WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW: Dog Show Mysteries

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show starts tonight and continues through February 3 in New York City, The Show featuries thousands of dogs, agility, and obedience competitions to celebrate its milestone anniversary. It will be live-streaming. 

In honor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and keeping in mind how important dogs can be to mysteries and in our lives, I am posting a list of Mysteries set at Dog Shows. 

You might want to check out Mystery Readers Journal Animals in Mysteries issue. Available as a PDF. 

As always, let me know any titles/authors I missed.

MYSTERIES SET AT DOG SHOWS

Game of Dog Bones and other books in the Melanie Travis series by Laurien Berenson
Death at the Dog Show by Peter Boland

The Boxcar Children: The Mystery at the Dog Show by Gertrude Chandler
The Case of the Deadly Dog Show by Catherine Coles

Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles by Elizabeth Crowens

Fashion Goes to the Dogs by Peggy Gaffney
Final Entry and others (Murder at the Dog Show series) by Karen Harbert
Death and the Dog Show by Susan Harper 
Murder at Ring 5; Judged To Death by LF Hembree

Death by Dog Show by Arlene Kay
Nancy Drew Diaries by Carolyn Keene

The Deadly Dog Show by Jerold Last

Death & Dog Shows by Tammy Tyree

The Kennel Club Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine

James Sallis: R.I.P.

Sad news. Mystery author James Sallis: R.I.P.. My love and sympathy go out to Jim's wife Karyn, his family, and friends. Rest in peace, Jim!

Soho Press wrote: 

Soho Press is grieved to announce the death of author James Sallis, who passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, peacefully, with his wife, Karyn, by his side, after a long illness. No funeral is planned. If you feel moved to donate in his memory, the family suggests the ACLU or the Humane Society as worthy charities that Jim valued. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (the philosopher John Sallis), and his son, Dylan. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Karyn. 

In many ways Jim was the platonic ideal of what a writer can be, though he probably would not like it put thus. As an artist the work was everything to Jim, and he worked without boundaries or careerism. Perhaps best known for his existentialist crime fiction and neo-noirs like Drive, which was adapted by Nicolas Winding Refn into the Ryan Gosling-led film of the same name, Jim was also a poet, musicologist, literary historian, critic, editor and teacher.

His career began writing science fiction for publications edited by the likes of Damon Knight and Harlan Ellison, who was an ardent fan of Sallis and championed his work in the 1960s and ’70s. At this time Jim helped edit the influential New Worlds publication under the direction of Michael Moorcock.

As a reader and appreciator of culture, Jim was as curious and uninhibited as he was as a writer. It was a joy to talk about art in all forms with him, but his grand view of literature matched his personal approach to craft. To Jim it didn’t matter where or how good work came into existence, or how it was shelved. His groundbreaking collection of short biographical work on Jim Thompson, David Goodis and Chester Himes, collected as Difficult Lives Hitching Rides, had no critical precedent and helped usher in a new era of appraisal for now legendary writers who at the time were nearly or totally out of print. He collected and played with alacrity an impressive number of string instruments and his love of the blues and jazz was lifelong.

Jim wrote without cynicism about the strength of the human spirit and invested dignity into all his characters, no matter how far on the edge of society they live—characters like P.I. Lew Griffin, Sheriff Sarah Jane and a man known simply as “Driver.” He knew that good fiction was to be set against the faults of society but also serves to remind us that salvation is the realm of the individual.

We mourn his passing deeply but find joy in the notion that his work will be read for as long as there are books.

***

Bibliography

LEFT COAST CRIME DOUBLE DAY PASSES: San Francisco February 26-March 1, 2026

Unable to attend the entire program of Left Coast Crime, San Francisco Schemin', February 26-March 1, 2026? Well, never fear, Double Day Passes are now available. That's 2 full days of programming for $100: Thursday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday/$100 for each Double Day Pass. 

Day Passes enable attendance at panels and interviews and other events, but do NOT include any food events, such as the Opening Reception, Lefty Awards Banquet, or breakfast buffets. It's a great deal! 

And it's not too late to register for the entire convention!

Here's the schedule for Left Coast Crime, February 26-March 1, 2026. 

