Joslyn Chase's Blog

Have you ever noticed how the holidays stir something deeper than nostalgia?

There’s a tug—at once joyful and aching—for home. For belonging. For something lost and hoped for. And sometimes, it’s not a cheerful carol or a sugar cookie that brings that longing to light…but a mystery. A moment of suspense. A glimpse into the shadows.

That’s what led me to write Crimes Upon a Midnight Clear—a collection of suspenseful, twist-filled stories set at Christmastime. Each tale carries the crackle of danger under the glow of twinkling lights, revealing how even amid peril, the yearning to be home for Christmas still beats strong.

Off-duty Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoy reading Crimes Upon a Midnight Clear

Because sometimes, the path to peace comes through peril.

And sometimes, a miracle arrives in disguise.

What’s Inside the Book?

In this holiday-themed collection, you’ll find:

A pickpocket whose final job tangles with destiny…

A Homeland Security agent racing to stop a Christmas town from being blown off the map…

A suspicious Santa who might not be what he seems…

Each story blends tension and tenderness, suspense and soul. I’ve set them in richly evocative places—from the Bavarian charm of Leavenworth to frost-rimmed forest hideaways—places that hold their own kind of magic and menace.

But what ties them all together is this: the universal desire to be safe, to be seen, to be home at Christmastime.

A Story Collection for the Season

If you love:

Clever twists that leave you guessing,

Mysteries with emotional depth,

Or stories where justice arrives gift-wrapped in the most surprising ways…

…I think you’ll find Crimes Upon a Midnight Clear just the kind of holiday reading to curl up with this winter.

I’m so delighted to finally share it with you. The book is available now, and I invite you to check it out and see which story stays with you the longest.

Maybe it’ll even spark a new tradition—a little Christmas suspense to go with your cider and snow.

How about you? Do you enjoy mysteries with a holiday twist? What’s your favorite winter read? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

The post Not Every Christmas Miracle Comes Wrapped in a Bow… appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

We’re coming into that season again—that crisp stretch of the year when lights go up, cocoa mugs come out, and we all start making room on our shelves. If you’re anything like me, you might already be thinking about which stories to revisit by the fire, and which new ones to give a try.

Well, here’s a bit of news I think you’ll enjoy!

Paraquel Press is offering a special holiday treat

My publisher is making a select list of my paperback books available at a wonderfully discounted price. It’s a limited-time offer, so if you’ve been thinking about grabbing a few titles for your winter reading—or gifting a suspense lover you know—now is a perfect moment.

The books on offer include:

Nocturne in Ashes – The explosive series starter that drops concert pianist Riley Forte into the deadly chaos of a volcanic eruption, the hunt for a murderer, and a life-altering secret.

Staccato Passage – Book two in the Riley Forte Suspense Thriller series, where undercover training turns lethal and every note could be her last.

Steadman’s Blind – The gripping thriller introducing Chief Deputy Randall Steadman and his no-nonsense partner Frost as they track an insidious evil during a disastrous event.

Rapid Pursuit – My latest pulse-pounder that barrels through twists, betrayals, and breakneck danger.

Crimes Upon a Midnight Clear – A chilling and charming collection of Christmas-themed mysteries and thrillers, because what’s the holiday season without a little deadly intrigue?

Each of these stories is designed to pull you in and hold you tight—rich with suspense, layered with character, and steeped in the kind of tension that keeps you flipping pages long past bedtime.

Why this matters

I’ve always believed that story is more than entertainment—it’s connection. A good mystery doesn’t just challenge the mind, it stirs the heart. And in a season that invites reflection, generosity, and the occasional stolen hour with a good book, I’m thrilled that Paraquel is making these titles more accessible for readers old and new.

I don’t know exactly how long the discounts will last, but I do know this: books make the best gifts—for others, and for ourselves.

So if one (or more!) of these titles has been waiting on your wishlist, now’s a great time to dive in.

