This episode features the mystery short story, Crime of Passion written by mystery author Guy Belleranti, read by local actor Kelly Ventura. You can learn more about Guy Belleranti on his website guybelleranti.com.  This story was originally published by Woman's World in their January 23, 2007 issue.  In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Kelly Ventura has read many past podcast stories for us and they too are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode-both to this podcast and to the podcast newsletter. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features an excerpt from Clean Up on Aisle Six by Daniel Stallings. It is read by local actor Ian Jones. Clean Up on Aisle Six was published in October 2019 by Pace Press, an imprint of Linden Publishing Inc. and is available for purchase. You can learn more about this book, and other books by Daniel Stallings, on the author's website danielstallings.com. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode-both to this podcast and to the podcast newsletter. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the mystery short story "Vengeance In Cadmium Blue" by Margaret Mendel and read by local actor Ariel Linn. You can learn more about Margaret and her writing on her website pushingtime.com. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Ariel Linn has read many past podcast stories for us and they too are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode-both to this podcast and to the podcast newsletter. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the first chapter of Death Over Easy by Maddie Day aka Edith Maxwell. It is read by local actor Julia Reimer. Death Over Easy was published by Kensington in July of 2018 and is part of the Country Store Mystery series. This book and others by Maddie/Edith are available for purchase. You can learn more about her writing on her website. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Julia Reimer has also read past podcast stories for us and they too are available here, and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and most places where you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode-both to this podcast and to the podcast newsletter. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features an excerpt from The Wrong Girl by Donis Casey. It is read by local actors Maxwell Debbas and Brianne Vogt Debbas. You can learn more about Donis on her website doniscasey.com. The Wrong Girl is the first installment of a new series published by Poisoned Pen Press. It came out in November of 2019 and is available for purchase. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Maxwell Debbas has also read past podcast stories for us and they too are available here, and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and most places where you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode-both to this podcast and to the podcast newsletter. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the mystery short story "Busted At the Book Sale" by Margaret S. Hamilton and read by local actor Donna Beavers. You can learn more about Margaret and her writing on her website margaretshamilton.wordpress.com. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Donna Beavers has also read a past podcast story for us and it too is available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the first chapter of They Tell Me You Are Cunning by David Hagerty. It is read by local actor Thomas Nance. They Tell Me You Are Cunning was published by Evolved Publishing in June of 2019 and is available for purchase. You can learn more about David Hagerty on his website davidhagerty.net. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Thomas Nance has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and other places that you listen to podcasts.

This episode features the first chapter of Staging is Murder by Grace Topping. It is read by local actor Ariel Linn. Staging is Murder was published by Henery Press in April of 2019 and is available for purchase. The next book in the series, Staging Wars, comes out in April of 2020. You can learn more about Grace Topping on her website gracetopping.com. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Ariel Linn has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others.

This episode features the mystery short story "Two Hundred Miles" written by Margaret Lucke and  read by local actor Teya Juarez. You can learn more about Margaret Lucke and her writing on her website margaretlucke.com. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Teya Juarez has also read a past podcast story for us and it too is available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features an excerpt from the first chapter of The Body in Griffith Park by Jennifer Kincheloe. It is read by local actor Casey Ballard. The Body in Griffith Park is the third book in the Anna Blanc mystery series, published by Seventh Street Books in July of 2019 and is available for purchase. You can learn more about Jennifer Kincheloe and her writing on her website jenniferkincheloe.com. We have something a little different with this episode, the intro to the chapter is read by one of the members of the It Was A Dark and Stormy Book Club podcast. You can learn more about them on their website itwasadarkandstormybookclub.com. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Casey Ballard has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others.

This episode features the first chapter of The Five Manners of Death by Darden North. It is read by local actor Ariel Linn. The Five Manners of Death was published in 2017 by WordCrafts Press and is available for purchase. You can learn more about Darden North and his writing on his website dardennorth.com. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Ariel Linn has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others.

This episode features the mystery short story, "Sand Dollar Secrets" by Maggie Toussaint, read by local actor Leigh Ratliff. This story has some romance mixed with the mystery in honor of Valentine's Day. You can learn more about Maggie Toussaint on her website maggietoussaint.com. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the mystery short story, “Bark Simpson and the Scent of Death” by Alan Orloff, read by local actor Sean Hopper. This story was published in Chesapeake Crimes: Fur, Feathers, and Felonies in March or 2018. You can learn more about Alan Orloff and his writing on his website alanorloff.com. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the first chapter of A Legacy of Murder by Connie Berry. It is read by local actor Ariel Linn. A Legacy of Murder was published by Crooked Lane Books in October of 2019.This book, and the first book in the series, are available for purchase. You can learn more about Connie and her writing on her website connieberry.com. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Ariel Linn has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others.

