Learn more about the field of forensic dentistry with Dr. John Piakis, a board certified forensic odontologist and full time consultant for the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office, when he speaks at the Wed., April 16 meeting of Desert Sleuths at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in downtown Scottsdale. He will use case presentations to demonstrate how human remains are identified utilizing dentition, or the array of teeth.

A member of the Federal Response Mass Disaster Team who has worked on mass fatality events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, Piakis is also a consultant for various Maricopa County law enforcement agencies.

Networking starts at 6 p.m., with a short business session at 6:30 and the program at 7. No RSVPs are needed; attendees pay for their own meals.

S i S T E R S i N C R i M E / D E S E R T S L E u T H S

u P C O M i N G M E E T i N G S

A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Next Desert Sleuths MeetingOverview of forensic dentistry

May: Betty Webb on writing the “Arc of Action.” Webb is author of the nationally best-selling Lena Jones mystery series: Desert Wives, Desert Noir, Desert Wind, etc. and the humorous Gunn Zoo mysteries: The Koala Of Death and The Llama Of Death.

JUNE: Bob Dukelow on Army counterintelligence, espionage

JUly: Writers helping writers: Come with a writing question to pose to the group and be ready to offer your writing expertise as well.

JOIN US! Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Grimaldi’s in Old Town Scottsdale. Desert Sleuths member authors, please bring your books to sell at meetings!6:00-6:30

DINNER & NETWORKING6:30-7:00

BUSINESS MEETING7:00-8:00

Crime Scene analysis:Dr. John Piakis, forensic dentistry

Grimaldi’s PizzeriaWall Street Room4000 N Scottsdale RoadScottsdale, AZ 85251480-994-1100

INSIDE 2 From the President4 Left Coast Crime recap5 Member news,

announcements8 News, upcoming events,

contests10 Member spotlight:

Jacinda Power14 ROGUE’S GALLERY 11 Crime Corner 11 CAUGHT IN THE ACT:

Industry news13 Larcenous Links12 March Meeting Recap 16 Anthology17 Membership

Dr. John Piakis

i had the pleasure of attending my first crime fiction conference, Left Coast Crime, in Monterey, CA, right after last month’s meeting. Not only were there a great variety of panels on writing, promoting, the state of the industry and more, there were some wonderful speakers who shared their expertise, including several of our own Desert Sleuths members.

And, the buzz about the location of the 2016 LCC during the conference was confirmed the day after we got home: Phoenix was selected, according to the conference’s Facebook page. We will pass along more information as soon as we receive it.

Meanwhile, your board members and volunteers have been busy! The free April 26 Nuts & Bolts writing workshop, “So You Want to Write Crime Fiction?” will be held at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Jacinda Power and Roni Olson have gathered a top-notch group of speakers. Thanks to Margaret Morse, Merle McCann, Cathy Rogers and all the others who have worked hard to make this a great event. Also, be listening to KJZZ and KBAQ, the Valley’s public radio stations, for sponsorship spots for the workshop from April 20-25, thanks to a partial grant from Sisters in Crime.

it’s also very exciting to see a number of members stepping up to help with the WriteNow!, Anthology 2015 and Tucson Festival of Books committees. Thanks so

much for taking a little time out of your busy schedules to assist with the important work of this great nonprofit organization of ours. See Member news for more details and how you can get involved.

Something new you’ve hopefully been reading from our Communications Chair and Vice President Margaret Morse: a periodic e-blast email to members for news and information that just can’t wait for the next newsletter. From the first e-blast, we put out a call for carpoolers, and got several people hooked up right away. in addition, a note about looking for or offering services as “first readers” has received good response. Send any news or information for the e-blast or the newsletter to DesertSleuths@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting Desert Sleuths!

Laurie Fagen2014 president

2 | APRIL 2014

Laurie Fagen2014 president

F R O M T H E P R E S i D E N T

Dear Sisters and Misters,

HaPPy WINNER: “Avid book reader” Virginia Dixon of Tempe was thrilled to be one of four recipients of a box of Desert Sleuths raffle books at the Tucson Festival of Books. The raffle raised more than $360 for the chapter to help offset costs.

