JOHN J. LAMB’S WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER

Greetings from the Shenandoah Valley, where a huge snowstorm a week ago gave us a “White Christmas.”  We hope you’ve had a joyous holiday season.  My apologies for the unforgivably long delay between newsletters, but things have been insanely busy over the past eighteen months.  However, things have begun to slow down and with the slushy snow and wet weather keeping me inside, I’ve finally been able to give the newsletter the time it deserves.

THE TREACHEROUS TEDDY Debuts on the IMBA Bestseller List

Thanks to all of you, THE TREACHEROUS TEDDY debuted at number two on the Independent Mystery Bookseller Association’s bestseller list for September 2009.

The Bear Collector Mysteries Are Going to Japan and Korea:

I’m thrilled to announce that the Teddy mysteries will be appearing in Asia.  Publisher Tokyo Sogen-Sha will offer Japanese editions of the first three “Bear Collector” mysteries and publisher Daiwon C.I. will produce Korean editions of the first two books.  We can’t wait to see the new book covers!

Update on the “Teddy” Mysteries

I’m truly sorry to report this, but THE TREACHEROUS TEDDY is almost certainly going to be the last “Bear Collector” mystery.  I’d hoped to write at least a couple more “Brad and Ash” books, but my publisher has decided to end the series.  Like most things, it all boils down to money.  We sold plenty of books, but my publisher didn’t feel the audience was growing quickly enough.  Bottom line: the only way Berkley Prime Crime would consider another Teddy mystery is if this last book produced much stronger sales than the previous books.  That isn’t likely to happen, so…

I want to thank every one of my readers from the bottom of my heart.  It was you and your kind comments that made all the work worthwhile.  Although I’m sad the Teddy books are finished, I also recognize that I’m one of the luckiest guys in the world.  My readers are the best and I’m both tickled and humbled that you enjoy my books.  Thank you for helping to make my dream a reality.

So, What’s Next?

I’m at work on a new and very different mystery series.  Indeed, the concept is so unorthodox, I can’t really say much about it right now.  Suffice it to say that I’m excited about it and I think you’ll be, too.  Once all the details are nailed down and we’ve signed with a publisher, I’ll pass the information along in a newsletter.

Look for Us In An Upcoming Episode of the PBS Television Series “My Generation”

My wife, Joyce and I, are going to be featured in an upcoming episode of the PBS program “My Generation.”  We don’t know the exact date yet, but the show is scheduled to air nationally sometime in the early spring of 2010.  The segment will contain footage shot both at our home and at the Hunt Valley (MD) Holiday Teddy Bear Show.  It was a fun experience—especially the opportunity to show off some of our favorite teddy bears—and once we learn when the program will air I’ll let everyone know.

“Is this Heaven?”  “No, it’s Iowa.”

Every five years, the town of Clarion, Iowa, is home to the “Teddy Bear Reunion in the Heartland”, a weekend-long festival celebrating everything teddy bear.  The event attracts hundreds of bear artists and thousands of bear collectors and this year we’ll be going, too.  I’m honored to report that I’ve been asked to speak at the festival and do some workshops. The event runs from June 10 to June 13, 2010.  If you’re interested in learning more about this unique and wonderful event, please visit www.teddybear.clarion-iowa.com/index.php.  (And the bit of dialogue?  It’s from Field of Dreams, one of our favorite movies.)

Well, that’s it for now.  Have a Happy New Year!

Take Care,

John