June 18, 2017

A WORD TO THE WISE!

Make that 100,000 words! Are you sitting down? Well, I am happy to announce that Murder Ink Press, in association with Penguin Press, has recently revised, re-edited, and re-published by first history book, THE SECOND MOURNING. (The Untold Story of America’s Most Bizarre Political Murder) The brand new edition now shows 3 Gold Medals on the front cover. The back cover has also been revised, and most importantly, the interior manuscript is flawless. (Or as flawless as you can get!)

The pricing remains the same, and due to enormous public demand (mainly from my mother) the book is available everywhere in the universe. (i.e., Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kindle, Nook, and leading bookstores across the nation.) So, if you haven’t purchased a copy, now is the time to act. (I am going to need additional travel funds during the summer!) Seriously, though, this edition is truly a “collector’s edition,” and I will be happy to autograph the book for you. (Just in case you want to sell it on eBay!)

So what else is new? Well, if you read VARIETY, you know that this past Friday was a very special day for someone in Austin. (No, not me.) Last Friday, the eminent judge, Hon. Susan Marquess, retired from her career as the famous “Hanging (Out) Judge” of the Texas Hill Country! After many, many years of public service, our lovely jewel of jurisprudence hung up her robe and banged her gavel for the last time. (Don’t worry, she missed me!) We all wish her the very best during her retirement years!

Incidentally, as you have probably read in the New York Times (that commie rag), there was a HUGE and LAVISH culinary event marking her judgeship’s retirement. A marvelous culinary extravaganza was held at the Hill Country mansion of Barbara and Max Talbott. OMG, what a feast! Honey glazed ham, Viennese potato casserole, bean salad, pecan cinnamon buns, key lime pie, and lots and lots of adult beverages. (From what I remember, the bourbon was excellent!) Miss Barbara simply outdid herself, and I intend to return the silverware upon my next visit.

You’ll note that I did not consume any health food during the aforementioned dinner party. At my age I need all the preservatives I can get!

I would be remiss if I did not publicly thank my hosts (down in the quaint town of New Braunfels) for their invitation to last week’s “Meet & Greet An Author” event. Our day began at Naegelin’s Bakery (the oldest bakery in Texas) where we consumed several pfeffernuesse German cookies and a muffin or two. From there we adjourned to Krause’s Biergarten & Cafe, but I can’t recall what we drank, or how much. I do remember that there was some sort of foam in the mug. Maybe we had little latte? (I think not!)

By the way, the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo has re-opened. (The owner had been suffering from a “reptile dysfunction.”) If you would like to observe a black mamba, king cobra, or python, then this is the place for you. (The snake farm was used as a backdrop in one of my Adam Gold Mysteries, a book titled, DEVIL’S COVE) It’s actually an interesting place to visit.

And speaking of visits…. As some of you know, my youngest daughter, Rebecca, owns a boutique on Congress Avenue in Austin. (COVE Boutique) Well, in this week’s “celebrity watch,” she welcomed Kevin Bacon and Norah Jones to the ever-growing list of celebrity shoppers. Ms. Rebecca (and her soon-to-be-hubby) are on their way to Rome, Italy, and I would like to wish them “Bon Voyage!” Hurry home, darling!

Finally, a HUGE shout-out to Ms. Sarah Doolittle, the BEST reporter in Texas! Ms. Sarah is about to publish another wonderful article about yours truly, and the story is soon to appear in the Four Points News. I would like to thank Sarah for her continued interest in my (semi) modest writing career. Her interest (and friendship) is greatly appreciated!

In closing, I would like to wish everyone a happy FATHER’S DAY. Having two gorgeous daughters, and being hugely proud of them, I know how great it is to be a Dad. (And like many of you, I also had a wonderful father of my own!) I truly hope that you have a love-filled day with your children, and we shall meet again next Sunday! Until then, love to all,

Doc Yanoff

***** P.S. I am attaching a photograph of the new book cover for THE SECOND MOURNING. I hope you like it!

April 2, 2017

GONE WITH THE WIND… (AGAIN!)