2014 CHAPTER OFFICERS President: Laurie Fagen

Vice-President/Communications: Margaret Morse

Secretary/Programs: Merle McCann

Treasurer: Cathy Rogers

Membership: Susan Budavari

Member-at-large, Special Special Events: Judith Starkston

Publicity: Laurie Fagen

Newsletter: Laurie Fagen, Margaret Morse, Susan Budavari, Roni Olson, Martina Cartright, Katherine Herbert, Fran Orenstein, Tim Moore, Clark Lohr

Newsletter layout: Tad Smith, The Design Idea

SISTERS IN CRIME DESERT SLEUTHS CHAPTER, PRESENTS:

FREE annual Nuts and Bolts mystery writing workshop

So You Want to Write Crime Fiction?

The workshop is geared towards both budding and seasoned authors who want to know more about the craft and business of writing crime fiction.

• law enforcement professionals discuss how a crime is processed in the justice system

• attendees take part in an interactive mock crime scene

• leading local authors talk about development of literary aspects of a novel, and about the business of being a novelist

attendees may bring their own lunch or purchase a variety of items, including gluten-free selections, at the event.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sat., April 26, 2014 • Scottsdale Civic Center Library • 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale

WORkSHOP SCHEDUlE:10 a.m.: “Scene of the Crime: an Interactive Investigation” with Phoenix Police Detective Timothy Moore; Private Investigator and former Chicago Police Officer Paul Huebl; and Defense attorney Richard Gierloff** includes an interactive mock crime scene **

12 noon: “Partners in Crime (Writing): Doing Time with a Cohort”

with authors Sally Smith and Jean Steffens

1 p.m.: “arrested Development: locking Up your Characters” with author Donis Casey

2 p.m.: “Elements of a Crime: Mining a Gem from your Research” with author Susan Cummins Miller

3 p.m.: “Romancing your Crime: Spicing Up your Story” with authors Marsha Sandoval & Pamela Tracy

4 p.m.: “Contract Killing: Publishing Under the Scope” with author Deborah J ledford

SISTERS IN CRIME is an international organization that strives to promote the professional development and advancement of women crime writers to achieve equity within the publishing industry at www.sistersincrime.org.

DESERT SLEUTHS, with more than 100 members, meets monthly and features various experts in the crime fiction writing field. Visit www.DesertSleuths.com for details.

RSVP by “joining” the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths event on Facebook or email your name and email address to DesertSleuths@gmail.com.

Desert Sleuths Nuts & Bolts 2014 flier

Turning up the Heat on Amateur Sleuths; Going it Alone; How to Promote Your Books; When Bad Things Happen to Good Detectives; Bookselling and Publishing; Reviewing Mysteries; Forensics: Fact and Fiction; and Social Media were just a few of the panel discussions offered at the Left Coast Crime conference recently in Monterey, CA.

“Rock star” authors attending and speaking included Sue Grafton, Cara Black, Catriona MacPherson, Timothy Hallinan, Brad Parks, William Kent Krueger, Marcia Clark and many others.

Some highlights:•Howtogetyouramateursleuthinvolved in multiple crimes: Author Denise Weeks says, “Be realistic. Your sleuth has to have a reason to get involved.”•Gettingyourprotagonistintotrouble: Cara Black says in her densely populated settings, “it’s harder to kill people.” She takes “body doubles” to certain locations to see if they would fit properly or be able to climb walls so she can write the scenes accurately. •X-Factor:Responsibilities&issues for Women Writing Women: Moderator Kelli Stanley says, “We have a responsibility to write women realistically within the fiction genre.” •BooksellingandPublishing:Gloomor Boom? Mysterious Books owner Otto Penzler: “Publishing is different than 40 years ago. A lot of ways it’s the same but smaller.” Editor Barbara Peters of Scottsdale’s Poisoned Pen: “As a bookseller - absolutely a boom. Sales jumped up 11% last year … we offer a personal connection between authors and readers.”•Hownewwriterscelebratedtheirfirst book sale: one drank wine; another “danced around” and called people; one woman went out for sushi, posted the sale on Facebook;

4 | APRIL 2014

C R A F T O F W R i T i N G

lCC HIGHlIGHT: From left, Desert Sleuths VP Margaret Morse and President Laurie Fagen with writer Catriona MacPherson, an Agatha, Lefty and Macavity winner.

Left Coast Crime offers dozens of panelsBy LAURIE FAgEN

DS SHOWINg AT lEF T COAST CRImE

Desert Sleuths members had a strong presence at the Left Coast Crime annual mystery convention held in Monterey, CA, March 20-23.

Panelists from the Phoenix chapter included Immediate Past President Deborah J Ledford, with members Rebecca Dahlke, Kris Neri, Shannon Baker and Art Kerns. Ledford moderated a standing-room only panel on Native American protagonists. President Laurie Fagen and Vice President Margaret Morse also attended, scouting prospective speakers for the annual WriteNow! 2014 writing conference in August.

