OK. Here we go for 2012. The good folks at G.P. Putnam's Sons have decided to release my next two novels in the same month: May! So we'll not only see the first return of Quinn Colson in THE LOST ONES but also the 40th return of Robert B. Parker's iconic private eye, Spenser, in LULLABY. Both novels are already available for pre-order on Amazon.com. But so far, no one outside my publisher knows what either book is about. So for you guys, the real insiders, here is some insight:

THE LOST ONES takes place the following year after THE RANGER. Quinn, now sheriff of Tibbehah County, tackles everyday small-town crime with Deputy Lillie Virgil by his side. Their investigation of a child's serious injuries uncovers a baby-selling ring rife with disturbing abuse (this is based on an actual case here in north Mississippi). Meanwhile, Quinn's high school buddy Donnie Varner returns home from the front with a dangerous plan to cash in on his time with the Army. Donnie brings a Mexican cartel -- and a obsessed federal agent -- to Jericho's doorstep.
LULLABY takes place the following spring after we last saw Spenser in SIXKILL. Spenser helps a tough 14-year-old girl from South Boston find justice for her mother, who was murdered four years ago. The girl, Mattie, believes the wrong man is doing life for the crime, because she saw two other toughs shove her mother in a car the night she died. Spenser finds those two toughs are connected to Gerry Broz, the screw-up son of  infamous crime boss Joe Broz, a man who's been missing for more than a decade and the top of the FBI most-wanted list.

A few years ago, I found myself in Hollywood trying to pitch a new version of the Rockford Files to the series creator, the late Stephen J. Cannell. Cannell was witty and easy going, great giving time to me and my buddy, novelist Scott Morris. Cannell wasn't all that enthused about a Rockford Files show that was in the works at the time and we talked about revisiting the issue. He also invited me to have lunch with him and Jim Garner on my next trip to Los Angeles.
Cannell died a short time later of cancer. Cannell was so funny and larger than life, he never let on a moment that he was ill.
I doubt I'll ever have that chance to meet with Garner now -- one of my favorite all-time actors. From Maverick to Rockford to The Great Escape and even forgotten gems like Support Your Local Sheriff and Skin Game, no one could beat Garner for screen presence and sly wit. I think I borrowed a lot of his delivery in the creation of Nick Travers.
But now it looks like I'll be able to read the next best thing. Last week, Garner published his biography with all kind of great details about Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson. Not to mention coming to blows with his stepmother in Depression-era Oklahoma and getting high with Jim Belushi. Maybe in a later post, I can tell the story of how a studio head nearly ruined the Rockford Files by not wanting Garner in the lead.

A terrific and very rare clip of Hugh Bentley -- reformist of Phenix City, Alabama -- on This Is Your Life. This clip includes vintage commercials and interviews with many familiar faces in the Wicked City. Highly recommended viewing. -- Ace