A FATAL AFFAIR: THE MURDER OF HELEN GRIER

Long Lake cabin, ca. 1930s.

Amanda Capper and I are getting closer to a completed first draft. The goal has always been April 30 and we “might” make it. There is a lot of research and even more rabbit holes, not to mention the learning curve of working with another author. But we’ve found our groove — Amanda totally rocks at research — and I’ve taken over the unofficial role of editor as we compile one chapter after another.

Our book launch has officially been “booked” at the Legion in Sault Ste. Marie for Wednesday, October 28th, which will mark the 89th anniversary of Helen’s death. We have a few other events planned as well, including a couple of presentations, one at the Sault Ste. Marie Library and another at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum. More on all of those later.

THE SCAMS CONTINUE

I’ve written about these in past newsletters, and as AI becomes more refined (for lack of a better word) so, too, do the scams targeting authors. Bethany Maines, a fellow Stiletto Gang member, has written a terrific post, with a sampling of some of the “offers” we’ve been getting. Read it here. 

2026 DERRINGER AWARDS

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

The judges have made their decisions, and I’m beyond grateful to announce that not only has MIDNIGHT SCHEMERS & DAYDREAM BELIEVERS made the Best Anthology list, one of the short stories in the collection (The Artist, by Linda Bennett) is up for Best Short Story (1001-4000 words). Several other authors included in Midnight Schemers were also recognized for their work in other categories/books. Voting through April 29 by members of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.

The e-book version on Midnight Schemers is currently on sale for just .99 at all the usual suspects. Price goes up May 1st so get it while you can. Also available in paperback. Find it at your favourite bookseller.

CONGRATULATIONS TO EMILY WOOD, DEBUT AUTHOR

I’m incredibly proud of Emily Wood’s journey as an author and was quite chuffed to see that my name was included in the acknowledgments of her debut novel, JUST MY LUCK. Emily was also kind enough to send me a signed copy of the book with a matching bookmark and lovely note. Read about how Emily and I connected in my post Authors Helping Authors: A Full Circle Moment. 

KOBO SALE

Kobo has selected The Marketville Mysteries box set (books 1-3) as part of its April Buy More Save More promo: 3 eBooks for $10/£8 promotion. Find it here. 

Until next month…thank you for reading!