Robert Randisi has died at the age of seventy-three. Randisi authored more than 650 published books and edited more than 30 anthologies of short stories, with Booklist magazine noting that he "may be the last of the pulp writers." He founded Mystery Scene Magazine and the Private Eye Writers of America, an organization he ran for over 40 years, which also sponsored the Shamus Awards. Author Rick Helms posted a tribute on Facebook, "I knew Bob for over 20 years. He was crusty and blunt and yet unexpectedly generous," adding that "Bob was a true master in the field, and I wish him fair skies, calm seas, and and the pleasantest of journeys. The writing world is poorer this morning for his loss, but we were so privileged to have had him. He will be missed."
David Burnham, the New York Times reporter who exposed police graft, has died at the age of 91. After being tipped off by the detective Frank Serpico, Burnham wrote an explosive series on police corruption in New York City, sparking an investigation by the Knapp commission. His reporting inspired the 1973 movie Serpico, which was adapted from the book Serpico by Peter Maas, and starred Al Pacino as the titular detective.
Audible announced a new Audible Original audiobook release on November 14th of a multi-cast adaptation of Agatha Christie’s iconic debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Peter Dinklage takes on the title role of Hercule Poirot, to be joined by Himesh Patel (Yesterday) who will be playing Poirot’s companion, Captain Hastings. The star-studded adaptation will also feature Harriet Walter (Succession), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso), Rob Delaney (Catastrophe), John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Vivian Oparah (Rye Lane) and Patsy Ferran (A Streetcar Named Desire). The Mysterious Affair at Styles tells the story of an injured and traumatized Captain Hastings (Patel), who has been invited to the large country estate of Styles Court to recover after serving in World War I. With tensions tearing the family apart, what seems like a perfect haven soon turns into a nightmare, as the matriarch of the family Emily Inglethorp (Walter) is brutally murdered.
The Guardian profiled the new book Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother by Robert S Bader, which is probably a shoe-in to become a movie at some point. Zeppo Marx was said to be the funniest of the Marx Brothers off screen, yet he was overshadowed by his siblings Groucho, Chico, and Harpo. Zeppo went on to became a successful talent agent but as Bader reports, he mingled as easily with mobsters as with movie stars and may have even been behind a series of 1930s jewellery heists from Hollywood stars.
The latest "First Two Pages" offering on Art Taylor's blog featured David Avallone offering the third essay in a series of First Two Pages posts from contributors to Friend of the Devil: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of the Grateful Dead, the latest music-themed anthology from editor Josh Pachter. David brings a wide set of backgrounds to the table, including work in film and in comic books in addition to prose fiction—and he has pedigree too, as the son of prolific author Michael Avallone. In the essay below, David focuses on other inspirations and influences for his story, specifically how autobiographical elements feed creativity.
Have you noticed print books getting thinner? It may not be your imagination. Publishers are trying skinnier books to save money and emissions.
In the Q&A roundup, Criminal Element chatted with bestselling author of the Orphan X novels, Gregg Hurwitz, about his upcoming thriller, Nemesis, including what's next for Evan Smoak, and how Evan's moral code will be tested in this novel as it's never been before; Suspense Magazine interviewed John Connolly about his latest book, Night and Day, and what’s next for Charlie Parker; and novelist Richard E. Snyder spoke with Lisa Haselton about his new spy fiction, Defector in Paradise.
No comments:
Post a Comment