Jennifer Chow, Rob Osler and Harini NagendraShow NotesOn this episode we finish our interviews with nominees for the Agatha Awards which will begiven at Malice Domestic this year.We first talked with Jennifer Chow who is nominated for her book “Death By Bubble Tea”(Berkley) for Best Contemporary Novel.When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to playtour guide to a relative she hasn't seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it's awonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village NightMarket. Yale hasn't cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine's career as a social mediainfluencer as adequate experience, but because she's just lost her job at her local bookstore,she feels she has no choice.Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, iteventually picks up thanks to Celine's surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They're quite shockedthat their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit--literally--when one of their customers turns up dead.Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drinkas a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work togetherto find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they'll be serving is time.We talked then with Rob Osler who is nominated for a Best First Novel for his book “Devil'sChew Toy” (Level Best).Seattle teacher and part-time blogger Hayden McCall wakes sporting one hell of a shiner, withthe police knocking at his door. It seems that his new crush, dancer Camilo Rodriguez, hasgone missing and they suspect foul play. What happened the night before? And where isCamilo?Determined to find answers, pint-sized, good-hearted Hayden seeks out two of Camilo’s friends—Hollister and Burley—both lesbians and both fiercely devoted to their friend. From them,Hayden learns that Camilo is a “Dreamer” whose parents had been deported years earlier, andwhose sister, Daniela, is presumed to have returned to Venezuela with them. Convinced that thecops won’t take a brown boy’s disappearance seriously, the girls join Hayden’s hunt for Camilo.The first clues turn up at Barkingham Palace, a pet store where Camilo had taken a part-timejob. The store’s owner, Della Rupert, claims ignorance, but Hayden knows something is up. Andthen there’s Camilo’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who’s suddenly grown inexplicably wealthy. WhenHayden and Hollister follow Ryan to a secure airport warehouse, they make a shockingconnection between him and Della—and uncover the twisted scheme that’s made both of themrich.The trail of clues leads them to the grounds of a magnificent estate on an island in PugetSound, where they’ll finally learn the truth about Camilo’s disappearance—and the fate of hisfamily.And Finally, we talked with Harini Nagendra who is nominated for a Best First Novel for her book:The Bangladore Detective's Club” (Constable)Solving crimes isn't easy.Add a jealous mother-in-law and having to wear a flowing sari into the mix, and you've got aproblem.When clever, headstrong Kaveri moves to Bangalore to marry doctor Ramu, she's resignedherself to a quiet life.But that all changes the night of the party at the Century Club, where she escapes to the gardenfor some peace - and instead spots an uninvited guest in the shadows. Half an hour later, theparty turns into a murder scene.When a vulnerable woman is connected to the crime, Kaveri becomes determined to save herand launches a private investigation to find the killer, tracing his steps from an illustrious brothelto an Englishman's mansion. She soon finds that sleuthing in a sari isn't as hard as it seemswhen you have a talent for maths, a head for logic and a doctor for a husband.And she's going to need them all as the case leads her deeper into a hotbed of danger, seditionand intrigue in Bangalore's darkest alleyways . . .We congratulate each and every nominee and wish them all the best of luck with their writingand in life.TRIVIALast week's question was:Which author used the following pseudonyms in their career. Deanna Dwyer, K. R. Dwyer,Aaron Wolfe, David Axton, Brian Coffey, John Hill, Leigh Nichols, Owen West, Richard Paige,and Anthony North?a. Dean Koontzb. James Pattersonc. John LeCarred. Michael ConnellyThe answer is a. Dean Koontz. Known pseudonyms used by Koontz during his career includeDeanna Dwyer, K. R. Dwyer, Aaron Wolfe, David Axton, Brian Coffey, John Hill, Leigh Nichols,Owen West, Richard Paige, and Anthony North. As Brian Coffey, he wrote the "Mike Tucker"trilogy (Blood Risk, Surrounded, Wall of Masks) in acknowledged tribute to the Parker novels ofRichard Stark (Donald E. Westlake). Many of Koontz's pseudonymous novels are now availableunder his real name. Many others remain suppressed by Koontz, who bought back the rights toensure they could not be republished; he has, on occasion, said that he might revise some forrepublication, but only three have appeared — Demon Seed and Invasion were both heavilyrewritten before they were republished, and Prison of Ice had certain sections bowdlerised.This week's question is:P.D. James began her writing career while she worked where?a. A schoolb. a Law firmc. a factoryd. a hospitalTune in next week for the answer.

