Dann McDorman
Verified- Executive Producer, The Beat with Ari Melber (MS NOW)
- Executive Producer, MS NOW
- Author, Freelance
Author, "The Last Murder in Paris" (@aaknopf, @BloomsburyRaven March 23, 2007) and "West Heart Kill", Executive Producer, @TheBeatWithAri @MSNBC.
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Articles by Dann McDorman
West Heart Kill
A remarkable novel. There are rules to writing crime fiction and Dann McDorman might just have driven a big, heavy golf wood through most of them! West Heart Kill, as well as being crime fiction, is a detailed, usually affectionate, expose of what we, as readers, see as the best in the genre. Intrigue is such a simple, single word, and it wraps up the plot and structure of this acclaimed novel. So who is telling the story?
West Heart Kill book
When I was a boy, my dad was stationed on a U.S. Army base in what was then West Germany. There was no library, just a cramped little bookmobile trailer, the kind with low ceilings and fold-out steps at the door. Inside this bookmobile, there were rows and rows of Agatha Christies — all in identical shiny white covers (you can still find them, on eBay or in old bookstores). I read them all.
Of Crimes and Conceits
MURDER IN THE FAMILY by Cara Hunter (HarperCollins; 400 pages; ₹550) This is a mash-up of true crime and a reality show conveyed to us in script form. Film director Guy Howard wants to solve the murder of his stepfather, Luke Ryder, that occurred when Guy was ten years old. Guy and his two older sisters were at their palatial London home with Luke, their mother having gone to a party close by. All of them swear they saw nothing.
Of Crimes and Conceits
MURDER IN THE FAMILY by Cara Hunter (HarperCollins; 400 pages; ₹550) This is a mash-up of true crime and a reality show conveyed to us in script form. Film director Guy Howard wants to solve the murder of his stepfather, Luke Ryder, that occurred when Guy was ten years old. Guy and his two older sisters were at their palatial London home with Luke, their mother having gone to a party close by. All of them swear they saw nothing.
Book talk: mystery and suspense
This week, Jeff Popple reviews three books of mystery and suspense. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog, murdermayhemandlongdogs.com Sphere, $32.99 Set in Edinburgh during the peak of the Covid lockdowns, Past Lying marks the welcomed return of Val McDermid’s popular detective, Karen Pire, in a new enthralling mystery.
West Heart Kill a book by Dann McDorman
(Author) FORMAT Hardcover$28.00$26.04(English) Buy new or used from an indie through our partner Biblio: Price Condition Seller LOOKING FOR AN ANYTHING-BUT-ORDINARY WHODUNIT? - Welcome to the West Heart Club. Where the drinks are neat but behind closed doors . . . things can get messy. Where upright citizens are deemed downright boring. Where the only missing piece of the puzzle is you, dear reader.
HOLIDAY BOOK FAIR - NOVEMBER 30 AT 6 PM
We’re delighted to invite you to the Rizzoli Bookstore Holiday Fair on November 30. Meet some of our favorite authors, raise a glass with us and bring home autographed copies for everyone on your list! Featuring drinks from Pasqua Wines and treats from Eataly. RSVP here and peruse our holiday fair gift guide below to find gifts for every kind of book lover. Can't attend? Order holiday fair titles online and we'll ship signed copies for you.
Books | Perspective Magazine
West Heart Kill By Dann McDorman (288pp, Bloomsbury, £16.99, hb) Reviewed by Katherine Muskett Set in an unspecified year in the 1970s (although clues suggest 1976), the plot of West Heart Kill unfolds over the course of the Fourth of July weekend at the West Heart country club, a private hunting estate in upstate New York. A private detective with a troubled history inveigles his way into the club, having been employed to investigate West Heart and its members.
West Heart Kill book
When I was a boy, my dad was stationed on a U.S. Army base in what was then West Germany. There was no library, just a cramped little bookmobile trailer, the kind with low ceilings and fold-out steps at the door. Inside this bookmobile, there were rows and rows of Agatha Christies — all in identical shiny white covers (you can still find them, on eBay or in old bookstores). I read them all.
The November 2023 Indie Next List Preview
Oct 04 2023 The November 2023 Indie Next List Preview Printer-friendly version Here are the 25 Indie Next List and 6 Now in Paperback picks on the November 2023 Indie Next List flier. The November title list is also viewable as a collection on Edelweiss and on the Indie Next List page as an Excel file alongside PDFs for the month’s flier and shelf-talker templates.
