Jason Pinter -- Official Website

Four Stars for THE FURY!

From RT Book Reviews:

"A well-crafted mystery that leaves some intriguing questions unanswered, this story will whet readers' appetites for the next Parker book. As always, the hero's wisecracking first-person point of view is a highlight. Four Stars."

Labels: reviews, THE FURY

Times reviews O'Reilly: World Yawns

In today's New York Times, Janet Maslin reviews Bill O'Reilly's new book, A BOLD FRESH PIECE OF HUMANITY. Now, when I saw the link for this review, I was intrigued. It's hardly a secret that O'Reilly has little respect for the Times, and the paper itself doesn't think much of O'Reilly. O'Reilly has declared the Times as "in the tank" for Obama, and insulted Bill Keller while taking tremendous glee at the paper's fading stock price (when O'Reilly says he's looking out for 'You', he means unless 'You' work for the 'Liberal Media'. To be fair, there are plenty of portly hypocrites on the left who love employees but hate employers, forgetting that even massive conglomerates employ regular people with bills to pay and families to feed).

In a 2006 Times review of O'Reilly's CULTURE WARRIOR, Jacob Heilbrun delcares the host to be an "apostle of mediocrity and banality." So frankly, this could have been a fascinating review, since despite what the Times thinks about O'Reilly, he's inarguably one of the most popular and influential hosts on air. That he and the Times seem to have diametrically opposite worldviews makes the new book--a memoir--potentially interesting material for one enemy to truly understand the other.

It's safe to say that the audience that reads the Times and the audience that watches O'Reilly are for the most part on opposite ends of the political spectrum. But instead of offering real analysis into the book, the man, or why someone the left decries as a "bully" and a "dim bulb" has an audience triple that of Keith Olbermann, it offers up bloody red meat for liberals, a review that will make the left smile, cause O'Reilly to no doubt bash the Times on his program (he's called them out for slotting Times columnist Thomas Friedman's new book at #1 on the bestseller list despite O'Reilly's claims that he's outselling Friedman by 35%), and leave nobody else caring. I don't think it's too much to ask that a review offer insight that could potentially change minds. This review will not sell one more copy, nor will it prevent one person from buying it. It does not attempt to offer liberals any insight into why O'Reilly is a cultural phenomenon, nor does it try to convince conservatives that it's all smoke and mirrors. Rather it takes a piece from each side, telling hardcore liberals what they already believe: that the phenomenon is all smoke and mirrors (very, very angry smoke).

Now, I listen to O'Reilly's program on a fairly frequent basis. Despite being a registered democrat and someone who considers himself left of center, I need my palate cleansed from time to time since regular media coverage (let's be honest) tends to skew heavily left. A little righteous indignation (even though sometimes misdirected) is good to get the blood pumping.

Two things I believe about Bill O'Reilly: he is not nearly as dumb as the left thinks he is, but he is every bit as egotistical (perhaps more so). He has an uncanny ability to frame nearly every political and cultural debate within the context of himself (he believes that John McCain would win the presidency if McCain simply went nuclear on financial 'villains' like O'Reilly did to Barney Frank). Sometimes this righteous indignation hits home. He rages against Frank, Christopher Dodd and Chris Cox who spent more time deflecting blame than taking accountability while our economy sunk lower and lower. Sometimes it seems like his show is merely a forum to grind axes. If you write a negative print article about O'Reilly, it's a safe bet that an "O'Reilly Factor" camera crew will show up in your driveway within the week.

Back to my point. Statements like "Mr. O’Reilly, who either works with a collaborator or was born with a ghostwriter’s gift for filling space with platitudes" are more mean-spirited than critical. And the review devotes more space to criticizing pop culture mistakes in O'Reilly's book than it does covering crime fiction in a month.

This could have been a fascinating article, helping to inform both sides of a political debate by illuminating arguably the most polarizing cable host alive. But it's basically the equivalent of one of Olbermann's self0important "Special Comments": it will have hardcore liberals nodding their heads, hardcore conservatives shaking theirs, and the millions of people closer to the middle wondering what the point of it all is.

Labels: politics, publishing, reviews

News and Notes

Library Journal chimes in on THE STOLEN:

"An intriguing mystery plagues reporter Henry Parker, who risks his career to find the truth in Pinter’s third series entry. This thriller proves truly scary as it explores every parent’s worst nightmare. It’s also great to see favorite characters back in action; the next book can’t come fast enough."

I wrote an article for John Scalzi's "The Big Idea." Check it out over here.

