Musings - Police Procedural, Thriller, and Intrigue

I did a prior post on the differences between Cozy, Traditional, and Amateur Sleuth novels (click here).

Now we will tackle the difference between the detective fiction, police procedurals, thrillers, and intrigue sub-categories of the mystery genre.

Some believe that all mysteries started with detective fiction in mid 1800s and everything from police procedural and thrillers to cozy mysteries has evolved from it.  Whether that is true or not, these categories have developed a lot, particularly in the last few decades.  

This isn't an exhaustive breakdown and analysis but it provides a fair guideline.  These categories are defined differently depending upon who you read/talk to.  I have tried to provide plenty of examples to help illustrate these categories only to aid in understanding what you like and how to find similar novels.  

Detective Fiction to include the Private Detective and CSI,
 

Detective Fiction: For our purposes to define a slice of the bigger mystery genre: The detective (private detective or other professional that is adjacent) investigates a crime, often murder.  Includes the hard-boiled and noir fiction as well as historical detectives.  These range from not much graphic details to gore, depending upon the author.

Many of the historic detective fiction may have a titled or influential/wealthy person investigating even though they don't get paid.  That is a detail of the time period because the titled nobility weren't to "work" for a living, but they still classify as detectives sought out to investigate and use their influence. These can vary from cozy to very gritty. Examples follow:

CS Harris's Sebastion St Cyr

Charles Finch's Charles Lennox series

Andrea Penrose's Wrexford and Sloane series

Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series

Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series

Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series

Dorothy Sayer's Lord Peter Wimsey series

Dashiel Hammet's Sam Spade series

Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe

Jeffrey Dever's Colter Shaw series

CJ Box's Joe Picket (Game Warden) series

Police Procedural

The police procedural is focused on the official law enforcement and its procedures, including police-related topics such as forensic science, autopsies, gathering evidence, search warrants, interrogation, and adherence to legal restrictions and procedures.  They may have more graphic descriptions, swearing, and the harsher side of life shown.

While many police procedurals conceal the criminal's identity until the crime is solved in the climatic killer reveal or confrontation (the so-called whodunit), others reveal the perpetrator's identity to the audience early in the narrative for a twist and more suspense.  Examples follow:

J.D. Robb's In Death series

James Patterson's Detective Alex Cross series

Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee series

James D Doss's Charlie Moon series (early books)

Ian Rankin's Detective Inspector John Rebus series

Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series

Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series

Robert Galbraith Cormoran Strike series

Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series

P.D. James' Adam Dalgliesh series

Jeffrey Dever's Lincoln Rhymes series

Thriller: Suspense, Political, Action, Psychological, Women-
in-jeopardy, Legal etc.

The thriller genre has taken off and contains many subcategories including Suspense thriller, political thriller, legal thriller, medical thriller, psychological thriller, conspiracy thriller, military thriller, and even the serial killer thriller.  Thus, it makes it difficult to provide general description that adequately includes each of these sub-genres.

The thriller umbrella often includes a race against a ticking clock--a sense of urgency, bigger stakes, and higher tension and suspense.  A "thriller" doesn't have to be non-stop action and thrills, although they can.  Thrillers are more about stopping something from happening with little time rather than finding out who already committed a murder or crime.  They can range anywhere from cozy to gritty to violent with sex.  Examples follow:

Dan Brown's novels including Robert Langdon series

Mary Higgins Clark's (Queen of Suspense) body of work. 

David Baldacci's The Camel Club series

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series (some could be intrigue as well)

Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series

James Patterson's Shadow Thrillers

Andrew Mayne's Jessica Blackwood Thrillers

Catherine Coulter's FBI Thrillers

John Grisham Legal Thrillers: The Firm etc.

Lisa Scottoline's Mistaken Identity etc.

C.G. Abbot's The Society (click here)

David Baldacci's First Family (Maxwell and King series)

Espionage and Intrigue

This is spy fiction: as in spy vs spy, discovering a spy in your midst, the world of assasins for national security, or domestic terrorist threats.  Typically this involves nations but with real world corporate espionage occuring, that has become furtile ground for novelists, too.  They can vary on violence, language and sex depending upon the author.  Examples follow:

Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series

Stella Rimington's (real life former Director General of MI5) Liz Carlyle series

Gayle Lynds' The Assassins and The Last Spymaster

Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series

David Baldacci's Will Robie series

John le Carré books

Mark Greaney's Gray Man series

Mick Herron's Slough House series

Ian Fleming's James Bond series

There you have the differences between these sub-categories of the Mystery genre.  I hope these give you clarity and aid you in finding what you enjoy so you can find more of that type.  Or, perhaps you have some new books to look into and widen your reading horizons.  That to-be-read pile is getting bigger :-)

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival June 2010

Enrich your children's summer with this fun mystery reading program (ends August 1) http://www.childrensmysterybooks.org/hot-summer-reading.html.  Your child can also join the year long celebration at Year of the Children's Mystery Book at http://www.childrensmysterybooks.org/

The blog carnival relies on submissions from bloggers - so please pass this along to mystery and crime fiction bloggers to join us each month.  It is easy to submit an entry by going here http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_8796.html.

