Books & News

EXIT 9—Follow up to SICK—Now Out!

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

The second book of my Project Eden Thriller series is now available as an ebook at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, & Smashwords.com (other sites coming.) Should have the trade paperback out next month.

Before, it was just a test, a little demonstration to see if the virus worked. It did, and so much better than its creators could have ever hoped.

But the testing phase is over. It’s time for Project Eden to take the next step. If its members have their way, humanity is about to get a reboot.

It’s up to Daniel Ash and the others in the outnumbered resistance to keep the Project from severely downsizing mankind. But can their small force succeed in the face of a plan decades in the making?

The human race had better hope so, because if Ash and his friends can’t…

You can find EXIT 9 at the following links:

Kindle US • Barnes & Noble Nook • Kindle UK • Smashwords
Kindle Germany • Kindle France • Kindle Italy • Kindle Spain

New Release —EVERY PRECIOUS THING—Now Out!

2011-11-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

The follow up to the first Logan Harper novel, LITTLE GIRL GONE, has been released and is available as an ebook at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and Smashwords, and as a trade paperback from CreateSpace.com.

It was supposed to be a fun weekend, a celebration of a marriage and growing family. Alan Lindley couldn't have been happier...until his wife Sara disappeared.

Asked by a mutual friend to help look for her, Logan Harper is sure he'd discover a wife who simply wants out of the marriage.

What he finds instead is a woman who didn't exist, a diabolical plan, and people who would do anything to keep it a secret, including taking the life of the person most important to him.

What would you do for those precious to you?

You can find EVERY PRECIOUS THING at the following links:

Kindle US • Barnes & Noble Nook • Kindle UK • Smashwords
Kindle Germany • Kindle France

Trade Paperback Version
CreateSpace.com

eBook Formatting Resource

2011-08-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

Looking for eBook formatting? Good news, I can do that for you at a price I'm sure you'll be happy with. Currently, my turnaround times are around a week to a week and a half, sometimes sooner! As an independent novelist myself, I understand the desire for clean, efficient formatting, and that’s what I will provide to you.

You can email me by clicking here with any questions.
And you can find more information by clicking here.

THE PULL OF GRAVITY is Now Available

2011-08-13T09:13:00.001-07:00

THE PULL OF GRAVITY has arrived.

From Brett Battles comes a different kind of novel, one Edgar Award nominated author Tim Hallinan calls, “a mesmerizing thriller of the heart.” It’s a story of love, tragedy, and those searching for redemption.

Jay Bradley thought he could leave the Philippines behind. But though he’s started a new life, with a woman he loves, he’s still tormented by questions from his past.

He returns to Angeles City where he once worked as the papasan watching over his bargirls. On the surface he’s there to sell his stake in a bar on the notorious Fields Avenue. In reality he’s come back to find Isabel—one of his old dancers, and the only person who can answer his questions, and quiet his demons.

Because death always haunts those left behind.

You can find THE PULL OF GRAVITY at the follow ebook outlets:

Kindle Store
Nook Store
Kindle UK Store
Kindle Germany Store
Smashwords.com

Looking for Reviewers for THE PULL OF GRAVITY

2011-07-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

At some point in the next two weeks, my new book THE PULL OF GRAVITY will be ready to go on sale at Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and other ebook retailers. So I'm looking for 30+ people who would like to receive a free copy of the book in exchange for a review posted on Amazon and wherever else you can (such as barnesandnoble.com, goodreads.com, DorthyL, etc.) The book will be sent to you around the same time it will go on sale, so as soon as you are able to finish reading it, you'll be able to post your reviews.

Now before you rush to say yes, note that THE PULL OF GRAVITY isn't like my other books...meaning, it's not a thriller. While there is a mystery involved, it is really more of a (for lack of a better term) lit novel. Writers are often intrigued by the fringes of society, and I'm no different. THE PULL OF GRAVITY is about a former Navy man named Jay who fell into an unplanned life that became very difficult to leave. It's a story of love and hate and tragedy and redemption set in the almost surreal world of the go-go bars in the Philippines. If at first the idea of this puts you off, I challenge you to push yourself and give it a try. I'm pretty sure THE PULL OF GRAVITY will suck you in.

So...who's in?

BIG AUDIO ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-07-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

I've been sitting on this for about a month, but now that the contract is done, I'm extremely happy to announce that I've signed a deal with Audible.com to produce audiobooks for LITTLE GIRL GONE, SICK and the follows ups to both novels! LITTLE GIRL GONE and SICK should be out by the fall, the others not too long after those books are done and published!

Very excited!!!

THE PULL OF GRAVITY Cover

2011-07-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

Due out in a few weeks. What do you think?

THE PARADISE PROPHECY by Robert Browne

2011-07-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

As many of you might know, Rob Browne is a good friend of mine, so you might be inclined to take my thoughts on his latest book with a certain amount of skepticism. But I want to tell you, you shouldn't. PARADISE PROPHECY is a tremendous thriller. Here's a bit from the book's description:

A spectacular thriller inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost in which the final chapter of the War in Heaven is about to play out on Earth, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.

The Myth

When God cast the archangel Satan into Hell, ending the War in Heaven, peace prevailed on Earth. Until the fallen angels took revenge in the Garden of Eden. Ever since, mankind has been in a struggle between good and evil, paradise and apocalypse: the fall of Rome, The Crusades, World Wars, nuclear proliferation, the Middle East Crisis... The War in Heaven never really ended-it just changed venues. For millennia, God's angels have been fighting Satan's demons on Earth, all in hopes of bringing about Satan's greatest ambition, the Apocalypse.

The Reality

Satan has never been closer to his goal than right now.

Agent Bernadette Callahan is a talented investigator at a shadowy government organization known only as Section, on the trail of a serial killer with nearly supernatural abilities. Sebastian "Batty" LaLaurie is a religious historian who knows far too much about the other side- and that hard-earned knowledge is exactly what Callahan needs. This unlikely duo pair up for a race across the globe, decoding clues left in ancient texts from the Bible to Paradise Lost and beyond. In the process they stumble upon a vast conspiracy-one beyond the scope of mankind's darkest imagination.

I read an advance copy and it's not a stretch to tell you I ripped through the pages. This is an electrifying story that runs at a breathless pace. Rob is great at creating characters that aren't cliche or cardboard. PARADISE PROPHECY isn't just a good summer read, it's a good ANYTIME read!

I highly recommend it.

Find out more at Rob's website.

Find THE PARADISE PROPHECY at Amazon.com
FInd THE PARADISE PROPHECY in the Kindle Store
Find THE PARADISE PROPHECY at Barnesandnoble.com
Find THE PARADISE PROPHECY in the Nook Store

BECOMING QUINN is out!

2011-07-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

The new Jonathan Quinn thriller, BECOMING QUINN (a 57,000 word novella) is now available at ebook retailers.

Most careers begin with an interview and a handshake. Others require a little … something more.

Meet Jake Oliver. The day will come when he's one of the best cleaners in the business, a man skilled at making bodies disappear.

At the moment, however, he’s a twenty-two year old rookie cop, unaware his life is about to change.

In a burning barn a body is found—and the fire isn't the cause of death. The detectives working the case have a pretty good idea about what went down.

But Officer Oliver thinks it’s something else entirely, and pursues a truth others would prefer remain hidden—others who will go to extreme lengths to keep him quiet.

Every identity has an origin. This is Quinn’s.

BECOMING QUINN includes the bonus first chapter to WATCH ME DIE by Lee Goldberg.

BECOMING QUINN on Kindle
BECOMING QUINN on Nook
BECOMING QUINN at Smashwords.com

COUNTY LINE

2011-07-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Have you read anything by BIll Cameron? If not, you should. Because if you like crime fiction, Bill Cameron is, in my opinion, one of the best in the genre. LOST DOG, CHASING SMOKE, DAY ONE, and his latest release COUNTY LINE. There are no cardboard characters here. Only a great story that will keeping you engaged through the end. COUNTY LINE is an example of a talented writer at the top of his game, and I couldn't recommend it more.

