The world of academia has always been ripe fruit for the fictional plucking, as it often leaves a mark everyone who endures it, as student and teacher. And as it serves as the day job for many writers, they have a fresh perspective. Lawrence Block’s latest anthology, the fifth—at least—since he announced his retirement, is…
The Mystery Writers of America have announced the 2018 Edgar Award nominees and special winners. The Edgars banquet—an annual black-tie gala celebrating crime fiction, non-fiction, and television writing—will be held on Thursday, April 26th, 2018, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. As always, it's a fantastic list of great work that deserves…
Anton Chekhov is famously said to have decreed that “One must not put a loaded rifle on the stage if no one is thinking of firing it.” This edict has been reported by a number of his contemporaries, and it is found in one of his letters. Admirably, Chekov adhered to his own rule when…
Despite its name, Romantic Times reviews far more than just romance novels. This is likely because—much like crime fiction fans—romance fans read in many genres. They've just announced their full list of reviewer's choice awards, and we've posted the ones that apply to us! Winners in each category are in bold. Congratulations, one and all!…
Romantic Times (RT) has announced the nominees for its annual Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and in the Mystery Suspense & Thriller categories, the shortlists have set them a difficult task! Contemporary Mystery Stage Struck by Peter Lovesey Ringer by Brian Wiprud Killed at the Whim of a Hat by Colin Cotterill The Woodcutter by Reginald Hill…
Like most members of a certain generation, I can sing a verse or two of the Simon and Garfunkel song “Scarborough Fair/Canticle.” Even those who don’t remember an entire verse will be familiar with the line, “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme” which is repeated no less than five times throughout the song, which in turn…
