Mystery Weekend Roundup for March 9, 2014

International Women's Day with Women Crime Writers

This Saturday was International Women's Day. Celebrate by listening to a radio broadcast discussion of female crime writers, with Maria Doganieri.


Then check out an excellent article on Mary Roberts Rinehart and the anniversary of the publication of her mystery novel, The Circular Staircase. It was 106 years ago last week that the novel was published. It sold over a million copies and established Miss Rinehart as the American "Agatha Christie". Read more about this amazing woman at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, thanks to journalist Marylynne Pitz.



Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend Can Be Murder

Alex Berenson, creator of the highly successful John Wells thrillers, discusses the creation of the fictional hero that jump started his career as a novelist. He also touches on a decision that many writers will someday face...when is it time to kill your character? When that character has paid the bills for many years, it's a tough decision. Tougher when you think of all you been through together. Read Alex's article at the New York Times. And what about you? Does one of your characters face a future on the chopping block?

If your a fan of espionage thrillers, you can check out the entire John Wells series here.


The Pinckley Awards

A new crime fiction award, created in the memory of crime fiction columnist Diana Pinckley, has been awarded to Laura Lippman and Gwen Florio for their contributions to crime fiction.  The awards will be given on March 22nd at the 28th annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. Read more about the awards and the woman who inspired them at The Rap Sheet.


Asian Pulp Fiction

Did you know that India has a thriving readership devoted to pulp fiction? Neither did I.  But according to journalist Tarquin Hall, pulp fiction is very popular in India, though the elite in that country tend to frown upon it (hmm...that sounds familiar, doesn't it?)

Yet millions of blue collar workers devour these novels, according to Hall's article in The Times. Just ask Surender Mohan Pathak, who has written 250 novels and sold more than 25 million copies of his books. He describes himself this way: "I am like Colgate: a reliable brand name...".

Not unlike the way another famous pulp writer one described himself, and who once declared, "I don't have readers. I have customers." Perhaps Mr. Pathak took his cue from Mickey Spillane.


Get Your Own Poe Action Figure!

If your looking for some inspiration, or something to place on the desk to keep you company while you write, look no further! You can get your own Edgar Allen Poe Action Figure, complete with Raven, to serve as the ultimate Muse. Makes a great conversation starter! Hurry, because supplies are limited. Available on eBay. Go ahead...check it out. You know you can't resist looking.

Mystery Weekend Roundup for November 30th, 2013

The Book Lists Are Here!

The end of the year Best Book Lists are pouring in left and right. J Kingston Pierce, editor of the award winning blog, The Rapsheet, just issued his list, as did Sandra Parshall and Publisher's Weekly.

If you have any Irish booklovers in the family (and who doesn't?) check out Declan Burke's post on his blog Crime Always Pays, to find out who won the Irish Crime Novel of the Year, and see the full list of nominees. There's more than one winner in this pile.

I'll keep you posted, as this is just the beginning.


Take Your Child To A Bookstore

Founded by suspense writer Jenny Milchman, this celebration of reading has returned. Take Your Child To A Bookstore is on December 7th. Started in 2010 with 80 bookstores, the event has grown rapidly, with over 600 participating this year. It's a great way to promote reading for children.

To find a location near you, click on the website link here.



The Perfect Christmas Gift

If you're a mystery fan looking for Christmas Cards to sent out, consider these cards featuring the face of Edgar Allen Poe. Available through the Barnes & Noble website, usually ships the same day. Spend 25 dollars and get free shipping (2 to 6 business days).


And if you'd like some expert help in picking a book, then visit your local independent bookstore today, November 30th, for assistance. Local writers will be on hand around the country at many independent bookstores to recommend just the right gift. At Mysteryscape in Kansas, authors Nancy Pickard, Linda Rodriguez, Sally Goldenbaum and Anola Pickett will be there to help.

Mystery Weekend Roundup for 10/25/2013

Vincent Price and Edgar Allen Poe. A Match Made in Heaven...or Hell? (take your pick)

A new exhibit featuring Edgar Allen Poe is on display at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, through January 26th, 2014. Although revered today as a master of horror and the inventor of the detective story, Poe was considered a pulp writer with little respect until the 20th century redeemed him. The exhibit, "Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul”, features, among other treasures, his first book of poetry, Tamerlane and other Poems, as well as the original coffin in which he was buried.

See more Poe memorabilia at the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia. On Sunday, October 27th, you can bring your child to the Poe Pumpkin Patch from 2 to 5 PM.

And on Halloween night, you can attend a concert benefiting the Poe House in Baltimore. The Black Cat Ball begins at 8 PM at the Mobtown Ballroom and continues until midnight (or the cops raid the joint).

Film fans can spend the day with Vincent Price on October 31st, or set their DVR. TCM has a full schedule of horror films starring  Price in several Poe film adaptations, including The Pit and the Pendulum and The Masque of the Red Death.

Vincent Price started as a character actor in noir films, including a supporting role in Laura, before he found his niche as a master of horror in the 50s and 60s. His distinctive voice is recognizable even among people who have never seen his films.

In addition to being an unforgettable actor, Price was a discerning art collector and gourmet cook.


Price and Poe...it's a combination to die for. Enjoy!