suspense novels

August 4, 2013

THE GRATEFUL GRAPPLER!

WELL, IT’S OFFICIAL….. My wrestling days are over.  As many of you know, I am a former collegiate wrestling champion.  (I was also collegial on the mat.)  I recently decided to try out for the Senior Olympic Games and began to train for my first match.  On day two of my rigorous workout schedule (which began at noon) I incurred a minor shoulder injury to my rotator cuff.  From that moment on, I didn’t “get around” as much as before. (There are very few rotator cuff jokes.)  I am happy to report that I am fully healed, and as they say, wiser for the experience.  In truth, wrestling is a tough sport.  I need to find a happy medium.  (or a pleasant fortune teller.)  I’m considering badminton.  Sounds like an easy “racket.”

So what else is new?  Well, my third mystery, DEVIL’S COVE was recently chosen as “Outstanding New Mystery” by two Florida book clubs!  (I’m starting to love the Sunshine State.)  Book two, MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE, is about to be sent to my new publisher, and from what I’ve seen so far, it looks wonderful.  Book three, THE PRESLEY PLOT, will be revised and re-edited shortly, and per the publisher’s request, I have added two new chapters.

Meanwhile, our blog site now has close to 6,000 followers!  I would like to take a moment and welcome some very special folks who have recently become new followers…..    (I don’t show last names for privacy reasons)

First, Steve R. of Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Steve is one of my oldest and dearest friends.  We met almost 50 years ago in Valley Stream, New York, and I have treasured his friendship through the years.  What a truly great guy!

Second, Mary M. of Austin, Texas.  Mary spent over 20 years in the U.S. Army and served her country with distinction.  She’s got beauty, brains, and backbone, and I would personally like to thank her for her service!  Quite a lady.

Third, Mrs. Nola F. of Cooper City, Florida.  Nola was a student of mine when I taught at Miami-Dade C.C.  She is the epitome of a caring and courageous wife.  Smart, sweet, and completely unselfish.  What a class act!  (No pun intended.)

Finally, I would like to extend a belated birthday wish to Mrs. Kellie H. of Austin, Texas.  Kellie is the beautiful and talented daughter of Judge Susan, one of the best poker players in the Lone Star State.  Happy Birthday, Kellie!  Say hello to the boys for me!

Well, gang, that’s about it for now.  I am off for my morning walk, and then it’s pool time, followed by writing time, followed by cocktail hour, followed by……  Indian food at the Clay PIt Restaurant.  (I know, life is hard.)  Nevertheless, I shall eat some naan and dal on your behalf!  Namaste, my friends!

Have a wonderful week and keep dreaming of a better tomorrow….. where chickens can cross the roads and not have their motives questioned!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

First,

July 28, 2013

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE!

First, I allude to the amazing storm we had last Friday!  I watched part of it from a high-rise apartment downtown, and it was truly a sight to behold.  Did you know that a lightning bolt can heat the surrounding air to 54,000 degrees Fehrenheit?  That’s six times hotter than the surface of the sun!  Hotter than yours truly in a tight speedo!  (There’s a troubling image!)

Second, I refer to the wonderful news that my new publisher (Murder Ink Press/Penguin Books) has recently purchased all rights to my first two books, THE PRESELY PLOT and MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE.  Both books will be lengthened, re-edited, and re-published in a much more professional package.  New chapters have been added, so get ready for some great fall reading.

Meanwhile, DEVIL’S COVE continues to garner some excellent reviews, and as I have recently learned, the book cover is about to be nominated for some kind of art award later in the year.  I shall keep you posted.  (or rather, emailed)  Thanks again to the beautiful and talented Rachel Zell, the dear who designed the initial cover.

So what else is new?  Well, as some of you know, I made poker history by making it to the final table in the last 8 tournaments in a row….. BUT……the big news is that some of my friends and colleagues have done ever better!  For instance, Judge Susan (The Legal Eagle) made it to the final table last Thursday and astonished the crowd by getting FOUR KINGS in a very big hand!  Beverly Skipper Lange and Steven Gee recently participated in the MAIN EVENT at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.  There were well over 6,000 great players in the event.  ($10,000 Buy-in!)  Beverly placed 86th and won $71,000!  Steven placed 24th and won…..  $285,000!!    (I was instrumental in both of their careers, albeit in a roundabout fashion.  Neither one of them took my poker advice!)