Nina Wachsman and Martin EdwardsShow NotesWe talked to two more of the Agatha Nominees for this episode.First, we talked with Nina Wachsmann who is nominated for a Best First Novel for her bookThe Gallery of Beauties (Level Best Books) In the city that invented the concept of the ‘Ghetto,’it is surprising to learn that the Jews lived separately but not isolated from the culture aroundthem in the seventeenth century. Rabbis were not only leaders in the Jewish community, butscholars, mathematicians, statesmen and playwrights who were well known and respected inVenetian society and throughout Europe. The music, art and innovative foods which filled thecity, filtered into the Ghetto, finding its way into synagogues and homes.In a salon-like discussion with trustee David Sable, Nina Wachsman will bring to life this unusualcity and its unusually modern Jews, from her research for her novel of historical suspense, TheGallery of Beauties.We then talked with Martin Edwards who is nominated for Best Non-Fiction for his bookThe Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and Their Creators (Harper Collins)In the first major history of crime fiction in 50 years, The Life of Crime: Detecting the History ofMysteries and Their Creators traces the evolution of the genre from the 18th century to thepresent, offering brand-new perspective on the world’s most popular form of fiction.Author Martin Edwards is a multi-award-winning crime novelist, the president of the DetectionClub, archivist of the Crime Writers’ Association and series consultant to the British Library’shighly successful series of crime classics, and therefore uniquely qualified to write this book. Hehas been a widely respected genre commentator for more than 30 years, winning the CWADiamond Dagger for making a significant contribution to crime writing in 2020, when he alsocompiled and published Howdunit: A Masterclass in Crime Writing by Members of the DetectionClub and the novel Mortmain Hall. His critically acclaimed The Golden Age of Murder (CollinsCrime Club, 2015) was a landmark study of detective fiction between the wars.The Life of Crime is the result of a lifetime of reading and enjoying all types of crime fiction, oldand new, from around the world. In what will surely be regarded as his magnum opus, MartinEdwards has thrown himself undaunted into the breadth and complexity of the genre to write anauthoritative—and enjoyable—study of its development and evolution. With crime fiction beingread more widely than ever around the world, and with individual authors increasingly thesubject of extensive academic study, his expert distillation of more than two centuries ofextraordinary books and authors—from the tales of E.T.A. Hoffmann to the novels of PatriciaCornwell—into one coherent history is an extraordinary feat and makes for a compelling listen.TRIVIALast week's question was:Author Harlan Coben made a deal with whom in 2016 to adapt 14 of his novels into film?a. Fox Entertainmentb. Paramoutc. Blue Sky Productionsd. NetflixThe answer is d. Netflix. In August 2018, Coben signed a multi-million-dollar five-year deal withAmerican company Netflix. Under the deal, 14 of Coben's novels would be developed intooriginal Netflix series or films, with him serving as executive producer on all projects.[30] Thefirst title released under the deal was The Stranger, based on his novel of the same name,which premiered in January 2020.[31] In October 2022, it was announced that Netflix had re-upped the deal for another four years, with the Myron Bolitar series now also available foradaptationThis week's question is:Which author used the following pseudonyms in their career. Deanna Dwyer, K. R. Dwyer,Aaron Wolfe, David Axton, Brian Coffey, John Hill, Leigh Nichols, Owen West, Richard Paige,and Anthony North?a. Dean Koontzb. James Pattersonc. John LeCarred. Michael ConnellyTune in next week for the answer.

