The fall morning began in an ordinary way. The old yellow coffee pot gurgled in the kitchen. My mother, Flora Tucker, whistled Amazing Grace as she stirred up pancake batter and I, Darcy Campbell, had no thoughts more mysterious than sitting down at the computer as soon as I could and continuing to work on my current book. No ominous chill ran down my back, no niggling worry hinted that this would be one of the most amazing and life changing days of my life.
This could be the introduction of a new Darcy/Flora mystery or it could be a lead-in for Darcy and Flora’s day at the library because this is the day of the Northwest Arkansas Writers’ Book Fair in Springdale and hopefully, by the end of the day, many other people will get to know that dynamic mother/daughter sleuth team.
Actually, it seems to me that the setting is perfect for lovers of mysteries. The weatherman said the morning will be rainy and the afternoon, cool. Even now, thunder grumbles across the dark, pre-dawn sky. Snow will be blowing into the northern states while we here in Northwest Arkansas will get a hint of seasons changing. Rain will move in and when the rain moves on, cooler weather will stick around for a while.
Have you noticed how briskly people move when temperatures drop? Are they thinking of a cheery fireplace, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and an easy chair with a cozy mystery in hand? Well, this just may be that kind of day. I can see it now: book lovers sifting among the tables containing wonderful books, meeting the authors who wrote those books, then happily going home to curl up with some of their best friends: books! Hopefully, many of those avid readers will take Darcy and Flora and Grave Shift home with them.
One other thought: although it seems far away, Christmas is actually only a little more than two months in the future. What could be a better gift to give someone than that enduring, endearing, and entertaining friend–a book?
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