Police Procedural Book Review 

 KerrieS presents THE SILENCE OF THE RAIN by Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza.  Set in Rio de Janeiro, translated from Portuguese, the first novel in the Inspector Espinosa series.

A Few More Pages presents A Dangerous Mourning by Anne Perry.   William Monk is an inspector for London's new Metropolitan Police Force set in Victorian England in the mid-1800s.

KerrieS presents THE SNOWMAN, Jo Nesbo.  Scandinavian crime fiction that you shouldn't miss.

Reactions to Reading gives us A Death in Tuscany by Michele Giuttari.

Mark presents Rolling Thunder by Chris Grabenstein. 

  Private Investigator Book Review 

 Mysteries in Paradise presents B-Very Flat by Margot Kinberg.  In true Agatha Christie style the reader is led to consider a range of evidence, to discount the red herrings, and work out who is not telling the truth.

Mysteries and My Musings presents the historical mystery Serpent in the Thorns by Jeri Westerson.

Amateur Sleuth book Review 

 S Krishna's Books presents Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell. The greatly anticipated second book after Carrell's Interred With Their Bones brings an original manuscript of Macbeth, one that Kate, our Shakespearean expert and sleuth, has to find.

Jules' Book Reviews gives us The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton.
The murder of a renowned expert in Mayan history lures Lara into the jungles surrounding Merida, Mexico. For in this lush paradise are the temples of the Mayan gods--and the camps of modern-day rebels fighting to save their Mayan heritage. As the body count escalates, Lara must uncover the secrets of the Mayan underworld known as Xibalba--and the journey into the very heart of darkness.

Mysteries and My Musings presents A Cast Off Coven by Juliett Blackwell.

Cozy Mystery Book Review 

Book girl's Nightstand presents Pretty in Ink by Karen Olson. Another madcap adventure awaits talented tattoo artists and business owner, Brett Kavanaugh in Pretty In Ink, the entertaining second installment of the Tattoo Mystery series.

Mason Canyon presents Half-Price Homicide by Elaine Viets.

Mysteries and My Musings presents Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett.

 Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review 

 Missy Frye presents The Ark by Boyd Morrison.  With a chilling premise and a blistering pace, Boyd Morrison combines all the best elements of a blockbuster thriller with an intelligent and fascinating exploration of one of the Old Testament’s great mysteries. 

Blogging Mama Andrea presents Deadline Man by Jon Talton. It is a wonderful first thriller for Jon Talton whose fast pace style and likeable but flawed characters keep the reader wondering what else is peeking around the corner.

Chick Lit Reviews presents Desire by Louise Bagshawe. Lisa Costello is leading a charmed life - until she wakes up the morning after her glamorous Thailand wedding to find her new husband Josh dead in their bed, the murder weapon in her hand.

Mark presents The 9th Judgment by James Patterson. 

Author Interview 

Mysterious Writers provides a great interview with Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster Lawrence Block, bestseller and winner of four Edgar and Shamus awards.

Nigel Beale provides us with an audio interview with William Deverell on How To Write a Great Crime Novel.

 Mysterious Writers provides another great interview with Chris Grabenstien.

Nigel Beale provides another audio interview, this time with crime novelist Denise Mina.

Writing Tips and Advice

Writer Sense gives us Writing Scene Transitions.

Writer Sense gives us Setting Part 1 and Part 2

Heidi Thomas give us Bookkeeping for Writers.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Now for a grin and giggle:

Review - Junkyard Dogs

Today I am finally reviewing the newly released book by Craig Johnson.  You can read the interview he gave me here.  Take a look at the review - it might surprise you, it sure did me.

Author: Craig Johnson

Copyright:  May 27, 2010 (Viking Adult); 306 pgs

Series: #6 in The Walt Longmire Mysteries

Sensuality: Some "F" words and swearing throughout, otherwise mild

Mystery sub-genre: Small Town Police Procedural

Main Character: Sheriff Walt Longmire

Setting: Current day Durant, Wyoming

Obtained book through: Publisher supplied in exchange for an honest review

The Sheriff, and his deputies Victoria (Vic) and Santiago(Sancho) are out in sub-zero temperatures investigating the local junk man who got dragged behind a car for a few miles and survived it (he had been on any icy roof cleaning the chimney and secured himself by rope to the car).  That is how this novel begins, somewhat tongue-in-cheek but three deaths later it is clear that the rural community of Durant Wyoming has a winter crime spree going.  The sheriff has to pick through the first two incidents piecing together the unlikely criminal alliances that had breed in the small town between a junkman, a land developer and a sleeper Aryan Nation gang member.

This book is a soft hard-boiled with humor to keep from getting too bleak.  In line with the somewhat hard boiled aspect the characters are well defined and layered.  Under-sheriff Victoria is a hot-blooded Italian and prior Philadelphia police officer and has the killer attitude to go along with it all.  Santiago is of Basque decent and recently had a close call in the line of duty and is now experiencing post-traumatic-stress from the incident while dealing with a newborn at home.

