May 2023: Shared Worlds
Come play. Sorry if that sounds creepy.
Hey peoples! For all of the regular subscribers to Crime Fiction Works, I packed up and moved from my longtime home at MailChimp and settled into Substack’s shiny new neighborhood. I loved MailChimp for it’s marketing features and reliability, but it was getting a bit too expensive ($120-$150 per month). And everyone keeps telling me that Substack is a perfect home for newsletters and also, and this is important, it’s free.
You’ll also notice some changes with the format. A little personal note about each book I recommend, and a section at the bottom for Cool New Things happening in the world of crime fiction. Can you believe I’m doing this for free? So dumb.
Speaking of new worlds, I was bothering my buddy (and a writer you’ve likely read and loved) Jennifer Hillier a few weeks ago when she was working on her newest book. We were talking about how daunting it seems, both artistically and commercially, to write a series (she and I both write standalones). Series are tough - not only do you need a “series bible” about each location, character, and constant, but there’s a commercial demand that can be beyond your control to maintain:
You need a devoted audience, and too often those audiences dwindle over time.
You need to have a first book good enough to latch new readers, not just from its publication date but years down the road, even though you’ll likely become a much better writer as your books progress.
Maintaining interest in characters and a location can be challenging, not only for the readers, but for writers as well.
Still, despite all those challenges, I greatly admire series and often find myself, at the end of a book, wishing I had the chance to continue a character’s journey.
Plus it’s not unusual for readers to like a character whose arc has ended (usually because I killed them off), and that gives me the urge to keep writing their story.
Even though I don’t write in a series, all of my books exist in my own shared universe, and characters occasionally crop up here or there. I was surprised, when yapping with Hillier, to find the same was true with her:
“For me,” she said, “there’s always a coffee shop (the Green Bean) and there is almost always a diner or last a mention of one.”
And as for characters? Fan of her work might remember a certain law enforcement character named “Jerry.”
“Jerry retired from the force and became a PI in book two (Freak),” Hillier told me. “And then later he showed up in Wonderland to help Vanessa out. And after solving the murders in Wonderland, Vanessa went on to partner with him at the PI firm. He was also the one who investigated Marin’s son’s disappearance in Little Secrets. He wasn’t in that book, but the PI firm is called Isaac and Castro, for Jerry Isaac and Vanessa Castro.”
I thought I was the only one who did that ish!
In my books, one of the bad guys in The Unrepentant is named Seth, and he returns in They’re Gone and will appear in next year’s When She Left. Seth is the character I’ve returned to the most, which is dejecting because he’s just a…terrible, terrible person. But I’ve also brought back one of the heroes from The Unrepentant, a woman named Eve who helps the trafficked woman in that book and, in No Home for Killers, has become a social worker.
I also did this with a pair of murderous siblings, Vic and Cassie, in a short story I wrote for an anthology called The Night of the Flood. The two escape from a flooded town in that anthology, return on the run in a different anthology called The Swamp Killers, and their story ends in an anthology published last year called Paranoia Blues.
All of these continuations and character eggs are likely more for the writer than the reader. As much as a character arc can be considered complete at the end of a book, sometimes there’s a loose thread you hadn’t realized, or a character strikes a chord that echoes long after that last period has been placed. And sometimes it’s lovely not to have to let that sound fade away.
And now a word from our sponsor…
No Home for Killers is a Kindle Daily Deal throughout May! That means it’s reduced from $4.99 to $3, which is a savings of almost two dollars! Although not exactly because I’m not great at math!
You can buy No Home for Killers and take advantage of this deal right now and make all the other books in your Kindle library extremely uncomfortable. I imagine them warily inching away from my violent little vigilante novel and, honestly, I think it’s worth it, just for that.
Click HERE to make two dollars, sort of! Again, math.
Ed’s Note: Brendan Slocumb’s The Violin Conspiracy was a smash success when it came out last year and, despite the difficulties of a sequel maintaining the success of it’s predecessor, the early praise indicates Slocumb has managed that difficult feat. Plus - and this is in Events below - Slocumb and I will be paneling at the Gaithersburg Book Festival later this month, moderated by esteemed writer , discussing how we incorporated music into our fiction. So I need to, like, really do my homework and not admit I mainly listen to underground rap.
About the Book: Bern Hendricks has just received the call of a lifetime. As one of the world’s preeminent experts on the famed twentieth-century composer Frederick Delaney, Bern knows everything there is to know about the man behind the music. When Mallory Roberts, a board member of the distinguished Delaney Foundation and direct descendant of the man himself, asks for Bern’s help authenticating a newly discovered piece, which may be his famous lost opera, RED, he jumps at the chance. With the help of his tech-savvy acquaintance Eboni, Bern soon discovers that the truth is far more complicated than history would have them believe.