Korina Moss and Fleur BradleyShow NotesThe first thing we did on this episode is to announce that we have a new patron in Jan H. fromIllinois and we are thrilled. We also had a donation made to our tip jar on our website from JoanLong. We are very appreciative of both.Korina Moss is nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel for her book “Cheddar OffDead.”Cheesemonger Willa Bauer is proving that sweet dreams are made of cheese. She’s openedher very own French-inspired cheese shop, Curds & Whey, in the heart of the Sonoma Valley.The small town of Yarrow Glen is Willa's fresh start, and she's determined to make it a success– starting with a visit from the local food critic. What Willa didn’t know is that this guy never givesa good review, and when he shows up nothing goes according to plan. She doesn’t think thenight can get any worse... until she finds the critic’s dead body, stabbed with one of her shop’scheese knives. Now a prime suspect, Willa has always believed life’s problems can be solvedwith cheese, but she’s never tried to apply it to murder...We then talked with Fleur Bradley who is nominated for An Agatha Award for Best Children orYoung Adult Novel for her book “Daybreak on Raven Island.”Tori, Marvin, and Noah would rather be anywhere else than on the seventh grade class field tripto Raven Island prison. Tori would rather be on the soccer field, but her bad grades havebenched her until further notice; Marvin would rather be at the first day of a film festival with hisbest friend, Kevin; and Noah isn't looking forward to having to make small talk with hisclassmates at this new school.But when the three of them stumble upon a dead body in the woods, miss the last ferry backhome, and then have to spend the night on Raven Island, they find that they need each othernow more than ever. They must work together to uncover a killer, outrun a motley ghost-huntingcrew, and expose the age-old secrets of the island all before daybreak.We thank both of these ladies and wish them good luck.TRIVIALast Week's question was:“High Tower Court” building had what influence on author Michael Connelly?a. He thought it was hauntedb. He featured it in his bookc. He wanted to live thered. He wanted it renamedThe answer is c. He wanted to live there.After moving to Los Angeles, Connelly went to see High Tower Court where RaymondChandler's character Philip Marlowe had lived (in his 1942 novel The High Window), and RobertAltman had used for his film The Long Goodbye(1973). Connelly got the manager of thebuilding to promise to phone him if the apartment ever became available. Ten years later, themanager tracked Connelly down, and Connelly decided to rent the place. This apartment servedas a place to write for several yearsThis week's question is:Author Harlan Coben made a deal with whom in 2016 to adapt 14 of his novels into film?a. Fox Entertainmentb. Paramoutc. Blue Sky Productionsd. Netflix

Joan Long/M.A. MoninShow notesOur first episode dedicated to the nominees for Agatha Awards begins today. Our first nomineeis Joan Long who is nominated for Best First Novel for her book “The Finalist”The Finalist (Level Best Books) Five authors, each with their own secrets, are chosen tocomplete a deceased novelist's unfinished manuscript. For single mom Risa Marr, thecompetition is the opportunity of a lifetime. At stake is a million dollars and a contract to continuethe famous novelist's bestselling thriller series.Transported to the tropical paradise of Key Island, the finalists are cut off from the world andgiven seven days to draft their best ending for the book. But when one of them turns up dead,theories and accusations abound. Accident? Suicide? Or Murder? To what lengths willcompetitors go to win? And who, if anyone, will leave the island alive?We then chatted with M.A. (Mary) Monin who is nominated for Best First Novel for her book“Death In The Aegean”Death in the Aegean (An Intrepid Traveler Mystery) Level Best Books. When private bankerStefanie Adams takes a much-needed vacation to the Greek isles, vowing to embraceopportunities as they come, instead of finding romance and adventure she is suspected ofmurdering a bride who accused her deceased father of artifact theft. Unfortunately, thenewlywed's accusation also ties Stefanie, a former archaeology student, to the robbery of anewly discovered Minoan statue, the golden Akrotiri Snake Goddess.With two high-profile crimes to solve, Greek police are under pressure, and both crimes leadstraight to Stefanie. To avoid Greek prison and maintain her career, Stefanie must identify whichof her fellow travelers is the real killer.Between the light-fingered backpacker with an eye on the bride's jewelry, the travel bloggerwhose career the dead woman ruined, a flirtatious German tourist who is after more thanromance, and the long-suffering bridegroom, Stefanie's task won't be easy. Everyone, it seems,had a motive for wanting to see the last of Emma Keller.We wish both of these lovely ladies good luck. We will have two more nominees on our podcastnext week so be sure and join us.TRIVIALast week's question was:Which author worked at a job and had to dress up as a tuxedo wearing yogurt?a. Elly Griffithsb. Sue Graftonc. Louise Pennyd. Gillian FlynnThe answer is d. Gillian Flynn. Flynn attended Bishop Miege High School and graduated in1989.. As a young woman, she worked odd jobs which required her to do things such as dressup as a giant "yogurt cone who wore a tuxedoThis week's question is:“High Tower Court” building had what influence on author Michael Connelly?a. He thought it was hauntedb. He featured it in his bookc. He wanted to live thered. He wanted it renamedTune in next week for the answer.

