Katherine Hall Page, Lincoln, Massachusetts

An issue of Mystery Scene in my mailbox was always an occasion for much happiness, an occasion to give myself a nice long time to sit and read the magazine from cover to cover. Many thanks for these last 20 years of articles that were unique for the quality of the writing and the breadth of the subjects. Each issue touched upon past Golden Ages and introduced us to debut authors poised for the next. The columns illustrated just how wide the mystery world is.

It was a pleasure, and challenge, to write for you—the highlight was researching the article on Mary Stewart after I had received a letter from her shortly before her death. I know new readership resulted—especially for her gem Madam, Will You Talk?

Ave atque vale, Kate and Brian!

Robin Agnew, Ann Arbor, Michigan

What a gift this magazine has been to our community—coverage of awards, conferences, in depth interviews, and of course reviews so readers knew what to look forward to. Even though I was myself a reviewer I scoured the columns for what to read next, just like anyone else. I am deeply saddened it will no longer be around to spread the word about the greatness of the mystery genre. Many many hats off to Kate and Brian for their stellar work, with sadness and affection.

Oline H. Cogdill, Plantation, Florida

I am beyond sad that Mystery Scene is publishing its last issue.

Working for Mystery Scene has been a highlight for me, allowing me to interview some outstanding authors through the years. Mystery Scene is the pure definition of quality as the editors and writers take great care in sculpting our interviews, profiles, articles, reviews, and blogs. I have the utmost respect for Kate and Brian and the publication they have led.

John B. Valeri, Portland, Connecticut

To say “thank you” seems inadequate and yet sometimes the simplest words best express the most profound sentiments. Before I had the privilege of becoming a contributor to Mystery Scene—an absolute honor over which I’m still pinching myself (ouch!)—I was an avid reader of the magazine (still am) and would look forward to each issue with unabashed glee, knowing that I was about to “meet” new (to me) authors and books that would bring countless hours of entertainment and enlightenment.

To this day, I greet each publication with that same sense of wonderment. Whether the big, beloved authors we all recognize or lesser known (but equally talented) writers of regional or international prominence, there is always an abundance of literary gems to be unearthed. As much as I’ll miss writing for the magazine, I’ll miss reading it more. I couldn’t have asked for, or had, a better experience—as a reader or a writer. But I know that I am better for having been both, and that your influence will continue to be felt in all that remains to be read and written.

Hank Wagner, Rockaway, New Jersey

It’s hard to believe that Mystery Scene is closing up shop after nearly 35 years. I fondly recall buying the early issues in my late 20s and early 30s, eagerly absorbing sacred genre knowledge from the likes of Ed Gorman and Charles L. Grant. I feel even more nostalgic about becoming a member of the Mystery Scene family around the turn of the century, after the esteemed Mr. Gorman recommended my services to you shortly after you and Brian had taken the helm. Thanks so much for all the assignments, and for suggesting I do the "Original Thrillers Paperback" column; I’ve enjoyed the work, and working with you and Reviews Editor Teri Duerr, immensely. It was a privilege and an honor, but, most of all, it was fun.

Teri Duerr, Sr. Editor, Brooklyn, New York

When I answered an ad for an assistant editor job for Mystery Scene sometime in the fall of 2005, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. I had no idea that my interview with Kate and Brian at the Mystery Scene office (a fourth-floor Midtown walk-up) was in the building of the original Mysterious Bookshop. I had no clue who the bespectacled guy on the cover of Issue #90 Brian handed me was (some guy named Michael Connelly?). Believe it or not, dear readers (and it pains me now to admit it) I was not a lover of mysteries!

But boy, oh boy, has Mystery Scene ever changed that. And I’ll be forever grateful it has.

