Susan Holmes fell under the spell of books during her first visit to the public library, and she’s been enthralled ever since. By the fifth grade she’d progressed to reading Shakespeare, an experience that came in handy when stationed in England early in her military career. Years of writing military publications proved great training when she moved into academic publishing and then fiction. Today, she lives in northwest Arkansas where she works as a writer and editor, and enjoys life as a now-retired college professor. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Dog Writers Association of America. Her third book, Deadly Ties is the first in the Waterside Kennels mystery series. Ozark folklore and traditions are recurring themes in the series, which is set against the backdrop of the Eureka Springs area. In pursuit of authentic material, she joined Search and Rescue exercises, ventured deep into caves, and followed the trail of Ozark legends. She works closely with dog trainers, kennel owners, and veterinarians to create an environment that dog lovers are sure to recognize and appreciate.