The Bookshelf Cat

Meet 'Sam' the official Books at Eclectics Bookshelf Cat (Toronto office). Some long-timers on the Friday Ark might remember Sam from stillpoint. He's been doing his best to convince She Who Types to start blogging regularly over there again, too. Meanwhile, he's oh-so-immodestly pleased to have his purrrrrty face featured on the Internets once more.

Sam was rescued from his former life as a street brawler just over five years ago. At first, he was afraid of everything, cringing if a hand reached out to pat him. It took a while, but now he's a relaxed and loving soul who likes to help with web work and writing by warming the desktop in front of the monitor.

New Author (Robin Wells)

What if a totally innocent woman suddenly found herself on the front page of those scandal sheets you see at the supermarket checkout? Find out in Robin Wells' upcoming book, BETWEEN THE SHEETS, a February 2008 release. Visit Robin Wells to read an excerpt ... and be sure to enter her contest for your chance to win a luxurious between-the-sheets prize. Welcome to Eclectics, Robin!

Laura Joh Rowland

Samurai sleuth or Victorian adventurer? Laura's site has a fresh new look and two very different worlds for you to explore. First, preview THE SNOW EMPRESS, book twelve in the Sano Ichiro Mystery Series. Something is rotten in Ezogashima. Sano and Reiko must solve a murder if they hope to rescue their kidnapped son. Then discover THE SECRET ADVENTURES OF CHARLOTTE BRONTE, featuring a hero who combines Mr. Rochester with Agent 007 and a villain whose devious schemes threaten the very fabric of the British Empire. Be sure to stop by Laura's contest page to try the Bronte trivia quiz — you might win a prize!

Visit Laura Joh Rowland.

Meet Erin McCarthy in New Orleans!

Eclectics' own Erin McCarthy and fellow author Kathy Love head to the Big Easy this week for the Writers in New Orleans Conference. Kathy and Erin will be hosting the welcome party on Friday night. This is your chance to meet the real live (or is that undead?) Vampire Band featured in Erin's and Kathy's books. The Impalers will be playing all your favorite Bourbon Street party songs from 5-7:30 pm on Friday, August 31, at the Hotel Monteleone*. Can't get there in person? Visit the The Impalers Vampire Band web site and Get Impaled!

*Registration required. For info, click the conference web site link, above.

Author Shari Anton

Shari has just added a new 'letter to readers' to her web site that includes an invitation to join her at Shelfari. Discover TWILIGHT MAGIC, book two in her Magic Series, and be sure to enter her contest (deadline Oct. 15), for a chance to win books. Visit Shari Anton.

The Landlord's Black-Eyed Daughter (Mary Ellen Dennis)

The highwayman came riding... Discover THE LANDLORD'S BLACK-EYED DAUGHTER, an August release that Booklist says is "quite simply, remarkable". Author Mary Ellen Dennis also writes as Deni Dietz.

New Author (Mary Paine)

A warm welcome to new Eclectics Author Mary Paine! Visit Mary's new site for a glimpse of her wonderful, upcoming romantic mystery, A DANGEROUS DREAM. Horse lovers won't want to miss this one!

Wash and Die (Barbara Colley)

A bucket full of clues... Check out our exclusive Sneak Peek to find out what's in store for the sleuthing maid in book seven of Barbara Colley's "Squeaky Clean" Charlotte LaRue Mystery Series, WASH AND DIE, coming in February 2008 from Kensington Books.

Hidden Moon (Lori Handeland)

He'll take her to the wild side... Bestselling author Lori Handeland's web site features a preview of her latest Nightcreature Novel, HIDDEN MOON. Explore the exciting Nightcreature world on Lori's fun page and don't forget to enter the contest at http://www.lorihandeland.com.

My Immortal (Erin McCarthy)

My life... My love... My Immortal... Erin's site has a new look: "embrace the darkness" for a preview of her upcoming darker paranomal release MY IMMORTAL or "seek a lighter vein" for the latest news about BLED DRY, book three in her Vegas Vampires series. Visit www.erinmccarthy.net.

Once a Rake (Rona Sharon)

Indulge your wicked side... Visit Rona for a preview of ONCE A RAKE, a December 2007 release from Zebra Books. Read an excerpt and enter the contest at Rona's web site: www.eclectics.com/ronasharon