I don’t know what sort of outsized con I pulled to get hired that day, but it has paid off in spades (and then some). Over the nearly two decades working side-by-side with Kate, I’ve learned things that have opened worlds to me, made me a better reader, a better writer, and a better editor. My admiration of the genres we all know and love has grown and deepened, but I particularly value the way I earned this appreciation: through countless recommendations and shared passions from our contributors and readers, from the chance to talk with hundreds of unique and fascinating authors over the years, through reading Mystery Scene’s fascinating articles and benefiting from the knowledge of genre luminaries—I especially miss my back-and-forths with our founding father and one of the funniest, most talented, and most generous humans ever Ed Gorman, who passed away in 2016. And I’ll tell you the only person who may have him beat in the talent, kindness, and generosity department is this magazine’s current publisher and editor, Kate Stine.

There is no other publication like Mystery Scene and it will leave a very large hole in the mystery world. A big thank you to Kate and Brian for putting it into the world these past two decades (and for taking a chance on a tenderfoot like me). A big thank you to all the reviewers and contributors I’ve had the honor of working with over the years. And one final big thank you to all of our readers, many of whom I’ve also gotten the chance to know and have found to be just as storied and interesting as the books they read.

Max Allan Collins, Muscatine, Iowa

This is, obviously, terrible news—an awful blow to the genre. I was part of Mystery Scene in its earliest days, when it was just being born, kicking the concept around with Ed Gorman and Bob Randisi. For about the first 10 years, I had the film review column in the magazine. It’s a gut punch to working mystery writers, the very thought of the magazine being gone. You did a fantastic job with it and should be very proud of what you accomplished. Congratulations on a great run. This is a huge loss to the mystery community.

Joseph Scarpato, Jr., Marlborough, Massachusetts

After more than 20 years of reviewing new mysteries for Mystery Scene, I will miss it very much. I looked forward to reading about the mystery authors, new mysteries being published and the very interesting articles about all things mystery related. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute as a reviewer.

Debbie Haupt, St. Charles, Missouri

Thanks for the memories! It was late 2018 when I was invited to review for this acclaimed publication and ever since have been very proud to be a part of the Mystery Scene family. In those years I have had the pleasure of reading, reviewing and discovering many, many wonderful novels and authors who have since become go-to favorites. My editor, Teri Duerr, is super and has always made my reviews look fabulous and I will deeply miss her guidance and hope the future is bright for her and all the other staff members. It’s hard to say goodbye and so it’s with a heavy heart that I say, Adieu, Adios, Arrivederci, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen and Sayōnara.

Jay Roberts, Wareham, Massachusetts

To Kate and Brian, thanks for letting me be a part of the Mystery Scene contributors for all these years. It has been no small honor for me to be able to offer my thoughts on a variety of books in your pages. I wish this ride with you was continuing onward but just know that, to paraphrase the late great Warren Zevon, “I’ll keep you in my heart for a while.” P.S. Kate, I’m still holding out hope for a Mystery Scene logo T-shirt. To Teri, I'd like to say I don't have the words but as you can see by this letter of comment, I clearly have plenty of them. I know you work with plenty of reviewers, but I have always made sure to credit you (“my” editor) for making sure my ham-fisted first draft reviews turn into pieces with all the words in the right order and with a concise viewpoint. If I was writing a mystery novel, I’d want you to edit it. And yes, I’ll be waiting for your edits on this letter.

This may be the last issue of Mystery Scene and while everyone that played a part in creating each issue will surely miss it, we also know that we did a damn good job while having quite a blast talking about everything mystery. And for that, Mystery Scene will not be soon forgotten.

Dick Lochte, Los Angeles, California

I can’t remember exactly when I began contributing to Mystery Scene. Since I’d been co-writing the audio column "Sounds of Suspense" with Tom Nolan in The Armchair Detective during Kate Stine’s editorship there, my guess is, when she and Brian Skupin took hold of MS, the column, Tom and I followed. That would have been during 2002 or thereabouts. So, for a couple of decades—before and after Tom left to write his masterful biography of Ross Macdonald and other books—I spent untold hours listening to talented performers read crime books to me. This has been the longest I’ve ever worked at any job. Part of that was because it was a labor of love. Most of it was because of the atmosphere of professionalism and friendship and respect that Kate and Teri Duerr created. Thanks to all. I’m sorry it’s over, but it surely was a criminally fun ride.