Plus I just received word that THE MARK has been nominated for the Salt Lake County Readers Choice Award. The nominees are chosen by the 18 libraries and over 650,000 residents of the Salt Lake area, so this is really a very cool honor. If you live in the Salt Lake area, vote early and often!!!

Labels: awards, bsp, reviews, THE MARK, THE STOLEN

Coming July 29th

Five years ago the boy vanished without a trace.

Today he came back.

Five years after he disappeared, young Daniel Linwood returned to his suburban home for dinner as though he'd never left. It's a blessing for both his family and their community. And I've snagged the exclusive interview.

But it turns out Daniel is just one of a string of abducted children who have mysteriously returned to their families with no memory of their lost years. Some people want me to leave it be. Some want me to simply let the healing process begin. But these wounds are deeper than anyone realizes.

To get the story on these bizarre kidnappings, I need the help of the one woman who owes me nothing. I've got to find answers before another life is snatched away from sight and time and memory. But doing so means we could be the next ones to go....

* * *

"Pinter's ambitious third Henry Parker novel opens as Daniel Linwood, 11, suddenly reappears on his family's front porch five years after being kidnapped. Parker, a young but seasoned New York Gazette reporter, snags an exclusive interview with Daniel and his overjoyed mother. But Daniel appears to have no recollection of his missing years, and something he absentmindedly says in the interview deeply rattles Parker—convincing him there's a sinister undercurrent to this feel-good story. Working with his ex-girlfriend, Legal Aid Society lawyer Amanda, Parker meets resistance from law enforcement officials, a popular politician and even his own editor. What he gradually uncovers involves seemingly disparate individuals with unexpected motives, desperate to keep their activities a secret. Parker's first-person voice dominates: it lists between Parker as gritty, desensitized journalist and young romantic who wants little more than to spend the rest of his life with one woman. The emotional dichotomy makes Parker a captivating and complex protagonist, one whose pithy observations about New York are dead on. Pinter's chunky plot, rapid pacing and credible dialogue do the rest."

--Publishers Weekly

Labels: novels, reviews, THE STOLEN

Starting the week on a great foot

Paul Goat Allen reviewed THE GUILTY in his latest column in the Chicago Tribune.

"Murder, calamity and scandal are what sell newspapers, theorizes the head of the fictional New York Gazette in Jason Pinter's sequel to his 2007 debut, "The Mark," and heaping helpings of all three elements are what make "The Guilty" an addictively readable thriller."

Click here to read the full review and to see why I've been walking on sunshine all weekend.

Labels: reviews, THE GUILTY

THE STOLEN: the first review is in

"Pinter's ambitious third Henry Parker novel opens as Daniel Linwood, 11, suddenly reappears on his family's front porch five years after being kidnapped. Parker, a young but seasoned New York Gazette reporter, snags an exclusive interview with Daniel and his overjoyed mother. But Daniel appears to have no recollection of his missing years, and something he absentmindedly says in the interview deeply rattles Parker—convincing him there's a sinister undercurrent to this feel-good story. Working with his ex-girlfriend, Legal Aid Society lawyer Amanda, Parker meets resistance from law enforcement officials, a popular politician and even his own editor. What he gradually uncovers involves seemingly disparate individuals with unexpected motives, desperate to keep their activities a secret. Parker's first-person voice dominates: it lists between Parker as gritty, desensitized journalist and young romantic who wants little more than to spend the rest of his life with one woman. The emotional dichotomy makes Parker a captivating and complex protagonist, one whose pithy observations about New York are dead on. Pinter's chunky plot, rapid pacing and credible dialogue do the rest."

--Publishers Weekly

Labels: reviews, THE STOLEN

A Few New Reviews

A new review of THE GUILTY, and the first batch in from the UK...

"The author clearly did his research on gunslinger genealogy, and it makes for fascinating reading...well-executed gritty action...races along towards an ending of thriller proportions...Whether as journalist or crime stopper, Parker always manages to come out on top — and so has Jason Pinter, again."
--The Lincoln Journal-Star on THE GUILTY

'This is a great debut obviously written by someone who knows the genre very well. An innocent man caught up in a murder only to be hunted by both the police and the criminals alike. Yes, it does sound like familiar territory but Jason Pinter gives it a new, electrifying life that would make any writer in the genre jealous. The Mark has the kind of explosive writing that will put Jason Pinter up there amongst the top names, with its go-for-broke thematic attitude and foreboding atmosphere makes it a big reason why the book stands out amongst the crowd. And this oft revised scenario works with a darkly melodic power. I can’t wait for the next book in the series."

--ShotsMag UK on THE MARK

"A cut-above the norm in this area and a good start to what should develop into a terrific series."

