Contributors

Oct 2024 26

Murrieta’s Midnight Ride: The Legend of California’s Headless Horseman Part 2

2024 Articles, Hometown History, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sarah Peterson-Camacho

by Sarah Peterson-Camacho
What began as a joke by a San Francisco pundit in 1906—the earliest Joaquin Murrieta ghost reference I could find in the California press—would become a headless paranormal powerhouse by mid-century.
First appearing as a put-upon spirit placating the weepy wraith of Scottish pirate Captain Kidd in A.J. Waterhouse’s “Occidental Accidentals” humor column in The San Francisco Call and Post, the ghost of Joaquin Murrieta retained his head—but not his sense of humor—in Why Kidd’s Ghost Wept.

Oct 2024 19

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop A Halloween Bookshop Mystery By Emmeline Duncan: Review/Giveaway

2024 Articles, Lorie Lewis Ham, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Lorie Lewis Ham

I am a big fan of Emmeline Duncan’s Ground Rules Mysteries, so I was excited to see that she was starting a new series as well, and this one takes place in a Halloween-themed town called Elyan Hollow, Oregon. I love Halloween, so what could be better than that? This series features Bailey Briggs who has taken over her grandfather’s bookshop Lazy Bones Books. So Halloween and a bookstore—perfect!

Oct 2024 19

Local Horror Author James Garcia Jr. Has New Book This Halloween Season

2024 Articles, Books & Tales, Mallory Moad, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Mallory Moad
& Autumn Trapani

Did you know there are demons, angels, and a few vampires lurking in a small Central Valley town just south of Fresno? If you don’t believe me, ask local author, James Garcia Jr. He’s the man responsible for these spooky residents. James is a writer of horror fiction, and the creatures in question inhabit his books, most of which take place in and around his hometown of Kingsburg.

Oct 2024 19

A Scandal in Mayfair By Katharine Schellman: Review/Giveaway/Interview

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sarah Erwin

by Sarah Erwin

I’ve been a fan of Katharine Schellman’s Lily Adler Mysteries since book one, A Body in the Garden, released in April 2020. Book five, the newest book in this historical mystery series, A Scandal in Mayfair is a page-turning delight. For readers who enjoy audiobooks, I can also recommend these titles in audio format.

Oct 2024 12

A Dark and Stormy Knit By Peggy Ehrhart: Review/Giveaway/Halloween Guest Post

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sandra Murphy

by Sandra Murphy
& Peggy Ehrhart

A storm might add the perfect atmosphere for Halloween night, but it also cuts short the annual parade and bonfire. Pamela and her neighbors, Wilford and Bettina, have decided it’s best to stay inside and enjoy spiced cider and oatmeal raisin cookies. Their dog Woofus is usually a timid boy, but a sound alerts him that something is wrong. The scream that follows proves him right.

Oct 2024 12

Lorie Lewis Ham & Patrick Fontes Book Event at Hobb’s Grove

2024 Articles, Fantasy & Fangs, Lorie Lewis Ham, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Lorie Lewis Ham

If you have read my latest Tower District Mystery, One of You, you know that the last scene in the book takes place at Hobb's Grove in Sanger, CA so I thought it would be a lot of fun to have an event there.

Oct 2024 12

Death Scene A Witch City Mystery By Carol J. Perry: Review/Giveaway

2024 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow

Halloween is always one of the busiest times of the year for the town of Salem, Massachusetts, but now it’s especially chaotic. Paragon Productions has descended on Salem for a location shoot of their witch-themed movie called Night Magic, and everyone seems to be in a tizzy with the arrival of the actors and crew. Already working as WICH-TV’s program director and occasional field reporter, Lee Barrett Mondello has also been assigned by her station manager to direct a documentary about the film’s production.

Oct 2024 12

Halloween Bash at Kings River Winery: A Night of Spooky Fun and Entertainment

2024 Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Molly Eide Marquez

by Molly Eide Marquez

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you're in the Central Valley, the place to be this year is the Halloween Bash at Kings River Winery in Sanger. This much-anticipated event, first introduced in 2019, has become a favorite for local adults looking to celebrate Halloween in style. Kings River Winery, known for its scenic vineyards and welcoming atmosphere, hosts this event annually, and it's always a night to remember.

Oct 2024 12

Sunflowers, Scarecrows, and Scandal By Erica Wynters: Review/Giveaway/Interview

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Tracy Condie

by Tracy Condie

This is my favorite Camelot Flowers Mystery yet, and not just because our intrepid sleuth Gwen has come to a decision regarding romance. It is my favorite because it happens during the time leading up to Halloween. Much like Gwen, I like the decorations, but can do without things that go bump in the night or cackle in the dark.