The Best Books of 2023: Crime & Thrillers
Spearheaded by the bestselling phenomenon that is Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club series (whose latest instalment is featured below), the genteel locations of 'cosy crime' have become enormously popular. 2023 saw the welcome returns of Janice Hallett, with a festive take on her modern classic The Appeal, and the Reverend Richard Coles, with the sequel to his clerical crime debut Murder Before Evensong.
Rev's Early Reads: March 11
Ferguson City Manager resigns after the Justice Department report on racial bias. Republican senators & 2016 candidates try to blame Pres. Obama for controversial GOP letter on Iran. Frat brother, student’s family apologize for involvement in racist video at the Univ. of Oklahoma. White House. 11.7 million insured under Obamacare, with 86% of them receiving subsidies. New study shows inequality is also making it harder for poor kids to climb socio-economic ladder.
Rev's Early Reads: March 10
VP Biden blasts Senate GOP for “misleading” and “dangerous” letter to Iran that tries to “undercut our President.” Sorority at the Univ. of Oklahoma now investigating role in racist video. Ferguson judge resigns after scathing Justice Dept. report on racial bias in policing and the courts. Hillary Clinton likely to hold press conference about email controversy in next few days.
Rev's Early Reads: March 9
Pres. Obama to announce new initiative for training for high-tech jobs. Signs emerge that internal tensions may be cracking up ISIS from within. Florida environmental agency reportedly banned from using the phrase “climate change.” Kentucky GOP leaders endorse Rand Paul’s plan to run for president and senate at the same time. Pres. Obama on the fights that remain after Selma: ”The march is not yet over.”
Rev's Early Reads: March 6
Republican leaders in Congress to skip the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma. Should states be allowed to pass laws allowing businesses to discriminate against gay couples? Why the failed conservative “experiment” in Kansas may force the GOP to expand Medicaid via Obamacare. Now Speaker Boehner may need Democrats to save his job from the right-wingers. GOP lawmaker suggests we can solve the homeless problem… with wolves.
Rev's Early Reads: March 5
Hillary Clinton tweets about the controversy: “I want the public to see my email.” Protests staged in Ferguson after release of Justice Dept. report on racial profiling. 50 years after Bloody Sunday, a new poll on civil rights progress and setbacks. Ban on sledding at Capitol Hill upheld ahead of today’s winter snow storm.
Rev's Early Reads: March 4
Supreme Court hears arguments today in the case (King v. Burwell) that right-wingers hope will gut Obamacare. Justice Dept. to officially release its report on racial profiling and bias by Ferguson police. 47 million people in the path of what’s expected to be last major storm of winter. You’re welcome, America: Sen. Cruz unveils the Obamacare alternative we’ve all been waiting for. South Carolina GOP lawmaker praises Michelle Obama for their “shared heritage”… but doesn’t mention slavery.
Rev's Early Reads: March 3
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gives his controversial speech to Congress today. Hillary Clinton used only a personal email account while Secretary of State. Rep. Paul Ryan unveils plan to replace Obamacare if the Supreme Court strikes down subsidies. House GOP to introduce new bill to weaken First Lady’s healthy school lunch program. Teenager faces manslaughter charges for allegedly using texts to encourage a friend to commit suicide. Twitter steps up attack on ISIS by suspending 2,000 accounts.
Rev's Early Reads: February 26
House panel holds first key vote on nomination of Loretta Lynch as Attorney General. Right-wing CPAC summit begins, with speeches from Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Scott Walker and Sarah Palin. Todd “legitimate rape” Akin says he may launch another senate bid. Donald Trump says that he might run for president in 2016. Really. Seriously. For real this time.
