Mason Cross's Blog, page 19
June 19, 2015
Apple Store event
I'm going to be appearing at the Apple Store in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, for a special meet the author event on Thursday 9 July. Look at the awesome promo graphic they made using my publicity pic:
It's very 70s cop show, as they pointed out, which is of course my preferred look.
I'll be promoting The Samaritan, which is published in print the following week, but already available in ebook and audio - since this is an Apple Store gig, I'll take this opportunity to plug the iBooks version.
I'm really excited about this event, as I'll be doing some of the standard stuff, like reading, talking about my books, but also talking about how new technology and digital is affecting the publishing industry and the process of being a writer.
The event is free and you'll be able to book on the website next week, or if you have an iOS device, you can book right through the Apple Store app.
It's very 70s cop show, as they pointed out, which is of course my preferred look.
I'll be promoting The Samaritan, which is published in print the following week, but already available in ebook and audio - since this is an Apple Store gig, I'll take this opportunity to plug the iBooks version.
I'm really excited about this event, as I'll be doing some of the standard stuff, like reading, talking about my books, but also talking about how new technology and digital is affecting the publishing industry and the process of being a writer.
The event is free and you'll be able to book on the website next week, or if you have an iOS device, you can book right through the Apple Store app.
June 11, 2015
Edinburgh, Bloody Scotland and BritCrime
This summer is shaping up to be pretty busy!
First up, I'm going to be part of BritCrime - a brand new online festival featuring 40 British crime writers. For people who are too busy or live too far away to attend literary festivals, this is a nifty idea, because as long as you can get on the internet, you can attend. The festival is going to be held over Saturday 11 - Monday 13 July on the BritCrime Facebook page, and will feature virtual author panels, giveaways, Q&As, and even a virtual pub. It's all Helen Smith's idea, and it's going to be great - check out the BritCrime website for news, offers and soon, a full programme.
Following on from the launch of The Samaritan at Waterstones Argyle Street on 15 July, I'm delighted to be being asked back to the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Friday 21 August. I'm even more delighted to be sharing the bill with Mr Steve Cavanagh - a fellow Orion dude and author of the fantastic legal thriller The Defence. Tickets are onsale from the festival website on Tuesday 23 June, and you can also vote for The Defence for the Edinburgh First Book Award.
And in September, I'm back in Stirling for Bloody Scotland, this time on a stacked panel of thriller writers featuring Simon Kernick, Tom Wood and GJ Brown. My event is on Sunday 13 September, and you can find out more and get tickets from the festival website.
That's it for now, but I have at least a couple more cool things to announce soon, so keep an eye on the events page for new updates, including something fruit-related...
First up, I'm going to be part of BritCrime - a brand new online festival featuring 40 British crime writers. For people who are too busy or live too far away to attend literary festivals, this is a nifty idea, because as long as you can get on the internet, you can attend. The festival is going to be held over Saturday 11 - Monday 13 July on the BritCrime Facebook page, and will feature virtual author panels, giveaways, Q&As, and even a virtual pub. It's all Helen Smith's idea, and it's going to be great - check out the BritCrime website for news, offers and soon, a full programme.
Following on from the launch of The Samaritan at Waterstones Argyle Street on 15 July, I'm delighted to be being asked back to the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Friday 21 August. I'm even more delighted to be sharing the bill with Mr Steve Cavanagh - a fellow Orion dude and author of the fantastic legal thriller The Defence. Tickets are onsale from the festival website on Tuesday 23 June, and you can also vote for The Defence for the Edinburgh First Book Award.
And in September, I'm back in Stirling for Bloody Scotland, this time on a stacked panel of thriller writers featuring Simon Kernick, Tom Wood and GJ Brown. My event is on Sunday 13 September, and you can find out more and get tickets from the festival website.
That's it for now, but I have at least a couple more cool things to announce soon, so keep an eye on the events page for new updates, including something fruit-related...
June 8, 2015
An overdue update
I've been uncharacteristically quiet of late thanks to general busyness and the small matter of finishing the third Carter Blake book, so it's time for a quick catch up, largely so I can take stock of what's happened and what's happening next.
I spent another great weekend in Bristol at CrimeFest, which involved two great panels: one on psychological and action thrillers with Sabine Durrant, Paul Hardisty and Rebecca Whitney moderated excellently by Stav Sherez; and one on psychopaths with James Carol, Clare Donghue, Stuart Neville and Caro Ramsay, moderated slightly more chaotically by yours truly.
It was great to finally meet fellow Orion rookie Steve Cavanagh and hang out with the usual suspects. I also got to meet Lee Child and thank him in person for the cover quote. He was very cool and gracious, saying even more nice things about the book and chatting about the new Reacher movie.
