Must read Classic Noir Books

There are few genres or styles as enduring and iconic as noir, with the pulp detectives, femme fatales, and conspiracies that invariably go all the way to the top. These are some of the genre’s foundational classics.

The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson

Not only a definitive work of noir fiction but also a book that has become the template for so many pop culture depictions of the mind of a serial killer. This tale of small-town murder is a grisly and twisty narrative that also digs deep into the mind of an all too human monster.

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

One of the genre’s true masters at his absolute finest, this famously adapted work is the quintessential noir text. Containing all the elements and styles that would give the genre its feel and legacy, it was also based on much of Hammett’s own experiences working for the infamous Pinkerton agency.

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M Cain

With an iconic setup, that would become a template for many a future noir writer, this was a book that hooked many, even if it did earn some controversy at the time for its stark depictions of sex and violence. A beautifully written and quick-paced story of lust, greed, and murder, it also helped define the classic noir ending, one that was anything but happy.

If you’re a fan of classic noir, or just simply looking for a mystery to unravel, head over to www.mediazenn.com. Where they have an enthralling selection of mystery eBooks and audiobooks for your reading pleasure.

Truth is stranger than fiction: Three crime novels inspired by real-life events

Skilled crime novelists require an active imagination among all the other traits of being a successful writer. However, when it comes to inspiration, they are very often inspired by real-life events. That’s understandable, especially when you consider the oft-repeat saying that ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ and see all the true crime TV shows which have cropped up over the last decade or so.

Of course, many readers may be unaware of the true stories behind many of their favorite mystery novels. Here are a few books which have been inspired by real-life events which you may not know about.

Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

When you consider the legendary output of the acclaimed doyen of mystery and crime literature, it’s no surprise that Agatha Christie drew from real events to inspire her work. In Murder on The Orient Express, Christie used her own experiences of riding the train and noted its layout and design. At the time of writing, the news of the kidnap of the Lindbergh baby was everywhere and Christie was influenced by that when she penned her classic whodunit tale.

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

A classic detective tale of murder and deception, Ellroy’s story of the murder of a young girl in Los Angeles had its roots in a real-life story of an aspiring actress who has found dead in the 1940s, prompting a widespread police investigation across California.

Little Deaths by Emma Flint

A single mother is suspected of killing her two young children, but an investigative reporter believes there’s more to the story than meets the eye. The novel is inspired by the real-life events in New York in the 1960s when two young children are found dead during a heatwave.

For more mystery books which have been inspired by real life check out www.mediazenn.com.

Mysteries of Ancient Egypt

Depicted in television and movies for decades, the world has formed its opinion in regards to the ancient Egyptians, who they were, how they lived, and what they looked like. Yet for all the speculation, much information is still in doubt when it comes to the ancient Egyptians, and many of their greatest mysteries remain unsolved to this day. Here are just three of the many unsolved mysteries of ancient Egypt.

The Pyramids. The size and scale of structures such as the Egyptian pyramids would certainly be impressive benchmarks for any society, but what’s baffling about the ancient Egyptians is that they built their pyramids with none of the technological advancements of today. Historians and archaeologists alike still struggle with questions of who built these pyramids and how they were built.

The death of King Tut. Tutankhamun came into power at the age of 9 or 10, making him the youngest pharaoh to ever rule over ancient Egypt. His death, however, also came at an incredibly young age, when he was a mere 19 years old. King Tut’s death has been shrouded in mystery not only due to his young age at the time of his death, but due to the very many things wrong with his body, which could lead to several conclusions regarding cause of death.

The disappearance of Queen Nefertiti. One of the few women to have ruled over ancient Egypt, Nefertiti’s body has remained unaccounted for to this day unlike many other pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Only adding to the mystery, there is no recording of her death in Egyptian history.

Looking for more mystery? Check out the wide variety of books and more available at www.mediazenn.com.

How To Write A Credible Character Arc: Part I

Best Adventure Novels On Mediazenn

Adventure novels have made its place in the entire industry. However, not all novels are similar or not all has that same essence. Mediazenn is a platform where you can access number of genres without any hassle. Below are some best adventure novels till date.

• The Odyssey by Homer: The magical adventures that took place with Cyclops and Polyphemus, the Sirens, Circle and the trip to the underworld. This book is rather a poem instead of an adventure that is beautifully crafted by Homer and translated by Robert Fagles. It takes us to a different world and the magical words of Robert feels so soothing to take us together towards the idea of “Homecoming”.

• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift: This adventure novel has been rated as social satire. Jonathan Swift uses inherited tropes to mock the religion, science, human nature, politics with optimism throughout the journey. The story enables us to be with Jonathan Swift with the beautiful expression of words in the entire story.

• King’s Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard: This is a wonderfully strange book by Haggard. Three English men go in search of mines with the help of an ancient map fully drowned in blood. They come across a lost kingdom and discover a hoard of riches in a hidden cave. It becomes racist at times but the story manages to engage its readers throughout and is an extraordinary book.

Explore bulk of adventure books on Mediazenn and unravel the adventure.

Plenty Of Magic, Adventure And Suspense : The Prince Of Lies By Anne Lyle

Elizabethan spy Mal Catlyn has everything he ever wanted – his twin brother Sandy restored to health, his family estate reclaimed and a son to inherit it – but his work is far from over. The renegade skraylings, the guisers, are still plotting – their leader, Jathekkil, has reincarnated as the young Prince Henry Tudor. But while he is still young, Mal has a slim chance of eliminating his enemies whilst they are at their weakest. With Sandy’s help, Mal learns to harness his own magic in the fight against the guisers, but it may be too late to save England. Schemes set in motion decades ago are at last coming to fruition, and the barrier between the dreamlands and the waking world is wearing thin. Enter this gripping and intricate plot at Mediazenn.

The story kept a fast pace as Mal and his friends had to use their swords and their wits to stay ahead of the guiser plotting. Coby, Ned, and Gabriel were the most likable of the characters, but the Scraylings were involved in plenty of interesting happenings. An excellent final act, The Prince of Lies finishes off the trilogy very well indeed, and ending the trilogy in a very satisfying way – Fans of the previous two novels will not be disappointed by what they see here, and once again, Lyle proves herself to be one of the go-to people for good historical fantasy novels with this superb finale. Grab this must read e- book at Mediazenn.

Build Your Vocabulary: Learn About The Word Uncanny

Literature is a work where vocabulary has its defined presence. People can learn words from different platforms as we have wide accessibility to technology. However, the simplest way to build you vocabulary is through reading books.

Have you ever heard about uncanny? I’m sure that if you are a comic book fan, you already know this word as you are grown up with “Uncanny X-Men” who has all the supernatural powers. So did you try to look for its meaning if you didn’t knew? Okay, let me tell you, Uncanny means surpassing the ordinary or normal. This word has been repeatedly used in comic books. Canny used to mean “knowing or careful” which means that uncanny will mean “mischievous” when it comes to supernatural spirits who are doing their best to save or destroy the world.

Words have different meanings in different context or different formation. Using words wisely can change your piece of write up in a good way and can make it in the list of most popular literary work. Also, learning words can be fun with your favorite book as it has your loved characters and they teach you a lot. So, next time you read a book don’t forget to mark the new words or make a note of it.

You’ll find a lot of vocabulary building words in books found at Mediazenn. Become a member now to explore the wide variety of book available at Mediazenn.

Enjoy The Crawls And Chills With Mediazenn

Books always inspire people in various ways, but there is a genre that you just cannot get enough of. The genre is the mystery. It is different from all aspects. It gives you thrills and goosebumps yet you want a more of it. If you love mysterious content, then the only thing you need to do is to sign up for the membership of Mediazenn. This digital library has a huge collection of books that every mystery lover will love to read.

At Mediazenn, you will find numerous books based on crime, thriller, murder and other mysterious genres. The cherry on the cake is all this content are the work of well known authors from all over the world. The stories are full of exciting elements that will entertain you as well as keep you on your seat till you finish the entire book.

Now that you have an online platform like Mediazenn you can get your favourite book in the form of eBooks or audiobooks in an instant whenever you wish to read it. You have various options: You can also listen to it as audiobooks without leaving your seat or while working. You can have the book of your choice without even stepping out of your room when you need it.

To avail all these comfortable features, you must make sure to register yourself to be a member. Choose a plan that suits you perfectly and enjoy the vast collection of mystery books and feel the chills and thrills.

Reading Made Easy With Mediazenn

Reading is so easy now, and books of all genres are easily available online. It’s making it very convenient for readers to look for any book they like in an instant. There’s no need of running to the bookstores and spending a huge amount of money on books. With digital reading, reading is easier, and it also saves trees.

One online library that has resourceful content is Mediazenn. The library contains eBooks, audiobooks and music. Once you join them, you can read, listen and enjoy your books from anywhere anytime. There’s a vast library to be discovered here at Mediazenn. Thriller, comedy, romance, adventure and many others are available as per the tastes of the readers. You will find books for all ages; there are children’s books too and the best part is you can make them listen to an audiobook before they sleep. It works like bedtime stories.

