A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
Joel Turner's debut novel, Wildwood Exit, takes you to the Jersey Shore of the 1980s and a cast of characters entangled in relationships mired in the past and pessimistic about the future. Narrating the story is John McGinty (“Ginty”) who finds himself thrust into the dubious role of amateur detective after an old friend, Lou Scolletta, …
Continue reading Jersey Shore Noir
As a reader, one of the things I most enjoy is the “hook” that captures my imagination and pulls me into a book. In the case of Ruth Knafo Setton's Zigzag Girl, I was hooked by contrasting landscapes, compelling characters, and the lure of magic. The novel is a magical performance in itself, weaving a …
Continue reading Illusion & Murder
It's been more years than I care to count since I raised a puppy. That's why I relied on research, trainers, and dog-loving friends to help me navigate life with the three-month-old mixed-breed pup I adopted from the animal shelter in late 2024, four months after we lost our beloved Sasha. I confess those first …
Continue reading The Adolescent Dog
We're celebrating Buddy The Wonder Cat's 15th birthday! It's been an adventure sharing our home with this cat, who wandered into our lives as a 10-week-old feral kitten weighing just 2.5 pounds. In the years since, he's grown into a wonderful and easy-going companion. On occasion, though, his wild side has landed him into chaotic …
Continue reading For the Love of a Cat
Looking for a multi-dimensional mystery with plenty of action and a high-tech twist? You'll find it—and much more—in Dying With A Secret, the fourth book in the Dead Detective Casefiles written by award-winning author Tj O’Connor. Some categorize this book—and the series—as a paranormal mystery or PI mystery, while others might shelve it among crime …
Continue reading The Dead Detective Returns