From Pasta to Poe: My Rain-Soaked Boston Adventure

What do El Salvador, Connecticut, and a soggy Boston weekend have in common? They’re all part of my life as an international author.

My book cover artist has worked with me from El Salvador for thirteen years. My editor lives six states away. And my books? They’ve sold in seventeen countries and counting.

In October, I flew to Boston to finally meet my editor face-to-face. We’ve worked together for five years—but only through emails and Word docs with an unhealthy number of tracked changes. Naturally, I arrived just in time for a Nor’easter. Timing is everything.

🍝 North End Pasta and a Happy Wine Accident

Boston’s North End is a carb-lover’s dream. We had dinner at Monica’s, and my friend picked a red wine: Nero D’Avola.

She had no idea that’s the exact grape varietal Jill Quint branched into after her Moscato days. Total coincidence… or a sign from the wine gods?

🕵️‍♂️ Poe, Revere & My Poetry Problem

Yes, I posed with Edgar Allan Poe’s statue.

He’s considered the father of the mystery genre, and the Mystery Writers of America named their top award after him: “The Edgar.” But here’s the twist—Poe was more poet than mystery writer. Makes sense. I’ve tried slipping poetry into my books like Louise Penny does. Let’s just say… it’s not my strength.

We also walked the Freedom Trail and explored Paul Revere’s legacy. He didn’t own a horse—he borrowed one to deliver the warning after spotting lanterns hung in the Old North Church: one if by land, two if by sea. 1700s espionage at its finest.

📚 Libraries: From Dusty Books to Glowing Screens

The Boston Public Library is a showstopper. Classic architecture. Vast halls. Whispered echoes of the past.

Inside the reading room? Two hundred students—all glued to laptops. Not one cracked book in sight. Times change. Libraries adapt.

🔪 Sable Point Murder Arrives This Month!

Book 16 in the Jill Quint forensic mystery series lands at the end of the month—and yes, I’ve managed to unearth a brand-new motive for murder. That’s no small feat when you’re on book sixteen.

👉 Pre-order Sable Point Murder now »

👵 New Series Tease: Retired, Dangerous & Solving Crimes

Next on my radar? A new series starring 60- and 70-something people who aren’t ready for quiet retirement.

Former spies. Ex-Green Berets. Diplomatic legends with unfinished business. They’ve got skills, secrets—and plenty of ways to stir up trouble.

I’m still shaping their backstories, but I already love them. Let me know if you’d read that kind of series!

📬 Let’s keep in touch Reply to this email and let me know what you’re reading—or if you’ve ever survived a Nor’easter with a good meal and better wine.

Until next time,

Alec