One Image, Two Story Ideas: Woman on a Bicycle
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a woman on a bicycle took them to a widow who discovers her double lying in a hospital bed and a spinster bent on outwitting the world’s greatest detective.
What We’re Reading: September 2022
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read in September
In and Out of Order
Lida writes: There’s a phenomenon prevalent in the mystery genre that seems to outnumber all other genres: the popularity of book series. Hercule Poirot, Kinsey Millhone, Easy Rawlins and Stephanie Plum all set an example of characters who play starring roles in settings that spring to life in book series over and over again.
Girl Power
Carol writes: When I was growing up and wanted to read about a girl detective, I had a choice between Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. I chose Nancy Drew.
Picture a Mystery: Agatha Christie’s At Bertram’s Hotel
Carol writes: Agatha Christie’s favorite spot in the luxurious tea room at Brown’s Hotel in London was the inspiration for Bertram’s in the Miss Marple mystery At Bertram’s Hotel.
S&S Book Club: Tana French’s The Searcher
Lida and Jen discuss Tana French’s The Searcher. Jen writes: I’m in awe of Tana French. She writes about topics I often shy away from – families broken apart by drugs, disillusioned cops, and more than a few bodies of dead children – but I can’t stop reading her books. She takes me to dark places and out the other side to an impossibly hopeful conclusion.
One Image, Two Story Ideas: Broken Window
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a broken window took us to surprisingly upbeat places.
Photos as Memories
Jen writes: This week I’ve been spending more hours than I like to think about in the Sisyphian challenge of getting caught up with my photo albums. I’m the official photographer and archivist in my family, and I believe passionately in the power of photos. Photos commemorate happy occasions, they bring back memories, and they help mark the passage of time. But they don’t do any good sitting on my phone or camera (yes, I still use one). For them to work their magic, photos need to be available to be enjoyed.
Agatha Christie’s Armchair Travel Mysteries
Carol writes: In celebration of Agatha Christie’s birthday on September 15, I’m offering a list of books which speak to one of her most favorite things—foreign travel.
What We’re Reading: August 2022
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read in August.
Libraries. Making Book Dreams Come True Since 1962…
Tina writes: Last month I met Jeffrey Deaver. I was thrilled to stand next to him and have my picture taken because unbeknownst to him, he has been a great impetus behind getting my first book published and on a library shelf. I feel like all my stories start and end with a library.
Murder Most Unladylike: A New Middle Grade Series That’s Not Just for Kids
Carol writes: I recently discovered Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike series. Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are smart and clever, independent and adventurous. These wonderful books aren’t just for teens.
One Image, Two Story Ideas: Man at a Window
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a lonely man at a window took us in unexpected directions.
Willow to the Rescue
Lida writes: When our two elderly dogs crossed over the rainbow bridge, not only did my husband and I feel the void, so did Chico, our six-year-old shepherd. He moped and snoozed much of the time. We had to coax him to join us on walks. Chico became a couch potato. A rescue named Willow was just the spark we all needed.
Picture a Mystery: The Talented Mr. Ripley
Carol says: Patricia Highsmith takes readers of The Talented Mr. Ripley from New York City to Venice in this high-stakes thriller.
Nine Great Mysteries Set In Italy
Jen writes: I’ve been an Italophile for as long as I can remember. When I can’t visit the Bel Paese (beautiful country) in person, armchair travel is the next best thing. I’m delighted to share some of my favorite mysteries and thrillers set in Italy.
S&S Book Club: Janet Evanovich’s One for the Money
Lida, Jen, Carol, and Tina discuss Janet Evanovich’s One for the Money. Lida writes: As a long-time Stephanie Plum fan who’d stopped reading the series after Book 15 or so, I was certain a re-reading would not hold the same pleasure for me as it did some twenty years ago.
What We’re Reading: July 2022
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read in July.
Behind the Scenes: Research
Lida writes: When I started writing fiction, I assumed that very little research would be needed. After all, we fiction writers just make things up, right? Research belongs in scholarly, non-fiction pieces. SO not true.
11 Great Middle Grade Mysteries & Thrillers
Jen writes: My twelve-year-old son loves mysteries nearly as much as I do, and we’ve spent many happy hours reading and talking about what’s going to happen next in our favorites. Check out this list for some new favorites.