Robin Agnew
@robinagnew.bsky.social
Love golden age, traditional & historical mysteries. Reviewer, reader. History mystery column in Deadly Pleasures.
Love figure skating. Visit me at auntagathas.com
Love figure skating. Visit me at auntagathas.com
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Former screenwriter and editor Kellye Garrett published her first mystery, HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE, in 2017, garnering many awards. She is a co-founder, with Walter Mosely and Gigi Pandian, of Crime Writers of Color.
February 16, 2026 at 7:02 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Former screenwriter and editor Kellye Garrett published her first mystery, HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE, in 2017, garnering many awards. She is a co-founder, with Walter Mosely and Gigi Pandian, of Crime Writers of Color.
I asked if he was escorting Mrs. Jaffee.
"Certainly," he said virtuously. "She is my client. What's that noise you're making?"
"It's something special," I told him, "and takes a lot of practice. Don't try it offhand. It's a derisive chortle." -- PRISONER'S BASE, Rex Stout (1952)
"Certainly," he said virtuously. "She is my client. What's that noise you're making?"
"It's something special," I told him, "and takes a lot of practice. Don't try it offhand. It's a derisive chortle." -- PRISONER'S BASE, Rex Stout (1952)
February 16, 2026 at 12:10 PM
I asked if he was escorting Mrs. Jaffee.
"Certainly," he said virtuously. "She is my client. What's that noise you're making?"
"It's something special," I told him, "and takes a lot of practice. Don't try it offhand. It's a derisive chortle." -- PRISONER'S BASE, Rex Stout (1952)
"Certainly," he said virtuously. "She is my client. What's that noise you're making?"
"It's something special," I told him, "and takes a lot of practice. Don't try it offhand. It's a derisive chortle." -- PRISONER'S BASE, Rex Stout (1952)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: The prolific V.M. Burns has written almost 20 books since 2017 - she is perhaps best known for her cozy series featuring Samantha Washington, a mystery bookstore owner in Michigan. She is an Edgar, Anthony and Agatha Nominee.
February 15, 2026 at 8:16 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: The prolific V.M. Burns has written almost 20 books since 2017 - she is perhaps best known for her cozy series featuring Samantha Washington, a mystery bookstore owner in Michigan. She is an Edgar, Anthony and Agatha Nominee.
"There are two actions that are almost equally reprehensible to me. One is the act of beginning a sentence and then refusing to finish it. The other is murder." -- THE TANGLEWOOD MURDER, Lucille Kallen (1980)
February 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM
"There are two actions that are almost equally reprehensible to me. One is the act of beginning a sentence and then refusing to finish it. The other is murder." -- THE TANGLEWOOD MURDER, Lucille Kallen (1980)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: The multi talented Alexia Gordon, who is also a physician, turned her hand to writing in 2016, publishing her first Gethsemane Brown mystery, MURDER IN G MAJOR. The series was picked up by Hallmark as the Haunted Harmony Mysteries.
February 14, 2026 at 7:18 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: The multi talented Alexia Gordon, who is also a physician, turned her hand to writing in 2016, publishing her first Gethsemane Brown mystery, MURDER IN G MAJOR. The series was picked up by Hallmark as the Haunted Harmony Mysteries.
"You think like a detective, Mrs. Pollifax. Hanan has two very, very old torn copies of books about a girl named Nancy Drew. Maybe you too are a Nancy Drew?"
"Somewhat older," she remarked dryly. -- MRS. POLLIFAX, INNOCENT TOURIST, Dorothy Gilman (1997)
"Somewhat older," she remarked dryly. -- MRS. POLLIFAX, INNOCENT TOURIST, Dorothy Gilman (1997)
February 14, 2026 at 11:14 AM
"You think like a detective, Mrs. Pollifax. Hanan has two very, very old torn copies of books about a girl named Nancy Drew. Maybe you too are a Nancy Drew?"
"Somewhat older," she remarked dryly. -- MRS. POLLIFAX, INNOCENT TOURIST, Dorothy Gilman (1997)
"Somewhat older," she remarked dryly. -- MRS. POLLIFAX, INNOCENT TOURIST, Dorothy Gilman (1997)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: S A Cosby began his career as a fantasy writer, but truly burst onto the mystery scene in 2020 with BLACKTOP WASTELAND. His intense & unforgettable storytelling will stick with you. He is also writing a kids series with Questlove.
