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 →

Watch “Harry Wild” for Great Entertainment

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Harry Wild is great mystery entertainment

Harry Wild is a show made for Acorn TV, now playing for free on Hoopla. It’s set in Dublin! It has Jane Seymour starring the lead as a Jessica Fletcher type, but she is 5 times sassier! It’s light mystery entertainment with good writing. Literature professor Harriet “Harry” Wild (Jane Seymour) is adjusting to retirement when she’s mugged. While recovering at the home of her son (Kevin Ryan), a detective … Continue reading →

Buying Used Books, Some Suggestions

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Why you might buy used books When the library doesn’t have enough copies When you want to keep a copy of the book with your own notes and scribbles When a new book is not affordable Considerations when buying used books The fastest two ways to find used copies are using Amazon.com or Ebay.com. The reason I use those two sites for used books only as a last resort is … Continue reading →

What the heck is a literary mystery?

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My annoyance, followed by curiosity, all began with the announcement of a panel of “acclaimed mystery authors” which I promoted in the December 1, 2022 Mystery Book Club “events” email. See below. I thought, well, if I am promoting it, perhaps I should attend the online event. Then I thought, it might be best to read at least one of the author’s books so I could form my reaction based on … Continue reading →

Review: A WWII Thriller by William Martin

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by Michael O’Connor Franklin Delano Roosevelt was not assassinated on the South Portico of the White House in 1941. That is a historical fact and this is not a mystery. But, it can be read as a mystery if you go along with William Martin and willingly suspend your disbelief. What if? What if, indeed? That is Martin’s premise to a masterful tale of suspense in December ’41! He weaves … Continue reading →