Bill has also just released a collection of 3 short stories called PUPPY LOVE, about the "dark side of young love." The collection is available as an ebook for only .99. Find the Kindle version here, and the Nook version here.

You can learn more about BIll's work at his website by clicking here.

THE WALK by Lee Goldberg

2011-06-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

The Walk by Lee Goldberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read Lee Goldberg's THE WALK in just a couple sittings. It's a riveting look into the aftermath of disaster, in this case when The Big One finally hits L.A. We see the tragedy through the eyes of a man whose only goal has become getting home to his wife twenty plus miles away. Did I say riveting? Well, I meant it. A GREAT read. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Free Book Offer EXTENDED!

2011-06-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

I'm extending my free book offer through midnight Pacific Time on June 30th! Here are the details:
To celebrate the beginning of summer for anyone who buys an ebook copy of LITTLE GIRL GONE (click here for kindle, or here for nook) between now and the deadline mentioned above, I'll send you a free digital copy of SICK, HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE or my three short stories! Just need to email me copy of the receipt and which story you'd like and I'll send it back. (email info click here).

Please help me spread the word!

Buy LITTLE GIRL GONE this weekend, get 2nd book free!

2011-06-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the beginning of summer for anyone who buys an ebook copy of LITTLE GIRL GONE (click here for kindle, or here for nook) between now and midnight Pacific Time tomorrow (Sunday, June 26th), I'll send them a free digital copy of SICK, HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE or my three short stories! Just need to email me copy of the receipt and which story you'd like and I'll send it back. (email info click here).

Please help me spread the word!

Coming in July: BECOMING QUINN

2011-06-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

Every identity starts somewhere.

New Quinn Short Story OFF THE CLOCK

2011-05-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

I just released a new Quinn short that you can now pick up for .99. The story takes place a couple years before the events in THE CLEANER.

A warning:
Don't mess with Quinn's friends.
If you do, he'll find out.
And when he finds out, he'll find you.
No matter who you are.
No matter where you go.

Because even when Quinn's off the clock there's work to be done.

OFF THE CLOCK is a seven thousand word short story that readers with good memories might realize it's been mentioned, though not in detail, previously.

Here's a few links for those who'd like to pick up a copy:

Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/3bcnk6r
Nook: http://tinyurl.com/3n8s4bp
Smashwords.com: http://tinyurl.com/43sgpj7

Hope you enjoy it!

Print Versions of LITTLE GIRL GONE and HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE

2011-05-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

LITTLE GIRL GONE and HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE aren't just ebooks anymore! Trade paperback versions of each are now available!

Order LITTLE GIRL GONE here.

Order HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE here.

Trade paperback version of SICK coming very soon.

HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE

2011-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to announce that the first book in my new series for younger readers (middle school/young YA) is now available as an ebook, and will be available as a trade paperback in a few weeks.

Here's a bit about HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE:

ARE YOU LOSING THINGS?
ARE PEOPLE YOU KNOW ACTING STRANGE?
IS SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU MISSING???
DO YOU FEEL LIKE THINGS ARE BEYOND YOUR CONTROL?
ARE YOU IN…TROUBLE?
When Eric Morrison sees the advertisement, he doesn’t know which is more surprising—the ad’s sudden appearance or the fact that his answer to every question is YES!
Not only can’t he find things, but the bullies at school are suddenly picking on him for no reason, and, worse yet, his mother has disappeared but he seems to be the only one who’s noticed. Even his best friend Maggie thinks he’s only run into a little bad luck.
But if Eric thinks his life is upside down now, it’s nothing compared to what’s about to happen when Mr. Trouble and the Trouble family arrive to assist him in solving his problems.
One thing’s for sure—Eric will never see the world in the same way again.

It's a wild ride of an adventure, that fun and exciting at the same time! A 14 year old reader says, "It's the kind of book that makes you stay up until 2:00 AM reading because you just can't stop."
I know I'm biased, but I think it's the kind of book which both adults and kids can enjoy.

Find HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE in the Amazon Kindle Store here.
Find HERE COMES MR. TROUBLE in the Barnes & Noble Nook Store here.

A TEASE FROM MY NEW BOOK

2011-04-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

SICK is now out in ebook form and available in the Kindle Store, on NookBooks, and several other formats. Also available at the Amazon UK Kindle Store, and the Amazon Germany Kindle Store.

Interested in getting a taste? Here's part of the first chapter:

A cry woke him from his sleep.

A young cry.

A girl’s cry.

Daniel Ash pushed himself up on his elbow. “Josie?”

It was more a question for himself than anything. His daughter’s room was down the hall, making it hard for her to hear his sleep filled voice in the best of circumstances. And if she was crying, not a chance.

He glanced at the other side of the bed, thinking his wife might already be up checking on their daughter. But Ellen was still asleep, her back to him. He’d all but forgotten about the headache she’d had, and the two sleeping pills she’d taken before turning in. Chances were, she wouldn’t even open her eyes until after the kids left for school.

Ash rubbed a hand across his face, then slipped out of bed.

The old hardwood floor was cool on his feet, but not unbearable. He grabbed his t-shirt off the chair in the corner, and pulled it on as he walked into the hallway.

A cry again. Definitely coming from his daughter’s room.

“Josie, it’s okay. I’m coming.” This time he raised his voice so he was sure she would hear him.

As he passed his son’s room, he pulled the door closed so Brandon wouldn’t wake, too.

Josie’s room was at the other end of the hall, closest to the living room. She was the oldest, so she got to pick which room she wanted when they’d moved in. It wasn’t any bigger than her brother’s, but Ash knew she liked the fact that she was as far away from mom and dad as possible. Made her feel independent.

Her door was covered with pictures of boy bands and cartoons—she was in that transitional stage between kid and teenager that was both cute and annoying. As he pushed the door open, he expected to find her sitting on her bed, upset about some nightmare she’d had. It wouldn’t have been the first time.

“Josie, what’s—”

His words caught in his mouth.

She wasn’t lying in the bed. She was on the floor, the bedspread hanging down just enough to touch her back. Ash rushed over thinking that she’d fallen and hurt herself. But the moment his hand touched her he knew he was wrong.

She was so hot. Burning up.

He had no idea a person could get that hot.

The most scared he’d ever been before had been when he’d taken Brandon to a boat show in Texas, and the boy had wandered off. It took Ash less than a minute to find him again, but he thought nothing would ever top the panic and fear he’d felt then.

Seeing his daughter like that, feeling her skin burning, he realized he’d been wrong.

He scooped Josie off the floor, and ran into the hallway.

“Ellen!” he yelled. “Ellen, I need you!”

He knew his voice was probably going to wake Brandon, but, at this point, he didn’t care. Josie was sick. Very sick. He needed Ellen to call an ambulance while he tried to bring their daughter’s temperature down.

“Ellen!” he yelled again as he ducked into the bathroom.

Using an elbow he flipped on the light, then laid Josie in the tub. He wasted several seconds searching for the rubber plug, then jammed it into the drain, and turned on the water, full cold. To help speed up the process, he pulled the shower knob, and aimed the showerhead so that it would stream down on her, and cool her faster.

Where the hell was Ellen?

He put the back of his palm on Josie’s forehead. She was still on fire.

“Ellen!”

He was torn. He wanted to stay with Josie, but the pills Ellen had taken must have really knocked her out, so that meant it was up to him to get help.

“Hang on, baby,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

He raced into the hall and back to the master bedroom. The nearest phone was on Ellen’s nightstand, next to their bed.

“Ellen. Wake up.”

He shook her once, then picked up the phone, and dialed 911. As he waited for it to ring, he glanced back at the bed.

Ellen hadn’t moved.

“911. What is your emergency?” a female voice said.

He reached down, and rolled Ellen onto her back, thinking that might jar her awake. But her eyes were already open, staring blankly at nothing.

He flipped on the light. The skin around her mouth and her eyes was turning black, and there were dark, drying streaks running across her face from her eye sockets where blood had flowed.

“911. What is your emergency?”

“Oh, God. Help,” he managed to say.

“Are you hurt, sir?”

