Mystery/Crime Fiction
- Mystery Authors Born in May
- Blogs about Mystery Books and Auth
- Amazon's Kindle
- Win A Prisoner of Birth
- Mystery Writers Born in April
- 2007 Agatha Awards
- Libraries around the World
- Irish Murder Mysteries
- Mystery Writers Born in March
- Women's Murder Club Cocktail
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.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Amazon.com has set its sights on revolutionizing the way consumers read books with its new portable reading device, called "Kindle."
Released in mid-November, the device is about the size of a paperback novel. Kindle retails for $399 and holds up to 200 titles, right at your fingertips. It's easy-to-read screen adapts to inside or outside light and you can read for days before having to recharge the battery. My feelings are mixed about the Kindle. There's just something soothing about holding a novel in your hands, rather than a plastic device. However, Kindle does have advantages. And good news: after months of back orders, Amazon now has Kindle's in stock. Here are my thoughts on the pros and cons:
Advantages:
Advantages:
- Ideal for those who live away from big city bookstores or those who travel regularly.
- Auto-delivery of newspapers from around the world is a nice feature.
- Easy to carry and you never lose your place.
- Instant downloads of more than 90,000 books and newspapers.
- The price. To me, you can buy a lot of books for the $399 cost.
- Currently, Kindle is only available to customers in the United States.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
We're giving away a copy of Archer's "A Prisoner of Birth," released in March of 2008. See the details below.
To win the book, just leave a comment in the discussion section, sharing what your favorite book of 2008 (so far) has been.
I'll draw at random from those that leave a comment. The deadline is 11:59pm EDT on April 26. The winner must be a United States or Canadian resident (the postage is just too high otherwise). Only one entry per person, please.
"A Prisioner of Birth" tells the story of Danny Cartwright, a young man in London who has just proposed to his pregnant girlfriend, Beth. Beth's brother is killed while the group is celebrating the engagement and Danny is sentenced to 22 years for a crime he didn't commit.
Good Luck to all!
I'll draw at random from those that leave a comment. The deadline is 11:59pm EDT on April 26. The winner must be a United States or Canadian resident (the postage is just too high otherwise). Only one entry per person, please.
"A Prisioner of Birth" tells the story of Danny Cartwright, a young man in London who has just proposed to his pregnant girlfriend, Beth. Beth's brother is killed while the group is celebrating the engagement and Danny is sentenced to 22 years for a crime he didn't commit.
Good Luck to all!
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
April, the month of rebirth and new beginnings, is the birthday month of many popular mystery authors.
Among the many writers born in April are:
Tom Clancy -- April 12 -- Clancy is the author of over three dozen novels, mostly Cold War thrillers, among the best known of which are Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October. He is married to fellow writer, Alexandra Marie Llewellyn.
Scott Turow -- April 12 -- Best known for his 1985 novel Presumed Innocent, ranked one of the best mystery novels of all time by the Mystery Guild of America, Turow is the author of eight novels and two non-fiction works and has sold over 25 million works. His most recent work is the 2006 courtroom drama, Limitations. In addition to writing, Turow is a practicing lawyer. He lives outside of Chicago.
Janet Evanovich -- April 22 -- Bestselling mystery writer, Janet Evanovich is the author of 15 mystery novels, featuring private detective Stepanie Plum, as well as two NASCAR mysteries, featuring Alexandra Barnaby. She divides her time between New Hampshire and Florida. Her latest novel, Plum Lucky, was published in January of 2008.
Dame Edith Ngaio Marsh -- April 23 -- One of the great classic 20th century British mystery writers, Ngaio Marsh penned 32 mystery novels, all featuring detective Roderick Alleyn. Born and educated in New Zealand, Dame Marsh divided her time between her native country and England. She died in 1982.
Sue Grafton -- April 24 -- Grafton is the contemporary American author of 19 mystery novels, featuring private detective Kinsey Milhone. She is married with grown children and many grandchildren (including one named Kinsey). She and her husband divide their time between Santa Barbara and Louisville. Her latest novel in the series, T is for Trespass, was released in December of 2007.
Happy Birthday to all!
