A miscellany of thoughts about dogs, cats, writing, life in the Ozarks, & occasional book reviews
I always appreciate authors who can draw upon their professional experiences, research skills, and love of books to create a fictional world that's uniquely their own. Today's featured author, Cindy Quayle, has done just that, combining her passion for mystery fiction—and cozy mysteries in particular—with a love of travel and adventure. To my way of thinking, …
Continue reading Showcase: Death On Cozumel Island
I love traveling the winding dirt roads through the Ozark hills where homesteads, farms, and woodlands passed down through the generations form the landscape for my Waterside Kennels series. When I can't get out to explore on my own, I find inspiration in the tales and photos of people like Jim Warnock, author, photographer, and avid …
Continue reading The Beautiful Ozarks
Strong storms rolling across the hills this morning brought to mind this 19th century image. If you've never heard the expression "it's raining cats and dogs" you might enjoy reading the possible origins noted in this Everyday Mysteries post. Some suggest this was inspired by tales of Odin, the Norse god of storms. While no evidence exists …
Continue reading “It’s raining cats and dogs”
From flat-buckle to martingale collars and beyond to harnesses of all sorts--choosing the right equipment for your dog can be a real challenge! Before you go shopping, it's a good idea to know that the dog's breed, temperament, and strength (think "pull power") should influence your decision. You'll find an ongoing debate in the dog …
Continue reading The Collar Challenge
Like Deadly Ties, the first in the Waterside Kennels mystery series, there are multiple scenes in Dangerous Deeds (book 2) that were inspired by real events. One of those, previously described in the post There Came Along A Kitty, is the scene in which Maggie Porter’s dog Sweet Pea rescues an injured stray kitten she finds beneath the …
Continue reading For the love of a cat