Meanwhile, in Other News ...

• Here’s something worth listening to on your weekend off: In the latest installment of BBC 4 radio’s Thinking Allowed program, “Laurie Taylor brings past and present together to explore the culture of the detective. He talks to Kate Summerscale, author of The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, or The Murder at Road Hill House, as well as criminologists Dr. Louise Westmarland and Professor Dick Hobbs. They discuss the theory and practice of detection based on Kate’s book, a gripping story of a real-life 19th-century murder as well as a sociological treatise on the nature and significance of the detective in fact and fiction.” Tune in soon, as these programs aren’t available forever. (Hat tip to Elizabeth Foxwell.)

• Another fine way to while away a Saturday afternoon.

• Illinois author Laura Benedict, author of Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts, is the latest inductee into January Magazine’s catalogue of “Author Snapshots.” Read more here.

• From Carnival of the Criminal Minds queen Barbara Fister: “Kerrie of Mysteries in Paradise ushers in the new year with a ‘murder in the outback’ carnival theme. She points out (with appropriate video accompaniment) that Australia may be uniquely suited to murder--having a harsh climate, hardy roots transported in convict ships, and heroes who range from sheep thieves to the bushranger who was hanged for murder and gave his name to the country’s highest mystery writing honor, the Ned Kelly Award.”

• Although it looks as if some roadblocks are stalling the feature-film adaptation of that 1970s Roger Moore/Tony Curtis TV thriller series, The Persuaders!, some clever enthusiast has gone ahead and imagined a teaser for the new movie. A version of the original series opener can be seen here.

• Speaking of 1970s TV suspensers, does anyone else remember this one? A refresher can be found here.

• J.M. Hayes casts his eccentric “Mad Dog & Englishman” series for Hollywood consumption.

• And wrapping up (or perhaps not) the recent run of “best of 2008” books lists, Sharon Wheeler and Dark Party Review both name their favorite titles.