‘Spin’ is the new Patricia Cornwell Captain Chase novel. Photo: amazon
Patricia Cornwell is an author whose first novel, “Postmortem,” went on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity Awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize—the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. Her Scarpetta series won Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development. Cornwell’s novels and iconic characters are known around the world. Beyond the Scarpetta series, Cornwell has written the definitive nonfiction account of Jack the Ripper’s identity, cookbooks, a children’s book, a biography of Ruth Graham, and two other fictional series based on the characters Win Garano and Andy Brazil. Her new thriller, “Spin,” is book two of the Captain Chase series and has her racing against time to stop a plot that leaves the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. (amazon, 2021)
In “Spin,” in the aftermath of a NASA rocket launch gone terribly wrong, Captain Calli Chase comes face-to-face with her missing twin sister and the startling truth of who they really are. A top-secret program put in motion years ago has spun out of control and only Calli can redirect its course. Aided by cutting-edge technologies, the NASA investigator and scientist turned Space Force pilot sets out on a frantic search for the missing link between the sabotaged rocket launch and her predetermined destiny – a search that someone else seems extremely interested in stopping. From NASA to the Chase family farm, to the White House to distant orbits of space, Calli plays a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with a cunning and ruthless adversary. One wrong move will unleash cataclysmic consequences reaching far beyond the boundaries of Earth.
‘A Bright Ray of Darkness’ by Ethan Hawke will be out on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Photo: amazon.
A four-time Academy Award nominee, twice for writing and twice for acting, Ethan Hawke has starred in the films Dead Poets Society, Reality Bites, Gattaca, and Training Day, as well as Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise trilogy and Boyhood. He is the author of “Rules for a Knight,” “The Hottest State,” and “Ash Wednesday.” His new book, “A Bright Ray of Darkness: A novel,” which will be released on Tuesday, February 2, is the blistering story of a young man making his Broadway debut in Henry IV just as his marriage implodes—an utterly transfixing book about art and love, fame, and heartbreak from the acclaimed actor/writer/director. (amazon, 2021)
“A Bright Ray of Darkness” is Hawke’s first novel in nearly twenty years and is a bracing meditation on fame and celebrity, and the redemptive, healing power of art. It is a portrait of the ravages of disappointment and divorce; a poignant consideration of the rites of fatherhood and manhood; a novel soaked in rage and sex, longing and despair; and a passionate love letter to the world of theater. Read an excerpt here.
The narrator is a young man in torment, disgusted with himself after the collapse of his marriage and still half-hoping for a reconciliation that would allow him to forgive himself and move on. What saves him is theater: in particular, the challenge of performing the role of Hotspur in a production of Henry IV under the leadership of a brilliant director, helmed by one of the most electrifying–and narcissistic–Falstaff’s of all time. Searing and raw, “A Bright Ray of Darkness” is a novel about shame, beauty, and faith as well and the moral power of art.
‘The Lost Boys’ is Faye Kellerman’s newest novel and the next in the Decker/Lazarus series. Photo: amazon
Faye Kellerman is the author of twenty-six novels, including nineteen The New York Times bestselling mysteries that feature the husband-and-wife team of Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus. She has also written two best selling short novels with her husband, The New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman, and recently has teamed up with her daughter, Aliza, to co-write a teen novel, entitled “Prism.” Her new book, “The Lost Boys: A Decker/Lazarus Novel” is an atmospheric, fast-paced mystery set in upstate New York and is full of unexpected twists and turns that build to a shocking and surprising end. It is the latest in her bestselling Decker/Lazarus series. (amazon, 2021)
In “The Lost Boys,” when Bertram Telemann goes missing from a local diner near Greenbury, the entire community of the small upstate New York town volunteers to search the surrounding woods in hopes of finding him. Bertram had been on a field trip with the staff and fellow residents of the Loving Care Home when he vanished. When no trace of the man is found, the disappearance quickly becomes an official missing persons case and is assigned to detectives Peter Decker and his partner Tyler McAdams. As their investigation deepens, the seasoned Decker becomes convinced that Bertram had left with someone he knew. Soon Decker discovers that Elsie Schulung, a recently fired nurse who had worked at the home, seemed to be especially interested in Bertram. But then Elsie disappears and human blood is found in her kitchen.
