Crime Writers of Color Coming Attractions: October 2024

by Elizabeth Wilkerson

Counting the Hours

I recently discovered that The Count of Monte Cristo—that classic book I always knew I should read but never really felt drawn to—was written by a Black man, Alexandre Dumas. That changed everything for me. Suddenly, I was eager to read it.

As an audiobook listener, I naturally checked out the recorded version. I was surprised to see it was a whopping 52 hours long! That’s a huge commitment—a chunk of my life—just for one book. But Amazon described it as a “page-turning thriller.” (Maybe Dumas could’ve been a member of Crime Writers of Color.)


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I flirted with the idea of listening to an abridged version. It clocks in at only 17 hours. That would save me a lot of time, but what would I lose through the abridgment? In for a penny, in for a pound. I committed to the full experience.

I’m a fast reader and an even faster listener. I listen to audiobooks at 1.2X speed. Between Audible, my public library, and Spotify, I can mow down my TBR pile at record speed. But is that a good thing?

When I listen to audiobooks, there’s no physical book to remind me of the details. I just press a button and go. This disconnect means I sometimes finish a book without remembering the author’s name or even the book title. But The Count is forcing me to slow down. Fifty-two hours isn’t something you can rush through.

On social media, people proudly share how many books they’ve read. I get it—I love reading, too. But is fast reading like fast food? Does it bypass the joy of savoring every literary morsel, every delectable turn of phrase? Is there something noble about reading in quantity, or is there more pleasure in reading slowly?

As an author, I know how much sweat and attention goes into honing every word, every sentence, every paragraph. We readers might be missing something when we race through books.

I’m still working my way through The Count of Monte Cristo. And from time to time, I step away to dip into my TBR pile. But I come back to The Count, and I’ll finish the book. I’m in no rush.

As the year draws to a close, take a moment to slow down and enjoy these thrilling new releases by Crime Writers of Color!



Festive Mayhem 4
by Persia Walker, Barbara Howard, SG Wong, Elizabeth Wilkerson, Paige Sleuth, Lavelle Andrew Miller, Stella Oni,  Delia Pitts, Lekecia Barclay, P.M. Raymond, Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier, Jill Brock, Carolyn Marie Wilkins
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Thirteen crime writers of color have teamed up to offer you this collection of brand-new mystery and crime fiction stories, each one centered around a winter holiday. If you're drawn to shorter stories ranging from uplifting cozies, to action-packed thrillers, to darker suspense, then this anthology is for you!

The Alchemist of Brushstrokes and Brimstone by Gigi Pandian
Release Date: October 1, 2024
A stolen masterpiece. A brilliant woman written out of history. And a recipe for a lost color worth killing for. In the spellbinding 8th installment of the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries, centuries-old alchemist Zoe Faust and her gargoyle sidekick Dorian face their most colorful case yet. Investigating the theft of a treasured portrait that’s Zoe’s last link to her brother, Zoe uncovers a larger mission: restoring the legacy of a talented artist erased from art history.

The Missing Link by R Franklin James
Release Date: October 8, 2024, Camel Press
Genealogists can reveal more than family trees. Johanna Hudson discovers that her research skills can assist law enforcement, as well as locating missing persons. Leslie Todd is a grandchild of a witness protection program witness. Her grandfather turned state’s evidence. Social Security numbers, birth certificates, residences were faked. She seeks Johanna’s help to identify her real background. Only there was a reason why he was in the witness protection program—and it hasn’t gone away.

Silent are the Dead by D. M. Rowell
Release Date: November 19, 2024, Crooked Lane
The second day in Mud Sawpole’s unexpected quest starts with a missing body that leads to confrontations with deadly snakes—with rattlers and on two legs. Both want her dead. Mud faces new threats to her tribe and identity while struggling to keep her Silicon Valley business afloat. She must search deep within herself to find answers—and a murderer—in Mary Higgins Clark Award finalist D. M. Rowell’s thrilling sequel to Never Name the Dead.

When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar
Release Date: November 19, 2024, Soho Teen
The splintered relationship between two Indian American cousins is at the center of this dark, twisty YA mystery—perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen McManus, and Angeline Boulley.

Second-Chance Bodyguard: Touré Security Group, Book 3 by Patricia Sargeant
Release Date: November 26, 2024,
Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Corporate security expert Hezekiah TourĂ© agrees to go into hiding with private investigator Celeste Jarrett after a serial killer’s threat. Celeste has information Zeke’s family can use, but she’s always been a distraction Zeke should avoid. Will sharing a safe house bring them closer together—or force them farther apart?

The Perfect Murder by KD Richards
Release Date: November 26, 2024,
Harlequin Intrigue
LA cop turned PI Travis Collins was a rookie when Chelsea Harper’s father was put away for murder. Now Chelsea needs Travis to find the true culprit and clear her dad's name. When she narrowly misses being the victim of a hit-and-run, he starts believing that an innocent man is in prison. With the threat escalating and Travis determined to fight their growing attraction, can he lead Chelsea to the truth before a desperate killer succeeds a second time?

Echo by Tracy Clark
Release Date: December 3, 2024, Thomas & Mercer
Hardwicke House, home to Belverton College’s exclusive Minotaur Society, is no stranger to tragedy. And when a body turns up in the field next to the mansion, the scene looks chillingly familiar. Chicago PD sends hard-nosed Detective Harriet “Harri” Foster to investigate.

Love, Lies, and Local News by BarbaraHoward
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Journalist Elizabeth Nelson returns to her small town, reigniting passion with ex-flame Noah Montgomery. As they uncover local corruption and environmental crimes, a mysterious flood strikes. Elizabeth must choose between her globetrotting career and hometown intrigue. This romantic suspense novel blends second-chance love, small-town secrets, and dangerous investigations. Perfect for fans who enjoy mysteries, romance, and strong heroines balancing love and career in picturesque settings.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! 
Elizabeth Wilkerson was one of Silicon Valley’s first cyberlawyers and now writes thrillers with a tech edge. A native of Cleveland, her debut novel is Tokyo Firewall. You can learn more on her website.

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