Mystery/Crime Fiction
- ThrillerFest 2008
- Save on Kindle
- Mystery Writers Born in July
- Sherlock Holmes and the Law
- Is There a Harry Potter Prequel?
- Mystery Novels Coming in June 2008
- Mystery Authors Born in June
- 1001 Books you Must Read
- Mystery Authors Born in May
- Blogs about Mystery Books and Auth
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
More than 200 writers of Thrillers are descending on the sidewalks of New York City July 9-12 for the 3rd annual ThrillerFest.
Among those participating are Dr. Kathy Reichs, Eric Van Lustbader, Lee Child, Maxine Paetro, Heather Graham, and David Morrell. Events include author signings, a complete on-premise bookstore, a readers' reception and cocktail party, and giveaways of advance copies of up-coming thrillers.
One of the highlights of the four-day event is the presentation of the ThrillerMaster Award, whose past receipients include Clive Cussler and James Patterson. This year's honor goes to Sandra Brown , whose latest novel, "Smoke Screen" is coming out in August.
Nominees for the Thriller Award for Best Novel include "No Time for Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay, "The Watchman" by Robert Crais, "The Ghost" by Robert Harris, "The Crime Writer" by Gregg Hurwitz, and "Trouble" by Jesse Kellerman.
Nominated for the Best First Novel are "Interred with their Bones" by Jennifer Lee Carrell, "Big City, Bad Blood" by Sean Chercover, "From the Depths" by Gerry Doyle, "Volk's Game" by Brent Ghelfi, and "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill.
ThrillerFest is being held in and around the Grand Hyatt near the city's Grand Central Station. Day passes and four-day passes are both available. For more information on registration, visit the ThrillerFest Web site.
One of the highlights of the four-day event is the presentation of the ThrillerMaster Award, whose past receipients include Clive Cussler and James Patterson. This year's honor goes to Sandra Brown , whose latest novel, "Smoke Screen" is coming out in August.
Nominees for the Thriller Award for Best Novel include "No Time for Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay, "The Watchman" by Robert Crais, "The Ghost" by Robert Harris, "The Crime Writer" by Gregg Hurwitz, and "Trouble" by Jesse Kellerman.
Nominated for the Best First Novel are "Interred with their Bones" by Jennifer Lee Carrell, "Big City, Bad Blood" by Sean Chercover, "From the Depths" by Gerry Doyle, "Volk's Game" by Brent Ghelfi, and "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill.
ThrillerFest is being held in and around the Grand Hyatt near the city's Grand Central Station. Day passes and four-day passes are both available. For more information on registration, visit the ThrillerFest Web site.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Kindle the electronic reading device that lets you read hundreds of books, magazines, and newspapers all in one portable package is now (slightly) more affordable.
Amazon.com announced last week that they have reduced Kindle's price to $359--down from $399. In addition, they've added new books and periodicals and now feature more than 130,000 items.
The best news is that Kindle is now readily available--no more back orders.
If you're like me and have been watching this device coveteously, the price reduction just might be the incentive you need. Kindle is available exclusively from Amazon.com.
The best news is that Kindle is now readily available--no more back orders.
If you're like me and have been watching this device coveteously, the price reduction just might be the incentive you need. Kindle is available exclusively from Amazon.com.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Cancer and Leo must be creative signs, since so many of the mystery genre's best writers are born during July.
Among the mystery authors born during July are:
Mildred Wirt Benson (Carolyn Keene) -- July 10 -- The original ghostwriter for the Nancy Drew mystery series, Mildred Benson wrote 25 of the first 29 books in this series, from 1929 to 1947. She died in 2002 and was awarded an Edgar posthumously.
Erle Stanley Gardner -- July 17 -- Mr. Gardner was a mid-20th century author who wrote dozens of mostly pulp detective stories under a variety of names. He is best known, however, for his Perry Mason series. Erle Stanley Gardner died in 1970.
Michael Connelly -- July 21 -- This contemporary American writer has penned 18 novels as well as several collections of short stories, screenplays, and non fiction works. He is best known for his "Harry" Bosch series, the most recent of which were Echo Park (2006) and Overlook (2007). He lives in Florida with his family.
Raymond Chandler -- July 23 -- Raymond Chandler wrote just seven novels, all between 1939 and 1959, but they are some of the best of the mystery genre. His works all feature L.A. private detective, Philip Marlowe and include Farewell My Lovely, the Big Sleep, and the Long Goodbye, for which he won an Edgar Award.