You can find all the discounted paperbacks on my Paraquel Press book page or follow the links for each title above.

Wishing you wonder, warmth, and just the right dose of armchair danger this winter season.

How about you? Do you enjoy a little suspense with your seasonal cheer? Have a favorite mystery you revisit during the holidays? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

The post A Little Holiday Cheer…and a Big Opportunity for Readers appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

I still remember the first time I opened a Dick Francis novel. I was young, impressionable, and hungry for a story that would pull me in and not let go. That book was Nerve — and it delivered in spades.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I devoured every Dick Francis book I could get my hands on, sometimes twice.

So it might surprise you to know that I recently caught myself wondering—just how many books did Dick Francis actually write?

It’s a question worthy of a sleuth.

Let me share what I discovered…

An Author of Unstoppable Stamina

Dick Francis, former champion jockey turned bestselling author, wrote a grand total of 42 novels over the course of his career. These were published between 1962 and 2000, most of them clocking in at one per year—a pace as relentless and impressive as the Grand National steeplechase itself.

And that’s just the novels.

Add in his autobiography (The Sport of Queens), his authorized biography of jockey Lester Piggott, several short story collections, and a handful of nonfiction works co-authored with his son, Felix, and the count climbs even higher.

In fact, in his later years, Francis collaborated with Felix on several more thrillers, officially credited to both. Felix has since carried the torch, continuing the legacy with novels of his own in the same beloved tradition.

So why does the number matter?

Because a catalog like that is more than a tally. It’s a testament. A testament to a man who reinvented himself after a life-changing injury, who refused to let one chapter end without writing another.

His books gave us amateur sleuths, reluctant heroes, and ordinary men with extraordinary resolve. They gave us nail-biting suspense set against the fascinating backdrop of the British horse-racing world, laced with moral complexity and crisp, economical prose.

Francis wrote about courage. And in doing so, he displayed it.

A Legacy That Lives On

For those of us who love mystery and suspense, the Dick Francis collection is a treasure trove. It reminds me that good storytelling doesn’t just entertain—it reveals, connects, and endures.

So, back to the original question: How many books did Dick Francis write? Technically, 42 novels. But if you count the influence, the inspiration, and the impact?

Too many to measure.

How about you? Do you have a favorite Dick Francis novel? Has his work influenced your own reading or writing journey? Tell us about it in the comments.

The post How Many Books Did Dick Francis Write? A Mystery Worth Solving appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

For years, my writing mentor kept encouraging me to watch NCIS. He insisted it was some of the best writing in television. Ever.

It’s not that I didn’t believe him. It’s just that I never found the time to make it happen.

And then, I did. And got hooked.

There is something eminently satisfying about settling in with an episode of NCIS. The team dynamics, the steady cadence of investigation, the flashes of humor against a backdrop of life-and-death stakes. But for me, as a writer of mystery and suspense, watching NCIS is more than entertainment.

It’s a masterclass.

How do they do it?

I find myself analyzing how the writers weave together plot threads, layer in emotional stakes, and keep us on the edge of our seats—all while delivering a self-contained story in under an hour. And I’m amazed by what I’ve learned from the show.

So today, I’d like to take you behind the scenes—not of the Navy Yard, but of story construction. Let’s look at what NCIS can teach us about building suspense… and how those same techniques find their way into my own stories.

Red Herrings and Real Clues

One of the hallmarks of NCIS is the strategic placement of red herrings. We meet a character who seems suspicious—too smooth, too nervous, too eager to help. Our instincts tingle. But then a clue shifts the spotlight and we follow a new lead, only to be surprised later when the truth snaps into place.

This sleight of hand is essential to good suspense fiction. In my Riley Forte novels, I aim to guide readers down twisting corridors of possibility, allowing them to question, doubt, and piece things together alongside the protagonist. The trick is to play fair—every answer must be supported by clues that were there all along, hidden in plain sight.