Register Here: https://www.eventbee.com/v/lcc2026#/tickets

THE PUZZLE LADY: Masterpiece, PBS

Finally news about The Puzzle Lady, a new series based on Parnell Hall's Puzzle Lady mystery series. Parnell wrote 20 in his series from 1999 to 2019. 

The first episode of the new show will air on February 19, 2026, on PBS, in the U.S.. I'll check to see if PBS Passport airs all 6 episodes at that time for PBS Passport holders and Prime Masterpiece. Although the Puzzle Lady in the books is an American, this is a British production, with British actors and setting. The show stars Phyllis Logan and Charlotte Hope. There will be many guest stars.

Who wouldn't love a crossword-solving amateur sleuth? I'm looking forward to this new series.

AGATHA AWARD NOMINEES: Malice Domestic 38

The Agatha Award nominees: Malice Domestic. Awards will be announced at Malice Domestic 38, April 24-26, 2026 in Bethesda, MD. Congratulations to all. 

Grace: Season 5 issues (Britbox)

I wrote this awhile ago, but never posted. As I'm looking for distractions from the present day world, I thought I'd post it now, especially since there are updates. Love to hear your comments.

Written: January 8: 

Well, I had the British Mystery series Grace, based on Peter James' award-winning crime fiction, featuring detective Roy Grace, Season 5, on my list to watch Thursday night, January 8. I sat down all ready to watch Season 5, episode 1, on Britbox through Prime Video. I was dismayed and angry to learn that it was not yet available So I began searching as to why it was not available on my streaming vehicle. What I found, after a rather long search through various British Mystery sites and Reddit, was that Grace, Series 5, will start on Prime Video Britbox on February 5. Why?? Well, Episode 1 did air January 8 on Britbox Premier. No explanation. I thought I would have to change things up and order Britbox directly (I get Britbox through Prime). But oh no! Britbox now has two tiers. Premier and 'regular'.. And guess what? Premier costs more. $149.99/yr as opposed to $89.99 year. Premier Tier is only available for Direct Subscribe. This gives you early access. I really do like Britbox. Many of my favorite shows are on it. But -- this is putting me off big time. Grumble, grumble. I know there are so many more important issues in the world, but just thought I'd let you know what I think.

However, you might want to know when it will air, in case you, too, were expecting it, on February 5. Britbox though Prime, and probably on the regular Britbox tier directly. We'll see. There are only 4 episodes, and I imagine they'll drop one a week.

And, the good news is that Season 6 is already filming.

Authors & their Cats: Lilian Jackson Braun

Happy Caturday! What better author to highlight today on my Authors & their Cats series than Lilian Jackson Braun, author of the Cat Who series. Be sure to scroll down and see both photos.

Cartoon of the Day: Relationships

 

Cartoon of the Day: Book Lending

 From the amazing Tom Gauld

2026 Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominations: Mystery Writers of America

Mystery Writers of America announced the 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominations

The 80th Annual Edgar® Awards will be celebrated on April 29, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square Hotel. 

BEST NOVEL 

The Big Empty by Robert Crais (Penguin Random House – G.P. Putnam’s Sons) 

Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein (Penguin Random House – Doubleday) 

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Penguin Random House – Pantheon Books) 

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (Macmillan Publishers – Flatiron Books) 

Hard Town by Adam Plantinga (Hachette Book Group – Grand Central Publishing) 

The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha (Penguin Random House – Pamela Dorman Books) 

Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow (Hachette Book Group – Grand Central Publishing) 

BEST FIRST NOVEL BY AN AMERICAN AUTHOR 

Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch (HarperCollins – William Morrow) 

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman (Penguin Random House – G.P. Putnam’s Sons) 

Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (Penguin Random House – Bantam Books) 

Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade (Macmillan Publishers – Celadon Books) 

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook (Soho Press – Soho Crime) 

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL 

Listen by Sacha Bronwasser (Penguin Random House – Penguin Books) 

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy (Amazon Publishing – Lake Union) 

Broke Road by Matthew Spencer (Amazon Publishing – Thomas & Mercer) 

