Saturday, December 30, 2017

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 2nd 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 4th 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 4th 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

12 comments:

  1. Pre congratulations, Jeff! Looking forward to the new book.
    And Happy New Year to you and Barbara too!

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    1. Thanks, Michael,and all the very best to you from each of us, our friend!

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  2. Congratulations, my brother. Sujata and I are just a week away!!!

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    1. Thanks, sis. Heck, I didn't think Florence and Baltimore were that far away....though in the case of the West Village I'm not so sure.

      Best of the New Year, and grand success to you and Sujata on your launches.

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  3. Mazel tov and break a leg! Looking forward to reading it.

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    1. Thanks, Stan, but I got confused and went for the shoulder. :)

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  4. I'm hoping to make it and see you and the photobombed!

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    1. That would be delightful...even without pastries. :)

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  5. Shoulder? Ouch! As for the book, I'm expecting nothing short of fabulous. Congratulations, and all my best wishes to you Barbara, you, and your shoulder (roughly in that order...)

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    1. My shoulder thanks you, my Barbara thanks you, and I thank you, in that order. All the best back at you for 2018 Sir EvKa.

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  6. My deadline for book ten is two days after your publication date. So I am too busy to comment on this. Except to say CONGRATULATIONS!

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    1. Hmmm, there seems to be something about January that brings the best out in murder....

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