Mystery’s History 007: Mystery in the Queen’s Dollhouse
Discover the mystery that resides in Queen Mary’s dollhouse in this episode of Mystery’s History. A transcript is available for those who prefer reading over a 90-second video. (Read More …)
Author: Donald Jay
Donald Jay writes cozy mystery, adventure, romance, and inspirational stories suitable for all audiences. Don brings to life eclectic and engaging characters who whisk readers off to enchanting places, challenge them with unusual puzzles and cleverly hidden clues, and inspire them to dream.
Formerly a magician, Don is also a woodworker, painter, and toymaker. His wife, Linda, says, “It’s like being married to Santa himself.” He grew up in the snowy winters of the West Virginia mountains and loves the spiritual roots, rich traditions, and festive decorations that spark the magic of Christmas. So, he often sets his stories during the Christmas season.
Don is a Virginia Tech graduate, a former first responder, and a retired hotel executive who now turns his lively imagination to entertaining readers of all ages.
A Mystery Novel Review – A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian
Watch or read my review of Gigi Pandian’s latest Secret Staircase mystery, A Midnight Puzzle. (Read More …)
Mystery’s History 006: The Butler Did It!
Who coined the phrase, “The butler did it”? Watch this 90-second video or read the short article to uncover this week’s Mystery’s History. (Read More …)
Mystery’s History 005: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
Watch the 90-second video and/or read along as I explore curious facts about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes Mystery, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. (Read More …)
Mystery’s History 004: Issuing a Challenge to the Reader
Episode 4 of Mystery’s History explores the history behind a little-used mystery writer’s technique of issuing a challenge to the reader. A transcript is included if you prefer to read the article. (Read More …)
Mystery’s History 003: Mystery’s Fair Play Rules
Please watch my short (90 seconds) video, Mystery’s History 003: Mystery’s Fair Play Rules, and follow along with the included transcript. (Read More …)
Introducing Mystery’s History
Introducing my first-ever series of short (under 2 minutes) videos I call Mystery’s History: Interesting Facts Behind Intriguing Stories. As I study the mystery genre and discover fun and interesting facts about the mystery stories and authors we all know and love, I’ll share my detections with you in short bursts called Mystery’s History. Here is a brief introduction along with an episode in which I explore the first detective mystery, Edgar Allan Poe’s Murders in the Rue Morgue. Enjoy! (Read More …)
Happy Easter
Mark 16: 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here.” (Read More …)
Amelia Dickens’s Empty Tomb Rolls Recipe
Amelia Dickens shares her recipe for Empty Tomb Rolls, a fun and tasty way to reflect on the true meaning of Easter. (Read More …)
My Best Friend’s Valentine (4 of 4)
This is the final episode of a four-part podcast of me reading my short story, My Best Friend’s Valentine, for your romantic enjoyment. In the third episode, we found out what makes Evan’s swing so special, a second charm for Leah’s bracelet arrived, and one of the couple narrowly escaped being seriously injured. In this episode, Leah comes clean about her suspicions, more charms arrive, and the meaning behind them is finally revealed on Valentine’s Day. (Read More …)