Recommended reading - Golden Age Detective Stories (2021):

Golden Age Detective Stories

Edited by Otto Penzler.

Published by American Mystery Classics.

Published 2021.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 1613162162

ISBN-13: 978-1613162163

Description:

"In addition to well-known contributors, such as Ellery Queen and Erle Stanley Gardner, Penzler presents memorable tales from the lesser-known [...] This sampler is an easy gateway to other volumes in this high-quality series." – Publishers Weekly.

"For some readers, the book will be a walk down memory lane, or a way to reconnect with writers they haven’t visited in a while; for others, it’s a wonderful introduction to some new writers―people who not only excelled at mystery fiction, but who also helped create and define the genre. The book belongs on the shelf of any true mystery fan, and in the collection of every library’s mystery section." – Booklist.

"Exemplary." – Kirkus.

The greatest detectives of the Golden Age investigate the most puzzling crimes of the era.

Sometimes, the police aren’t the best suited to solve a crime. Depending on the case, you may find that a retired magician, a schoolteacher, a Broadway producer, or a nun have the necessary skills to suss out a killer. Or, in other cases, a blind veteran, or a publisher, or a hard-drinking attorney, or a mostly-sober attorney… or, indeed, any sort of detective you could think of might be able to best the professionals when it comes to comprehending strange and puzzling murders.

At least, that’s what the authors from the Golden Age of American mystery fiction would have you think. For decades in the middle of the twentieth century, the country’s best-selling authors produced delightful tales in which all types of eccentrics used rarified knowledge to interpret confounding clues. And for even longer, in the decades that have followed, these characters have continued to entertain new audiences with every new generation that discovers them.

Edgar Award-winning anthologist Otto Penzler selects some of the greatest American short stories from era. With authors including Ellery Queen, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Cornell Woolrich, Erle Stanley Gardner, and Anthony Boucher, this collection is a treat for those who know and love this celebrated period in literary history, and a great introduction to its best writers for the uninitiated. Includes discussion guide questions for use in book clubs.

John Gardner, on writing:

Writing a novel is like heading out over the open sea in a small boat.

It helps, if you have a plan and a course laid out.

- John Gardner.

On this day in music history - Out of the Darkness, by Michele McLaughlin (2010):

Out of the Darkness

Album by Michele McLaughlin,

released May 1, 2010.

Track list:

Forsake; The Descent; Indignation; Forbearance; Out of the Darkness; So Long Mr. Selfish; Transformation; Perseverance; Finding Solace in Friends; New Light; In the Stillness of Peace; Rejoice; So Long Mr. Selfish.

On this day in music history - Trouble in Shangri-La, by Stevie Nicks (2001):

Trouble in Shangri-La

Album by Stevie Nicks,

released May 1, 2001.

Track list:

Trouble In Shangri-La; Candlebright; Sorcerer; Planets Of The Universe; Every Day; Too Far From Texas; That Made Me Stronger; It's Only Love; Love Changes; I Miss You; Bombay Sapphires; Fall From Grace; Love Is.

On this day in movie history - Black Dog (1998):

Black Dog

directed by Kevin Hooks,

written by William Mickelberry and Dan Vining,

was released in the United States on May 1, 1998.
Music by George S. Clinton.
Song: Drivin' My Life Away by Rhett Akins.

Cast:

Patrick Swayze, Meat Loaf, Randy Travis, Gabriel Casseus, Graham Beckel, Brenda Strong, Rusty De Wees, Cyril O'Reilly, Erin Broderick, Charles S. Dutton, Stephen Tobolowsky, Lorraine Toussaint, Hester Hargett, Stuart Greer, Whitt Brantley, Gene Hartline, Bo Keister, André B. Walker.

On this day in movie history - TwentyFourSeven (1997):

TwentyFourSeven

directed by Shane Meadows,

written by Paul Fraser and Shane Meadows,

was released in the United States on May 1, 1998.
Music by Boo Hewerdine and Neil MacColl.

Cast:

Bob Hoskins, Danny Nussbaum, Justin Brady, James Hooton, Darren O. Campbell, Karl Collins, Johann Myers, Jimmy Hynd, Mat Hand, James Corden, Frank Harper, Bruce Jones, Jo Bell, Toby, Annette Badland, Krishan Beresford, Anthony Clarke, Dominic Dillon, Ian Smith, Tanya Myers, Tony Nyland, Collin Higgins, Pamela Cundell, Gina Aris, Sammy Pasha, Paul Fraser, Ladene Hall, Dena Smiles, John Baxter, Maureen O'Grady, Shane Meadows, Ben Rothwell, Ron Bissel, Mick Bleakley, Derek Osborne, Derek Groombridge, Liam Walsh, Kevin Wallace, Dave Miller, Ginger Keane, Sun Hand, Sarah Thom.

On this day in television history - M Squad (1959):

M Squad

Season 2. Episode 31.
Episode entitled: Robber’s Roost.
Released May 1, 1959.
Directed by Sidney Lanfield.
Written by Jack Jacobs.
Music by Benny Carter.

Cast:

Lee Marvin, Paul Newlan, Stanley Dyrector, Robert E. Griffin, Evelyn Scott, Jim Hayward, Howard McLeod, Paul E. Burns.