Gone to Left Coast Crime!

Six of the Chicks are currently at Left Coast Crime: Rocky Mountain Hijinks, in Denver, Colorado, which starts today (hence this special Thursday–as opposed to Friday–post!) and goes through Sunday, March 16. For any of you in attendance–or who would merely like to see what we’re up to at this fab con–here’s the schedule for those of us there. (And of course you can find … Continue reading Gone to Left Coast Crime!

Chicks on the Case logo against a purple floral background.

Guest Chick: Charlotte Stuart

Today the Chicks are pleased to host Charlotte Stuart, the award-winning author of a host of different mysteries, from laugh-out-loud, to cozy, to traditional, to PIs. And today, she’s giving away a copy of her new book, In$urance to Die For, to two lucky commenters (e-book or paperback, winner’s choice). Huzzah! Take it away, Charolotte! EDITED ON 3/13: We have our winners of Charlotte’s books! … Continue reading Guest Chick: Charlotte Stuart

Okay, I’m back. What did I miss?

A while back, I said, “BRB: There’s something I have to go do!” That “something” was moving halfway across the country, back to Austin. I swore it wasn’t a goodbye, just a “see you soon.”  Readers, that was six years ago.  So, first of all — hi, I’m back! Told you I couldn’t stay away.  But the world is such a different place than it … Continue reading Okay, I’m back. What did I miss?

Guest Chick: Rhonda Blackhurst

I’m so happy to be able to welcome Rhonda Blackhurst to Chicks on the Case today. We’ve been friends for a long time. She’s a delight and a constant source of inspiration! [picture Becky waving madly] This year is a milestone for me— I turn the big 6-OH! In any other career, that would be nearing retirement age. And, in fact, I took an early … Continue reading Guest Chick: Rhonda Blackhurst

It’s Miss Marple, not Mrs.

Sometimes I’m pretty forgetful. I’m average smarts and only occasionally brilliant. But this week I remembered reading an article a couple of years ago by some woman who thought herself an expert on cozy mysteries. She started the article by mentioning Agatha Christie and “Mrs.” Marple. I skimmed through the article but could hardly take her seriously. I mean, really? If you’ve read anything by or … Continue reading It’s Miss Marple, not Mrs.

Whirlwind DC Weekend            

As a kid, our field trip to the Capitol was to…Sacramento. I always envied those kids on the East Coast who got to visit DC. And even though I’ve been to Malice Domestic a few times, the closest I got to the National Mall was watching it stream by a window. This past President’s Day weekend, though, we traveled to Washington, D.C. to cheer on … Continue reading Whirlwind DC Weekend            

Guest Chick: Valerie (V.M.) Burns and Giveaway

We’re so excited to have Valerie/V.M./Kallie join us today! And we’re doubly excited to meet the wonderful dogs in her life! All these cute photos! 🐶 My Favorite Supporting Characters Anyone who’s read my books (or even just looked at the covers) might have figured out that I love dogs. In fact, the dogs on the covers of the Mystery Bookshop Mystery Series were based … Continue reading Guest Chick: Valerie (V.M.) Burns and Giveaway

Mardi Gras Paradin’, Ellen Style

Greetings from New Orleans, where it’s Carnival Season. That’s right, Mardi Gras is one day – Fat Tuesday – but the partying in NOLA starts on the Epiphany, January 6. (Technically, partying is a year-round event here, but I’m talking MG specifics.) When hubby Jer learned this, he said, “Let’s not go for the actual day, when it’s insane there. Why not do the week … Continue reading Mardi Gras Paradin’, Ellen Style

Just a friendly note (gratitude edition)

Usually the “Just a Friendly Note” series addresses the things that are perhaps not working so well—and it’s both fun and cathartic to articulate them. This week, however, I’m going to focus on the positive because many of us are feeling like we could use a lift. ☀️ Dear Packable Puffer Jackets: Thank you for the option to keep warm in a streamlined manner rather … Continue reading Just a friendly note (gratitude edition)