--Lovereading.co.uk on THE MARK (May 2008 debut of the month)

"It’s a brilliant debut... the action simply blazes along and the reader is caught up in the ride. All the elements are there, plus that something extra special that makes this book a publishing phenomenon that's definitely not to be missed. Go on, I dare you not to finish it in one sitting!"
--CrimeSquad UK on THE MARK

Labels: foreign editions, reviews, THE GUILTY, THE MARK

A Wonderful Review

"The Guilty proves that Pinter knows what he's doing as his exciting plot grabs the reader from the first page. Pinter also bypasses many of the cliches and predictable storylines.

Pinter's series hero, Henry Parker, is a young, ambitious reporter with good news judgment and a sense of ethics. Fortunately, the newspaper he works for is more interested in actual news than the gossip that feeds its competition. The shooting of a celebutante at a nightclub opening is the beginning of a rampage by a sharp-shooter who uses an antique rifle. Henry uncovers a link between the killer and a legend of the Old West.

The Guilty is a fresh tale with original characters, as Pinter demonstrated in last year's impressive debut, The Mark."

--Oline Cogdill, Sun-Sentinel

Labels: bsp, reviews, THE GUILTY

Awards, links, etc...

Last week I got the press release that THE MARK had been nominated for "Best First Novel" by the Strand Critics Award (you can check out the actual release here). This is the second nomination the book has picked up (the other being from Romantic Times magazine), and I'm really just thrilled and shocked by both. Most importantly, it means people have enjoyed the book. And for that I'm thankful.

And here are a few links to get caught up on:

THE GUILTY has gotten some wonderful notices recently. Here's the latest from Bookreporter.com. And you can check out the rest of the reviews here.

I arrived home yesterday to find galleys for THE STOLEN waiting for me. A very pleasant surprise. I plan on posting a sneak peek at the cover art shortly, but subscribers to my newsletter will get an early look. You can sign up in the handy box on the right side of this blog, or at www.jasonpinter.com.

I must give a shout out to fellow Mira author Rachel Vincent, whose second book ROGUE just hit stores. Her first, STRAY, was a huge hit, and she's a pretty darn nice person as well (and a big help with my contest last month). Check out her terrific blog at urbanfantasy.blogspot.com, and then order a copy of ROGUE.

I'm in the midst of planning several trips. I'll be in Arizona on April 6th, signing at the renowned Poisoned Pen bookstore. I've never been to the Pen, and I'll be signing with C.J. Lyons. C.J. has been a friend for a few years, and her first novel LIFELINES was just released. C.J. has had a, shall we say, unique road to publishing her first novel, and I hope it's a huge success. Then I'll be at the Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference in May, and in June I'll be hopping across the pond to promote the UK release of THE MARK. I'm particularly excited for this, as my UK publishers have been wonderful and are working very hard to spread the word. They've lined up some very cool promotions, though a few of them will test my mettle as videographer and spokesman. I'll post links when I can (provided I'm not humiliated).

Labels: awards, bsp, conferences, reviews, THE GUILTY, THE MARK

"...one of the best thrillers this year..."

I'm back from a short vacation. Batteries recharged, my skin only slightly crispy. And I have a freshly copyedited manuscript on my desk that requires urgent attention.

In just one week my second novel, THE GUILTY, hits stores. I'm feeling butterflies just as I did when THE MARK came out last summer. These are slightly different butterflies, since as a writer you want to progress, write better stuff, and nobody wants to see the words "sophomore slump" in a review. The story for THE GUILTY is more complex than THE MARK. It required more research and a tighter hand weaving several storylines together, hoping all the threads created one taut narrative rope.

So when I read reviews like this one, from Kevin Lucia in the Press & Sun-Bulletin, those butterflies do a happy little butterfly dance of joy.

Just one week to go...

Labels: bsp, reviews, THE GUILTY, writing

New review for THE GUILTY

"New York newspaper reporter Henry Parker returns in Pinter's exciting follow-up to THE MARK. Living with his girlfriend and trying to bury memories of the traumatic events recounted in the first book, Henry gets an assignment that will put him and his girlfriend in jeopardy again. A celebrity is shot outside a nightclub, and a note from the killer quotes a line from one of Parker's articles. More famous people die, and Parker sees a terrifying pattern: the weapon used to commit the murders is over 100 years old. The further Parker investigates, the more he becomes part of the story, a suspenseful and shocking tale that will leave readers clamoring for the next Henry Parker novel."

