To Celebrate the Weekend–Free Book

To Celebrate the Weekend–Free Book

  As a rousing way to celebrate Labor Day and the last holiday of summer, Pen-L.com, Amazon, and I are offering the fourth Darcy and Flora cozy mystery as a free ebook. Two days only! September 2 and September 3. Just click on this link: Grave Heritage. Happy Reading! During the rainiest July on record for […]

Starting Points

Starting Points

  Sometimes I think back to Etta Bend, to the middle child in a family of three girls and one boy who grew up there, as the starting point for my family, at least for my mother’s branch. Then, of course Dad’s side had another starting point in Mena, Arkansas. From those beginnings came (so far) five, […]

Daring Deeds and Deadly Discussions

Daring Deeds and Deadly Discussions

  I would call zip lining over a pack of alligators a pretty daring deed but for Nancy and Rick, it was all a part of a Florida vacation. Much more to my liking would have been the glass-bottom boat ride that Nancy said was really fun. And, of course, true to being a cozy […]

The Joy of Being Invisible

The Joy of Being Invisible

When one reaches a certain age, attains a veritable number of years, one becomes invisible. You don’t believe me? It’s true and I’m here to prove it.   Maybe it’s the white hair that puts up that Invisibility Shield; maybe it’s the wrinkles; I’m not sure what triggers this phenomenon. For example, in a room full of […]

There’s More To It Than Meets the Eye

There’s More To It Than Meets the Eye

When we hear a news story or someone tells us of a happening, believe me, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. Everyone has a back story, a reason for being where we are and how we got there. Characters in books have back stories too. Before Barbara and I wrote The Cemetery […]

Untangling the Web

Untangling the Web

Why do you pick up a cozy mystery and read? Is it because you like the characters or is it the setting? Do you like to try to untangle that snarled web of a mystery before the protagonist does? Have you noticed that in the cozy mystery genre, there’s a lot of leeway, a lot […]