Two Special Programs "M" is for Mystery

Two Special Programs

Our Two Special Programs

In the years since we introduced the two special programs described below, each has expanded organically to fill a variety of needs as they arose. We are happy to say that not only have these programs stood the test of time, they have become a permanent, popular feature of our customized service. Read on, and see where your own interests might mesh with these schemes.

(1) 'Signed&Selected'

To help our customers discover new authors, each month we announce our own well-considered picks, in four designations: 'S&S' I, II, III, and 'Mystorical'. Each book is discussed in our weekly newsletter at the time of its selection. Below is a full explanation of the categories and how the program works, as well as listings of the most current and recent picks.

(2) 'Book-by-the-Month' Gift Program

Perfect for birthday or holiday-time gift giving! This is a personalized program you can tailor as you wish, and at the same time be relieved of having to choose titles, wrap and send -- because we do that part. You or your designated giftee can choose the format (hardcover, trade paper, or mass market) and subscription length (six months or a year). For program pricing and further details, scroll down (past the 'S&S' info.).

If you have any questions about the information here, please email us at info@mformystery.com or call us at 650-401-8077. Outside the Bay Area, call us toll free at 888-405-8077.

'SIGNED&SELECTED' and 'MYSTORICAL' PROGRAMS

All 'S&S' and 'Mystorical' picks are made each month by "M" owner Ed Kaufman, who sifts through a veritable avalanche of books to single out selections worthy of special attention. There are four categories of picks: the debuts ('S&S' I); the non-debuts ('S&S' II); the traditional, or "cozy" mysteries ('S&S' III); and mysteries with historical settings ('Mystorical' -- our own coinage). After the sifting comes the actual reading (with help from our knowledgeable staff). Each book chosen is a signed first edition. Any 'S&S' book may be ordered from us by anyone at any time, but keep in mind that our stock of signed firsts is limited. 'S&S' subscribers are guaranteed to receive the monthly selection automatically.

TO SUBSCRIBE: If you would like to subscribe to any one or more of the 'S&S'/'Mystorical' categories, simply send us an email (info@mformystery.com) and state the following: your category preference, your full name, address, phone, and credit card details. There is NO charge to sign up. If you live outside the area, our regular shipping charges apply. Subscribers who are area residents can have the book held for pickup at the store, or sent. ALSO: Subscribers to two or more categories receive a 10 percent discount on ALL their 'S&S'/'Mystorical' purchases.

'SIGNED&SELECTED' I

'S&S' I features books by first time mystery/crime authors. It's always risky buying a book by a first time author; minimal reviews and no history to go by. Let us check them out for you. This is a good category for collectors. Signed debuts are highly sought after when an author becomes popular.

'S&S' I April: DAVID LEVIEN - City of the Sun (Doubleday, $24.95)

Publishers Weekly starred: "Screenwriter Levien's debut crackles with raw intensity... Levien expertly weaves a subplot involving the tragic death of Behr's own young son into the complex kidnapping story, and the moments shared between the two grieving fathers are heartbreaking. Fans of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch will be particularly delighted." And Kirkus praised: "In this debut novel from screenwriter Levien, a kidnapped child leads an emotionally wounded private detective and his client down a relentlessly grim trail from middle America to the darkest deserts of Mexico. Young Jamie Gabriel is in the middle of his predawn paper route when he's snatched from an Indianapolis street by strip-club bouncer Tad Ford and his partner Rooster Mintz. ...the novel is a remarkably assured exercise in grabbing you by the throat and shaking you until the very end."

Previous Selections:

March: JOSHILYN JACKSON - The Girl Who Stopped Swimming (Grand Central, $23.99)
February: DIANE WEI LIANG - The Eye Of Jade (Simon & Schuster, $24.00)
January: LEIGHTON GAGE - Blood of the Wicked (Soho, $24.00)
December: DEREK NIKITAS - Pyres (St. Martin's Minotaur, $24.95)
November: JENNIFER LEE CARRELL - Interred with Their Bones (Dutton, $25.95)

'SIGNED&SELECTED' II

'S&S' II was created to introduce you to authors we're afraid you may have missed. These are writers who still have a relatively small audience after releasing several books, and we think it's a crime. We wouldn't characterize them as underrated -- they are often lauded by critics. The public simply hasn't found them in large enough numbers to make them household names.

'S&S' II April: DOMENIC STANSBERRY - The Ancient Rain (St. Martin's Minotaur, $24.95)

The Edgar winner's third mystery to feature San Francisco cop-turned-PI Dante Mancuso looks at veterans of the counterculture underground caught up in paranoid post-9/11 America. Publishers Weekly called it "... compelling... Mancuso learns firsthand what it feels like to become a victim in a drama being played out between the government and those that oppose its policies. Equal parts contemporary crime fiction and dark, existential poetry, this novel should win Stansberry new fans." Kirkus concluded that "Stansberry has always walked on the noir side -- but this brilliantly imagined version of real events packs an emotional wallop genre fiction rarely delivers." George Pelecanos said: "Stansberry is an extraordinarily evocative writer."

