About ten years ago, I was keeping my brother company while he browsed an antique store in northwestern Connecticut, and I spotted this old cookbook: Attracted by the vintage 1950s artwork and historic eateries, I bought the book. The purchase kicked off a hobby of collecting vintage cookbooks – a hobby that’s spawned a new cozy series, the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, which launches with BAYOU … Continue reading The Cookbooks of Our Lives.
A few weeks ago, I spent some time visiting my mother. This involved watching a lot of black and white movies on TCM, her favorite movie channel. During one of the duller offerings – not all of TCM’s selections qualify as “classic” – my mind wandered to a true classic, The Wizard of Oz. It occurred to me that one simple word made the movie … Continue reading The Incredible Power of a Single Word
Here’s the truth. Despite all the recipes in the back of my cozy mysteries – 51 so far, believe it or not, and no, I don’t believe it – I’m not really a cook. I enjoy baking but rarely get to do it. And I’ve found the adage that those who like to bake aren’t fond of cooking and vice versa, to be true. That … Continue reading Thanks for the Recipes
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder, the third book in my Catering Hall Mystery series, launches in two weeks and I was wondering what to write for my last Chicks post before the launch. I figure most of you have been inundated with my Shameless Shilling Campaign. (And if you haven’t, have I got some graphics for you!) And then I thought, hmm… … Continue reading Ciao! Meet Ellen’s Italian Family
Hi, it’s Ellen, who apologies profusely for putting the wrong date on Micki Browning’s post and accidentally sending it out today instead of 11/10 when it’s supposed to go out. Please stop by on Wednesday, November 10th to read her terrific post. And if you already read it, it’s worth a second read – trust me. So sorry for the confusion. In the meantime, here’s … Continue reading Apologies, dear readers!
When they cancelled the New Orleans Bouchercon mystery convention, I decided to make the trip to my favorite city anyway. My new Vintage Cookbook Mystery series is set in the Big Easy, plus our daughter is a senior at Loyola University. And I’m a Tulane alum. So… research. Daughter. Friends. What could go wrong? HURRICANE IDA, THAT’S WHAT. The trip started out so well. I … Continue reading Evacuation – the short story that I wrote during our real evacuation.
Hi, it’s Ellen, who apologies profusely for putting the wrong date on Micki Browning’s post and accidentally sending it out today instead of 11/10 when it’s supposed to go out. Please stop by on Wednesday, November 10th to read her terrific post. And if you already read it, it’s worth a second read – trust me. So sorry for the confusion. In the meantime, here’s … Continue reading Apologies, dear readers!
It’s the book birthday for CAJUN KISS OF DEATH, the seventh book in our very own Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country Mystery series! The next shot from Cupid’s bow may be fatal in USA Today bestselling, Agatha Award-winning author Ellen Byron’s hearty and delightful seventh Cajun Country mystery. In Pelican, Louisiana, Valentine’s Day has a way of warming the heart, despite the February chill. But the air at … Continue reading Ellen’s Book Birthday: CAJUN KISS OF DEATH
The Chicks are attending More Than Malice (July 14-17)! Some of us will be at the Author Speed Dating events, and our own Ellen Byron is nominated for an Agatha Award (Best Contemporary Novel)–huge congratulations and cheers!–and you can watch the recorded nominee panels here. The More Than Malice schedule offers information about the many wonderful panels happening this week if you are attending. Also, if you … Continue reading Gone to Malice 2021
I’ve spent a good portion of my life obsessed with Peter Pan and Neverland. When I was little, I fantasized about Peter materializing at my window, holding out his hand, and flying me off to his magical island. Then one night, I discovered a real magical island much closer to home. We lived in Queens at the time, on a street that happened to be … Continue reading Neverland in New York
Due to a scheduling snafu, the world woke up to no post from us here at Chicks. Gasp!! THE HORROR! I bravely jumped in and said, “Don’t worry, Chicks. I’ll fill the gap!” But… with what? I shared my New Orleans Do’s and Don’ts all over the internet for anyone who might be visiting the city, especially for the upcoming Bouchercon mystery convention. I wrote … Continue reading Please enjoy these pictures of our dog
I began writing in journals when I was thirteen. I was inspired by a late-night adventure I had with friends that no one would have thought twice about in the early 70s but would have given me a heart attack if my daughter had taken a similar jaunt when in middle school. Anyhoo, a few weeks ago I was in such desperate need of a … Continue reading 20+ Years of Angsty Journals
Chicks on the Case 