This Week at M is for Mystery: David Liss and Thomas W. Young!

This Week at "M"

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August 8th, 2011

In This Issue

Upcoming Author Events

Coming Attractions

Fall Preview

Signed Firsts - Just Arrived

Signed Firsts - Expected Soon

UK EDITIONS

Deluxe & Limited Editions

Quick Links

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Greetings!

TUESDAY night, meet an author whose background is nothing less than extraordinary: as though getting rave reviews weren't enough, THOMAS W. YOUNG has logged almost four thousand hours as a flight engineer on the giant C-5 Galaxy and the C-130 Hercules, while flying to almost forty countries -- among many other achievements and multiple honors!

THURSDAY's author, DAVID LISS, describes his latest historical as 'Jane Austen meets urban fantasy,' in which her contemporary, that poet known as 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know,' is among those who become involved in a mysterious plot in which new technology wars with ancient knowledge.

IN OTHER "M" NEWS:

Over the coming weeks, the newsletter will undergo some format changes, to improve the way we bring you news of current events and new books at "M". In addition, the editorship will be changing hands. Many of you know that for a number of years, I have been assembling the book blurbs and writing the introductory text. (What you may not realize is that our Hayley, protector and defender of the front desk, handles the entire production process and gets the newsletter out timely each week.) Starting next week, staffer Lisa D., a helpful presence here, some Sundays and at various events, will take over as blurbologist/editor. Lisa and Hayley are our new news team.

It is only a rumor that I relinquish my duties at "M" in order to join the staff at The New Yorker (despite that seemingly logical progression). Here, my weekly mission has been to communicate the pulse of the place -- a reliably stimulating and challenging task, especially given the variety of our endeavors. A weekly deadline has meant lots of practical on-the-job learning, a nice perk. Bringing together good books with (good) readers is a worthy activity, and I'm proud to have been part of that. Thank you for reading!

- Jeannie K., your faithful scribe

Upcoming Author Events

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REMEMBER . . . It is never too soon to reserve your copy of ANY forthcoming book, whether the author is signing in-store or otherwise. These first editions, especially once signed, are limited in quantity. Orders may be placed by email (info@mformystery.com) any time, or telephone (650-401-8077) during store hours.

All events are free and open to the public. To be in the signing line you must buy the new book from us.

Tues., Aug. 9th at 7:00 PM: THOMAS W. YOUNG
Silent Enemy (Putnam, $25.95). "Young's riveting follow-up to The Mullah's Storm is an airborne version of the movie Speed. . . . Soon after takeoff from Afghanistan, Maj. Michael Parson, the pilot of a giant C-5 Galaxy flying patients injured in a terrorist bombing to Germany for medical care, receives the message that there's a bomb on board and it's set to go off if the plane descends to a lower altitude. Aviation thriller aficionados will cheer, and readers of any genre will gnaw their fingernails to the quick." said PW. A must read for fans of military thrillers written by an Air National Guardsman whom Vince Flynn called "one of the most exciting new talents in years." Thomas W. Young has logged nearly 4,000 hours for the Air National Guard in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and elsewhere.

Thurs., Aug. 11th at 7:00 PM: DAVID LISS
The Twelfth Enchantment (Random House, $26.00). The Edgar, Macavity, and Barry Award-winning author of A Conspiracy of Paper returns with his new historical novel. "David Liss takes readers on a light-hearted romp through Regency England. . . . With an adroit mix of fact and fantasy, Liss casts heroine Lucy Derrick into a world of industrializing mill towns, mysterious enchantments, ghostly dogs, undead fairies, Luddites, and even Lord Byron and his legions of lovesick women. Charged with gathering the scattered pages of an alchemical manuscript, Lucy's adventures teach her that appearances can be deceptive--and delightfully so. Liss's deft touch with historical subject matter and his ability to craft tremendously appealing characters makes this a thoroughly enjoyable, satisfying read," praised Deborah Harkness, author of A Discovery of Witches. ALSO: -- 'A Conspiracy of Paper' (Random House, 2000, $12.00) VF/VF. Signed.

