It has become necessary to add this page for more personal announcements, and this gives me a chance to speak directly to my readers.

Some of you may be aware that I switched publishers in 2004. I left St.Martin’s Press and went to Penguin with the Akitada series. St. Martin’s Press has given me two handsome hardcover editions (RASHOMON GATE and THE HELL SCREEN), and I am grateful for these. For collectors: The RASHOMON GATE edition by St. Martin’s Press is the only book that contains my illustrations of the text; future editions don’t.

News Update (March 28, 2008):

 Since last January 2007, several more novels have traveled overseas. I signed contracts for DRAGON SCROLL and RASHOMON GATE to appear in Romania, and for BLACK ARROW in both Bulgaria and Russia. In France, RASHOMON GATE was released by a book club.

In the United States, RASHOMON GATE appeared in February 2007 in the Penguin edition, and the new novel, ISLAND OF EXILES, (October 2007) received excellent reviews. Since then, ISLAND has also been released in Large Print.

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I have signed contracts for audio versions of all 5 novels with Random House Books on Tape. The reader will be Roy Vongtama, a multi-talented individual, who is an actor and a working physician in California. This news was particularly exciting for me, because I love audio books.

Otherwise, I have been writing a new novel. Since the Akitada series moves ahead, and the next two titles are written, I have chosen a different setting and type for this stand-alone thriller. It is set in central Europe during the mid-eighteenth century. This, too, has been pretty exciting.

If you like to read blogs, I have a page on CRIME SPACE and occasionally post news and comments there.

And last but not least: I have a new editor at Penguin, Rebecca Hunt, and really look forward to working with her on future books. My previous editor left to take care of a new baby.

Note to my Readers

The Akitada series will continue only if there are enough sales to satisfy the publisher. Sales, however, are in the hands of readers. If you want the books to go on (there are 2 novels waiting), encourage friends to buy them, ask bookstores to stock them, mention them on internet sites, and post reviews on Amazon for those you have liked. Remember, the publisher does not advertise and people don't buy books they don't know about.
 
Chronology

In case you have wondered about the chronological sequence of the books and stories: THE DRAGON SCROLL is the first Akitada novel and was also written first. For some reason, my previous publisher wanted to start with RASHOMON GATE. I am very glad that Penguin is committed to the series as it is meant to evolve. The correct sequence of the novels is: THE DRAGON SCROLL, RASHOMON GATE, BLACK ARROW, ISLAND OF EXILES, and THE HELL SCREEN.  The short stories are not written chronologically and take place at different times of Akitada’s life.  In the short story collection, however, they are organized chronologically. The collection is under consideration for publication.  Of course, “Akitada’s First Case” will remain the earliest event of his career. I hope you will also enjoy the young and still unmarried Akitada in THE DRAGON SCROLL.


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