Now Accepting Submissions - "The Mercy Seat: Stories From Death Row"
News by Max Booth III January 15, 2021
Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing is seeking short stories for their new anthology.
Don’t Miss Out: A Tana French Primer
Column by Annie Neugebauer
Everything you need to know to get started reading the best author you need to know.
Cathartic Experience: A Conversation with Crime Writer Matt Fitzpatrick
Interview by Ben Tanzer
The New England author talks autobiography and family, as well as reinventing himself as a writer.
Interview: Crime Fiction Editor Jim Thomsen
Interview by Gabriel Hart October 1, 2020
Veteran crime fiction editor Jim Thomsen talks genre, cliches, and why editing matters.
10 Novels Featuring Edgar Allan Poe As A Character
Column by Christopher Shultz January 9, 2019
In honor of Poe's 210th birthday, we take a look at ten different fictional takes on the troubled literary figure.
Birds and Snakes and Bugs, Oh My! An Interview with 'The Blue Kingfisher' author Erica Wright
Interview by Steph Post
An Interview with Erica Wright, crime fiction writer and poet, on the debut of her latest Kat Stone private investigator novel: 'The Blue Kingfisher'.
The Psychogeography of Crime Fiction
Column by Gabino Iglesias June 28, 2018
Psychogeography may be the most important element in modern crime fiction, and the one you're paying the least attention to.
The 8 Keys To A Good Heist Story
Column by Peter Derk
With "Ocean's 8" in theaters this weekend, let's take a look at what makes a good heist story work.
In "Blood Standard" Laird Barron Breaks Your Jaw and Makes You Ask for More
Review by Max Booth III
Tough guy lit at its finest.
Classic Crime, New York Style: An Interview with Terrence McCauley
Interview by Steph Post
An interview with "The Fairfax Incident" author Terrence McCauley.
Writing the Crime Scene: Winter Forensics
Column by Repo Kempt
A guide to writing realistic crime and horror fiction when your manuscript is set in the winter.
Why Coming of Age Crime Stories Work So Well
Column by Justin Hunter
The movie adaptation of 'The November Criminals' reminds us that coming of age crime stories are the best kinds of stories.
A Murder Reverberates: Eryk Pruitt on the Valentine’s Day Murders
Interview by Max Booth III
Eryk Pruitt discuses his upcoming true crime podcast about the murder that still haunts his home town of Durham, NC, as well as his recently released novel.
Writing the Crime Scene: Murder or Suicide?
Column by Repo Kempt
Writing a crime scene where a murder is made to look like a suicide? Here's a guide to doing your research and getting the forensic details right.
No Escape from Planet Alcatraz
Column by David James Keaton
...or Slam Dunk at the Mesoamerican Ballgame. An introduction to "Hard Sentences: Crime Fiction Inspired by Alcatraz."
Bookshots: 'She Rides Shotgun' by Jordan Harper
Review by Max Booth III June 6, 2017
Prepare to cry over a gosh-dang teddy bear, folks.
Writing the Crime Scene: Mental Illness
Column by Repo Kempt May 10, 2017
Psychopathic kilers, depressed cops and neurotic detectives. Mental illness is a recurring staple of crime fiction. Here's a guide to doing your research and getting the details right.
5 Bands/Musicians Who Might Actually Write Crime Fiction
Column by Max Booth III April 27, 2017
Of course Nickelback made the list.
Writing the Crime Scene: 5 Fictional Female Detectives of Note
Column by Repo Kempt
March is Women's History Month in most of the world (except Canada), so here's five fictional female detectives that you probably don’t know, but should.
Bookshots: 'Coin Heist' by Elisa Ludwig
Review by Bart Bishop
A review of Elisa Ludwig's young adult novel 'Coin Heist.'
Writing the Crime Scene: Arson
Column by Repo Kempt January 25, 2017
A guide to writing realistic depictions of arson and fire investigation in crime fiction.
Writing the Crime Scene: Gunshot Wounds
Column by Repo Kempt
A guide to writing realistic depictions of gunshot wounds, as well as their treatment and recovery, in crime and horror fiction.
Writing the Crime Scene: Autopsies
Column by Repo Kempt
A guide to researching and writing about autopsies in crime and horror fiction.
Writing the Crime Scene: Dead Bodies
Column by Repo Kempt August 16, 2016
This is a basic guide for crime fiction writers including research tips and links. This months topic is 'dead bodies'.
Ring in the Noir Year: 2016 Edition — 8 More Promising Crime Titles
Column by Leah Dearborn
Break out the smokes and champagne, it's that time of the year again.