Independent Publisher Online Highlights ‘The Guys Who Spied for China’

“We are delighted that IPPY, as Independent Publisher is most often known, has endorsed “The Guys Who Spied for China,” said M.J. Hammond, publisher and president of Minstrel’s Alley. “This roman a clef is a most unusual spy book as it breaks the mold for this genre. It tells the story of what it is like to be suddenly thrust into the world of espionage. The book has received excellent reviews and was a Quarter Finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards.”
Hammond describes the book as quirky and authentic with touches of dark humor that will engage the reader. This is a timely book, given the ongoing headlines about Chinese Espionage and the growing tensions again between the United States and China.”

In endorsing the Minstrel’s Alley publication, Jim Barnes, Editor, Independent Publisher Online wrote the following–
“As if to demonstrate how the recently exposed Russian spy ring could exist, this timely and entertaining book explains how easily you might find yourself with a ‘spy next door,’ or even be recruited to be one yourself! ‘The world is indeed a strange place when your allies and your enemies are often the same,’ muses the hero in a quirky cast of characters involved in the full range of spy activities, from utterly boring surveillance to fiercely violent gun battles. Based on true events, Gordon Basichis’ book brings insight to news stories past and present, and points out just how commonplace international spying really is.”
Gordon Basichis is the author of two previous books, “The Constant Travellers,” and “Beautiful Bad Girl, The Vicki Morgan Story.” He is the co-founder of Corra Group, a Los Angeles based company that conducts employment background checks and corporate research for companies throughout the United States and around the world.
M.J. Hammond is a former entertainment industry executive who founded Minstrel’s Alley to publish popular books not found in mainstream publishing.
“Mainstream publishing has its purpose,” said Hammond. But the industry’s focus on celebrity and genre based books has left readers wanting. We hope to help bring a sense of adventure back to books and publishing.”

Background: Minstrel’s Alley (minstrelsalley.com) is a Los Angeles based independent publisher that seeks to bring adventure back into the publishing industry by publishing books that have popular appeal but with more complexity than the standard mainstream fare. The new publishing group distributes its books through Amazon, Kindle, and assorted Internet outlets as well as through bookstores around the country.