Mediazenn has a sophisticated system to understand you through your search history on the site. It then displays the genres and titles as per your liking. Sign in and get access to an unlimited number of books of your kind. It’s all in here, be a member of Mediazenn now!

Finding Difference between a Mystery and a Thriller

Am I the only one to wonder what exactly the difference between a thriller and a mystery is? Are they really different? Well! The books are categorized based on various factors such as marketing goals, author’s reputation and store space. However, there are known differences between mystery and thriller. Understanding those differences will help you pick what you expect from specific book. For mystery lovers, Mediazenn is a one-stop destination.

A mystery is created around some secret and often asks “Who?” Something has happened for example, a woman is murdered or a jewelry is stolen and the hero and the reader know this. The entire story revolves around who has committed the crime. In mysteries, a detective often gathers evidences, reveal clues and solve the case. He may get into danger in an attempt to disclose the truth, but he will not have serious injuries as his survival can only solve the puzzle.

In a thriller novel, a reader asks “How?” and propels the story with action. The hero and the reader know the criminal and they wait to see how is caught. In a thriller, the protagonist can be a lawyer or hunter or a normal person. Thriller is called a thriller because it is full of thrills such as bomb explosions, car chases, violence, bank heists, etc. If you are a fan of thriller, you will love mystery too. Do not restrict yourself by genre. Pick up any mystery or thriller from Mediazenn and dig in.

How To Get To Know About The Olden Times?

We all always wish to know that what happened earlier. We all are having the curiosity to know about that particular history that how the things used to be get done that time. And what can be greater than getting indulged with Mediazenn? This platform is doggedly engaged in order to manage the great collection adding a variety of amazing books related to old and modern history.

Experts also say that nothing can be greater than reading the literature in order to come across the previous things. Actually, writers associated with that time can explore everything in a great way. They go with that required detailing in order to come up with the excellent literature. This is the prominent thing which makes you feel associated with that period.

The amazing thing is that literature expands your way of thinking. You get to know about many layers which you might know earlier. Saying would not wrong that literature is nothing without the detailing. The minute and subtle details about characters or that particular time period enhance the value of literature.

It is not very easy to write about the literature related to olden time since it takes a lot of time, efforts and in-depth thinking to make the readers go with the written stuff. If writers get success to make readers go with his thought to make the readers experience what he thinks, it indicates the writer’s success.

So, what are you waiting for? It is time to go ahead at Mediazenn in order to come across the best literature done by the creative and experienced writers.

How Not to Write a Science Fiction Novel

Other than thriller and romance novels, science fiction is another popular fiction writing genre. What is the unique thing about science fiction novels is that they blend together scientific research and escapism making them interesting reads? Writing an excellent novel does not happen overnight.

Accordingly, in order for an author to be considered as successful, they need to have written numerous novels with excellent reviews. The following are guidelines on how not to write a novel. Mediazenn is also a great place to find tips.

When writing a science fiction novel, it is crucial that the author establishes believability of their fictional world. Where this is not done, the author is not able to win and retain enthusiasts. In addition, the author should develop a plot that is both exciting and thought-provoking.

Even before an author begins writing their novel, they should first effectively research the science world. The science written should match with what readers understand about the universe.

The Internet is a good place to perform the research as it is packed with science fiction devotees who may be able to offer meaningful tips. In addition, they may also offer information on how not to write a novel. Mediazenn offers great quality content online.

The Lost Island: A Tale Of Castaways

With the rise of online reading mediums like Mediazenn, reading has become really easy in the modern era. With such innovative mediums coming up every single day, people cannot decide upon what book to read. When you face such a situation, always go with a mystery novel.

One of the best mystery novels till date is The Lost Island by Jules Verne. It is an exciting tale of mystery and adventure as a group of castaways struggle to overcome the elements and survive on an uncharted island. This novel was written by Jules Verne in 1874.

In March 1865, during the final days of the American Civil War, five prisoners who are held captive in Richmond plan a daring escape in a hot air balloon during a terrible storm. They are carried by the storm's winds for 4 long days and the balloon crashes near an island in the South Pacific.

They get stranded on this island with nothing but their clothes. But luckily for them, the island is full of the natural resources they require for survival. They name the island after president Lincoln and make it their home till they find a way to get out of there. The castaways also start considering themselves as colonists who have claimed the island for the United States and will return it to them if they ever go back home.

