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How to Write a Mystery: 10 Books to Get You Started

Writing a mystery? Here are some resources to help you on your way — whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a seasoned pro. The below volumes include advice from a host of mystery and suspense authors, including Patricia Highsmith, … Continue reading →

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Thriller News: John D. MacDonald, Walter Mosley, Star Wars (Feb 1)

Our roundup of links this week includes gorgeous new reissues of John D. MacDonald‘s classic novels, the return of Dan Brown‘s “symbologist” Robert Langdon, how Raymond Chandler inspired Walter Mosley to be a writer, a caper novel set in the … Continue reading →

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Complete HARRY BOSCH by Michael Connelly

A complete list to date of mysteries starring LAPD detective Harry Bosch. Written by Michael Connelly. The Harry Bosch Novels in Order: The Black Echo (1992) The Black Ice (1993) The Concrete Blonde (1994) The Last Coyote (1995) Trunk Music … Continue reading →

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Complete TRAVIS MCGEE by John D. MacDonald

The classic Travis McGee series is being reissued in new packaging. Created by crime novelist John D. MacDonald (1916-1986), Travis McGee is a “salvage consultant” who only works when he’s low on cash. He’ll help you find whatever was taken … Continue reading →

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Thriller News: David Baldacci, Robert Ludlum, Parker (Jan 25)

Returning to our weekly look at the world of thrillers–along with mysteries, suspense, crime fiction, and other related narratives. A couple of different pieces of news regarding David Baldacci, plus the blockbuster success of Robert Ludlum, the new author writing … Continue reading →

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IT TAKES A THIEF: From TV to Print

Three covers of tie-in novels inspired by (or adapted from?) the 1960s spy-fi series It Takes a Thief–all by crime writer Gil Brewer:

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10 crime writers who make me laugh

Death is no laughing matter. But here are ten crime writers whose fiction often find the funny side of crime fiction, suspense and mysteries: Gregory McDonald, Elmore Leonard, Robert B. Parker, Carl Hiaasen, M.C. Beaton, Lawrence Block,Rex Stout, Donald Westlake, … Continue reading →

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12 Cozies of Christmas: Rosemary and Thyme

As part of Spyglass Lane Mysteries' "12 Cozies of Christmas" campaign, here is a special guest post from cozy mystery author Candice Speare Prentice. Take it away, Candice!

I love a good murder mystery, but I don’t like gushing blood, raunchy language, and random naked body parts—dead or alive. For instance, I’ve never watched Silence of the Lambs. When it first came out on VCR years ago, my family rented it. After the first ten minutes, I left the room. Please understand that this isn’t criticism of people who loved that movie; it’s about my sensitivity. Television shows and movies live second lives as reruns in my brain—especially the vivid, gory ones.

That’s why I enjoy a good cozy mystery. I like to write them, I like to read them, and I like to watch them. They give me the satisfaction of a good murder mystery without gory, in-your-face violence. They also provide a bit of psychological thrill without weirdness.

(If you like cozy mysteries, check out the 12 Cozy Mysteries of Christmas eBook Giveaway below.)

Recently I discovered a BBC cozy mystery series through Netflix titled Rosemary and Thyme. Yes, I’m behind the times. The show ran from 2003 to 2007. The main characters are middle-aged gardening sleuths Rosemary Boxer and Laura Thyme. Rosemary, who is single, lost her job as a plant pathologist and lecturer at a college. Laura was a former police constable whose cheating husband recently asked for a divorce. Their joint gardening business gives them exposure to plenty of opportunities for mayhem to occur. Their friendship is realistic. The scenery is amazing. And I’m even learning a few things about plants.

Unfortunately the series was short-running, only 22 episodes. But I’m savoring each show, usually during my afternoon break while I have a cup of coffee. It makes me feel...cozy.

There are two ways to enter the 12 Cozy Mysteries of Christmas eBook Giveaway
Create a Pinterest Pinboard entitled "My 12 Cozies of Christmas." Fill it with 12 Spyglass Lane titles that either you want to read, or have already read and love! Be sure to use the #12CoziesofChristmas hashtag in the description of each pinned book cover. One pinboard will automatically enter you in each daily drawing!  Tweet about Spyglass Lane mysteries. Simply Tweet about the giveaway or one of your favorite Spyglass Lane Mysteries or authors and include the #12CoziesofChristmas hashtag along with the www.spyglasslanemysteries.com link. You may Tweet as many times as you want each day! Only Tweets sent out the day of the giveaway will be considered for that day’s drawing. Follow us on the Spyglass Lane blog , Twitter @SpyglassMystery or Facebook for the latest info on the 12 Cozies of Christmas giveaway! Each day, we’ll reveal which Spyglass Lane cozy mystery we’ll be giving away.
Related links:
Cozy Mysteries under a dollar!
TRISH CUNNINGHAM (Mayhem in Maryland) by Candice Speare Prentice
150+ Mystery Series: 1841-2010

Win a cozy mystery: 12 Cozy Mysteries of Christmas Ebook Giveaway!

Starting today, Spyglass Lane Mysteries is giving away one cozy mystery each day for the next twelve days! I'm honored to discover that today's giveaway is my own whodunit, Nursing a Grudge , the first volume in the Earl Walker Mysteries. You can find details on how to enter here:
12 Cozy Mysteries of Christmas Ebook Giveaway!