Tanzey Talk
for the latest on books and authors.
The middle of October found me traveling to Indianapolis with Fresh Fiction reviewer Suan Wilson to attend the 40th Annual Bouchercon World Mystery Convention. This yearly event is for authors, publishers, readers, booksellers, librarians and anyone interested in all the different types of mysteries. From sweet, cozy, funny tales to dark, dangerous, psychological thrillers and everything in between, this convention had it all. Other representatives of Fresh Fiction in attendance included Sara Reyes, Gwen Reyes, Mindy Ewing and her husband, Alan. With many panels, book signings and other activities going on all the time, it kept us hopping – it was so exciting. We made new contacts with authors and people in the industry, as well as renewing many previous acquaintances. It was exhausting, but well worth it. Be sure to check out 2009 Bouchercon photos on our Flickr link.
Here’s a list of Bouchercon’s 2009 Anthony Award
Winners.
Best Novel: THE BRASS VERDICT – Michael Connelly (Little, Brown) Best First Novel: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO – Stieg Larsson (Knopf) Best Paperback Original: STATE OF THE ONION – Julie Hyzy (Berkley) Best Short Story: A Sleep Not Unlike Death – Sean Chercover, Hardcore Hardboiled (Kensington) Best Critical Nonfiction Work: ANTHONY BOUCHER: A BIOBIBLIOGRAPHY – Jeffrey Marks (McFarland) Best Children’s/Young Adult Novel: THE CROSSROADS – Chris Grabenstein (Random) Best Cover Art: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, Peter Mendelsund (artist) – Stieg Larsson (Knopf)
Now for a few personal reading recommendations:
I told you all about STORM CYCLE (St. Martin’s hardcover, 7/09) by Iris Johansen and her son, Roy Johansen, in my July 2009 column. Well, it turned out to be just as good as I hoped it would, since I really enjoyed their previous novel. Lots of fast-paced action, nail-biting suspense, compelling characters and a great storyline.
DUST TO DUST (Obsidian, 8/09) by Beverly Connor is the seventh mystery to feature forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon. When a young woman dies under suspicious circumstances, supposedly after finding evidence of her incarcerated brother’s innocence, a friend asks Diane to look into the possibility it was murder. But to do so, Diane must delve into the victim’s family secrets. At the same time, she’s embroiled in another complex investigation involving the attack on a consulting archaeologist for the River Trail Museum of Natural History, which Diane oversees. Handling two diverse cases at the same time is nothing new for Diane, and she handles it with her usual steadfast resolve for finding the truth. It’s another excellent entry in this thrilling series with wonderful characterization and intricate, well- devised plotlines.
Now, for an explanation of the tag line that introduced this column: This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but the time has finally come for me to retire my Tanzey Talk column. Hubby Allen thinks I should spend less time in the office at the computer and more time traveling with him in our motor home, visiting friends and family, who are scattered far and wide, as we enjoy this beautiful country. And I agree. It doesn’t seem possible I’ve been doing this for over 15 years! I started writing my column for a friend’s printed newsletter, Old Book Barn Gazette, which lasted 10 wonderful years. After that monthly publication ceased in 2003, Tanzey Talk appeared on Writerspace for a year before Sara Reyes approached me about using my column to launch her new web site, Fresh Fiction, in September 2004. It’s been great writing about the myriad of things related to the writing industry for all these years, but I’m ready to slow down a bit. Please be assured that I’m not leaving entirely. I will still be one of the reviews editors for Fresh Fiction and will continue to write reviews of my own personal recommendations. In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who’s taken the time to read Tanzey Talk through the years. And a big thanks to all the amazing people I’ve met along the way and come to know so well during these past 15 years, either in person or via e-mail. You’ve made it one fantastic ride! Remember to keep on reading, which I’ll be doing much more of myself. And continue to check out all the insightful reviews and the plethora of information provided on Fresh Fiction – it’s become an invaluable resource for readers in the know. Happy Holidays! Tanzey
The premise of debut author Warren Fahy’s FRAGMENT (Delacorte hardcover, 6/09) intrigued me so much, I had to read it. Even though science/fiction novels are not my usual choice of genre, I was hooked from the first page and found it almost impossible to put down. Adding to the excellent reading experience are detailed descriptions, as well as illustrations, of the unusual creatures encountered on tiny Henders Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Not since JURASSIC PARK has this type of story held me so spellbound, and with less suspension of belief. Here’s a direct link to the book’s page, so you can read the entire synopsis.
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