Michael Z. Lewin

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Michael: Was in process of writing review for "Oh, Joe" this afternoon and came to your site looking for count on novels. You know, "author of 32 mysteries" type thing and was tickled to find you posted my review of latest Albert Samson mystery. I'm flattered. The casting? Some books just unfold cinematically for me. Plus anything that results in more screen time for Ms Hunt is a good thing. Sigh. Anyway, I've enjoyed yor work for many, many years and always look forward to your latest effort. Take care, Wes leprecon529@yahoo.com PS Really liked "Joe"

Thanks for the comments, Wes, and for taking the time to check in. I'm glad you liked JOE. One of the reasons I maintain this site is to provide more accurate background information for reviewers and interviewers. Funny, though, how easy it is for even my own site to be not quite right - because I fall behind with listing details. Ah well. MZL April 5, 2008


I have read Called by a Panther and the two Lunghi books. I just love the Lunghi Family books. They are so well written which is hard with so many characters. And funny. I love the stories. I just hope you will write some more Lunghi adventures. I am a library fanatic. So I just went to the library and got all the books they had that you wrote - no more Lunghis though...... Linda Myers, Prescott, AZ, USA

Thank you very much for your comments, Linda. As perhaps you'll have seen below, I've finished another Lunghi novel but it awaits the process - agent and publisher enthusiasms. I do hope to write another Lunghi short story or two this year, to go along with eight others. But again, thank you, and thank you for taking the time to write this. All best wishes for the new year. MZL January 3rd, '08.


Mr. Lewin, until I recently ran across The Reluctant Detective, I have not been a big fan of British mysteries in the past,but you presented your stories with a uniquely skewed edge that I find intriguing. I am looking forward to reading more of your work. I am a mystery writer myself with hopes of being published soon. I am currently dealing with Tekno Books regarding a Five Star Mystery and I noticed that they published something for you. I am curious about the “packaging” process and have been leery of the deal. I am not looking for an explanation of the process. I am just interested in your general impressions. Anything you can say about your experience would be both helpful and greatly appreciated. Stan Marshall, Cypress, Texas, USA

Hi Stan. Moving past the fact that, at most, I'm only a slightly British mystery writer, my dealings with Five Star have been pretty straight-forward. They have well-defined standards - including in their contracts - and you can either live with them or not. The result, these days, is a decent looking book that is sold mostly to libraries. Promotion beyond that - including asking for review copies to be sent to publications other than on their basic list - is down to you. I've found the individuals pleasant and helpful to work with. MZL Oct 19, 2007

What is your word count for short stories?

I'm not going to be helpful on this: the shortest story I've published was 580 words and the longest 10,000 (I was being paid by the word...) I've done quite a few that were 1500 to 2500 and another bunch between 4 and 6 thousand. But it really does depend on the story I'm telling. See, I said I wouldn't be helpful. Sorry. MZL Aug 8, 2007


I just finished reading Eye Opener and I enjoyed everything about it. The characters, the way it all came together..I just wished I would have knew that there were more Albert Samson series so I could have read them all from the start. -Daysi A.

Thanks taking the trouble to pass on the kind words about Eye Opener, Daysi. I appreciate them. 'Course it's not too late to find copies of the earlier books and work your way back to it. And, for what it's worth, I've recently written my first ever Albert Samson story. When I have details of when and where it'll be published I'll post them on the site. MZL July 16, 2007

hello i am trying to fine a aduio book i have on reel to reel but is not all there it is the 1974 The Enemies Within could any 1 help my email djhunt2002@yahoo.co.uk

The only audio version of The Enemies Within that I know about was the 1976 BBC radio play, but I hope someone can help with this. MZL May 11, 07

Please, please write another Lunghi Family mystery novel soon! It's been too long. Trish Mitchell--Houston, TX

There's good news and bad news, Trish, and it's a mini-lesson in the publishing business. I finished a third Lunghi novel about a year and a half ago. For some reason my then new and now ex agent didn't submit the manuscript to my Lunghi-editor for six months. And I still haven't had a response about it. Truth is, I decided last week to contact the editor (again) this week. If there's any news, I'll report it here. But thanks for your enthusiasm... MZL Jan 14 07

And the further news, of a kind, is that the book is now sitting on my desk, waiting for me to come to terms with a new agent. Sorry I can't be more helpful, Trish. MZL May 11, 07


Dear Mr. Lewin, I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE FOUND YOU! I just finsihed reading EYE OPENER and was most happy to see there are 7 more "Albert Samson"'s. I think you sort of write like I paint...flaws & all in with basic goodness. I think my images are as believeable to look at and identify with as is "Albert". Thank you for your work. You can see mine by googleing me. Most Respectfully, Marnie Holt Swenson