Tues., Aug. 16th at 7:00 PM: CATRIONA MCPHERSON
Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Bloodstains (Minotaur, $23.99). "Agatha Christie meets Upstairs, Downstairs in McPherson's charming fifth interwar whodunit featuring Edinburgh sleuth Dandy Gilver (after 2008's The Winter Ground). One morning the aristocratic detective opens a letter from Walburga Balfour, who writes, "My husband is going to kill me, and I would rather he didn't," said PW. Library Journal said: "With witty dialog and low-key humor, McPherson's series is a great choice for Jacqueline Winspear, Carola Dunn, and Amy Patricia Meade fans. A strong traditional offering with sly humor, a love of dogs, and not too much violence. A real contender for the Agathas!" And Kirkus concluded: "McPherson's charmingly witty heroine once again keeps you guessing while you enjoy the historical tidbits." ALSO: -- 'Dandy Gilver and an Unsuitable Day For A Murder' (Hodder & Stoughton UK, 2010, $29.00) As New. Signed Bookplate.

Thurs. Aug 18th at 7:00 PM: DAVID LEVIEN
Thirteen Million Dollar Pop (Doubleday, $24.95). The bestselling author of City of the Sun returns with his third novel featuring enigmatic private investigator Frank Behr. Library Journal said: "Hired to protect prominent businessman-turned-political candidate Bernard 'Bernie Cool' Kolodnik, private investigator Frank Behr proves his worth by saving Kolodnik when an attempt is made on his life. But he's really not sure what happened when those automatic weapons started blazing, and he's even more suspicious when the police hush up the incident. Levien has Edgar and Shamus nominations to his credit and seems to be building. Thriller fans should definitely investigate." And Kirkus called it "A professional-grade auctioneer. . ."

Wed., Aug. 24th DROP BY: LEV GROSSMAN
The Magician King (Viking, $26.95). "Now a king in the magical land of Fillory, Quentin embarks on a quest to save the universe in Grossman's searing sequel to The Magicians (2009, etc.). It's been two years since Quentin assumed one of Fillory's four crowns along with Eliot and Janet, fellow graduates of the Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, and Quentin's high-school friend Julia, a Brakebills reject who managed to acquire magical powers on her own. . . . Echoes from The Chronicles of Narnia, in particular The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, continue to reverberate, but Grossman's psychologically complex characters and grim reckoning with tragic sacrifice far surpass anything in C.S. Lewis' pat Christian allegory," said Kirkus. Lev Grossman is a senior writer and book critic for Time magazine. He is also the author of the international bestselling novel Codex, the creator of the Time blog Techland, and a graduate of Harvard and Yale.

Fri., Aug. 26th at 7:00 PM: MAX ALLAN COLLINS and BARBARA ALLAN
Bye Bye, Baby (Forge Books, $24.99). "Set in 1962, Collins's excellent 13th novel featuring Chicago PI Nate Heller (last seen in 2002's Chicago Confidential) finds Heller . . . looking into the death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. The book's first half covers the movie star's last two months. . . . By the time a drug overdose claims her, there's no shortage of people who wanted her dead. Heller, Monroe's sometime lover, who refuses to buy the official line that she committed suicide, steps on powerful toes with his usual tenacity and stubbornness to reach the truth. Collins convincingly portrays the real-life players in the drama, who include Jimmy Hoffa and Frank Sinatra. Readers with a taste for hard-boiled romance will hope that more Heller is in the offing," offered PW. ALSO: -- 'Kiss Her Goodbye' (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $25.00) As New. Signed. BARBARA ALLAN - Antiques Knock-Off (Kensington, $22.00). "When blackmailer Connie Grimes is found stabbed to death, antiques dealer Brandy Borne's mom becomes the primary suspect. . . But is Vivian protecting someone else? With her pet shih tzu, Brandy investigates. This fifth cozy series entry (after Antiques Bizarre) displays the versatility of husband and wife Max Allan Collins and Barbara Collins. Scenes of Midwestern small-town life, informative tidbits about the antiques business, and clever dialog make this essential for those who like unusual amateur sleuths," said Library Journal.

Tues., August 30th at 7:00 PM: "M" is for Mystery Bookclub
This month's book is The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton. Join us every last Tuesday of the month for lively discussion about selected books! Please note: This is not an author event and the author will not be present.

