Mafia thriller DOUBLE DEAL debuts as New York Times bestseller

Just one week after its release, Double Deal published by William Morrow hit the New York Times bestseller list.

Double Deal relates a 40-year saga told with unflinching honesty by mob insider and former chief of police Michael Corbitt, providing a provocative expose of organized crime and its unholy alliance with world leaders, intelligence agencies and law enforcement.

In Double Deal, Corbitt breaks his four decades of silence. Making no excuses for his dual existence, Corbitt bares his soul confessing in graphic and sometimes horrific detail a life lived as both saint and sinner, one that moved back and forth between the conflicting worlds of police officer and gangster with unnerving ease. Michael Corbitt and Sam Giancana have written a harrowing narrative of the ultimate dual life.

Co-author Sam Giancana is the namesake of the late crime boss Sam "Momo" Giancana. He co-authored with his father, Chuck Giancana, the international bestseller Double Cross. Executive editor Mauro DiPreta acquired this book. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL: Meditations from a life spent stalking serial killers

There are few who can claim the intense and often harrowing experiences of Roger Depue, the retired chief of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit and former Brother of the Order of Missionaries of the Holy Apostles. After a lifetime of staring into the darkest things that human beings are capable of, he lost his wife of 35 years to a terrible death from uterine cancer.

Depue's unique personal and professional backgrounds have given him a profound understanding of the nature of love and hate, along with the best and worst attributes of human nature.

He now shares his insights in Between Good and Evil, a collection of meditations from a life spent stalking serial killers. Drawn directly from the front lines in the war between good and evil, his book is testament to the belief that if we remain apathetic to the unending struggle between God and the Devil, evil will prevail in our world.

Co-author Susan Schindehette, a former Time magazine correspondent, is a senior writer for People magazine in New York City. Her first book, Tears of Rage - From Grieving Father to Crusader for Justice: The Untold Story of the Adam Walsh Case co-authored with America's Most Wanted host John Walsh, was a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback.

Executive editor Rick Horgan at Warner Books acquired this project. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

George Anastasia chronicles the demise of the American Mob in THE LAST GANGSTER

George Anastasia's hard-hitting new book, The Last Gangster, focuses on Mafia prince Joseph Merlino and FBI informant Ron Previte, whose lives form the backdrop for the greater story of the demise of the American Mafia.

Larger-than-life Mob boss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino was a handsome, young Mafia prince. A rock-and-roll gangster and second-generation wiseguy, he brought a charismatic swagger and a Generation-X sense of entitlement to the underworld. Ron Previte was a middle-aged mobster, ex-cop and former casino worker who spent his whole life on the hustle.

Previte, who capped his career by wearing a wire for the FBI for two years, is unlike any wiseguy Anastasia has written about before. In the midst of working for the Feds, he ripped them off at least twice -- once in a jewelry heist and later by cooking the books in a gambling operation the Feds thought they were secretly controlling. A master criminal who was always working an angle, Previte's last big gambit was a deal with the FBI that netted him more than $1 million dollars in taxpayer money.

Editorial director Cal Morgan acquired this book for Regan Books. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

THE BEST OF Jill Cordes and Mark Silverstein

Jill Cordes and Mark Silverstein of The Food Network's hit show, The Best Of, will chronicle their journeys in The Best of "The Best Of". Their book, scheduled for publication by Perigee in late 2004, is a delectable diary that will provide behind-the-scenes stories and recipes and will chronicle the best of the best this country has to offer.

Publisher John Duff acquired this project.

William Morrow to publish THE SAPPHIRE SEA by John B. Robinson

This debut novel, in the tradition of classic Greek tragedies, is the story of one man overcoming his limitations as he struggles toward a wild and uncertain future. The Sapphire Sea by John B. Robinson is part Jack London, part Indiana Jones, and part insider's guide to Madagascar and all its idiosyncrasies.

The story follows protagonist Lonny, an American who has taken refuse in Madagascar in an effort to be free of his father's rule and ex-wife's lawyers. Lonny is trying to hit the gem-dealing lotto so he can go back to America as a wealthy man and finally take care of the daughter he loves.

Everything seems poised for success when Lonny discovers the world's largest sapphire. But it becomes quickly apparent that Madagascar is no place for a lone white man with a priceless gem.

On the run, Lonny encounters everyone from zealous missionaries and ovulating tribal women to a UN love interest, seedy generals and jovial club owners.