He touched Ellen’s face. It was as cold as Josie’s had been hot.

“Send help! Send help, please!”

And that is just the start. If you’d like to read more, you’ll be able to download a longer sample at the sites I mentioned above, where you can also purchase SICK for $2.99.

Where to Buy SICK

2011-04-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Purchase SICK for only $2.99 (£2.10 in the UK) at any of the following links:

Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Smashwords.com (various formats)

Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom)

Where to buy LITTLE GIRL GONE

2011-04-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Purchase LITTLE GIRL GONE for only $2.99 (£2.12 in the UK) at any of the following links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
BarnesandNoble.com
Smashwords.com

JUST ANOTHER JOB - A Jonathan Quinn short story

2011-03-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

Not everyone who gets shot is supposed to be shot. And those who are shot don’t always die right away. It’s not Quinn’s job to kill people, but it is his job to clean them up. Sometimes, though, they’re not quite ready to go.

Download for only .99 at any of these locations:
Kindle store: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Another-Job-Jonathan-ebook/dp/B004TBDB48
Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Just-Another-Job/Brett-Battles/e/2940012368386
Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/49071

Download in the UK for £.70 here:
Kindle store: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Another-Job-Jonathan-Quinn/dp/B004TBDB48

Hear the 1st Chapter to LITTLE GIRL GONE

2011-03-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

I recorded the first chapter to my novel LITTLE GIRL GONE. Hope you enjoy it:

If you want to purchase LITTLE GIRL GONE for only $2.99 (£2.12 in the UK), you can do so at any of the following links:

Amazon

Amazon UK

BarnesandNoble.com

Smashwords.com

LITTLE GIRL GONE

2011-03-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to share the cover for my new novel, LITTLE GIRL GONE. It was designed by Jeroen ten Berge, and I think he did an outstanding job! I couldn't be more excited.
Here's a description:

From the Barry Award winning author of the Jonathan Quinn novels comes LITTLE GIRL GONE, the first book in a new series.

Logan Harper isn't looking for redemption. He’s just wants to live in peace and forget his troubled past. But one morning his quiet life is upended when he interrupts the attempted murder of his father’s best friend Tooney.

The next thing he knows, Logan is on his way to Los Angeles, searching for Tooney’s missing granddaughter and uncovering a sinister plot connected not only into Tooney’s Burmese past, but to the boardrooms of corporate America.

As the odds stack up against him, Logan must fall back on old skills from the past he'd rather forget. He’s made a promise, and the only way to fulfill it is to bring the girl home alive.

LITTLE GIRL GONE will be available most places eBooks are available at the end of March, 2011.

It's a double dose of...well...me. Not only will LITTLE GIRL GONE soon be available, the next Quinn novel, THE SILENCED, will be in bookstore everywhere April 5th! Check out my west coast tour schedule here.

Tour Schedule and News for THE SILENCED

2011-02-17T06:17:00.001-08:00

The released date for THE SILENCED has been pushed back two weeks by my publisher to accommodate a marketing opportunity. The new date is now April 5th. Hope that doesn't upset anyone too much, but it really is a great opportunity so I fully understand the need to move things around a bit.

The good news is, if you're in the Southern California area, you have the opportunity to buy the book early! I already had four in store signings scheduled that were on dates prior to the new release date. Bantam has graciously allowed those dates to stay right were they are, meaning if you come to one of the signings, you can pick the book up then!

Here are my upcoming dates:

Saturday, March 26th - Noon
Mysteries to Die For in Thousand Oaks, California

Saturday March 26th - 4:00 p.m.
Book Soup in West Hollywood, California

Friday, April 1st - 4:00 p.m.
Mystery Ink in Huntington Beach, California

Saturday, April 2nd - 2:00 p.m.
Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, California

Tuesday, April 5th - OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DAY

Wednesday April 6th through Saturday April 9th
RT Booklovers Convention in Los Angeles, California

Tuesday April 12th - 7:00 p.m.
Poison Pen in Scottsdale, Arizona (appearing with Lisa Lutz and David Hayward)

Saturday/Sunday April 30th and May 1st
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (signing times and locations being finalized)

Hope to see as many of you as possible!

Want to know where to find me?

2010-11-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

I blog every other Thursday at: Murderati.com
But I suggest going there everyday as there are 13 other fantastic authors who also post.

On Facebook: My Facebook page (facebook.com/brett.battles)

And on Twitter: @BrettBattles (http://twitter.com/BrettBattles)

And, of course, my website: BrettBattles.com

And the Tour Begins!

2009-07-19T20:01:00.001-07:00

Had the big launch party yesterday (Saturday, July 18th) at the Mystery Bookstore in L.A. I have to say, this may have been the best one yet! Well over forty people showed up, and we had a great time. The dinner group that went out after numbered 25. The first restaurant we wanted to go to couldn't take us because there were so many of us.

Anyway. Monday I leave for San Francisco. Will do some drop in signings and have a visit with my brother before my official signing at M is for Mystery in San Mateo at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday is the big drive to Portland, Oregon, with a signing at Powell's in Beaverton on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, I'll be doing a lunchtime signing at the Mysterious Bookshop in Seattle.

All that traveling (by car, I should add!) will keep me nice and busy. A big thank you ahead of time to fellow novelist, and good friend Bill Cameron who will be putting me up for several nights in the Pacific Northwest.

Hope if you are close to any of the events that you'll stop by.

For more info on these events, and for other upcoming appearances, please check out my page at booktour.com.

May's Sweepstakes Winners, and June Sweeps Open!

2009-05-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Leena H. and Patricia G. winners of this month's sweepstakes for a free advanced copy of my new novel, SHADOW OF BETRAYAL.

But fear not! I am now accepting entries for June's sweepstakes, and if you've already entered for either April or May, you are already entered for June!

Get those entries in.

Deadline: June 26th

Send entries to contest at brettbattles dot com with SOB sweepstakes in the subject line, and your name in the body of the message.

Best of luck to all!

May SWEEPSTAKES

2009-05-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's time to open up the May sweepstakes to win an advanced copy of my new novel, SHADOW OF BETRAYAL.

Here are the rules:

a) Two winners will be drawn each month.
b) If you don't win, your name will be carried on to the next sweepstakes. So if I already have your entry from April, you're still good for May and June.
c) All those who enter will be added to my mailing list unless you specifically tell me not to. NOTE: I don't give this list to ANYONE else, and I only send out a few newsletters a year, so you won't be bombarded.

Here's how to enter:

1. Send an email to: contest at brettbattles (dot) com.
2. In the subject line put "Shadow Sweepstakes" or SOB Sweepstakes.
3. In the message give me your name.

That's it! If you win, I'll ask you to send me your address.

This months deadline: MAY 22nd, 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time

So join in the fun!

NOTE: If you are a blogger who reviews Thrillers email me your name and address, and include a link to your blog. If I have enough copies, I'll send one out to you. Send info to contest at brettbattles dot com. And please put "Review Copy Request" in the subject line.

Congratulations!

2009-04-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Bill and Dawn...April sweepstakes winners of signed ARCs of my new book SHADOW OF BETRAYAL.

I'll start up the May sweepstakes in a week or so. But note that if you've already entered for April, you're automatically entered for May and June!

Thanks everybody, and congratulations again to Bill and Dawn.

Sweepstakes and Reviews

2009-04-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

I just received the ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) of my new book, SHADOW OF BETRAYAL (release date July 18th). So you know what that means! Sweepstakes time!!!

But before I get to that, if you are a blogger who reviews Thrillers email me your name and address, and include a link to your blog. I won't be able to send to everyone, so if I can't get you a copy, I apologize. Send to contest at brettbattles dot com. And please put "Review Copy Request" in the subject line.

Okay on to the contest. Like last year, there will be one drawing per month. If you don't win, your name will be carried on to the next sweepstakes. The only change this year is that I will be pulling TWO winners each month through June. In July, I will have a sweepstakes for a first edition hardcover. (Please note, if you do enter the contest, I will be adding you to my mailing list. Now, don't worry. I don't give this list to ANYONE else, and I only send out a few newsletters a year, so you won't be bombarded. Still, if you'd rather I didn't include you, just say so in the body of your message.)

