A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
If you've ever watched a character in a TV show reconstruct a skull and produce a near-instant match of a victim's face before the credits roll at the end, you might be forgiven for thinking facial reconstruction is a quick, reliable way to identify missing persons and solve crimes. The reality, however, is quite different. …
Continue reading Forensics & Fiction
This year, I've explored new-to-me authors writing in a multitude of genres and styles. Many of these discoveries came to me as a reviewer for Partners in Crime Tours--a "one-stop for all things mystery, crime, thriller or cozy!" One of these discoveries is the work of award-winning indie author Gledé Browne Kabongo, who writes psychological …
Continue reading A Tangled Web
Most writers have heard the advice (generally attributed to Mark Twain) to "write what you know." In other words, your personal experience and the knowledge you’ve acquired can be a good foundation for your writing. That’s just a starting point—especially when writing fiction. Moving beyond personal experience and knowledge takes time, talent, and a willingness …
Continue reading Death in the High Desert
The traditional small-town cozy mystery takes on a new twist in Stacy Wilder's Cayman Conundrum. It’s the fourth in her Liz Adams private investigator series, and a good choice for anyone looking for a quick summertime read. Set against the backdrop of stunning white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of Grand Cayman island, the …
Continue reading A Caribbean Mystery
Mesmerizing. Mind twisting. A complex, multi-dimensional thriller transcending time and space, good and evil. An invitation to examine the mystery of your own life's choices and their impact on the world in which you live. You'll find all this--and much more--in The Karma Factor, Thomas Lane's debut novel. Some categorize this book as metaphysical, supernatural, …
Continue reading Life, Death, and Karma