Sex & Violins (I thought that might get your attention) - September 25, 2024

As promised, my story, "Last Ride of the Valkyries," is available in the erotic mystery anthology, Sex & Violins.

A reminder: This volume would warrant an X rating if one were being given. Who knew that symphony instruments could be so deadly...or so sexy!

If you'd like to preorder, the publisher is offering a special deal. There will be no shipping charge for the paperback,which will be shipped on October 31. If you order the ebook, you will be able to download it on October 15. This link will take you to the preorder page on the publisher's website: whitecitypress.com/product/violins/MM/3

which includes an entertaining description of the book. 

Happy reading!

EDGAR, ALLAN, AND POE - August 1, 2024

I watched the huge ebony crow splash most of the water out of the birdbath. The window over my desk gave me a front row seat to his ablutions. When he finished, I waited to see what would happen when my regular feathered visitors showed up. Two California scrub jays had been daily guests. I enjoyed watching the jays stare at me defiantly through the window while they splashed until they were thoroughly drenched, and I hoped the bigger bird didn’t scare them off.

As the crow finished his bath, one of the jays flew from a nearby tree and screeched at him. To my surprise, the sneak attack worked and the crow left, loudly proclaiming his outrage.

Poe’s raven came to mind.

From then on, I thought of the crow as Edgar. He came to bathe regularly and then began bringing pieces of stolen food to soften in the birdbath before he ate them. There were peanuts still in the shell, chunks of bread, and Cheez-Its. Strictly vegetarian, but I couldn’t imagine where he was finding it all. The blue jays began visiting less often, especially when two additional crows, juvenile offspring of Edgar, began to follow dad to the bath and try to steal the food he brought to wash. I couldn’t resist naming them Allan and Poe. They were delightfully playful and fascinated by the solar fountain I added to a second birdbath.

When a hummingbird hovered in the fountain spray one morning, I added hummingbird feeders to the mix. Factor in the young wild rabbits scouring our yard for food, and I have the perfect setting for not writing. My hope that the wildlife antics outside my window would inspire ideas for stories hasn’t panned out, but life is so much more fun now so how can I complain?

MYSTERY WILL OUT - July 1, 2024

If you click on the Short Stories tab on the top of this page, you will find a list of all my published stories, except those that appeared in Shotgun Honey, an online publication. Although I think of myself as a short mystery fiction writer, you may notice some deviations from that path.

“Star/Struck” is a romance and was so much fun to write that I’m sure there will be more to follow.

“From the Ashes” is a ghost story with a ghost who bears a strong resemblance to my late mother.

“Look at Little Sister” is a spy story set in East and West Berlin when the wall went up, a period I’ve always found fascinating.

“Esme’s Worst Nightmare” is my one and done horror story. There’s more than enough horror in today’s world for me to want to dwell there in my writing life.

Even in the non-mystery anthologies, though, I managed to sneak in a crime here and there.

“It’s a Wonderful Elf” appears in a holiday-themed anthology, but solving a theft features prominently.

“Dream Weaver” is in an anthology about witches but, when a magic wand is stolen, the villain is tracked down and receives his just punishment.

In “Send in the Clowns,” a tale of Magick becomes a hunt for a dognapper and a missing diamond collar.

I just can’t help myself!

Each of my stories becomes my favorite when it appears in print. "Red Ink" is the newest. I hope you check it out in Larceny & Last Chances.

Have a wonderful summer, and happy reading!