The Backwater by Vikki Wakefield (Sourcebooks – Poisoned Pen Press) 

One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman (Penguin Random House – Berkley) 

BEST FACT CRIME 

They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals by Mariah Blake (Penguin Random House – Crown) 

Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation by Michael Cannell (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser (Penguin Random House – Penguin Press) 

Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home by Gregg Olsen (Amazon Publishing – Thomas & Mercer) 

Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen by Hallie Rubenhold (Penguin Random House – Dutton) 

BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL 

V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death by Kathryn Harkup (Bloomsbury – Sigma) 

The Kingdom of Cain: Finding God in the Literature of Darkness by Andrew Klavan (HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Zondervan) 

Edgar Allan Poe: A Life by Richard Kopley (University of Virginia Press) 

Cooler Than Cool: The Life and Work of Elmore Leonard by C.M. Kushins (HarperCollins Publishers – Mariner Books) 

Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock’s Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece Strangers on a Train by Stephen Rebello (Hachette Book Group – Running Press) 

 BEST SHORT STORY 

 “Reading at Night,” The Strand Magazine by Graham Greene (The Strand Magazine) 

“The One That Got Away,” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine – January-February 2025 by Charlaine Harris (Must Read Books Publishing) 

“Orphan X: A Mysterious Profile,” by Gregg Hurwitz (Penzler Publishers – Mysterious Press) 

“Lucky Heart,” Blood on the Bayou – Case Closed by Tim Maleeny (Down & Out Books) 

“The Kill Clause,” Amazon Original Stories by Lisa Unger (Amazon Publishing) 

“Julius Katz Draws a Straight Flush,” Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine – September-October 2025 by Dave Zeltserman (Must Read Books Publishing) 

BEST JUVENILE 

Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King (Candlewick Press) 

What Happened Then by Erin Soderberg Downing (Scholastic Press) 

A Study in Secrets by Debbi Michiko Florence (Simon & Schuster – Aladdin) 

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson (Scholastic Press) 

The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell (Penguin Young Readers – Dial) 

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell (Random House Children’s Books – Delacorte Press) 

BEST YOUNG ADULT 

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray (Macmillan Publishers – Farrar, Straus and Giroux BFYR) 

Catch Your Death by Ravena Guron (Sourcebooks – Sourcebooks Fire) 

This is Where We Die by Cindy R.X. He (Sourcebooks – Sourcebooks Fire) 

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson (HarperCollins Children’s Books – Quill Tree Books) 

Codebreaker by Jay Martel (St. Martin’s Publishing Group – Wednesday Books) 

 BEST TELEVISION EPISODE TELEPLAY 

 “End of the Line” – Ballard, Written by Michael Alaimo & Kendall Sherwood (Amazon/Fabel) 

“Pilot” – Paradise, Written by Dan Fogelman (Hulu) 

“Episode 101” – The Lowdown, Written by Sterlin Harjo (FX on Hulu) 

“These Girls” – Long Bright River, Written by Nikki Toscano & Liz Moore (Peacock) 

“Ye’iitsoh (Big Monster)” – Dark Winds, Written by John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd (AMC) 

 * * * * * * 

OTHER AWARDS 

 ROBERT L. FISH MEMORIAL AWARD – Endowed by the family of Robert L. Fish. 

 “A Textbook Example,” Sacramento Noir by Luis Avalos (Akashic Books) 

“How It Happened,” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, July-August 2025 by Billie Kay Fern (Must Read Books Publishing) 

“Baggage,” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, January-February 2025 by Rick Marcou (Must Read Books Publishing) 

“Bloodsurf,” Hollywood Kills by Tiffany D. Plunkett (Level Best Books – Level Short) 

“Grand Theft Auto in the Heart of Screenland,” Hollywood Kills by Robert Rotstein (Level Best Books – Level Short) 

THE SIMON & SCHUSTER MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD – Presented on behalf of Simon & Schuster. 

Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill (Sourcebooks – Poisoned Pen Press) 

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

No Comfort for the Dead by R.P. O’Donnell (Crooked Lane Books) 

All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

THE G.P. PUTNAM’S SONS SUE GRAFTON MEMORIAL AWARD – Presented on behalf of G.P. Putnam’s Sons. 

Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

Rage: A Novel by Linda Castillo (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg (Amazon Publishing – Thomas & Mercer) 

The Red Letter by Daniel G. Miller (Sourcebooks – Poisoned Pen Press) Gone in the Night by Joanna Schaffhausen (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) 

THE LILIAN JACKSON BRAUN MEMORIAL AWARD – Endowed by the estate of Lilian Jackson Braun. 

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amandah Chapman (Penguin Random House – Berkley) 

A Senior Citizen’s Guide to Life on the Run by Gwen Florio (Severn House) 

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols (Macmillan Publishers – Minotaur Books) Murder Two Doors Down by Chuck Storla (Crooked Lane Books) 

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Penguin Random House – Berkley)

The Lincoln Lawyer, Season 4 News

The Lincoln Lawyer, Season 4, starts February 5 on Netflix. 

On trial for a murder he didn’t commit, Mickey must face a relentless DA as he fights to prove his innocence, expose the real killer, and save his firm. Season 4 uses The Law Of Innocence (2020) by Michael Connelly as the source material. Ten episodes will be streaming on Netflix on February 5.

Cartoon of the Day: Classic Novel Merchandise

 From John Atkinson, Wrong Hands:

Authors and their Cats: Stephen King

Happy Caturday! Love this photo of Stephen King and his Cat.

Cartoon of the Day: How to be a Professional Writer

 

Agatha Christie's SEVEN DIALS: Now on Netflix

Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, a new adaptation of the 1929 novel, just hit the airwaves in the U.S. Streaming on Netflix, it's a three-part series written by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, directed by Chris Sweeney, and starring Mia McKenna-Bruce, Edward Bluemel, Iain Glen, Martin Freeman, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Set in 1925 England, the action takes place at a fancy country house party where a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong. It's up to the unlikeliest of sleuths - the fizzingly inquisitive Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent - to unravel a chilling plot that will change her life, cracking wide open the country house mystery.  (Not Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, or any of the Christie's better known sleuths)

I am not going to assume it follows the novel, but I'll watch it tonight without any preconceived expectations. It's been awhile since I've read the novel or seen any of the other productions. I'll let you know what I think. Have you seen it yet? Comment below--or comment when you do see it. Thanks!

Cartoon of the Day: Writing

MWA 2026 Grand Masters, Raven, & Ellery Queen Award Recipients

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) announced the recipients of its special awards. The board chose Donna Andrews and Lee Child as the 2026 Grand Masters, the 2026 Raven Award recipient is Book Passage, and John Scognamiglio of Kensington Books will receive the Ellery Queen Award. They will accept their awards at the 80th Annual Edgar Awards Ceremony, which will be held April 29, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City.
 
“Donna Andrews has given us more than fifty novels, proving the cozy subgenre is more relevant than ever. In addition to her significant literary accomplishments, she has given back to the community in so many ways, by mentoring aspiring mystery writers, and serving as the MWA EVP. I’m thrilled to see Donna named as MWA Grand Master,” said MWA Executive Vice President James L’Etoile. “And Lee Child’s contributions to the genre are unparalleled. Aside from his thirty critically acclaimed novels featuring the iconic Jack Reacher, Lee Child is considered one of the most thoughtful and generous members of the mystery community. Writer, mentor, and Past President of MWA, he is a role model, and most deserving of being named MWA Grand Master.”
 
MWA’s Grand Master Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in mystery writing and was established to acknowledge important contributions to this genre, as well as for a body of work that is both significant and of consistent high quality. 
 
The Raven Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing. For 2026, Mystery Writers of America selected Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA.
 
“Book Passage is honored and thrilled to receive the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Many of the 10,000 or more author events that we’ve had over the years have featured mystery writers. During the last 30 years or so, many of these writers have given of their time to participate in our annual Mystery Writers Conference and have helped nurture new writers towards successful careers,” Book Passage founder and president Elaine Petrocelli said. “We’ve found mystery writers to be resourceful, fearless, and ingenious in describing the problems of the world. More than that, they know how to keep their portrayal of the dark side of humanity on the written page. In person, they are wonderful, personable, and a pleasure to be around.” 
 
