Brian Abbott

LATEST ARTICLES ( 306 )

• Murders in the Rue Morgue

  

  With an Introduction by Matthew Pearl“The mental features discoursed of as the analytical, are, in themselves, but little susceptible of analysis. Read more

  Posted on 16 July 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  Cabaret cocktailThey say that “life is a cabaret, old chum,” so why not enjoy a Cabaret cocktail?This classic gin-based cocktail is an excellent accompaniment t... Read more

  Posted on 11 July 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Vera Caspary’s Laura

  

  Book by Vera Caspary“Near the door, a few feet from the spot where the body had fallen, hung Stuart Jacoby’s portrait of Laura.”Imagine falling in love with... Read more

  Posted on 10 July 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 31

  

  This month brings two writing challenges, the first of which includes a trio of images to set the scene…The Poisoned Martini features monthly images to spark... Read more

  Posted on 03 July 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Baker Street Irregulars

  

  Read along with The Poisoned Martini …A master of detection and deduction, Sherlock Holmes has inspired countless books and movies since his first appearance... Read more

  Posted on 24 June 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Discord’s Apple

  

  Book by Carrie VaughnEvie Walker’s father has long held a secret that she is aware of, but doesn’t understand.  In the storeroom beneath her family home in a... Read more

  Posted on 18 June 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Second Helping of Murder

  

  Book by Christine WengerA missing girl’s body surfaces in the second book of the Comfort Food Mystery series.Trixie Matkowski “fondly remembers summers as a... Read more

  Posted on 16 June 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktails

  

  Rusty Nail and B B cocktailsThis Friday, try a pair of cocktails that fit in with the Rat Pack or Mad Men set…the Rusty Nail and B Bs. Read more

  Posted on 14 June 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• 10 Classic Mysteries to Read This Summer

  

  Recommended Reads: 10 Classic MysteriesSummer is a great opportunity to relax and read those books sitting in our “to be read” pile.  If you’re a mystery fan... Read more

  Posted on 11 June 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  White Lily cocktailTry a taste of elegance with this Friday’s cocktail, the White Lily.This cocktail is included in the 1964 edition of Old Mr. Boston De Luxe... Read more

  Posted on 31 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 30

  

  It’s time for this month’s writing challenge.The Poisoned Martini features monthly images to spark your creativity. Such images, because of their visual... Read more

  Posted on 30 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Tequila Mockingbird

  

  Give a literary spin to your favorite cocktails.Author Tim Federle takes his love of cocktails and combines them with a love of literature.  What might some of... Read more

  Posted on 23 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Black Dog

  

  Book by Stephen BoothThe title of Stephen Booth’s debut mystery comes from an expression in “some country places” where a person suffering melancholy is... Read more

  Posted on 23 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• A Cover Revealed

  

  An author dreams of what the cover of their first book would look like.  We’ve written the story and sent it out for a hopeful response; all the while, in the... Read more

  Posted on 19 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  Peach Blossom cocktailContinue with The Poisoned Martini’s floral-themed drinks with this Friday cocktail, the Peach Blossom.There are varying recipes with the... Read more

  Posted on 16 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• A Tale of Two Covers

  

  Judging a book by its cover is inevitable, n’est pas?  We all do it in spite of our best efforts not to.  After all, an eye-catching cover will draw our... Read more

  Posted on 16 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  Orange Blossom cocktailIn keeping with the theme of May flowers, try an Orange Blossom.This cocktail is similar to a Screwdriver, which is made with vodka and... Read more

  Posted on 09 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  Cherry Blossom CocktailSpring is here, and by now, the famous Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C., have bloomed.  So this Friday, try a Cherry Blossom Cocktail! Read more

  Posted on 03 May 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 29

  

  It’s time for this month’s writing challenge.To spark your creativity, The Poisoned Martini features monthly images to get you started. Read more

  Posted on 29 April 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE

• The Dreamer and the Moon

  

  From the file of “Things Kept” comes the first serious poem I ever wrote.  In honor of April as National Poetry Month, and tonight’s Full Moon, I present…***... Read more

  Posted on 16 April 2014 BOOKS, CULTURE