Kate Collins's Blog, page 196
May 1, 2014
Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest
Hosted By Ellery AdamsIt's the first of the month and a chance to win an e-gift card for $10 to the bookstore of your choice).
This is how it works: I post a few lines from a cozy mystery. You post the title and author in the comment section. Then, I'll draw a random name from the winning guesses and post that person's name on this page and on Facebook by 10 p.m. on May 2nd. I'm doing this so I don't forget to post the winner for all to see. This contest is now fast and furious as well as cozy and cool!
Okay, here we go! Here are the lines from this month's mystery cozy:
"There were some strange, strange people in this neighborhood. Including eighty-year-old gothic maven Harriette Harkette, who was throwing herself a girls-only birthday party to celebrate the big day."
Ellery's helpful hint - I WISH you good Luck!
April 29, 2014
A Writing Space of Our Own
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
We writers are an odd bunch. A bit focused on the material world, even though we spend most of our days inside our own heads, far removed from reality. Still, good luck tokens are important – a special pen, the right mug filled with our favorite beverage, a certain routine required before we put fingers to keyboard or pen to paper, and a place to do our work.
I had a table – small, wooden. It looked out onto an apple tree in the backyard – birds at the bird feeder, turkeys eyeballing me through the pane, the occasional deer. This was where I wrote about Gertie Johnson, my Michigan Upper Peninsula sleuth, before the kids came home from school and filled the house with sound.
Eden Elliott, protagonist in the upcoming Scottish Highlands mysteries, is a romance writer. She finds her muse in a secluded warren inside a pub called The Kilt and Thistle.
These days I’m more flexible, able to enter the worlds I create from most physical locations. But some of them are more magical than others. Ajijic, Mexico in February, for example. Right down the cobblestone street from my beautiful rental apartment, I found the ideal spot. That’s it shown above. A shady table, wandering cats, birds singing, the soft drone of human voices in the background. My fingers flew on the keyboard like they never have before. I’m hoping once spring arrives (will it ever?) I will find another outdoor space to match that one.
How about you? Where do you like to write?
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We writers are an odd bunch. A bit focused on the material world, even though we spend most of our days inside our own heads, far removed from reality. Still, good luck tokens are important – a special pen, the right mug filled with our favorite beverage, a certain routine required before we put fingers to keyboard or pen to paper, and a place to do our work.I had a table – small, wooden. It looked out onto an apple tree in the backyard – birds at the bird feeder, turkeys eyeballing me through the pane, the occasional deer. This was where I wrote about Gertie Johnson, my Michigan Upper Peninsula sleuth, before the kids came home from school and filled the house with sound.
Eden Elliott, protagonist in the upcoming Scottish Highlands mysteries, is a romance writer. She finds her muse in a secluded warren inside a pub called The Kilt and Thistle.
These days I’m more flexible, able to enter the worlds I create from most physical locations. But some of them are more magical than others. Ajijic, Mexico in February, for example. Right down the cobblestone street from my beautiful rental apartment, I found the ideal spot. That’s it shown above. A shady table, wandering cats, birds singing, the soft drone of human voices in the background. My fingers flew on the keyboard like they never have before. I’m hoping once spring arrives (will it ever?) I will find another outdoor space to match that one.
How about you? Where do you like to write?
April 28, 2014
Delayed Spring Back East
by Maggie SeftonThis is a lovely cherry blossom tree near my friends house in Vienna, Virginia (Northern VA)
I'm back in the Northern Virginia & Washington, DC area now, and it's such a surprise to see the delayed spring all around. It's as if the calendar was turned back an entire month. The trees are that lime green, early spring color and are not fully leafed out yet. The flowering pink cherry blossoms are out in full bloom and so are the dogwoods and the white apple blossom trees. But azaleas and other spring flowering plants are either just coming into bloom or are filled with fattening buds, coming along. Truly, this is late March weather and plant growth. I'm amazed.