The Ellery Queen Award was established in 1983 to honor “outstanding writing teams and outstanding people in the mystery-publishing industry.” This year the Board chose to honor John Scognamiglio of Kensington Books, who began his career 40 years ago as a file clerk in the Contracts Department at Simon & Schuster in 1986 while still a sophomore at New York University. He later moved to where he always wanted to be—editorial—and from 1989 to 1992, Scognamiglio worked as an assistant editor for S&S’s mass-market division, Pocket Books. In February 1992, he joined Kensington Publishing as an editor and he became Editor-in-Chief in 2005. He launched his own imprint, John Scognamiglio Books, at Kensington in 2017.  Among his authors are New York Times bestsellers Lisa Jackson, Joanne Fluke, Ellen Marie Wiseman and Leslie Meier. 

The Edgar Awards, or “Edgars,” as they are commonly known, are named after MWA’s patron saint Edgar Allan Poe and are presented to authors of distinguished work in various categories. MWA is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. The organization encompasses some 3,000 members including authors of fiction and nonfiction books, screen and television writers, as well as publishers, editors, and literary agents. For more information on Mystery Writers of America, please visit the website: www.mysterywriters.org 

Cartoon of the Day: Writer's Life

 

REMEMBERING GOLDEN AGE OF DETECTION PIONEERING AUTHOR R. AUSTIN FREEMAN: Guest Post by Andrew McAleer

British mystery author Dr. Richard Austin Freeman was born in Soho, London on April 11, 1862. He died in Gravesend, Kent on September 28, 1943. Dr. Freeman is largely remembered for his Dr. John Thorndyke mysteries published under the name “R. Austin Freeman."  

The Oxford Companion to Crime, & Mystery Writing praises Thorndyke’s creator as: “[T]he creator of Dr. John Thorndyke, detective fiction’s foremost medico-legal expert…. Thorndyke made his first full-fledged appearance in The Red Thumb Mark (1907), the book extolled by Howard Haycraft as ‘[O]ne of the undisputed milestones of the genre.’” (The final Thorndyke tale was, The Jacob Street Mystery [1942]).

In his superbly edited volume, Blood on the Tracks, Martin Edwards, the longest-serving Chair of the Crime Writer’s Association and a British Library Crime Classics consultant, says of Freeman, “[He] was, like Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Eustace, a doctor who achieved greater fame as a crime writer than a medical practitioner.” Further, when discussing Freeman’s mystery, “The Case of Oscar Brodski,” Martin notes that this Freeman mystery is widely recognized as the first “inverted” detective story. In these type mysteries readers know everything and the fun is seeing how the unknowing detective pieces together the puzzle. For modern-day crime fiction fans the character of Lieutenant Columbo likely comes to mind.      

In 1976, recognizing Freeman’s invaluable contributions to the mystery genre, Thorndyke, an enthusiast Philip T. Asdell created and edited a magazine called, The Thorndyke File. In 1981, at Asdell’s request, editorial duties transferred to my father, John McAleer.

The following interview excerpts between my father and Dr. Freeman’s domestic helper, Mrs. Ethel Baldock, provide some insights into Freeman’s daily activities. The interview appeared in the Spring,1982, Thorndyke File and the full discussion will appear in a forthcoming Von Stray’s Crimestalker Casebook. (www.henryvonstraymysteries.com)
 
* * * 

 

THE FREEMANS OF THORNDYKE HOUSE
 
An Interview by Edgar Winner John McAleer
 
I [John McAleer] have been successful in locating Ethel Baldock, who, as Ethel Osborne, a girl in her early twenties, worked for Dr. and Mrs. R. Austin Freeman, at their home, “Rosemount,” 94 Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent, from early 1940 to 1943, and again, after Dr. Freeman’s death, from 1944 to 1946. Mrs. Baldock graciously consented to the following interview:
 
John McAleer:  What were the Freemans like?
 
Ethel Baldock: They were the nicest people I worked for. They were—a very old-fashioned term—real gentlefolk!
 
McAleer: When did Freeman write?
 
Baldock: He wrote when he was what he called a “writing mood,” so far as I know all by hand.
 
