Sunday, November 08, 2026
Little Big Crimes: How to Find a Lost Dog in the Woods, by Steve Hamilton
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: A Cornucopia of Great Reads from the Short Mystery Fiction Society
Beneath the Stains of Time: The Double Death of Frédéric Belot (1932) by Claude Aveline
Deadline Extension: Hookers and Handguns: Crime Fiction Solved by Strippers, Streetwalkers and Other People of the Night
After a thorough review of all submissions, the
submission period for Hookers and Handguns: Crime Fiction Solved by
Strippers, Streetwalkers and Other People of the Night has been
reopened. The new submission window deadline is 12/31/2026. The submission call
at the website link below will be updated as soon as possible to reflect the
new date. This is being done in order to, hopefully, be able to publish this
anthology next year. To do that, there must be enough submissions that meet
expectations.
Reminder….
Short stories should be between 3-5K though slightly
longer would be considered.
Short stories submitted must have a beginning, middle,
and end.
The sex worker(s) in the tale must be portrayed in a
positive light. As expressly noted in the guidelines: “No strung out meth
addicts, alcoholics, etc.”
There must be at least one sex worker in the tale and
his or her job must be a vital aspect of the short story.
Any sex act in the tale should not be described in
graphic detail. Erotica, within limits, is one thing, but X-Rated type stuff
will not be accepted for publication.
For the complete guidelines, please read the posting
at https://www.mistimedia.com/hah/
Saturday, November 07, 2026
KRL Update
Up on KRL this week reviews and giveaways of 3 more fun cozies for your fall tbr-"Murder at the Toy Soldier" A Cozy Capers Book Club Mystery by Maddie Day, "Death on the Books" A Blue Ridge Library Mystery by Victoria Gilbert, and "The Quilt Whisperer Investigates" by Peggy Ehrhart https://kingsriverlife.com/11/07/more-fun-cozies-for-your-fall-tbr/
And a review and giveaway of the latest Matthew Venn mystery novel from Ann Cleeves, "The Dying Light" https://kingsriverlife.com/11/07/the-dying-light-by-ann-cleeves/52
And a review and giveaway of "The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies" by Kate Westbury along with an interesting interview with Kate https://kingsriverlife.com/11/07/the-oxford-guide-to-scandal-and-lies-by-kate-westbury/
We also have the latest Mystery Coming Attractions from Victoria Fair https://kingsriverlife.com/11/07/mystery-current-coming-attractions-november-2026/
Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Kirill Khrestinin about writing their new book "Via Dolorosa" https://kingsriverlife.com/11/04/writing-redemption/
And another special midweek guest post. In this one mystery author Joe Cosentino interviews one of his main characters in his new book "Oh, Detective!" https://kingsriverlife.com/11/04/joe-cosentino-interviews-leading-character-detective-reese-franco-for-the-release-of-oh-detective/
Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and ebook giveaway of "No Bones About It" by Annie McEwen- https://www.krlnews.com/2026/11/no-bones-about-it-by-annie-mcewan.html
And a review and giveaway of "The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly" by Katarina Bivald https://www.krlnews.com/2026/11/the-woman-who-wouldnt-die-quietly-by.html
And a review of "Twig's Traveling Tomes" by Gryffin Murphy. It's a fun a cozy fantasy with a touch of mystery and a little romance about a book witch with a traveling bookstore https://www.krlnews.com/2026/11/twigs-traveling-tomes-by-gryffin-murphy.html
Happy Reading,
Lorie
Mystery Fanfare: GUY FAWKES MYSTERIES
SleuthSayers: YESes Are Like Buses
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Some People by Parini Shroff
Jerry's House of Everything: GREEN HORNET COMICS #7 (JUNE 1942)
Scott's Take: Magik and Colossus: Bound by Blood by Ashley Allen, illustrated by German Peralta, Cover Design by David Nakayama
Magik and Colossus: Bound by
Blood
by Ashley Allen, illustrated by German Peralta, Cover Design by David Nakayama, collects the miniseries, Magik and Colossus. This is the latest
Magik series by Ashley Allen who has done several of the Magik series to date.
In this one, Colossus (Magik’s older
brother) is dealing with the fallout of being mind controlled for several
months. He was forced to kill his girlfriend, betray his friends, and pretty
much destroy everything he has ever loved. He has always been big on self-sacrifice
and seems to think death would be welcome at this point in his life. In this
deep depression, he decides to return to his home country of Russia.
Magik just happens to return to Russia
at the same time. The siblings reunite and soon stumble across monsters
terrorizing Russia. Old creatures, myths, and more have returned to Russia.