Walt is the Sheriff you want on your side.  He has a heart way under his sheriff-tough-hide and all the scars he has accumulated from his job. Walt's closest friends are his Saint Bernard/German Shepherd mix dog - named Dog, and Henry Standing Bear (Walt fondly refers to as The Cheyenne Nation) and prior sheriff Lucian.  Walt is a widower of six years now and finds that his body is showing the wear of getting beat up by the job and his heart is dangerously opening to his own deputy - Victoria.

"How's your ass?"

I responded conversationally.  "Fine, how's yours?"

"Unperforated."

David Nickerson, Isaac's new resident, was on EMT duty and had just finished stitching up my posterior when Vic barged in...

"You always provide us with the most pleasant environs for our work."

"I try."

"I guess I should congratulate you on finding an entirely new place on your body for scars."

Nickerson straightened behind me.  He had applied a large gauze patch over my wound, or at least that's what it felt like through the dull ache of the local anesthetic with which he'd shot my right cheek.  "That's it."..

"You're sure I'm not going to need cosmetic work; that is my best side."

The plot is finely crafted with some ins and outs with a twist here and there. It all wraps up well and feels satisfying, well rounded and complete.  Good wrap up and I really liked the ending.  I didn't know what to expect from this book and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised.  The writing style easily grew on me with its easy and homey element and I definitely will be visiting Durant Wyoming again.

If you like a bit more grit in your novels without a full hard boiled detective dosage, this is probably the ticket for you.  Give this book a try, I think you will be surprised like I was.

I couldn't resist sharing this video with you - enjoy!

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Author Interview - Craig Johnson

 Today we have an interview with Craig Johnson, author of the Sheriff Walt Longmire novels.  His latest book, JUNKYARD DOGS was just released May 27th.  I will be reviewing it (hopefully Saturday).  I am on business travel for that pesky day job!  But I am sure you will enjoy this wonderful interview. Mr. Johnson's writing style is much like his personality in this interview, sparkling and unpretentious, which equals highly enjoyable.

-  What do you enjoy the most about being an author?
Probably the relationship I have with my readers. I enjoy the in-person events and the emails. I think it’s a chance to get to know people and let them get to know me better than any other way. The novels provide a context for the relationship that seems to continue with the series. With all the modern technology, it’s a great time to be an author. I’m a story teller, and you have to have people to tell your stories to—maybe that’s a result of living on a ranch where the nearest town has only twenty-five people in it… By spring, they’re really tired of hearing my stories.

-  You have recently spent some time in Paris related to your writing.  Please share what were the highlights for you as an author during your visit? 

My wife spent another afternoon in the Louvre, and I waited reclining on the steps underneath the archway Denon in the great courtyard, I like art, but I think it’s important to set limits in any relationship. I’d already traipsed through a half-dozen museums looking over the heads of Japanese tourists and their cameras, so I decided to forgo the greatest art museum in the world and, instead, do a little people watching. Of course now to watch one must be willing to be watched—that’s just the way the rules are written. 

            After about an hour, I was getting a little bored, so I slipped my cowboy hat down over my eyes, crossed the pointed toes of my size twelves, and closed my eyes. I’d been that way for about twenty minutes when I heard some whispering and shuffling on the steps below. I raised the brim of my hat and saw three little boys about seven years of age with their backpacks and matching red caps studying me. “…Le cow-boy.” 

            They retreated behind the nearest hundred and fifty foot tall column and disappeared. I lowered the brim, but after a moment I heard more whispering, so I re-raised my hat and discovered that they had doubled in size and there were six of them now. 

When they saw me looking back at them, they scampered again. 

            I didn’t lower my hat quite as low this time ‘cause I wanted to see if they were going to continue to multiply in multiples of three. After a moment, a pretty young woman came around the corner with, you guessed it, nine little boys, and asked in perfectly serviceable English. “Excuse me, but you are a cowboy?”

            I guessed it was a reasonable question, me being out of context. “Yes, Ma’am.”

            “The boys of the class, if it would not be an imposition, would like to have lunch in your archway?”

            I looked around at my archway, as big as the end zone on a football field. “Um, that’d be fine.” 

            She looked around the column and nodded, whereupon thirty or so little boys in matching red caps and backpacks came running around and into the archway—they completely surrounded me. The French, even the very young French, have no problems with personal space, besides, I was offered morsels of sandwiches, treats, and fruit as they peppered me with questions about cowboys, Indians, horses, and the literary life Occidental.

            When my wife found me surrounded by this gang in my archway, I raised my hands and introduced my posse. “Les cow-boys…”

Do you start each mystery with the killer, the victim or a plot idea?

Definitely with a plot idea. I like to think that I’m writing socially oriented mysteries and that usually starts with a social or cultural problem that I want to address. The majority of my books get their seminal idea from a newspaper of magazine article which keeps the novels grounded in the culture of the American west. I refer to it as my ‘burr-under-the-saddle-blanket’ syndrome. There’s something I’m not satisfied with, and I’ve found that dissatisfaction is great fuel for writing. 

- Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (a little/a lot of detail, a strict 3 act structure etc) before sitting down and writing?

I think when you’re writing socially-responsible crime fiction you really have no choice but to outline the living-daylights out of your novels because it seems that one of the biggest statements you’re making is who done it—so it follows that you should maybe know that before you start. I’m very detailed in my outlines because I think there’s a tendency to forget what the initial catalyst for a novel is in the long run. Of course all of this doesn’t disqualify the improvisational element where the plot and especially the characters can have a way of startling you. If your story has a chance of surprising you, then you’ve got a shooting-match’s chance of surprising the reader.

- What is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character(s) tell you about him/herself as you write?
Most of the characters in my books were introduced in the first novel, The Cold Dish, which had a decade-long preparatory period. By the time I sat down and started writing, the characters were closer than family. As to the consequent ones, they’ll develop as tools to tell the story. My first and foremost thought is always going to be—how are they going to help me tell this story? I rely on real people to assemble my characters; bits and pieces, like a Doctor Frankenstein. A gesture, a phrase… Anything can inform a character.

- How do you find time for writing, what works for you - and do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?
I’m a blue-collar writer; I get things squared away here on the ranch, and then make a big pot of coffee and sit down and write. I think if you get too precious about the conditions of where, when and how you write—you’re just setting yourself up to not write and I don’t have time for that.

- What is your work schedule like when you're writing and how long does it take you to write a book?
Mornings are my most productive time and I try to write about six days a week. It usually takes me about six months to write a first-draft, but then I re-write it until the editor takes it away from me and won’t let me have it anymore.  

- Setting seems as important as the characters in your mysteries, any tips on conveying a sense of place well?
Be specific. Most writers fail in attaining that universality of people and place by thinking that they can get away with being vague—don’t do it. Be as detailed and as exact as you can. Notice the things that say something about where your story takes place; environment, not inventory. Like Chekhov used to say, “There can be a rifle over the mantelpiece in the first act, but the damn thing better go off by the third.”

-  Your novels are uniquely a mix of modern western and mystery, was that simply a case of writing what you know or was that by design? 
Well, it’s where I live which makes my job easier but I think the two genres work well in conjunction with each other. There’s a lot of baggage that goes with both western and mystery, but I’ve found that a liberal dose of humor goes a long way in keeping the novels fresh. I enjoy both, so it was an easy choice for me. You better write what you read, or else you’re going to be in deep trouble pretty soon.

- What are you currently reading?
Brady Udall’s The Lonely Polygamist. I got to meet him at the Tucson Book Festival this year after reading his The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint and he’s wonderful.

- What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Keeping weapons on my desk; anybody ever comes for me while I’m writing—they better be loaded for bear. Just kidding… Actually, I find it useful to be able to handle the things my characters are handling in the novels, and weapons are kind of in the forefront of crime fiction.

- How did you get your first break towards getting published? Was it sending in a query or meeting an agent at a writing conference etc?

Pounding the pavement in New York shopping the manuscript to a handful of agents; I got lucky and got picked-up by one of the greatest which led me to Viking/Penguin and I never looked back.

 Thank you so much Craig for that wonderful interview!


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Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival for May 2010

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Winners of the TOMORROW RIVER book giveaway are Stella (Ex Librus) and Giada.  You should have received an email requesting your mailing address to send your copy to.

Police Procedural Book Review

Bernadette reveiws Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indriðason The subtle drama of these exquisitely depicted, intertwining stories is as compelling as any explosively dramatic book. Quite beautiful.
Alexia's Books and Such reviewed Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb
 
Jennifer at Crazy For Books reviewed Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
 
Hey Lady!  Whatcha Reading? reviews The Tunnels by Michelle Gagnon
 
Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews gave us Deception by Jonathon Kellerman
 
Private Investigator Book Review


Lesley's Book Nook reviewed the Maisie Dobbs (audio) by Jacqueline Winspear

 
 
Amateur Sleuth book Review
 
 A Million Words reviews the novel The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley  
 
Christy at Readin' and Dreamin' reviews the book Whom the Gods Love by Kate Ross
 
Cozy Mystery Book Review
 
Mark reviews three cozy novels in his post Recent Nightstand Visitors sharing "the post includes reviews of comedic mysteries Corpse on the Cob by Sue Ann Jaffarian, Revenge for Old Times' Sake by Kris Neri, and Death of a Trophy Wife by Laura Levine"
 
Lesa's Book Critiques reviews Farm Fresh Murder by Paige Shelton
 
Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review
 
KerrieS reviewed BLEED FOR ME, Michael Robotham saying this will be a strong contender for this year's Ned Kelly Awards.
 
Missy Frye reviews the novel The Right Call by Kathy Herman saying "with information that could solve a series of murders but endangers the girl he loves, a college boy grapples with what to do—and whom to trust."
 