Rev's Early Reads: February 25
Pres. Obama to hold town hall on immigration today (airing on MSNBC). “American Sniper” killer found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. GOP lawmaker says Obama admin. “more aggressive” toward Christians than ISIS. Sen. Boxer’s Twitter response to Giuliani: “Hey Rudy, why don’t you ask Osama bin Laden if President Obama loves America?” Sen. Warren on whether Hillary Clinton will be progressive warrior: “We gotta see.” (PoliticsNation interview)
Rev's Early Reads: February 24
Senate GOP trying to come up with “Plan B” to avoid DHS shutdown. Pres. Obama meets with lawmakers and law enforcement officials on criminal justice reform. New Gallup survey reveals stunning north-south divide on rate of insured. GOP lawmaker under fire for spending taxpayer and campaign funds on private planes, massages, & concerts. House GOP trying to drum up opposition to Loretta Lynch’s nomination as Attorney General.
Rev's Early Reads: February 23
Pres. Obama to meet with governors at the White House today. Gov. Walker’s response when asked if Pres. Obama is a Christian: “I don’t know.” DHS Secretary calls for caution and vigilance after terror threat against the Mall of America. With just 4 days left before DHS shutdown, Senate GOP will try again today to ram through bill attacking Pres. Obama’s immigration action. Former Pres.
Rev's Early Reads: February 20
Rudy Giuliani says his Obama attacks weren’t racist because the president had a “white mother.” House GOP panel finally schedules first vote (next Thursday) on Loretta Lynch to be Attorney General. New York Times: GOP critics claim Chris Christie is in a “bubble” in his 2016 ambitions. Analayzing the politics of picking the Best Picture in the Academy Awards. 50 years after the death of Malcolm X, new thoughts on his legacy – and what he would have thought about today’s struggles
Rev's Early Reads: February 19
Pres. Obama to give another speech today at final day of White House terror summit. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani: “ I do not believe that the president loves America.” Dangerous, record-breaking freeze descends on U.S. with “Siberian Express” weather system. GOP lawmakers move ahead with voter ID bill in Missouri and cuts to early voting in Georgia. Liberal and conservative groups unite on new push for criminal justice reform starting today.
Rev's Early Reads: February 17
Federal judge in Texas appointed by Pres. Bush temporarily blocks Pres. Obama’s action on immigration. Lance Armstrong ordered to pay $10 million in fallout from his sports doping scandal. Prosecution expected to rest today in “American Sniper” murder trial after playing suspect’s videotaped confession. Alabama school district trying to force alleged teenage rape victim to use her real name in court documents.
Rev's Early Reads: February 16
ISIS releases video purporting to show beheading of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya. Speaker Boehner says he’d “certainly” allow DHS shutdown over Pres. Obama’s immigration action. GOP lawmaker in Mississippi opposes education funding because “all the blacks” getting “crazy welfare checks.” FAA issues new rules allowing small drones to be used by businesses starting in 2017. A familiar face pops up on the SNL red carpet in photos with Donald Trump and Sarah Palin.
Rev's Early Reads: February 13
Pres. Obama to announce executive action on cyber security today on trip to Silicon Valley. Neighbors say suspect in killings of 3 Muslim students acted as a “self-appointed watchman” in his condo complex. Northeast facing coldest stretch of winter seen in decades. Alabama police officer charged with assault in takedown that left grandfather partially paralyzed. (Video) GOP at odds over partial shutdown of Homeland Security Dept. to target Pres. Obama’s action on immigration.
Rev's Early Reads: February 12
With just days left in enrollment period, 7.75 million people have signed up for Obamacare via healthcare.gov. FBI director to give major speech on race and law enforcement today. Alabama’s anti-gay chief justice: “I’ve had many friends who are homosexual.” Democrats accuse GOP of delaying Loretta Lynch’s nomination to be Attorney General. Longtime “60 Minutes” correspondent Bob Simon killed in car accident in New York City. “Nut rage” executive sentenced to year in prison for freakout on airplane.
Rev's Early Reads: February 11
Jon Stewart on his departure from the Daily Show: “It’s been the honor of my professional life.” (Video) Pres. Obama on gay marriage: “The Supreme Court is about to make a shift.” (Video) Pres. Obama blasts Staples for using Obamacare as excuse to deny workers full benefits: “Shame on them.” (Video) Federal judge sets hearing for tomorrow on gay marriage fight in Alabama. NYPD considers allowing police chokeholds – but calling it “pressure on the neck” instead.
Rev's Early Reads: February 10
New GOP governor in Illinois uses executive order to attack public sector unions. Pres. Obama to send request for extending military force against ISIS to Congress as soon as today. Obama admin. says consumers are saving $268 per month on health insurance through Obamacare. Suspect reportedly charged in death of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham. Jury seated in trial of vet who allegedly killed “American Sniper” Chris Kyle.
