WHAT’S YOUR GENRE by Steve Steinbock My re-reading of Julian Symons’s Bloody Murder has gotten me thinking about all sorts of things. It’s a brilliant book. It’s short, and although it’s densely written, it’s easy to read. And it’s packed with things to think about. A word about Symons for those of you who haven’t […]

THE TASTE OF QUEENS by Steve Steinbock The turkey is in the oven, and I’ve been enjoying the Thanksgiving thoughts of my colleagues Rob Lopresti and Deborah Elliott-Upton. Being in a festive mood, I’d considered doing a Thanksgiving-themed column as well. But by the time this column goes up, the turkey, cranberries, yams and stuffing […]

RANDOM ACTS by Steve Steinbock Last week I lamented the sad demise of the word Random, which I thought at the time had become new youth slang for anything useless or idiotic. I was hoping to be able to tell you, like Mark Twain, that reports of the death of randomness were greatly exaggerated. But […]

BRIEF THOUGHTS by Steve Steinbock This week’s Bandersnatches may come off as more random than most (and I know that’s saying a lot). I began thinking about the week’s column, not having much of anything to say, and now I find myself surrounded by ideas and not sure where to begin. I suppose I’ll start […]

GOING GOTH by Steve Steinbock Last week, with Halloween looming like a harvest moon, I threatened to go “Goth.” Now, with the Hunter’s Moon just starting to wane, I’m back and I’m keeping my promise. Don’t expect dark makeup, leather, or spikes. When I go Goth I do it for real. Two years back, James […]

A BITE BEFORE HALLOWEEN by Steve Steinbock Tomorrow night the streets will be filled with vampires, werewolves, princesses, and comic book superheroes. I considered arriving at Criminal Brief headquarters dressed all Goth, but my lace shirt was at the cleaners. Besides, as my friend and fellow Criminal Briefer James Lincoln Warren so eloquently explained two […]

ON A SHORT LEASH by Steve Steinbock I’ve got to keep myself on a short leash. Otherwise I just have too much fun. And then were would my Criminal Brief column be? Last weekend I had a wonderful time at Bouchercon. It’s always great seeing old friends and making new friends. I connected with fellow […]