WELL, THAT WAS FUN….. Woke up under a severe tornado warning, quarter-inch hail, torrential rain, and 70-mile-per-hour winds. (Just another lovely spring morning down here in Texas!) I was about to send my wife for some bagels, when we heard a loud crack, looked outside, and found a cedar tree on our front lawn. (A tree that had NOT been planted there!) Being a good husband, I told my wife that I would get the bagels… while she cut down and removed the cedar tree. I cannot print her reply, as this is a family-blog. She did, however, mention something about a movie called The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The woman is getting lazier and lazier, but I still put up with her.

Other than falling timber, it’s been a fortuitous week. My astute publisher has revised, re-edited, and re-released my first history book, THE SECOND MOURNING. The new front cover (and the back) will show 3 of the gold medals I stole, I mean, won last year. The interior has also been touched up and the entire book looks just wonderful. The new edition will be available at the end of the month. (If anyone needs an autographed copy, just let me know.)

Speaking of signing autographs, this coming week will find yours truly at several book signings, and most importantly, at the Blackfinn Restaurant in the Domain on Thursday evening. Thanks to the lovely and talented Meagan Kiernan, I will addressing the Texas Surplus Lines Association, a group of prominent insurance professionals. My presentation will include a brief personal history (of my insurance background) some clever, and mostly true, tales, and a discussion of my insurance-related mystery series. (The Adam Gold books.) Should be another great evening.

The very next day, Friday, April 7, I will be “performing” at a special gathering for my dear friend, Lee Bomblatus, known on this blog page as Baron Lee. (I’m taking the Baron out to dinner, at a very fancy restaurant, but he’s paying. I intend, as usual, to leave my wallet in the car.) Dinner will be in Austin, but just to cover my bases, I intend to park in Waco. Hey, a guy can’t be too careful!

And since we’re discussing money, congratulations to Ms. Rebecca Lee Yanoff, the beautiful and brilliant owner of COVE Boutique. (On South Congress.) The trade papers are reporting that COVE just set a one-day sales record, and if this keeps up, you-know-who (me) should be getting a free condo somewhere in South Florida. Hey, Father’s Day is just around the corner! (Keep thinking big, Rebecca!)

The spring fling book tour has been finalized and will revolve around 4 major stops….. Boca Raton, Amelia Island, Savannah, and Charleston. (The Atlanta stop was cancelled due to the recent fire on I-85. Man, talk about burning bridges!) Most of the stops include an historic B & B, so I am really looking forward to this venture. If you live in one of the places I’m going, just drop me a line and I will tell you where to find my book signing gig. I will also list the B & Bs on a later blog, so if you’re around, stop by and say hello. (You may also win an autographed copy of my Low Country mystery, A RUN FOR THE MONEY!)

AND NOW FOR THE PIECE OF RESISTANCE, or rather, THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE! For those of you that are still awake (after all these bad jokes) I have a special surprise for you! If you scroll down after this blog is over, you will see a photograph of the front cover of my new history book, TURBULENT TIMES. I love the cover, and owe a great deal to the incredibly talented artist who suggested the basic color scheme and layout. (Ms. Rachel Zell) The book will probably be available this coming week, and I will keep you posted of the exact release date. In the meantime, let me know what you think of the cover!

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I have a tree to remove, so I must take my leave. (If I don’t supervise and give advice, my wife will make a mess of cutting up the tree.) Actually, I’ll be doing all of the cutting. She just watches and barks instructions. (Ever hear the phrase, “you’re barking up the wrong tree?” Now you know where it got started!) Have a great week, and remember to laugh!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

January 29, 2017

SAIL OF THE CENTURY!

