Libby Sternberg

Winter 2008

Dear Readers:

I'm still excited by the reaction to The Case Against My Brother, my very first historical, (available on amazon.com, bn.com, and at the publisher's web site -- bancroftpress.com). The reviews have been lovely, with Library Journal calling it "taut, vivid and stirring....highly recommended." Because it's set against a backdrop of anti-Catholic history, The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has also looked at it, calling it "highly recommended."

Other reviews and blurbs can be found under the "Reviews" part of this web site.

Although I've had three novels published already, Case feels like my very first book. It represents a different direction for me, one I hope you will enjoy. It's a darker tale from those in my previous books, and, as I mentioned, it's a historical.

Don't fret, though. If you're a fan of my Bianca Balducci mystery series or my lighter women's fiction, there's more to come. A third Bianca book will be published this year and it will be another fun-filled romp with Bianca, her sister Connie, and friends, even though it will involve a more serious mystery.

The first two books in the Bianca series, Uncovering Sadie’s Secrets (a 2004 Edgar nominee) and Finding the Forger, are available in both paperback and hardcover, so you'll have ample time to catch up before the next release.

I also made a film deal (yes, a film deal -- I can hardly believe it myself) for the rights to an as-yet-unpublished adult romantic comedy involving a woman who, well, tries to get fired. Right now this manuscript is appropriately called Fire Me. The film rights were optioned by Landscape Entertainment and the book rights bought by Sourcebooks. The book will be released next spring (2009).

Several writer friends of mine have been interested in how this deal came about. If you're curious, look for the post about Fire Me at my blog -- there's a link above and in a side menu.

Now, back to Case...This is a teen mystery set against the backdrop of the anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant campaign for the 1922 Oregon School Law, which sought to make Catholic schools in that state illegal.

In the novel, fifteen-year-old Carl Matuski tries to clear his older brother Adam of a burglary charge, his quest hampered by the anti-Catholic feelings swirling around them at the time. It's a classic coming-of-age story as Carl confronts painful truths about the world around him.

Don't be bashful -- tell me what you think about my books by writing to me at Libby_Sternberg@hotmail.com.

All best wishes,
Libby Sternberg