Checking In Again

I've been away for a few months and thought I'd check in on my blogs. Google+ has ended. Too bad it never caught on. Right now I'm editing my cozy mystery series. Later this year, I plan to write my new books. I'll try to blog more often this summer.    

Checking In...

I've been working on three new books in a new cozy mystery series during the first half of 2018. It will be published next year, I hope. I have a new idea for a series to write in 2019. Revising the books is what takes me the most time. I've never published a book in its first draft form. It doesn't work for me. I'll be checking in again throughout the summer with books news as it becomes available. If you'd like my books newsletter, drop me an email, and I'll add you to my subscription list. Have a great and safe summer!  

Cozy Mystery Alert for the Fans of Cats, Bookshops, & Villages

Just in time for Halloween, NOZY CAT 2 in the Hope Jones Cozy Mystery Series arrives for your reading pleasure. The amateur sleuth adventures of Hope Jones and Peggy Sue Roswell (best friends and co-owners of the Brontë Bookshop in Sweet Springs, Virginia) continue. Hope's chatty, clever pet Nozy Cat is the bookshop's mascot who also takes a lively active interest in their sleuthing activities.

I created Nozy Cat (there he is on the front cover focusing on the computer screen) based on our family pet Frannie, a rescue tuxedo cat we adopted a few years ago. She was born in a junkyard (seriously). A few special cats have a way of becoming a big part of your life. Nozy Cat is one of those type cats. Hope would be lost without him around the bookshop.

The cozy mystery series has been a lot of fun to write. The interactions between Hope and Nozy Cat inspire some of the best humor found in the stories. If you're a fan of cats, bookshops, and small towns, the Nozy Cat series is a true match with your reading tastes. You can catch up with the series by downloading NOZY CAT 1 now only 99¢.

NOZY CAT 2 is available from these online retailers:
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073X7J6PG
B&N link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nozy-cat-2-ed-lynskey/1126756411?ean=2940158672828
Kobo link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nozy-cat-2

My Sister Sleuths Isabel & Alma Return In Their New Cozy Mystery HEIRLOOM

I'm excited to announce HEIRLOOM, the eighth title in the Isabel and Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery Series, is available for pre-order at 25% off. If you're not keen on pre-orders, don't worry because I'll send out an announcement in about a month on the release date (Saturday, April 29th) of HEIRLOOM.

In this outing, Isabel and Alma encounter a mysterious family heirloom while solving a town murder. All of the usual series characters including Sammi Jo, Petey Samson, Sheriff Roscoe Fox, and the Three Musketeers return in fine form. Keep in mind my cozy mysteries are clean reads. I also write my mystery series as standalone books, so you don't have to read all the titles in the series to enjoy the latest one.

You can pre-order your copy of [book:HEIRLOOM|34674228] for the discounted price of $2.99 (regular price: $3.99) from these online e-book retailers:   

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTJWDWR
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1126030236
Kobo link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heirloom-5
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34674228-heirloom

Thank you for your interest in my cozies.

Announcing New Release: Vi's Ring in Isabel & Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery Series

 

Please join me in the ebook release of my new title Vi's Ring in the popular Isabel & Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery Series.

Isabel and Alma Trumbo, the retired sister sleuths living in Quiet Anchorage, Virginia, tackle one of their more unusual murder cases to date. Stan Bennett, Alma’s first ex-husband, pays them a visit and reveals his younger sister Violet “Vi” Bennett has been murdered at the local Buttercup Bed and Breakfast. Stan and Vi stayed overnight there on their way to a doll collectors’ convention. It doesn’t take Isabel and Alma very long to identify Stan’s young and beautiful wife Nicole, a tax attorney, and the bed-and-breakfast owner Chloe Glover as the two possible murder suspects.

 Vi's Ring is a traditional whodunit set in a charming small town. Join Isabel and Alma when they set off on solving their latest mystery that is as fun and challenging for them as it is for the reader.

"When you need a good true cozy book, The Trumbo Sisters are fantastic."
5-star Amazon review

"Fans of this series will enjoy a whodunit set in the charming small town of Quiet Anchorage, Virginia."
Crime Fiction Lover.com

Grab your copy of VI'S RING for the reduced price of $2.99 (regular price: $3.99) from these online retailers:   

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAT44Y0
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vis-ring-ed-lynskey/1125483972
Kobo link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/vi-s-ring
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33853773

Thank you for your interest in my cozy mystery series.