This is a special bonus episode, which features the first chapter of Ghost Busting Mystery, Book 1 in the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency by Daisy Pettles. What makes this one different is that we are sharing their own recording of the first chapter from their new podcast, Daisy Pettles Crime Comedy, which features the entire book! You can find the recordings of the rest of the book, at daisypettles.podbean.com. The print or ebook copy of the book is also available for purchase. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the Christmas mystery short story, Crime Dog On the Road, written by mystery author Neil S. Plakcy, It is read by local actor Thomas Nance. You can learn more about Neil and his writing on his website. The same characters were featured in another podcast episode, Doggy DNA, which was also read by Thomas Nance. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the mystery short story A Christmas Trifle, a Meg Langslow story by Donna Andrews. It is read by local actor Ariel Linn. A Christmas Trifle was originally published in Homicidal Holidays: Fourteen Tales of Murder and Merriment by Wildside Press in June of 2014. You can learn more about Donna on her website, and her latest Meg Langslow Christmas Mystery novel, Owl Be Home For Christmas, is available for purchase. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Ariel Linn has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others.

This episode features the first chapter of The Cupid Caper, the first Finley Goodhart Crime Caper by Larissa Reinhart. It is read by local actor Teya Juarez. The Cupid Caper was published by Past Perfect Press on April 16, 2018 and is available for purchase. You can learn more about Larissa and her writing on her website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the mystery short story, Fig Newtons and Heavy Bags by Earl Staggs, read by local actor Donna Beavers. You can learn more about Earl Staggs and his writing on his website earlwstaggs.wordpress.com. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the first chapter of The Society by C.G. Abbot aka Avery Daniels, read by local actor Ariel Linn. The Society is the first Elizabeth Grant Thriller and was published by Blazing Sword Publishing, Ltd. in December of 2018. It is available for purchase. You can learn more about CG Abbot and her writing on her website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Ariel Linn has read several stories for us and all are available here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and others.

This episode features the mystery short story, “Mr. Borden Does Not Quite Remem…” written by Ana Brazil and read by local actor Kelly Ventura. You can learn more about Ana Brazil and her writing on her website anabrazil.com. This is another story that is perfect for Halloween, but of course fun to listen to any other time as well. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the mystery short story, The Mystery of the Jade Cats (As Told by a Cat Who Is Also a Player), written by Sharon K. Garner and read by local actor Ariel Linn. You can learn more about Sharon K. Garner and her writing on her website sharonkgarner.com. What could be more perfect as we near Halloween month, than a story featuring a black cat! In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews. Ariel Linn has read several of our other episodes as well!

This episode features the first chapter of Spirit Wind by Marilyn Meredith, read by local actor Julia Reimer. Spirit Wind is the latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery by Marilyn, and came out in 2019. You can purchase this book, and other books in the series, and learn more about them and the author on her website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Julia has also read several other episodes for us, including Boxes in the Basement, Evening Call, Iced Blonde, and What A Little Cinnamon Can Do.

This episode features the mystery short story, Murderous Lies by Peter DiChellis, read by local actor Rene A. Ponce. You can learn more about Peter DiChellis and his writing on his website shortwalkdarkstreet.wordpress.com. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features an excerpt from A High-End Finish, the first Fixer-Upper Mystery by Kate Carlisle, read by local actor Casey Ballard. A High-End Finish was published in 2014 by Berkley. You can purchase this book, and other books in the series, and learn more about them and the author on her website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us! Casey has also read Murder Gone Missing and Murder at the Driskill.

This episode features the mystery short story, Cracking the Case of Humpty Dumpty, written by Chelle Martin and read by local actor John Masier. You can learn more about Chelle Martin on her website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate it as that helps more people be able to find us! Also, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. You can find more mystery fun on our websites Kings River Life Magazine and KRL News and Reviews.

This episode features the first chapter of Sifting Through Clues by Daryl Wood Gerber, and for a different twist, Daryl happens to be an actress herself so she is also doing the reading. Sifting Through Clues was published by Beyond the Page Publishing in April of 2019 as a part of her Cookbook Nook Mystery series. It is available for purchase and you can learn more about Daryl and her books on her website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters (usually) read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us, especially on iTunes/Apple Podcasts! You can find more mystery fun on our websites, Kings River Life and KRL News and Reviews-including book giveaways!

This episode features the mystery short story, The Wrong Coffee Shop by Sharon Marchisello, and it is read by local actor Ariel Linn. This story was published in Shhhh... Murder! an anthology published by Darkhouse Books on September 11, 2018. You can learn more about Sharon Marchisello on her website sharonmarchisello.com. Ariel has been featured in several podcast episodes. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the first chapter of A Baker Street Wedding by Michael Robertson, read by local actor Kelly Ventura. A Baker Street Wedding was published by Minotaur Books in December of 2018 and is part of the Baker Street Letters series. It is available for purchase, and you can learn more about Michael's writing on his website. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the first chapter of What We Found by Kris Bock, read by local actor Ariel Linn, with the male lines read by actor Sean Hopper. This is the first time we have ever tried using more than one actor on an episode. What We Found was published by Pig River Press in 2012 and is available for purchase. You can learn more about Kris Bock and her writing on her website. Ariel has been the reader on several episodes of our podcast, and Sean most recently read Liquor Store Holdup. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the mystery short story, Liquor Store Holdup by K.M. Rockwood, and it is read by local actor Sean Hopper. The story was published in Jack Hardway’s Crime Magazine, v. 2 # 2, March/April 2015. You can learn more about K.M. Rockwood's writing on her website, and check out our earlier episode featuring the first chapter of her novel, Fostering Death, right here on Mysteryrat's Maze. Sean has also done the reading for The Way to a Man's Heart. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. If you enjoyed this episode please review or rate the episode as that helps more people be able to find us!

