About... TUCKERVILLE
Wait, what's a small town in Upstate New York have to do with a book called "London Frog?" And where's that nice windmill? Well, when you go from writing sweet relationship dramas to... well, a smart-ass crime novel, you kind of need a transition. So, welcome to Tuckerville, one of my trademark villages that I like to create. It's a forgettable little place located somewhere between Albany and Utica, and also home to a hapless guy named Donald Birdie. Poor Birdie finds himself the victim of a rather harmless swindle executed by a charming and mysterious—and dimpled—stranger. To say anything more would spoil some of the mystery.
Okay, I'll reveal a bit more. Once we jettison Tuckerville from the plot (very early on), the story switches to New York City. We've been there before. Brian Duncan from "Windmills" lived there once; Carson Alden from "Legend's" called Queens home, and even George Denton from "World" made a brief stopover in Manhattan. It's a recurring setting. But for this new book, New York takes a back seat, as charming conman Todd Gleason jets off to London for his latest and grandest scheme. But he's in way over his head from nearly the moment the plane touches down at Heathrow.
I had a great time writing "London Frog." Its road to publication has been long, but the writing of it was actually quite quick—a month—long stay in London and suddenly it was done. Must be those pubs! Anyway, that's just a bit of background about the book I affectionately call "the Frog." Can't wait to share it with you all when it goes on sale in November 2007.
- Tuckerville
London Frog
A string of unlikely coincidences turn a simple scam into a deadly confrontation between a convivial con man and a conniving killer...
It all starts semi-innocently. Todd Gleason, amateur confidence man and all-around charmer, just can't stand the fact the Henri and Elise Procopio, already rich beyond avarice, have just won, of all things, the lottery. So, Todd does what any self-respecting crook would do, he schemes to bilk them of their undeserved winnings.
Todd follows them to London, where the Procopios are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. The flat where Todd is setting up shop, however, falls through when he stumbles upon the landlord lying on the carpet, fatally shot. With sirens blaring in the background, this frog out of water suddenly finds himself running from the law and falling into the hands of a couple of Cockneyed goons.
They're not the only folks caught up in a scam spiraling dangerously out of control. There's Clive, the hitman with a quick right hook; Brandy Alexander, the lovely blonde scholar from the airplane; Beth Simon, an American friend of Todd's who just can't stop talking; the bumbling Birdie, a man seeking revenge against Todd; and Inspector Brury, the cop with the bad stomach, determined to solve a seemingly senseless murder. Oh, and then there's Toad, Todd's pet frog, who may hold a secret all his own.
With sharp comic timing and a pace that never quits, London Frog jets from New York to London and back again (and back again), for a wryly suspenseful, sexy tale of crime, punishment, and amphibians.
Advance Praise for London Frog
"LONDON FROG is a flip, fun, and funny romp. Joseph Pittman writes with a sassy swagger that makes the whole madcap ride a riot - all the way to the final twist."
—Chris Grabenstein, Anthony award-winning author of Tilt-a-Whirl
"Joseph Pittman's LONDON FROG is a wry, witty, page-turning caper. Grab a pint (or a martini) and settle in for a fun, fast-paced read."
—Jeff Abbott, Edgar-nominated author of Panic and Fear
"Clever word-play and engaging characters make LONDON FROG a terrific treat. And Todd Gleason can certainly steal from me...starting with my heart. A funny, twisting plot that culminates in an Agatha Christie-like ending on helium."
—Tamar Myers, author of Hell Hath No Curry
"LONDON FROG is a lively romp across New York and London with a dimpled con man and his wacky cohorts. Lots of fun in the Westlake spirit and full of surprises until the final page."
—JoAnna Carl, author of the Chocolate Jewel Case
Buy: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • MysteryGuild