February 13, 2026 at 7:28 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: S A Cosby began his career as a fantasy writer, but truly burst onto the mystery scene in 2020 with BLACKTOP WASTELAND. His intense & unforgettable storytelling will stick with you. He is also writing a kids series with Questlove.
"But he was, as my uncle said, a bit of a bounder, or at least on the boundary line." -- THE MYSTERY OF THE SUMMER HOUSE, Horace Gordon Hutchinson (1919)
February 13, 2026 at 11:28 AM
"But he was, as my uncle said, a bit of a bounder, or at least on the boundary line." -- THE MYSTERY OF THE SUMMER HOUSE, Horace Gordon Hutchinson (1919)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Alyssa Cole is a romance writer who turned her hand to mystery, in 2020 publishing the astonishing WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING, garnering her an Edgar award for her effort. She published another thriller in 2024, ONE OF US KNOWS.
February 12, 2026 at 7:38 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Alyssa Cole is a romance writer who turned her hand to mystery, in 2020 publishing the astonishing WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING, garnering her an Edgar award for her effort. She published another thriller in 2024, ONE OF US KNOWS.
auntagathas.com/aa/fergus-cr... This fun read is out next week - great for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books.
February 12, 2026 at 4:44 PM
auntagathas.com/aa/fergus-cr... This fun read is out next week - great for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books.
"You've got a lot on your plate."
"Yes, I do. But no more than a million other women. Women are amazing, you know." -- I FOUND YOU, Lisa Jewell (2017)
....a few amazing women of mystery....Sayers, Christie & Marsh
"Yes, I do. But no more than a million other women. Women are amazing, you know." -- I FOUND YOU, Lisa Jewell (2017)
....a few amazing women of mystery....Sayers, Christie & Marsh
February 12, 2026 at 11:48 AM
"You've got a lot on your plate."
"Yes, I do. But no more than a million other women. Women are amazing, you know." -- I FOUND YOU, Lisa Jewell (2017)
....a few amazing women of mystery....Sayers, Christie & Marsh
"Yes, I do. But no more than a million other women. Women are amazing, you know." -- I FOUND YOU, Lisa Jewell (2017)
....a few amazing women of mystery....Sayers, Christie & Marsh
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Rachel Howzell Hall kicked off her career with LAND OF SHADOWS (2014) featuring homicide detective Eloise Norton. Her more recent series, featuring cop turned PI Sunny Rush launched with FOG AND FURY (2025).
February 11, 2026 at 7:17 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Rachel Howzell Hall kicked off her career with LAND OF SHADOWS (2014) featuring homicide detective Eloise Norton. Her more recent series, featuring cop turned PI Sunny Rush launched with FOG AND FURY (2025).
auntagathas.com/aa/author-in... Get to know former church organist Jennifer K. Breedlove, whose debut, MURDER WILL OUT, publishes next week. It's a knockout, and so is Jennifer!
February 11, 2026 at 2:26 PM
auntagathas.com/aa/author-in... Get to know former church organist Jennifer K. Breedlove, whose debut, MURDER WILL OUT, publishes next week. It's a knockout, and so is Jennifer!
"A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water." -- Carl Reiner
February 11, 2026 at 11:27 AM
"A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water." -- Carl Reiner
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Kwei Quartey, a Ghanian-American physician, began writing while still working as a doctor. His first book was WIFE OF THE GODS, featuring Detective Darko. In 2020 he kicked off the Emma Djan series with THE MISSING AMERICAN.
February 10, 2026 at 7:07 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Kwei Quartey, a Ghanian-American physician, began writing while still working as a doctor. His first book was WIFE OF THE GODS, featuring Detective Darko. In 2020 he kicked off the Emma Djan series with THE MISSING AMERICAN.
auntagathas.com/aa/jennifer-... My first book crush of 2026. This terrific debut features a Maine island, a few ghosts, a friendly corgi, and a wonderful main character. Out next week!
February 10, 2026 at 2:19 PM
auntagathas.com/aa/jennifer-... My first book crush of 2026. This terrific debut features a Maine island, a few ghosts, a friendly corgi, and a wonderful main character. Out next week!
"Don't sell your soul to buy peanuts for the monkeys." -- Dorothy Salisbury Davis
February 10, 2026 at 11:28 AM
"Don't sell your soul to buy peanuts for the monkeys." -- Dorothy Salisbury Davis
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Attica Locke, a producer and screenwriter, brought her talents to the mystery world in 2009 with BLACK WATER RISING; her trilogy set in East Texas, kicking off with BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD (2017), really set the crime world on fire.
