Mystery Trivia Questions for 2012

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December 2012

Chris Cavender writes a series of mysteries centered around a pizzeria. Who is the series character? Bonus questions: What is the name of the pizzeria, and where is it located?

Chris Cavender is a pen name used by this prolific mystery author. Bonus question: Name at least two of the author's other pen names.

November 2012

This author's debut thriller, Absolute Power, was adapted into a film of the same title starring Clint Eastwood (who also directed) and Gene Hackman. Who is he?

In addition to his stand-alone novels, he writes two series. Name either (or both!).

October 2012

JoAnna Carl writes a series of "chocoholic" mysteries featuring this series character. (Bonus Question: name her chocolate shop and the fictional resort town in which it is located.)

JoAnna Carl is a pen name used by this author.

September 2012

This author continued writing mysteries in the "Jesse Stone" series following the death of Robert B. Parker.

For many of the later "Jesse Stone" made-for-television movies, he co-wrote and co-executive produced the screenplays with this actor, who played the character.

August 2012

Rita Mae Brown's co-writer of her "Mrs. Murphy" mysteries is running for President in 2012. Who is she?

Brown has also recently written books in two other mystery series. Name them.

July 2012

The titles of Donna Andrews' "Meg Langslow" mysteries — with one exception — have something in common. What is it? (The exception arguably isn't one, but it's a bit of a stretch.)

In the mid-2000s, the author wrote three books featuring another series character, the first one of which won the Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2002. What is the character's name? Bonus — and probably trick — question: What is the character?

June 2012

John Sandford is a pseudonym used by this Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

He wrote the first two mysteries in this series under his own name. (Hint: The titles are The Fool's Run (1989) and The Empress File (1991). His publisher asked him to use a different name for his then new "Lucas Davenport" mystery series, which was started about the same time.)

May 2012

He took over writing the "Spenser" mysteries following the death of Robert B. Parker, with the 40th book in the series. (Bonus question: Name the book title.)

He is also the author of two other mystery series, one featuring an ex-NFL player and the other an Army Ranger. Name either (or both) of the series characters.

April 2012

Cozy mystery author Jane K. Cleland describes her series character as "an antiques appraiser who uses her knowledge of antiques to solve crimes." What is her name?

Where are the mysteries in this series set?

March 2012

Kate Ellis writes a popular series of crime novels featuring this Devonshire-based Detective Sergeant (later Detective Inspector).

She more recently began a new series of murder mysteries set in the ancient city of Eborby in North Yorshire featuring this Detective Inspector.

February 2012

Dana Stabenow writes two mystery series set in Alaska. Name her series characters.

She also wrote a trio of science fiction novels in the mid-1990s. Name the character featured in this series.

January 2012

This pair of thriller writers is probably best known for their series featuring FBI Special Agent Aloysius X. L. Pendergast. Who are they?

The pair recently began a new series feature a master thief. What is this character's name? (Hint: the character's first name appears in both titles to date.)

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