I figure it's all because of the Brutal Winter this area endured. I cannot remember my hometown area experiencing that kind of cold and snow for so long. Honestly, there was another cold spell right before I arrived last week. Brrrrr! I was warmer in Northern Colorado. Honest. :). Believe it or not, but Spring in Colorado came in Mid-March. Buds on the trees were fat and literally burst into bloom the last week of March with our sunny temps in the low 70s.
The annual mystery conference Malice Domestic is scheduled for the end of this week in Washington, DC. So I'm looking forward to meeting readers and writer friends, and my editor and agent. Meanwhile, I'm seeing Family and Friends and. visiting some bookstores while here. Always fun.
Was your Spring late in your area? What's blooming in your neighborhood?
April 27, 2014
My New Favorite Helpful Tips
by Kate Collins
Just yesterday, while in an organizational frame of mind -- okay, it's actually revision avoidance -- I installed two little Command hooks under my bathroom cabinet and got a few items out of the way that were cluttering the bottom. I ran out of hooks before I ran out of clutter, so they're now on my grocery list. I love those hooks because they don't leave holes.
Then today, as I was searching for a topic for this blog, I happened to see the Alton Brown video of his organization idea. If you missed it (it's on Yahoo), he used the bottom of an egg carton to store his almost empty mustard containers upside down. The mustard drains to the top (on the bottom), ready to be squeezed out. It would work for any plastic container.
Voila! A topic! I have just a few tips of my own, with photos, and I'm hoping you'll share one of your favorites.
The first photo is, of course, inside my bathroom cabinet. Much neater on the bottom now, isn't it? I have plans to organize under my kitchen cabinet next.
The second photo goes with my second tip, which I discovered when I was trying to squeeze out the last half inch of dish detergent. I added water and shook it up. One squeeze is all it takes to wash a sink full of dishes, so I'm even thinking that from now on, when my bottle is half empty, I'll fill it up to the top with water. I always squirt in too much anyway. Problem solved.
The last photo is of my cool, brushed nickel framed art print that coordinate with my brushed nickel faucets and cabinet handles. Where did you find a brushed nickel frame, you ask? In a can at one of the big box craft stores. For under $5, I sprayed it on instead of spending a lot of money to have one made.
The idea came after I finally found an art print that complimented my sea foam colors. The problem was that it had an ugly black frame and matting. So I cut the brown paper off the back, took the print out, and spray painted the frame and mat. If you look very closely (I hope you won't) you'll see it needs a second coat. But as I'm the only one in the bathroom, I'm not going to complain if it doesn't get done.
So there are four helpful (I hope) tips for you. Do you have any to share?
Just yesterday, while in an organizational frame of mind -- okay, it's actually revision avoidance -- I installed two little Command hooks under my bathroom cabinet and got a few items out of the way that were cluttering the bottom. I ran out of hooks before I ran out of clutter, so they're now on my grocery list. I love those hooks because they don't leave holes.
Then today, as I was searching for a topic for this blog, I happened to see the Alton Brown video of his organization idea. If you missed it (it's on Yahoo), he used the bottom of an egg carton to store his almost empty mustard containers upside down. The mustard drains to the top (on the bottom), ready to be squeezed out. It would work for any plastic container.
Voila! A topic! I have just a few tips of my own, with photos, and I'm hoping you'll share one of your favorites.
The first photo is, of course, inside my bathroom cabinet. Much neater on the bottom now, isn't it? I have plans to organize under my kitchen cabinet next.
The second photo goes with my second tip, which I discovered when I was trying to squeeze out the last half inch of dish detergent. I added water and shook it up. One squeeze is all it takes to wash a sink full of dishes, so I'm even thinking that from now on, when my bottle is half empty, I'll fill it up to the top with water. I always squirt in too much anyway. Problem solved.
The last photo is of my cool, brushed nickel framed art print that coordinate with my brushed nickel faucets and cabinet handles. Where did you find a brushed nickel frame, you ask? In a can at one of the big box craft stores. For under $5, I sprayed it on instead of spending a lot of money to have one made.