While combing the woods, searchers discover the remains of one of three young men who had vanished during a camping trip. For Decker, personal problems are adding pressure as well. After a ten-year absence, the biological mother of Decker’s and Rina’s foster son, Gabriel, has suddenly appeared in New York, children in tow, wreaking emotional havoc on the young man. Juggling the personal and professional, a hot case and a cold case, Decker and McAdams race to find answers, sifting through cabinets of old files, several clues and evidence, and discouraging dead ends. As on-going searches for Bertram and the campers’ missing remains continue, the frustrated detectives begin to wonder if the woods will ever give up its dark secrets and if these intertwining cases will be solved.
Bakery Lorraine’s Flower Box for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
This year for Valentine’s Day, whether enjoying a romantic night in, a Galentine’s Day get-together, or more of a ‘treat yourself’ day, local businesses are offering ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting an outdoor, socially distanced picnic, The Jerk Shack is offering heart-shaped boxes of tacos, and Twang is offering up unique cocktail recipes to make at home and more. (San Antonio Museum of Art, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, La Panaderia, The Jerk Shack, Twang, 2021)
San Antonio Museum of Art A Heartfelt SAMA Valentine’s Day – The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering couples and Galentine’s Day pals a private escape. The exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience includes a private dining experience catered by Tre Trattoria with optional alcoholic beverages. Guests will have VIP access to an after-hours, self-guided tour through the galleries and be able to create a small artful token with their loved ones. Tickets are $155 for a 2-person party are $235 for a 4-person party, with discounts for members.
Bakery Lorraine Dessert Boxes and Bouquet Packages – This year Bakery Lorraine is partnering with The Vintage Bouquet to create an enchanting Flower Box and a romantic Bouquet. The Flower Box includes an assortment of Parisian macarons (9 pack) that include chocolate, grapefruit, and Almond Joy flavors ($38) and is delicately decorated with fresh flowers. The Petite Bouquet is a fresh bouquet of dreamy flowers and includes twelve macarons, including chocolate, strawberry, pistachio and grapefruit flavors ($60). There are no substitutions for either of these packages. The Dessert Box comes tied with bakers twine and a heart-shaped tag. This package includes a 3 pack of lavender shortbread heart-shaped cookies, a heart-shaped Moonpie, a raspberry chocolate tart, and a raspberry rose Japonaise ($26). Customers will be able to add a 375ml bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut champagne for $24. Champagne additions are available at all locations except the Bakery Lorraine at the Medical Center.
Please note that the flower boxes and bouquet packages are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Preorders started on Tuesday, January 26 and orders can be placed online or in-person. The last day to place an order will be Wednesday, February 10 by 12p.m. Order pickups will be available Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14.
EVO Entertainment “Beer My Valentine” – This year, EVO Entertainment Springtown is hosting a socially distanced, seven course Valentine’s dinner with beer pairings for each course from local San Marcos brewery, Middleton. The event will be 21+ with a maximum of 40 guests to maintain social distancing guidelines. Each ticket will be $50, and groups will be capped at 4.
Valentine’s Day Date Night Package – EVO will once again be offering the ultimate date night packages in store at Kyle, Schertz, Springtown and Belterra locations on Sunday, February 14. For $60, couples can enjoy a bottle of champagne or house wine, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. After dinner, couples can stay to catch a movie, show off their bowling skills, or explore the state-of-the-art gaming centers.
La Panaderia Mimosa Kit for Take-Away – La Panaderia’s mimosa kits are perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home this year. They are also perfect for Galentine’s brunches and singles. The kit comes with a bottle of JP Chenet Brut and half a gallon of fresh orange juice, and it pairs perfectly with a box of La Panaderia’s signature pan dulce.
Strawberry Heart Mousse – In addition to the traditional pan dulce classics, La Panaderia is bringing back the delectable Strawberry Heart Mousse this Valentine’s Day. The treat is made of a rich, vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux and coated with a red chocolate mirror glaze. Spread a little love and sweetness by giving a loved one La Panaderia’s Strawberry Heart Mousse.
The Jerk Shack Heart-Shaped Box Filled with Jerk Chicken Tacos – The popular Caribbean restaurant is offering the key to anyone’s heart this Valentine’s Day – a heart-shaped box full of jerk chicken (or pork) and tortillas. The special boxes will be available for preorder prior to Valentine’s Day in person at the restaurant or online. Please note, the Jerk Shack will be closed on Sunday, February 14. The boxes include six tortillas, 16 oz. of jerk chicken or jerk pork, pineapple habanero slaw, pico and an avocado cremé sauce. The boxes feed two people and will be sold for $20.
Twang At Home Cocktail Recipes See below for two curated cocktails courtesy of Twang that are perfect Valentine’s libations to make at home. Recipes courtesy of Aaron Peña, owner/bartender of the Squeezebox in San Antonio.
