Maybe All Hallow’s Eve should be called All Hallow’s Evil, Dot Henderson mused as she watched the costumed Bostonians parade by that October night in 1926. A leering Harlequin slid into the shadows. A dark-hooded Death carried a scythe over his shoulder, while a red-forked tail sprang out from behind a statuesque Egyptian queen wearing a grotesque mask.
by Sarah Peterson-Camacho
“The Weekly Alta has recently begun the publication of the story of Joaquin Murrieta, revised. The story is more attractive in its new form than ever before, and the publishers have been unable to supply the demand for back numbers.” --The Santa Barbara Times, Saturday, November 26, 1870, p. 2
For the upcoming Gala Week ushering in the New Year and raising funds for the Silvercrest Library, the cast of the popular mystery television show Chasers have been invited to premiere their new episode written by local resident and mystery author Calliope Nightfall. Tabitha Baxter, the president of the library board and self-declared leader of the gala, is thrilled to be welcoming the star Whitney Wilton and her niece/party planner Lyra, at least right up until Lyra falls ill and is later found dead.
The Festive Mayhem mystery and crime fiction anthology returns for its fourth year! In this exciting edition, thirteen talented crime writers of color have come together to bring you a baker's dozen of fresh, captivating short stories, all set around the winter holidays. Whether you enjoy uplifting cozies, heart-pounding thrillers, or gripping suspense, this collection has something for every mystery lover.
This week we have 4 more cozy and historical mysteries for your fall reading-Quilty as Charged: A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery Book Two by Maggie Bailey, No Paw to Stand On: A Bookmobile Cat Mystery by Laurie Cass, The Grim Steeper: A Witches Brew Mystery #3 by Gretchen Rue, and Murder at the White Palace by Allison Montclair.
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This is the second book in a new Jackie Layton series. I just want to start by saying how much I like that the series is titled “Organized Crime” as a play on the word organized, as in organizing spaces. Cozy sleuth’s usually have regular day jobs, like café owner, librarian, baker, and even pet-care specialist, but never an organizer.
Recently I discovered a relatively new organization for fiction writers here in the Central Valley, the Central Valley Fiction Writers. The group came to the book launch of my new Tower District Mystery at the Book Barn in Clovis in July and introduced themselves. I joined their group and am looking forward to learning more about what they have to offer. I thought it would be interesting to share that learning journey with our readers so I interviewed their Treasurer and Interim President Roh Morgan.
Beneath Gwen’s feet was an undulating carpet of leaves. Above, a cowardly sun, setting earlier and earlier. She incited an explosion of sparrows as she sprinted down the path between two rows of towering Poplars dressed in flames of Autumn.
Welcome to October! The crisp air, crackling leaves, and spooky decor make this the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, a cup of your favorite hot drink, and a spine-tingling yet charming mystery. Whether you're drawn to haunted inns, witchy sleuths, or fall festivals with a touch of intrigue, October is a month when our cozy mysteries take on a delightful spooky twist.
Every day, we walk through the past. On the way to work, we pass by a redbrick building with terra cotta trim, and glance up at the ghost signs advertising long-gone brands of cars, cigarettes, and soft drinks. After lunch, we take a walk on a trail that once served as a road, reclaimed by time and trees, with the help of human hands.