Thank you for the generosity of your enthusiasm, Marnie. And now I have looked at the pictures on your site, which are full of intelligence and wit. Nothing more than I would expect of someone who likes Albert Samson, mind. MZL, July 4,8 and 13, 06


Recently found The Silent Salesman along with a batch of curbside rejects in the aftermath of an American "yardsale" (sorry - downer) along Route 376 outside of Hopewell Junction. It was one of the several books that I carried home behind me on the bike, my reward for having just peedled an exhausting 25 miles in bright sunshine to that dull little village. I attempted to read six of them and failed at about page five. The SS was the only one that I finished and can claim to have thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you. And thanks also for getting rid of the mustache. Good for the seventies, but pretentious in the extreme. Or whatever.

I'm glad your persistence - both with the hard ride and with working through your new books - paid off. Next we need to find out how The Silent Salesman got mixed up in that company in Hopewell Junction. Guess you're going to have to ride back and ask. Or whatever. MZL June 18, 06


I'm serching for Spiderman. Come on! Anyway,I'm looking for your Ditective's back. Atushi Suzuki Tokyo Japan

Hi again Atushi. It's not that I haven't thought about your question. I just haven't thought of detectives I think of as similar to mine. Probably part of it is because I concentrate on things that are different from the relatively few others I read. But yes, Albert Samson is back in the recent Japanese edition of Eye Opener. MZL June 18, 06


Whitch type detective is best similar with you? I am writing hardboild-mystery.Private eye who appears in the nobel became twin of your own ditective. He use terephone for his job often.So,I decided your nobel whitch I haven't read yet. Tokyo Japan Atushi Suzuki


Hi Atushi, and thanks for your message. I will have to think about which detective is closest to Albert Samson, and who uses the telephone often. When I get some ideas, I'll post them here. Meanwhile maybe some of the other visitors to this site have some suggestions. Whatcha think, guys? MZL March 14, 2006


I think you're back living Stateside now so you may well not know that Frome library, where I first met both you and Albert Samson was badly damaged by fire earlier this year. The upside is that the books they reguarly sell off were on display outside the fron door for a while and I picked up a copy of Outside In in a three for a quid deal! OK so not such good news for you but I've now decided to rejoin the library so you can count on some more lending rights payments through me! Peter Corbett Buckland Dinham Somerset UK

Hi Peter. I'm still living in the UK, but I didn't know about the fire in Frome Library - how awful. I moved from Frome in 2000, though I still visit from time to time and did a Frome Festival event - in the library - as recently as a couple of years ago. I shall check this out.

And - for those of you who visit this page from time to time - I've decided to start replying to comments and answering questions below them on the page, so they make more reading sense.

All best wishes for 2006. MZL 3 Jan 06



Thanks for the kind comments. In fact, I didn't write Cutting Loose "for" young adults. It was just a book I wanted to write. But when it came publication time, the YA people offered a better deal than was offered elsewhere. I do have another book in the same vein that I'd like to write but, unfortunately, the editor who made the deal left for greener, or at least other, pastures. A lot of what gets written, or not, is driven by things like that. MZL November 19, 2005


A copy of Cutting Loose came my way and it's terrific! Not just for kiddies, I was sorry when the last page was turned. More like this, please. -- New U.S. fan


Hi Mrs Gatewood. And thanks for the generosity about Albert. I won't respond at greater length right now - since I'm in an internet cafe in Evansville, Indiana, but I appreciate your approval and your patience.

I'm sorry about the extra newsletter. I was trying to find a way to put the new one on the website and hit the wrong button. Oops. MZL 1 November 2005



This is Mrs. Gatewood in Edmond, OK, checking in. This summer I pestered the Metropolitan Library System to buy EYE OPENER--well worth the effort (yours, certainly, as well as mine). Sorry I didn't get around to it sooner. I loved the tone. Albert has mellowed just a tad, and that's fine with me. Glad to get your newsletter. Looking forward to the return of the Lunghis. Then today, oddly, I got a resend of your 2003 Newsletter (?). OK, already, MZL. I haven't forgotten you. I'm still a loyal fan. MKG Oct. 13, 2005

Hi Bill. I do remember the old Fox Burlesque theater - on Illinois, was it? I never went to a live show there but didn't it have movies too, maybe later? I'm having a memory of seeing "South Pacific" there, though given the way memory works I wouldn't bet more than a dime on it. What were the live shows like? Perhaps someone told you about them... MZL July 31 2005

Hi, Its Bill from Indianapolis. There is one establishment that was closed years and years ago and was torn down to make way for the AUL office building. The establishment was the old Fox theater. Going to this establishment was a "rite of passage" of sorts for males in central Indiana. Perhaps Albert can have a memory falshback. Bill From Indy.

