CRIME IS IN THE AIR

Suddenly, it seems, there is an insatiable demand for crime fiction.  Jason Boog, on GalleyCat, announces today that Little, Brown, is launching a new crime imprint, called ""Mulholland Books" after a famous crime-chase street in LA.

The editor, John Schoenfelder, and marketing director, Miriam Parker, expect to publish twenty-four books a year.  First to hit the press will be mysteries by Marcia Clark, Lawrence Block, and Duane Swierczynski. 

Publisher Michael Pietsch is marvellously upbeat about the venture.  "There is an extraordinary body of suspense fiction being written today," he says.  While the aim is to entertain, there will be the extra factor of "surprise at all costs," and everyone at Little, Brown is excited to be part of the project.