Not a bad showing for the first-day rankings on Amazon for my second novel, "The Truth Is in the Ashes." I guess there's a lot of murdering going on!

My second novel, “The Truth Is in the Ashes,” a mystery set in the Adirondacks is out today! This book is for those who love police procedurals, twisty plots with red herrings and real-world depictions of crime. a.co/d/0gQhHiOc

This photo will help you understand some of the inspiration behind my second novel, "The Truth Is in the Ashes," which is coming out next week. This is a photo I shot in 1991 of the Theanoguen Lodge at the former Lake Placid Club, which was being targeted by an arsonist.

My second novel, "The Truth Is in the Ashes," is available now for pre-order on Amazon as an eBook and will be out in paperback on April 22.

California health authorities are warning against foraging for wild mushrooms following a deadly outbreak connected to the consumption of so-called death cap mushrooms. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/u...

Honored that the #milfordreadersandwritersfestival selected me as a Silver Award Winner in recognition of outstanding writing for my debut novel, "Goodwill's Secrets." #mrwf

Great honor to share the stage with other writers who were finalists at #milfordreadersandwritersfestival inaugural Author Awards. Congrats! #mrwf

Some exciting news! My debut novel, "Goodwill's Secrets," has been named one of four finalists for the Milford Readers and Writers Festival Author Awards. The exact ranking of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced on Sept. 13.

Benjamin Harrison says it's for the birds to miss an opportunity to read "Goodwill's Secrets." Don't believe him? Here's one of dozens of five-star reviews: "This book was a turn pager for sure. Kept the reader engaged and wanting more."

Absolutely chuffed to have been invited to the Adirondack Authors Day at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake in August! The event celebrates the creative voices of the Adirondacks. I was picked for my Adirondacks-based novel, "Goodwill's Secrets." www.wildcenter.org/events/autho...

Congratulations to the 2025 Mike Levine Journalism Education Fund fellows, Morgan Womack and Susanna Granieri! Read more about their accomplishments here: www.facebook.com/groups/73250...

An email from a reader of "Goodwill's Secrets": "Hey Chris, I just finished your novel and it was terrific! Several LOL moments at the journalism humor, along with sadness, suspense and a completely surprising answer to whodunit." www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J8WVH...

BREAKING: www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/u...

In the White House, Chester Arthur was nicknamed the Gentleman Boss and Elegant Arthur for his sartorial style. He is obviously a man of refined tastes because here he is with a copy of "Goodwill's Secrets." Be like Chet, and pick up a copy today! www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3J8WVHC/

Martin Van Buren said: "As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it." Another happy day for him? When he read "Goodwill's Secrets." Be happy. Read the book and sign up for my newsletters. forms.wix.com/f/7203717418...

Email from a satisfied reader! "Just finished 'Goodwill's Secrets.' I enjoyed your book, good pace, good swerves and plot twists. Looking forward to any future books you may write."

Not all heroes wear capes. Some carry jump ropes. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/u...

New cover alert! For those who have read and reviewed "Goodwill's Secrets," thank you. For those who haven't, here's a chance to catch up on this page-turner of a mystery set in the Adirondacks.

George H.W. Bush once said: "I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm president of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli." My newsletters are better than broccoli. Sign up today! forms.wix.com/f/7203717418...

Rescuers in New York saved a moose this week that had fallen into a frozen lake in the Adirondacks. “Every minute counts,” one rescuer said.

Calamity Jane was a tobacco-spitting, beer-guzzling, foul-mouthed sharpshooter. Here she is raising a toast to "Goodwill's Secrets." Like Calamity Jane, this novel hits the mark. For the latest, sign up for my newsletters: forms.wix.com/f/7203717418...

It's great to see someone's hard work and dedication pay off. Here's a success story:

Thanks to Oliver Mackson for spreading the word about my debut novel, "Goodwill's Secrets," which resulted in this lovely comment from his boss on IG. Thanks, O!

LBJ once said that "the presidency is like being a jackass caught in a hail storm. You've got to just stand there and take it." But you know what you can do while you're waiting for the storm to pass? Read a gripping mystery like "Goodwill's Secrets." All the way with Chris Mele!

If you want to be educated about the long-lasting effects of growing up poor, read Christian Livermore's "We Are Not Okay: Elegy for a Broken America." It is an unflinching, authentic first-person retelling of a life beyond the edges of society and a must-read. www.amazon.com/We-Are-Not-O...

Thomas Jefferson once said of President James Monroe: "Monroe was so honest that if you turned his soul inside out there would not be a spot on it." Of "Goodwill's Secrets," Monroe said: "I honestly could not put this book down. It made for great reading by candlelight. Order it from Amazon today!"

This week on the podcast we sit down with veteran journalist, New York Times editor, and now novelist, @chrismelemedia.bsky.social . Let's dive into his gripping debut novel, 'Goodwill Secrets', a mystery/thriller set in a fictional Adirondack town. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...