Brian Abbott

LATEST ARTICLES ( 306 )

• Buffalo Noir

  

  Akashic Books continues to grow their line of Noir titles, and this one hits a little closer to home (at least for me).Most of the Noir books have been set in... Read more

  Posted on 11 May 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 54

  

  Architects have imagined some incredible spaces that they’ve designed in reality. These architectural structures can in turn inspire our imaginations.Imagine... Read more

  Posted on 01 May 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  Ramos Gin FizzIs it time for a Friday cocktail? If so, try the classic Ramos Gin Fizz.It’s a frothy drink with a slight sweet and citrus taste. It’s also one... Read more

  Posted on 30 April 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• A Cover Revealed

  

  The moment I saw my first mystery novel’s cover—and as the publication of my first book neared—I began envisioning what the cover of my second novel could be. Read more

  Posted on 18 April 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Cocktail Special

  

  Aster Parlor PantryClassic cocktails were on tap at the Aster Pantry & Parlor on Sunday afternoon, April 17th to celebrate the restoration of the Hotel... Read more

  Posted on 18 April 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Well-Offed in Vermont

  

  Book by Amy Patricia MeadeHow shall I put this? I wanted to like this book—and to some extent I did—but ultimately I found it disappointing.Well-Offed in Vermon... Read more

  Posted on 06 April 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• By Its Cover: Murder in Bollywood

  

  After spotting this mystery novel’s cover, I read the book blurb:” ‘Someone at this table has killed before, and someone at this table will kill again. Read more

  Posted on 31 March 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 53

  

  What goes into getting the perfect picture?I’m told it took me an hour to snap the photo below. I can scarcely believe it took that long. I had wanted to get th... Read more

  Posted on 16 March 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Starship Traveller

  

  Choose Your Own Adventure by Steve JacksonHave you ever dreamed about exploring the furthest reaches of space? Fantasized about what it would be like to travel... Read more

  Posted on 02 March 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 52

  

  Leap Day brings a bonus writing challenge for February…Sometimes it’s not a photograph that inspires, but a postcard bought, sent, or lost. Read more

  Posted on 29 February 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 52

  

  A curious gathering appears in this month’s writing challenge. Have you entered Medusa’s garden?With snow on the ground, winds howling outside… it’s the... Read more

  Posted on 19 February 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 51

  

  A curious gathering appears in this month’s writing challenge. Have you entered Medusa’s garden?With snow on the ground, winds howling outside… it’s the... Read more

  Posted on 19 February 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• By Its Cover: Death on Demand Series

  

  How important is it for a book series to maintain the same look and feel?The open gateway to a cemetery—with either a church or mausoleum beyond the visible... Read more

  Posted on 18 February 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Blog Tour: Mystery Author Maia Chance

  

  Fairy tales in their original forms can be quite…grim. These short tales full of wonder, magic, and “happy endings” continue to inspire our imaginations and... Read more

  Posted on 15 February 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  The Mikado cocktailsThe Mikado. Is it a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, an archaic term for the emperor of Japan, a brandy-based cocktail, or a hamlet in... Read more

  Posted on 13 February 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Friday Cocktail

  

  Moscow MuleIt’s Winter! It’s Friday! It’s time for a cocktail! Pull out a fancy mug for the Moscow Mule!In the past couple years, this cocktail has been making ... Read more

  Posted on 22 January 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 50

  

  With snow on the ground, winds howling outside… it’s the perfect time of year to stay indoors and write!Each month, The Poisoned Martini presents a photo to... Read more

  Posted on 20 January 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Top 10 Fantasy Novels of 2015?

  

  After looking at last year’s top mysteries, it’s time to check out which fantasy novels were the most popular in 2015.  The following list includes a mix of hig... Read more

  Posted on 05 January 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Top 10 Mysteries in 2015?

  

  Now that we’ve rung in 2016, let’s take a moment to look back at the most popular mysteries of 2015. Based on circulation figures at the library where I work,... Read more

  Posted on 04 January 2016 BOOKS, CULTURE

• Writing Challenge 49

  

  Will you have time to write this holiday season?Each month, The Poisoned Martini presents a photo to spark your creativity. Such images, because of their... Read more

  Posted on 22 December 2015 BOOKS, CULTURE