Mystery Fanfare: Day of the Dead Crime Fiction

Mystery Fanfare: Day of the Dead Crime Fiction: W hat holiday could be more fitting to Crime Fiction  than El Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead?  Día de los Muertos is celebrated eve...

Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: MORE OCTOBER READING

Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: MORE OCTOBER READING: Halloween is rapidly approaching, but you still have time to read a few of these stories -- a baker's dozen just perfect for the season!...

The Rap Sheet: Passing the Word Around

 The Rap Sheet: Passing the Word Around

Mystery Fanfare: HALLOWEEN NON-FICTION

Mystery Fanfare: HALLOWEEN NON-FICTION: Last year I added a list on Halloween Non-Fiction . Here's that updated list. Be sure and check out my 2025  Halloween Crime Fiction Lis...

Mystery Fanfare: HALLOWEEN CRIME FICTION

Mystery Fanfare: HALLOWEEN CRIME FICTION: Happy Halloween! Halloween so lends itself to crime fiction ! Here's my updated  List of Halloween Mysteries (mysteries that take pla...

Carstairs Considers....: Book Review: Haunted House Ghost by James J. Cudney (Braxton Campus Mysteries #5)

Carstairs Considers....: Book Review: Haunted House Ghost by James J. Cudne...: Stars : 2 out of 5 Pros : Good seasonal atmosphere and pacing Cons : Too much story leads to too much exposition at the end The Bottom Line ...

KRL Update 10/18/2025

Up on KRL this week another mystery perfect for your Halloween reading, we have a review and giveaway of "Dead & Breakfast" by Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor, a vampire cozy! We also have an interview with the authors. https://kingsriverlife.com/10/18/dead-breakfast-by-kat-hillis-rosiee-thor/

And a review and giveaway of "Flamed Out" by Valona Jones along with a fun paranormal guest post by Valona for Halloween! https://kingsriverlife.com/10/18/flamed-out-by-valona-bones/

And reviews and giveaways of 3 more fun historical and cozy mysteries-"Murder in Miniature" Maple Bishop Book Two by Katie Tietjen, "Death at an Irish Village" An Irish Castle Mystery by Ellie Brannigan, and "Murder Most Fowl" Food Truck Mystery by Carmela Dutra https://kingsriverlife.com/10/18/historical-cozy-mysteries-catchup/

We also have a review and giveaway of "An Amateur Witch's Guide to Murder" by K. Valentin. A supernatural mystery perfect for Halloween reading! https://kingsriverlife.com/10/18/an-amateur-witchs-guide-to-murder-by-k-valentin/

And we have a review of the Acorn TV mystery show "The Crow Girl." This one is a little darker so perfect for Halloween viewing https://kingsriverlife.com/10/18/the-crow-girl-on-acorn-tv/

For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL, here is the player for the latest episode. This one features the spooky short story "Forever Yours" written by James Patrick Focarile. It is read by local actor Kevin Broden. Perfect for Halloween season listening! https://kingsriverlife.com/10/18/mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-forever-yours/

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "The Murderer's Girl" by KL Murphy https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/the-murderers-girl-by-k-l-murphy.html

And a review and giveaway of "On Fire and Under Water" a crime anthology with stories that all relate to climate change https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/on-fire-and-under-water-climate-change.html

Since it's Halloween season it felt like the perfect time to review another vampire book by Jack Townson! "Fame Has Its Price" is actually the first book in the story of The Vampire Jack Townson and this one is set in New York instead of Draconia--it is Jack's origin story. We also have an ebook giveaway. https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/the-vampire-jack-townson-fame-has-its.html

Happy reading,

Lorie

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Halloween Cupcake Murder

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Halloween Cupcake Murder:   Reviewed by Jeanne Kensington Book Publishers is one of my favorite publishers.   It’s a family owned business, working on its third g...

Jerry's House of Everything: FORGOTTEN BOOKS: TWELVE FOR OCTOBER

Jerry's House of Everything: FORGOTTEN BOOKS: TWELVE FOR OCTOBER: Here are some more books -- an even dozen this time -- that can be prime reading fot this Halloween month: "Eugene Ascher" (Harold...