Love Potion with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love Ingredients: • Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love • 1 oz. green apple liqueur • 1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Vodka • 4 oz. cranberry juice • Orange wedge, for garnish
Directions: 1. Run a lime along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar 2. Pour the liqueur and vodka into a highball glass filled with ice 3. Top with cranberry juice and stir 4. Garnish with orange wedge
Galentine’s Day with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash Ingredients: • Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash • 4 oz. Strawberry lemonade • 1 oz. lemon juice • 1 oz. Dulce Vida Tequila • 1 oz. triple sec
Directions: 1. Run a lemon along the edge of a highball glass and rim with Twang-A-Rita Citrus Splash 2. Add ice, strawberry lemonade, lemon juice, triple sec, and tequila. Stir to combine 3. Garnish with lemon wedge
Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Sweets for My Love Valentine Gift Box. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
This Valentine’s season, Pearl is thrilled to offer Month of Love programming. February will be filled with socially distant activities on site or virtually. Throughout the month of February, Pearl will offer “Surprise & Delight” musical acts for guests strolling the property. Pearl offers beautifully curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes in partnership with its farmers market vendors via Curbside. The property will also host the SA is Amor photo wall installation in partnership with Martha Martinez’s SA is Amor campaign benefiting local nonprofits. (Pearl, 2021)
Pearl’s 2021 February offerings include:
Pearl Farmers Market Curbside Valentine’s Gift Boxes: Order January 31 through February 11 This year, Pearl Farmers Market Curbside debuts a variety of curated boxes filled with themed artisan products from regional producers and family farms. Shoppers can pre-order their products packaged in a beautiful, hand-printed Pearl gift box starting on January 31 through February 11. Orders can be placed online and picked up on Sunday, February 14. Gift Box offerings include: Pasta Lovers for Two | $100; Filet Mignon for Two | La Babia $125, Startz Wagyu $200; Ms. Chocolatier Assorted Truffles | $60; Sweets for My Love | $75; Charcuterie for Two | $75
SA is Amor Photo Wall Installation: February 1 – 28 During the Month of Love, Pearl will create an interactive SA is Amor photo wall installation by local graphic designer Martha Martinez to raise support and awareness for local nonprofit Martinez Street Women’s Center while highlighting why San Antonio is so special. The wall will be available from February 1- 28 at the Pearl Shade Structure near Pearl Park and serve as a backdrop for guests to take photos and share on their social channels. There will be a QR code that will allow guests to send an AMOR e-card (a virtual love letter) to someone special.
On Valentine’s Day (1/14), Wide Awake Creative will set up a photo booth at the installation for guests to enjoy. Feliz Modern POP will set up an “Amor” pop-up during Farmers Market to sell SA is Amor merchandise, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. A new product will be released in February, the proceeds of which will benefit the Martinez Street Women’s Center.
Love, San Antonio Notes: February 1 – 28 Pearl is a place where San Antonio gathers and special moments happen—from the mundane to the monumental. During Month of Love, Pearl will collect stories that illustrate the power of love and human connectedness. Pearl invites the community to share their stories of love from time spent at Pearl. Submissions can be sent from February 1 – 28 to love@pearlbrewery.com or by using this online form. All submissions will be entered to win a $200 gift card to a restaurant of their choice at Pearl.
Love Song Sessions & Playlist: February 1-28 In honor of Month of Love and Valentine’s Day, Pearl will celebrate San Antonio’s legendary music scene with the debut of the Love, San Antonio playlist and with Love Song Sessions music showcase throughout February. The Love Song Sessions will feature songs of love and heartbreak from San Antonio’s esteemed artistic community. The musical acts will be at random dates for guests strolling the property to enjoy, acting as “surprise & delight” moments. The Love, San Antonio playlist will be available on Spotify and feature legendary San Antonio musicians along with many artists that have performed at Pearl over the years. Pearl will announce via social media once the playlist is available to download.
Pearl Farmers Market Heart Healthy Campaign: February 1-28 During the Month of Love, Pearl will encourage self-care by promoting heart healthy produce at the weekend Farmers Market and Curbside. Pearl will promote heart healthy produce and recipes via its social media and newsletter. Leafy greens and other heart healthy produce will be the focus throughout the month at the weekend Farmers Market.
Pearl Restaurants & Retailers: February 1-28 Pearl’s restaurant and retail tenants will be offering their own specials throughout the Month of Love. Pearl will be highlighting the options via its social media and newsletter.
