If you've registered for this class, you're probably either a mystery fan (like me) or someone who wants to learn more about mystery and detective fiction. 

Where to begin? It's a vast genre to explore.

I like to begin every semester by sharing stories by the "masters" of mystery fiction, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and more. As we move on in history, we see the influence of the classic on more modern writers.  As you´ll see by reading writers publishing today, mystery fiction is a blend of the old and new.

This class weaves together three activities:

• Learning through this website and our Zoom session. 

• Adding your voice to the conversation about our readings.

• Sharing ideas for activities to enhance our enjoyment of reading mysteries

A Note About Our Readings

I provide links to many of our readings (they are in the public domain or are available online).  

Text for Class page for more information.

You'll be responsible for obtaining two other sources.

First: This semester we'll use the anthology The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2024 (edited by Anthony Horowitz)

There are quite a few great stories in this collection, and I've chosen the best ones to use for our class. You can find this at the area libraries, and I also encourage you to buy it; we'll use it in Spring semester as well.

Second: This semester we'll also read and discuss one novel, Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon. This is the first in her wonderful series featuring Commissario Brunetti of the Venice Police Precinct.

I've scheduled this for December (so we all have time to find and read the book).

Third: Each week on the Weekly Lesson Page, I post a comprehensive website about our selection.  I include information about the author, the time period and culture, reviews, videos, and as much enlightening research as I can find!  I encourage you to follow your own curiosity and dive in to research any questions that come up in the course of your reading (or viewing).

I’m Emily Nye, and I’ve been teaching for the San Diego Community College District’s Emeritus Program for over three years. I’m a former English professor and Writing Center director. My career focus has always been on helping college students become stronger writers.

I currently teach writing classes at several universities in the San Diego area.

I love a good mystery! Some of my favorite writers include Sue Grafton (I’ve read her series several times), Donna Leon, John M. Floyd, and Jacqueline Winspeare. But I also enjoy discovering new writers, and re-discovering the “oldies but goodies” like the Baroness Orczy and Arthur Morrison.

More about me: I grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and have lived all over the United States (including Socorro, Baltimore, Denver, Boulder, Fremont, Honolulu, Ewa Beach, Beaverton, and, of course, San Diego).

When I'm not teaching or reading: you might find me walking at Lake Murray or Mission Bay.  I also love to travel to points near and far.

This website provides helpful background information about the books and authors we'll read during our class. Each week I'll add new information, often based on your feedback as well as questions that come up in class. I suggest you bookmark the website on your computer toolbar for easy access. 

When you enter the website, you'll land on this Home Page, and from there you have several options to choose from.  

The Weekly Lessons category tells you our weekly reading agenda, along with author biographies, basic literary analysis, and random trivia.

This is the link to use each Tuesday 1-3  

https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/89358988059

Our class conducts weekly discussion through the use of Zoom.  We'll meet from 1-3 on Tuesday afternoons.

Remember, it is optional to join our Zoom meetings.  I hope you do, but if you don't, I hope you will enjoy the readings each week.