KRL Update 10/11/2025

Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of the latest Marlow Murder Club book, "Murder on the Marlow Belle" by Robert Thorogood https://kingsriverlife.com/10/11/murder-on-the-marlow-belle-by-robert-thorogood/

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "No Rest for the Wicked" by Author Rachel Louise Adams, along with an interesting interview with Rachel https://kingsriverlife.com/10/11/no-rest-for-the-wicked-by-rachel-louise-adams/

 

And a review and giveaway of the first in a new series featuring Detective Jimmy Perez, "The Killing Stones" by Ann Cleeves https://kingsriverlife.com/10/11/the-killing-stones-by-ann-cleeves/

 

In honor of my second Tower District Mystery being set during Halloween, "One of You" is not only on sale on Kindle for .99 in October, but we are also giving away an ebook copy-details in this post. Lastly, you can find info here about my upcoming booksigning with Jennifer J. Chow, at Book Carnival in Orange, CA on October 25! https://kingsriverlife.com/10/08/one-of-you-halloween-sale-giveaway-socal-event-with-jennifer-j-chow/

 

We also another mystery short story. While not a Halloween one, if felt like a good fit for Halloween season--"A Dead Man in the Mortuary" by Albert N. Katz https://kingsriverlife.com/10/11/mystery-short-story-a-dead-man-in-the-mortuary/

 

And a Halloween short story by Pamela Ebel https://kingsriverlife.com/10/08/halloween-short-story-pennies-for-poe-and-el-cuervo/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "Essentials of Death" by Kim Davis https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/essentials-of-death-by-kim-davis.html

 

And a review and giveaway of "Deception's Edge" by local author Nannette Potter https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/deceptions-edge-by-nannette-potter.html

 

Happy Halloween season!

Lorie 

KRL Update 10/4/2025

Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Murder at Cape Costumers" by Maddie Day / Edith Maxwell along with a fun Halloween guest post from Maddie https://kingsriverlife.com/10/04/murder-at-cape-costumers-by-maddie-day/

And a review of "Birds, Puppies, and Murder" by Brenda Whiteside & Joyce Proell, along with an ebook giveaway of the first book in that series, and a fun interview with Brenda https://kingsriverlife.com/10/04/birds-puppies-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside-joyce-proell/

 

And a review and giveaway of "Seven Reason to Murder Your Dinner Guests" by KJ Whittle https://kingsriverlife.com/10/04/seven-reasons-to-murder-your-dinner-guests-by-kj-whittle/

 

We also have the latest Mystery Coming Attractions from Victoria Fair https://kingsriverlife.com/10/04/mystery-coming-attractions-october-2025/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "Other People's Houses" by Clare Mackintosh https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/other-peoples-houses-by-claire.html

 

And a review and ebook giveaway of the latest Smiling Dog Cafe book by Neil Plakcy, "Ground For Hope." If you are looking for a book to lift your spirits, The Smiling Dog Cafe Series are just what you need https://www.krlnews.com/2025/10/grounds-for-hope-by-neil-plakcy.html

 

Happy reading,

Lorie 

KRL Update 9/27/2025

Up on KRL this week reviews and giveaways of 2 Halloween Cozy Mysteries-"Halloween Night Murder" by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Liz Ireland and "Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead" by Traci Wilton https://kingsriverlife.com/09/27/two-halloween-cozy-mysteries-to-start-off-the-spooky-season/

And a review and giveaway of the first in a brand new series by Penny Warner, "Murder at Blackwood Inn." We also have a fun Halloween related guest post from Penny https://kingsriverlife.com/09/27/murder-at-blackwood-inn-by-penny-warner/

 

And a review and giveaway of "The Dead Husband Cookbook" by Danielle Valentine https://kingsriverlife.com/09/27/the-dead-husband-cookbook-by-danielle-valentine/

 

We also have the latest Queer Mystery Coming Attractions from Matt Lubbers-Moore https://kingsriverlife.com/09/27/queer-mystery-coming-attractions-october-2025/

 

Up during the week we posted our first Halloween post of the season! This one from paranormal romance author Ann Rose where she talks about why Halloween is the best holiday, and you can learn about her new book ,"A Hexcellent Chance to Fall in Love", which is perfect for your Halloween reading! https://kingsriverlife.com/09/24/why-halloween-is-the-best-holiday-the-top-ten-reasons/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review of "Fatal Sign-Off" by Sarah E. Burr, along with a $10 gift card giveaway https://www.krlnews.com/2025/09/fatal-sign-off-by-sarah-e-burr.html

