Recently Read

Back by popular demand, I decided to finish out the week with a few reading recommendations:

THE BLONDE by Duane Swierczynski had me at the opening line: "I poisoned your drink." The book starts at an airport bar when Jack, an unexpecting newsman hears those four words from the blond next to him. The book chronicles the 24-hours after, complete with over-the-top twists, unexpected turns, and pulse-pounding suspense. Told with fresh, cool that fans of Elmore Leonard will appreciate, THE BLONDE will suck you in and won't let you go until the very end.

BOCA MOURNINGS by Steve Forman is a light funny read told in the style of Carl Hiaasen. Although Jews and Baby Boomers will appreciate the writing style and dialogue more than others, P.I. Eddie Perlmutter is a memorable character who can be enjoyed by all. The aging detective sets up shop in a retirement community in Boca Raton. He thought his new life would be full of sunbathing and golf, but he quickly learns that even paradise isn't without its crime...

If you like humorous mysteries set in tropical locations, you can also try HEMINGWAY DEADLIGHTS by Mike Atkinson. This mystery series features Earnest Hemingway as an amateur sleuth. The next installment, HEMINGWAY CUTTHROAT, comes out in June, so you have a couple months to catch up on the first.

Next on my list is BURY ME DEEP by Megan Abbott. If you haven't read the queen of Noir, I highly recommend all her books. Haven't gotten to this one yet, but when I saw that it was nominated for an Edgar, I was reminded how much I enjoy her work.

Best Bets for 2010

Start the year off right and pick up one of these must-reads:

GUTSHOT STRAIGHT by Lou Berney This witty, caper novel is generating much (well deserved) buzz in the crime fiction community. Berney's debut novel features Charles "Shake" Bouchon, fresh out of prison and roped in for one last job. Fans of Quentin Tarantino and Elmore Leonard will be instantly hooked.

THE BONE CHAMBER by Robin Burcell As we learned last week, Burcell is moving away from police procedurals and diving headfirst into high-octane thrillers. In her latest Sydney Fitzpatrick novel, the special agent heads to the streets of Rome, into the underground crypts and caverns of Naples, attempting to stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer. Fans of James Rollins and Dan Brown, read a suspenseful, international thriller from a female perspective.

A BLACK TIE AFFAIR by Sherrill Bodine For something light, witty and fun, pick up Sherrill Bodine's latest women's fiction novel. The first in a series, A BLACK TIE AFFAIR features Athena Smith, a fashion curator in Chicago. Harriett Klausner calls it "an entertaining joy ride" and Romance Junkies calls A BLACK TIE AFFAIR "a witty and sexy new contemporary romance".

Weekend Reading

Wow, I actually managed to post on the correct day today! Since 2009 is coming to a close, this week's recommendations come from my "Best of 2009" reading list. I know I'm missing a few, and to be fair, I'm not including any of my publicity clients (sorry guys!). But don't head into the new year without reading these amazing novels:

IN THE DARK by Brian Freeman. I'm a big fan of the Stride/Dial series, and Freeman gets better with each book. He knows how to craft a story, create suspense, and write dark, beautiful prose.

LORDS OF CORRUPTION by Kyle Mills. If you enjoyed the movie, Blood Diamond, you'll love this book. Instead of exploring the diamond trade, Mills dives head first into the corruption of the NGO's in Africa. It's evident that he did his homework, but Mill's knowledge and research never slows down the action.

THE LAST CHILD by John Hart. This haunting cross between lit fic and genre pulled me in from page one. Hart expertly establishes the bond between twins, and one happens to one when the other goes missing.

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stieg Larsson. No summary necessary, by now I'm sure everyone is familiar with this amazing trilogy. I enjoyed the slow rhythm to this book and how the character development unfolded on the page. This novel is much different than American crime fiction and it read like a breath of fresh air.

THE WAY HOME by George Pelecanos. Another master at character development, Pelecanos explores the relationship between a boy and his father. While there is plenty of external conflict and tension, it's the internal conflict that's the most compelling as they search for redemption. The book is beautifully written and like its characters, impossible to turn your back on.

Weekend Reading - The Holiday Gift Guide

Still haven't finished your holiday shopping? Not sure what to get your in-laws, siblings, or family friend? Instead of Weekend Reading, I'm giving you a holiday gift guide (but of course, you could read all the books here too!)

Mom or aunt: If she enjoys fun fiction, pick up Laura Caldwell's Red Hot Trilogy. The mass market paperbacks will fit perfectly in her purse. If she's into literary, Oprah's book club type books, give her THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. Mom who doesn't read? Pick up Think Thin One-Pot Meals by Ruth Glick. This helpful cookbook is something every mom needs!

