A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
The traditional small-town cozy mystery takes on a new twist in Stacy Wilder's Cayman Conundrum. It’s the fourth in her Liz Adams private investigator series, and a good choice for anyone looking for a quick summertime read. Set against the backdrop of stunning white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of Grand Cayman island, the …
Continue reading A Caribbean Mystery
In-depth research is a habit of mine, carried over from my years in academia to my work writing the Waterside Kennels mystery fiction. That's why I spend a lot of time online and face-to-face with kennel owners, dog trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and rescue groups. Now, after adopting a 14-week-old puppy from the local animal shelter, …
Continue reading Puppy Chronicles
In the four months since losing our beloved Sasha, I haven't wanted to think about bringing another dog into the family. That hasn't stopped folks from sharing photos and stories about dogs they're confident would be "perfect" for us--from Chihuahuas to Golden Retrievers and just about every breed and size in between. As much as …
Continue reading Adding to the Family
I write from experience, from observation, from research. The characters living in the worlds I create are good, bad, and sometimes both. They're not shy about voicing their opinions and fighting for what they think is right. That includes characters who are military veterans. In Dangerous Deeds (forthcoming), you’ll find multiple characters with the common …
Continue reading Veterans in Fact and Fiction
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, emergency response teams, utility crews, National Guard units, and K9 search teams from across the country deployed to Tennessee and North Carolina in support of local, state, and federal agencies. Among those were members of the Legacy K9 Search Team, a self-funded, all-volunteer nonprofit organization who responded to an …
Continue reading When Devastation Strikes