 

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Death Whisk" by Catherine Bruns https://www.krlnews.com/2025/09/death-whisk-by-catherine-bruns.html

 

And a review of "Puppy Peril" by Hazel Smith https://www.krlnews.com/2025/09/puppy-peril-by-hazel-smith.html

 

Happy reading,

Lorie

In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange - Halloween Edition

 In Reference To Murder: Mystery Melange - Halloween Edition

KRL Update 10/26/2024

Up on KRL this weel we have a review and giveaway of one more Halloween mystery, "Death at the Dinner Party" by Ellie Alexander https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/death-at-the-dinner-party-by-ellie-alexander/ 

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Study Guide for Murder" by Lori Robbins along with an interesting interview with Lori https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/study-guide-for-murder-by-lori-robbins/

 

And a review and giveaway of the latest Vera mystery, "The Dark Wives" by Ann Cleeves https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/the-dark-wives-by-ann-cleeves/

 

We also have one last Halloween short story for the season, "Scared Straight" by Vinnie Hansen https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/scared-straight-by-vinnie-hansen-a-halloween-short-story/

 

And the latest Mystery Coming Attractions, this one by our new columnist Victoria Fair https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/mystery-coming-attractions-november-2024/

 

And part 2 of a local true crime/ghost story by Sarah Peterson-Camacho  https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/murrietas-midnight-ride-the-legend-of-californias-headless-horseman-part-2/

 

For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL, you can find the player here for our new episode which is a Halloween mystery short story called "Floating Past the Grave" written by Pamela Ebel and read by actor Theodore Fox https://kingsriverlife.com/10/26/new-mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-floating-past-the-grave/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by author Diana R Chambers about her new book "The Secret War of Julia Child" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/23/the-secret-war-of-julia-child/

 

And another Halloween mystery short story, this one by mystery author Shari Held https://kingsriverlife.com/10/23/the-mystery-of-the-mirror-a-halloween-mystery-short-story-by-shari-held/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have the latest Crime Writers of Color Coming Attractions https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/crime-writers-of-color-coming.html

 

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Diners, Drive-ins and Lies" by Misty Simon https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/diners-drive-ins-and-lies-by-misty.html

 

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Panic in the Panhandle" by J.C. Kenney https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/panic-in-panhandle-by-jc-kenney.html

 

And a review and giveaway of "All God's Sparrows and Other Short Stories" by Leslie Budewitz https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/all-gods-sparrows-and-other-stories-by.html

 

If you are looking for a mystery with a supernatural twist, we have a review and giveaway of "The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society" By C.M. Waggoner https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/the-village-library-demon-hunting.html

 

Happy reading and Happy Halloween!

Lorie

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nine Lives and Alibis by Cate Conte

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nine Lives and Alibis by Cate Conte:   Reviewed by Jeanne It’s Halloween in Daybreak Harbor, and this year the town is trying attract some of the tourist trade that Salem, M...

KRL Update 10/19/2024

Up on KRL this week reviews and giveaways of 5 more cozies that are either set at Halloween or have a supernatural element that makes them perfect for your Halloween reading-"A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor" A Food and Spirits Mystery by Darci Hannah, "Booked on Murder" by Allison Brook, "Furever After" by Sofie Kelly, a Magical Cats Mystery, "Six Stunning Sirens "by Lynn Cahoon, and "Death and the Visitors" by Heather Redmond. https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/more-cozies-perfect-for-halloween-reading/ 

We also have a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop" by Emmeline Duncan https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/chaos-at-the-lazy-bones-bookshop-by-emmeline-duncan/

 

And a review and giveaway of "A Scandal in Mayfair" by Katharine Schellman, along with an interesting interview with Katharine https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/a-scandal-in-mayfair-by-katharine-schellman/

 

We also have the latest Queer Mystery Coming Attractions from Matt Lubbers-Moore https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/queer-mystery-coming-attractions-november-2024/

 

