As you know, in By the Fright of the Silvery Moon, Ned acquires a new pet–a dog. But, she already has a cat named Penny. Penny came in Moonlight Can Be Murder. Do the dog and cat get along? Amazingly well. But, what does Penny actually think about Ned’s ability to get into trouble? I […]

Curiosity, the Cat, and You
This morning, I am putting you in the spotlight. I, the curious author, am curious about you. I want to know what you look for in a cozy mystery, what you like or dislike, and why you read the Ned McNeil series and the Darcy and Flora series. And, I want to know how you […]

Sunshine in the Mailbox
Nothing brings sunshine into a dark and cloudy day like knowing somebody thought about me in a kind way. Yesterday, a package arrived in my mailbox. Inside was a handmade table runner from my niece Missy Albrecht. It came all the way from Minnesota just to cheer me, I’m certain of it. Because she knows me so well, […]

A Cat, a House, and a Story
My name is Penny. I am a cat. I live in a big Victorian house with a woman named Nettie Elizabeth Duncan McNeil. Her friends call her Ned. She’s a nice woman, always makes sure my food dish doesn’t go empty and when she has ice cream, she shares it with me. I like living […]

A Warm, Secure, and Comforting Story
Do you ever just need to retreat to some place warm and secure and comforting? I do. Yesterday, the doctor diagnosed my painful leg as having arthritis. Oh, bother! It was definitely a doughnut kind of day. Now, it is doubtful that refined, white sugar is good for arthritis, but doughnuts are a comfort food, you […]

Inside the Shadowy, Empty Mansion
I took hold of the doorknob and pushed. Creaking mightily, the heavy door swung on its hinges. Inside was as dark as pitch. Shadowy shapes of loveseat, chairs, and tables appeared in the beam of my flashlight. Something was wrong here. My uncle had asked me to come. He knew when I would […]