And, according to the Left Coast Crime Facebook page, Phoenix has been selected as the site for the 2016 conference.

“It will be a great opportunity for Arizonans to take part in this annual mystery writing conference for fans and writers alike,” says Morse.

another said it was “anticlimactic, surreal, not what i imagined it would be.”•Don’tKilltheMessenger:Reviewing Mysteries: Most reviewers receive a monthly box of books from publishers; some read e-galleys; authors must submit at least two to six months prior to publication; Publishers Weekly reviews traditionally published, Canadian books, children’s titles and self-published books, the latter through PW Select program, at publishersweekly.com; Library

Journal considers the following for reviews: books, self-published e-books, video, audio, novellas and more at libraryjournal.com.•SocialMedia:“Promoteyourworkwithout talking about your book.”•SueGrafton:“I’vethrownawaybooks. i’ve had eight chapters and 40,000 words thrown away because the ideas had no chemistry attached.” She was in Hollywood for 15 years, working as a production secretary for Danny Thomas Productions making $175 a week while dating her husband.

Deser tSleuths .com | 5

C R A F T O F W R i T i N G

Member news, announcements

A group of Desert Sleuths members are hard at work planning the WriteNow! 2014 conference for a Friday evening and Saturday in August. under the leadership of Program Chair Merle McCann, committee members Barbara Thalman, Tara Majuta, Roni

Olson, Rita Marko and Susan Budavari are scouting new venues and narrowing the list of national author speakers. Two invitations for key presenters have been made, and depending on the speakers’ availabilities, the date of the conference will be announced soon.

Thanks to all those joining the committee for the 2015 Desert Sleuths Anthology. The group, so far comprised of Marsha Sandoval, Yvonne Corrigan-Carr, Lori Hines, Meg Dobson, Anne Montgomery, Susan Van Kirk, Clark Lohr, Nancy Redd, Dana King-Esquer, Diane Ransdell, Sheila Roe, Merle McCann, Susan Budavari and Toni Niesen, will brainstorm new ideas for book signings, find various ways

of promotions, and seek out a new lead editor or co-lead editors and additional editors to work directly with anthology authors. The theme and schedule are expected to be announced after the first of the year 2015. if you’d like to contribute as a proofreader, an editor, to help with promotions and book signings, as a coordinator or another area of your expertise, email DesertSleuths@gmail.com.

WriteNow! committee gearing up

Anthology 2015

Carpool updates - For those who live a distance away from the monthly Desert Sleuths meetings, don’t drive at night or would like to share the ride and help reduce pollution, we are looking for members to help coordinate rides to the meetings. Sharon Moore of Peoria now has a carpool set up with Carolyn Hughey, and she will coordinate additional West side people if needed. Toni Niesen lives in North Scottsdale in the Pinnacle Peak/Pima area and is looking for a ride to the meeting. She is also willing to help coordinate rides in that area, so if you need one, email Toniniesen@aol.com. Those willing to drive or needing a ride from elsewhere around the Valley can email DesertSleuths@gmail.com.

First readers - A guest at the March chapter meeting volunteered to be a “beta” or “first reader” for writers working on manuscripts. A show of hands revealed a number of writers and readers interested in this, and new member Bob Dukelow is looking for first readers for three unpublished books: “Four Strong Women” (157K words) is a historically accurate tale of East Prussian women who oppose the Nazis and still survive World War Two; “Dead by Christmas Two” (56K words) is a fast-paced action story about a mother and daughter held hostage by an evil prince in 1982 in india; “Peaches in the Quorum” (104K words) is about a licentious multi-level marketer and his up-tight LDS wife who

get thrown into jail in 2002 in Russia for running a Ponzi scheme. Contact Dukelow directly at ace1bob@gmail.com or call 480-559-4429 if interested.

Meanwhile, email us at DesertSleuths@gmail.com if you are interested in being a beta/first reader and/or if you have a manuscript you’d like feedback on. We will work on some general guidelines, but basically readers most likely will need to read digital copies of stories sent by email and be able to offer constructive criticism. We don’t see this as a replacement for a professional editor or proofreader, but could be another pair of eyes. Writers who are looking for first readers may also email us and we’ll pair you up.