WWAR for March 2023Show NotesPart 1The Agatha Awards are coming up at end end of April and our next few episodes will be interviews withseveral of the nominees for this year's awards. Therfore, we decided to devote our March WWAR episodes tobooks that have been nominated for awards this year.Joan Long is nominated for an Agatha for Best First Novel for “The Finalist” (Level Best Books)Five authors, each with their own secrets, are chosen to complete a deceased novelist's unfinishedmanuscript. For single mom Risa Marr, the competition is the opportunity of a lifetime. At stake is a milliondollars and a contract to continue the famous novelist's bestselling thriller series.Transported to the tropical paradise of Key Island, the finalists are cut off from the world and given seven daysto draft their best ending for the book. But when one of them turns up dead, theories and accusations abound.Accident? Suicide? Or Murder? To what lengths will competitors go to win? And who, if anyone, will leave theisland alive?Dr. Lucy Worsley is nominated for an Agatha for Best Non-Fiction for her book “Agatha Christie: AnElusive Woman” (Pegasus Crime)"Nobody in the world was more inadequate to act the heroine than I was."Why did Agatha Christie spend her career pretending that she was "just" an ordinary housewife, when clearlyshe wasn't? Her life is fascinating for its mysteries and its passions and, as Lucy Worsley says, "She wasthrillingly, scintillatingly modern." She went surfing in Hawaii, she loved fast cars, and she was intrigued by thenew science of psychology, which helped her through devastating mental illness.So why—despite all the evidence to the contrary—did Agatha present herself as a retiring Edwardian lady ofleisure?She was born in 1890 into a world that had its own rules about what women could and couldn't do. LucyWorsley's biography is not just of a massively, internationally successful writer. It's also the story of a personwho, despite the obstacles of class and gender, became an astonishingly successful working woman.With access to personal letters and papers that have rarely been seen, Lucy Worsley's biography is bothauthoritative and entertaining and makes us realize what an extraordinary pioneer Agatha Christie was—trulya woman who wrote the twentieth century.Part 2Rob Osler is nominated for a Best First Novel for his book “The Devil's Chew Toy” (Crooked Lane Books)Seattle teacher and part-time blogger Hayden McCall wakes sporting one hell of a shiner, with the policeknocking at his door. It seems that his new crush, dancer Camilo Rodriguez, has gone missing and theysuspect foul play. What happened the night before? And where is Camilo?Determined to find answers, pint-sized, good-hearted Hayden seeks out two of Camilo’s friends—Hollisterand Burley—both lesbians and both fiercely devoted to their friend. From them, Hayden learns that Camilo isa “Dreamer” whose parents had been deported years earlier, and whose sister, Daniela, is presumed to havereturned to Venezuela with them. Convinced that the cops won’t take a brown boy’s disappearance seriously,the girls join Hayden’s hunt for Camilo.The first clues turn up at Barkingham Palace, a pet store where Camilo had taken a part-time job. The store’sowner, Della Rupert, claims ignorance, but Hayden knows something is up. And then there’s Camilo’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who’s suddenly grown inexplicably wealthy. When Hayden and Hollister follow Ryan to asecure airport warehouse, they make a shocking connection between him and Della—and uncover the twistedscheme that’s made both of them rich.The trail of clues leads them to the grounds of a magnificent estate on an island in Puget Sound, where they’llfinally learn the truth about Camilo’s disappearance—and the fate of his family.Karen Odden is nominated for Best Historical Novel for “Under A Veiled Moon” (Crooked Lane