Tag: Fiction
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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
The Poisoned Martini 