the league of reluctant adults

Back Cover Copy: In the alleys of the decrepit Boston neighborhood known as the Weird, fairy prostitutes are turning up dead. The crime scenes show signs of residual magic, but the Guild, which polices the fey, has more "important" crimes to investigate and dumps the case on human law enforcement. Boston police call in Connor Grey, a druid and former hotshot Guild investigator-whose magical abilities were crippled after a run-in with a radical environmentalist elf. As Connor battles red tape and his own shortcomings, he realizes that the murders are not random, but part of an ancient magical ritual. And if Connor can't figure out the killer's M.O., the culmination of the spell might just bring about a worldwide cataclysm. So there you have it folks, run out and pick up UNSHAPELY THINGS and while you're at it grab his new one, UNQUIET DREAMS. Trust me on this--I'm a fan--you're going to kick yourself when you turn the last page and have to drag your tired ...

It's Friday. You know what that means. Gary is standing over me pissed that no one got into any kerfuffles. Instead of cracking the whip on you, he's taking it out on me. Still we had some fun reading and chatting about HEART OF STONE. Catie Murphy's a doll baby for swinging by as much as she did and remember, later today, she'll make the announcement. Keep checking back to see who'll walk away with her second book in the Negotiator series, HOUSE OF CARDS. Will it be you? Hard to say. Anyway, the last question to distract us from our daily grinds... 5. There are certain thematic elements that resonate in this novel. Care to tackle one or two? Please feel free to add your own questions and keep the chatter rollin'. I'll reveal the February book club choice at the end of the day, so you still have time to vote. Have fun! (or else)

Since I'm a huge doofus and am getting the ball rolling so late in the day, let's just roll Wednesday and Thursday together for a multi-topic extravaganza. I figure you're all flexible enough to roll with that, and if you aren't...well Gary the HS, has plans for you. So here are some things to mull over... Because the Negotiator series is designed as a trilogy, it's important for Heart of Stone to set up the world and begin multiple story arcs. Which of these arcs are you most interested to see run its course? And for purely selfish reasons, I ask, are you more likely to read a series or trilogy, than you would a stand alone novel. Next... Alright let's go ahead and indulge a little fantasy. Which one of the Old Races are you and why? Get to answerin'!

So yesterday we discussed characters who stay with us, and what makes a character stand out. Today we thought we could discuss scenes. Every book I love has a particular scene that really sticks in my head, because it was funny or sexy or exciting, or just a few lines of beautiful detail keep echoing until they're part of me. What scene in Heart of Stone was your favorite, and why? ***Warning again--feel free to post spoilers in the reply, so if you haven't read or haven't finished...read the comments at your own risk!***

Just interrupting the book clubby goodness for a moment to announce the winner of the "Anton's birthday" contest. I meant to do it on Friday, so sorry everyone, as I know you were waiting with bated breath to see who gets one of my spiffy special Yezer magnets, and a SIGNED copy of Happy Hour of the Damned . The winnah is... Writtenwyrdd! So pop me an email with your address, and we'll get you your loot. Thanks to everyone who played!

I've got some exciting news, all through out the week, Catie (that's C.E. Murphy to you hambones) will be stopping by to answer questions, add commentary and just generally hang out. AND...on Friday, one lucky commenter will win a copy of the new Negotiator novel, House of Cards! Be one of the first to get yourself some more Margrit and Alban! So...we're all set up in the League Lounge, Stacia's mixing up a pitcher of mojitos (I know it's early. Writers, heh-heh) and the conversation pit is all warmed up. Let's start with some ground rules. As I said when I first announced the League's Book Club, the purpose is not to find out whether you like a book or not (we don't care), it's to talk about the emotions and thoughts that resonate from the experience of reading. In our case, we're going to be lookin' to have fun with themes, characters that remind us what goobers we are, and situations that trigger memories. 1. The first rule of book clu...

Tomorrow marks day one of the first League Book Club. We'll be chatting up C.E. Murphy's gargoyled urban fantasy HEART OF STONE. Come back each day this week for a new book related topic plus our regular blog posts. It's gonna be a busy one. We only had 6 people make nominations but they were awesome (remember, we only do series debuts, that way no one is left out). So...on that note, let's pick us the next victim. Already Dead Charlie Huston Vampires and zombies all up in the NYC. Beg for Mercy Toni Andrews The power of suggestion x 10. Heroes meets paranormal romance! Blood Engines T.A. Pratt Hayay! Marla's got the magixes! Dancing with Werewolves Carole Nelson Douglas Paranormal PIs, Werewolves and Vegas, baby! The Devil Inside Jenna Black An exorcist with a problem. Why do the demons have to be so damn sexy? The Nymphos of Rocky Flats Mario Acevedo What's with all the nymphomaniacs? Vamp PI finds out. Unshapely Things Mark Del Franco A modern druid inves...