Books)September 1878. One night, as the pleasure boat The Princess Alice makes her daily trip up the Thames, shecollides with the Bywell Castle, a huge iron-hulled collier. The Princess Alice shears apart, throwing all 600passengers into the river; only 130 survive. It is the worst maritime disaster London has ever seen, and earlyclues point to sabotage by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, who believe violence is the path to restoring IrishHome Rule.For Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan, born in Ireland and adopted by the Irish Doyle family, the casepresents a challenge. Accused by the Home Office of willfully disregarding the obvious conclusion, andberated by his Irish friends for bowing to prejudice, Corravan doggedly pursues the truth, knowing that if thePrincess Alice disaster is pinned on the IRB, hopes for Home Rule could be dashed forever.Corrovan’s dilemma is compounded by Colin, the youngest Doyle, who has joined James McCabe’s Irishgang. As violence in Whitechapel rises, Corravan strikes a deal with McCabe to get Colin out of harm’s way.But unbeknownst to Corravan, Colin bears longstanding resentments against his adopted brother and scornshis help.As the newspapers link the IRB to further accidents, London threatens to devolve into terror and chaos. Withthe help of his young colleague, the loyal Mr. Stiles, and his friend Belinda Gale, Corravan uncovers theharrowing truth—one that will shake his faith in his countrymen, the law, and himself.TRIVIAC.J. Box won what award for his first novel “Open Season?”a. Anthonyb. Macavityc. Gumshoed. BarryThe answer is All of them For Open Season, Box won the Anthony Award, the Macavity Award, the GumshoeAward, and the Barry Award, all in the Best First Novel category.This week's question is:Which author worked at a job and had to dress up as a tuxedo wearing yogurt?a. Elly Griffithsb. Sue Graftonc. Louise Pennyd. Gillian FlynnTune in next week for the answer

WWAR for March 2023Show NotesPart 1The Agatha Awards are coming up at end end of April and our next few episodes will be interviews withseveral of the nominees for this year's awards. Therfore, we decided to devote our March WWAR episodes tobooks that have been nominated for awards this year.Joan Long is nominated for an Agatha for Best First Novel for “The Finalist” (Level Best Books)Five authors, each with their own secrets, are chosen to complete a deceased novelist's unfinishedmanuscript. For single mom Risa Marr, the competition is the opportunity of a lifetime. At stake is a milliondollars and a contract to continue the famous novelist's bestselling thriller series.Transported to the tropical paradise of Key Island, the finalists are cut off from the world and given seven daysto draft their best ending for the book. But when one of them turns up dead, theories and accusations abound.Accident? Suicide? Or Murder? To what lengths will competitors go to win? And who, if anyone, will leave theisland alive?Dr. Lucy Worsley is nominated for an Agatha for Best Non-Fiction for her book “Agatha Christie: AnElusive Woman” (Pegasus Crime)"Nobody in the world was more inadequate to act the heroine than I was."Why did Agatha Christie spend her career pretending that she was "just" an ordinary housewife, when clearlyshe wasn't? Her life is fascinating for its mysteries and its passions and, as Lucy Worsley says, "She wasthrillingly, scintillatingly modern." She went surfing in Hawaii, she loved fast cars, and she was intrigued by thenew science of psychology, which helped her through devastating mental illness.So why—despite all the evidence to the contrary—did Agatha present herself as a retiring Edwardian lady ofleisure?She was born in 1890 into a world that had its own rules about what women could and couldn't do. LucyWorsley's biography is not just of a massively, internationally successful writer. It's also