Behind the Book: “The Fragrance of Death”

Welcome to “Behind the Book,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share the real stories behind our stories. Inspiration, motivation, frustration, jubilation–you’ll find them all right here… You may notice that the cover of my most recent Sally Solari mystery, The Fragrance of Death, depicts artichokes. No, it’s not the murder weapon (though that’s there, too), but the noble … Continue reading Behind the Book: “The Fragrance of Death”

Leslie KarstJune 2, 2023May 24, 202325 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Donna Schlachter

It’s my pleasure to introduce Donna Schlachter to the Chicks on the Case for her inaugural visit! The Mafia in America in History—through to the 1890s In researching my most recent release, Claire, I discovered some interesting facts about the mafia in America. • For readers who have watched The Godfather, it comes as no surprise that the mafias we recognize originated in Italy. However, … Continue reading Guest Chick: Donna Schlachter

Chicks on the CaseMay 31, 2023July 22, 202314 Comments

Cynthia Kuhn

Goodbye and Hello: Show Edition

For many of us, it has been a difficult week, as we bid goodbye to Succession, Barry, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel all at once. Now with Ted Lasso ending in a few days, it is almost more than one can bear. *Pause for deep breaths.* Thank goodness we have some new things coming our way that may be intriguing. Because of our focus here on the blog, I’ll keep … Continue reading Goodbye and Hello: Show Edition

Cynthia KuhnMay 29, 2023May 31, 202324 Comments

Becky Clark

Those Little Grey Cells

When I first began writing, I wanted to get kids—reluctant readers, especially—to love books. So I told them entertaining, funny stories. At least that’s what I tried to do. I didn’t truly know I hit my mark until I got a letter—yes, this was back in the day—that said, “I didn’t like to read until I read your book.” Honestly? I could have quit right … Continue reading Those Little Grey Cells

BeckyMay 26, 2023May 23, 202351 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: Carolyn Wilkins

The Chicks are pleased to welcome author Carolyn Wilkins as our Guest Chick today. In her book, Death At A Seance, Carolyn taps into her experience as a psychic medium. The author will give away PDFs of her new short story, A New Year’s Hex to five lucky commenters. The short story features psychic Carrie McFarland, the protagonist in in her recent mystery, Death At … Continue reading Guest Chick: Carolyn Wilkins

Chicks on the CaseMay 24, 2023May 24, 202333 Comments

Leslie Karst

What’s In a Name?

In addition to many wonderful memories and a stack of terrific books, the other thing that I brought home with me from the mystery writers’ convention Malice Domestic this year was a case of COVID. Not a bad case–it felt pretty much like a garden variety head cold. But I had to quarantine myself, nevertheless, and therefore spent a lot of time hanging out at … Continue reading What’s In a Name?

Leslie KarstMay 22, 2023May 21, 202325 Comments

Kathleen Valenti

Behind the Book: 39 WINKS

Welcome to “Behind the Book,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share the real stories behind our stories. Inspiration, motivation, frustration, jubilation–you’ll find them all right here… Well, hello! It’s Kathy, and I’m here to regale you with the origin story of 39 WINKS. The second book in my medical mystery series finds our pharmaceutical protagonist, Maggie, losing sleep … Continue reading Behind the Book: 39 WINKS

Kathleen ValentiMay 19, 2023May 19, 202324 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: M.A. Monnin (and a giveaway!)

Becky here, and it’s my pleasure to have Mary Monnin visit us today! She’s launching a new book and has generously offered one to a random commenter. She’s uber-cool, eh? HOBBIES IN MYSTERIES Sparkly things catch my eye. Do they catch yours, dear reader? I ask because today I’m looking at hobbies in mysteries. I collect vintage jewelry, and my heroine Stefanie Adams collects antique … Continue reading Guest Chick: M.A. Monnin (and a giveaway!)

Chicks on the CaseMay 17, 2023July 22, 202335 Comments

Lisa Q. Mathews

A Girl and Her Typewriter – Redux

Recently Lisa returned to Portland, Maine for a quick weekend trip–and had the chance to revisit the super-cool Press Hotel. She couldn’t stay there, because it’s super expensive now and she was plum out of hotel points. But she felt nostalgic for this typewriter post–and thought she might share it again, for all you QWERTY fans…. Continue reading A Girl and Her Typewriter – Redux

Lisa Q. MathewsMay 15, 2023July 22, 202332 Comments

Kathleen Valenti

Tough Stuff

A few weeks ago, I ran my second half-marathon. The first was about twenty years—and two kids—ago, back when I didn’t make a noise every time I got out of a chair and my concept of gravity involved apples—and not other things—falling. My goals were simple: avoid getting med evac’d out or experiencing any major (and majorly embarrassing) gastroenterological events. Things started out tough even … Continue reading Tough Stuff

Kathleen ValentiMay 12, 2023May 12, 202337 Comments

Guest Post

Guest Chick: E. J. Copperman

Leslie here, pleased to present the fabulous E.J. Copperman, whose newest mystery, UKULELE OF DEATH, released just last week. And if his many hilarious past books are any guide–and based on his hilarious post today–it’s a good bet this new one will be a hoot, as well! Who Do I Write For? Okay, fine; it should be, for whom do I write? You feel better? … Continue reading Guest Chick: E. J. Copperman

Chicks on the CaseMay 10, 2023April 17, 202315 Comments

Vickie Fee

An international weekend at home

Friday was May 5 – Cinco de Mayo! I don’t have any Mexican heritage that I’m aware of. But hubs and I didn’t let that prevent us from celebrating in our own quiet way. I made taco salad. We imbibed some margaritas. Viva tequila! And we watched Nacho Libre, a fun movie we’ve seen several times before. Saturday, we moved from tequila to tea, watching … Continue reading An international weekend at home