AHOY THERE, landlubbers! Captain Kidder (yours truly) has returned from his 3-week nautical adventure on the high seas. Actually, I never got “high,” but I did consume a fair amount of rum. One guy on our ship drank a gallon of shellac and died, but he had a “nice finish.” (Ouch!) I recently returned to lovely Austin, Texas, and I’m glad to be home. (I didn’t want to miss the end of cedar season!) In any case, it’s great to be back, but I do miss the warm salt air and the fragrance of Coppertone suntan lotion. By the way, my wife also loves Coppertone lotion. (She supports the women’s lubrication movement! Frankly, so do I, but I won’t go there right now.)

My recent sojourn began in Boca Raton, Florida, the land of silk and money. During our voyage we covered roughly 3,000 nautical miles, but since I was on a ship, I stayed dry. (Or was that my martini?) Naturally, I made many new friends, sold some books, and gained a few more blog followers. (We will probably have 50,000 followers by the end of 2017!)

As most of you know, I LOVE the Caribbean, and not just because the locals named a dish after me. (Jerk Chicken) This voyage started in the Turks & Caicos, but I didn’t meet any Turks or Caicos. From there we sailed to Puerto Rico to visit my hubcaps. After San Juan, we traveled to Tortola, which is part of the British Virgin Islands. Not to complain, but once again I did not meet a single virgin. After leaving Tortola, we stopped in a remote and lovely spot called Punta Cana, which is located on the eastern end of the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is GORGEOUS, and has soft white sand and crystal clear water. Great diving, snorkeling, and swimming. We were actually the very first “touristas” to ever visit by ship, and it was well worth the stop. The Dominicans are gracious and welcoming, but don’t confuse the Dominican Republic with the island of Dominica, which is much further south. (If you do, they will throw a coconut at your head!)

Our final port of call was Nassau, in the Bahamas, where I spent the day scouting movie locations for my second mystery novel, THE PIRATE PATH. (More on that later) I would like to thank our hosts at the Melia Beach Resort for a truly memorable visit. The weather, water, and women were perfect! (Remind me to tell you my “Coppertone story.” Let’s just say that I rubbed a few chicks the wrong way!)

Of course, the best part of spending much of your adult life on a cruise ship is meeting other travelers, and this voyage was no exception. In fact, I’d like to say “howdy” to a few of my new friends, which includes, Jon & Candace Hatch (our “Happy Hour” buddies) Jerry & Miriam Klein from Nashville, and Cyril & Joan Villiers from the U.K. It was such a pleasure to wine and dine with you folks!

Well, now that I’m “back in the saddle,” I have to review the final editing revisions on my next history book, titled, TURBULENT TIMES. (The Remarkable Life of William H. Seward) The publisher is aiming for a May 1st release date, which would arrive just in time for the summer season. (I can’t believe that I now have to read my own writing! For the third time!)

In closing, I would like to thank the D.H.S. for allowing me to re-enter the country. Apparently they did not hear about the “Coppertone incident” on St. Barts, which was our second stop. Nor did they learn about the “topless” photographs that I took on the island of Antigua. (Our fourth stop.) Those dang French ladies are more modest that they appear to be… and they can run very quickly in thongs… the thongs you wear on your feet!)

I will post some (uncensored) photographs on my next blog, but don’t get your hopes up. The topless photographs were confiscated by some pervert in Customs. Besides, my wife only let me take pictures of the men on the beach! (That woman is such a prude!) Well, be well and have yourselves a safe and joyful week. Speak to you next Sunday…..

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

November 20, 2016

YANOFF DEMANDS RECOUNT!

How could I have lost the presidential election? How? I was sure that my blog followers would push me over the top. (Many have tried this before!) Now I have to disband my political organization, the L.E.T.S. Party. (Leave Everything To Steve Party.) Maybe the public was unaware of my record. (I had a long record, but only two convictions.) Who knows. As they say, there is no accounting for taste. I shall simply console myself with the knowledge that I tried my best, and can now resume a life of total decadence.

