Elmore Leonard: An Appreciation
Of course I had and have many favorite authors— and Elmore Leonard was at the top of my list. Still is. When publishers or friends would ask if I had a particular goal, I’d say yes, Elmore Leonard.
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We Love These Books. It’s Summer.
It’s summer, and now is the time to relax and catch up on on some great novels– on a plane, on vacation, or simply at home. It is our belief that whenever and wherever you read a great novel, it’s as if you’ve gone away for a few days for a good break. May we suggest the following: The new novel from John Le Carre, A Delicate Truth. One of his best, one of his angriest, in years. Counter-terrorism meets private government contractors. Familiar? The…
The thrill of the Mystery Bookstore- and the crime that it’s closing
I learned today that The Mystery Bookstore in Westwood will close on January 31. This bookstore has been one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. It’s an automatic tumble into a dreamlike state that can last for minutes or hours, depending on how much time is left on the parking meter. It’s entertaining. Hypnotic. Gratifying. Its catalog of international fiction in quality crime fiction exceeds what even the greediest among us could grab. The staff know which authors are good and which are great,…
Meet a favorite author, Paul Levine
For some reason, lawyers are great fodder for novels, television, film and jokes. I happen to love lawyers; they’ve gotten me out of unsavory situations, and brought me into better ones. The lawyers I know are smart, handsome, beautiful and funny. It doesn’t hurt that I’m married to one, sister of two, daughter of one, and friend of many. One particular attorney friend fits nicely into the smart, handsome and funny categories: author and screenwriter Paul Levine. His website, paul-levine.com , will fill you in…
Meet a Favorite Author from Northern Ireland: Ian Sansom
I spend a great deal of time reading crime novels, detective fiction and police procedurals. They’re visceral, engaging on both the intellectual and emotional fronts, the loose ends tie up neatly, and there’s justice for most. Or at least for some. While bingeing on some great Irish detective fiction, I stumbled onto the work of Ian Sansom. I love his books. Ian Sansom contributes a weekly column to The Guardian, writing book reviews, and essays on contemporary as well as historical cultural figures. I wish…
Film Review: Birdman
