One item on my writer’s bucket list is a police ride along. (That, and the citizens academy. I could never fit it around my kids’ schedules.) I finally found the opportunity to do the ride along through a local silent auction. You better believe I was watching my bid and making sure I won. Here’s a recap of my day with the cops: Police station … Continue reading A Writer’s Bucket List
The Chicks are beyond thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite authors and human beings, Catriona McPherson. Remember how Winston Churchill supposedly said, “Guests and fish stink after three days?” You’re in for a treat as Catriona shares her usual hilarious take on the subject of guests, which plays into the plot of her 16th – yes, you read that right, 16th – irresistible … Continue reading Guest Chick: Catriona McPherson
“The worlds of Hollywood and New Orleans collide in a fantastic whodunnit.” J.C. Kenney, author of the Elmo Simpson Mysteries It’s release day for FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT, the third book in Ellen Byron’s Vintage Cookbook Mystery series! Halloween isn’t just a day, it’s a month of celebrations in New Orleans. Ricki James-Diaz and her friend at Bon Vee Culinary House Museum are ready to … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday to FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT!
Hi, Ellen here, writing from my hotel room. I know Lisa gave you a taste of Bouchercon Nashville. I’m here to give you the whole meal today. I thought I’d do this day by day but honestly, it’s hard to keep the days straight at a con, so there will be some guesswork involved. Here goes nuthin’! WEDNESDAY: I kicked off the day by meeting … Continue reading Greetings from Bouchercon! (Although I’ll be home when you read this)
Howdy, folks! Lisa here, posting from the 2024 Worldwide Mystery Conference in Nashville, TN. Having a fabulous time, although to be honest it’s just a teensy bit overwhelming at times with all the events and fabulous authors and panels and Apple steps. We’re not even midway through here, but here’s a random photo tour so far–more to come from Ellen on Monday! Continue reading Shenanigans mid-Bouchercon 2024: Leprechauns Meet Nashville Hot Chicken
Please join us in welcoming M.S. Greene, author of There’s No Murder Like Show Murder, to Chicks on the Case! We’re so happy to be hosting him today. There are two things I’ve been for as long as I can remember: a theatre nerd and a mystery lover. (And if you count “pizza eater,” there are three things.) So, when I set out to write … Continue reading Guest Chick: M.S. Greene
Here at Chicks, we talk a lot about books—particularly mystery, obviously—but it’s been a minute since we’ve discussed film. It’s on my mind since I’m currently teaching a course that explores the rise and influence of film noir (which has of course adapted numerous crime novels for the screen, so perhaps it’s not that far from our usual beat). We’ll sidestep the whole is-it-a-genre-or-a-style scholarly … Continue reading a slight swerve
Back when it was easy to burn and listen to CDs, my kids continuously tried to pull me into the modern era by curating new music they thought I’d like. They were always spot on and I found tons of good music because of them. The other day I was listening to one of songs—now on my ultra-hip iTunes playlist—my daughter had sent me years … Continue reading Running With Mud In Our Tea
Wow! A lot has happened since I last visited you guys. In February 2023, I was querying for a Literary Agent—and guzzling sweet tea by the gallon. After much soul-searching, in May 2023, I decided to call off the agent quest. My goals had evolved, and I wasn’t set on getting any agent anymore. Instead, I wanted to hold my book in my hand. I … Continue reading Guest Chick: Pam Kyel
It’s Twofer Tuesday! Please help us celebrate book birthdays for The Jig Is Up (Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery #1) by Lisa Q. Mathews and In the Event of Murder (Starlit Bookshop Mystery Book #2) by Cynthia Kuhn. 🎉 The Jig Is Up (Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery #1) Irish step dance takes a deadly turn in this Celtic cozy series debut, perfect for … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday: The Jig Is Up & In the Event of Murder
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been fifty years since I graduated from high school and started as a freshman at the University of California, Santa Cruz—home of the fighting banana slugs. Fifty years? Yikes! I don’t feel that old. But there it is. the bike path at UCSC So next month I’ll be attending my 50th reunion of the Santa Monica High School class … Continue reading It Was Fifty Years Ago Today
Welcome to “Chicks Celebration,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share what we’re currently celebrating (book release, new idea, recent read)… 1. Which Chick is celebrating? Jen 2. The reason for the celebration? The launch of the anthology, Writing the Cozy Mystery: Authors’ Perspectives on Their Craft. It released on August 5th. 3. What have you been doing to celebrate? A bunch of … Continue reading Chicks Celebration: Launch of Writing the Cozy Mystery anthology
Chicks on the Case 