the story of a personwho, despite the obstacles of class and gender, became an astonishingly successful working woman.With access to personal letters and papers that have rarely been seen, Lucy Worsley's biography is bothauthoritative and entertaining and makes us realize what an extraordinary pioneer Agatha Christie was—trulya woman who wrote the twentieth century.Part 2Rob Osler is nominated for a Best First Novel for his book “The Devil's Chew Toy” (Crooked Lane Books)Seattle teacher and part-time blogger Hayden McCall wakes sporting one hell of a shiner, with the policeknocking at his door. It seems that his new crush, dancer Camilo Rodriguez, has gone missing and theysuspect foul play. What happened the night before? And where is Camilo?Determined to find answers, pint-sized, good-hearted Hayden seeks out two of Camilo’s friends—Hollisterand Burley—both lesbians and both fiercely devoted to their friend. From them, Hayden learns that Camilo isa “Dreamer” whose parents had been deported years earlier, and whose sister, Daniela, is presumed to havereturned to Venezuela with them. Convinced that the cops won’t take a brown boy’s disappearance seriously,the girls join Hayden’s hunt for Camilo.The first clues turn up at Barkingham Palace, a pet store where Camilo had taken a part-time job. The store’sowner, Della Rupert, claims ignorance, but Hayden knows something is up. And then there’s Camilo’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who’s suddenly grown inexplicably wealthy. When Hayden and Hollister follow Ryan to asecure airport warehouse, they make a shocking connection between him and Della—and uncover the twistedscheme that’s made both of them rich.The trail of clues leads them to the grounds of a magnificent estate on an island in Puget Sound, where they’llfinally learn the truth about Camilo’s disappearance—and the fate of his family.Karen Odden is nominated for Best Historical Novel for “Under A Veiled Moon” (Crooked Lane Books)September 1878. One night, as the pleasure boat The Princess Alice makes her daily trip up the Thames, shecollides with the Bywell Castle, a huge iron-hulled collier. The Princess Alice shears apart, throwing all 600passengers into the river; only 130 survive. It is the worst maritime disaster London has ever seen, and earlyclues point to sabotage by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, who believe violence is the path to restoring IrishHome Rule.For Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan, born in Ireland and adopted by the Irish Doyle family, the casepresents a challenge. Accused by the Home Office of willfully disregarding the obvious conclusion, andberated by his Irish friends for bowing to prejudice, Corravan doggedly pursues the truth, knowing that if thePrincess Alice disaster is pinned on the IRB, hopes for Home Rule could be dashed forever.Corrovan’s dilemma is compounded by Colin, the youngest Doyle, who has joined James McCabe’s Irishgang. As violence in Whitechapel rises, Corravan strikes a deal with McCabe to get Colin out of harm’s way.But unbeknownst to Corravan, Colin bears longstanding resentments against his adopted brother and scornshis help.As the newspapers link the IRB to further accidents, London threatens to devolve into terror and chaos. Withthe help of his young colleague, the loyal Mr. Stiles, and his friend Belinda Gale, Corravan uncovers theharrowing truth—one that will shake his faith in his countrymen, the law, and himself.TRIVIAC.J. Box won what award for his first novel “Open Season?”a. Anthonyb. Macavityc. Gumshoed. BarryThe answer is All of them For Open Season, Box won the Anthony Award, the Macavity Award, the GumshoeAward, and the Barry Award, all in the Best First Novel category.This week's question is:Which author worked at a job and had to dress up as a tuxedo wearing yogurt?a. Elly Griffithsb. Sue Graftonc. Louise Pennyd. Gillian FlynnTune in next week for the answer

