Reviews 
Whether it be a book, movie, or something else, here’s a critique.
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 ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood XI
Rosa has fled from John Jasper who revealed his villainous designs on her in their private conversation in the garden of the Nuns’ House. Others’ concern about Rosa’s sudden flight brings the Reverend Crisparkle to London. ” ‘I have told Mr. Crisparkle,’ said Mr. Grewgious, ‘all that you told me last night, my dear. Of course… Read More ›
By Its Cover: Good Neighbors
Illuminated windows at night. Three witnesses peering outside. What do they see? This cover has a sort of Rear Window-vibe, but it also reminded me of an infamous incident in the 1960s. Kitty Genovese, returning home from work, is senselessly killed while her neighbors apparently ignored her cries for help in Queens, New York. Two… Read More ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood X
On a summer’s day, John Jasper has come to call on Rosa Bud much to her horror. “If he had chosen his time for finding her at a disadvantage, he could have done no better. Perhaps he has chosen it.” Rosa was utterly alone. Reluctantly, she resolves to meet him in the garden. There by… Read More ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood IX
Edwin Drood has vanished. And with the beginning of Chapter Seventeen, a “full half a year had come and gone.” The Rev. Crisparkle has gone up to London and converses with Mr. Honeythunder about “the sanctity of human life” and murder. It is clear they view Drood as having been “swept off the face of… Read More ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood VIII
What has happened to Edwin Drood? “He is not to be found.” Chapter Fifteen begins with a seemingly blissfully unaware Neville Landless–having set off on a journey–stopping at The Tilted Wagon tavern to refresh himself. Resuming his travels, he encounters four men. “Their manner was very curious.” They accost Neville. A reader’s first thought might… Read More ›
By Its Cover: The Cocktail Waitress
Hard Case Crime has been issuing–or should I say, reissuing–novels with a retro pulp fiction look. This particular book, released in 2012, is touted as a lost final novel by James M. Cain, author of The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity, and Mildred Pierce. Cain’s name should be well-known to mystery fans and film… Read More ›
Chapter by Chapter: The Mystery of Edwin Drood VII
“WHEN SHALL THESE THREE MEET AGAIN?” The title of Chapter Fourteen asks a curious question. To which three characters is it referring? Christmas Eve has come to Cloisterham. “Lavish profusion is in the shops” and elsewhere, as Dickens describes the Yuletide scene in Cloisterham before turning to the matter at hand. “Three are to meet… Read More ›
The Poisoned Martini 