As time goes on the castaways realize that there are some strange things happening on the island that are inexplicable. Most of these are considered to be the work of Providence and eventually they realize that they are not the only inhabitants of the island.

To know what happens next, sign up at Mediazenn and read the whole novel for yourself!

Classic Literature: The King Of Literary Genres

Reading classic novels may seem like a cumbersome job to you at first, but once you start reading it you just cannot stop! Classic literature has a distinct charm of its own that attracts readers towards it. Reading such books in the modern era has been made easier by sites like Mediazenn.

Are you one of those people who refuse to give importance to classic literature? If yes, read on and find 5 reasons why classic literature was, is and will always be the king of literary genres.

It will help you improve your social skills:

No we are not kidding! A study conducted in the year 2013 showed that reading the classics, as opposed to commercial fiction and even non-fiction, enables people to have an improved social perception and emotional intelligence. Novels that are character character driven strengthen your personal ethics.

You are reading something immensely valuable:

Classics have a distinct feature, they have universal themes. These have stood the test of time; the characters, experiences, emotions and perspectives portrayed in these books are relevant even today. Classics span every major literary genre from fantasy to science fiction to romance and even children's, in short there is something of value for everyone.

You get to learn new words:

When you get into get into the habit of reading classic novels, literary references will not go straight over your head. You will instead learn major cultural references cited at their original source.

They help you understand the olden times:

Great works of literature mark every period of modern history and provide you with a more personal accessible perspective on historical events and philosophies that most textbooks.

You can watch the movie after you finish the book:

Every major classic novel has been made into a feature film. Some of the film versions even received a lot of critical acclaim, but once you have read the book it will be more fun watching the movie.

Can't wait to start reading classics? Well all you ought to do is sign-up at Mediazenn and start reading!

Tess of the d'Urbervilles: The Theme of Social Criticism

The works of Thomas Hardy are hard to forget and each one has an underlying theme or concern that is waiting to burst out. For avid fans, Mediazenn has some of his best works like the Tess of the d'Urbervilles, which can be accessed with just one click. This particular book was Hardy's tool to critic the English Victorian society of the late 19th century.

It's a story about Tess who is condemned by the society and treated unfairly. She was labeled by the society as an unclean woman because she was raped, but on the other hand, the premarital affair of the character Angel is barely mentioned by the same people.

The Intriguing Title

Even the title of the book is contradictory, it challenges the norm. The author supported the protagonist by using the addendum “A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented" for the book. The main focus of the book is the unfair treatment of Tess by the society and also the hypocrisy of people. Satire is a major addition to this book on Tess.

The character of Angel also rejects Tess based on what the community and family would think if they discovered about her past. Tom Hardy reflects on several of the conventions of the Victorian age. He considers them oppressive to the individual, to women in particular.

In the case of Tess, the arbitrary rules of society were able to completely ruin her life. If you are interested in this stellar critique on society, find the book on Mediazenn today.

How To Choose a Pseudonym

Not every writer is comfortable with publishing works under their name. Writing under a pen name is a common practice that many writers adopt. Online libraries like Mediazenn offer a space for talented writers to freely promote their work. If you want to try publishing under a pen name, here are some helpful tips.

Research is Crucial

Before you can create a pen name, you need to research on it. This will ensure that you know about any names that are already taken by going through different publishing sources. Avoid using the name of a real person and get as creative as possible. Do not take a celebrity's name in any case. Identity theft is a serious issue, choose carefully.

Claim It

Once you have chosen your pen name, it's time to claim it. File a Fictitious Business Name Statement, if you will get payments on that name. Try adding terms like publication, books or other terms to the name, so the authorities do not mistake it for a real name and there will be no concerns of identity theft.

Choose A Domain

Now that you have claimed the name, time to buy a domain on your name. Since everything is digital today, an online presence in your pen name is essential.

Register the Copyright

Registering your copyright is also very important. Register your work both under your pen name and your real name. You can take the help of a lawyer to get this done smoothly.

These are some of the tips that can make it easy for you to write under a pen name. Hopefully, you too might get featured on online platforms like Mediazenn.

Book Review: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Mediazenn is a hub with classics like Alice in Wonderland featured on the site. Celebrated author Lewis Carroll's incredibly successful novel, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland”, is basically about how Alice fell down a rabbit hole and experienced amazing things. The captivating part of the novel is the time when she was down the rabbit hole. Undoubtedly, the novel has been fantasy lovers’ paradise and kept them glued to the novel's every sentence.

