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Readings
Sharon Cramer will be reading from her book Cougar Cub Tales Coeur d’Alene Library on the corner of Front St. and 8th St. on Thursday, March 4th from12-4pm
Book Signings/ Meet The Author
Frank Scalise, author of All That Counts, will be available for signings of his new book at 29th Ave Hasting’s, March 6th from 4-7pm, Coeur d’Alene Hasting’s 101 Best Ave. Sunday, March 7th from12-3pm, and Auntie’s Bookstore will be discussing his book on Wednesday, March 10th from 7-9pm
Jean Flanigen, author of The Zhombie Conspiracy and The Zhombie Connection will be at Coeur d’Alene Hasting’s, 101 E. Best Ave., Saturday, March 13th from 1-4pm
John Heffernan, author of Not One Drop of Blood will be appearing at 29th Ave. Hastings Saturday, March 20th from 2-5pm
Dawn Nelson, author of A Cowgirl Remembers When and A Cowgirl’s Justice along with Bob Manion, author of The Treehouse and Santa’s Heroes will be at the Big Horn Show Friday through Sunday March 19th to the 21stt for you to meet and have all your questions answered.
Book Signings/ Meet The Authors
Jean Flanigen, author of The Zhombie Conspiracy and The Zhombie Connection; Dawn Nelson, Author of A Cowgirl Remembers When and A Cowgirl’s Justice; Bob Manion, author of The Treehouse and Santa’s Heroes; Sharon Cramer, author of Cougar Cub Tales; and Robert Pillsbury, author of Crossroads; Penny Rundle, author of The Last Caravan; Frank Scalise, author of All that Counts; Vern Hopkins, author of It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time; James Parry, author of Book All The Teachers will be at the Coeur d’Alene Library, Thursday, March 25th from 6-8pm. A percentage of sales will benefit the Friends of the Library.
Book Release Party/ Meet the Author
Penny Rundle, author of The Last Caravan will be at Auntie’s Bookstore Friday, March 19th from 7-9pm if you can’t make it she will be at the Shadle Hasting’s on Wellesley Saturday, March 27th from 2-5pm.
Frank Zafiro, author of Beneath a Weeping Sky, the third book in the River City Crime novel series, will be at Halletts Chocolates-Riverwalk at 1003 E. Trent Saturday, March 27th from 12-4pm. If you are unable to make the party he will be appearing at Auntie’s Bookstore Wednesday, March 31st from 7-9pm for a book signing and a question and answer session.
 We have just released the new for 2010 edition of the popular Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Guidebook by Estar Holmes. It’s bigger and better than the 2009 edition! It includes Connecting Trips, Tips, Events, Attractions and, of course, Answers to Frequently Asked Questions!
Use it to plan transport, lodgings, dining, shopping, entertainment, convenient side trips and more.
The guide is packed with answers to questions most frequently asked by trail visitors and features detailed listings of trailside communities. Find out where to get water, espresso, do your laundry, swim, get free Internet, relax and play. You will also find a Coeur d’Alene language pronunciation guide, points of interest, distances between stops and a list of trailside service providers.
“There’s nothing else like it for this trail. It’s exactly what’s needed for your vacation on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.”
Mary and Larry Lookabill, Great Cycles Bike Shop.
“It’s a fantastic guide. I read it like a novel.”
Annie Russel, avid cyclist.
Available at Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area bookstores and at many merchants along the trail. Or get it direct from the publisher, click HERE.
Your book is funny, witty, and often poignant. It was great!
Don Miller, retired principal
The book is fantastic; too good to believe! I cannot put the book down.
Dave Morton, retired teacher
What a read! – so much truth and reality revealed regarding middle school education!
Frank Oberst, teacher
I enjoyed the humor and compassion that you mixed throughout the book. Once I started it, I had a tough time putting it down.
Doug Bender, not a teacher or administrator
Last Caravan: Touring Afghanistan During the 1978 April Revolution
In Last Caravan: Touring Afghanistan During the 1978 April Revolution, Spokane author Penelope Rundle reveals a journal kept during a tour of Kabul, Khyber Pass and the famous Buddahs of Bamiyan in April 1978 during what became the April Revolution. Political tensions were high prior to the trip but they overflowed into a military coup during their stay.