Thanks, Judy, for the kind comments about Leroy Powder and I'm glad you saw the story in EQMM. I do intend to write more stories about him and perhaps one day we'll catch up with Carollee Fleetwood and Powder's son, Ricky. Did you see the earlier Powder story, 'Night Shift' that was in EQMM a few years ago? Powder does also appear a few times in EYE OPENER. Probably, however, there won't be more Powder novels as such. When writers take breaks between novels in a series, publishers are often reluctant to continue publishing them, preferring new characters and series, and that's the way I'm looking now for longer fiction. But stories... Yes. Keep an eye out here. MZL June 19, 2005

Dear Michael Z Lewin: I read your short story in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, February 2005, Finally! Powder is back. He has a lot going on in his life, there is Caroline and a son also isn't that correct? I see no excuse for not hearing about his latest exploits, preferably frequent updates !!!!! I miss your mother's favorite character, Leroy Powder, and I suspect many other people do too. Sincerely, Judy M Tieman, Las Vegas, NV.

Hi Yumiko. I do hope you enjoyed your visit to Bath - it's quite an amazing city and very British. Unfortunately I've been so busy that I didn't get this message until today. The next time you come, perhaps you will email me ahead of time, using the quck link in the right-hand column on each page of this site. I'm always happy to try to meet my readers from abroad if they're interested in doing so. I've been fortunate to have many books published in other languages, and I've had books in Japanese from the very beginning of my career. The support I've received from readers in Japan has been important to me. Perhaps one day I'll get to visit your country. MZL 7 May 2005

Dear Mr. Lewin I am Japanese and a long time fan of your writings, especially �gAlbert Samson novels�h. I just found your message in Japanese on the top page. It was a good surprise for me after reading a lot of English with effort. So I would like to thank you for your Japanese message, kindly remembering your Japanese fans. I am going to visit UK next week. I am planning to visit Bath on May 5th or 6th. If you will see a Japanese woman with her 10 years old daughter at that day, that might be me. : ) Yumiko P.S. I am looking forward to reading your new Albert Samson novel �gEYE OPENER�h in Japanese.

Hi again Bill. I do feel sometimes that I give a fatal kiss to some of the places I mention in books. Even in Eye Opener Cath's isn't the only one (I did see last October it had closed.) The other is Roxanne's, in Fountain Square, also now gone. So, if there are places you think ought to close, just let me know and I'll try to mention them... MZL 7 May 2005

Hi, I finished reading Eye Opener. It is interesting how swiftly things can change. From the time the manuscript was sent to your publisher and the time the book was published, Cath, Inc. closed their shop at 54th and College.Bill Bissey at Indy

OK, Bill, here's what my editor says:
"I just checked the system and it looks like at this point there are units available, so there shouldn't be any problems in ordering/shipping. But, it did go into reprint to be able to fill backorders previously... I know that it can take some time for those companies to receive their books after they have ordered, but hopefully that will be resolved soon. Please let me know if problems continue and I will be sure to look into it for you. :)"

So now we know. And I do hope you get your unit soon... MZL 31 March 05


Hi Bill. It was a nice do at the Mystery Company, wasn't it? Anyway, Eye Opener certainly has been published, but you're not the first person I know who's experienced a delay getting a copy. This is at least in part because the book is in its second printing. But I'll pass your comment on to my editor and if she has anything elucidating to say, I'll post it here. If only the writers were in charge of these things, everything would run smoothly. MZL Mar 28, 05.

Has Eye Opener been printed and released. I preordered a copy from one of Border's stores in Indianapolis on December 26, 2004 and they still don't have it. Bill Bissey, Indianapolis PS We chated at the Mystery Company signing party last fall.

Thanks for telling us about your cousin, George. They are touching details, and fascinating because of the parallel with Jan Moro's life and lifestyle. I made Jan up and yet do we ever make anything up? The comments on this page are certainly getting me to think more about Jan than I have for quite awhile. It would be nice if I can at least find some new stories for him to tell more of his stories in. MZL 17 June 04

Was just introduced to your books by my brother. First read "Underdog". Your character Jan Moro reminds me of a cousin. He resided all his life in Indianapolis (as did all of us). He was a small man, we never knew where he lived. He kept his "stuff" in our garage. Of course we would feed him when he needed it, give him a few bucks. As a small boy he was called "Peewee" as an adult he was known as Smoky, his real name was Paul Ruffin. Like Jan he always had these grand plans and he believed he was the toughest man in the world and he had expansive stories that one need to take with a grain of salt. Anyway I really enjoyed the book and hope there is more about Jan Moro for me to discover. George Downton gdownton@earthlink.net

