THE DEVIL'S COMPANY BLOG TOUR: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY IS OVER!
THE DEVIL'S COMPANY
by David Liss

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David Liss is the author of five novels, with more on the way.

His debut novel, A Conspiracy of Paper (2000) with its hero, the pugilist turned private investigator Benjamin Weaver, was named a New York Times Notable Book and won him the 2001 Barry, MacAvity and Edgar awards for Best First Novel.

David’s second novel, The Coffee Trader (2003) was also named a New York Times Notable Book and was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the year’s 25 Books to Remember.

His third novel A Spectacle of Corruption (2004) the sequel to A Conspiracy of Paper, became a national bestseller. David’s fourth novel, The Ethical Assassin (2006) is his first full-length work that is not historical fiction.

David’s most recent novel, The Whiskey Rebels, is set in 1790’s Philadelphia and New York. The third Benjamin Weaver novel, The Devil’s Company, will be in stores in late 2009.

Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, David is, in fact, a one-time encyclopedia salesman. He received his B.A. from Syracuse University, an M.A. from Georgia State University and his M.Phil from Columbia University, where he left his dissertation unfinished to pursue his writing career.

David lives in San Antonio with his wife and children.

BINGO'S REVIEW:

David Liss is back with his popular character Benjamin Weaver, a former boxing champion and now an expert at disguise and private investigator. THE DEVIL’S COMPANY is set in London in 1722 and Benjamin becomes involved with Jerome Cobb and a Mr. Hammond who try to blackmail Benjamin to do something that will put many of his friends and even his uncle at risk financially if he fails.

This all starts when Benjamin Weaver is talked into stealing some documents from the British East India Company and that is followed by becoming a worker there in order to get information about the company for Cobb. Through the blackmailing of his friends and family, Benjamin is like a captive as he is told he will be free of this worry if he completes his assignment for Cobb.

Unfortunately, Benjamin Weaver quickly realizes that the British East India Company wasn't a simple, every day company he thought it was. It didn't really sell and trade tea and cloth but rather was involved in an illegal activity including government spies. The deeper that Weaver gets into the evil plot, the more he uncovers about what is really going on, and the more he finds out he is in well over his head. This beginning of corporate workings seems almost odd to find in this time period and yet it is where it really began.

Author David Liss weaves a tale of suspense and twists and turns that keep the reader constantly guessing about who is the "good guy" and who isn't! The more Benjamin Weaver gets into the workings of these two companies and those involved with them, the more complex the plot becomes. I found the book a good mystery but one that I had to pay close attention to or I got lost. This is not a light fluff summer read but rather a smart, mystery with thoughtful puzzles and characters to explore and define.

PRAISE FOR THE DEVIL'S COMPANY:

“A treat for lovers of historical fiction. . . .accomplished, atmospheric, and thoughtful.”— Washington Post

“As distinguished by the compelling voice of its narrator as it is by its vibrant detail.”— Denver Post

“Historical details give The Devil’s Company a richness that make it more than an enjoyable diversion, though … it is foremost and most agreeably that.” — Austin American-Statesman

“A wicked and enthralling mix of corporate espionage, international spies and explosive industrial secrets.” — Seattle Times

THE DEVIL'S COMPANY

GIVEAWAY

I have one brand new, hardback copy

of THE DEVIL'S COMPANY

to giveaway. Here are the rules:

---U.S. Residents only

---No P.O. Boxes please

---Include your email address in your comment

HOW TO ENTER:

Comment below with your email address!

One comment, one entry person!

How easy is that?

All comments must be posted by

6 PM, EST, August 3!!!(note date change)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!