Sophie Hannah's Point of Rescue comes to the small screen

Hodder and Stoughton arranged for a preview screening of the ITV commissioned two part drama based on a novel by the award-winning author Sophie Hannah.

The two-part drama, Case Sensitive, is based on the highly acclaimed and chilling psychological suspense novel Point of Rescue from Sophie Hannah.

Case Sensitive stars OLIVIA WILLIAMS (The Ghost, Dollhouse, An Education, The Sixth Sense, Rushmore) in the lead role of DS Charlie Zailer and DARREN BOYD (Whites, Personal Affairs, Little Dorrit, Green Wing) as DC Simon Waterhouse. They are joined by RUPERT GRAVES (Garrow’s Law, Single Father, Sherlock), RALPH INESON (Waterloo Road, The Bill, The Office), and AMY BETH HAYES (Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Whatever it Takes, Misfits).

Case Sensitive is a story, which explores themes of identity, guilt and family strife. The 2 x 60 min drama has been adapted for ITV by Hat Trick Productions.

When Geraldine Bretherick and her 5-year-old daughter Lucy are found dead in the bathroom of their luxury home, the case divides new DS Charlie Zailer and her DC Simon Waterhouse. Is it murder, suicide or something even more sinister, and how watertight is the alibi of the husband Mark?

Meanwhile, when Sally Thorne, a working mother with a husband and two young children, hears of the deaths, she is shocked and appalled. Months before she'd met a man called Mark Bretherick at a hotel and had a brief but passionate affair with him. Now she feels the need to get in touch with him again to offer her sympathy. Her friend Esther does not think this is very wise.

ITV ‘s two-part dramatisation of Point of Rescue will be broadcast on May 2nd & 3^rd under the series title Case Sensitive.

The adaptation is excellent and well worth seeing. There are some stunning performances from all the cast but especially from Olivia Williams who plays DS Charlie Zailer and Amy Beth Hayes. Case Sensitive was directed by Charles Martin who has directed such programmes such as Skins and Being Human.

Case Sensitive is certainly worth not only sitting down to watch but also taping. BBC Worldwide are responsible for international distribution.

For further information please contact:

Karen Geary - 0207 873 6141

Tim West - 020 7157 3040

Crime Writing Week to be a true celebration

The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) is continuing with preparations for its successful week of events celebrating crime writing.

National Crime Writing Week, formerly National Crime Fiction Week, will run between June 13 and 19, 2011. The name change is designed to increase the emphasis on non-fiction as well as fiction.

During the week, members of the CWA will take part in readings, discussions, readers’ group events and workshops in bookshops, libraries, arts centres and other venues all over the country.

CWA Chair Tom Harper said: “Our aim is always to raise the profile of crime writing and it worked during the inaugural event last year. The signs are that it will do so again with lots of writers already planning events.

“Crime Writing Week is an opportunity for writers to arrange events under the umbrella of a week dedicated to celebrating crime books in all their forms. It is an excellent showcase for writers.”

If writers have a Crime Writing Week event in mind, they will be able to log the details on a national map of events at nationalcrimewritingweek.co.uk

National Crime Writing Week will be coordinated by CWA press officer John Dean at media.enquiries@thecwa.co.uk

NOTES TO MEDIA

For press enquiries or more information on the CWA, please visit the website, www.thecwa.co.uk, or contact media.enquiries@thecwa.co.uk

Launch of The Watermen by Patrick Easter

Quercus pushed the boat out to launch a new historical series by ex-policeman Patrick Easter in the appropriate surroundings of The Prospect of Whitby - a pub in London's once-notorious area of Wapping.

This new series of books introduces the character of Tom Pascoe, a River Surveyor with the Marine Police in the Port of London at the end of the 18th Century and deals with its first six months of existence.

At the tender age of 19 Patrick joined the Metropolitan Police in London and three years later went onto the river. On leaving the police service in 1994, Patrick became a journalist chasing deadlines for technical magazines and articles in national newspaper. The Watermen (pub 31/03/2011 Quercus) is his first novel.

