In the mid 2000’s, I had a website where I sold vintage illustration jewelry. For each category I wrote a description. Within the Girl Sleuths subject was a sub category of just Nancy Drew pins. Instead of describing the dust jacket art, I decided to write a little ditty using Nancy and her entourage for … Read more
The gradual or sudden lack of desire to pick up a book and read occurs frequently to me. There’s no discernible reason for it. One day I’m finishing an exciting thriller, the next I can’t find the interest to open my favorite author’s latest book. No specific time of the year, week, or day indicates a … Read more
I receive e-mails from ABE.com, from time to time, regarding various fun book subjects, but one I never bothered clicking on is their monthly roundup of most expensive books. I suppose I didn’t think it was worth my attention, seeing as I couldn’t afford whatever it was that sold. But, bored, my curiosity finally piqued, … Read more
The annual conference that ran Friday through early Sunday, named the winners of the coveted teapot, The Agatha. The Malice Domestic Conference is always held at the end of April, on the Friday after the Mystery Writers of America has their banquet, citing the best in crime fiction by bestowing authors with a bust of … Read more
Occasionally I enjoy sharing with others those odd offbeat oldies crime novels that have been forgotten my most, but treasured by few. This one is perfect for a lover of city crime and action. Murder For A Wanton , Whitman Chambers, Caxton House 1939 Ernie Hynes, former star reporter for the Sun-Telegram newspaper has taken up the … Read more
Right off the bat, I need to tell you that there is a spoiler alert on this article. I will not be holding any thing back when I discuss this harrowing read by Stephen Dobyns. I almost never divulge important plot points or the ending–but the subject of the book, it’s theme, deserves some delving … Read more
Or so I believe. At least as far as crime fiction is concerned. It seems as though you can’t swing a dead body at a fan convention without hitting at least a dozen wannabe writers. It’s become so overwhelming, that conventions such as Malice Domestic and Bouchercon, the two premier conferences, seem to consist of … Read more
My mother was confused when I referred to the bathroom as the loo. When I explained it was the British equivalent of toilet, or bathroom, she mused with puzzlement, “But the House Hunters show when in England calls it a water closet.” I then had to explain that there is a difference between the loo, … Read more