Tom Clancy -- April 12 -- Clancy is the author of over three dozen novels, mostly Cold War thrillers, among the best known of which are Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October. He is married to fellow writer, Alexandra Marie Llewellyn.
Scott Turow -- April 12 -- Best known for his 1985 novel Presumed Innocent, ranked one of the best mystery novels of all time by the Mystery Guild of America, Turow is the author of eight novels and two non-fiction works and has sold over 25 million works. His most recent work is the 2006 courtroom drama, Limitations. In addition to writing, Turow is a practicing lawyer. He lives outside of Chicago.
Janet Evanovich -- April 22 -- Bestselling mystery writer, Janet Evanovich is the author of 15 mystery novels, featuring private detective Stepanie Plum, as well as two NASCAR mysteries, featuring Alexandra Barnaby. She divides her time between New Hampshire and Florida. Her latest novel, Plum Lucky, was published in January of 2008.
Dame Edith Ngaio Marsh -- April 23 -- One of the great classic 20th century British mystery writers, Ngaio Marsh penned 32 mystery novels, all featuring detective Roderick Alleyn. Born and educated in New Zealand, Dame Marsh divided her time between her native country and England. She died in 1982.
Sue Grafton -- April 24 -- Grafton is the contemporary American author of 19 mystery novels, featuring private detective Kinsey Milhone. She is married with grown children and many grandchildren (including one named Kinsey). She and her husband divide their time between Santa Barbara and Louisville. Her latest novel in the series, T is for Trespass, was released in December of 2007.
Happy Birthday to all!
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
The Agatha Awards, given out each spring by the Malice Domestic Convention, have announced their nominees for 2007.
The Agathas, named for the genre's best-selling author Agatha Christie, are awarded to the best first novel, best novel, best non-fiction work, and best young adult novel in the mystery genre. The awards will be presented at the Malice Domestic XX Convention's banquet in May of 2008 in Arlington, Virginia.
The nominees for Best Novel are:
Good Luck to all of the writers.
The nominees for Best Novel are:
- The Penguin Who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews
- Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
- Hard Row by Margaret Maron
- A Fatal Grace by Louis Penny
- Murder with Reservations by Elaine Viet
- A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch
- A Real Basket Case by Beth Groundwater
- Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
- Prime Time by Philippi Ryan
Good Luck to all of the writers.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
The Kindle may be the latest thing in the book world, but nothing beats a library for style and beauty.
The people over at the Curious Expeditions, a travel blog, have compiled a list (complete with photos) of 30+ of the world's most beautiful libraries, including those in Prague, Paris, Boston, Oxford, and Vienna. If you are a booklover, I challenge you not to drool.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
As St. Patrick's Day approaches, reach for one of these Irish-themed mysteries.
For St. Patrick's Day, consider these Irish mystery novels:
Christine Falls -- The first mystery novel by Booker-Prize winner, John Banville (The Sea) writing as Benjamin Black. This well-written 2007 novel is set in 1950s Dublin and traces the tragic death of Christine Falls and the circumstances surrounding it.
Irish Linen -- Another offering from profilic priest/author Andrew Greeley, this 2007 novel features Irish-American sleuth and songstress Nuala McGrail and her family. The action is split between a 1940s WWII mystery and a present missing person case.
The St. Patrick's Day Murder -- This fourth in the Christine Bennett series by Lee Harris focuses on the murder of a friend and New York police officer on the night of St. Patrick's Day. As Christine investigates, small inconsistencies become important and her faith in the NYPD system is rocked to the core.
St. Patrick's Day Murder -- Another cozy mystery named after St. Patrick's Day, this 14th installment in Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone series finds the usually quiet Maine town of Tinker's Cove involved in a brutal and baffling murder.
Christine Falls -- The first mystery novel by Booker-Prize winner, John Banville (The Sea) writing as Benjamin Black. This well-written 2007 novel is set in 1950s Dublin and traces the tragic death of Christine Falls and the circumstances surrounding it.
Irish Linen -- Another offering from profilic priest/author Andrew Greeley, this 2007 novel features Irish-American sleuth and songstress Nuala McGrail and her family. The action is split between a 1940s WWII mystery and a present missing person case.
