A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
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
If you've ever watched a character in a TV show reconstruct a skull and produce a near-instant match of a victim's face before the credits roll at the end, you might be forgiven for thinking facial reconstruction is a quick, reliable way to identify missing persons and solve crimes. The reality, however, is quite different. …
Continue reading Forensics & Fiction