Mystery at Windswept Farmby Wendy Sand EckelShow NotesWe visited with Wendy Sand Eckel about her book Mystery at Windswept Farm (LevelBest Books).This is the third book in theRosalie Hart Mystery Series,Rosalie's hard-earned organic farm certification is threatened by a toxic neighbor who isabout to crop dust his winter wheat. When their impulsive farm hand decides to confronthim, she finds his lifeless body inside the door of his home on Windswept Farm.In the midst of the mayhem, Rosalie's beloved Day Lily Café hosts a 5-day cookingschool. Marco Giovanelli, a celebrated Italian chef, arrives in Cardigan and a sumptuoussituation ensues. When one of the students falls ill with the same poison that killed thefarmer, Rosalie and her best friend and head waiter, Glenn, take matters, andhomemade pasta dough, into their own hands.With Mystery at Windswept Farm, Eckel once again brings the fictional town of Cardiganto life and delights with suspense, humor, and mouth-watering menus.Degrees in criminology and social work, followed by years of clinical practice, helpedWENDY SAND ECKEL explore her fascination with how relationships impact motivation,desire, and inhibition. Combined with her passion for words and meaning, writingmystery is a dream realized.She is the award-winning author of the Rosalie Hart Mystery Series. Murder at BarclayMeadow and Death at the Day Lily Café were published by Minotaur Books in 2015 and2016. Death at the Day Lily Café was selected “Best Cozy of 2016” by SuspenseMagazine. She is an active member of the Mystery Writers of America and theInternational Association of Crime Writers.Eckel lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in her dream house where she alternatelygazes out her windows at the Chester River and hovers over the stove, creatingsucculent, sometimes experimental, meals for family and friends. She lives with the loveof her life and two rescued orange tabbies, Frodo and Sam. Her website ishttps://wendysandeckelauthor.comThe episode ran a bit long so Trivia will return next week.

Jennifer HerreraShow NotesThe Hunter by Jennifer Herrera published by G. P Putnam Sons 1/12/23After reckless behavior costs NYPD detective Leigh O’Donnell her job and her marriage, she returns with herfour-year-old daughter to her beautiful hometown of Copper Falls, Ohio. Leigh had stayed away for more thana decade—even though her brother and a trio of loving uncles still call it home—because, while the town mayseem idyllic, something rotten lies at its core. Three men in town have drowned in what Leigh suspects to bea triple homicide. She hopes that by finding out who killed them, she just might get her life back on course.Headstrong and intuitive, Leigh isn’t afraid to face a killer, but she has to do more than that to discover thetruth about what happened to those men. She must unravel a web of secrets going back generations, and, indoing so, plumb the darkness within herself.Jennifer Herrera is a former philosophy grad student turned literary agent, who is fascinated by thestories we tell ourselves to live and the lies we cling to that sabotage our chances at a good life. Shehas lived in six states and five countries (so far) and now resides in Philadelphia with her husband,daughter, and cat.TRIVIALast Week's question was:Which author created the charity “Save the Libraries?”a. Karin Slaughterb. Jane Winspearc. Martha Grimesd. Robert LudlumThe answer is a. Karin Slaughter. Slaughter is a library advocate and founded Save the Libraries, a non-profitorganization that campaigns to support US public libraries. The Save the Libraries fund has provided morethan $300,000 to the DeKalb County Public Library in Atlanta, GeorgiaThis week's question is:C.J. Box won what award for his first novel “Open Season?”a. Anthonyb. Macavityc. Gumshoed. BarryTune in next week for the answer. Good luck!

