Mari Collier's Blog

River Bones by Mart Deal

If you are looking for a suspense filled tale, this author does not disappoint. You begin to wonder what is happening when a successful woman returns to her hometown to eradicate the sorrow and scorn the place had for her and her family while growing up. She buys a huge house to renovate. The man of the couple that owned is thought to have been murdered by a serial killer and his ghost inhabits the house. She visits the wife of the man and two, then three creepy individuals are introduced. She reconnects with an artistic friend from high school days and hears more about the discovery of human bones and dog bones over the years. She is even plagued with recurring dream of a man in the shadows pointing at something. A river excursion with another high school friend who had a near death experience finds them discovering more human bones on a sand bar. The man who experienced near death has written about it and is on many meds. She shows him her house and the remodel dreams while she pours then juice from her fridge. She wakes hours later with a pounding headache and can barely move. She finally finds her friend downstairs just off the kitchen. He isn’t moving. The police arrive. The man has another near death experience and people begin to suspect him as he had a different drug in his system than she did. The police try to determine who did the drugging and find evidence that someone has been entering her house. Those footsteps and noises she has heard weren’t from the old house creaking. Her artist friend does a painting as she describes the man in her dream. It is the former owner of the house. His bones and those of another dog are buried beneath the workshop she had the remodel crew remove. How did he get there? She begins to suspect everyone, including the man she has fallen for and leaves him. Later she realizes she has panicked, but it is too late. What if she wasn’t wrong? Then she sees all the photos of the found bones including those under the workshop she had removed and realizes who and how to prove it. The police agree to use her plan to catch the serial killer who has been operating for years. The story becomes a page turning suspense. Will the killer outsmart her and the police? There is always that chance and she will never reconnect with the man she loves; or will she?

AMersey Killing

A Mercy Killing
Ross and his crew are up against a thirty-three year old murder case. A skeleton of a young man with his knee caps blasted off and a huge hole from a bashing is in the skull. The author provides just enough meticulous police work and a couple of lucky breaks to start an investigation into not only what happened to this young man, but the disappearance of the lovely young woman he loved. They are able to track down his friends and her family. The appearance of a nun will hover in the background and then they discover the young woman’s father’s relative is not only from Ireland, but is involved with the IRA, the Irish Rebellion Army. There’s one problem. Someone kills the man before they are able to go to Ireland and question him. Why after all these years, has someone killed their main suspect? Then the phone call from the mysterious Miss Jones comes in detailing what she claims to have seen that night so many years ago. Follow these crime fighters as they put to rest the last of those involved in this heinous crime.

A Unique Book Shoppe

The Morongo Basin is blessed to have two unique book stores. One is in Joshua Tree and I’ve Blogged about it before. The other is in my town of Twentynine Palms. It’s none other than Ravens Book Shoppe!

This fascinating place is owned and run by Patty O’Toole. She’s been involved in evolving the place for three and one-half years. It seems a friendly, resident ghost comes with the establishment. Don’t worry, the entity likes books.

All the volumes are sorted and on bookshelves according to the genres as they were before. She has added the genre of Alternative Medicine. This, of course, includes Healing Herbs.

She has everything from history to fantasy with all the sub-genres in any of the categories. She has re-arranged certain things to make more space. Where once books and other items were piled because a bathtub faucet stuck out of the wall is now enclosed by three bookshelves offering more selections for you to sample. You may think it is a small place, but you would be wrong. Just try scooting through this magical place in a hurry. It won’t happen.

One of the nicest things she has done is display selected volumes by local authors at her front desk. Yes, a couple of mine are there, but you’ll have to go in and check to see which they are and which one is still waiting for a home.

I asked Patty what she found most interesting about running a book shop. She answered without hesitation, “The wonderful people I’ve met from here and from all over the world.” What surprised her was the fact that some of the people from this area confided that they hadn’t been in the shop for years.

One of her most interesting experience involved a family from England. They had stopped in San Francisco to visit with friends before going on Joshua Tree National Park. The friends urged them to stop at this unique bookstore before leaving the area.
The man emerged from the depths of this shop with two rather well-worn older books on ancient English history. “Is this really the price of each?”

Patty looked and each book was marked $100.00. She was about to make him and offer when he continued.

“I don’t care. I have been looking for these two books since I was a teenager. They are nowhere else to be found.” He was delighted that an obscure shop in the high desert could supply what no other store or site could. His quest had ended.

Another wonderful experience occurred when a couple from Vermont stopped by. They started chatting as book lovers do and told Patty about their acreage in Vermont. They raise maple trees and make maple syrup. Of course, Patty was impressed and the idea of fresh maple syrup is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. “We’ll bring you some on our next visit.”

Yes, the couple did just exactly that. Patty did receive fresh maple syrup on their next visit.