“February is Month of Love at Pearl. Our culinary, cultural, and maker community is at the center of our love-inspired efforts with campaigns promoting positivity, self-care, and human connectedness. Initiatives include surprise and delight music activations, invitations to share love memories from time spent at Pearl, the installation of a SA is Amor wall, and the debut of Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes through Farmers Market Curbside.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, Pearl’s Chief Marketing Officer
Pluckers will begin taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31, 2021. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.
Pluckers Wing Bar is gearing up for the 2021 Super Bowl weekend by taking pre-orders and dine-in reservations beginning Sunday, January 31. Let them do the cooking so you do not miss a second of the game…or the commercials. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2021)
Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant will also be hosting a giveaway for the chance to win FREE Pluckers for an entire year (dine-in only). The lucky person who correctly predicts the score of the 2021 game will win the giveaway prize. Fans can enter via Pluckers’ Facebook page. Pluckers Club members will be able to input a second entry through the Pluckers app.
Fans can place pre-orders from the entire Pluckers menu for Game Day at ALL Texas locations. Online orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Pluckers will begin accepting restaurant reservations on January 31 for guests who want to watch the game in-store at any Texas location. Reservations will be available for $10 per seat, and guests must reserve the entire table by calling their desired location.
Pluckers has all the great wing flavors, in addition to a few unique ones such as: • Dr. Pepper • Manganero: Mango + Habanero • Ginger Peach Sriracha • Spicy Mandarin • Gochujang: a savory and sweet Korean BBQ sauce
Mac & Cheese recipe from Twang – spices up the Southern comfort classic mac with hints of New Mexican peppers. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
Update: 2/03/2021:
For the Big Game Weekend, Taco Cabana will also offer the new TC Big Game Box for $19.99, which makes it the perfect addition to any Big Game watch party. The TC Big Game Box includes: 2 large cheese quesadillas, 12 chicken flautas and (3) 3.5 oz. containers of queso (no substitutions).
This year, Super Bowl parties may be smaller, but that does not mean the food has to be any less remarkable, which some would argue is the best part of the game. See below for some ideas on where to grab some grub worthy of the big game or DIY snacks courtesy of Twang that would make you the MVP of any Super Bowl watch party. (The Jerk Shack, Taco Cabana, Twang, 2021)
Game-winning meals to go:
The Jerk Shack – The Jerk Shack’s family packs are designed to feed groups of six, making them the perfect option for a small Super Bowl gathering, which is an all too real situation during a pandemic. Guests can order Jerk Ribs, Jerk Tacos, and Jerk Chicken with shareable sides to feed the group. Price: Jerk Ribs with four sharable sides ($55), Jerk Tacos with two sharable sides ($45), Jerk Chicken with three sharable sides ($45)
Taco Cabana In conjunction with the Big Game, Taco Cabana is offering customers a variety of options to celebrate the weekend. Available February 5-7, 2021, offers include: • 10% off Big Game Party Bundles when using code CODE426 o Bundles include the TC Taco Bar for 10, TC Nacho Bar for 10 or the TC Breakfast Taco Box for 10 • $5 Chicken Nachos • $29.99 Gallon Margaritas • Assorted margaritas starting at just $2
ZAS Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese – In this dish creamy cheese and roasted hatch complement each other to turn a classic dish into a new favorite.
Serving Size: 14
Ingredients: •1 lb. uncooked elbow pasta •4 tbs. butter melted •2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs •8 oz. can hatch chilis •3 tbs. flour •3 tbs. butter •3 cup whole milk •2 cup Sharp cheddar Cheese grated •2 cup Mild Cheddar cheese grated •2 cup Colby jack cheese grated •4 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning
Instructions: 1. Set oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to box until al dente 2. In a small bowl toss together melted butter, breadcrumbs, and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning and set aside 3. In a medium saucepan melt 3 tbs. butter. Add flour and whisk until roux paste forms. Slowly add milk and whisk until slight boil begins 4. Remove milk mixture from heat and add in all three cheeses and 2 tsp. ZAS Hatch Chile Super Seasoning. Stir until melted. 5. In large bowl pour cheese mixture over cooked drained pasta and stir until combined. 6. Spray a 9X13 cooking pan and fill with macaroni. Sprinkle panko bread crumb mixture on top. 7. Bake for 15 minutes then broil for 2-3. Serve immediately.