Great week for my brother, Glenn Yanoff.  He spent the last 10 days sailing down the Rhone River on a luxury cruise.  (He was vacationing and hopefully doing some research for my next mystery novel titled, RANSOM ON THE RHONE.)  His lovely daughter, Jessica, just landed a terrific teaching position.  He has two handsome and talented sons, and the oldest, Jarrett, just got accepted into the University of Miami Law School!  Well done, J-Man!   (Uncle Steve is going to need some legal representation!)

Speaking of representation…..  I think my hometown (NYC) has lost its collective mind.  Eliot Spitzer is running for Comptroller?  (You remember Spitzer….. he gave new meaning to the term “room service.”)  Anthony Weiner wants to be the mayor?  How can he “expose” himself to further humiliation?  I heard they’re calling his campaign “The Tour de Pants!”

Did you hear that Michael and Rita Hennecke are making a movie called “From Here To Paternity?”   (Hey, Stella!  Stella!)  Wait a minute, that line is from “A Streetcar Named Desire.”  Of course, down here in Texas, the movie is called “A Streetcar Named Perspire.”   (Next week we will have 6 days of 100 degree temperatures!)

Well, my friends, I must leave you now.  I am on my way to Comfort, Texas, for a book signing/speaking engagement.  (I love the name of that town!)  I hope to have lunch or dinner at a great new restaurant called the Plaid Goat.  (No, I’m not bringing my “nanny!”)  Food review to follow!  Until we meet again, be safe, behave, and believe……….   Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

 

 

July 14, 2013

SOME LIKE IT HOT…..

WHO MIGHT THIS BE?  Why, mad dogs and Englishmen… and yours truly!  The weather in Texas has been rather warm this week.  How hot was it?  The fire ants were crawling around with canteens on their backs!  I saw two scorpions running a Kool-Aid stand!  Now, that’s hot!  Hotter than hell…..

Speaking of the devil…  (wasn’t that a smooth transition?)  my third “Adam Gold Mystery” will be published early next week.  The book is titled, DEVIL’S COVE.  Incredibly, three hundred books have already been pre-ordered, so we are off to a very good start.  You can help by ordering some books later in the week!  (No, you don’t have to order 300 copies!)

The publisher was smart enough to send an advanced copy to some reviewers in New York City, and I thought you might like to see the first review of the book…..

“DEVIL’S COVE is a lively caper…  Yanoff is a master story-teller, and there’s always something deadly serious behind his entertaining insurance-related tales… He continues to show why he is one of the best – and most consistent – mystery authors in America.”         (Renegade Reviews, N.Y.C.)

Naturally, I am VERY grateful for the kind words, and even more grateful for your continued support and encouragement.  In all seriousness, this is a TEAM effort, and I have a wonderful team!

Incidentally, my first non-fiction book is on its way to the wonderful world of literary representation in the Big Apple.  The book is titled, THE SECOND MOURNING.  (The Untold Story of America’s Most Bizarre Political Murder)  As some of you know, the book recounts the assassination of President James A. Garfield.  I shall, as they say, keep you posted of my progress…. or lack thereof!

By the way, I made it to the final table of the Steiner Ranch Poker Tournament two weeks in a row… but the BIG poker story is about my friend Beverly (last name withheld for security reasons) who is currently playing in the MAIN EVENT of the World Series of Poker… and she has already won $40,000 and has survived day 5 of the tournament!  If she wins, she gets a cool $8,000,000!  (And a free copy of MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE)  I hear she wants the money, but is more anxious to get her book!

Well, gang, that’s about it for me….  have a safe and pleasant week… and please remember that it is IMPOSSIBLE to lick your own elbow…    (I know some of you will try!)     Love to all…..