Instead of retreating to gather more X-Men (even though Magik is a teleporter
and could return with back up in minutes) they two decide to handle this
together. The estranged siblings are going to save Russia and, hopefully, deal
with their issues.
Colossus has never forgiven himself for
not saving Magik from being kidnapped by a demon. Because she was captured, she
spent a number of years pf her life in Hell. Magik is mad still at Colossus that
he has not accepted that she is part demon now whether they like it or not. She
is also tired of Colossus willingness to die.
This is action packed adventure with
Russian myths at the heart that also dives deep into both characters. Colossus
has found his import reduced since the Juggernaut has become a hero, thus most writers are picking the Juggernaut
over Colossus as a team member. Then there is the fact that Colossus’s
popularity, and relevance, has been eclipsed by his younger sister. So, this is
a much-needed spotlight for the character. Additionally, Magik has broken out
of her niche character status by becoming mainstream by playing prominent roles
in several video games and being a core character in a lot of modern X-Men
stories.
I really enjoyed this team up book and,
as a fan of both characters, I am glad they got to team up. They are parting
again, but hopefully future writers will continue their relationship. This miniseries was good.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4hubBEj
I read this through Marvel Unlimited
months ago. The trade was just released earlier this week.
Scott A. Tipple ©2026
Friday, November 06, 2026
SleuthSayers: James M. Cain
In Reference to Murder: Friday's "Forgotten" Books - This Rough Magic
Jerry's House of Everything: FORGOTTEN BOOK: THE COBRA
In Reference to Murder: Mystery Melange
Review: Thunderbird Ranch by Laura Griffin
When
I realized that Laura Griffin, author of the very good Innocence
Road, had a new book coming out, I put my request in on NetGalley. I
would not have noticed if not for the awesome Lesa Holstine who brought it to my
attention. She did, I went and looked, and soon was approved. While I liked that
book more, this one is also a solidly good read.
Like
Innocence Road, Thunderbird Ranch has a strong
female detective being marginalized by her boss. The read also has a lot going
on and gets very complicated very fast.
As
Thunderbird Ranch opens, Lilian Lasko is going with her
boyfriend, Will, to meet the family. It is a Friday, deep in the searing heat
of a Texas summer, and the day before a birthday party for his widowed mom.
Faye’s birthday also will mark the one-year anniversary since her husband,
Will’s father, died. It has been a horrible year, the ranch has major issues
that some point on the old barn will not fix, and the drought that is searing
Texas is taking a toll everything. At least part of the place is still looking
good thanks to the reach of a spring fed creek.
Faye
Bowen McCann is a strong-willed woman and certainly does not seem to be
devasted by grief, no matter what Will said. Faye McCann is not impressed with
Lilian and has the resources to address that issue. She also has big plans for
the ranch. Plans that Will’s brother and sister do not like at all. They also
do not seem to care for Lilian at all.
Then
there is Sheriff’s Deputy Kate Graham. Late one day she has been out at Mason’s
Quarry chasing away beer drinking kids from an adjoining county. Dispatch calls
her on her cell phone to tell her that the sheriff wants her to get out to
Thunderbird Ranch immediately. He won’t say why, but did tell dispatch to tell her
to keep it off the radio.
Once
Deputy Graham gets out there and finds the sheriff, she realizes he said to keep
it off the radio for good reason. There has been a murder.
Before
long, Sheriff Bruce Hard has made her the lead detective of the case. A case
that gets more and more complicated as the pressure from the Sheriff as well as
the District Attorney demand it be solved. This is her first murder case, and
it easily could be her last, for more than one reason.
A
complicated read full of interesting characters, Thunderbird Ranch
is well worth your time.
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://link.amazon/B0eWgiHxl
My
digital ARC came from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, through NetGalley,
with no expectation of a positive review.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2026
Thursday, November 05, 2026
Thursday Treats 11/05/2026
Some reading opportunities of interest this week.
Black Cat Weekly #270 is out. This
final issue includes short stories by SMFS list members Michael Bracken (Zombie Girl’s
Temporary Agency and Spare Parts Emporium), Barb Goffman (Just One Twist) and Paula Messina (The Closer). The
cover story is by SMFS list member Robert Jeschonek (The Biggest
Grudge of All). You can pick up the final issue here.
Personal note: I am very sad to see this
end. John Bentacourt was great to work with and I wish I had submitted more to
him. My short story, A Plan Comes
Together,
appeared in BCW #254. You can pick up the issue here.
