John interviews Clive Cussler and Jack DuBrul about their newest (The Jungle) as well as interviews with Grant Blackwood and Kerry Frey from the Adventure Writer’s Competition.
Today is the official laydown date for THE JUNGLE, so I thought I’d give Jack DuBrul a call and see how he feels about his latest collaboration with Clive Cussler. It seemed a shame to take him away from his writing, but I always enjoy talking with him.
Jack says that THE JUNGLE is probably his favorite Oregon Files book, and he sounds pleased with the twist he adds to the ending of the story.
From the “news fit to print” category, Phil Mercer lives! Jack is “hard” at work on the long awaited new Phil Mercer story. He is unwilling to share his working title, but did say that I can report that the story revolves around the global warming controversy, and starts with the long lost aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart. As a long time fan of the series I was pleased to learn last fall that Jack would take a break from the Oregon Files to flesh out the Mercer tale that has been rattling around in his head for a couple of years.
So save a weekend sometime in the months ahead to head back to Tiny’s Bar, where you can slide onto a stool next to Harry White, order a Vodka Gimlet and wait for Phil Mercer to make an appearance.
I have it on good authority that he is on his way.
- John
I was watching a piece on CBS News Sunday with the title of ‘based on a novel by . . . “
It featured none other than the master spymaker, John LeCarre. Few of us can forget the Cold War and the novelists whose stock-in-trade were those “spies” who applied their craft, and by doing so kept us safe.
LeCarre, in 22 novels, revealed the frailties of the human condition and exploited it, building up tension in the reader with characters that lived in the shadows, dark and mysterious. LeCarre, along with Len Deighton, Frederick Forsyth, and Ken Follett showed us the face of British counter intelligence.
Gradually, US spy novelists came to par in the genre created and dominated by British writers. The Scarlatti Inheritance caused Robert Ludlum to be regarded as the first American spymaster. In the 1970s, former CIA operative Charles McCarry began the Paul Christopher series with The Tears of Autumn. The first American techno-thriller was Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October. It introduced CIA analyst, turned field agent, Jack Ryan.
With the end of the Cold War the genre went on hiatus. Spies lost their luster and relevance. No secrets needed exposure, or so we thought . . .! To survive, the novelists had to re-invent (more…)
“If the truth be known, I have always been an easy mark for a good adventure. I eagerly wait for each new release by Clive Cussler, Jack DuBrul, James Rollins and Steve Berry, just to name a few.
Book after book these authors deliver suspense, intrigue, and offer creative answers to some of history’s greatest mysteries. With the world frequently hanging in the balance their heroes save mankind from the latest villain, while simultaneously unraveling ancient riddles.
So how could I resist when I learned of a new author with a story lauded by Jim Rollins, Doug Preston, Steve Berry, Gayle Lynds and Chris Kuzneski? I read an advance and was knocked out. Morrison brings a new voice to adventure, and I predict will earn his own place in the genre. I know I already have a place on my bookshelf reserved for his books!
Join me in welcoming Boyd Morrison to our community of collectors.” – John Hutchinson, co-owner of VJ Books
JOHN’S BOOK REVIEW – THE ARK BY BOYD MORRISON
Legend has it that somewhere on Mt. Ararat sits the remains of Noah’s Ark.
In a genre that has shown us the whereabouts of the Island of Atlantis, King Solomon’s Mine, Alexander’s Library, and the gold of the Incas, it was only a matter of time for The Ark itself to see daylight.
The only question was “who would find it first?” Would it be Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Jack DuBrul, or Steve Berry? No, they are all beaten to the punch by newcomer Boyd Morrison!
Morrison delivers all of the thrills we’ve come to expect is his debut novel, The Ark (Touchstone, May 2010). The story begins with archaeologist Hasad Arvadi announcing that his lifelong search for Noah’s Ark is about to bear fruit as he struggles to record his final thoughts, trapped in a darkened chamber, succumbing to multiple gun shot wounds.
The story roars to life as Arvadi’s daughter, Dilara Kenner, also an archaeologist is marked for death by the same dark force that has taken her father’s life. She teams up with Tyler Locke, an engineer whose past may offer clues to a plot so sinister that it signals an end to the human experience. Locke and Kenner race against time to unravel a vast conspiracy led by a villain so real it will make your skin crawl. Can they stop him in time, and how does the story of the flood and Noah’s Ark fit in?
Move over Dirk Pitt, stand aside Phil Mercer, watch out Cotton Malone, Tyler Locke is on the scene promising Boyd Morrison a commanding place at the adventure table.
The Ark has it all, a tall dark hero with unsurpassed skills and incredible timing, a beautiful archeologist who can handle herself in a fight, a wealthy bad guy with plans to dominate the world, and clues to a ancient mystery that will have you rethinking human history.
The Ark is one hell of a ride.
CHECK OUT THE NEW AWESOME BOOK TRAILER FOR THE ARK HERE !
Find out even more about Boyd Morrison… (more…)
Norwood Press today announced that they will release limited lettered and numbered editions of The Silent Sea – hand-signed by authors Clive Cussler and Jack DuBrul. The Silent Sea is the seventh novel in their co-authored Oregon Files series. The Oregon, captained by Juan Cabrillo, is a modern-day Trojan horse – a ship that, on the outside, appears broken down but actually holds state of the art equipment and powerful weaponry.
The Silent Sea opens with a prologue set during 1941, when five brothers exploring a shaft on a small island off the coast of Washington state make an exciting discovery, only to be interrupted by news of Pearl Harbor. In the present, Cabrillo, chasing the remnants of a crashed satellite in the Argentine jungle, makes a shocking discovery of his own. His search to untangle the mystery leads him first to that small island in Washington and its secret, and then much further back, to an ancient Chinese expedition, and a curse that seems to have survived for over five hundred years.
