Hey, everyone! This month is shaping up to be a busy one for guests! Today, I welcome back none other than the very talented Mae Clair. Her story is included in an anthology of murder mysteries and she’s here to talk about it.
Please welcome her.
Thanks for hosting me today, Joan. I’m excited to be here sharing news of an anthology in which I have a short story. Murder They Wrote brings together seven authors writing in various sub-genres of whodunits.
You can see the variety by the blurb:
Murder comes in 7 different genres. By 7 different authors.
Are you a fan of courtroom drama? In the anthology’s first story, Abraham Lincoln defends a friend’s son against a charge of murder.
For lovers of speculative fiction, Jason Fogg dissolves into mist to sneak through open windows and snoop for clues.
How about a cozy? Jazzi, Jerod, and Ansel discover a dead body while renovating a kitchen, dining room, and half bath.
Have a craving for a Regency? Lord Peregrine and his wife, Elizabeth, use their sharp minds and quick wit to solve a murder at a garden party.
Need a bit of literary fiction? A young, lonely widow must deal with the theft of a valuable butterfly collection.
And what about a little psychological horror? Twin sisters discover that their attic is haunted by not one, but two ghosts.
Last, but never least, the anthology concludes with a historical mystery. A young, newly married knight is accused of murdering his obnoxious host at a holiday gathering in his castle.
I’ve got the last story in this anthology, which is a straight murder mystery without the supernatural elements or inclusion of legends and cryptids for which I’m known. If that surprises you, it might also surprise you to learn there was a time in my life when I devoured anything of Medieval origin. I have a large collection of books related to Arthurian Legend, Robin Hood, Tristan and Iseult, and Taliesin. I also passionately gobbled up movies and shows set during the time period, and I wrote a lot of short fiction—mostly novellas—focused on knights, castles, and rivalries.
So, when my friend, Judi Lynn, invited me to I participate in a murder mystery anthology, I dusted off an old novella I’d always loved but had never found a home for. A Winter Reckoning needed to be trimmed and polished, but the fit seemed ideal. I am so glad to have found a home for my hot-tempered knight, Richard Essex, and the scheming nobles he’s forced to rub elbows with at a holiday gathering. Did I mention there’s a body, plenty of suspects, and a killer to identify?
I hope you’ll join in the sleuthing!
Murder They Wrote offers a variety of clever tales in which there are clues to be found, red herrings to avoid, and villains to unmask. And because each short story is a complete mystery, you can engage your detective skills a little at a time, or all at once as your mood dictates.
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53 Responses
I love the cover on this one, and the stories sound like fun reads. Best of luck with everything 🙂
This one was an eclectic mix of genres, but the authors pulled it off. Thanks for visiting, Harmony!
Thanks for mentioning the cover, Harmony. I designed it and am really pleased with the way it turned out. 🙂
I had no idea Mae was interested in the Medieval time period. I’m looking forward to reading the anthology!
She did a great job with the story, Priscilla!
Yay! I hope you enjoy the variety of stories, Priscilla. It’s quite fun. 🙂
And yes, big Medieval fan here. I also love the Old West with equal passion. I’m just all over the place with my tastes, LOL!
You forgot Ivanhoe, Mae. (I’m a long-time fan of the period, too. Though I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you.) You did an excellent job with your story. And I thought it was fascinating that some of the authors stayed true to their typical genres and others branched out. This anthology offered quite a variety. Best wishes to all of you on it.
Thanks for hosting, Joan.
I’d forgotten Ivanhoe as well. Mae did a fantastic job.
I did forget Ivanhoe, which was another I loved. And why doesn’t it surprise me that you’re also a fan of the time period, LOL? I’m reading the anthology right now and enjoying that variety you mentioned. Thanks for the good wishes, and I’m so glad you enjoyed A Winter Reckoning!
Nice to see this one getting some press today. It’s next on my reading list, which may sound odd. I got sneak peeks at two of them, but have never seen the other ones.
Same here, Craig. I’m reading it right now and really enjoying the stories. There is such wonderful variety, all excellent murder mysteries!
Anthologies are fun because of the variety. And I was introduced to some new (to me) authors.
You did surprise me with that story, Mae – never would have guessed that one was yours – but I’m also fascinated by Arthurian legend, etc., so I’m anxious to read it.
Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it, Teri. Especially because it is so different than what readers are used to seeing from me. I’m reading the anthology right now and there is such a great variety of stories and talent, I’m loving it!
It’s a great story, Teri!
Midevil Mae? A surprise. Best wishes on this one.