To add insult to injury, I have recently been contacted by the Trump “Transition Team.” I told them that I was very happy being a man, and that I had no intention of transitioning into a woman. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) I simply hate wearing high heels. Besides, from where I sit (in the kitchen) I see the entire political system as corrupt. Why? Because yesterday I tried to turn in a late ballot and was told that it was too late to vote! You can vote early but not late? What’s the story with that?

Now I hear that some folks want to eliminate the Electrical College. Would you like to know my “current position” on that? I agree! I’d lead the “charge” if I had the “right connections!” (Damn, these are pretty good puns!) Why don’t we have a Secretary of Humor? (Oh God, here comes another “plug!”)

Enough politics. What else is new? Well, I had a great Sunday luncheon with an old friend and insurance colleague, Ms. Meagan Kiernan. Meagan once worked for Yanoff & Co. and is now a V.I.P. at a Dallas insurance company. She’s smart, pretty, and personable, and just happens to be the daughter of two of my high school friends from Valley Stream! Three days later, I spent a lovely evening at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, chatting with Loyd and Shelley Smith, two of the nicest folks in the universe! Loyd is my new booking agent, but I’m trying to encourage him not to arrange any more history lectures at dawn! (Dang, those Lakeway folks are early risers!)

Speaking of wine (well, steaks are close enough!) have you folks tried any of the wines from Barons Creek Vineyards? They are superb! My friend and neighbor, Marc Chase, is one of the owners and he was kind enough to give me a few bottles last week. The vineyard is located in lovely Fredericksburg, smack dab in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. Great venue for some wine-tasting, and they also have their own wine club and guest facilities. (If you’re willing to buy some wine and spend the night, I’ll plant myself on the sofa and read one of my books to you. Trust me, you’ll fall asleep quickly!)

Congrats to Col. Richard Myerson, the winner of our last trivia contest. The Army colonel was the first to provide the correct answer about John Wesley Hardin’s mistress, whose name was….. Beulah Morose! This week’s question? What was the name of Jesse James’s favorite horse? (I only need the stallion’s first name, not the first and last!) The winner will receive… a $100 gift card to Home Depot. Good luck, amigos!

In closing, I would like to wish all 34,000 of my blog followers a VERY happy and healthy Thanksgiving. If you live in this wonderful country, you have much to be thankful for, and you should enjoy your meal and forget about my recent political humiliation. I’ll get over it. I’ll survive. I’m already making plans for 2020. (I might run for mayor of Antigua.) In any case, go forth and “gobble” up your feast!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

P.S. As an added holiday bonus, I am attaching some more photographs of my last Sicilian adventure! Arrivederci!

October 16, 2016

HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN…..

Well, maybe Interstate 35 isn’t heavenly, but it does lead to Dallas, which is quite an impressive city. I spent a few days in “Big D” last week, and I must admit, it was very enjoyable. Our first stop was Highland Park, where our hosts provided a glorious evening of French food and wine. (Ooh la la, if you know what I mean!) Dinner included a brief speech about my new mystery novel, A RUN FOR THE MONEY, followed by a veritable feast for the senses. (Especially the taste and smell senses!) There was plenty of pate, including my wife, Pate Yanoff, and some truly wonderful wine. (No whining, just wine.)

Day two was spent on the (lovely) campus of SMU. I guess you could say that I was a visiting professor. (after all, I was visiting!) The purpose of my visit was to view the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. (I am doing some final research on my next history book, TURBULENT TIMES, which deals with the remarkable life of William H. Seward.) The museum is quite interesting and if you love American history, you will enjoy the various displays dealing with the Bush Administration. The Archive Library is also wonderful, so if you need to do some presidential research, this is the place to do it. (Mention my name and you will get a free bookmark.)

