Bizarre on too many levels to compute

In my haste to get something up yesterday, I neglected to mention that the Book Standard broke the Terry McAuliffe book deal story on Friday. So to give some props to them, they get the primary link on this story, which even a few hours after I first read it has me scratching my head.

First reason: a medical thriller, THE KARSIK CONSPIRACY, originally slated for publication in December from Phoenix Books was partially funded by a major pharmaceutical agency, the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (with the handy acronym of PhRMA!)

Second reason: Phoenix Books is the new publishing venture from enfant terrible Michael Viner, late of New Millenium Press and a particularly nasty lawsuit from mystery aficionado Otto Penzler — which Viner lost, forcing him into bankruptcy.

Third reason: THE KARSIK CONSPIRACY was originally edited by one Jayson Blair — yes, that guy. And evidently his reputation not only preceded him, but was justified, as he did a lousy job and finally skipped out.

Fourth reason: After Blair’s fall from grace, the NYT plagiarist later turned up with a creepy manifesto/memoir, BURNING DOWN MY MASTER’S HOUSE — conveniently published by Michael Viner at New Millenium Press.

The end result for the thriller? No Blair, no pharmaceutical company funding, and a later pub date. Everybody happy?

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