After reading Lewis Carroll's phenomenal work, most readers confess that they are highly impressed with the story, the world she created –from the rabbit hole to the talking Tortoise and Giant Queen. This book is certainly going to find a place on everyone's reading list. The enchanting plot of the book makes it a book that readers will definitely read again and again when they require a dose of fantasy in life.

All the animals in the book communicate in a smart way and they seem very real. It may sound like all nonsense but the great thing about this book is that it is the gibberish that actually starts making complete sense when you start reading the book.

“Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” is a smart and intriguing book that you will end up reading many times again. It is one of those books that takes you to a different world, making you forget your current problems.

So, visit platforms like Mediazenn to get yourself an eBook version of this book right now, and trust us, it will be worth your time.

4 Things To Take Care Of When Writing a Mystery Novel

A good and gripping mystery always finds its place on the bookshelves of mystery novel enthusiasts. You can find many such titles on various eBook or audiobook sites like Mediazenn. The testimonials about a great mystery novel can be found scattered around the internet. To become a great mystery writer, you would need to pay attention to some of the little details that makes a book great.

1. Think of a Strong Hook

A hook is something that makes the reader turn the first page to the second, the second to the third and so on. It is important to keep your readers hooked from the very first page. Hence, it is recommended to add it in the very first page or better yet, in the very first line itself.

2. Involve The Readers

Present the story and the situation to your readers in such a way that they feel included in it. Let them decipher the clues and codes spread around the pages. There is no need to over-explain the story.

3. The Correct Usage of 'Red Herrings'

Red herring is a term used in fiction writing, which distracts the readers from the real clue or killer by giving an alternate clue and is often misleading.

4. Cliff-hanging Dialogues

Dialogues are an imperative part of any novel writing procedure. Dialogues are hard enough to write, but suspenseful dialogues are even harder since the dialogue has to convey the message all the while having a deeper meaning that shall be revealed in the end.

There are many other points to take care of when writing a successful mystery novel. You can refer to some of the great works on various eBook sites like Mediazenn. This would help you get a brief idea about mystery writing.

Is It a Suspense or a Mystery?

Sometimes it seems that there is thin line of difference between a mystery and a suspense book. But, an avid reader understands the little nuances and reacts accordingly. If you are seeking intrinsic and detailed mystery or suspense novels, Mediazenn offers a range of books that will satisfy your need for thrill. Before you go scouting for great thrillers and suspense novels, take a moment to research and understand the difference between the two.

Mystery: Mystery is a popular genre and the main character is usually occupied in tracking down the truth about something, usually a murder. The protagonist faces moderate level of danger and uncovers disturbing facts as he/she approaches the truth and the reason behind a crime.

Suspense: Suspense is an equally popular genre that has many takers. Usually, the main character is well aware about the danger or uncovers it gradually. In a mystery, the reader is exposed to certain information as the detective, but in a suspense story, the reader is aware of things unknown to the protagonist.

Some works even combine these genres to keep the reader guessing. One such example is the The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This classic blurs all confines of genres and creates a fantastic tale of mystery, suspense, and thrill. There are no stringent rules when it comes to writing. Writing is a creative endeavor and writers have the complete liberty to experiment and test their skills.

With online libraries like Mediazenn making it easy to find popular books of all genres, readers can get their hands on the best mystery and suspense books with just a click. Sign up today and get snooping!

3 Important Aspects To Keep In Mind When Creating Novel Characters

The art of writing is not everyone's cup of tea. If you're a writer who is onto something and struggling with the execution, this article is for you. The first and foremost thing to do when you begin writing is reading works of other successful authors and learning from them. You can find a variety of titles on Mediazenn and choose them according to the testimonials left behind by previous readers.

It is important to keep in mind the following aspects, while developing your book's characters:

1. Relationship

The relationship of your character with others during the course of the novel is vital to the overall development of your story. There should be a subtle yet understandable outline of the character's relationship with others while moving forward with the story. This helps in drawing out your character's personality and also establishing expectations from your character by your audience.

2. Author's Purpose

The character can have multiple purposes while sifting through the plot-line. An author can develop a character such a way that he/she remains with a static personality throughout the novel, or change his/her characteristics according the plot requirement.

3. Organization

Organization of a character around key plot areas should be impeccable. In simpler words, your character should be available on the right time at the right place where he/she is required. This helps in carrying forward the story that you're trying to tell through your novel.

These are some of the steps that can help you in creating an excellent character that your readers can relate to. To get started with your writing adventure, visit Mediazenn and works by other writers to understand what the audience like through their reviews.