S&S Book Club: Spencer Quinn’s Mrs Plansky’s Revenge
Lida looks at Spencer Quinn’s Mrs. Planksy’s Revenge. Lida writes: I love the premise–that’s what drew me to this book. Loretta’s determination and grit were admirable, but the novel wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be.
What We’re Reading: February 2024
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
9 Recommendations for Readers Who Love To Laugh As They Read
Lida loves humor in her mysteries. She chooses her books carefully and looks for ones which make her laugh, as well as having a complex plot and great characters. This month, Jen, Carol, and Tina are sharing some of their favorite reads of the last twelve months that they think Lida would love, too. If you love humor in your mysteries, we think you’ll love them, too.
S&S Book Club: Cheryl Head’s Time’s Undoing
Lida looks at Cheryl Head’s Time’s Undoing through a writer’s eye. Lida writes: The story is told in first person, present tense, using dual points of view and two different time periods: 1929 and 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama. Not an easy task for any writer, and through it, all the author skillfully makes the reader feel very much in the moment.
Celebrating the Release of Murderous Means, #6 in the Southern California Mysteries
Lida writes: So far, I’ve concocted seven murders. On the page, of course. That includes six novels and one short story, all with homicides (or possible homicides) that need to be solved. Fortunately, the criminal is always caught by my heroine: a young lawyer who regularly shoves aside her desk job for the chance to capture the culprit. She knows a thing or two about investigations, thanks to her P.I. dad, and justice is served. This month, I’m excited that the latest in my Southern California Mysteries, #6 in the series, Murderous Means, is out now. But this installment is a little bit different.
What We’re Reading: December 2023
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
9 Recommendations for Readers Who Love Literary Mysteries
Tina has the most literary taste of our group. Her reading lists each month include everything from award winners and short stories to translations of Japanese fiction. This month, Carol, Lida, and Jen are sharing some of their favorite reads of the last twelve months that they think Tina would love, too. If you love literary fiction, we think you’ll love them, too.
S&S Book Club: Finlay DonovanElle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
We had so much fun talking with Elle Cosimano about her Finlay Donovan series, how she approaches writing, and what she’s learned along the way. Watch the recording of our live book club and here our thoughts.
The Inside Scoop with Rhys Bowen
Sleuths and Sidekicks is honored to host New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen on The Inside Scoop. Rhys has written more than 50 novels of historical fiction and mystery which have garnered multiple awards and nominations.
What We’re Reading: November 2023
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
9 Recommendations for Readers Who Love Mysteries with a Message
Jen’s tastes are eclectic. Her reading lists each month include everything from fun and engaging middle grade mysteries and British mysteries to whodunnits that explore social justice issues. Stories that make us think and reconsider the world beyond the pages. This month, Tina, Carol, and Lida are sharing some of their favorite reads of the last twelve months that they think Jen would love, too. For those of you seeking more from your mysteries than the usual plot twists and red herrings, and for those who’d like to try middle grade reads, we think you’ll love these selections, too.
S&S Book Club: Karen Odden’s Down a Dark River
Tina and Lida chat about Carol’s pick: Karen Odden’s Down a Dark River (An Inspector Corravan Mystery #1). Carol writes: The story pulled me in from page one—both the protagonist and the setting felt immediately real.
What We’re Reading: October 2023
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
9 Recommendations for Readers Who Love British Mysteries
Carol reads more books each month than the rest of us combined. She’s a fan of classic British mysteries, especially police procedurals, and is always looking for new reads. This month Jen, Tina, and Lida are sharing some of their favorite reads of the last twelve months that they think Carol would love, too. If you love British mysteries, we think you’ll love them, too.
S&S Book Club: Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me
Carol, Jen, and Lida chat about Tina’s pick: Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me. Tina writes: I chose this title after seeing the trailer for the Apple TV mini-series. The initial setting of this book is a houseboat community in Sausalito, California. I have always loved the idea of living on a houseboat—generally, I am drawn to unusual living arrangements. The scenes of this quaint community whet my appetite. Not one to watch before reading, I immediately requested the book from my library.
What We’re Reading: September 2023
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
Public Speaking: Promoting Confidence
Lida writes: I’ve experienced my share of severe heart thumping, not to mention having my throat constrict to the point where I couldn’t down a mint if I tried. But I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be this way. I’d like to share a few body language tips I found helpful in promoting confidence.
S&S Book Club: Emily Ecton’s The Ambrose Deception
Carol and Tina chat about Lida’s pick: Emily Ecton’s The Ambrose Deception. Lida writes: I loved the characters, from the smart little brother to the personal drivers who are responsible for the kids' safety.
What We’re Reading: August 2023
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
S&S Book Club: Gigi Pandian’s The Raven Thief
Tina, Lida and Jen chat about Carol’s pick: Gigi Pandian’s The Raven Thief. Carol says: I also love Gigi Pandian’s Accidental Alchemist mysteries featuring Dorian the Notre Dame gargoyle. So, it was an easy move for me to check out Pandian’s new Secret Staircase series.