Order of Quarry Books

Quarry is a fictional character in a series of crime fiction novels by American author Max Allan Collins. Quarry is a Vietnam vet, now back home as a cold-hearted hitman. The character has also appeared in the film adaptations A Matter of Principal (based on a short story) and The Last Lullaby (starring Tom Sizemore as “Price”). (more…)

“Joyland” Cover Unveiled

Stephen King has unveiled the cover of his next novel, Joyland. The cover has a pulp feel to it, which makes sense, as it’s being published under the Hard Case Crime imprint of Titan Books.

Here is the summary of the upcoming novel: (more…)

Order of Frank Nolan Books

Frank Nolan is the protagonist in a series of hard-boiled mystery novels by American author Max Allan Collins. It is no secret that Nolan is based on Richard Stark‘s Parker character. Collins didn’t mind writing a one-off novel with a heavily inspired character, however he didn’t feel comfortable doing a series until he got Stark’s permission (which he got). The Nolan character is an aging thief who needs one more heist before he can call it a career. (more…)

E.L. James To Make Cameo in “Fifty Shades” Film?

E.L. James has revealed that she based a character in Fifty Shades of Grey on herself. Which character? Well, Erika remains tight-lipped.

“I’ve actually written myself into the book; I play a very tiny cameo role and I might try and do that if I’m asked to… we’ll see. It’d be interesting to know if people can find me in the books.” (more…)

University Of Iowa Puts On “War and Peace” Reading

100 members of the Iowa City community are bringing the 600 characters of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy to life.

University students and staff, actors and other members of the community took turns reading the novel about the Napoleonic invasion of Russia. It’s being done to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. (more…)

Elmore Leonard Honoured With Prestigous Award

Elmore Leonard has been honoured with The National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters award. He will be presented with the medal on November 14th.

“I was very surprised. I didn’t ever count on winning this kind of an award,” Leonard said. “I’ve won a lot of awards, but not like this one.”

The award has been given to such authors as Ray Bradbury, Norman Mailer, Arthur Miller, Toni Morrison, Philip Roth, John Updyke, Gore Vidal and Tom Wolfe.

“I think I’m a good writer. I don’t see any objection to my being on this list,” he says of his inclusion.

When asked on whether he’d be able to limit his speech to the six minute requirement, he took a drag of his cigarette and replied “Oh yeah.”

The Man Who Inspired James Bond

After decades of speculations, the debate over who Ian Fleming based the James Bond character on – WWII Wing Commander Forest “Tommy” Yeo-Thomas.

“Tommy” very much enjoyed the company of women – or several of them – and was ruthless in pursuit of his enemies.

Yeo-Thomas parachuted into (the then-occupied) France three times before he was captured and tortured by the Gestapo. He was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp, where he escaped. (more…)

Order of Max Allan Collins Books

Max Allan Collins is an American author of mysteries. Much more than a novelist, Collins has also penned short stories, movie novelizations, screenplays, graphic novels, comic books, comic strips, trading cards and more. Max was a fan of Mickey Spillane and eventually became friends with him. He would end up taking over for Spillane on his Mike Hammer series. (more…)

Order of Charles Portis Books

Charles Portis is an American author of such novels as Norwood and True Grit. Both of those novels were adapted to film; Norwood in 1970, starring Glen Campbell and True Grit in 1969 starring John Wayne and then again in 2010. He has been described as “one of the most inventively comic writers of western fiction.” (more…)

Order of Joseph Kanon Books

Joseph Kanon is an American author of historical fiction, spy fiction and thriller novels. His novels are commonly set after World War II. His novel The Good German was adapted to film in 2006, starring George Clooney and Cate Blanchett and it was directed by Steven Soderbergh. (more…)