Speaking of stuff I have been involved
with, Santa Rage II: Another Killer Claus Compendium, is on the
way and available for preorder. I announced the TOC Sunday, but thought I would
mention it here as well. In alphabetical order,
John T. Aquino (The Bad Side of
Santa Claus), Madison Blackwell (The Contract), Ron Clyburn (Jingle Bell
Justice), Michael Ferreter (Get What You
Need), John M. Floyd (Up On The Roof),
Tom Haftmann (Christmas Week
at the North Pole), Geoff Holder (All l Want For
Christmas Is An Ass Tattoo), April Kelly (The Devil's In
The Details), Beverle Graves
Myers
(Slay Ride), Pat Remick (The Throuple
Claus(e)), Kevin R. Tipple (Second Contact), and Christine
Verstraete
with “Nick's Secrets.”
SMFS list member Pam Ebel announced that her
short story, The Thrill is Gone!, was published online at Kings River Life
Magazine. A Halloween related tale, you can read it for free here. While there, you
can also read fellow SMFS list member Debra
Bliss Saenger’s short story, Knocking on a Heathen’s Door, here.
Speaking of KRL, the most recent Mysteryrat's
Maze Podcast was Halloween themed and featured SMFS list member Leslie
Budewitz. The mystery short story, Pepper Reece and the Ghost of Arthur
Goodwin, runs a little over 12 minutes. You can listen, for free, here.
SMFS list member Abe Margel announced that his short
story, Weather Report, was published online at Mystery Tribune. You can read
it, for free, here.
Another free online read is Umbrea Magazine. SMFS list member John M. Floyd announced that his short story, Rainbow's End, had been published here. Fellow SMFS list member Martin Hill Ortiz also announced his short story, Eyetooth, had been published and was free to read here.
SMFS list member H.K. Slade announced that his short story, Dodging a Train, had been published by Close to the Bone Magazine. You can read the tale, for free, here. You can also read some background on the story at the author’s website.
SMFS list member James Patrick Focarile announced that his short story, Some Other Time, appeared at the substack, Rat Bag. You can read the 300 word story, for free, here.
Author J. R. Lindermuth announced on Facebook that his novel, A Favored Child: A Sheriff Syl Tilghman Book, was now out. This is the fifth read in the Sheriff Syl Tilghman series and is published by Sunbury Press. You can pick it up at Amazon , where it is also part of the Kinlde+ program or direct from the publisher.
A reminder that Mystery Fanfare:
Mystery Readers Journal: Cross-Genre Mysteries is now available for
purchase. SMFS list members Kaye George (My Ghost
Mystery) and donalee Moulton (Trials and
Tribulations of Researching Life -- and Death -- in 1734) publicly announced on
the list their presence in the read. Lots of other familiar names contributed
pieces to the read. Learn more at the website.
Also, Crimeucopia - Objection!
Overruled!! is now out from Murderous Ink Press. The anthology
includes short stories by Wil A. Emerson (Three
Strikes—You’re Out) and John M. Floyd (Nothing but
the Truth). The read is available at Amazon and other
vendors.
Until next time…
Kevin R. Tipple ©2026
Wednesday, November 04, 2026
Beneath the Stains of Time: The Mystery of Hunting's End (1930) by Mignon G. Eberhart
SleuthSayers: What Are You Wearing?
The First Two Pages: “Randy Scouse Git” by Holly West
Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: PARLOUR TRICKS
Short Story Wednesday Review: A Dark Place and Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories by Linda Castillo
A Dark Place and Other Kate
Burkholder Short Stories by Linda Castillo opens with every
parent’s nightmare. 12-year-old Aaron Kuhns and 11-year-old Kevin Dennison are
missing. As the night goes on and the weather gets worse, it is all hands-on
deck for the small police force in Painter’s Mill, Ohio, led by Kate
Burkholder. The kids have to be found.
A missing child is also in play in “Disappeared.” The youngest child
of Joseph and Emma Kline, a toddler, is missing. The child might have wandered
outside and could have easily gotten to the nearby Painters Creek. Or be lost
elsewhere on their Amish farm.
Merle Beachy was just trying to get home
in “Blood Moon.” The buggy is on the way home down backroads as the fog gets
thicker when everything goes wrong. The horse got spooked and bolted, the buggy
crashed, he got attacked, and now dispatch is waking up the chief with the call
for help out at the Levi Miller Farm.
Eddie Chupp is harvesting pumpkins as
“Hallowed Ground” begins. The harvest is a good one. He’s happy and enjoying
the day until his dog gets into something in the field. The dog won’t stop digging. Eddie goes to see
what the dog has found and thinks that it is a human bone.