Rev's Early Reads: February 9
Alabama Chief Justice invokes states’ rights in order to state officials to disobey federal ruling on gay marriage. On income inequality, Sen. Ted Cruz (!) says the Obama economy is only benefitting the top 1% (!!). NRA board member defends corporal punishment: it “ may keep me from having to put a bullet in him later.” Legendary coach Dean Smith, who helped integrate Chapel Hill & spoke out against the death penalty, has died.
Rev's Early Reads: February 6
Pres. Obama to promote plan for free community college at town hall in Indiana. GOP lawmaker in Virginia defends harsh anti-choice bill: “Rape is awful… What is beautiful is the child that could come from this.” Two Philadelphia police officers charged with brutality after video shows them beating suspect.
Rev's Early Reads: February 5
New claims about Saudi support of al Qaeda revives calls to declassify part of report on 9/11. Sen. Rand Paul says he opposes Loretta Lynch as Attorney General: Rep. Paul Ryan cares about reducing the deficit… except when he doesn’t. California lawmakers call for end to most exemptions for vaccines. Judge to hear arguments today about release of grand jury documents in Eric Garner case.
Rev's Early Reads: February 4
Pres. Obama to meet with “Dreamers” at the White House amid fight with GOP over immigration. 23 killed when plane clips bridge in Taiwan in stunning crash caught on dash cam. (Video) Jeb Bush to give speech on poverty and inequality in a speech about the “Right to Rise” in Detroit. Paris Hilton’s brother charged after allegedly screaming at airline crew for siding with the “peasants.” Charlie Sifford, the man who broke the color barrier in golf, has died.
Rev's Early Reads: February 3
Hillary Clinton adds tweet with her view on vaccines. Dozen infants quarantined at California day care after confirmed case of measles. House GOP votes to repeal Obamacare (again) as Pres. Obama welcomes enrollees to White House. Suge Knight to be arraigned on murder charges today in California. Robin Williams’ wife, children in legal fight over his estate. Buzz about a possible campaign headquarters for Hillary Clinton… in Brooklyn.
Rev's Early Reads: February 2
Pres. Obama to introduce budget today that raises taxes on the rich and boosts the middle class. Seahawks coach takes blame for horrible call that lost his team the Super Bowl. Democratic senator’s take on Jeb Bush 2016: “N ow we know what the Bush family means by ‘no child left behind.’ ” Mike Huckabee defends anti-gay views: “ I have with friends who are gay.” Missy Elliot’s emotional reaction on Twitter to her Super Bowl half-time performance.
Rev's Early Reads: January 30
Anti-Obama journalist repeats hacking claims on Fox News… despite DOJ report saying it never happened. Seattle using “scarlett letter” to publicly shame residents into recycling. New study claims that average American will consume 6,000 calories on Super Bowl Sunday. Eddie Murphy returning to “Saturday Night Live” for first time since 1984. Would you pay $1,200 for a very fancy Walkman?
Rev's Early Reads: January 29
Pres. Obama to speak to House Democrats at their retreat in Philadelphia. ISIS sets new deadline of “sundown” for prisoner swaps before hostage executions. Malaysian authorities declare crash of MH370 an “accident” and end search for survivors. Speaker Boehner to Fox News: “ I was the tea party before there was a tea party.” Sen. McCain on Sarah Palin’s 2016 hopes: “She’s very interesting. And I’m sure she’d do great.” David Letterman has reportedly invited Jay Leno on his show before it ends.
Rev's Early Reads: January 28
Confirmation hearings held today for Loretta Lynch to be the next Attorney General. GOP invites a “who’s who” of right-wing conspiracy theorists to testify at Lynch hearing. Controversy in Mideast over Michelle Obama’s decision not to wear head scarf in Saudi Arabia. Civil rights heroes of the “Friendship 9” will have their convictions finally overturned today.
