Laurel Dewey’s inimitable heroine Detective Jane Perry returns in You Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover, her first “blog entry” and the second work of original fiction created for DailyLit. Jane, whom Dewey introduced to DailyLit readers in Unfinished Death, is a tough detective with a disarmingly honest voice: “Being a cop is all I know how to do and I’m good at it. That’s not arrogance, that’s confidence…I can walk into a hot crime scene while the blood is still wet and death still hangs heavy in the air and I can hear the walls whisper their secrets. Sometimes I can hear the screams and pleas from the victims before they took their last breath.” Enjoy!
Archive for the ‘Books’ Category
Political Lit
It’s Election Day here in the United States, and although we’re not electing a new president this year, it’s still a big day for Americans. After all, one of the sparks that started the Revolutionary War was the colonists’ demand that there be “no taxation without representation.” And our representatives, of course, represent our votes.
So it’s a perfect day to revisit those Founding Fathers–and others–with our free Wikipedia Tour of the Presidents of the United States. From Washington to Obama these are the men who’ve made America what it is today. Go beyond the names you memorized in school and learn about the people who have been president.
Winners of the 50 Word Crime Noir Challenge
In September our Reader Challenge asked you to write a crime noir in 50 Words. Thanks to all who participated–so many of you submitted great mini-crime stories, making for a great challenge. Our guest judge James Ellroy just picked his three winners.
Without further ado, here, in no particular order, are the winning crime noirs. Congratulations! Each winner will receive a free signed copy of Blood’s a Rover, Ellroy’s new novel.
“Not What It Seemed” by seagoat
I almost fell for the dame. She murdered Case and now she was going down. She yanked her little gun from her purse and fired. She was a lousy shot. I slugged her beautiful face. The wig flew off. I gaped. Then I kicked him in the crotch.
Untitled, by mstrust
“It’s done?” she asked.
He had a photo as proof. She looked closely. Held out a bag.
“Killing his girlfriend was cheaper.”
“You hired someone else?” He sounded hurt.
“Simple job,” she smiled.
He shook his head.
“Scorned women keep me in business.”
“Hits?”
“Arrests,” he said, pulling his badge.
“A Friend in Need” by snailgenie
In trouble again.
She wiped the rain out of her eyes, or was it tears?
He hesisted…
She wasn’t the brightest bulb, but then again, he often had a hangover.
He sighed and offered her his coat.
Later, he’d regret leaving his handcuffs in the pocket.
Read all the entries in our Reader Challenge forum.
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Books, Publicity, Reader Challenges
DailyLit Launches DailyLit Style with V&A’s “Shoes, Bags and Tiaras”
I’m excited to announce two DailyLit firsts. DailyLit has partnered with its first museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, to launch a series entitled Shoes, Bags and Tiaras. This series features (no surprise) a particular pair of shoes, bag, or tiara selected from V&A Publishing’s collection sent periodically to your inbox.
This series also launches DailyLit Style, a series dedicated to the engaging world of style in all its senses. It’ll be a fun and quirky series meant to surprise and enlighten. We’ll also look to our readers to suggest additions to DailyLit Style so if you have any ideas, please let us know here.
Stewart Copeland’s “Strange Things Happen” Free on DailyLit
As the drummer for the Police, Stewart Copeland has lived the life of a rockstar. Strange Things Happen is his new memoir of the crazy days he’s experienced, and you can read it for FREE on DailyLit, thanks to its publisher, HarperStudio. The book includes Copeland’s memories, personal photographs, and, yes, stories about Sting.
Head backstage with Copeland. It’s a wild ride. Read Strange Things Happen–FREE.
Last Day to Enter Mini Crime Noir Challenge with Guest Judge James Ellroy
It’s here–your last chance to write a mini crime noir and enter it into our Reader Challenge with guest judge James Ellroy. The bestselling crime writer will select three winners, each of whom will receive a signed copy of his new book, Blood’s a Rover. Start thinking like a hardboiled cop and get to it in our Reader Challenge forum–you’ve only got until 11:59pm (EST) tonight!
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Books, Reader Challenges
3 Days Left in Mini Crime Noir Reader Challenge with Guest Judge James Ellroy
There’s only three days left to enter our Mini Crime Noir Reader Challenge. James Ellroy, the “Demon Dog of American Crime Fiction,” will be choosing three winners, each of whom will receive a signed copy of Ellroy’s new book, Blood’s a Rover. Ready to put on your detective trench and start writing? Head to our Reader Challenge forum here. And hurry–you’ve only got until 11:59pm on Sunday, October 4th!
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Books, Reader Challenges