6 | APRIL 2014

M E M B E R N E W S , A N N O u N C E M E N T S

Member news, announcements from pg 5

Member Fran Orenstein’s YA to adult historical romantic adventure, The Spice

Trader’s Daughter, is set for release by Saguaro Books this month. The story follows two generations of a Huguenot family from 1685 to 1702, in which Jean-Claude flees the religious persecution of Louis XIV in France at age 16 and finds love on the high seas on the journey to Prussia. It will also be available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.

Orenstein has a number of books published, including Death in D Minor and Murder in Duplicate, both mysteries for adults; plus a YA fantasy, a YA historical novel, ‘tween fiction, poetry and more. Learn more at www.franorenstein.com.

Member Leslie Kohler recently published her second novel, Disposable Lives, described as “a fun-packed read from beginning to end, filled with cocktails, con men, conspiracy!” Slip into the secret society of the Travellers, modern-day gypsies who will stop at nothing to win their deadly con games. it’s up to Maggie Leman, ex-marketing executive, now country club mom, to solve the sordid tales of cheating golfer husbands murdered and Travellers muscling their way into SoCal’s beautiful Newport Beach. info: http://amzn.to/PcJewB.

Member Katherine atwell Herbert receives notice of her first place win in the National Association of Press Women (NAPW) At-Large competition for “Guy Walks into a Bar,” a story that was published in the 2013 Desert Sleuths Anthology So West: Crime Time. In addition, Herbert took first place for a news article and photograph of her trip up the West Coast that ran in the Arizona Republic in June 2013. Both pieces are automatically entered in the NAPW national contest.

Kate Herbert

Deser tSleuths .com | 7

M E M B E R N E W S , A N N O u N C E M E N T S

Member Carolyn Hughey, who writes as “K.T. Roberts,” recently completed a mystery/thriller called Deadly Obsessions, which will be released this month.

It’s described as, “Three bodies and counting, a manifesto with a long list of names and the killer’s MO resemble a cold case that’s been dormant for years. Did these killings bring the Red Reaper out of hiding, or is this a copycat enjoying the thrill of killing and becoming a serial killer who’s now selecting people at random and stalking his next prey: Detective Tate Kensington?”

It will be available for sale at the Ultimate Woman’s Expo scheduled for April 26-27 at the Phoenix Convention Center at http://www.azwomensexpo.com/home.htm. Hughey, who writes humorous contemporary, mystery and cozy mysteries, has more details at www.carolynhughey.com.

Member Nancy Nielson Redd announces the publication of her first full-length mystery novel, The Canyon’s Edge. She held a launch party in Canyon Country with friends March 28. In addition to being a writer, Redd is an artist who painted the portrait shown on the cover and designed the cover layout.

In addition to presenting a segment in the Desert Sleuths Nuts & Bolts “So You Want to Write Crime Fiction” workshop April 26 entitled, “Arrested Development: Locking Up Your Characters,” member Donis Casey is giving two workshops in May at the Oklahoma Writers Federation Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, OK. May 2 she will present “The One Thing I Wish Someone Had Told Me About the Writing Life,” and May 3, “How to Commit Murder” and “The Plot Thickens.” Info: http://bit.ly/1fJ69pL.

Then, Casey’s seventh Alafair Tucker Mystery, Hell With the Lid Blown Off, will hit shelves in June, with the book launch at Poisoned Pen Bookstore June 21.

Member Cathy Rogers, also Desert Sleuths treasurer, has book signings scheduled for April for her new mystery novel, Here Lies Buried. The first was at The Bookshop, located at 6018 N. 16 St., Phoenix, across from the Vig, on April 5. Then, at 5 p.m. Thu., April 17, Rogers along with members Tara Majuta and Marsha Sandoval will be signing their books, The Fascinating Files of Claudia Broadstad and Cat House, Adventures of a Real Estate Madam, respectively, at Bookman’s at 19th Avenue and Northern.

Wanting to ensure the accuracy of crime scenes, murder methods and police procedures, member Sharon Moore wrote a blog post about

reference materials she uses when she plans how to kill people – for her mystery books, of course. The Mystery Writer’s Technical Book Shelf is at http://bit.ly/1egxmCH.

in addition, Oak Tree Press will publish Prime Rib and Punishment, her second culinary mystery in the “Dinner is Served” series, in late fall. This book follows the misadventures of Alli and her friend and business partner, Gina, from Mission impastable, as they teach at a cooking school where the chef who hates them dies

Sharon Moore

Donis Casey photo by Clark Lohr

Desert Sleuths member Kris Tualla presents “Self-Publishing: Are You Ready for This?” in four two-hour sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. Wed., April 9-30 at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing on the Arizona State university Tempe Campus.

in the class, Tualla will discuss the different paths for publishing work

of any genre, and delve into the two major areas self-publishers need to be aware of: creating a quality product, and basic self-promotion. in addition, the class will critique the first five pages from any students who feel ready for feedback.

in addition, “Make ’Em Laugh to Make ’Em Cry: How Humor can improve Our Writing,” is open for registration for the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., April 26 class at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing on the Arizona State university Tempe Campus.

