Out Now: Blunt Instrument

“Sexy, scary and sharp-tongued, Amy Bloom’s spin on PI noir stings like a bee.”–Val McDermid

This entertaining, sexy adventure in not-so-dark academia checks all the classic detective-story boxes. Keep ‘em coming.–Kirkus Reviews

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More In the Press:

The Boston Globe

The first crime novel from Bloom introduces Dell Chandler, English prof turned P.I., investigating the murder of a faculty member at a small Connecticut college. Who bonked Oliver Bullfinch with a bust of Nathaniel Hawthorne? Bloom’s writing is witty and winsome as ever.

The Los Angeles Times:

Bloom’s first foray into crime fiction nails the genre’s conventions while her bona fides as a recently retired professor of English and psychotherapist in mid-state Connecticut make this book resonate as spot-on, hilarious truth.
–Paula L. Woods, 6 summer mystery reads that are sure to make waves

Most Anticipated List for Summer 2026

Check out the full list from Zibby’s Bookshop

Where We Read:

A glorious whodunit set in the brutal world of academia. Droll, erudite, with a plot like a coiled spring. I love it and I wish I’d written it.
–Tom Mead, Prize-winning, best-selling mystery writer

Publishers Weekly Galley Tracker:

A witty whodunit!… It’s a blast!… A sequel would be welcome!

People.com:

I’ll Be Right Here Author Amy Bloom Announces New Mystery Blunt InstrumentView full article


Events in 2026

Amy Bloom’s Blunt Instrument


June 10th, 2026, 6-7pm

The Mysterious Bookshop, 58 Warren St, NY, NY

View Event Page

Writing the Unspoken: A New Residency in an Ancient Setting

OLD QUEBEC CITY, AUGUST 27TH – SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2026

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