It's finally here! The Public Library Association's conference, held every two years, is a fantastic opportunity to meet public librarians and introduce them to some of our favorite authors. This year we've got a stellar line-up, so if you're in Portland next week, check us out!
At our booth (#1232)
Wednesday, March 24
Jo Nesbo signs The Devil's Star
4-5 pm
Thursday, March 25
Phillip Margolin signs Supreme Justice and Fugitive
10:30-11:30 am
…
Attention all you Ian Sansom fans! He is back with another book in the Mobile Library Mystery Series. The Bad Book Affair, on sale January 19th is his fourth novel in the series and stars Israel Armstrong, the classically funny librarian who solves crimes while driving the mobile library around the north coast of Ireland. Israel finds himself trying to solve the mystery of a missing teenage girl…one who’s a bit troubled and also happens to be the daughter of a local politician. Don’t miss this exciting mystery as Israel tries to find the missing teen, while trying to solve a few problems of his own. The Bad Book Affair is the perfect book to read while sitting in a cozy chair with your favorite warm beverage!
Enjoy,
-Bobby
The amazing mother-son writing team known to readers as Charles Todd has another winner on their hands. Check out the GREAT starred review of The Red Door from PW. I’d love to hear what you think about this book. Download Publishers Weekly Monday, December 7, 2009
If you send me an email with your address – and a promise to review the book – I’ll happily send you a free copy. Your review will appear here on Library Love Fest. Just send your complete mailing address to librarylovefest at harpercollins dot com.
Mystery lovers, UNITE!
-Virginia
We've been getting in some great reviews of Katherine Hall Page's The Body in the Sleigh. Here's the latest, from Melissa Stream (Madison, WI):
"I received a copy of this book a few weeks ago and loved it. I haven't read any other books in this series by Katherine Hall Page; I'm excited to find a new author with lots of books she's written already for me to catch up on. The story was just suspenseful enough, but I was appreciative of the author to leave out excessive gore and violence. The story was rich around Faith's family and I fell in love with Mary and her goats. To be presented with such a gift out of the blue, she handled it with grace and almost gratitude, and not to mention she was a natural! I looked forward to breaks at work and quiet time at home when I could get wrapped up in this cozy novel!
Thanks so much for the book!"
For more reader reviews, and the original book/review swap post, click here.
We are loving Katherine Hall Page's latest, The Body in the Sleigh, and so are librarians! Check out this fantastic review from our book review/book swap:
"What's more delicious than a good, old-school mystery? How about a divine "whodunit" filled with delectable descriptions of scrumptious meals with recipes for some of the best included? Katherine Hall Page's 18th Faith Fairchild mystery The Body in the Sleigh incorporates her tried and true ingredients to produce yet another page turner worth sinking your teeth into. Naturally there is "the body in the sleigh" but there's also a feast of suspects to keep you guessing, a few families that you'll wish you could spend holiday dinner with, a wintery setting that will make you want to cozy up by the fire with a hot drink, and a baby that appears mysteriously in a manger on Christmas Eve. All in all, this was a mouthwatering read that will leave you hungry for more!"
Lisa Kent
Library Secretary
Lakes Community High School
If you were unable to attend our title presentation at ALA in Chicago this past July, fear not! We’re bringing our book buzz to you! Click on the links below to watch us talk about the hot books coming out in Fall 2009. Each link is about 10 minutes long and we’ve listed the titles being discussed in each video. Also attached is the handout that we made available to all attendees of the presentation.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, Academy Award nominations, etc.
Thanks!
