Josh Boldt

The Best Mystery Novels of 2025

My best-of-the-year list is up this morning at the NYTBR, books I found to be the “pinnacle of pleasure” in crime fiction reading:

I get all my DVDs from the public library!

Exciting news. My fifth novel finally has a title! I've never wrestled with names like I have for this book. It comes from the main character and plays on several themes in the book. I officially love it. Thank you to @gwenda.bsky.social for the help. Drumroll... CUPID IN BLOOM.

My fifth novel is finished! As you can see, it still has no title. @gwenda.bsky.social and I have been describing it as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape meets Bonnie & Clyde. Heading to beta readers next. I have high hopes for this novel—I think you’re going to love it.

Agreed!

If anyone is counting, I cut 12,000 words off the first draft. We're at 83K now.

I took a week's vacation from my day job so I could finish the second draft of my new novel. Done with a day to spare! Still no title, but I'm telling right now, this book is good. I'm proud of it. More soon.

Noir in the Bar was an absolute blast last night in Richmond, Kentucky with a sold out crowd. Heard some great stories and made some new friends.

This’ll be a good time. I am honored to be part of it. I’ll be reading from my new novel. Come on out and see us this weekend. #noiratthebar

Makes me want to get a pair of chuck taylors.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness came out 30 years ago. I remember opening that double CD case.

🤐

“Invention does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos.”

Mary Shelley, in the author’s introduction to Frankenstein

#writing

Both books finished the same week deserves a major celebration.

First draft of the new novel is FINISHED! 95,000 words. @gwenda.bsky.social and I have been describing it as "Bonnie & Clyde meets What's Eating Gilbert Grape". 😂 Stay tuned... #writing

SUBS OPEN NOW THRU NOV. 22! We want stories that detail life at the bottom or at the margins of human society. Make it sad. Make it dark. Make it the tiniest bit hopeful. More info here: bit.ly/4onmEBw

Me in door with costume all seeing eye tee headdress and QR code

The Illuminati and Sundance

The reveal

Halloween fun with @joshaboldt.bsky.social — who am I? Answers within 18.207.115.111

Working on the climax of my latest novel now. 91,000 words. Maybe another 5k left to finish the novel. I love this book, y'all. #writing

😂 I know that game.

When’s the last time you wrote a scene that made you cry?

Rainbow enormous and spreading out over beautiful clouds at the sunset hour with a red barn framed

Yesterday @joshaboldt.bsky.social and I went on a spirits and spooks walk at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill after a whole day of rain — maybe your Monday needs the magical rainbow we saw at the very end.

I want to appreciate Poor Richard's Books in Frankfort, Kentucky. One of my favorite bookstores around, and they are heroic supporters of Kentucky authors. Thank you! #bookstores #books #kentuckywriters

One on One: New book takes readers on a journey through a 'Secret Lexington' Whether you’ve lived in Lexington all of your life or you’re a relative newcomer, there’s probably a story you haven’t heard, or a question you’ve always had, about some of our fascinating spots or qu...

Whether you’ve lived in Lexington all of your life or you’re a relative newcomer, there’s probably a story you haven’t heard, or a question you’ve always had, about some of our fascinating spots or quirky spaces.

One of my favorite shows.

Current project just crossed 80,000 words. Longest novel I've ever written and still going. Damn, it's a fun one. #amwriting

Best pilot I’ve seen in a while.

😘 Happy birthday, beautiful Ruby!

Indianapolis Readers! I’ll be signing copies of PINEVILLE TRACE at the Proof: Midwest Lit Fest in Indianapolis at the Harrison Center on Sat. Oct. 11 from 10 - 11:30 am. Hope to see you! #booksigning #PinevilleTrace

Love it! What a cutie.

Snapshot of a man with curly hair and glasses at a desk chair in his living room, holding an apricot cockapoo in his lap and kissing her on the head.

My dog is also named Ruby & is soon to turn 15! Hope yours has just as good a life for just as long. HBD, other Ruby!