I’m always pleased and honored when authors take time out of their busy schedules to stop by The Book Diva’s Reads. Today, I’m pleased to host a visit by the author of the soon to be published Dead is Dead and a host of other fine books, John Lansing. Mr. Lansing will be discussing his top ten list of authors he reads in the crime/thriller genre. You’ll probably be adding a few of these to your TBR list.
One of the most important things someone who wants to write a Crime/Thriller can do for themselves is to read work by the best authors in the genre. And if what you’re shooting for is to write a series, it’s a great help to read the first book the author penned, to see how he or she introduced their protagonist.
I always follow up by reading the next few books in the series to see how the author summarizes the first book. It’s a delicate balance. There has to be enough information so that each title can operate as a stand-alone, but still give the reader an understanding of the franchise. But, too much becomes repetitive and can bog down the new narrative line.
There’s nothing more exciting to me than finding a new author that peaks my interest. Speaks to my crime/thriller voracious appetite, and keeps me glued to the page. Then I know I can happily look forward to reading their entire library.
This is my top ten list. Writers that I revisit time and time again. Let me know if they work for you.
1. Raymond Chandler. He’s a grand master and reads like a comfortable, old, black and white movie. Start with The Big Sleep and you’re off and running.
2. Dashiell Hammett. Another major blast from the past. The Maltese Falcon is a perfect starting point.
3. Michael Connelly. Started out as a court reporter and became one of the best crime writers in the business. The Black Echo was his first. And it helps to read him in order. You get more depth out of Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, his detective. I’m rereading The Black Echo as we speak.
4. James Lee Burke. I’ll use the word brilliant. Very intense, but always worth the read. The Neon Rain is the first of his famous Dave Robicheaux Novels.
5. Dennis Lehane. A Drink Before the War was his first. This writer can do no wrong.
6. John Sandford. Lighter fare, but totally addictive and well constructed. His first novel was Rules of Prey. I just reread the book last week, and it keeps me going back for more.
7. Ian Rankin. A Scottish Author that makes Edinburgh his stomping grounds. The first in his Inspector Rebus Series is Knots & Crosses. Fine crime fiction.
8. Walter Mosley. Blond Faith is the first of his Easy Rawlins Mysteries. Tons of fun. And a history of LA from a black perspective. He’s a terrific writer.
9. Robert Crais and his Elvis Cole/Joe pike novels. The Monkeys’ Raincoat is his first. His protagonist Elvis Cole is a glib detective who’s easy to spend time with.
10. Jo Nesbo. I just finished his entire Detective Harry Hole Series. Start with The Bat, and you’ll be downloading his books and losing sleep in the process.
Okay, there are more on my list, but I think these will keep you busy for a while. I hope you enjoy.
John
Dead is Dead by John Lansing
ISBN: 9781501147562 (paperback)
ISBN: 9781501143564 (ebook)
ASIN: B0191YI6GA (Kindle edition)
Publisher: May 30, 2016
Publication date: Gallery Books/Karen Hunter Publishing
From the “pulse pounding” (Kirkus Reviews) writer of TV hit Walker, Texas Ranger comes a riveting Hollywood thriller that will keep you captivated until the shocking conclusion.
Retired Inspector Jack Bertolino gets his first taste of the erratic nature of Hollywood when A-list producer, George Litton, options one of Jack’s recent cases for a film.
Jack is engaged as the film’s technical advisor, which stars It Girl Susan Blake. But more importantly, he’s on hand to keep a protective eye on Susan, who’s being harassed by a disturbing cyber-stalker.
But that’s not all that starts to turn Jack’s world upside-down. When a five-year-old girl is shot dead in her family’s living room, just blocks from where the movie is being filmed, Jack realizes there are threads connecting the movie, the murder, a brutal gang of brothers, and a terrifying body count.
Will Jack be able to find justice for the young girl and keep Susan safe? Or will this be his last and fatal trip to Hollywood?
Author Bio:
John Lansing, started his career as an actor in New York City. He spent a year at the Royale Theatre performing the lead in the Broadway production of “Grease,” before putting together a rock ‘n’ roll band and playing the iconic club CBGB.
John closed up his Tribeca loft and headed for the West coast where he landed a co-starring role in George Lucas’ “More American Graffiti,” and guest-starred on numerous television shows.
During his fifteen-year writing career, Lansing wrote and produced “Walker Texas Ranger,” co-wrote two CBS Movies of the Week, and co-executive produced the ABC series “Scoundrels.”
John’s first book was Good Cop Bad Money, a true crime tome he co-wrote with former NYPD Inspector Glen Morisano.
The Devil’s Necktie, his first Jack Bertolino novel, became a bestseller on Barnes & Noble and hit #1 in Amazon’s Kindle store in the Crime Fiction genre. Jack Bertolino returns in John’s latest novel, Dead Is Dead, the third book in his detective series.
A native of Long Island, John now resides in Los Angeles.
Catch Up with John:
Tour Participants:
This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for John Lansing. The giveaway begins on May 15th and runs through June 30th, 2016.
There will be TWO (2) winners for this tour. One winner will receive one $15 gift card from Amazon.com (US Only) the other winner will receive a copy of Dead is Dead by John Lansing – US Residents may choose either an eBook copy or a Physical version however Winners outside the US will only be eligible for an eBook version.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Author: thebookdivasreads
I'm a reader, an avid reader, or perhaps a rabid reader (at least according to my family). I enjoy reading from a variety of different genres but particularly enjoy fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, ChickLit, romance and classics. I also enjoy reading about numerous non-fiction subjects including aromatherapy, comparative religions, herbalism, naturopathic medicine, and tea.
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The Book Diva's Reads 
Many thanks to Book Diva's for hosting me on their terrific blog site. All the best, John
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