I read an article by Heather Murphy in the New York Times recently about a lost manuscript of John Steinbeck’s. I’m never surprised to find out that famous authors have written other works, but this one piqued my interest because I think of Steinbeck as a very literary writer who explores deep themes in his work. Yet this newly discovered manuscript was a “lighthearted detective … Continue reading Steinbeck’s Fictional Swamp Monster
Ellen here, and I’m so thrilled to welcome Gigi Pandian. Gigi was one of my first mystery pals and we’ve shared some adventures together. Today she shares about the silver lining of a terrifying health ordeal. June 2021 is a strange anniversary for me. Ten years ago this month, my life turned upside down when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had just turned … Continue reading Guest Chick: Gigi Pandian
Yesterday marked the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere), as well as the official first day of summer. Summer? What’s that? we may be asking ourselves, after having last year’s pretty much taken away from us by the pandemic. But now that so many in the country have been vaccinated, we’re finally venturing … Continue reading It’s Summer—This Time for Real!
Sometimes when you finish reading a book, you just feel inspired to write to an author. Today, the Chicks are reflecting upon some of our own experiences…
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kelly Brakenhoff, author of the Cassandra Soto cozy mysteries. Kelly has kindly offered to giveaway a book to one lucky commenter! No Reader Left Behind: Making Books More Inclusive Finding new readers is my part-time job. It’s only second in importance to writing my next book. (Which I should probably be working on at this moment instead … Continue reading Guest Chick: Kelly Brakenhoff (and a giveaway)
While flipping through my high school yearbook recently in an odd fit of nostalgia, I reread the caption under my senior picture. Somehow, I’d forgotten I had a sort-of nickname: Squirrel. But there it was, listed first thing. Continue reading Hey, Look–Squirrel!
I visited my dad last weekend which meant two things: Every meal was accompanied by coffee. (Sandwiches? Of course! Fried chicken? Sure! Stir fry? Why not!) The TV was alternately tuned to vintage tennis matches or decades-old movies. When we weren’t watching McEnroe mistreat his racket, we were regaled by a spoof-fest featuring The Naked Gun franchise. I hadn’t seen the movies in years, but … Continue reading Nice to Meet You
We are delighted to welcome Tracee de Hahn, author of the Agnes Lüthi Mysteries! Tracee has kindly offered to give away a copy of Swiss Vendetta and A Well-Timed Murder, so be sure to leave a comment below today to be entered. Who is ready to travel? I’d say everyone, whether it is across town to spend an unmasked day with friends and family or … Continue reading Guest Chick: Tracee de Hahn (and a giveaway)
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 am not an artistic person. Despite taking a class in college, I still revert to stick figures when drawing people. That’s why it fascinates me to watch cover art unfold. ICYMI, I did a book cover reveal for my third Sassy Cat Mystery, MIMI LEE CRACKS THE CODE, on the fabulous Dru Ann’s blog! Step one of cover design involves art concepts. Since MIMI … Continue reading ICYMI: Cover Reveal
Please join us in welcoming Lorie Lewis Ham, magazine publisher, mystery author, and podcaster! We were delighted to have the opportunity to ask some questions about the fascinating world of Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast… How did you get into podcasting? I have enjoyed listening to podcasts for a long time. Several years ago I had a dream to create a web series but it was just too large … Continue reading Guest Chick: Lorie Lewis Ham
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 