The idea came after I finally found an art print that complimented my sea foam colors. The problem was that it had an ugly black frame and matting. So I cut the brown paper off the back, took the print out, and spray painted the frame and mat. If you look very closely (I hope you won't) you'll see it needs a second coat. But as I'm the only one in the bathroom, I'm not going to complain if it doesn't get done.
So there are four helpful (I hope) tips for you. Do you have any to share?
April 26, 2014
The Voice and American Idol
by Leann
I know I've written about these shows before, and though most reality shows are no longer my cup of tea, those that involve creativity have always drawn me in. I love singing competitions and even watched Nashville Star way back before it was cancelled. Miranda Lambert came in second one year and guess who was a judge? Her now husband Blake Shelton. Now look at those two taking over the country world!
I thought Idol might die, but this year, they went back to their original idea--young, raw talent seeking to break in. They also have three judges who really know the music business and can be honest. Harry Connick Jr is a
funny guy but he doesn't fool around when it comes to judging a performance. Having spent eleven years collecting rejection letters, I understand how important it is to get a dose of reality. Those kids will hear "no" a hundred times more than "yes." The contestants need a thick skin if they want to succeed, yet keep their inner sensitivity to deliver a song the way it should be sung.
The Voice is probably my favorite show on TV. These contestants are ALL very talented and much more polished than those on Idol, but then, the selection process is not televised. I imagine the producers are very very picky. Right now, all the artists remaining could have a career, in my opinion. The chemistry between the judges is so enjoyable that it elevates this show above the rest. The mentors aren't always great, but a few, like the gentle Chris Martin from Coldplay, really know how to help a performer become better--and with very few words. (My favorite performer this season, by the way, is this guy--Josh.)
I haven't tried any cooking shows yet, but once we are in the new house, I plan on trying out a few. Right now I have an almost non-usable kitchen and I cannot bear to look at people preparing delicious food. Any favorites among the cooking shows? (Ramsey is out. He's so awful on the commercials. Honesty is one thing, but being brutally honest isn't necessary.) When I am sitting in my new kitchen, what show should I be watching?
I know I've written about these shows before, and though most reality shows are no longer my cup of tea, those that involve creativity have always drawn me in. I love singing competitions and even watched Nashville Star way back before it was cancelled. Miranda Lambert came in second one year and guess who was a judge? Her now husband Blake Shelton. Now look at those two taking over the country world!
I thought Idol might die, but this year, they went back to their original idea--young, raw talent seeking to break in. They also have three judges who really know the music business and can be honest. Harry Connick Jr is a
funny guy but he doesn't fool around when it comes to judging a performance. Having spent eleven years collecting rejection letters, I understand how important it is to get a dose of reality. Those kids will hear "no" a hundred times more than "yes." The contestants need a thick skin if they want to succeed, yet keep their inner sensitivity to deliver a song the way it should be sung.
The Voice is probably my favorite show on TV. These contestants are ALL very talented and much more polished than those on Idol, but then, the selection process is not televised. I imagine the producers are very very picky. Right now, all the artists remaining could have a career, in my opinion. The chemistry between the judges is so enjoyable that it elevates this show above the rest. The mentors aren't always great, but a few, like the gentle Chris Martin from Coldplay, really know how to help a performer become better--and with very few words. (My favorite performer this season, by the way, is this guy--Josh.)
I haven't tried any cooking shows yet, but once we are in the new house, I plan on trying out a few. Right now I have an almost non-usable kitchen and I cannot bear to look at people preparing delicious food. Any favorites among the cooking shows? (Ramsey is out. He's so awful on the commercials. Honesty is one thing, but being brutally honest isn't necessary.) When I am sitting in my new kitchen, what show should I be watching?