This timely topic sheds some light on the conditions of the Afghanistan political landscape today. The text provides insight into the people, the culture, and the locale. Over 70 color photographs highlight the sights of the capitol city, the now infamous Khyber Pass, and the recently destroyed statues in the ancient city of Bamiyan.
Accompanying the text is a historical timeline of Afghanistan showing it as a central figure in ancient trade routes, a focal point for war, and recently an encampment for terrorist organizations.
Penelope Rundle shares the experiences of the tour including the problems of transportation, sanitary facilities, and questionable accommodations. From shopping in the markets on Chicken Street in downtown Kabul to the specter of the Red City and the dizzying heights atop the Buddhist statues at Bamiyan her story is fascinating and poignant.
About the Author: Penelope Rundle was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Bangladesh, Europe, Somalia, and Trinidad and Tobago. She studied French language and literature at the Sorbonne, Paris, France. She earned a bachelor’s degree in French and journalism, and a master’s degree in Spanish from Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts. After returning from Iran to Boston, she earned a law degree from Suffolk University and a master of public health from Harvard. She has worked as a parent, writer, teacher, and lawyer.
Other appearances and signing dates are scheduled for:
Thursday, March 25th at the Coeur d’Alene Library 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday, March 27th at the Shadle Hasting’s on Wellesley 2:00-5:00 pm
Saturday, April 10th at the Hasting’s on 29th Avenue 1:00-3:00 pm
Saturday, April 17th at the Hasting’s on Sullivan 2:00-5:00 pm
With more to come…..
To purchase copies of Last Caravan, ask your favorite bookstore or click here to order direct from the Gray Dog Press.
 In All That Counts, Graham Wilson is a thirty-something recreational hockey player who decides to follow a long-held desire to become a goaltender. His transition is both comedic and inspiring as he seeks to challenge himself in the midst of a mundane life. Also on display is the curious paradox of the recreational game in American culture (i.e., it means everything, but it is only a game, but it is more than a game, but…). When his team’s regular goalie leaves, Graham steps unsteadily into the crease, causing conflict on a team that is used to winning.
Graham’s journey is a microcosm of life. Humor, inspiration, camaraderie, love and spite all make their appearances both on and off the ice as Graham struggles to learn what truly is “all that counts.”
Although focused on the sport of hockey, All that Counts, relates to anyone holding a desire for greater satisfaction and value within their life. Knowing he may not have another chance, he plunges into a world that initially fights back and later accepts him and his dream. He paints a story of someone looking for and finding himself in a world he only thought he knew.
What they’re saying
“Inspiring…reveals the wonder and absolute joy that hockey brings into this world.”
Mark Rypien (NFL Quarterback and Superbowl XXVI MVP)
All That Counts by Frank Scalise is an intriguing read for any avid hockey player, hockey fan, or sports fan alike. His ability to incorporate the intangible, unique elements of hockey with the always changing aspects of life outside of hockey provides an exciting read from cover to cover.
Frank’s writing style provided an easy read, as well as keeping me hooked until the very end. People will be able to draw connections to their own lives through Graham’s experiences. I enjoyed the story, and would recommend it to anybody that enjoys sports and good books.
Derek Ryan (Spokane Chiefs, 2003-07)
“A great book! It really highlights the challenges of a new goalie.”
Brad Moon - Former WHL goaltender
“All that Counts is full of hard-hitting hockey action, great locker room banter, lots of laughs and realistic, touching relationships. Players at all levels, hockey fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this Spokane hockey tale. Scalise really captures how hockey is a one of a kind sport that brings people together in a way that can’t be explained until you slap some skates on and see it for yourself.”
Cam Severson (Spokane Chiefs, 1997-99)
About the Author
Frank Scalise has been a Spokane police officer since 1993. During his career, he has served as a patrol officer, corporal, a detective (his favorite job), sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Writing under the pseudonym Frank Zafiro, he has published several crime novels. In addition, he has published over fifty short stories in a variety of anthologies and magazines. Frank is a recreational hockey player and an avid fan of the coolest sport on earth.
