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Edgar Award-winning thriller author Stefanie Pintoff knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats. HOSTAGE TAKER is the first in her electrifying new series about whip-smart FBI agent Eve Rossi, and is set at St. Patrick’s Cathedral within 24 hours of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting that takes place across the street (tonight!). In her Holiday Author Blog, Stefanie recalls the holiday season not long ago --- Y2K, and thrilling in its own right --- when she was introduced to the books that would inspire her to write thrillers…and learned to appreciate the luxury of time to read.

We’re psyched to kick off this year’s Holiday Author Blog series with Elisabeth Egan, the books editor at Glamour whose debut novel released earlier this year to rave reviews. A WINDOW OPENS is about the real-life stresses of balancing a career with motherhood --- an act that becomes ever more precarious around the holidays. Fortunately, Elisabeth has a few tricks up her sleeve, including buying gifts that are easy to wrap. And what’s easier to wrap --- and relish --- than a great book?  

The Miami Book Fair --- which boasts more than 450 authors and 250 publishers in attendance --- is the biggest literary party of November. This year, the eight-day event kicked off on the 15th, and went strong all week and through the weekend. Our intrepid reporter Cristina Vazquez was kind enough to share her thoughts on 2015's Fair, including her favorite panels, some surprising things she learned, and what she’s most looking forward to reading.  

Comedian and actor Judah Friedlander is well-known for his portrayals of characters such as Toby Radloff in American Splendor and Frank Rossitano in NBC's "30 Rock," but few people know that he has also been drawing for most of his life.

Last Saturday, over 200 fans and readers were invited into Hachette's offices for their annual Book Club Brunch. Boasting a variety of authors, books and snacks, this event is highly anticipated by readers and sells out nearly every year. I had the pleasure of attending with Carol Fitzgerald, former intern Matthew Burbridge, reviewer Vivian Payton, and her friends Mary, Cheryl and Donna.

(Piling on to the "Red Coach" to toast Alex Marwood's Macavity Award win, L to R: Alison Gaylin, Greg Herren, Alex, Wendy Corsi Staub, Laura Lippman, and Elizabeth Little.)

Any nerd worth his or her comic book collection knows that Comic Con is one of the biggest pop culture events on planet Earth (and probably others, too). On October 6-9, East Coasters had their turn to dress up and head out for a weekend of fascinating panels, screenings and surprise trailer drops at New York Comic Con. Our very own Carol Fitzgerald braved the trip to the Javits Center --- unfortunately not dressed in costume, unless you count her signature turquoise digs --- and here, with the help of four TBRN friends, reports on all the crazy things she heard and saw. No spoilers, although multiple reports claim Jon Snow is alive and well and ate a BBQ brisket sandwich at the food court. Keep scrolling for some amazing photos, courtesy of Maya Gittelman.

It's no mystery that Bouchercon is one of the most thrilling literary events of the year. This year, the world's largest mystery convention was held on October 8-11 in Raleigh, NC, and brought together all parts of the mystery and crime fiction community for a weekend of exciting panels and awards. Once again, none of our staff was able to make it, but once again, our generous authors and friends played detective for us and sent back news from the front. Here, eight mystery superstars --- Wendy Corsi Staub, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Lisa Unger, Clair Lamb, Dana Kaye, Keith Kahla, Ali Karim and Alafair Burke --- share what made the weekend so special, including their favorite panels and the books they're most anticipating. Some even --- reluctantly --- repeat the best classified stories from the bar, breaking the sacred Bouchercon rule: What happens at the Bouchercon bar stays at the Bouchercon bar. Click here to check out our Bouchercon 2015 photo gallery.

On Saturday, October 3rd, readers and writers braved the very cool, damp and gloomy weather that followed the threat of a hurricane to attend the second annual Morristown Festival of Books. Focused on celebrating the power of the written word while bringing authors and readers together, the festival featured several fun, informative panels throughout the day as well as author signings and a pop-up bookstore.

With the recent release of THE ADVENTURESS, Anne Hawkins of John Hawkins & Associates talks about her client, bestselling author Tasha Alexander, and her 10-book Lady Emily mystery series. The first installment --- AND ONLY TO DECEIVE --- was released 10 years ago, and in honor of its anniversary, Anne reveals what she found so special about that first manuscript and why she believes Lady Emily’s popularity has only grown since then.