In 1920s Manhattan, Josephine Reed is living on the streets and frequenting jazz clubs when she meets the struggling musician Fred Delaney. But where young Delaney struggles, Josephine soars. She’s a natural prodigy who hears beautiful music in the sounds of the world around her. With Josephine as his silent partner, Delaney’s career takes off—but who is the real genius here?
In the present day, Bern and Eboni begin to uncover more clues that indicate Delaney may have had help in composing his most successful work. Armed with more questions than answers and caught in the crosshairs of a powerful organization who will stop at nothing to keep their secret hidden, Bern and Eboni will move heaven and earth in their dogged quest to right history’s wrongs.
Ed’s Note: I’ve been a fan of Lydia Kang’s for a while and I’m always impressed when someone has the chance to contribute to an awesome IP. Plus I’ve been binging Star Wars Rebels and this is entirely my jam now. I am now a Star Wars guy, please update your records.
About the Book: After five years of conflict, the planets Eiram and E’ronoh are on the cusp of real peace. But when news breaks of a disaster at the treaty signing on Jedha, violence reignites on the beleaguered worlds. Together, the royal heirs of both planets—Phan-tu Zenn and Xiri A’lbaran—working alongside the Jedi, have uncovered evidence that the conflict is being orchestrated by outside forces, and all signs point to the mysterious Path of the Open Hand, whom the Jedi also suspect of causing the disaster on Jedha.
With time—and answers—in short supply, the Jedi must divide their focus between helping quell the renewed violence on Eiram and E’ronoh and investigating the Path. Among them is Gella Nattai, who turns to the one person she believes can unravel the mystery but the last person she wants to trust: Axel Greylark. The chancellor’s son, imprisoned for his crimes, has always sought to unburden himself of the weight of his family name. Will he reconcile with the Jedi and aid in their quest for justice and peace, or embrace the Path’s promise of true freedom?
As all roads lead to Dalna, Gella and her allies prepare to take on a foe unlike any they’ve ever faced. And it will take all of their trust in the Force, and in one another, to survive.
Ed’s Note: I had Shannon Kirk’s Tenkill in an earlier newsletter, but the publication date was pushed back to April so I’m mentioning it again. For one thing, I’ve read Shannon before and her work is always astonishing and, for another, this is my newsletter and, unlike work or home, I can do what I want. * crosses arms, glares *
About the Book: Greta Vinet Seville, E-Discovery Counsel and Deputy General Counsel at the international law firm of Coarse & Cotton, finds herself on the run from her own firm after absconding with firm data to conduct her investigation, and enlists a diverse cast of friends and experts to help her comb through the mountains of data that confirms a trail of corruption that has shaped generations.
Her off-the-books, rag-tag legal team includes a genius litigation technology professional, a possibly psychopathic (but effective) summer associate, an AP investigative reporter, a classical painting art restorer, Greta’s philosophy professor brother, and Greta’s love interest, a compliance attorney at Tenkill. Romance, action, technology law, corruption are all explored, and married with Greta’s personal backstory about a renegade, vigilante aunt who’s been on the run for decades and fighting her own politically-charged battles.
They create a make-shift war room in a historic Salem, Massachusetts home, and their pursuit of more evidence leads them in action-packed chases around Boston…and a massive hospital—Tenkill—that is at the center of the corruption. But this investigation is like no other Greta has ever conducted, as people who have millions to lose and careers to ruin have and will kill to keep what she seeks to uncover secret.
Ed’s Note: I had the chance to read and review a Sally Hepworth novel for the Washington Post, and I just love her writing style - smart and fun with an expert knowledge of suspense. So much so that, when I magically have the time someday, I’m going to go back and read everything she’s written and everything she’ll write.
About the Book: Picture a lovely cottage on a cliff, with sloping lawns, walking paths, and beautiful flowers. It’s Gabe and Pippa Gerard’s dream home in a sleepy coastal town. But their perfect house hides something sinister. The tall cliffs have become a popular spot for people to end their lives. Over the past several months, Gabe comes to their rescue, literally talking them off the ledge.
Until one day, he doesn’t. When Pippa discovers Gabe knew the victim, the questions spiral. . . .Did the victim jump? Was she pushed? And would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate . . . lie? As the perfect façade of their marriage begins to crack, the deepest and darkest secrets begin to unravel. Because sometimes, the most convincing lies are the ones we tell ourselves.
Ed’s Note: Eli Cranor is the new belle of the ball. His debut, Don’t Know Tough, was a buzzy release and, about a week ago, took home the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Ozark Dogs promises to continue his early success, and continue the wonderful flourishing strain of rural crime fiction that’s been steadily rising to the top of the genre.
