Saturday, December 07, 2024
KRL Update 12/7/2024
Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of "The Knife Before Christmas" by Kate Carlisle along with a fun Christmas craft post by Kate https://kingsriverlife.com/12/07/the-knife-before-christmas-by-kate-carlisle/
And a review and giveaway of "A Holiday Homicide" by Ellie Alexander https://kingsriverlife.com/12/07/a-holiday-homicide-by-ellie-alexander/
In this Christmas mystery filled issue of KRL we also have reviews and giveaways of 4 more Christmas mysteries for your holiday tbr-"Blue Christmas Bones" by Carolyn Haines, "Rockin Around the Chickadee" by Donna Andrews, "Silent Nights Are Murder" by Libby Klein, and "Madrigals and Mayhem" by Elizabeth Penney https://kingsriverlife.com/12/07/christmas-mysteries-for-your-holiday-tbr-2/
And a review and giveaway of "The More the Terrier" by David Rosenfelt https://kingsriverlife.com/12/07/the-more-the-terrier-by-david-rosenfelt/
For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze directly on KRL, here is the player for the latest episode which features the Christmas mystery short story "Gnomes For the Holidays" by Margaret Hamilton, read by local actor Donna Beavers https://kingsriverlife.com/12/07/new-mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-gnomes-for-the-holidays/
Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a special midweek guest post from mystery author Joe Cosentino about the audiobook release of "A Shooting Star" https://www.krlnews.com/2024/12/an-interview-with-brian-cheney-for.html
And a review and ebook giveaway of "Planes, Candy Canes, and Hearses" by Catherine Bruns https://www.krlnews.com/2024/12/planes-candy-canes-and-hearses-by.html
And a review and ebook giveaway of "Old-Fashioned Holiday Homicide" by Gin Jones https://www.krlnews.com/2024/12/old-fashioned-holiday-homicide-by-gin.html
And a review and giveaway of "Yuletide Market Murder" by Victoria Tait https://www.krlnews.com/2024/12/yuletide-market-murder-by-victoria-tait.html
Happy Holidays!
Lorie
SleuthSayers: Caddyshack 2? Seriously?
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Six Degrees of Separation: From Sandwich to The Wheel Spins
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Scott's Take: The Bat-Man 1: First Knight by Dan Jurgens, Illustrator Mike Perkins
The Bat-Man 1: First Knight by Dan Jurgens, illustrated
by Mike Perkins, is an eleseworld’s tale set in 1939 where a rookie Batman is
dealing with fascism on the rise in his city. The effects of the great
depression are still being felt. Someone is targeting city officials for
assassination. The assassins are all criminals who were executed by the
electric chair, but somehow have come back to life. Who is behind these crimes
and how are the dead risen again? It is up to Batman and Jim Gordon to try to
stop the violence.
This elseworld’s tale is billed as “pulp-influenced noir.” I am not sure it is very noir, but it is very pulp. This is a fun read with art that, for the most part, works. I enjoyed this read, but it does play it very safe. This Batman, for the most part, is not very different than your typical Batman. His personality remains the same which seems a shame. One would think that being raised in the thirties would change his perspective compared to most mainstream Batman’s being born much later. It is only three issues but the issues are oversized. Hopefully, if there is a sequel, more can be done to take advantage of the time period.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3COrqVu
My reading copy came by way of the
Hoopla App through the Dallas Public Library System.
Scott A. Tipple ©2024
Friday, December 06, 2024
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: SIDNEY IS HERE! - AND LIMITED TIME AUDIBLE SALE
Jerry's House of Everything: FORGOTTEN BOOK: THE NICE GUYS
Thursday, December 05, 2024
Beneath the Stains of Time: The White Priory Murders (1934) by Carter Dickson
Wednesday, December 04, 2024
SleuthSayers: You Could Look It Up
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: "A Scandal in Brooklyn" by Lauren Wilkinson
Jerry's House of Everything: LAST WEEK'S SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: PILGRIM FATHER McGEE
Short Story Wednesday Review: Mickey Finn Vol. 1: 21st Century Noir Editor Michael Bracken
With
the 5th volume in the series releasing earlier this week, it seemed
to be a good time to dip into the massive archive and remind you of the read
that started it all.
Mickey
Finn Vol. 1: 21st Century Noir,
edited by Michael Bracken, is a dark read as one would expect. After all, as
the title makes abundantly clear, this is an anthology of noir style short
stories so one does not expect sweetness and light with sunshine and flowers
with flying unicorns and rainbow kisses. That being said, some of these stories
are very dark and disturbing. The kind of tales where you finish the story and
you need to take a break for awhile before getting back to the read.