Doc Yanoff

July 7, 2013

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

HOW WAS YOUR FOURTH OF JULY?  Did you display a “sparkling” personality, or did you have a “short fuse?”  I was lucky… I got to watch an explosive display of fireworks.  (The Texas Legislature was on C-Span!)  In any case, there were no “duds” in our group, and we had a marvelous Texas-style barbecue, compliments of the good folks at The Salt Lick.  Speaking of the Fourth…..

Did you know that the first Independence Day celebration occurred in the city of Philadelphia on July 8, 1776?  Believe it or not, it wasn’t until 1804 that the White House celebrated the event.  (Better late than never!)  For your reading pleasure, I now submit some fun facts about our nation’s birthday…..

In 1776, there were 2.5 million people in America.

In 2013, we have approximately 310 million people in America.

And because this is the MOST American of all holidays, you should know that…..

95% of our fireworks are made in…..  China!

94% of our American flags are made in…..  China!

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship has been won (6 times) by a fellow named Takeru Kobayashi, who was born in…..  Japan!  (You thought I was going to say, China, right?)

Well, at least we have become an inclusive country!  When was the last time you saw an American sumo wrestling champion?  Or an American ping pong champion?  Exactly.  I rest my case.

So what else is new?  Well, the third “Adam Gold Mystery” titled, DEVIL’S COVE,  is set for publication and will be available on Amazon.com in the very near future.  I shall keep you informed of the exact release date.  Last week I spent some quality time with Will Ravenel, the world’s best structural integration therapist.  I had some shoulder pain that Will the “Miracle Worker”/magician made disappear in one short session!  If you’re ever in pain or discomfort, take my advice, and contact Will at Castle Hill Fitness.  (You will thank me later!)

I would like to say “Happy Birthday” to two remarkable (and stunningly attractive) women…..  Ms. Ingrid Kaminski and Ms. Sharon Francia.  Both of these lovely ladies recently celebrated their 39th birthday.  Ladies, you look marvelous, absolutely marvelous!   I would also like to congratulate Mrs. Helena Bomblatus, who is expecting a baby girl later in the week.  She’s expecting a baby, but not delivering one.  (Helena is the grandmother!)  Best wishes to her and her husband, Lee.  (And also to Rita….. who is actually having the baby!)

Well, gang, that’s about it for me.  Please remember that pushing the elevator button more than once does NOT make it arrive any faster.  (That one’s for you, Vicki!)  Finally, in light of our recent holiday, I would remind you what Mark Twain once said…..   “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it….. ”

God Bless America!    Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

June 30, 2013

IF YOU CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT…..

STAY OUT OF TEXAS!  Actually, the phrase goes like this…  “If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”  Truman said that.  Who knew that Truman Capote was so concerned about the weather?  Live and learn.  Make that, live and burn, if you live in Texas.  So here’s the deal…  Yesterday it was 106 degrees, which keeps the riff raff off of the golf course, and this morning it is 75 degrees.  By my calculation, that would be a 31 degree swing!  (The participation is 40%)  I think more folks would participate if it was cooler.  Just saying.

As you can see, we are now enjoying the “Dog Days of Summer.”  (The weather has been very “ruff.”)  Just in case you become a contestant on a game show, I think you should know that this term applies to a 40-day period from early July to early September.  There are many myths concerning the origin of the term, but in fact, it was coined in ancient Rome.  “Dog Days” refers to the rising and setting of the second brightest star besides the sun.  (no, not me.)  That would be Sirius, the Dog Star.  Sirius was one “hot dog.”  During this 40 day period, the temperatures rose astronomically, so to speak, and folks began to refer to the “Dog Days” of the year.

I know what you’re thinking.  Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.  Well, just for the record, that quote is often misattributed to Mark Twain (one of my literary idols).  In fact, it was first uttered by Charles Dudley Walker, an American essayist and novelist.  (Who was also a close friend of Mark Twain.)  So you see, I’m not the only one who steals material from a colleague!  (As I often say, “If they ain’t heard it before, it’s original!)