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novel The Inn At Holiday Bay: Boxes in the Basement by Kathi Daley, and it is read by local actor Julia Reimer. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Kathi Daley, and how to purchase this book and many others, on her website. Julia has also done the readings for Evening Call, Iced Blonde, and What A Little Cinnamon Can Do.

This episode features the mystery short story, Evening Call by Julia Buckley, and is read by local actor Amelia Ryan. This story won first place in Sisters in Crime Chicago chapter short story contest in 2017. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Julia and her other writing on her website.

This episode features the mystery short story, Two Men On, One Man Dead by Jack Bates, and is read by local actor Ariel Linn. This is a baseball mystery, which seemed perfect with the baseball season nearly here! This story has never before been published or recorded. In each episode, we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Jack Bates and his writing on his website.

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novel Fostering Death by K.M. Rockwood, and it is read by local actor Thomas Nance. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about K.M. Rockwood's books and how to purchase Fostering Death, on her website. Thomas has also done the readings for Mercy Killer and Doggy DNA.

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novel Murder Gone Missing By Lida Sideris, and it is read by local actor Casey Ballard. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Lida's books and how to purchase Murder Gone Missing, on her website. Casey also did the reading for Murder at the Driskill.

This episode features the mystery short story, The Way to a Man's Heart, written by mystery author Merrilee Robson, and read by local actor Sean Hopper. This story seemed perfect for a twisted take on Valentine's Day. The Way to a Man's Heart was published in October of 2017 in Over My Dead Body mystery magazine. Merrilee also wrote the story for another podcast episode, The Mercy Killer. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Merrilee's writing on her website.

This episode features the mystery short story, When Pigs Fly, written by mystery author Lesley A. Diehl and read by Fresno actor Cyndle Cee. This story is a bit whimsical and is the kind of story the whole family can enjoy! In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Leslie's writing on her website.

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novella Ice Blonde by Elaine Viets, which features death investigator Angela Richman, and it is read by local actor Julia Reimer. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Elaine on her website. Ice Blonde, and other books in the series, are all available for purchase and were published by JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc. Julia Reimer has read several other Mysteryrat's Maze podcast episodes.

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novel Ruined Stones written by Mary Reed and Eric Mayer as Eric Reed, and it is read by local actor Paddy Myers. This podcast episode is set around Christmas time. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Eric and Mary's books and how to purchase Ruined Stones, as well as other books by them, on their website. Paddy Myers is also the reader for our podcast The Deepest Grave.

This episode features the mystery short story, What A Little Cinnamon Can Do, written by mystery author L. D. Barnes and read by Fresno actor Julia Reimer. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about the writing of L.D. Barnes on  her website.    

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novel "The Plunge" by Nancy G. West, read by local actor Ariel Bennett. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Nancy's books and how to purchase "The Plunge" and other books by her on her website.

This episode features the mystery short story, The Mercy Killer, written by mystery author Merrilee Robson and read by Kingsburg actor Thomas Nance. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Merrilee's writing on her website.

This episode features an excerpt, specially adapted for this podcast by Cleo Coyle, from her novel The Ghost and Mrs. McClure: Book #1 of the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries Published in 2004 by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House. It is being read by local actor Max Debbas. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. The latest book in this series, The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller, was released in September of 2018 and both books are available for purchase. To learn more about Cleo Coyle visit CleoCoyle.com and to learn more about the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries visit HauntedBookshopMystery.com.

This episode features the first chapter of the mystery novel "Murder at the Driskill" by Kathleen Kaska, and read by local actor Casey Ballard. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Kathleen's books and how to purchase "Murder at the Driskill" and others on her website.

This episode features the mystery short story, "Doggy DNA", written by mystery author Neil Plakcy and read by local actor Thomas Nance. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. You can learn more about Neil's writing on his website. This episode should appeal not only to mystery lovers, but also dog lovers!

This is our fourth episode and it features the mystery short story, "Players", written by mystery author Dennis Palumbo and read by Fresno actor Max Debbas. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. Players was previously published in From Crime to Crime, by Tallfellow Press.

This is our third episode and the first mystery novel first chapter that we have recorded. This episode features the first chapter of "The Deepest Grave", which is the latest Crispin Guest Medieval Noir mystery novel by Jeri Westerson. The book is published by Severn House. "The Deepest Grave" is read by Fresno actor Paddy Myers. In each episode we share with you mystery short stories and mystery novel first chapters read by actors from the San Joaquin Valley. The entire novel of "The Deepest Grave" is now available for purchase.