Noir, Holiday Travels, and the Li'l Fella

29 November 2024

I hope your Thanksgiving was everything you needed it to be—whether that was a chaotic kitchen, a quiet book, or somewhere in between. Mine? A warm gathering with friends before diving headfirst into the madness of packing for a long-haul flight.

As you read this, I’m already aloft, winging my way from Paris to Los Angeles. The holidays will be spent with my kids. We’re counting down to something extra special: the arrival of my first grandbaby, due December 15. It’s a surreal thought, even for someone who’s spent years plotting fictional lives.

Christmas Presents

It’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to survive the holidays. My suggestion: disappear into Festive Mayhem 4. Thirteen crime writers, each spinning a brand-new tale set around the winter holidays. You’ve got cozy stories to make you smile, thrillers to keep you up, and a few eerie ones to make you leave the light on. There’s something for everyone. Even your picky cousin.

Me? I threw my hat in with "The Townhouse That Cried." Picture a gorgeous Harlem townhouse with charm to burn and ghosts that won’t quit. A couple tangled in secrets they can’t hide—and a past that’s about to chew them up. It’s creepy, it’s noir, and it might just make you rethink your Valentine’s plans.

Bottom line: if you’re shopping for a book that’ll make your mystery-loving heart happy—or keep someone quiet for a few hours—grab Festive Mayhem 4. You’ll thank me later.

What I'm Working On:

• Strange Tales from the Blue Hour
  I recently finished revisions on a Christmas short story that's part of a cold case collection, Strange Tales from the Blue Hour. Set in 1940s Harlem, it follows a detective asked to free ghosts trapped in an abandoned but still beautiful speakeasy. The catch? He must solve the mysteries surrounding their deaths to release them. Christmas is a perfect time for ghost stories, don’t you think?

• Murder Sings the Blues
  My first full venture into 1940s Harlem, Murder Sings the Blues, is awaiting its polishing touches. It tells the story of a blues singer accused of murdering her best friend and the Tuskegee airman who helps her clear her name. I’m working to expand the section on the airman’s background.

• Midnight in Montmartre
  Set in 1920s Paris, this story is the long-awaited sequel to Lyrics of a Blackbird. It follows David McKay as he unravels the deadly mystery of his sister Gem’s past in the French capital. Still chipping away at this one.

• Shards of Betrayal
  The next chapter in Lanie Price’s story is almost ready. Shards of Betrayal takes Lanie into the heart of the “race film industry.” Sabotage stalks the set of what promises to be break-out film, and Lanie's involvement in covering the story threatens to destroy her career—and her personal life.

What I'm Reading:

THE SECRET WAR OF JULIA CHILD: I’m diving into Diana Chambers’ latest book during this long flight. She’s an inspiration and her work always leaves me in awe. The Secret War of Julia Child explores the lesser-known chapter of Julia McWilliams’ life as a young OSS operative during WWII, long before she became the culinary icon we know. Diana brings history to life with grace and depth, and this story reminds me of how much there is to uncover about people and their hidden histories.

MUNICH WOLF: I recently finished Rory Clements’ Munich Wolf, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Set in 1935, it follows Detective Sebastian Wolff as he navigates the poisoned atmosphere of pre-war Munich to solve the murder of a young Englishwoman. With Hitler himself taking an interest in the case, and Wolff’s own son a fervent member of the Hitler Youth, the stakes are unbearably high. What gripped me most wasn’t just the murder investigation but the vivid and terrifying depiction of a city steeped in the creeping poison of Nazism. Clements masterfully captures how ambition, hatred, and greed fractured families and fueled the flames that would engulf the world. It’s heart-wrenching, chilling, and a stark reminder of how easily human darkness can find its way into the fabric of everyday life. If you’re drawn to historical fiction with a razor-sharp edge, this one’s worth your time.

What I'm Watching:

• THE PIANO LESSON: I’m about halfway through The Piano Lesson on Netflix, and I can’t tear myself away. (Halfway through, yes, but did I mention that I’m watching it for the third time?) Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning play, it’s set in 1930s Pittsburgh and tells the story of a family grappling with whether to sell an heirloom piano carved with the faces of their enslaved ancestors. It’s a story about history, legacy, and the pull between moving forward and holding on to the past.

  The performances are stunning—Samuel L. Jackson brings such gravity, and John David Washington’s intensity is magnetic. Danielle Deadwyler, as always, is a revelation. The film feels like stepping into a time capsule, with layers of pain and resilience unfolding in every scene. If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d say add it to your list. It’s a powerful piece of storytelling, the kind that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• OUTLANDER: (Between Baby Time!): My daughter has kept my grandbaby's name a secret. So for now, I just refer to him as the 'li'l fella.' He's really going to be the one to say how much TV time I get. In between his naps, I’ll sneak in some time to catch up on the latest season of Outlander. There’s something irresistible about historical drama packed with intrigue and impossible choices. It’s a reminder of why I love weaving those threads into Lanie’s world—though, let’s be honest, Harlem’s vibrant 1920s atmosphere will always outshine 18th-century Scotland.

I’ve got plenty of shows on my wishlist, but let’s be realistic—between the li'l fella, three novels, and a short story collection to finish, I'm not sure how much TV-watchin’ I'll be gettin’ in. And that’s okay. It’s all good.

Gratitude

Every day is a day to express gratitude, but especially now, during this holiday season, I'd like to say, 'Thank you.' For reading this newsletter. For being so patient with the release of my books. For taking Lanie into your hearts. And for sharing your own stories with me. Wishing you a holiday season full of good stories, warm moments, and maybe a little noir.

P.S. Shards of Betrayal is coming Spring 2025. No fanfare, just a heads-up—I’ll keep you posted.