ONLINE: This course is designed to be an engaging literary exploration of how master storytellers blend elements of horror, mystery, crime, thriller and suspense to create unforgettable narratives. Through discussion, analysis and appreciation, participants will discover the sophisticated techniques behind their favorite page-turners and develop deeper critical reading skills. Class time will be supplemented with engaging conversations with award-winning authors who have career experience in writing and teaching literary fundamentals, including former rare books librarian Susan Hammerman; Edgar Award-winning and "Best American Mystery and Suspense" contributor Art Taylor; and the publisher of Uncomfortably Dark Horror. These voices will provide an insider's view of the trajectory of dark genres and add life to your reading list. Students should read "Rosemary's Baby" before the first class meeting. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 40.
Class sessions are recorded.
P. M. Raymond’s work has appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Writer's Digest, Punk Noir, Flash Fiction Magazine and Dark Yonder. Her story collection, "Things Are As They Should Be," was a finalist for the Claymore Award. She received a B.S. and an MBA from Maryville University. She is a Sisters in Crime Eleanor Taylor Bland award winner, a Killer Shorts finalist and Horror2Comic quarterfinalist. She was a guest speaker in Sara Johnson's Fall 2025 Exploring Mysteries course.