Mysteries and Thrillers
M.E. Maki
Mary E. Maki grew up in the Fingers Lakes Region of Upstate New York. When not writing mystery and suspense books, she enjoys researching her New England ancestors and sharing their stories. She is a member of Sisters-in-Crime Connecticut, and writes from her home in Portland, Connecticut.
Featured Books
Uncharted Drift - A Work in Progress
The Caitlyn Jamison mystery series continues with its fifth installment, “Uncharted Drift.” Returning to the familiar landscape of Pont-Aven, New York—a setting first introduced in “Deadly Secrets," Caitlyn has been asked to interview with an important client. Her partner, Ethan has embarked on a new career. I'm looking forward to see where these two take me.
The photo that inspired my next book is from a boat that washed on Anna Maria Island one night. It was the first thing I saw when I entered the beach early one morning. The back was full of equipment and a real curiosity for beach walkers for several days.
A new website and a whole new learning experience. One thing I wanted to bring over from the previous site was how Summit arrived in the Caitlyn Jamison Series.
Summit joined the Caitlyn Jamison mystery series team in October 2014, a month after I started writing An Unexpected Death. Readers love him, and he assisted Caitlyn in solving crimes. My daughter refers to my books as “The Summit Series.” Whatever. I’m just thankful I have so many readers that love the books.
Yesterday (April 15, 2026) I had the most delightful session with the West Bay Cove book group. They discussed "The Art of Murder." The comments were so positive and also humbling. Can I do a book this good again? It has given me pause to rethink the characters and plot lines for the next book.
The challenge with starting a new book is figuring out an interesting plot line, and developing new characters. Characters that readers will connect with in some way. I'm on my third try and I think I've got it! Caitlyn is back in Pont-Aven, NY interviewing with a potential new client. Due to recent circumstances, it's important she get the job. But there's something just not right with this new client. How will she navigate this issue?
Events
April 15, 2026 - West Bay Cove, Anna Maria Island, book group - 1:30 p.m.
June 1, 2026 - Quarry Celebration and Makers Market 10;00-4:00 - Riverfront Park, Portland, CT
June 13, 2026 - 1851 Kitchen and Cocktail Bar, Noon - 4:00 -Cromwell, CT
August 8, 2026 - Witch Meadows, Salem, CT - 10:00 - 2:00 p.m.
September 12, 2026, Manchester Book Walk, 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. Manchester, CT
©2026 by Mary E. Maki Books
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Writing a Story Readers Want to Read: One Scene at a Time
Being an author requires a multifaceted skill set. A writer needs to have a good grasp of language, creativity, interesting characters and setting, and seat in the chair discipline. When the writer types “The End,” it’s not. Ahead are hours of editing and finding qualified beta readers to go through the polished draft. Does the plot line work? Are the characters believable? The setting? Missing end quotes? Grammar and typos are just a few items a writer hopes beta readers will report on. After many more hours of editing, the book is finally ready to publish. But how? Once that decision is made, another skill set is required. The writer has to become a marketing expert. And that’s probably the biggest challenge. Getting yourself and your books out there. Sometimes a writer wonders if it is worth the time and effort. Then I remember why I write and am thankful for the readers who comment after they’ve read my books.
From a reader of An Unexpected Death
Kudos to M.E. Maki for "An Unexpected Death." This great read includes interesting new characters, plot, and suspense, with even a little romance thrown in.
Basically, everything that makes for good fiction. Author Maki is even able to weave her characters into a very relevant environmental topic, which I had no knowledge of and learned a great deal about. Overall, an outstanding book, and already waiting for the sequel!
From a reader of The Art of Murder
You've hit another one out of the park. Somehow you manage to take current
concerns and weave your characters through them into a tapestry that keeps
us on the edge of our seats in suspense. Hope you have as much fun writing
as we do reading.
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