After
a very short introduction by Editor Michael Bracken, Ben Vincent opens things
up with “Reflections of the Past.” Greg is out of jail and back in his
childhood home. The house is paid for and it makes sense for Greg to live there
with his mom spending her last days in a nursing home. Being back in the house
is a testimony to his failures as well as a chance for a fresh start. It also
made it easy for Monica Hicks to find him. It also makes it easy for the local
cops.
Next
up is “Getting Violated” by David Haggerty where Rolls Royce has yet to make it
out of his cell and that has caused issues. The assembly line system to feed
the inmates is going to need to find a new cog as Ritchie, aka Rolls Royce, is
very much dead in his cell. Not only is there a mess to clean up, his fellow
trustee, Andrew Viggoth, is an easy fall guy for the murder.
He's
on the hunt for a scumbag that is known as “Little Johnny.” It is professional
as well as deeply personal. The hunt has led him to a really bad motel in a
very bad place. More than one horror lurks in the shadows outside and as well
as inside the building in “Motel at the End of the World: 3 a.m.” by Trey A.
Barker.
The
job had some question marks, but Mathew was desperate. So, the ex-con took the
gig in “One Way or the Other” by J. L. Abramo. Simon and Amanda had a fairly
decent plan and the pay was decent. Not that those who are about to be
homeless, which would result in an automatic return to prison, have very many
options.
Somewhere
a little north of Martinsville, he knew for sure they had a tail in “The
Mailman” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins. The woman and her child were supposed to
bring nothing personal with them. He already, knew they had blown that when the
daughter brought a stuffed animal. He had checked her purse, but apparently Mom
brought her cell phone. Now they have a tail and that creates multiple
problems.
“Red
Nocturne” by Anna Aptaker features a man facing a hard choice. Do his job as a
cop and arrest her for murder or run away with her. He is head over heels in
love with a killer.
Fleeing
to the ledge on the outside of the building was not the brightest decision he
ever made in “Better Not Look Down” by Josh Pachter. He panicked and now he is
five floors above the street on a narrow ledge with cops closing in from the
left and the right. How he got to this predicament is told by way of multiple
flash backs.
Editor
Michael Bracken is up next with his tale, “Final Reunion.” It has been quite a
few years, but Mertz, Texas, looks pretty much the same to Gavin Wilcox as he
rolls into town. Mom is less than thrilled to see him, but will feed him and
let him sleep at the old house. He is in town to do a job and then he can be
gone again. Mon is not the only one that wants him to go away.
When
Connie loses it, as she has every so often since she was eight, the outcome for
others is never good. In “Riptish Reds” by Joseph S. Walker, she is an adult,
on parole, and doing her best not to unleash her rage on others when provoked.
Some folks seem oblivious to her struggle and seem determined to flip her
switch.
He
knows how to shake money loose from folks in Lincoln City, Oregon. He can find
you a high stakes companion for a fun time. He can hook you up with a serious
card game for high stakes if you are interested. If you want the combo of the
female companion and the card game, that is even better in “Sneaker Wave” by
David H. Hendrickson.
Paula
is drunk. That is a frequent occurrence and one of several frustrations for
Davis. In 'Rough Justice” by Steve Rasnic Tem, Davis needs a break. Good thing
his drug dealer is on the way as they have business to conduct.
A
visit to the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville is never fun. It certainly
is not in July 2018 in “Hard Luck Case” by James. A. Hearne. Seeing Robert Earl
Stone, aka “Bobby,” on his birthday is always very hard. He made a promise to
Alex Stone and he knows he failed his friend or his friend’s son would not be
in prison.
Eddie
has tracked down, Ray, his brother, as “Second Chance” by Barb Goffman begins.
Separated in the foster care system many years ago, Eddie had a far better
situation. Now he wants to make things better for Ray.
It
has been a long time since Bobby Lyon was a Hollywood star. The former action
hero is seen as a joke by many. He is seen as a target to rip off by others.
That includes the two home invaders in “Clickbait” by Mark. R. Kehl.
Mick
does not know the latest arrival at the club. But, he is sure the guy is
trouble in “Kicks” by Steve Liskow. He isn't the only one concerned about the
guy. The stranger also seems to have an unhealthy interest in the female dancer
everyone knows as Baby Blue.