Faye Kellerman -- July 31 -- The female member of the profilic Kellerman writing clan, Faye Kellerman is the author of 19 mystery novels, 16 of which feature L.A. police detective Peter Decker.
J.K. Rowling -- July 31 -- Joanne "Jo" Rowling is the author of the immensely popular Harry Potter series, the seventh (and final) novel of which was released last summer. Her novels have sold over 325 million copies, making her one of the most popular (and most wealthy) authors of all time. She divides her time between London and Scotland.
Happy Birthday to All!
Mildred Wirt Benson (Carolyn Keene) -- July 10 -- The original ghostwriter for the Nancy Drew mystery series, Mildred Benson wrote 25 of the first 29 books in this series, from 1929 to 1947. She died in 2002 and was awarded an Edgar posthumously.
Erle Stanley Gardner -- July 17 -- Mr. Gardner was a mid-20th century author who wrote dozens of mostly pulp detective stories under a variety of names. He is best known, however, for his Perry Mason series. Erle Stanley Gardner died in 1970.
Michael Connelly -- July 21 -- This contemporary American writer has penned 18 novels as well as several collections of short stories, screenplays, and non fiction works. He is best known for his "Harry" Bosch series, the most recent of which were Echo Park (2006) and Overlook (2007). He lives in Florida with his family.
Raymond Chandler -- July 23 -- Raymond Chandler wrote just seven novels, all between 1939 and 1959, but they are some of the best of the mystery genre. His works all feature L.A. private detective, Philip Marlowe and include Farewell My Lovely, the Big Sleep, and the Long Goodbye, for which he won an Edgar Award.
Faye Kellerman -- July 31 -- The female member of the profilic Kellerman writing clan, Faye Kellerman is the author of 19 mystery novels, 16 of which feature L.A. police detective Peter Decker.
J.K. Rowling -- July 31 -- Joanne "Jo" Rowling is the author of the immensely popular Harry Potter series, the seventh (and final) novel of which was released last summer. Her novels have sold over 325 million copies, making her one of the most popular (and most wealthy) authors of all time. She divides her time between London and Scotland.
Happy Birthday to All!
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
A British reader of this site recently sent me an email asking if Sherlock Holmes drug use broke the law and if he bent/broke the law in solving any case.
The answers are no and yes, in that order.
Sherlock Holmes Drug Use
Sherlock Holmes is depicted in the Arthur Conan Doyle series of novels and short stories as an occasional user of cocaine and morphine, both derivatives of opium. Drug use was largely unregulated in the 19th century.
The recreational use of these substances was not addressed until the (non-binding) International Opium Committee, which convened in Shanghai in 1909. The later International Opium Convention, held in The Hague in 1912, set down guidelines for controlling the traffic of opium and opium derivatives, but was not made into law until it was included into the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 by the UK, France, the United States, Italy, and others.
The Sherlock Holmes stories all take place between 1878 and 1903, thus Mr. Holmes drug use was legal.
Sherlock Holmes and Bending the Law
The Sherlock Holmes stories are a project of the Victorian Age, where a gentleman felt obligated to do whatever necessary to help a woman in distress or to aid a good cause. That Holmes-esque tenent is still prevalent in modern day detective fiction. Holmes never committed a major crime in solving his cases, but there are numerous instances of breaking and entering, burglery, and concealing evidence. A few examples are:
Sherlock Holmes Drug Use
Sherlock Holmes is depicted in the Arthur Conan Doyle series of novels and short stories as an occasional user of cocaine and morphine, both derivatives of opium. Drug use was largely unregulated in the 19th century.
The recreational use of these substances was not addressed until the (non-binding) International Opium Committee, which convened in Shanghai in 1909. The later International Opium Convention, held in The Hague in 1912, set down guidelines for controlling the traffic of opium and opium derivatives, but was not made into law until it was included into the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 by the UK, France, the United States, Italy, and others.
The Sherlock Holmes stories all take place between 1878 and 1903, thus Mr. Holmes drug use was legal.
Sherlock Holmes and Bending the Law
The Sherlock Holmes stories are a project of the Victorian Age, where a gentleman felt obligated to do whatever necessary to help a woman in distress or to aid a good cause. That Holmes-esque tenent is still prevalent in modern day detective fiction. Holmes never committed a major crime in solving his cases, but there are numerous instances of breaking and entering, burglery, and concealing evidence. A few examples are:
- In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Holmes and Watson break into Dr. Raylott's home in order to prevent a murder.
