Mystery 
Diners, Drive-ins, and Death
It is a truth universally acknowledged that when, in a mystery novel, a character threatens to kill someone who invariably ends up dead, said person will inevitably be arrested for the threatened deed. Within the first chapter, larger-than-life Antoinette Chloe Brownelli dramatically brandishes a knife and announces, “As soon as I find Nick, I’m going… Read More ›
By Its Cover: Mayhem
This striking cover with its skeletal visage—is it formed by smoke or fire?—wearing a top hat and the vintage map of London behind it have me asking: what is it that we have here? “A moody whodunit with a horrific twist, set in London during Jack the Ripper’s red reign…” says the quote (attributed to… Read More ›
By Its Cover: The Bones of Paris
Do some covers attract attention because they feature someplace we’ve been or wish to go? When traveling do you bring a book set in the place where you’ll be? Two things stand out on this cover: the Eiffel Tower and off to the left, an equestrian statue. It’s not the most stellar cover featuring a… Read More ›
18 Suspense Thrillers for Summer
Spy thrillers, psychological thrillers, legal thrillers … consider reading some classic and current examples of the genre. These selections often appear on “best of” lists; so if you haven’t read them, now is the time. Summer is, after all, a great opportunity to relax and read those books sitting in our “to be read” pile… Read More ›
By Its Cover: Murder with a Twist
Do certain images attract your attention to a cover? Considering the name of my blog, The Poisoned Martini, it’s not surprising that cocktails on a mystery cover would catch my eye. Here, front and center, we have two martinis. I like to think of them as a gin martini with olives and a vodka martini… Read More ›
Inkitt’s Fated Paradox Contest
Mystery and thriller writers looking for a outlet for their stories have a new opportunity and a chance to win a contest for their writing. Inkitt, the dynamic community for writers and readers, have launched Fated Paradox, a contest for mystery and thriller authors. The theme is all about “tales of gripping suspense.” Think you… Read More ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood … Afterthoughts
One subtle change, one added clue can change everything. When Charles Dickens died in June 1870, he left an enduring mystery in his unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Even after a careful reading, several questions are left unanswered. Is Edwin Drood alive or dead? Who killed (or assaulted) Drood? Who is the mysterious… Read More ›
By Its Cover: Jonathan Kellerman’s Killer
Does the type of book you prefer impact what covers you give a second glance? Looking past the very large, bold letters revealing author and title and focusing solely on the cover image, we see a lone figure on the steps of a columned building. The architecture of this scene calls to mind the type… Read More ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood XII
The saga of Edwin Drood comes to an unsatisfactory close for its intended outcome can only be a matter of mere speculation. Before its end, we have one last chapter coincidentally named “The Dawn Again,” recalling the first chapter’s moniker and bringing the novel full circle. The juxtaposition between Jasper and Crisparkle is immediate. “Although… Read More ›
By Its Cover: Laura Lippman’s Hush
What happens when a book cover catches your eye but gives you pause? Laura Lippman is a New York Times bestseller. Her name appears prominently above the title in bold red letters. The title, Hush, appears in white letters faintly mirrored against a black background. As a mystery suspense thriller these colors are a trifecta. … Read More ›
The Poisoned Martini 