Character Conflict as a Pressure Cooker

Another tool NCIS wields well is interpersonal tension. Think of those simmering moments between Gibbs and Tony, or when Abby’s moral compass conflicts with procedural protocol. These emotional undercurrents heighten suspense because they make every decision weightier, every step more uncertain.

In my own writing, I strive to craft characters who care deeply—and differently. Conflict doesn’t always mean shouting; sometimes it’s the quiet resistance, the unspoken hesitation, the glance that says more than words. Suspense lives not only in what’s happening but in how it matters to the people involved.

Ticking Clocks and Narrative Clues

Ever noticed how many NCIS episodes hinge on a tight timeline? A suspect in custody for only 24 hours. A bomb set to detonate. A virus on the verge of release. These ticking clocks create urgency and focus, pulling us into the story’s momentum.

I often use a similar device.

In Nocturne in Ashes, the eruption of Mt. Rainier sets the stage for a countdown no one can ignore. Time becomes a character—unforgiving, unrelenting. When used well, it forces action and sharpens suspense like a blade.

Signals from the Writers’ Room

One of the most fascinating things about NCIS is how the show signals what’s important without tipping its hand. A camera lingers a second too long. A line of dialogue gets echoed later in the episode. As viewers, we learn to pay attention—even when we don’t know why.

As a writer, I love embedding subtle signals—echoes of phrases, symbolic imagery, character callbacks. They create that satisfying “aha!” moment when everything clicks into place. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs through the forest of fiction.

Suspense That Satisfies

Ultimately, NCIS works because it marries plot with emotion. We’re not just curious about the crime—we care about the people solving it.

We want justice, yes, but we also want connection, redemption, closure. That’s what makes suspense truly satisfying.

And that’s what I aim for in my stories. Whether it’s a cold case cracking open after decades, or a musician-turned-operative racing against time, I want my readers to feel swept into a puzzle that matters. To engage both heart and mind.

How about you? Do you watch shows like NCIS with a writer’s eye—or simply for the thrill of it? Have you spotted techniques that kept you hooked? I’d love to hear your take in the comments.

Let’s keep learning from the stories around us—and weaving their wisdom into our own.

The post Secrets, Signals, and Story Hooks: What NCIS Can Teach Us About Writing Suspense appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

Some stories don’t wait politely to be read. They grab you by the collar, drag you into the scene, and whisper that something explosive is about to happen.

That’s the energy behind Rapid Pursuit, my newest collection of mystery and suspense stories—now available!

A peek at what’s inside…

In these fourteen tales, the clock is always ticking. You’ll meet characters poised on the knife-edge of justice and survival—ordinary people thrust into extraordinary danger, where every decision could be their last.

From hurricane-lashed beaches to snowbound back alleys, each story is a fresh dive into high-stakes tension and shadowy intrigue.

Many have appeared in publications like Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem, and Thrill Ride, but this is the first time they’ve been gathered in one place.

I can’t wait to share this

Some of my favorite moments came while writing these stories—moments where a twist revealed itself like a sudden trapdoor, or a character stepped off the expected path to do something quietly heroic… or chillingly unexpected.

If you enjoy stories where danger lurks in the pause between heartbeats, where revenge and redemption walk the same tightrope, Rapid Pursuit may be just your kind of ride.

You can get your copy now—and I hope you do!

Available in ebook, print, and audiobook
Includes reader favorites and some new surprises
Fast-paced, character-driven suspense at every turn

Whether you’re reading on a quiet night or a cross-country flight, I hope these stories bring a jolt of adrenaline and maybe even a shiver of recognition.

How about you? Do you have a favorite story that surprised you, or one that kept you turning pages past bedtime? Tell us about it in the comments.

The post Rapid Pursuit — A Collection of High-Stakes Suspense and Human Intrigue appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

Years ago, during a hurricane warning in Virginia Beach, I watched the Atlantic churn with an eerie kind of beauty—majestic, untamed, and dangerous. That image stuck with me.

