Murder They Wrote ~ An Anthology

Published on by Joan Hall

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.

PURCHASE LINK

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

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53 thoughts on “Murder They Wrote ~ An Anthology”

  5. 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! 🙂

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    2. 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!

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  7. 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!

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    2. 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!

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  8. 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.

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    1. 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 🙂

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  9. 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!

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    1. 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!

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  10. 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. 🙂 ❤

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    1. 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! 🙂 ❤

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    1. 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!

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  14. 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.

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    2. 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!

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    2. 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!

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