September 2011: (Asterisk indicates name added since last week.)

Coming Attractions

FALL 2011 PREVIEW: (Asterisk indicates name added since last week.)

RUSSELL BANKS / RUSSELL BANKS / * JOHN CONNOLLY / DENISE MINA / MICHAEL STANLEY / DAVID VANN / VENDELA VIDA

Signed First Editions - Just Arrived

MICHAEL BAMBERGER & ALAN SHIPNUCK - The Swinger
(Simon & Schuster, $25.00). "In their roman a clef about Tiger Woods, Shipnuck and Bamberger thinly disguise as fiction plenty of gossip they've heard over their four decades, combined, covering the PGA Tour. What's more relevant to the story, and to the reader -- including, possibly, Tiger Woods himself -- is the way Tree approaches his post-scandal life. . . " said Time Magazine. Janet Maslin in the New York Times praised: "A funny, fast-moving book. . . Dead on. . . The authors know their man and know their game. Credible and brightly apt. . . .When The Swinger -- nice title -- isn't dwelling on Tree's meltdown, it's describing his athletic style with familiarity and ease. Golf's best-known courses and tournaments figure in the book, as do the rumors of steroid use that dogged Mr. Woods. Combining both, the authors capture the exact sound of Scottish heckling at St. Andrews." Both authors are senior writers at Sports Illustrated.

CAROLE NELSON DOUGLAS - Cat in a Vegas Gold Vendetta
(Forge, $24.99). [Due this week.] PW said: "In Nelson's. . . 23rd Midnight Louie caper (after Cat in an Ultramarine Scheme), Las Vegas public relations expert Temple Barr undertakes her first job as a PI when actress Savannah Ashleigh hires her to investigate the death of Pedro Gomez, her aunt Violet Weiner's yardman. The dying Violet lives with a large 'clowder' of cats while various relatives and hangers-on vie for her favor. . . . Tomcat sleuth Midnight Louie provides the heroic feats and sly commentary series fans expect." And Library Journal concluded: "Our favorite 20-pound noir feline detective is back helping Temple Barr solve the crimes of Las Vegas."

AMOR TOWLES - Rules of Civility
(Penguin, $26.95). "This rhapsodic tribute to a bygone era conjures up mesmerizing images of 1930s New York. Two worlds collide on New Year's Eve 1937, and three lives will never be the same. Discerning readers will draw parallels between Towles and the ominously ironic Edith Wharton while relishing the fact that the snappy dialogue and descriptive prose are wrapped in a compelling narrative," said Booklist. And PW called it a "smashing debut . . . His first effort is remarkable for its strong narrative, original characters and a voice influenced by Fitzgerald and Capote, but clearly true to itself." From Kirkus: "Towles' buzzed-about first novel is an affectionate return to the post-Jazz Age years, and the literary style that grew out of it (though seasoned with expletives). . . An elegant, pithy performance by a first-time novelist who couldn't seem more familiar with his characters or territory."

DON WINSLOW - The Gentlemen's Hour
(Simon & Schuster, $25.00). "The laidback calm of the Southern California surfing community of Pacific Beach boils over violently in Winslow's fast-paced sequel to The Dawn Patrol (2008). . . .The title refers to the "second shift on the daily surfing clock" after the dawn patrol. Winslow ensures there's nothing 'gentlemanly' about the action," said PW. And Library Journal said: "The dog days of August bring flat water for the handful of aging surfers who paddle out into San Diego Bay before heading to work each morning. Among them, PI Dan Boone and SDPD detective Johnny Kodani find their relationship strained because they are on opposite sides of the investigation of the brutal murder of a local surfing icon. This is more than just a snappy summertime thriller written with hip surfer dude dialog. It's a thoughtful cultural commentary about an iconic coastal community with too much money, constant sunshine, and terminal greed."

Recent Signed Arrivals

These are the signed first editions that arrived or were signed here, in the past two weeks of which we have current stock. Complete blurbs for these titles can be found on our updated Archive ; link to it on this newsletter by clicking on the gold button above, left.

