Friday, February 3, 2023

What We're Writing--Debs is Blogging

DEBORAH CROMBIE: It's What We're Writing Week and I have been blogging, here, there, and everywhere, because it's almost time for the launch of A KILLING OF INNOCENTS next Tuesday, February 7th (Hank and I share a book birthday, yay!) 


I am so excited! This my first book launch in three years and four months (yes, I know you are all counting!) And today I'm on way to Phoenix for my first live book event, ditto. On Saturday at 2 p.m. MST I'll be at the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale chatting with our very own Rhys Bowen. (You can join us on the Pen's Facebook page or YouTube channel, and you can order signed books!)

Next week I'll be in Houston on February 9th at Murder by the Book, chatting with my pal Celeste Connolly (a.k.a. S.C. Perkins.) You can order signed copies from MBTB as well.

For Dallas/Fort Worth area readers, I'll be doing a panel at the Dallas Literary Festival March 4th and books will be available. More information soon here

February 27th I'll be in Key West for the Friends of the Key West Library Speaker Series, chatting with the lovely Barb Ross, and I'll get to see Roberta AND Hallie! You can bet much fun will be had. 

For a special Jungle Red preview today, I thought I'd share just a smidgen of illustrator Laura Maestro's wonderful map. I think every map Laura creates is more fun than the last and she's outdone herself with A Killing of Innocents. Just look at the Staffordshire dogs! And Toby, rehearsing in his mouse head for the Nutcracker, and the adorable border terrier, Wallace. And Sid, of course.


And one more treat--here's a link to an audio sample of Gerard Doyle narrating the book. I got goosebumps just hearing the first few seconds.

I hope to see some of you in person or online! Readers and reviewers and my dear Jungle Reds have been so supportive of this book and so patient with me. I appreciate it more than I can say, and I hope to see some of you in person or online. 

Dear readers, are you getting out for live events again, or taking advantage or the virtual ones? Or both?

P.S. The only bad thing about all of this is that I'm missing my darling granddaughter Wren's 7th birthday today! How did time go so fast??

On a rainy November evening, trainee doctor Sasha Johnson hurries through the evening crowd in London's historic Russell Square. Out of the darkness, someone jostles her as they brush past. A moment later, Sasha stumbles, then collapses. When Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his sergeant, Doug Cullen, are called to the scene, they discover that she's been stabbed.

Kincaid immediately calls in his detective wife, Gemma James, who has recently been assigned to a task force on knife crimes which are on the rise. Along with her partner, detective sergeant Melody Talbot, Gemma aids the investigation. But Sasha Johnson doesn’t fit the profile of the task force’s typical knife crime victim. Single, successful, career-driven, she has no history of abusive relationships or any connection to gangs. Sasha had her secrets, though, and some of them lead the detectives uncomfortably close to home.

As the team unravels the victim's tangled connections, another murder raises the stakes. Kincaid, Gemma, and their colleagues must put even friendships on the line to find the killer stalking the dark streets of Bloomsbury. 



63 comments:

  1. Oh, the dogs on the map are truly precious. And Gerard Doyle’s narration is perfect . . . I’m looking forward to reading the book.

    I am trying to keep up with the virtual activities, but I’m glad to see that there finally are more live events . . . and you certainly do have a busy schedule!

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    1. I'm looking forward to chatting with readers in person.

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  2. Congrats on the (upcoming) book birthday! Safe and fun travels!

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  3. How lucky are we readers to have a book by Hank and a book by you, Debs, coming out next week. I'm reading Hank's now, and it is soooo good. Unfortunately, I didn't get approved on NetGalley for A Killing of Innocents, but that's something I'll work on with the publisher in the future. I'm so happy that you shared part of the map. I am crazy about the maps in the Gemma and Duncan series. I will listen to the audio sample later today, as I'm trying to be quiet with my husband asleep now. The excerpt is wonderful, and I'm so glad I don't have to wait but a few more days to read the rest. Sorry you will miss Wren's birthday, and she really has grown up fast. When my granddaughter turned thirteen last year, well, I'm still in shock.

    I have the Poisoned Pen event with you and Rhys marked on my calendar. That will be such a treat. Is the Murder by the Book just an in-store event, or will it be available to watch online, too? Murder by the Book is my favorite independent bookstore. I've not been there in person, but I order online from there. I will have to order a signed copy from them of your book. I'm also getting one from Amazon because I want it the day of. I am still attending events virtually, but I'm set to go to Bouchercon in San Diego, so I will be making up for a lot of lost time there.

    I hope you have a great trip to Arizona, Debs. My daughter and son-in-law got caught by the ice in Texas and had to miss their business trip to Las Vegas. They spent all day and part of the night in Charlotte trying to get a connection through Texas, but everything closed down there. They ended up coming back home.

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    1. I don't know if mbtb will be online. Hope you can join in tomorrow, Kathy!

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  4. Congrats on your upcoming book release. I've been to a few live events and it feels great to be with people. Sorry you are missing your granddaughter's birthday.

