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The American mass market paperback edition of Second Shot and the hardcover of Third Strike will hit the shelves in mid-October. Already, Charlie's latest exploits have received some great reviews:

'Sharp is a writer of extraordinary skill. The action is vivid, and Charlie is a most realistic and engaging hero.'

Maggie Mason, Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine (Rating A)

'I was profoundly disturbed in a way I haven't been after reading a thriller in quite some time . . . this is the book (and series) to read.'

Sarah Weinman, Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind

Sharp expertly captures the frenetic energy of New York without sacrificing her trademark British wit. Charlie is as tough as she is damaged, and readers will kill for the next installment.'

Publishers Weekly

'Charlie Fox has all the attributes of a superheroine, with the added blessing of a conscience, which makes her more than just a two-dimensional bash-'em-up character. If you want a challenging read, one that doesn't let up from page one to the end of the book, seek out this book.'

Karen Treanor, New Mystery Reader Magazine

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Don’t miss the part played by Terry O’Loughlin in Third Strike. Terry generously bid to be a character in the book at the charity auction held at the 2006 Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in Madison, WI, in aid of Wisconsin Literacy Inc.

Terry said, "I absolutely loved Third Strike. It is my favorite Charlie Fox thriller so far and I was honored to be a character in the story which focused directly on Charlie's relationship with her parents and to be mentioned in such a nice way in the Acknowledgements . . . Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience for me − from the time we first chatted about the character at Bouchercon through our email correspondence to the completed book. I will always treasure Third Strike."

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Baltimore Beckons . . .

After fun appearances at CrimeFest in Bristol, UK in June, and the prestigious Harrogate Crime Writing Festival in July, my next major event will be the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in Baltimore, MD, which runs from October 9th-12th. Called Charmed To Death this year, the convention is always huge, and I can’t wait to see all the familiar faces − and meet plenty of new ones, of course!

I’ll be taking part in my first panel on Thursday, October 9th, 4:30-5:25pm JANIE’S GOT A GUN (Aerosmith) Do you need to kick ass to be kick ass? JT Ellison (Moderating), Tasha Alexander, Robert Fate, Cornelia Read, Greg Rucka, and Zoë Sharp

And my second panel on Friday, October 10th, 8:30-9:30am − SIX DAYS ON THE ROAD (Dave Dudley) Zoë Sharp (Moderating), Glynn Marsh Alam, Barry Eisler, NM Kelby, Jonathan Santlofer, and Marcia Talley.

I’m also very pleased that Meg Chittenden and I will be reviving our light-hearted look at the not-so gentle art of self-defence. As all the panels at this year’s Bouchercon have song titles, we decided to change the name of our demonstration from ‘You Can’t Run in High Heels’ to IN THESE SHOES? I DOUBT YOU’D SURVIVE!, which is, of course, from the irreplaceable Kirsty MacColl. We’re doing a half-hour slot on Saturday, October 11th, at 10:00am.

. . . then to my Favourite City

Time and work pressures mean that, after Bouchercon, I’ll be swinging briefly by New York City to take part in my only post-Bouchercon event − a joint venture at Partners & Crime Mystery Bookstore in Greenwich Village with Sean Chercover. This takes place on both our publication dates − Tuesday, October 14th, at 7:00pm. Sean’s latest highly acclaimed crime thriller, Trigger City, launches on the same day as Third Strike, so I was over the moon to be invited to team up with him. If you’re in the area, it would be great to see you there!

Sean Chercover [Photo: Sandy Morris]

Just a reminder to any bookstores who would like signed copies of the new US editions − I’d be delighted to sign them for you when I visit St Martin’s Press on October 15th. Please get in touch with Harriet Seltzer, Manager of Author Events.

Of course, both Second Shot and Third Strike are out in the UK from Allison & Busby, as is the BBC Audiobook version of Second Shot, read by Clare Corbett.

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Murder Most Recognised

The final piece of news is that Murderati − the blogsite I regularly contribute to − has been shortlisted for an Anthony Award, the results to be announced at Bouchercon. Whoever wins, we’re all thrilled to have been nominated. Come and visit the ‘Rati crew on line − Pari Noskin Taichert, Louise Ure, Tess Gerritsen, Robert Gregory Browne, JD Rhoades, Brett Battles, me, JT Ellison, Alexandra Sokoloff, Toni McGee Causey, and Allison Brennan − at www.murderati.com.