Michael Balkind's Sudden Death Enjoyable Golf Murder Mystery

PITTSBURGH, PA, - Michael Balkind and Charles Pero pulled off a trick and it turned into a wonderful treat—SterlingHouse Publisher, Inc. is elated to announce that James Patterson, an international best-selling author of mystery thrillers has endorsed Sudden Death, by author Michael Balkind, published under their Pero Thrillers imprint-and just in time for Halloween. Balkind lives in Katonah, New York.

All of Balkind's and Pero's fears and frights were turned to delights—Patterson's endorsement reads: "If you like golf, and you like murder mysteries, then Sudden Death is your book!"

Charles Pero, a resident of Lake Worth, Florida is the author of the four novels in Twisted Killer Series published by SterlingHouse. "We named our imprint "Pero Thrillers" after Charles because we recognized the value of his work and the value it would bring to our publishing company," says Megan Davidson, Editor-In-Chief.

There are four other authors under the imprint, including Balkind. While it was Balkind who succeeded in securing Patterson's endorsement; teamwork between Pero and Balkind solidified the endorsement.

Pero and Balkind met this past May at Book Expo America (BEA) in New York City, where they discussed each others work and their writing careers. It was from that point on that both authors decided to work together to make the imprint a huge success.

By special invitation, Pero was invited to Patterson's BEA book signing where Patterson asked Pero to sign a copy of his novel, The Maze Murderer, the first in the Twisted Killer Series for Patterson. Patterson then commented that he was hearing about Pero and seeing his face everywhere. (Pero was a featured author at the BEA and had recently appeared on the cover of Publishers Weekly.) Patterson offered Pero a few marketing tips and words of encouragement. "Mr. Patterson was not only generous with his time and advice, but he was gracious a gentleman as they come," says Cynthia Sterling, CEO and Publisher of SterlingHouse. "While his fans stood in line waiting for a signed copy of his book, lights from camera's flashed, video cameras recorded, Mr. Patterson turned to me a whispered some helpful hints and acknowledged our marketing efforts. "You're doing it right. Be consistent. Keep with it. It will pay off in the end," he said to me. And, you know what? I believe him."

When Pero learned about Patterson's endorsement, Pero said with a grin, "The plan is working."

When Balkind learned about the endorsement he began to shake with joy. At the time of this press release he is still shaking.

For further information regarding this piece, please contact Shannon Oster at 412.436.3100 or soster@sterlinghousepublisher.com