Read

You are going to love the first two novels by Michelle Cullen, including, “A Field Guide to Murder” — Meet her at Elaine’s on Sept. 17

Meet Michelle: Who’d have thought that 30 minutes on a Saturday morning as a kid in front of a TV would influence the rest of your life. But that was me, riveted by the children’s show Big Blue Marble, which featured the lives of kids all over the world. The result: a few well-stamped passports and a lifetime of amazing experiences.

I’ve worked as a (decent if powered by enough espresso) bilingual secretary in Paris; backpacked around Europe, Central America, and Southern Africa; and helped rebuild communities after war throughout Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. I got my master’s degree in anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia and my Ph.D. in sociology at the London School of Economics in England.

This thrill of adventure also inspired me to earn a black belt in Taekwondo, summit 900 feet rock climbing, and fly a helicopter (once, during a lesson, for five terrifying minutes). I currently live in Annapolis, Maryland, where I’m either doing yoga, playing outside, or plotting murder.

About the Book: Michelle’s debut, A Field Guide to Murder, features a cranky widower and his spirited caregiver who team up to solve his neighbor’s murder in this charming and original mystery that explores themes of aging, found families, and second chances. The book is available January 27, 2026.

Click here to buy A Field Guide to Murder.

---

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. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. 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.

About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend 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 my 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.