When I wrote my own newsletter back in the dark ages, I interviewed many life time writers, established authors, newer published people, and what I liked to call “First Offenders” in BLANK I had the good fortune to talk to one first offender who is now a long time established author, and last night’s Edgar … Read more
The marvelous Janet Rudolph was at the Mystery Writers Of America banquet this evening–and was wonderfully fast to put out to the public the winners of this years Edgars. Please check out her swell site with all the fantastic winners. One was Mo Hayder, whom I interviewed when her first book was released. I’m going … 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
One of the amazing incidents I encountered when a bookseller for a major mystery store in Manhattan, was introducing one author to another and watching their interaction. Sometimes authors arrived at their current profession via other routes, ones where they may have gained success and fame, and now are trying their hand at writing. As … Read more
“The late, great Charlotte Armstrong once found herself at a party, and she met a woman who asked what she did. Charlotte replied, “I’m a novelist.” “What do you write?” asked the woman. Charlotte responded, “Mysteries.” The woman replied, “Oh, I don’t even have the time to read good books.” Good books. Whatever they are. Why are … Read more
The last time I attended the festivities surrounding the Edgar Allan Poe Awards, given out yearly for the best in crime fiction, I was working for A&E mysteries.com as their online mystery book moderator. As such, I was responsible for choosing an author to read and discuss each month. I’d chosen a variety of wonderful … Read more