To be released February 20th, 2010. Pre-Order your copy here at the Gray Dog Press Bookstore.
Friday the 5th
Jim Parry author of Book All the Teachers! teams up with Merle Martin author of Colors of The Soul and Love Never Ages for a book signing at Simply Northwest, 8 North Post Street in downtown Spokane from 5:00 – 7:00pm.
Saturday the 6th
Jim Parry will be signing and answering questions about Book All The Teachers! at Auntie’s in downtown Spokane from 1:30 – 3:00pm. Merle Martin will be at Hasting’s in Coeur d’Alene, 101 Best Ave., signing his books, Colors of The Soul and Love Never Ages from 1:00 – 3:00pm
John Heffernan author of Not One Drop of Blood will be signing his books at Hasting’s on Wellesley from 2:00-5:00pm
Vern Hopkins will be singing copies of his book It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time at Hasting’s on Sprague and Sullivan from 1:00-4:00pm
The Whitman County Library, 402 S. Whitman Ave. in Rosalia has a multi-author event that will feature Gray Dog Press authors Bob Manion, Sharon Cramer, Jean Flanigen and Robert Pillsbury. Gray Dog Press will be presenting and donating a number of books to the library.
Friday the 12th
Vern Hopkins author of It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time teams up with Merle Martin author of Love Never Ages and Colors of The Soul at the Rocket Bakery on 24 West Main from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Saturday the 13th
Merle Martin will be at Auntie’s in downtown Spokane from noon to 2:00pm.
On Friday the 19th
Vern Hopkins author of It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time joins Bob Manion author of The Treehouse and Santa’s Heroes and Dawn Nelson author of A Cowgirl Remembers When and Cowgirl’s Justice for a reading and signing at the Chaps Café 195 South Cheney-Spokane Road from 10:00am – 1:00pm.
Saturday the 20th
Jim Parry will be at Hasting’s on 29th Avenue signing copies of Book All The Teachers! from 2:00 – 5:00pm.
Sharon Cramer author of Cougar Cub Tales will be signing copies of her book and showing artwork for her next book at Forza Coffee in the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center from 9:00 - 1:00
Dawn Nelson will be at Auntie’s from 1:00 – 3:00 signing copies of A Cowgirl Remembers When and Cowgirl’s Justice.
John Heffernan author of Not One Drop of Blood will be signing his books at Hasting’s on Sprague & Sullivan from 2:00-5:00pm
And there will be a new book release at Hallett’s Chocolates on 1003 E. Trent Avenue. We will be introducing a new novel by Frank Scalise titled, All That Counts. It is a mid-life story about Spokane, hockey and finding out what really is ‘all that counts’.
Sunday the 21st
Vern Hopkins, author of It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time teams up with Sharon Cramer author of Cougar Cub Tales at Hasting’s in Coeur d’Alene from 1:00-5:00pm.
Friday the 26th
Bob Manion will be signing copies of his books The Treehouse and Santa’s Heroes at Forza Coffee at the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Saturday the 27th
Sharon Cramer will be signing copies of her book Cougar Cub Tales: Lost and Alone at Forza Coffee at the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
Robert Pillsbury author of Crossroads will be at Auntie’s in downtown Spokane from 1:00 to 3:00pm
James Parry will be at the Coeur d’Alene Hasting’s, 101 Best Ave., signing copies of his book, Book All The Teacher’s from 2:00 – 5:00pm.
Franks Scalise will be signing copies of his newly released book All That Counts at Hasting’s on Sprague & Sullivan from 4:00-7:00pm.
Jean Flanigen, author of The Zhombie Conspiracy and The Zhombie Connection, will be at Hasting’s in Moscow, Idaho from 2:00 - 5:00.
For more information on any of these events contact us at Gray Dog Press 509-534-0372
Under a Raging Moon
A violent robber is loose in River City. Meet the cops that must take him down.
Stefan Kopriva, a young hotshot. Katie MacLeod, a woman in what is still mostly a man’s world. Karl Winter, about to retire but with one more good bust left in him. And Thomas Chisolm, a former Green Beret who knows how dangerous a man like the Scarface Robber can be.