April 25, 2014
The Power of the Pen
by Mary Kennedy
You've got mail!! Electronically speaking, of course. But what happened to old-fashioned letter writing? Why not drop a quick note to tell someone you had a lovely time at their dinner party, or that you really appreciate that basket of fresh basil they left at your front door? Maybe just a few lines to let them know that you are so sorry they are going through a tough time and that you hope things will be better soon? What if you didn't send your message electronically but you sent it (gasp!) by pen and paper? Would it matter? Would the sentiments be any sweeter, the words any more meaningful?
I say, "Yes!" I think everyone appreciates a hand-written note, even more so nowadays when so few people bother to take the time and trouble. You don't need fancy notecards (although these can be nice, especially if they are related to your friend's hobbies or interests.) I buy interesting cards when I come across them, knowing that someday I will have the perfect occasion to use them!
But the thought is truly what counts! Your friends will be grateful that you took a few extra minutest to connect with them and their day will probably be a little brighter. (Who knows? Maybe yours will be too!) Do you ever write notes to your friends and family? Mary Kennedy
You've got mail!! Electronically speaking, of course. But what happened to old-fashioned letter writing? Why not drop a quick note to tell someone you had a lovely time at their dinner party, or that you really appreciate that basket of fresh basil they left at your front door? Maybe just a few lines to let them know that you are so sorry they are going through a tough time and that you hope things will be better soon? What if you didn't send your message electronically but you sent it (gasp!) by pen and paper? Would it matter? Would the sentiments be any sweeter, the words any more meaningful?
I say, "Yes!" I think everyone appreciates a hand-written note, even more so nowadays when so few people bother to take the time and trouble. You don't need fancy notecards (although these can be nice, especially if they are related to your friend's hobbies or interests.) I buy interesting cards when I come across them, knowing that someday I will have the perfect occasion to use them!
But the thought is truly what counts! Your friends will be grateful that you took a few extra minutest to connect with them and their day will probably be a little brighter. (Who knows? Maybe yours will be too!) Do you ever write notes to your friends and family? Mary Kennedy
April 24, 2014
My Photoshop Update
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Two weeks ago I wrote about wanting to learn Photoshop. If you missed it, you can read the post, but for some reason the pictures are gone. : (
Anyway, it's been a very L-O-N-G and frustrating road, but I have made some progress. I want to be able to make fun graphics for my books, etc. Here's one of the first ones I made.
Not a lot going on there, but I was thrilled to be able to do that much.
My first big triumph was for the release of Booktown #7, Not The Killing Type, coming out on audio.
Mr. L drew the headphones for me, and I managed to size the cover and add the type. (Another tiny triumph.)
But I wanted to do more. I've been watching the tutorials on Youtube and some of them are good and some not. Too many times they gloss over the instructions (I am not a plant and I do not suck things up through osmosis). The fact that you use different keys for PC or Mac is a HUGE factor. (I'm typing this on my PC, but I do photoshop on a Mac.) Still, somehow I've managed to pull off a few triumphs.
This was my first. You might not know it, but there are NINE layers in this graphic for the anthology that fellow Chick Deb Baker and I are involved in. (It's a fund-raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. All author proceeds have been donated to the CFF.- Over $6,500 donated so far!!! If you're interested, you can get it from Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords -- just 99¢ for four great novels!) It took me about 90 minutes to pull it off. I'm getting a lot faster. I can do one in less than an hour these days.
It's now less than 77 days until the new Booktown mysteries come out, and I'll change the number and use it again on Facebook.
This one is my favorite so far. How did I manage to get Amanda's arm OUTSIDE the gray border? I have no idea. I tried to do it again with another graphic, but couldn't do it. (So much of this is still hit and miss.) I had to resize and isolate the astronaut from the original background. Oy, that lasso tool is not the easiest thing in the world to control. I think I need a much bigger mousepad for tracing.
And here's what will debut today on Facebook today (you guys who read this blog early get the sneak preview).
Can you tell I love chunky borders?