The people she has met from around here are always surprising. She never knows who is the scholar and who is just looking for a good read. Whatever their reason for stopping by, she welcomes them.

She has more plans for Ravens Book Shoppe, but it will take a while to implement them, but don’t let that stop you from dropping by and being lost in a world of books. She is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Just In Time For Halloween

I’ve always said I do not write horror stories, but people have told me that one of my anthologies was downright creepy. Twisted Tales From The Northwest contains most of the stories I wrote while living in the Northwest. I’ll plead guilty to making these tales dark and gloomy like the skies that covered the Earth most of the time. Our house was nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Si blocked our view of the rising sun. Evening comes early in that portion of the northwest. One year I swear I did not see the sun for nine months.

Many of the communities were still the old time logger towns built around the huge logging companies that once supplied the nation with wood. One of those companies was still going strong, but their towns and housing were by then privately owned. The forests changed even more while we were there. Where we once went mushroom hunting was closed off to the public.

These tales can be your own visit to the Northwest where you will meet the people who live, work, and exist there. Along the way you'll find humor as Good Sam tries to return a time traveler to his wife. Of course, the rain plays a huge part in that story.

There is a murder mystery set in a town that has now become an artsy place for tourists. There is also a depressing sea town ruled by an ancient deity. The town people even have their own customs when it comes to tragedy and burials. Warning, strangers are not welcomed.

Dark elves live there too. They came with the Swedish immigrants. Be very careful if you meet one. For if you answer, “Yes,” to one of their questions, you will be in their power.

Vampires like the dark, gloomy skies and can make the area their home. One will have a perplexing problem.

You’ll also take a brief visit into the future where other beings inhabit our Earth. What is it these Others want?

Some of the people will struggle to survive, others live only to help the other person, and one couple tries to remodel an old, neglected house. But they should be careful... for the something hungry dwells below their basement.

This Halloween read is available right now for a mere $.99 at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Tales-...

Just In Time For Halloween

I’ve always said I do not write horror stories, but people have told me that one of my anthologies was downright creepy. Twisted Tales From The Northwest contains most of the stories I wrote while living in the Northwest. I’ll plead guilty to making these tales dark and gloomy like the skies that covered the Earth most of the time. Our house was nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Si blocked our view of the rising sun. Evening comes early in that portion of the northwest. One year I swear I did not see the sun for nine months.

Many of the communities were still the old time logger towns built around the huge logging companies that once supplied the nation with wood. One of those companies was still going strong, but their towns and housing were by then privately owned. The forests changed even more while we were there. Where we once went mushroom hunting was closed off to the public.

These tales can be your own visit to the Northwest where you will meet the people who live, work, and exist there. Along the way you'll find humor as Good Sam tries to return a time traveler to his wife. Of course, the rain plays a huge part in that story.

There is a murder mystery set in a town that has now become an artsy place for tourists. There is also a depressing sea town ruled by an ancient deity. The town people even have their own customs when it comes to tragedy and burials. Warning, strangers are not welcomed.

Dark elves live there too. They came with the Swedish immigrants. Be very careful if you meet one. For if you answer, “Yes,” to one of their questions, you will be in their power.

Vampires like the dark, gloomy skies and can make the area their home. One will have a perplexing problem.

You’ll also take a brief visit into the future where other beings inhabit our Earth. What is it these Others want?

Some of the people will struggle to survive, others live only to help the other person, and one couple tries to remodel an old, neglected house. But they should be careful... for the something hungry dwells below their basement.

This Halloween read is available right now for a mere $.99 at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Tales-...

An Event That Lives On In My Mind

I’ve only seen one tornado. That was in Iowa when I was about eleven. The morning started out sultry and hot. It became so hot and humid the air seemed to turn a grayish-green color and the cows in the lower pasture kept mooing as though distressed by something. About 3:00 p.m., Papa came running into the back porch where Mama and I were working at the kerosene stove (it was too hot too work in the kitchen that had a wood burning stove) He was yelling, "Get to the cave now."

Mother's face started to redden, but she quickly turned off the burner without arguing (something she would do automatically with Papa) and we rushed outside to see a tornado churning towards us. The cave was but a few feet from the back porch door and we made it record time. My youngest brother, Gordie, was already there and we started to go down when Papa said, "It's all right, the tornado is going up again."

We came back up the steps and watched the tornado lift up and over just to the northwest of where we stood. For some reason the rain or wind waited until the tornado was in the northwest. Had we been in a quiet area of the storm?” We watched it veer back to a more westerly direction. Later we learned it did touch down in a field about three miles west of us and had taken out a shed and cattle enclosure.

We were so lucky compared to those who have been hit with the destructive force of a tornado.

