B: EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Tamara Berry
An Eleanor Wilde Mystery.

This series (of 2 books so far) is set in England.

The author's use of language is amazing. I don't know how to put it in words, but the words she uses and the way she handles description (of settings & characters) and the way she pens the protagonist's inner thoughts is remarkable.

The plot is solid, too.


Ella Barrick

This author writes under various pseudonyms. My personal favorite is her Ballroom Dance Mysteries.

They are excellently written—words flow smoothly, painting a great picture whether it’s dialogue or narration.

The protagonist, Stacy Graysin, and her soon-to-be-dead ex-husband share ownership in a dance studio.

Frances Brody

The Kate Shackleton Mysteries are set in England in the 1920s.

A great historical read. Her husband was listed as missing in action in the war. Her adopted father is a police superintendent. It’s inevitable that Kate becomes embroiled in crime-solving.

Alan Bradley

Set in 1950s England, Flavia de Luce is a refreshing heroine—she’s eleven years old.

The little girl is appalled, yet fascinated by murders and inserts herself into solving the deaths. She’s also quite the chemist which helps her decipher evidence.

An endearing series of 10 novels.

Jim Benton

Benton doesn’t fit into the mystery category, but I had to include him in my list of wonderful writers.

He writes many children’s series, but my granddaughters (and I) adore Franny K. Stein. She’s in grade school and gets into many weird situations she must fix.

Which is only fair, since—in being a Mad Scientist—she creates the situations!

A: EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Ellery Adams

She writes many different series, but my favorite is the Books By The Bay Mysteries.

Olivia Limoges is the protagonist. The initial premise—she’s returned home to Oyster Bay, NC and keeps to herself, but as a budding writer, she decides to join the Bayside Book Writers.

So far, there are 8 books in the series.

Jeffrey Allen

Author of the Stay At Home Dad Mysteries.

The protagonist is Deuce Winters, a stay-at-home dad (of 3 yr old Carly) who lives in Texas. His wife is a high-powered attorney. 

Very witty writing which makes me sorry there’s only 3 books in the series.

Donna Andrews

Author of the Meg Langslow series.

This series has the quirkiest group of characters all present in one small college town.

So far, there are 26 books to enjoy and it’s not stagnant—Meg’s life progresses nicely. FUNNY, FUNNY, FUNNY.

EVERYTHING AUTHOR FROM A – Z

Welcome to my blog posts regarding mystery writers

Disclaimer         

By no means is this an inclusive list—there are so many mystery writers out there. I’ve just compiled a smattering of authors whose series I enjoy.

Many of the authors I name write multiple series, but I’m listing the series I’m particularly keen on. I don’t mean to diss any writer, these are just my personal favorites.

As you’ll see, the mysteries I’m enamored with are steeped in humor, set in foreign countries or historical eras, involve K9s…or a combination thereof.

I’m sure you have your own list of favorites, but maybe you’ll find a new darling here.

Up next-- we start with the letter 'A' with a new post every few days until we end with 'Z'.   Stay tuned.

Interesting Facts

Looking for something different? Here are a couple of interesting (but weird) conditions.

PROSOPAGNOSIA

A condition where a person can't recognize their own reflection in the mirror, or the faces of others.

Seems to be genetically determined and begins at a young age, before the development of normal facial recognition abilities.

They recognize family and friends by some combination of voice, clothing, hair, style, mannerisms, body language and so on...

SUBJECTIVE DOUBLES

Also called the Subjective Capgras Syndrome

Here the victim believes he's been duplicated and his duplicate is living another life independently. (The old doppelganger theory.)

Happy Valentine's Day

So a guy walks into a bar...

Oops, been done to death, right? How about: a gal walks into the DMV...

The sun blazed high in the sky even though it was mid-February in Chicago. I headed downtown; traffic moving rapidly for once. Yesterday was my birthday, but I had procrastinated getting my driver’s license renewed. Less than an hour before the government building closed, I needed to plead my case. I had anticipated long lines, but pushing open the door to the DMV revealed a nearly empty room. Clutching the form in my hand, I hurried to the open window at the counter and that’s when my luck ran out.

“Hello, Gracie.”

The lean figure behind the counter with cheeks as red as a hooker’s lipstick and eyes as gray as a stormcloud, greeted me. An involuntary shudder ran down my body. Six months ago, when I’d signed those final papers and slipped that ring off my finger, I figured I’d never have to see him again. I’d figured wrong.

“Oh, Gracie, the records show you have to retake the written test,” he said.

“I don’t think so. Must be a glitch in your computer,” I said.

“Sorry. Wish I could help, but it is what it is.”

Those thin lips of his couldn’t quite hide a smirk.

I leaned closer and lowered my voice. “I have a perfect driving record—no tickets, no accidents. There is no reason for me to have to retake that stupid test.”

A full smile now accompanied his headshake.

I mentally counted to ten and then leaned closer. “Listen buddy, don’t forget I had that private detective follow you for weeks. He accumulated a lot of dirt that never came out in court.”

He mopped his forehead. “Why, Gracie, are you trying to bribe a government employee?”

I knew Mr. Smug and Sanctimonious was racking his pea-brain to try and remember what my private eye might have caught him doing back then.

I straightened up and smiled sweetly. “No sir, I’m threatening one.”

Five minutes later I swept through the door, new license in hand.