Those supporting the launch included Marcel Berlins (The Times), Barry Forshaw (Crime Time), Chris Simmons (Crimesquad), Mark Sanderson (The Evening Standard), Jane Wood (Patrick's editor), Lucy Ramsey, Ron Beard - all from Quercus Publishers, Laura Wilson (The Guardian), Ayo Onatade and Mike Stotter of SHOTS, and agent Oliver Munson of Blake Friedman. The event will also be reported in The East End Advertiser nearer the publication date.

Photos taken that night can be see in the PHOTO GALLERY.

More tales from Stotter's pen

OK a bit of self promotion here, but in my defence, it is crime fiction related. My latest anthology, SIX RED HERRINGS is now available from Lulu - either as paperback or downloadable.
“Crime has been with us ever since the dawn of time. This unputdownable new anthology from Mike Stotter presents six stories of murder, mystery and intrigue. Stories taken from historical Jacobean London to the mean streets of the East End, a boy lost in the jungle to a girl lost in the world of night clubbing and drugs, a very English murder in the library to a dystopian view of the future. Six Red Herrings is a fast paced anthology that will have you entertained every step of the way.”
It was great putting this together as it allowed me to go back and revisit some of the previously published stories and tinker with them. And I must say I cringed a little at the earlier stuff. I did this with the western stories in Six Trails West. Get the idea that a theme is emerging here?
Here is the direct link to Lulu.
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/six-red-herrings/15128810

Newsy Stuff

Brilliant date for your diary! For those of you that would like the opportunity to spend time with some brilliant crime writers then you will need to put the 23 June 2011 in your diary. Goldsboro Books are having the first of what is hoped is many “Crime in the Court”. The court of course is Cecil Court in London. It is going to be a wonderful occasion.

CBS have, what is said to be the last interview with John Le Carre which can be seen below.

There is an excellent Val Mcdermid interview by Gerald O’Donovan in the Telegraph on why Irish crime fiction is all the rage. If you did not manage to listen to the BBC Radio 4 documentary that Val McDermid recently did then the article will make up for it. There is also a brief article that talks about the BBC Radio 4 programme as well.

Gerald O’Donovan has also selected his six favourite Irish crime books of recent years. The authors he picked are Declan Hughes, Brian McGilloway, Ken Bruen, Gene Kerrigan, Stuart Neville and Tana French. But you need to read the article to find out which of the author’s books he chose and why?

Fans of Raymond Chandler and Ian Fleming will be interested to listen to the conversation that took place between these two great authors. In a 25 minute audio conversation recorded by the BBC in 1958 the two authors talk about villains real and imagined as well as their iconic and well loved characters.

Ian Fleming Talks to Raymond Chandler 1958 from 33hirtz on Vimeo.

For those who are wondering who are considered to be the top 10 European crime writers, then you should have a look at the pictorial in the Observer.

A really interesting post on the Do Some Damage blog about crime books set in Montreal.

With International Women’s Day just gone Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench reprise their roles from the last two James Bond films — with a twist to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Enjoy!

Congratulations go to author Carl Hiaasen who according to the Miami Herald has been awarded the 2011 Florida Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing from the Florida Humanities Council. The full article can be found here.

The Talented Mr Barclay

As an advocate of literacy promotion; I have been hugly impressed by the Galaxy Quick Reads initiative, where bestselling writers publish a novella in the ‘quick reads’ format at a cost of £1.99 [though I did notice the latest batch on sale at a UK supermarket were discounted to £1.50]. The latest batch of Quick Reads were released last week to coincide with World Book Day and World Book Night.

So what is the Quick Reads Initiative all about?

"Over a third of the adult population admit to not having the time or inclination to read for pleasure in their busy lives. Many struggle to finish a book or do not have the confidence or skills to think about reading one. Quick Reads are written and published to help adults to improve their literacy skills and discover a love of reading and books."

"Over the past six years we have witnessed the remarkable impact Quick Reads have had on the lives of thousands of new readers. Many, who before were nervous of books and had to hide the fact they found reading and writing difficult, have go on to read other books and become more confident in themselves, at work and in helping their children with school work. The number of businesses across the country who use Quick Reads are testament to how effective these books are and their investment in improving the literacy skills of their workforce is to be applauded."

