Our first review features the hard-boiled detective site, The Thrilling Detective.

The Thrilling Detective is an easy to navigate and a fast loading site. A definite plus for those of us with slow modems. The graphics and artwork are minimal. The cover page features quality artwork reminiscent of Dick Tracy or Sam Spade.

The print is easy to read. Most is black on a cream background, which does not induce eyestrain. A great kindness for those of us who spend hours working on our computers.

The site is free to view and open to the public. While it does not pay at this time, the editor, Kevin Burton Smith is hoping that will change in the future. They aim for a return time on submission of one month but they do exceed that on occasion. Writer's guidelines are easily accessible on the site. They are also very willing to work with new writers, especially if they feel a story has potential.

Mr. Smith has done an excellent job compiling a large section of links to writer's sites, fan pages for the actors who've played hard-boiled detectives, and other hard-boiled detective sites, both fiction and non-fiction.

When asked about his goals for the site, he replied, "Well, ideally, to continue what we're doing, which is to be a giant reference site for all things P.I.-related, and also offer kick-ass private eye fiction from new writers and other barbarians of the new pulp."

Most of the stories on the site are written in first person. I asked Mr. Smith if they had a preference for that pov.

KS: "Not really, though it does seem to be quite common in private eye fiction. Of course, the template for that is Chandler. And I and my faithful fiction editor, Gerald So, are both suckers for Chandleresque prose."

If you like detective stories, I highly recommend visiting The Thrilling Detective. It has a lot to offer the true mystery buff. While it does not pay at this time, the stories are of very high quality and it would be a great way to feature your work, or perhaps gain those all important 'published credits' to your portfolio.