Monday, March 09, 2026
In Reference to Murder: Media Murder for Monday
In Reference to Murder: Media Murder for Monday: It's the start of a new week and that means it's time for a brand-new roundup of crime drama news: THE BIG SCREEN/MOVIES Jason Cla...
Little Big Crimes: Dear Mr. Townsend, by E.A. Aymar
Little Big Crimes: Dear Mr. Townsend, by E.A. Aymar: "Dear Mr. Townsend," by E.A. Aymar, in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, January/February 2026. This is the second appeara...
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: The Poet’s Game: A Spy in Moscow by Paul Vidich
Paul Vidich was an executive
in the entertainment industry, specifically in music and media at Time Warner,
AOL, and Warner Music Group, where he was Executive Vice President in charge of
global digital strategy. He presently serves as an independent board director,
investor, and advisor to internet media companies in video and music. He also
works on the boards of directors of Poets and Writers, The New School for
Social Research, and the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation. He is the author of
several well-regarded novels.
The Poet’s Game: A Spy in
Moscow
(Pegasus, 2025) is his seventh spy thriller, conjuring up memories of John
LeCarre and his books about Cold War espionage. CrimeReads called it a
Top Five Espionage Novel of the Year and The Financial Times listed it
among the Best Thrillers of 2025.
Alex Matthews was the Moscow
Station chief at the CIA for years. With the change in administrations came a
change in agency priorities, and Alex did not hold back his criticism of the alterations.
His dissatisfaction with the new agency direction in addition to dramatic
changes in his personal life led to a timely retirement that seemed mutually
beneficial. Matthews turned his knowledge of Russia into investments in the
Russian economy and created a thriving financial business. He still spent a
good bit of time in Russia, putting pressure on his marriage and his
relationship with his teenage son.
Because he could travel freely
to and within Russia, the CIA director asked him to meet one of Matthews’
former agents to collect information the agent said was critical to the
protection of the sitting U.S. president. Matthews wanted to say no but the CIA
could throw roadblocks into his dealings with Russia and he agreed to this one
last job as he made arrangements to sell his Russian business and wrap up his
life there.
Nothing about the job is as
simple as he was told it would be. Fortunately he didn’t expect it but the
degree of scrutiny he received from multiple levels of Russian authority told
him matters were more complicated than he understood.
Layers upon layers of
duplicity and double-dealing, some expected as merely part of the job, but others
were surprises; one betrayal rocked Matthews to his core. The long-term impact
of living a double life in an authoritarian regime meant every agent never knew
entirely who could be trusted. A truly prepared agent had an exit strategy that
could be exercised at any time. This is a paranoia-laden story of Cold War
espionage filled with the unexpected right through to the end.
- Publisher:
Pegasus Crime
- Publication
date: May 6, 2025
- Language:
English
- Print
length: 336 pages
- ISBN-10:
163936885X
- ISBN-13:
978-1639368853
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link:
Aubrey
Nye Hamilton ©2026
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, March 08, 2026
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Six Degrees of Separation: from Wuthering Heights to Dancing in the Dark
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Six Degrees of Separation: from Wuthering Heights ...: The Six Degrees of Separation meme is hosted by Kate at booksaremyfavoriteandbest . The idea behind the meme is to start with a book and us...
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: Author Interview: 10 Questions With Caroline
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: Author Interview: 10 Questions With Caroline: Introduction: Welcome to Our Little Chat Today I’m doing something a little different on the blog—answering ten of the questions readers a...
Joan Leotta Reviews: Death Times Seven: A Daniel Pitt Novel by Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim
Death
Times Seven: A Daniel Pitt Novel (Book 7 of 7 in the series)
by Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim
Publication
Date: Apr 14, 2026
Available
in Kindle, HB, ($30) and Paper
ISBN#: 978-0593982518
Published
by Ballantine Books
Pages: 288
in HB
Review
by Joan Leotta
Imagine
that you’ve been out of touch with an old friend for a while and then,
unexpectedly, you meet again. That’s how I felt about reading the newest Daniel
Pitt mystery from the pen of the late great Anne Perry. I’m a hardcore Perry
fan—all of her series. Several of the lines ran their course naturally, but the
Daniel Pitt series and the Elena Standish series have young protagonists, so it
was harder to say good-by to them when news of Perry’s death was published.
However, it seems that before her death she entrusted Daniel and his wife Miriam and the other regulars of this series which follows the young lawyer and wife in their quest for justice for individuals and for society as a whole, in the early twentieth century. By allowing Victoria Zackheim, a close friend as well as an editor to finish this book she has given us a gift from beyond the grave, a legacy of words.
Death
Times Seven takes place in 1913 England. Daniel is asked to take over (mid
-trial) for a more senior person in the law firm, fellow attorney, Toby
Kitteridge, who had to leave London upon learning of the sudden brutal attack
on his parents in their parsonage—mother dead, accused father.