Rev's Early Reads: January 26
Historic blizzard threatens millions of people in the Northeast. Secret Service finds a “device” – thought to be a drone – on the White House grounds. Pres. Obama to urge Congress to protect millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness. Senate Republicans remove “Civil Rights and Human Rights” from committee name. Sarah Palin gives what may be her most bizarre speech yet. (Video) Saturday Night Live offers its take on the NFL’s “Deflate-gate.” (Video)
Rev's Early Reads: January 23
GOP 2016 contenders flock to Iowa for event sponsored by anti-immigrant Rep. Steve King. Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio will all attend a Koch brothers summit on Sunday. Pres. Obama gives speech to U.S. Conference of Mayors today. U.S. and Iraqi forces planning offensive to retake key city from ISIS by the summer. VP Biden to visit Saudi Arabia after death of the country’s king.
Rev's Early Reads: January 22
Pres. Obama gives speech today in Kansas promoting his State of the Union agenda. GOP leaders suddenly drop bill restricting abortion rights due to fears that it might… be seen as anti-women. Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney to meet privately this week in Utah. Grand jury indicts Ohio man accused in plot to bomb U.S. Capitol. Hall of Fame coach John Madden says Patriots QB Tom Brady should be top suspect in “Deflate-gate.”
Rev's Early Reads: January 21
Pres. Obama travels to Idaho today to promote his State of the Union agenda. The State of the Union quip about elections that had social media buzzing: “I won both of them.” (Video) Sen. Cruz pulls a mulligan on his State of the Union response video. Internal CIA review of Bush-era torture found the agency repeatedly overstated its effectiveness. Purported leader of Boko Haram brags about horrific slaughter in new video. Republicans looking for “Plan B” response to Pres.
Rev's Early Reads: January 15
Pres. Obama to announce new push for family and sick leave for American workers. Satellite photos show how Boko Haram “wiped from the map” a town in Nigeria in horrific massacre. Did one of the Paris attackers have support from a terror cell in Madrid? New details about the 20-year-old “mama’s boy” charged with planning to bomb the U.S. Capitol. House conservatives plot new push for right-wing agenda at 3-day GOP retreat.
Rev's Early Reads: January 14
House GOP votes today on bill attempting to defund Pres. Obama’s executive action on immigration. Pres. Obama to announce new regulations for oil and gas industry over methane. Al Qaeda in Yemen formally claims responsibility for the Paris terror attack on a magazine office. Hundreds of thousands of copies of Charlie Hebdo sell out before dawn in Paris. Mitt Romney’s 2016 bid doesn’t seem to be getting a lot of support from Republican lawmakers.
Rev's Early Reads: January 13
Pres. Obama to meet with congressional leaders today at the White House. Judge declares mistrial in case of former police chief who shot and killed unarmed South Carolina man. Las Vegas police officer back on the job after calling for “race war” and aiming gun at image of Pres. Obama. Sen. Cruz reacts to potential Romney 2016 bid by attacking the “mushy middle.” New book reveals how then Sen.-Obama walked in on a staffer with a friend in his bed.
Rev's Early Reads: January 12
Suspected accomplice in Paris terror attack reportedly flees from Turkey into Syria. New details about the Muslim man credited with saving Jewish lives during the Paris kosher market siege. House Democrats to announce big economic plan to start closing the wealth gap. Kansas GOP Gov. Brownback to propose tax hikes to help for budget shortfall created by… tax cuts.
Rev's Early Reads: January 9
French police surround building where terror suspects appear to be barricaded – with at least one hostage. Searchers have reportedly detected pings from the black box of the AirAsia jet that crashed into the ocean. Pres. Obama announces plan to make community college tuition-free for millions of students.
Rev's Early Reads: January 8
One suspect in custody, two others still at large and several people detained after Paris terror attack. Pres. Obama to announce new guidelines to help homeowners and overall housing industry. Sen. McConnell says economic recovery coincides with GOP takeover of Congress. House Republicans hold vote on health care bill that Pres. Obama has promised to veto. Civil rights groups ask for meeting with Rep. Scalise over his white nationalist controversy.
Rev's Early Reads: January 7
GOP Rep. Steve Scalise still fundraising as he prepares to face cameras for first time since admitting he spoke at a white nationalist event in 2002. Pres. Obama travels to Detroit to tout auto bailout and the economic recovery ahead of the State of the Union. House GOP changes rules on how budgets are analyzed to include the alleged positive effects of tax cuts and trickle-down economics. Pres. Obama weighs in on the pass interference controversy from the Cowboys-Lions playoff game.
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