Table Time

New theme table for September!

The tree table this month is featuring nominees for the Barry Awards.  The Barrys are an award put on by the magazine Deadly Pleasures, honoring the best in mystery writing. From their website:

In 1997, the editorial staff of Deadly Pleasures decided that since one of the magazine's stated goals was to search out and report on the best works being published in the field of crime fiction each year, it would be a natural fit to present awards for excellence. Then came the dilemma of what to name the award. At the time all associated with the magazine were still reeling from the untimely death of Barry Gardner, who was arguably the best fan reviewer on the planet, so it was decided to name the award after him so as to keep his memory alive.

Not a bad way to honor someone.  Here are some of Deborah's and Joyce's favorites for the Barrys:

The Keeper of Lost Causes, by Jussi Alder-Olsen

Carl Mørck used to be one of Copenhagen’s best homicide detectives. Then a hail of bullets destroyed the lives of two fellow cops, and Carl—who didn’t draw his weapon—blames himself. So a promotion is the last thing he expects. But Department Q is a department of one, and Carl’s got only a stack of Copenhagen’s coldest cases for company. His colleagues snicker, but Carl may have the last laugh, because one file keeps nagging at him: a liberal politician vanished five years earlier and is presumed dead. But she isn’t dead … yet. Darkly humorous, propulsive, and atmospheric, The Keeper of Lost Causes introduces American readers to the mega-bestselling series fast becoming an international sensation.

Turn of Mind, by Alice LaPlante

Dr. Jennifer White, a retired hand surgeon, writes daily in her journal. "My bible of consciousness" she calls it. White is in the throes of dementia and the unlikely narrator of LaPlante's brilliant debut novel. Amanda, Jennifer's long time best friend and neighbor, has been found dead and now the police want to question Jennifer. Someone possessing a surgeon's skill amputated four fingers from one of Amanda's hands. Detectives strongly suspect Jennifer but who can penetrate the thickening fog that paralyzes her brain? Out of this situation LaPlante not only weaves an engrossing mystery, but also explores the dark complexities of friendship and motherhood. "Turn of Mind" is one of the best books I've read this year!  -Joyce

Our smaller theme table is dedicated to the arrival of the 2013 calendars!!!  Yep, it's that time again!  It flies, doesn't it?