NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2009

The Wolfe Pack (founded 1977)
Jane K. Cleland, Literary Awards Chair
(Nero Award Chair)
P.O. Box 230822, Ansonia Station, New York, NY 10023

2009 NERO AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The "Nero" is an annual award presented to an author for literary excellence in the mystery genre. The award is presented at the Black Orchid Banquet, which is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December in New York City.

This year, the finalists are:

• THE DARK TIDE Andrew Gross, Harper Collins
• THE TENTH CASE Joseph Teller, MIRA
• THE FAULT TREE Louise Ure, Minotaur Books

This year's nominees join a procession of fine writers including Tess Gerritsen, Lee Child, Walter Mosley, Linda Fairstein, former U.S. Senator, Fred Harris, Dennis Lehane, and Laurie B. King, all of whom have been honored with the prestigious "Nero." The first "Nero" was awarded in 1979 to author Lawrence Block for THE BURGLAR WHO LIKED TO QUOTE KIPLING.

Rex Stout (1886-1975) was the author of over seventy novels and stories featuring the brilliant, irascible, and corpulent private detective Nero Wolfe, a lover of food, beer, and orchids. Stout was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1959 and his Nero Wolfe stories continue to be popular throughout the world.

Founded in 1978, The Wolfe Pack celebrates all things Nero Wolfe. For example, the society publishes a semi-annual Gazette and sponsors a variety of activities with Wolfean themes including a regular book discussion group and tours of locations mentioned in the corpus. The group has been holding its annual Black Orchid Banquet for more than thirty years.

To learn more, visit www.nerowolfe.org or send mail to Nero Award Chair.

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2008 AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
NERO AWARD
BLACK ORCHID NOVELLA AWARD

The Nero Award is presented each year to an author for the best American Mystery written in the tradition of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe stories. It is presented at the Black Orchid Banquet, traditionally held on the first Saturday in December in New York City.

This year, the winner is Jonathan Santlofer for ANATOMY OF FEAR, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. His award was presented by Jane K. Cleland, chair of the Wolfe Pack's literary awards. Mr. Santlofer's next book, THE MURDER NOTEBOOK, is now available.

Mr. Santlofer joins a procession of fine writers including Lawrence Block, Tess Gerritsen, Lee Child, Walter Mosley, Linda Fairstein, former U.S. Senator Fred Harris, and Dennis Lehane, all of whom have been honored with the prestigious "Nero."

The Black Orchid Novella Award is presented jointly by The Wolfe Pack and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine to celebrate the Novella format popularized by Rex Stout. This year's winner is Michael Nethercott for O'NELLIGAN'S GLORY.

About the Wolfe Pack

The Wolfe Pack, founded in 1977, is a forum to discuss, explore, and enjoy the 72 Nero Wolfe books and novellas written by Rex Stout. The organization promotes fellowship and extends friendship to those who enjoy these great literary works of mystery through a series of events, book discussions, and a journal devoted to the study of the genius detective, Nero Wolfe, and his intrepid assistant, Archie Goodwin. The organization has 450 members worldwide.

To learn more, visit www.nerowolfe.org or send mail to Nero Award Chair.

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