Gary EdgingtonShow NotesOn today's episode we had a delightful conversation with Gary Edgington, the author of“Outside The Wire” (not the science fiction film of the same name). It was publsihed by KoehlerPress and was released in August of 2022.A retired LA counterterrorism cop and a fearless Army doctor risk everything, including theirburgeoning romance, as they battle clandestine Iranian operatives bent on the slaughter ofthousands of innocents and ultimately the destruction of America.After a yearlong lull, local Iraqi insurgents launch a deadly mortar barrage at the sprawlingCamp Victory Base in Baghdad, Iraq. Rick Sutherland, a retired LAPD lieutenant working as anembedded counterterrorism advisor, is wounded in the attack, and a local interpreter is killed.Along with Major Nancy Weaver, his former doctor and now partner, Rick embarks on an off-the-books investigation that quickly morphs into a race to stop murderous Iranian operatives fromexploding multiple dirty bombs during a critical meeting of US and foreign heads of state.Working together, Nancy and Rick make a formidable team-but will it be enough?Gary Edgington is a 30-year law enforcement veteran. Gary is also the son of a lawenforcement officer who was tragically murdered in the line of duty in 1979. This event occurredwhile Gary was in the third week of L.A. Sheriff’s Academy training. Gary graduated with hisclass and began his career with the Manhattan Beach Police Department. Gary later transferredto the Beverly Hills Police Department, then the LA Co DA’s office, before being appointed aSpecial Agent with the California DOJ-Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement in 1994.Throughout his career, Gary has held assignments in major narcotics, internal affairs,intelligence, government corruption, counter-terrorism, and as a firearms and tactics instructor.As a Ca. DOJ Special Agent, Gary served from 1999 to 2008 as a member of the Los AngelesFBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. After 9/11, Gary was promoted to Task Force Commander andtook command of a multi-agency counter-terrorism task force based in Los Angeles. Gary hasalso served in an assignment at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Va. Additionally, hehas received counter-terrorism training from agencies such as the FBI, CIA, US Army, and DIA.He is currently working on volume two in this series.His website is https://garyedgingtonauthor.comTRIVIA:Last week's question was:Author Elly Griffiths received inspiration for Her Ruth Galloway serief from?a. Relativesb. Neighborsc. Street namesd. Friends from schoolThis answer is a. Relatives. The character of Ruth Galloway was inspired by Griffiths' husband,who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist. The location is credited to her aunt, "wholives on the Norfolk coast and filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that areaThis week's question is:Which author created the charity “Save the Libraries?”a. Karin Slaughterb. Jane Winspearc. Martha GrimesTune in next week for the answer. Good luck!

On today's episode, we interviewed author Ann Claire about her book Dead and Gondola(Bantam Books 11/22). It is the first in her Christie Bookshop Mystery series..Ellie Christie is thrilled to begin a new chapter. She’s recently returned to her tiny Coloradohometown to run her family’s historic bookshop with her elder sister, Meg, and their beloved cat,Agatha. Perched in a Swiss-style hamlet accessible by ski gondola and a twisty mountain road,the Book Chalet is a famed bibliophile destination known for its maze of shelves and relaxingreading lounge. At least, until trouble blows in with a wintry whiteout. A man is found dead onthe gondola, and a rockslide throws the town into lockdown—no one in, no one out.The victim was a mysterious stranger who’d visited the bookshop. At the time, his only blundershad been disrupting a book club and leaving behind a first-edition Agatha Christie novel, writtenunder a pseudonym. However, once revealed, the man’s identity shocks the town. Motives andsecrets swirl like the snow, but when the police narrow in on the sisters’ close friends, theChristies have to act.Although the only Agatha in their family tree is their cat, Ellie and Meg know a lot aboutmysteries and realize they must summon their inner Miss Marple to trek through a blizzard ofclues before the killer turns the page to their final chapter.Ann Claire earned degrees in geography, which took her across the world. Now Claire lives withher geographer husband in Colorado, where the mountains beckon from their kitchen windows.When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, gardening, herding housecats, and enjoying agood mystery, especially one by Agatha Christie. She is on Instagram @annclaireauthor or onthe Penguin Random House author page. Https://penguinrandomhouse.com/annclaireTRIVIA:Last week's question was:Gregg Hurwitz received the Harvard Undergraduate-Scholar Award for what?a. Chessb. Boxingc. Pole vaultd. CroquetThe answer is c. Pole Vault. He was the undergraduate scholar-athlete of the year at Harvardfor pole vaulting and played college soccer in England, where he was a Knox Fellow.[4]This week's question is:Author Elly Griffiths received inspiration for Her Ruth Galloway serief from?a. Relativesb. Neighborsc. Street namesd. Friends from schoolGood luck!