In version 1.0 of this blog I wrote quarterly book release previews. I enjoyed that aspect a great deal, so here are a few things I'll buy in the coming months.
WAYFARING STRANGER - James Lee Burke - Out Now
A strictly non-series book from Mr. Burke is a rare occurrence...and honestly I am not even 100% that WAYFARING STRANGER does not refer to previous work. In the past, I have fooled myself into believing that I did not have to buy them to have the complete canon. That was foolish thinking. [Editors Note: A quick glance of Mr. Burke's website notes the main character being a part of the large 'Holland' clan.]
THE RECKONING - Rennie Airth - Out Now
The first in this series, RIVER OF DARKNESS, lingers long in my memory. It is a great book. The two sequels are a case of diminishing returns. I don't believe either of those books survived the purge where as I would be loathed to part with RIVER OF DARKNESS. Perhaps it is the several year intermission between each book? It hardly matters as I my connection with the first is strong enough to seek the latest out when it hits shelves.
THE DROP - Dennis Lehane - Out Now
A novelization to the coming movie which is also an adaptation of Mr. Lehane's highly regarded short, Animal Rescue. Of all the books on this list, this comes as the biggest surprise. The sequel to LIVE BY NIGHT, WORLD GONE BY was scheduled for a hot second this spring before being pushed a full year. I wonder if this novel and that movie are the reason? [Editors Note: This could just be Amazon weirdness.]
THE SUN IS GOD - Adrian McKinty - September 9
I have blathered on and on about how I think this guy is great. You should buy all his books. His recent Duffy Trilogy is fantastic. Bonus is that Mr. McKinty is slated to attend this year Bouchercon in Long Beach. I have many books for him to sign.
PERFIDIA - James Ellroy - September 9th
A return to Los Angeles, and hopefully (more) complete sentences from Mr. Ellroy. Characters from the LA Quartet mix with characters from his Underworld U.S.A books to deliver what is likely a dense narrative of WWII era Los Angeles.
ROSE GOLD - Walter Mosley - September 23
Last year's LITTLE GREEN was the best Easy Rawlins since...well a long time. Walter Mosley and Easy Rawlins are a part of my origin story. I will follow them down the trail for as long as I can read words on the printed page...or until they force an e-reader into my hands...when in which case I'll open an Etsy shoppe and sell hand made books.
THE BURNING ROOM - Michael Connelly - Novemebr 3
Mr. Connelly has not missed in a very long time. It is a Bosch book this go around, and I can't help but think that Mickey Haller is the counterbalance to Mr. Connelly's Los Angeles. An obvious statement, but I mean this more for Connelly as an author of Los Angeles based crime fiction.
THE PROMISE - Robert Crais - November 4
Everyone is back for Robert Crais's latest. And I mean everyone. Elvis, Joe, that dog from the last book. Mr. Crais has been on a pretty solid run of books lately, and I mean come on....it is Robert Crais. Even an 'off' Crais is still better than 90% of almost anyone else.
NO KNOWN GRAVE - Maureen Jennings - November 28
One of my favorite authors. She is now three books deep into a series that I only recently discovered. Lots to catch up. [Editors Note: Read the first in the series, Season of Darkness. It was good but not up to the standard of the Murdoch books. Still, solid.]
Perhaps I have missed others, but my new book buying is strictly author maintenance. Perhaps in 2015 I will look to add an author to The Hungry Detective stable. I'll need to make more serious in roads into the back catalog of books I still need to fill out the gaps in the authors I already collect. I should gather names of perspective authors...
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