(SAVANNAH, GA) During the Savannah Book Festival on Saturday, February 18, 2012, four top crime and thriller authors will capture Telfair Square podiums along with over 40 writers representing diverse genres. But, within the theme of “Books and Crooks,” it will be Jeffery Deaver, Craig Johnson, Spencer Quinn and Brad Thor who will discuss how they create the novels that keep us thrilled, chilled and bone–tired reading late into the night. These four authors’ books run the gamut from deadly malfeasance to crime with quirky protagonists and wry humor.
Jeffery Deaver, named by the UK’s Daily Telegraph as “The most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world,” has added Carte Blanche, the latest James Bond thriller, to his prolific work of 28 novels. Ian Fleming Publications Ltd selected Deaver to continue the 007 spy thrillers created by Ian Fleming in 1952 beginning with Casino Royale. People Magazine pegs Deaver, “A master of ticking-bomb suspense.” His books are sold in 150 countries and are translated into 25 languages.
Hell is Empty is Craig Johnson’s seventh book in his Sheriff Walt Longmire series. This riveting thriller has Longmire and his deputy escorting a trio of convicts through Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. Escorting escalates into a perilous manhunt through the icy hell of the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Along with elements of Dante’s Inferno, the inclusion of Indian lore and mysticism enrich the bones of the story. Johnson’s background in law enforcement may beg questions of personal experience during his talk. He lives in Ucross, Wyoming—population 25. Ten episodes of the Longmire mysteries are currently being filmed for A&E.
Given Savannah’s canine preoccupation bordering on obsession, Spencer Quinn is a perfect fit with his irresistible The Dog Who Knew Too Much. Combining intrigue and humor with a perceptive take on the relationship between a man and his dog, this fourth in the mystery series of the “Little Detective Agency” is a genuine treat. Chet, the four-legged narrator, offers a reliable nose and boundless enthusiasm for solving kidnappings, murders and other serious mayhem.
Brad Thor , the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Full Black, will kick off the Festival on Wednesday, February 15 at a special evening event. Full Black, a Scot Harvath novel, is one of Thor’s darkest and most intriguing thrillers with nonstop action in a terrifying story of espionage and betrayal. Thor is known for weaving real-life issues into his thrillers. His extensive knowledge of intelligence, special ops, and terrorist communities has been tapped for appearances on FOX News, CNN, The Glenn Beck Show, and even by the Department of Homeland Security as part of their analytic “Red Cell” unit.
The kick-off event, “An Evening with Brad Thor,” on Wednesday February 15, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Plantation Club at The Landings on Skidaway Island will include dinner, a presentation by the author, a Q&A period and book sales and signing. Reservations are $65 and open to the public. For Brad Thor tickets, a schedule of events and information, contact the Festival website at www.savannahbookfestival.org.
The Savannah Book Festival Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation led by a volunteer board of directors. It is committed to remaining free and open to the public and to celebrating the written word and its role in improving the human experience. For more information, please contact Executive Director Robin Gold at (912) 598 4040.