Chris Chan's Blog, page 13
August 20, 2023
Congratulations to Lindy Ryan!
Congratulations to Lindy Ryan!
Four weeks ago, I learned that Of Course He Pushed Him: The Complete Collection was nominated for Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion Award for Best Short Story Collection/Anthology! The awards were announced this weekend, and though I didn’t win, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Lindy Ryan, who won for Into the Forest: Tales of the Baba Yaga, and my best wishes to all of the other nominees:
Marianne Donley for An Element of Mystery: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Tales of Intrigue
Marissa Doyle for Countess of Shadows: The Ladies of Almack's Omnibus No. 1
Catherine Jordan for That Darkened Doorstep
J.B. Stevens for A Therapeutic Death: Violent Short Stories
J. D. Webb for Incredible Witness
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees in the other categories as well!
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
August 11, 2023
Nessie’s Nemesis is Out on Kindle!
Nessie’s Nemesis is Out on Kindle!
Nessie’s Nemesis has been released on Kindle! It’s for sale on Amazon now– the hardcover and paperback editions will be out in less than a month, on September 3rd! Take a look if you’re interested!
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
August 5, 2023
Escape Room Review– The Escape Game Online Experiences Continued– Prison Break
Escape Room Review– The Escape Game Online Experiences Continued– Prison Break
Earlier this year, I wrote a review of the online escape game company The Escape Game, having played the online versions of their games “The Heist” and “Gold Rush.” The Escape Game has branches in over a dozen locations across the country, and several of their games are playable through Zoom, as players can direct an avatar from their own homes, directing that person through the game with the assistance of a game master.
Recently, I played “Prison Break” with my sister, and it was another solid and immersive game. In “Prison Break,” you are incarcerated in a run-down prison. The warden, who seems to have a sinister streak, loves playing games, especially chess. For reasons that aren’t entirely explained, he’s decided to give you one hour to escape. Apparently, one other person has been given this challenge in the past, and he didn’t make it, but no one knows what happened to him.
I was very impressed with the set design of “Gold Rush,” which had three different and realistic locations within the game. “Prison Break” also has three separate stages, and the first part actually looks like a filthy jail. I should point out that many games set in prisons tend to require the player to stick their hands into something disgusting in the cells, and “Prison Break” is no exception. I was glad that our avatar had to do it and not us.
If you play the in-person game, brief stooping/crawling will be necessary. Otherwise, the puzzles are not especially difficult, but they require some thinking outside the box at times, and as long as you have a flexible mind and good attention to detail, you should be fine. Other than a brief, grisly sight and the aforementioned bit of unpleasantness, there’s nothing too disturbing. There’s a very good mix of styles of puzzles, and if you pay attention to the chess theme, you should be set. Remember, each object is used once and then it’s done. The online game removes objects from your inventory, so you know what’s no longer relevant. Two early puzzles require a bit of dexterity. I’m not sure what happens if your aim isn’t great with one puzzle at the beginning.
Our game master, Monte P., and our avatar did terrific jobs, and they provided us with an excellent experience. I certainly recommend this game both in-person and online, although I think that three people minimum might be needed in-person. Two skilled players can certainly complete the game online with a few minutes to spare, as my sister and I did.
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 28, 2023
Of Course He Pushed Him Nominated for a Silver Falchion Award!
Of Course He Pushed Him Nominated for a Silver Falchion Award!
Some incredible news: Of Course He Pushed Him: The Complete Collection has been nominated for Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion Award for Best Short Story Collection/Anthology! This is my third Silver Falchion nomination, after Murder Most Grotesque and Sherlock’s Secretary were nominated for Best Nonfiction and Best Comedy, respectively last year. Congratulations to all the nominees!
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 21, 2023
12 Things to Know About Parishioners with Autism
12 Things to Know About Parishioners with Autism
A while ago, I wrote a short pamphlet on how churches can make religious gatherings more accessible for people with autism. The Milwaukee Archdiocese has started circulating my pamphlet 12 Things to Know About Parishioners with Autism as a resource. It's not a formal publication by the Archdiocese, but now, hopefully people will read it and we'll get some reactions!
I’d be interested to hear what people have to say!
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 14, 2023
Online Escape Room Review– Black Noir Murder Escape
Online Escape Room Review– Black Noir Murder Escape
Black Noir Murder Escape is an online mystery puzzle game. It’s billed as a teambuilding exercise with a hardboiled private detective setting. The players buy the game, receive an access code, and then play the game through Zoom. Though the website suggests teams of 3 to 5, as few as 1 or 2 can play the game.
It’s not like an online escape room where a real-life person works as an avatar and responds to commands. If anything, it’s closer to a truncated version of a 90’s puzzle game like Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Serrated Scalpel. You search about five settings, you click on items that lead you to clues or puzzles, and the more puzzles you solve, the further you move forward in the game.