My New Cozy Mystery "Murder in a One-Hearse Town" Is Now on Sale

Hey, everybody. I've put my new cozy mystery Murder in a One-Hearse Town on sale for $2.99. Sister sleuths Isabel & Alma Trumbo are funny and feisty, as ever. Here's a reading sample, the opening paragraphs to Chapter 1:

 “There’s been an, um, incident,” Sheriff Fox said.

“Oh, dear. Please don’t tell me it’s a...” Isabel said, her voice trailing off.

“Yes ma’am, I’m afraid so.” Sheriff Fox paused at speaking on his smart phone. “It’s the dreaded M-word.”

“Murder,” Isabel said with a gasp as her pulse quickened. “Here. Again.”

“Yes. Murder. Here. Again.”

“Unspeakable.”

“Tell me about it. Just between you and me and the hat rack, I’m thinking hard about turning in my resignation letter.”

“That’s a drastic step to take. Why?”

"All these murders exact their toll on a small town sheriff.”

“Aw, that’s pure horseradish, Roscoe. You should be able to take the heat in the kitchen if Alma and I can stand it.”

“Speaking of the devil, what is Alma doing right now?”

“Well...” Sitting in her favorite armchair, Isabel craned her neck around to peer down the hallway to where she saw Alma squealing and clapping hands at their pet beagle Petey Sampson. With his tail wagging, he woof-woofed at her, and she woof-woofed right back at him.

“Would you believe it if I told you she’s playing hide-and-go-seek with Petey Sampson? First, she found him scrunched under her bed, and he just discovered her squished up inside the foyer closet. There’s never a dull moment around here.”

End of Chapter 1 reading sample. If you enjoyed reading Murder in a One-Hearse Town, click on the title links below for more information. Thank you for your interest in reading my new Isabel and Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FMKVK1K

Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-a-one-hearse-town-ed-lynskey/1124579807?ean=2940156751686

Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/murder-in-a-one-hearse-town

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31950808-murder-in-a-one-hearse-town 

99-Cents Sale on the First Book in My Private Eye Series

I'm excited to announce the first cool book in my P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery Series PELHAM FELL HERE is now on sale as an e-book for $0.99 for a limited time.

Here's the book description:

Ex-military cop and part-time gunsmith Frank Johnson finds his cousin Cody Chapman killed by a twelve-gauge shotgun. Enraged, Frank wants some answers, and fast. Was Cody involved in an arms smuggling scheme? The mystery deepens and grows dangerous when a pair of murderous deputy sheriffs ambush Frank. After killing them in self-defense, Frank must take it on the lam while he continues his murder investigation. Eventually, he discovers a group of neo-Nazis holed up at a remote castle who may be the ones behind his cousin's murder. Luckily, his bounty hunter pals Chet and Gerald Peyton throw in with Frank to even up the odds.

Here are the excerpts from the Amazon readers's  reviews:

"The story transformed itself into a rich, colourful, suspenseful narrative with many layers. The new found captivating pace held my attention to the very last page."
--Toni Osborne

"The action is constant with plenty of surprises along the way."
--Thomas Duff

"A very tight knit mystery read and one that I am proud to recommend."
--Shirley Johnson

"Three-dimensional characters with good dialog make this book a very good read."
--Joe Walsh

"A good way to begin a new series for anyone who likes down to earth tales."
--J.D. Anderson

"I love crime fiction that holds my interest and draws me to the characters. This book fits in that category perfectly."
--mysteryfan

Here are the links to purchase PELHAM FELL HERE:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7GMWM4

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pelham-fell-here-ed-lynskey/1116598568;jsessionid=5598701FF1B35DF75AD358FF19DD880F.prodny_store02-atgap08?ean=2940148362364

Nook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/pelham-fell-here

Thanks for your interest!

Announcing My New Cozy Mystery: MURDER IN A ONE-HEARSE TOWN

I'm excited to announce the new title (#6) in my Isabel & Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery Series, MURDER IN A ONE-HEARSE TOWN. I used a pun for the title which adds a little fun. All the usual series characters return. Keep in mind my cozy mysteries are clean reads. I also write my series books to be stand alones, so you don't have to read the previous ones to follow and enjoy any of my books.