- In "Scandal in Bohemia," Holmes and Watson break into Irene Norton's (nee Adler) home to obtain a compromising photograph for the King of Bohemia.
- In "The Adventure of the Illustrious Client," a member of the British royal family hires Holmes to break into a home to get his "black book of conquests" back from a former lover.
Is There a Harry Potter Prequel?
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Rumors of a Harry Potter prequel have been rampant in the past few weeks. Author, J. K. Rowling put a stop to all of the speculation this week.
Rowling announced that while there will be no new mass-market Harry Potter novel, she is donating a 800-word, hand-written essay about Harry Potter's origins to be included in a collection of similar essays that will be auctioned off to benefit Dyslexia Action and English PEN, a writers' association.
It's not likely that we mortals will be able to afford the collection. A similar 93-word story-card sold in 2002 for $53,000. To read more about the auction, read this CNN story.
It's not likely that we mortals will be able to afford the collection. A similar 93-word story-card sold in 2002 for $53,000. To read more about the auction, read this CNN story.
Mystery Novels Coming in June 2008
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Just in time for beach reading season, some of the bestselling mystery authors are releasing their latest works.
Among the new mystery novels coming in June are:
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child
Resolution by Robert Parker
Sail by James Patterson
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
Happy Reading!
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child
Resolution by Robert Parker
Sail by James Patterson
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
Happy Reading!
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
June ushers in the long, sultry days of summer as well as the birthdays of some of the mystery genre's top writers.
Among the writers born in June are:
Sara Paretsky - June 8 - This contemporary author is best known for her crime series, featuring V.I. Warshawski, one of the first independent female private dectectives. Her lastest novel, "Bleeding Kansas," was published in early 2008. Paretsky grew up in Kansas and now lives in Chicago.
Patricia Cornwell - June 9 - The creator of the forensic crime genre, her Kay Scarpetta series was the precursor to the CSI television shows and the "Bones" novels and series. She has penned more than 20 novels and three non-fiction works. Her latest novel, "The Front," was just released at the end of May.
Tess Gerrittsen - June 12 - A retired medical doctor, Gerritsen is the author of a dozen mystery novels, including the recent "Mephisto Club" and "The Bone Garden." Gerritsen lives in Maine.
Dan Brown - June 22 - The author of the bestselling "The DaVinci Code" and interesting "Angels and Demons," is at work on a new novel to be released in 2009.
Josephine Tey - June 25 - This is the pseudonym that Scottish author, Elizabeth MacIntosh used to pen five mid-20th century mystery novels, featuring Inspector Alan Grant. Among these is "The Daughter of Time." Tey died in 1952.
Happy Birthday to All!
Sara Paretsky - June 8 - This contemporary author is best known for her crime series, featuring V.I. Warshawski, one of the first independent female private dectectives. Her lastest novel, "Bleeding Kansas," was published in early 2008. Paretsky grew up in Kansas and now lives in Chicago.
Patricia Cornwell - June 9 - The creator of the forensic crime genre, her Kay Scarpetta series was the precursor to the CSI television shows and the "Bones" novels and series. She has penned more than 20 novels and three non-fiction works. Her latest novel, "The Front," was just released at the end of May.
Tess Gerrittsen - June 12 - A retired medical doctor, Gerritsen is the author of a dozen mystery novels, including the recent "Mephisto Club" and "The Bone Garden." Gerritsen lives in Maine.
Dan Brown - June 22 - The author of the bestselling "The DaVinci Code" and interesting "Angels and Demons," is at work on a new novel to be released in 2009.
Josephine Tey - June 25 - This is the pseudonym that Scottish author, Elizabeth MacIntosh used to pen five mid-20th century mystery novels, featuring Inspector Alan Grant. Among these is "The Daughter of Time." Tey died in 1952.
Happy Birthday to All!
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Far from being intimidating, as I imagined it would be, this new anthology edited by Peter Boxall, is a pleasant reminder old favorites and an introduction to new ones.
"1001 Books you Must Read Before you Die," was just released in the United States. This 900+ tome starts in the 16th century and continues up to 2005, with the bulk of the books from the 19th and 20th centuries. Boxall enlisted the aid of more than 100 international book critics to choose the titles and the result is an eclectic collection of books. Each entry is accompanied by a brief summary and review and the book is illustrated with marvelous photographs of original book covers, authors portraits and even photos of original, annotated manuscripts.
Mysteries are not extremely well-represented and the book favors British authors. Still some of my favorities, such as Daphne DuMaurier's "Rebecca," LeCarre's "Spy who Came in from the Cold" and "Smiley's People," and Agatha Christie's "Murder of Roger Ackroyd" (the only novel of hers listed), are included.