Carol Taylor, Director or Operations at The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education [NIACE]

Amongst the latest batch of ‘Quick Read’ books, is a real treat from the Canadian Thriller Writer Linwood Barclay. His ‘Clouded Vision’ tale, features one of the minor characters from Linwood’s breakout novel ‘No Time For Goodbye’. I was astounded by that novel, which was the biggest selling work of fiction in 2008 [in the UK], selling close to 1 Million copies, and launched his literary career, which just goes from strength to strength. If you are not in the UK, fear not as this chilly little morality tale can be downloaded as an eBook here or from many other UK retailers.

The reason why I loved ‘Clouded Vision’ so much is because it is a ‘perfect storm’ for this reader, combining several story elements to make a satisfying but very chilly and disturbing read.

Firstly I love the novella as a format, due to the requirement to tell a tale with an economy of style and time. Stephen King has always lauded the ‘Novella’ format, and many of his greatest works are in Novella / Short Story format.

Secondly I enjoyed the character of Keisha Ceylon, the crooked psychic from ‘No Time For Goodbye’, who attempted to ‘help’ find Cynthia’s family and was delighted to see her return in ‘Clouded Vision’. I actually mentioned my enthusiasm for Ceylon to Linwood over dinner at Bouchercon Baltimore a few years ago, and pondered this afternoon whether the seed for this tale may have been planted, when we chatted about ‘No Time For Goodbye’. Typically, the modest Linwood was far more concerned at the time, about dining with the legendary Lawrence Block [who joined our dinner thanks to Orion Publishing]. On the walk to the restaurant, he whispered to me “Pinch me Ali, we’re about to break bread with the creator of Matt Scudder! How cool is that!”

Thirdly, I’m a real sucker for E.C. Comics, from the 1950’s especially the crime / horror morality tales and their sense of Grand Guignol; something that ‘Clouded Vision’ shares, with its gruesome opening, and the pivotal scenes of horror and the twisted morality of the protagonists at its climax.

‘Clouded Vision’ reminded me of the conventions [and economic style] of the pulp tradition, and for something you can read in less than an hour, it was wonderful.

So here’s the synopsis for this delightfully dark little tale -

Keisha Ceylon is a psychic. At least, that's what she passes herself off as. The truth is, Keisha's real powers have more to do with separating troubled families from their money than actually seeing into the netherworld. Keisha watches the news for stories of missing family members. She gives it a few days, then moves in, tells these families she's had a vision, that she may have some clue to where these missing people are. And by the way, she charges for this service, and likes to see the money up front. Keisha's latest mark is a man whose wife disappeared a week ago. She's seen him on TV, pleading for his wife to come home, or, if she's been abducted, pleading with whoever took her to let her go. Keisha knows a payoff when she sees one. So she pays a visit to our troubled husband, tells him her vision. Trouble is, her vision just happens to be close enough to the truth that it leaves this man rattled. And it may very well leave Keisha dead.

Several other thriller and crime-writers have written for Quick Reads – including James Patterson, Ian Rankin, Peter James, Val McDermid, Minette Walters, Andy McNab,

And don’t forget, Linwood Barclay is making a rare UK appearance at The Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival this summer in Harrogate England

If you’ve not read Linwood Barclay’s work click here

Photo [top] © 2008 Ali Karim
“Shots Men Mike Stotter and Ali Karim flank the UK’s No. 1 Thriller Writer Linwood Barclay”.

In for a Penny, In for a Pound

Eagle-Eyed Janet Rudolph kindly let me know last night that one of the most generous and decent authors in the mystery genre, has finally made the Times [UK] Book chart for the very first time with ‘Bury Your Dead’. I am of course referring to the Canadian Author Louise Penny, who has released her 6th novel featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, which incidentally has been nominated for the Agatha, Barry and Dilys Awards.

Here’s an interview with Louise Penny talking about “inspiration” -



Read the Shots Review of ‘Bury Your Dead’ Here

Considering her 5th Novel ‘The Brutal Telling’ won the Anthony Award at Bouchercon San Francisco last year, we’re so pleased for this talented writer getting commercial recognition [as well as critical acclaim] for her chilly novels that haunt the mind like a Canadian winter.