Dad or uncle: My dad is into non-fiction, so this year, I'm giving him HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920's Transformed American Sports by Mike Bohn. If he likes crime fiction, try THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey, GONE TOMORROW by Lee Child, or EVEN by Andrew Grant. For something high concept, try RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL by Jamie Freveletti.

Sister: A lot depends on what type of a sister she is and what you want your gift to say. For something meaningful and heartfelt, give her A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith. My sister is into Victorian novels, so I'd give her TEARS OF PEARL by Tasha Alexander or Murder on Bank Street by Victoria Thompson. If she enjoys fun chick lit, GOOD IN BED by Jennifer Weiner. If she's the corporate type, stuff her stocking with CLIMBING THE CORPORATE LADDER IN HIGH HEELS by Kathleen Archambeau.

Brother: My brother doesn't read anything except the sports section, so I'm giving him THE BOOK OF BASKETBALL by Bill Simmons. If he's into shows like The Wire and Oz, try LUSH LIFE by Richard Price or THE SWEET FOREVER by George Pelecanos. If he's a music buff or tech geek, give him RIPPED by Greg Kot.

Weekend Reading - Mass Market edition

The holidays mean traveling, which means airplane reading. No one likes to carry a huge hardcover on a plane, so mass market paperbacks are the perfect travel companion. Here are a few of my favorites:

Just out in paperback is Steven M. Forman's BOCA KNIGHTS. The first in a series, this debut novel features Eddie Perlmutter, a Jewish detective in Boston whose arthritic knees can't take the New England cold anymore. He retires down to Boca Raton, looking forward to a life of golf and sunbathing, but even paradise is not without its crime. It's a hilarious, fun read that, after dealing with security and airport hassles, is guaranteed to put the smile back on your face.

Another recent paperback release is THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter. Selected for Indie's Next List, the fifth installment of the Henry Parker series opens with young man found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body had been dumped in New York's East River. The suspenseful follow up to THE FURY will keep you hooked from take off to landing.

For another nail-biter, pick up Rebecca Drake's THE DEAD PLACE. This psychological thriller chronicles a serial killer who preys on college students in a small university town. As I said in my review of her first novel, DON'T BE AFRAID, don't let the soccer mom exterior fool you, Drake's writing is dark, twisted, and never lets up.

If you prefer pulp fiction for your holiday travels, pick up any of the mass markets published by Hard Case Crime. A few recent releases include THE CORPSE WORE PASTIES, QUARRY IN THE MIDDLE, and THE VALLEY OF FEAR.

Weekend Reading

This weekend I'll be inundated with upcoming releases (STEIN STONED by Hal Ackerman, THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter, WHY MY THIRD HUSBAND WILL BE A DOG by Lisa Scottoline), but there are still plenty of great books out on the shelves now:

Michael Connelly finally did what his fans (and publisher) have always wanted him to do: write 2 books in a year. Detective Harry Bosch returns in NINE DRAGONS, and Connelly explores the world of Asian gangs. When the most important person in Bosch's life is taken from him, he's forced to do something he seldom does: leave LA.

If you ask Andrew Grant which book made him want to become a writer, he'll tell you it's ICE STATION ZEBRA by Alistair Maclean. It was published before I was born, so the book was never on my radar. But after Andrew's recommendation, I picked it up and couldn't put it down. If you like Espionage or Action/Adventure, ICE STATION ZEBRA is right up your alley. And if you want to write crime fiction, it's a necessary read.

Last weekend, I was up all night reading THE JOKER by Brian Azzarello. Even if you're not a graphic novel fan, it's impossible not to get sucked in to the gripping story, spot-on dialogue, and impressive illustrations. THE JOKER was published prior to The Dark Night's release, but judging by the similarities in illustrations, it's clear where the Hollywood guys got their image.

Must-See Monday

Stop by The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on Wednesday, November 11th for Funny Ha-Ha, the monthly comedy and reading series hosted by Claire Zulkey. This month's guests include Tribune critic Maureen Ryan, The Onion's A.V. Club, novelist Kevin Guilfoile, and filmmaker Steve Delahoyde.

Also on Wednesday, Time Out Chicago Kid's editor Judy Sutton-Taylor, reads from her contribution to P.S.:WHAT I DIDN'T SAY, a collection of unsent letters written by women to their friends. Stop by the Book Cellar at 7pm to hear readings from the anthology.