And arsonist has done their work as
“Dark Storm Rising” begins. Just days later, Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti,
BCI agent, are on the way to their honeymoon cabin somewhere close to Lake
Erie. Sugar Maple Cabins is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Nisley. They are
also having some trouble as one of their cabins was burned down recently.
A derecho is a terrifying and
destructive weather event. Here in NE Dallas, we are blasted by one a few years
ago. The result was a multi-day power outage that made me sick from the heat
and widespread damage. They are far more common in the Midwest, places like
Ohio. One has hit “A Dark Path” and people are missing. It might not be just
the fault of the weather either.
I have long been a fan of the Kate
Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. I was onboard long before she was famous
and winning awards. Like the late Steven F. Havill, her books are set in a small
town, feature diverse and complicated characters, and build upon each other. The
primary characters become like family to the read as they go through their
lives. The series is fluid and the same can be said of her latest short story
collection.
If you are a new to this author, A
Dark Path and Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories is a very good start.
And if you are an old hand at the series, reading this is like coming home.
Truly a balm for the soul and what ails you.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://link.amazon/B04oKRVqN
After being denied by the publisher, Minotaur
Books last summer on NetGalley, Lesa
Holstine sent me her paperback review copy several months ago. I am grateful to
her for sending me her copy to read and review. You should read her review
as well.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2026
Tuesday, November 03, 2026
Publication Day Review: Have Courage: Longmire Stories by Craig Johnson
Have
Courage: Longmire Stories
by Craig Johnson collects a number of the holiday stories that he wrote over
recent years and g away as free reads in his newsletter. The second of such
books, following in the tradition of Wait for Signs: Twelve Longmire
Stories, (a great read if you have not read it) includes the all-new
short story, “Angel Shot with a Twist.”
After
the introduction by A. Martinez, Jacob Nighthorse, the book opens with “Warms
You Twice.” Set on Christmas Eve of December 1972, Walt Longmire is a new and
relatively untested Deputy. Sheriff Lucian Connelly decides it is time for Deputy
Longmire and he to go out on their first call out together and warns him not to
do anything stupid. The cantankerous Sheriff is taking him to see Willis Dietz who has troubles of his own.
Also
set in 1972 and a few months earlier, “The Perfect A,” comes next. Walt
Longmire was hired days earlier and is pretty much alone when the call comes in
at the Absaroka County Sheriff’s Department. Doctor Bloomfield wants to go
check on one of his patients, Salvatore Ibarra, up at his mountain camp. He’d
been in town earlier and that visit concerned the good doctor. So much so he
wants somebody to go check on Mr. Ibarra, a sheep herder, at his camp in the
mountains. Doctor Bloomfield wants to go too and to do it now during an ice
storm.
Sheriff
Longmire always heads out alone, for a day or two around Christmas. He doesn’t
explain himself. In “Known Associate” we find out why he does what he does. Of
course, he does it for good reason and it is nobody’s business at the office
but his.
One
never wants a hostage situation. Especially at Christmas. It’s Christmas Eve in
“Land Of The Blind” and that is what is happening out at the Congregational
Baptist Church out at the edge of the county. The deputy known as “Double Tough”
and Sheriff Longmire head over in an attempt to end things peacefully. Easier
said than done.
What
got Eddie in jail and a lot more is explained in “Elven/Twenty-Nine.” It is
also a tale of grace and redemption as are many of the stories in this read.
The
Sheriff of Campbell County, Sandy Sandburg, and Sheriff Walt Longmire are on
the hunt for a murder suspect, Mike Embersoll. That hunt has led them to the Crow
Butte Mine. “The Percentages” takes readers on the hunt for Mike Embersoll who is
a heavy equipment operator at that mine. Going to a working mine is dangerous
enough before you throw in a possible murder suspect that can operate heavy
equipment.
For
the third year in a row, somebody has stolen the baby Jesus from the church
nativity scene. Deputy Santiago Saizarbitoria has been working the case from
the start. He is taking the latest theft very hard in “Away, In A Manger.”
Soon, Sheriff Longmire arrives at Saint Matthias to assist with the latest
investigation.
It
is Christmas Day in Powder Junction, Wyoming, and there is quite the commotion
at the unofficial local trailer park. The Kropky brothers are all large men.
They are all currently in mutual and destructive combat with household goods
sailing out into the yard around the trailers. In “Who’s your Daddy” familial history has suddenly come to light
and the news has not been universally well received.
Barrett
Long is the part-time dispatcher. He wants to tag along as Longmire and his dog
head out on Christmas Day for a domestic dispute. The call is to the Murdochs’ place
and one the good Sheriff have visited many times before. So, after they talk a
bit, Longmire decides to let his future deputy come along. In so doing, he
gives the man a glimpse of the job in
“Musical Chairs.”