I recall Louise Penny being a runner-up for the CWA Debut Dagger Award in 2004. Her entry ‘Still Life’ was highly commended and missed taking the Debut Dagger ‘by only a whisker.' This resulted in her getting ‘Still Life’ into print. I recall first meeting Louise at the launch of Still Life at the Canadian Embassy in London on the 7th February 2005. Her generous nature is well known as in 2009 she personally sponsored the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger. The Crime Writers' Association Chair [at that time], Margaret Murphy, said: "We are delighted that Louise has agreed to sponsor this award. I know that she valued the help that the award gave to her writing career. It is a tremendous gesture and one that is deeply appreciated by the CWA."

So if you’ve not read her latest, here’s a teaser –

As Quebec City shivers in the grip of winter, its ancient stone walls cracking in the cold, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache plunges into the strangest case of his celebrated career. A man has been brutally murdered in one of the city's oldest buildings - a library where the English citizens of Quebec safeguard their history. And the death opens a door into the past, exposing a mystery that has lain dormant for centuries ...a mystery Gamache must solve if he's to catch a present-day killer. Steeped in luscious atmosphere, brimming with the suspense and wit that have earned Louise Penny a massive global following, Bury Your Dead is the most ingenious suspense novel of the year.

Time to start saving your pennies, because if you’ve not experienced Louise Penny’s Detective Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, it’s time you did.

Top Photo © 2010 Ali Karim ‘Louise Penny stunned to have won the Anthony Award at Bouchercon 2010 held at San Francisco for The Brutal Telling’. Book Jackets (c) 2011 Headline Publishing

Newsy Stuff

(Photograph PA)

The Star Wars Stormtroopers® helmet case hearing started today at The United Kingdom Supreme Court. Listed for three days the case is about intellectual Copyright Property in relation to the helmet. An original Stormtrooper helmet was on display in the courtroom and will remain on display throughout the hearing of the case.

Ken Bruen has (on Book Aware) listed his ten favourite crime novels. Unsurprisingly the late James Crumey's The Last Good Kiss has made the list along with The Friends of Eddie Coyle by George V Higgins. What made me smile with pleasure however was the addition of Megan Abbott's Bury Me Deep!

Declan Burke whose blog Crime always Pays is essential reading for all things crime fiction especially Irish crime fiction has also published his ten favourite crime novels. His list can be found here. I was most pleased to see The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler on his list along with L A Confidential by James Ellroy and Divorcing Jack by Colin Bateman.

Val McDermid is due on Radio 4 to discuss the way real life violence has been dealt with in the work of a number of Irish crime authors. The programme can be heard on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 8 March at 11:30am.

According to the Bookseller John Grisham has changed publisher. John Grisham has switched publisher from Cornerstone to Hodder & Stoughton who publish his Theodore Boone novels.

The National Post have an excellent article where they take a look at Canadian pulp fiction and some new reissues.

According to the Mid Lothian Advertiser Ian Rankin is attempting to create the biggest story ever told to celebrate this year's Stratford Literary Festival. He has penned the opening of Grab A Line, an online collaborative story launched by festival organisers. Ian’s opening contribution can be found on the Grab A Line website since Sunday 6 March 2011. The story will run until 25 April where it will be completed by another author. The Stratford Literary Festival runs from 25 April until 2 May.

Fans of Harlan Coben and his Myron Bolitar series will love the new book Live Wire and to get you in the mood have a look at the trailer for the book below!

The La Times has an excellent interview with Michael Connelly, which can be found here. In the article Michael Connelly talks about what it is like to see his novel The Lincoln Lawyer from paper to screen.

Last year via Jen Forbus’s blog “Jen’s Book Thoughts” there was an interesting competition to nominate the 2010 World's Favorite Amateur Sleuth. This year it is being run again and the nominations are in. Have a look and please do vote!

A report on the 2010 Courmayeur Festival by Maxim Jakubowski can be found here and makes for extremely interesting reading.

