Robert Ellis: Two GREAT Films Streaming for FREE

 

HITCHCOCK

My first real step into crime fiction came when I was a film student and read the interview between Francois Truffaut and Alfred Hitchcock. In the book Hitchcock talks about his favorite writer, John Buchan, someone I had never heard of. Hitchcock was talking about how much he loved the Richard Hannay series. There are six books in the series, including The 39 Steps, all written at the very beginning of the genre more than a hundred years ago. And they’re all gems, even now, along with a standalone by Buchan, The Powerhouse, which is one of my personal favorites. But even more, after reading these novels you can see quite plainly that every spy thriller/political thriller Hitchcock ever made is a variation on a theme by John Buchan.

Two great Hitchcock films are now streaming for FREE, and I think if you watch them, you’ll see what I mean.

The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935) (Prime, Pluto TV, YouTube)

Foreign Correspondent (1940) (Hulu, YouTube)

It’s a stormy weekend here. A perfect time to watch a great movie.

ROBERT ELLIS WRITERS BLOG

https://www.robertellis.net

09/26/2026

 

Robert Ellis: Matt Jones 5 Update & Excerpt

 

Matt Jones 5 Update & Excerpt

It’s been a great week in the world of Detective Matt Jones! 20 softcover copies of I’m All Better Now went in the mail Monday. On the Goodreads 100-Kindle Giveaway (with 23 days still to go!), the response has been amazing, the number of requests outdoing the total number of any book I have ever written!

I’d like to share a short excerpt from the novel. This is taken from the middle of Chapter 46:

“Curious?” she said.

Matt nodded as his gaze settled on Madam Lydia’s place and lingered there. It was the idea that the so-called medium had refused to accept Kelly’s money that hooked him. That given the circumstances, the players and the deed, the who and the what, and, let’s face it, Kelly’s home address—that given all that, somewhere in Madam Lydia’s offer of kindness, there had to be a con. And in a murder case where everyone had a con, including Kelly herself, and each con appeared to be linked to the next, it occurred to Matt that taking the long way back from his place on the Westside to the Norwood estate in Hollywood might turn out to be worthwhile.

At least for a look. At least for a little more time to weigh the odds.

“Who do you think those people are?” Kelly said.

 

***

I almost skipped out on writing this chapter. I was on the fence about including it. The next morning, I decided to take a chance, write it and make the decision later. It turned out to be a real kick, and I’m glad I stuck it out.

Can’t wait until October 12 and I’m All Better Now is finally out and about! And thanks again to every participating in these giveaways and helping me get the word out. I keep saying this one is special. I really hope you think so too.

ROBERT ELLIS WRITERS BLOG

https://www.robertellis.net

09/19/2026

Robert Ellis: FREE Book and eBook Giveaway Update

 

I’m All Better Now (Detective Matt Jones Book 5)

Free Books

My author copies arrived this morning and they look wonderful! I know a limit was set that only the first 10 readers to sign up would receive a free signed book three weeks before it comes out on October 12. BUT, there were twenty books in the box, so twenty books are going out. Monday, I’ll personally be taking them to the post office.

Free eBooks

The 100-Kindle Giveaway went live on Goodreads today as well. These are going fast, so if you’re an eBook reader, now’s the time to sign up. On launch day, October 12, one hundred free copies of I’m All Better Now will be going out, and once again Detective Matt Jones will be out and about and working what I think is his most dangerous (by far) and most fascinating murder case!

I’d like to say how grateful I am to everyone participating in these giveaways. Your interest in my work, the characters and stories—that’s what makes it all worth it. You guys will be the first to read what is my favorite book of them all. I hope you like it, and I can’t wait!

ROBERT ELLIS WRITERS BLOG

https://www.robertellis.net

09/12/2026