Most of you know I’m the blogger for The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona. I write my blog,, which is totally different from the blog I write for The Pen. And, they have over 200 authors visit the bookstore every year, both in person and virtually.
So, for now, until I come up with something I like better, on Fridays, I’m going to share my favorite video of the week from The Poisoned Pen. I’m not pushing you to buy a book. I just thought sometime you’d discover an author, or enjoy seeing and hearing from an author you admire.
Today, I’m going to share Craig Johnson’s appearance at the bookstore. Craig was there to talk about his novella, Tooth and Claw featuring Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear in Alaska. I don’t read all of Craig’s books. I do enjoy his conversations. He’s funny and you can tell he enjoys talking with people.
Here’s something that may be a little controversial. Johnson says it in the presentation, and in the acknowledgements in his book. He writes mysteries, but talks about Alistair MacLean’s thrillers. “I’ve referred to thrillers as mysteries with lobotomies, but MacLean never fell prey to the you-know-who-it-is-in-the-first-chapter-and-now-have-to-sit-through-five-hundred-pages-of-chase formula.” I love that. I’m a fan of mysteries myself.
I’m not stealing anything from The Poisoned Pen. You can subscribe to their YouTube page. But, if you’re only interested in an author here or there, I’ll share the link on Fridays, for now.
Here’s Craig Johnson at The Poisoned Pen with Barbara Peters, owner of the bookstore.
Lesa, thank you for sharing this interview. I discovered Craig Johnson through one of your early blog reviews and I’ve read all his books. His first novel “ A Cold Dish” was a great introduction to his characters and setting. I have watched and enjoyed several author interviews at the Poison Pen but usually forget to look for them on YouTube. Now I can just wait for Friday and, poof, there will be a link from you.
Have a lovely weekend.
Thank you, Susan. I hope this works for people for now until I come up with something else magical for Fridays. And, maybe a number of you will enjoy this since not everyone participated in the contests anyways.
I’m glad I introduced you to Craig Johnson’s books!
What a fun idea! I knew you would come up with something we would enjoy. And Craig Johnson is a terrific way to start. He is, without a doubt, one of the most engaging and charming people ever.
Thank you, Kaye! And, you’re right. I can listen to him talk forever. And, as an introvert, I don’t have to carry on a conversation. Once Craig gets going, he’s off.
Lesa, I think this is a great idea! I have attended many author events at the Pen, even though live in Texas. We have planned vacations around author things there. And have been watching who is coming in upcoming months as we try to do another in the spring. Anyway, I will tell people that these events are also podcasts or many of them are. In case a video doesn’t suit at the time. I am very fond of listening to authors talk about their writing, their research, etc. And it’s fun to meet the people who have written these wonderful stories. Thanks!
Thank you, Kay! And, I know my nephew would listen to podcasts, and not watch the videos. So, thank you!
Thanks Lesa
Even more fun than a book give away!
Publishers still give away books, but more likely to social media influencers with bucket-loads of followers. I don’t know how much, if any, reading gets done, but they get a bit of publicity and sales.
I wonder about that, too, MM. How much reading actually gets done by those influencers?
Excellent. I was lucky enough to pick up his first book at a long ago Bouchercon and have been reading them ever since, including the shorter tales, with one exception: the one set in Mexico. (That is a storyline I hate and skip the “vengeance quest to save a loved one” books in all series.)
Hi, Judy!
I didn’t read the one set in Mexico, either, Jeff. I don’t like that storyline, either. In fact, I seldom read any books set in Mexico, other than Steven F. Havill’s. His are set in New Mexico, but sometimes crimes take the police over the border. However, his are strictly police procedurals.