As temperatures start to drop and the days become shorter, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. And when it comes to fall reading, nothing beats mysteries and psychological thrillers. There’s something about the crisp autumn air that just screams “whodunit”. So, why is fall the perfect season for these genres, and what books should you add to your reading list?

The Atmosphere is Perfect: Fall is an atmospheric season, with its chilly breezes and foggy mornings. This creates the perfect ambiance for a good thriller or mystery. With the evenings rapidly drawing in, the thrill of a good plot is intensified, and the fear factor increases threefold. Whether you’re curled up with a steaming mug of hot tea or a glass of red wine, the ambiance of an autumn evening screams ‘mystery’ more than any other season.

The Holidays Call for a Good Read: Fall festivals and holiday traditions just beg to be paired with a good mystery. Maybe it’s the abundance of pumpkins, ghost stories, and guys who wear red suits who sneak into houses, but it’s clear these dark tales are perfectly suited for the season. Plus, with the holiday season on the horizon, there’s no better time to get lost in a good book.

Psychological Thrillers for the Win: You can’t talk about fall mysteries without highlighting the importance of psychological thrillers. These books are perfect for the season that brings with it darker moods and brooding skies. They’re ideal for those who love to be kept on the edge, with their insidious plots, ingenious twists and turns, and complicated characters. From unreliable narrators to shocking reveals, these books will have you hooked until the very end.

Fall is the Season of New Releases: Another reason fall is ideal for reading mysteries and psychological thrillers is that it’s when many new releases come out. Publishers know this is the prime season for these genres and always time their releases accordingly. This means there’s always something new and exciting to read, whether you’re into cozy mysteries, true crime, or something more intense.

Finally, some great news on the horizon: Tides of Deception, my first book in the Chesapeake Bay Mystery Series, is under contract to be published under All That Matters Press. Stay tuned for more information.

Anticipation and Aspiration: The Road to Killer Nashville and Beyond

As of this writing, my first book about a murder on the Chespeake Bay is finished. I’m putting on the final touches. As a writer embarking on my second journey into the realm of fiction, I am eagerly awaiting the annual Killer Nashville Conference, the prestigious event that celebrates the intrigue and thrill of the crime, mystery, and suspense genres. This conference has always been a beacon of inspiration and a trove of practical knowledge for writers, and this year, it feels even more personal. It’s not just a conference for me—it’s the start of a thrilling new chapter in my writing career.

What Awaits at Killer Nashville

Set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Nashville, the conference is an amalgamation of gripping panel discussions, intense workshops, and engaging roundtable critiques, all with the shared purpose of unraveling the art and craft of crime fiction.

The panel discussions—curated and conducted by experienced authors and industry professionals—are a goldmine of practical advice, insightful tips, and engaging conversations. These sessions will help me delve deeper into the intricate tapestry of plot development, character creation, pacing, and the delicate balance of suspense and resolution, all crucial elements as I map out my second novel.

The workshops, on the other hand, provide a more hands-on approach, focusing on forensics, crime scene investigations, and law enforcement procedures. Gaining an understanding of these real-world aspects is critical for any crime fiction writer looking to infuse their work with a sense of authenticity and immediacy.

Then there are the roundtable critiques—an opportunity to present snippets of my own work, gather feedback, and sharpen my writing under the guidance of seasoned mentors. The constructive critiques and diverse perspectives gained through these sessions will undoubtedly enrich my writing process.

Moving Forward: Applying the Learning

All the insights and experiences gathered at Killer Nashville will be channeled directly into my upcoming work—a crime fiction novel that I hope will captivate readers with its gripping plot, complex characters, and intense atmosphere.

From the panel discussions, I look forward to gaining a more nuanced understanding of crafting suspenseful narratives and creating relatable, multi-dimensional characters—two aspects I plan to refine in my second book.

The practical knowledge from the workshops will be invaluable in creating believable crime scenarios. With this new understanding, I hope to create crime scenes and investigative procedures that will keep my readers on the edge of their seats, all while maintaining that vital element of realism.

Last, but certainly not least, the feedback from the roundtable critiques will provide an opportunity to improve my writing style, iron out any rough edges in my plot, and ensure that the narrative keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last.

In Conclusion

As the Killer Nashville Conference draws near, I am filled with a blend of anticipation and excitement—a sentiment I am sure is shared by many of my fellow writers. While the conference is sure to be a thrilling event in its own right, for me, it will also be the catalyst to continue with my second book, armed with new knowledge, inspiration, and a network of like-minded individuals.

Killer Nashville is not just a conference—it’s a community, a learning platform, and an invaluable resource for writers like me. Here’s to the journey ahead, the stories waiting to be told, and the thrill of stepping into the unknown. After all, isn’t that what writing is all about?

May 16, 2023

As many of you know, I teach full-time in the MSW program at Gallaudet University. Last week, I was honored to graduate social work students for the 23rd time in my career. My heart fills with delight to see another group of dedicated professionals join the workforce to take on many of society’s challenges.

Summer is the time of year when I can turn all of my focus onto writing projects. What’s in the pipeline? Here’s a sneak peek:

As the child of two deaf parents, Clara Starr struggled to overcome the weight of her father’s suicide and feelings of isolation. As an adult, Dr. Starr graduated college, married well, and established a thriving psychotherapy practice. One morning on her daily walk along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Clara comes upon the decaying body of a local waterman, Bobby Ward. This discovery is unexpected yet welcome. Bobby’s death ensures that Dr. Starr’s past will forever stay a secret.

When the police suspect one of her clients is the murderer, Clara seeks sage advice from her mother, Vallurea, a generational tarot card reader. Vallurea reads a spread that warns her of impending chaos and deception. Clara gets ahead of the police investigation and looks deeper into her clients’ pasts. As she uncovers layers of secrets, lies, and betrayals, she faces a choice: reveal her darkest secrets and face arrest herself or withhold the information and solve the mystery differently.

Welcome to Teresa Crowe Books, the virtual realm where captivating stories and profound insights intertwine. Immerse yourself in the literary world crafted by Teresa Crowe, an author who fearlessly explores the depths of the human experience.

Teresa’s words transcend boundaries, leading you on a transformative journey through the realms of true crime, literary nonfiction, and the complexities of mental health. With her background as a licensed clinical social worker and a Ph.D. holder in Social Work, Teresa brings a profound understanding of human nature to her writing, delving into the intricate tapestry of emotions, motivations, and societal dynamics.

Drawing from her expertise and experiences working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, Teresa illuminates the diverse perspectives of the deaf community, seamlessly integrating their stories into her narratives. Fluent in American Sign Language, she bridges the gap between cultures, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of human diversity.

As you peruse Teresa Crowe Books, prepare to be captivated by thought-provoking tales that challenge your perceptions and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Each page carries the weight of authenticity and empathy, inviting you to explore the depths of the human psyche and the interconnectedness of our shared experiences.

Whether you’re seeking an engrossing true crime account that unravels the mysteries of a true crime story about a deaf serial killer or craving literary nonfiction that delves into the complexities of our social fabric, Teresa’s books offer a captivating and enlightening escape.

Join us on this literary journey as Teresa Crowe continues to weave narratives that resonate deeply within us all. Explore her works, immerse yourself in her thought-provoking prose, and discover the transformative power of storytelling. Together, let us embark on a quest for knowledge, understanding, and the boundless wonders of the written word.