DONNA ANDREWS - The Real McCaw - Buy Now!
BENJAMIN BLACK - A Death in Summer - Buy Now!
C.J. BOX - Back of Beyond - Buy Now!
JODI COMPTON - Thieves Get Rich, Saints Get Shot - Buy Now!
ARNE DAHL - Misterioso - Buy Now!
CHRIS EWAN - Good Thief's Guide to Venice - Buy Now!
MICHAEL HARVEY - We All Fall Down - Buy Now!
GREGG HURWITZ - You're Next - Buy Now!
MICHAEL KORYTA - The Ridge - Buy Now!
ADA MADISON (aka CAMILLE MINICHINO)- The Square Root of Murder - Buy Now!
SUSAN CUMMINS MILLER - Fracture - Buy Now!
CHRISTOPHER MOORE - The Griff: Graphic Novel - Buy Now!
LAURIE MOORE - Wanted Deb or Alive - Buy Now!
ESMERELDA SANTIAGO - Conquistadora - Buy Now!
JOHN BURNHAM SCHWARTZ - Northwest Corner - Buy Now!
PETER SPIEGELMAN - Thick As Thieves - Buy Now!
JOHN MILLIKEN THOMPSON - The Reservoir - Buy Now!

Signed First Editions - Expected Soon

MYSTERY, CRIME AND GENERAL FICTION

UK EDITIONS - Just In!

BENJAMIN BLACK - A Death in Summer
(Mantle, $44.00) ". . . with Quirke, he has made a fascinating addition to the ranks of the defective detective in books that combine respectful reading of the genre with brightly original writing" (The Guardian). The Chicago Tribune called it "a quick read, building in intensity like the heat of a July day before tapering off to a cooler twilight of revelation and reconciliation. If it's mysteries you crave, and if shimmering sentences refresh you even more reliably than would a two-week vacation at the shore, then Quirke -- mournful, shambling, guilt-ridden, whiskey-soaked and irresistible -- is just the ticket." And the Los Angeles Times praised: "A swift, hopscotching murder mystery . . . A beach read for the brainy."

SIMON BRETT - Blotto, Twinks and the Rodents of the Riviera
(Constable, $48.00). Consternation at Tawcester Towers! While giving a guided tour of the house's Long Gallery Blotto is stunned to discover that two of the family portraits -- a Gainsborough and a Reynolds -- are missing. Tawcester Towers has been the victim of art thieves! Blotto is forced to summon his brilliantly intelligent sister Twinks who instantly deduces that the paintings have been stolen by a gang of international art thieves based in Paris. So Blotto and Twinks instantly set off in the former's Lagonda for France. The Guardian said, "One of British crime's most assured craftsmen. . . .Crime writing just like in the good old days, and perfect entertainment."

KARIN FOSSUM - The Caller
(Harvill Secker, $43.00, trade paperback original). The new Inspector Sejer novel from the award-winning Norwegian Queen of Crime. One mild summer evening Lily and her husband are enjoying a meal while their baby daughter sleeps peacefully in her pram beneath a maple tree. But when Lily steps outside she is paralysed with terror. The child is bathed in blood. Inspector Sejer is called to the hospital to meet the family. Mercifully, the baby is unharmed, but her parents are deeply shaken, and Sejer spends the evening trying to comprehend why anyone would carry out such a sinister prank. Then, just before midnight, somebody rings his doorbell. . .

GEORGE R.R. MARTIN - A Dance With Dragons
(HarperCollins UK, $69.00). The fifth volume in what has been called the greatest epic work of the modern age. The future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance. In the east, Daenerys, last scion of House Targaryen, her dragons grown to terrifying maturity, rules as queen of a city built on dust and death, beset by enemies. Now that her whereabouts are known many are seeking Daenerys and her dragons. Among them the dwarf, Tyrion Lannister, who has escaped King's Landing with a price on his head, wrongfully condemned to death for the murder of his nephew, King Joffrey. But not before killing his hated father, Lord Tywin.