Z: EVERYTHING CRIME FROM A – Z

Zodiac

If you get stuck trying to form a new character, borrow some qualities from the astrological signs.

Aquarius

Positives: Progressive, original, very independent, supportive, loyal, kind

Weaknesses: Runs from emotional expression (detached from their feelings), temperamental, unpredictable, uncompromising, aloof, impulsive

Likes: Fun with friends, travel, helps others, fights for causes, does charity work, good listener

Dislikes: Limitations, broken promises, boredom

Pisces

Positives: Compassionate, friendly, selfless, creative, gentle, wise, psychic, empathetic, boundless imaginations, positive approach to life, adventerous

Weaknesses: Fearful, overly trusting, desire to escape reality (wears rose-colored glasses)

Likes: Being alone, sleeping, romance, swimming

Dislikes: Know-it-all, criticism, past coming back to haunt

Aries

Positives: Courageous, determined, bold, ambitious, confident, motivated, optimistic, honest, loves to be #1, uncomplicated and direct

Weaknesses: Impatient, moody, short-tempered, opinionated, impulsive, selfish tendencies, lack of concentration

Likes: Leadership, physical challenges, individual sports

Dislikes: Inactivity, delays, exhaustive details

Taurus

Positives: Reliable, patient, practical, stable, devoted, responsible, hardworking, trustworthy, conservative

Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising, jealous, materialistic

Likes: Gardening, cooking, romance, working with hands, security is crucial, being pampered

Dislikes: Sudden changes, complications, insecurity

Gemini

Positives: Gentle, sympathetic, sociable, affectionate, curious, adaptable, playful, quick-witted, fearless thinker

Weaknesses: Nervous, inconsistent, indecisive, short attention spans, narcissistic streak

Likes: Music, books, magazines, chats, constantly juggling a variety of passions

Dislikes: Being alone, being confined, repetition and routine

Cancer

Positives: Tenacious, imaginative, intuitive, loyal, emotional, sympathetic, generous

Weaknesses: Moody, pessimistic, manipulative, insecure, immature

Likes: Art, home-based hobbies, relaxing in or near water, helping loved ones

Dislikes: Strangers, any criticism of Mom, revealing of personal life

Leo

Positives: Creative, passionate, generous, cheerful, humorous

Weaknesses: Arrogant, stubborn, self-centered, lady, inflexible, authoritative, demanding

Likes: Theater, taking holidays, being admired, expensive things, fun with friends

Dislikes: Being ignored, facing difficult reality, not being treated like royalty

Virgo

Positives: Loyal, analytical, intelligent, logical, kind, hardworking, practical, hyper aware, perfectionist

Weaknesses: Shyness, worry, overly critical (of self and others), rigid, all work and no play

Likes: Animals, healthy food, books, nature, cleanliness

Dislikes: Rudeness, asking for help, taking center stage

Libra

Positives: Cooperative, diplomatic, kind, understanding, gracious, social, fair-minded, people pleasers

Weaknesses: Indecisive, avoids confrontation, self-pity, carries a grudge, obsessed with symmetry

Likes: Harmony, gentleness, sharing with others, the outdoors

Dislikes: Violence, injustice, loudmouths, conformity

Scorpio

Positives: Decisive, emotive, resourceful, brave, passionate, stubborn, a true friend

Weaknesses: Distrusting, jealous, secretive, violent, rebellious, aggressive

Likes: Truths, facts, being right, longtime friends, teasing

Dislikes: Dishonesty, revealing secrets, passive people

Saggitarius

Positives: Generous, great sense of humor, idealistic, serene

Weaknesses: Promises more than can deliver, impatient, speaks mind

Likes: Freedom, travel, philosophy, being outdoors

Dislikes: Clingy people, being constrained, off-the wall theories, drama

Capricorn

Positives: Responsible, disciplined, self-control, attentive, brave, patient, cautious, analytical

Weaknesses: Know-it-all, unforgiving, condescending, defensive (expects the worst)

Likes: Family, tradition, music, quality craftmanship

Dislikes: Almost everything at some point

Y: EVERYTHING CRIME FROM A – Z

Yesterday

It’s hard for a criminal to get away with murder these days. As a writer, we have to be aware of modern technology and use it correctly in our books.

Remember when cell phones became common place? The writer had to come up with clever ways for the protagonist to be in a difficult situation without being able to call for help. The phone wasn’t charged, they left it in their car (or house or purse, etc.)

Nowadays we have super advanced DNA tests that can pinpoint eye color, height, nationality, etc. to a highly probable degree.
Public cameras are almost everywhere catching the public’s movements.

Cops now have GPS tracking darts which allow them to shoot a small sticky dart containing a micro GPS tracker from the grill of their patrol car onto a suspect’s vehicle.

 Automatic license plate recognition systems utilize cameras inside of patrol cars to automatically run every license plate the camera sees.

Drones can be used to give a bird’s eye view of a crime scene or an active shooting.

The police are outfitted with body cameras that record arrests and can be used as evidence in court.

ShotSpotter predicts where a gunshot was fired from. It can distinguish between the gunshot and the resulting echoes.



Thermal imaging is used to get ‘heat signatures’ of an area to help the  police locate suspects hiding in a dark building. It can also help locate a missing child/person. Does this mean the K9 is obsolete? Say it isn’t so!

 
Yesterday’s methods are constantly evolving and as writers, we need to keep up!

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