Okay, here's all you have to do. Email me at contest at brettbattles dot com, and write in the subject line Shadow Sweepstakes, or, if you prefer SOB Sweepstakes...I won't take offense. In the message, just give me your name. If you win, I'll ask you to send me your address. That's it!

So, let's see...we'll make the end of the April sweepstakes April 28th at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (that's Los Angeles time for those not familiar).

Let's get those entries in!

Breaking the Silence

2009-02-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been a while since my last post here (Steve G. thanks for the note yesterday...reminded me I needed to get this going again.) I plan on using this more for any news or events announcement moving forward. But a couple of notes now.

1. If you're interested in reading posts by me, I still post every other Thursday at Murderati. Next post will be tomorrow Feb. 12th.

2. Check back here in March as I should be starting our monthly sweepstakes to give away ARCs to the third Jonathan Quinn novel SHADOW OF BETRAYAL!

3. Speaking of SHADOW...It will be out July 7th here in the States. And if you haven't seen the cover, here it is:

4. For those of you in the UK, it will be out July 2nd, but NOTE though the book is exactly the same, the title will be different. In the UK it'll be called THE UNWANTED. And here's that cover:

That's all for now. Hope you are all doing well.

All I want for Christmas

2008-11-21T15:47:00.001-08:00

My good friend (and hell of a writer) Sean Chercover posted what I consider to be an important article over at his group blog The Outfit. I asked him if I could re-post here. Please give it a read if you haven't already.

by Sean Chercover

All I want for Christmas. . .

"But it's too early to blog about Christmas," I hear you say. "We haven't even reached Thanksgiving!"

True, but we are living in desperate times, and they call for desperate measures. Surely you've seen the news, and you know just how desperate. You've heard the cries from Washington and Wall Street and Detroit. It's a Global Economic Meltdown(TM), and just in time for the Holiday Shopping Season(TM).

Run and hide!

Okay, I know that we're all in for some serious belt-tightening, but here's the thing: You will probably buy a few Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa gifts for your loved ones this year. You may not be as lavish as in years past, but you'll probably buy something, right?

Right. So please, make that something a book.

Doesn't have to be my book (although I have no objection to that), just any book will do. Fiction, preferably. But as I said, any book will do. Fiction, non-fiction, hardcover, paperback, frontlist, backlist. Just so long as you give books.

Maybe give a book that had a big impact on the way you see the world, or simply a book that made you smile. A book is a beautiful, thoughtful, personal gift. And a book can be burned for heat when the entire economy collapses and we are all left freezing in the dark.

Really, there's no better gift this year.

Those of you who read the publishing trades know that I'm not kidding around. Share prices of the largest book retailer in America just hit an all-time low. Some other bookstore chains and many independents may not survive the winter. Even the most optimistic economists project no economic growth until next spring. And that will be too late for many bookstores.

It's that serious, kids.

Of course, if you're so broke that you're considering roasting the family pet for Christmas dinner, you get a free pass. But for the rest of us . . . for those who are going to buy something to give our loved ones this Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa. . .

Please, give a book.

----

Brett again...just wanted to add that if you have never read any of Sean's work, you are really missing something. He's writing some of the best PI stuff out there in my opinion. Stuff that is as good as anyone has ever written. His debut BIG CITY, BAD BLOOD was fantastic, and he follow up TRIGGER CITY (which just came out) is even better. Consider either when looking for those all important holiday presents!

Coming July 7th, 2009 (New Book's Cover!)

2008-11-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

So now that it's on Amazon, I can officially announce the title of my next Jonathan Quinn novel will be SHADOW OF BETRAYAL and I even have a cover to show you:

It's a bit of a change from the covers on the first two books, but I really like it! Conveys the tension and mystery that permeates the novel, me thinks. Of course you haven't read it yet, but would love to hear your thoughts.

2 Interviews & a Review

2008-09-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

First here's a link to the interview I did with Russel McLean over at Crime Scene Scotland:
CLICK HERE

Second is a video interview I did with Authorlink.com:
CLICK HERE

And finally...a review of THE DECEIVED on Bookreporter.com:
CLICK HERE

ENJOY!

Just a little something to share...

2008-08-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you wondering how long the Jonathan Quinn series will last, I can't give you an exact answer, but I can tell you this...from Publisher's Marketplace:

"FICTION: THRILLER

Brett Battles's third & fourth novels in the Shamus and Barry Award-nominated Jonathan Quinn series, to Danielle Perez at Bantam Dell, by Anne Hawkins at John Hawkins & Associates (World)."

It's actually the fourth and fifth novels, so there will be at least five Quinn books!

In a completely unrelated (...eh...well...maybe a little related) announcement, as of the end of September I'm retiring from the day job and writing full time.

Announcements!

2008-08-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the lack of posts this summer, have been busy and have had other things to think about. But I did want to make a couple of announcements.

I think I already mentioned that I have been nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller. Well, you can add a nom for a Shamus Award for Best First Novel!

Here's the official announcement.

Private Eye Writers of America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 2, 2008

CONTACT: Ted Fitzgerald – Shamus Awards Chair tedfitz [at] msn.com

PRIVATE EYE WRITERS OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES
2008 SHAMUS AWARDS NOMINEES

The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 27th annual Shamus Awards, given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in private eye fiction. The 2008 awards cover works first published in the U.S. in 2007. The awards will be presented at the PWA banquet, to be held Friday evening Oct. 10, 2008, in Baltimore, Maryland, during the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention. Banquet details will be announced later in August.

2008 Shamus Awards Nominees

Best Hardcover
Head Games by Thomas B. Cavanagh (St. Martins Minotaur/Thomas Dunne Books), featuring Mike Garrity.
Soul Patch by Reed Farrel Coleman (Bleak House Books), featuring Moe Prager.
The Color of Blood by Declan Hughes (William Morrow), featuring Ed Loy.
A Welcome Grave by Michael Koryta (St. Martins Minotaur/Thomas Dunne Books), featuring Lincoln Perry.
A Killer’s Kiss by William Lashner (William Morrow), featuring Victor Carl.

Best Paperback Original
Songs of Innocence by Richard Aleas (Hard Case) featuring John Blake.
Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong (Bantam) featuring Nadia Stafford.
Stone Rain by Linwood Barclay (Bantam) featuring Zack Walker.
Deadly Beloved by Max Allan Collins (Hard Case) featuring Ms. Michael Tree.
Blood of Paradise by David Corbett (Mortalis/Ballantine) featuring Jude McManus.

Best First Novel
The Cleaner by Brett Battles (Delacorte), featuring Jonathan Quinn.
Keep It Real by Bill Bryan (Bleak House Books), featuring Ted Collins.
Big City, Bad Blood by Sean Chercover (William Morrow), featuring Ray Dudgeon.
When One Man Dies by Dave White (Three Rivers Press), featuring Jackson Donne.
The Last Striptease by Michael Wiley (St. Martins/Thomas Dunne Books), featuring Joe Kozmarski.

Best Short Story
"Kill the Cat" by Loren D. Estleman, DETROIT NOIR (Akashic), featuring Amos Walker.
"Trust Me" by Loren D. Estleman, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, June 2007, featuring Amos Walker.
"Open Mike" by James Nolan, NEW ORLEANS NOIR (Akashic), featuring Vincent Panarello.
“Hungry Enough" by Cornelia Read, A HELL OF A WOMAN (Busted Flush Press), featuring Philip.
"Room for Improvement" by Marilyn Todd, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Dec. 2007, featuring Lois Hepburn.

PWA was founded in 1981 by Robert J. Randisi to recognize the private eye genre and its writers. Previous Shamus winners include Lawrence Block, Ken Bruen, Harlan Coben, Max Allan Collins, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, O’Neil deNoux, Brendan DuBois, Loren D. Estleman, Carolina Garcia-Aguilera, Sue Grafton, James W. Hall, Steve Hamilton, Jeremiah Healy, Dennis Lehane, Laura Lippman, John Lutz, Bill Pronzini, S.J. Rozan, Sandra Scoppettone and Don Winslow.
P.I. Guy logo by Terry Beatty.

