It's Sunday. My TBR book pile was getting awfully thin, so I went to Chapters for a re-up, like Poot in THE WIRE. There was a promotion in store, 20% on every regular price book (that ended today), so if you add it to my membership card, that's 30% on every book I buy (that's not already 30% off from being a best seller. Then it's 40%) Every book nut can recognize it's a crazy good deal I hope. Josie picked up THE NIGHT CIRCUS (I told her many cool bloggers raved about it) and a cool mystery titled NOTORIOUS. Here's what I got.
James Lee Burke - The Neon Rain: I've been told that Dennis Lehane fans also loved James Lee Burke. There's nothing else you need to say. The Neon Rain is the first novel of his trademark character Dave Robicheaux, so it's where I start.
John Fowles - The Collector: Following the terrific review by Brenna from Literary Musings, I have let myself be tempted by the dark literature of John Fowles. This looks quite creepy and classy at the same time. I'm pumped.
Andrew Vachss - Strega: I have reviewed the first Burke novel earlier this month and was quite charmed by its darkness and its fresh approach. I've been told it gets darker and darker with each novel and that the second book STREGA was quite something, so I'll check it out.
Richard Russo - Empire Falls: This is a mystery I'm hoping to solve. I want to know first why it beat a terrific novel like THE CORRECTIONS for the Pulitzer prize and second, why it's so often quoted in the writing advice books. It's been quoted as an example of terrific storytelling.