To a detective character from a big city like New York or Los Angeles, the Midwest might look like one big flyover zone. But to plenty of mystery writers (myself included), the Midwest looks like home—and a good setting for a crime novel. We have plenty of cynicism to counteract that apple-cheeked, earnest idea…
Every Wednesday, we here at Criminal Element will put together a list of Staff Picks of the books that published the day before—sharing the ones that we are looking forward to reading the most! This week, we get some great cozies, a couple of kickass thrillers, and a ridiculous anthology edited by Lawrence Block and…
In Sunlight or In Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper, edited by Lawrence Block, is a newly-commissioned anthology of seventeen superbly-crafted stories inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper (Available December 6, 2016). Edward Hopper is probably the first—and possibly the only—famous visual artist you’ll think of when discussing noir. His Nighthawks encapsulates…
Every Wednesday, we here at Criminal Element will put together a list of Staff Picks of the books that published the day before—sharing the ones that we are looking forward to reading the most! This week, we get the final volume of Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicles and a new Jack Reacher novel! See what else…
Jack is back! The much anticipated sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back sees Tom Cruise return as the titular character with a particular brand of justice, determined to help his former Army Major, Susan Turner, break out of prison, clear their names, and save their lives. But will a secret from his past change his…
Read this exclusive guest post from Jon Land, author of Strong Cold Dead, and make sure you're signed in and comment below for a chance to win the latest Caitlin Strong novel, a bookmark, and a beverage coozy! Since this is Criminal Element, after all, let’s confine our list to thrillers: action, crime, psychological, political,…
If you’re not familiar with ThrillerFest, it’s the official convention of the International Thriller Writers, held every July in New York City at the Grand Hyatt hotel. The basic convention is two days, Friday and Saturday, with the Thriller Awards banquet held Saturday evening. But, there’s a lot more if you include CraftFest, Master CraftFest,…
This week's guest advice columnist is Jack Reacher, who's sipping black coffee at a diner in Omaha, Nebraska as he watches a pretty woman with a gun and a badge get out of her rented Impala and wipe blood from the knuckles on her left hand. Dear Jack Reacher, My husband works, while I…
Read this exclusive Q&A with author Barry Lancet, and then make sure you're signed in and comment for a chance to win a copy of all three Jim Brodie thrillers! Barry Lancet broke onto the scene in 2013 with his debut novel, Japantown, the first in his acclaimed Jim Brodie series. Brodie, an antiques dealer and…
After you’ve read Barry Lancet and Anthony Franze’s piece about some of the masters of opening lines, comment below with your own favorite opening from a thriller, mystery, or crime fiction novel and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a copy of Barry’s new novel, PACIFIC BURN, from his acclaimed Jim Brodie series,…
