Poisoned Pen Press was founded in 1996 by Barbara Peters, an
ex-librarian who turned to a life of crime selling mysteries with her husband,
Robert Rosenwald, and their daughter. Peters, who founded Scottsdale, Arizona's The
Poisoned Pen, A Mystery Bookstore and More a decade ago, sees
consolidations in the publishing industry as a terrible threat to cultural
diversity and to the survival of the independent bookstore -- ultimately
becoming a subtle form of censorship. Besides, she wants to sell books she
likes.
Poisoned Pen Press
's mission has thus been defined as making available books, whether originals
or reprints, for today's mystery audience. Its books are distributed through
Baker & Taylor and Ingram and are available directly from the publisher and
at mystery and general bookstores everywhere.
Todd McFarlane -- having an affinity for unique horror, mystery and suspense
stories -- jumped at an opportunity to buy into a publishing company in Arizona
which specializes in just that. The partnership with Poisoned Pen Press
will allow Todd McFarlane Entertainment a first look at hundreds of stories in
development from writers across the country. It is our hope that with so many
story ideas at its fingertips, TME will be in an excellent position to reach
the goal of becoming a successful production company.