And speaking of original ideas and literary genius…..  THE PRESLEY PLOT and MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE continue to rack up some impressive sales, and earlier this week, our blog gained two new countries!  Yours truly is now a best-selling author in the Philippines and in Madagascar!  (Just between you and me, Madagascar sounds like a race car organization.  But hey, the place has a population of 18 million readers, I mean, people.)  In any case, WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

Last Friday was an important day in the world of quality literature.  I finally finished my final revisions on DEVIL’S COVE, and the manuscript was sent to the printer!  We also corrected the spacing of the letters on the front cover, and now it looks marvelous, simply marvelous.  I’m told that I should have the first copy in several weeks, and then shortly thereafter, it will be available on all of the major internet markets.  Please feel obligated to purchase at least one copy.  (My air-conditioning bill is going to be high this month!)

I shall leave you with this profound thought….   All of us could take a lesson from the weather.  It pays no attention to criticism!

Have a safe and pleasant week…..    Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

May 28, 2013

STRANGER IN PARADISE…..

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS LOVELY SONG?  It’s from the 1953 Broadway show KISMET.  Well, I can tell you one thing, it certainly feels strange to be a stranger in paradise, but I’m starting to get used to the life of a beach bum.  I am composing this blog on the magnificent island of St. John, one of the most beautiful isles in the Caribbean.  If you recall from my last missive, I am down here with my pirate crew scouting out film locations for MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE.  (Which actually takes place in the Bahamas, but what’s the difference?)  My fellow bucaneers and I have rented a luxurious villa high upon a hillside, overlooking Cruz Bay.  The villa is incredibly large, and amazingly, it came with 3 attractive female servants.  (Our wives!)  Ouch, my wife just punched me!  Jeez, I was only (half) joking.

I have not sold a huge amount of books this past week, but only because of spiritual concerns.  (I am consuming a great deal of spirits and concerned about making change!)  Nonetheless, the locals have become quite fond of me, and except for the old woman in the voodoo shop, I can honestly say that most folks have been very gracious to us.  (Considering how many of their chickens we have run over.)  Down here they let their kids roam freely.  (Kids meaning baby goats.)  They also have wild donkeys that take over the roads whenever they feel so inclined.  (I like to drive by them and yell, “Hey, get your dumb ass off the road!”)  Yeah, I am one funny guy.

Marie Fondue, the voodoo woman, told my friends that she’s making a doll for me.  (Or maybe that was “of me,” I’m not sure.)  In any case, it will be ready tomorrow, just in time for my birthday!  On top of everything else, tomorrow is my birthday, and how lucky I am to be spending it down here with some close friends!  I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate.  Every morning, Lee Bomblatus(the most famous snorkel guide in the western hemisphere) takes me to some remote location on the island and we spend the morning in the most impossibly clear water on earth.  Today we went to a spot called East End, on the very eastern tip of the island, and we snorkeled in what can only be described as the world’s largest aquarium!  I have never seen so many colorful fish in my life.  OMG, was it amazing.

Each morning Lee and I (and sometimes our compadres) drive to a different bay, and by tomorrow or the day after, we will have vistited just about every bay on St. John.  Even though I am a future Pulitzer Prize-winning author, I could never adequately describe how much ocean life we have seen on this trip.  I am happy to report that the coral reefs are in good shape, and teeming with all sorts of fish.  If you ever want to see what God can do when He’s in a good mood, just come down here and jump in the water.  Truly breathtaking.

I know that many of you (especially those abroad) are wondering what you can get me for my birthday.  Well, thanks for your kind thoughts, but I don’t need a thing.  (Although I am running a little low on limes)  If you want to do something nice, just keep spreading the word about THE PRESLEY PLOT and MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE.  After all, I am going to be in debt whence I return to the United States of America.  (Hey, good rum don’t come cheap, mon!)

Well, my loves, cool runnin’ and all that good stuff.  Remember, “don’t worry, be happy!”  Oggie boogie, shake that noogie!

Stephen “Rasta Mon” Yanoff

 

 

 

May 16, 2013

BONUS BLOG (DUE TO BOURBON!)