What would happen, I wondered, if that same storm closed in on a building that couldn’t run for cover?

That seed of curiosity grew into Fastpitch, my latest thriller, where danger doesn’t knock politely—it kicks in the door.

Let me tell you a little about it…

A hurricane. A heist. A high-rise under siege.

Jake Parkin thought his days of ducking bullets were behind him. But when a monstrous hurricane barrels toward the coast, Jake chooses to stay behind—tasked with protecting the upscale high-rise and the handful of tenants who either can’t—or won’t—evacuate.

But the storm isn’t the only force bearing down.

Under cover of wind and rain, a crew of ruthless thieves infiltrates the building, intent on looting the penthouse. But their leader, Maxwell Kane, has a vendetta—one with Jake’s name on it. And this time, he’s not just after treasure. He wants blood.

When Anna—Jake’s softball teammate and friend—is dragged into the crosshairs, the fight becomes personal. Trapped. Outnumbered. Cut off from help. Jake must dig deep into his past, muster every ounce of courage, and outthink a deadly enemy if he’s going to survive the longest night of his life.

Readers helped choose the cover

For fun, I decided to get my readers involved in choosing the cover for Fastpitch after the publisher offered three options.

I reached out to the members of my readers’ group with a survey, and there was a clear winner, though each cover option got  a share of the votes.

I’m pleased to reveal the winning cover here, and thank my readers for chipping in with their thoughts and opinions. I appreciate it a lot when my readers participate in my writer’s journey.

Makes all the hard work worth it!

Why this story, and why now?

At its core, Fastpitch is about resilience. About the lengths we go to protect others. About confronting the ghosts we thought we buried—and finding redemption in the thick of chaos.

Jake’s journey is physical, yes, but also deeply emotional. He’s a man reckoning with regret and grappling with purpose after being sidelined by a world that’s moved on. I think many of us can relate to that in one way or another.

And Anna? She’s no damsel. She brings her own spark to the storm, reminding Jake—and the reader—that sometimes our truest allies come from the most unexpected places.

What readers can expect

If you enjoy:

Claustrophobic tension that makes you turn the pages faster

Gritty heroes with a past and a code

Survival stories that test the human spirit

And a setting that’s as much a character as the people in it…

…then I invite you to step into the eye of the storm.

Fastpitch is now available wherever books are sold online. I hope you’ll check it out—and if it keeps you reading late into the night, I’ll consider that mission accomplished.

How about you? Do you have a favorite “locked-in” thriller—or a storm story that’s stayed with you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

The post Trapped in the Storm—And the Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

In my Riley Forte Suspense Thriller series, Riley doesn’t just survive disaster—she evolves. A concert pianist turned undercover operative, she finds herself at the gates of Olivero Academy, a secret training facility hidden deep in the Bavarian countryside.

Olivero is a place of shadows and secrets, where the gifted are forged into something more.

But let me ask you this…

If you were in Riley’s shoes, could you make the cut?

It’s a question that intrigued me so much, I created a special experience to share with you—my reader and fellow thrill-seeker.

Introducing: The Olivero Entrance Exam

This is a fun, story-immersive, three-part challenge designed to stretch your mind and test your wits. You’ll tackle puzzles that echo real spycraft, dabble in code-breaking, and use your intuition and reasoning skills to navigate through.

Think of it as a peek behind the veil—your chance to step inside Riley’s world.

Here’s what you’ll find:

Part One: A web of ciphers hidden in plain sight. Can you solve the riddles and meet the challenge?

Part Two: A tactical logic scenario that requires both critical thinking and cool under pressure.

Part Three: A final brain-teaser with a twist—one that separates casual readers from true operatives.

It’s all in good fun (no real danger involved!), but I think you’ll find it engaging, a little addictive… and maybe even eye-opening.