Grab your copy of MURDER IN A ONE-HORSE TOWN from these online retailers:   
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FMKVK1K
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-a-one-hearse-town-ed-lynskey/1124579807?ean=2940156751686
Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/murder-in-a-one-hearse-town
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31950808-murder-in-a-one-hearse-town

In my other books news, I've written five more Isabel and Alma books, so they'll be around for a good while. Be looking for more information in my next newsletter. Meantime, the first titles in my two cozy mystery series, QUIET ANCHORAGE and THE CORPSE WORE GINGHAM, are each $2.99.

The NOZY CAT 1 release was a great success. NOZY CAT 2 and 3 should be out in 2017.   
For you hardboiled and crime noir fans, I've finished my D.C. cop novel titled ST. MICHAEL'S HAMMER. I'll post an update about its publication status when I have a better idea of when I can put it out. Meantime, I've bundled and discounted my first two P.I. Frank Johnson mysteries THE DIRT-BROWN DERBY and PELHAM FELL HERE into one e-book for $3.99. The Amazon link is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JF4IJQ. The Kobo link is: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/pelham-fell-here-and-the-dirt-brown-derby-two-ebook-bundle.

Your book reviews and book ratings are a tremendous help to me. If you can mark MURDER IN A ONE-HEARSE TOWN as "To-Read" on your Goodreads account, that's also useful to me. 
Thank you for your loyal and valued support of my fiction. Be on the lookout in January 2017 when I plan to publish the next Isabel and Alma title, VI'S RING. Until then, I wish you good health and happy reading.

SampleSunday: QUIET ANCHORAGE, My Very First Cozy Mystery

 

Check out this short sample taken from Chapter 1 to my cozy mystery Quiet Anchorage, the first book in my Isabel & Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery Series. It has garnered 83 rating/reviews at Goodreads and 19 reviews at Amazon. A new book (#6) MURDER IN A ONE-HEARSE TOWN will be published in June.

Chapter 1

Within the same hour as the murder took place, Isabel Trumbo sat in her armchair dozing, the Alaskan Outdoor magazine on her lap. Her kid sister Alma fidgeted in the other armchair, from time to time picking up her newspaper folded over to the day’s crossword puzzle.

She had lettered in the spaces for one word across and two down. Tapping the ink pen on her pursed lips, she stared at the blanks, and her attention wandered off. She decided her life had grown too boring and predictable. She flipped over the newspaper and browsed another editorial about Sheriff Roscoe Fox’s incompetence. You could tell the elections were right around the corner.

Just then, Isabel roused and wetted her thumb to flip over to the next page.

Alma squirmed in her armchair.

“You sure are restless,” Isabel said.

Alma glanced over at her. “Is it that obvious?”

“Indeed. So then put on the TV.”

Alma sighed again.

“If that isn’t enough excitement, go change the light bulb over the mud room.”

“Why don’t I try bungee jumping or something just as crazy? I’d climb up on the stepladder and tumble off it.” Her words too sharp, Alma softened her voice. “What’s on TV?”

Isabel’s eyes flicked to the TV Guide lying on the ottoman. “Don’t the soaps still run on afternoons? When we lived on the boulevard, you watched General Hospital, so tune it in again.”

End of Chapter 1 sample read. Please consider marking Quiet Anchorage is on sale as the first book in the popular cozy mystery series for $2.99. You can purchase a copy to read from clicking on the Goodreads buy buttons.

Thanks for your valued support and interest!

A Few Words About Our Rescue Cat Frannie and My Cozy Mysteries

Our tuxedo cat Frannie is a rescue cat we adopted about seven years ago. She was a shy cat at first, but she soon came out of her shell and blossomed. She's our third cat, and we've been cat owners for three decades now. We live in a suburban neighborhood filled with feral cats, coyotes, foxes, and other predators I don't know about or have seen. So, Frannie stays indoors all the time. She doesn't like it, but she doesn't get her way all the time. :-) When I get up from my desk chair, she likes to hop up into it. When I return, there she is. Do cats pick up on the little things they know drive us a little nuts? The answer, it would seem, is a definite yes. I suppose she serves as a Muse, except a Muse isn't supposed to meow when it's hungry or bored. I did a little research and discovered cats are supposed to sleep 15 hours a day. Frannie didn't get the memo. She's always prowling around the house, day and night. Living in close proximity with a tuxie cat has influenced my fiction writing projects. [book: Fur the Win|28093861] is the second book in a cozy mystery series I began several years ago. It's also my latest published book. That's not Frannie on the front cover, but it comes pretty darn close to resembling her distinctive markings. If you get a chance, check out the sample chapter offered for readers. Meantime, I'll keep writing cat mysteries because I've lived with one for so long that how can I help it?                 