Amanda at Bookshelf Monstrousity reviews The Ghost Writer by John Harwood
 
Author Interview
 
Mysteries and My Musing interviewed M. Louise Locke
 
Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Martha Grimes
 
Writing Tips and Advice
 
Writer sense gives us Creating a Villain Pt 1


Writer sense gives us Creating a Villain Pt 2

Research for background of Forensic Science JohnQ Stakes presents Top 10 Most Famous Forensic Scientists of All Time

 
 
*******I hope you got some ideas for new books or authors to read and even some tips and insights for writing.*******


For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here.

And please help spread the word about this Blog carnival, it is very easy to submit a post to be included.

 

Review: The Black Cat by Martha Grimes

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I apologize, I somehow managed to publish this post when it was still being worked on.  I am so sorry.  I will try to not let that happen again.  I must have been going too fast and clicked on the wrong button.  Whoops!

Author: Martha Grimes
Copyright: April 6, 2010 (Viking); 323 pgs.

Series: #22 in Richard Jury Mystery  

Sensuality: N/A
Mystery sub-genre: Police Procedural

Main Character: Richard Jury, Scotland Yard Superintendant
Setting: England

Obtained book through:  Publisher, in exchange for an honest review

This book was released Tuesday April 6th.  The body of an unidentified extremely fashionably and expensively dressed young woman is found behind a pub, The Black Cat, in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Jury is called from London to investigate. Not only is this Jane Doe killed but the pub's resident black cat is suddenly missing.  Jury discovers the woman led a double life: local plain-Jane librarian by day and high paid London escort on the weekends.  Quickly the bodies of more "escorts" are found, all of them wearing expensive clothes and particularly expensive designer shoes.  The shoes become an integral part to the puzzle.

Ms. Grimes apparently likes to feature real British pubs in her books, and this one features The Black Cat Pub prominently.  There are some threads from prior books that continue in this installment.  I had not read any prior books in the series and I was able to pick up on the story line easily enough.  Jury has an "arch nemesis" who he is still trying to get evidence of his criminal activities to put him behind bars.  Then there is the side plot of Jury’s lover, Detective Lu Aguilar, is suffering from a bad car accident and Jury is working through his feelings regarding the whole situation. 

Jury apparently turns often to a gent named Melrose Plant, sort of his sidekick, to assist him.  Melrose is reminiscent of a by-gone England where the pace is decidely slower and is resistant to change on any level really.  Oh, and Jury is a bit of a surprise and a mystery, such as how he comes across as sensitive to people's plights or doesn't lock his apartment door even after all the crime he has seen.  I like the details Ms. Grimes gives him, like how his phone's ring tone is "Three Blind Mice."

Like bandages coming off a patient's eyes, sighted or blind; or unwound from a burn victim's ruined face, Edna Cox's defensive covering unwould more and more.  Jury felt very sorry for her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They took both cars, and Melrose insisted that Jury follow him.

"Why?"

"In case my car breaks down."

"Your car is a Rolls-Royce.  My car is a Vauxhall of questionable provenance with a million miles clocked."

"Now, which car is more likely to break down?"
"Mine."  Melrose turned on the engine.  It thrummed like Yo-Yo Ma's cello.

"Oh, my, yes.  The rattle and clang's enough to deafen you."

"I'll wait for you," called Melrose to Jury's departing back.  And again: "Don't forget we're stopping if we see a Little Chef."

There is a fansiful side to this tale.  The cat-napped Morris gets a few sections where she gets assistance from a dog in her desire to get back to her pub.  These are diversions or little side-trips and they will keep you guessing how the cat-napping is involved with the murders.  Another touch of light-heartedness is Jury's neighbor who walks in a makes herself at home, answers his phone for him leaving him cryptic messages. 

The investigation began to run long without any headway seeming to be made. The resolution and wrap-up were a bit sudden, as if everything just clicked into place in Jury's mind. As for the resolution of the murder, I had only part of the "who" right and even at that I didn't have the motive worked out.  Overall an enjoyable police procedural.  If you enjoy British mysteries you will probably enjoy this meandering story.

I will be having an author interview and book giveaway shortly so stay tuned.

For your convenience, you may purchase your copy here.

Here are two video clips of the author discussing some of the aspects of the book.  I thought you might like the author's take on her book.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival for April 2010

We have reached 100 followers!  I am so tickled, please, overjoyed.  "Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music." 

* * * * * If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com. * * * * * * * *

 

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival for April 2010

It is the first Monday of April and time for our fifth blog Carnival. It is another chocked full directory of mystery and crime fiction reviews across the blogosphere.

Police Procedural Book Review

 KerrieS reviews A CARRION DEATH by Michael Stanley.  She tells us it is "one of my best reads for 2010. an impressive debut novel structured in a way that gets the reader thinking. For example, the events are layered in time rather than sequential, so you are forced to take notice of chapter headings. There are little puzzles to solve and as one is resolved, the next presents. It is also populated with engaging characters such as Kubu Bengu, his wife Joy, and his boss Mabake."

The Book Mole presents an oldie but goodie Gallows View by Peter Robinson

Mason Canyon reviews An Axe To Grind by F.M. Meredith

Private Investigator Book Review


Ms. SP...as in Smarty Pants presents The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
 
Marie Burton reviewed 31 Bond Street by Ellen Horan  and says it was an unforgettably nostalgic journey through 31 Bond Street in New York City that I would not hesitate to recommend to fellow mystery lovers.
 
