Location – Wyoming
Craig Johnson/Longmire
Craig Allen Johnson is an American author who writes mystery novels. He is best known for his Sheriff Walt Longmire novel series. The books are set in northern Wyoming, where Longmire is sheriff of the fictional county of Absaroka. Wikipedia
For fans of the Netflix series (Longmire,) if you have watched the six seasons, grab a book. Walt, Vicki, Ruby and the gang live on…
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James (Jim) Sallis
James Sallis
R.I.P.
James Sallis (born December 21, 1944 in Helena, Arkansas, United States) is an Americancrime writer, poet, critic, musicologist and musician, best known for his series of novels featuring the detective character Lew Griffin and set in New Orleans, and for his 2005 novel Drive, which was adapted into a 2011 film of the same name.
Acclaimed author James Sallis died on Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 81, after a long battle with illness. Sallis was a native of Helena, Arkansas.
Sallis may have been known for his novels, but he was more than just an author. He was also a creative writing teacher, musician, screenwriter, periodical editor, book reviewer, and translator.
As posted by Poison Pen Bookshop – Scottsdale, AZ :
“We are very sorry to have to share that author James Sallis passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, peacefully, with his wife Karyn by his side, after a long illness. No funeral is planned. If you feel moved to donate in his memory, the family suggests ACLU or the Humane Society as worthy charities that Jim valued.”
Film – Drive starring Ryan Gosling
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Alafair Burke
Alafair Burke is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of over twenty novels.
In addition to the standalone novels that have earned her a reputation as “a genius for plot” (Oprah Magazine) and “a virtuoso” of domestic suspense (Minneapolis Star Tribune), she authors “two power house series” (Sun-Sentinel) featuring NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher and Portland Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid. Alafair is also the co-author of the “Under Suspicion” series with Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark.
Her 2025 release “The Note”, is a new thriller about a prank played by three women on vacation in the Hamptons causes them to get caught up in a police investigation over a missing person.
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Martin Cruz Smith
Martin Cruz Smith
Martin Cruz Smith is an American mystery novelist. He is best known for his eight-novel series on Russian investigator Arkady Renko, who was first introduced in 1981 with Gorky Park. Wikipedia
