 | 6 Jul 11 |
I was thrilled to be asked to participate in a serial mystery novel alongside some of my favorite authors. A serial novel is where there is a singular plot for a book, but multiple authors tell the story. So we each got an overview of the plot and then only the chapter preceding ours, before we were unleashed to write our contribution.
Talk about fun.
Not only that, the brother-and-sister editing team, Andrew and Lamia Gulli of The STRAND magazine have arranged to donate all proceeds from NO REST FOR THE DEAD (excluding contributor expenses) to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
More than twenty New York Times bestselling authors team up to create a first-rate serial novel — a collaboration that combines the skills of America’s greatest storytellers to produce a gripping, spellbinding mystery. The all-star lineup of authors behind No Rest for the Dead, a tale of vengeance, greed and love that flows seamlessly, in the words of David Baldacci, “as it passes from one creator’s mind to the next.”
Check out the list of contributors!
Jeff Abbott , Lori Armstrong, Sandra Brown, Thomas Cook, Jeffery Deaver, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew F. Gulli, Peter James, J.A. Jance, Faye Kellerman, Raymond Khoury, John Lescroart, Jeff Lindsay, Gayle Lynds, Phillip Margolin, Alexander McCall Smith, Michael Palmer, T. Jefferson Parker, Matthew Pearl, Kathy Reichs, Marcus Sakey, Jonathan Santlofer, Lisa Scottoline, R.L. Sine, Marcia, Talley — with an introduction by David Baldacci
Here’s the jacket copy:
When the dead body of Christopher Thomas, a ruthless curator at San Francisco’s McFall Art Museum, is found bloodied and decaying in an iron maiden in a museum in Berlin, his wife is the primary suspect. Rosemary Thomas is tried, convicted, and executed, but ten years later, Detective Jon Nunn remains convinced that the wrong person was put to death. In the years since he closed the case, Nunn has discovered a web of deceit and betrayal surrounding the Thomases that could implicate any number of people in the crime. With the help of the dead woman’s friend, Nunn makes plans to gather everyone who was at the McFall Museum the night Christopher was murdered in an attempt to finally uncover the truth, suspect by suspect. Solving this case may be Nunn’s last chance for redemption … but the shadowy forces behind Christopher’s death will stop at nothing to silence the past forever.
amazon.com buy link for NO REST FOR THE DEAD
barnesandnoble.com buy link for NO REST FOR THE DEAD
I’ll give away a copy of this book in hard cover or digital to some lucky commenter!
© 2011 – 2012, Lori G. Armstrong. All rights reserved.
Lori G. Armstrong left the firearms industry in 2000. Her first mystery novel, BLOOD TIES, published in 2005, was nominated in 2006 for a Shamus Award for Best First Novel by the Private Eye Writers of America. The second book in the Julie Collins mystery series, HALLOWED GROUND, released Nov. 2006, was nominated for a 2007 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original, a Daphne du Maurier Award and won the 2007 WILLA Cather Literary Award for Best Original Softcover Fiction. SHALLOW GRAVE, released in Nov. 2007, was nominated for a 2008 High Plains Book Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award and was a finalist for the 2008 WILLA Cather Literary Award. The fourth book, SNOW BLIND, released in Oct. 2008, won the 2009 Shamus Award, from the Private Eye Writers of America, for Best Paperback Original. Lori is a proud fourth generation South Dakotan and lives in Rapid City with her family.
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I never read a serial mistery (or serial novel for that matter), but the concept seems intriguing and I’m pretty sure some amaing things came from all theses hands.
Is the contest open internationally? (I really hope so
by Ana C. Nunes July 6th, 2011 at 6:13 amYes, Ana, it’s open internationally
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:10 amI’ve never read nor had I even heard of a serial novel untill recently, I have to admit I’m very intrigued by the idea so much so that I’ve added No Rest For The Dead to my Amazon wishlist.I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I win a copy here but if not I’m definitely gonna buy a copy.Thanks for the heads up Lorelei on this new to me concept!!!
by Timitra July 6th, 2011 at 9:22 pmIt sounds like an interesting concept and the premise sounds good. I’ll definitely look into getting a copy (if I don’t win one here). Thanks for the heads-up, Lori.
by B.E Sanderson July 6th, 2011 at 8:17 amYou’re welcome, B.E.
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:10 amA very unique concept. I assume readers would have to read them in order to follow the plot. What is the publishing schedule? Will these come out in one year or over an extended time period?
by kmg July 6th, 2011 at 8:41 amAll the authors are in this one book, and the story reads just like any other mystery, we all just wrote one chapter.
Hope that clears things up for you!
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:11 amOh! What an incredible concept and the names?!? OMG! Oh, yes, put me down for wanting one whther I win or not! I fear I’ll have to go hardbound on this one so I can share it with Lawyer Guy. There are names on that list that he loves to read, too!
Congrats on being asked to participate, Lori, but we all know you rock as a mystery writer. One question, is the author given credit for his/her chapter so we know who wrote which one?
by Silver James July 6th, 2011 at 8:52 amYes, Silver, each chapter lists who wrote it.
