One Image, Two Story Ideas: I See You
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a surveillance camera takes Tina to rebels living in a dystopian autocracy and Jen to a down-on-her-luck security guard.
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.
One Image, Two Story Ideas: Tokyo Subway
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a woman on a train takes them to two thrillers: one with a Japanese woman pulled into a geopolitical plot, the other an American tourist whose traveling companion has disappeared.
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.
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.
One Image, Two Story Ideas: Illuminated Street
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a man on the street takes Tina to a Christmas caper staring Nick Kringle and Jen to a man attempting to untangle a long-ago art theft.
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.
One Image, Two Story Ideas: Woman with a Bag
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of a woman with a bag take them to a woman whose secret life makes her the prime suspect in a murder and a story about a bored bakery owner who finds a bag full of cash.
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.
The Inside Scoop with Gabriel Valjan
Sleuths and Sidekicks is honored to host the prolific and talented Gabriel Valjan on The Inside Scoop. Gabriel writes multiple series, as well as short stories in several genres.
What We’re Reading: September 2023
A look over our shoulders to see what the women behind Sleuths & Sidekicks read this month.
One Image, Two Story Ideas: Sailboat
Jen and Tina love writing prompts. This month’s photo of sailboat inspires a Russian thriller and comedy-of-errors caper.
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.