Poet Valerie Bandura, who has degrees from Columbia university and the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College, will discuss how various modes of humor can “illicit a deeper relationship to the tragic” when it comes to poems.

info on all writing workshops at the Piper house: piper.asu.edu/workshops.

8 | APRIL 2014

N E W S , u P C O M i N G E V E N T S : C O N T E S T S

Self publishing taught by Tualla at PiperAlso: Using humor in poetry writing

Member News, Announcements from pg 7Member Anne Marie Becker notes

the release of Dark Deeds, book four of the Mindhunters thrilling romantic suspense series, last month. it’s about security specialist Becca Haney, who walks away from a relationship with big-city lawman Detective Diego Sandoval but finds another “admirer,” known only as “the Fan,” who believes he’s the perfect partner for her –

and he’ll kill to prove it. The first three installments are Only Fear, Avenging Angel, and Deadly Bonds, with Acceptable Risk coming in May. She signed books at the Desert Dreams conference earlier this month, and will be at the Romantic Times Convention in New Orleans in May and RomCon in Denver in June. info: www.AnneMarieBecker.com.

Deser tSleuths .com | 9

N E W S , u P C O M i N G E V E N T S : C O N T E S T S

Desert Sleuths member Linda Radke of Five Star Publications announces the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards are open for submission with an early bird deadline of Aug. 1 and a final deadline of Oct. 1. Cash and promotional awards are given to the grand prizewinner, first and second place winners in each category, with traditional and e-books accepted.

With about 27 years of publishing expertise, Radke notes a number of

“great books” get overlooked by the media and general public.

“Therefore, we do not impose a limit on the year of publication for entries, which means winning a Dragonfly Book Award can breathe new life into your book’s marketing strategies and give it renewed attention and appreciation by the book industry and readers alike,” she says.

Judges are also sought. Visit fivestarbookawards.com for details.

A two-week intensive course for aspiring writers taught by New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 19-30, with the exception of May 26, at the university of Arizona Libraries Special Collections in Tucson. Entitled “Art and Business of Writing,” the non-credit course is geared toward post-graduate and professional level students and writers interested in

taking the next step in developing their craft. in nine six-hour sessions, the classes focus on the creative and business dimensions of writing through lectures, discussions and one-on-one feedback. Participants will have an opportunity to develop an in-depth relationship with the author of the Joanna Brady and J.P. Beaumont series. Registration closes May 19. info: http://bit.ly/QB6zsE.

Desert Sleuths member Lori Hines, a paranormal mystery writer, is also host of “under the Surface” on WHVR Digital Broadcasting at www.whvrdigital.com. She talks to guests from all over the world, including Native American artisans and entertainers, authors, archaeologists and historians, every Friday evening. Her books include The Ancient Ones, Caves of the Watchers and Whispers Among the Ruins.

in addition, Jenn Czep and Brent

Heffron are hosts of an audio podcast called “The Brick Cave Bookcast,” where they cover various events, news, media and books on the second and fourth Sunday of the month . They also provide videos of special event coverage in interviews, and review self-published books at http://brickcaveaudio.com/the-brick-cave-bookcast. A visitor at Tucson Festival of Books, Czep is interested in featuring Desert Sleuths in an upcoming podcast.

Dragonfly Book Contest Open

Art, business of writing with J.A. Jance

Radio Shows for Writers

10 | APRIL 2014

Laurie Fagen, 2014 president of Desert Sleuths/SinC, is working on a crime fiction manuscript with a young radio reporter protagonist. She has short stories published in the past two Desert Sleuths’ anthologies, and is an Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine honorable mention winner. A former community newspaper publisher, Fagen is also an artist, art promoter and jazz singer.

M E M B E R S P O T L i G H T

international traveler Jacinda Power of Chandler, who has lived abroad for a number of years, says being “obsessed” with mystery novels as a child in Kansas makes writing mysteries an integral part of who she is.

“i frequently ran around the back yard with a magnifying glass pretending to be Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew or Encyclopedia Brown,” she quips.