Miriam
Ifford Croft (Daniel’s wife), of course, as always, has much to offer, helping
Daniel to defend the hapless Peter Ward, the client, whose innocence it seems
was only believed by Kitteridge and then herself and Daniel. As the two cases
develop, we are given entry to the courts as the trial proceeds as well as to
the workings of forensic pathology in that era. New evidence surfaces. We are
also party to the mystery in the countryside where Toby is valiantly trying to help
his father recover and clear the cleric’s name. Daniel travels out to the
countryside to help his friend. It’s a satisfying dual mystery, well plotted,
character driven, and full of excitement.
I’m
often wary of these posthumous additions to a series. But this one is a true
gem. Zackheim has seamlessly woven whatever part of the story she was to
finish.
How
did she do it? From a reader’s standpoint, plot and structure are well done.
But what brands this book as a piece true to Perry is the way the characters
are handled, particularly young Daniel. As I was reading the book, reserving
judgment as I traversed the paragraphs, I was confronted with a scene that made
me realize the depth of Zackheim’s commitment to the sharing the character of
Daniel as Perry had oft portrayed him---she sets a scene where Daniel cuts off
a thick slice of bread and slathers it with butter (jam in another place) and
eats it as much as for its comfort as for its value as sustenance.
This
gesture, one that defines Daniel as a man who enjoys the simple things, is typical
of Perry and the particular gesture is one that reminds us of Daniel’s youth
and even harks back to the time when we knew him as a boy in the William and
Charlotte Pitt (his parents) series. I could not stop reading it. Stayed up all
night, not wanting to miss any part of it. Will likely read it a second time
for the shear enjoyment of the language and to say goodbye once more to these
characters. I suppose ending with the seventh is a series is fitting since
seven is considered one of the perfect numbers, but I would certainly not be averse
to reading number eight, even if wholly penned by Zackheim.
But
if this is the end, the last new novel by Perry to read, it is certainly a
fitting tribute to her talent and her love of the characters she has created
and we, her loyal readers, have come to know and love.
My
electronic copy came from a reading service. I’m already on the wait list at my
local library; I’d like to hold the hardback in my hand to read. Definitely one
of my top three books so far this year.
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4bbv3Cw
Joan Leotta ©2026
Joan
Leotta plays with words on page and stage. Her poetry, essays, cnf, short
stories, and articles are widely published. Mysteries are favorite things to
read.. short and long.. and to write.
Saturday, March 07, 2026
Mystery Fanfare: DEATH IN PARADISE, SEASON 15 release date
Mystery Fanfare: DEATH IN PARADISE, SEASON 15 release date: Death in Paradise, Season 15, will be released in the US March 24, 2026, on BritBox . The new season already began in the UK on BBC One. Re...
KRL Update
Up on KRL this week the latest Mystery Coming Attractions from Victoria Fair https://kingsriverlife.com/03/07/mystery-current-coming-attractions-march-2026/
And a review and ebook giveaway of "Buried in the Sand" by J.C. Kenney https://kingsriverlife.com/03/07/buried-in-the-sand-by-j-c-kenney/
And a review and giveaway of "The Case of the Murdered Muckraker" by Rob Osler https://kingsriverlife.com/03/07/the-case-of-the-murdered-muckraker-by-rob-osler/
For those who enjoy fantasy with their mystery, up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of "Twelve Months" by Jim Butcher https://kingsriverlife.com/03/07/twelve-months-by-jim-butcher/
Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and ebook giveaway of "Embroidered Lies and Alibis" by Lois Winston https://www.krlnews.com/2026/03/embroidered-lies-and-alibis-by-lois.html
Happy Reading,
Lorie
--
Kings River Life Magazine https://KingsRiverLife.com
KRL News & Reviews https://www.krlnews.com/
Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast https://mysteryratsmaze.podbean.com/
SleuthSayers: At Ease with These Apostrophes
SleuthSayers: At Ease with These Apostrophes: The following is a modified version of a post I made at the Criminal Brief mystery blog almost twenty years ago, griping about the improper ...
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesapeake by Mark Hendricks
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesap...: Reviewed by Jeanne I picked this book up because the Bristol Public Library has started a photography club and I was interested in see...
Scott's Take: The Flesh King: The Discreet Eliminators Series by Richard Kadrey
The Flesh King by Richard Kadrey is the second novella in The Discreet Eliminators series that
began with The Pale House Devil. I had thought I had reviewed
that one, but neither I nor dad can find any trace of it here on the blog.
The
trio of hit people are now in New York City and living in a former police
station. The local mob want them to go after a serial killer called the Flesh
King. This killer is absorbing the flesh of people and leaving what’s left
behind in a mess. Of course, this is getting the attention of the police who
have no idea what they are actually dealing with. The local mob wants them to
cap this freak and then they will talk about hiring them for actually paying
work. So, the hunt begins.
This
is a dark horror themed story with plenty of action and some humor. There is a
good amount of character development in the short run time of this book.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The ending sets up another book, but we will see if we
get it.
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4asRBzE
My
slim hardback reading copy came from the Central, aka Downtown, Branch of the
Dallas Public Library System.
