Judges for a debut mystery-writing contest sponsored by Minotaur Books and the Private Eye Writers of America chose Alaric Hunt as the winner, unaware that he had been in a South Carolina prison for the past 25 years serving a life sentence for murder. The award comes with a $10,000 advance and a guaranteed publishing contract. Working at the prison library in a maximum-security facility, Mr. Hunt hasn’t seen the outside world since the age of 19, and used episodes of Law & Order to describe the New York setting of his novel Cuts Through the Bone. Author S.J. Rozan, who served as a judge, said: “The manuscript felt very accomplished. He clearly knew how to tell a story. The language and dialogue were fantastic.” Read more of this NPR story here.
Laura
If you’re looking to justify your second or sixth cup of coffee this morning, then my friend, you’re in luck. Today from Philly to Phoenix and St. Paul to San Antone java junkies are hoisting their ceramic mugs high in celebration of National Coffee Day. For the next twenty-four glorious hours, you can feel free to throw caution to the wind and make that extra coffee run, upsize to the venti, and drink in all the holiday cheer. Chances are good, however, that after sipping Americanos all afternoon you’ll need some way to occupy your time as you lie awake into the wee hours humming with caffeine. So as our holiday gift to you, allow us to present the following coffee-related books and movies in honor of today and your future sleepless night. Without question, these histories, mysteries, travelogues, and thrillers are sure to become part of your Coffee Day traditions for years to come.
The Case of the First Mystery Novelist
The Best Poetry of 2010
You’ve Been Verbed 
Barack in Bronzeville
Hail, Santa, King of the Elves! 
A Cult Writer’s Cult Writer
Jeeves Was Framed
Christmas in Audio