The Secret of Singing Pines

The Secret of Singing Pines

Okay, Cozy Critters, and anyone else who has an opinion. What do you think of this as an opening for my fifth Ned McNeil moonlight mystery? I’m not going to finish this here, I’m working on it, though. Just wanted to ask if this is an opening that makes you want to read more. What […]

The Mystery of September Rain

The Mystery of September Rain

What is it about a gentle rain that is calming, soothing, and better than a lullaby for putting a person to sleep? Rain dripping from leaves and eaves, thunder rumbling softly in the distance, September, tucking the world in, a soothing backdrop to sleep. Nighttime rain is comforting; daytime rain is exciting. Why? Children know. […]

Reflections

Reflection is “a thought or writing about something, particularly in the past, or what one sees when looking into a body of water.” Reflections can be seen in eyes or heard in voices. A writer is both a reflector and a sponge. She soaks up a lot of images, words, outlooks, memories, and sifts through […]

Lost in the Darkness

Lost in the Darkness

Stuffing the phone back into my pocket, and wiping my eyes, I shone the flashlight at walls and ceiling. Nothing there gave me any hope. The beam above me groaned as more dirt sifted down.             How long would it be until the ceiling collapsed? Even though it looked like the builders of this tunnel […]

Chapter Eight–The Key

Chapter Eight–The Key

I set the boxes on the dining table and got the kitchen scissors from the drawer. Sitting down next to Chris, I proceeded to open the first box. Inside lay a small bundle wrapped in purple velvet and tied with a faded ribbon. I carefully unrolled it. “It’s a ring,” Chris said, as I held […]

Chapter Seven — The Key

Chapter Seven — The Key

Mrs. Covington flicked a switch and light flooded the basement. Chris muttered, “Wow!” I simply stared. Wall to wall furniture filled this big underground room. Narrow aisles allowed walking space. “Right over here,” our hostess said, leading the way to a small, old-fashioned pump organ. Dust lay over the top and on the lid covering […]