As I was with the Barry Nom, I am deeply touched and honored. In fact, it's still hard to believe, but hard to argue with the black and white announcement!

THE DECEIVED hits the UK

2008-07-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

As of today, my second novel - THE DECEIVED - is in bookstores throughout the UK and Ireland! If you're over there and have a chance, check it out, then let me know what you think.

THE DECEIVED in Bookstores TODAY

2008-06-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

Today's pub day for both my new novel, THE DECEIVED, and for the mass paperback of my first novel, THE CLEANER, both featuring freelance op Jonathan Quinn.

Anonymity. Trust. Professionalism. In his world, Jonathan Quinn has a few rules. He’ll get rid of bodies that have to disappear; nothing ever gets traced back to him. But when Quinn is called to a busy Los Angeles port where a shipping container has just come in from the sea, it’s clear his rules have been violated. Inside the crate is a dead man—a man who once saved Quinn’s life. And while no one knows how CIA agent Steven Markoff died, Quinn has to do more than clean. He has to find Markoff’s girlfriend, Jenny. To tell her that Markoff is dead. To find out why—and why someone sent Markoff’s body to him.

Until a week ago, Jenny Fuentes was an assistant to an ambitious congressman. Now Jenny is missing, too, and a lot of man power is making sure she isn’t found. But Quinn has his own man power. He has tools that can pry into secrets held anywhere in the world. He has the skill to trade blows with killers and spies. And he has covert weapons: his eager and smart apprentice, Nate, and brilliant Orlando, his closest friend, who’s saved his life more than once.

Racing from the corridors of power in Washington to the bustling streets of Singapore, Quinn won’t stop until he uncovers the truth behind his friend’s violent death, the astounding reason Jenny has vanished—and what she knows about the most explosive deception of all.

Let me know if you have a chance to read it, then let me know what you think!

-------

CONTEST WINNERS

The latest sweepstakes ended last night, and we have two winners. Rena P. from Oklahoma City, OK, and Melissa R. from Roswell, GA. Congratulations to both of you. Your signed copies of THE DECEIVED will be in the mail very soon.

Thank you LIBRARY JOURNAL

2008-06-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

STARRED REVIEW for THE DECEIVED!

Battles, Brett. The Deceived. Delacorte. Jul. 2008. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-385-34157-8. $24. F

Freelance "cleaner" Jonathan Quinn is hired to make a body disappear. When he discovers that the victim is a friend, Quinn violates the first rule of his profession and becomes personally involved. Quinn, female ally Orlando, and apprentice Nate travel to Singapore to prevent an assassination and rescue an innocent woman. Lots of tradecraft and a growing relationship between Quinn and Orlando make this a successful sequel to The Cleaner. Highly recommended.

LAUNCH PARTY & Signing Schedule

2008-06-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

Less than a week until THE DECEIVED and the paperback of THE CLEANER reach bookstores! Sounds like a great reason for a party to me...

If you're in the L.A. area on Saturday afternoon, come on by The Mystery Bookstore in Westwood. They will be hosting the launch party for THE DECEIVED at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. They'll be some champagne, some snacks, and fun.

The Mystery Bookstore
1036-C Broxton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310.209.0415
Map here
Mystery Bookstore Website Here

Also have a couple other signings and events coming up:

Saturday, June 28th 12:30 p.m.
The Mysterious Galaxy
7051 Clairemont Mesa Drive #302
San Diego, CA 92111
858.268.4747
Website Here

Thursday, July 10th through Saturday July 12th
THRILLERFEST
Grand Hyatt, New York City
Website Here

Saturday, July 19th
Mysteries To Die For
2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805.374.0084
Website Here

Hope to see you somewhere along the way!

DON'T FORGET...win a copy of THE DECEIVED

2008-06-17T07:47:00.001-07:00

Find Out How HERE

Cleaning Up

2008-06-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Bill Cameron cleans up:

Sweeping up from Duplo's Dad on Vimeo.

FINAL SWEEPSTAKES for THE DECEIVED

2008-06-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

We are t-minus twelve days until the pub date for both my new novel THE DECEIVED and the mass paperback of my first novel THE CLEANER.

So instead of giving away an ARC this month, I'll be giving away 2, YES TWO, hardcover first editions of THE DECEIVED to 2 lucky winners. Here's all you have to do to enter:

1. Send an email to contest AT brettbattles DOT com .
2. In the email tell me your favorite book from the last three months.
3. Optional: include your address
4. You will automatically be added to my mailing list, so if you do not want to be add, say so in the email.

That's it. We'll have the drawing on Monday June 23rd, the night before the big day. So come on, what are you waiting for?

Musical Inspiration #22

2008-06-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

No explanation necessary. Just watch:

Weekend Wrap Up

2008-06-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

Spent much of the weekend at Book Expo America (BEA) held this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Saw a lot of old friends. A couple of highlights:

1. Ran out of books at my signing on Sunday less than 40 minutes into an hour signing!
2. The MWA party on Friday night at the Edison in downtown LA...very cool.
3. Dinner after the party with Naomi Hirahara, Bill Cameron, Robert Gregory Browne, and Bill's agent Janet Reid.
4. Got home Friday night to find out that I'd been NOMINATED for a BARRY AWARD for BEST THRILLER!!
(see all the noms here)
5. On Sunday the new ITW newsletter came out and there's a feature on me.
See it here.

And to top it all off...a little league game with my son on Saturday, and my daughter dancing the hula on stage at the Hawaiian Festival in Northridge on Sunday Afternoon.

That makes for a pretty good weekend.

And The Winner Is...

2008-05-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

The winner of the ARC for my MAY drawing is:

Robert T. of Rockville, MD!

Congrats Robert. I'll get it out to you next week.

NEXT MONTH'S DRAWING WILL BE FOR AN ACTUAL HARD COPY FIRST EDITION OF THE DECEIVED. Watch here for more info.

THE DECEIVED - Sweepstakes #4

2008-05-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

This is it. The final chance to win an ARC of THE DECEIVED! I will have one more sweepstakes in June, but that will be for an actual hardcover copy. Entering is simple:

1. Email me at: contest AT brettbattles DOT com

2. Include: your name, and the title of the favorite book you read in the last three months.

3. Optional: include your mailing address. If you don't and you win, I'll email you for the info.

4. Mailing List: all those who enter will be added to my mailing list (something I don't share with others...also I limit the amount of emails I send to a few a year.) If you do NOT want to be including on the list, please let me know in your email.

Nothing else needed.

Deadline is 6 p.m. Pacific Coast Time on May 29th. That's a little over 2 weeks away.

Remember: those who participated in the previous sweepstakes in February, March and April but didn't win are automatically entered. If you were one of the winners, sorry, only those who haven't won are eligible.

Best of luck to everyone.

THE DECEIVED - First Chapter Excerpt

2008-05-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

Tthe first chapter and part of the second of THE DECEIVED is now up on my website! We are t-minus one and a half months to pub date (June 24th), and I can't wait.

Did I mention that it's a double pub date? That's right. Not only does the hardcover of THE DECEIVED come out on June 24th, but so does the mass market paperback of THE CLEANER! Something for everyone.

CLICK HERE to read the excerpt from THE DECEIVED

KISS HER GOODBYE

2008-04-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

My good friend Robert Gregory Browne's novel KISS HER GOODBYE is out today in paperback.

It's an non-stop thrill ride that I highly recommend.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy and I loved it! (And for you Rob fans...something to make you jealous...Rob was kind enough to give me a copy of his next novel WHISPERS IN THE DARK which doesn't come out until January. I'm only about 50 pages in, but it's great. Can't wait to get back to it.)

KISS HER GOODBYE description:

ATF Agent Jack Donovan has two ambitions: take down cult leader Alex Gunderson after years of violent mayhem, and reconnect with his daughter Jessie, who has somehow managed to slip from his life. But, none of Jack’s experience as a stellar cop or an absent father has prepared him for the unthinkable way these two parts of his life are about to collide.

