Yearly Archives: 2024

54 posts

[Re-release] Celebrity Authors

This episode was originally released on January 24, 2023. What happens when someone famous for something else writes a mystery? In this week’s episode, Brook and Sarah discuss mysteries written by authors famous for other achievements. Discussed David WalliamsState of Terror (2021) Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise PennyMycroft Holmes (2015) […]

[Re-release] Modern Greats: Sue Grafton

This episode was originally released on March 12, 2024. Brook and Sarah start a new series exploring the life and writing of modern masters of the mystery genre. This week, they discuss Sue Grafton, author of 25 novels in the Alphabet series featuring PI Kinsey Milhone. Titles mentioned Keziah Dane […]

Re-release: Mysteries in Unusual Formats

This episode was originally released on January 30, 2024. Avid mystery fans are familiar with the expectations of the genre. Occasionally, an author will try something new and delight fans in the process. In this episode, Brook and Sarah discuss mysteries that bend genre conventions. Discussed and mentioned Wrong Place […]

2024 Winter Reading List

We are taking a short break to enjoy the holidays. In this episode, we discuss what we plan to read and watch. After this episode, we will release a few older episodes, and return in early 2025 with new ones. Discussed and mentioned Death of a Christmas Tree Salesman (2023) Patricia […]

Young Sleuths (part 2)

In past episodes, Brook and Sarah have discussed examples of younger sleuths such as Nancy Drew. In today’s episode, Brook and Sarah explore other early examples of younger sleuths including Trixie Belden; Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective; and Violet Strange. Discussed and mentioned Read New York Nell Niblo: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/deadwood_dick/37 The Golden […]

What Would You Do: The New Couple in 5B

In this week’s episode, Brook and Sarah discuss the choices they would make if they were the characters in Lisa Unger’s 2024 release The New Couple in 5B. Note: The conversation goes into detail about the book and contains spoilers about its plot, so if you haven’t read the book, […]

Mystery Lovers Holiday Guide ’24 with Mystery Manon

As gift giving season approaches, Mystery Manon joins Brook and Sarah to share her annual holiday gift guide. Discussed and mentioned The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) Agatha Christie Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles (2024) Marci Kay Monson The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928) Agatha Christie https://www.manonwogahn.com/mystery-book-lover-gifts-2024-holidays/ […]

Agatha’s Characters: Ariadne Oliver

Although she’s not technically a sleuth, Ariadne Oliver plays an important role in several of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. In today’s episode, Brook and Sarah discuss this fascinating character. Discussed and mentioned “The Case of the Discontented Soldier” (1932) Agatha Christie Cards on the Table (1936) Agatha Christie Mrs. McGinty’s Dead […]

Culinary Mysteries (part 2)

This week, culinary cozy author Jessica Thompson joins Brook and Sarah to discuss what makes a mystery culinary. Discussed and mentioned Caterer’s Guide to Crime Culinary Cozy Mystery Series by Jessica Thompson Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up (2023) Jessica Thompson A Caterer’s Guide to Valentine’s and Violence (2024) Jessica Thompson […]

Culinary Mysteries (part 1)

Discussed and mentioned Ellie Alexander’s Bake Shop Mysteries Catering to Nobody (1990) Diane Mott Davidson Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series Katherine Hall Page’s Faith Fairchild series “The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding” (1960) Agatha Christie Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson series Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schulz Books Strong Poison (1930) Dorothy L. […]

Mysteries To Experience Again

Do you have a list of mysteries that you would read or watch again if you could relive the experience of solving the crime or the big reveal? In today’s episode, Brook and Sarah discuss a few of their favorites. Discussed Vertigo (1958) Alfred Hitchcock, Paramount Rear Window (1954) Alfred Hitchcock, Paramount […]

Modern Great: Ruth Rendell

Ruth Rendell’s police procedurals and psychological thrillers captured readers. Brook and Sarah discuss this award winning author’s life and works. Discussed/References Death Notes (US) / Put on by Cunning (UK) (1981) Ruth Rendell A Dark Adapted Eye (1986) Barbara Vine Master of the Moor (1982) Ruth Rendell Ruth Rendell Mysteries […]

Murder, She Wrote at 40 years

Forty years ago Jessica Fletcher entered homes to solve mysteries in Cabot Cove. This week, Brook and Sarah discuss the lasting influence Murder, She Wrote has on the mystery genre. Discussed Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996) CBS Thursday Murder Club (2020) Richard Osman Only Murders in the Building (2021-2024) Disney+/Hulu The […]

Co-authored Mysteries (part 2)

This week, Brook and Sarah are joined by husband and wife co-authors Midge Raymond and John Yunker to discuss their experience as co-authors and mystery fans. Discussed Devil’s Island (2024) Midge Raymond and John Yunker The Rosie Project (2013) Graeme Simsion Two Steps Forward (2017) Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion […]

Co-authored Mysteries (part 1)

While not a sub-genre, mysteries that are written by multiple authors deserve special mention. In today’s episode, Brook and Sarah discuss examples of different co-authored mysteries and provide an update on their own. Discussed and Mentioned The Fate of Fenella: by Twenty-four Authors (1892) The Floating Admiral (1931) Members of […]