Just like last year (although with slightly less nice weather), it was a great chance to catch up with friends, meet some new ones, and drink way too much. I played it smart this year by not volunteering for Criminal Mastermind.
Some really great reviews of The Killing Season and The Samaritan were posted recently:
The Killing Season had a heart-stopping, thrilling ending and this was delivered again in The Samaritan and then some. Thriller fans looking for something fresh, and to feel that excitement you get upon discovering an author such as Mason Cross would be well-advised to check out this series.
- Book Addict Shaun
[The Samaritan is] a sprawling American epic delivered with panache.- Barry Forshaw, Independent T
he thriller elements are really really well done, keeping you on the edge of your seat, there are some beautiful twists and turns, a gorgeous flow to the prose and generally speaking this is a damn good read. Definitively now one of the series I shall be following avidly and probably re-reading a lot, the Carter Blake series is one of those you can sink into, have a great time with, and re-emerge later wishing you had another 10 books featuring Carter on the shelf to read already.
- Liz Loves Books
The Killing Season is a very exciting novel indeed, made extra tense by the mystery surrounding both prey and hunter. We move across locations, each vividly described, meeting potential victims and suspects, tripping over red herrings, getting sidetracked by false alarms. And then there are the twists. This is a very clever novel. It’s not going to be easy for Blake.
- Kate Atherton, For Winter Nights
This is without doubt one of the best debut thrillers that I've read in a long time - a fantastic page turner that left me totally hooked on Carter Blake and Mason Cross has left me wanting more. A highly addictive read and Mason Cross is certainly one to watch.
- Sam Everett, Tigerlilly Books Book Addict Shaun also kindly interviewed me for the blog here, with some great questions, while Mario Acevedo grilled me for The Big Thrill.
Other stuff...
I'm delighted to be at Bloody Scotland again this year, on a panel with thriller maestros Simon Kernick, Tom Wood and GJ Brown - check out the events page for more details and some other upcoming events.
I'm equally delighted to be on the bill for the first-ever BritCrime online festival. The brainchild of Helen Smith, It takes place on a Facebook near you over 11-13 July and is completely free. Find out more at the Facebook page and BritCrime.com
My editor tweeted the cover proof of The Samaritan and it looks amazing.
Oh, and I sent a few spare proof copies of Killing Season out to known thriller fans... and Bill Clinton sent me a nice reply.
I spent another great weekend in Bristol at CrimeFest, which involved two great panels: one on psychological and action thrillers with Sabine Durrant, Paul Hardisty and Rebecca Whitney moderated excellently by Stav Sherez; and one on psychopaths with James Carol, Clare Donghue, Stuart Neville and Caro Ramsay, moderated slightly more chaotically by yours truly.
It was great to finally meet fellow Orion rookie Steve Cavanagh and hang out with the usual suspects. I also got to meet Lee Child and thank him in person for the cover quote. He was very cool and gracious, saying even more nice things about the book and chatting about the new Reacher movie.
Just like last year (although with slightly less nice weather), it was a great chance to catch up with friends, meet some new ones, and drink way too much. I played it smart this year by not volunteering for Criminal Mastermind.
Some really great reviews of The Killing Season and The Samaritan were posted recently:
The Killing Season had a heart-stopping, thrilling ending and this was delivered again in The Samaritan and then some. Thriller fans looking for something fresh, and to feel that excitement you get upon discovering an author such as Mason Cross would be well-advised to check out this series.
- Book Addict Shaun
[The Samaritan is] a sprawling American epic delivered with panache.- Barry Forshaw, Independent T
he thriller elements are really really well done, keeping you on the edge of your seat, there are some beautiful twists and turns, a gorgeous flow to the prose and generally speaking this is a damn good read. Definitively now one of the series I shall be following avidly and probably re-reading a lot, the Carter Blake series is one of those you can sink into, have a great time with, and re-emerge later wishing you had another 10 books featuring Carter on the shelf to read already.
- Liz Loves Books
The Killing Season is a very exciting novel indeed, made extra tense by the mystery surrounding both prey and hunter. We move across locations, each vividly described, meeting potential victims and suspects, tripping over red herrings, getting sidetracked by false alarms. And then there are the twists. This is a very clever novel. It’s not going to be easy for Blake.
- Kate Atherton, For Winter Nights
This is without doubt one of the best debut thrillers that I've read in a long time - a fantastic page turner that left me totally hooked on Carter Blake and Mason Cross has left me wanting more. A highly addictive read and Mason Cross is certainly one to watch.
- Sam Everett, Tigerlilly Books Book Addict Shaun also kindly interviewed me for the blog here, with some great questions, while Mario Acevedo grilled me for The Big Thrill.