Amateur Sleuth book Review

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading reviews Borderline by Nevada Barr

Beth Fish reviews Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman

Mayhem and Magic reviewed It Happened One Knife by Jeff Cohen

Jennifer reviewed Full Tilt by Janet Evanovich

Tiny lIttle Reading Room reviewed The Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Cozy Mystery Book Review

Violet at The Mystery Bookshelf reviews Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Child

Mark  gives us a mini review of The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen

Pudgy Penguin reviewed Devil's Food Cake by Josi S. Kilpack

hristina reviewed Death in Kashmir by M.M. Kaye and says it is an entertaining mystery, in the tradition of Agatha Christie

Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review

Matt Fullerty presents his book The Murderess and the Hangman

Missy Frye reviewed Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll

Elena reviews the classic Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Douglas Cobb reviews Drood by Dan Simmons

Author Interview


 You can hear the Bookhabit PodCast (a 23-minute interview) with British Author Matt Fullerty by clicking here.


Mysteries and My Musings inteviewed Wendy Roberts
 
Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Diane Stuckart 
 
Writing Tips and Advice
 
Author2Author gives us Mystery Stucture

For research Angela Martin gives us The 100 Best Crime Books Ever Written

Rowena Hebert gives us 37 Lectures Every Writer Should Listen To

More research aids Isabella Smith gives us 50 Fascinating Documentaries for Forensics Science Junkies

Rowena Hebert presents 100 Twitter Feeds That Will Improve Your Writing

For research and perhaps a plot idea Mia Taylor presents The Top 10 Art Heists of All Time



*******I hope you got some ideas for new books or authors to read and even some tips and insights for writing.*******


For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your posts go here.

And please help spread the word about this Blog carnival, it is very easy to submit a post to be included.



 

  

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - March 2010

-  This blog has been nominated in the Blogger's Choice Awards in two categories, so PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog.  Thank you most sincerely.  There are voting buttons on the sidebar.

-  This marks the end ot the Fall Winter Mystery Reading Challenge I hosted, so please go to the original sign-up page to see the winners list posted and get your website badge.

-  The winner for The Fleet Street Murders book is Darcy Bishop.  She was the only one who attempted the treasure hunt and she got all five answers correct.  I shall be giving the other book away to a mystery fan I know.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It is the first Monday of March and time for our fourth blog Carnival.  It is another chocked full directory of mystery and crime fiction reviews across the blogosphere.

Police Procedural Book Review

Blogger News Network reviewed Murders At Crooked Creek by William Francis Burke. Set in 1959 Pennsylvania with a serial killer.

Booksmith reviews The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly.

KerrieS at Mysteries in Paradise presents Review: THE KILLING HANDS, P.D. Martin and says it is #4 in the Sophie Anderson series by an Australin crime fiction author whose popularity is growing all the time. Should be a hot with readers who know anything about martial arts.


One Person's Journey Through a World of Books reviewed I, Alex by James Patterson

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Review: The Pure in Heart by Susan Hill and says "if a tale that unfolds in intricate, captivating layers and provokes much thought about what you would do in the face of modern moral dilemmas sounds like your kind of thing then read The Pure in Heart."

Laura at Booking It reviewed Knots and Croses by Ian Rankin

KerrieS presents THE SUFFOCATING SEA by Pauline Rowson and shares it is "set in Portsmouth, 3rd in Rowson's Andy Horton series. A very intricate level of plot complexity means there is never a slack moment in the building tension."

Joy at Joy's Blog reviewed The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears if you love art history and art crime.  I have this one in my bookshelf and just haven't gotten to it yet.

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Review: Singing to the Dead by Caro Ramsay and shares "a follow-up novel that's interestingly different from the author's debut that cements my belief that Ramsay has superior skills in character development."

You're History! Reviewed the book Girl of His Dreams by Donna Leon


Private Investigator Book Review

Amy at My Overstuffed Bookshelf reviewed Hoodoo Money by Sharon Cupp Pennington

Beth Yarnall reviewed Deeper Than the Dead by Tami Hoag

Sherrie at Just Books reviewed "Dino Vicelli Private Eye" by Lori Weiner

Book Chick City reviewed The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

Julia at  Book News and Reviews gives us a brand new series review Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines

Yvonne at Socrates's Book Reviews gives us Dino Vicelli Private Eye: In A World of Evils By Lori Weiner

Amateur Sleuth book Review

The Red Room reviewed the novel Murder on the Eiffel Tower by Claude Izner

Word Lily reviewed I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason by Susan Kandel

Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews reviewed Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

Shhh I'm Reading reviewed the novel Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander

Sara over at The Hiding Spot reviews the YA mystery Heist Society by Ally Carter

Mysteries and My Musings reviews the historical intrigue book A Bolt From the Blue by Diane Stuckart

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed the historical novel The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch

Mysteries and My Musings reviewed the novel Wild Penance by Sandi Ault

Cozy Mystery Book Review

Mason Canyon over at Thoughts in Progress reviewed The Teaberry Strangler by Laura Childs

Anastasia over at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog reviewed Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs

Julie at Booking Moma reviewed the paranormal cozy Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

Pamela and Terri at Mayhem and Magic reviewed Cooking Up Murder by Miranda Bliss 

Anastasia over at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog reviewed Crewel World by Monica Ferris


Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review

Harvee over at Book Dilettante presents The Trudeau Vector: A Novel by Juris Jurjevics

Mason Canyon over at Thoughts in Progress reviews Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young

KerieS at Mysteries in Paradise presents THE SURGEON by Tess Gerritsen and shares "This is the first in Gerritsen's Jane Rizzoli series, set in Boston. Highly recommended."