I find that if I don't try to do at least one graphic a day, I tend to lose what I've learned. (I guess I have a leaky brain.) There are so many things you can do with Photoshop and I have barely scratched the surface. I can see I've got lots of fun and frustration ahead of me.
What kind of messages would you like to see on infographics?
Two weeks ago I wrote about wanting to learn Photoshop. If you missed it, you can read the post, but for some reason the pictures are gone. : (
Anyway, it's been a very L-O-N-G and frustrating road, but I have made some progress. I want to be able to make fun graphics for my books, etc. Here's one of the first ones I made.
Not a lot going on there, but I was thrilled to be able to do that much.
My first big triumph was for the release of Booktown #7, Not The Killing Type, coming out on audio.
Mr. L drew the headphones for me, and I managed to size the cover and add the type. (Another tiny triumph.)
But I wanted to do more. I've been watching the tutorials on Youtube and some of them are good and some not. Too many times they gloss over the instructions (I am not a plant and I do not suck things up through osmosis). The fact that you use different keys for PC or Mac is a HUGE factor. (I'm typing this on my PC, but I do photoshop on a Mac.) Still, somehow I've managed to pull off a few triumphs.
This was my first. You might not know it, but there are NINE layers in this graphic for the anthology that fellow Chick Deb Baker and I are involved in. (It's a fund-raiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. All author proceeds have been donated to the CFF.- Over $6,500 donated so far!!! If you're interested, you can get it from Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords -- just 99¢ for four great novels!) It took me about 90 minutes to pull it off. I'm getting a lot faster. I can do one in less than an hour these days.
It's now less than 77 days until the new Booktown mysteries come out, and I'll change the number and use it again on Facebook.
This one is my favorite so far. How did I manage to get Amanda's arm OUTSIDE the gray border? I have no idea. I tried to do it again with another graphic, but couldn't do it. (So much of this is still hit and miss.) I had to resize and isolate the astronaut from the original background. Oy, that lasso tool is not the easiest thing in the world to control. I think I need a much bigger mousepad for tracing.
And here's what will debut today on Facebook today (you guys who read this blog early get the sneak preview).
Can you tell I love chunky borders?
I find that if I don't try to do at least one graphic a day, I tend to lose what I've learned. (I guess I have a leaky brain.) There are so many things you can do with Photoshop and I have barely scratched the surface. I can see I've got lots of fun and frustration ahead of me.
What kind of messages would you like to see on infographics?
April 23, 2014
Special guest: Lily the R.E.A.D. dog!
Please welcome Lily the princess dachshund and R.E.A.D. dog!
Lily is assisted by Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Maffini
Hello Everyone!
My name is Lily. I am a seven year old (almost eight!) black and tan miniature dachshund and I can’t wait to go to school every Wednesday. No, no, not puppy school. Real school. People school. You see, I am a volunteer: a R.E.A.D. dog. R.E.A.D. stands for Reading Education Assistance Dog. Really. It does.
That means I go once a week to a lovely school and meet with some very nice children. I have ‘my own’ kids come to see me. I love to snuggle with them and to hear them read to me, one by one. It is my favorite time of the week, although I do like chasing squirrels when I am not in school. I am getting better and better at listening and paying attention to books.
The children are also get better at reading. One of them read twenty-six books to me! Mom kept a record. We gave him a copy of his favorite book: Ten Little Hot Dogs. It’s my favorite too, of course.
Two boys went up a grade level already this year. I miss them, but I really like my new boys too.
Being a R.E.A.D. dog is an important job. I couldn’t walk into a school on my four paws, just like that, you know. First, I had to have a year’s experience with Ottawa Therapy Dogs. We found out about them at www.OttawaTherapyDogs.ca. Next I had to pass a test, even though I had already passed a test to become a therapy dog. The new test took more than two hours! I had to be calm in a school yard situation, not react to bells and loud noises or bouncing balls and be friendly to kids, without jumping up. I had to show how much I liked being with kids and that I was relaxed and not afraid. And I was not allowed to bark. That was pretty hard, but I passed.
