Author Archives: Richard Goutal

Would you read your favorite series if you knew it was partly written by AI (artificial intelligence)?

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I was surprised today to get an email from the International Thriller Writers (ITW) who are looking into the coming impact of AI on the book publishing world. Connelly books written by a computer’s brain, bnut available at 1/3 the price? No thank you! New Raymond Chandler books written in the “style” of Raymond Chandler by AI? No thank you. What do you think? Here is what the letter from … Continue reading →

Mystery Readers – Let’s Do Our Part by Recognizing That Even Our Favorite Authors (or Screenwriters) May Have Gotten Forensics Wrong

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I have posted about this issue previously in pieces (like here), but this is a nice overall summary. I believe we need to know this stuff so that we are not unwittingly believing junk science in the novels we read, and then supporting it when we hear or read of its use in real trials in current events. This story was originally published by ProPublica. Republished here by following their … Continue reading →

The Evolution of Queer Crime Fiction

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An updated more permanent version of this information can be found here. I enjoy this sub-genre because the characters are…, different! I’ll share a list of authors who have written in this area, but the immediate reason for this post is the announcement of a Mystery Writers of America webinar on the topic scheduled for Thursday evening February 9, 2023 – 7 pm EST. If interested in this topic: Please … Continue reading →

Our Reactions to Mission Hill – SPOILER ALERT!!

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We are read Mission Hill for the February 24, 2023 Meeting. There are no spoilers for the top part of this post – the beginning of this post is only a repeat of the information provided about the book that was provided at the start of the month, before the meeting. But….. Near the bottom of the page, there is a place for our participants to leave comments about the … Continue reading →

Lessons From Deadly Pleasure’s Best of the Best Crime Fiction List for 2022

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Deadly Pleasures is a magazine for crime fiction fans, providing tons of mystery and thriller book reviews four times a year since 1992. There is a team of regular reviewers headed by editor and founder of the publication, George Easter. [Easter pictured at right.] Every year, scores of bloggers, newspapers, and magazine writers will post a list of what they consider “The Best Mysteries of the Year.” This month, Easter … Continue reading →

What Annoys Me About the MWA’s Grand Master Award to Michael Connelly and Joanne Fluke

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WARNING: This post is a rant. You might get a laugh, you might cringe, you might be offended, you may get bored. The Grand Master Award is a big deal, or at least it should be. It was established by the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) to “recognize important contributions to the mystery field over time, as well as a significant output of consistently high quality.” Full membership in the … Continue reading →

Our Reactions to 21 Immortals – SPOILER ALERT!!

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We read 21 Immortals for the January 27, 2023 Meeting. There are no spoilers for the top part of this post – the beginning of this post is only a repeat of the information provided about the book that was provided at the start of the month, before the meeting. But….. Near the bottom of the page – there is a place for our participants to leave comments about the … Continue reading →

What’s Your Reaction to Three Pines?

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The first Season of 8 episodes from the Louise Penny novels featuring Inspector Gamache are now live on Amazon Prime, and probably some of you have watched the shows. I will give you my opinions, but I am interested in what the fans actually think. Those who have read many or all of the books will no doubt have much to say. And feel free to disagree with anything I … Continue reading →

Junk Science and Junk Justice

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There is a new article in ProPublica today about yet another bit of junk science resulting in junk justice for many people. In this case, it revolves around one self-appointed expert who has taught his seminar to hundreds of law enforcement personnel around the country. His claim: the words used by those calling for help via 911 can determine whether they are lying about the crimes they are calling to … Continue reading →

Book by Maine Mystery Book Author Paul Doiron is Used as a Class Text

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The first book in Paul Doiron‘s excellent mystery series featuring Maine Game Warden Mike Bowditch was used as a class text in a sophomore English class at Dexter Regional High School in Dexter, Maine. Then the teacher and school librarian invited Mr. Doiron to speak to the students and answer questions about the book and writing in general. I say, “Three Cheers” to the teachers who chose the book and … Continue reading →