Sherrie at Just Books reviewed "The Rook" by Steven James

Laurie at In Laurie's Mind reviewed The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh.

Thoughts About Books reviewed Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

The Literary Omnivore gives us two mini-reviews: The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White and also Napoleon's Pyramid by William Dietrich.

Mark Baker over at at Random Ramblings from Sunny Southern CA presents 8th Confession by James Patterson

Jill at Frugal Plus reviewed The Khan Dilemma by Ron Goodreau

Missy Frye over at Incurable Disease of Writing presents Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer and tells us this suspense novel takes us back to 1945 Germany where the war is officially over but danger still lurks.

Hip Mama's Place reviewed Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon

The Novel Bookworm reviewed The Dragon Factory by Jonathan Maberry


Author Interview

Murderati interviews J Sydney Jones, author of Requiem in Vienna

Deanna over at Writerly So interviews Kate Carlisle, author of If Books Could Kill

Beth Groundwater interviews Agatha Award winner G. M. Malliet

Mysteries and My Musings interviewed Sandi Ault, author of Wild Penance


Writing Tips and Advice

Blood Red Pencil presents Writing as an Art Form — Continuity

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents Lighting up your reader’s brain: Can neuroscience teach you to be a better writer?

Eldon Sarte presents Interview Authorities.  Here's just one idea in a growing and on-going series of posts on Wordpreneur featuring "easier and faster ways to pump out useful, sellable ebooks."

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents 7 Reasons Agents Stop Reading Your First Chapter

The Blood Red Pencil gives us Easy Self Edits
Write Fresh, Write Bold, Write It Sideways gives us 23 Websites That Make Your Writing Stronger

Peta Jinnath Andersen presents Finding Your Voice: Dialogue and says "Writing natural dialogue is hard - these 3 tips might smooth the process."

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents Strong and Memorable Characterization in The Graveyard Book

Anne Valens gives us Top 50 Freelance Writing Blogs at the site "Journalism Degree".

Livia Blackburne at The Book Deal presents How to Pull Off an Amazing Plot Twist


~ ~ ~ ~ ~WOW - what a great carnival this month ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Until Thursday and another book review, I wish you many mysterious moments.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - Feb 2010

February is here all ready!  2010 is already flying by.  It is time for the Blog Carnival again and we have another chock full carnival.  I hope you enjoy it and a special thank you to all the contributors who submitted their work.  Another celebration of the Mystery and Crime Fiction Genre - wahoo.  Hey, if you haven't become a member or follower of the blog, please do.  We have the Google followers and also Facebook Blog Network.

Police Procedural Book Review


Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise presents TRUTH by Peter Temple. Kerrie says it is the latest from an Australian master and Ned Kelly Award winner. It is excellent, both for crime fiction and a taste of Australia. This one will be short listed in this year's Ned Kelly awards.

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Whack A Mole by Chris Grabenstein.  The third book in a feel-good series featuring charming characters, suspense-filled stories and, for audio book fans, a brilliant narrator.


Susan at You Can Never Have Too Many Books reviews The Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke set in Louisiana after Katrina

Lesa at Lesa’s Book Critiques reviewed Assassins of Athens by Jeffrey Siger. She says "It's a complex police procedural involving politics, powerful, wealthy people, and men who have their own motives for violence."

Bernadette presents The Rule Book by Rob Kitchin. A brilliant debut that depicts the desperation that police must feel when faced with a lack of evidence and a city screaming for answers.

Maxine (Petrona) presents Dead Before Dying by Deon Meyer. Translated from the Afrikaans by Madeline van Biljon.

KerrieS presents SKELETON HILL by Peter Lovesey. Wonderfully told tale from a master story teller - two of the dead share a beer during a Civil War re-enactment near Bath, England, and one goes missing.

Maxine (Petrona) presents Truth by Peter Temple.  Excellent novel by superb Australian author. A sort of sequel to The Broken Shore (winner of 2007 Gold Dagger).

Gaby at Starting Fresh reviewed  When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

Maxine presents Blood Sunset by Jarad Henry. Australian police procedural thriller set in Melbourne, well worth a read.

KerrieS presents THE BRASS VERDICT by Michael Connelly. Top-notch legal thriller set in Los Angeles. Winner of 2009 Anthony Award for best crime fiction.

