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 29^th 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.

Dear John,

I would appreciate it if you could clear up something for me regarding James Rollins‘ early books. I first became aware of James Rollins with your offering of Map of Bones. I enjoyed it so much I immediately began searching for his earlier works. Being a collector, I naturally wanted signed first editions whenever possible. I had minimal difficulty locating Sandstorm, Ice Hunt, then Amazonia. However, at that point the search became a little fuzzy. There are still three early books I don’t yet have, Subterranean, Excavation, and Deep Fathom. It appears that these three were paperback originals. Is this true? Have any of the three ever been released in hardcover? Thanks to VJBooks it has been easy to acquire Mr. Rollins’ subsequent books, but these first three continue to elude me.  (Judy, Texas)

John responds….

Yes, Subterranean, Excavation, and Deep Fathom were originally released in paperback, and they have not been released in hardcover edition.

You might also want to seek out science fiction books written by Rollins under the name of James Clemens.  Good reading!

See all James Rollins titles at www.vjbooks.com

See all James Rollins signed books at www.vjbooks.com