Her interest in law enforcement also began very early. At 16, she was selected to participate in the Kansas Highway Patrol Cadet Academy and later won a Fraternal Order of Police college scholarship.

By high school graduation, she had decided the forensic sciences would be an excellent career path, despite no degrees offered in the field at that time. A Kansas Bureau of investigation agent advised her to “get the most unconventional and broad experience you can to distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicants.”

While attending Wichita State university, working on a BS in Biology/minor in Chemistry, she was employed with their Administration of Justice Department, where she met well-known law enforcement professionals, assisted her criminalistics/firearm professor in trajectory re-enactments and had enough credits for a second minor in Administration of Justice. She learned the basics of forensic anthropology from Dr. Peer Moore-Jansen and Dr. Andrew Chamberlain, both of whom instilled her passion for the subject.

She holds a Master’s of Science degree from the university of Sheffield

(uK) in Biomolecular Archaeology, which is the scientific analysis of biological materials from ancient source material.

That was the start of her interest in bones, and after getting married, she and her husband moved to ireland where she analyzed skeletal remains in sites that were anticipating construction.

“i would clean and reconstruct the skeletons, and assess sex, age, height and any health issue that might have left its signature in the bones or teeth of the individual.”

A return to the u.S. took her to Virginia Commonwealth university to be part of a team that sequenced bacterial genomes, and later, research regarding cancer “suicide” pathways. Her research has been published in several medical/scientific journals and one in a European archaeological journal.

Fast forward nearly eight years and three children later, Power has been working on a manuscript that includes a postdoc anthropologist protagonist, also trained in biomolecular archaeology, who will get involved in archaeological and current investigations.

Favorite mystery authors include Matthew Cox, Matthew Pearl, Thomas Harris, Michael Gruber, Deborah J Ledford, Alan Bradley and Jasper Fforde.

She calls meeting Desert Sleuths “serendipity,” and has jumped in to help co-chair the Nuts & Bolts writing conference in April.

“i hope to make lifelong friendships here, as well as look forward to learning the craft from all of you.”

Arizona’s ‘Bones’ By LAURIE FAgEN

Jacinda Power

in the 1920s, Leslie Charteris created the fictional detective and thief, “Simon Templar,” who was featured in multiple novels and novellas for many years. The initials of his name, ST, which, conveniently are the abbreviation for the word “saint,” appeared on his business card. His automobile, a white Volvo P1800, had a license plate reading “ST1.”

“it was terrific pulp,” wrote mystery writer Ric Meyers. “From the moment it started with Moore talking to the audience and the halo appearing above his head, you knew you were going to get a lighthearted adventure about a larger-than-life character – and it paid off on that promise. it went from dealing with the Mafia in Sicily, to dealing with giant ants on the Scottish moors. it was dumb fun but the accent was on fun.”

Roger Moore, who was playing Beau Maverick and James Bond during part of the series run, took on the suave and sophisticated Robin Hood-like character. An interesting note: all the suits he wore in the series between 1962 and 1969 were his own.

in the early run of the program in the uK, the first 71 episodes of the series were filmed in black and white. A more Bond-like espionage element was emphasized when NBC picked up the show, added color in 1966, and for the next 47 episodes, placed it in a prime time slot. Earlier film portrayals used George Sanders, Louis Hayward and Hugh Sinclair.

The TV episodes had few regular characters. inspector Claude Teals

was played by ivor Dean, Winsley Pithey and Norman Pitt and inspector Fernack by Allan Gifford. ST’s sidekick, Hoppy, was portrayed by Percy Herbert.

Most of the early shows were based on Charteris novels, and while there is always the comparison to Moore’s “James Bond,” his “Saint”

was both hard-boiled and debonair – the combination found in British amateur sleuths and American private eyes. He is unconventional, seeking justice and often not popular with the authorities.

Roger Moore’s “Simon Templar” broke the fourth wall. During the opening and closing sequences, Templar would turn to the audience and clue them in a bit as to what happened, or had happened.

A&E has quite a few of the episodes on DVD, but the most complete sets can be found in Network Distribution’s British TV shows.

Let’s talk about TV crime: The Saint By HowARD (DoC) CARRoN

Deser tSleuths .com | 11

C R i M E C O R N E R : A N A R T i C L E B Y A D E S E R T S L E u T H

Writer, musician, artist, chef and actor, Howard “Doc” Carron is a retired reference librarian who enjoys writing short mysteries and sharing his interest in that genre.