McAleer: How were Dr. Freeman’s hearing and eyesight in his last years?
 
Baldock: Both were very good.
 
McAleer: We know little about Mrs. Freeman. What can you tell us?
 
Baldock: She was a very precise lady. Used to talk to me a lot. She was quite small, about five foot three or four. Weight not known, but fairly slim. She read quite a lot. Did beautiful crochet work. And was very thrifty, but—definitely—not mean.
 
McAleer: Did Dr. Freeman keep late hours?
 
Baldock: Being a daily domestic I don’t know what time the Freemans retired, but, when he was well, they were up when I got there, about 7:30 a.m.
 
McAleer: Were there any particular dishes that Dr. Freeman favored?
 
Baldock: During the time I was there—the war years—it was not possible to have very many preferences with food. They did have a glass of sherry every morning and, when I returned after an illness, insisted on my having one. Dr. Freeman also enjoyed his jar of Mazawatte Tea every afternoon.
 
McAleer: I gather that you found the Freemans thoughtful and kind?
 
Baldock: I did, yes. I have a book he gave me for my birthday, in 1940, signed by him—Pontifex, Son & Thorndyke(1931). When I was ill, Dr. Freeman walked to where I lived with a week’s wages, although, at that time, it was not usual to receive wages whilst one was sick. The remarkable thing was, he had to use two walking sticks, as he had been ill himself with rheumatics; his own G.P. (general practitioner) had said he would not be able to walk out again, but he was a very strong-willed person.

* * *

Those interested in learning more about R. Austin Freeman and his quintessential Golden Age Detective Dr. John Thorndyke should visit: Mystery Readers Journal: London Mysteries II, Vol. 41, No. 1 • Spring 2025.
 
Andrew McAleer is the best-selling author of the Detective Henry von Stray classic British crime series created by Edgar winner John McAleer. Von Stray’s adventures appear in A Casebook of Crime Volume One. A second von Stray collection, A Casebook of Crime Volume Two, is scheduled for release in March 2026 (Level Best Books). Mr. McAleer taught classic crime fiction at Boston College and served in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Historian before returning to public service in the criminal justice system. Visit the Henry von Stray Museum of Criminal Artifacts at:  www.Henryvonstraymysteries.com 

Bookish: a new British mystery tv series

Bookish, a new British mystery show on PBS, starts Sunday, January 11. I haven't seen it yet, but a six episode show about a bookshop owner in post-war London who helps the police solve murders in post-war London sounds right up my alley. Mark Gatiss stars. 6 episodes.

Sunday, January 11, 10 p.m. EST, PBS.

From WSJ:

What the viewer will decide right off is that Book is the type of mischievous pedant who relishes setting grammarians straight about the sign on his shop, and displaying a similar sparkle while setting the police straight about the facts in a case. The constables don’t all appreciate the help, but Book has a chummy bond with Inspector Bliss (Elliot Levey), not to mention a “special letter from Churchill”—something he acknowledges whenever someone questions his status, or presence at a crime scene, or presumptuous interrogation of suspects. He merely taps his breast pocket, where the mysterious letter lies.

Call for Articles Mystery Readers Journal (42:1): Faires, Fetes, & Festivals

Call for Articles: Mystery Readers Journal: Mysteries Set at Faires, Fetes, and Festivals (42:1); Spring 2026

For our next issue, we are looking for Crime Fiction set at Faires, Fetes, and Festivals.

If you have a mystery that fits this theme, please consider writing an Author! Author! essay: 500–1500 words, first person, up-close and personal about yourself, your books, and the 'faire, fete, or festival' connection. 

We’re also looking for reviews and articles. 

Send submission and queries to janet @ mysteryreaders.org 

Deadline: February 15, 2026. 

Author Essays are first person, about yourself, your books, and the "FFF" connection. 500-1000 words. Treat this as if you're chatting with friends and other writers in the bar or cafe (or on zoom) about your work and the "Faire, Fete, Festival" setting in your mysteries. Be sure and cite specific titles, as well as how you use Faires and Fetes in your books. Add title and 2-3 sentence bio. 