Filled with inside information on the gem-trading industry and African politics, The Sapphire Sea is a fast-paced thriller about survival, redemption and making dreams happen no matter what the price.

Early praise for D.B. Weiss' LUCKY WANDER BOY

D.B. Weiss' first novel, Lucky Wander Boy, has garnered extensive praise from critics and readers across the country, hitting the College Booksellers list just a few weeks after its publication by Plume in February of 2003.

"Savvy and whip-smart, written with edgy panache and nary a false step... a novel not of this moment but the next."
-- Steve Erickson, author of The Sea Came In at Midnight

Everything you never needed to know about anything can be found in USELESS KNOWLEDGE

In the form of a lively and eccentric course catalog, this brainchild of the creator of the entertaining and informational web site www.uselessknowledge.com offers up loads of facts of little consequence for the hardcore trivia buff or the casual enthusiast.

Joe Edelman, the Useless Infomaster who founded this popular web site, is an award-winning commercial, editorial and fashion photographer. Co-author David Samson has written or co-written 11 books, including humor, self-help and autobiographies, and has worked as a senior creative executive at some of America's most prestigious advertising agencies. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

The life and times of Cheech and Chong

Written by Tommy Chong, this tell-all autobiography covers everything from the celebrated duo's notorious marijuana smoking to acting in movies, television and comedy skits. The book also covers the spectacular rise and infamous break-up of the team, culminating with their reunion in next year's new film.

Senior editor Josh Behar bought The Life and Times of Cheech and Chong for HarperCollins.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER by Dr. Peter Salgo and Joe Layden

The Heart of the Matter is a vital and indispensible handbook for anyone who wants to live a longer, healthier life. Offering up a score of answers to the medical profession's toughest questions about heart disease, readers will gain a specific and effective understanding of the nature of their strongest muscle to improve their health for years to come.

Peter Salgo, M.D. is an Emmy Award-winning health and science correspondent for WCBS-TV in New York. A professor of medicine and anesthesiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, he is also Associate Director of surgical intensive care at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Joseph Layden is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer, and the author of more than 30 books for adults and children.

The Heart of the Matter was acquired by HarperCollins executive editor Henry Ferris. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

OUR MICKEY hits a home run

Bill Liederman's new book provides family and celebrity anecdotes on "The Mick".

Our Mickey, to be published by Triumph Books, presents a collection of anecdotes by a diverse crew of Mickey Mantle fans. The anthology includes sports writers like Bob Costas and Bert Sugar; fellow teammates like Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford; celebrities like Billy Crystal and Johnny Cash; and members of Mantle's family.

Hilarious, poignant, inspirational and always entertaining, these stories are a fitting tribute to the late, great American icon. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

INSIDE DELTA FORCE by Eric Haney set for worldwide release

Translation rights to Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Eric Haney's bestselling memoir, Inside Delta Force, have been sold to the following foreign publishers: Transworld in the UK, Hayakawa in Japan, The House of Books in The Netherlands, Verlagsgruppe Random House in Germany, Editions Albin Michel in France, Landscape Editora LTDA in Portugal and Brazil, Longanesi Co. in Italy and Ulpius-Haz Kiado in Hungary.

The U.S. edition is in its fourth printing. Editor John Flicker acquired the book for Bantam. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

Chivalry's arrived JUST IN TIME with Judith A. Lansdowne's new novel

Beloved storyteller Judith A. Lansdowne introduces Just In Time, the first in a spellbinging new trilogy. Lansdowne's highly anticipated novel is set against the elegant backdrop of the Blackcastle estate, home to ancient mysteries and passionate new loves alike. This Regency romance takes the reader on a mesmerizing journey back to a time when chivalry was alive and well.

Veteran romance author Lansdowne received the Romantic Times' Career Achievement Award for Regency Romance in 1999, one of the many honors she has received during her illustrious career. Judith's prize-winning books include Lord Nightingale's Triumph, for which she won the Bookseller's Best Award, and Annabelle's Diamond, winner of the Dorothy Parker Award for Excellence from the Reviewer's National Organization. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

Former Giuliani speechwriter gives his take on American politics

John P. Avlon, columnist for The New York Sun and former head speechwriter for New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, is writing Independent Nation, an important new book that articulates the appeal of political moderation.

Avlon's technique of using brief political biographies will appeal to the average citizen interested in political history, as well as the political professional looking to study the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the centrist position.

