The Literary Guild® Honors The 500 by Matthew Quirk With National Black Ribbon Distinction

NEW YORK, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Literary Guild®, a division of Direct Brands, Inc., is pleased to announce our latest National Black Ribbon selection: The 500 by Matthew Quirk. This gripping thriller debut, chosen unanimously by our expert editors, is a riveting page-turner set deep in the heart of the world's most powerful political arena. Each National Black Ribbon edition includes a black satin ribbon bound directly into the book.

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"For a book lover, there's no greater thrill than discovering a totally fresh new author with loads of talent" said Sharon Fantera, SVP/Editorial Director, Direct Brands, Inc. "Our loyal members look to us to introduce them to these gifted writers whose work they might not have otherwise known." Christine Zika, Editor-in-Chief of The Literary Guild® said, "The 500's Mike Ford is the classic underdog who takes on the corrupt establishment in this novel that will have you reading non-stop."

Author Matthew Quirk states, "I'm so honored to be chosen for the Black Ribbon Award and to have a chance to share The 500 with club members."

The National Black Ribbon program recognizes debut novelists who bring a fresh voice to suspense writing, books our panel believes deserve special attention.  Our experienced and passionate panel consists of editors from our iconic portfolio of book clubs, including The Literary Guild®, Book-of-the-Month Club®, Doubleday Book Club® and Mystery Guild®.

PREVIOUS NATIONAL BLACK RIBBON SELECTIONS ARE:
The Professionals by Owen Laukkanen
The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Think of A Number by John Verdon
Level 26: Dark Origins by Anthony Zuiker with Duane Swierczynski

The Literary Guild® was established in 1927 with one goal in mind: to bring the best work of contemporary writers directly to the American public by connecting readers, writers, and publishers. For the past 85 years, the Literary Guild® has been proud to bring its members books of excellent content, at the best prices around. Authors such as Harper Lee, John Grisham, James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks were recognized and spotlighted by The Literary Guild® for their unique talents before they were household names.  You can visit The Literary Guild® at www.theliteraryguild.com.  The Literary Guild® is operated by Direct Brands' affiliate Bookspan. Direct Brands, Inc. is also home to Book-of-the-Month Club, Doubleday Book Club and Columbia House.

About The National Black Ribbon Program: The distinguished editors who choose the National Black Ribbon titles bring a combined 85 years of expertise in selecting books that entertain book-loving audiences.  They are: Sharon Fantera, SVP, Editorial Director, Direct Brands, Christine Zika, Editor-in-Chief, The Literary Guild®, Deborah Sinclaire, Editor-in-Chief, Book-of-the-Month Club®, Jennifer Hufford, Editor-in-Chief, Doubleday Book Club®, Jane Dentinger, Editor-in-Chief, Mystery Guild® and Catherine Wallach, Editor, Book-of-the-Month Club®.

About the book: The 500 is about Mike Ford, a former con artist who's been plucked from his Harvard Law classroom to be an associate at The Davies Group, Washington's top high-powered consulting firm. Their specialty:  peddling influence for the 500 most powerful people inside the Beltway. The formidable namesake of the firm, Henry Davies, knows everyone who matters; more importantly, he knows their deepest, darkest secrets. With Mike, he believes he's found a protege to tackle his most high-stakes deal yet. Pulled into Henry's dangerous web of unimaginable corruption, Mike struggles to find his way out. But how do you save your soul when you've made a deal with the devil?

About the author: Matthew Quirk studied history and literature at Harvard College.  After graduation, he spent five years at The Atlantic reporting on crimes, private military contractors, the opium trade, terrorism prosecutions, and international gangs.  He lives outside Washington, D.C.

SOURCE The Literary Guild