A pledge...

To be a little more active on the blog. As you might have noticed, posts have been few and far between and way too focused on two things: canceling events for snow, and canceling events for more snow.

It's March 1, though, and spring is on the way like it or not. I've also submitted what will be (better be!) the final draft of the book I've been working on for well over a year now, (actually, it's chased me out of 2009, all the way through 2010, and into 2011): The Ridge. More on that to come. Hopefully, much more.

In my attempt to be more active on this site, I'm going to promise to highlight a favorite book each month. That doesn't seem so hard, does it? We will see how long I am able to adhere to such a strict policy. In the meantime, stay tuned as I will post my favorite February read shortly.

A tremendous honor in the UK

The Observer has named The Cypress House its "thriller of the month" for March. I'm thrilled to share the review below -- deepest thanks to Alison Flood for giving the book her consideration -- and as a former journalist and journalism teacher, I have to point out that the Observer (the Sunday partner of the Guardian) is the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world. Now you're ready if that one comes up in trivia.

An intricate supernatural thriller set in 1930s Florida evokes evil with a human heart

Outta the way Oscars, it's time for the Audies

So Cold the River has been nominated for an "audie" award, granted each year by the Audio Publishers Association. The brilliant reading of Robert Petkoff (he also read The Cypress House, which was recently featured by Starbucks) has garnered marvelous reviews and I'm deeply honored to have his tremendous skills put to use on my work.

Not to slight those piddling Academy Awards, though. SCTR fans had a dog in the fight there, too: Scott Silver, nominated for best original screenplay for his work on The Fighter, is working with yours truly on an adaptation of So Cold the River.

Indianapolis signing on February 23

The signing at Big Hat Books in Indianapolis will be held on February 23 at 6 p.m.
Big Hat Books & Arts
6510 Cornell Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 202-0203

Cleveland -- Barnes & Noble at Crocker Park -- remains on February 25.

Friday, February 25
7:00 PM ET
BARNES & NOBLE CROCKER PARK
198 Crocker Park Blvd
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 250-9233

Down goes The Cypress House! More event chaos...

The rescheduled Indianapolis event at Big Hat Books has been cancelled, I just learned. New date pending.

Cleveland, I'll see you on February 25.

And Houston...please say you'll see me Monday? I think it's time to retreat to another corner of the country. I'll study the tactics of the Midwest in February, look for a weakness, and come roaring back.

Cleveland Rescheduled

The winter storm continues to make its impact. The signing at Crocker Park in Cleveland has been cancelled for tomorrow night. It has been rescheduled to Friday, Feb. 25. Please make note of the change, and I hope to see you Clevelanders out in late February! Many thanks.