I created this as a bonus for readers of Staccato Passage, but now I’m opening it up for anyone curious enough to take the test. Because if there’s one thing Riley’s story teaches us, it’s that ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges—especially when the stakes are high.

So, what do you say?

Are you ready to test your skills and take your shot at Olivero Academy?

Click here to accept your invitation.

The post Could You Make the Cut at Olivero Academy? appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

Have you ever noticed how the best stories often start with a simple setting—a quiet café, the clink of a spoon against porcelain, the gentle hum of conversation… until something goes deliciously wrong?

I’m thrilled to share that my newest short story, “A Few Telling Details,” is now available in the just-released Coffee House Capers edition of Mystery, Crime, and Mayhem magazine!

Your cup runneth over

This latest issue is brimming with cozy-flavored crime tales from some truly stellar authors—like the always-inventive Annie Reed, the ever-surprising David H. Hendrickson, and yours truly. Each story centers around the warm and familiar backdrop of a coffee house—but rest assured, there’s more than just steamed milk and biscotti brewing beneath the surface.

My contribution, “A Few Telling Details,” leans into the quiet tension and small moments that can tip the scales between ordinary and ominous. The kind of mystery where every glance, every gesture, every seemingly minor detail… might be the one that breaks the case.

Here’s just a taste of what’s inside…

If you enjoy:

Stories with just the right balance of charm and chills

Puzzle mysteries grounded in character

And settings so vivid you can smell the espresso…

…then I invite you to check out this delightful collection.

Coffee House Capers is available now wherever you buy your books online. So pour yourself a cup, settle into your favorite reading nook, and prepare for a cozy escape laced with cunning twists.

How about you? Have you ever witnessed—or overheard—something in a coffee shop that made your storytelling radar tingle? Tell us about it in the comments. I’d love to hear your tale!

The post Perk Up Your Day with a Sip of Suspense appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

You know the sound. That iconic “Good evening,” delivered with deadpan charm as a rotund silhouette strolls across a minimalist screen. Then a sharp, suspenseful story unfolds—strange, ironic, sometimes chilling.

And always captivating.

Have you ever wondered where those stories came from? I found myself mulling over that question the other day while watching an old episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Many of the tales have felt familiar to me and some I remember reading in certain magazines and anthologies.

I thought it might be fun to explore how many of these stories came straight from the pages of mystery and suspense fiction.

So, let’s knock on that door and step inside.

A Legacy of Suspense in 30 Minutes or Less

Alfred Hitchcock Presents debuted in 1955 and ran for ten years—ten glorious years of compact, twisty storytelling that shaped the genre and influenced generations of writers, filmmakers, and devoted viewers like me.

I remember catching reruns as a teen, the grainy black-and-white flickering on our living room TV, my eyes wide and breath held tight as I waited to see if justice would triumph—or turn on its heel and laugh in the face of expectation.

Those stories stuck with me. Still do. And that stickiness isn’t accidental.

Books Behind the Curtain

As it turns out, many episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents (and its 60-minute cousin, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour) were adapted from short stories—some by names you’ll recognize, and others who’ve quietly faded from household memory but remain beloved among mystery aficionados.

Let’s name a few literary ghosts behind the curtain:

Roald Dahl, whose delightfully dark “Lamb to the Slaughter” remains one of the series’ most memorable. (Yes, that’s the one with the frozen leg of lamb as murder weapon.)Patricia Highsmith, known for her psychological depth and simmering menace.Henry Slesar, a prolific contributor whose stories often featured an ironic sting in the tail.Robert Bloch, best known for Psycho, brought his own blend of macabre mischief to the screen.

What fascinated me most was learning that many of the episodes I remembered weren’t written for television at all—they were lovingly borrowed from the pages of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, and dozens of suspense anthologies.

I’m sure the thrill I felt watching those stories seeded my path toward writing suspense and seeing my own work published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine.

