David Hale Smith, left, Scott Robson, David Granger, Daniel Slater

David Hale Smith, left, Scott Robson, David Granger, Daniel Slater
Originally uploaded by Christine Larson

Photo from party at the Stanford "Future of Freelancing Conference" last summer.

Starry Nights and Fun & Games for Mr. Swierczy

Fun and Games 

Duane Swierczynski. Little, Brown/Mulholland, $14.99 trade paper (304p) ISBN 978-0-316-13328-9

Swierczynski (Severance Package) steps on the gas early in this pulse-pounding contemporary thriller, the first of a trilogy, and doesn't let up. After second-tier movie actress Lane Madden survives multiple attempts by aggressive fellow drivers to run her off some treacherous Los Angeles roads, she has the good fortune to meet Charlie Hardie, a peripatetic house-sitter with a violent past, at the house in the Hollywood Hills where she takes refuge. Hardie, a former police consultant who's haunted by the deaths of several innocents, is skeptical of the actress's claim that she's being pursued by the Accident People, a shadowy group of killers who stage their homicides to appear as accidents. An escalating series of violent encounters builds to an unforgettable climax. Fans of the Die Hard movies will find this a literary equivalent, and the author deserves credit for making what could be an over-the-top setup oddly plausible. The sequel's appearance won't be too soon for many readers. (June)  -- Publishers Weekly

Greg Rucka Earns Two More Eisner Award Nominations

Major double large sized kudos to our client Greg Rucka for earning TWO nominations for the 2011 Will Eisner Awards (considered the "Oscars" for comics).  One in the short story category and one in the limited series category.   His nominated series Stumptown even has a working PI office number that you can call.  Dial 503-389-2135 to reach Dex in her office. Try it!