The television adaptation of Resident Alien premieres on Syfy on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Photo: google
Resident Alien is a comic book series created by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse. The series has been published by Dark Horse Comics in installments of four-issue miniseries since 2012. The story is about an alien who crash lands on Earth, then poses as a doctor while he awaits rescue. He is pursued by a government agency and passes his time solving murders and other mysteries. The series has received positive reviews from critics and a television adaptation for Syfy starring Alan Tudyk will premiere on January 27, 2021. (Wikipedia, 2021)
In Resident Alien, narrative flashbacks provide the background to the plot. Captain Hah Re, an alien biologist, is shot down by a fighter plane and crashes in the Southwestern United States desert. At night, he takes money from an ATM and it captures his face on video. Men in black, who are investigating his crash site, learn of the image and begin to track him by the ATM bills. Hah Re has empathic abilities that prevent others from noticing his odd appearance. Six months later, Hah Re uses advanced technology to win one million dollars from a slot machine in Las Vegas. The men in black lose track of him but assume he will continue moving in the same direction toward the Oregon-Washington area. One year after his crash, Hah Re has taught himself English and human anatomy, among other things. He has also developed an interest in mystery novels and films. Taking the identity “Harry Vanderspeigle,” he introduces himself as a retired doctor and buys a remote cabin near Patience, Washington.
Nowhere Sounds Lovely by Cristina Vane will be out April 2. Photo: amazon
The origins of American music are prevalent with sounds and styles from all reaches of the globe, but over the last century or so, the roles have somewhat reversed themselves with blues, jazz, and mountain music being re-dispersed and re-interpreted by musicians worldwide. Cristina Vane, born in Italy to a Sicilian-American father and a Guatemalan mother, grew up between England, France, and Italy, and was fluent in four languages by the time she moved to her fathers’ native United States to attend university at 18 years old. Unlike most of her contemporaries in the music industry, Vane has a taste for pre-war American blues from the likes of Skip James, Robert Johnson, and Blind Willie Johnson. Add a splash of slow western waltzes and haunting Appalachian melodies for good measure and she has tapped in to the very well from which rock and roll sprung. (IVPR, 2021)
Vane’s debut full-length album, Nowhere Sounds Lovely, explores the depths of her new home’s musical history from her unique perspective without ever sounding like a re-hashing of old tricks. Out April 2, Nowhere Sounds Lovely flows naturally from the album-opening slow-burn blues of “Dreamboy” to the clawhammer banjo driven lament of “Will I Ever Be Satisfied.” Last week, American Songwriter premiered “Badlands,” the album’s closing track–a haunting and visceral nod to the Dakota’s rocky, windy plains–noting, “Like a young Bonnie Raitt, Vane sings from both her voice and her supple, bluesy guitar playing almost simultaneously–her sound as earthen as the South Dakota landscape…” Preview available here.
Vane’s perspective on American music is a decidedly unique one, but absolutely an authentic one; pieced together through sights, sounds, and experiences just like the pioneers of the music she so dearly loves. If Nowhere Sounds Lovely is any indication, Vane’s ability to carry the torch of her forebearers is strong and she is just getting started.
Nowhere Sounds Lovely track list: Dreamboy Dreaming Of Utah The Driving Song Heaven Bound Station Prayer For The Blind Satisfied Soul Travelin Blues What Remains Will I Ever Be Satisfied Wishing Bone Blues Blueberry Hill Badlands
Teatro Audaz’ ‘Frida Vice Versa’ opens on Thursday February 18, 2021. Photo: Teatro Audaz
Mark your calendars, clean your paint brushes, and ready your canvases. Teatro Audaz presents ‘Frida Vice Versa’ by Marian Licha and R. Dennis Green. Starring San Antonio’s Victoria Gutierrez and directed by Laura T. Garza, this will be a LIVESTREAMED PERFORMANCED only. This San Antonio and Texas premiere production will run from Thursday February 18 through Sunday February 28 with showtimes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online. All performances will be in English and streamed live from The Public Theater of San Antonio‘s main stage. Audience members will be able to enjoy from the comfort of home or wherever they choose. (Teatro Audaz, 2021)
In ‘Frida Vice Versa,’ the legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s unconventional art class, the first lesson becomes the final lesson; death can be life and vice-versa. Frida inspires her students to live life with passion. Her teaching unfolds as a personal story — packaged as ten “lessons.” It reveals itself with the black humor of tragedy, accidents, opposites, and irony that have ruled her memorable life. In this one-woman show Frida Kahlo’s spirit prevails. Although a product of a patriarchal society, Frida finds her identity, passion, and love by becoming an artist in her own right.
SA Examiner 