Feel like a road trip this weekend? Head up to Wisconsin for Murder and Mayhem in Muskego. This great library event features appearances by Marcus Sakey, Jamie Freveletti, Andrew Grant, Tasha Alexander, Michael Koryta, Sean Chercover and...who else...oh yeah, myself! Sign up for the Friday evening cocktail reception where I'll be interviewing Freveletti, Alexander, Grant and Koryta and stay Saturday for a long lineup of authors.

Weekend Reading

This weekend, I hope to read CHRONIC CITY by Jonathan Lethem, which was recently chosen for Indie Next List. For this book, he moves the setting to Manhattan, but hopefully it will be just as gripping as MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN.

Another one in my To Be Read pile is Martin Limon's G.I. BONES. Part of the Sueno/Bascom series, this military novel is set during 1970's Korea. Limon is a master at setting the scene and transporting readers into his world. If you're not familiar with the series, I encourage you to start from the beginning with JADE LADY BURNING.

If you're a sports fan or a history buff, pick up Mike Bohn's HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920s Transformed American Sports. This nonfiction book profiles the great American sports heroes of that era , including Babe Ruth, Red Grange, and Bobby Jones. He goes further to explore those behind the scenes: sports writers, press agents, etc. Bohn is a knowledgeable storyteller and his book is a fascinating read.

Halloween Weekend Reading

When I think of Halloween reads, I immediately think of Anne Rice. If you enjoy vampire tales, try INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE or THE VAMPIRE LESTAT. If you prefer witches, try any of the books in the Witches of Mayfair series.

For contemporary paranormal, try Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series, inspiration for the hit show True Blood. Probably best to start at the beginning with DEAD UNTIL DARK.

If you want a non-paranormal Halloween read, pick up Ray Bradbury's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. The psychological horror story takes place in small-town Illinois one week before Halloween when an eerie Carnival rolls into town and begins to destroy the lives of everyone who participates in its attractions.

Lastly, what Halloween would be complete without the Horror-master himself, Stephen King? My favorites include THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, IT, and THE SHINING even though they all kept me up for days.

Weekend Reading

This weekend, I'm diving head first into the stack of books I took home from this year's Bouchercon. My list includes:

DEAD MEN'S DUST by, Matt Hilton. This debut novel had been on my reading list for quite a while, since it released in June. The protagonist, Joe Hunter, is reminiscent of Jack Reacher: a former military operative and ex-CIA agent who gets the job done. When his estranged brother has disappeared because he stole from the wrong man, it's up to Hunter to find him.

BOULEVARD by, Steven Jay Schwartz. This I managed to read when it first came out, but if you haven't, definitely pick it up this weekend. Protagonist, Hayden Glass, is a robbery and homicide detective in LA. He's also a sex addict. And when a string of murders, executed by a sadistic, sexual killer, his two worlds collide.

I'm not familiar with her work, but I also snagged EVIL WITHOUT A FACE by, Jordan Dane. This book is the start of her new series featuring bounty hunter, Jessica Beckett. She's on the hunt for an online predator who's abducted a teenage girl, but soon realizes, she's nothing but a pawn in a terrifying global conspiracy.

Lastly, the book that was on everyone's lips this Bouchercon, is DOUBLE EXPOSURE by Michael Lister. For most, it was the Michael Connelly recommendation that had everyone rushing to pick up this book. For me, it was the back cover. I'll let it speak for itself:

Following his dad’s death, Remington James returns to the small North
Florida town where he grew up to assume his father’s life—taking care of his
dying mother and running the local gun and pawn shop.One fateful fall evening,
as the sun sinks and the darkness expands, Remington ventures deep into the
river swamp to try out some new equipment and check his camera traps.
Encountering the kind of wildlife that made him want to be a photographer in the
first place, Remington gets some of the best shots of his life, but he’s about
to happen upon the most dangerous animal of all—a feral, patient, sociopath who
wants Remington dead.