These are the patrol officers of River City – that mythical thin blue line between society and anarchy. They must stop the robber, all the while juggling divorces, love affairs, internal politics, a hostile media, vengeful gang members and a civilian population that isn’t always understanding or even grateful.
Written by a real cop with real experience, Under a Raging Moon is like a paperback ride-along. Enjoy the ride.
“Engrossing, fast-paced, suspenseful…highly recommended.”
LJ Roberts, DorothyL Mystery List
“Gritty, profane, and compelling.”
Lawrence McMicking, curledup.com
“If you like McBain, or any gritty police procedural, then Zafiro is someone for you to pick up, enjoy, and then wait for the next book.”
PJ Coldren, Amazon.com review
“Under A Raging Moon is an extraordinary crime novel. Like Ed McBain’s Isola, River City is a combination of the best and worst of the human species, and its cops are as complex and haunted as the criminals they battle each day. Frank Zafiro has created a gritty, totally authentic world with believable characters, nonstop action, and snappy dialogue (think Hill Street Blues in Washington state). Don’t miss this book–It’ll keep you turning pages well into the moonlit night.”
John M. Floyd, award-winning author of Rainbow’s End
“In Under a Raging Moon, Frank Zafiro doesn’t tell you about the mean streets, he takes you to them with clear, concise writing as solid as the asphalt beneath your feet. You feel the tension between those out there to prey and those there to protect. You feel the anxiety of knowing every routine traffic stop could turn into a killing, and every junkie and pusher you bust wants you dead. He also takes you deep behind the badge. His ensemble cast of cops have issues within themselves and with each other and can’t leave them at home any more than we can. You’ll be there with them in the squad room, in the patrol cars and in their favorite watering hole.
Frank Zafiro has woven a powerful story with realistic, memorable characters, a suspenseful plot and a climax that will leave you
breathless. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would be like to put on the blue uniform, wear a badge and carry a gun, this one is highly recommended.”
Earl Staggs, Derringer Award-winning author
Heroes Often Fail
The men and women of the River City Police Department are sworn to protect and to serve. But when six-year-old girl is kidnapped off a residential street in broad daylight, each cop must rise to heroic levels. Detectives scramble to solve the kidnapping while patrol officers comb the streets looking for the missing girl. Racing against time, every cop on the job focuses on finding her. Before it is too late. Before they fail her.
“[a] complex police procedural with multi layered characters, a rich setting, and plenty of action.”
Kevin Tipple, independent reviewer
“[An] affecting novel from a writer who knows not only the job, but the grueling toll certain cases can take on the victims and those charged with upholding law and order.”
Russel McLean, Crime Scene Scotland.
“Strap yourself in for this citizen’s ride-along! Frank Zafiro pits cop against perp in the race to save six-year-old kidnap victim Amy Dugger. The problem for the River City PD is that Amy’s abductor isn’t the only creep in town. Zafiro not only drops us right into the precinct during business hours, but he also succeeds at presenting the human side of cops. We come to know these men and women who risk everything to do their duty. We hope they become heroes. And we pray they do not fail.”
Jill Maser, award-winning author of UNSPOKEN
“Heroes Often Fail is a riveting, intimate account of a parent’s worst nightmare and the men and women of the River City Police Department. The author skillfully portrays the protagonist’s inner conflict. Moving and real. Impossible not to get caught up in the emotional roller coaster crafted by this talented writer.”
T. Dawn Richard, author of the May List Mystery Series
“Heroes Often Fail delivers what we’ve come to expect from Frank Zafiro–sharp-edged dialogue, vivid characters, and an intimate knowledge of the way things work in an urban police department. A tense, frightening tale, and the best River City novel to date.”
John M. Floyd, award-winning author of Rainbow’s End
“A riveting, suspenseful novel in both the human condition as well as storyline. Excellent!”
Cynthia Lea Clark, FMAM Magazine
“Heroes Often Fail could be one of the most authentic police procedurals I’ve read. The story appears deceptively simple–a six-year old girl snatched from the streets, but as it jumps around between the lives of the detectives and uniformed officers trying to find her, it adds a more layered, sophisticated texture. Written in short chapters and lean, muscular prose, this is an exceptionally satisfying and engrossing read, and a book that would’ve made Ed McBain proud!”
