Watch, Listen, Read! MISSING MARK FINALIST FOR A DAPHNE! MISSING MARK was a finalist for the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in mystery/suspense by the RWA Kiss of Death Chapter. The Daphnes are named after the acclaimed suspense author of REBECCA, one of my all time favorite books. STARRED REVIEW Julie Kramer's SILENCING SAM landed a coveted starred review from Library Journal: "Best-selling author Kramer has delivered her finest Spartz novel to date; fiction readers will love this riveting, action-packed journey into television news investigations." AUTHOR RACES 30 SECONDS Julie Kramer kicks off a new author segment on ALMANAC, Twin Cities Public Television's acclaimed public affairs program. Watch as she gives a 30 second elevator pitch while host Cathy Wurzer is armed with a stopwatch.   RILEY SPARTZ GOES TO THE UK Here's a look at the covers for STALKING SUSAN, and MISSING MARK. Both will be published by Piatkus Books in the United Kingdom. My debut, STALKING SUSAN, will be released February 4 and the sequel, MISSING MARK, on June 3. If you want a copy, check out Amazon UK: Stalking Susan (UK) Missing Mark (UK)   PEOPLE MAGAZINE REVIEWS MISSING MARK "Smart dialogue and a fleet pace make this second outing in Kramer's fledgling series (after 2008's Stalking Susan) a crowd-pleaser."    —People Magazine   AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR! Julie Kramer's debut, STALKING SUSAN, won two fabulous fiction awards and was nominated for four others. 2009 Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction 2008 Best First Mystery for RT Reviewers Choice Awards RT Book Reviews made STALKING SUSAN a Top Pick, giving it four-and-a-half stars. "Great characters and a well-constructed, chilling plot make this a thoroughly satisfying novel. Riley is a character you will love, and this page-turner is difficult to put down. It ranks as one of the best debut novels I've encountered." 2009 Mary Higgins Clark Award Finalist The award is given to the book most closely written in the Mary Higgins Clark tradition. The protagonist is a nice young woman whose life is suddenly invaded. She's self-made and independent, with primarily good family relationships. She has an interesting job. She is not looking for trouble—she is doing exactly what she should be doing and something cuts across her bow. She solves her problem by her own courage and intelligence. The story has no on-scene violence The story has no strong four-letter words or explicit sex scenes. 2009 Anthony Award Nominee for Best First Novel 2009 Barry Award Nominee for Best First Novel 2009 Shamus Award Nominee for Best First PI Novel The honor is given by the Private Eye Writers of America for protagonists who are paid to do their own investigative legwork, but are not employed by the government. So while journalists like my heroine, Riley Spartz, are eligible, cops and amateur sleuths are not.   PRAISE FOR MISSING MARK "...slick sequel to 2008's Stalking Susan...fun mystery thriller."    —Publishers Weekly "The real draw continues to be the backstage view of the TV-news business offered by producer Kramer, who nails everything from the interaction between on-air talent and producers to all the showbiz hustle that goes into grabbing ratings... nicely done... a likable heroine in an intriguing profession."    —Kirkus "Issues of class, complications of a rare medical condition, and elements of romance add to the interest of this sequel, which has a surprising final twist and a neatly satisfying ending. Kramer has a winning series here."    —Booklist "...the twists and turns keep the adrenalin racing."    —Library Journal "If you enjoy Sue Grafton's alphabet series with Kinsey Millhone, or Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta books, you will enjoy Missing Mark. Circle back and read Stalking Susan if you haven't already. Then you'll be all set for No. 3."    —Minneapolis Star Tribune "Kramer continues her Riley Spartz series with another entertaining and intriguing novel. The author's background in TV news allows her to give an inside look at this cut-throat business through the eyes of a very likable protagonist. Kramer's characters, plotting and pace are spot-on in this excellent follow-up to her awarding-winning first novel in the series, Stalking Susan."    —RT Book Reviews "Kramer fills Missing Mark with wonderful characters and a story that never quits. A new star in the mystery skies, Kramer will be one to watch as she gets better with each book."    —Crimespree Magazine "A fast pace, a smart heroine, and fresh voice. Julie Kramer has what it takes to keep readers turning pages."    —Tami Hoag "I love this series. I love the inside look at the workings of a television station. You hear a lot about sweeps, but with Kramer, we get to live with them. The sense of place is wonderful, and Riley is a person it is easy to "root" for. It's easy to see why this author received first mystery award nominations."    —Deadly Pleasures Magazine   WATCH JULIE New author segment on ALMANAC (Twin Cities Public Television) Suburban Community Channels: Julie Talks to Northeast Journal Barbara Vey's PW Thrillerfest Drive by Video Showcase Minnesota's Corbin Seitz talks news biz with Julie Julie shows WCCO-TV's Esme Murphy her target practice skills WCCO-TV's Caroline Lowe turns the camera on Julie LISTEN TO JULIE MPR's Cathy Wurzer and Julie talk about finding inspiration for thrillers in the want ads KAXE Public Radio's Heidi Holton talks with Julie about news vs fiction MPR's Cathy Wurzer does thriller talk with Julie READ ABOUT JULIE The Big Thrill: MISSING MARK Minneapolis Star Tribune: Sequel MISSING MARK is a hit Murderati: The Drama of a Dress Kill Zone: Writing What You Know: Missing People White Bear Press: 'Slick' Mystery Sequel Set in White Bear Lake Twin Cities Business Magazine: Julie Kramer's Newest Mystery Novel Catholic Spirit: Finding Faith in Fiction Metro Magazine: Artists We Love McGuire on Media: Two entertaining media novels for our times St. Paul Pioneer Press: Stalking Susan Author Draws on Real Life (PDF) MinnPost: Journalist Trades Truth for Fiction Woodbury News: Hot Summer Reads Laura Benedict's Notes from the Handbasket Bookbitch: NO, my protagonist is NOT named Susan Backstory: The Story Behind the Susans Working Stiffs: Stalking an Author Photo White Bear Press: Cold case inspires TV producer's first novel Austin Daily Herald: Adams Native Writes Thriller NEW TWIST IN SUSAN COLD CASES WCCO-TV reports that St. Paul's Cold Case Unit has used new forensics to test old evidence in the homicides of two women, both named Susan, strangled about 25 years ago. Police say DNA now shows that rather than a serial killer, the women were murdered by different killers. I first covered these homicides a decade ago as an investigative producer for the station. Some stories stick with journalists long after the newscast ends, and this one inspired me to write STALKING SUSAN. My debut novel is not their story. But in the world of fiction I was free to ask myself, what if? When I wrote STALKING SUSAN, I changed the victims' ages, appearances, occupations, and the time and locations of their deaths. I also changed their last names and considered changing their first names. But I decided to keep Susan because I never forgot them and I wanted others to remember them, too. Whenever I do media interviews, I always mention the names of Susan Ginger Petersen and Susan Jean Rheineck, and remind the audience that their cases are still open and the police still welcome tips. Click here for the real life story behind the Susans.