12 | APRIL 2014

Katherine Atwell Herbert is the author of The Perfect Screenplay: Writing It and Selling It, Writing Scripts Hollywood Will Love, 2nd Ed., and Selling Scripts to Hollywood, following a career as a script analyst and scriptwriter in Hollywood and screenwriting instructor. Herbert has also written a mystery manuscript called “The Bad Lie” about a woman found dead on a golf course. Info: kateherbert.com.

R E C A P O F M A R C H M E E T i N G

Read any book on writing novels, listen to any lecture on penning mysteries, and you will learn that you must make your scenes authentic and read true to life. The speakers featured at the March meeting, both of whom work for the City of Peoria Police Department, gave members about as much reality as they could handle. After hearing the talk, writers can eliminate the temptation to “appropriate” material from NCiS — they won’t need to, they’ll know how it really works, and they will recognize if they have fallen prey to the “CSi effect.” More about that later.

Crime Analyst Ginger Sanabria and Property Room and Evidence Management Supervisor

Deborah Shaw explained their job responsibilities and answered questions regarding crime scenes and crime fighting strategies employed by police departments.

Shaw, who was formerly a crime scene technician and supervisor, began by explaining specifically what happens when a crime is reported and officers arrive. Shaw takes pictures, beginning with a shot of the overall scene, progressing to closer shots including specific pieces of evidence. She makes certain all evidence is collected properly and aides the detectives in their efforts to determine how the event developed.

Sanabria says she rarely visits actual crime scenes. instead, her tasks include determining geographic patterns of specific crimes, keeping tabs on recently released convicts, and types of crimes committed during a particular time period. From this information, she evaluates possible future crimes and their general location as well as analyzing who may commit those crimes. She informed the audience that about 80% of crimes are committed by repeat offenders.

Following their comments, both women enthusiastically answered the many questions that were asked. And the CSi effect? According to Wikipedia, it’s the public perception that the forensic science of television shows is in fact a reflection of reality. And, yes, according to Shaw, she’s dealt with people who think the TV version of crime labs matches real life labs. She often wishes they did.

March Meeting a “Reality” ShowBy KATHERINE AT wELL HERBERT

Peoria PD’s Ginger Sanabria and Deborah Shaw Photo by Tim Moore

Is that nine zeros? http://bit.ly/1lCqB2K

Follow the money http://bit.ly/1h3M2Yz

What’s a good book worth? http://bit.ly/1kBI2Q8

Rise and rise of Goodreads http://bit.ly/1boMuPJ

Sophie Hannah’s top 10 http://bit.ly/1j0Fk48

a Rowling by any other name http://bit.ly/1e061QI

Book ‘em http://nyr.kr/1aM5R4k

Binge reading? http://nyti.ms/1hBaCPa

Reality check http://huff.to/1hBavmI

Just pick a spot http://nyti.ms/1hBauiA

Read this … when you get around to it http://lat.ms/1i2vXgQ

Top ten sentences http://bit.ly/1g4HOKh

Where’s the nearest book store? http://nyti.ms/1jIR5Lw

Where did that come from? http://bit.ly/1i2x7cd

The folk song connection http://bit.ly/1pRJyfg

First you kill the lawyer http://bit.ly/1fuFAry

Call me crazy http://bit.ly/1nK5lty

Try someone new http://huff.to/1or7pan

Don’t be like that http://bit.ly/1e6yqpz

Total book sales up 1% in 2013 over 2012 Adult e-book, hardcover sales up 3.8%, 9.7%, resp; trade paperbacks down 9.3% http://bit.ly/1fuDPdT

E-book royalty war Authors vs. publishers battle limiting which e-books you can buy http://bit.ly/1fN4zTM

E-book settlement refunds start flowing Refunds from Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Penguin http://bit.ly/1fN4uzg

End of paper vs. digital reading debate? Paper has a place in our hybrid future http://bit.ly/1hBbiUI

12 Books that end mid-sentence Endings that aren’t really endings http://bit.ly/1ecWBTh

How to research like a writer Research is a snap in the Internet age? http://bit.ly/1h3Nlqy

Larcenous Links

industry links

C A u G H T i N T H E A C T : L O C A L A N D i N D u S T R Y N E W S

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R O G u E ’ S G A L L E R Y

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Judith Starkston with Terry ShamesSisters in Crime Desert Sleuths booth at Tucson Festival of Books

Cathy Rogers, Kris Neri, Connie Flynn, Laurie Fagen, Roni Olson and Virginia Nosky Roni Olson with Tim Hallinan

Karen Randau talks to a fan while J.A. Jance signs a book in the Desert Sleuths booth Steve Fleischman and Anne Hillerman

P H O T O S B Y T i M M O O R E

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Art Kerns and Connie Flynn Cathy Rogers signing a book for a fan

Elaine Powers and a fan Clark Lohr with a fan

Tara Majuta selling raffle tickets Steve and Elaine Fleischman selling raffle tickets

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DESERT SlEUTHS ANTHOlOgY

Ever been in the wrong place, at the wrong time? Feel safe where you are now?