MICHAEL ROBOTHAM - The Wreckage
(Sphere, $44.00). In London, ex-cop Vincent Ruiz rescues a young woman from a violent boyfriend but wakes next morning to find that he's been set up and robbed. As he tracks down the thieves, he discovers the boyfriend's tortured body and learns that powerful men are looking for the girl. What did Holly Knight steal that is so important to them? Meanwhile in Baghdad, the bank robbery capital of the world, billions of dollars in reconstruction funds have gone missing and Pulitzer prize-winning Journalist Luca Terracini is trying to 'follow the money'. Michael Robotham is the pseudonymous author of 10 best-selling non-fiction titles, involving prominent figures in the military, the arts, sport and science. He lives in Sydney.

HARRY SIDEBOTTOM - The Caspian Gates
(Michael Joseph, $44.00) SIGNED. AD 262: the Imperium is in turmoil after the struggle for the throne. Furthermore, Ephesus, Asia's metropolis, lies in ruins, shattered by a mighty earthquake. Its citizens live in fear as the mob overwhelms the city, baying for blood to avenge the gods who have punished them. Yet an even greater threat to the Empire advances from the North. The barbaric Goth tribes sail towards Ephesus, determined to pillage the city. Only Ballista, Warrior of Rome, knows the ways of the barbarians, and only he can defeat them. The Goths' appetite for brutality and destruction is limitless and before long Ballista is locked into a deadly blood feud, with an enemy that has sworn to destroy him -- and the Imperium -- at all costs.

L.C. TYLER - Herring on the Nile
(Macmillan UK, $46.00) SIGNED. The author's first novel, The Herring Seller's Apprentice (2007), was nominated in the US for an Edgar and was short-listed in the UK for the Last Laugh Award. Subsequent novels in the series are Ten Little Herrings (2009) and The Herring in the Library (2010). The latest was called ". . . a witty and wonderful pastiche of Agatha Christie's classic murder stories. . . . Funny, with an intriguing mystery at its heart," by the 'Lancashire Evening Post.' In this darkly funny tribute to Agatha Christie and the golden age of crime fiction, crime novelist Ethelred Tressider decides to set his new book in Egypt and embarks on a 'research trip' with his literary agent, Elsie Thirkettle, in tow. No sooner has their cruise on the Nile begun, however, than an attempt is made on Ethelred's life.

DELUXE & LIMITED EDITIONS

MARGARET COEL - Watching Eagles Soar: Stories from the Wind River and Beyond
(A.S.A.P. Publishing, $45.00). This deluxe 432-page limited edition has an Introduction by Craig Johnson, and an Afterword by William Kent Krueger. Artist Phil Parks created the wrap-around dustjacket and 66 full-page illustrations; there are also eleven photographs, some from Margaret's personal collection. The back cover essay is by Tony Hillerman. This is the first anthology of Margaret's short stories. Featured are: All ten of the Arapaho Commandments short stories, three other Father John-Vicky short stories, six other stories; the novella Molly Brown and Cleopatra's Diamond; two essays on writing and on writing about the West: Stories in the World and The West of Ghosts.

ROBERT SILVERBERG - A Little Intelligence
(Crippen & Landrau, 2009, $42.00). by Silverberg and Randall Garrett. Deluxe hardcover, edition limited to 200 copies, signed and numbered by Silverberg. Introduction by Robert Silverberg. He and Randall Garrett wrote these mystery short stories under the joint pseudonym of Robert Randall. With many of the seven stories set in the future, they explore the topics of morality, theology, and humanity within their mysteries. Included is a separately bound 23 page short story pamphlet, Human Reaction, by Randall Garrett (1927-1987).

USED BOOKS NOW IN STOCK!

Be sure to browse our Used mass market paperback section, where we've recently added a rather large selection of authors such as Mary Higgins Clark, Dean R. Koontz, Agatha Christie, Tom Clancy, Len Deighton, Barry Eisler, Erle Stanley Gardner, Donna Leon, Rex Stout, and Donald Westlake (Richard Stark) and many more! These are all very good-condition copies, priced from $2.25 to $3.00. Not to be missed!

We also have a fine selection of trade paperback and hardcover used books, $4-$5, all in fine condition. An excellent selection of titles including authors such as Frederic Brown, Andrea Camilleri, Alexander McCall Smith, Carol O'Connell, Stuart Woods, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, and Donald Westlake (Richard Stark!

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