Here's a handy list of the applicable links to find [book: Fur the Win|28093861], my latest title in the Piper and Bill Cozy Mystery Series.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Piper-Bill-Robins-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01AOKYBIW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459894580&sr=8-3&keywords=Ed+Lynskey
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fur-the-win-ed-lynskey/1123262771?ean=2940157852849
Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/fur-the-win
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28093861-fur-the-win
Thanks for checking out my two cozy mystery series!

Tuesday's Overlooked Films: The Pushover Starring Fred MacMurray and Kim Novak

This 1954 black-and-white crime movie features a solid cast including Fred MacMurray, E.G. Marshall, Dorothy Malone, and introducing the radiant Kim Novak before she went on to bigger and better movie projects. The plot is fairly straightforward where MacMurray plays a cop gone bad who falls for Novak as a gun moll of a notorious bank robber. Dorothy Malone plays a small but key role, and I would've loved if she had a meatier part. The film moves along slowly but surely as MacMurray's complications pile up as they did in his star role in Double Indemnity with Barbara Stanwyck. My problem with MacMurray as a bad guy is that I remember him from the family-friendly TV show "My Three Sons." He just doesn't look like a plug ugly to me. Of course, Kim Novak steals all the scenes she's in with her stunning beauty and sultry looks at the camera. It's easy to understand why MacMurray is so enchanted by her. The dialogue is fine, the musical score rousing, and the characters are well-defined. Still, something is missing, and it might well be the pace, especially in setting up the premise. Still, I enjoyed my catching The Pushover and seeing Kim Novak at the start of her career.

Don't Forget the Reviews & Ratings: FUR THE WIN, My New Cozy Mystery Ebook

In 2012, Otis Chandler gave a talkabout how readers discover their books and emphasized the importance of reviews and ratings as well as how they're used at Goodreads. I know Goodreads has grown quite a lot since I came onboard in April 2008. Shelfari is in the process of merging with Goodreads, for instance.

My new cozy series title [book: Fur the Win|28093861] was published as an ebook (Kindle, Nook, Kobo) during the month of February. Next up comes the process of getting the readers' honest reviews. So, if you get a chance after reading [book: Fur the Win|28093861], please consider rating it or posting a short review either on Goodreads and/or Amazon.

Here's a handy list of the applicable links to find on Fur the Win:

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Piper-Bill-Robins-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01AOKYBIW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1456615221&sr=8-3&keywords=Ed+Lynskey
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fur-the-win-ed-lynskey/1123262771?ean=2940157852849
Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/fur-the-win
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28093861-fur-the-win

Just Released FUR THE WIN Appeals To Cozy Fans And Cat Lovers

Are you a cozy mystery fan and cat lover? Last year, I launched my second cozy mystery series with the publication of The Corpse Wore Gingham. It features a retired couple, Piper and Bill Robins, who take up amateur sleuthing (like doesn't every retired couple do that?). They're a good-natured partners who enjoy a loving marriage their snooping activities sometimes tests.

The second title Fur the Win came out a few weeks ago and continues their solving cases. The series is set in a suburb of Northern Virginia, and the cat's name is Snoozy Q. (I've been a cat owner for a long time, and we're on our third cat now. She's a tuxedo cat we call Frannie after the Frank Johnson character in my private eye series).
  
Here are the opening paragraphs to Chapter One in Fur the Win:

The wall telephone rang, and Bill Robins, frowning, picked up the handset. He’d just finished removing the last coffee mugs from the top rack of the dishwasher to put away on the cupboard shelf. He recognized Emily Davenport’s nasal voice from when she’d called him on previous occasions. Her octogenarian mother Anna, who lived one house down the street from the Robinses, had not answered Emily’s repeated phone calls or recorded voicemail messages over the past two days.

“I’m concerned about her,” Emily said. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Just name it, Emily,” he said.

“Would you mind going next door and check on her? She may have tumbled down the stairs and broken her leg or hip.”

“I hope not, and I’ll be glad to do it,” he said while shaking his head to mean he was anything but that. It was bad enough he went over to do the handyman tasks and sort of look after her. “I’ll call you right back as soon as I know something. Talk to you later.”

He hung up, grumbling to nobody in particular. Emily was about the only caller using the landline phone, and he regretted not getting rid of it. The Robinses were probably the lone holdouts on their city block to still have one.

