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Former forensic scientist Tim Chapman is the author of two books featuring Sean McKinney. You can read more about him here., and read his previous post on Blackbird Writers here. A Trace of Gold by Tim Chapman “Law is man’s attempt to civilize society. Science is man’s attempt to reveal truth. Forensic science, then, is the intersection of civilization and truth.” —Sean McKinney: “A Trace of Gold” A lofty sentiment from my fictional forensic scientist, but the reality in both fiction and life is closer to the philosophy of Heraclitus (or Patti Smith) who said the only constant is change. Forensic…

And here are some books to add to your reading list, compiled by Sharon Lynn. You can find out more about her here. First and foremost, mysteries by Blackbird Writers that take place in the Fall or are Autumn or Halloween themed. Add these to your reading list! After you get your reading in place, it’s time to chat about movies. Halloween Themed: Death Overdue by Allison Brook Circle of Nine: 3 book series by Valerie Biel Fall Themed: Five-Alarm Fudge (Fudge Shop Mystery Series) by Christine DeSmet When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass (Mischief in Moonstone Series) by Christine DeSmet…

Christine DeSmet writes about pink fudge in her series of mysteries set in Wisconsin. You can find out more about her here. On a very busy day recently I asked myself: How do I get all of this stuff done? And, why and how did I become who I am? In my Fudge Shop Mystery Series, my character of Ava Oosterling credits knowing how to make fudge as her savior for organizing her life and bringing satisfaction if not success as well. I credit typing in my life. Writing my Fudge Shop Mystery Series is only one aspect of my…

Anne Louise Bannon is celebrating the release of the third book in her Old Los Angeles series, Death of the Chinese Field Hands. Find out more about Anne here. Smoke outside my house. Yuck I hope that by the time you read this, the sky over my house will be blue and I will be able to open the windows again. You see, I live in Southern California and you may have heard that the entire freaking state is on fire. Well, not the entire state. But one of the bigger fires is burning in the foothills to the northeast…

Joy Ann Ribar is the author of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series. You can find her biography on this site here. Photo by Joy Ann Ribar Do you have a closet full of hooks with hats on them?  Every hat serves a different purpose, just as most of us serve more than one purpose.  We are multi-talented, a descriptor I prefer to the expression, “jack of all trades.”  After all, work experiences and other pursuits are the fertilizer that make our life garden grow. Although I cannot say that all of my experiences have been a pleasure, they all…

Today, we welcome the first post from our newest Blackbird, Jeff Nania. You can find out more about him here. Living an outdoor life has served me well. The tasks and chores that are part and parcel of living in the country keep me outside and occupied in mostly productive activities. Hikes on the trail are continual sources of adventure and discovery for both humans and Labradors. Walking among the prairie blooms is unavoidably cheering, even though the world right now does not seem like such a cheery place.       The author and his son, credit: Victoria Rydberg-Nania While our…