Editor Kim Kanner Meisner at Harmony Books acquired this book, which will be published in spring of 2004.

Unpublished manuscript of famed author found in Frigidaire

Sometimes literary gems are found stashed in the most unlikely of places. After almost 40 years, Maritta Wolff's final novel was recovered from the back of her refrigerator shortly after her death this past summer. She had placed it there after a dispute with her editor that resulted in her decision to retire.

The enigmatic author began publishing at age 22 in 1941 with her award-winning novel, Whistle Stop, which Sinclair Lewis called "the most important first novel of the year." She wrote five more bestselling novels before she abruptly disappeared from the literary world. Little was heard from her until her family decided to posthumously make public her final work, which has since been acquired by senior editor Sarah McGrath at Scribner. The currently untitled book is being called "a cross between Richard Yate's Revolutionary Road and a more emotional and female The Ice Storm."

Two backlist titles by Wolff, Whistle Stop and Night Shift, were also acquired as part of the same deal. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

Snowboarding legend Tina Basich is PRETTY GOOD FOR A GIRL

Tina Basich is snowboarding's princess. Her extraordinary life mirrors the growth of the sport from its genesis, and she has become the sport's biggest female star.

Tina has fought her way to the top of this male-dominated sport, all the while retaining her femininity and charm. During her wild ride through life, Tina has dated rock stars, designed high fashion and raised millions of dollars for breast cancer with her organization Boarding for Breast Cancer, which will receive a percentage of her royalties from this book.

Pretty Good for a Girl is set to be published by HarperCollins in Fall 2003.

The Puck Stops Here: Hockey legend Phil Esposito's long-awaited memoir

Phil Esposito, the center from the Soo (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) documents the life of a legend skating on thin ice. In his memoir Thunder and Lightning, Esposito covers the various aspects of his colorful life in hockey, from being a legendary player, commentator and coach to general manager, founder and part-owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Phil Esposito saw it all: the booze, drugs, women, wheeling and dealing, the good times and camaraderie, the bad times and the back-stabbing. Espo tells the candid story of his life on and off the ice. He takes readers into the boardrooms, back rooms and bedrooms of the men who make their lives in the NHL.

Mitch Rogatz acquired U.S. rights for Triumph Books. McClelland and Stewart will publish the book in Canada. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

Gain spiritual control with Dr. Ben Lerner

Body by God is the first in a series of book that can serve as guides to gaining spiritual control and physical power over your body. Lerner argues that the human body is a creation of God, and that if we learn how God intends the body to function, we can attain or recover levels of health, appearance and peace greater than we could ever imagine.

Editor-in-chief Brian Hampton acquired Body by God for Thomas Nelson Publishers. (Agent: Frank Weimann)

Ballantine Books to publish award-winning author Robert Anderson's debut novel

Robert Anderson's debut novel, Little Fugue, on the lives of poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, is another literary gem by the author of the Flannery O'Connor Award-winning collection of short fiction, Ice Age.

Little Fugue was acquired by executive editor Elisabeth Dyssegaard.

"Anderson's sophisticated manipulation of language and narrative leave the reader breathless."
-- Publisher's Weekly

WENDY'S GOT THE HEAT

Known as a "shock jock diva" and "a radio gossip guru", Wendy Williams has had a following in the nation's number one media market, New York City, and across the nation from the time she became top-rated radio personality and "It Girl" in the mid-1990s. Whether she's doing color commentary for VH1 Fashion Awards or giving advice on her daily evening drive-time show on New York's WBLS, her fans know that Wendy's "got the heat".

Now it's Wendy's turn to talk about herself. In Wendy's Got the Heat, co-written with Karen Hunter, she gets a chance to laugh, cry and reflect on becoming the "Queen of Urban Radio".

A graduate of Northeastern University, Wendy now lives with her husband and son. Critically acclaimed author Karen Hunter has also written Revelations: Life After the Lime; Al On America; I Make My Own Rules; and Ladies First.

DON'T TAKE ANY WOODEN NICKELS: Second novel in Million Dollar Mystery series becomes ECPA fiction bestseller

Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, the second novel in Mindy Starns-Clark's Million Dollar Mystery series, has made a real impact in the CBA market. Inspired by the success of this book (ECPA Fiction Bestseller) and its predecessor, A Penny for Your Thoughts, Mindy signed up with Harvest House to write two more titles for the series. A Dime a Dozen, the third book in the series, will be published later this year.