In a desperate act of revenge, Gunderson kidnaps Jessie and buries her alive. But just as Jack’s team is closing in, fate intervenes in the form of a bullet and the secret to Jessie’s location is lost. With only a few precious hours of oxygen to sustain her, and with not a single clue pointing in her direction, Jessie is sure to die—unless Jack can somehow find her. But what Jack doesn’t realize is that he’s about to take a sharp turn into a world from which few of us return: the darkness of death itself.

READ MORE AND BUY IT HERE

A Winner! And A Festival! And A Hiatus.

2008-04-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

First off, the winner of the April Sweepstakes for a signed ARC of THE DECEIVED is Erika S. from Florida! Congratulations, Erika.

Don't worry, the May sweepstakes for another copy will begin in a few weeks. So if you didn't enter or did but didn't win, you'll have another chance soon!

--------

This weekend is the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! Too much fun. If you are in Southern California this weekend, I'd seriously advise you check it out. I blogged about it yesterday at Murderati.

Read more here

--------

And now Hiatus...I speeding toward a June 1st deadline, so my blogging will be light at best until then. Hell, it's been pretty light for the last couple weeks, but at least now you know the reason why. The May Sweepstakes will happen, so watch for that. And if I have anything relevant to say/share, I'll post that, too. Otherwise you'll be able to find me every other Thursday over at Murderati.

THE DECEIVED Sweepstakes #3

2008-04-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Running a little late getting this started, but it's time for the April sweepstakes for an advance copy of my upcoming release, THE DECEIVED! Those of you who participated in the previous sweepstakes in February and March but didn't win, you are automatically entered. If you were one of the winners, sorry, only those who haven't won are eligible.

If you have played yet, all you have to do is:

Email me at: contest AT brettbattles DOT com

Include: your name, and the title of the favorite book you read in the last three months.

Optional...include your mailing address. If you don't and you will, I'll email you for the info.

Nothing else needed.

Deadline is 6 p.m. Pacific Coast Time on April 24th. That's right, only one week from tonight! I'll announce the winner on the 25th.

Best of luck! And don't worry if you don't win, I be having a contest in May and in June also...and if you've entered any of my sweepstakes for the launch of THE DECEIVED but haven't won, you are automatically entered in the upcoming drawings.

Dear President Bush

2008-04-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago you seemed surprised by the idea that gas would soon reach $4.00 a gallon. If you don't remember, here's a clip to remind you:

Well, I was driving around Los Angeles this weekend and noticed a theme that I thought I should make you aware of.

Hope these help.

Save the Date!

2008-04-13T08:47:00.001-07:00

Murderati #8

2008-04-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Over at MURDERATI today.

Sweepstakes #2 Winner

2008-03-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Again, thanks to everyone who participated! For those who didn't win, fear not, you will automatically be entered in the upcoming April, May, and June sweepstakes. And for those of you didn't get a chance to enter, the next one will start in a couple weeks, so stay tune.

March's winner is:

Josue C.

Congrats to Josue! Once I have your info, I'll send out your signed copy of THE DECEIVED.

Musical Inspiration #21

2008-03-24T08:58:00.001-07:00

Great song to start the week, and as an added bonus, it's a kick-ass video too! Enjoy...

DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION - The Blood Arm featuring Anais

Sweepstakes #2 Reminder

2008-03-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Only 1 week left to entry to win an advanced copy of my new novel THE DECEIVED.

DETAILS HERE

Murderati #6

2008-03-13T06:26:00.001-07:00

Over at Murderati today. Stop by if you have a chance.

THE DECEIVED Sweepstakes #2

2008-03-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm now taking entries for the March sweepstakes for an advance copy of THE DECEIVED! Those of you who participated in February's sweepstakes but didn't win, you are automatically entered. If you were one of our winners, sorry, only those who haven't won are eligible.

Now for the rest of you, those who didn't get their entries in last month, here's all you have to do:

Email me at: contest AT brettbattles DOT com

Include: your name, and the title of the favorite book you read in the last three months.

That's it.

Deadline is 6 p.m. Pacific Coast Time on March 27th. I'll announce the winner on the 28th.

Good luck to everyone!

Lessons on Reporting #1

2008-03-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

The sweet spot starts about :55 seconds in. You think maybe there's some history here?

http://view.break.com/467869 - Watch more free videos

THE CLEANER Reviewed

2008-03-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Shots Magazine in the UK has just reviewed THE CLEANER.

READ IT HERE

UK and Ireland THE CLEANER IS HERE

2008-03-06T10:43:00.001-08:00

Today is the official release date in the UK and Ireland for THE CLEANER. And good news for the folks there, you won't have to wait a year for my next novel. THE DECEIVED will be in bookstores at the beginning of July, just a week or so after it comes out here in the U.S.

So enjoy...and, everyone, let me know what you think of the UK cover (above).

Animation Inspiration #4

2008-03-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Title design has always been an interest of mine, especially so since I've worked in the motion graphics industry for many, many years. Saul Bass has always been one of the pillars of the industry.

Here's someone's idea of what Saul might have done if he'd been assigned the project of designing the title sequence for STAR WARS. In a word...hilarious.

CLICK HERE for more on Saul Bass

Sweepstakes #1 Winner(s)

2008-02-29T07:22:00.001-08:00

First, thank you so much to everyone who participated! What a great turn out, even larger than I expected. And a note to those who didn't get their entries in...Come March will do it all again, so you still have a chance. Also, anyone who entered February's sweepstakes will be automatically entered in March. So it's a win-win for everyone!

And because there were so many entries, I decided to give away not 1, but 2 advance copies of THE DECEIVED. And the winners are:

Peggy from West Terre Haute, Indiana
and
Joanne from Warrington, Pennsylvania

Congratulations to both of you. Expect your prizes in the next two weeks.

And to the rest of you, stay tuned for the announcement in March of THE DECEIVED Sweepstakes #2.

Murderati #5 and Sweepstakes Reminder

2008-02-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

I'm over at Murderati again today.

Also, today is the LAST DAY to enter the sweepstakes for an ARC of my new novel THE DECEIVED.

DETAILS HERE

Musical Inspiration #20

2008-02-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a long time.

FALLING SLOWLY, the Academy Award® winning song from the movie ONCE

I hear the movie is pretty damn good, too.

Sweepstakes Reminder! ONE WEEK LEFT!

2008-02-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Want to win an advance review copy of my next book THE DECEIVED? Well, you can't if you don't enter.

DETAILS HERE

Thanks for playing.

A Little Valetine's Day Love

2008-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the sweepstakes for a copy of THE DECEIVED!

And check out my post on Murderati today!

Murderati #4

2008-02-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

Over at Murderati today.

Check it out here.

And don't forget the sweepstakes for a copy of THE DECEIVED! See below!

THE DECEIVED Sweepstakes #1

2008-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

As promised, it's time for our first sweepstakes to win an advanced copy of my new novel THE DECEIVED....

Just to give you a taste:

The Port of Los Angeles. Quinn has been called there to do a job. A body has arrived in a shipping container, and he has been hired to dispose of it. Only the body isn't just another nameless corpse. And Quinn realizes his job won't be over just because the deadman has been buried.

And no worries...Nate and Orlando are both back.

Here's the rules.

1. EMAIL me at: contest@brettbattles.com

2. Subject line should read "THE DECEIVED Sweepstakes #1" or something similar.

3. IMPORTANT: In the body of the email, give me the name and the author of the best book you've read in the last three months. I'll post the list here at the end of the sweepstakes.

4. Everyone entering will be added to my mailing list, so if you don't want to be added, say so in the body of the message. (No worries, this will not change your chances. Everyone who enters is equally eligible. And if you are already on my mailing list, you are still eligible.)

5. SWEEPSTAKES CONCLUSION: No more entries will be accepted after 6:00 p.m. Pacfic Time (Los Angeles) on February 28th. That's almost 3 weeks to get your entry in! I'll draw the winner that night and post details on February 29th (LEAP DAY!)

