Bestselling Suspense Author Robert Crais Visits St. Louis County Library Tonight

The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Left Bank Books are pleased to present acclaimed detective fiction author Robert Crais for a discussion and signing of his latest thriller "Suspect" tonight, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

The program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the event from Left Bank Books.

"Suspect" is the explosive new suspense novel from #1 bestselling author Robert Crais. For 25 years, Crais has written extraordinary works that have earned him such praise as "a master of crime fiction" (Associated Press) and "Crais is hands-down the world's greatest crime writer" (Huffington Post).

As "Suspect" begins, LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well-not since a shocking assault by unidentified men killed his partner Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. That was nine months and 16 days ago, and now Scott is absolutely unfit for duty. But then he meets his new partner, Maggie, who is not doing so well, either. Maggie is a very special German shepherd-one who survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing explosives before she lost her handler to an IED and sniper attack. Maggie's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is as severe as Scott's.

Now Maggie and Scott have become each other's last chance. Scott was a young cop on the rise, while Maggie was bred to guard and protect. But now they both have become damaged goods, shunned and shunted to the side. Despite those psychic wounds, Scott and Maggie set out to investigate the one case that no one wants them to touch: the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie. But what Scott and Maggie discover is nothing Scott has been prepared for. It quickly becomes apparent that this investigation will lead them both through the darkest moments of their own personal hells.

Thrilling, emotional and intense, "Suspect" is further proof that Robert Crais is one of today's leading writers of thought-provoking crime fiction.

Robert Crais is the author of many New York Times bestsellers, including the blockbuster series featuring investigators Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. Literary prize committees have also recognized the quality of Crais' work. Nominated for every major crime-writing award, he has won the Anthony, Barry, Shamus, Macavity, and Gumshoe awards. In 2006 he was the recipient of the Ross MacDonald Literary Award. His 2005 stand-alone novel "Hostage" was named a Notable Book of the Year by The New York Times and was made into a film starring Bruce Willis.

Program sites are accessible. Upon two weeks notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300 or visit http://www.slcl.org.