The Hungry Detective

Hello. Spring appears to be here. I say appears because the other day we got about three inches of snow. Stupid snow. Spring Preview arrives with more than a few books I would like to add to my permanent collection. I'm sure some of them will make it. The rest I will lament like friends who I never call (or blogs I never update). Sigh. Of course my thanks go to Fantastic Fiction and The Bloodstained Bookshelf in helping THD to compile this list THE FIFTH WITNESS - Michael Connelly - April 5 I've warmed up to the Haller books ever so slowly. HEADS YOU LOSE - Lisa Lutz and David Hayward - April 5 Ms. Lutz is pretty hilarious even if her books are a little too caught up in stylistic flourishes. A book by dueling authors sounds like fun. HELL IS EMPTY - Craig Johnson - June 2 Finally got around to giving this guy a read last year. He is pretty good. NOW YOU SEE ME - SJ Bolton - June 7 Reminds me of early Minette Walters, I'm hooked. THE RIDGE - Michael ...

It is the good fortune of The Hungry Detective to now and again receive books from authors, publishers or their associated marketing agencies. These books were received in the month of February 2011. THE LOCK ARTIST - Steve Hamilton - Minotaur Books STRONG AT THE BREAK - Jon Land - Forge LIVE WIRE - Harlan Coben - Dutto THE BONE HOUSE - Brian Freeman - Minotaur Books

Somewhat hot on the heals of the Edgar Nominations are the Barry Noms. And while the Edgar's will be announced at the end of April the Barry Awards will not given until the St. Louis Bouchercon in September! Yikes. The Hungry Detective congratulates all of the nominees.  Best Novel NOWHERE TO RUN - C. J. Box - Putnam CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER - Tom Franklin - Morrow THE LOCK ARTIST - Steve Hamilton - Minotaur MOONLIGHT MILE - Dennis Lehane - Morrow BURY YOUR DEAD - Louise Penny - Minotaur SAVAGES - Don Winslow - Simon & Schuster Best First Novel GUTSHOT STRAIGHT - Lou Berney - Morrow ROGUE ISLAND - Bruce DeSilva - Forge THE POACHER'S SON - Paul Doiron - Minotaur SHERLOCKIAN - Graham Moore - Twelve THE HOLY THIEF - William Ryan - Minotaur ONCE A SPY - Keith Thomson - Doubleday Best British Novel STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG - Kate Atkinson - Doubleday BLOOD HARVEST - S. J. Bolton - Bantam Press THE WHISPERS - John Connolly - Hodder ...

It is the good fortune of The Hungry Detective to now and again receive books from authors, publishers or their associated marketing agencies. These books were received in the month of January 2011. THE CRACK IN THE LENS - Steve Hockensmith - Minotaur Books THE NEAREST EXIT - Olen Steinhauer - Minotaur Books BAD BIRD - Chris Knopf - Minotaur Books

2011 Edgar nominations appear tomorrow. I'll posted the nominations and the usual commentary here, but there is always the Edgar site if you are looking to avoid my particular brand of drivel.

The Winter Preview is a bit late this year. The Hungry Detective raided the petty cash at the office and spent the Christmas Holiday in the UK. Besides shoveling, Ms. Hungry Detective and I have been trying to keep up with Oscar bait in the theater. The end of the year has come and gone, but I should have my Best of 2010 up in a few days. That will be a neat trick. Frequent readers of the blog know that I have been at a low ebb. Sorry about that. I'm going to stop beating myself up about it pretty soon. For now you should check out these books. The Good Lord willing so will I. THE SENTRY - Robert Crais - January 11 Third in the Joe Pike books.  I'll be honest, THE FIRST RULE was not nearly as compelling as THE WATCHMAN. Does that mean I'll be passing up this latest? Hardly. WORLD'S GREATEST SLUETH - Steve Hockensmith - January 18 Love the setting, love the character, love the light comic touch. This is a pretty reliable series, and one I look forward to every year....

It is the good fortune of The Hungry Detective to now and again receive books from authors, publishers or their associated marketing agencies. These books were received in the month of December 2010. RIZZO'S WAR - Lou Manfredo - Minotaur Books Gone 'Til November - Wallace Stroby - Minotaur Books VIENNA TWILIGHT - Frank Tallis - Random House