Initial Observations about WHEN ONE MAN DIES

1.) This book is pretty thin. $13.95 for only 273 pages? At Wal-Mart I can buy a 600-page book for $5.43.

2.) This novel looks like it's water-damaged. If you look at the top left-hand corner of each chapter page, there's some sort of weird smudge-like discoloration -- did the publisher actually intend the book to look this way?

3.) Weird looking font. I'm a Times New Roman guy/gal myself. This looks more like a Jodi Picoult novel than a mystery.

4.) Really short chapters. I guess Dave White has gone all James Patterson on us. And I thought Mr. White was better than that.

5.) You know Dave White's an English teacher, because the title of this book comes from a quotation by John Donne. But whatever you think of the title, at least it's better than THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT.

Official review coming shortly.

I Went to the Bookstore Today...

My local Borders had two copies of WHEN ONE MAN DIES, Barnes & Noble had none. I know Dave White's publisher is too cheap to pay for the premium shelf space, so I did some creative rearrangement.

I had to remove John Grisham's pizza cookbook in order to make space, but I figure he can make the financial sacrifice.

All fans of Dave White should do something similar at their local bookstore to help the Dave White cause. It's cheaper than actually buying the novel.

Would You Buy a Crime novel From this Man?

I will, tomorrow. I may have to look in the back of several bookstores, but I'm getting it, dammit.

Fantasy Book Spot Likes Dave White

This quote from Fantasy Book Spot:

"I just finished reading When One Man Dies by Dave White.

In a year of strong debuts this is one of the strongest. I had been looking forward to reading this one for a little while now and it didn't disappoint. Full review coming soon."

Not bad, but I'm guessing this reviewer is a buddy of Dave White. The tipoff? He had actually heard of the book, and was looking forward to it.

In related news, Dave White was recently spotted in Georgia having an intimate dinner with Harriet Klausner (picture shown), only a week before his novel's release. Coincidence? I think not.

Handicapping Dave White's Award Chances

Given the rather obscene amount of networking done by Dave White, WHEN ONE MAN DIES may be considered for some awards this upcoming season. But does he really have a chance of winning any of them? Here's the rundown.

THE EDGAR AWARD. This is a jury award, largely based on literary quality. This alone may cause problems for Mr. White. However, everybody already knows that the best first novel award will be awarded to Marcus Sakey. It is well known that this award always goes to the best looking new author. I mean, it's not like the judges actually read these books.

THE ANTHONY AWARD. Based on a popular vote, which means that the author has to be charming and personally popular. Needless to say, Mr. White won't be competitive.

THE SHAMUS AWARD. Since Jackson Donne is a PI, you think Mr. White might have a chance for best first novel. But all I can say in response is two words: Sean Chercover.

THE AGATHA AWARD. Rumor is, Jackson Donne buys a cat at the end of WHEN ONE MAN DIES and opens an antique shop in a small town. Sorry, Mr. White, this still isn't good enough for an Agatha.

THE BARRY AWARD. Remind me what this is again? I think Sarah Weinman helps pick them, so White may definitely have a chance with this one.

THE GUMSHOE AWARD. Otherwise known as the "David Montgomery" award. I believe Dave White once bought a drink for Mr. Montgomery at a Bouchercon once. So I would say Mr. White's chances of winning this award are about even.

WHEN ONE MAN DIES, by Dave White

The eagerly awaited Jackson Donne novel by Derringer-winner Dave White. I'm not entirely sure what a Derringer is, but Dave White has won one.

Is it worth the hype?

Does Dave White have a chance in hell of beating Marcus Sakey for the Best New Writer Edgar?

Will Sarah Weinman shill this book on her blog for the zillionth time?

Will Dave White ever make enough money to afford his own freakin' apartment?

A review will be pending shortly.