Category Archives: Brenda’s Posts

Summer, then Fall

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

The precipitous leap from summer to fall always takes me by surprise, never more than this year, when truly summery days were so precious. The time we spent in Brooklin in late July and early August turned out to be … Continue reading →

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First Words

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

A good mystery sings from the get-go. “It was one hell of a night to throw away a baby.” Those dozen words opened Julia Spencer-Fleming’s 2002 debut novel, In the Bleak Midwinter. I’ve never forgotten them. Julia made good on … Continue reading →

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Maine Crime Wave 2023 – A Preview

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

If you haven’t done so already, mark your calendar for June 9 and 10, when the Maine Crime Wave will roll into Portland, carrying crime writers and fans of crime fiction in its wake. This year’s ‘Wave, to be held … Continue reading →

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Tuning In

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

Lately I’ve been thinking about the beauty of a well-written TV series, because there are so many of them from which to choose.  Back when network TV and a few “premium” channels like HBO were the only options, well-written shows … Continue reading →

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Winter’s Joys (Really).

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

It’s March, and there’s only so much complaining you can do about the sleet, the slush and the potholes, so today I’m going to talk about the joys of winter. The snow’s piling up outside my window as I write … Continue reading →

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How Cold Was It Where You Were?

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

How cold was it at your house last weekend? The short, intense cold snap had everyone comparing notes and reminiscing about their personal histories of facing down bitter temperatures, a can-you-top-this competition of sorts, familiar to those of us raised … Continue reading →

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My 2022 Stack

Posted on January 5, 2023 by Brenda Buchanan

I didn’t need socks this year. The bottom drawer of my dresser is jammed so full I struggle to close it sometimes, so Smartwools weren’t on my list. Similarly, I’ve got plenty of scarves, hats, gloves. I didn’t need any … Continue reading →

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Best Reads of 2022

Posted on December 5, 2022 by Brenda Buchanan

As the year rolls toward its close—and with holiday shopping season in high gear—there are many Best Books of 2022 lists being written by book reviewers across the nation. One annual list I find to be particularly well done is … Continue reading →

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New England Crime Bake 2022 – History is Mystery

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Brenda Buchanan

I’m just back from the New England Crime Bake, a three-day conference of crime writers from across the region, and have some highlights and photos to share. This year’s Guest of Honor was William Martin, the master of the historical … Continue reading →

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The Poets Say It Best

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Brenda Buchanan

 On these suddenly truncated days when we strive to convince ourselves winter is not rounding the near corner, I’m comforted by poetry that honors this season of transition and all the metaphors it offers.  Here are some of my favorites, … Continue reading →

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