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Probably best known for his mystery writing, Sallis is the author of the new highly anticipated biography of African American mystery writer and realist Chester Himes. Himes wrote several books in the late 50s like The Real Cool Killers, and Cotton Comes to Harlem. Sallis has also published several science fiction stories as well as the Lew Griffin mystery series. His book about the lives of noir writers Difficult Lives, came out last year.

Book Critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the new true crime book, Facing the Wind .

NPR's Eric Weiner in Jerusalem reports Palestinians are vowing to continue their uprising against Israeli occupation despite yesterday's Israeli missile attacks in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel is warning there will be further moves against Yasser Arafat's supporters until he orders a halt to attacks on Israelis.

NPR's Rob Gifford reports that a Chinese government spokesman said Tuesday that Gao Zhan, a U.S.- based academic, had confessed to spying. The husband of the American University professor detained in China denies Chinese accusations that she spied for foreign intelligence agencies. The couple and their son were detained on February 11th, although the husband and son were later released.

His new film Memento, is about a man who is unable to make new memories since the violent murder of his wife. Now without a short term memory, he seeks to avenge her death. The movie stars Guy Pearce, with Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano. The script for Memento was based on a short story written by Johnathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan's brother. Memento is Christopher Nolan's second feature film; his first was the critically acclaimed 1998 film Following.

Host Renee Montagne talks with Richard Cook, co-author of Penguin Books' new Guide to Jazz on CD. Thousands of reviews of jazz cds are included in this 1,700-page book -- a virtual jazz primer. The book: The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, by Richard Cook, Brian Morton. (7:19)Music used in Renee Montagne's interview with Richard Cook, co-author of The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD: 1. Duke Ellington-Jungle Nights in Harlem (FROM CD: Highlights from the Centennial Edition, RCA Victor) 2.Duke Ellington- Far East Suite Isfahan (FROM CD: Highlights from the Centennial Edition, RCA Victor) 3.Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers- A Night in Tunisia (FROM CD: Night in Tunisia, BLUE NOTE) 4.Medeski Martin and Wood- Sugar Craft (from CD: Combustication, BLUE NOTE) 5. Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers- Hipsippy Blues (from CD: At the Jazz Corner of the World, BLUE NOTE)

Reese Erlich reports from Jamaica on the dramatic drop in homicides in Kingston's most dangerous neighborhoods.

Ken Tucker reviews the new CD from R&B group, Public Announcement.

NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports that the chief of National Forest Service is stepping down. Mike Dombeck says his land management philosophy of stewardship over development is out of sync with the views of the Bush administration.

Sports commentator Frank Deford winds-up for baseball's spring training with a strike zone pitch.