Other stuff...
I'm delighted to be at Bloody Scotland again this year, on a panel with thriller maestros Simon Kernick, Tom Wood and GJ Brown - check out the events page for more details and some other upcoming events.
I'm equally delighted to be on the bill for the first-ever BritCrime online festival. The brainchild of Helen Smith, It takes place on a Facebook near you over 11-13 July and is completely free. Find out more at the Facebook page and BritCrime.com
My editor tweeted the cover proof of The Samaritan and it looks amazing.
Oh, and I sent a few spare proof copies of Killing Season out to known thriller fans... and Bill Clinton sent me a nice reply.
May 22, 2015
The Samaritan - launch date
You are cordially invited to the official launch of...
The Samaritan
by Mason Cross
7pm, Wednesday July 15, 2015
Waterstones, Argyle Street, Glasgow
Join bestselling author Craig Robertson (Random, Witness the Dead) in conversation with Mason Cross for the official launch of his new novel The Samaritan, published by Orion.
The Samaritan is the sequel to last year's The Killing Season, and follows mysterious manhunter Carter Blake on an all-new assignment.
There will be a reading, a Q&A and a signing. More importantly, there will be free wine. The event is free and all are welcome.
The Samaritan
by Mason Cross
7pm, Wednesday July 15, 2015
Waterstones, Argyle Street, Glasgow
Join bestselling author Craig Robertson (Random, Witness the Dead) in conversation with Mason Cross for the official launch of his new novel The Samaritan, published by Orion.
The Samaritan is the sequel to last year's The Killing Season, and follows mysterious manhunter Carter Blake on an all-new assignment.
There will be a reading, a Q&A and a signing. More importantly, there will be free wine. The event is free and all are welcome.
May 21, 2015
The Samaritan - ebook publication
I've been extremely busy on the next book, Crimefest and some other stuff, all of which I'll blog about soon, but this is just a quick post to say the second Carter Blake book, The Samaritan, is published today as an ebook. I think it's UK-only right now, but happy to be corrected if it's available in any other territories.
This is a new technique I've noticed recently, bringing out the e-version ahead of print. I assume it's a good way of getting advance sales data to gauge print run, and pick up some early reviews. A bit like getting radio airplay ahead of the album release, maybe.
Anyway. If you can't wait for the real book version to be published on July 16th, you can get The Samaritan on your Kindle right now, or as an Audible download. Happy reading!
This is a new technique I've noticed recently, bringing out the e-version ahead of print. I assume it's a good way of getting advance sales data to gauge print run, and pick up some early reviews. A bit like getting radio airplay ahead of the album release, maybe.
Anyway. If you can't wait for the real book version to be published on July 16th, you can get The Samaritan on your Kindle right now, or as an Audible download. Happy reading!
May 4, 2015
Theakstons longlist
Shots has just announced the longlist for the 2015 Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year award, and I'm amazed and very pleased that The Killing Season is on it.
This is a pretty big deal, as the longlist of 18 is cut down from hundreds of submissions. All of these titles will be promoted by WHSmith in the runup to the announcement of the shortlist on 15 June and the eventual winner on 16 July.
I'm actually kind of astounded to be in the running for the most prestigious British crime novel award for my debut novel. I always wanted to write an enjoyable, page-turning book, but awards have frankly never crossed my mind. Anyway, it's still a longshot since I'm up against 17 other great books (including some of my literary heroes), but it's a very nice place to be.
Here's the list in full: Eeny Meeny by M.J. Arlidge, Michael JosephThe Facts Of Life And Death by Belinda Bauer, Black SwanThe Ghost Runner by Parker Bilal, BloomsburyThe Strangler Vine by M.J. Carter, Fig TreeThe Axeman's Jazz by Ray Celestin, MantlePersonal by Lee Child, BantamThe Killing Season by Mason Cross, Orion FictionBryant& May - The Bleeding Heart by Christopher Fowler, BantamThe Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths, QuercusThe Telling Error by Sophie Hannah, Hodder & StoughtonDarkness, Darkness by John Harvey, ArrowSomeone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary, HeadlineThe Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson, Hodder & StoughtonEntry Island by Peter May, QuercusDisappeared by Anthony Quinn, Head of ZeusSaints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin, Orion FictionThe Farm by Tom Rob Smith, Simon & SchusterA Lovely Way to Burn by Louise Welsh, John Murray Publishers
May 3, 2015
Win an advance copy of The Samaritan
Orion is running a Goodreads giveaway to win one of 20 advance copies of the sequel to The Killing Season: The Samaritan.
This one sees Carter Blake travel west to Los Angeles, where a methodical serial killer is abducting and murdering lone female drivers. Blake recognises the killer's work and realises that he is the only man who can track the killer down, even if it means bringing his own past crashing down on top of him...
