The Happy Booker: Update... our life in 3-D

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We apologize for our extended absence. In the future we plan to leave a blog key under the mat so that when are away our writerly friends can stop by to collect the mail, water the plants and leave out some fresh content for our readers.

As for us, we were unexpectedly called away from our bloggerly duties with family concerns, the kind that kept us waiting for the phone to ring and for the other shoe to fall. Now that things are looking up for our mother (who resides 3 red states away) we are able to get back to the blog, the wilting plans and the stacks and stacks of emails crowding our inbox (please be patient).

For those looking for some fresh and exciting new content pop over and see what's cooking at the LBC where Firmin-week discussions are wrapping up and the winners of the free book give-away have been announced. Make sure to check out the riveting podcast with Firmin author Sam Savage and marvel at his top drawer blogging.

As for us, we've got plenty of interesting tidbits to go up shortly, plus a few guest blogs—sent by those who were worried we needed some new content!—and some amusing sites to visit. You can find it all here. Promise. Just give us a day or so to read through, organize and post, post, post…

For now, on this windy, cold and rainy evening, we have plans to put on our fleece sweats, get a mug of something warm (with a kick) and be one with the couch. We are tempted to tune in for Murder by the Book, which premieres tonight at 10pm on Court TV. Mystery authors Michael Connelly, James Ellroy, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman and Lisa Scottoline will each select and discuss a case that has " captivated or touched them in some way." Ellroy starts the series tonight by exploring the mystery surrounding his mother's death. Almost 4 decades since his her unsolved murder, Ellroy and a homicide detective team up to investigate. Chilling.

Murder by the Book and Court TV are also sponsoring The Search for the Next Great Crime Writer contest. Aspiring crime writers are encouraged to submit their work —the grand prize winner will be published by Regan Books. There's lots more information on the series and the contest here.