Circuit Judge Kip Gayden, who works in Nashville, apparently always had aspirations beyond his vocation. His debut novel came out last month to wide praise. Set in turn of the century American, it features a young couple who met at a church camp. They marry and end up living in Tennessee, but when she has a miscarriage, it sets the stage for a murder charge. The judge based the story on a true case, and reviewers say while the romantic parts are a bit flap, the court room drama (as one might expect) is well done.

Speaking on historical fiction, P.C. Doherty spins a tale that is set about as far back as it can go (unless it’s, ah, “10,000 BC”. In his latest, the British author takes us back to ancient Egypt. At treaty signing between Egypt and Libya, three scribes are poisoned. Now the case must be investigated by Amerotke — Chief Judge of the Halls of Two Truths. A mystery for those tired of having mysteries set in a world which they understand.

And, also in fiction, Julia Cameron has released Mozart’s Ghost. It’s her first novel since The Artist’s Way (from 10 years ago). It’s an unconventional romance in which a young New York woman falls for the reserved pianist who lives in the apartment below her. But the woman — who also works as a medium — finds herself having to deal with a the ghost of Mozart, who wants to play matchmaker. Charming!