Eileen Brady, Fountain Hills, Arizona

Our mailman usually stuffed the media mail envelope into our mailbox. On the way back to the house I’d tear open the brown paper mailer containing my Mystery Scene Magazine review books— then flip each book over and read the advertising copy. Did it sound interesting? Had I read the author before? Or why the heck did they send this one to me? Well, you really can’t tell a book by its cover, or blurbs, or quick synopsis. You simply start at page one. As a reviewer, I dug in and experienced each book aware that the author devoted a year or more of their life writing it.

Through Mystery Scene Magazine I’ve met many new authors, enjoyed familiar series, laughed, cried, and cheered characters on. Writers have surprised me with twisted endings. They’ve angered me, taught me, or simply swept me away with the power of their words. I’m a better writer, reader, and person because of them. Each issue made me proud I worked for this magazine. My thanks to editor and friend Teri Duerr, and our outstanding Publisher Kate Stine, who made it all look gloriously easy.

Pat H. Broeske, Santa Anna, California

Mystery Scene folding is a crime the likes of which even the combined talents of Hercule Poirot and Harry Bosch couldn’t solve. As an avid reader for years, I especially loved the articles on both new authors and starry veterans. As a proud contributor since 2018, it was a pleasure writing reviews and features, and my brand new (it ran for just two issues) nonfiction column, “Just the Facts.” A big thank you to the publisher, editor and staff—and the magazine’s dedicated readers. The genre community won’t be the same. Let’s hope there’s a sequel in the works.

Cheryl Solimini, Milford, Pennsylvania

Thank you, Mystery Scene (that is, Kate, Brian, Teri) for the privilege of interviewing/reviewing veteran authors (Michael Connelly, Sara Paretsky, just to name two) and then-newbies (Louise Penny, Tana French, Amy Stewart, to name just three) who have given me and so many others immeasurable hours of pleasure. As champions of crime writers, fiction and nonfiction, and their readers, you have provided a service, also immeasurable, to this community. We will all miss you!

Jean Gazis, Brooklyn, New York

I’ve been writing for Mystery Scene since January, 2016, and am endlessly grateful for the privilege. My review assignments introduced me to more than 70 new-to-me authors and an incredible array of fabulous settings, characters, and styles. I saw Regency England through the eyes of a crack present-day FBI agent with Julie McElwain, and through those of an abolitionist Black noblewoman with Vanessa Riley. I visited Colonial Boston with Chris Bohjalian, 1920s Calcutta with Sujata Massey, 1970s Afghanistan with Jasmin Aimaq, present-day Ghana with Kwei Quartey, and a post-apocalyptic future with Carrie Vaughn. I met so many characters I’d love to spend more time with, as I watched plucky young women, determined mothers, crusty police detectives, the Brontë sisters, and the late Queen Elizabeth II solve crimes, catch the bad guys, and clear the innocent.

I was riveted by seasoned pros Elizabeth Hand, Meg Gardiner, Thomas Mullen, and Philip Gray, and blown away by the debut efforts of Katie Gutierrez, Bev Thomas, Alex Michaelides, Janice Hallett, and Emma Flint. Lindsay Faye offered pyrotechnic prose; Anthony Horowitz and Elizabeth Little made me laugh; Kimberly McCreight skewered my very own corner of Brooklyn. Beyond providing top-notch entertainment, writers Naomi Hirahara, Susan Elia MacNeil, and others illuminated aspects of history and society that I wish were better known. I’ve enjoyed recommending the books I wrote about to friends, family, book groups, and local bookstores, and I’ll definitely be supporting those indie shops when these wonderful writers’ new mysteries are published.

Carol Kubala, via email

If I'm as sad as I am, I cannot imagine how hard this is for all of you. I do understand but this is the end of the best mystery publication I have been fortunate to follow. There just are no words...may your next venture in life be as successful as this one has been. You've made a difference. 

Joseph Scarpato, Jr., via email

After more than 20 years of reviewing new mysteries for Mystery Scene, I will miss it very much. I looked forward to reading about the mystery authors, new mysteries being published and the very interesting articles about all things mystery related. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute as a reviewer.

