Nancy Moskowitz's blog

One of the best things about reading mysteries is learning about new and exotic locations.  Although I personally haven't read a mystery that takes places in outer space, or under the sea, there is no reason to think someone hasn't written one.  In the long hot days of summer, you might refresh yourself by visiting the Arctic Circle, or a beach resort, or anyplace you care to go.  Escaping into a mystery is a mini-vacation in itself.  If you are not able to get away, let a mystery take you to nearby or faraway lands.  So, sit back, relax, and get traveling!

Lochdubh, Scotland-- M.C. Beaton
Constable Hamish MacBeth has the good fortune to patrol the sleepy highland town of Lochdubh with its breathtaking views and eccentric villagers.  You can almost see the heather and taste the scotch.

Dublin, Ireland--Declan Hughes
We travel down the mean streets of Dublin with tough P.I. Ed Loy.  Get ready to explore some of Ireland's seediest pubs with this expert guide.

Last month I discussed the incredible story of Stieg Larsson, the Swedish author who wrote the Millenium Trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest).  It is no exaggeration to say that they have become a publishing  sensation, selling 35 million copies worldwide.  Those of you who have read and enjoyed the trilogy might be pining for some more Nordic noir, and those who are waiting to read them might want to try something else in the meantime. Luckily, there is no shortage of atmospheric Scandinavian mysteries, and I have compiled a list of some terrific authors who may inspire you to put on a big pot of coffee and cool off with an icy mystery.

Henning Mankell--One of the most successful Swedish authors, he is best known for the highly-regarded Kurt Wallander series.  Wallander, also called the Swedish Morse, is a middle-aged police inspector with a load of personal problems and a gloomy outlook on society, but the books are justifably popular.

Imagine you are the author of three international blockbuster novels.  Acclaimed throughout the world, you have achieved critical and financial success beyond your wildest imagination. Now imagine that you never see the rewards of your labor because you die, suddenly, before your books are published.  How cruel is that?  Well, it did happen just that way to Swedish author Stieg Larsson, who was felled by a fatal heart attack just months before the publishing date of his first book. He never lived to see any of his books, (The Millenium Trilogy featuring The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the forthcoming The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest) in print. Next week, the final volume of the trilogy will be published in the U.S. and will undoubtedly join its predecessors on the best-seller list.

"I can't believe this library!  You have no copies  of James Patterson, John Grisham, and Nelson DeMille!  What kind of library is this?"  These words came from an extremely upset woman who came to the reference desk understandably dismayed that we did not carry her favorite authors.  Where had she looked?  In the mystery section, of course.  Isn't that where these authors would be?  Well, actually, no.  We do, indeed, collect books by these authors, but they are found in regular fiction, not mystery, because they are considered thrillers or suspense.  What is the difference between a mystery and a thriller/suspense title?  Basically, a mystery is a puzzle, a game of whodunit.  A crime has occurred, which we usually don't see happen, and the protoganist (police detective, amateur sleuth, etc.) must uncover the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice.  On the other hand, a suspense/thriller novel works with an imminent fear of danger.  A roller coaster of heart pounding thrills ensues and we hang on for the death defying ride. 

Who doesn't enjoy award shows?  Whether its the Oscars, the Grammys, or the Emmys, they all generate their own brand of excitement and glamour. While lacking in the celebrity quotient,the mystery writers have their own prestigious awards, too.  So all of you award junkies, don't despair, because there are plenty of award winners to celebrate.  Mysteries are so varied that they are categorized into their own sub-genres. For example, there are awards for most humorous mysteries, for best LA noir, best historical and any other kind of mysteries you can imagine.  I have listed below some of the latest award winners. See if some of your favorites have been nominated, or better yet, pick up a new favorite.

Left Coast Crime Awards presents the Lefty for most humorous mystery.
 The nominees are:
Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews
Living With Your Kids is Murder by Mike Befeler
Strangle a Loaf of Italian Bread by Denise Dietz
High Crimes on the Magical Plane by Kris Neri
And the winner is:
Getting Old is a Disaster by Rita Lakin