TWO NEW STORIES
in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
Both have Shakespearean titles; both have plenty of allusions and plot parallels for Shakespeare lovers to enjoy.
“All That Glisters”: Small-time crook Danny makes the mistake of stealing from his boss. Now Danny faces death, unless he can figure out how to pass a test his boss sets up to see how smart he is. If you read the May issue, you know how the test went.
“Murder Will Speak”: In the ninth story in the Woodhouse series, Professor Minerva Woodhouse goes undercover at a retirement community to investigate two murders and a string of lesser crimes. Meanwhile, freed from her mother’s constant oversight for the first time in decades, Iphigenia Woodhouse carries out plans of her own. Find out what she’s up to in the July/August AHMM.
MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA
The October issue of the Mystery Writers of America newsletter, The Third Degree, published my “Fifty Ways to Catch Your Killer.” The article describes fifty plot devices mystery writers can use to help their detectives when killers get too clever and one more clue is needed to crack a case. I’ve used many of these plot devices in my Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine stories.
TO HELL IN A FAST CAR
In January, Dark Quest Books published To Hell in a Fast Car, edited by John L. French. All the stories in the anthology share the same basic theme: Sometimes, people headed for disaster are unable or unwilling to turn back, even though they may know things can’t end well. In my story, “No Good Deed,” lonely, introverted social worker Janice thinks that by opening her home to a charming but wildly undisciplined teenager, she can turn the girl’s life around. But when the teenager starts tempting her to do things she’s never done before, Janice finds that her own life is the one being turned around, in increasingly costly and dangerous ways.
THE WRITER
The October, 2012 issue of The Writer includes my article “Advice from the Crypt: Edgar Allan Poe Speaks to Writers.” The article comments on four ideas gathered from Poe’s articles, essays, and reviews:
- Think with your pen.
- Begin at the end.
- Keep it short, and keep it focused.
- Cultivate “the constructive ability.”
Poe’s unconventional, provocative views challenge us to re-examine the way we write—and also offer intriguing glimpses into Poe’s personality and his own writing process.
ONE SHOT
Who shot the gun-control advocate?
When rising politician Karen Dodd pushes through the toughest gun-control bill in Ohio’s history, she thinks it’s her ticket to the governor’s office. But soon after she announces her candidacy, on the day she’s slated to receive an award from a gun-control organization, Karen Dodd is found dead in her comfortable suburban home, one bullet through her heart.
Suspects abound—her philandering husband, a hard-drinking former beauty queen, a smooth-talking gun lobbyist and his deceptively meek assistant, an ambitious television reporter who sees the murder as the story that could transform her career. Police lieutenant Dan Ledger puts his own life in danger as he struggles to uncover the secrets of suspects who at first seem harmlessly eccentric—but who can quickly turn deadly serious. Ledger’s used to piecing together meager bits of evidence, and he’s usually adept at analyzing the fears and desires that drive people to kill. This time, though, the motive takes him by surprise.
ONE SHOT is a traditional whodunit with a contemporary twist. Packed with suspense and humor, it raises questions about issues ranging from gun control to reality television.
http://www.untreedreads.com/
Great reads for every device
LITTLE DUMBER BOY
Will's aunt wants him to spend some time with his estranged son at Christmas. All Will wants is to knock off his girlfriend's husband and collect a share of the life insurance policy. Unfortunately, when you fail to take all the angles into account, the perfect crime can really ruin your holiday.
http://www.untreedreads.com/
Great reads for every device
Also available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online vendors.
3 comments ↓
Congrats, B.K., the novel reads well.
These accomplishments are billboard-worthy . I followed the link from your recent post to the Gup listserv. And I’m so glad I did. I also now remember enjoying your article on advice from Poe, in The Writer, which I think I saw in our library.
I’m a newbie & so upflited by everyone sharing the tips.
Congratulations & good luck with the Agatha.
Hi, Jan–
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m glad you liked the Poe article. I’ve enjoyed Poe’s stories and poems for many years; it was interesting to discover some of the things he has to say about writing. Best of luck with your own endeavors!
Regards,
Bonnie (B.K.)
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