Easy enough. Now get cracking!

What Some People Think Up...Random Inspiration #1

2008-02-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

So artist Michel de Broin has come up with an interesting idea...he's taken a 1986 Buick Regal and made it...well...green. Check out the video (it gets especially good went the cops get involved).

On his website, he says:

In this project, all superfluous devices were removed from an 86’ Buick Regal – the engine, suspension, transmission and electrical system – thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle whilst preserving its appearance. It was then equipped with 4 independent pedal and gear mechanisms that make it possible for passengers to form the self-propulsion group. A cutting edge transmission technology was developed to transmit the power supplied by the passengers to the drive wheels and to vary the reduction ratios between cyclists and wheels, so as to ensure their progressive coupling for start-ups. With a top speed of around 15 km/h, the vehicle’s resistance to the culture of performance is raised to an unprecedented level.

Check out more on his website here.

Thanks to carectomy.com
and to
EcoGeek.org for pointing it out.

Fair Warning

2008-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

First, watch out for buffet scrambled eggs...I've never gotten food poisoning until Tuesday night, and here it is Thursday and I'm still not 100% right yet. Ugh...but I'm getting there. Plus side: forced diet for the last 48 hours!

BUT MORE IMPORTANT: I just received my ARCs of THE DECEIVED! So it is almost time for our first sweepstakes to win a copy. Watch for details. Warn your friends. I think we'll kick things off next month.

And if you don't win, no worries...I'm planning on having a sweepstakes a month!

A Super Tuesday

2008-02-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

I’m in one of the Super Tuesday states. As I write this, it’s 6:18 a.m. Usually I’ve been working on my current manuscript for around twenty minutes by now. But I’m finding myself distracted. I’m finding myself unable to focus the scene I’ve been working on.

I’m a bit of a political junkie, I’ll admit to that. It’s not a 100% thing, but it is something that has been part of my make up since I was a child. I remember elections from when I was a child, being fascinated by the electoral vote, watching the news as each states choice was made.

My fascination with politics hasn’t been limited to just elections either. I remember also as a child, being glued to the television one summer watching the Watergate hearing, and seeing John Dean testify against Richard Nixon and his people. I should have been out playing. I think my mother even encouraged me at times to stop watching the TV, but I couldn’t. I was riveted.

I don’t have a perfect voting record. But I have missed very few since I was old enough to cast my ballot. And I’m not going to miss today. The polls open here in California in thirty-five minutes (it’s now 6:27 a.m.), and I plan on being one of the first people through the door.

See, I have this anxiousness, this excitement building inside me today. I can’t wait to see how the day turns out. I’ve already got the TV turned on to one of those 24 hour news stations. And I’ll keep it on all day.

I have a definite candidate I’m voting for. One I’m excited about. But that’s not why I’m writing about the election today. Those of you in the US in states voting today won’t be influenced by who I choose, you’ll have your own idea of who excites you, who will bring the vision that you want this country to go in.

My only request is that if you do have an election in your state today, vote.

Please.

Musical Inspiration #19

2008-02-04T14:16:00.001-08:00

We haven't done one of these for a little while. Here's one from 6 or 7 years ago.

Gorillaz - 19/2000

Murderati #3

2008-01-31T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm over here today. I said OVER HERE!

Pictures from Last Saturday's KILLER YEAR Signing

2008-01-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful signing with a lot of familiar and new faces. Thanks to everyone who came out, or even tried to! We had a great time. (FYI for those wondering...yes my hair is long...yes I'm getting it cut.)

Marc and Rob wonder, Where the hell is Brett?

Brett and Rob discuss the finer points of punctuation, while Marc looks on and thinks, Maybe it was better when Brett wasn't here!

Audience members look on transfixed by the witty novelists...ahem...

Let the signing begin!

Fun had by all

The Liar's Diary

2008-01-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

Today marks the release in paperback of my fellow Killer Year member Patry Francis' novel THE LIAR'S DIARY. And because Patry is unable to get out and about to promote her work at the moment, her friends in blogland have decided to do it for her.

About THE LIAR'S DIARY

Jeanne Cross’s contented suburban life gets a jolt of energy from the arrival of Ali Mather, the stunning new music teacher at the local high school. With a magnetic personality and looks to match, Ali draws attention from all quarters, including Jeanne’s husband and son. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a deep friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities and long-held secrets that Ali has been recording in her diary. The diary also holds a key to something darker: Ali’s suspicion that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. Soon their friendship will be shattered by violence—and Jeanne will find herself facing impossible choices in order to protect the people she loves.

And some praise, of course:

“Twists and turns but never lets go.”
—Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean

“Outright chilling.”
—New York Daily News

“Genuinely creepy . . . The unlikely friendship between a small-town school secretary and a flamboyant teacher proves deadly in this psychological murder mystery.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A twisting ride full of dangerous curves and jaw-dropping surprises. This is one of my favorite reads of the year!”
—Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of The Mephisto Club

“A quirky, well-written and well-constructed mystery with an edge.”
—Publishers Weekly

And if that's not enough to convince you yet...check out the trailer:

Patry's had a bit of a go at it the past couple months, but things are looking up. If you want to know more, you can read about it at her blog:

Simply Wait

Buy THE LIAR'S DIARY here.

Signing Tomorrow

2008-01-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

If you're in L.A. tomorrow afternoon, come by the Mystery Bookstore in Westwood and join Robert Gregory Browne, Marc Lecard, and I as we talk about and sign copies KILLER YEAR: Stories to Die For....

Would love to see you there!

The Mystery Bookstore Website

I'm In For Questioning

2008-01-23T06:01:00.000-08:00

I'm the latest guest at Angie Johnson-Schmit's In For Questioning.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

And when you have the time, check out some of her other interviews. She's talk to a lot of really interesting writers already (she only started late last year!)

Thanks, Angie, for including me.

KILLER YEAR is HERE

2008-01-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

The KILLER YEAR Anthology is out as of today! (Actually there were sightings in stores as early as last Thursday, but today is the official drop day.) It's a collection of short stories by my fellow Killer Year members, plus four stories from some of our mentors: Ken Bruen, Allison Brennan, MJ Rose, & Duane Swierczynski.

Read the wonderful reviews we've been receiving here!

Special thank you to Lee Child for signing on to be our editor, to MJ, Duane, Ken, & Allison for their wonderful contributions, and to our Killer Year mentors for introducing each of our stories in the book. (Personal thanks to my mentor James Rollins!)

Cool Gear #2

2008-01-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

(I'm calling this #2 because I'm going to consider the 40 hour computer battery post #1)

A JET PACK that works for more than a few seconds. There are a few drawbacks (like needing a plane to get it to the proper altitude), but still it is incredibly cool. It's a little too flashy for Quinn, but I can so see this in the next Bond film.

WIRED has more details.

Take a look...the real flying starts about a minute thirty to a minute forty-five in:

Congratulations!!!!!

2008-01-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Edgar Award nominations were just announced this morning...of particular interest is the list for Best First Novel By An American Author:

Missing Witness by Gordon Campbell (HarperCollins - William Morrow)
In the Woods by Tana French (Penguin Group - Viking)
Snitch Jacket by Christopher Goffard (The Rookery Press)
Head Games by Craig McDonald (Bleak House Books)
Pyres by Derek Nikitas (St. Martin's Minotaur)

Congrats to all the nominees, but particular congratulations to fellow Killer Year member Derek Nikitas!!!! Way to go Derek!

Also, congrats to fellow Murderati mate Ken Bruen for his Best Novel nom!

Best Novel Nominees

Christine Falls by Benjamin Black (Henry Holt and Company)
Priest by Ken Bruen (St. Martin's Minotaur)
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon (HarperCollins)
Soul Patch by Reed Farrel Coleman (Bleak House Books)
Down River by John Hart (St. Martin's Minotaur)

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES HERE

Make It So #1

2008-01-17T16:19:00.001-08:00

Oh please, oh please, oh please let this be for real. And let it trickle down to us lowly users as fast as possible. Oh please! Oh please!

