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...

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...

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...

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...

Decades after his adventure in the classic Six Days of the Condor, the eponymous spy reflects on his life while awaiting his next target in this tense novella. Ronald Malcolm, codename Condor, is still in the spy game. He may be older now, but in a world where hardly anybody sees anybody, nobody sees old. He's the perfect choice to sit in New York City's Penn Station and wait for what he calls "the killing train." And while he waits for someone...

Get the backstory on an amazing heroine in this suspenseful kidnapping tale from the bestselling author of Vanishing Act and The Left-Handed Twin. A Native American of Seneca descent, Jane Whitefield helps people in harm's way disappear without a trace and take on entirely new lives with new identities. Of course, not everyone is a fan of Jane's work . . . There is a group of men who would like to speak with the elusive woman. That's why they've...

The Boston PI agrees to an interview in this entertaining blend of short story and biographical profile by the legendary mystery author. Spenser and his psychologist girlfriend, Susan, are relaxing in a courtyard on a lovely June afternoon. But accompanying them is Susan's friend Amy, and she's got a project: a book examining the men in risky professions-cops, firemen, special forces soldiers . . . and PIs. Requesting some help in her research,...

The New York Times—bestselling author discusses the creation of their beloved English police inspector and his long-running mystery series. Scotland Yard's Insp. Ian Rutledge made his debut in 1996 with Charles Todd's historical police procedural “A Test of Wills”. Many years and cases later, the shell-shocked World War I veteran has won over readers far and wide. But how did such a troubled yet wise character come to be? Writing together...

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...