Why my anthologies are Twisted Tales

I have never understood the squeals and jumping up and down that I see women doing on game shows. Nor do I understand the squeals and screams of younger girls.
My mother-in-law gave one of those parties that involved the demonstration of pots and pans. Since she was my husband’s mother, I was obligated to attend. The sales pitch claimed that if used per directions, food would not stick. I was selected (probably because I was the youngest there) to be part of the actual food preparation demonstration. This was with the Dutch oven and the browning process of the meat. To my surprise (and everyone else), the food did not stick. I said something like “that is unbelievable.”
The salesman looked at me and said, “You sound surprised, but you didn’t scream.”
“Why would I scream over that? No one is hurt or in danger. I probably wouldn’t even scream then.”
His response? “I guess I picked the wrong person.” That meant he had expected me to squeal and jump up and down like a “girl.” Something I don’t do and did not do as a child.
The truth, however, means that I must admit that I once did that when attending Gray Consolidated School. I was in the first grade. The recess period had to be in the gym as it was cold and raining outside. Some boy child ran at me and other girl while we were talking. She took off screaming and I followed. We ran up into the bleachers and slid to what was supposed to be a safe spot. A huge splinter went into my thigh.
It’s impossible for me to remember how I was sent home as we lived five miles out of Gray. The school nurse must have arranged it as I remember, she would not extract it and neither would my mother when she arrived, driven by my father. That meant a trip into Audubon to see Dr. Jensen. He extracted the splinter, administered a shot (probably for tetanus), and put in a stitch. Big oowie!
That incident convinced me that running and screaming like the rest of the girls was futile. My mother told me, “The next time he tries that, tell him you’ll give him what for.” She made a fist and shook it during this admonition.
Sure enough, that boy child, tried the same stunt when we were once again confined to the gymnasium for the recess period. My friend (I’m thinking it may have been Betty Degault or Gault) ran off screaming. I turned around and slugged him. Why bother with warnings? He never bothered me again. It’s a pity, but retaliation isn’t allowed in today’s schools. It’s really an effective way to end bullying. That child just wanted to make us scream and make himself feel powerful. Somehow I knew that even when I was young.
By the time I was a teenager, I realized I looked like a very feminine, young woman. People tended to call me sweet because of my short stature. Somehow they did not realize that my reactions had been and remained less than feminine in many situations. That means that when it came to a confrontation, they would be horrified. They could never understand how they managed to misgauge what I would do.
In a way that explains many of my short stories. They simply do not end the way people expect them to end; hence the name Twisted Tales. Fortunately, I found a man that could not stand squeals, screams, or crying. He too tended to look at situation just a bit differently and encouraged my writing even when I felt like giving it up. The latter trait means that my last anthology sums up the two of us. It’s Twisted Tales From A Skewed Mind. You’ll find it here on Goodreads and on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Tales-...

Why my anthologies are Twisted Tales

I have never understood the squeals and jumping up and down that I see women doing on game shows. Nor do I understand the squeals and screams of younger girls.
My mother-in-law gave one of those parties that involved the demonstration of pots and pans. Since she was my husband’s mother, I was obligated to attend. The sales pitch claimed that if used per directions, food would not stick. I was selected (probably because I was the youngest there) to be part of the actual food preparation demonstration. This was with the Dutch oven and the browning process of the meat. To my surprise (and everyone else), the food did not stick. I said something like “that is unbelievable.”
The salesman looked at me and said, “You sound surprised, but you didn’t scream.”
“Why would I scream over that? No one is hurt or in danger. I probably wouldn’t even scream then.”
His response? “I guess I picked the wrong person.” That meant he had expected me to squeal and jump up and down like a “girl.” Something I don’t do and did not do as a child.
The truth, however, means that I must admit that I once did that when attending Gray Consolidated School. I was in the first grade. The recess period had to be in the gym as it was cold and raining outside. Some boy child ran at me and other girl while we were talking. She took off screaming and I followed. We ran up into the bleachers and slid to what was supposed to be a safe spot. A huge splinter went into my thigh.
It’s impossible for me to remember how I was sent home as we lived five miles out of Gray. The school nurse must have arranged it as I remember, she would not extract it and neither would my mother when she arrived, driven by my father. That meant a trip into Audubon to see Dr. Jensen. He extracted the splinter, administered a shot (probably for tetanus), and put in a stitch. Big oowie!
That incident convinced me that running and screaming like the rest of the girls was futile. My mother told me, “The next time he tries that, tell him you’ll give him what for.” She made a fist and shook it during this admonition.
Sure enough, that boy child, tried the same stunt when we were once again confined to the gymnasium for the recess period. My friend (I’m thinking it may have been Betty Degault or Gault) ran off screaming. I turned around and slugged him. Why bother with warnings? He never bothered me again. It’s a pity, but retaliation isn’t allowed in today’s schools. It’s really an effective way to end bullying. That child just wanted to make us scream and make himself feel powerful. Somehow I knew that even when I was young.
By the time I was a teenager, I realized I looked like a very feminine, young woman. People tended to call me sweet because of my short stature. Somehow they did not realize that my reactions had been and remained less than feminine in many situations. That means that when it came to a confrontation, they would be horrified. They could never understand how they managed to misgauge what I would do.
In a way that explains many of my short stories. They simply do not end the way people expect them to end; hence the name Twisted Tales. Fortunately, I found a man that could not stand squeals, screams, or crying. He too tended to look at situation just a bit differently and encouraged my writing even when I felt like giving it up. The latter trait means that my last anthology sums up the two of us. It’s Twisted Tales From A Skewed Mind. You’ll find it here on Goodreads and on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Tales-...

