writing

Oct 2024 2

Festive Mayhem 4: 13 Cozy & Cold Winter Holiday Mystery and Crime Fiction Stories by the Crime Writers of Color

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Barbara Howard

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.

Sep 2024 28

The Con An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery By Jackie Layton: Review/Giveaway/Interview

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Tracy Condie

by Tracy Condie

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.

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 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 18

Soundtrack to A Crime Scene, The Music of Negative Girl

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Libby Cudmore

Music is always one of the earliest components of a story I write. I find a song––sometimes on purpose, mostly on accident––that inspires a sensation of a story. Listening to Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” and Danny Elfman’s “Little Things” gave me an inkling of a pairing on the run, on the streets, wits and danger, and crimes afoot.

Sep 2024 14

The Jig Is Up By Lisa Q. Mathews: Review/Giveaway/Interview

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sarah Erwin

by Sarah Erwin

There really is nothing better than getting in on the ground floor of a new cozy mystery series, and Lisa Q. Mathews’ debut, The Jig Is Up is an absolute delight. In this first book of the Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery series, Lisa’s crisp writing blends wit and mystery to create a charming and page-turning read.

Sep 2024 4

Lorie Lewis Ham: Writing Mysteries Set in the Tower District of Fresno, CA

2024 Articles, Mallory Moad, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Mallory Moad

When it comes to the arts, the Central Valley is hardly a wasteland. With theatre and dance companies and festivals, orchestras, bands, and plenty of art galleries and related events, the scene is vibrant and thriving. Another component that is less showy and flashy but just as vital is literature.

Aug 2024 31

The Murders in Great Diddling By Katarina Bivald: Review/Giveaway/Interview

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Tracy Condie

by Tracy Condie

Some of the best mysteries, cozy or otherwise, take place in small English country towns. I would say that this novel has cozy undertones, but it also has some language that makes it a little edgier than your standard cozy. The main character, author Berit Gardner, needs a change of pace to get back her writing mojo, so she buys a cottage in Great Diddling.

Aug 2024 31

To Err Is Cumin By Leslie Budewitz: Review/Giveaway/Guest Post

2024 Articles, Mysteryrat's Maze, Sandra Murphy

by Sandra Murphy
& Leslie Budewitz

It’s a given that any furniture left at the curb is up for grabs. When Pepper finds an old wingback chair, in need of new upholstery but with good bones, she’s sure she found just the right chair for her mom and dad’s new-old house. They’ve lived away for years but are now coming back to the area and to the very house they once owned.