The Times Oxford Literary Festival have two crime writers – P D James and Jill Paton Walsh taking part this year. The two authors will be debating the merits of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers as crime writers. Information on the event and how to obtain tickets can be found here.

According to the ITV Press Centre a third series of Whitechapel has been commissioned. This time around the new series of Whitechapel will comprise of three 2x60mins gruesome stories based in the East End going back 300 years

Calling all authors – London Mysteries for Mystery Readers Journal

Interested in writing an article on London Mysteries? Janet Rudolph the editor of the well-known mystery readers international journal – Mystery Readers Journal is looking for contributors.

Mystery Readers Journal is a review quarterly magazine with reviews, articles and author essays. Each issue focuses on a different theme. There will be two issues of London Mysteries. If you are interested in contributing then please contact Janet Rudolph at janet@mysteryreaders.org

Ann Cleeves Book Launch 28 March 2011

The launch of Ann Cleeves new book Silent Voices took place on Monday 28 February at the October Gallery in Central London. Amongst those to join Ann were Brenda Blethyn OBE (who is soon to be seen as Vera, in the ITV adaptation of Ann’s Vera Stanhope police procedurals), the editorial team from SHOTS, Michael Carlson, Chris Simmons from Crimesquad, Barry Forshaw, NJ Cooper and TV director Peter Hoar. Goldsboro Books provided the hardback editions for signing.

Ann’s publisher Pan Macmillan provided various cheeses, biscuits and gin from the Wylam Brewery Ltd. Which went down rather well and if you want to know more email: admin@wylambrewery.co.uk. We were also treated to music from Ribbon Road a Northumberland folk band.

After a short introduction from Macmillan editor Julie Crisp, Ann read a brief passage from Silent Voices. Having whetted out appetite we were led back into the main gallery for a sneak (but short) preview to the opening sequence of Vera which is slated for transmission on ITV in May 2011.

Ann said of the adaptation: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a really good script and the director has kept the spirit of my central character.
“We were determined it was filmed in the North East because it’s important for the filming and cultural scene in the region.
“A couple of scenes are filmed in Whitley Bay and I hope it will provide work for the local people.
“It’s fantastic to have Brenda Blethyn involved too. We also have a very good director.
“I’ve been writing for 20 years and it’s great that after all that time there is now this success.”

To view more of the photos taken that night, click here:

Details taken from the ITV Press Release:

Julie Armstrong (Gina McKee) arrives home from a rare night out in Newcastle with boyfriend Gary Wright (Neil Armstrong) to find her son murdered. Luke (Sam Fender) has been strangled, laid out in a bath of water and covered with wild flowers while his sister, Laura (Gabrielle Ross), sleeps silently in the house. This stylised murder scene has Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) and Sergeant Joe Ashworth (David Leon) intrigued. A second body of beautiful young teacher Lily Marsh (Samantha Neale) is discovered laid out in a rock pool, the water strewn with flowers.

Vera must work quickly to find the killer who is making art out of death. Clues are slow to emerge from those who had known Luke and Lily, but Vera soon finds herself drawn towards a curious group of friends who discovered Lily's body.
As local residents are forced to share their private lives and those of their loved ones, sinister secrets are slowly unearthed. And all the while the killer remains in their midst, waiting for an opportunity to prepare another beautiful, watery grave.

VERA also stars Wunmi Mosaku as DC Holly, Paul Ritter as a Forensic Pathologist Billy Cartwright, Juliet Aubrey and Murray Head as Peter and Felicity Calvert, Patrick Toomey as Samuel Parr, Paul Higgins as Clive Stringer and Colin Conway as Davy Sharp.
Filming for the 120 minute drama was shot on location in Newcastle and Northumberland. VERA is a compelling, character driven crime drama. The script, which is based on the book Hidden Depths, has been adapted by Paul Rutman who has written for Marple and Lewis.






















Photo © ITV Drama

Writing Wrongs with Faber Academy!

Join authors R J Ellory and Sophie Hannah as they demystify crime writing and put you on the straight and narrow as to what is the best when it comes to crime writing!

WRITING WRONGS: A HANDS-ON GUIDE TO WRITING CONTEMPORARY CRIME

With RJ Ellory and guest Sophie Hannah

Bloomsbury House, 74-77 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DA.

