Noel is past, now on to Novel

Jeff—Saturday

Yep, it’s time to move on into a New Year, and for me to wish each and everyone of you the very best of what’s to come in 2018.

And speaking of what’s to come—cue the coronets—January 2^nd is the publication date for Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis’ ninth mystery-thriller, AN AEGEAN APRIL, and this is my annual official opportunity to blatantly promote my work on MIE.

Hard to imagine it’s already #9, but I guess time flies when you’re having such a good time chasing one intriguing villain after another across the Greek isles.  I’m particularly proud of how this story came together, for it “has taken on the task of making a very complex set of circumstances comprehensible, showing us why it matters, and done both well.”  Those aren’t my words, they’re Thomas Perry’s, with whom I’m proud to be sharing the launch of An Aegean April on January 4^th at Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale.

Thomas Perry, author of "The Bomb Maker"

It’s a novel told against the backdrop of a continuing human tragedy far too often put out of mind by the phrase “The Refugee Crisis;” a story that brings to life the moneymakers, human traffickers, fearful families, NGO activists, local islanders, politicians, press, and cops caught up in this epic catastrophe.

Petros Tsakmakis/InTime News via AP

It all begins one evening on the eastern Aegean Greek island of Lesvos, close by Turkey, when the patriarch of a prominent shipping family, with a plan for shutting down the lucrative refugee trafficking pipeline between Turkey and Lesvos, is struck down in his own garden by a swishing sword.

When a refugee-turned-NGO-aid-worker is found at the scene, splattered with the victim’s blood, he’s immediately arrested by the local police, but his NGO boss convinces Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis to take over the investigation, and we’re off on a nail-biting ride through Byzantine island politics, deteriorating diplomatic relations, and a world on fire amid the intrigues and brutality of a cool, resourceful, ruthlessly villainous narcissist, who keeps you in fearful suspense until the very end.

And now, an example the stellar reviews that have me smiling from ear to ear.

“vividly depicts the political and economic issues involved in the European refugee crisis. VERDICT…outstanding crime novel.”—Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Ripped from the headlines…a winner.”—Publishers Weekly

“Brimming with suspense and a distinct sense of place.”—Kirkus Reviews

“An Aegean April zeroes in on today’s Greece, at the heart of the refugee crisis, and takes no prisoners. Jeff is so adept at capturing the plight of Greece and its crises, while at the same time, showing his love for his adopted country. This book will make you rethink what you know about the refugee crisis and its accompanying players. Jeff knocks it out of the park once again.”— Windy City Greek

On January 4^th I kick off my An Aegean April tour, taking me to Scottsdale, Tucson, Pasadena, Denver, Orange, San Diego, Seattle, Berkeley, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, and Minneapolis.  Details are below. Hope to see you along the way.

Now off to work on #10. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

—Jeff

Jeff’s Upcoming Events

My ninth Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis novel, AN AEGEAN APRIL, publishes on January 2, 2018 and here is the first stage of my book tour:

Thursday, January 4 @ 7PM

Poisoned Pen Bookstore,

Scottsdale, AZ (joint appearance with Thomas Perry)

Saturday, January 6 @ 2 PM            

Clues Unlimited

Tucson, AZ

Monday, January 8  @ 7PM

Vromans (on Colorado)

Pasadena, CA

Wednesday, January 10 @ 7PM                   

Tattered Cover (on Colfax)

Denver, CO

Saturday, January 13 @ 2 PM                      

Book Carnival 

Orange, CA

Sunday, January 14 @ 2 PM

Mysterious Galaxy

San Diego, CA

Wednesday, January 17 @ 7 PM      

Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park)

Seattle, WA

Thursday, January 18 @ 7 PM

Janet Rudolph’s Mystery Readers Literary Salon

Berkeley, CA

Sunday, January 21 @ 7 PM

Book Passage

Corte Madera, CA

Thursday, January 25 @ 6:30 PM

Mysterious Bookshop

New York, NY

Friday, February 2 @ 7PM

Centuries & Sleuths (Forest Park)

Chicago, IL

Saturday, February 3 @ 12 PM

Once Upon A Crime

Minneapolis, MN