Episodes

148 posts

9-5 Mysterious Buildings

An isolated cabin, and old manor house, a creepy apartment building. These make for great settings for mysteries and in this episode, Brook and Sarah discuss some of the most mysterious buildings. Discussed and mentioned “The Fall of the House of Usher” (1839) Edgar Allan Poe The Paris Apartment (2022) […]

Twists

Author coach Samantha Skal joins Brook and Sarah to discuss what makes a great twist and what mystery fans are looking for when being surprised by a mystery. Discussed and mentioned Gone Girl (2012) Gillian Flynn The House Across the Lake (2022) Riley Sager Rear Window (1954 film) The Last […]

Modern Greats: Peter Robinson

During his writing career, Peter Robinson–the creator of the Alan Banks series and author of several stand alone novels–won awards in multiple countries, including the Grand Master Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. In today’s episode, Brook and Sarah discuss the works and career of this modern great. Discussed […]

What We Loved in 2024

In today’s episode, Brook and Sarah share their favorite mysteries from 2024. Discussed and mentioned Slow Horses (books and TV series) Mick Herron Murder in the Basement (1932) Anthony Berkeley Before the Fact (1932) Francis Iles – Pen name of Anthony Berkeley Kate Ellis – The Wesley Peterson series starts […]

Winter 2024 TBR Recap

Brook and Sarah open the next season of episodes by discussing what they read and watched over the 2024 holiday break. Discussed and mentioned Death of a Christmas Tree Salesman (2023) Patricia Meredith The Christmas Murder Game (2022) Alexandra Benedict “The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding” (1923) Agatha Christie Man on […]

[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. […]