Guest Chick: Birdie Horne

Birdie Horne is the combined pen name of former enemies Eden Robins and Mary Winn Garguilo. Over the years, they have been love rivals, co-godmothers, and neighbors across an alley in Chicago. Separately, they have published over twenty books, and together they have a resume full of the kinds of jobs that genuinely worry their parents. One of them was nominated for—and lost—Chicago Crossing Guard … Continue reading Guest Chick: Birdie Horne

Dreams of tennis, teen, and Memphis

I had a fever dream the last day of July. I usually have late summer dreams about tennis where I set my sights on young Americans, usually in sync with the U.S. Open. This time, it was the newly minted Memphis Classic and a 16-year-old Russian girl. She was as cute as they come and she kept playing like she just couldn’t lose. And even … Continue reading Dreams of tennis, teen, and Memphis

Guest Chick: M.A. Monnin

Lisa here, delighted to welcome fabulous author and good friend M.A. Monnin back to the blog as this week’s Guest Chick! Mary’s Intrepid Traveler Mysteries, including her upcoming (August 11th) DEATH IN LUXOR, are wonderful reads for travelers and armchair travelers alike. Readers who enjoy mystery, romance, and art heist thrillers will especially love this 4th book in the series. Take it away, Mary! Continue reading Guest Chick: M.A. Monnin

Another Book Birthday for Ellen Byron!

Back-to-back releases in different series? Talk about a high-class problem! Congratulations to Ellen on the release of A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras, the 5th book in her award-winning Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. “A vivid description of Mardi Gras season in the Big Easy. Byron lets the good times roll, and then some.” Kirkus Book Review ABOUT THE BOOK: It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It’s Mardi … Continue reading Another Book Birthday for Ellen Byron!

Link to Monday’s Chicks post: Ellen Byron, Human Sandwich Board

Hello, friends! If you’re wondering, “Hey, where’s my Monday Chicks on the Case e-blast?” first of all, thank you for wondering. ❤️ Second, because of a scheduling glitch, the post accidentally went up on Friday. But never fear, you should be able to access the post by clicking here. If not, just go to chicksonthecase.com. Thanks so much for your patience! Ellen Continue reading Link to Monday’s Chicks post: Ellen Byron, Human Sandwich Board

Chick Chat: Who’s your “Celebrity Pass”?

Hi, Ellen here with a fun, flirty topic for today’s Chick Chat. This evening, I’m going to a screening of the new comedy, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass. For those who haven’t been joking about this concept for years like my husband and me, a celebrity sex pass – also known as a free pass or hall pass – is basically permission from … Continue reading Chick Chat: Who’s your “Celebrity Pass”?

Guest Chick: Ellen Thompson

And the winner of the giveaway–a hardcover copy of CITY OF PROMISES–is Debra Klein! Leslie Karst here. Today the Chicks are excited to welcome to the coop the marvelous Ellen Thompson, with stories about her equally marvelous mother–and the kismet that’s affected both mother and daughter. And there’s a GIVEAWAY! Comment below for a chance to win a hardcover copy of City of Promises by … Continue reading Guest Chick: Ellen Thompson

Happy Book Birthday, Ellen!

Today marks the release of All Aboard for Murder, the third book in Ellen’s Agatha and Lefty-shortlisted Golden Motel Mystery series! Clever, hilarious, and just the right amount of spooky. All Aboard for Murder is pure mystery gold. An absolute must-read for cozy mystery fans. Cozy Crime Reads Official ABOUT THE BOOK: Dee Stern is starting to feel at home running the Golden Motel in … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday, Ellen!

Finishing a Project in Style

In Misery, novelist Paul Sheldon has a ritual when he finishes a book: he drinks champagne and uses one match to light one cigarette. (Not that I’m suggesting it’s healthy or anything. It’s just what he does.) Interestingly, at a crucial moment in the story, this ritual will make something else possible during his time with Annie Wilkes, so it serves more than one purpose in … Continue reading Finishing a Project in Style