Reviews: 50-250 words. 

Articles: 500-1000 words. 

Deadline: February 15, 2026

Send to: Janet Rudolph, Editor. janet @ mysteryreaders . org  

Please let me know if you're planning to send an article, review, or author essay--or if you have any questions! 

Subscribe to Mystery Readers Journal. 

Themes in 2026: Mysteries set at Faires, Fetes, & Festivals; Mysteries set in France; Cross-Genre Mysteries; Mysteries set in India.

Back issues available as PDF download 

Southern California: Mystery Readers Journal

Senior Sleuths: Mystery Readers Journal

Irish Mysteries: Mystery Readers Journal

Hobbies & Crafts in Mysteries: Mystery Readers Journal

And so many more... We are now in our 42nd year with articles, reviews, and essays from your favorite authors and reviewers. 

***

Love Mysteries? Love San Francisco? Left Coast Crime will be held in "Everybody's Favorite City" February 26-March 1, 2026.   Register Now! 

Cartoon of the Day: Carded

 

St Hilda's Crime Fiction Weekend: September 4-6, 2026

St Hilda's 33rd Crime Fiction Weekend announced its theme: Bad Apples: crime fiction's enemies and anti-heroes. 

St. Hilda's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K.

September 4-6, 2026

From con artists to killers, crime fiction has served up some of the very best bad apples in all of literature. Ripley, Moriarty, Lecter and many more are responsible for prompting our heroes to action, presenting puzzles, peril and confrontations aplenty. This 33rd Crime Fiction Weekend explores the dark core of these characters, and discusses why we love them – or love to hate them – so much.

Guest of Honour: Andrew Taylor

Speakers:

Jo Callaghan 

Ajay Chowdhury 

Abigail Dean 

Vaseem Khan 

Remi Kone 

Simon Mason 

Ayo Onatade 

Hallie Rubenhold 

Laura Shepherd-Robinson 

Sarah Vaughan 

Martyn Waites

2026 Left Coast Crime “Lefty” Award Nominations

Left Coast Crime 2026 will be presenting four Lefty Awards at our 36th annual convention, to be held this February in San Francisco: Humorous, Historical, Debut, and Best. The awards will be voted on at the convention and presented at a banquet on Saturday, February 28, at the Hyatt Regency on the Embarcadero. The Lefty nominees have been selected by convention registrants. 

2026 Lefty Award nominees for books published in 2025:

Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery Novel. 

The nominees are:

• Ellen Byron, Solid Gold Murder (Kensington)

• Jennifer J. Chow, Star-Crossed Egg Tarts (St. Martin’s Paperbacks)

• Elizabeth Crowens, Bye Bye Blackbird (Level Best Books)

• Catriona McPherson, Scot’s Eggs (Severn House)

• Cindy Sample, All’s Faire in Love and Murder (Cindy Sample Books)

Lefty for Best Historical Mystery Novel for books set before 1970 
(The Bill Gottfried Memorial). 

The nominees are:

• Cara Black, Huguette (Soho Crime)

• Mariah Fredericks, The Girl in the Green Dress (Minotaur Books)

• Dianne Freeman, A Daughter’s Guide to Mothers and Murder (Kensington)

• Claire M. Johnson, City Lights (Level Best Books)

• Laurie R. King, Knave of Diamonds (Bantam)

• Rob Osler, The Case of the Missing Maid (Kensington)

Lefty for Best Debut Mystery Novel. 

The nominees are:

• Adrian Andover, Whiskey Business (Chestnut Avenue Press)

• Kristen L. Berry, We Don’t Talk About Carol (Bantam)

• Laurie L. Dove, Mask of the Deer Woman (Berkley)

• Sue Hincenbergs, The Retirement Plan (William Morrow)

• Marisa Kashino, Best Offer Wins (Celadon Books)

• Diane Schaffer, Mortal Zin (Sibylline Press)

Lefty for Best Mystery Novel (not in other categories). 

