I had an enjoyable bookish time last night attending two launch events in Portland.
First, I headed down to Custom House wharf to pop in on crime writer Gerry Boyle's celebration of his new book, Port City Shake Down. He mingled with admirers, caught up with old friends who turned out and signed copies of his books on the deck of Harbour's Edge. (Made possible because for once there was No Rain!) I'd never met Gerry before, so it was a treat. He's affable and down to earth. Here he is with his lovely daughter, Carolyn.
Meanwhile, a few blocks up at Longfellow Books, newcomer thriller writer James Hayman was reading and signing from his book, The Cutting. I'd been concerned that Boyle's event on the same night would cut (no pun intended) into the attendance at Hayman's, but I couldn't have been more wrong. When I got there, a little late, it was SRO at the store, easily 50 or more people. I was so happy to see that. Hayman's on his way.
Hayman also took questions from the audience, during which I learned that among his favorite thriller writers are Michael Connelly (go Harry Bosch!) and Ian Rankin. Also, Hayman himself only figured out who the murderer in his book was two-thirds of the way through writing it.
Here's Hayman signing.
Both books should do very well, and both authors deserve it.
Nothing wrong with Ian Rankin, either!
Posted by: cs | 06/26/2009 at 01:05 PM
I guess I should read him then, right? Don't think I have...
Posted by: Amy Canfield | 06/26/2009 at 01:23 PM
You are never going to be at a loss, it seems, for items for this blog, Amy. You've already had a lot of really interesting entries...
Posted by: Patty | 06/26/2009 at 03:27 PM