Book vs. Series: Breaking Down "Defending Jacob"
Column by Andrea J. Johnson
This article identifies the differences between the novel and the series as well as how those choices shape the audience's investment in the narrative.
EXCLUSIVE: Polis Books Announces ‘Lockdown: Stories of Terror, Crime, and Hope During a Pandemic’ Charity Anthology
News by Joshua Chaplinsky April 6, 2020
Give yourself some great entertainment—and support a worthy cause at the same time.
Snitches, Gangsters, and Private Dicks: Why We Love and Hate Them
Column by Mary Kay McBrayer
Why do we root for the criminals and not the snitch? And whose side is the private investigator on?
The Most Anticipated Film & TV Adaptations of 2019
Column by Max Booth III
New Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and others.
The Horror of Roald Dahl
Column by Repo Kempt
Roald Dahl is famous for his beloved children's novels, but his forgotten forays into horror and the strange were equally successful.
When Horror Meets Crime: Occult Detectives
Column by Repo Kempt
A history of occult detectives in fiction.
Folding Real-Life Detail into a Fictional Narrative
Column by Nick Kolakowski August 13, 2018
Is there an ethical line when it comes to incorporating real-life details into fiction? And if so, where does that line exist?
In Conversation: Alex Segura and Joe Clifford on PI Fiction, Flawed Characters and Fighting Your Demons
Interview by Alex Segura
LitReactor instructors Joe Clifford and Alex Segura talk PI fiction to mark the latest adventures featuring their recurring characters, Jay Porter and Pete Fernandez.
Sunshine Noir: An Interview with Jeffery Hess, author of 'Tushhog'
Interview by Steph Post May 7, 2018
An interview with Jeffery Hess, author of the novels 'Tushhog' and 'Beachhead'.
Why Crime Authors Need to Stop Pretending They're Badasses
Column by Gabino Iglesias April 11, 2018
Writing about crime makes you a criminal the same way talking about dieting helps you lose weight, and one of those things deserves more respect than the other.
Writing the Crime Scene: Blood
Column by Repo Kempt
A guide to writing realistic crime and horror fiction when your manuscript involves blood.
Revisiting Brian Garfield’s “Death Wish”
Column by Max Booth III
A look back at Garfield's blood-soaked meditation on vigilantism.
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.
What Makes A Great Financial Thriller?
Column by Martin Bodenham
International thriller author and financial professional Martin Bodenham gives his expert advice.
The Birth of Jace Salome
Column by Trey R. Barker
Barker sets his protagonist down in a world peppered predominantly with men; men who bulge with maleness and refuse to stop spraying their eau de testosterone everywhere.
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.
Book vs. Television: What TV's Sheriff Longmire Is Doing Wrong
Column by David Cranmer August 10, 2017
In an age of emphasis on law enforcement tactics, we take a look at the page to screen evolution of Walt Longmire, with expressed concern for the marshal's cavalier approach to policing.
Halfway There: The Best Books of 2017...So Far
Column by Gabino Iglesias June 14, 2017
2017 is half over. Here are the literary highlights we've gotten so far.
5 Sci-Fi Stories for Crime Writers
Column by Nik Korpon June 5, 2017
What do Crime and Science Fiction stories have in common?
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.
Bookshots: 'Every Night I Dream of Hell' by Malcolm Mackay
Review by Gabino Iglesias April 12, 2017
The acclaimed author of The Glasgow Trilogy is back in business. The crime business.
5 Comics Every Crime Writer Needs To Read
Column by Repo Kempt
Crime writers can learn a lot about their craft from well-written comic books. Here's five superb crime comics to whet your appetite.
Writing the Crime Scene: Poison
Column by Repo Kempt
A guide to research and writing when killing your characters with poison.
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.
