James Scott Byrnside's Blog, page 5

At Last, Monkey See, Monkey Murder is available for purchase.

You can find my newest murder mystery HERE. I’ve been thinking of ways to describe the piece, but most of the plot is probably best left to the experience of reading it. It is a detective story, probably my closest to Doyle’s template of problem/investigation/solution. I think it is solvable. Some of you who have… Continue reading At Last, Monkey See, Monkey Murder is available for purchase.

Tomorrow

The morning of April 5th was as cold and grey as a corpse. A black plague of grackles swayed back and forth, silhouetted by a sun struggling through the blotted clouds. To Rowan, it was just another ugly day in Chicago. He had no idea the overcast sky was a portentous sign of something much… Continue reading Tomorrow

Tuesday or Wednesday

I’m sorry for the delay. It’ll be out next week maybe Sept 12 or 13. This time it’s for sure. I spent extra time slaving away at this thing, trying to make it as pleasurable as possible for impossible-crime fans…so…you can’t be mad at me…or something. Thank you for your patience. Here is the final… Continue reading Tuesday or Wednesday

*Update*

I’m pushing my publication date up one or two weeks. It’s not a terrible emergency or anything of that nature, I just find myself slightly off my intended course. The book will come out in August, guaranteed. My best guess now is the 14th, but it may be the 21st. It depends on how much… Continue reading *Update*

Cover

The cover for my fifth novel, just as I promised. August 6th is still the date. If that changes, I’ll let you know. I hope you’re all doing well…though I realize that sentiment is statistically impossible. I mean, even with very few people looking at this site, it’s a near certainty that at least one… Continue reading Cover

Early cover art

Detective Rowan Manory smoked so frequently that he was forced to hire painters every two weeks to cover the nicotine stains dulling his office walls. The only colors he usually allowed were various shades of grey, but he had requested an acrylic black trim this time, nothing ostentatious, just enough of a contrast to suggest… Continue reading Early cover art

Aug 6

That’s the release date. It’s my birthday, so I figure it will bring some good luck. I’ve also got a few other things in my life that I expect to culminate around that date, so I may as well throw everything into the mix. Expect the cover in June. Here are the chapter titles. Writing… Continue reading Aug 6

Cast of Monkey See, Monkey Murder

I don’t have a date yet. That will come soon. As things take shape, I’ll continue releasing little tidbits here and there. Writing is going very well. I’m pleased with the results. MONKEY SEE, MONKEY MURDER (2023) Rowan Manory and Walter Williams have handled their fair share of impossible crimes, but nothing can prepare them… Continue reading Cast of Monkey See, Monkey Murder

Nine-and Death Makes Ten

The setting for John Dickson Carr’s Nine-and Death Makes Ten is certainly atmospheric. The rolling fog horns, the unsteadiness of the ocean, and the cold, oppressive darkness give us the appropriate apprehension required by murder mysteries. Of course, it’s the functionality of such a setting that I most appreciate. Nine passengers (and a largely faceless… Continue reading Nine-and Death Makes Ten

Update