The 40 Hour Laptop Battery

Definition #1

2008-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

Today's word: startle

Dictionary.com says:
star·tle [stahr-tl]
–verb (used with object)
1. to disturb or agitate suddenly as by surprise or alarm.
2. to cause to start involuntarily, by or as by a sudden shock.
–verb (used without object)
3. to start involuntarily, as from a shock of surprise or alarm.
–noun
4. a sudden shock of surprise, alarm, or the like.
5. something that startles.

But I prefer this:

Murderati #2

2008-01-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

You'll find me at Murderati today....

CLICK HERE

Animation Inpsiration #3

2008-01-14T09:35:00.001-08:00

Here's a fun animation project I came across...per the website:

This animation was created by all the students in COMS274 Intermedia I, Dept of Communication Studies, Concordia University, Fall 2007. Working in Flash, all 64 students rotoscoped 1-3 seconds of video each, over a period of three weeks. (Most of them had never used Flash before.)

We were inspired by Bob Sabiston's digital rotoscoping (as seen in Snack and Drink, Waking Life, A Scanner Darkly), and our readings and class discussions about copyright and creativity.

Love to watch what students who are not tied down by corporate clients will do. This is a lot of fun, and a nice rev up for a Monday.

See It Here
(It's a cool video, but I got annoyed that the embedded version automatically starts playing when you open my blog...so hence the link now.)

Musical Inspiration #18

2008-01-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

Friday...thank God! I thought the insanity would never end. Out here in L.A., the entertainment world is a mess with this unresolved writer's strike. People are getting laid off, award shows are getting down graded to glorified news conferences, and the temperature has barely climbed out of the 50s so we're all bundled up in our winter best. (Note to all you laughing about our whimpiness: I've seen plenty of cold weather folks move out here and mock us in their first winter only to be wrapped in sweaters and down jackets like the rest of us the next one.)

So today we ask the question, where is the love?

Black Eyed Peas - Where is the Love

Creative Discussion #1 - Tone

2008-01-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

From Webster's New World Dictionary:

tone (tõn) n
...2. a manner of expression showing a certain attitude

From Dictionary.com

tone (tohn)
...15. a particular style or manner, as of writing or speech; mood: the macabre tone of Poe's stories.

A story without tone is like a serving of Pad Thai without any spices or flavoring. It's still there, it's still digestible, but it is all it can be? No.

Tone is the tool writers use to create mood and atmosphere and feeling. It is a hand that we use to guide the reader through our stories that allows them to feel what we want them to knew, to experience - as close as possible - the story they are reading without actually having to live the events.

Your tone can be dark, humorous, mysterious, whimsical...

To illustrate tone watch the following two videos. They are the same song, but performed by different artists to completely different effect.

As you know my now, they are both QUE SERA SERA. The first is Doris Day from the Alfred Hitchcock movie THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. The second is from the Portland based band Pink Martini.

I'm actually partial to the Pink Martini version because I guess I'm drawn to things which are darker or a little askew. A very good friend of mine thinks the opposite. She likes the Doris Day version because, I think, of the lightness and the anything can happen (in a good way) feeling it envokes. Both create the tone the particular artist was going for. The same can be said for the prose you write or read. It's just another part of the writing tool kit.

Did you have a favorite? Or perhaps another example of Tone.

Musical Inspiration #17

2008-01-08T08:43:00.001-08:00

It's Tuesday, so how about a little Jazz..."Why?" you ask. I say, "Why Not!"

And if we're going jazz for the first time on A Writer's Sphere, let's start off with two of the great!

Enjoy:

Miles Davis & John Coltrane- So What

Animation Inspiration #2

2008-01-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

I love this style...simple, yet very effective. Everything is aimed at helping to tell the story:

M. Ward - Chinese Translation

Musical Inpsiration #16

2008-01-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Something fun to get the first full week of 2008 started!

Len - If You Steal My Sunshine

Animation Inspiration #1

2008-01-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is just beautiful on so many levels...as a story...as an animation...as something we can all relate to...

It was created by Julia Pott (with music by Christopher Frost...

From Julia's description on YouTube: "This was my final film at Kingston University, it is an animated film based on interviews with people about their first crushes. (best version). I can be found at www.myspace.com/angrypony_ and at www.juliapott.com."

Please take a moment and watch My First Crush by Julia Pott:

Musical Inspiration #15

2008-01-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Some fun for a Friday. It's the video that really gets my attention. Love the animation style.

Puffy Ami Yumi - Tokyo I'm On My Way

Murderati #1

2008-01-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

I mentioned last month when I began blogging again that this was not the only place you'd be seeing me. Many of you have probably heard about the blog MURDERATI. As of today, I've joined their ranks.

Read my blog post here.

I'll be alternating Thursdays with the wonderful Zoë Sharp. So I'll be there again in two weeks. But don't worry...I'll let you know.

Blog Inspiration #1 - Brotherhood 2.0

2008-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

During 2007, did you follow Brotherhood 2.0? If not, you miss a hell of a lot of fun. For a year, brothers John and Hank Green decided not to have any written communications for a year, and decided instead to create a videoblog, each posting videos to the other on alternating days.

What presumably started out as a small experiment turned into something huge. They ended up creating a large community that tuned in every day to see what was next, a community of fellow Nerd Fighters The whole year of video communication is still up there, so you can go back and sample some or all of the videos. They really have videoblogging down to an art.

But now that the year is over, the daily posts will no longer continue. That makes the whole Nerd Fighter nation (myself included) sad. The good news is that I believe there will be weekly post, so John and Hank are not completely leaving the vidblog scene.

One of the things that really shows the community that they created is the Happy Dance project. You all know what a happy dance is...it's the dance you do when something wonderful happens. Well, Brotherhood 2.0 faithful sent John and Hank videos of their own happy dances after seeing John (I think it was John) doing his own happy dance. Those videos where cut together and put to music then posted to YouTube. It brings a smile to my face every time I watch, partly because it's silly and fun, but partly because it demonstrates the power of creating a world wide community, a community that I'm pretty sure John and Hank had no idea they were going to create when they set out on this path.

So, in celebration of John and Hank achieving the goals set out at the beginning of Brotherhood 2.0, I give you the Happy Dance Project:

Musical Inspiration #14

2008-01-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! This year will be another big one, hopefully for all of us.

Later this month will see the release of the KILLER YEAR Anthology.
More about that later.

June will bring the publication of my next novel THE DECEIVED.

And while all this is happening, I'll be working on the third book in the series. So a busy, big year.

To get us started on the right foot...a little bit of inspiration and musical entertainment...

1 Giant Leap - Braided Hair

Musical Inspiration #13 And A Holiday Break

2007-12-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

I'm going dark for a few days to celebrity the holidays with family, but to keep in the Holiday spirit and as our morning musical selection...a special tune. I remember this one from when I was a kid. I remember for years trying to find a recording of it. It wasn't until sometime later I discovered a 45 of it at a record store.

But now, thanks to YouTube, you can both hear and see the performance.

When worlds collide...Bing Crosby and David Bowie...Little Drummer Boy

Musical Inspiration #12

2007-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Something for your Thursday morning. A little Black Eyed Peas:

Black Eyed Peas - Where is the Love?

Musical Inspiration #11

2007-12-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I get things going with a song that's actually mentioned in THE CLEANER. For those of you who have read the book, this song is playing in the background auring the bar scene at in Ho Chi Minh City.

I love the video that goes with it, too. For your pleasure...here are the Gorillaz:

Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

Holiday Gift for me #1 and #2

2007-12-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

Here's gift number 1...a full color cover proof the the US release of THE DECEIVED:

It looks INCREDIBLE in person. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the title is actually embossed silver. Even my name is embossed (though in black, not silver). When set side-by-side with THE CLEANER, the spines are a beautifully matched set. Awesome job by the good folks at Bantam Dell.

Holiday Gift #2 for me...THE CLEANER is out in Australia!!! Waiting for my copy (cover is similar to the US cover but in red). I also hear is it selling VERY WELL. WOO-HOO!!!

(thanks to Grace Erb for taking the photo!)