PS- I have your dreamcatcher and I’ll hit the PO tomorrow
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:12 amWhat an idea. Did everyone know who was the bad guy? With this many writers the story could change focus with each chapter. Sounds like quite a challenge. Were you given a certain amount of pages/words for each writer. I’d love to win a copy!.
by TrishJ July 6th, 2011 at 9:24 amTrish, I had NO idea ahead of time who the bad guy was. I had the chapter ahead of mine and a guideline of what plot point I needed to include in my chapter…and that’s it. I loved the challenge and we were each limited on the amount of words to write.
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:14 amHi Lori, this sounds really cool!!! Love the concept…it’s like a upgraded version of telephone.
I remember playing a game in elementary and junior high school. We passed around a paper in class. We were supposed to write a story, and each person had a write a sentence. There was a first line and we folded the paper, then someone had to add a second sentence, fold, pass…etc. To make it even more interesting, we sometimes added a rule…the first sentence begins with A, the second with B, then C…etc. The stories were hilarious when we finally got to the last person in the circle.
It will be interesting reading a book written in the way you described. There are so many different voices that will come through. So many threads that need to be woven in seamlessly. Awesome!!! I can’t wait.
Peace and love,
by Paula R. July 6th, 2011 at 9:40 amPaula R.
Paula, that sounds like fun and a great way to trigger ideas
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:15 amWow, what an amazing group of authors! And a terrific cause. Hopping over to order…
by Laura Griffin July 6th, 2011 at 9:44 amI fixed the buy link, Laura, thanks for the heads up!
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:15 amAwesome cover, awesome group of authors!
by Debra Webb July 6th, 2011 at 9:45 amI was thrilled to be asked, Deb, and still am a little stunned to see my name with all those authors!
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:16 am[...] Murder She Writes Blog Post and Contest [...]
by Lori Armstrong » Blog Archive » NO REST FOR THE DEAD ANTHOLOGY- new release! July 6th, 2011 at 9:59 amWOW Lor,
You are in with some heavy hitters. What a wonderful compliment to your writing to be included + that whole you are a woman mystery writer who doesn’t write cozies.
Heading to Amazon to buy and then read.
Now stop reading this and go Make Mercy punch something
by Barb Hill-Kidd July 6th, 2011 at 10:10 amThanks Barb!
Mercy is more of a shooter than a puncher
by Lori G. Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:16 amHuge congrats on being part of it and what a great cause. May it hit the bestseller lists and stay there for a looong time.
by HollyD July 6th, 2011 at 10:24 amThanks, Holly, it is for a great cause, and we hope it sells many copies!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 10:28 amA Serial Novel, never read one. Will have to add this to my list of reads and see what I think.
Shelly
by Shelly July 6th, 2011 at 10:40 amIt was a novel concept, Shelly — no pun intended!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:17 pmthis sounds so great, i cant wait to read it
by Regina Ross July 6th, 2011 at 10:49 amThanks for commenting, Regina.
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:18 pmWhat a fun concept! I’m so glad you got to participate in the project. It sounds fantastic!!
by Janel July 6th, 2011 at 11:10 amI was thrilled to get asked, Janel.
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:18 pmWow – awesome idea. I cen’t wait to see how the different writing styles mesh!
I seen a couple with 2 or 3 authors, but never this many.
Can’t wait to read it!
by Shannon July 6th, 2011 at 11:16 amShannon, surprisingly all the voices stayed true to the author, which made it even more fun to read
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:19 pmThanks Na!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:19 pmI learned something new today, I love mystery thrillers but have never thought of the idea of a serial mystery with one plot but with multiple authors telling the story. I think that’s a great idea. Sometimes when I read a book I find it too formulaic, and even distinct to an author’s voice. With my favourite authors, my qualms are small but I can find it on the predictable side. I think it’s great to see authors collaborating and seeing the result of that work. Not to mention the fun and challenges of the work.
Sounds great
by Na July 6th, 2011 at 11:17 amI’ve read a serial book before and really enjoyed it. With the group of authors writing this one I know it will be a great read.
by Sherry S. July 6th, 2011 at 11:24 amAnd we had a fun prelaunch party too!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:20 pmA serial murder novel…I am fascinated by the idea of it. And I love the phrase of description by David Baldacci.
by Little Lamb Lost July 6th, 2011 at 11:35 amI think his blurb makes it even more intriguing too
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:21 pmI’m intrigued! A cool idea and a very important cause! I’m off to check it out!
by Jennifer Lyon July 6th, 2011 at 12:04 pmThat it benefits a great cause is icing on the cake, Jen!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 12:22 pmWhat a fun idea…and all my favorite mystery writers are included…this is one book I am putting on my list to buy for my summer reading.
by JackieW July 6th, 2011 at 12:25 pmI hope you do, Jackie!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:42 pmThanks for the info…I love blogs for the reason they give me such good information on books I might otherwise have overlooked. Not this one though.
by JOYE July 6th, 2011 at 12:27 pmWe love to spread the reading love, Joye
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:43 pmSounds like a great book. I love mysteries of any type and when it’s for a good cause it’s even better! I love your RR books and look forward to reading all you’ve written as Lori. Thanks for all your creativity and hard work!