Another Series

All or most of you know that I have published several novels and four anthologies. Once I envisioned that Man, True Man would be the seventh and last novel for Chronicles of the Maca. Then I started The Silver and The Green as the sequel to Man, True Man.
The novel took shape rapidly. The characters and the fight between the two main religious entities as to which was teaching the true Star Path Ways caused the friction and tension I wanted. This was the continuation of the factions that vied for the Tonathians loyalty in the previous novel. That is when I realized that Man, True Man should become Book 1 of the Tonath Chronicles.
I sent an email to my publisher, Creativia, to tell them what I was doing and request a title change. Fortunately, they agreed with me and Man, True Man is now Man, True Man The Chronicles of Tonath Book 1. You’ll find it listed with my books here and for sale here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3YZ016?...
The Silver and The Green The Chronicles of Tonath Book 2 has been sent to the publisher. Now I’m waiting for the edits and for the cover design. While it is my eighth novel, it is not part of the Chronicles of the Maca. The sequel to The Silver and The Green has been started and may see the light of day by next year.
If all of this makes you curious, you can read the first chapter of Man, True Man by downloading it from this site: instafreebie. https://www.instafreebie.com/free/7eZbe They offer several options for downloading.
Some have wondered why I “worked” so hard at writing and publishing after retiring. It wasn’t and is not work. Work is when I am out in the yard with the plants or vacuuming inside. While I am writing I am in that world. I can smell the grass, the breezes blowing, the food being served, and hear the people talking I will admit that it has cut into my reading time, but if the desire to read becomes overwhelming I have three walls of books and two different Kindles to choose from for my selection.
One last comment. I want to thank all my followers that have left reviews here on Goodreads a big “Thank You!” Every author I know appreciates the comments left by their readers.

A Different Kind of Bookstore—Space Cowboy Books

When we moved to Twentynine Palms to be near our daughter and find a moderate priced area to live, we only knew that is was part of the Southern California high desert area. We did not know the area was part of the Morongo Basin, nor did we know what a wonderful place it was for adventure, art, drama, and literature.
The Joshua Tree National Park is here, three live theaters, and art galleries in every community. There are also some very different kinds of bookstores. Space Cowboy Books store is one of my favorites.
The store is owned by Jean-Paul Garnier and Zara Kand. They started the bookstore in January 2016 in a three sided outlet among several art galleries. They now have a brand new space in the same area, but it does not have a Shed number. This store has windows and a door, plus about three hundred spare feet of floor space. True to their name, the used books that they carry are Science Fiction and Westerns. You’ll find a wide selection from new and old. They do have new local authors’ books available also, and I am one of the local authors they carry.
They have instituted a wonderful feature for children. Any child that comes in with their parents, grandparents, or doting uncle or aunt can select one free children’s book. What a fantastic idea!
Both Jean-Paul and Zara are authors. Jean-Paul has sold his short stories and poems to publishers in this country and abroad. He also has published a book of poetry entitled The Great Encounter. I’m the proud possessor of a signed copy.
You will find more than just printed books, however. They have a selection of audio books, CDs (both books and movies), old U. S. pulp magazines and old French pulp magazines. These magazines are primarily from the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Zara is a talented artist and several of her amazing art prints are also available for purchase. Desert themed key chains and other small items complete their inventory.
Jean-Paul is more than a shop proprietor as he has a fledgling publishing business. He has published one of his poetry books and is planning to publish more local authors. His Space Publications has another book in the works. This one is a graphic, poetry, chap book by Rik Livingston. A periodical entitled Simultaneous Time Magazine is also planned. Then another paperback book of short stories.
The talented Zara Kand is primarily an artist. As stated, you’ll find her prints at Space Cowboy Books. You’ll also find her at places like Gallery 62 in Joshua Tree, California or at her own website www.zarakand.com. Do check those places out also.
Their efforts help build the wonderful art and literary community that stretches across the Morongo Basin. If you are in Joshua Tree, California, drop by Space Cowboy Books and meet this enterprising and great to know young couple. You’ll find them at the Sun Alley Shops, 61871 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.