Author Harry Dolan Brings "Very Bad Men" to Northville Barnes & Noble

Ann Arbor author Harry Dolan is at it again.

The popular mystery writer kicked-off his latest book tour Saturday with a reading and signing of his new book Very Bad Men at Northville’s .

Very Bad Men is the follow-up to Dolan’s first book Bad Things Happen, which introduced readers to the elusive character David Loogin and detective Elizabeth Waishkey.

Dolan told Barnes & Noble attendees that he grew up in Rome, New York and graduated from Colgate University, located in New York, where he majored in philosophy and studied fiction writing with writer Frederick Busch. After freelancing and working as an editor, Dolan packed up and moved to Ann Arbor to pursue writing full time.  

Twelve years and two books later, Ann Arbor continues to provide both home and setting for Dolan and his work. Dolan’s mysteries are based in Ann Arbor, and the author again promises “plenty of local interest flavor” in Very Bad Men. 

“Mysteries are one of our best-selling genres in the summer,” said Betsy Storrs, Barnes & Noble community relations manager. “We were so excited to have one of the most prominent thriller writers in our store, especially one local to our region.” 

Residents obviously agree. All seats were taken and purchased copies of the book sat in the laps of several listeners by the time Dolan read a scene from Very Bad Men.

Ever gracious, Dolan pleased audience members by taking the time to field all questions before moving on to sign books. Dolan shared insights on his writing process, pressures to produce, and his admiration of influences from authors such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.  

Dolan admits that Bad Things Happen was not intended to be the beginning of a series, however, critic raves and reader requests demanded more. Dolan said he has been contracted for two additional books in the Loogin series and is currently hard at work on the next one. 

Dolan will be taking Very Bad Men on the road, but will return to Michigan for an appearance at Nicola’s Books in Ann Arbor on Monday, July 18th. You can find all event details by linking to Harry Dolan’s 2011 Summer Book Tour schedule.