by Donna G July 6th, 2011 at 12:28 pmThanks Donna
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:44 pmAnd I also just noticed that one of my other favorite writers wrote a chapter as well. Looks like I’ll be spending my vacation coming up in a week reading both you and Diana Gabaldon. This book, plus your other mysteries are on the agenda for me!
by Donna G July 7th, 2011 at 7:42 pmRead about No Rest for the Dead on Lesa’s Book Critiques — http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-rest-for-dead.html
Awesome.
by Liz July 6th, 2011 at 12:28 pmThat was a good review, thanks for sharing it Liz!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:45 pmI’ve only just noticed that Lesa says “proceeds from the book benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”
by Liz July 6th, 2011 at 6:14 pmI am so excited. I can’t wait to read this!
by ella July 6th, 2011 at 12:43 pmella
artsyoil @ yahoo.com
Thanks for stopping by, Ella
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:46 pmI’ve never read a book with multiple authors telling the whole story, sounds like a great concept. It is also wonderful the proceeds are going to a good cause. I’m heading over to B&N now to download. Have a great day Lori!!
by Sharon July 6th, 2011 at 12:59 pmThanks Sharon!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:45 pmI have never read serial book this sounds very interesting and I love mystery/thrillers well just about anything you can read I love
by Christy July 6th, 2011 at 12:59 pmLoving reading is music to our ears here at MSW, Christy!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:46 pmSounds like a really interesting concept and a great read.
by Karen M in FL July 6th, 2011 at 1:34 pmI hope readers like it, Karen
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:47 pmWhat a great idea, sounds awesome! Will have to look for it.
by Quilt Lady July 6th, 2011 at 1:54 pmThanks, QL
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:47 pmSounds wonderful. Great idea. Like the book.
by anne July 6th, 2011 at 2:45 pmIt does have a great cover too, Anne.
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:48 pmI love this concept. As soon as you mentioned it on the Yahoo! loop I added it to my wish list. There are some really great authors on the list. And, quite a few I have never heard of. The best part, I get to read a little Lori Armstrong mystery while I wait for the next Mercy book (are you tired of me asking about Mercy yet?). Thanks for the giveaway.
by Jen B. July 6th, 2011 at 3:24 pmjepebATverizonDOTnet
I don’t mind the nagging, Jen
— I have a Mercy short story coming out in an antho next year!
by Lori Armstrong July 6th, 2011 at 3:48 pmSounds good! Would love to read it!
by Barb July 6th, 2011 at 4:04 pmHey Barb!
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:21 amI think it is a great concept and as I’ve read, a lot of fun for you to be asked to contribute! The fact that the book proceeds are going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is awesome. Hope it sells many copies!
by Angie M July 6th, 2011 at 4:29 pmHoping this raises a lot of money, Angie!
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:22 amthese types of books are so much fun….I love all the different twists and turns
by Jeanine July 6th, 2011 at 6:48 pmI’ve only ever read one other book like this one…I think because it’s hard to pull off.
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:22 amLori, what a great line-up to be a part of. Congratulations!! Looks like an awesome book.
by Jill James July 6th, 2011 at 7:09 pmThanks Jill!
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:22 amwow,this sounds amazing and what a fantastic group of authors. i can’t wait to read this book.
by Tammy Ramey July 6th, 2011 at 9:55 pmThanks Tammy
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:23 amHaving all the different authors would make for one fabulous read. Great idea.
by Mary Preston July 7th, 2011 at 12:30 amI don’t know who’s idea it was initially, Mary, but it was a good one.
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:24 amWhat an interesting idea that was. Congratulations on being part of this project.
by Maureen July 7th, 2011 at 4:22 amThanks Maureen!
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:24 amI’ve never read a serial novel, but it sounds interesting!! From a writing perspective it seems challenging. I can’t wait to see how it all works out.
by savonna July 7th, 2011 at 7:10 amSavonna, girl, where you been? Nice to hear from you!
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 8:24 amWhat a cool idea!! And that’s some rarified air you’re breathing, Lori! Congrats and can’t wait to read this one ~ xo
by Roxanne St. Claire July 7th, 2011 at 8:52 amThanks Rocki, I still can’t believe my name is included with all those others!
by Lori Armstrong July 7th, 2011 at 11:05 amThe book got a write up in today’s Chicago Tribune, pgs. 1 & 2 of the A&E section. It’s about the idea behind it, the contributors, but you’re not mentioned
,and the charity. You can probably read it at chicagotribune.com. If not, and you’d like a copy, I can scan it and e-mail it. Just reply if so.
by Anne July 7th, 2011 at 5:45 pmI’ve never read a serial mystery, but it sounds extremely intriguing. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
by Denise in AZ July 8th, 2011 at 2:28 pmThere are a lot of great authors in that book. I would love to read it.
by Nikki C. July 9th, 2011 at 11:49 amCongratulations on being in the lineup, Lori – sounds like a fabulous book!
by MaryC July 9th, 2011 at 6:40 pm