Anton Strout Reads From and Signs Copies of His Debut Novel, Dead To Me:

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February 26th, 2008 marked a momentous occasion in the life of young author Anton Strout-it was the publication date of his first book, Dead to Me. Anton's debut urban fantasy tells the story of Simon Canderous, a recruit to New York City's underfunded and (mostly) secret Department of Extraordinary Affairs. Simon also possesses the power of psychometry. Anton does not. But he does have the power to scintillate in front of a pretty large crowd, as it turns out!

At 7:30 p.m. this very Tuesday, Anton read from Dead to Me at the Greenwich Village Barnes & Noble. As his proud editor, I tagged along. To encourage the hecklers, obviously.

Anton explained to a charming and bubbly crowd that the particular bookstore had a special significance for him: he'd worked there for three years, and during that time he used to gaze out the floor-to-ceiling window onto Sixth Avenue below and imagine what kind of paranormal goings on could go unnoticed by the busy New Yorkers rushing by. Hey presto, inspiration for the novel he was holding in his hot little hands!

The author continued by showing us the first book he'd ever written (as a fourth-grader), a stellar science fiction entry called The Mouse from the Cheese Planet. As any savvy editor would, I got on my Blackberry and contacted his agent immediately. I'll let you know how negotiations proceed...

And then the reading! Anton read with aplomb and style from his first chapter. Which does happen to involve a slightly racy scene. Brave new author! Only one patron left in high dudgeon. But the rest of us enjoyed our glimpse into Simon's world and the paranormal problems faced by someone who finds out that the forces of darkness kind of have a crush on him. And of course we laughed, gasped, heckled and applauded at all the right moments! Anton answered questions and signed books, and many of us subsequently retreated to a local West Village watering hole, much like the ones his characters like to frequent. In fact...I'm pretty sure the bartender wasn't casting a reflection, and I think the waitress had some strangely pointy teeth. Don't worry. I left her a nice tip!

If you'd like to read an excerpt from Dead to Me, check out the Science Fiction & Fantasy Special Interest Section of Penguin's Web site. It's a lot of fun. And if you don't believe me, ask Rachel Vincent, author of the fabulous Stray, who said, "Part Ghostbusters, part Men-in-Black, Strout's debut is both dark and funny, with quirky characters, an eminently likable protagonist, and the comfortable, familiar voice of a close friend." Or Charlaine Harris, who will assure you that, "following Simon's adventures is like being the pinball in an especially antic game, but it's well worth the wear and tear." Or Kelly McCullough, author of Cybermancy, who is convinced that "Dead to Me is a genuinely fun book."

Oh, and remember tip your vampire! Or you'll be... dead to me. (Sorry, folks. Truly sorry. Just couldn't help myself.)

-- Jessica Wade, Associate Editor, Ace and Roc

Anton Strout

Dead To Me

book signing

Urban Fantasy

Jessica Wade

Penguin Books

books