GOOD EVENING, LADIES AND GERMS (Shecky Greene, 1965) HOW DO YOU LIKE THE CATSKILLS?  THE CHEF MAKES FOOD FIT FOR A KING!  (HERE, KING, HERE KING….. )  Since I have consumed a copious amount of Kentucky Bourbon (In South Carolina!) I have decided to compose a “bonus blog,” which proves that man does not live by  bread (pudding) laced with rum alone!  So….  here’s what happened today…

The morning began with the consumption of the WORLD’S BEST almond croissant and fresh brewed French roast coffee.  Shortly thereafter, Miss Daisy and I meandered over to the Charleston Museum, one of the finest museums in the South.  I got to view the H.L. Hunley submarine, the Confederate submarine that was the VERY FIRST sub to sink a ship!  (A Yankee carpetbagger that was blockading Charleston Harbor!)  The sub sank in 1864, killing Mr. Hunley and seven other crewmen.  It was brought up in 2000 and fully restored to its natural splendor.  (Truly incredible.)  What a treat to view this historic vessel.

Another treat came at lunchtime…..  a mini-feast of Southern vegetables at Jestine’s Country Kitchen.  OMG, the okra and collard greens were incredible.  After lunch we toured one of the historic homes of Charleston, a Winnebago parked on Meeting Street.  (Just Kidding!)  We went to the amazing pre-Civil War home of Joseph Manigault.  (Ever hear of the “Manigault Line?”)  Wait a minute, I think that was the Marginot Line.  Never mind, I was just joking.  (Have I used this “line” before?)

The Manigault family was one of the founding families of Charleston, and all of the streets in the area are named after their children!  (Except Main Street, who was named after their most important cousin.)  Naturally, they were of Huguenot descent, and they made a fortune selling rice.  (One of them became Jewish and sold “converted rice.”)  His name was Shecky Manigault, and he wasn’t fat, just a little “puffy.”  I think he became a “colonel” during the Civil War.

This evening we dined with a prominent Charleston physician and his lovely family.  (Another amazing meal at the Hominy Grill.)  Try to envision a perfect Mint Julep, followed by fried green tomatoes, homemade biscuits, collard greens, red beans and rice, and the best tasting piece of cornmeal crusted grouper with shrimp gravy in the UNIVERSE!  I am almost (key word, “almost”) embarrassed to admit this, but Miss Daisy and I actually split a piece of buttermilk pie for dessert!

In the immortal words of Oscar Wilde, “I can resist anything but temptation!”

We leave for Jacksonville and then Boca Raton tomorrow….. so look for the continuing adventures of “The Galloping Gourmet” and his faithful sidekick, “Crazy Daisy” in the days ahead…..   May the force (and the Alka-Seltzer) be with you!

Col. Rufus T. Firefly, N.U.T.   (a/k/a Doc Yanoff)

May 15, 2013

DRIVING MISS DAISY….. CRAZY!

WELL, YOU’D THINK THAT MISS PATTY WOULD BE HAPPY TO HEAR MY LIFE STORY ONCE MORE…. BUT NO, SHE WANTS TO READ!  No matter, I  have decided to keep talking anyway.  (She’ll thank me later, after I become a famous author.)  Speaking of driving, we decided to take the Natchez Trace Parkway up to Tupelo, and I am so glad we did!  OMG, what a majestic stretch of Americana.  Simply beautiful.  The Trace (which I wrote about in THE PRESLEY PLOT) is quite old (several thousand years) and quite long (44o miles).  It stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, and it is quite a sight to behold.  Over the years, it’s been used by animal herds, Indians, Spanish explorers, white settlers, and one or two mystery novelists.

I’m not sure my friends Max and Lee would love it as much as I do.  The speed limit (for the entire 440 miles!) is 50 m.p.h., and with all the curves, you wouldn’t want to drive much faster.  I got Nellie Belle (our Lincoln) up to 48 or 49 miles per hour, but I was afraid to put the metal to the petal, so to speak.  If it were up to me, I’d drive that speed all the time.  (Most of the trucks on the Interstate are going well over 5o!)  Damn speed demons!