While we were up in Dallas, we had to do one of those “bucket-item” things that you hear about from time to time. Thus, we drove over to the State Fair of Texas and spent the afternoon munching on a wide variety of fried foods. The best items were the Corny Dogs and the Fried Tofu. (Just kidding about the tofu!) They had a lot of games on the midway, but the most popular was the old “guess my weight attraction.” (Which they will be replacing with a “cholesterol guessing game” in the very near future.) If you love fried foods, or have a death wish, then this is the fair for you!

By the way, speaking of death wishes, if you missed my last radio interview, you can hear the entire show on the new “Book Club Radio Program Podcast.” (Hosted by John Austin.) Just “Google” the name and a schedule will pop onto your screen. The show is featuring two of my interviews this month, THE SECOND MOURNING interview and the interview on A RUN FOR THE MONEY. I think you will enjoy them both, and they’re both free!

And since we are on the subject of “free stuff,” congratulations to Mr. Robert Loeb of East Meadow, New York, the winner of our last trivia contest. Mr. Loeb won a $300 gift card, courtesy of my generous publisher, Murder Ink Press. There will be many more contests and gifts in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned for my future blog posts!

Incidentally, this week’s trivia contest is NOT about me or my books. (Thank God!) A new iPhone (No, not a Samsung Galaxy!) will be given to the first person who can tell me how many Presidential Libraries there are in America. If you can tell me which President has two libraries, you will win a gift card, too! Good luck, and may the fastest typist win!

Finally, since we live in a day and age of enormous political strife, I would like to remind you of a pleasantry uttered by President Reagan, who referred to Presidential Libraries as “classrooms of Democracy.” If you want to remind yourself just how great America truly is, then visit one of these fascinating museums. You will come away reinvigorated and rejuvenated! (And the admission will be less than a massage!)

Have a safe and smile-filled week! Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

May 22, 2016

WORDS OF WISDOM!

Just in case you haven’t opened your email today, I am re-posting the very first book review for my new mystery novel, A RUN FOR THE MONEY. (Just in time to coincide with the Preakness, which was won by a horse that was named after a fiction writer….. Exaggerator!) Incidentally, this was also my nickname for several years after my honeymoon. (Don’t ask.)

All right, here we go…..

RENEGADE REVIEWS,

May 21, 2016

Stephen G. Yanoff, dubbed “the king of the clever mystery” by the NYT, has done it again. His new book, A Run For The Money is a spellbinding novel sure to please. In this fascinating tale, the theft of a priceless Civil War artifact drags insurance investigator, Adam Gold, into the dark and dangerous world of brazen grave robbers. While pursuing the robbers, Gold encounters a scheming Southern belle with a dark family secret, and becomes entangled in the Gullah culture of South Carolina. A riveting pursuit will lead to a showdown with a vicious psychopath who specializes in the murder of Thoroughbred horses — and a memorable climax that readers will never forget.

A RUN FOR THE MONEY is now available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kindle, Nook, and leading bookstores across the country.

RATING: Five Stars. ***** (Excellent)

Before you ask, the answer is NO, my mother did not write this review, nor does she own any stock in Renegade Reviews. (She did, however, buy the first 500 copies of A Run For The Money.) She bought 500 copies only because she’s 90 years old and forgets where she leaves things. This way, there’s a book in every room and closet in the house. Such a smart woman.

Now the rest of you rascals don’t have to buy 500 copies. (although they do make great Christmas gifts) One or two books will be sufficient. (unless you have some friends.) If you do purchase a book, please do me a BIG favor and leave a nice review on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, or Goodreads.com. (The good reviews help the old advertising budget.)

I do hope you enjoy the book, and keep in mind that most of it is based upon an actual insurance claim. And let me know what you think about the cover and the contents. Your opinions really matter!

Have a safe and happy week. Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

Books By Stephen G. Yanoff

Turbulent Times

A WORD TO THE WISE!

GONE WITH THE WIND… (AGAIN!)

SAIL OF THE CENTURY!

YANOFF DEMANDS RECOUNT!

HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN…..

WORDS OF WISDOM!