Warrigal Press held a book launch on Saturday, 4th February 2006 for more than 100 curious Joe Blake 'fans-to-be'. It was hoped that Joe Blake would make it to the book launch, but during publisher Bob Sheppard's speech to the attendees, Joe Blake rang to inform Bob that he was unable to make it. Joe Blake had been returning from extended leave in Kalbarri where he had been surfing and relaxing, and was on his way back to Perth for the launch when he was picked up off the Brand Highway by a police helicopter to deal with a high profile kidnapping. More details of this case will be available in the upcoming novel, The Bikies Cage, due for release in late 2006/early 2007. Joe Blake apologised for not attending and Bob read a short prepared statement. Fortunately Joe had already signed a number of books.
The cover art provided by Lauren Gale and Paul Ikin was auctioned, with all proceeds going to the students. Signed book launch prints of the cover art were sold for $150 and $170, respectively. Warrigal Press thanks the purchasers and the artists for doing a wonderful job.
The book launch was supposed to go from 4-6 p.m., however everyone was having such a wonderful time that a few revellers still remained at 12:30, and Bob's fridge was nearly empty.
Warrigal Press is looking forward to making the book launch an annual event.
Joe Blake's prepared statement:
I have written this brief statement in case I can't attend. Unfortunately, criminals are not considerate when you are the state's top crime fighter. You need to be flexible. The reason I am not attending today is because I am off on special police business.
I hope you enjoy reading Murder is Never Pretty ... Even When the Corpse is a Blonde. I enjoyed writing the book but I didn't enjoy the case. The sight of a beautiful blonde lying on her bedroom carpet with her brains splattered still haunts me to this day. At present, I am writing my next novel Warning Shots Last and have almost completed it. You can expect to see it later this year.
Warrigal Press has done a great job with the production of 'Murder is Never Pretty' and I appreciate the help of Paul Ikin and Lauren Gale in creating the covers, and also the other students and lecturers from TAFE who participated in the exercise.
People ask me why I chose Warrigal Press to publish my memoirs. From the moment that I first spoke to Bob after he read the manuscript I knew he was the man for the job. Warrigal Press is one of the few presses in Australia which would have the courage to publish a book like mine. Warrigal Press along with Hesperian Press are two of the few presses in Australia who do not live on government handouts. I wanted to steer clear of that arty farty crew down at Freo. The taxpayers are supporting me and keeping me in tires for my super charged Commodore, so I couldn't ask them to fork out for a book as well!
Over the last few weeks I have spent a fair bit of time with Bob and his family. Hannah has done a great job producing the Joe Blake website. I also enjoyed the in-depth interview we carried out a few weeks ago. I must admit, she cracked me up when she said she didn't know what a 'pants man' was. I believe that Hannah has a great future as a Journalist, and I hear that she is going to Curtin next year to study it. As an ex-university student, I can assure Hannah that she will meet lots of 'pants men' at university.
Zack has created the audio file for chapter one of my novel, what a great job. Zack has amazed me with his knowledge of firearms, ballistics, violent games and battle tactics, encouraging signs and his parents should be proud of him. What a fine chap.
I have had the opportunity to spent some time with Rebecca. Some of the greatest eye candy I have ever seen. WHAT A GORGEOUS BLONDE, and a lovely girl. I swear to god, if she wasn't married... well... I'd be haunting Mundaring, let's just say that. Rebecca tells me that Bob is a miserable bastard and purchased all the drinks. Everybody make sure you get your fair share, because it's not very often that it happens. Enjoy the afternoon, and enjoy my book. Please, if you have any questions, email me at joeblake@joeblake.com.au. I will answer EVERY email and post the reply on my web page.
