Debut of the Month - Macmillan Library

Debut of the Month: Claws of the Cat

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Ali Fisher

Fans of historical and international Mysteries, take note! Susan Spann's CLAWS OF THE CAT is a kick butt debut featuring a ninja detective navigating the political and social perils of sixteenth-century Japan and it's Library Journal's Debut of the Month!

When a samurai is brutally murdered in a Kyoto teahouse, master ninja Hiro has no desire to get involved. But the beautiful entertainer accused of the crime enlists the help of Father Mateo, the Portuguese Jesuit priest who Hiro is sworn to protect, leaving the master shinobi with just three days to find the killer and save the girl and the priest from the dead man’s vengeful son.

"While Spann demonstrates admirable attention to detail in her ninja detective debut, it’s the contemporary tone of her prose that makes this intriguing 16th-century historical so accessible. Laura Joh Rowland fans will like this book for the time period, but the 'buddy tone' is reminiscent of Ian Morson’s 'Nick Zuliani' series and Gary Corby’s 'Athenian Mysteries' series." —Library Journal (starred review, Debut of the Month)

"Spann's debut provides an absorbing look at Japanese culture along with a sharp mystery." —Kirkus Reviews

"[S]et in a mostly untapped period of Japanese history, the book should do well with fans of [Laura Joh Rowland and I. J. Parker]." —Booklist

[...]

Know More...

This Case is Gonna Kill Me: SFF Debut of the Month!

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Ali Fisher

Library Journal selected Phillipa Bornikova's THIS CASE IS GONNA KILL ME as their Science Fiction/Fantasy Debut of the Month for August!

THIS CASE IS GONNA KILL ME is an original blend of urban fantasy, legal thriller, and workplace drama.

Linnet Ellery is the human offspring of an affluent Connecticut family. Fresh out of law school, she’s beginning her career in a powerful New York vampire law firm. She has high hopes of eventually making partner. But in a workplace where some humans will eventually achieve immense power and centuries of extra lifespan, office politics can be outragiously vicious. Soon she becomes the target of repeated, apparently random violent attacks, but there’s more to Linnet Ellery than a little old-money human privilege...

"Bornikova presents a world in which lucky humans who cooperate with the supernatural-run 'system' can rise to high positions. Her characters, human and supernatural alike, possess complexity and depth, and her heroine is tough and immediately likable. Strong storytelling, appealing characters, and an intriguing setting make this urban fantasy series opener likely to have great appeal to the genre’s many fans." -Library Journal (starred review, Debut of the Month!)

[...]

Know More...

Library Journal is Enamored With Our Mystery Debuts

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Ali Fisher

For four months running, Library Journal has been having a bit of a love affair with our mystery debuts. Every Mystery Debut of the Month from July through October has been a superb Minotaur title:

July's Debut of the Month:
WHERE THE SHADOWS LIE
Michael Ridpath

"This highly atmospheric and addictive thriller brings in elements that will entice both crime fiction and fantasy readers." -Library Journal (starred review)

August's Debut of the Month:
WICKED AUTUMN
G. M. Malliet

"Yes, this is a true homage to Agatha Christie, but Malliet, like Louise Penny, brings a contemporary freshness to the traditional mystery." -Library Journal (starred review)

September's Debut of the Month:
OR THE BULL KILLS YOU
Jason Webster

"With its rapid pace and wonderfully flawed detective, this vibrant novel has tremendous appeal." -Library Journal (starred review)

October's Debut of the Month:
THE TERRITORY
Tricia Fields

"Buckle your seatbelts for an off-road trip full of adrenaline." -Library Journal (starred review)

Excellent picks, Library Journal.

[...]

Know More...