Andrew F. Gulli, Managing Editor, The Strand Magazine

Sorry to see Mystery Scene not under your leadership and Brian’s. You both did a great job and I loved reading the magazine. It’s a different landscape and some of the consolidation hasn’t helped anyone. The reading landscape will be dimmer. Good luck!


Vicky Bijur, literary agent, via email

I have only just today seen your November 9 letter. This is terrible news for everyone in the mystery community. You have done such a stellar job with the magazine, and you have provided so much support for writers. I will always be grateful to you for the platform you offered for so many of my clients. I will really miss the magazine.

If there is any outstanding balance on my subscription, please keep it. I do hope I am on the mailing list for the monthly e-newsletter. I hope we cross paths in person at whatever the next mystery event is.

Richard Ray Green, Jr., via email

So sorry to read that the mag is coming to an end. Just wanted to drop a word to you of thanks once again for featuring Joshua and myself in issues from some time ago. Joshua and his friends were so grateful that their portrayals as Holmes and Watson when they were much younger, were covered in some issues. Thanks again for all the great issues…..

Janet Grieder, Maple Grove, Minnesota

As a longtime subscriber I was deeply saddened to receive my last issue in the mail yesterday. Thanks for years of great info, interviews and fun stuff! I read many books I might not otherwise have looked at, simply because I read about them in your magazine. All the best to the entire staff and again, many thanks.

Dan Gilbreath, San Diego, California

Hi, just received my Mystery Scene and saddened to learn it is your last issue. I’ve enjoyed this magazine immensely over the years. I will miss it. Please make a notation in my account that no refund is necessary. Thank you for years of interesting and educational reading.

Sharon Fujitani, via email

I am sad to learn that I would no longer be able to look forward to receiving Mystery Scene in my mailbox. Each issue brought me information on my favorite authors as well as new ones to explore. The reviews have led me to titles to explore. I save my back issues to reread and for reference purposes. I also have a Mystery Scene bag. Thank you for providing such a great magazine over the years. Wishing you and Brian the best in your future endeavors.

James Thorpe, Burbank, California

So sad to hear the news, and your mag will definitely be missed.  Its arrival was always a bright spot in my mailbox. The years with Mystery Scene enriched, informed and inspired both my reading and my writing, and I'll always treasure my back issues.

A big thank you for all your efforts on behalf of the mystery community.  I can't even begin to imagine what it took to produce MS on an ongoing basis, and I'm sure you both are looking forward to your next adventure. 

Please don't bother refunding any outstanding sub money... consider it an appreciation donation to the cause.  

Mark Thanas, Laconia, New Hampshire

This was the news I was dreading to hear, Mystery Scene Magazine along with the New Yorker are the two magazines I look so forward to receiving.  I understand your decision, and wish there could be some way to find an angel to support the future of the magazine, even twice a year.  

However, as I said I understand and it is just one more reason that I loathe and refuse to use any social media sites. I’m not sure what is left of my subscription money, but would prefer you keep it and not worry about a refund, and use it for whatever expenses you are indebted to or give it to a charity.  

I will continue to hope that something may change and publication can resume at some point. When you said quality magazine, that doesn’t even come close to describing how wonderful and exceptional your magazine is in all respects from front to back cover.  

Janice D Burt, via email

Though I know the world is changing rapidly, particularly the world of printed word, I feel gobsmacked by the news that Mystery Scene is going away forever. To an old lady (age 87) there are fewer and fewer things of real class and substance in our world.

Thank you for many years of sheer pleasure. Each issue has been carefully perused, reviews of  books of interest highlighted and scissored out, and the resulting stack carefully consulted frequently.  What will I do now? Thank you again. For not only existing but for quality presentation of interesting content. The world is a drearier place.

Loring Silet, via email

I am so sorry that you are having to cease publication of the print version of Mystery Scene. It has been one of the last mystery publications and you have done an exemplary job editing it. I will sorely miss getting it. It is not necessary to remit what is left of my subscription. Have a cup of coffee on me.