“Quit grumbling,” Piper said from the kitchen doorway. She looked up at her husband who never put on any pounds. They dressed in cotton, hers the summery shade of beige and his taupe. “You sound like a sixty-eight-year old grump,” she said. “Who called us?” 

His short, slim wife’s sudden appearance surprised him. “Who called us the last time on the landline?” he asked. “Who leaves me grumbling?”

“Just tell me.”

“Emily Davenport from Bakersfield, California, requested me to visit next door and see how Anna is faring.”

“Why? Isn’t she answering her phone?”“You know she’s half-deaf and refuses to wear her hearing aid. Emily said she has been trying for the past two days to reach her with no success.”

“Did you agree to do it?”

He was annoyed. “Reluctantly, yes, I said I would like I always do.”

“Then we have no other choice but to take out five minutes and pop over to see what’s what.”

End of sample

Here's a handy list of the applicable links to find on Fur the Win:

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Piper-Bill-Robins-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01AOKYBIW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1456615221&sr=8-3&keywords=Ed+Lynskey
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fur-the-win-ed-lynskey/1123262771?ean=2940157852849
Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/fur-the-win
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28093861-fur-the-win
Thanks for checking out my two cozy mystery series.

My Late Winter Cozy Reading Sample: FUR THE WIN

Last year, I launched a new cozy mystery series with the publication of [book: The Corpse Wore Gingham|24404034] (it's now discounted at $1.99!). It features a retired couple, Piper and Bill Robins, who take up amateur sleuthing because they happen to be good at it. They are a good-natured couple who enjoy a loving marriage that's sometimes tested by their snooping activities.

The second title [book: Fur the Win|28093861] came out last month and continues their solving cases. The series is set in a suburb of Northern Virginia. The cat's name is Snoozy Q in case you wonder. Here are the opening paragraphs to Chapter One:

The wall telephone rang, and Bill Robins, frowning, picked up the handset. He’d just finished removing the last coffee mugs from the top rack of the dishwasher to put away on the cupboard shelf. He recognized Emily Davenport’s nasal voice from when she’d called him on previous occasions. Her octogenarian mother Anna, who lived one house down the street from the Robinses, had not answered Emily’s repeated phone calls or recorded voicemail messages over the past two days.

“I’m concerned about her,” Emily said. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Just name it, Emily,” he said.

“Would you mind going next door and check on her? She may have tumbled down the stairs and broken her leg or hip.”

“I hope not, and I’ll be glad to do it,” he said while shaking his head to mean he was anything but that. It was bad enough he went over to do the handyman tasks and sort of look after her. “I’ll call you right back as soon as I know something. Talk to you later.”

He hung up, grumbling to nobody in particular. Emily was about the only caller using the landline phone, and he regretted not getting rid of it. The Robinses were probably the lone holdouts on their city block to still have one.

“Quit grumbling,” Piper said from the kitchen doorway. She looked up at her husband who never put on any pounds. They dressed in cotton, hers the summery shade of beige and his taupe. “You sound like a sixty-eight-year old grump,” she said. “Who called us?” 

His short, slim wife’s sudden appearance surprised him. “Who called us the last time on the landline?” he asked. “Who leaves me grumbling?”

“Just tell me.”

“Emily Davenport from Bakersfield, California, requested me to visit next door and see how Anna is faring.”

“Why? Isn’t she answering her phone?”“You know she’s half-deaf and refuses to wear her hearing aid. Emily said she has been trying for the past two days to reach her with no success.”

“Did you agree to do it?”

He was annoyed. “Reluctantly, yes, I said I would like I always do.”

“Then we have no other choice but to take out five minutes and pop over to see what’s what.”

END OF SAMPLE

Here's a handy list of the applicable links to find on [book: Fur the Win|28093861]:

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Piper-Bill-Robins-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01AOKYBIW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1455978861&sr=8-3&keywords=Ed+Lynskey
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fur-the-win-ed-lynskey/1123262771?ean=2940157852849
Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/fur-the-win
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28093861-fur-the-win
Thanks for checking out my cozy mysteries.