Weekend Reading - Bouchercon Edition

Next week is the 40th annual Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, one of the largest in the world. I deem it the world series of writer's conferences. For those of you heading down to Indy, spend the weekend reading the works of authors in attendance. It'll give you something to talk about at the bar. There's still time to register, but if you're unable to attend, read these books anyway and see what you're missing:

Heavy Hitters
Michael Connelly - THE SCARECROW
S.J. Rozan - THE SHANGHAI MOON
Lee Child - GONE TOMORROW
Linwood Barclay - FEAR THE WORST
C.J.Box - BELOW ZERO

Ringers
Marcus Sakey - THE AMATEURS
Sean Chercover - TRIGGER CITY
Michael Koryta - THE SILENT HOUR
Laura Benedict - ISABELLA MOON
Theresa Schwegel - LAST KNOWN ADDRESS
Libby Fischer Hellmann - DOUBLE BACK
Robin Burcell - FACE OF A KILLER

Rookies of the Year
Jamie Freveletti - RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL
Rebecca Cantrell - A TRACE OF SMOKE
Connie Dial - INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Weekend Reading - Birthday Edition

Today marks the three year anniversary of The Chicago Contingent! I remember when it all started: after attending Bouchercon Madison in 2006. So, in honor of my blog's birthday, I'm recommending books published around the time The Chicago Contingent was born. Some books will be a trip down memory lane, others you may have missed the first time around:

THE MEPHISTO CLUB by Tess Gerritsen. She's among my favorite authors and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I had read all her previous books and I remember anxiously awaiting the release of her latest.

Just as nice and just as talented is Julia Spencer-Fleming. When I met her at Bouchercon Madison, ALL MORTAL FLESH just came out. I never thought I could enjoy a book whose protagonist was a priest, but Julia proved me wrong.

And of course, the lovely John Connolly and THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS. Not a mystery, but a sort of fairy tale for adults. He demonstrates that it's always possible to cross genres, as long as you do it well.

Lastly, I couldn't forget the publication of THESE GUNS FOR HIRE. This short story anthology, published by Bleak House, seemed to include every author I could think of: David Morrell, Lawrence Block, Sean Doolittle, Marcus Sakey, Max Allan Collins and others. Lots of great stories, all about hit men.

Weekend Reading

Seems like I only recommend fiction, so this weekened, I've decided to post a few of my favorite non-fiction books:

Ray Bradbury fans should pick up THE BRADBURY CHRONICLES by Sam Weller. Sam is a Chicago author and spent months with Bradbury in preparation for this biography. It's a fascinating read and you learn everything you could possibly want to know about the world famous author.

More than biographies, I love reading writer's journals to gain insight into their life and their writing process. Some are comical, some are profound, others can be very dark. A few of my favorites include THE DIARIES OF FRANZ KAFKA, Albert Camus's notebooks 1951-1959, THE UNABRIDGED JOURNALS OF SYLVIA PLATH, and WINDBLOWN WORLD: The Journals of Jack Kerouac.

I believe that all writers should read ON WRITING by Stephen King (which I mentioned in a previous post) but I'm also adding LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING by David Morrell to that list. The book includes much of the same information given in his talks or panels, but those of you who haven't seen the accomplished writer speak should definitely pick up the book.

Lastly, for you Chack Palahniuk fans out there, check out STRANGER THAN FICTION. The true accounts are often more absurd and more unsettling than his novels and short stories.

High Holiday Weekend Reading

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown, officially kicking off the high holiday season. In honor of the New Year, I'm recommending books by some of my favorite Jewish authors.

Of course, I'd begin with Phillip Roth, one of my favorites. I first read PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT in college and it blew me away. I thought, "You mean, all Jewish mothers are overbearing and don't have boundaries?" I then read the trilogy of AMERICAN PASTORAL, I MARRIED A COMMUNIST, and THE HUMAN STAIN. All great books, but the next Roth book that really left me breathless was PLOT AGAINST AMERICA. I loved the alternate history and his clever story line.

For a glimpse into the lives of Orthodox Jews in Chicago, pick up CROSSING CALIFORNIA by Adam Langer. It is a great exploration of the northwest side neighborhood, and since I came from a family of Orthodox Jews, it was exceptionally poignant.

Myla Goldberg's BEE SEASON is one of my favorite books of all time. It is an authentic, well crafted story, not to mention beautifully written. This coming of age novel explored Jewish mysticism, parental pressures, and sibling relationships. I picked up BEE SEASON when it first came out, didn't put it down until I finished, and have re-read the book several times since.

There are hundreds of great Jewish authors - E.L. Doctorow, Paul Auster, Studs Terkel - but these are a few of my favorites. Feel free to comment with yours and have a happy new year!

Weekend Reading

For something new this weekend, check out THE HIDDEN MAN by David Ellis. He's a Chicago author and a newer member of The Outfit Collective. THE HIDDEN MAN is the first in a series featuring attorney Jason Kolarich and has already received much critical acclaim. Also, be on the lookout for Ellis's signings in next week's Must-See Monday.

Another new release is TOWER by Ken Bruen and Reed Farrell Coleman. When you combine two noir masters with cult followings, the product is nothing short of brilliant.