Dennis Palumbo, author, via email

I see that you and Brian are ending the magazine, and I just wanted to thank you for all the support you've given me over the years. Every time one of my Daniel Rinaldi mysteries came out, you were kind enough to let me provide a New Books essay in reference to its theme. Again, I'm so grateful for your support and want to wish both of you the best going forward. Your magazine did more for the mystery community than you could ever know.

Janet Rudolph, editor, Mystery Readers Journal

I’m so sorry to hear the news. I think we all hoped you’d find someone to take over Mystery Scene. There’s no other magazine quite like it. Great content, terrific industry news, and equally important periodical for both fan and professional. Thank you for all you (and Brian) have done over the years. I know it’s been a lot of work, and it’s been appreciated by me...and so many others. I will miss Mystery Scene. Wishing you the best in your next endeavor.

Marianne Anderson, Kerrville, Texas

So sad to see you go. I've been a subscriber since I found Harriett when I lived in Sequim, Washington. Also have given subscriptions to my mystery loving friends. Your publication is a true loss to my monthly reading. Should a miracle happen and you begin again, I'll be ready to re-subscribe! Good luck in your new adventure, whatever it may be.

Volkan Tekeli, via email

Just close my account, please. Anything left should go to closing costs or something. I've gotten a lot of pleasure from your magazine, and it is the least I can do.

Gretchen Hall, Blackwood, New Jersey

I am so sorry to learn your wonderful magazine is ending. I’ve looked forward to every issue. Please add me to the mailing list for your monthly e-newsletter. My subscription goes until issue 179. There is no need to refund the money for the remaining issues. Please have a wonderful dinner to celebrate what pleasure you have given all of us.

Barbara Mates, via email

I am sure your inbox is filled with subscribers like me lamenting Mystery Scene ending. It was the one magazine I eagerly awaited receiving and the one when received that I  tried to read as slowly as possible to stretch the enjoyment. Then I put it down for a bit before picking it up to read through one more time to be sure I didn't miss anything before passing it on to a friends who couldn't afford to subscribe (all of us retired librarians). Best of luck to all of you and thank you for enriching me and my friends with your work.

Barry J. Evans, via email

This  is truly sad. Although I have been a subscriber for a few short years, I do not believe any other publication on mystery is as good as this one. I don't know if it would help, but you need not refund me any money if I have anything coming please use to continue whatever you wish. Thanks for the few great years I subscribed.

Cheryl Reaves, via email

I just wanted to convey how heartbroken I am at the news of your final publication. I’ve been with you from the beginning. I don’t think you’ll remember my name, but every three years for about the last 12, I would magically get you on the phone to help renew my subscription. I’m not the best with computers. You always kindly helped me with the process.

You have brought me great joy over the years. I always looked forward to getting my print copy in the mail. You are to be commended for lasting as long as you have in this changing climate. It goes without saying how much you are loved and will be missed. I’m glad to see the website and newsletter will still be up. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. Again, thank you for the best publication available.

Mary Newell, via email

I shall miss Your magazine as no other. It has given me years of pleasure. I get excited when it arrives and I read it slowly to keep the delight going. I have found so many books to buy after reading the reviews or interviews or articles looking back at lone gone authors. I have found books from 1910 to the present. There just isn’t a good way to thank you. Be very proud of your contribution.

It will take awhile to believe. I shall wonder when it’s coming and then sadly remember it won’t be arriving Thank you, thank you, thank you. Turning 80 without you will be hard.

Meredith Phillips, Perseverance Editorial Services

The last issue arrived today, and I'm tempted to put it away for a while to postpone the pleasure. But I know I'll give in to the overwhelming temptation to read it immediately, as I've done every two months for 20 years!

Mystery Scene will be sorely missed for its professionalism, including its great design and look, and for its inclusive approach to all sorts of mysteries. As a small press publisher I much appreciated having our books reviewed and authors' photographs appear in your pages. And I still remember the thrill when Kate asked me to expand on a letter to Dorothy L to make a brief column. More than anything, MS made me feel part of the mystery world community, both as a contributor and as a reader.