My Book, The Movie: The Blue Cheer by Ed Lynskey

Ed Lynskey is a crime fiction writer and poet living near Washington, D.C. Here he shares his ideas about casting the main roles in a hypothetical film adaptation of his new novel, The Blue The Blue Cheer: A P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery:

If Tinsel Town ever has the impeccable taste (ha!) to make my latest novel, The Blue Cheer: A P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery:, into a film, I could see Mark Wahlberg playing the lead role of Private Investigator Frank Johnson. Mr. Wahlberg, born in 1971 and now 36, falls in about the same age range. They both have the same wiry build. Plus, Mr. Wahlberg snaring the Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2006's The Departed (enjoyed seeing at the theater) can't hurt.

Since my PI books are written in first-person, I haven't devoted a lot of thought or included too much written description on Frank's physical appearance. Given all the jams he winds up in, and the rigors needed to extract himself, I'd say he's fairly young and athletic. If not, perhaps the director would hire a stunt double to film the action sequences.

On the other hand, Frank is something of a pulp novel buff. If using that as a guideline and dipping back in time, I'd tap Ralph Meeker (Kiss Me Deadly) or even further back, Dana Andrews (Laura). The only trouble is these three actors would need to speak with a Southern accent, but then that's why they're actors (and I'm not).

Frank's pal and sometimes employer, billionaire-lawyer Robert Gatlin is depicted as a husky man who relishes being in the public eye. Gatlin's brusque mannerisms and quick wits might translate well to a younger Fred Thompson (Law & Order). Besides an actor, Mr. Thompson is also a lawyer. His pivotal question from the Watergate hearings -- “Mr. Butterfield, are you aware of the installation of any listening devices in the Oval Office of the President?" -- rings like a Gatlin courtroom line. However, Mr. Thompson's latest political aspirations might tie him up for four years (or maybe more).

Frank's other friend, bail-bond enforcer (i.e., bounty hunter) Gerald Peyton, is a tougher call to make. Gerald, an African-American, is large, brawny, and a little rough around the edges. Perhaps Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile), another Oscar best supporting actor nominee and an ex-bouncer/bodyguard, would be casted for the role. If we could stretch this casting across time, I'd argue for football running back/actor Jim Brown (circa 1967's The Dirty Dozen) to play the Gerald character.

Of course no PI movie can be complete without a romance interest for our detective-hero. I'd think the casting director would search for an intelligent, attractive, and tough-minded actress. Kelly McGillis (Witness, The Accused) comes to mind.

Putting together these disparate parts to make an ensemble cast is a like playing Fantasy Football. You'd want them to mix just so and develop the beautiful chemistry to deliver a classic performance. You know, a cult flick that sticks in the mind of viewers, luring them back to watch repeatedly. That, to me, is the best sort of movie to make ofThe Blue Cheer: A P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery.

Reprinted from Marshal Zeringue's web blog MY BOOK, THE MOVIE.

Tuesday's Forgotten Films: One Way Street Starring James Mason and Dan Duryea

This tough, little 1950 film noir was directed by Hugo Fregonese and stars James Mason, Märta Torén, and Dan Duryea. William Conrad also plays one of the hoodlums with uncredited appearances by Jack Elam (near the beginning) and Rock Hudson (near the ending). Most of the action occurs south of the border in ole Mexico. Dan Duryea plays a criminal chieftain who with his gang has ripped off 120 grand stashed in a black satchel. James Mason is a corrupt doctor who patches up the gangsters when they get shot like Cannon in the opening scenes. The gorgeous Torén is Duryea's girl until we find out she's worked an inside angle with Mason to swipe the 120 grand and flee for Mexico in a plane. Along the way, they experience engine problems and make a forced landing in a rural village. Mason and Torén find its lazy pace and remote location suit them well to hang out there. Of course, Duryea can't be double-crossed and is gunning for the two blissful lovers talking about marriage. The talented Torén was billed as the "Next Ingrid Bergman" until a cerebral hemorrhage tragically ended her life at age 31. The film was largely panned at the time of its release, but I liked it a lot. It's a treat to see film noir standards Duryea and Cannon act together in a movie. One Way Street is one of those solidly done films noir that has been largely neglected.

New Cozy Mystery Release Rounds Out the New Series

If you're a cozy mystery fan, then my blog post should interest you. The Corpse Wore Gingham: A Piper & Bill Robins Mystery, Book #1 is discounted to $1.99 during the release week of the second title Fur the Win to the series. Piper and Bill are a retired couple living in the suburbs who decide to become a pair of sleuths. Now admittedly it isn't something everybody, including myself, would ever take up. But Piper is rather headstrong, and she has certain ideas about how things should be, and Bill is the patient type of a husband who does his level best to go along to get along. That's not to say he always just agrees with Piper. Indeed, they have their differences, especially when it comes to their sleuthing adventures. If cozies are supposed to be about regular folks like you and me, then Piper and Bill fit the definition quite nicely. They are clever at what they do, and they are persistent. Cat lovers will like the inclusion of a funny tuxedo cat (like mine) in the storyline. So, consider starting their cozy series with more future titles to come.