Scott
A. Tipple ©2026
Friday, March 06, 2026
Beneath the Stains of Time: Bad Weather: "The Rainy-Day Bandit" (1970) by Edward D. Hoch
Beneath the Stains of Time: Bad Weather: "The Rainy-Day Bandit" (1970) by Edwa...: Edward D. Hoch 's "The Rainy-Day Bandit," originally published in the May, 1970, issue of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine ...
In Reference to Murder: Friday's "Forgotten" Books: First Cases
In Reference to Murder: Friday's "Forgotten" Books: First Cases: Before they were stars, everyone's favorite literary private eyes had to start somewhere. Many jumped to life fully-formed in novels, bu...
In Reference to Murder: Mystery Melange
In Reference to Murder: Mystery Melange: The Southwest Festival Reading Festival returns this Saturday, March 7, to downtown Fort Myers, Florida, sponsored by the Fort Myers Region...
Thursday, March 05, 2026
Thursday Treats: 3/5/2026
Welcome back to “Thursday Treats.”
SMFS member Judy Sheluk announced that
her short story, The Last Detail, was published online at Brown Hound
Press.
The free to read tale was also inspired by real life. Judy explains more about
the story and the submission process in her guest post at The Stiletto
Gang.
By the way, if you are a writer, this is a paying market. Learn more here at the publication website.
SMFS Member M. E. Proctor announced that
her short story, Whack a Moll, appears at The Yard: Crime Blog. You can read it
for free here.
SMFS Member Barbara Ristine announced
the news that her short story, Block 16 Blues, was published at Kings River
Life Magazine. The tale is free to read here and takes folks
to Las Vegas in 1931.
Sherlock Holmes Magazine Issue 24,
Spring 2026,
is now out. Features news, reviews, and more. You can learn more about the new
issue on their website.
Until next time….
Kevin R. Tipple ©2026
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Mystery Fanfare: Purim: A Carnival of Secrets, Masks — and Murder? Guest Post by Neil Plakcy
Mystery Fanfare: Purim: A Carnival of Secrets, Masks — and Murder? ...: Every mystery fan knows that intrigue often hides in unexpected cultural corners. One holiday that begs for its own whodunit — yet remains u...
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nevermore!
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nevermore!: The Nevermore Book Club is the library's free-spirited book club. Members read what they want to and report, whether or not they liked...
SleuthSayers: When Irish Eyes Are Crimin'
SleuthSayers: When Irish Eyes Are Crimin': My Irish-born Great Grandmother, Mary Scanlon It was a summer day in the mid-seventies. I was home from college and on the phone with m...
Bitter Tea and Mystery: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: Muriel Spark
Bitter Tea and Mystery: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: Muriel Spark: Description at Goodreads : 'Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she is mine for life...' Passionate, free-thinking and un...
Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Publication Day Review: The Politician: A DS George Cross Mystery by Tim Sullivan
Peggy Frampton is very much dead in her
bedroom as The Politician: A DS George Cross Mystery by Tim
Sullivan begins. The cleaning lady had found her employer dead that morning.
Now Cross, the Detective Sergeant from the Avon and Somerset Police, will lead
the hunt for the killer or killers as this most definitely is a murder case.
At one time, Peggy Frampton was the
Mayor of Bristol. In recent years, she has been a social media influencer
through an advice column, and a writer. She has a massive online presence and
impact, not only in her local Bristol, England, community, but far beyond. She
tended to ruffle feathers, at times, with her blunt advice.
She is survived by her husband, Peter,
and their adult children. Peter is a lawyer. As it happens, he is in London, on a case, and is on
the way back home as DS George Cross looks at the body and the crime scene.
While some, such as DCI Ben Carson, believe
this is aa case of a simple burglary gone wrong, DS George Cross does not.
Before much can be done by the local police, due to the high-profile nature of the
case, Chief Superintendent Heather Mathews is brought in to supervise. Fortunately
for everyone, while she has never worked with Cross before, she knows of him
and how he is, and so she allows him wide latitude to pursue the case as he
sees fit. That means he can treat it like any other case and not be micromanaged
by Carson or anyone else.
That is always a plus. Especially here
with a case that is complex and constantly evolving as lines of inquiry are
adjusted as evidence comes to light. As always, the reader knows that Cross
will identify and build a case against those involved. The real question is
what else will he and his team unearth in their pursuit of justice for the
dead.
For that, you will have to read the
book.
It would also be best if you started
with the first read, The Dentist: A DS George Cross Mystery, and
work your way forward to this fourth book of the re-released series. This is not
a static police procedural series with very little change over time. Instead,
and one of the things that makes it so good, characters constantly evolve and
deal with things in life, relationships change, and more happens while the
police work continues.
The Politician: A DS George Cross
Mystery by Tim Sullivan is another very good installment of a
really good police procedural series. What more could you want?
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Nu5Hrp
I received a digital ARC from the
publisher, Atlantic Crime, imprint of Grove Atlantic, through NetGalley, with
no expectation of a positive review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2026
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