The
sushi is always good and he likes the place in “Killer Sushi” by Stacy Woodson.
He can vent and enjoy the food at the same time as can his military buddies. It
is not like they have a lot of options in Fayetteville, North Caroline and the
beer is good.
Being
in a psychiatric place is not good in “Blood Brothers” by Mikal Trimm. Dr.
Kerchoff is sort of like somebody’s Mom, but does not really understand where
he is coming from on anything. At least Shane, his best friend, comes by on a
fairly regular schedule. So too does one of the orderlies, but that late night
visit is not one anyone wants.
Hope
Hall is a crummy place, but it is a free place to live in “Rent Due” by Alan
Orloff. The landlady, Lana Coreen, lets him live there rent free in exchange
for doing an occasional odd job. Arno Woodley has a less than stellar
background so Lana is sure he can do the job no problem.
He
did the job and now Mr. Berry wants him to hide out at a certain place. He does
so in “Last Exit Before Toll” by Hugh Lessig. Hiding out works great if no one
knows where you are. Mr. Berry knows and he isn't the only one.
The
family is on the run and the little girl is growing up too fast in “We Live
Here” by Jarrett Kaufman. They are on the run for a very good reason. Now they
have been found. This story has an ending I never saw coming and packs a
powerful punch. It also the final story in this well-done anthology.
Author
bios and then short previews of Rattlesnake Rodeo by Nick
Kolakowski, Don't Shoot the Drummer by Jonathan Brown, and Below
the Line by Steve Jankowski complete the eBook.
A
dark and occasionally disturbing read, Mickey Finn Vol. 1: 21st Century
Noir, edited by Michael Bracken, is not for all readers. These tales
are very dark ones, as expected, and feature characters that are living on the
edge in many different ways. A good read that showcases a number of talented
crime fiction writers, it leaves the reader shaken and stirred.
Amazon
Associates Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/41AL81J
I picked this up back in December 2020 using funds in my Amazon Associate account. Since then, I have also done that for Volumes 2, 3,4, and 5 in the series. They, and many other books, are hanging out in my TBR and seriously eyeballing each other as I am way behind in my reading.
Kevin
R. Tipple © 2021, 2024
Tuesday, December 03, 2024
Little Big Crimes: Retro Rhapsody by Hugh Lessig
SleuthSayers: Finding the sweet spot for detail
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: December New Books
Review: Echo: A Harriet Foster Thriller by Tracy Clark
It is late February in a very cold and icy Chicago as Echo:
A Harriet Foster Thriller by Tracy Clark begins. Ice pellets are
failing hard this morning and Detective Foster’s day has already been nasty before
she gets inside the station and to her desk. She doesn’t even have a chance to
take off her coat before her and Detective Symansky are out the door and on the
way to a frozen field outside Belverton College.
The field, located outside of Hardwicke House has a
dead body. The Hardwick House, that goes back to the Gilded Age, is owned by
the well-known billionaire, Sebestian Coller. As it happens, the body out in
the frozen icy wasteland of a field is his young son, Bruce Collier. He is
shirtless, reeking of alcohol and vomit, and clearly has been out in the field
for hours.
Was it a party gone wrong? Did he get drunk and disoriented,
wandered outside into the field, collapse, and freeze to death?
Or was it murder?
Before long, as readers already know from the first
chapter, it most assuredly was murder. Not was it murder,
the people behind it are not done yet as they have a score to settle. Detective
Harriet Foster and others have a complicated case to work while at the same
time Foster is the target of another killer.
A complicated and very good police procedural, Echo is
the latest installment of an excellent series that started with Hide, followed
by Fall. Readers are encouraged to read in order, starting with Hide, as
previous events are discussed here.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ZxEqIo
Aubrey will also be reviewing the book here this
coming Monday.
My reading copy came from the publisher, Thomas &
Mercer, by way of NetGalley, with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2024
Monday, December 02, 2024
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: The Rivals by Jane Pek
The second
Claudia Lin mystery by Jane Pek The Rivals (Vintage, 2024) has generated
some impressive street cred before the book is even released: a starred review
from Kirkus and one of the Washington Post’s best mysteries of 2024.
Some crime fiction writers work for decades and don’t achieve either one.
The story
picks up shortly after the first book in the series The Verifiers ends.
Claudia is now co-owner of Veracity, a firm that checks out the dates of their
clients to confirm the accuracy of the information the client has been given.
