Rain, Where Are You?

Parts of our country have a lot of rain, more than they need, floods; in my part of the country, we are parched and need rain desperately. I like to read or write when rain falls; I also like to write about rain, and I do–a lot. Here are excerpts from The Cemetery Club, Grave […]

Beneath the Moonlight

Beneath the Moonlight

The second of Ned McNeil’s moonlight mysteries, By the Fright of the Silvery Moon, inspired this poem.  What Lay Beneath the Moonlight An ancient church, deserted now, lay in a silv’ry light, Keeping watch o’er those who slept throughout the silent night. Did shadows move among the stones, was evil lurking near? Or was it […]

Secret of Singing Pines

Secret of Singing Pines

This is an excerpt from the fifth book in the Ned McNeil series, The Secret of Singing Pines. It is a work in progress.  The fourth one, Murder By Moonlight is on Amazon. Have you read it?   Strange house, strange bed—it was no wonder I had a tough time falling asleep that night. Of […]

Time and Again

Time and Again

  An old man once lived there, in the small house, years, generations, decades ago. The chimney is left standing and a few walls cling to each other, as if in comfort in this wilderness of bushes, weeds, vines, rose bushes, and oak trees. He was not a hospitable man. He kept to himself, except […]

The Secret of Singing Pines

The Secret of Singing Pines

Okay, Cozy Critters, and anyone else who has an opinion. What do you think of this as an opening for my fifth Ned McNeil moonlight mystery? I’m not going to finish this here, I’m working on it, though. Just wanted to ask if this is an opening that makes you want to read more. What […]

The Mystery of September Rain

The Mystery of September Rain

What is it about a gentle rain that is calming, soothing, and better than a lullaby for putting a person to sleep? Rain dripping from leaves and eaves, thunder rumbling softly in the distance, September, tucking the world in, a soothing backdrop to sleep. Nighttime rain is comforting; daytime rain is exciting. Why? Children know. […]