--Library Journal

Labels: bsp, reviews, THE GUILTY

Patry Francis's THE LIAR'S DIARY

I first met Patry Francis during BEA last year, and we saw each other again last summer at ThrillerFest. Since we're are both members of Killer Year, after months of correspondance it was a pleasure to finally meet Patry in person. She had received glowing reviews for her debut psychological mystery THE LIAR'S DIARY. And in person, Patry was just as warm as the reception for her book. I'm proud to call her a friend and colleague.

Patry was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. And while our hearts and prayers are with her for a quick and painless recovery, it is the hope of her friends and fellow writers that her wonderful debut novel will find its way into the hands of many eager readers. If you've been debating what to read next, you can stop looking.

New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard said the LIAR'S DIARY, "Twists and turns but never lets go."

Kirkus Reviews called it, "Genuinely creepy."

The New York Daily News said it was, "Outright chilling."

The paperback edition of THE LIAR'S DIARY arrives in stores today. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. And as soon as that final page is turned, we're sure you'll want to help spread the word.

Visit Patry's website at www.patryfrancis.com, and read her blog at simplywait.blogspot.com.

You can purchase a copy of THE LIAR'S DIARY at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local Booksense retailer.

Labels: random, reviews

THE GUILTY--The first review is in!!!

The Guilty
by Jason Pinter
Still relatively fresh out of J-school but already a hot scribe at the New York Gazette, Henry Parker (from Pinter’s The Mark) files another hair-raising story in the Big Bad Apple. This time the juicy journo’s on the trail of the Boy, a sharpshooting serial killer who kills his prey using an antique Winchester 1873, “the gun that won the West.” The first victim is celebrity diva Athena Paradis, and the killer leaves a note quoting a piece of Henry’s. Henry’s research reveals a bizarre connection between Henry and a long-dead outlaw of the American West, and, as victims pile up, Henry wonders if the Boy is out for vengeance. The intrepid journalist must think fast on his feet to stop him, even if it means asking for help from a rival Dispatch journalist, the lovely Paulina Cole. Tension mounts, bullets fly and Pinter’s cool fusion of a new outlaw with blood ties to an old one hits the mark. The resolution is a ripsnorter, leaving thrill fans ready for the next Henry Parker newsflash.
--Publishers Weekly

Labels: bsp, reviews, THE GUILTY

My Favorite Movies of 2007

This is a very truncated list since I haven't seen many films that likely will be up for award consideration, so maybe a more apt title is "Favorite Movies of 2007 that I Happened to See."

Anyway, in no particular order...

Ratatouille

Another gem from Pixar, though not quite in the league of "The Incredibles" or the "Toy Story" films. Still, a merely good Pixar movie is still better than 99.9% of what's released every year. Can Peter O'Toole please be nominated for his deliciously role as Anton Ego? Bonus points for the hilarious short film "Lifted," maybe the funniest five minutes in film this year.

Michael Clayton

This isn't really an "issue" movie, and it isn't really a mystery or thriller, but what I loved about this film is its grim portrait of a man who has lost his way and knows it. The opening scene sets the tone, where Clooney's Michael Clayton is summoned to fix a sticky problem for a powerful client, only he's so weary of being on the wrong side of the morality line he can barely life a finger to "help." Tilda Swinton is fantastic and, most importantly, believable as a woman so terrified of her own ambition that she resorts to horrific actions to protect her career. Maybe the most chillingly realistic villain in film this year.

300

Yes, the script is often goofy and laughable. Yes, the title might be the answer to the question "How gay is this movie on a scale of 1-10?" (credit SNL). But as Leonidas says to the orator Delios midway through the film, "Tell them a story. Something to get their blood up." That's what 300 did, got your blood up for two straight hours of bloody mayhem. The kind of movie football teams will watch before a big game. And yes, that's a compliment.

Knocked Up

Judd Apatow is the Pixar of live action comedy. He doesn't cast the biggest stars, has a reliable stable/family/freakshow of actors (Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann), he creates simple premises and milks them for all they're worth, and every picture, no matter how dirty, has heart beneath the smut. His movies make stars, a nice change of pace since most actors tend to rely on tabloids over talent to get them noticed. And Kristen Wiig, probably the most consistently funny SNL cast member, nearly steals the show as a subversively underhanded producer. "Oh no, we're not asking you to lose weight. That would be illegal. We just want you to be healthy, by eating less."

No Country for Old Men

A great movie, but I actually wish I'd seen it before reading the book. NCFOM is a perfect example of minimalism at its finest; I don't think there's a single piece of music until the end, and it probably sets the modern movie record for least dialogue per minute. Not knowing who will live after having met Javier Bardem's sociopathic, cattle gun-carrying page boy Anton Chigurh. Not knowing just how quick-witted--or witless--Josh Brolin's Llewelyn Moss can be when put to the test. A story that makes perfect sense because its characters, namely Tommy Lee Jones's Sheriff Bell, can't make sense of the world they inhabit.