June 10^th to June 12^th, 2011, 10am-5pm each day

£425 inc. artisan lunch (includes VAT).

In 1962, with the publication of PD James’s Cover Her Face, Faber solidified its reputation for the very best in crime writing. In 2011, the Faber Academy is continuing to build on that reputation, but in a different way.

Writing Wrongs: A Hands-on Guide to Writing Contemporary Crime presents a unique opportunity to new and aspiring writers to join RJ ELLORY and guest tutor SOPHIE HANNAH here at the Faber offices for a weekend of plotting, pace and character. This intensive course is designed to strip away the mysteries attendant to the genre, and identify the real reasons that crime fictions works, or doesn’t.

Additionally, there will be chance to discuss your individual projects in the course, and to address any specific areas of difficulty you might be facing whilst writing your novel, with focus on practical, realistic, honest answers to those commonly, and not-so-commonly asked questions.

So, if you haven’t written before or are about to embark upon your first crime novel and want to know where to begin, or you have half a dozen completed works and need advice on how best to secure an agent, then this course is for you.

For more information about the course, visit www.faberacademy.co.uk, call Ian on 0207 927 3827, or email ian.ellard@faber.co.uk

COMPETITION!

In celebration of Writing Wrongs at the Faber Academy, we are offering the opportunity to win a bundle of 5 PD James books, including the fantastic ‘Talking About Detective Fiction’. To win, all you have to do is to tweet us (twitter.com/faberacademy) with the best first line of a crime story you can come up with, using the hashtag #writingwrongs. The best entry received by Faber noon on Friday 11^th March wins!

(Deckchair not included!)

Newsy Stuff

Sify News have an excellent article by Peter James the in coming Chair of the CWA on the way in which he wants eliminate the stigma of trash associated with crime fiction and this includes taking on the Booker Prize if need be.

With the result of The Oscars® looming on the horizon, the LA Times has a brilliant article by author Daniel Woodrell who states the film adaptation of his novel Winter’s Bone is faithful to the novel.

According to the Telegraph and the Independent John Le Carré has made a gift of his literary archive to The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library, including a first manuscript for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which reveals how different the book could have been. There is also an article with him in the Independent as well.

Most people know that if you are looking for a genre that looks at the social implications of what is going on around us on a daily basis then one has to look no further than crime fiction especially contemporary crime fiction. Could however, Scandinavian Crime Fiction teach Socialism? This is the topic that is discussed in an article in the Guardian.

Mark Lawson has an interesting article on the return of McKenzie and Genaro in Dennis Lehane’s latest novel Moonlight Mile.

Also in the Guardian, Alison Flood takes a gander at Michael Koryta’s excellent supernatural thriller Cypress House.

Who actually did write the novel "Birds" which was the bases of the superb Alfred Hitchcock film? Chris Fowler writes an interesting article under Invisible Ink: No 66 - Frank Baker and looks at who actually wrote the story on which Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film Birds was set.

Barry Forshaw has a very good article in The Independent on Elmore Leonard and it includes a review of his latest book Djibouti.

Copyright storm troops to court!

The Stormtrooper helmet case to be heard at The Supreme Court in the United Kingdom.

Finally the long running saga as to who owns the intellectual property rights to the famed Star Wars stormtroopers helmet has finally made its way to The United Kingdom Supreme Court in London.

1) Lucasfilm Limited, 2) Star Wars Productions Limited, 3) Lucasfilm Entertainment Co Limited V 1) Andrew Ainsworth, 2) Shepperton Design Studios Limited

Issue: (1) What copyright protection is provided by English law to three-dimensional works (“Issue 1”). (2) Whether a claim that US copyright law has been infringed is justiciable in England (“Issue 2”).

Facts: During the preparation for the first Star Wars film a clay model of a helmet worn by stormtroopers was created. The First Respondent was asked to produce a final version made in plastic based on the clay model and various images, and he did so incorporating his own improvements using sculpting techniques. The First Respondent has admittedly made and sold copies of the helmet and armour worn by the stormtrooper characters. The appeal concentrates purely on the reproductions of the helmet design. It is accepted that the First Respondent has, in the eyes of US law, infringed various US copyrights owned by the Appellants. It is not
accepted that the US law should be enforced in the English courts.