After a brief stop in Birmingham, Alabama, we drove onto Atlanta, which is quite large and very congested.  (Most of the residents drive over 50 mph, too!)  Both cities are impressive, but not near as nice as our present location….. Charleston, South Carolina.  Our lovely, historic hotel is right in the center of town, close to all of the good restaurants.  We had lunch at one of the best, a charming inn called the Hominy Grill.  Miss Daisy ordered the homemade biscuits and a bowl of the she-crab soup.  (To die for!)  Her chauffeur (me) ordered a “craft beer” and a marvelous dish called “shrimp and okra beignets.”  (Simply divine!)

We are now on our way to the Confederate Museum to view a special exhibition highlighting “The War of Northern Aggression.”  (As they call the skirmish is these parts!)  If you’ve been to Charleston, you know that almost all of the houses in the historic district are painted white, black, or gray.  (These are the only colors that the Union Army gave to the residents after the war.)  To this day, the owners must conform to these “historically accurate colors.”  You won’t see chartreuse or pink until you reach the Florida border.

Tomorrow is book signing day at a local church (Charleston has many houses of worship, and is actually known as “The City of Churches.”)  I regret not bringing more copies of THE PRESLEY PLOT, as we could have sold a few hundred copies at each stop!  I have been taking names, addresses, and email contacts, but I should have filled the darn trunk with books!  Ah well, next time.  Who knew that Elvis was so popular?

Tonight we have been invited to a seafood extravaganza, featuring oysters, shrimp, and mussels from local waters.  Hopefully, I will survive this latest round of gluttony, but if they have Abita beer I could be in trouble!  If you don’t hear from me in a day or two, that means I’m having my stomach pumped out!  (Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina…. in the morning, afternoon, and evening!)  Take care, my dear family and friends, and remember me in your prayers.  (Before AND after dinner!)   “Say Levee.”   (I think that’s French!  Greek to me!)

Col. Felonious T. Beauregard, C.S.A.  (and the Merry Miss Daisy)

May 5, 2013

SINGIN’ THE BLUES…..

Sadly, we lost the great George Jones this week.  A big loss for those of us who love country music.  As some of you know, I was born in Nashville.  Back in the day, my aunts often took me to the Grand Ole Opry, and I remember meeting Mr. Jones backstage.  He was always very polite, and as I recall, always willing to give some squirt an autograph.  Did you know that his big song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” was recently voted “the greatest country song of all time?”  Interestingly, Jones did not like the song at first, and he almost refused to record the darn thing.  He thought it was too long, too sad, and too depressing!  (Much like my writing career!)

Personally, I thought it was a great song, but not as good as the one and only country song that I wrote.  (“I’ll Never Get Over You Until You Get Out From Under Him.”)  My little tune was recorded by The Inbred Brothers, and even though it didn’t get much airplay outside of Arkansas, it was nominated for a Granny.  (Similar to the Grammy Award, but given to a senior citizen.)  What a treat it was to see my name in Billboard.  (Actually, my name was ON a billboard, but that’s a long story, and I was falsely accused.)

NOW FOR SOME LITERARY NEWS…..    Aberdeen Bay Press has received permission from my publicist (Invisible Irving Flakowitz) to feature my photograph on their worldwide webpage!  Sooo…. if you are so inclined, or even horizontal, you can log onto their website and view photographs of me signing books in England and France!  In all seriousness, this is very cool, and I appreciate the publicity.

Speaking of publicity….. I would like to publicly thank Mr. Ken Evans, a distinguished gentleman and world-class poker player, for purchasing 10 copies of MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE last week!  (They do make wonderful gifts.)  I’ve noticed that a handful of Austin celebrities are also reading the book…..  i.e., Judge Susan Marquess, Rich Walker, Leigh Ann Woodward, Barbara Talbott, Donna Simon, Christine Nickles, Paula Johnston, and Lee Bomblatus.  (Some of these folks ain’t from Austin, per se, but who’s counting?)  They are here in spirit!  Thanks gang!