Everyone in the school likes me and the people in the office like to pet me. That seems very appropriate to me.
We have Lily stickers to give to the kids after they’ve read with me.
The only bad news: My sister Daisy is so jealous and is always trying to get in on the act. She tries to have a bath too and she hates baths even more than I do. She tries to block the door and trick Mom into taking her too.
Mom’s there with me when I go to school, but really, it’s all about me and my boys and girls. Some little girls in our neighborhood practiced reading with me when I was studying for my Big Test. That was fun and it really helped.
So, soon I’ll be having a bath (don’t like that much), a manicure (ditto) and an anti-dander treatment (Mom says it’s necessary and stop squirming). Then I’ll put on my lovely red Ottawa Therapy Dog scarf and my beautiful red R.E.A.D, medallion and I’ll get in the car with my special blanket and our bag of books. I can’t wait.
No, Daisy. You CAN’T come. You’ll have to pass the test yourself. Go find some kids and practice reading and NOT barking.
Love to everyone,
Lily
P.S .You can find out lots more about the R.E.A.D. program by checking out www.ireadwithdogs.ca and www.therapyanimals.org Maybe you and your dog would like to be part of this program! You won’t regret it.
Lily is assisted by Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Maffini
Hello Everyone!
My name is Lily. I am a seven year old (almost eight!) black and tan miniature dachshund and I can’t wait to go to school every Wednesday. No, no, not puppy school. Real school. People school. You see, I am a volunteer: a R.E.A.D. dog. R.E.A.D. stands for Reading Education Assistance Dog. Really. It does.
That means I go once a week to a lovely school and meet with some very nice children. I have ‘my own’ kids come to see me. I love to snuggle with them and to hear them read to me, one by one. It is my favorite time of the week, although I do like chasing squirrels when I am not in school. I am getting better and better at listening and paying attention to books.
The children are also get better at reading. One of them read twenty-six books to me! Mom kept a record. We gave him a copy of his favorite book: Ten Little Hot Dogs. It’s my favorite too, of course.
Two boys went up a grade level already this year. I miss them, but I really like my new boys too.
Being a R.E.A.D. dog is an important job. I couldn’t walk into a school on my four paws, just like that, you know. First, I had to have a year’s experience with Ottawa Therapy Dogs. We found out about them at www.OttawaTherapyDogs.ca. Next I had to pass a test, even though I had already passed a test to become a therapy dog. The new test took more than two hours! I had to be calm in a school yard situation, not react to bells and loud noises or bouncing balls and be friendly to kids, without jumping up. I had to show how much I liked being with kids and that I was relaxed and not afraid. And I was not allowed to bark. That was pretty hard, but I passed.
Everyone in the school likes me and the people in the office like to pet me. That seems very appropriate to me.
We have Lily stickers to give to the kids after they’ve read with me.
The only bad news: My sister Daisy is so jealous and is always trying to get in on the act. She tries to have a bath too and she hates baths even more than I do. She tries to block the door and trick Mom into taking her too.
Mom’s there with me when I go to school, but really, it’s all about me and my boys and girls. Some little girls in our neighborhood practiced reading with me when I was studying for my Big Test. That was fun and it really helped.
So, soon I’ll be having a bath (don’t like that much), a manicure (ditto) and an anti-dander treatment (Mom says it’s necessary and stop squirming). Then I’ll put on my lovely red Ottawa Therapy Dog scarf and my beautiful red R.E.A.D, medallion and I’ll get in the car with my special blanket and our bag of books. I can’t wait.
No, Daisy. You CAN’T come. You’ll have to pass the test yourself. Go find some kids and practice reading and NOT barking.
Love to everyone,
Lily
P.S .You can find out lots more about the R.E.A.D. program by checking out www.ireadwithdogs.ca and www.therapyanimals.org Maybe you and your dog would like to be part of this program! You won’t regret it.