-Virginia, Bobby and Kayleigh
Video 1A
Included in this video: Introduction, information on HarperCollins Catalogs, eGalleys, Book Club Girl, Library Love Fest (radio show), twitter (HarperLibrary), HarperLibrary's blog (Library Love Fest), Shelf Help, Kayleigh’s blog (The Roaring 20s), Earlyword.com and Harper Perennial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vF140GVoQ
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1A)
Video 1B
Included in this video: Information on Harper Perennial, and the following titles, Shelf Discovery, by Lizzie Skurnick, By The Time You Read This, by Lola Jaye, and Lies My Mother Never Told Me, by Kaylie Jones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUe2jl8-sxE
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1B)
Video 1C
Titles included in this video: Bending Towards the Sun, by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, Under This Unbroken Sky, by Shandi Mitchell, Evidence of Murder, by Lisa Black, How to Paint a Dead Man, by Sarah Hall and I Shudder, by Paul Rudnick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZIX7h_a8WI
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1C)
Video 1D
Titles included in this video: Beneath the Bleeding, by Val McDermid, The Financial Lives of Poets, by Jess Walter, Anne Frank, by Francine Prose and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by William Kamkwamba
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX-b-Eh06c0
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1D)
Video 1E
Titles included in this video: Not Lost Forever, by Carmina Salcido, Manhood for Amateurs, by Michael Chabon and Hummingbirds, by Joshua Gaylord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjbIu4n5k3Y
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1E)
Video 1F
Titles included in this video: Far from Zion, by Charles London, I am neurotic (and so are you), by Lianna Kong, The Hidden, by Tobias Hill, The Sand Fish, by Maha Gargash, Ten Storey Love Song,by Richard Milward and The Body in the Sleigh, by Katherine Hall Page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQgzm6b72TE
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1F)
Video 1G
Titles included in this video: Notes Left Behind, by Brooke and Keith Desserich, The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver, Lit, by Mary Karr, Wishin’ and Hopin’, by Wally Lamb and This Book is Overdue!, by Marilyn Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBOV0CKk68A
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1G)
Video 1H
Titles included in this video: Be Careful What You Pray For, by Kimberla Lawson Roby, Gator A-Go-Go, by Tim Dorsey, Shadow Tag, by Louise Erdrich, and Horns, by Joe Hill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmUlveJzyU
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1H)
Video 1I
Titles included in this video: Encore, Valentine, by Adriana Trigiani, Making Toast, by Roger Rosenblatt, The Lovers, by Vendela Vida and A Pearl in the Storm, by Tori Murden McClure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb6Sp0HEWk0
Download ALA Title Presentation (Part 1I)
We've already gotten some fabulous reader reviews for Jane Stanton Hitchcock's Mortal Friends. Diane LaRue calls it a "clever, seductive society story," on her blog bookchickdi, and Lauren Gibaldi blogs, "Mortal Friends is an incredibly fun book, that's as juicy as tabloid columns." Nancy Viens writes: "I read the book Mortal Friends,and found it chatty and fun. Very hip and good strong characterization. I liked it so much I loaned it to a friend!" And Karina Worlton sent us a very thoughtful review, all of which is included after the jump. If you'd like to review Mortal Friends, please email us at librarylovefest@harpercollins.com. We'd love to hear from you!
And here's Karina's review:
I enjoyed Mortal Friends! It was a good murder mystery, although it certainly wasn't a whodunnit. There was no way to figure out who had done the murders. Indeed, every time I thought I knew who was the murderer, some other secret came out! It was such an adventure to see what happened next.
…
Mary Jane Clark, author of Dying for Mercy appeared on Good Morning America this morning. If you missed her interview, check it out here.
Mary Jane Clark gives a lovely shout out to libraries on her website (www.maryjaneclark.com). Here is her message just for you:
Dear Librarians,
If not for the public library, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind, I wouldn't be writing books today. When I was a kid there were no Barnes and Nobles and, even if there were, my parents didn't necessarily have the extra cash lying around to buy the latest Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden mystery. My sister and I carefully selected our books from the shelves of the Westwood Public Library.
When we were little, we went to story hour, where the elderly librarian would read to us, even when, as happened during one snowstorm, we were the only ones there. As we grew older, we would stop most days as we walked home after school to see if there was anything neat on the "NEW BOOKS" rack. We studied there and researched there and sometimes just enjoyed the quiet there. We treasured our library cards. We learned to love reading.
Many years have passed, but the public library is as important as ever. I still have to pinch myself sometimes and feel truly honored when I see one of my books on a library shelf or hear there is a waiting list for the newest title. I realize, though, that libraries can't carry every book published and sometimes the selection process is difficult. I hope you will consider ordering Dying for Mercy for your readers this summer.
With gratitude,
Mary Jane
Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Dying for Mercy. You will NOT be disappointed.
-Bobby
I am so excited about the success of HarperCollins author Mary Jane Clark. Her new book, Dying for Mercy on sale now, follows television news anchorwoman Eliza Blake who is overworked and in need of some real “R & R”. She decides to rent a beautiful carriage house in a very affluent town in New York. What she discovers, amidst all the beautiful architecture, and glorious gardens is a breathtaking mansion. This restored mansion turns out to be a “puzzle house”, with clues all scattered everywhere that lead Eliza to victims of a killer! Eliza finds herself uncovering one final secret and in the process she comes face to face with a killer…who believes everything left in the dark should NOT come to light.