About the Book: After his son is convicted of capital murder, Vietnam War veteran Jeremiah Fitzjurls takes over the care of his granddaughter, Joanna, raising her with as much warmth as can be found in an Ozark junkyard outfitted to be an armory. He teaches her how to shoot and fight, but there is not enough training in the world to protect her when the dreaded Ledfords, notorious meth dealers and fanatical white supremacists, come to collect on Joanna as payment for a long-overdue blood debt.
Headed by rancorous patriarch Bunn and smooth-talking, erudite Evail, the Ledfords have never forgotten what the Fitzjurls family did to them, and they will not be satisfied until they have taken an eye for an eye. As they seek revenge, and as Jeremiah desperately searches for his granddaughter, their narratives collide in this immersive story about family and how far some will go to honor, defend—or in some cases, destroy it.
Ed’s Note: Megan Miranda is such a badass. The NYT bestselling writer has carved a name for herself as a leader in the world of psychological suspense, and her novels always have the most intriguing elevator pitches - and, even more impressively, they never disappoint after enticing readers by their lofty premises. Always a writer to add to your TBR.
About the Book: A decade ago, two vans filled with high school seniors on a school service trip crashed into a Tennessee ravine—a tragedy that claimed the lives of multiple classmates and teachers. The nine students who managed to escape the river that night were irrevocably changed. A year later, after one of the survivors dies by suicide on the anniversary of the crash, the rest of them make a pact: to come together each year to commemorate that terrible night.
To keep one another safe.
To hold one another accountable.
Or both.
Their annual meeting place, a house on the Outer Banks, has long been a refuge. But by the tenth anniversary, Cassidy Bent has worked to distance herself from the tragedy, and from the other survivors. She’s changed her mobile number. She’s blocked the others’ email addresses. This year, she is determined to finally break ties once and for all. But on the day of the reunion, she receives a text with an obituary attached: another survivor is gone. Now they are seven—and Cassidy finds herself hurling back toward the group, wild with grief—and suspicion.
Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn’t raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they’re facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters…again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they’ve been through, she wouldn’t willfully make them worry. Would she?
And—as they promised long ago—each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won’t they?
Ed’s Note: Matthew Farrell has made a name for himself with his domestic crime fiction that veers into thriller territory - it’s an admirable and nimble balance to maintain, and Farrell always does it well.
About the Book: When I first met Malcolm, I knew that he was everything I had ever wanted. When we had our beautiful, blue-eyed son Finn I felt like my life was finally complete. The past eight years have been the happiest of my life. Until now.
Because Malcolm’s been lying to me.
I’ve been following him. I finally saw him with her. How could he betray me and my darling boy? Of course, we all have our secrets. But everything I’ve done, I did for my son.
So I have a plan. When the police knock on our door tomorrow morning, Malcolm will have no clue what’s in store. All I need to do is pick up Finn and we can start our new life together.
But I don’t notice the car tailing me. The sudden crushing impact takes my breath away. As my heart pounds and my car is forced towards the rushing river below, my only thought is for my precious Finn. Because I know with certainty that if this is happening to me, then he’s in grave danger too…
Did Malcolm know what I was planning after all? Is this his revenge? Or worse, have my own secrets and lies finally caught up with me—and has my time finally run out?
Ed’s Note: I discovered Jeneva Rose’s books one quiet day in a library when I was perusing…ha ha, just kidding. Her social media accounts are hilarious and totally sucked me in and that’s how I discovered her work. And I’m so glad I did! I read and loved One of Us is Dead and I’m so excited to read You Shouldn’t Have Come Here.
About the Book: Grace Evans, an overworked New Yorker looking for a total escape from her busy life, books an Airbnb on a ranch in the middle of Wyoming. When she arrives at the idyllic getaway, she's pleased to find that the owner is a handsome man by the name of Calvin Wells -- and he's eager to introduce her to his easygoing way of life. But there are things Grace discovers that she's not too pleased about: A lack of cell phone service. A missing woman. And a feeling that something isn't right with the ranch.
Despite her uneasiness, the two bond and start to fall for one another. However, as her departure date nears, things change for the worse. What began as a playful romance soon turns into a complicated web of lies. Grace grows wary of Calvin as his infatuation for her seems to have morphed to obsession. Calvin fears that Grace is hiding something from him -- including her reason for staying at his ranch to begin with. Vacation flings typically end in heartbreak, but for Grace and Calvin, it'll be far more destructive.
S.G. Wong is one of those rare writers who gives so much to the writing community, and beyond, and STILL MANAGES to write compelling stories. A past national president of Sisters in Crime, and a staunch supporter of marginalized communities, Wong achieved national success for her last novel, In the Dark We Forgot. As the Raven-award winning crime fiction blog Bolo Books noted, Wong is “well on her way to a storied career in crime fiction.”