The case is to be heard by five of the Supreme Court Justices and is listed to be heard for 3 days from 7 March 2011. The hearing is open to the public and will be heard in Courtroom 1.

Join the BBC and Jo Nesbø for World Book Club

Want to be in the audience for this excellent World Book Club event?

Voted the best Norwegian crime novel ever, The Redbreast by Jo Nesbø delves into neo-Nazi activity in Norway and ends up re-examining a crime that had its roots in the battlefields of the Eastern Front in the Second World War.

The BBC World Book Club is a unique radio programme that brings readers from around the world together with their favourite writers.

If you would like to put a question to Jo Nesbø about The Redbreast please email production at worldbookclub@bbc.co.uk.

Recording at Maida Vale Studios, London on Monday 7 March. Doors open at 3.30pm. To apply for tickets, visit the BBC Tickets Website or call the BBC Ticket Line on 0370 901 1227

Newsy Stuff - Good News and Bad News

The Good News

There will be a number of well-known Russian authors attending the London Book Fair later on this year. According to the press release (via Booktrade info) The programme will feature 49 authors, poets, critics and academics, representing Russia and will be bringing the best in contemporary Russian writing and publishing to London in April and through a series of high-profile trade and public events will foster mutual understanding between Russia and the UK through literature and help facilitate long-term partnerships. Amongst those due to attend will be Boris Akunin. He will be London Book Fair's Market Focus Author of the Day on Tuesday 12th April. Boris Akunin is one of the most widely read authors in Russia and his Erast Fandorian novels have sold over eighteen million copies in Russia alone.

The Los Angeles Times have announced the 2010 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalists.

The authors in the Mystery and Thriller category are –

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin (William Morrow)

Faithful Place by Tana French (Viking)

I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman (William Morrow)

Collusion by Stuart Neville (SoHo Press)

City of Dragons by Kelli Stanley (Minotaur Books/A Thomas Dunne Book)

The full list of nominees can be found here.

The 2010 Los Angeles Times Book Prizes will be awarded April 29, 2011, in a ceremony at the Los Angeles Times building.

No Exit Press have according to the Bookseller acquired The Killer is Dying by James Sallis. The book follows three characters: a hitman on his final job, a detective caring for his ill wife and a young boy living on the streets, and how their lives are linked despite them never meeting. Sallis is also the author of the acclaimed novel Drive which has been made into a film featuring Ryan Gosling and is due to be released in September 2011.

According to the Bookseller Headline have acquired The God of Gotham, a novel set in 19th-century New York. Set in 1845 during the establishment of the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the potato famine in Ireland, the novel follows a fledgling police officer's investigation into a murderer intent on fanning the flames of anti-Irish immigrant sentiment.

Headline’s fiction publisher at large Martin Fletcher has also acquired two sets of acquisitions. The first is a two-book deal by Cityboy author Geraint Anderson. His debut novel Just Business will be published in June 2011. The second is two novels by thriller writer Steven Dunne. Dunne is moving from HarperCollins as part of the deal. The first book entitled Deity, is about five college students who appear to have committed suicide. It will be published in May 2012.

Orion have launched a new imprint. The new imprint to be known as Swordfish will publish a wide range of commercial non-fiction as well as a small selection of fiction. The fiction selection will be aiming for "big, distinctive thrillers". The first fiction title will be Spartan by Matthew Dunn, a début thriller by the ex-MI6 field operative.

Gordon Ferris’s novel The Hanging Shed has received some rave reviews on its early release as an ebook.

However, according to The Daily Record some readers are having problem with The Hanging Shed because they can’t understand the Ayrshire and Glaswegian slang in the novel.

And the Bad news ---

Is that the BBC have decided to axe the excellent crime series Zen. According to the Guardian BBC 1 Controller Danny Cohen has decided not to renew the series despite the excellent reviews that it received. Not sure what this is about as Zen was one of the better crime dramas to be shown earlier this year. It is a shame and I hope that this decision will be reviewed.