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

Ellen ByronAugust 3, 20261 Comment

Ellen Byron

Ellen Byron, human sandwich board.

P.T. Barnum of the mystery world that I am, early on in my author career I decided, what better way to get the word out about my books than to wear the covers emblazoned across my chest? I had racer-back tanks made to wear at the gym and to my dance classes. Even though I’m not writing either of these series at the moment, I’m … Continue reading Ellen Byron, human sandwich board.

Ellen ByronAugust 3, 2026July 30, 202626 Comments

Chick Chat, Group Post

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?”

Chicks on the CaseJuly 31, 2026July 31, 202654 Comments

Mysteries

It’s Ellen and if you’re wondering why my post went out today instead of Monday…

It’s because WordPress hates me. And the feeling is mutual. I may repost on Monday. Or share a different post. Stay tuned! Ellen Continue reading It’s Ellen and if you’re wondering why my post went out today instead of Monday…

Ellen ByronJuly 30, 20263 Comments

Guest Post

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

Chicks on the CaseJuly 29, 2026July 30, 202631 Comments

Ellen Byron, Mysteries

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!

Chicks on the CaseJuly 28, 2026July 8, 202622 Comments

Mysteries

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

Cynthia KuhnJuly 27, 2026July 27, 202634 Comments

figure seated in an armchair and ottoman, watching TV.

Patricia Sargeant

Get real

Before I get started, you should know I’m omitting the names of the real people in this recount to protect myself. It’s not that I think I’m going to be doxed or anything like that. I’m just exercising an abundance of caution. Continue reading Get real

patriciasargeantJuly 24, 2026July 22, 202623 Comments

Mysteries

Meet Guest Chick Courtny Bradley – plus a #giveaway!

Update: Congratulations to cupcakecache, winner of Courtny’s ebook giveaway! Marla here, and I’m delighted to introduce a new-to-me author because we might be related. Okay, maybe not, but she’s from Broken Arrow, and I was just visiting my niece there last month. It’s a suburb of Tulsa, where I grew up, and also my grandmother was hugely into crochet, and also we might own the … Continue reading Meet Guest Chick Courtny Bradley – plus a #giveaway!

Chicks on the CaseJuly 22, 2026July 27, 202623 Comments

Leslie Karst

The Bechdel Test

I was asked the other day what were my favorite movies that I’d seen in a theater this year. I had to think for a while, but came up with two: The Sheep Detectives and Project Hail Mary. Which then got me thinking about movies in general, and in turn got me thinking about the Bechdel Test. What’s the Bechdel Test? you may ask. Well, … Continue reading The Bechdel Test

Leslie KarstJuly 20, 2026July 20, 202628 Comments

Chick Chat

Chick Chat: Our Favorite Indie Bookstores

Indie bookstores–how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! No, let me count the stores. What are your top favorite bookstores a) near you and b) that you’ve ever been to? Lisa Q. Mathews Sadly, I don’t have many indie bookstores near me in NH. I do love Gibson’s in Concord and The Bookery in Manchester and have attended great author events … Continue reading Chick Chat: Our Favorite Indie Bookstores

Chicks on the CaseJuly 17, 2026July 18, 202634 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Manju (MJ) Soni & #Giveaway!

Jen here. So happy that Manju is our guest today. Grab a cup of chai (or your favorite beverage) and learn about Manju and her new debut! 🎉 In honor of her visit with us–and her mom–Manju’s offering a giveaway. (U.S. residents only, please.) Comment on the post and be entered to win a signed copy of THE MASALA CHAI MYSTERY CLUB. Thank you for … Continue reading Guest Chick: Manju (MJ) Soni & #Giveaway!