Bestselling thriller author Chris Pavone will sign copies of his latest, "The Accident," tonight in Madison's R.J. Julia Booksellers.

Pavone, who spent two decades as an editor in several Manhattan publishing houses, won an Edgar Award for his first book, a 2012 spy thriller called "The Expats."

In "The Accident," an anonymous manuscript lands in the hands of a tired literary agent named Isabel Reed. The more she reads, though, the more astounded she becomes.

If it's true, the book contains secrets that could destroy many of the most powerful politicians and business moguls in America. Despite Reed's efforts, a few copies of the manuscript leak out - and efforts by darker forces to contain the damage are swift and violent.

- RICK KOSTER

Chris Pavone, 7 tonight, R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison; free, RSVP to reserve a seat; (203) 245-3959, rjjulia.com, chrispavone.com