A Literary Spy: Olen Steinhauer >>
Just after Christmas I had a lovely lunch with Tim Peters, who interviewed me for Publishers Weekly, and we chatted about plenty of things, only ending the conversation because of other obligations. Here’s the profile he wrote. Thanks, Tim!
Focus Features | Videos & Extras | Slideshow | Spy Writers On George Smiley >>
Somehow I missed this before—but it’s some of Focus Features’ “extra content” for Tinker Tailor. William Boyd, Philip Kerr, and I were asked to share a few thoughts on that legendary character, George Smiley.
Library Journal has its say
Despite the lack of a star, Library Journal’s review of An American Spy is quite stellar. Witness:
This follow-up to The Tourist and The Nearest Exit proves the adage that good things come in threes. With Milo Weaver as the conscience-worn hero, Steinhauer does for Chinese-Western intrigue what John le Carré did for the Cold War era of international espionage. A mesmerizing series for dedicated readers of spy fiction.
Pretty great!
(For those of you not in the publishing business—meaning, most everyone—I’m charting the pre-publication reviews put out by the industry magazines: Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal and…hopefully next…Kirkus Reviews. While the general public doesn’t read these reviews, librarians and booksellers do, which means they’re important to the success of any title, helping build momentum before the book hits the shelves.)
Booklist has excellent taste…
…which is an obnoxious title for a post, but Keir Graff over at Booklist has over the years given my novels some wonderful attention, and his forthcoming starred review for An American Spy has me blushing. It’ll come out in the January 15 issue, so keep an eye out for it, but in the meantime I’ll share the climactic, sure-to-be-quoted-on-the-back-cover line:
“Another must-read from the best novelist working in the tradition of John le Carré.”
Star in PW! >>
Just came across this starred review of An American Spy in Publishers Weekly. Though I always notice the negatives (they find the opening “initially convoluted”) it’s a very praising review that I’m proud to receive. Thanks PW!
