Hitting the Highway to Hell

Yep, I'm packing up the suitcase again for a few quick appearances to promote Hell & Gone over the next few weeks. Am I stopping by a town near you? Well, that depends. Do you live near...

... New York City? Then yes, this Wednesday evening I'll be at the Mysterious Bookshop along with the legendary Lawrence Block, the mysterious Megan Abbott, and the quizzical Q.R. Markham. (6:30 p.m., 58 Warren Street, 212-587-1011).

... Houston, Texas? Again, you're in luck! This Friday night I'll be at Murder By the Book signing with Christa Faust, who's out supporting her latest novel, Choke Hold. Interestingly, director/activist Michael Moore will be at another store, pretty much one block away, the same night. So if you're in town for the Moore thing at 5, wander down the street at catch us at MBTB. (6:30 p.m., 2342 Bissonnet Street, 888-4-AGATHA).


... Milwaukee, Wisconsin? Damn straight, skippy. I've been invited to take part in Murder and Mayhem in Muskego 7 along with Megan Abbott (who I suspect will be reallll tired of me by then), Tasha Alexander, Dana Cameron, Joelle Charbonneau, Sean Chercover, John Connolly, Hilary Davidson, Alison Gaylin, Andrew Grant, Tony Hays, Gar Anthony Haywood, Jess Loury, Gary Phillips, Stefanie Pintoff, Marcus Sakey, Tom Schreck, Kelli Stanley, Martyn Waites and Jeri Westerson. (Tickets still available! Check the website for details.)

... New Hope, PA? Hellz yeah! I'll be at Farley's Bookshop the afternoon of Saturday, November 19. More details soon. (44 South Main Street, 215-862-2452.)

... Joliet, Illinois? Nope, sorry! Hey, I can't be everywhere at once.

Hope to see some of you out on the road. And if not, I do hope you'll pick up a copy of Hell & Gone, which is available in finer bookstores (and e-emporiums) right this very second.

(Photo: "Man folding clothes into a suitcase," Nina Leen, July 1951. Courtesy Life Photo Archive.)

The Big Hallowe'en Hell & Gone (and Birds of Prey!) Photo Contest

Today was one of those happy days in a writer's life when a box containing multiple copies of a book he's written shows up on the front doorstep. That joyous feeling never, ever gets old. And as usual, I'd like to spread the joy.

Want to win a signed and/or personalized copy of my latest novel, Hell & Gone, straight from my private stash? Here's the deal:

Do your best impression of Charlie Hardie, Lane Madden, or Mann from Fun & Games (the first novel in the series) and send me a photo by noon, EST, on Halloween.

"Impression" can mean many things. A costume. A look. A reenacted scene from the novel. Whatever. The winner will be the person whose photo makes me think, Now damn... that's a good Hardie/Lane/Mann!

If you haven't read the first novel.., for shame!... Hardie is an alcoholic house sitter/former tough guy. Lane Madden is a spoiled brat actress. And Mann is... well, you're going to have to read the book to know Mann's deal.

Anyway, send those photos to me at duane DOT swier AT verizon DOT net by noon EST next Monday, along with your mailing address. Top three entries will receive signed copies of both Hell & Gone and Fun & Games, along with some bonus Halloween goodies. (You'll also appear on this humble blog.) But everyone who enters will receive a postcard, thanking you for your submission. In other words, everybody wins! Yes, you can enter from anywhere in the world. It's cool. I'll happily take care of the postage if you rock an awesome Hardie/Lane/Mann.

BONUS CONTEST: I also write Birds of Prey for DC Comics and was lucky enough to create a new character along with artist Jesus Saiz. Her name is Starling, and she's a real piece of work. (Take a gander, above.) If you cosplay/dress up as Starling for Halloween, send me a photo by midnight EST next Monday. The best Starling impression wins a signed copy of every single issue of Birds of Prey from the first year of its run. That's right... twelve issues, signed to your liking, sent to your mailbox each month. You can't beat that with a stick!

Any questions? Email me, or leave a comment below. Good luck!