After finding the ABE article about books exploring the theme of twins, I became intrigued, and realized I had one of the titles in my TBR pile. It had been there quite awhile. I think because every time I’d pick it up I’d veto reading it at that moment on the basis of needing something … Read more
My mother is the culprit behind my love of mysteries. Her Nancy Drews, Judy Boltons, and various other juvenile mysteries were handed down to me, and I read them voraciously. Naturally, Nancy Drew titles and plots lingered in my mind long after my childhood books had been sent on to another needy family member. Judy … Read more
My father didn’t read. Ok, he read the newspaper and model railroading magazines. But fiction? No. The exceptions were located at a shopping spot called the Mart, where stalls contained various low key vendors, meaning, most of the stuff in the place consisted of velvet Elvis paintings, soft pretzels, and troll dolls. One stall sold … Read more
Recently, an article highlighting prolific writer and fantastic sales person, James Patterson, brought to the forefront his foray into YA lit. I somehow missed the beginning of this venture. He apparently released his adult suspense novel on the same day a YA novel was also released. And critics find this to be a sales ploy … Read more
Serial Killer Days—David Prill—1996–available Forget competing for Miss America, the real prize is to become Scream Queen at Standard Springs’ annual parade honoring their local serial killer who arrives during the festivities to slaughter another member of the upstanding community. Back in 1996, the dark humor was appreciated and hilarious. Today, it rings a little … Read more
Jan Burke, one of the rare women who have succeeded in the usually male world of hardboiled suspense novels, has a new title out–a sequel to her Edgar Award winning novel, Bones, and the tenth in the Irene Kelly series. I was first aware of Ms. Burke back in the 90s when then President Bill … Read more
Each year the premier fan club for Rex Stout and his mystery series starring Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, The Wolfe Pack, have a banquet honoring those who have written a crime novel most in the style and spirit as a Nero Wolfe title. The lucky winner receives the Wolfe Award. Here are this year’s … Read more
A dentist? Zane Grey gave up dentistry to become the most famous western pulp fiction author? I guess he just couldn’t sink his teeth into the profession. This interesting factoid and a couple of others highlight a look at the prolific output of Mr. Grey and his influence on our ideas of what the West … Read more