How I Know Spring Can't Be Far Off

Last week the Blizzard of 2016 (I'm not sure what the next blizzard will be called if there is one in 2016) slammed our region. Fortunately, the milder temperatures this week have melted away a lot of the snowbanks. I'm not one to wish my life away, but I have to say the Washington National pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training two weeks from today signals that spring is coming right along. The first full squad workout is the following week. I follow other professional sports, but baseball was my first favorite sport, so I always give it preferential, special treatment. Of course, I want the Nationals to go all the way to the World Series, but I also realize there'd be no games if all the teams didn't play on the schedule. I sat waiting in my doctor's office, and they had on some TV sports channel rebroadcasting an Orioles game from the 1980s, I think. It was relaxing to watch. Remember the phenomenal Orioles' teams Earl Weaver managed? So, I'll just keep my head down writing and editing on my new projects until the first spring games begin. I usually catch them on the radio while I'm doing something else like blogging as I am now. Let's play two!

My Sunday Spent At The Movie House

Today we got out of the house (cooped up after the blizzard last week) and ventured out to the local movie house. We saw Charlotte Rampling in 45 YEARS, and I liked it enough. I last saw her star in a Robert Mitchum movie where she plays the femme fatale and he plays Chandler's private eye Marlowe. I'm a big Robert Mitchum fan, and she was pretty good, too. The cinema we like to patronize has a few "loose" seats, and it's a bit of a challenge to find a suitable seat. Sitting in a bad seat for a couple of hours viewing a movie does bad things to my back. Anyway, I enjoy watching the trailers to upcoming movies, although the trailers seem to give away too much of the story. I also know which of the upcoming movies I'll give a pass. Anyway, 45 YEARS stars mature protagonists who are closer to my age which is always a bonus for me. Movies are a great entertainment form.

Got the Winter Blahs? Warm Up to My New Cozy Series

I've recently noticed the days are getting a bit longer. Meteorological winter is also more than halfway finished. However, midwinter seems to hold us in its icy cold grips and only slowly lets go. Needless to say, I'm not a cold weather fan although I enjoy ice skating. I usually watch a lot of movies, old and new. I just watched JOY with Jennifer Lawrence in the theater. What a young talent she is. At any rate, I always set my cozy mysteries in the good, old summertime when the bright sun is shining down.

Last year, I began a new cozy series with the publication of The Corpse Wore Gingham (now discounted at $1.99). It features a retired couple, Piper and Bill Robins, who take up amateur sleuthing because they happen to be good at doing it. They are good-natured and enjoy a loving marriage is sometimes tested during their snooping around. The second book Fur the Win just came out and continues their adventures. The series is set in a suburb of Northern Virginia. Check out the two Robinses' mysteries as the series continues to grow.

Announcing the Release of FUR THE WIN (Book #2 in the Piper & Bill Robins Cozy Mystery Series)

I'm excited to announce the publication of my second book in the Piper & Bill Cozy Mystery Series, FUR THE WIN (yes, it's a pun). It follows the debut title in the series, THE CORSE WORE GINGHAM, that came out earlier last year.

Book description:

Amateur sleuth Piper Robins returns with her husband Bill to solve the unusual murder of a homeless man found in their neighborhood. Bill's kid sister Noreen and her know-it-all, fun-loving tuxedo cat Snoozy Q lend their assistance to follow the clues and identify three murder suspects. The sleuths match wits with the crafty killer until the surprise ending. [book: Fur the Win|28093861] offers a clean read, lots of humor, and a traditional whodunit.