Thanks for your additional comments, Lana. I do intend to try writing a Jan Moro story or two one of these days, and once I do that, who knows...? MZL May 27, 04

I'M an American, Michael, and I definitely DO like to read about characters like Jan Moro. (Tell Liza Cody I like Bucket Nut too.) And, as I said, LeRoy Powder is a favorite. They are so true-to-themselves. I think they should both be in the movies. Dustin Hoffman would make a perfect Jan Moro. Can't you just see him bedding down under one of his favorite bushes? Unfortunately, the chance to cast Powder is gone. Walter Matthau is no more. I can't buy a publishing company for you but if I win the lottery. . . Lana Waite - www.waiteweb.com

Hi Lana, and thanks for the enthusiasm about Jan Moro - and for Roy Powder. I appreciate your comments. With Powder there are at least a few short stories - one in THE RELUCTANT DETECTIVE and another coming out later this year in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. I don't know the month yet. But as for Jan... Well, the truth is that back when I wrote UNDERDOG my publishers of the time didn't really like my writing about Jan much, whatever the positive qualities of the book. He's not glamorous, or sexy, or rough and tough. I'm not saying these were their words, but the message I got was pretty clear. It was also said, in particular, that American readers don't want to read about characters like him. Well, it's worked out that some did and some didn't. But the book was hardly a runaway success and even though I did - do - have notes for another Jan Moro story (and have recently been asked what happened to Rosie...) a fella does have to make a living. I've thought about doing a few short stories about him, but as for a novel it'll probably mean you'll need to buy a publishing company and make me an offer...

And for those readers of this exchange who think I've ignored Eric below, since he left his email address I answered him directly. Another reader has worried a little that I post emails that I get on this page. I don't: Eric entered what's below himself. MZL 18 May 04.

5/7/04 - PLEASE Michael, write another Jan Moro book. (And a LeRoy Powder while you're at it.) I love that little guy, and you keep him in character flawlessly! I just finished my copy of the book again, for the third time, and I'm always inspired. Your books don't make me a "better cop" but they sure teach me a lot about writing. Lana Waite, www.waiteweb.com

Hi Michael, Just listened to your "Cigarettes" on Radio 4. Brilliant. Never heard of you before - my loss. I am a member of an Amdram group in Basel, CH. We play in English. Have you written any plays? Best wishes, eric collino eric.collino@balcab.ch

Thank you, MKG, for the many generosities in your comments. In fact I have next historical and Jan Moro books that I could do - and would like to do - were there publishers out there willing to encourage me in the way writers best understand. Meanwhile, there are a couple of projects with my agent and I'm likely to start a new FAMILY book soon. Happy New Year. MZL Jan 1, 04

Your CD, like your charming performance in Edmond, OK, fulfills this reader's quest for the unique while offering a fine taste of the quirky personalities behind the novels. It also makes me nostalgic for the skits at summer camp in my youth. And now, thanks to Bouchercon, I can even relive, among other memorable moments, the exposure of Peter Lovesy's knees. So what's MZ Lewin up to next? Is another historical novel out of the question? It would be great if all those scraps of paper yielded another Jan Moro -- after all, Liza Cody got three novels out of HER naive narrator. Anyway, thanks for being you and letting us readers in on it. MKG -

Dear Mr Lewin, I heard that you almost sold out of the CD called Wanted for Murder - Takeouts. Is this true, and if so will you be ordering some more? You don't seem to have explored all publicity opportunities in Britain yet. S.G.T.Oak, Scotland.

I'm in awe! Imagine a greeting from Peter Lovesey over the internet! And all thanks to that other guy who set up a web site. After polishing off FAMILY BUSINESS and then OUT OF SEASON, I'm ready for a serious Lewin interlibrary loan binge. And rare treat--I'm following Liza Cody chronologically, since all her early books are still in the Metro library system. Of course, Peter Lovesey's first books go back so far, only the large print editions are still around. God bless you all and keep you safe. Mrs. G

Peter sends his best wishes. We'll look out for you in Edmond. MZL 30 Aug 03

Hi, Mrs. Gatewood. Don't fret for a moment. All three of us are great fans of libraries, which is one of the reasons that more often than not we make our appearances on behalf of them. But dig those spurs in, by all means. And I'll certainly pass on your comments to Peter and Liza. MZL 28th August 03