The nominees are:

• Lou Berney, Crooks (William Morrow)

• Claire Booth, Throwing Shadows (Severn House)

• Tracy Clark, Edge (Thomas & Mercer)

• Leslie Karst, Waters of Destruction (Severn House)

• James L’Etoile, River of Lies (Oceanview Publishing)

• Gigi Pandian, The Library Game (Minotaur Books) 

Left Coast Crime Conventions are annual events sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. Held in the western half of North America, LCC’s intent is to host an event where readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans can gather in convivial surroundings to pursue their mutual interests. Lefty Awards have been given since 1996. 

Returning to The City, where Left Coast Crime held its first two conventions, the 36th Annual Left Coast Crime Convention will take place in San Francisco, February 26 – March 1, 2026. This year’s Guests of Honor are authors Robin Burcell and Gary Phillips. Randal Brandt is the Fan Guest of Honor, and author Leslie Karst will serve as Toastmaster.

Left Coast Crime is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation holding annual mystery conventions in the West. Each LCC convention raises money to support a local literary organization, and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

For more information on Left Coast Crime 2026, please visit www.leftcoastcrime.org/2026/

Mystery Readers Journal: Northern California Mysteries II (41:4)

Mystery Readers Journal: Northern California II (41:4) is now available. 

You'll also want to order the companion issue, too: Mystery Readers Journal: Northern California Mysteries I (41:3)

If you're a print copy and/or PDF subscriber, you should have received your copy.

Contributor PDF copies went out today. 

Contributors: Thanks so much for your great articles, essays, and reviews!

Northern California Mysteries II

Volume 41, No. 4, Winter 2025

Buy this back issue! Available in hardcopy or as a downloadable PDF.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLES

• They Didn’t Intend to Be Detectives… by Aubrey Nye Hamilton
• The Air Smelled Like Redwoods by Rona Bell

AUTHOR! AUTHOR!

• Northern California—in My Blood, in My Books by Juliet Blackwell
• A Time Traveler in the East Bay by Mary Adler
• Did a Charlie Chan Film Influence the Zodiac Murders? by Lou Armagno
• If You’ve Got the Lipstick… by David Corbett
• Climate Fiction in Northern California by Mary Flodin
• Just Say “Yes” to Stories from the Bay Area by Meredith Blevins
• Why I Set My Stories in Northern California by Daryl Wood Gerber
• San Francisco Wild by Toni Dwiggins
• Setting: Real or Invented? by Vinnie Hansen
• Mild-Mannered Men in Northern California by Walter Horsting
• I Have a Wild Imagination by Nancy Lynn Jarvis
• Following the Money to Silicon Valley by Ron Katz
• Baking Up Good Mystery in the Northern California Redwoods by Victoria Kazarian
• The Fault Lines in Northern California by Ellen Kirschman
• 1860s San Francisco— A Perfect Place for a Mystery by Nancy Herriman
• It Had to Be San Francisco… by Barry Lancet
• The City, My City by Lexa Mack
• World Building: It’s Not Just for Science Fiction and Fantasy by A.B. Michaels
• Feng Shui-by-the-Sea by Denise Osborne
• A Fog-Shrouded Lens by Tim Maleeny
• A Fish Out of Water in Oakland by Brad Parks
• The Babylon Deception, a Northern California Mystery by Ray Pace
• The Estuary Kept Its Secrets by Susan Paturzo
• Red Rock Island: Where Imagination Found a Home by Alec Peche
• The Cook, the Inspector, and the City by the Bay by Joanne Pence
• A Reader and a Writer Walk into a Bar by Karen A. Phillips
• Northern California: The Lost Highway by Alexandra Sokoloff

COLUMNS

• Mystery in Retrospect: Reviews
• Crime Seen: The Streets of San Francisco by Kate Derie
• Cop Ten: The Streets of… Everyplace Else but San Francisco by Jim Doherty
• From the Editor’s Desk by Janet A. Rudolph

***

Time to renew your subscription for 2026: Themes: Mysteries set at Fetes, Fairs, and Festivals;  Mysteries set in France; Cross-Genre Mysteries; Mysteries set in India. Subscriptions are PDF. 

Print-on-Demand issues will be available as each issue is published. We'll post here and elsewhere with a link when each print-on-demand issue is ready. First issue for 2026 will be out in March.

Cartoon of the Day: TBR