall lineup, none of which are first novels: ALL MORTAL FLESH by Julia Spencer-Fleming (the latest in the van Alstyne/Clare Fergusson series), A STOLEN SEASON by Steve Hamilton (Alex McKnight -- hurray, at last!), STRIPPED by Brian Freeman (his follow-up to my favorite first novel of last year -- IMMORAL), and, last year's Gold Dagger Award winner SILENCE OF THE GRAVE by Arnaldur Indridason (sequel to JAR CITY; the author will be at Bouchercon this year; Larry thought this very deserving of the award.).  WOW!  I didn't know that Minotaur would continue with this promotion, but I'm sure glad that it is!   I wonder what color the next box will be???   Whatever it is I'm sure to be salivating by the time I open it.  5/12/2006

Mystery Ink has announced the winners of this year's Gumshoe Awards. As always some interesting choices, both in the nominees and winners -- some of which may show up on our Barry Award nominations.   5/12/2006

ThrillerFest has announced its program schedule.  Don't see any mention of Clive Cussler participating except perhaps at the Awards Banquet, which is disappointing to me.  Otherwise it looks like a fun time -- especially the Jack Reacher mock murder trial. As part of the opening ceremonies on Thursday night there will be a mass signing of THRILLER (Mira, $24.95, June, 2006). My guess is about 20 of the authors who contributed to this short story collection will be there to sign -- a great memento of the convention. 5/12/2006

I'm starting the Barry Award process, so those on the committees will be hearing from me soon. 5/05/2006

A couple of comments on Robert Ferrigno's PRAYERS FOR THE ASSASSIN, a novel set in the future in which most of the U.S. is an Islamic Republic (Not Utah though).  Sarah Weinman reports that it is the first of a trilogy.  The second novel will begin about 3 years after the end of PRAYERS.  There was a lot of publicity about PRAYERS when it came out at the beginning of February, 2006. I saw it prominently displayed in local bookstores, but I noted with interest that starting about six weeks ago, it was placed on a table at Barnes & Noble (along with a few other titles included the new Linda Fairstein) with "50% off" stickers.  Then I was shocked to find in last week on the remainder table at B&N with a $5.95 price sticker.  I understand that it sold well, but probably not as well as some of the chains expected.  I can't ever remember a 3-month-old book going to remainder.  Any thoughts -- e-mail me at george@deadlypleasures.com or post thoughts on the DP Bulletin Board.  5/05/2006

I have added a number of titles to the DP LIST of Best Mysteries of 2006.  It is shaping up as a very good year, especially in the First Mystery Novels and Paperback Original categories, which will both be covered by articles in the next issue of DP.  Also updated is the DP Calendar I was very impressed by the logo for the 2007 Bouchercon in Alaska.5/05/2006

We've all heard the complaints about lack of information on the Bouchercon site (apparently due in part to the inaction of their webmaster), so it was good news when Beth Fedyn and Maggie Mason e-mailed with the new Bouchercon website information.  I hope this one is better maintained and updated.  5/05/2006

I went to the local Salt Lake City mystery bookclub meeting (Books To Die For) last night for the discussion of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, last year's Barry Award winner for Best First Novel.  It was universally liked by all who attended.  In my opinion it should be a classic and read by future generations.  It certainly will be on my shortlist of consideration for Book of the Decade (along with Reg Hill's DIALOGUES OF THE DEAD and Michael Connelly's THE LINCOLN LAWYER as of now).  5/05/2006

Larry Gandle comes through again with a call to me from the Edgar Award Banquet as the winners are being announced!  Here are the Edgar Winners for fiction:

It appears that Bouchercon will be setting up a new website (don't know the details, but I suspect that the prior webmaster was not performing).  It should be up soon.  I'll let you know when I get word.  4/25/2006