I expected this book to be a stuffy, academic excercise in literary one-upmanship ("I've read more novels than you have"), but was pleasantly surprised to find it a celebration of fiction throughout the centuries. This book would make a great gift for any book lover (of any fiction genre).
...by the way, my number was 294; what's yours?
Mysteries are not extremely well-represented and the book favors British authors. Still some of my favorities, such as Daphne DuMaurier's "Rebecca," LeCarre's "Spy who Came in from the Cold" and "Smiley's People," and Agatha Christie's "Murder of Roger Ackroyd" (the only novel of hers listed), are included.
I expected this book to be a stuffy, academic excercise in literary one-upmanship ("I've read more novels than you have"), but was pleasantly surprised to find it a celebration of fiction throughout the centuries. This book would make a great gift for any book lover (of any fiction genre).
...by the way, my number was 294; what's yours?
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
The merry month of May brings a new list of birthdays, including some of the mystery genres best.
Among those mystery writers born in May are:
Jeffrey Deaver - May 6 - This journalist, turned lawyer, turned writer has penned more than 20 mystery novels, including "The Bone Collector," which was made into a film. His next novel, "The Broken Window," is due to be released in June.
Daphne DuMaurier - May 13 - The mid-20th century mystery writer is the queen of Gothic mysteries, many of which are set in her native Cornwell. She is most famous for writing "Rebecca" and "The Birds," both of which were made into Alfred Hitchcock movies. DuMaurier died in 1989.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - May 22 - The creator of Sherlock Holmes was a proflic writer and something of a Renaissance man, dabbling in medicine, politics, and the occult. Doyle died in 1930.
Robert Ludlum - May 25 - Ludlum penned 21 thrillers and is best known for his Bourne series, several of which have been made into movies, starring Matt Damon. Ludlum died in 2001.
Dashiell Hammett - May 27 - Called the "Dean of the Hard-Boiled Detective Novel" by the "New York Times," Hammett created some of the mystery genre's most notable characters, including Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. He is best known for penning "The Maltese Falcon." Hammett died in 1961.
Jeffrey Deaver - May 6 - This journalist, turned lawyer, turned writer has penned more than 20 mystery novels, including "The Bone Collector," which was made into a film. His next novel, "The Broken Window," is due to be released in June.
Daphne DuMaurier - May 13 - The mid-20th century mystery writer is the queen of Gothic mysteries, many of which are set in her native Cornwell. She is most famous for writing "Rebecca" and "The Birds," both of which were made into Alfred Hitchcock movies. DuMaurier died in 1989.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - May 22 - The creator of Sherlock Holmes was a proflic writer and something of a Renaissance man, dabbling in medicine, politics, and the occult. Doyle died in 1930.
Robert Ludlum - May 25 - Ludlum penned 21 thrillers and is best known for his Bourne series, several of which have been made into movies, starring Matt Damon. Ludlum died in 2001.
Dashiell Hammett - May 27 - Called the "Dean of the Hard-Boiled Detective Novel" by the "New York Times," Hammett created some of the mystery genre's most notable characters, including Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. He is best known for penning "The Maltese Falcon." Hammett died in 1961.
Blogs about Mystery Books and Auth
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Can't get enough about the latest mystery novel or author? Check out some of my favorite blogs about mystery and crime fiction, mystery authors, and the book business.
Buzz Girl - Not limited to mystery fiction, but interesting nonetheless. This blog is updated frequently and is written by a publisher "insider."
Grumpy Old Bookman - Mostly about crime fiction, written by a British book lover.
The Elegant Variation - Named one of the best blogs -- on any topic -- by several publications, including Forbes Magazine, this well-written blog talks about all things bookish.
A Little Blog of Murder - A fun blog about mysteries and crime fiction, written by five Ohio mystery authors, including Don of the Dead author, Casey Daniels.
Crime Fiction Blog - Keep up to date on the new releases and happenings in the world of crime fiction.
Grumpy Old Bookman - Mostly about crime fiction, written by a British book lover.
The Elegant Variation - Named one of the best blogs -- on any topic -- by several publications, including Forbes Magazine, this well-written blog talks about all things bookish.
A Little Blog of Murder - A fun blog about mysteries and crime fiction, written by five Ohio mystery authors, including Don of the Dead author, Casey Daniels.
Crime Fiction Blog - Keep up to date on the new releases and happenings in the world of crime fiction.
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