And a writer S.G. Wong recommends to you lovely readers?
The year I discovered romance novels and Sherlock Holmes, my life changed irrevocably. Sherry Thomas’s historical Lady Sherlock series has a deft and witty touch of the former, plus a compellingly entertaining and contemporary twist on the latter. I adore this series and if you haven’t already tried it, you must begin at the beginning, with A Study in Scarlet Women. The only caveat: Thomas ruthlessly leaves you wanting more of Charlotte Holmes’s adventures—but you’re in luck because there are seven books so far and the latest just came out in March.
Learn more about S.G. Wong HERE.
And learn more about Sherry Thomas HERE.
Noir at the ‘Voir, May 9 (in-person)
I’ll be reading at a special Mothers Day-themed Noir at the ‘Voir with some amazing writers, at an event hosted by short story master Josh Pachter! If you’re in the Richmond area, make sure you add to this to your to-do list, because Josh’s take on the series is rapidly becoming one of the most popular in the biz.
The Washington Writers Conference, May 12-13 (in-person)
I get to participate in this panel at the Washington Writer’s Conference with some of my favorite people: Alma Katsu, S.A. Cosby, and Anjili Babbar! We’ll be discussing writing and selling horror, thriller, and crime novels, and the entire conference is really a great day for writers, particularly aspiring writers, given the conference’s attention to the publishing industry, agent pitch sessions, and more. Check it out at wirobooks.com.
Presentation of Marketing for Writers, May 14, 2-3 pm (virtual)
I’m crossing my day job (marketing) into my writing with an upcoming presentation to the Citrus Crime Writers (otherwise known as the Central Florida Chapter of Sisters in Crime) about how to utilize PPC campaigns, social media marketing, email advertising, and other paid promotional efforts to support your work.
Does this sound like necessary information for writers to know? It does.
Does it also sound kind of boring? It does!
Will I make it fun with catchy graphics and inappropriate humor? There will be so many catchy graphics and SO MUCH inappropriate humor, very excited. To register (even if you’re not a chapter member), visit HERE for a contact to email.
The Gaithersburg Book Festival, May 20 (in-person)
I mentioned this above, but I’ll paneling with Brendan Slocumb and Art Taylor at GBF, which is absolutely one of my favorite conferences of the year. Our panel is going to be a lot of fun, but this is the kind of event that you should plan for the entire day. The lineup features both Andrea and Julia Bartz, Cory Doctorow, Alex Finlay, Tara Laskowski, Ashley Winstead, and that’s just crime fiction! Learn more here.
Beau Johnson has written the antiheroic and unapologetically unsettling Bishop Rider series for years now, gathering acclaim in the darker corners of the crime fiction universe, and a new project for that series has been announced. He and co-editor, award-winning short story writing stud Hector Acosta, are putting together a Bishop Rider anthology, with the chance for you to contribute a story to Rider-verse. Learn more at http://dosomedamage.com/ (you may need to do a quick search for CALL: BISHOP RIDER LIVES - An Anthology of Retribution” once you reach the site, since I couldn’t link the exact post).
The Agatha Awards were this past weekend, a celebration of the best of the year in traditional mysteries. As a thriller writer, this isn’t exactly my thing, but it’s full of talent and great people and I make a point of going and moderating a panel every year. You can see all of the nominees (and perhaps the winners, by the time this is sent) HERE.
Definitely in the cool things category is S.A. Cosby on THE TONIGHT SHOW!!! Cosby is a powerful writer and his work is being recognized on the largest stages entertainment has to offer, and that’s a wonderful thing. He co-wrote a book with Questlove from The Roots and it hit the NYT bestseller list a week after release! Plus Shawn’s the nicest guy and it’s lovely to see him experience this. Watch the interview HERE.
I’ve mentioned before how proud I am to be a member of, and work for, Crime Writers of Color, and that group was just awarded the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Kellye Garrett’s fiery, impassioned speech has received a lot of love, and should definitely be watched by everyone. You can see it here.
received the LA Times Book Award for his superb novel, Secret Identity. I was so excited to see this, because Alex’s novel is truly wonderful and different and chancy in a way that inspired No Home for Killers. You can see the complete list of nominees and winners here.
Speaking of Crime Writers of Color, they were nice enough to include me in their “10 Questions” YouTube series, where I had the chance to disclose the best place to bury a body, the best way to kill someone, and more. And they even put in a cool background music, which makes me way cooler than I ever could be! Check it out HERE.
The winner of my monthly newsletter contest is Elsa Verschuur! Which means you win copies of both books in my “Two Writers You Should Read” section. I’ll slide into your DMs (send you an email, so not exactly slide into your DMs) soon.
Until next time, much love and Happy Reading!