I've been unable to write any posts for the past few days owing to other priorities - one of which is that I've bought a new computer which is very nice, but is taking a bit of learning/setting up. Here is a rather boring post, I'm afraid: some books that are due out in paperback in the UK in March 2010 (quotes are from The Bookseller). There are just so many of them it is all a bit daunting, but I've highlighted the ones that look most interesting to me, or that have been discussed a bit in the papers and on the Internet, with links to reviews so readers can find out more, and just listed the titles of the rest in a paragraph at the end. I'm currently reading the Donna Leon book and will write a review soon. The book I'm most looking forward to of the list below is the Nicci French title, though The Crossroads by Niccolo Ammaniti looks intriguing.
About Face by Donna Leon
"another subtle and evocative tale. They just get better with each one."
Assassin by Tom Cain
A Sam Carver (Accident Man) series novel. This time, he has to "save the new American president."
What to do When Someone Dies by Nicci French
Link up with Alibi, "a TV channel dedicated to crime".
Bloodline by Mark Billingham
A DI Tom Thorne series novel.
If the Dead Rise Not by Philip Kerr
Quercus say this is Kerr's breakthrough book. It won the 2009 Ellis Peters award for historical crime fiction.
The Neighbour by Lisa Gardner
"Orion is going big on this excellent thriller, her best for some time" according to The Bookseller.
The Last Child by John Hart
Recent winner of the CWA Steel Dagger. His previous novel, Down River, was a Richard & Judy pick. This one is "a complex tale with masses of plot, emotional, violent and compelling, all from a 12-year-old boy's point of view. It is compelling."
Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman
"Alex Delaware back on top form - but this really stars Milo Sturgis. FX TV campaign". Hmmm, although The Bookseller says "my reader was up half the night with it".
Where the Dead Lay by David Levien
Second from the author of City of the Sun, "Frank Behr again, I'd back it."
The Edge by Chris Simms
"features Manchester DI Jon Spicer. He is definitely a talent to watch, a rising star."
The Poisoning in the Pub by Simon Brett
"Lovely cosy English crime with Fethering amateur sleuths Jude and Carole in their 100th mystery."
Judgement and Wrath by Matt Hilton
"Second adventure for Joe Hunter, the British vigilante fighting Amercian criminals."
Relics of the Dead by Ariana Franklin
"....the author is ace and she just gets better. This is set in medieval Glastonbury, terrific stuff."
The Coronation by Boris Akunin
"abduction during the build-up to the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II."
A Visible Darkness by Michael Gregorio
Third in series, in this one "a serial killer attacks women on the gem-rich Baltic coast."
Cold Blood by James Fleming
"Sounds perfect for those missing Alistair MacLean."
The Crossroads by Niccolo Ammaniti
"Renowned Italian prizewinning author with a dark literary thriller, vividly written in a jerky cinematic style and featuring damaged hopeless characters in a violent tale where things go horribly wrong. It's a good read."
Trust Me by Peter Leonard.
"noir thriller full of shady men, double-crosses, car chases and shoot-outs."
Like Clockwork by Margie Orford
"A female South African "Cracker" is introduced in this gritty, Cape Town underworld serial killer novel."
Chez Max by Jakob Arjouni
"A futuristic urban thriller in the style of Chandler, a standalone by the creator of Turkish Frankfurt-based Detective Kayankaya". Sounds intriguing!
Others: 8th Confession by James Patterson; The Brotherhood of Five by Clio Gray; The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter; Fatal Last Words by Quintin Jardine; Bones of Betrayal by Jefferson Bass; Land of Ghosts by E. V. Seymour; Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer; Tutankhamun by Nick Drake; The Brotherhood of Five by Clio Gray; The Betrayer by Kimberley Chambers; A Day and a Night and a Day by Glen Duncan; Beg to Die by Beverly Barton; Reckless by Andrew Gross (James Patterson's former co-author); Girl in the Woods by Jennifer McMahon; The Book of Love by Kathleen McGowan; The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer; The Spy Game by Georgia Harding.
I have just been reading this very article in the Bookseller you sent me - to purloin titles for forthcoming attractions. Not a boring post at all!
Posted by: Karen | 06 December 2009 at 18:12
I agree with Karen, Maxine - This is a very interesting post, and I think it's time to take a close look at my TBR list....
Posted by: Margot Kinberg | 06 December 2009 at 18:22
Maxine, I have read the Kerr, Franklin, Gregorio and the Ammaniti, all good to excellent. Thanks for this non -boring post which has reminded me I must read more of Niccolo Ammaniti's books.
Posted by: Norm | 06 December 2009 at 19:26