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Jim Thomsen

A Quinn Martin Production. Act One.

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OK, So What IS a "Thriller"? About That New York Times List of Top 50 Thriller Novels

You won't find a coherent through-line in these selections beyond that of individual taste.

Bad Action Beats in Novels, or You Make My Gut Ululate Like the Wings of a Panther

Action beats—those pauses in the midst of physical or emotionally intense scenes—are essential to commercial story craft. But some are so overwrought that they pull you out of the story. Or do they?

Which Comes First: the Writing, or the Writing Friendship?

Have you ever been put in the position of feeling compelled by friendship to promote a book you feel isn't all that good? A look through the other end of the literary-friendship lens.

My Photographic Adventures with Norman Rockwell and Charles Brewkowski

This photo, a combination of sneakiness and sheer good fortune, seems to have struck a chord in the world. Seven years after I made it, some thoughts about making your own luck.

What Is Noir? And What Isn't? And Why Is A BOAT OFF THE COAST a Great Forgotten Noir Novel?

The 1987 novel by Stephen Dobyns, who died this month, is criminally overdue for a critical reexamination. As is the growing apathy surrounding the definition of noir.

The HACKS Finale ... and the Fine Art of Letting the Audience Decide What Happens

The second-to-last episode of the HBO series was the perfect ending to its five-season run. So what was the finale for?

The Mystery of the Private Detective

What does your taste in these genre heroes say about you?

Catching Heat for Your Words? Blame the Editor

Manuscript editors, by virtue of their anonymity, are convenient punching bags. Never mind that the author has final say — and ultimate responsibility — for the words published in their name.

The Comeback Kid

A 2025 that started on a terrible note ended on a pretty terrific one. For me, at least.

60 Going on '70s

Personal news and notes after a prolonged absence.