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  5. Congratulations on the book release. It sounds great. I love the map, too. I actually have been getting out for live events in Sacramento before we returned to Portugal. Now that we are back in Braga for good, my husband and I are studying hard to learn Portuguese. At present, live events are in Portuguese, and I wouldn't be able to understand them, but there are a number of events at bookstores and the public library for Portuguese authors.

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    1. Go Elizabeth! I'm working on resuscitating my French, but I bet Portuguese is much harder!

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  6. I am so freaking excited about this, Debs! I will tune in online on Saturday (which I think is at 4 pm EST). My copy is already pre-ordered. I do hope the innocents killed don't include any of those darling animals on the map.

    How wonderful you have so many in-person events planned (I expect you'll see Barb Ross in Key West, too!), but I'm grateful for the online versions, both as reader and as an author.

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    1. Thanks, Edith! And Barb Ross is interviewing me at the Key West event.

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  7. Debs, so excited for you! Your schedule sounds hectic, but fun. You will see so many friends!

    I hope that you were able to plan a special birthday celebration with Wren since you are traveling on her birthday. Living some distance from our grandsons, we usually have our own celebration with them.

    I have been eagerly awaiting your book. Since Barnes and Noble take a bit longer to deliver, as do the independent bookstores, I'll have to be patient. Even though the audiobook will arrive first, I will read the paper version before I listen.

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    1. We will do something special for Wren's birthday but probably not until after next week. She has an ice skating party tomorrow.

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  8. Debs, so looking forward to your new book next week. I am reading an advanced copy of A KILLING OF INNOCENTS sans the lovely illustrations. Love these illustrations.

    Despite your busy book tours, I hope that you are able to plan a special birthday celebration with Wren - perhaps FaceTime?

    Speaking of virtual book events, I have been taking full advantage of these virtual events and I love these virtual events because they often have subtitles!

    Thank you for letting us know about the virtual PP event this Saturday.

    Diana

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  9. Deb, congrats on the new book and your tour.

    I went to a store book signing for Jon Land back on December 10th but I really haven't done any other live events. I'm hoping that changes soon though.

    I'm hoping to attend Hank's book signing at the Sandwich Public Library (hosted by Titcomb's Bookshop) on March 2nd. And I have tickets to a couple of concerts in a few months as well.

    I'm still remaining cautious about attending things other than my weekly stops at Trivia Night and the comic shop. I don't think that will change TOO much yet. Any more events I go to will be on a very picky decision-making scale.

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  10. DEBS: I am so excited that your new book & in-person/virtual book tour is happening! I do plan to watch your PP stop with Rhys tomorrow. I am a sucker for maps in books & always enjoyed Laura's creations.

    I went to one in-person book event last November in Ottawa at our indie bookstore, Perfect Books, for local mystery author Mary Jane Maffini. And I plan to go to local mystery author Barbara Fradkin's in-person book launch next Tuesday. After that, there are no other book launch events in Ottawa until late April.

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  11. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to catching up with Gemma and Duncan, and the kids and pets. Yes, I always enjoy the maps.

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  12. Congratulations Debs, we can't wait to see you in Key West and share that fabulous book!

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  13. Debs, it's hard to believe it's been that long since your last book came out! Makes this one extra special, and I know it will be worth the wait. I'm going to try to be on the PP meet tomorrow, to see you and Rhys!

    We have been out and about for a good while now.

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  14. Congratulation! You got there. Can't wait to read it.

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  15. From Celia: big Congrats Debs to both you and Hank. I’m really looking forward to having two new books to enjoy particularly if the weather stays this cold. Right now I’m reading you starting at your first and am in the middle of Mourn Not Your Dead. It is such fun to read the start of your many back stories which I find start quite casually but how they do grow. I’m virtual all the way and hope to join in for at least one of your parties.

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  16. Nan McCann: It sounds fantastic and I know it will be… preordered, and waiting for it’s arrival. I have a ten year old granddaughter named Wren, also! Yours is the ONlY other I’ve heard of! Have fun on your book signings!!!

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    1. Nan, we have two local friends with daughters named Wren, about in the same age range. Such a pretty name.

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  17. How wonderful, Debs. Congrats. I love the map.

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  18. Congrats, Debs! I loved this book! It was so nice to be back with Duncan and Gemma and family and I know everyone else is going to love it too!

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  19. Yahoo to this, Debs! I cannot wait to read this latest instalment. Congrats on this upcoming release and the live events. I continue to enjoy attending virtually when possible.

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  20. YAY ! Only four days before I can read A Killing Of Innocents.
    I’ll try to attend the PP virtual launch tomorrow.
    Enjoy your book tour Debs. I’m sure Wren is proud of her grandmother. You can have a special time with her any other day to celebrate her birthday.
    Danielle

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  21. Counting the days! What a great schedule of events--I'm glad that authors are still doing virtual events. I know it's great to be in a roomful of people and feel that energy in the room, but virtual events allow so many other readers to participate. Safe travels! And any day you can be with your granddaughter will be a celebration!

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  22. I am reading your book right now and it is sooooooo good! Bravo, Debs!