And an article about local horror/supernatural author James Garcia Jr., along with a review of his new book "The Color of Sound" and a giveaway https://kingsriverlife.com/10/19/local-horror-author-james-garcia-jr-has-new-book-this-halloween-season/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by author Beth Castrodale--she talks about ghost stories and her new book "The Inhabitants" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/16/the-elements-of-good-ghost-stories/

 

And another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Misty Simon about Halloween and her new Steampunk Paranormal Mystery "Corpses & Corsets", a perfect read for Halloween season! https://kingsriverlife.com/10/16/happy-almost-halloween/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "Tunica" by Dp Lyle https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/tunica-by-dp-lyle-reviewgiveaway.html

 

And a review and giveaway of "Between a Flock and a Hard Place" by Donna Andrews https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/between-flock-and-hard-place-by-donna.html

 

And a review and giveaway of a signed copy of "Murder Under A Cold Moon" by Abigail Keam https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/murder-under-cold-moon-by-abigail-keam.html

 

Happy reading,

Lorie

_._,_._,_

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Moon Rising: Newer names in horror fiction

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Moon Rising: Newer names in horror fiction: Compiled by Christy  October is the time for spooky stories and creepy tales!   Usually some of   the first names that come to mind when hor...

KRL Update 10/12/2024

Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "A Dark and Stormy Knit" by Peggy Ehrhart, along with a fun Halloween craft from Peggy https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/a-dark-and-stormy-knit-by-peggy-ehrhart/

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Death Scene" by Carol J. Perry https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/death-scene-a-witch-city-mystery-by-carol-j-perry/

 

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Sunflowers, Scarecrows, and Scandal" by Erica Wynters, along with an interesting interview with Erica https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/sunflowers-scarecrows-and-scandal-by-erica-wynters/

 

We also have another spooky short story perfect for Halloween, this one is "Clown-O-Phobia" by Bobbi Chukran https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/clown-o-phobia-a-spooky-short-story-by-bobbi-a-chukran-for-halloween/

 

For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL, here is the player for the latest episode which features the ghostly mystery short story "The Codicil" by Shannon Taft and read by local actor Sean Hopper. Perfect for your Halloween listening https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/new-mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-the-codicil/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Margaret Fenton about how she became a mystery writer and her new book "Little Boy Blue" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/09/how-i-became-a-mystery-writer-my-little-series/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "The Damages" by Shelley Costa https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/the-damages-by-shelley-costa.html

 

And if you are looking for something a little scarier for your Halloween reading, we also have a review and ebook giveaway of "Harrigan's Price and Other Stories" an anthology with tales of mystery, intrigue and horror by Christian Bauer https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/harrigans-price-by-christian-bauer.html

 

Happy Halloween season!

Lorie

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Season with the Witch by J.W. Ocker

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Season with the Witch by J.W. Ocker:  Note:  This blog was first run in 2018 but we thought it was worth running again! Reviewed by Christy              J.W. Ocker likes to trav...

KRL Update 10/5/2025

Up on KRL this week a review of another Halloween mystery, "French Quarter Fright Night" by Ellen Byron, along with a giveaway from Ellen of a vintage cookbook, and a fun guest post about how she came to love Halloween https://kingsriverlife.com/10/05/french-quarter-fright-night-by-ellen-byron/ 

And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Haunted to Death" by Frank Anthony Polito - Author https://kingsriverlife.com/10/05/haunted-to-death-by-frank-anthony-polito/

 

And a review and giveaway of "In the Event of Murder" by Cynthia Kuhn https://kingsriverlife.com/10/05/in-the-event-of-murder-by-cynthia-kuhn/

 

We also have a Halloween mystery short story by Edith M. Maxwell https://kingsriverlife.com/10/05/unmasked-a-halloween-mystery-short-story-by-edith-maxwell/

 

And another local ghost story from Sarah Peterson-Camacho https://kingsriverlife.com/10/05/murrietas-midnight-ride-the-legend-of-californias-headless-horseman-part-1/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one about the new holiday mystery anthology by Crime Writers of Color "Festive Mayhem 4" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/02/festive-mayhem-4/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Halloween Parade Peril" by Victoria Tait https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/halloween-parade-peril-by-victoria-tait.html

 

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Save the Fate" by Mary Karnes Author https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/save-fate-wedding-planner-mystery-by.html

 

Happy reading,

Lorie