According to the Mayo Clinic, narcissistic personality disorder — related to sociopathy under the umbrella term Antisocial Personality Disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated […] The post How to recognize a toxic narcissist—and survive appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

“Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” —SATCHEL PAIGE I lived a hundred lives last year. The curious wanderer, the angry plumber, the heartbroken son who refused to […] The post The Blessing Jar appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

I originally wrote this essay as a newspaper column in 1995. It appears here today with a few minor but festive updates because, well, Scrooge is timeless. No businessman in […] The post In defense of Ebenezer Scrooge appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

Sixty years ago today, JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was gunned down by Jack Ruby in Dallas. Here’s an excerpt from my Edgar-nominated true crime MORGUE: A LIFE IN DEATH, which explores the most historic, infamous, and heartbreaking cases of renowned medical examiner Dr. Vincent Di Maio. In this “clear, gritty, and enthralling narrative,” Dr. Di Maio […] The post Digging up Lee Harvey Oswald appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

This essay was originally written just two days after the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in 2012. Last night’s tragic shooting in Lewiston, Maine, makes me want to re-run it, as I have several times when such senseless events happen. It appears anew here now, with only minor updates because, well, nothing will ever change. —RF […] The post We’ll always have mass murder appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

“Reminiscent of Charles Frazier’s ‘Cold Mountain’ … Ron Franscell’s themes involve a fresh approach to our rural roots as a font for the elusive American spirit.” — USA Today Twenty-five years ago today, my first book—a literary novel called “Angel Fire”—was published. Nobody out there was waiting for this debut fiction by an unknown scribbler […] The post ‘Angel Fire’ was published 25 years ago today appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

According to the Mayo Clinic, narcissistic personality disorder — related to sociopathy under the umbrella term Antisocial Personality Disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of […] The post How to recognize a toxic narcissist—and survive appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

Hollywood actor, comedian, and impressionist Jim Meskimen—the superb narrator on DEAF ROW’s audiobook—offers some insights on some beloved celebrities who might be reading my new mystery. The post You might be surprised who’s reading DEAF ROW! appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

Does your book club feature a lot of awkward silences? Is the deepest question, “Did you like it?” Tired of meetings that are more about the furniture than the book? Good questions help inspire your members, prompt ideas that might not have already been on their minds before the meeting, and make for a more […] The post Book clubs: 10 Questions about ‘Deaf Row’ appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more

My true crimes like SHADOWMAN and THE DARKEST NIGHT are the product of old-school research and investigation. I’m an old-fashioned reporter who believes in first-hand, up-close sensory experiences that tell me everything I want to tell a reader. I can only get that from having my boots on the ground in the places where it […] The post Which is harder to write … true crime or crime fiction? appeared first on Ron Franscell ..read more