As a Peter Lovesey fan, I recently wrote a story for a Christianity and Literature conference based on the unlikely (I thought)scenario of a well known British crime fiction writer arriving to speak in Oklahoma. Then I learned that you three are actually coming here in October. It was a life-imitates-art moment. It impelled me to read--with great enjoyment--Liza Cox's DUPE, your FAMILY PLANNING, and now your congenial newsletter. Unfortunately for your revenue, my book collecting must remain purely mental, but perhaps my persistent, annoying interlibrary loan requests will help spur future acquisition in the Southwest. Certainly, the performance of your triumvirate--apple green bucket not withstanding--will be most welcome in Oklahoma. Mrs. Gatewood

My apologies - Liza CODY! Mrs. G


I'm not a Go player, though I've looked at the game once or twice, and read a short story involving it (by Sara Paretsky.) Do my epics remind you of black and white counters, or what? MZL 26 July 2003


BTW MZL, do you play Go? Bill

Hey, Bill. Thanks for the lush endorsement of the Lunghis. Coincidentally, I've been thinking recently that my next project might be another Lunghi book, and your comments sure won't make it any less likely. Even if I don't manage a book, I'll likely do another story or two before long. Of course writing things "soon" doesn't necessarily seeing them out there soon. But I try to list what's happening one place or another on the site here.

In fact, I floated through Book Passage a few years ago. '98 maybe? I was there supporting a writer friend rather than on my own behalf, but at least I do know what a classy place it is. MZL July 6th, 2003

BTW, you ought to contact Book Passage in Corte Madera and tell them a local said that they HAVE to have you APPEAR. I mean, you oght to have some fun while yer in the U.S. Bill

Oh man, oh man! The blurb on "Family Business" said that it was hilarious, and it was! You've always been one of my favorite authors, and I was so happy to find another one of your books. Would you swear to NOT being K.C. Constantine? You two are so good, as well as somewhat similar, while with the Lunghis you are so funny, i can only be thankful! Bill D. Ross, CA

Hi Daniel. I've been working on this since yesterday. Saying Lunghi rhymes with funghi isn't going to help much. The best I've managed is to add loon to gee where the "g" is hard, like in guy. Only then you don't pronounce the n much. This leaves us with Loo(n)gee. You're really glad you asked now, aren't you? It's not, like, that I speak Italian. The name just popped into my head when I began to write about them - they began in a short story. There's a British actress named Cherie Lunghi and I probably got the name from her, though I don't remember doing so specifically. Ah well. MZL April 20, 2003

Mr. Lewin, I'm a longtime fan of your "Indianapolis" novels, but have only recently read your stories on the Lunghi family. Lunghi is not an Italian surname with which I am familiar, so could you please tell me how it's pronounced? Daniel Burnette "An Indy boy exiled in the Arizona desert"

Hi Andi, and thanks for your kind comments. I'm back in Indiana pretty much every year. I go to the mystery conference in Muncie - Magna cum Murder - which takes place on the last weekend of October. Either before or after I'm in Indianapolis for a few days. This year I may well be in Indy earlier in the month as well - I'm hoping the "Wanted for Murder" program I've mentioned on my Events page will be on show. Keep tuned. But of course I'm happy to sign your books. Closer to October we can arrange it. MZL Jan 16 03

Mr. Lewin: I love your Albert Samson books and have yet to read other books you've written, but I'm sure they're great too. I'm wondering about when you come back to the states(especially Indiana) for book signings and the like. I am starting a small library in Waynetown Indiana and would like some copies signed for the library. Thanks Andi hinds

Jan Moro, moi? Well, when I'm in Indy I do gravitate to the alleys and the backs of places. When I read from UNDERDOG in the US, the audiences were friendly and generous - but I do find that always to be the case when I read there. No specific incidents or comments from those sessions come to mind - except once when someone expressed pleasure that the book wasn't scratch and sniff. I took it as a compliment for the (comparative) reality of other elements. Hmm, was it though? MZL

i want to know if Jan Moro is Michael Z. Lewin

And did you get any feedback on what the american audience thought of Jan? Liz L

Thanks for the comments, Mat C. When I finished UNDERDOG I had notes and notions for a second Jan Moro book. Unfortunately my American publisher had disliked the fact that the central character is a homeless guy, and therefore unlikely to appeal to American audiences. So I did another project I had in mind instead (FAMILY BUSINESS.) Funny thing though, in the last few months I’ve again begun to collect notes and stories for Jan Moro. What will come out of that collecting, other than a pile of scraps of paper, I don’t know. MZL Sept 8 02

MZL, I feel strongly that you should return to Jan Moro at some time - surely there's a lot more to be said about the little big man's extraordinary world? I wonder if other readers agree; and, less importantly, whether you agree. - Mat C, Somerset UK