Bookmarks Magazine’s Profile

Christopher Barzak's One for Sorrow is a rare thing indeed--a horror novel with heart. It's not often that such a book, particularly a debut (Barzak's reputation comes from his short fiction), is described as "lovely, melancholy" (Village Voice). But

Christopher Barzak's One for Sorrow is a rare thing indeed--a horror novel with heart. It's not often that such a book, particularly a debut (Barzak's reputation comes from his short fiction), is described as "lovely, melancholy" (Village Voice). But Barzak balances his story's supernatural aspects, which he delivers with simple assuredness, with the uncertainties and complexities of adolescence. One for Sorrow has been compared to The Catcher in the Rye and Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. In the case of the latter, though, Barzak's book is quite a bit edgier and focuses little on the search for Jamie's killer. Instead, Barzak develops the adolescent relationships into "a coming-of-age story, more melancholy than morbid and, by the end, profoundly hopeful" (Washington Post)."

John Hart, a former criminal defense attorney, has written a character-driven whodunit that has critics effusive with praise. Compared to John Grisham and Scott Turow, Hart crafts a story filled with trauma, intrigue, plot twists (with some foreshad

John Hart, a former criminal defense attorney, has written a character-driven whodunit that has critics effusive with praise. Compared to John Grisham and Scott Turow, Hart crafts a story filled with trauma, intrigue, plot twists (with some foreshadowing), and measured, powerful prose. Set in a Southern town, the story chronicles Work's descent into hell as he replays his relationship with his father, recognizes his "flawed" soul, and finds a circuitous path to redemption. "He's an original voice in a crowded genre, a welcome addition to both the worlds of literature and suspense," notes the Denver Post. Fortunately, St. Martin's Press and Hart have struck a deal for two more books.

This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.