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  23. I'm so glad you'll be launching this book so soon and so extensively. I've read it through a range of versions, and I've read the final result. It is SO GOOD! I'm particularly fond of Gemma's night out, as well as the Staffordshire dogs. There is a lot for your thirsty fans to savor in this one. I hope you have good responses to your appearances, both in person and virtually. Safe travels.

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  24. Congratulations, Debs! I love the excerpt and the map. Toby has really grown up. I'll see if I can tune in tomorrow. During my overseas study program in 1978, we stayed at a small hotel on Gower Street, near Russell Square.

    I have started going to in person events (and have been back at in-person church for more than a year) Last Sunday night my son's dad's bluegrass band opened for fiddler Michael Cleveland and the Flamekeepers. Both groups were amazing, and The Old Church was packed. I wore a mask as did some, but not all of the crowd.

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  25. Looking forward to seeing you in KEY WEST, Debs - I love this book. I'm 2/3 of the way and trying to slow down to make it last longer..

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  26. Congrats on the new book and safe travels for your in person events. I’ll be watching The Poisoned Pen event with you and Rhys online from Iowa this time as we are here dog sitting for our daughter. Love the map! I’ve put the audio book on hold with my Libby app but there are already 8 people ahead of me. I may get antsy and purchase a print copy, but I have promised myself I will focus on the print stack I already own before I buy more.

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  27. I forgot to answer your question about live events. Last evening, I went to see a new play at The Hartford Stage. Many theatergoers were still wearing masks and many were not, the mandate having been dropped. It is exhilarating to be at a live event.

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  28. I'll have to set some sort alarm so I don't miss the event tomorrow. Can't with to read a new Gamma and Duncan book. Aside from church, I haven't attended any in-person events. I have plans to attend an event in March, at Copperfields Petaluma and seriously thinking about attending Bouchercon in San Diego this Fall. Safe travels through Texas.

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  29. Congratulations! Your joy is palpable. Thank you for sharing the audio snippet and the map portion. Laura's maps are the perfect complement to your stories. I always look forward to seeing the new animals in each story. I have preordered the book. Can't wait!

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  30. What, Debs? You aren't doing a book presentation in Switzerland? Haha. I WISH--I would wine and dine and tour you around! Sorry I won't be at any of your live events, but I can't wait to read the book, and the illustrated map is delightful.

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    1. Kim, I will see you at Bouchercon, though! So looking forward to that.

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  31. Such happy news! My book should arrive in just a few days, but if I can I will hold off reading it because the anticipation will be great and knowing it is right there for me will make it special! I'm not saying the maps in the book are the best part but I really do love that you have included them! I wish more books had maps.

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    1. I've loved maps in books since ce reading Lord of the Rings as a teenager. Laura's ate the very best.

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  32. I cannot wait to read A Killing of Innocents! Your books are always a great read..

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  33. I'll be at Murder by the Book to see you! Congrats!

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  34. I’ve read the book and it’s fabulous. You won’t breathe when you are reading the ending! Rhys

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    1. Can't wait to see you tomorrow, Rhys! I've made it as far as dfw Airport. Flight is delayed.

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  35. So looking forward to the release!

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  36. I’m really excited about your new book! When I read your books, I get totally immersed in them. It’s always a shock to look up from the book and discover that I’m in my living room! Not a lot of authors do that for me. I wish I could see you in person but I’ll try to manage to do a virtual event.

    DebRo

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  37. Looks like I may be in London in June, and my fondest wish is to take one of these lovely maps and follow in Gemma’s footsteps for a bit. Will it work?

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  38. I cannot wait for this book! February 7th is going to be a fantastic reading day with A Killing of Innocents and Hank's The House Guest. Love the map!

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    1. So fun that Hank and I share a pub date. Lots of fun stuff on Jungle Red next week!

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  39. The new book, complete with map, sounds wonderful, Deborah! I'm easing back into live events with a new book coming out a week later.

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  40. Debs, I'm loving A KILLING OF INNOCENTS, and I'm torn between savoring it or hurrying up and finishing so I can pass it along to Celia! I'm glad you included excerpts of Laura Maestro's map - honestly, if I were you, I'd buy the original every time and hang it in my office. Of course, the walls could get a mite crowded after 19 novels...

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  41. Read A Killing of Innocents on NetGalley and loved it! I didn't realize Wallace was a border terrier. My beloved Boo was a border terrier/mutt. Unfortunately I can't visit with you at Murder by the Book as I moved last spring. I've enjoyed watching the domesticating of Duncan over the years. Perfect.

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  42. My e-book should hit my Kindle soon - I can't wait! Thanks for the picture - yay Sid! - and the audio clip. So excited to read the newest.

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  43. Clearing out space in my TBR pile to put yours up on the top Can’t wait Julie and I are trying to remember the last time we saw you. Been way too long since we had a Rick moment.

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  44. So happy this one will have a map -- I love the snip above! I've always enjoyed them and referred to them throughout each book. My son preordered the book for my Christmas gift, forgetting I can barely read books anymore except on my Kindle. But I'll be ready with my magnifying glass the day it gets here! Thanks for sticking with the same series -- they are people and pets we know and care about, and I would so miss them.

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