Ep20: Don’t miss Mark Thielman’s debut novel, “The Devil’s Kitchen” and his upcoming release, “The Hidden River”

Meet the Author: Mark Thielman writes primarily crime fiction and serves as a magistrate judge in Ft Worth, Texas. His debut novel, The Devil’s Kitchen, was released in April 2025. His second novel, The Hidden River, is scheduled for October 2025. Both books are part of the Johnson and Nance series, published by Severn River Publishing.

Mark’s short fiction pieces have been named to the honor roll of America’s best mysteries on multiple occasions. The Wolfe Pack, the Nero Wolfe Literary Society, has twice named him the recipient of the Black Orchid Novella Award. His story, “A Meter of Murder,” received the award in December 2015. It appeared in the July/August 2016 issue of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and became Mark’s first published work of fiction. His second Black Orchid Novella Award came in 2017 for “The Black Drop of Venus.” Since then, his many short stories have been published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, and several anthologies.

 About Mark’s debut novel, The Devil’s Kitchen: When a history professor is fatally shot at the base of Yellowstone Canyon, seasonal park ranger and former homicide detective Clarence Johnson finds himself roped into the murder investigation. Alongside Special Agent Alison Nance, he quickly realizes they are uncovering more than just a killer.

As Johnson and Nance hunt for the killer, clues gleaned from the professor’s research hint at a historic conspiracy involving an ancient relic believed to have been secreted away by royalists during the French Revolution. Their hunt through the wilds of Yellowstone leads them to realize that the professor’s death and the missing artifact are intricately connected.

But Johnson and Nance’s suspects are disappearing at an alarming rate, pitting them in a race against time before those determined to do anything to protect the secrets of the past strike again.

About The Hidden River: In the Everglades, a senseless murder unearths long-buried secrets.

When artist Hezekiah Freeman is found drowned in the shallow waters of Everglades National Park, Special Agent Alison Nance and Clarence Johnson are tasked with uncovering the truth behind his death. What initially seems like a tragic accident soon reveals itself to be part of a larger, more intricate conspiracy.

As they begin their investigation, Clarence and Alison discover that Hezekiah’s artwork holds more than his artistic genius. Beneath layers of paint lay cryptic clues to a hidden history that some want to keep buried. The details suggest that Hezekiah was searching for something within the park, something that might have led to his untimely death.

With each step closer to finding answers, the danger intensifies, forcing Johnson and Nance to untangle the connections between the murder and stories that the Everglades have long held.

In The Hidden River, Mark Thielman crafts a riveting narrative where the past and present intertwine in a captivating dual timeline novel. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown and Gary McAvoy.

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times have interviewed Jeffrey. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share the family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District, within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.