The new cover for MASUDA AFFAIR:

[I. J. Parker]

As you can see, the publisher didn't pick my design. I was disappointed, but on the whole, this is ok. It's Japanese art, and it doesn't conflict with the time or setting of the novel. And my name dominates! I didn't even have to ask for it. I could come to love this.

It turns out, the artist read my blog about my troubles with covers on CrimeSpace. This site is useful in unexpected ways.

So, the book is up on Amazon here and in Canada and the UK. And to my surprise, there have been some preorders. This is particularly stunning, when you realize the US edition won't be available until the end of October. I have wonderful fans. Addicts, they tell me. :)

[I. J. Parker]

You're kindness itself, Dana. :) I'm warming up to the cover. Especially my name.

[Dana King]

I lime it. Obviously not as colorful as your original choice, but the faaded out image has a gravitas I like.

Congratulations on te pre-orders and good luck.

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks all. That was very helpful. I worried a little about the lack of color, but apparently a lot of people (my agent included) like it. Possibly, it looks a tad noir, and that's in. :)
And yes, it may be a very good thing on the whole, but anything one puts out on the Internet can be found via Google and other sites that copy discussions and blogs. I have been embarrassed before by my words suddenly cropping up in other places. Still, I'd like to think that we may always speak freely about the books we write and read, and about the genre we all love. Otherwise, our comments don't mean much.

[Lindy Cameron]

Don't know what your design was like, IJ, but I love this cover. I'd pick it up in a bookshop to take a look.

[B.R.Stateham]

It's a good cover--very effective, I think, in its monochromatic tint.

[John McFetridge]

Yes, I like it, too. As Pepper says, the colours aren't as striking but the layout is terrific.

[Pepper Smith]

I like that cover. The colors aren't as striking as the one you designed, but I like it nonetheless.

And you never really know who's reading your blog, do you?