All you have to do to win a free copy is go to this link before May 14th and register for the giveaway.
Good luck!
This one sees Carter Blake travel west to Los Angeles, where a methodical serial killer is abducting and murdering lone female drivers. Blake recognises the killer's work and realises that he is the only man who can track the killer down, even if it means bringing his own past crashing down on top of him...
All you have to do to win a free copy is go to this link before May 14th and register for the giveaway.
Good luck!
May 1, 2015
Telegraph Promotion
The
Telegraph
has chosen The Killing Season for its promo title this week in the UK, which means you can get the paperback for less than half price with a purchase of the newspaper at WHSmith.
All you have to do is buy the Telegraph in any WHSmith high street or travel store between Thursday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 6, or bring in one of the printed vouchers published in the paper on Thursday, April 30 or Saturday, May 2.
It's great to see the book displayed so prominently on the high street, and I've also been spotted at Glasgow and Bristol airports, meaning I have officially fulfilled my ambition of writing an airport thriller. Definitely an excuse for a Friday beer.
All you have to do is buy the Telegraph in any WHSmith high street or travel store between Thursday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 6, or bring in one of the printed vouchers published in the paper on Thursday, April 30 or Saturday, May 2.
It's great to see the book displayed so prominently on the high street, and I've also been spotted at Glasgow and Bristol airports, meaning I have officially fulfilled my ambition of writing an airport thriller. Definitely an excuse for a Friday beer.
April 29, 2015
Twitter Q&A
I'm doing my first Twitter Q&A tomorrow, answering questions from 12 noon BST, but you can ask me one anytime using #AskMasonCross
Looking forward to seeing what people come up with!
If you'd like to follow me, you can do that anytime and my handle is @MasonCrossBooks
Looking forward to seeing what people come up with!
If you'd like to follow me, you can do that anytime and my handle is @MasonCrossBooks
April 21, 2015
Paperback writer
The paperback release of Killing Season seems to be going well, which is great news. Orion has unleashed a brilliant poster campaign at railway stations throughout the UK, and I've had people tweeting me snaps of the poster from all over the place:
Glasgow Central
The Angel Islington (my first Monopoly location!)
Kilmarnock
Paddington Station The book has also had fantastic support from Waterstones (particularly, as always, Waterstones Argyle Street who gave me an entire window!)
...and it also seems to be doing well in supermarkets and WH Smith. It's been spotted in the charts at no.3 in Morrisons, no.9 in WH Smith and no.2 in Sainsburys, which is just amazing. It's also a new entry at number 4 on the Bookseller magazine's top 20 fiction heatseekers, which charts which books are being talked about and making a splash.
Sainsburys
Morrisons
Waterstones Argyle Street
WH Smith
One thing I've really started to appreciate when checking out various displays is how well the colour and design of the cover really stands out from everything else on the shelves. I definitely owe the sales & marketing and design people at Orion a few drinks for putting together such an attractive product.
People following me on social media are probably heartily sick of me retweeting endless pictures of the poster and the book on the shelves, so I'd like to offer my apologies for that. I'm ticking all of the ideal fantasy author experience boxes right now, and it feels amazing to see my book everywhere.
So thank you to everyone who has bought a copy, written a review, recommended it to a friend or tweeted me a pic of a poster near them - you all rock. And I promise I'll settle down soon and shut the hell up.
Glasgow Central
The Angel Islington (my first Monopoly location!)
Kilmarnock
Paddington Station The book has also had fantastic support from Waterstones (particularly, as always, Waterstones Argyle Street who gave me an entire window!)
...and it also seems to be doing well in supermarkets and WH Smith. It's been spotted in the charts at no.3 in Morrisons, no.9 in WH Smith and no.2 in Sainsburys, which is just amazing. It's also a new entry at number 4 on the Bookseller magazine's top 20 fiction heatseekers, which charts which books are being talked about and making a splash. 
Sainsburys
Morrisons
Waterstones Argyle Street
WH SmithOne thing I've really started to appreciate when checking out various displays is how well the colour and design of the cover really stands out from everything else on the shelves. I definitely owe the sales & marketing and design people at Orion a few drinks for putting together such an attractive product.
People following me on social media are probably heartily sick of me retweeting endless pictures of the poster and the book on the shelves, so I'd like to offer my apologies for that. I'm ticking all of the ideal fantasy author experience boxes right now, and it feels amazing to see my book everywhere.
So thank you to everyone who has bought a copy, written a review, recommended it to a friend or tweeted me a pic of a poster near them - you all rock. And I promise I'll settle down soon and shut the hell up.