February 9, 2026 at 7:35 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Attica Locke, a producer and screenwriter, brought her talents to the mystery world in 2009 with BLACK WATER RISING; her trilogy set in East Texas, kicking off with BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD (2017), really set the crime world on fire.
"The sun was shining like a congratulation." -- Margaret Millar
(Artist: Sue Miller)
(Artist: Sue Miller)
February 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM
"The sun was shining like a congratulation." -- Margaret Millar
(Artist: Sue Miller)
(Artist: Sue Miller)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Paula L. Woods, who started her career as a literary critic, wrote four novels in the Charlotte Justice series, kicking off with the multi award nominated INNER CITY BLUES (1999). Detective Justice is a black woman in the LAPD.
February 8, 2026 at 7:01 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Paula L. Woods, who started her career as a literary critic, wrote four novels in the Charlotte Justice series, kicking off with the multi award nominated INNER CITY BLUES (1999). Detective Justice is a black woman in the LAPD.
"Sweaters are the mashed potatoes and gravy of a woman's wardrobe - the ultimate comfort clothing - unless gravy accidentally drips onto a pricey cashmere." -- MISSING MARK, Julie Kramer
(Artist: Julia Leister)
(Artist: Julia Leister)
February 8, 2026 at 11:11 AM
"Sweaters are the mashed potatoes and gravy of a woman's wardrobe - the ultimate comfort clothing - unless gravy accidentally drips onto a pricey cashmere." -- MISSING MARK, Julie Kramer
(Artist: Julia Leister)
(Artist: Julia Leister)
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Gary Phillips, prolific writer of fiction, comic books and an activist, took a writing class from Robert Crais and created p.i. Ivan Monk, who features in his first novel, VIOLENT SPRING (1994), considered a noir classic.
February 7, 2026 at 7:10 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Gary Phillips, prolific writer of fiction, comic books and an activist, took a writing class from Robert Crais and created p.i. Ivan Monk, who features in his first novel, VIOLENT SPRING (1994), considered a noir classic.
"Grey's OK on a man," says Mary-Anne. "Silver fox and all that."
Ruth notices that Frank doesn't seem to mind this description. She also muses that there isn't a female equivalent to "silver fox." "Grey-haired old bat" doesn't cover it somehow. -- THE OUTCAST DEAD, Elly Griffiths
Ruth notices that Frank doesn't seem to mind this description. She also muses that there isn't a female equivalent to "silver fox." "Grey-haired old bat" doesn't cover it somehow. -- THE OUTCAST DEAD, Elly Griffiths
February 7, 2026 at 11:36 AM
"Grey's OK on a man," says Mary-Anne. "Silver fox and all that."
Ruth notices that Frank doesn't seem to mind this description. She also muses that there isn't a female equivalent to "silver fox." "Grey-haired old bat" doesn't cover it somehow. -- THE OUTCAST DEAD, Elly Griffiths
Ruth notices that Frank doesn't seem to mind this description. She also muses that there isn't a female equivalent to "silver fox." "Grey-haired old bat" doesn't cover it somehow. -- THE OUTCAST DEAD, Elly Griffiths
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Valerie Wilson Wesley turned her hand to crime fiction in 1994 with the publication of her first Tamara Hayle novel, WHEN DEATH COMES STEALING. Tamara is a former policewoman turned PI. She has continued to write prolifically.
February 6, 2026 at 7:32 PM
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & AFRICAN AMERICAN MYSTERY WRITERS: Valerie Wilson Wesley turned her hand to crime fiction in 1994 with the publication of her first Tamara Hayle novel, WHEN DEATH COMES STEALING. Tamara is a former policewoman turned PI. She has continued to write prolifically.
"The moon plays tricks with us, touching the commonest scene with enchantment - or horror - according to what tinged our thoughts." -- PILGRIM'S REST, Patricia Wentworth (1946)
Artist: Phil Greenwood
Artist: Phil Greenwood
February 6, 2026 at 11:05 AM
"The moon plays tricks with us, touching the commonest scene with enchantment - or horror - according to what tinged our thoughts." -- PILGRIM'S REST, Patricia Wentworth (1946)
Artist: Phil Greenwood
Artist: Phil Greenwood