While we are on the subject of publicity…..  My friend, Diane Fanning, who just happens to be an incredibly talented writer, is celebrating the publication of her 20th book!  Quite an accomplishment.  Congratulations, Diane!  My other friend (I have two) Larry Brill, is off and running with his first book, and from what I hear, it is destined to become a huge success.  (It’s called “Live@Five”)

I would like to remind my faithful blog followers that Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  (Each year I send my own mom a card of congratulations for having me.)  I’m not sure how my mom feels about that.  (She likes to say “If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong!)  Still, I would remind you that we’re supposed to respect our elders, even though, as time marches on, it’s getting harder and harder to find one!

By the way, speaking of finding things, you might want to order a copy of MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE this week.  There are only a few copies left from the first printing, and the second printing, which will begin this week, will take some time to complete.  (Your mom will be very disappointed if she gets candy or flowers again!)  I sent my own mom two copies (I charged her full price, but I paid for half of the shipping) and I’m sure she was touched by my generosity.  Where there’s a will…. I want to be in it!

Well, folks, take care and have a safe and happy week.  The spring book tour begins this Saturday, so the next time that you hear from me I will be in Tupelo, MIssissippi!  (Where the heck did I put those blue suede shoes??)  Elvis loves you, baby!

Doc Yanoff

April 14, 2013

A TAXING SITUATION!

     WELL, THIS IS ANOTHER FINE MESS YOU’VE GOTTEN ME INTO!   Thanks to you, my nearly 4,000 faithful blog followers, my new mystery novel, MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE, has sold over 300 books this past week.  Wonderful, you say?  Have you considered the tax implications of becoming a famous author?  My accountant, Jesse James Lipschitz, tells me that I now owe the I.R.S. a substantial amount of money.  (Which is why I’m not filing a tax return this year.)  What can they do to me?  Throw me in jail?  Come to think of it, Al Capone ended up in Al-catraz!

     Please don’t worry about me or my finances.  Just keep buying as many copies of THE PRESLEY PLOT and MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE as you can afford.  I’ll worry about the tax thing after I’m caught, I mean, after the books are bought.  By the way, did you know that Al Capone only dated bank tellers?  That’s where we get the term “safe sex.”  (Jeez, that joke should be “barred!”)

     Incidentally, the new book (Murder on Maiden Lane) came out just beautiful.  It’s much thicker than The Presley Plot and it’s printed on high quality creme-colored paper.  Aberdeen Bay did a wonderful job this time around, and there are no mistakes in the text.  (I actually proofread the book this time!)  If you need an autographed copy, just contact me and I’ll see what I can do.  (If you live in a foreign country, you can always sign it on my behalf.  Who will know?)

     What else is happening in the world?  Well, last Thursday, Barbara Talbott, a/k/a The Dragon-Slayer, won second place at the Waterloo Loose-Woman and Hopeless Hombre Poker Tournament in Austin.  I made it to the final table (what else is new?) but my “big slick” (suited ace and king) did not hold up, and I was crushed by a lousy pair of fives.  Life ain’t fair.

     I don’t know about you, but I feel sorry for those pesky North Koreans.  The New York Times reported that because of food shortages and poor nutrition, North Koreans are now, on average, two inches shorter than South Koreans!  But wait, there’s a silver lining to this story… if we wait a few years nobody in North Korea will be tall enough to reach the missile launch buttons on the console!  Speaking of short turds, did you know that Kim Jung-un has officially banned “capitalist celebrations.” including Christmas?!  Who bans Christmas?  Only a grinch.  (I read that Kim Jung-un was an ugly child.  How ugly?  During Christmas, they would hang him up and kiss the mistletoe!  (There I go with the missiles again!)  I pity his poor wife, Holly.  She has to bow whenever he enters the room.  (Surely you’ve heard of the “bows of Holly?”)  Dang, if I keep going, I might start a war!

     Due to an unexpected tooth extraction, followed by a slight case of “dry socket,” I was forced to cancel my one and only speaking engagement this past week.  (You might have seen them celebrating in Giddings.)  Nonetheless, I am now “well-healed,” and ready to resume my illustrious career as a literary diplomat!  So, look for my next missive (again with the missiles?) as it will be a good one…..

     Have a safe and happy week…  Love to all,

     Doc Yanoff