The St. Patrick's Day Murder -- This fourth in the Christine Bennett series by Lee Harris focuses on the murder of a friend and New York police officer on the night of St. Patrick's Day. As Christine investigates, small inconsistencies become important and her faith in the NYPD system is rocked to the core.
St. Patrick's Day Murder -- Another cozy mystery named after St. Patrick's Day, this 14th installment in Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone series finds the usually quiet Maine town of Tinker's Cove involved in a brutal and baffling murder.
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
March may be cold and dreary in the Northeast and Midwest, but there is no lack of talented writers born this month.
Among the mystery writers with March birthdays are:
James Ellroy - March 4 -- This contemporary mystery writer is the author of 12 novels plus an autobiography and several collections of short stories. He is best known for his novels that were made into movies: LA Confidential and the Black Dahlia.
Mickey Spillane - March 9 -- This popular pulp mystery writer, who died in 2006, was best known for his Mike Hammer detective series. Spillane's books were the subject of the television series, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer and several of his books were made into movies, most notably, Kiss Me Deadly.
Carl Hiaasen - March 12 -- Carl Hiaasen is a native Floridian and the author of eleven novels, including Striptease (the basis for the 1996 Demi Moore movie) and his most recent Nature Girl, as well as two children's books. He also writes a weekly column for the Miami Herald.
Lawrence Sanders - March 15 -- This 20th century American mystery writer penned over 40 novels, including The Anderson Tapes and The First Deadly Sin, which were both made into movies. He received the Edgar Award for best first novel in 1971.
James Patterson - March 22 - This prolific -- and popular -- author has penned (or co-penned) 42 novels to date. He is best known for his Alex Cross series and his Women's Murder Club Series. He has also recently branched out into young adult fiction with Maximum Ride, published in 2006. His most recent work is 7th Heaven, published in February.
Dana Stabenow - March 27 -- This contemporary novelist has written over 20 mystery novels, most of which are set in her native Alaska. She won an Edgar for A Cold Day for Murder. Her most recent work is Prepared for Rage.
Happy Birthday to all!
James Ellroy - March 4 -- This contemporary mystery writer is the author of 12 novels plus an autobiography and several collections of short stories. He is best known for his novels that were made into movies: LA Confidential and the Black Dahlia.
Mickey Spillane - March 9 -- This popular pulp mystery writer, who died in 2006, was best known for his Mike Hammer detective series. Spillane's books were the subject of the television series, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer and several of his books were made into movies, most notably, Kiss Me Deadly.
Carl Hiaasen - March 12 -- Carl Hiaasen is a native Floridian and the author of eleven novels, including Striptease (the basis for the 1996 Demi Moore movie) and his most recent Nature Girl, as well as two children's books. He also writes a weekly column for the Miami Herald.
Lawrence Sanders - March 15 -- This 20th century American mystery writer penned over 40 novels, including The Anderson Tapes and The First Deadly Sin, which were both made into movies. He received the Edgar Award for best first novel in 1971.
James Patterson - March 22 - This prolific -- and popular -- author has penned (or co-penned) 42 novels to date. He is best known for his Alex Cross series and his Women's Murder Club Series. He has also recently branched out into young adult fiction with Maximum Ride, published in 2006. His most recent work is 7th Heaven, published in February.
Dana Stabenow - March 27 -- This contemporary novelist has written over 20 mystery novels, most of which are set in her native Alaska. She won an Edgar for A Cold Day for Murder. Her most recent work is Prepared for Rage.
Happy Birthday to all!
Posted by
Sandy Mitchell
Sandy Mitchell
Playing on the success of the ABC series "Women's Murder Club," based on the books by James Patterson, the author's Web site has created a cocktail.
The concoction uses vodka, oranges (blood oranges, of course), orange juice, and bitters. For the complete recipe, visit James Patterson's Web site.
The latest book in the series, "7th Heaven," was released this month. Look for a review of it soon on Mystery and Crime Fiction at Suite 101.
The latest book in the series, "7th Heaven," was released this month. Look for a review of it soon on Mystery and Crime Fiction at Suite 101.
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