Three Crime Fiction writers - 1 character- THE PUNISHER Volume 6

In the last few years a number of our favorite crime fiction writing dudes have been branching out into comics.

One book that a number of them have worked on is THE PUNISHER from marvel comics.

They have collected the various issues all into one lovely and large hardcover edition THE PUNISHER VOLUME 6.  (Amazon has it at a wonderfully affordable price of $24.26)

Hurwitz, Gischler and Sweirczynski aside from having hard to spell names each have a different take on the character and they were able to inject their own writing sensibilities into the runs they did on the comic.

Hurwitz does a tale that is similar to the actual Juarez Murders, set in Mexico the Punisher stands up for the little guys and gets some payback for people who can't on their own

Victor Gischler take ol' Frank Castle down the the Bayou in a twisted Punisher version of Deliverance. Good Ol' boys getting their asses handed to them in a swamp, FUN STUFF!

And Duane Does a wonderful race the clock story which bring Frank to Duane's stomping grounds in Philadelphia.Another classic crime fiction spin to a Punisher tale.

If you dig crime fiction and or/dig the Punisher you need this book.

Go get yourself some Here!

Lefty Award nominees

The nominees for awards to be given out at Left Coast Crime 2010 in Los Angeles have been announced. Left Coast Crime will be held from March 11-14th.

Here are the nominees for the various awards.

The Lefty Award for a humorous mystery -

Donna Andrews - Swan for the Money
Mike Befeler - Living With Your Kids Is Murder
Denise Dietz - Strangle a Loaf of Italian Bread
Rita Lakin - Getting Old Is a Disaster
Kris Neri - High Crimes on the Magical Plane


The Bruce Alexander Award for a historical mystery set before 1950.

Tasha Alexander - Tears of Pearl
Rhys Bowen - In a Gilded Cage
Rebecca Cantrell - A Trace of Smoke
Gary Phillips - Freedom’s Fight
Jeri Westerson - Serpent in the Thorns

The Panik Award for LA noir in honor of the deceased Chairman, Paul Anik, given
this year only at Left Coast Crime 2010:

Gar Anthony Haywood - Cemetery Road
Gregg Hurwitz - Trust No One
Linda Richards - Death Was in the Picture
Stephen J. Schwartz - Boulevard

FIVE FOR SUMMER

You’ve been to the gas pump and the price is still hovering at 50 dollars a tank and not the seventy you’ve been afraid of. Spring was cold with the only advantage being those gas and electric bills were low despite increased cost. Fresh produce is here and that means the grocery bills have taken a dip. What am I getting at? Well, none of us have extra money right now, but for those of us who’ve planned out how much we’re going to need, it almost feels like there’s a surplus flowing (at least and heaven forbid until the truck says I’ve had enough). So buy a book. Did you pick up the Connelly or the Child yet? Are you caught up with Sookie Stackhouse? Last week hubby picked up the Entertainment Weekly, looked at the best sellers and declared, “Holy S8#t, look at this list, It’s true when all goes to pot, people turn to the Crime Novel.”

But go beyond that best seller list, help create a strong sales base for a great book.



TREAT YOURSELF; Out this week is TRUST NO ONE by Gregg Hurwitz. Jon gave you his opinion right here and my review is in the magazine for all to see. Those of you who know of my penchant for this writer may be going what else do you recommend Ruth? Ready to move on. But let me say again, a writer I’ve loved from the beginning has hit a stride. The story is about a man who’s been escaping his past for half a life time. Full of politics, terrorist threats, a “non” love story, and a past that may not be as it seems, Hurwitz plays every chord and you’ll kick yourself if you miss it. This book, is for me, like Rankin’s BLACK BOOK, Lippman’s SUGARHOUSE. When I read it months’ ago I facebooked and people agreed, Hurwitz has hit the mainstream while remaining true to himself as a writer.
Get Trust No One

And now you can get a signed copy of Greg Rucka’s WALKING DEAD. He’s been on an abbreviated tour, due entirely to the economy. Go to his website for a list of bookstores with signed copies. This book sits with me still and for anyone who loves a great mystery is a must book.
Get Walking Dead

Also, if you’re a Jeffrey Deaver fan and even if you’re not ROADSIDE CROSSES is a must read. I’m always wary of saying, “It’s my favorite in forever” but if you’re a Deaver fan you’ll understand. His books hit different points and in this book about the blogosphere he peppers information with a great mystery in perfect proportions.
Get Roadside Crosses

Once again I’ll mention the Adrian McKinty’s FIFTY GRAND. Here’s a writer with chops to spare. This book, about a murder in Colorado and its international repercussions will win over anyone not already a fan.

Get Fifty Grand


And I’ve been working on a piece about Elaine Viets for two months now. Why isn’t it done? Well, every time I get stuck in my “article” I pick up another book. For those of you who like a great cozy, everything this woman has written is outstanding. Pick up her newest, KILLER CUTS and visit the blog again, I should get this article done before too much longer. I only have three books...
Get Killer Cuts: A Dead-End Job Mystery

The Blurb I didn't write

So I read the latest Gregg Hurwitz book a while back. Ruth reviewed it. We both loved it.
Since I didn't review it I didn't get a chance to say what I really thought.

So here we go:

"From the opening page of TRUST NO ONE it was like the story grabbed my nads with a vise grips and dared me not to keep up."


So yeah, I really liked this book.
It comes out on the 23rd, preoerder now!
Get Trust No One