In this volume from the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter, 20 authors show why you need to keep your guard up. Be ready to react.

In the desert, in the mountains, in the Valley towns of Arizona, when you least expect it...

It’s CRIME TIME.

To purchase a copy of this or past Desert Sleuths anthologies, visit DesertSleuths.com and click on “store.”

“Suspenseful, surprising and sometimes even hilarious! This twisty and entertaining collection of revenge, retaliation, and diabolical deeds not only showcases the gorgeous and unique southwest — but also the skill and originality of these incredibly talented sisters in crime. Loved it!”

– Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, Macavity and Mary Higgins Clark award winning author

“A southwest crime wave of bad men, strong gals, and one cool cat in a delicious collection of tales infused with passion, revenge, trickery, greed, and deceit. Spicy and tasty as a crisp chimichanga!”

–Rochelle Staab, author of the award-winning Mind for Murder mysteries.

***

“From the desert to the mountains, from the grungiest cabin to the swankiest mansion, from the oldest native traditions to streets in Scottsdale where the stucco isn’t dry— these stories bring the southwest to exuberant life. Heartswelling hero(in)es, dastardly villains, and a glorious, rabblesome chorus of authentic folks jump off the pages. What a box of delights!”

–Catriona McPherson, Agatha, Macavity, and Left Coast Crime award-winning author of the Dandy Gilver series and As She Left It.

***

“in the way Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire Mysteries introduced readers to Wyoming, SoWest: Crime Time reveals greater Arizona’s wild and independent spirit, the collision of the urbane, urban and untamed nature. Beautifully curated and edited, SoWest: Crime Time will drive readers to search for more works written by the authors in this collection. Suspense on every page!”

–Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai mystery series and Murder on Bamboo Lane: An Officer Ellie Rush Mystery

P R A i S E F O R D E S E R T S L E u T H S A N T H O L O G Y

Don’t miss out on all the benefits Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter has to offer. if you haven’t renewed your membership, please go to the Membership page on the Desert Sleuths website.

Professional dues are only $20 a year; new “associate” memberships for fans and readers are $10; institutional memberships are $50.

We’ve made renewing your annual membership or becoming a new member easy with three ways to pay:

Local chapter dues are $20 professional, $50 institutionalNational professional dues are $40, or $80 for two years; $35 for active members.

We value your membership. Help continue to make Desert Sleuths the best Sisters in Crime Chapter in the entire nation.

•Monthlymeetingswithprofessionals in the writing and crime fighting industry

•Monthlye-newsletterhighlightingvaluable news articles, updates on publishing information, links to sites for research, member spotlight and much more

•Discountedmemberratesatannual conference and other events

•Networkingopportunitieswithother writers and published authors

•Supportforyourwritingendeavors

•Opportunitytoshowcaseyourbooks at monthly DS meetings, events and appearances, and sign them at events such as the Tucson Festival of Books

•Opportunitytosubmitashort story for consideration to the Desert Sleuths Chapter anthologies, a perk available only to members.

1) Via PayPal at the website: http://desertsleuths.com/?page_id=19

2) Mail a check payable to: SinC Desert Sleuths Chapter P.O. Box 9352 Phoenix, AZ 85068

3) Cash or check at the next Desert Sleuths meeting, on the third Wednesday of the month except August and December

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Wall Street Room 4000 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-994-1100

Make checks payable to: SinC Desert Sleuths

Mail to: Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter PO Box 9352, Phoenix, AZ 85068 desertsleuths@gmail.com

Make checks payable to: SinC Membership

Mail to: SinC Membership PO Box 442124, Lawrence, KS 66044 www.sistersincrime.org

B E C O M E A M E M B E R

SHARE YOUR NEWS

Would you like to share your writing-related events and announcements with the Sisters and Misters? Join Desert Sleuths on Facebook and Twitter and on the Web:

FaC E B O O K

T W I T T E R

W E B

FaCEBOOKSearch: Sisters in Crime - Desert Sleuths Chapter

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FOllOW US

Benefits of membership:

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