Private detective Maisie Dobbs must investigate the reappearance of a dead man who turns up at a cooperative farm called the Retreat that caters to men who are recovering their health after World War I.

The four-time Shamus Award—winning author takes his readers behind-the-scenes of his long running detective series. In 1980, readers first encountered hard-boiled private detective Amos Walker as he searches for an ex-mobster's missing daughter in Motor City Blue. Many mysteries and decades later, the investigator is still scuffling with bad guys on the streets of Detroit. But when and where did award-winning author Loren D. Estleman conceive...

The #1 New York Times–bestselling author shares the origin story of his infamous game warden character, Joe Pickett, as he investigates a local poachers attack. Since his first appearance in Open Season, Wyoming gamekeeper Joe Pickett has solved all sorts of mysteries. But now his daughter, Sheridan, would like to solve the mystery that is her father . . . The Pickett family is gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner when they're...

In this short story, the New York Times—bestselling author delves into the private lives and personal histories of her "extremely congenial characters" (The Philadelphia Inquirer). It is 1912, and Peter Naylor calls at the home of Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould, longtime friend of Thomas Pitt and his wife, Charlotte. Clouds are gathering in Europe, and the prime minister is considering Thomas to head up the country's intelligence services-the king...

Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Bob Lee Swagger debuted in Stephen Hunter's military action thriller Point of Impact in 1993. The book was the first of many adventures for the fictional sniper and inspired a hit-movie, as well as a television series. But what led to the invention of such a character? In this quick read, Hunter shares how "the Nailer" came to his kitchen table and subsequently sprang to life. Hunter discusses the real-life hero who served...

The #1 New York Times–bestselling author brings you into the world of the LAPD's Harry Bosch, and the history that shaped him. In this short work, Michael Connelly delves into the origins of his famed police detective,-how he faced down the horrors of his childhood (a background story that was based on the life of another renowned crime writer); his past as a tunnel rat in Vietnam; and why jazz is his soundtrack. Connelly also shares the story...

The New York Times–bestselling author reflects on the life and career of his character, NYPD forensic scientist Lincoln Rhyme, in this short story. The line between the disabled and the non-disabled is shrinking. Computers, video cameras, high-definition monitors, biometric devices and voice recognition software have moved my life closer to that of somebody who's fully able bodied, while the same technology is creating a more sedentary, house-bound...

A portrait of the PI from the Shamus Award winner who created him: "They don't come much tougher than Ken Bruen's Irish roughneck, Jack Taylor." -The New York Times Book Review In this short work, Edgar Award finalist Ken Bruen-"a Celtic Dashiell Hammett"-takes us deeper into his character Jack Taylor, formerly of Ireland's police force, the Garda Síochána, now a living-on-the-edge private detective (The Philadelphia Inquirer). "Jack, as ja...

In 1991, William Bernhardt's novel, “Primary Justice”, introduced his character Ben Kincaid to the world. The fictional Oklahoma City lawyer has come a long way since his days as a junior associate at a high-powered law firm. In this essay, Bernhardt guides readers through Ben's journey in the long-running series, discussing everything from the development of his character to what's next for Ben. Bernhardt also talks about his experience working...

The New York Times—bestselling author of Hush Hush interviews the lead character of her hit series. In 1997, the character of Tess Monaghan debuted in Laura Lippman's detective novel, Baltimore Blues. The book launched the bestselling series that continues to delight readers decades later. But who exactly is Theresa Esther Weinstein Monaghan when she's not tackling troublesome cases? In this fictional article, author Laura Lippman takes you to...