Nick Wineriter, Ocala, Florida

So sorry to hear of the demise of Mystery Scene! This is so uncanny! I have always looked forward to each and every issue, and was always hoping it would go monthly, instead of quarterly. And now this?! I had a Letter to the Editor published in Issue Number 170, (An Old-School Barman), in response to an article about Elaine Viets' new book, Death Grip. That letter will now be framed in a place of honor near my bookcase.

If it wasn't for Mystery Scene, there are many writers I would have never come across. William Ard was a terrific find! Thank you Mystery Scene, for all the enlightenment you have given me and so many other readers of Mystery Scene and the entire mystery/crime literary genre!  

Ken Jobling, via email

I am so disappointed in the demise of Mystery Scene. May I wish you well for whatever comes next and if you are able please donate any remaining subscription of mine to a worthy cause.

Bill and Marie White, Wakefield, Rhode Island

My husband and I will miss you all very much. Bill will have one less Christmas present this year. We have been avid readers of Mystery Scene for many years and enjoy all the interesting stories as well as the author profiles. Best of luck to you all in your future endeavors.

Carol Rekey, via email

I can't tell you how sad this announcement makes me. Your magazine has opened so many doors for me. I have discovered dozens of authors, discovered new types of mysteries, and met so many new characters. And what will I do without your great crossword puzzles? Sometimes I opened your periodical to the back and did the crossword before I read the magazine. I read all the clues and then read the articles to find the answers. If I could not find the answers in your publication I cheated and googled them.  That introduced me to so much more to explore. Thank you for your years of a great magazine.  

Jane Denkensohn, New York, New York 

Since Mystery Scene Magazine has given me countless hours of pleasure and insight into writers, both known and new to me, I would like to decline any refund due me. Many thanks for a wonderful magazine and all the work and dedication that went into it. I’ll miss reading it!

Glen Day, via email

I am very sorry you are leaving the scene. So many of my favored magazines are. It will, I suppose, save me money, but I’d really rather have the mags! I wish you well in the future and thank you for the years you were around. And I will be paying attention to the web version!

Maria Parker, via email

I'm so sorry to hear this! I can totally understand why you have to do it, but I will miss the wonderful articles, interviews, and reviews that have introduced me to so many writers and broadened my reading horizons. I hope you will be able to keep the website and e-newsletter going; I'm sure I'm far from the only one who would be more than happy to pay for these through subscription. Speaking of which, if I have outstanding issues on my subscription, please keep whatever the refund would have been. It's a tiny token of thanks for all your efforts and pleasure the magazine gave me. 

Linden Staciokas, Fairbanks, Alaska

I have read/subscribed to your magazine for many years.  I know the world has changed but I am one of those who likes to hold what I am reading. I will miss sitting back in my recliner and reading the reviews, marking books I want to look up. It must be very hard to close down your work of so many years. I have no idea where I will go to locate new books by old and new authors!! Good luck in your future endeavors and thanks for many years of pleasure.

Lynn Markert, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I found many new books and authors from reading Mystery Scene.  Publishers should fund your publication! Very sorry to loose such a valuable resource.

Karen Muir, via email

I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed receiving copies of Mystery Scene!!!! I have saved them all Also , please no refund for me...please; use it for whatever you need it for.... In the meantime I will follow you online and hope to see you again one day With best wishes from me and from the great hotel lobby in the great beyond...my dad, Don Sandstrom

Lenore Maruyama, via email

I was very sorry to read that Mystery Scene was no longer being published. I particularly appreciated the list of titles included with the articles featuring individual authors.  Best Wishes for the New Year.

Nancy Pond, via email

I am a longtime reader of Mystery Scene & have always waited eagerly for the next edition. I loved both the reviews of new mysteries and the interesting articles and interviews. There was always something fascinating to learn, like the recent article "Three Faces of Laura"—one of my all-time all-time favorite movies. There is no other magazine like Mystery Scene.

Missing Mystery Scene!