Make sure you tune in tomorrow morning (August 12) to ABC’s Good Morning America for her in-studio interview. Also, check out this stellar review from the Associated Press…they compare her to legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie!
Download AP Review – Mary Jane Clark
I know Mary Jane Clark is the real deal. She is truly a star on the rise and one to watch out for in the years to come. For those of you that do not know Mary Jane Clark, I know you will love her. If you know her, you will indeed fall in love with her again…just like I have!
Enjoy!
-Bobby
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
This morning I saw this article on male-only book clubs that have been springing up around the country. Here's a fantastic quote from the piece:
"'We used to just sit around and drink beer and read Charles Bukowski, nothing great," says Pride, 51, of Quincy. 'But the other night we were talking about evil. Drinking our red wine and talking about evil. We're moving into a deeper dimension. We don't want to read junk.'"
Groups may focus instead on a shared topic of interest, like history, sports, or even poetry. Other book groups don't read the assigned book at all, but use the time as a chance to catch up with old friends. Whatever the reason, book clubs are a great way for men to build a sense of community and fellowship. Here's a quick little list of titles that might work, depending on the book club.
For new dads, or the agriculturally-inclined:
Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs, and Parenting by Mike Perry
For thriller-lovers:
Shadows Still Remain by Peter de Jonge
For memoir-addicts:
In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White
For vampire fans:
The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan
For outdoorsmen:
The Last of His Kind by David Roberts
For ultimate fighters:
Got Fight? by Forrest Griffin with Erich Krauss
For history buffs:
Masters and Commanders: How Four Titans Won the War in the West, 1941-1945 by Andrew Roberts
-Kayleigh
Don't miss the profile of Peter de Jonge in this week's New York Times— it's a fabulous introduction to his latest thriller, Shadows Still Remain. After co-authoring three novels with James Patterson, Peter de Jonge is cultivating his own unique style of writing, which the NY Times quickly noticed. They had this to say: "Shadows Still Remain, published last month by Harper, though also a murder mystery, doesn’t read much like Patterson product except in being wrapped around a couple of startling plot twists. Set on the Lower East Side (the same territory as Richard Price’s recent Lush Life), it’s more in the noirish, character-driven vein of Dennis Lehane or Michael Connelly." High praise, indeed. Check out a video of Peter talking about Shadows Still Remain, read the full profile, or browse inside. Happy Friday!
-Kayleigh
Action…Adventure…International Intrigue…Murder…Escape. This is what you will find and more when you read Fugitive by Phillip Margolin. Fugitive, on sale in June of 2009 is a fascinating book that will leave you breathless from beginning to end.
Fugitive, brings back the character of stellar defense attorney Amanda Jaffe, as she tries to keep her client Charlie Marsh out of danger. Danger seems to be coming at him from all angles. Charlie, who is by no means a saint, redeems himself after saving the warden of the state penitentiary during a prison riot. However he finds himself once again in hot water after being named the prime suspect in the death of a U.S. Congressman.
Charlie leaves America and makes his home in Africa, to avoid murder charges. As expected, he finds himself in trouble yet again, and has to flee after the country’s dictator discovers Charlie has been having an affair with one of his wives. Now Charlie finds himself running from the American authorities as well as the African dictator’s secret killers. All of this puts Amanda in a bind. How can Amanda help him? Does Charlie get away? Can Amanda save him before it’s too late? What does she discover along the way?
What a great read! I was so overwhelmed with excitement and suspense throughout the whole book. Fugitive will leave you wanting more! Phillip Margolin truly has a winner on his hands! I hope you discover how wonderful Fugitive is. Get ready for an amazing ride!
-Bobby
Each week Barnes & Noble Center Stage features one bestselling author with a new release—but the conversation will include all of that author’s books, not just the new one. It’s a great opportunity for you to ask your favorite authors any question, but it’s even more perfect if you have a “big picture” question about how they write, what ties their books together, who inspires them, and much, much more.
Make sure you stop by Center Stage now to ask Laura your question!
Check out this video of Laura discussing Life Sentences.