It is a curiously 21st century sort of job, looking up online
accounts to review public profiles and tracking them via GPS to determine if
the individual is actually where he or she told Veracity’s client they would
be. Of necessity the third person in the tiny firm is deeply technical while
Claudia and her partner handle the interpersonal and research aspects of the
work.
Part of their
job is to understand how the big online matchmaking systems function. While
delving into the background of one application, Veracity’s technical guru
discovers fake profiles that seem to be set up to manipulate the system’s
subscribers, a capability with far-reaching implications. The sudden death of
one of the engineers working on this hidden part of the system intrigues
mystery reading Claudia, who decides to investigate. She inevitably conflates
client research with this more involved corporate reconnaissance.
A second
story line is Claudia’s dysfunctional family. Claudia’s father deserted the
family years ago, leaving their ill-equipped Chinese mother to support three
children. All three of the now-adult children and their mother continue to flaunt
the scars of the experience. Their interactions are painful to read and envision.
A
complicated, multilayered narrative with complex characters and diverse
motivations. Anyone with anxiety about conspiracies should not read this book.
The repercussions of a system that can influence human behavior as described
here are consequential and the idea of a secret society formed to disable it is
mindblowing. I am intrigued with the level of data science detail here; Pek has
some authoritative sources. New York City is ever-present in the background,
akin to a lurking character who doesn’t say much. While the primary storylines
are resolved, the cliffhanger ending leaves some threads dangling for the next
book in the series.
·
Publisher: Vintage (December 3, 2024)
·
Language: English
·
Paperback: 416 pages
·
ISBN-10: 059347015X
·
ISBN-13: 978-0593470152
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4eUaF8M
Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, December 01, 2024
Very Hard Day
This has been a very hard day. I knew it would be and tried to ignore things and just treat it like any other. Denial did nothing but made it worse. I should have just stayed in bed and away from people as I have done past years.
It was at 8:45 AM on December 1st when Sandi passed. 7 years later I still, every single day, having a hard time dealing with her being gone. Holidays, her birthday, and this day is just brutal. Today was one of those absolute brutal days.
The picture is from a few months before things took a turn for the worse. She was feeling good and we thought she was beating the damn thing. The docs and nurses did too. The mood was upbeat so she was smiling.
I never thought I would be a widower. I never thought I would still be here so long after she passed. I would give anything to have her back with me.
Beneath the Stains of Time: The Naughty List: Top 12 Favorite Christmas Mystery Novels & Short Stories
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Alias Emma: Ava Glass
Guest Post: Writing “Barstow” by Tom Milani
Please welcome SMFS list member Tom Milani to
the blog today as he explains the background of his short story in the new
anthology, Mickey Finn
Vol. 5: 21st Century Noir. Published by Down &
Out Books, the book is edited by SMFS list member Michael Bracken.
Writing “Barstow”
For me, the germ of a story often comes
from small things. A crying waitress, an encounter with a cop. Events that in
the retelling strike the listener as odd but not necessarily interesting. On a
cross-country road trip with a friend, we stayed overnight in Barstow. That
night, we had dinner at the hotel bar, and the next morning, we ate breakfast
in the adjoining restaurant. Our waitress was having a hard time communicating
with a table of customers wearing matching shirts and speaking Spanish. It
wasn’t clear from where we sat what had upset her, but before long she was in
tears.
Over the years, I’ve been served by
a lot of waitresses, but I’d never seen one come close to crying. That memory
stuck with me, so much so that when Michael Bracken issued a call for stories
for volume 5 of Mickey Finn: 21st Century
Noir, I decided to infuse mine with details from that road trip.
The waitress is there, of course,
but this time, her tears are the result of a fight with her boyfriend. In my
story, recently laid-off Spencer heads west from Virginia, his trip cut short
when his car breaks down in Barstow. While he waits for it to be repaired, he
hooks up with Emily, the crying waitress, and begins to contemplate a future with
her, not realizing that her motivation for being with him is more complicated
than he thinks.
There’s more. Remember the encounter with the cop I alluded to earlier? That happened to me in Indiana, and it becomes part of Spencer’s story as well. But to read about that, you’ll have to wait till next year, when volume 6 is released.
Tom Milani ©2024
Tom Milani’s short fiction has appeared in Groovy Gumshoes: Private Eyes in the Psychedelic Sixties, Illicit Motions, and Janie’s Got a Gun: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Aerosmith, among other places. “Barracuda Backfire” was published earlier this year as Book 4 of Michael Bracken’s Chop Shop series of novellas. His novel Places That Are Gone will be published next year by Unnerving.
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