In 2005 Subterranean Press released a chapbook with Tim Powers’ short story, “The Bible Repairman.” At only 26 pages, it also includes interior illustrations by Powers. I have the second printing, which is marked “Signed second printing.”
A few years later (2011) Tachyon Publications released a trade paperback collection of Powers’ stories, under the aegis of The Bible Repairman and Other Stories.
It collects six stories, plus an introduction by Powers. So, that’s enough, right? Maybe not, for last year I learned that Subterranean Press also published an edition of the same set of stories, also in 2011. This was a hardcover signed and limited edition, published with only 500 numbered and 26 lettered copies. I bought a copy of this edition recently, for $35, not knowing that the book originally was listed for $75.
As I own a handful of Subterranean Press editions of Tim Powers books (but by no means all of them), I was thrilled to have a hardcover replace the trade paperback edition.
I’m a huge fan of Tim Powers, and a sort-of fan of Joe R. Lansdale. Both authors released new books near the end of 2025, and I bought ’em shortly after they were published.
Hatchet Girls, by Joe R. Lansdale (Mysterious Press, 2025). The latest Hap and Leonard novel, where almost half the plot consists of retirement talk. Both of these two characters, first introduced back in 1990 with Savage Season, have appeared now in a dozen or so novels, various short stories, and made it onto the screen with their own TV show. I have all the novels, but only some of the short story collections, and never watched the show, as I prefer to see these characters in my own mind.
As with most of Lansdale’s books, Hatchet Girls is a quick read. Set in the fictional town of LaBorde in East Texas, where people tend to die hard and painfully, it seems that it might be the last or soon to be last of the Hap and Leonard books. Leonard is trying to ease out of his previous life, looking toward marriage and owning a gym. Hap still clings to his old life, but also might quit, which means no more dead bodies and fighting various East Texas mafia, drug dealers, or weird killers. Not as intense as previous books, it also seems that maybe it’s time for Lansdale to move away from these two characters and find something with more life. Still, if he publishes more of these books, I know I’ll end up buying and reading them.
The Mills of the Gods, by Tim Powers (Baen Books, 2025). Powers is back with another alternate history novel, this time in a new setting: Paris in the 1920s. This means Ernest Hemingway, of whom I know a fair amount. I haven’t yet cracked open this book, but I’m looking forward to with great expectations. Powers’ last few books have been with Baen, which seems a step down from prior publishers (SF vs. more mainstream). This isn’t a knock on Baen, but I find it weird why other, less talented writers get more readers and publicity that Powers. His books are original, challenging, and unique. I guess that’s not enough, these days.
The cover captures the essence of Hemingway’s Fiesta (or, The Sun Always Rises), and the first few pages draw you right into the story. It’s always thrilling to read a new Powers story, and I hope this one will be no different.
Some of the books that I hope to read this year include:
Stolen Skies, by Tim Powers. This comes out in just a few days, the third in the Vickery and Castine series. Not sure where he’s heading with the characters, but the story looks fascinating.
The Consequences of Fear, by Jacqueline Winspear. Latest in the Masie Dobbs series. As I only pick up the soft cover editions in this series, I need to wait a while after initial publication. This is a February release.
Road of Bones, by James R. Benn. I have to wait until September or October for this one, when it gets the soft cover edition. Sorry, Ms. Winspear and Mr. Benn, but as I have all the others in softcover, I can’t break tradition.
Sword & Ice Magic, by Fritz Leiber. Unlike the ones above, this is a limited edition hardcover, published by Centipede Press. It may or may not be released in 2022. I won’t know until shortly before publication. I finally get to retire the last of my Fafhrd and Gray Mouser Ace paperbacks.
The Mines of Behemoth, by Michael Shea. Another Centipede Press possibility. Announced via email. Hardcover edition. We shall see. One of those few luxuries I afford myself if it happens.
I don’t know if there are other books I want, vs. ones I stumble across, but so far these are the only ones on the aforementioned list.
I’m a huge fan of Tim Powers, but not mad enough to spend $300 for this limited edition of the collection short stories of Tim Powers, from Subterranean Press. Limited to only 124 copies, it’s already sold out, anyway. Maybe some day it will filter down to a less limited edition, as it contains at least one new story.
Received Tim Powers latest book, a novella called Salvage and Demolition. Read it almost in one sitting. All too brief, so brilliant and memorable. Not sure of Powers’ latest novel project, but years usually pass between his novels, and he just released one late last year. Hopefully we’ll get some stories more often.
Tim Powers fans rejoice! Subterranean Press is publishing a new, 21,000 word novella called Salvage and Demolition. Apparently the limited edition is already sold out, and no doubt the trade edition shortly will follow suit. The brief description sounds like classic Powers stuff:
Richard Blanzac, a San Francisco-based rare book dealer, opens a box of consignment items and encounters the unexpected. There, among an assortment of literary rarities, he discovers a manuscript in verse, an Ace Double Novel, and a scattering of very old cigarette butts. These commonplace objects serve as catalysts for an extraordinary—and unpredictable—adventure.
