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Plaudits for book reviews by Jules Brenner
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Not many authors would contact a critic to thank them for a review, no matter
how agreeable they might find it. So, I take it as particularly significant
when a novelist takes a leap across that gap to express their appreciation.
Here are a few who did, along with others in the business of books who had a
kind word for what I do.
"I just read your stunning review of my book, and I wanted to thank you, not
only for the wonderful things that you said about Tabula Rasa, but also for
your interesting synopsis, which was quite unlike any that I have read.
~~ Shelly Reuben
Author, "Tabula Rasa"
Anyone who visits Critical Mystery Tour with regularity
knows my regard for David Fulmer's work and, as he made clear when he read my
review of "Jass," the feeling became mutual. But what he writes about my
review of his more recent "The Blue Door" is beyond any expectation. Here's
his email message in its entirety:
"Jules,
I just found out that first printing of the The Blue Door has sold out and
the second print run has been ordered. I want to extend a personal word of
thanks to you for helping move this one down the track. It's now getting good
buzz all over the country, but it started with you and a few others. And for
that, I'm deeply grateful.
df"
Wow! An incredible honor. Previously:
"A friend passed this on to me. Thanks for a really
insightful, cut to the chase review. And for the further kind words about CDT
and Jass. And I like your style."
~~ David Fulmer
Author, "Jass"
"Thanks for the superb review -- as usual, on point. I sent
it directly to NY.
~~ David Fulmer
Re: "The Blue Door" (2008)
!Still in Shock!... Because I just found out that The Blue Door
has been nominated for the 2009 Shamus Award for Best Novel. Eddie, Sal, and
I say "thanks."
df (8/22/09)
"I appreciate your eloquent comments. (Glad you like bluegrass, too.)"
~~ Ed Lynskey,
Author, "The Blue Cheer"
"JB, thanks for taking the time to review Hooked. It's valuable to have an
experienced reader invest himself in assessing my creation. I appreciate
being among the select group of accomplished authors you've included on your
review list and I'm heartened to hear you'll read me again. The next one is
coming."
~~ Matt Richtel,
Author, "Hooked"
"Your review of my book has been faxed to every studio office in New York
and here, in Hollywood."
~~ Andrew J. Fenady
Author, "A. Night In Hollywood Forever"
(On September 20, 2006, Mr. Fenady took out an ad
in Daily Variety featuring the book and my review in its entirety. To view it,
click HERE.
The ad later ran in the November 2006 issue of Mystery Scene Magazine, #97,
p.15)
"Dear Mr. Brenner,
Thanks so much for the review of 'Gold of Kings', which I have read with
great interest. Your insight is remarkable. I love what you have to say
about Leon, and the film comparison. I've also made note of your comments
about descriptions. That was a particular issue with me...
Warmly, Davis"
~~ Davis Bunn, author, "Gold of Kings"
(6/24/2009)
"Dear Jules Brenner,
Thank you so much for a marvelous and moving review. I'm practically blown
away. Your summary of the story and its concepts, not always an easy feat to
pull off, are outstanding. I don't take any of it for granted.
Best wishes"
~~ Kwei Quartey, author, "Wife of the Gods"
(7/22/2009)
(8/30/09) Mr. Quartey's debut novel hits the L.A. Times Best Seller List!
And, from the people who send the books for
review and editors who print the ones submitted to them:
"That's a cool review!"
~~ Gregory Henry
Harcourt Trade Publicity"
(Re: "A. Night in Hollywood Forever")
This is great for you! Thank you for making sure I saw this. I'm
circ'ing it to my dept. You're definitely in our database, and we send
all of our favorite mysteries your way.
Best,
~~ Julia Prosser,
Publicist
Re: "The Way Some People Die" by Ross MacDonald:
"(and a great review, too! Thank you!)"
~~ Julia Baxter,
Publicist"
"I enjoyed your review of THE JUROR by John Grisham... I work for Joseph
Finder and I would like to send you an advance reader's copy of his new book
KILLER INSTINCT."
~~ Sarah Blodgett
Author's Assistant
"I enjoyed reading your reviews and we'd be happy to have you
join us as a reviewer."
~~ Jackie Acampura
Book Review Editor
Mystery Scene Magazine
"Brilliantly written, Jules. You made me want to read it
("Hold Tight" by Harlan Coben), and you know I don't read Mystery. Here's the
link: 'http://contemporarylit.about.com/od/mysteryreviews/fr/holdTight.htm'"
~~ Mark Flanagan
Editor,
About.com Contemporary Literature
"Thanks so much for the review, it's great!"
Tiffany Schofield, Editor
Five Star Publishing & Thorndike Press
(Re: "A. Night in Hollywood Forever")
"Thanks. A very good review!"
~~ Andrea Sisco
Armchair Interviews
(Re: "Skinny Dip" by Carl Hiaasen)
"We've read your reviews, and have found them to contain exactly what we love
in a well written critique, and we'd be quite interested in having you join
our staff!"
~~ Stephanie Padilla
Editor, Internet Mystery Magazine
"Your grammar is absolutely perfect, and your writing is very
elegant."
~~ Tamsen Tilsen
Editor, Suite 101.com
Re: Review of James Sheehan's The Mayor of Lexington
Avenue
Thank you for your excellent review of The Mayor of Lexington Avenue. I
discovered the book quite by accident and couldn't believe I hadn't heard of
the book or the author. After reading the book I wanted to tell the world
that it existed. After "Googling" the author I discovered your review and
realized that someone else had already given due praise. Thank you. Thank
you also for including in your review the fact that James Sheehan was
associated with the Terri Schievo [SIC] litigation.
A job well done! I just order Sheehan's next book. After reading the last two
John Grisham (such a waste of time) I totally concur with you that we have a
new and rising star to take his place.
Thanks again.
~~ Dennis W. Sawyer
A reader
Re: Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Do you get paid for your reviews? Well, I read yours and you ought to get
paid. Awesome job! You sold me. I'll be reading the book. The title caught my
eye at the bookstore along with that super-bright yellow cover. Yahoo for
great marketing. But I'm even more excited to read it. Thank you for the
GREAT review. Any other book suggestions you'd like to toss my way will
always be welcome. Take care--Donna
~~ Donna C.
A Shelfari reader (9/25/09)
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