You play a P.I., whose partner is murdered in an alley. You must search and discover who’s behind the crime, delving into the seedy underbelly of the city as you find clues that could lead to the most powerful levels of society. There are references to The Maltese Falcon, Chinatown, Veronica Mars, and other classic private investigator tales. Some of the puzzles are simple codes, others require a little bit of observation.
It’s a pleasant diversion, but depending on your skills, gameplay can be very short. A total novice might need an hour and a half to complete the game. An expert player might finish in twenty-five minutes. Due to the relative simplicity of the game, the $49 price tag is a bit steep, especially since the game doesn’t have much replay value. For a single person looking for a brief diversion, $10 would be more than enough. Still, if you play this game in a group, it’s cheaper than most one-hour online escape rooms, but it’s also much simpler, especially when you figure out the logic behind the puzzles. Once you wrap your head around how to interpret the clues, it’s smooth sailing, and as said, it’s very reminiscent of a miniature version of a 90’s computer game. I had fun with it, but it’s not especially challenging, and the price is a bit steep for the length and complexity.
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 8, 2023
Any More Suggestions?
Any More Suggestions?
If anybody has any suggestions as to what sort of topics you’d like me to cover in the future, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 30, 2023
Story Profile: “The Blood of Hailes”
Story Profile: “The Blood of Hailes”
Last week, I mentioned my story “The Blood of Hailes,” which appeared in The Detective and the Clergyman, the new Belanger Books anthology featuring cases investigated by both Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown. It’s inspired by a real-life relic that was believed to contain some of the blood of Jesus, and which disappeared after the seizure of the monasteries under the reign of Henry VIII. I first learned about it in the John Bellairs novel The Dark Secret of Weatherend (and if you haven’t read the supernatural mysteries of John Bellairs, I highly recommend that you do).
In my story, Father Brown and Sherlock Holmes are investigating a case connected to an antiquity that may or may not be the real Blood of Hailes, and it may or may not be bringing murder victims back to life! If you’re interested, please check out the anthology!
Chris Chan’s sequel to Sherlock’s Secretary, Nessie’s Nemesis, will be published on September 3rd by MX Publishing. His novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 23, 2023
The Detective and the Clergyman Has Been Released!
The Detective and the Clergyman Has Been Released!
The Detective and the Clergyman, a new Belanger Books anthology of Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown stories, has just been published! It features my short story “The Blood of Hailes.” Please check it out if you’re interested!
Chris Chan’s novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository(with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 18, 2023
Meet Kevin Kluesner and The Killer Speech!
Meet Kevin Kluesner and The Killer Speech!
I’d like to introduce all of my blog readers to Kevin Kluesner, another southeastern Wisconsin-based Level Best Books author! Kevin is the author of the Cole Huebsch novels, starring an FBI agent and his team, who investigate high-profile, often politically motivated crimes.
The Killer Speech is the second book in the Cole Huebsch series, featuring an assassination attempt on a prominent Wisconsin politician with some controversial goals. Huebsch and his associates have to figure out if a political or economic agenda is tied to the shooting, and what forces might be behind the crime. Over the course of the investigation, Huebsch and his team battle personal dangers and private emotional battles.
I recently corresponded with Kevin to discuss his work, and he was kind enough to answer a few of my questions:
1) What research did you do to study FBI protocol?
I researched the FBI online, especially relying on the bureau's own website. I was also able to speak directly to an agent (Ray Hall) from the bureau's office of public affairs to have some very specific questions answered.
2) I notice you made an effort to include a lot of Milwaukee history, geography, and culture in the book. Do you have any further comments or details on this point?
I'm trying to establish a successful contemporary thriller series set in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. I think we deserve that. John Sandford has given the world the Lucas Davenport series set in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Robert Crais has his Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series set in LA. Paul Levine created the Jake Lassiter series set in Miami. I love describing our city and state to the world, because I'm incredibly proud of both and I still find them fascinating after living here for nearly all of my 65 years. Even local readers reach out to tell me they have learned new things about our city and state through reading my novels. That feels pretty good.
3) What are some (non-spoiler) ideas you have for future entries in the series?
I think part of what makes my Cole Huebsch series unique is that I have delved into some pretty big societal issues in my first two installments, including reproductive health, big pharma, the health insurance industry, journalistic integrity and vigilantism. I'm not going to change that approach. I don't want to agendize, or tell people how or what to think, but I do want to challenge them to look at the issues of the day. If they do it while reading a fast-paced thriller from the comfort of their favorite couch or chair, so be it. The third novel in this series is going to look at our two-party system and some of the issues we're having with it.
Thanks, Kevin!
For more information on Kevin Kluesner and his work, please check out his website.
Chris Chan’s novel Ghosting My Friend was released by Level Best Books on March 28th. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing, as was his anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