Mostly Fiction Book Reviews reviewed Blood Sins by Kay Hooper.  Featuring highly trained Special Crimes Unit of the FBI all of whom have one or more psychic ability that they use in their work.

Bernadette presents The Killing Hands by P D Martin. This procedural by Australian author P.D. Martin offers a unique slant on the genre by featuring an FBI profiler who has psychic abilities which she can sometimes use to help her investigations

KerrieS presents BLOOD OF THE WICKED by Leighton Gage. Set in Brazil: the first in the Mario Silva series: only 3 to read in this series so far. A bishop steps from a helicopter and his head explodes in a red mist.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviewed the novel Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs.

Private Investigator Book Review

Maxine (Petrona) presents City of the Sun by David Levien. Supense-filled page-turner as parents try to find their son who vanished a year ago.

KerrieS presents BLOOD BORN by Kathryn Fox.  Forensic physician Anya Crichton features in her 4th novel by Australian author Kathryn Fox.  Well worth looking for.

Bernadette presents Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. A historical mystery offering a delicious reading experience loaded with wit, terrific period imagery and details, an intriguing mystery and unpredictable, fascinating characters.

Amateur Sleuth book Review

Mervi’s Book Reviews gives us the novel The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviewed Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Tina over at Tutu's Two Cents reviewed Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke.

Stephanie at Laughing Stars reviewed the book Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, a historical kind-of private investigator story.

Julie at Booking Mama reviewed the novel Living the Vida Lola by Misa Ramirez.

KerrieS presents CONSEQUENCES OF SIN by Clare Langley-Hawthorne. Story set mainly in Edwardian London. Introduces Ursula Marlowe, suffragette, outspoken, and the daughter of one of England's wealthiest businessmen. A murder mystery.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviewed The Witch’s Grave by Shirley Damsgaard.

Cozy Mystery Book Review

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Falling Star by Patricia Moyes. Bernadette says although originally published in 1964 the book is not 'dated' and is recommended for Anglophiles who like a good puzzle and no blood.

Reactions to Reading did a mini review of Snake in the Glass by Sarah Atwell.

The Friendly Book Nook reviewed Dying In Style by Elaine Viets.

Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food reviewed the cozy Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo.

Tracy's Book Review gives us a young adult mystery review of The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan.

AF Heart at Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Dial Om for Murder by Diana Killian.

AF Heart at Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Avenging Angels by Mary Stanton

April at Café of Dreams reviewed The Devil in Merrivale by Jackie Griffie.

Suspense Fiction Book Review

Amy Steele at Steele on Entertainment presents TETHERED by Amy MacKinnon.

April at Café of Dreams reviewed The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer.

KerrieS presents DEVIL'S PEAK by Deon Meyer. A wonderfully told story of rough justice, set in South Africa, by an author you will want to read more of.

Laura de Leon at I'm Booking It reviewed the novel Exit Music by Ian Rankin.

Glenda at Book Reader's Heaven reviewed the novel Dead Game by Jennifer Chase.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviews The Last to Know by Wendy Corsi Staub.

Maxine presents Death in Oslo by Anne Holt. The presumed kidnapping of the US president on a state visit.

Bookin’ With Bingo reviewed the novel Last Snow by Eric Van Lustbader.

Petrona reviewed the novel The Reunion by Simone van der Vlugt.

Diane at The Book Resort reviewed the novel Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline.

Diane at The Book Resort also reviewed Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson.

All About Book Reviews gives us a review of The Good Guy by Dean Koontz.

Harvee Lau over at Book Dilettante reviewed the novel The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer.

Author Interview

Beth at Mysteries and Chitchat posted a must read interview with 14 year old author Kieryn Nichols.

Mysteries and My Musings posted an interview of author Camille Minichino.

Mysteries and My Musing posted an interview of author Julie Hyzy.


Writing Tips and Advice

Livia Blackburne presents "Voice Finding Techniques from Cathy Yardley".

Jurgen at Time to Write posted "How it can help your writing to change your lens".

Meanderings and Muses has writer Robert W Walker guest blogging "On Becoming An Artful Writer".

Alan Rinzler at The Book Deal gives us "Help with Transitions and Bridges".

Gracie Turner presents "100 Little Ways You Can Dramatically Improve Your Writing".

Livia Blackburne presents "Writing Lessons from Gossip Girl".

Nancy at Nancy’s Notes from Florida posted "Printed Promo Materials" regarding all the printed materials used in promoting your book and how needed each is.

Livia Blackburne presents "The Art of Internal Observation".

Nancy at Nancy’s Notes from Florida posted a great piece on "Self Editing".

Livia Blackburne presents "Subtle Narration in the Graveyard Book".

Ashley Grayson Literary Agency has a post "Authors, Treat Your Work as an Investment".

The Write Type have posted "The Basic Tenets for Good Writing".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~WOW - what a great carnival this month? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


I hope you got some ideas for new books or authors to read and even some tips and insights for writing.

For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your blog posts go here.

And please help spread the word about this Blog carnival, it is very easy to submit a post and be included.

Until Thursday's next book review I wish you many mysterious moments and a fantastic year ahead.