From L.A. writer, producer and blogger Lee Goldberg:

Dear Friend,

I am a former general in the Nigerian army who has managed to steal countless millions from my people. It has come to my attention that you are an investing genius and I would like your help establishing an account at a U.S. bank.

To start with, you need to know that Lee Goldberg's new mystery novel MR. MONK GOES TO THE FIREHOUSE will be published on Jan. 3rd and is getting a big promo push from The USA Network, which has posted excerpts from his book and a dozen streaming video interviews with him at their site:

LINK

This is important, because I need you to buy 17,800 copies of the book. In return, if you give me your checking account number, your credit card number, and your social security number, I will wire you $122,000 as "reimbursement" for the purchase of this splendid book. We will all be winners, especially you my dear, dear friend.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

General Rgo Zan

If only they were all so readable. Meanwhile, The Elegant Variation is rolling out its notable books of 2005 and the New Release of the Week at CaliforniaAuthors.com is Amy Tan's Saving Fish From Drowning.

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