After watching the first season of True Blood all week, I'm feeling compelled to go back and re-read some Charlaine Harris. If you like the show but haven't read the books, pick up DEAD UNTIL DARK and LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS to see where the hit HBO series got its start.

Labor Day Weekend Reading

In honor of the holiday weekend, this week's selections are dedicated to the working man, specifically, police officers. Here are a few of my books featuring my favorite overworked and underpaid detectives.

One of the most famous fictional detectives is Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch. There are a lot of great books featuring the LA detective, but my two favorites are THE LAST COYOTE and THE NARROWS.

Kate Gillespie is Robin Burcell's hard working San Francisco Police Officer. With this series, start at the beginning with COLD CASE. Three more follow.

Another favorite series detective is Brian Freeman's Jonathan Stride. Often teamed up with female counterpart Serena Dial, Stride is a compelling character who throws himself head-first into every investigation. IMMORAL is the first in the series, followed by STRIPPED, STALKED, and IN THE DARK.

For a non-series detective, and one of my top ten favorite books, check out CLOCKERS by Richard Price. Rocco Klein is the definition of overworked and underpaid, and is one bad shift away from burnout. At times you hate him, others you feel sorry for him, changes scene by scene. But his character has depth and is extremely well written, which is compelling no matter how you feel about the guy.

Cloudy Weekend Reading

As the rain continues here in Chicago and the sun isn't predicted to make an appearance until Monday, it is the perfect weather to cozy up with a book. Pun intended. Though I'm not usually a fan of cozy mysteries, here are a few I really enjoyed:

If you're not familiar with cozies (mysteries where the violence and sex takes place off stage and the action centers around solving a puzzle) start with Agatha Christie's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. She is the woman who started it all with her character, Miss Marple.

Once you have the background, you can move on to contemporary authors such as Julie Hyzy, author of the White House Chef mystery series. The latest installment isn't out until January, so take this weekend to catch up with HAIL TO THE CHEF and STATE OF THE ONION.

For a historical cozy, try Victoria Thompson's MURDER IN CHINATOWN. It is part of the gaslight mystery series set in turn-of-the-century New York and features midwife Sarah Brandt.

Weekend Reading

After reading Sarah Weinman's review of Thomas Pynchon's INHERENT VICE, I'm going to have to pick up a copy and see for myself. He lightens up with this one, Weinman speculates that could have read Hard Case Crime novels as research, and the book trailer definitely intrigued me.

Also new to the shelves is VANISHED by Joe Finder. This is the first in the Nick Heller series, a high powered investigator with Special Forces training. All of Finder's novels are gripping page-turners, so VANISHED is a perfect weekend read.

If you want something light and fun, I recently read Sherrill Bodine's TALK OF THE TOWN. The novel features gossip columnist Rebecca Covington, a fabulous fashionista who knows everyone worth knowing in Chicago. The tone is light, fun, over the top, and Chicagoans should get an extra kick out of it.

Weekend Reading

Received my package of Pinter books this week, so I'm planning on diving in to THE FURY and THE DARKNESS over the weekend. THE FURY is the first in the two-part Henry Parker epic and THE DARKNESS releases in December. Love that Pinter is flooding the market and I love that he sent me advance copies because I know I won't want to wait til December for book #2.

The Crimespree Awards were announced Monday. Award the winners by picking up their books:
Favorite Book of 2008: TRIGGER CITY by Sean Chercover
Best in an ongoing series: CHASING DARKNESS by Robert Crais
Favorite comic books writer: Brian Azzarello (Author of THE JOKER and the 1000 Bullets series)
Favorite original paperback: MONEY SHOT by Christa Faust

Another winner is Once Upon A Crime in Minneapolis, voted favorite mystery bookstore. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by.

And finally, in case my last two posts weren't clear, pick up a copy of THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey. Last time I'm going to say it, I promise.

Weekend Reading

I just bought THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stiegg Larson and cant wait to dive in. If you haven't read the first novel, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO, pick it up immediately.

If you're heading on vacation, pick up a copy of BOCA KNIGHTS by Steven M. Forman. It's about a retired cop who moves down to Boca Raton. Forman does a great job describing the over the top characters and all the silly politics that go on in the city of retirement communities. If you happen to be Jewish, you'll enjoy the book even more as parts of it are reminiscent of PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT.

Finally, Laura Caldwell's last installment of the Izzy McNeil trilogy, RED WHITE AND DEAD, releases this weekend. Be sure to complete your collection!