Heehee. I know–shocker, right? I love the Old West, too. 🙂
Thanks, John.
😁
Different from her usual flare, but equally as good. Thanks for stopping by, John.
😊
I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some of these tales. I do love anthologies, and am really looking forward to this one. And like others, Mae, I’m still excited about reading your NON-supernatural tale, though you proved your versatility to me with In Search of McDoogal, so I know this will be good. Everyone’s contribution sounds excellent. Wishing you all great success with this one! And thanks for sharing, Joan. 🙂 <3
Thanks for the wonderful support, Marcia! I’m reading the anthology now and love how each story is so different and unique. I’m glad you’re looking forward to A Winter Reckoning and all the tales! Thanks again for the well wishes! 🙂 <3
She outdid herself with this one, Marcia. I really enjoyed the story.
The more I read about this new anthology, the more anxious I am to sit down and devour it. Mae, I’ve never read anything of yours that I didn’t love, so I know I will enjoy “Winter Reckoning,” with or without monsters, myths, or lore. 🙂 And, as Harmony mentioned, the cover is the bomb! Congrats to all the authors!
Aww, thanks so much, Jan. That is such a sweet comment 🙂
Every now and then it’s fun to take a detour from all the myths and creatures. I really enjoyed writing a straight mystery–even if I had to set it in another time period, LOL. And I’m glad you like the cover too. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. I wish you happy reading!
I love it when a writer shows versatility. Mae aced it with this one.
I’m so happy seeing the anthology get more love. Thanks for hosting Mae today, Joan. I loved her medieval story, but I always love what she writes:) I actually loved every author’s story, but I’m biased. Loved the cover, too.
I’m almost finished with the anthology and I’m loving the variety of stories you collected, Judi. You really rounded up an excellent group of authors. Thanks again for including me—and for those lovely words in your comment 🙂
You’re one of the first authors I thought of. Your writing is SO good!
I thought it was unique in that each author writes in a different genre but all wrote a murder mystery. And Mae did a fantastic job on the cover.
She’s talented, isn’t she?
Thanks for hosting, Joan. I can’t wait to dive into this anthology. And great news, Mae, that you were able to dust off and polish up some work that hadn’t found a home. I wish I had a backlog like that! The tale sounds wonderful. Happy Touring!
I wish I had a backlog as well, Diana. Well, I guess I do. A backlog of ideas and not enough time to write. Thanks for stopping by today.
I can so relate to the time issue, Joan, LOL!
Hi, Diana. Thanks so much for visiting my mini tour. I’m glad to spread the news of the anthology on behalf of all the authors, and am thrilled to hear you’re looking forward to the stories. I was so happy to finally find a home for A Winter Reckoning. It’s an old story, but it’s always been a favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy all of the tales!
I’m halfway through and enjoying every story- great premise!
It was an interesting premise, Jacquie. Thanks for stopping by today!
So glad to hear that, Jacquie. I’m reading it too, and enjoying all of the authors contributions. Thanks so much!
Isn’t it delightful when you can dust off and polish up some work that hadn’t found a home, Mae. It’s wonderful you took part in this anthology. All the stories sound interesting. I was on a 14-day jury duty for a murder case. I love murder mystery and watched tons of them. Thank you for hosting, Joan! 🙂
Guess I’m strange but being a juror on a murder case sounds intriguing. Like you, I love a good murder mystery.
Those gangsters started on a civil court when they were minors and moved up to superior court as adults. One got first degree, three got 3rd, one got misdemeanor for aiding and abetting.
Wow, a 14-day murder case? That’s amazing, Miriam. I’ve done civil jury duty twice, but never criminal. I don’t know how I’d do on a murder trial. I do, however, enjoy watching murder mysteries and reading them. If you check out Murder They Wrote, I hope you enjoy the tales. The variety among them is great!
The school district paid me while serving but after that they set a policy to pay for 10 days only.
Yes, I’ll do that, Mae!
I know it’s going to be an exciting, entertaining read, and I can’t wait to get into it!
It has a little bit for almost everyone.
Thank you so much, Flossie. I finished reading it last night (I wasn’t familiar with all of the stories) and really enjoyed the variety. I wish you happy reading!
Nice to see Mae here, Joan. I love the flashes of yellow through the curtains in the cover.
It is a nice cover. Thanks, Robbie!
Thanks for visiting, Robbie!
Congratulations, Mae. I’m looking forward to reading this collection. It’s time for you to celebrate! 🙂
Celebration time, indeed! Thanks for stopping by, Gwen.
I’m very excited to be reading this tonight:)