Previous Selections:

March: ANDREW GROSS - The Dark Tide (HarperCollins, $25.95)
February: APRIL SMITH - Judas Horse (Knopf, $23.95)
January: REGGIE NADELSON - Fresh Kills (Walker, $24.95)
December: CHARLES BENOIT - Noble Lies (Poisoned Pen, $24.95)
November: ARCHER MAYOR - Chat (Grand Central, $24.99)

'SIGNED&SELECTED' III

'S&S' III selections are traditional, or "cozy" mysteries. We created this category because we realized that 'S&S' I and II tend to be slanted toward serious, literary and noir novels. If you prefer your murders to happen offstage, or without the gory details and peppering of four-letter words often found in mainstream thrillers, 'S&S' III is for you. There are so many wonderful writers, both new and well-known, in this category.

'S&S' III April: LOUISE PENNY - The Cruelist Month (St. Martin's Minotaur, $23.95)

Publishers Weekly starred: "Chief Insp. Armand Gamache and his team investigate another bizarre crime in the tiny Quebec village of Three Pines in Penny's expertly plotted third cozy... Arthur Ellis Award-winner Penny paints a vivid picture of the French-Canadian village, its inhabitants and a determined detective who will strike many Agatha Christie fans as a 21st-century version of Hercule Poirot." And Kirkus also starred its review: "Gamache is a prodigiously complicated and engaging hero, destined to become one of the classic detectives." The Chicago Tribune warned: "Don't look for the hamlet of Three Pines anywhere on a map ... although Louise Penny has made the town and its residents so real ... that you might just try to find it."

Previous Selections:

March: NANCY ATHERTON - Aunt Dimity: Vampire Hunter (Viking, $22.95)
February: KATHLEEN HILLS - The Kingdom Where Nobdy Dies (Poisoned Pen, $24.95)
January: JOSEPH CALDWELL - The Pig Did It (Delphinium, $22.95)
December: CLAIRE MATTURRO - Sweetheart Deal (HarperCollins, $23.95)
November: VICKI DELANY - In the Shadow of the Glacier (Poisoned Pen, $24.95)

'MYSTORICAL'

'MYSTORICAL' is our historical mystery category. We never know where our Way-Back machine will stop; it could be the early 1900's or Ancient Rome. All we know is that if you're stuck in the past, we're happy to accommodate you.

'Mystorical' April: LAURA JOH ROWLAND - The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte (Penguin, $24.95)

Kirkus said: "Rowland offers an attractive counterpoint in her portrayal of the Bronte clan and their family dynamics. A very Victorian murder, the evils of British imperialism and a beloved novelist unite in this appealing literary mystery." And from Publishers Weekly: "The author of Jane Eyre plays sleuth in this enchanting historical from Rowland, acclaimed for her mystery series set in 17th-century Japan (The Snow Empress, etc.). ...Charlotte becomes ensnared in a case involving a revenge plot orchestrated by an arch villain shaded with old school orientalism. Brontë fans will delight in Rowland's portrait of Charlotte, who closely parallels Jane both in personality and station. The men playing opposite Charlotte often echo the character of Edward Rochester, lending an enticing will-they, won't-they tension to the proceedings."

Previous Selections:

March: STEPHANIE BARRON - A Flaw in the Blood (Bantam, $24.00)
February: LAWRENCE GOLDSTONE - The Anatomy Of Deception (Delacorte, $24.00)
January: SUZANNE ARRUDA - The Serpent's Daughter (NAL, $23.95)
December: BARBARA CLEVERLY - The Tomb of Zeus (Delta, $13.00 trade paperback original with SIGNED bookplate)
November: JASON GOODWIN - The Snake Stone (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $25.00)

BOOK-BY-THE-MONTH GIFT PROGRAM

The 'Book-by-the-Month' gift program is meant to be the answer to the question "What's a great birthday or holiday gift for that special book-lover in your life?" We'll choose the titles and send, and all we need from you -- or your gift recipient -- is a clue as to kinds of mysteries and/or authors preferred. Prepay by cash, check or credit card. We send a special gift notification card to your giftee, if you desire. Choose from the following options, and we'll take care of the rest. It's that easy!

The following subscription prices include shipping & handling:

6 months Mass Market Paperback: $60.00
12 months Mass Market Paperback: $120.00

6 months Trade Paperback: $110.00
12 months Trade Paperback: $220.00

6 months Hardcover: $185.00
12 months Hardcover: $370.00

The hardcover option can be combined with one of the 'Signed and Selected' programs.

STORE HOURS:
MONDAY through SATURDAY from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM,
SUNDAY from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM,
and evenings until approximately 9:00 PM when an author is scheduled to appear at 7:00 PM.

Email your comments, orders or suggestions to
info@MforMystery.com

"M" is for Mystery Homepage

86 East Third Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
www.MforMystery.com
Phone: 650-401-8077
Toll free outside the Bay Area: 888-405-8077
Fax: 650-401-8079

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