Dave Zeltserman, author of Bad Thoughts
“A standout amongst police procedurals, Frank Zafiro’s Heroes Often Fail does the job of not only showing the nuances of police work, but also the effects of crime on the victims. In a literary world populated (and dulled) by shiny lab technicians and ridiculously elaborate setpieces, Mr. Zafiro never forgets the dirt under the nails approach and the heart of any great story - the characters. The writing is brutally dark and jolting in places, hopeful in others, not an easy balancing act that Mr. Zafiro pulls off seamlessly. A small(er) town offspring of Wambaugh and McBain, it stands amongst the greats and finds enough room to be completely on its own terms.”
Todd Robinson, editor of Thuglit
The new edition of SpokeWrite: The Spokane / Coeur d’Alene Journal of Art and Writing has just been released! 
If you have not had opportunity to get a taste of the talent in the Inland Northwest SpokeWrite is a great way to find out. The writing in this issue includes poetry from Alaska’s former poet laureate Tom Sexton. An interview with crime novel author Frank Scalise and a host of great fiction, non-fiction and poetry from professional and student authors from the regional area.
Contributors: Essay / Life Story: Steven Ward, Barbara Hollace, James Jewell, Ron Elliott
Fiction: Willis Moore, Rae Ellen Lee, Paul Ebert, Frank Scalise, Ken Staley, Jonathan Nagle, Mike Aleman
Poetry: Tom Sexton, Kaye Bartholomew, Paul Ebert, Rea Walker, Teri Koski, Derek Annis, Judy Grollmus, Lynne deLaubenfels, Hazel Hunter, Ron Elliott, Janice Myre, Willis Moore, Vicki McBride
Interview: Frank Scalise
Get your copy at local area bookstores like Hasting’s, Auntie’s and others as well as direct from the publisher (Click Here)
On Friday January 8, 2010 Gray Dog Press presents a number of local and regional authors reading, selling and signing their books at the Olive It Café on the corner of Crestline and Bridgeport 6:00-8:00pm. You will get the chance to meet and talk with Jean Flanigen, author of The Zhombie Conspiracy and The Zhombie Connection; Dawn Nelson, author of A Cowgirl Remembers When and Cowgirl’s Justice; Bob Manion, author of The Treehouse and Santa’s Heroes; Vern Hopkins, author of It Seemed Like a Good Idea At The Time; and Robert Pillsbury, author of Crossroads.
James Parry, author of Book All The Teachers will be at Hasting’s on Sullivan on Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 12:00-3:00pm and at Hasting’s on Wellesley Saturday, January 30, 2010 at from 3:00-6:00pm
Book All The Teachers! An Irreverent Ride Through Middle School by James Parry
James Parry, a retired Spokane, Washington middle school teacher reflects on his career. In this humorous and poi gnant memoir he reminds us that middle school/junior high is where and when the hormones hit the fan. It’s the place where the parameters of life suddenly enlarge; where one is stuck between childhood and adulthood.
This is a tale of survival—of both students and teachers. It is a bittersweet account of a middle school teaching career which readers will find both humorous and touching (and, at times, infuriating). They will be transported back to those pubescent, and prepubescent, days of infatuation, torment, exhilaration, heartache, insecurity, disappointment, and just plain silly [read: bizarre] behavior.
The story follows the adolescent years of Danny, a rough-around-the-edges seventh grader, who comes from a dysfunctional family and, serendipitously, ends up under the author’s wing.
This is a book about students, teachers, administrators, and parents; some crazy, some pathetic, some comical, some wonderful. It is a personal, realistic look at our public school system and those who suffer within its grasp.
James Parry’s Book All the Teachers! will be released on January 17th during an event at the South Side Senior and Community Center from 2:00-4:00pm. The South Side Senior and Community Center is located at 3151 E. 27th Ave. (27th & Ray on Spokane’s South Hill.
He will be signing copies of his book at Hasting’s on Sullivan Saturday, January 23 from 12:00-3:00pm and at Hasting’s on Wellesley Saturday January 30th from 3:00-6:00pm.
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