Here are the links:

Amazon link: amazon.com/dp/B01AOKYBIW
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fur-the-win-ed-lynskey/1123262771?ean=2940157852849
Kobo link: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/fur-the-win
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28093861-fur-the-win

In Celebration of the Small Towns at Christmas

Marion Post Wolcott is one of the unsung heroes among the professional photographers. She had an amazing eye for capturing the right moment on film. I came across her work years ago, and this public domain photo she took in 1940 has to be one of my favorites. It evokes just the right holiday nostalgia of a Vermont small town. If you look closely, you can spot a Christmas tree framed by the second-story window. 1940 was a dark time in our nation's history, but this single time and place looks serene and peaceful to me. The sidewalks are shoveled off, and the street is clear enough to drive through if you had some place to be. It looks like a movie scene out of It's A Wonderful Life. I grew up in a small town, and the setting intrigues me. Right now, I'm working on a new cozy mystery series I'll be bringing out in 2016. The small town is Sweet Springs, Virginia. If you're familiar with and enjoy my Isabel & Alma Trumbo cozies ([book:Quiet Anchorage|10530870] begins the series), then my Sweet Springs cozies should also appeal to you. Happy reading!

Cyber Monday Sale on the First Book in My Private Eye Series

The first book in my P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery Series Pelham Fell Here is on sale as a Kindle ebook at $1.99 for Cyber Monday.

Pelham Fell Here "rings true," James Crumley said.

Book description:

Ex-military cop and part-time gunsmith Frank Johnson finds his cousin Cody Chapman killed by a twelve-gauge shotgun. Enraged, Frank wants some answers, and fast. Was Cody involved in an arms smuggling scheme? The mystery deepens and grows dangerous when a pair of murderous deputy sheriffs ambush Frank. After killing them in self-defense, Frank must take it on the lam while he continues his murder investigation. Eventually, he discovers a group of neo-Nazis holed up at a remote castle who may be the ones behind his cousin's murder. Luckily, his bounty hunter pals Chet and Gerald Peyton throw in with Frank to even up the odds.

Excerpts from the Amazon readers's reviews:

"The story transformed itself into a rich, colourful, suspenseful narrative with many layers. The new found captivating pace held my attention to the very last page."
--Toni Osborne

"The action is constant with plenty of surprises along the way."
--Thomas Duff

"A very tight knit mystery read and one that I am proud to recommend."
--Shirley Johnson

"Three-dimensional characters with good dialog make this book a very good read."
--Joe Walsh

"A good way to begin a new series for anyone who likes down to earth tales."
--J.D. Anderson

"I love crime fiction that holds my interest and draws me to the characters. This book fits in that category perfectly."
--mysteryfan

My Sister Sleuth Alma Has A Few Things To Say

Alma Trumbo here. Isabel and I are featured in the new cozy mystery novel Sweet Betsy: Book #5 in the series. You may've read about our previous sleuthing adventures in the other cozy mystery books. This time out, I get things rolling when I dig up a bone while Isabel and I are out in the front yard planting marigolds that she bought at the hardware store. Nobody else living in Quiet Anchorage has ever found something so interesting. I don't know why it happened to us except to say there wouldn't be a story if I hadn't found it. Being the sharper-eyed sister, I knew right away it was a human bone. Of course, Isabel took the contrary view, as sisters often do even in their seventies as we are. She swore up and down my discovery was a fossilized dinosaur bone. Can you believe that? I mean why would there be a dinosaur bone buried in our flower bed? Luckily, I stuck to my guns. Older sisters aren't always the wisest as they like to proclaim. Sometimes I don't know how we manage to stand each other and continue living together under the same roof with our lovable beagle Petey Samson. Anyway, the only possible way to settle our dispute over my found bone was to put away our gardening tools and take it straight down to Sheriff Fox. He was none too pleased to see us since we interrupted him taking his nap at his office desk. But murder was in the air, and somebody had to make it right. Besides, I got a lot of satisfaction from winning our argument over where the found bone came from.

A Dog Is A Slueth's Best Friend In My New Cozy Mystery SWEET BETSY

I like including pets in my mysteries, be it a cat or dog. We've had a cat(s) in our household since we got married. When I was a kid, I grew up with dogs for the family pet. At any rate, Isabel and Alma Trumbo, the ace sister sleuths in my first cozy mystery series, have taken in a beagle Isabel named Petey Samson (yes, she chose the two names, a long story). Petey Samson has played a larger role in the more recent books, including my new title Sweet Betsy. He's a lovable and mischievous pet, but his keen nose has come in handy on their various cases. Isabel absolutely adores him while Alma is a little suspect of his motives since he always expects a doggie treat as a reward for his assistance. Their interactions provide a source of humor throughout the stories. If you're a fellow dog lover, then you'd probably enjoy reading about their different antics.