In the mystery course I recently taught, we found the ending of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced to be both disconcerting and glorious. There are many wonderful aspects to her writing, but we were most engaged by how she gracefully “undoes” the characters we felt we knew because she had built them so convincingly. On the flip side, we were slightly less excited about … Continue reading Endings and Undoings
It’s middle-ish November, and you know what that means: one of us Chicks is just back from the New England Crime Bake writers conference. Yes, we have photos (sort of), and our faithful Chick correspondent’s annual report… Continue reading In the Mood for Crime Bake
Lisa here, delighted to welcome Donnell Ann Bell as our guest today on Chicks. I was delighted to meet this wonderful mystery author in person at Left Coast Crime last spring–we had plenty to chirp about over coffee! Here Donnell makes a case for coincidences–and tells us more about her latest, UNTIL DEAD: A Cold Case Suspense. Just look at that chilling cover, brrr… Continue reading Guest Chick: Donnell Ann Bell
Today we Chicks share our (mostly) humorous experiences from real life that inspired an element in our writing: books, series, characters, scenes–you name it. Read on and feel free to add a few of your own!
Continue reading “Chick Chat: Seeds of Mirth–or Murder?”
Chicks on the Case readers are some of the most creative folks on the planet so we’re asking you to play Chick Pic with us! Give us a couple of sentences … what happened here? What’s the mysterious story behind this damage? So many ideas come to mind! But you start. Each comment can build on the next until we have a fully fleshed out … Continue reading Time for a Chick Pic!
Lisa here! I just flew from Bethesda to Brooklyn after a trip to Albuquerque via Boston, and are my wings (and beak) tired. Actually, I took a few buses and trains in there, but you get the idea…Who wants to see a few Malicious pix? Continue reading Chicks on the Road: Malice Domestic 2022
Do we Chicks have a treat for you today: a visit–and truly stunning cover reveal–from M.A. Monnin, whose sparkling debut mystery DEATH IN THE AEGEAN pubs next month with Level Best Books. Meet Mary, and dive right in to this Greek islands adventure filled with intrigue, archeological treasure, and even a little romance… Continue reading Guest Chick: M.A. Monnin
We Chicks have a very special treat for you today: magical mystery author, locked-room expert and our good friend Gigi Pandian, whose latest Under Lock & Skeleton Key has just hit the shelves. Take it away, Gigi! Thanks so much to Lisa and Ellen for inviting me to join the Chicks today! Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about something that’s not a new idea, … Continue reading Guest Chick: Gigi Pandian
It’s March in the Northeast, the blustery month that comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Smack in the middle are St. Patrick’s Day, the Spring Equinox, and–for one Chick–another ever-green holiday, Christmas… Continue reading The One with the Lion, the Lamb, & No Snakes
Yes, beloved readers, it’s Valentine’s Day. Even if you celebrate Superbowl Hangover Day, Olympic Ice Dancing Recap Day, or your regularly scheduled I-Don’t-Like-Mondays Day, you’ll be bombarded with pink and red hearts and flowers and droolworthy chocolate recipes. You won’t find those here, but one of us Chicks has a public-service warning for you: Beware the Roses… Continue reading The Rose Wars
Today the Chicks are delighted to welcome multi-faceted crime fic author Thomas A. Burns to the blog. Many know that Tom writes the Natalie McMasters Mysteries, but he also pens tales featuring the great detective Sherlock Holmes–and he has some fascinating info to share. The post is afoot… Continue reading Guest Chick: Thomas A. Burns
The late great legend Betty White once said that, in her day, “seeing pictures of people’s vacations was considered a punishment.” (She was referring to Facebook.) Well, dang. One cannot argue with Betty White. But if it’s okay, I thought I’d share a few random photos (with authorly commentary) from my incredible adventure last month in Cartagena, Colombia. Continue reading Notes from Cartagena: Blooper Reel
Chicks on the Case 