It
has happened again at the “Durant Home for Assisted Living” and it needs to
stop. In “Recidivism” the former Sheriff and current resident, Lucian Connelly,
is of little help. Can not really tell you more without blowing up the tale, so
I won’t.
“Starter’s
End” is next where Ruby, the dispatcher, has entrusted Longmire with a jar of sourdough
starter. The stuff dates back over 150 years has come down through Ruby’s
family. In the here and now of the story, Ruby, as a member of the Methodist
Ladies Baking League was supposed to hand it out to various ladies of the
league. But, she has to go out of town and has turned it over to Sheriff Walt
Longmire for feeding and monitoring. He, in turn, has to deliver the jar of
stuff to Barbara Graff, at a precise time. He is on a schedule with the stuff
while he is also supposed to doing his duties as Absaroka County Sheriff with
nearly everybody in the department gone. Boy, howdy.
Barbara
Graff makes a repeat appearance in the next story, “Scents Of The Season.” She
was hosting a Christmas Eve holiday party and everything was fine. That was until
a skunk got inside her place and all the guests fled outside. With it being a holiday
resources are limited, so Longmire and Undersheriff Victoria Moretti have to
deal with it and more.
“Angel
Shot with a Twist” is the all-new tale that concludes this short story
collection. Bernadette Ochoa needs help this New Year’s Eve. She’s been well
known to local law enforcement for many decades now. She has been drinking at
the only bar for miles around that will let her in their establishment, the Chicken
Shack Bar. Now the seventy-two-year-old woman is a hostage and needs help.
Have Courage: Longmire Stories by Craig Johnson is a highly entertaining short story collection. Filled with many historical nuggets and true facts, characters that are like family, and the idea that in the end things work out, the read is a good one. Well worth your time, Have Courage: Longmire Stories by Craig Johnson is perfect for this and all holiday seasons.
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://link.amazon/B0aElo6si
My
digital ARC came from the publisher, Viking, through NetGalley with no
expectation of a positive review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2026
Monday, November 02, 2026
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: New in November!
In Reference to Murder: Media Murder for Monday
Mystery Fanfare: DAY OF THE DEAD CRIME FICTION
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: So Anyway, I Replied to the Nigerian Prince by Mark Dowling
So Anyway,
I Replied to the Nigerian Prince (Independently published, 2026) by Irish
author Mark Dowling is a light-hearted thriller with a serious streak set in
Dublin. I am not sure how it came my way but I am delighted that it did.
Liam
O’Sullivan is desperate. He lost his job with an internet supplier and can’t
find another one. He’s out of cash and behind on his rent. Even tiny rundown apartments
above a kebab shop require a regular cash outlay. Then there’s the debt he owes
the local moneylender Fingers, who is losing patience. So when the email from
Prince Amokachi of the Royal House of Benin arrives, offering him 10 million
pounds for his assistance, Liam responds by saying he only needs 10 thousand
pounds and the prince can give the rest to someone else. He resists adding a
couple of sarcastic emojis and hits the Send key.
Almost two
weeks later an invitation to meet the prince at the best hotel in Dublin arrives.
His similarly down-and-out friends Kevin, Spud, Darren, and Gerry insist on
accompanying him to serve as protection. Prince Amokachi appears in person and explains
that his late father left the bulk of his money in a London account that is
being contested by a cousin. His father’s will requires the signature of a
third party, completely unbiased, to release the funds to the older son, and
the prince is asking Liam to serve as that independent signatory.
The transfer
will take place in London, and the transaction has a deadline. If the prince
does not meet the deadline, he forfeits the money. The cousin has a vested
interest in seeing that the prince does not appear in court at the appointed
time and his thugs are actively searching for the prince. Liam and his friends
undertake to hide the prince until they can fly to London.
An original
and funny premise with some spot-on characterization. The lack of employment
and career options for those without the means or interest to attend university
comes through clearly. Dowling plainly shows there is no future for these folks
without a Nigerian prince or a fairy godmother. Dowling unfortunately did not
maximize the suspense potential of the plot but he has a great eye for the
ridiculous and knows how these characters think. Possibly the happiest book I
have read all year.
- ASIN: B0H3KHB7K9
- Publisher: Independently published
- Publication date: May 31, 2026
- Language: English
- Print length: 149 pages
- ISBN-13: 979-8255367627
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://link.amazon/B05xnflJ4
Aubrey Nye
Hamilton ©2026
Aubrey Hamilton
is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads
mysteries at night.
























