Links
Fantastic Fiction
I have this site bookmarked on every computer and every browser I use. It’s basically a searchable database of books and authors, but it’s organized better than any other one I’ve seen, and especially well organized for mystery writers who have multiple series. Each author has a page with their series listed, each book in the series (in chronological order), each book has a link to a summary, and each author has a brief bio. Stand alone novels are listed, as are collections and awards and release dates for new books! Some author’s pages also have “this author recommends” at the bottom. As of 2020 they have added wonderful new features which allow you to create wish lists, follow authors, and track books you’ve read. This site is maintained by a small family run company in Lancashire, UK. It’s very impressive and not only for mystery novels and authors.
Fantastic Fiction >>
The Edgar Awards
The Edgar Awards are presented each year by the Mystery Writers of America. This prestigious award honors the best in mystery fiction, including best novel, first novel, paperback original, TV show, short story, grand master, biographical, true crime, and more.
Edgar Awards >>
Stop You’re Killing Me
Devoted to mystery fiction, this site has always impressed. Created by one woman in 1998, the site is now maintained by two avid mystery fans. You’ll fine “read alike” lists, as well as novels organized by location (where mystery is set), as well as indexes for Jobs, Historic, Genre, and Diversity. Book awards, new releases, and reviews are also included.
Stop, You’re Killing Me >>
Crime Reads
Essays, interviews, reading lists, new release previews, reviews, a true crime section, podcasts, awards and festivals listings, even a TV/Movie section–this site has it all.
https://crimereads.com/
Cozy Mystery
Extensive listings of cozy mysteries, with various helpful filters such as “soon to be released,” “most popular,” and sub-genres. There is also a list of “free and cheap” Kindle mysteries. This site was started in 2007 and is kept up to date. There is also a blog that includes reviews of mystery television shows. If you like cozies, this site should be bookmarked in your browser! Cozy Mystery >>
Phinney Neighborhood Center Mystery Book Exchange
Local to Seattle? Make sure to check out the twice a year Book Exchange at Phinney Neighborhood Center. Their mystery book exchange is what gave me the idea for our book group. An entire room filled with mystery novels to exchange. You can purchase, or you can turn in your old mysteries, receive “tickets” and use those to get new (used) books. Fantastic way to feed your addiction to mystery novels and get a free taste of new authors.
PNC Book Exchange >>
Mystery People
Update March 2023: does not seem to be kept up-to-date, but can access previous reviews.
A mystery/thriller book review site and mystery book store-within-a-store that is part of the Austin, Texas independent bookstore BookPeople. Contains reviews, local Austin events, a top 100 list, and an e-newsletter.
https://mysterypeople.wordpress.com/
My Book, The Movie
Fantastic idea. This is a section of a blog by Marshal Zeringue. He contacts authors and asks them to hypothetically cast actors if their books were made into movies. There are no rules–the authors can cast actors living or dead, and can cast male or female actors in male and female roles. My friend turned me on to Louise Penny’s imaginary casting of Fatal Grace >>, and now I’m hooked. There are more than just mysteries here, but you will find a lot of mystery fiction authors.
I’ll just add my two cents here:
- Although Sue Grafton swore her Alphabet series would never be put on screen, 20 years ago I was convinced Sandra Bullock would be an awesome Kinsey Millhone.
- I’ve already hired (in my mind) Wes Anderson to direct Christopher Fowler’s Bryant and May series (despite the fact that Fowler has never indicated any desire to make this series into movies.)