April 22, 2014
Book Clubs Rock!
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
A while back, I was lucky enough to find a really cool book club. We meet every 6 weeks and, working our way through the alphabet, we take turns picking a book that has been made into a movie. Then we read the book, watch the movie, and meet to discuss both.
We’ve done one round from A to Z and now we are back to A. It’s my turn to pick, so for next month I’ve chosen The Accidental Tourist, written by Anne Tyler, the movie starring William Hurt and Geena Davis. I can’t wait to start the book, which I always read first. Book then movie.
I have grown so much as a reader thanks to this group. Last time, we read a James Bond, You Only Live Twice, and I was happily surprised, as were the other women. We all enjoyed the book, and I will definitely read more by Ian Fleming. Who knew?
Would I have picked it up on my own? Never! That goes for many of the other selections we’d had. A few have been painful struggles to finish, but most have been true treasures.
Are you in a book club? What are you reading? Any past reads that have surprised you?
A while back, I was lucky enough to find a really cool book club. We meet every 6 weeks and, working our way through the alphabet, we take turns picking a book that has been made into a movie. Then we read the book, watch the movie, and meet to discuss both.We’ve done one round from A to Z and now we are back to A. It’s my turn to pick, so for next month I’ve chosen The Accidental Tourist, written by Anne Tyler, the movie starring William Hurt and Geena Davis. I can’t wait to start the book, which I always read first. Book then movie.
I have grown so much as a reader thanks to this group. Last time, we read a James Bond, You Only Live Twice, and I was happily surprised, as were the other women. We all enjoyed the book, and I will definitely read more by Ian Fleming. Who knew?
Would I have picked it up on my own? Never! That goes for many of the other selections we’d had. A few have been painful struggles to finish, but most have been true treasures.
Are you in a book club? What are you reading? Any past reads that have surprised you?
April 21, 2014
SCANDAL'S Amanda and Devlin Are Out There!
by Maggie SeftonSince I only have two blog posts scheduled for April because April 1st and 15th
were already taken, please forgive me if I use them both to remind readers and bloggers of my good news. :). My NEW Historical Mystery set in 1890 Washington, DC is now out on Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's Nook. SCANDALS, SECRETS, AND MURDER: The Widow and the Rogue Mysteries. Trade paper copies should be available by early June from Amazon's CreateSpace. This is the first book in a series.
I think you folks will enjoy meeting these two lead characters: Amanda Duncan and Devlin Burke. SCANDALS has already received two reader reviews---both of them 5 STARS!! I'm delighted. :).
In case some of you missed the brief descriptions a couple of weeks ago, here they are again. I hope some of you give Amanda and Devlin a try. :)
Powerful and corrupt U.S. Senator Horace Chester is stabbed to death in a Murder Bay brothel, wrapped in the arms of his evening’s entertainment. His assailant escapes into the crush of unwashed bodies filling the streets of 1890 Washington’s notorious red light district---just a few blocks from the President’s House.
Amanda Duncan, young Washington widow, tries to ignore the clairvoyant visions that flash before her eyes. She couldn’t save her own family, so maybe her visions can help others. Now, Amanda deliberately treads where no respectable lady would dare. This latest vision was most troubling. She saw a man stabbed to death by a shadowy assailant and a young girl screaming.
Devlin Burke, English investor and sometime sleuth, is in Washington on family business and to rescue his nephew Freddie who’s gone bankrupt in one of Sen. Chester’s investment schemes. In a fit of rage, Freddie attacked Chester in a crowded Capitol Hill hallway only days before the senator’s murder. Freddie has no alibi and is now the police inspector’s prime suspect.
Devlin and Amanda join forces in a search to find the real killer, which takes them from the Capital’s poshest salons into the crime-infested streets of Murder Bay. Devlin’s sleuthing instincts and Amanda’s psychic detection lead them ever closer to the truth. But the closer they approach, the more desperate the killer becomes---and the more dangerous.
