Books & Tales

Sep 2024 28

Central Valley Fiction Writers

2024 Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Books & Tales, Lorie Lewis Ham

by Lorie Lewis Ham

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.

Sep 2024 28

Sky without Stars: A Spooky Short Story

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Terrific Tales

by Jane Gwaltney

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.

Sep 2024 28

Mystery Coming Attractions: October 2024

2024 Articles, Coming Attractions!, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Shawn Stevens

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.

Sep 2024 25

Five Reasons I Love Reading and Writing Historical Fiction

2024 Articles, Books & Tales, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Leslie Budewitz

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.

Sep 2024 21

The Body in the Bookstore/A Murder at the Movies By Ellie Alexander: Reviews/Giveaways/Guest Post

2024 Articles, Cynthia Chow, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Cynthia Chow
& Ellie Alexander

Annie Murray’s plans to become a forensic psychologist or criminal profiler ended with the death of her best friend Scarlet. Annie’s never forgiven herself for not discouraging Scarlet from pursuing leads in a cold case, one of the unsolved mysteries assigned to them by their criminology professor. Annie believes that their recklessness led to Scarlet’s murder, and the guilt caused Annie to abandon her dreams and instead accept a job as a bookseller in Redwood Grove, California.

Sep 2024 21

Valley Animal Center: The Growing Crisis of Abandoned Pets, Mavis’s Story

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Juan Guitron

The crisis of pet homelessness is becoming increasingly severe, and each abandoned animal tells a story of confusion and heartbreak. Recently, we encountered another devastating case of neglect that underscores this troubling trend.

Sep 2024 21

A Farewell to Arfs By Spencer Quinn: Review/Giveaway

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Pets, Sandra Murphy

by Sandra Murphy

Everyone who knows Chet (the dog) and Bernie (Bernie Little of the Little Detective Agency), knows about Mr. and Mrs. Parsons and Iggy (their dog) who live next door. Mrs. Parsons isn’t doing too well, she’s in the hospital again.

Sep 2024 21

Death of a Flying Nightingale By Laura Jensen Walker: Review/Giveaway

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze

by J.M. Landon

Death of a Flying Nightingale is an amazing dive into the little-known history of the WAAF Nursing Orderlies. These women had only six weeks of nursing training and flew, sometimes twice a day, into the war zone of WWII, delivering needed supplies and munitions, and returning with wounded soldiers.

Sep 2024 21

Queer Mystery Coming Attractions: October 2024

2024 Articles, Coming Attractions!, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Matt Lubbers-Moore

Being a library director in charge of purchasing books for the library in a very conservative small town, I have to be careful not to upset the right but also make sure that I have books in the library for those who are unable to get the books themselves.

Sep 2024 21

New Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast featuring Four Pieces of Evidence

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Podcasts, Theatre

by Lorie Lewis Ham

Here is your weekly reminder that there are also new articles up on our other website KRL News & Reviews! Every week there will be book reviews and giveaways, plus sometimes pet articles, theatre articles, and more! And listen to our new podcast!