HEAD GAMES AT THREE

It was about this time, three years ago, that HEAD GAMES, my debut novel introducing crime novelist Hector Lassiter, "the man who lives what he writes and writes what he lives," made the scene.

As debut novels go, particularly ones from small independent presses, HEAD GAMES had a pretty startling run, garnering a number of heady awards nominations (the Edgar, Anthony and Gumshoe awards, among others), making a number of year's best lists and launching a series whose fourth installment will debut around Valentine's Day next year from Minotaur Books.

Perhaps more amazing — and very gratifying to me — is that the novel continues to roll along...still collecting reviews...still finding expression in different formats and languages.



Apart from the original Bleak House Books editions of HEAD GAMES which was published in three simultaneous formats — limited edition hardcover (sold out); trade hardcover (sold out) and trade paperback (still some of those available) — the novel was also recorded and released in unabridged audio by Recorded Books.

Last fall, BELFOND published a French translation in trade paperback format. (They call it THE HEAD OF PANCHO VILLA in those parts.)

This fall, HEAD GAMES is back out in France in mass market paperback. It's been published in Russia and soon will be published in translation in Japan.

In 2012, HEAD GAMES will again hit stands in graphic novel format from First Second with art by Kevin D. Singles. (A small sample of that appears below.)

Authors always say choosing favorites among their own books is like asking them to choose between their children. I don't quite buy that analogy, but first novels certainly earn a certain spot in their author's heart.

So, here's to HEAD GAMES at three.