A Page-to-Screen Transformation

Of course, translating a short story to a 22-minute teleplay required finesse. Writers trimmed subplots, streamlined characters, and occasionally adjusted endings to suit the pacing—or the censors. And still, they captured the essence: tightly wound tales with a moral wrinkle, often ending in poetic, if unsettling, justice.

The challenge of condensing suspense to fit a half-hour slot is one I appreciate deeply. It’s not so different from writing flash fiction or novelettes—a form I’ve come to love. Every sentence must pull its weight. Every detail has a purpose.

Just like in Hitchcock Presents.

Finding the Originals: A Treasure Hunt for the Curious Reader

If you’re a fan of the show, I encourage you to hunt down the original stories. Many are gathered in anthologies—some branded with Hitchcock’s name, others curated from the mystery magazine archives.

There’s something delicious about reading the source, seeing how the prose version draws out a different texture, perhaps richer in internal thought or psychological nuance. Then comparing it to the televised adaptation and noticing what was emphasized or left behind.

I recently reread “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl, and then watched the episode based on it. I did the same with “The Orderly World of Mr. Appleby” by Stanley Ellin. In both cases, the layered tension of the written version and the visual power of the adaptation made for a satisfying duet.

If you love sleuthing through story layers as much as I do, you’ll find this kind of literary archeology delightful.

Why These Tales Still Grip Us

Part of the enduring appeal of Alfred Hitchcock Presents lies in its compact moral puzzles. Each episode is like a locked room mystery, but instead of physical clues, we’re given human motives, flaws, and choices to examine.

And the best ones still surprise us.

They remind us that justice isn’t always straightforward, that guilt wears many masks, and that sometimes… the lamb in the freezer isn’t just dinner.

There’s a storytelling purity in those old episodes—like fables for grown-ups who no longer believe the world is simple but still crave meaning, still hunger for closure, or perhaps catharsis.

And for those of us who write mystery and suspense today, they offer a masterclass in pacing, structure, and the power of a single, well-placed twist.

Back Where We Began…

So the next time you hear that familiar theme music, or see that silhouette walk across your screen, remember—you’re not just watching a relic of television past.

You’re stepping into a long and winding corridor of story. A hallway lined with books, each whispering secrets to be told again.

And if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself pulling one off the shelf and thinking, What if…?

How about you? Do you have a favorite episode—or story—from Alfred Hitchcock Presents? Tell us about it in the comments. I’d love to hear which twists stayed with you long after the screen went dark.

The post Was Alfred Hitchcock Presents Based on Books? Let’s Knock on That Door… appeared first on Joslyn Chase.

If you’ve been following my stories for a while, you know I have a deep fondness for tales steeped in mystery, history, and a touch of legend. So it’s with great pleasure that I announce—Falling for The Lost Dutchman is now available as an audiobook!

This story has always been close to my heart. I grew up in southern Arizona, not far from the Superstition Mountains, where whispers of a hidden gold mine danced on the desert wind. The legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine was more than just folklore in our household—it was an ongoing fascination, especially for my father. He was captivated by the mystery and passed that intrigue on to me.

As a child, I often heard the tale retold with reverence and awe. The idea of a fortune buried in the rugged terrain, lost to time and tragedy, sparked a kind of magic in my imagination. It became a story I carried with me—and always knew I would write one day.

That day came with Falling for The Lost Dutchman, a suspenseful and emotional narrative that explores not only the lure of hidden treasure but the deeper longings that drive us to seek it. The audiobook version brings that world to life in a whole new way, with evocative narration that captures the story’s texture, tone, and urgency.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the legend or discovering it for the first time, I invite you to take a listen. The audiobook is now available on Amazon, perfect for your summer road trip, evening walk, or quiet moment with a story that stirs the imagination.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever heard of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine? Do you have a favorite legend that’s stayed with you over the years?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to connect.

Happy listening,

—Joslyn

The post The Legend Comes to Life in Audio appeared first on Joslyn Chase.