Would you know evil if it sat next to you? That’s a good question – and one that New York Times bestselling author Jane Stanton Hitchcock answers in her latest page turner, Mortal Friends (in her words ‘a novel that has murder in it!’) Enter the dishy, political world of money and high society set squarely in Washington, DC. Her books have been described as “Ruth Rendell meets Dominick Dunne, for the sophisticated reader who wants the perfect beach read.” (Library Journal)
Libraries are near and dear to the heart of this wonderful writer. Last week Jane flew to Chicago to attend the American Library Association conference where she spoke to over 300 librarians at the ALTAFF Book and Author Tea and signed countless copies of her witty, smart whodunit, Mortal Friends.
She also took the time to write this message to librarians everywhere:
"Libraries are like houses of worship: Whether or not you use them yourself, it's important to know that they are there. In many ways they define a society and the values of that society. Librarians to me are the keepers of the flame of knowledge. When I was growing up, the librarian in my local library looked like a meek little old lady, but after you spent some time with her, you realized she was Athena with a sword, a wise and wonderful repository of wisdom."
Check out this great video taken of Jane while she signed books in the Harper booth at ALA:
More raves for Mortal Friends!
“Mortal Friends is at once witty, sophisticated and chilling -- imagine Edgar Allan Poe and Edith Wharton collaborating on a mystery. This novel had me guessing and turning the pages until the very end, and even then, I was surprised. Nobody else out there writes, or entertains, like Jane Stanton Hitchcock.”
— Susan Cheever
“Mortal Friends is a brilliant mix -- an expertly paced novel of suspense and a cutthroat comedy of manners. In Jane Stanton Hitchcock’s skilled hands, these Capitol killings show D.C. society for what it is -- Deliciously Criminal.”
— Linda Fairstein
We’re so in love with Mortal Friends and you will be, too – once you’ve read it! So…to the lucky first 25 who reply to this post, we will send a complimentary copy of Mortal Friends. We’d love to hear what you think of this juicy page turner so send in your reviews and we’ll gladly post them. Happy Reading!
-Virginia
Love Jane Stanton Hitchcock!and libraries:-)
Posted by: Sue Anderson | August 10, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Looks like I'm a few days late getting to this but if you have any more copies I'd be thrilled to read and review Mortal Friends. I too have a book blog and review for LJ. All the copies at my library are on a wait list!
Posted by: Sally Bissell | July 30, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Sounds absolutely great. Thanks for this chance. Woulf love to read this unique novel.
Posted by: ruth | July 27, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Sounds like a great summer (or anytime) read! I love to read author support of libraries and am sorry I missed her at ALA, too!
Posted by: Lisa | July 23, 2009 at 10:05 AM
I missed seeing Jane at ALA. I'd love to have a copy of the book to read and share! I'm an avid mystery fan but haven't read any of her writing yet.
Posted by: Patty Wright | July 22, 2009 at 03:27 PM
That sounds so great! Our patrons would love it! I might even start reading mysteries and intrigue novels again!
Posted by: Liesl Seborg | July 22, 2009 at 03:19 PM
I'm a librarian and would love to read this!
Posted by: rhapsodyinbooks | July 22, 2009 at 03:16 PM
I would love to have a copy of this! I missed ALA this year!
Posted by: Carol Ellen Kowalik | July 22, 2009 at 03:12 PM
I'd love to have a copy of this. I'm a librarian, blogger, and book reviewer.
Thanks!
Lesa Holstine
http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lesa Holstine | July 22, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Me! Me! Me!
Posted by: Lauren | July 22, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Sign me up, too! Thanks :)
Posted by: Katie | July 22, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Big thanks to Jane for her support of libraries. I'd love to get my hands on a copy of the book - thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Amy Hoseth | July 22, 2009 at 12:42 PM
I am a librarian and I love to hear authors talk up librarys! Go books!
Posted by: Sarah | July 22, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Sounds like a great summer read! Can't wait to read it!
Posted by: Kaley DeGoursey | July 22, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Didn't I just comment on this post. Would love to read this book. Please count me in if international.
Posted by: Violet | July 22, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Love the sound of this. Please count me in if international!!!
Posted by: Violet | July 22, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Count me in--sounds delicious!
Posted by: bookclubdiva | July 22, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I'm looking forward to reading her book! Thanks for your library support Jane!
Posted by: james flowers | July 22, 2009 at 09:16 AM
I have worked in a library for over 20 years, and libraries are my second home. Libraries are the heart of the town and the heart of the campus. This sounds like a fabulous book! Can't wait to read it--
Posted by: Nancy Viens | July 22, 2009 at 08:45 AM
I'd LOVE to read this one - I missed the author at ALA!
Posted by: Terri | July 22, 2009 at 07:19 AM
Awesome. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Cassandra | July 22, 2009 at 05:58 AM
sounds like a fun book!
Posted by: cary cox | July 21, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Ruth Rendell meets Dominic Dunne? This one sounds like a winner! Please enter me to win.
Posted by: Diane LaRue | July 21, 2009 at 07:00 PM
Sounds good and I loved what she had to say about libraries! Thanks for having this giveaway!
Posted by: Melissa C | July 21, 2009 at 05:50 PM
This sounds fun! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Karina | July 21, 2009 at 05:32 PM
It sounds promising with the names like Ruth Rendell, Edgar Allan Poe, and Edith Wharton being dropped.
Posted by: Jenne | July 21, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Thank you, Jane, for loving and promoting libraries. I have been a public librarian for 25+ years now and I too love the very idea of public libraries.
Hope I'm one of the lucky 25 but if I'm not, I'll read it when my library stocks it.
Posted by: Donna | July 21, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Sign me up! Sorry to miss her at ALA.
Posted by: Kristin | July 21, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Ohh, I'd love to read AND review this! I review books on my blog and would love to add this one to it. It sounds so interesting - a fabulous mix of fiction and mystery (and intrigue!)
Posted by: Lauren | July 21, 2009 at 04:10 PM