Greetings, Mystery Fans, from the Acela Express! Lisa here, chugging home from the annual Malice Domestic conference in Bethesda, MD. I haven’t even begun to process all the amazing events of the weekend–but here are just a few from my Chicks highlight reel. Continue reading The Chick on the Train (from Malice 2019)
Five little Chickies went to Left Coast Crime. One little Chickie went on an awesome family camping trip. And the three little Chickies who stayed home went wah-wah-wah! all weekend–and did their best to keep up with all the news from afar. Continue reading What Did (NOT) Happen at Left Coast Crime
Between you, me, and the Internet, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I really, really like to win things. Of course, this doesn’t happen very often, especially these days, but when it does… Continue reading The Prize Winner of Deering, New Hampshire
I didn’t bother making any shiny new resolutions for my writing life this year. Sure, things had gotten a little out of control lately. I’d been stuck on the same plot problem (as in, I didn’t actually have one) for months. But that was okay, because I had Important Things to Do. Like check my Twitter feed. Continue reading thank you, next: the magic of tidying up your writer’s life
Another New England Crime Bake is in the books–and I’ve literally just arrived home from the Hilton in Woburn, MA. I promised everyone a recap and pix, which works out great because it just so happens it’s my turn to post! Continue reading Dateline: Crime Bake 2018
Who’s the biggest Scaredy-Chick in our murder-mystery-writing flock? That would probably be me, Lisa. But lately, inspired by the launch of Cynthia’s latest title The Spirit in Question, we’ve had a few interesting debates about the existence of ghosts. I happened to casually mention somewhere that I’d once had a close encounter with a poltergeist, and Mariella made me promise I’d give the dirt. So I will tell you the story, if you promise not to think I’m crazy. But no one wants to believe ghosts aren’t real more than me. Trust me on that, at least. Continue reading Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts – Much
I can pinpoint exactly when my interest in crime solving began: May 1969. That was the year I turned nine. It was also the year when a 10-year-old girl named Mary Mount disappeared. Continue reading The Girls of Summer, 1969: Peace, Love and Murder
I made a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad mistake this summer. I took on a part-time, online writing job. And it involves…CLOCKS. Lots and lots of clocks. I should have known better, but I did it anyway, in a misguided effort to earn some extra coffee money. Continue reading Beat the Clock
About two months ago, I got The Call. And no, it wasn’t my agent, or my publisher, or Ed McMahon from beyond the grave to inform me I’d won an unfathomable amount of cash from Publishers Clearinghouse. It was a Facebook message from my dear friend, Coffeehouse Mysteries author Cleo Coyle, with an invitation to guest on her multi-author, culinary mystery blog. I accepted on the spot, of course. Continue reading Recipe Cards From the Edge: Blueberry Edition
I’m looking for the perfect town. It can’t be too hot or too cold, too rich or too poor, too big or too small, and preferably there will be an adorable cat or dog and a plate of cookies at every house and shop. Oh, and this town must have at least one charming bookstore, multiple gourmet restaurants, a sleepy police department, and very few troublesome children. I’d like to visit the area in person, you see, but even the combined power of Google Maps, Siri and Waze can’t seem to locate it. Can you tell me how to get to Cozy Street? Continue reading Directions to Cozyland
As you read this, I am (hopefully) chugging along on the Acela Express from Boston to New York City, where my daughter is getting married on Friday. Please forgive me that I am re-sharing a post from a while back because, well…I’m a wee bit stressed and running behind schedule. But really, the cautionary tale of poor old Charlie, who rides the train forever through the streets of Boston, bears repeating… Continue reading Writer on the Stress Express
We might not have cleaned up in the casino–but the Chicks were well represented at Left Coast Crime this weekend in the Biggest Little City in the World: Reeeeeeno!!! And guess what? Our very own Kellye Garrett won the Lefty for Best Debut Mystery Novel with Hollywood Homicide–and Ellen Byron brought home the trophy for A Cajun Christmas Killing in the Best Humorous category! Continue reading Newsflash: Chicks Hit it Big in Reno!