“Once again, Cussler and DuBrul demonstrate their unique ability to collaborate and produce amazing adventure novels” said Virginia Lenneville, co-owner of Norwood Press. “Cussler fans will go wild over this latest Oregon Files novel.” Limited editions of The Silent Sea can be pre-ordered through VJ Books (http://www.vjbooks.com) or Norwood Press (http://www.norwoodpress.com) websites.
The limited numbered editions are hand-signed by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, numbered 1-98, have custom 3/4 marbled boards in a matching slip-case, and are stamped in gold. To celebrate this special event, and for a limited time only, VJ Books is offering a free hardcover trade copy of The Silent Sea with an order of the limited numbered edition. ($150)
Limited lettered editions are hand-signed by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul. Lettered editions are lettered A-ZZ, come in a fully marbled slip-case with custom boards and end papers, and stamped in platinum. (Lettered editions are by subscription with future placement guaranteed). ($250)
Clive and Jack have collaborated on six other exciting titles: Golden Buddha, (more…)
Former ITW (International Thriller Writers) co-presidents, Steve Berry and James Rollins continue to dominate the thriller genre with new releases this month.
Berry continues his bestselling Cotton Malone series with the release of The Paris Vendetta (Random House), now shipping from VJ Books (www.vjbooks.com; signed $29.99). When Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile in 1821, he took to the grave a powerful secret. As general and emperor, he had stolen immeasurable riches from palaces, national treasuries, and even the Knights of Malta and the Vatican. In his final days, his British captors hoped to learn where the loot lay hidden. But he told them nothing, and in his will he made no mention of the treasure. Or did he? “All the Berry hallmarks are here: scale, scope, sweep, history – plus breathless second-by-second suspense. I love this guy.” — Lee Child (Gone Tomorrow; Delacorte).
On December 29th James Rollins releases The Altar of Eden (HarperCollins), taking a breather from his Sigma Force adventures (Map of Bones, Black Order, The Judas Strain, et al) bringing us a stand alone novel (signed $29.99 at www.vjbooks.com). With his latest breathtaking blockbuster, Rollins delivers all the action, surprise, and intensity for which he’s well known—and loved. Combining science, history, and breakneck suspense—and a secret tied to the Book of Genesis—Altar of Eden is sure to satisfy every James Rollins fan while winning over a slew of new converts. VJ Books is taking reserve orders for what will surely be a chart topping book.
ITW writers continue to be the dominate force in the thriller genre. In addition to Berry and Rollins many other members of the society have contributed bestsellers in 2009. Clive Cussler has teamed with Grant Blackwood and Justin Scott with, Spartan Gold and The Wrecker, adding two new authors to his franchise, joining Paul Kemprecos, Jack DuBrul and Dirk Cussler.
VJ Books has specialized in signed and collectible fiction titles from the mystery, science fiction and horror genres for over 13 years. Sign up for the weekly newsletter at http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001IQ4Q15knkjNta2lbpVcky1fBzD50BxcT.
Adventure writers Clive Cussler (Medusa) and Grant Blackwood (An Echo of War) collaborated to create a new “land-based” Cussler Series. Their efforts produced Spartan Gold (2009 Penguin) the first Fargo Adventure. It is an explosive, adrenaline-charged adventure that Cussler fans will want to get their hands on.
“Spartan Gold is our 19th Cussler limited edition work,” reports John Hutchinson of Norwood Press. “We are very appreciative of our relationship with Clive and his co-authors. It is always exciting to bring a new title to the collector.”
Justin Scott, (AKA Paul Garrison), one of my favorite authors, is bringing back Isaac Bell, the hero in Cussler‘s bestselling The Chase. The new novel is called The Wrecker, and is scheduled for release on November 17. VJ Books plans to offer this book in both US and UK editions, as well as our Norwood Press editions.
It is 1907. Train wrecks, fires and explosions sabotage the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Cascades express line. Desperate, the railroad hires the fabled Van Dorn Detective Agency. Van Dorn sends in its top investigator, Isaac Bell. Bell quickly discovers that a mysterious saboteur haunts the hobo jungles of the West. Known as The Wrecker, he recruits accomplices from among the down-and-outs to attack the railroad, killing them afterwards. The Wrecker travels the vast spaces of the American West as if he had wings, striking wherever he pleases, causing untold damage and loss of human life. Who is he and what does he want? Is he a striker? An anarchist? A criminal mastermind engineering some as-yet unexplained scheme? Whoever he is, whatever his motives, The Wrecker knows how to create maximum havoc. Bell senses that he is far from done – indeed, it would seem that The Wrecker is building up to a grand act unlike anything committed before. If Bell doesn’t stop him in time, the entire future of the country could be at risk.
Clive Cussler and his co-authors, Dirk Cussler, Paul Kemprecos, Jack DuBrul, Grant Blackwood, and now, Justin Scott, bring the high adventure only experenced by reading a Cussler novel in five different story lines, on both land and sea!
VJ Books is proud to offer signed copies of all Clive Cussler titles!
(Publisher’s Weekly, Mar. 23)
Though Cussler doesn’t tour for his books, he flew to New York City this past weekend to accept an award at the Explorers Club in recognition of his searchs for long-lost ship-wrecks. (One of his most famous finds was the Hunley, a Civil War sub that sank and was then lost off the coast of the Carolinas for more than 100 years.) With 364,000 copies in print, Corsair is Cussler’s 37th book and the sixth Oregon files adventure (co-author is Jack Du Brul).
Order your signed copy of Corsair at www.vjbooks.com