Contributed by Erika Davis / Creekside Books & Coffee

Creekside Books & Coffee an independent bookstore and coffeehouse in Skaneateles presents author and law clerk, Mike Langan on Saturday October 25, 2008.  Langan’s second book, Ready for the Defense was published in May 2008.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Langan writes novels that draw on his experience as a former litigator in Washington, D.C., and Syracuse, N.Y.  He received his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law, where he was notes editor of the Law Review.  Before becoming a lawyer, Mike received his M.F.A. in creative writing from George Mason University, where he was a graduate fellow, and his B.A. in philosophy from Colgate University, from which he graduated cum laude.  He has published several short stories and legal articles, and has taught college courses in both English and law.  He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Syracuse area. His first novel, Dark Horse, was published in February of 2008.  His second novel, Ready for the Defense, was published in May of 2008.

ABOUT THE BOOK
A recently released legal mystery novel set in Washington, DC has earned favorable reviews. The novel, READY FOR THE DEFENSE, by lawyer Mike Langan, is about first-year lawyer Hank Fisher, who must defend a United States senator in a criminal investigation by himself in order to find the person who killed his boss. Fisher’s sleuthing uncovers an illegal campaign contribution and a possible connection to germ warfare.
Fisher’s sleuthing also takes him across the greater-Washington, DC area, from Middleburg to
Annapolis, and numerous places in between, including Manassas, Arlington, Great Falls,
Georgetown the Washington Harbour, Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill.  Langan knows the minutiae of DC. He lived in Arlington, VA for ten years, from 1991 to 2001. During that time he received both his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and his JD from George Mason University. He then practiced white-collar criminal defense for three years at the law firm of Piper Rudnick LLP (now DLA Piper), in Washington, DC.

PRAISE FOR: READY FOR THE DEFENSE
“Do yourself a favor and buy this book; you”ll love it.  Mike Langan is not only ready for the defense, he’s ready for the big time.” — BookReview.com
“[A]n intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable read.” — BestsellersWorld.com
” [O]ne of the best true-to-life crime dramas I’ve ever read.” — Book Ideas
“Strong, tight dialog carries the fast-moving plot forward.” — Readers Views
“What more could a diehard legal thriller fan want?” — ReviewYourBook.com
“[A] perfect weekend read to curl up on the couch with.” — Armchair Interviews
“Langan’s sense of humor is finely tuned.” — Book Loons
“[A] good, fast-paced, action-oriented story.” — Mysterious Reviews
Full reviews are available on Langan’s website, www.MikeLangan.com

Creekside Books & Coffee is located at 35 Fennell Street in Skaneateles.  The bookstore is the only retail store in the village selling new hardcover and paperback books as well as toys, gifts, greeting cards and other merchandise. The coffeehouse features the freshest roasted coffee in town, a light fare menu and a pleasant atmosphere to relax and enjoy.