Superbad

Not as "warm" as Knocked Up, but probably the movie I laughed the hardest at all year. Michael Cera takes awkward confidence to new heights, and damned if Jonah Hill didn't play a clone of one of my best friends from high school. Surprisingly one of my favorite characters in the movie is Emma Stone's Jules. Finally we get a popular high school girl who isn't either a volcanic bitch or neurotic mess. Jules is just...cool. Best line in the movie? "F*ck you bum!"

Gone Baby Gone

I wrote a lengthy review of this movie here. I sincerely hope this isn't forgotten come awards time. I'll just be happy if Amy Ryan gets a nod.

Labels: pop culture, reviews

Weekend Reviews

Note: if you have access to a physical copy of the 12/16 Lincoln Journal Star, please email me at jason(at)jasonpinter.com. I'll exchange a signed copy of THE MARK for a copy of the newspaper (shipping and paper on me!).

‘Mark’ tells tale of man on the run from cops, mob
by Anthony Rainone
Lincoln Journal Star
(“The Mark” by Jason Pinter, MIRA Books, 384 pages, $7.99).
The story excels with its characterizations, particularly the refreshing Parker and his companion-in-harm’s-way, law student Amanda Davies. There is chemistry between these two companions on the lam. The writing is solid throughout the novel, and the dialogue is peppered with humor. There are poignant stretches where Parker reveals deep emotional conflict and longing. He’s a man-in-a-hurry, with a heart. Pinter is a native of New York City, and he paints a town he knows intimately. He treats the city like a big backyard and brings the reader down to street-level observations.
Befitting a novel of quick tempo populated by angry law enforcement and wiseguys, the ending packs a punch of fire power, and unexpected results. There are more Henry Parker novels coming, and it’s worth the price of admission to find out what life has in store for this honest journalist.

read the full review here

The Strand magazine

by Andrew F. Gulli, managing editor

Top Books of the Year

1. RUMPOLE MISBEHAVES by Sir John Mortimer (Viking)

2. ANATOMY OF FEAR by Jonathan Santlofer (William Morrow)

3. THE MARK by Jason Pinter (MIRA)

4. THE SLEEPING DOLL by Jeffery Deaver (Simon and Schuster)

5. THE WAR AGAINST MISS WINTER by Kathryn Miller Haines (HarperCollins)

6. CHASERS by Lorenzo Carcaterra (Ballantine)

7. NEON DRAGON by John F. Dobbyn (UPNE)

8. UP IN HONEY'S ROOM by Elmore Leonard (William Morrow)

9 END GAME by Michael Dibdin (Vintage)

10. LADYKILLER by Lawrence Light and Meredith Anthony (Oceanview)

11. JUMP CUT by Max Allan Collins (Obsidian)

12. MAJESTIC DESCENDING by Graham Mitchell (Forge)

Labels: reviews

Another Rave Review for KILLER YEAR!!!

KILLER YEAR: Stories to Die for...From the Hottest New Crime Writers
Sixteen shades of noir, all interesting, some compelling.

Three of Child's contributors--Ken Bruen, Allison Brennan and Duane Swierczynski--are seasoned pros, but the collection's gems come from the 13 members of the younger set. Derek Nikitas's "Runaway," for instance, is a superbly ambiguous chiller about an adolescent girl who
may or may not be a real runaway, or for that matter real. In Toni McGee Causey's artfully composed "A Failure to Communicate" introduces the indomitable and irresistible Bobbie Faye Sumrall, a steel magnolia whose steel will cause three lowlifes to rue the day they took her hostage. "Perfect Gentleman" by Brett Battles and "Bottom Deal" by Robert Gregory Browne are both lean and taut, expertly crafted in the good old hard-boiled tradition. In Marc Lecard's sly "Teardown," a hapless loser arrives in the wrong place at what turns out to be exactly the right time. Gregg Olson's autobiographical "Crime of My Life" features a surprise ending that actually surprises. The quality is less consistent among the other entries, but, remarkably for a collection this ample, there's no sign of a clinker.

An anthology so worthwhile that it comes within an eyelash of deserving the hyperbole Child (Bad Luck and Trouble, 2007, etc.) heaps on it in his introduction.
--Kirkus Reviews

Labels: killer year, reviews

Official Website of Jason Pinter

Blog - The Man in Black

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Four Stars for THE FURY!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Monday, May 19, 2008

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Friday, May 09, 2008

Monday, March 31, 2008

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Friday, December 21, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Friday, November 16, 2007

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