This True Detective knows Criminal Minds from all angles...

Our author Michael Barrett is getting all kinds of praise for his latest crime novel, Shoshana. And it's no wonder: as a former police detective, sketch artist, and private investigator, Barrett knows the crime scene intimately.

Westport News recently released an article about their hometown career cop and his successful transition to full-time author:

"I wanted people to see the cop's point of view," he said. On television police officers are portrayed as hard, often emotionless people, he said.  "On TV when a cop shoots someone, it's no big deal and that's not at all how it works.  Most cops leave the job with post-traumatic stress disorder," the retired officer said.  "A macho cop gets a SIDS call and it changes the way he thinks about people."

For the full article complete with insights into Barrett's motivation and inspiration for Shoshana visit Westport News.  And for more information about Michael Barret, Shoshana, and his other works, visit his personal website.

Posted By: Stacy Briscoe @SLBriscoe

Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference 2014

The 21st annual Mystery Writers Conference is on for this July 24th through the 27th in Corte Madera, California.

Interested in attending?  Writers of all levels are welcome to learn clues from those whodunit before -- editors, agents, and publishers specializing in the mystery genre, including our very own Kimberley Cameron.  Check out the official website for details.

bookpassage.com/mystery-writers-conference

Posted by Intern Stacy Briscoe

Book Bloggers Review TJ O'Connor's DYING TO KNOW

A dead detective solving his own murder mystery?  Book bloggers are blowing up their pages about TJ O'Connor's unusual perspective of a classic genre.

"The reader is treated to unique antics and seeming magic," says Joseph Arellano from Joseph's Reviews.  "Well recommended."  See the full review here.

And J.P. over at CrimeSquad.com found O'Connor's novel "to be highly entertaining and completely addictive [...] a great debut into a competitive section of the crime genre and hopefully the first of many in this 'Gumshoe Ghost Mystery' series," rating it a 4/5.  Check out the complete review on the site.

And who loves mysteries more than a site entitled I Love A Mystery?  Aylah Foureste highly recommends this "fascinating read."  Read the short but sweet review here.

So, dying to know more?  Read more reviews posted on our blog.  And check out TJ O'Connor's official webpage and connect with him on Facebook for more information about this novel and other works by TJ O'Connor.

Posted By Intern Stacy Briscoe @SLBriscoe

More Outstanding Reviews for Vaughn Entwistle's THE REVENANT OF THRAXTON HALL

Recently released in the US and soon to be released in the UK, The Revenant of Thraxton Hall has already received glowing reviews by critics and everyday readers alike (click here, here, and here to read a few), and the praise just keeps coming.

Amy Eller Lewis (@amyellerlewis), from CriminalElement.com says this book checks off all the things she's looking for in a quality Holmsian murder-mystery:

"19th Century London? Check. A Crumbling Gothic Mansion? Check. Murder? Seances? Underground crypts?  Arthur Conan Doyle hallucinating the ghost of Sherlock Holmes? Oscar Wilde and fabulous outfits? Check, check double check."

Read the full review here.

And Steve Taylor-Bryant (@OpinionGeeks) from TheCultDen.com finds himself engrossed in the scenes, settings, and characters:

"Doyle is well written and Oscar Wilde, in the almost Dr. Watson role, was a brave and exciting choice which works incredibly well. The setting itself is reminiscent of any ye olde gothic ghost story and Entwistle proves himself a very capable provider of atmosphere."

Read the full review here.

Super excited to read this book and learn more about this gargoyle-sculpting author?  Visit his personal website and follow him on twitter.

Posted by KC&A Intern Stacy Briscoe @SLBriscoe

Professor Moriarty is Back in Michael Kurland's WHO THINKS EVIL

It's taken a few years, but Author Michael Kruland's fifth Professor Moriarty finally released just last month, and it's proving to be worth the wait by critics and fans alike.

When Sherlock Holmes is unavailable to solve a crime, who do you call?  Professor Moriarty.  And, as Meredith Frazier says in a new review from ReviewingtheEvidence.com, 

"...whether or not you're a fan of that famous detective - or even if you're unfamiliar with Conan Doyle's work - Kurland's plotting and wit will go a long way toward convincing you to become a fan of Moriarty, and he's done it in such a way as to please both those who have been eagerly awaiting the latest Moriarty mystery and those who have just discovered this unexpected hero."

Read the full review here.

Need to catch up on the other Professor Moriarty cases before reading this thriller?  Visit Kruland's personal website for a list of all his books including the Professor Moriarty series.

You can also check out his personal notes and thoughts on his blog or follow him on twitter @mjkurl.

Posted by Intern Stacy Briscoe @SLBriscoe

And the Nominees Are...

Kimberley's client D. P. Lyle's nonfiction More Forensics and Fiction is an Anthony Award Nominee! Congratulations Doug, on yet another award nomination!