Eleanor Taylor Bland died this past week at the age of 65. Ms. Bland was the author of 13 mystery novels featuring female African-American Chicago homicide detective Marti MacAlister. A Dark and Deadly Deception was her most recent book, released in 2005. With Marti as her protagonist, Eleanor Taylor Bland attempted to give voice to the homeless, mentally ill, elderly, and children.

Looking (literally) for a good DVD mystery series? These are a few of my favorites:

Alfred Hitchcock presents. Season one [videodisc] by Universal

Da Vinci's inquest. Season 1, Vol. 1 [videodisc] by Program Partners ; a Haddock Entertainment Barna-Alper production

Keen Eddie.

Author Colin Dexter, the creator of British Detective Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse and his onetime “sidekick,” Robbie Lewis, who is now the star of his own excellent TV series (Inspector Lewis) celebrated his 79th birthday this week.