It’s been a while since I blogged in earnest, so I’m starting my blog again.

I contemplated what I should post. My life is kind of yawn-inducing. I thought about writing about writing, but I didn’t just want another “how to” blog.

I thought about my deep dive into mystery novels.

During the height of the pandemic, mystery novels took over all of my reading. I read classics, contemporary, cozies, police procedurals, and private detectives. I read middle grade, YA, and adult books, and I’m still reading . . . 

Why mysteries? I’m writing mysteries, so I wanted to know more about how writers approach their stories. But, I think there is something else as well; I think the allure of reading mysteries is the innate need we have to believe that justice will prevail, intellect reveals the truth, and persistence will pay off.

This is why I’m going to start with blog posts covering a book, author, or series.

Instead of a traditional book review, I’m going to cover two elements of the work.

1. I will share what I liked about the book (without spoilers) from the reader’s perspective. What makes the book compelling? Twisty plots, compelling characters, enticing settings, humor, heart-pounding passages, romance . . .
2. I will analyze the craft. From the writer’s perspective, I’ll share what the writer does well to make the story work.

I learn a great deal from everything I read. Obviously, some books are better than others; I have books and series I read again and again, but even if a book isn’t perfect (does one exist?), there’s always something to gain by reading, thinking, and writing about books.

Stay tuned for Murder, She Writes!